Sue Rogers - 2023 Grantee Spotlight Interview

We are delighted to see our funding and resources are helping Sue Rogers and Hedgehope School with their community-driven environmental initiative for its students.

1. Tell us a bit more about yourself?

Hedgehope School is a small U1 school in the heart of Southland. Our families are dairy farmers that make up a close knit and supportive community. I have been Principal for 7 1/2 Years. Our local curriculum and student voice drive our highly connected learning to our community and environment. We have a moto that anything is possible with effort!

2. What are you doing? 

We are filming a documentary about the history of Hedgehope, continuing the sculptural story of Matamata and Te Rakituaneke, starting a nursery of locally sourced native plants, trapping and advocating in a native local forest, building our local curriculum and working with a wide variety of partners. 

3. What inspired you to do what you’re doing?

Students, local environment, partners, community and our BOT strategic plan

4. Why did you choose to focus on this topic?

Connection and student voice, local experience to engage, excite and connect.

5. What made you decide to apply for an HealthCarePlus Grant for Good? (where did you hear about it)

The decision to pursue external funding through grants stemmed from the school’s unwavering commitment to fostering connection and amplifying student voices

6. How was your experience in Appling for the grant?

We applied under the Group category and found the application process really straightforward and seamless. We are incredibly grateful for the generous support provided.

7. How has funding from HealthCarePlus helped?

The Grants for Good program has enabled our school to purchase supplies to support this nursery, as well as buy a night-vision camera to track pests in the forest. We’ve also bought extra traps for the forest in an effort to preserve as much of the native species as possible.

8. What does this grant mean to you?

Reaching for Greatness - our school values

9. What would you say to others considering but hesitant in applying for a grant?

Do it!

10. What advice would you give to future Grants for Good applicants?

Very supportive and interested process

11. What are you hoping to achieve?

Looking ahead, Hedgehope School wants to continue the high engagement and connection within our student body and community. Through ongoing projects, the school aims to inform, inspire, and advocate, while also addressing pressing environmental concerns such as reducing pest species. 

Together, through collaboration and collective action, with the help of this grant, our school is empowering communities, inspiring change, and leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

If you are interested and want to know more this year's Grants for Good and how to apply for one then click below.