From Bottles to Benches: South Auckland Middle School's Fundraising Comes Full Circle

What started with thousands of empty bottles and cans has become a lasting place for students to connect.

South Auckland Middle School (Te Paerangi) is now home to two new handcrafted picnic tables, thanks to a partnership between the school community and the Beautification Trust’s Boomer Shed.

Late last year, the school held a bottle drive with support from the Beautification Trust as part of a trial highlighting the potential of a Container Deposit Return Scheme for Aotearoa. In a single lunch break, students collected 2,387 bottles and cans raising $477.40 to invest back into their school.

The school chose to use the funds to purchase the timber, screws and other materials needed to build two new picnic tables. The volunteers at the Boomer Shed then donated their time, skills and craftsmanship to turn those materials into something the students can enjoy.

Boomer Shed Manager Stacey Upjohn and volunteer Bob Scott, who helped build the tables, made the delivery to the school together. They were welcomed by Chantelle Te Hira, Senior Leader Totara, and had the chance to see students eagerly pitch in to move the tables into place. It was a rewarding moment for everyone involved, seeing months of planning and craftmanship become an immediate part of school life.

Within minutes of being installed, the tables were already being used as students gathered to chat, relax and enjoy being outdoors.

The Boomer Shed continues to support schools and community organisations across South & East Auckland by building projects that might otherwise be out of reach. Whether it’s planter boxes, furniture, public art or custom creations, each project reflects the volunteers’ commitment to giving back and strengthening their community.

Ngaa mihi to everyone involved, especially the students, staff, Boomer Shed volunteers and supporters who helped turn empty bottles into something that will be enjoyed every day.