Fond farewell for Te Horo School stalwart

RESPECT: Te Horo School pupils formed a guard of honour for Marj Nutting, who is followed by principal Craig Vidulich, before she cut a ribbon to officially open the school's new playground.

After 51 years as a cleaner and bus driver at Te Horo School, Marj Nutting has retired.

The school gave Mrs Nutting the honour of cutting a ribbon to declare the school's new playground officially open yesterday.

A new junior and senior playground, worth about $95,000, has been created.

STURDY: Te Horo School's new senior playground.

An assembly was held in the school hall where Mrs Nutting was presented with a stone garden statue, for her garden, as a leaving gift, as well as a farewell booklet of photographs and comments.

School principal Craig Vidulich thanked Mrs Nutting for her contribution to the school, which started in 1966.

"It has been phenomenal.

He said Mrs Nutting had been "reliable, dedicated, committed, kind, caring and above all else she is a really nice person."

"On behalf of the school I would like to thank you for everything you've done at our school."

Mrs Nutting had cherished her time at the school.

"I love the school and the people have been nice."

Granddaughter Kate Stringer thanked the school, on behalf of the family, for everything it had done for Marj.

"It has been a really big part of our lives too."