Back
1321 days ago

"Rockstar" jazz musician nets national accolade

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Auckland teenager Toby Barrett is turning heads in the jazz world.

The Avondale College student has won the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award this year.

He is among 85 students from 18 secondary schools around the country to earn the prestigious accolade.

The awards recognise the achievements of learners who took Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS and A levels in November.

Barrett came top in the country in Cambridge International AS level music.

A saxophonist and band leader, he is an award winning performer.

Barrett has netted awards in jazz competitions around the country and won the improvisation award at Avondale College.

Peers and teachers describe him as a "rock star."

Barrett plans to study music and commerce at the University of Auckland.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 day 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 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!

Image
6 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

Image
8 days ago

Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.

Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.

Image
Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
  • 24% Yes
    24% Complete
  • 75.3% No
    75.3% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
2919 votes