Hurunui District , Amberley

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21 days ago

Just dough it

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rangiora

With three basic ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can give old containers new life with Resene testpots.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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21 days ago

Teacher shortage eases in Canterbury schools

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

After a difficult few years, North Canterbury school principals say they have plenty of quality teachers to choose from.

A global teacher shortage in recent years has seen local schools competing against Auckland principals for staff at university … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

After a difficult few years, North Canterbury school principals say they have plenty of quality teachers to choose from.

A global teacher shortage in recent years has seen local schools competing against Auckland principals for staff at university recruiting events.

But education advocate Simon Green said heading into term four, local primary schools were well placed ‘‘to fill their vacant positions from a good pool of quality applicants’’.

Green is the Rangiora High School board of trustees presiding member, and is a leadership adviser with Evaluation Associates, working with principals and school boards in Otago and Canterbury.

While there is a slight overall drop in primary school rolls in North Canterbury, he said more specialist structured literacy teachers were required.

Additional classroom release time for teachers meant relief teachers were also needed.

‘‘The secondary school job market remains challenging for our high school principals,’’ he said.

Rangiora High School has 22 vacancies for next year, mainly due to short term teaching positions, promotions and new opportunities opening up.

But principal Bruce Kearney said the positions are filling up fast.
The school roll is expected to close in on 1800 students next year, but Kearney said growth could begin to slow down, in the short term at least.

‘‘Our role can fluctuate depending on the rolls of our contributing schools and there is a sense we are seeing the end of a bubble.’’

Longer term that could change with new sub-divisions planned in the Waimakariri district.

‘‘We don’t want to grow much more,’’ Kearney said.

‘‘But I don’t think it would make economic sense for the Government to build a new secondary school on a new site when both Rangiora and Kaiapoi have land for more growth.

‘‘Communities may need to accept that big schools are more economical. Auckland has been managing schools of up to 3000 students for years.’’

Kearney said it was possible the Ministry of Education could build another primary school across the road from Rangiora High School, next to the school farm, in 10 years time.

Last year Kaiapoi High School had 22 vacancies to fill, but principal Jason Reid said he has just one vacancy advertised on the Education Gazette, for now.

For the first time in a decade Kaiapoi will have a slight dip in its year 9 roll for next year.

‘‘I don’t think it is indicative of anything other than a population blip,’’ Reid said.

With several contributing schools, including Woodend School and Te Kura o Tuahiwi, bursting at the seams, growth at Kaiapoi High School is set to continue for sometime yet.

For now, Reid is expecting the roll to remain at 1080 next year, just under the site capacity of 1100.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

21 days ago

On the range

Resene

Venetian plaster finishes are on-trend at the moment, so why not recreate this look at home and cover that unsightly rangehood at the same time?

Find out how to create your own with Resene Sandtex and these easy step by step instructions.
Find out more

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22 days ago

New Amberley community board confirmed

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A new community board has been confirmed by Hurunui’s south ward.

The Local Government Commission has rejected an appeal against the establishment of a community board for next year’s local government election in the Hurunui District Council’s … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A new community board has been confirmed by Hurunui’s south ward.

The Local Government Commission has rejected an appeal against the establishment of a community board for next year’s local government election in the Hurunui District Council’s south ward, which includes Amberley.

Eleven objections were received, but just one, Amberley District Residents’ Association chairperson Roy Myers, gave an oral presentation to commissioners at a hearing last month.

Several objectors preferred the existing ward committee structure, which comprised representatives from residents’ associations, the Amberley Reserves Advisory Group, the Hurunui Youth Council and three independent members.

But the commissioners agreed with the council’s position that a community board elected by the community at large would be more democratic.

‘‘It may potentially attract candidates who may not have been traditionally in a position that would result in their becoming members of the ward committee,’’ the commissioners said.

South ward councillor Vanessa McPherson said she is ‘‘delighted with the outcome’’.

‘‘The decision reinforces the robust process undertaken by the council to deliver an outcome that will provide a fair and effective representation of benefit to the entire south ward.’’

But Myers said he is disappointed with the decision, which he believes is based on ‘‘wrong information’’.

