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A report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled … View moreA report has shown that clinics around New Zealand are understaffed, with GP's being overworked and underpaid. And for everyday kiwis, healthcare and emergency healthcare is simply not accessible.
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa's report titled ‘‘On The Brink’’ outlines the urgent need to address pay parity for GP nurses and doctors, beef up workforce numbers and improve funding allocations for practices with the hopes that this makes heatlhcare more accessible in the community.
Are you noticing delays in getting GP appointments or long waits at after-hours care?
Any comments below may be shared in your local paper's We Say You Say column.
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Back Rest Size 450mm wide x 250 deep
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Pickup in Rangiora
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The time is right for an iconic Waimakariri event, says a Kaiapoi business leader.
Kaiapoi Promotions Association (KPA) chairperson Martin Pinkham says such an event could put the district on the map and be eligible for government funding.
He was … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The time is right for an iconic Waimakariri event, says a Kaiapoi business leader.
Kaiapoi Promotions Association (KPA) chairperson Martin Pinkham says such an event could put the district on the map and be eligible for government funding.
He was speaking at last week’s Waimakariri District Council audit and risk committee meeting.
He was keen to sit down with the council’s economic development arm, Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC), Rangiora Promotions and the Oxford Promotions Action Committee.
KPA’s largest event was the Kaiapoi Christmas Carnival and Santa Parade and it was planning to bring back the Kaiapoi River Carnival early next year.
ENC general manager Heather Warwick supports the idea, but said it would need to be considered carefully.
She said an event like the Selwyn Sounds would bring little benefit for Waimakariri businesses.
‘‘We need something that sells the region like the Waipara Valley Wine and Food Festival, rather than another event where people don’t have to stay the night and our retailers don’t see any benefit.’’
A lack of accommodation was one barrier for a large event.
But Warwick wondered whether there needed to be a single big iconic event.
She said Oxford had been successful with a several smaller events throughout the year.
ENC holds the regional events fund for Waimakariri, and Warwick said funding had been provisionally improved for an ‘‘exciting’’ new event centred around the Kaiapoi River in March next year.
Rangiora Promotions chairperson Ross Ditmer said he would welcome a conversation around an iconic Waimakariri event.
But he wondered whether a large event would be more sustainable if it was privately run.
‘‘We have an iconic event in Rangiora, Muscle Car Madness, which has been run for more than 30 years by a private entity.’’
He said Rangiora business owner Karl Horwarth has ‘‘had some great ideas’’ for a winter festival, a festival of colour and a light festival.
‘‘But it is a matter of who puts it together, because you can’t rely on volunteers to make it sustainable.
‘‘So, does the council take ownership of it, or do you look to private entities to run it?’’
Rangiora Promotions employs a part time events co-ordinator to run events, with volunteer support. Ditmer said the organisation’s strength is being able to run free family events, such as the outdoor cinema and fireworks event last Friday (November 25), as well as the santa parade and party in the
park.
■ Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Paul and Lesley Askin hold their next family-friendly monthly service on Sunday, 5 February at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. Bring a plate of finger food for a shared meal afterwards.
Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074
39 Canterbury St, Ashley. Remember to go before you come… View morePaul and Lesley Askin hold their next family-friendly monthly service on Sunday, 5 February at the Ashley Community Church from 4.30 pm. Bring a plate of finger food for a shared meal afterwards.
Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074
39 Canterbury St, Ashley. Remember to go before you come as there are no toilet facilities.
Is a deciduous thorny shrub or small tree bearing lemon like fruits which is very sour. Do you have one of this tree in your garden or have seen one some where in the neighbourly . I have after some seeds or cutting. TIA
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s food banks are struggling to meet demand as Christmas approaches.
Food banks across the Hurunui and Waimakariri districts have seen a significant increase in food parcel requests over the last few months, as the realities of high … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury’s food banks are struggling to meet demand as Christmas approaches.
Food banks across the Hurunui and Waimakariri districts have seen a significant increase in food parcel requests over the last few months, as the realities of high inflation and the housing crisis kick in.
‘‘The cost of living, in particular food and rent, are the main problems facing our clients,’’ Social Services Waimakariri facilitator Nicki Carter said.
She said the biggest increase was coming from middle income earners struggling with high rents and house prices.
