23/06/2005

Oto council gets the gift of time

A kauri clock presented to Otorohanga District Council last week proved to be a time-consuming project for a group of grateful students.
Students from Otorohanga College's technical department made the clock after finding a piece of kauri near the Waipa River which flows past the school's grounds.
Teacher Ram Chetty said the kauri resurfaced during recent floods.
Rather than using machines to carve the clock, students carried out all work by hand.
It was decided the clock would be gifted to the council as a way of thanking them for the assistance their staff gives the school, particularly with plans, alterations and building consultations.
Mayor Dale Williams accepted the clock on behalf of council during a presentation last Thursday.
He said it was gratifying to receive a gift that had come from a local group who had clearly put a lot of effort into the project.
"The council often gets gifts, usually from visitors to the town. But we really like to display gifts that are part of our local culture and are locally made." said Mr Williams.
"It is lovely and we do appreciate it."
Year 10-13 students were involved with the project.