Central to this makeover was the restoration of the pond. Planting native trees around the pond improved the water quality, and the construction of a pathway leads to a ‘leisure and learning’ site.

The makeover was an excellent learning tool for students, they gained hands-on knowledge of environmental ecosystems and sustainability.

Two years prior to the makeover Omarama School’s 27 pupils were busy clearing weeds from the area around the pond and taking measurements of water quality, with help from the Department of Conservation and Environment Canterbury.