Mayor Hamish McDouall presents books to Upokongaro pupils

Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall presents books to Karma Craven, 8, and Layla Cameron, 7, at Upokongaro School. Photo / Liz Wylie

Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall had to dispense some words of consolation along with book gifts at Upokongaro School.

The mayor had been asked to present the pupils with their Duffy books on the last day of term but the presentation coincided with the departure of three senior pupils.

"A lot of the kids got very emotional during the farewell haka," said principal Warren Brown. "Some of the staff shed a couple of tears as well."

A number of pupils cheered up when they received their books and the mayor was pleased to see that copies his own guidebook, 100 Essential New Zealand Films, which he penned in 2009, was included for distribution at the school.

Liam Rugg, 8, said he was happy to be given a Minecraft Zombie and looked forward to reading it during the holidays.

Despite losing three popular pupils, Upokongaro School has a healthy roll of close to 100 Year 1 to 8 pupils and has added two new classrooms in recent years.

"We have had a great term and pupils who are very happy when they are not saying goodbye to friends," said the principal.

Term 2 holidays begin on Monday and most children will return to school on July 23.