‘‘The argument was that a community board would be able to be more strategic in its decision making.

‘‘But the existing ward committee doesn’t have any money to spend.’’

Hurunui mayor Marie Black told the commission a walking and cycling fund of $370,000 has been established from development contributions since 2010, but the ward committee has been unable to agree on how to spend it.

But Myers rejected this and said the ward committee was unaware ‘‘we were able to spend it’’.

‘‘How are these five representatives going to be in contact with the community?

‘‘Under the present structure, you have residents’ groups which represent their communities.’’

While the new community board will have five board members, the commissioners reduced the number of elected councillors on the board from four to two.

The commissioners’ also recommended a Hurunui Youth Council representative be appointed as an observer.

Remuneration of board members would cost $36,078 a year, or $20 per south ward ratepayer per year.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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22 days ago

Hefty rent increase proposed for Cheviot Medical Centre

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Hurunui’s Deputy Mayor hopes a solution can be found to avoid a huge rent hike for the Cheviot Medical Centre.

The Hurunui District Council is proposing to raise the yearly rent it charges for the use of the medical centre building from $14,484.74 to … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Hurunui’s Deputy Mayor hopes a solution can be found to avoid a huge rent hike for the Cheviot Medical Centre.

The Hurunui District Council is proposing to raise the yearly rent it charges for the use of the medical centre building from $14,484.74 to $24,264.50 (excluding GST).

The building has been leased to the Cheviot Community Health Centre (2013) Ltd since 2017.

Deputy mayor Vince Daly said he is seeking answers from council staff why a rent increase of 67% is necessary for the community owned health centre, which serves a small rural population.

‘‘It has certainly got them talking at the medical centre. The last time the rent was raised it was 22%.

‘‘Some of the things you can see like rates and insurance you can’t help, but we need to see more information on why some of the other costs are increasing.’’

Daly said he is meeting with the health centre and council staff to seek a solution.

Under the lease agreement, the rent is based on covering the council’s costs, rather than charging the full market rental rate.

In a budget prepared for the Cheviot Community Committee to consider, council staff cite cost increases in staff wages, contractors' fees, rates, insurance and the maintenance of a new Cheviot helipad.

The building was originally the Cheviot Hospital, which was sold in 1978 by the North Canterbury Hospital Board to the then Cheviot County Council.

The original Cheviot Hospital opened in 1927.

The Cheviot Community Committee will consider the proposal at its next meeting on November 21.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

22 days ago

Hi neighbours

Nadine from Stuff

I'm Nadine, a reporter for Stuff and I'm wanting to do a story about the reality of the festive season for some people.

I'm wanting to talk to an older pensioner who will likely be alone at Christmas and finds it hard to get by on the pension.

Is this you? I'd love to … View more
I'm Nadine, a reporter for Stuff and I'm wanting to do a story about the reality of the festive season for some people.

I'm wanting to talk to an older pensioner who will likely be alone at Christmas and finds it hard to get by on the pension.

Is this you? I'd love to talk to you if possible. I'd need to visit prior to Christmas and on Christmas Day, if possible.

You can email me at nadine.roberts@stuff.co.nz or leave a comment below and I can get in touch.

Thanks for reading!

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23 days ago

Rental wanted

Rebecca from Sefton

Looking for a long term rental property, 3 bedroom plus, reasonably priced, after 8 years landlord has decided to sell, wanting to stay local, bonus if I don't have to change kids schools 😄

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28 days ago

Willoughbridge

Raewyn from Rangiora

Hi neighbours. "Willoughbridge" is our 3 acre garden set in Southbrook, Rangiora. We are Secret Gardens hosts, which means we are pleased to share our knowledge and our garden with like minded people. We provide guided 2 hr tours of Willoughbridge for a set fee, 10% of which is … View moreHi neighbours. "Willoughbridge" is our 3 acre garden set in Southbrook, Rangiora. We are Secret Gardens hosts, which means we are pleased to share our knowledge and our garden with like minded people. We provide guided 2 hr tours of Willoughbridge for a set fee, 10% of which is donated to Satisfy Food Rescue of Kaiapoi. For further information and bookings, visit secretgardens.co.nz. "Willoughbridge" is also found on FB and Instagram, where we have regular updates and tips and tricks. We hope you will find something of interest in our posts. Happy Gardening.

