Mamaku's good sort is the best

Harcourts Ice Rink

A local "good sort" has ensured Mamaku School pupils will take to the ice as the result of winning Rotorua's "Good Sorts Experience on Ice" competition.

The announcement was made at a special assembly where the school was presented with the prize package, which includes transport and entry to the Harcourts Ice Rink allowing for ice skating or ice sliding at the Village Green.

In the competition run by Rotorua Lakes Council and Harcourts, local schools were invited to nominate someone they deemed to be a "good sort" - a person who had done something really special for their school.

Seven schools nominated people who they thought deserving of the award, with Mamaku School pupils submitting 53 individually handwritten forms for 20 "good sorts".

Judges deemed Mamaku resident Leslie Cameron to be the ultimate "good sort"and she will also get to join in the fun at the ice rink, as well as receiving a gift pack, including dinner for two at the Novotel Atlas Brasserie.

Mrs Cameron, who has been involved with Mamaku School since her eldest daughter, Lily, started there a decade ago, said she was "totally stunned" to receive the prize.

"We've been here for 10 years and it's going to break my heart when my youngest daughter, Bella, leaves for high school at the end of the year," said Mrs Cameron.

"Mamaku's a fantastic place and it's been a pleasure helping at this school with these gorgeous kids."

The judges, the council's Julianne Wilkinson and Christine Hutchison, and Harcourts' Glenn Austin, said Mrs Cameron was chosen because she embodied the definition of a "good sort" - someone who consistently added value to the lives of the children and parents at Mamaku School.

"Leslie does everything from transporting kids on school trips and to camp, baking for fundraisers, supervising road patrols, to clean-ups and tree planting," said council community engagement and events lead, Ms Wilkinson.