Hurunui District , Amberley

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382 days ago

Kaiapoi school moves away from open-plan classrooms

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s oldest school is returning to traditional single-cell classrooms as it looks to the future.

Kaiapoi Borough School opened two new classrooms on Monday (November 6), on the eve of its 150 year anniversary celebrations on November 24.

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By local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi’s oldest school is returning to traditional single-cell classrooms as it looks to the future.

Kaiapoi Borough School opened two new classrooms on Monday (November 6), on the eve of its 150 year anniversary celebrations on November 24.

Principal Hayden van Lent said two-thirds of the school had been rebuilt since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, giving the school a new look.

The new classrooms provided more space for roll growth, with the design going back to the more traditional single cell classrooms.

"We know it works well and it works for our tamariki and our community," van Lent said.

"They are exciting spaces and we still have the ability to be flexible."

Doors between the two classrooms could be opened up to use as one big space when needed and they were equipped with break-out rooms, wet spaces and electric windows.

The classrooms were a kitset design built by Fitzgerald Construction in Nelson.

Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri offered a blessing on Monday, and were joined by Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey and representatives from the Ministry of Education and Fitzgerald Construction.

Junior students also came to view their new classrooms, before moving in on Wednesday.

The school will be hosting an open day on Friday, November 24, to mark its 150th anniversary.

A mihi whakatau (formal welcome) will be held at 12pm, with lunch provided.

Lunch will be followed by school tours, the burying of a time capsule, a tree planting and the cutting of the cake in the hall.

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

384 days ago

‘The Maverick’ Russell loves a challenge

Charles Upham Retirement Village

At 96, Logan Campbell resident Russell Parrish has achieved an incredible feat - ‘knocking off’ the summit of One Tree Hill 30 times over 30 consecutive days. Plus, it was all for a great cause — raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s in honor of his late wife Mary.

Every single day… View more
At 96, Logan Campbell resident Russell Parrish has achieved an incredible feat - ‘knocking off’ the summit of One Tree Hill 30 times over 30 consecutive days. Plus, it was all for a great cause — raising money and awareness for Alzheimer’s in honor of his late wife Mary.

Every single day of September, come rain, shine or blustering gale, Russell set off from his home at Ryman Healthcare’s Greenlane village to walk to the top of the iconic mountain set in the heart of Cornwall Park.

The idea also coincided with Ryman Healthcare’s annual Walking for Wellness challenge, which this year aptly had an Everest theme.

Watch Russell's full story.

youtu.be...

384 days ago

Subscribe and save with Sunday Star-Times

Sunday Star Times

For as little as $61, unwrap thought-provoking articles, entertainment and adventure every Sunday!

Purchase a subscription to Sunday Star-Times via mags4gifts.co.nz before December 25 and receive a free Linden Leaves diffuser worth $40.

For more information visit mags4gifts.co.nz/sstchristmasView more
For as little as $61, unwrap thought-provoking articles, entertainment and adventure every Sunday!

Purchase a subscription to Sunday Star-Times via mags4gifts.co.nz before December 25 and receive a free Linden Leaves diffuser worth $40.

For more information visit mags4gifts.co.nz/sstchristmas

Happy Shopping!
The team at Sunday Star-Times
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385 days ago

Win this brand-new home!

Heart Foundation

Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen,… View more
Choose retreat or residence as the winner of this brand-new, fully furnished home in beautiful Whitianga.

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this Jennian home in the Coromandel worth over $1 million. Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two outdoor decks and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be lived in and loved by its new owners.

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386 days ago

Hanmer has new hydro slides, but will a ‘flyride’ go ahead?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The fate of the proposed flyride in Hanmer Springs could soon be known.

A consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa by a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner last year.

The resource consent application was to install … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The fate of the proposed flyride in Hanmer Springs could soon be known.

A consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa by a Hurunui District Council appointed commissioner last year.

The resource consent application was to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity at Conical Hill Reserve.

But it was appealed to the Environment Court, with a hearing held in February.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned, but was due to resume on Monday, November 6.

