School milk scheme arrives in Taranaki

Harley Thompson (10) and Teina Toopi (9) from Eltham Primary were among the first in the region to get a taste of the milk that will be served to them and their peers as part of the Fonterra Milk for Schools programme.

The two students joined representatives from other local schools, business owners, and Fonterra farmers in Hawera to celebrate the launch of the intitiative in the Taranaki region on Monday morning.

A convoy of Fonterra tankers and tractors drove through Hawera to begin the celebration.

Onlookers included the children of Little Gems Pacey ECE. Blake Fleming (4) from the ECE centre, says that they were "so excited to see the tankers and tractors".

Fonterra's Director of Sustainability and Social Responsibility, Carly Robinson, says it was great to see the community support the programme. "Fonterra Milk for Schools is all about sharing what we do best - great dairy and great nutrition in a way that will make a lasting difference to our children and the communities we work in.

Carly adds that it all comes down to the work of Fonterra farmers, their communities and the schools.

"Their support has allowed us to bring Fonterra Milk for Schools to the Taranaki."

South Taranaki Mayor Ross Dunlop, Taranaki rugby player Shane Cleaver and the Taranaki rugby mascot Ferdie joined in the celebrations which included a community celebration hosted by Hawera Primary School.

Harley and Teina visited a farm earlier as part of the launch, where they learned more about where their milk comes from. Harley says that he was pleased to be chosen to represent his school "because my principal trusts me", Teina adds that the best part of the visit to the farm was "seeing the cow being milked."

The scheme has just started its roll out in Taranaki with more than 35 of the eligible schools signed up while the national rollout is expected to be complete by the end of term one 2014.