Lytton High students raise dust at Manutuke

MUCKING IN: Lytton High School students on Rakaukaka Road in Manutuke worked clearing a fenceline clogged with silt and debris after Cyclone Gabrielle swept through. Picture by Liam Clayton

Lytton High school students helped the Manutuke community carry out a clean-up last week. 

School learning support teacher John Ingram said that ever since Cyclone Gabrielle hit the region, causing widespread damage, the school wanted to helping those affected by the storm.

About 30 students joined in the effort to clean up fences with significant silt and mud build-up.  

“It’s all about giving back to the community and keeping it real for our kids,”  Mr Ingram said.

“For several students this is the first time they are seeing the damage first-hand.

“It’s also about turning our kids into good citizens.”

Student Yvonne King-Hazel said they felt bad for the people whose homes were flooded. 

Miracle Rangihuna and Fabian Waikape-Waikawe said, it “felt nice” to help those in need and “shoving out heaps of mud”.

Mr Ingram said the school would continue their “helping the community” initiative and their next stop was Te Karaka.

“Out there we plan to help a young couple by helping them in a house clean-up and attempt to clear out some slash from the nearby river.

“The following week we will clear out some fence lines beyond Te Karaka.”