It is the latest adrenalin venture for the Canterbury tourist town. Two new $3.2 million water slides opened in October at Hanmer Springs pools.

Speaking about the flyride, Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he was looking forward to a court decision to "bring some certainty" to the community.

During the consent process earlier this year, submitters opposed to the venture said it would have a visual impact on the recreation character, biodiversity and horse trails of the area.

Concerns were also raised about parking, traffic congestion, noise, along with the risk of fire, and devaluation of properties.

Supporters believed the venture would bring value and benefits to the Hanmer Springs community and the wider district, and promote the village as a fun, healthy and interactive place to visit.

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

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387 days ago

Wooden coat hangers and recycled supermarket bags

Arthur from Rangiora

The Rangiora branch of Chch City Mission urgently need wooden coat hangers as well as the paper supermarket bags. Please drop off at our store in the Gables Arcade at the New World/ carpark end. Many thanks for your support.

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387 days ago

Petrol Lawnmower

Colin from Hurunui District

I have an older lawnmower for sale. Bit rough looking, but solid alloy body with catcher. Lots of mowing left in it.
I also have a good rotary hoe with new engine. $300

Ph. Colin 027 374 7978 (Amberley)

Price: $120

387 days ago

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Enviro Painters Ltd

For all your painting and decorating projects contact Andy and the friendly team at Enviro Painters Today.

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387 days ago

Emergency management reform needs to be ‘more ambitious’ – ECan

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Proposed emergency management reform does not go far enough, says Environment Canterbury (ECan).

In a submission on the Government’s Emergency Management Bill, chairperson Peter Scott said the legislation doesn't adequately address funding, … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Proposed emergency management reform does not go far enough, says Environment Canterbury (ECan).

In a submission on the Government’s Emergency Management Bill, chairperson Peter Scott said the legislation doesn't adequately address funding, disaster prevention or climate change mitigation.

"Environment Canterbury would like to see a more ambitious approach to managing climate change exacerbated hazards and risks in guiding legislation, across the 4Rs (risk, readiness, response and recovery) of emergency management.

"We are now in a time of increasing frequency, severity and consequence of emergency events."

The bill was intended to replace the 20-year-old Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002.

When the legislation was introduced to Parliament in June this year, Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty said the legislation was not intended to be "transformational" or propose major changes.

But Scott said the feedback during the targeted engagement last year had called for "transformational change".

"Recent weather events cause us to reiterate that point."

Environment Canterbury has been calling for central Government investment to future-proof Canterbury’s rivers against more frequent and severe climate events.

Scott said he was pleased the legislation saw rivers as "critical infrastructure", but it did not address funding.

"It is difficult to plan for a sustainable future and to provide the best resilience from funding from a confined rating base as at present."

He supported giving iwi a greater role in emergency management, and said there needed to be stronger support for communities likely to be disproportionately impacted by emergency events.

Key changes in the proposed legislation included: clarifying roles at national, regional, and local levels, requiring Civil Defence Emergency Management Group plans to identify disproportionately impacted communities and recognising the role of Māori.

Photo: ECan deputy chairperson Craig Pauling, left, and chairperson Peter Scott.

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

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388 days ago

How a six week council job turned into 30 years

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Denise Sutherland filled in at the Hurunui District Council for six weeks in 1993 while a staff member was on a honeymoon.

Thirty years on, and she is still working at the council.

Sutherland was one of several long serving staff recognised by mayor … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Denise Sutherland filled in at the Hurunui District Council for six weeks in 1993 while a staff member was on a honeymoon.

Thirty years on, and she is still working at the council.

Sutherland was one of several long serving staff recognised by mayor Marie Black on Tuesday.

"It is a great place to work and the team I am in now is wonderful and they are so supportive."

Sutherland filled in for the building department for six weeks, before being offered a permanent contract.

Since then she has served under five mayors and four chief executives and said there has been plenty of change.

"There has been building changes, staff changes, policy changes and different ways of doing things."

The biggest change has been technology, which has been incremental over time, she said.

She has worked between the building and finance teams and more recently as a rates officer.

