Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran was in Dunedin yesterday meeting with students at East Taieri School to get a first-hand look at the site of the school’s planned wetland.
The New Zealand Landcare Trust received $15,000 from the airline’s Every Corner Project, which invests $1 million in community nature projects across the country, to build the 343cu m wetland at the school.
The wetland would reduce flooding, improve stream health and provide hands-on environmental education opportunities.
Seeing the enthusiasm and excitement, from both the children and adults, in person was "pretty special", Mr Foran said.
"I think it would be terrific in a few years to get back here and see what it looks like when it’s all done."
Earthworks were expected to begin in November and planting on the site could start before Christmas.
She and the students had been "very excited" for Mr Foran’s visit, she said.
"It’s lovely when the company has invested some funding that he is personally making the effort to come and see our project.
"It means a lot to us."
