Manurewa Intermediate

Manurewa Intermediate was one of the first schools to identify that inspiring outdoor areas would benefit students and staff alike. When Iain Taylor became principal over a decade ago not a broom but a bulldozer went through the grounds. The dreary school grounds were transformed into herb and veges gardens, outdoor BBQ areas, an amphitheater, interesting wooden walkways, and an orchard was added as well. Under a beautiful old oak tree, a big deck was built to enable the students to have lunch and break times in the shade. A sheltered outdoor area with seating and BBQ was built for the staff. A fale and marae were built on the school grounds to represent the multicultural background of students and teachers. Around the sports fields, Iain had the vision to plant trees when he just started his role at the school which means they are now well established giving much-needed shade in the summer time. The school is an example of how outdoor spaces transform the look and feel of an educational environment.