819 days ago

Books by NZ authors donated to Kaiapoi school

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Kaiapoi High School and the Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College have received a generous donation of 150 books.

The books were donated by Laura Caygill, from Waimakariri Libraries.

Laura was part of the judging panel for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and was given a copy of each book to read as part of the role.

‘‘You could definitely say I had a summer of reading,’’ Laura says.

All books entered in the awards are written by New Zealand authors and Laura says she was very impressed with the calibre of entries.

‘‘It was fantastic. There certainly were a lot of books, with such a diverse range of themes and perspectives.

‘‘We are so lucky to have so many talented authors in New Zealand and these awards are a fantastic way to showcase that talent and engage young people in reading.

‘‘We had some wonderful discussions on the judging panel and I know we were all really impressed with the books coming through for our young readers in New Zealand.

‘‘Many of these books would easily stand up on the international stage,’’ Laura says.

Waimakariri Libraries, in collaboration with the community have created online virtual storytimes to celebrate the awards.

They have also produced a Books Alive digital event showcasing one of the Young Adult Fiction finalists - Learning to Love Blue by Saradha Koirala.

Students from Kaiapoi High School have been involved in the Books Alive event, reading chosen excerpts from the book.

This was made available to view online on August 9.

Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid, librarian Heather McCorquodale and Karanga Mai English teacher Carola Crawford were delighted to receive all 150 books.

‘‘We are very grateful for the generosity. It’s amazing to see the wealth of knowledge laid out on this table,’’ Jason says.

‘‘They are all new and fresh and written by New Zealand authors, which makes them very relevant and engaging for our young people.’’

The category finalists were announced on Thursday, June 2.

The awards ceremony and announcement of winners of the 2022 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults was held on August 10.

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1 day ago

Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

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1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.2% Yes
    64.2% Complete
  • 33.4% No
    33.4% Complete
  • 2.4% Other - I'll share below
    2.4% Complete
1552 votes
10 hours ago

Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.

Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.

To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.

It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.

“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.

“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”

A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.


The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.

Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.

“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”

A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.

“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”

*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz

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