Mr English chatted with children, parents, teachers and other helpers, got up close and personal with George the weta and planted a Hoheria sextylosa "Purple Lace" tree.
More than 150 people from the school and community, along with staff from Mazda New Zealand, the Mazda Foundation, Rotorua Mazda and Project Crimson, pitched in to transform the school grounds.
The group worked hard to clear old shrubs, weeds and other debris before planting more than 580 new grasses and 50 native trees to encourage native birds to visit the area.
A series of paths forming the shape of koru were completed on the day, and now lead students to an interactive outdoor learning area featuring weta hotels and kai gardens.
The new area provides students and teachers with an outside learning space and ensures the natural environment is incorporated into all areas of the curriculum.
Principal Richelle McDonald said it was fantastic to have the Prime Minister attend.
It enabled them to highlight the importance of integrating learning through play and the role Treemendous has had in giving the school the opportunity to create an area where this can happen.
"We are committed to educating students about the environment and world around them. The new interactive outdoor learning area will provide our students with a space where they can be immersed in nature and learning at the same time.
"We want to give a special thanks to our project leader Susannah Engel, all the children, the Mazda Foundation, Project Crimson and the local community who took time out of their day to turn Reporoa School into a Treemendous School."
Ruud Kleinpaste brought along his insect friends and spoke with the students, educating them about New Zealand native bugs and the importance of looking after the environment.
MP for Rotorua, Hon Todd McClay also attended, mucking in and showing support for the school where his father used to teach and drive the school bus.
"Coming back to Reporoa School and being able to get stuck in and transform the grounds into a new outdoor learning environment was a rewarding experience," he said.
"I can't wait to hear how current and future students use the new interactive outdoor learning area and see where their environmental education leads them in the future."
Mazda Foundation chairman David Hodge said it was inspiring to see such passion for the environment at Reporoa School from students and teachers alike.
"Reporoa School was a notable example of the passion and enthusiasm the students and the school have about the environment. It was a tremendous success and I can't wait to hear how the students utilise the revitalised area."
Visit treemendous.org.nz for more information and pictures from the day.
Applications for Treemendous will reopen again early next year.
