Swannanoa - Ohoka, Swannanoa

652 days ago

Oxford school uniform change supported

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, local democracy reporter

School uniforms can be a polarising subject, but not, it seems, at Oxford Area School.

The school unveiled a new school uniform this year, which has been met with a seal of approval from pupils.

Principal Mike Hart said the change followed extensive … View more
By David Hill, local democracy reporter

School uniforms can be a polarising subject, but not, it seems, at Oxford Area School.

The school unveiled a new school uniform this year, which has been met with a seal of approval from pupils.

Principal Mike Hart said the change followed extensive engagement with staff, parents and pupils.

"Uniforms are quite polarised within quite diverse communities — from those who want a business attire, to those who don’t want any uniform."

Hart said a survey of the school community was held in 2020 and found there was plenty of interest in modifying the uniform.

Over the next year a working group, comprising staff, parents and pupil representatives, was formed to develop a new uniform which was gender neutral.

There is now one uniform all year round, with no summer and winter uniform, but pupils from year 7 can choose between a business shirt or a polo shirt.

"The aim of the uniform was to have a modern uniform for modern learning," Hart said.

"We were very conscious the cost of the uniform needed to be manageable for our school community."

To ease the burden on families, a one year transition has been introduced, with pupils able to wear either the old or new uniform or a mix this year, before the new uniform takes effect in 2024.

But Hart has been surprised by the uptake, especially among Year 12 pupils.

"We were quite surprised given that by the time we fully implement the uniform in 2024 they will be Year13 and won’t need to wear a uniform.

"What it tells us is they like it.

"There has been a massive uptake on the new uniform.

"I think that is because there was a strong student voice in the development of the uniform, so they brought into the outcome."

*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air

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652 days ago

Your home, your safe haven

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Your home is your sanctuary where you can relax, rejuvenate, and entertain family and friends.
That’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens. We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.

Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our top priority, no … View more
Your home is your sanctuary where you can relax, rejuvenate, and entertain family and friends.
That’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens. We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.

Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our top priority, no matter what the weather. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies.

We all hope we never have to experience a natural disaster or other emergency. But if it happens, we’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.

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652 days ago

MISSING FUR BABY

Sarah from Swannanoa - Ohoka

FOUND!!! She’s come home 🙏🎉
Thank you for all your messages and thoughts. We so very much appreciate it. What a lovely neighbourly community we live in. Have a lovely weekend. Sarah and a very happy, hungry and tired Pieta. 🐾💐🐾

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652 days ago

Garage Sale

Jan from Kaiapoi

Household clean out - lounge suite, bedroom suite, toys, books, kitchen items, linen, go kart and lots more.
This Saturday 8.00am - 12.00pm (no earlier please)
6 Mathias Place, Kaiapoi

653 days ago

Old unregistered trailer

Paul from Woodend

Looking for a trailer that is hiding on your property and is well past its use-by date. I needed to
cart water around the paddocks. So an unregistered old Dunga would be perfect. I will happily remove it from your property!

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653 days ago

used super market bags

Arthur from Rangiora

URGENT, WANTED, used supermarket bags. THRIVE OP SHOP, in the Gables arcade urgently need used supermarket bags PLEASE. Thankyou in advance for your support.

Free

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653 days ago

Small biz owner? We're right behind you!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's been a tough few weeks for our communities, including our small businesses. To help small businesses keep connected with their neighbours, we’re offering Neighbourly Premium Business Listings FREE for three months. You’ll feature in the local business directory, plus be able to engage… View moreIt's been a tough few weeks for our communities, including our small businesses. To help small businesses keep connected with their neighbours, we’re offering Neighbourly Premium Business Listings FREE for three months. You’ll feature in the local business directory, plus be able to engage with neighbours to ask for help, share new operating hours, move damaged stock, or simply give thanks for recent support. T&Cs apply. Get Premium now

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654 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

If your answer is yes (or even a maybe), send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of … View moreIf your answer is yes (or even a maybe), send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of NZ Gardener.

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654 days ago

Independence and Security

The Team from

Enjoy all the upsides of living independently in a Ryman village. Easy living, security, plus a huge bonus – the support of a vibrant village community.

