Cracking News: $27k NZCT Grant Brings Safer Play to Motueka South School!

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a $27,000 grant to Motueka South School (MSS) to resurface its crumbling sports court making the space safer and more enjoyable for students and the wider community.

School Principal Paul Shand says “Our old asphalt court had become a real safety concern. Cracks and loose pieces of asphalt made it hard to run, play, or scooter safely. Thanks to NZCT, we will have a modern, safe surface that our tamariki and community can enjoy every day.”

The court is used daily by most classes for a range of activities including basketball, tennis, scootering, dodgeball, volleyball, padder tennis, and special education and wellbeing programmes. It’s also a hub for community use after hours and on weekends.

Finn Coppins, a Year 1 student who enjoys scootering says, “I hated having to lift my front wheel up over the holes, so I’m really looking forward to having the surface repaired.”

Nu'u Pese, a Year 6 student and keen pickleball player adds, “It will be much easier playing without having to avoid tripping on the cracks.”

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges adds, “It’s great to help the school ensure their pupils have the space to do what they do best – play! This upgrade means the court can be enjoyed properly again by everyone. Grants like this wouldn’t be possible without the responsible gaming partnership we share with the Motueka Hotel.”