On Friday 17 May the Year 9 students from Hornby high had a wonderful opportunity to help Ngai Tahu Farming at their Kokomuka lodge in Te Whenua Hou (Eyrewell). This was part of the Graeme Dingle Foundation Stars Peer mentoring programme.

Rex and Karla who manage the lodge korero'ed about their aroha for the farming community and how they help each of the surrounding farms when extra support is needed, such as providing meals in the calving season and through some winter days. This demonstrated to the students what community support looks like, and how doing little things for others makes big differences.

The students mucked in and helped with the gardening which was in need of some extra care as Rex had been busy supporting the farmers. They also collected pine cones from the surrounding forest and learnt a new waiata which was led by the Star Peer mentors. Karla finished the day off by teaching the students some Māori games.

This was a great opportunity for the Graeme Dingle Foundation, the Year 9 Hornby High students and their Star Peer Mentors to work alongside each other within the wider community.