School tackles feral cats
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A Rangiora school plans to tackle a feral cat problem over the school holidays.
Rangiora New Life School is calling in the professionals to trap some cats, which have been living under classrooms, scavenging rubbish bins and children’s lunch boxes, setting off alarms, and posing a threat to local birdlife.
"We have two or three feral cats that we are concerned about and we want to make sure that they are OK," principal Stephen Walters said.
"I’m a cat lover myself and the last thing I want to see is cats which are unwell, not getting enough to eat and freezing over the winter."
He said the trapping company had the ability to scan the cats, with the microchipped cats to be released or returned to their homes.
Cats without chips would be passed on to a cat shelter to be checked and rehomed.
"I can assure everyone they will all be treated humanely," Walters said.
"This is not a good place for them to be and we want to make sure they can find a home and be looked after."
The threat to birdlife had been particularly concerning, he said.
"We’ve already had a clutch of ducklings killed by the cats and that was quite distressing for the children."
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Musicians Wanted
‘Rangiora Bells’ is seeking musicians to join the handbell choir. We are a friendly group of handbell ringers who enjoy making music and entertaining at community groups.
If you would like to come and have a go at ringing handbells, please come along to one of our practice sessions. No commitment necessary if you decide that this is not for you.
An ability to read basic music notation preferred.
Practice days – Thursdays 1pm – 2.30pm
(beginning 19th February 2026)
In the lounge at Trinity Methodist Church
176 King Street
Rangiora
Clare Dolheguy
Phone 027 583 7504
claredoll6@gmail.com
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