1342 days ago

"Rockstar" jazz musician nets national accolade

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Auckland teenager Toby Barrett is turning heads in the jazz world.

The Avondale College student has won the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award this year.

He is among 85 students from 18 secondary schools around the country to earn the prestigious accolade.

The awards recognise the achievements of learners who took Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS and A levels in November.

Barrett came top in the country in Cambridge International AS level music.

A saxophonist and band leader, he is an award winning performer.

Barrett has netted awards in jazz competitions around the country and won the improvisation award at Avondale College.

Peers and teachers describe him as a "rock star."

Barrett plans to study music and commerce at the University of Auckland.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.5% Yes
    84.5% Complete
  • 14.2% No
    14.2% Complete
  • 1.3% Other - I'll share below
    1.3% Complete
1085 votes
20 hours ago

Got a Minute? Prove You’re the Smartest Neighbour!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is it that when given one, you’ll have either two or none?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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12 hours ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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