Guthrie Bowron store manager Kayla Woods says Guthrie Bowron Stratford and Berger Paints were pleased to give back to the community.
"As a family-owned and operated business we like to help people out where we can and it was fantastic to see the support from the wider community voting for their chosen organisation, not just Stratford Primary but also Stratford Pony Club and St John's Stratford who were in the final round."
Stratford Primary School is an Enviroschool, where there is an emphasis on sustainable living and pupils exploring the environment.
Marlene says she and the pupils are passionate about sustainability.
"All the tamariki learn about sustainability and how to be sustainable in the future. We always put a green lens over things we are doing to make sure they are long-lasting projects."
Addison Whitikia, 13, says it is enjoyable to paint things to go around the school.
"We're making signs to go in the garden to show what we have planted to educate the community. We are also going to paint a school mural on a backboard near the courts. It has been blank for a while so it will be nice to paint something on it. We're making bird boxes and bee boxes as well."
Addison says being an Enviroschool gives Stratford Primary a positive label.
"We're unique because we're an Enviroschool. Not every school is, so it's nice being able to stand out."
Zeta Barber, 13, says she enjoyed helping to pick the paint colours.
"I couldn't believe we had won. I liked going to the shop and choosing the paints that we wanted. We chose colours that related to our artwork we had planned to ensure we had the right colours to complete our projects."
Jaxon Teorhaere, 11, says he is grateful the school won the competition.
"We're thankful to Guthrie Bowron as we have a special opportunity to move forward with our projects."
He says he enjoys being part of an Enviroschool.
"We get so many learning opportunities that you wouldn't get if you went to an non-Enviroschool."
