Woodend School excited about vaping changes
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Woodend School’s student leaders are excited about changes to vaping legislation.
In the changes announced on June 6, the Government said it would put a stop to vape shops opening within 300 metres of a school or marae.
It would also cut down on disposable vapes, restrict descriptions on product flavours, and prohibit enticing names such as "cotton candy" and "strawberry jelly donut".
Principal Andrew Retallick said the announcement by Health Minister Ayesha Verrall showed the stance by his student leaders in speaking out had paid off.
Student leader Jasper Rosewarne launched a petition earlier this year, after learning a vape shop had opened across the road from the school over the summer holidays, with the support of Retallick and the other student leaders.
"Jasper shared with us the government’s moves around vaping and we had a good discussion," Retallick said.
"It shows having the article in the paper and being on TV news made a difference.
"We were really happy when we learned of the announcement - it is a good start."
Jasper’s father, North Canterbury-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne, said having organisations like Woodend and Belfast Schools and the Cancer Society speaking out, made it easier to make a case to the Health Minister for change.
"It is a good shot in the arm for the kids at Woodend School," he said.
But Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said the changes were too little, too late.
"The shops are already there. Are they removing them?"
Kearney also questioned the restricting of flavours.
"Why do we need flavours? If it is a vehicle to stop smoking there does not need to be a flavour."
The Australian government recently announced a ban on recreational vaping, while the United Kingdom is considering a crack down.
The New Zealand government has ruled out following suit, but Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has directed the Health Minister to bring some suggestions to Cabinet.
For now the government’s priority was on the Smokefree 2025 goal, focused on tobacco.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
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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64.4% Yes
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33.2% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
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
Cottage, small house wantd to rent
Wanted cottage, small house to rent for step dad, with garage or shed for doing up old car. Quiet and reliable teanant. Fit, no smoking or pets
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