632 days ago

New classrooms imminent for Kaiapoi school

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, local democracy reporter

Kaiapoi Borough School is hoping a new modular building design will speed up the the process of acquiring new classrooms.

After ending last year at close to capacity, principal Hayden van Lent is hoping to have two new classrooms in time for term four.

The new classrooms were being built in Nelson and were due to be trucked down to Kaiapoi by September.

"It’s exciting. Our school is growing," van Lent said.

"Last year we were close to capacity and the Ministry [of Education] recognised that and is moving quickly to ensure we can cater for the extra numbers.

"The modular design is a quicker design, so we have been pencilled in for further classrooms as the roll grows."

The school ended last year with 400 pupils, he said.

All of the classroom spaces were occupied in term four last year, with just the staffroom, hall and library available for use.

The school began the new school year with 375 pupils and was expected to keep growing due to the growth of the Silverstream sub-division.

The roll was just 301 back in July 2021.

The modular design or offsite manufactured buildings is a new method being utilised by the Ministry of Education to speed up the building process and minimise disruption for schools.

The new buildings can be used for roll growth, building replacement and emergency response.

As the buildings were built offsite, there was minimal disruption for the school.

The builders simply came in and laid the foundations before transporting the new buildings to the school.

Van Lent said while there was a standard design, the school had some options around its preferences for the interior layout.

"The process has been great and it means we can continue to focus on the most important thing, which is teaching and learning and giving our tamariki the best outcomes."

* Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air

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3 days ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64% Yes
    64% Complete
  • 33.5% No
    33.5% Complete
  • 2.5% Other - I'll share below
    2.5% Complete
2566 votes
2 days ago

Childs trike

Diane from Rangiora

Have 4 yr old boy stopping for 9 days at xmas. Has anyone got a small bike or scooter l could borrow or buy at good price as probably wont b used again ! He has two older sisters who might share.

2 days ago

Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.

Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.

To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.

It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.

“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.

“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”

A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.


The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.

Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.

“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”

A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.

“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”

*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz

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