The demand is putting pressure on food banks, which rely on the support of Satisfy Food Rescue and donations from the public and local businesses.
Food Secure North Canterbury was established during the 2020 Covid lockdown, as a collaboration between the Hurunui and Waimakariri councils, food banks and Satisfy Food Rescue.
Satisfy Food Rescue distribution co-ordinator Michelle Campbell said the Oxford and Districts Lions Club played a valuable role in supplying fresh produce to distribute as part of the Food Secure North Canterbury network.
Oxford Community Trust co-ordinator Jo Ealam said the support from individuals, local businesses and Satisfy Food Rescue had been invaluable.
‘‘I am grateful for each food bank that can help families in need, no-one should go hungry.’’
The Hurunui district’s three food banks are distributing about 175 boxes of food out to families each month.
This rose to more than 250 during this year’s Covid outbreak.
Satisfy Food Rescue recently established a food hub in Waipara to serve the Hurunui district and reduce the pressure on its Kaiapoi base, thanks to funding sourced from the Ministry of Social Development.
‘‘Our foodbank people are unsung heroes in our community,’’ Hurunui District Council community activator Roger Hornblow said.
Community Wellbeing North Canterbury’s Kaiapoi food bank has distributed more than 1500 food parcels so far this year, compared to 548 last year.
Satisfy Food Rescue processes an average of 22.6 tonnes of food each month or about 1 tonne a day.
It supports 37 organisations throughout North Canterbury and Christchurch, including food banks, education facilities, community meal providers and community organisations.
The food banks are hoping the Property Brokers ‘Toot for Tucker’ Christmas Food Drive on Tuesday, December 6, in Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Oxford, Woodend and Amberley, will give them the boost they need before the festive season.
■ Anyone with surplus produce or wanting to donate food to food banks, can contact Krysten at Food Secure North Canterbury on email:
foodsecurenorthcanterbury@gmail.com.
■ Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
How to make your own Christmas terrarium painted in Resene.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Hi all, my friend in Prebbleton has two roosters and one hen she would like to find a new home for. 🐥 They are all three months old. They don't have to be adopted all together. If interested I can send some photos through to you. Please leave a comment if you've messaged me so I can … View moreHi all, my friend in Prebbleton has two roosters and one hen she would like to find a new home for. 🐥 They are all three months old. They don't have to be adopted all together. If interested I can send some photos through to you. Please leave a comment if you've messaged me so I can find it. 😊
Breathe new life into an old children’s toy with a fun new look using only Resene testpots! Find out how to create your own.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Braided river bird advocates are fearing for the safety of nesting sites on the Ashley River ahead of Crate Day this Saturday.
The Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group has taken to social media to raise its concerns, with four-wheel-drives expected to be out… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Braided river bird advocates are fearing for the safety of nesting sites on the Ashley River ahead of Crate Day this Saturday.
The Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group has taken to social media to raise its concerns, with four-wheel-drives expected to be out in force on the river bed.
Crate Day is an ‘‘unofficial holiday’’ held on the first Saturday in December and last year it is thought between 150 and 200 4WDs were on the Ashley River bed.
Committee member Judith Hughey says birds, chicks and nests are not easily seen.
‘‘Last year I was observing at the entry point at the Okuku bridge and on the river just to see what happens. I was shocked by the number of vehicles, possibly 150 or more.’’
Last year Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group volunteers, Department of Conservation (DOC) staff and Environment Canterbury park rangers were out in force to monitor the 4WDs, but were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers, she said.
She said most participants ‘‘did not seem to be malicious’’, but were unaware of the damage they could have caused.
‘‘At least one driver went out of his/her way to destroy signs advising of nesting birds.
‘‘A vehicle came within centimetres of one nest, but no nests were found to have been destroyed.
‘‘At least two nests contained small chicks, which would have been unable to move away from a vehicle.’’
Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts responded on Facebook, saying they were aware of the nest locations and ‘‘do their best to avoid them’’.
Drivers said they had ‘‘legal rights as tax payers to legally drive down a river’’ and suggested DOC should ‘‘put more effort into identifying and fencing off the nesting areas’’.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury schools are bucking the trend when it comes to school attendance in the wake of Covid.
While education leaders around the country are lamenting high absentee rates, North Canterbury principals are collaborating to support staff and … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury schools are bucking the trend when it comes to school attendance in the wake of Covid.
