When students at Tauraroa Area School were told to gather for a meeting, some worried they were in trouble.
Instead, yesterdaythey were met with 60 roses - one for each Year 11 student - from classmate Catherine Hang who bought the roses to remember a close friend who took her life around Valentine's Day last year, and to lift the spirits of other students.
"A lot of people who don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend or a valentine on Valentine's Day get emotional and sad so this is spreading love," the 15-year-old said.
"I wanted to let everyone know that they are loved and everyone matters. Even if you don't have a specific valentine."
The roses arrived around fourth period and Hang - with the help of some friends - collected them, tied some handmade tags and lollipops on to them and laid them out on the outdoor stage before lunch time.
