West Coast school phases out coal
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
South Westland Area School at Harihari is a hive of activity and it is not just the usual daily comings and goings of children.
Builders and tradespeople have occupied the school over the past couple of months, transforming the way it is heated, as part of the Government's programme to phase out coal-fired boilers in schools.
At the same time, the school is taking on a more cohesive appearance with a rebuild of covered paths and the addition of an all-weather outdoor lunch space.
Principal Nick Glancy said the zero carbon emissions initiative, costing at least $1.5million, was ''a massive project'' for the school.
The project was directly managed and funded through the Ministry of Education to phase out the traditional coal-fire boiler-radiator system and to bring heat pump technology to every learning area. That had necessitated an electrical upgrade across the site.
''They've had to upgrade all the electrical throughout the school, so the whole place has been dug up to put the power cables underground. That's due to be completed in early April.''
The school pool will also benefit from the heat pump-based system, Glancy said.
Work also started in mid-December on replacing covered areas between various buildings.
Glancy said that work was a part of a long-term maintenance plan developed for the school.
This followed the recent rebuild, which was the result of a significant fire at the site, and the ongoing work was part of a project to weatherproof and re-clad the school.
Central to this and linked to the healthy school lunch scheme was the new outdoor lunch area, which was nearly completed, he said.
Once finished, the all-weather canopy area would be complemented by tables and chairs, which would present a new opportunity for the school to promote positive social connection as a learning experience.
Glancy said the opportunity for pupils to sit at a table and interact with their peers and staff could not be underestimated, particularly as some young people did not necessarily always have the opportunity of sitting down at a table for meal time at home.
''It's just created a really good opportunity ... this one is pretty exciting.''
Currently, the area school roll sat at a ''very healthy'' 115, with the secondary roll for year 9 to 13 pupils, at 65.
The school continued to draw secondary-age pupils from Ross, 45 minutes drive away, down to Whataroa and the glaciers.
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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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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
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