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Lockdowns have not been kind to a special little garden at Whangaparaoa Primary, which has suffered from repeated vandalism.
The school’s Sensory Garden, still in the process of completion, is designed to be enjoyed by pupils with special needs. It also aimed to beautify an unsightly area (HM February 1, 2019).
Last lockdown one of the wooden balancing poles installed by Orewa Rotarians was ripped from its concrete footings and partly destroyed and this time around, seven mosaic pavers were stolen. Two were found, damaged beyond repair and dumped in nearby Edith Hopper Park.
The garden was instigated by Ongoing Resourcing Scheme teacher Angela Howse. Work began last year and only the planting remains to be done.
Angela says the vandalism is “gut wrenching”. One of the pavers was decorated with the handprints of two students who have since left the school and were the inspiration for the garden.
“Children have put hours of work and effort into making these pavers,” Angela says. “The money for the materials was raised by some of last year’s Year 3 and Year 4 children who held a market day and donated their earnings. Unfortunately this type of project does not get funding and we have had to apply for grants and community support and business support. Everything that gets broken or needs to be replaced takes us a step back and further away from our goal.”
Angela says repeated vandalism has led to a re-think of how the garden is structured. The stolen pavers were placed loose in an area so they could be touched, moved around and played with.
“Bunnings recently donated several large garden pots for the garden, but I am worried if we put them there, they will be destroyed too,” she says. “We might have to look at a new solution – maybe someone who is creative and could make a large solid mosaic sculpture. It’s very discouraging and makes me angry. But we have to find a way to make this happen for the kids.”
The school hopes to use security camera footage to identify the culprits and any information in this regard is also welcomed by the school.
Anyone who can help with completing the garden, in any way, can contact Angela, phone 021 965 005, email ahowse@wgp.school.nz
