Poll: Do you support the 70,000 primary and secondary teachers going on strike?
Teachers in area schools have voted to join primary and secondary teachers in New Zealand's largest-ever education strike on May 29.
The strike is the first time all teachers in the compulsory schooling sector have taken strike action simultaneously.
The teachers, who are jointly represented by primary and secondary teachers' unions NZEI Te Riu Roa and PPTA, voted to strike after four days of talks with the Ministry of Education failed to result in an offer. Read more here.
-
60.1% Yes, they deserve a better deal.
-
3.5% No, it's inconvenient having to arrange childcare.
-
36.5% No, the unions should accept the offer on the table
New lottery, new home
Soak up the Marlborough sun with the Heart Foundation Lottery.
For just $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in breathtaking Blenheim.
Surrounded by stunning mountain views, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area.
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
DIY cornhole set
Cornhole is the perfect game for summer entertaining and the matching scoreboard helps you see who’s winning at a glance.
Finish in contrasting Resene Lustacryl colours or choose complementary colours to suit your home.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Loading…
