Initiative gives support to rural schools
Canterbury’s rural primary schools have been given a welcome boost, thanks to the support of local farmers and fertiliser company, Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate Ltd.
A fertiliser company is teaming up with farmers to help rural schools.
Farmers throughout New Zealand were invited to support the Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate Ltd 'Growing Minds' fund by nominating a school and in return Hatuma donates money to that school.
Over the last five years the company has donated over $25,000 to rural schools through the programme.
Porangahau School in Central Hawke's Bay attracted huge support from farmers who chose to nominate their local school.
Porangahau School Principal, Doug Hales says the 40-children school relies heavily on fundraising.
"Every little bit helps in a small school like ours. We really appreciate the support of our local farmers and Hatuma Dicalcic Phosphate."
The extra money has enabled the school to purchase more sports gear.
Porangahau farmers Richard and Piri Galbraith have four children. Their oldest goes to Porangahu School and Piri Galbraith says their other three will also go through the local school.
"It's vital that we support our local school. They are the centre of any rural community. Both Richard and I went to Porangahau School and back then there were six classrooms and over 150 kids. The roll has dwindled since then so we need to ensure our local school stays strong. The Hatuma Growing Minds fund is a good initiative because it means farmers who don't have children at the school can also support their rural school."
Through its new partnership with New Zealand Landcare Trust, Fonterra has committed to funding ten $25,000 grants for wetland restoration in communities across the country.
The chair of the Dairy Environmental Leaders (DEL) says the country's dairy farmers are at the forefront of environmental management.
On the edge of the hot, dry Takapau plains, Norm and Del Atkins have cultivated a small but exceptional herd of 60 Holstein Friesian cows within their mixed breed herd of 360 dairy cows.
The DairyNZ board and management are currently trying to determine whether, and to what degree, their farmer levy payers will support any increase in their levy contributions.
Milk production is up nationally, despite drought conditions beginning to bite in some districts, according to the latest update from Fonterra.
Dry conditions are widespread but worse in some places, with rain and drought affecting farms just a few kilometres away.
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