School bell rings for Panguru's big effort

By Richard Knight

PANGURU - The tiny remote Hokianga settlement of Panguru has shaken off most of the effects of the floods that devastated it early this year.

Reminders of the floods are clearly visible, but on Monday all locals will have their eyes focused on the reopening of Panguru School, which had to be moved about 20m because of flood damage.

The whole country rallied around to help the Hokianga through the worst effects of the flood.

Following the disaster, donations of food, furniture, whiteware and toys for the children poured in from hundreds of New Zealanders who opened their hearts and wallets to help the recovery programme.

Using Government aid, and the unstinting giving of time and labour by the community, the big clean-up started immediately.

The whole community will be there on Monday to be part of an event which will celebrate the "never say die" attitude that is part of the Far North pioneering spirit.

The school's co-principal, Noel Te Tai, said many positives had emerged from the adversity of the floods.

"From day one of the floods, donations have not stopped.

"Just this week, we received two cartons of stationery from a school in Auckland, and a school in Warkworth donated $300, which was part of the profits they made from fundraising.

"It was a humbling and awesome experience, and showed just how generous people in this country and community can be."

While work on the school was being done, classes for the 160 students were spread out to three marae in the area.

The chairman of the school's board of trustees, Kevin Robinson, said he was overwhelmed with the commitment by the community, school staff and the children, while work on resiting the school was carried out.

"Before the flood we had an incident book where the names of children were entered if they transgressed. In the time the children were at the three marae, not once was the book used.

"I want to acknowledge the work done by the staff and children during that time."

Jerry Te Tai, aged 11, will be wearing a huge grin on Monday when dignitaries walk around the school looking at the changes.

"I was part of the team that swept the pathways and grounds, I can't wait for the school to open so I can try out the new swimming pool," he said.

Work on the new swimming pool was due to begin before the floods arrived. Years of fundraising for the pool had seen the hole for it already dug out, but this was ruined by the rains.

Mr Te Tai and Mr Robinson said the school's recovery was also a tribute to the Ministry of Education's Northland district property manager, Les Cammage.

"Without his drive and support, it would have been a lot harder, and taken a lot longer, for the project to be completed."

But proudest of all will be the Panguru community, and one thing is certain, everyone will be there for the big day.