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Primary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.
A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however … View morePrimary, secondary and kindergarten teachers are striking this week as they look for a pay offer that meets inflation at 7.2% and makes concessions around staffing issues - in particular, student to teacher ratios.
A ratio of 1 teacher for 23 students applies for year 11 students, however support staff can be counted as teachers so the reality is that class sizes can be much higher.
What do you think are the ideal sizes for classrooms?
Type NFP alongside your comments if you don't wish these to be shared in the We Say You Say column of the local paper.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
There are now four candidates for the western ward by-election, with nominations closing at midday Thursday.
This ward is the western area of the Ashburton District, the biggest geographical area.
Community event organiser, Carol Johns, has … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
There are now four candidates for the western ward by-election, with nominations closing at midday Thursday.
This ward is the western area of the Ashburton District, the biggest geographical area.
Community event organiser, Carol Johns, has become the latest to come forward to fill the vacant seat at the Ashburton District Council.
The by-election comes after the death of councillor Rodger Letham in December.
Johns joins Dame Lynda Topp, Hayden Tasker, and Rob Mackle.
Like the other three candidates, Johns was unsuccessful in her bid in last year’s election, where she stood in the Ashburton ward alongside rural contractor Tasker.
Topp was the only other candidate to stand on the western ward, behind incumbents deputy mayor Liz McMillan and Letham.
Mackle, who farms just out of Ashburton, stood in the eastern ward.
With nominations closing today, the election will open on April 20 and close on May 12.
The successful candidate will then be sworn in as a councillor for the rest of the council term, with the western ward councillors also sitting on the Methven Community Board.
Tasker attended the board meeting on Monday.
We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, … View moreWe can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, how much does your power bill usually come to?
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A third name has entered the race in the Western Ward by-election that will cost the Ashburton District Council an estimated $26,000.
Rob Mackle submitted his nomination this week to join Hayden Tasker and Dame Lynda Top, with potentially more to … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A third name has entered the race in the Western Ward by-election that will cost the Ashburton District Council an estimated $26,000.
Rob Mackle submitted his nomination this week to join Hayden Tasker and Dame Lynda Top, with potentially more to come with nominations closing on Thursday.
The by-election comes after the passing of councillor Rodger Letham in December and with nominations rolling in, there will now be a full election for the vacancy.
All three candidates to be nominated so far unsuccessfully ran in the election in November.
Topp ran third behind deputy mayor Liz McMillan and Letham in the Western Ward.
Tasker, the son of former councillor Bev Tasker and former deputy mayor Roger Tasker, stood for one of the five seats in the Ashburton Ward in October and was the seventh-highest polling candidate.
Mackle, who farms just of Ashburton, stood in the Eastern Ward.
Candidates do not have to live within the ward, or the district at all, but must be nominated by two people who are enrolled to vote in Western Ward.
Once the nominations are closed at midday on Thursday, eligible voters will have from April 20 to May 12 to cast their votes.
People who did not receive voting papers last October or who had moved since then would need to ensure they were on the electoral roll if they want to vote in the by-election.
Voters will be able to return their ballot papers by post or drop them into the orange voting bins at the Methven i-Hub, Ashburton Library, or council building.
The successful candidate will then be sworn in as a new district councillor for the rest of the term.
Western Ward councillors also sit on the Methven Community Board.
Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of … View moreKnow the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of incredible entries already but don't forget to nominate your local this week. The recognition will make their day (and they're in with a chance to win a $10,000 package!).
Share a few words about your favourite local now.
Your home is your sanctuary, and 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 priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for … View moreYour home is your sanctuary, and 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 priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies. If something happens, you’re in safe hands.
We’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.
If you or a loved one are over 70, Ryman has a range of options from emergency accommodation through to townhouses or apartments available to purchase.
Internet is something we need these days for work, study, keeping in touch with loved ones or just to watch a movie! It's another bill to manage right?!
With the cost of living rising, we want to know how much your broadband bill is setting you back each month?
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ … View moreEvery month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ Gardener.
We're all mostly familiar with Kate Sheppard's role in the women's suffrage movement (and her face on the $10 note) and you've likely heard of the bold, Jean Batten. But who else should not be forgotten? Tell us why!
Let's celebrate Women's History month as well as … View moreWe're all mostly familiar with Kate Sheppard's role in the women's suffrage movement (and her face on the $10 note) and you've likely heard of the bold, Jean Batten. But who else should not be forgotten? Tell us why!
Let's celebrate Women's History month as well as International Women's Day (this Wednesday) by sharing some of the lesser-known, inspiring women who've played a part in New Zealand's history.
Share your thoughts below for the We Say You Say column of the local paper - write NFP if you wish your comments to be excluded.
Refresh your outdoor spaces with Resene Lumbersider and Resene Walk-on with these easy ideas.
Bring out the best in your home.
Get 20% off Resene premium paints, stains, wallpapers and accessories, on now at Resene ColorShops!
Come in and visit your local Resene ColorShop for expert advice and great savings!
Since 1999, our residents and team members have raised more than $5.1 million for charities across New Zealand and Australia.
Supporting fellow pioneers isn’t new. It’s in our DNA. Learn more about becoming our charity partner for 2022/23.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A Matariki observation deck will be installed next to a new toilet block at the Rakaia Gorge Campground.
The Ashburton District Council received funding from the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) for the project, but not as much as … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A Matariki observation deck will be installed next to a new toilet block at the Rakaia Gorge Campground.
The Ashburton District Council received funding from the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF) for the project, but not as much as it had hoped for forcing a reduced design scope than was planned.
The new toilet block will replace the existing public toilets at the Rakaia Gorge Campground which were built in the 1970s and a new star observation deck constructed.
Council open spaces manager Ian Soper explained that round six of TIF funding had a directive from the minister to incorporate a focus on the Matariki public holiday which was why the toilet replacement included the star viewing deck.
The council’s TIF application had been for was for $554,000 and along with the council’s $189,000 earmarked in the long-term plan would have provided a $743,000 budget for the project.
The application was successful but for a revised figure of $262,000 for a total of $451,000.
Soper said the revised funding amount had resulted in a more basic toilet facility being installed and the deck size and height also being reduced.
The toilet block will be a dry vault system Soper said, “so we won’t be relying on water for this facility”.
The site will no longer be reliant on water supply for toilets from the Selwyn District and utilise dry hand-washing foams, he said.
The project is expected to be completed this year but unlikely to be completed by the Matariki public holiday on July 14.
Soper said parts of the project are pre-fabricated units and while they have slots held in the production line it is located in cyclone-hit Gisborne.
“They still hope to have us on track for later this year,” he said.
Join Emile Donovan and Imogen Wells for your daily dose of exclusives, analysis and fresh perspectives on news.
The podcast drops each weekday from 6am on newsable.co.nz or listen on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods.
It's time to make their day in return! There's been hundreds of incredible nominations in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero Awards already - but have we got yours?
Give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the … View moreIt's time to make their day in return! There's been hundreds of incredible nominations in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero Awards already - but have we got yours?
Give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero Awards including a incredible package worth $10,000. Just share a few words about why they make your community a better place to live.
Your favourite local will thank you!
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