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Paul and Lesley Askin hold their next family-friendly monthly service on Sunday, 5 February at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. Bring a plate of finger food for a shared meal afterwards.
Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074
39 Canterbury St, Ashley. Remember to go before you come… View morePaul and Lesley Askin hold their next family-friendly monthly service on Sunday, 5 February at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. Bring a plate of finger food for a shared meal afterwards.
Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074
39 Canterbury St, Ashley. Remember to go before you come as there are no toilet facilities.
Is a deciduous thorny shrub or small tree bearing lemon like fruits which is very sour. Do you have one of this tree in your garden or have seen one some where in the neighbourly . I have after some seeds or cutting. TIA
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s food banks are struggling to meet demand as Christmas approaches.
Food banks across the Hurunui and Waimakariri districts have seen a significant increase in food parcel requests over the last few months, as the realities of high … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s food banks are struggling to meet demand as Christmas approaches.
Food banks across the Hurunui and Waimakariri districts have seen a significant increase in food parcel requests over the last few months, as the realities of high inflation and the housing crisis kick in.
‘‘The cost of living, in particular food and rent, are the main problems facing our clients,’’ Social Services Waimakariri facilitator Nicki Carter said.
She said the biggest increase was coming from middle income earners struggling with high rents and house prices.
The demand is putting pressure on food banks, which rely on the support of Satisfy Food Rescue and donations from the public and local businesses.
Food Secure North Canterbury was established during the 2020 Covid lockdown, as a collaboration between the Hurunui and Waimakariri councils, food banks and Satisfy Food Rescue.
Satisfy Food Rescue distribution co-ordinator Michelle Campbell said the Oxford and Districts Lions Club played a valuable role in supplying fresh produce to distribute as part of the Food Secure North Canterbury network.
Oxford Community Trust co-ordinator Jo Ealam said the support from individuals, local businesses and Satisfy Food Rescue had been invaluable.
‘‘I am grateful for each food bank that can help families in need, no-one should go hungry.’’
The Hurunui district’s three food banks are distributing about 175 boxes of food out to families each month.
This rose to more than 250 during this year’s Covid outbreak.
Satisfy Food Rescue recently established a food hub in Waipara to serve the Hurunui district and reduce the pressure on its Kaiapoi base, thanks to funding sourced from the Ministry of Social Development.
‘‘Our foodbank people are unsung heroes in our community,’’ Hurunui District Council community activator Roger Hornblow said.
Community Wellbeing North Canterbury’s Kaiapoi food bank has distributed more than 1500 food parcels so far this year, compared to 548 last year.
Satisfy Food Rescue processes an average of 22.6 tonnes of food each month or about 1 tonne a day.
It supports 37 organisations throughout North Canterbury and Christchurch, including food banks, education facilities, community meal providers and community organisations.
The food banks are hoping the Property Brokers ‘Toot for Tucker’ Christmas Food Drive on Tuesday, December 6, in Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Oxford, Woodend and Amberley, will give them the boost they need before the festive season.
■ Anyone with surplus produce or wanting to donate food to food banks, can contact Krysten at Food Secure North Canterbury on email:
foodsecurenorthcanterbury@gmail.com.
■ Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Hi all, my friend in Prebbleton has two roosters and one hen she would like to find a new home for. 🐥 They are all three months old. They don't have to be adopted all together. If interested I can send some photos through to you. Please leave a comment if you've messaged me so I can … View moreHi all, my friend in Prebbleton has two roosters and one hen she would like to find a new home for. 🐥 They are all three months old. They don't have to be adopted all together. If interested I can send some photos through to you. Please leave a comment if you've messaged me so I can find it. 😊
Breathe new life into an old children’s toy with a fun new look using only Resene testpots! Find out how to create your own.
I have a collection of the Bricks free packets of farming thingy you get when you shop at Countdown if anyone's kids wants them
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Braided river bird advocates are fearing for the safety of nesting sites on the Ashley River ahead of Crate Day this Saturday.
The Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group has taken to social media to raise its concerns, with four-wheel-drives expected to be out… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Braided river bird advocates are fearing for the safety of nesting sites on the Ashley River ahead of Crate Day this Saturday.
The Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group has taken to social media to raise its concerns, with four-wheel-drives expected to be out in force on the river bed.
Crate Day is an ‘‘unofficial holiday’’ held on the first Saturday in December and last year it is thought between 150 and 200 4WDs were on the Ashley River bed.
Committee member Judith Hughey says birds, chicks and nests are not easily seen.
‘‘Last year I was observing at the entry point at the Okuku bridge and on the river just to see what happens. I was shocked by the number of vehicles, possibly 150 or more.’’
Last year Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group volunteers, Department of Conservation (DOC) staff and Environment Canterbury park rangers were out in force to monitor the 4WDs, but were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers, she said.
She said most participants ‘‘did not seem to be malicious’’, but were unaware of the damage they could have caused.
‘‘At least one driver went out of his/her way to destroy signs advising of nesting birds.
‘‘A vehicle came within centimetres of one nest, but no nests were found to have been destroyed.
‘‘At least two nests contained small chicks, which would have been unable to move away from a vehicle.’’
Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts responded on Facebook, saying they were aware of the nest locations and ‘‘do their best to avoid them’’.
Drivers said they had ‘‘legal rights as tax payers to legally drive down a river’’ and suggested DOC should ‘‘put more effort into identifying and fencing off the nesting areas’’.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury schools are bucking the trend when it comes to school attendance in the wake of Covid.
While education leaders around the country are lamenting high absentee rates, North Canterbury principals are collaborating to support staff and … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury schools are bucking the trend when it comes to school attendance in the wake of Covid.
While education leaders around the country are lamenting high absentee rates, North Canterbury principals are collaborating to support staff and whānau.
Former North Canterbury principal Simon Green, who now works as a leadership adviser with Evaluation Associates, supporting principals and boards of trustees across Otago and Canterbury, says there has been ‘‘a noticeable dip in attendance’’. Green is also Rangiora High School board of trustees chairperson.
‘‘There is a definite trend across Otago and Canterbury since Covid, where school attendance hasn’t tracked back as quickly as teachers would like.
‘‘It is a massive concern and something needs to happen to re-engage families before the start of next year.’’
But Green has been impressed with how his former colleagues have adapted.
‘‘North Canterbury schools are working hard and trying different things to improve engagement through the Kahui Ako (local education clusters). One of the strengths in North Canterbury is that the principals are close-knit. They work well together and support each other.’’
Under Ministry of Education guidelines, 90 percent attendance is the ideal, while less than 70% attendance (30% absence) is considered ‘‘chronically absent’’.
Recent media reports, quoting politicians, have used the term ‘‘chronically truant’’.
Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said the school has been achieving about 80% attendance, which he said was ‘‘pretty good’’ considering the isolation rules earlier in the year and high levels of sickness.
‘‘How many industries have staff attendance at over 90% over the year during Covid? Do politicians have 90% attendance in Parliament? I would suggest there would be hardly any businesses at 90%, so why are we yelling at schools, when schools are just a reflection of the reality we are in?’’
Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid said his school has been contacted by the Ministry of Education wanting to learn more about how it is managing a low absentee rate.
He said the school’s success is in building relationships.
Students are divided into tutor groups (form classes) of about 15 students, with focus on wellbeing. Tutors follow up when students are absent, with tutors and deans contacting whānau when needed.
‘‘It is all about that communication, because sometimes the family doesn’t realise things have gone sideways.’’
By communicating with whānau, Reid said the school has been able to address any misunderstandings around isolation requirements.
‘‘I have empathy for other school principals dealing with high absence rates because of the complexity of human beings and the environment we are operating in. It could be us tomorrow.’’
