Strong Winds Damage Hokitika Primary School, Uproot Beloved Tree

Severe weather in Hokitika, located on New Zealand’s South Island, has caused significant damage to Hokitika Primary School. On the night of March 16, 2024, strong winds uprooted a cherished tree and blew off a portion of the roof from the school’s swimming pool building.

Deputy Principal Tiff Stewart announced the news on social media, expressing the impact of the loss on the school community. The large tree, a familiar landmark for generations of families, had provided a place for children to play and gather. In her post, Stewart invited parents to discuss the incident with their children before returning to school on Monday.

“Last night, strong winds blew down the big tree beside the school swimming pool. It was a lovely old tree, and generations of Hokitika Primary School tamariki/children have played in it. It will be missed,” Stewart wrote. “The same winds also blew off a large part of our swimming pool roof.”

The damage to the tree and the swimming pool building highlights the impact of the recent weather conditions on the local community. The tree had been a part of the school’s landscape for many years, and its loss is felt deeply among past and present students and their families.

As the school prepares to reopen, efforts will be made to assess the full extent of the damage and determine the necessary repairs. This incident serves as a reminder of the power of nature and its ability to alter familiar surroundings in an instant.

Parents are encouraged to ensure their children are informed about the events and the changes they may see upon returning to school. The community’s resilience will be tested as they come together to support one another and restore the school environment.