Your fixed base weekly fee includes rates, window cleaning, gardening and exterior maintenance, which leaves you more time and energy to … View more
Enjoy all the upsides of living independently in a Ryman village. Easy living, security, plus a huge bonus – the support of a vibrant village community.

Your fixed base weekly fee includes rates, window cleaning, gardening and exterior maintenance, which leaves you more time and energy to enjoy a fulfilled village lifestyle. Relax with a book, invite friends over for dinner, or simply put your feet up. You'll love coming home to such easy living.
Learn More

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654 days ago

Therapeutic Massage

Rae from Rangiora

Hello Neighbour's
I'm looking for ladies who would like a Therapeutic Massage to help me perfect my technique in Back, neck, head and arm massage. You would need to be available between 10 am and 2.30pm for approx 1 hour. I'm in Rangiora. A donation would be gratefully received. … View more
Hello Neighbour's
I'm looking for ladies who would like a Therapeutic Massage to help me perfect my technique in Back, neck, head and arm massage. You would need to be available between 10 am and 2.30pm for approx 1 hour. I'm in Rangiora. A donation would be gratefully received. Thank you so much. I am also a qualified reiki practitioner if you would like energy healing as an add on for $65. Get in touch love and light Rae

Free

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654 days ago

Old desk for sale - $20

Lee from Swannanoa - Ohoka

Old desk for sale.

Made of mdf/veneer and has one small drawer

Dimensions are:
1200mm wide
405mm deep on left hand side
650mm deep on right hand side… View more
Old desk for sale.

Made of mdf/veneer and has one small drawer

Dimensions are:
1200mm wide
405mm deep on left hand side
650mm deep on right hand side
650mm high

$20

Negotiable

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657 days ago

Swan plants

Alan from Eyrewell Forest

Does anyone have any mature swan plants for sale please?
Thanks Alan

654 days ago

Happy Valentines Neighbours!

The Team from NZ Compare

The team at NZ Compare hope everyone is keeping safe and snuggled up with their loved ones n this terrible weather. 🥰

We've got the down-low on the best shows to stream on rainy days, take a look!

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654 days ago

used super market bags

Arthur from Rangiora

THRIVE OP SHOP Rangiora is desperately short of used super market bags. We believe in reuse and recycling. We are in the Gables Arcade at the council carpark end. THANKS IN ADVANCE for your support.

654 days ago

National State of Emergency

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Regional updates for February 15th, see the live Stuff updates.

14th February - 10:45am Update: National State of Emergency
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, has confirmed a National State of Emergency this morning due to the widespread damage across the country due to … View more
Regional updates for February 15th, see the live Stuff updates.

14th February - 10:45am Update: National State of Emergency
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, has confirmed a National State of Emergency this morning due to the widespread damage across the country due to Cyclone Gabrielle.

While many regions have already declared a local state of emergency, a National State of Emergency gives the National Controller legal authority to apply resources across the country in support of a national level response.

Here's what you need to know:
- Heavy rain red warnings are in place for Northland and Hawke's Bay, with red strong wind warnings also for Northland, Coromandel and Taranaki. Check all weather warnings on the MetService website.
- States of emergency have been declared in Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Ōpōtiki, Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato District, Hauraki District, Whakatāne District, Bay of Plenty, Napier and Hastings.
- There has been a landslide in Murawai with one firefighter missing.
- Gisborne is feared cut off and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Residents are to take note of the Welfare Centres for Gisborne and Coromandel.
- A number of road closures are in place across the North Island. View these on the Waka Kotahi NZTA website.
- Fire and Emergency is urging people to only call 111 if life or safety is at risk after a surge in calls.
- In Auckland there are 27 shelters and civil defence centres where people can go in an emergency.

Stuff are posting live updates and have shared what you need in your 3-day emergency kit. Stay up to date with Civil Defence updates and track the storm here.

2pm Update for Hawke's Bay:
Multiple evacuations needed in Puketapu, Esk Valley, Rissington, Omahu, Waiohiki, Jervoistown and Meeanee and Waipawa.
Many remain trapped in cars and houses. Several bridges have been taken out with access between Hastings and Napier now cutoff. More than 20,000 people are without power and cellphone communication in and out of the region is patchy.
Omahu residents needing shelter can go to Hastings Sports' Centre. Taradale residents can head to St Joseph's Māori Girls' School.

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