While education leaders around the country are lamenting high absentee rates, North Canterbury principals are collaborating to support staff and whānau.
Former North Canterbury principal Simon Green, who now works as a leadership adviser with Evaluation Associates, supporting principals and boards of trustees across Otago and Canterbury, says there has been ‘‘a noticeable dip in attendance’’. Green is also Rangiora High School board of trustees chairperson.
‘‘There is a definite trend across Otago and Canterbury since Covid, where school attendance hasn’t tracked back as quickly as teachers would like.
‘‘It is a massive concern and something needs to happen to re-engage families before the start of next year.’’
But Green has been impressed with how his former colleagues have adapted.
‘‘North Canterbury schools are working hard and trying different things to improve engagement through the Kahui Ako (local education clusters). One of the strengths in North Canterbury is that the principals are close-knit. They work well together and support each other.’’
Under Ministry of Education guidelines, 90 percent attendance is the ideal, while less than 70% attendance (30% absence) is considered ‘‘chronically absent’’.
Recent media reports, quoting politicians, have used the term ‘‘chronically truant’’.
Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said the school has been achieving about 80% attendance, which he said was ‘‘pretty good’’ considering the isolation rules earlier in the year and high levels of sickness.
‘‘How many industries have staff attendance at over 90% over the year during Covid? Do politicians have 90% attendance in Parliament? I would suggest there would be hardly any businesses at 90%, so why are we yelling at schools, when schools are just a reflection of the reality we are in?’’
Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid said his school has been contacted by the Ministry of Education wanting to learn more about how it is managing a low absentee rate.
He said the school’s success is in building relationships.
Students are divided into tutor groups (form classes) of about 15 students, with focus on wellbeing. Tutors follow up when students are absent, with tutors and deans contacting whānau when needed.
‘‘It is all about that communication, because sometimes the family doesn’t realise things have gone sideways.’’
By communicating with whānau, Reid said the school has been able to address any misunderstandings around isolation requirements.
‘‘I have empathy for other school principals dealing with high absence rates because of the complexity of human beings and the environment we are operating in. It could be us tomorrow.’’
Oxford Area School principal Mike Hart said about half of his students have about 90% attendance, with about one-third achieving 80% to 90%.
The September figures presented to the board of trustees had 7.2% listed as ‘‘chronically absent’’, compared to 7.7% nationwide.
Hart said families are experiencing higher levels of sickness than normal with Covid and the return of the flu. ‘‘The sickness pattern we are seeing is it is not just a day or two, but it is severe enough to put a student out for a week or more.’’
He said Covid had forced people to be more vigilant around symptoms, which was contributing to absence rates. With the border being open again, some families are also taking extended breaks to visit loved ones. Online learning options wee being offered so students could learn from home.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
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Share a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t … View moreShare a festive photo of your furry friend and you could be in to win a $100 Prezzy® card. Because the smell of the Christmas tree and the ripping open of presents isn’t only exciting for us. But for them too.
All pets are welcome - Santa paws, claws, beaks, and squeaks. And if you don’t have a pet, that’s fine; we’d love to see your festive snaps too.
Ends 21 December 2022
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how … View moreWhat better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?
Homed newsletter keeps you on top of the real estate market, takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, give you a taste of how celebrities live, keep you up to date with interior trends, provide project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
Once again I am running a fundraiser for the Canterbury Region of the NZ Williams Syndrome Association. Each region in NZ tries to raise money for their biannual camp in Whanganui, January 2023. We haven't been able to hold the camp for 2 years now, due to covid, but we now have 4 days … View moreOnce again I am running a fundraiser for the Canterbury Region of the NZ Williams Syndrome Association. Each region in NZ tries to raise money for their biannual camp in Whanganui, January 2023. We haven't been able to hold the camp for 2 years now, due to covid, but we now have 4 days planned of wonderful learning, challenges, talent shows and connection.
So it's time once again to have a clean out of your sheds & garages for any Used Lead Batteries you have been meaning to take to the recycling depo. Cars, trucks, tractors, motorbikes, lawnmowers, solar etc etc. If you contact me on 0274655995 to arrange pickup. Please talk to your friends and families about this too, that would be much appreciated, Jenny McClintock.
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