The 300-pupil school is one of four schools in New Zealand to win a Treemendous School Makeover - a joint initiative by the Mazda Foundation and Project Crimson Trust in which the school's grounds will be enhanced with a native tree garden.
East Taieri School teacher Christina King said the school planned to update the entrance-way and fence line with stylish boulders and native plants.
As well as improving aesthetics, the rocks would also provide a suitable place for pupils to sit while they waited to be collected after school.
The running track on the fitness circuit would also be replaced, she said.
"Our school is 155 years old, and has the most amazing grounds.
"We have been very active in the last six years with many environmental projects, and each year we have completed a special project to enhance our grounds."
While the new-look entrance would complement the school's mural, the plants would attract skinks which would aid the school's work with the Department of Conservation and the University of Otago to preserve the local skink population.
Parents and school supporters would join forces with the Treemendous Team in March next year to complete the makeover, she said.
The three other schools selected for the Treemendous School Makeover are Albany School (North Auckland), Bucklands Beach Primary School (East Auckland) and St Josephs School (New Plymouth).
