To call Tim and Rosemary Auld’s property in Kumeu a ‘lifestyle block’ does it a disservice. It is a wonderous place where the environment has been nurtured and cultivated over many years, where alpacas graze contentedly, and where a model railway winds its way through the land to a ‘train station’.

The students spent time with the animals, feeding them and finding scraps of fleece before getting lessons in making wool friendship bracelets. They walked along access ways through native bush and fruit trees, accompanied by the friendly family dog.

The Auld’s have a long connection to Ficino School. Both their children were educated here, and Rosemary developed and ran the dance programme for many years. She now serves on the Board of Trustees. We would like to thank them for continuing to host our junior students on these trips, which provide such a great learning opportunity.