The defibrillator, also known as an AED device, was donated to the school in April by charity Embracing Hearts and will provide life-saving care to anyone who needs it in an emergency.
Principal Jane Stuart said Tapanui School was "super grateful" for the donation.
"We are one of only a few schools in Southland that have a defibrillator on their school grounds which will be available to the community. We hope no-one ever has to use it but its a privilege to be able to provide it," she said.
"Defibrillators are things you need in an emergency to get a heart pumping and you generally need them quickly. Embracing Hearts have donated this life-saving device to our school because one of our students is a ‘Heart Kid’.
"Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the team at Exceed — We Fix Windows and Doors, and another amazing charity, The Heartbox NZ, this donation has been able to be made. The value of this donation is approximately $4000."
She said Tapanui had several AED devices already placed around the community, but the school wanted theirs to be available to the community around the clock.
"The cost of the lockbox to house it is $655 and the Tapanui Student Council have decided they want to fundraise for this and took it upon themselves to organise a Wheels Wednesday and mufti day on Wednesday, May 22.
"All children were allowed to bring a bike, trike, scooter, or skates to use at set times through the school day and wear mufti. They were asked to bring a donation towards the defib lockbox. The student council raised $522.60 at their event."
She said the school was very grateful to community members and businesses that had made a donation towards the defibrillator lockbox since the fundraiser.
