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1487 days ago

$3m repair bill at old school: Cables stripped, windows smashed, ceiling torn down

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

Vandals have ransacked an empty Christchurch school building, despite the Ministry of Education spending $80,000 on security and fencing.

Cables were stripped, windows smashed, carpets ripped up and a suspended ceiling torn down at the former Shirley Boys’ High School site.

The vandals caused a $3 million repair bill at the old school site, potentially derailing plans for nearby Banks Avenue School to take over the property.

The North Pde building became empty when Shirley Boys’ moved to a new purpose-built school in New Brighton in May 2019.

A deal would have meant Banks Avenue School – which currently does not have a hall – could have used the gym, while sports clubs and community groups could have hired the venue and outdoor pitches in the evenings.

However, the mindless wrecking-spree could mean the property will be bulldozed, if the ministry decides it will cost too much to repair it to meet building regulations.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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3 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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4 days ago

Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.

This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

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Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
  • 84.7% Yes
    84.7% Complete
  • 13.9% No
    13.9% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
1604 votes