For nearly 40 years, John and Sue Aspinall have always been ready to lend a hand, a tractor or a phone to Otago Boys' High School pupils and staff experiencing the great outdoors in the Matukituki Valley, on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park.
The Aspinalls, of the remote high country farm Mount Aspiring Station, provided the land for the school's "lodge" in the valley which thousands of pupils had visited as part of the school's outdoor education programme.
It was support the school greatly appreciated and it recognised the family's contribution with the presentation of a specially commissioned John Toomer painting in a school assembly yesterday.
Rector Clive Rennie said the Aspinalls, who had recently handed the station on to son Randall and retired to Wanaka, had been a special part of the school, as was the lodge.
"It's an integral part of school life . . . and has made a huge impact on Otago Boys' students."
Assistant principal Bill Trewern said without the support of the Aspinalls, the lodge would not have been built.
Over the years, Mr Aspinall had helped out many times when weather and machinery conspired against them.
"It's been a comfort to know they're always there and happy to assist if required."
Mr Aspinall said his father, Jerry, had attended the school in the 1930s, he had in the 1960s and his son in the 1990s.
His family took great pleasure from its association with the school, its staff and pupils.
"We've made many great friends and have enjoyed sharing the environment, particularly with people who respect it, and we hope by going there you learn about the environment, how to respect it and how to survive it," he told pupils.