Black thanked 10 staff members who served between 15 and 30 years at the council.

She said the milestones did not just reflect years of service.

"You don’t stay in a business for 20 or 30 years without being loyal and dedicated."

Governance advisor Maree Hare has been with the council for 20 years, the same period of time water supervisor Bob Genet has been out "digging holes and fixing pipes".

Information systems manager Scott Linton has been with the council for 15 years, in a role which has seen him manage the IT, cyber security and information management for the Hurunui and Kaikōura councils and Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.

His team also managed the MacKenzie District Council’s IT for several years.

"When we pool our money together we can afford more," Linton said.

"We run them as three independent entities, but it is essentially the same systems."

Other staff recognised included: Rose Luff (25 years), JJ Gudopp (20 years), Josie Hemmings (20 years), Jason Beck (15 years), Alistair Wilson (15 years) and Dianne Morrison (15 years).

Photo: Hurunui ,ayor Marie Black, centre, catches up with some of the council’s long serving staff, including Scott Linton, left, Bob Genet, Maree Hare and Denise Sutherland.

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

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388 days ago

Take the Quiz!

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

How much do you know about the heart? Try our Heart Myths and Facts Quiz. Some of the answers might shock you!

Take the quiz here: www.heartfoundation.org.nz...

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388 days ago

Turmeric - The Miracle Spice (High Strength Curcumin VEGAN) made in NZ

Rae from Rangiora

Hello Neighbours
Pure Revival is my own brand, made here in NZ using high quality ingredients and of course vegan.

Turmeric is now on a special $23.50 for 60 caps. For more information please visit my website: www.immersioncosmetics.co.nz......

Turmeric is part of Ayurvedic medicine and … View more
Hello Neighbours
Pure Revival is my own brand, made here in NZ using high quality ingredients and of course vegan.

Turmeric is now on a special $23.50 for 60 caps. For more information please visit my website: www.immersioncosmetics.co.nz......

Turmeric is part of Ayurvedic medicine and culinary. This herbs active ingredient is Curcumin, this active component can produce beneficial antioxidant activities for the cardiovascular system, joints, skin, eyes, and immune system.

Curcumin exhibits protective effects to the gallbladder, digestive system, and liver, by supporting the body’s natural anti-inflammatory responses.

Turmeric, is more than just the main spice in curry, its one of the the most powerful herbs on the planet at fighting and reversing disease. It has so many healing properties that currently there have been almost 10 000 peer reviews published proving the benefits of Turmeric.

Pickup (no problem) @ Room to Heal 190 Johns Road Rangiora or Courier Service available.
0273621601

Price: $23.50

388 days ago

Plan for 850 Ohoka homes gets thumbs down

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

Plans for a 850-home development with shops and a public square at Ohoka north of Christchurch have been rejected by hearing commissioners.

In recommending against the project from developers the Carter Group, the independent commissioners also criticised Waimakariri District Council’s failure… View more
Plans for a 850-home development with shops and a public square at Ohoka north of Christchurch have been rejected by hearing commissioners.

In recommending against the project from developers the Carter Group, the independent commissioners also criticised Waimakariri District Council’s failure to make more provision for new housing growth.

Councillors will consider the recommendation and decide whether to allow the development at a meeting on Tuesday. The council was among the groups and individuals who made submissions opposing the project.

Read the full story by reporter Liz McDonald here (subscription required).

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388 days ago

Not everyone is looking forward to Christmas.

Christmas Box

Right now, kiwi families are facing some really big challenges, and many find themselves struggling to make ends meet. This means not everyone is looking forward to Christmas.

This Christmas, give the gift of hope. By donating $40, you have the opportunity to feed a family in need through a … View more
Right now, kiwi families are facing some really big challenges, and many find themselves struggling to make ends meet. This means not everyone is looking forward to Christmas.

This Christmas, give the gift of hope. By donating $40, you have the opportunity to feed a family in need through a Christmas Box filled with food basics and treats. 100% of your donation goes directly to filling the box, which provides not only food essentials but much-needed hope.

Only together, can we bring hope to the table across Aotearoa.
Find out more

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