31 days ago

What workplace change would you like to see most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in … View moreThis coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.

As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.

Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!

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24 days ago

Tesla Model S For Sale

Jayne from Loburn

My son is selling his beloved Tesla. It's in beautiful condition. Currently in Loburn. www.trademe.co.nz...

Negotiable

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24 days ago

Ryman thanked for fundraising efforts

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Ryman Healthcare has donated $466,640 to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand while announcing Hato Hone St John as its new charity partner.

Ryman’s Executive Chair, Dean Hamilton, presented the cheque to the charity at a special event held at Murray Halberg Village in Auckland.

Tim … View more
Ryman Healthcare has donated $466,640 to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand while announcing Hato Hone St John as its new charity partner.

Ryman’s Executive Chair, Dean Hamilton, presented the cheque to the charity at a special event held at Murray Halberg Village in Auckland.

Tim Edmonds, CEO of Leukemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, described the donation as ’vitally important’ to the work the charity does.

Click read more for the full article.

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24 days ago

Planning an outdoor burn? Check the rules before you light up:

The Team from Environment Canterbury

🏠 Properties under 2 hectares: Can't burn outdoors. Compost, mulch or take it to a transfer station.
🏡 Properties over 2 hectares: Only burn dry vegetation (less than 25% moisture content), paper and cardboard. No rubbish or inorganic material.

Check 👉 ecan.govt.nz/outdoorburning

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24 days ago

$100 Petrol vouchers go to...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Congratulations to this week's winners:

Sam Fuller from Red Beach

Johanna Mortis from Saint Clair

Matthew Hardy from Kelburn

View more
Congratulations to this week's winners:

Sam Fuller from Red Beach

Johanna Mortis from Saint Clair

Matthew Hardy from Kelburn

Anne Fahey from Woolston

They've each won a $100 petrol voucher.

If you're a winner, get in touch here.

Not a winner this week? There's always next week!

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25 days ago

Swisso Logical Day Cream - Get The Moisture You Skin Needs

Rae from Room To Heal

Zepter’s state-of-the-art cosmetics laboratory in Switzerland brings you Swisso Logical Day Cream for normal/oily skin. Recognised the world-over as the perfect moisturising and lifting treatment, Swisso Logical Day Cream luxuriously pampers your face by deeply nourishing and energising the skin … View moreZepter’s state-of-the-art cosmetics laboratory in Switzerland brings you Swisso Logical Day Cream for normal/oily skin. Recognised the world-over as the perfect moisturising and lifting treatment, Swisso Logical Day Cream luxuriously pampers your face by deeply nourishing and energising the skin cells.

The remarkable organic properties of ECHINACEA extract protect the skin from stress and environmental pollutants, while the natural plant oils smooth your skin and empower a revitalized, luminous, healthy look.

ULTIMATE PROTECTION WITH UV FILTERS

A pioneering combination of UV-A and UV-B filters provides vital protection against harmful ultraviolet rays and the formation of free radicals. In addition to fresh ECHINACEA extract, AVOCADO OIL and SWEET ALMOND, the innovative skin care cream contains a sebum-regulating formula which prevents excessively shiny skin.

Purchase Now - www.immersioncosmetics.co.nz...

Exceptional Products & Services

Room to Heal in Rangiora
Reiki Practitioner
Therapeutic Massage Therapist
Bioptron Medical Light Therapist
Email: raeimmersioncosmetics@gmail.com

Sensing Souls @ Room to Heal
Clairvoyant Medium/Psychic
House Investigation & Cleaning
Email: sensingsouls@xtra.co.nz

Price: $78

25 days ago

MAX leopard print top

Georgina from Rangiora

Brand: Max
Size: 8
Description: Cute leopard print mini dress/top—perfect for pairing with black pants or leggings for a stylish, casual look!

Location: Pick up in Rangiora (shipping available at buyer's expense)
Note: Listed elsewhere, so grab it while you can!

Price: $7

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