Tutira School pupils are $2000 richer after winning a grant from Farmlands and FMG to create shade at their small rural school.
With only 43 children, the school was delighted to be able to protect their pupils, in a space to be designed by their Year 4, 5 and 6 students.
PrincipalKate Medlicott said the shade came at a welcome time for the school.
"We lost our beautiful shady oak tree so our playgrounds are severely lacking shade," she said. "We'd also like to be able to provide shade for children and supporters when we host inter-school activities."
The school was one of more than 190 applicants for grants. Only seven applicants were successful.
Farmlands innovation and communications manager Allister Bathgate said the idea came from an employee who noticed the problem at rural schools.
"He's on the board of trustees of his local school and was aware that creating adequate shade is a real issue in rural schools," he said.
"They also find it more difficult to find funding for extras because their rolls and communities are smaller."
FMG rural manager Carolin McLean said the company got behind the initiative for the same reasons.
"Country schools don't get anywhere near enough funding, and providing shade for our children is just so important," she said.
Mr Bathgate said the funding was raised by a series of "ladies' nights" held in rural areas last year.