Oxford Area School principal Mike Hart said about half of his students have about 90% attendance, with about one-third achieving 80% to 90%.
The September figures presented to the board of trustees had 7.2% listed as ‘‘chronically absent’’, compared to 7.7% nationwide.
Hart said families are experiencing higher levels of sickness than normal with Covid and the return of the flu. ‘‘The sickness pattern we are seeing is it is not just a day or two, but it is severe enough to put a student out for a week or more.’’
He said Covid had forced people to be more vigilant around symptoms, which was contributing to absence rates. With the border being open again, some families are also taking extended breaks to visit loved ones. Online learning options wee being offered so students could learn from home.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View moreShare a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.
Ends 21 December 2022
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how … View moreWhat better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how celebrities live, keep you up to date with interior trends, provide project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Revenue and expenditure exceeded expectations as the Hurunui District Council came through the 2021-22 financial year with an operating surplus of $5.5 million.
The council adopted its 2021-22 annual report on Tuesday, November 29.
Revenue for the… View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Revenue and expenditure exceeded expectations as the Hurunui District Council came through the 2021-22 financial year with an operating surplus of $5.5 million.
The council adopted its 2021-22 annual report on Tuesday, November 29.
Revenue for the year was $61.1 million, $7.65 million above the budget, while operating expenses totalled $55.6 million, which was $6.7 million higher than expected.
The extra revenue was due to wages subsidies received during last year’s lockdown, emergency roading funding following the heavy rain events, development contributions from three subdivisions in Amberley and the increased value of council assets.
Wage costs were higher than expected, while the rain events and depreciation costs added to the council’s expenditure.
Chief financial officer Jason Beck said roading had a big impact, with a 30% increase in costs in the new roading contract contributing to the 10.5% rates increase adopted in June.
‘‘The increase to the value of the roading assets was 58%, pushing the value of the roading assets from $267 million to $421 million,’’ he said.
The council’s debt remained at $38 million throughout the year, lower than the $41.5 million anticipated in the budget.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Hurunui District councillors have voted to permanently close Kilmarnock Rd in Greta Valley and to authorise maintenance to the council’s social housing units in Waiau.
This followed a bridging engineers report in 2020 stating Deans bridge was no … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
Hurunui District councillors have voted to permanently close Kilmarnock Rd in Greta Valley and to authorise maintenance to the council’s social housing units in Waiau.
This followed a bridging engineers report in 2020 stating Deans bridge was no longer serviceable as a public road bridge and should be removed from service.
Following discussions with the neighbouring landowner, staff recommended the road be closed at the council’s expense and the road and infrastructure be handed over to the landowner, who would accept liability for the bridge.
A recent property inspection of the social housing units in Leslie St, Waiau, found the plywood panels in each of the units was damaged at the bottom edge, exterior painting was faded and mould was starting to grow.
The costs will be covered from a budgeted surplus of $23,841 from the social housing units, which were established following the November 2016 earthquake.
Once again I am running a fundraiser for the Canterbury Region of the NZ Williams Syndrome Association. Each region in NZ tries to raise money for their biannual camp in Whanganui, January 2023. We haven't been able to hold the camp for 2 years now, due to covid, but we now have 4 days … View moreOnce again I am running a fundraiser for the Canterbury Region of the NZ Williams Syndrome Association. Each region in NZ tries to raise money for their biannual camp in Whanganui, January 2023. We haven't been able to hold the camp for 2 years now, due to covid, but we now have 4 days planned of wonderful learning, challenges, talent shows and connection.
So it's time once again to have a clean out of your sheds & garages for any Used Lead Batteries you have been meaning to take to the recycling depo. Cars, trucks, tractors, motorbikes, lawnmowers, solar etc etc. If you contact me on 0274655995 to arrange pickup. Please talk to your friends and families about this too, that would be much appreciated, Jenny McClintock.
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