A shout out to a couple of kind and considerate kids from Pillans Point School. I think their names were ‘Elijah’ and ‘Juan’.

I was dead-heading a bank of agapanthus outside my home recently. A hideous job. And I was heaving the stems up onto the footpath for later collection.

That’s when I noticed Elijah and Juan quietly gathering up my mess and putting it aside under an adjacent road side barrier …just so the kids and parents leaving the school could pass down the footpath easily and safely.

They demonstrated a concern and responsibility way beyond their years.

Nice job Elijah and Juan. You’re a wonderful advertisement for your school.

I think Juan said he was from Argentina. And can speak both English and Spanish.

You bought some good values with you to NZ Juan. And you chose a good friend in Elijah.

Ian Goldsmith, Otūmoetai.