Move over milk and lunch monitors - a cockroach infestation at an Auckland school has forced it to introduce roach monitors.
Other pupils may flee screaming at the sight of large native cockroaches, but three nature-loving youngsters have volunteered to scoop up the wildlife that venture into Pt Chevalier School.
Principal Sandra Aitken said a junior room opening on to the school's playground had become a second home to the insect.
"Rather than have the squeals and everyone getting in a panic, the teacher found a couple of kids who didn't mind cockroaches. They pick them up and put them outside in the right environment," Aitken said.
Techniques varied. "Some use their bare hands, which I couldn't, and others use a bit of paper. The kids won't scream but calmly pick them up and put them outside."
