Books by NZ authors donated to Kaiapoi school
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.
Rangiora after-hours clinic faces more delays
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The wait continues for a promised North Canterbury after hours healthcare facility.
Work is yet to begin on the proposed new Rangiora Medical Centre at the Rangiora Health Hub on Ashley St, which was first proposed more than five years ago.
The Waimakariri District Council granted a resource consent for the project in 2022, while the building consent is still being processed.
A council spokesperson said the application was on hold while some civil construction details are resolved by the applicants’ consultants.
‘‘We hope to be able to grant the consent in the very near future.’’
The Ministry of Health entered into an agreement with South Link Health Group in 2021 to build the after hours facility, following a petition being presented to the former Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) two years earlier.
South Link Health Group is a network of 26 medical practises, and is responsible for funding and constructing the new facility.
It will include full radiology services (ultrasound, CT and MRI scans), GP services, a pharmacy, and urgent after hours healthcare.
A spokesperson for South Link Health said in December work was expected to begin on the site in March, with the medical centre on track to open in the first half of 2025.
In the meantime, limited after hours healthcare is available at Durham Health, Rangiora, and the Amberley Medical Centre, and at local pharmacies.
Residents can ring 111 in an emergency, contact their GP to speak to a triage nurse, call Healthline 0800 611116 for free advice from a nurse, or arrange online video consultations with a doctor (for a charge).
The after hours triage service is delivered by Whakarongarou and operates in North Canterbury, with access to a St John paramedic if a face to face assessment is required.
A rural after hours service, Ka Ora Telecare, offers phone or video consultations with a doctor. Go to kaora.co.nz/app/services/sub-services/3. The Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery in Christchurch is also available.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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