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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury principal says area schools are ‘‘copping it from all directions’’ with Government changes to education.
Amuri Area School principal Matt Barlow has written to Education Minister Erica Stanford to ask whether the pace of … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A North Canterbury principal says area schools are ‘‘copping it from all directions’’ with Government changes to education.
Amuri Area School principal Matt Barlow has written to Education Minister Erica Stanford to ask whether the pace of change can be slowed down.
Area schools cover all year levels from new entrants to year 13, tend to be smaller and are based in rural areas, meaning they face pressures to implement curriculum changes across the board.
‘‘Schools like Rangiora High School don’t have to worry about year 1 to 3 literacy and numeracy, and primary schools don’t have to worry about changes to NCEA.
‘‘We are a bit of an afterthought. Area schools are like an airport and principals are like air traffic controllers, with planes coming from all directions.’’
While some rural school rolls are falling, Amuri Area School is managing a growing roll.
The roll has jumped from 335 to 380 students since the start of 2023, which includes its largest roll of year 7s (50) and year 13s (22).
Barlow said the school is working with the Ministry of Education to design a new building for science, technology and arts classes.
No budget or timeframe has been decided.
Amuri Area School is in Culverden, on the way to Hanmer Springs, and the relative isolation adds to the challenges.
The relief teacher pool is limited, meaning Barlow and his two deputy principals have had to step into the classroom several times this year.
Roger Hornblow became principal at Cheviot Area School in term four last year, having been a long serving primary school principal.
‘‘Area schools are very complex and I don’t think it is appreciated by everybody.
‘‘We are dealing with the NCEA changes and the year 0 to 8 changes. It is really complex.
‘‘But that is part and parcel of the beast and we need to make sure we do it in a way which give students the best outcomes.’’
It means professional development is constant, and Hornblow is pleased with how his staff are stepping up.
He would like to see ‘‘a unified education policy’’ which did not change every time there is a change of Government.
The New Zealand Education Institute Te Riu Roa and the New Zealand Principals' Federation also called on the Government last week to slow down the implementation of new structured math and English curriculum.
New NCEA literacy and numeracy online tests have also come under fire from secondary school principals around the country.
Education Minister Erica Stanford said extra support is being provided to area schools in North Canterbury, with curriculum advisors visiting schools, assisting with teacher only days and providing webinars.
The schools also have the support of the ministry's area school leadership advisor Stephen Beck, who is taking a year out from his role as principal at Hurunui College.
"Support will be ongoing as the local team looks to ensure our rural area schools have the assistance they require to implement and embed these changes."
But she said introducing structured literacy and numeracy will take time, especially for schools teaching it for the first time.
"Embedding a curriculum refresh, running professional development and responding to our sector feedback are things we will work on together over the coming years."
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Our residents and their families have spoken loud and clear: Ryman is their top choice in retirement living.
We’re proud to be recognised by Canstar Blue for having the Most Satisfied Customers, which complements our tenth win of Reader’s Digest’s Most Trusted Brand.
As we celebrate … View moreOur residents and their families have spoken loud and clear: Ryman is their top choice in retirement living.
We’re proud to be recognised by Canstar Blue for having the Most Satisfied Customers, which complements our tenth win of Reader’s Digest’s Most Trusted Brand.
As we celebrate 40 years since opening our first village, these recognitions reinforce Ryman’s commitment to exceptional care and excellence in retirement living.
Click find out more for more information.
Canterbury Police are reminding the community to be vigilant when it comes to rental scams. Unfortunately, this not a new scam and targets victims through different platforms.
In all instances, the scammers are posing as legitimate landlords or real estate agents. When looking for a rental, make … View moreCanterbury Police are reminding the community to be vigilant when it comes to rental scams. Unfortunately, this not a new scam and targets victims through different platforms.
In all instances, the scammers are posing as legitimate landlords or real estate agents. When looking for a rental, make sure an advertised property is legitimate by attending a viewing.
Before giving people money or making an agreement, it is essential you consider:
🏠 Never transfer money to an individual or organisation that you can't verify as legitimate.
🏠 A legitimate landlord or real estate agent will have a website, generally a physical address, and you should be able to speak to more than one person from that organisation.
🏠 If you believe you are being currently targeted by a scam that sounds like this, please end contact immediately and get in touch with Police.
🏠 Trust your instincts, if it sounds like a scam, it probably is.
🏠 For further information of how to keep safe online, or to report suspected scams, please go to netsafe.org.nz...
🏠 You can also find prevention advice at www.police.govt.nz...
Read more about these types of scams here - www.police.govt.nz......
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Around 5000 North Canterbury residents will soon learn if they will fall under a proposed new community board, which will represent their views to council.
The Local Government Commission heard an appeal against a proposal to establish a community board… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Around 5000 North Canterbury residents will soon learn if they will fall under a proposed new community board, which will represent their views to council.
The Local Government Commission heard an appeal against a proposal to establish a community board for the Hurunui District Council’s south ward on Tuesday morning.
Councillors who supported the proposal said it was ‘‘more democratic’’ and would better represent the south ward's growing population, with Amberley, Leithfield and two beach communities within the ward's boundary.
Eleven objections were received, but just one, Amberley District Residents’ Association chairperson Roy Myers, gave an oral presentation to commissioners.
Myers said there was no evidence to support the change and he believed the community board would reduce representation.
‘‘The community board will not have the same level of representation or activity which is on the ward committee.
‘‘Amberley is the largest area with an expanding population. It has grown significantly and stands to grow even more.
‘‘Leithfield is an historic village with a very active community, and Amberley Beach and Leithfield Beach face challenges with climate change, sea level rise and the possibility of managed retreat.’’
Councillors voted in favour of replacing its south ward committee with an elected community board in June, following a representation review.
The proposed community board would have five members elected at large, plus the four ward councillors and the mayor.
The south ward committee comprises nine community members elected at its first meeting in a council term, plus the four ward councillors and the mayor.
Community members include representatives from residents’ associations, the Amberley Reserves Advisory Group, the Hurunui Youth Council and three independent members.
Myers said he was the elected representative of the Amberley District Residents’ Association on the south ward committee.
But when questioned by the commissioners, he acknowledged that while the entire town was invited, only around 30 to 50 people attended the residents’ association’s annual meetings.
Hurunui mayor Marie Black said the council believed a community board would provide more strategic direction.
She said a walking and cycling fund of $370,000 has been established from development contributions since 2010, with decision making delegated to the south ward committee.
But the committee has been unable to agree on how to spend it.
‘‘We believe an elected community board would be able to make a more strategic decision,’’ Black said.
Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said Census figures indicated the south ward had a population of 5620 in 2023, up by 410 since 2018.
This represented growth of 1.53 percent a year, compared with the average growth of 2.3% a year since 2001.
But Dobbie said the council had concerns with the Census data and believed the growth was considerably higher, as it did not match the council’s own data including consents issued for new houses.
The Local Government Commission said it aimed to communicate with the council in four to six weeks.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
"Five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem the best musical format on the planet.” (The Times)
Acclaimed for virtuosic playing, brilliant arrangements, and innovative stage presentation, Calefax is a classical ensemble with a pop mentality.
… View more"Five extremely gifted Dutch gents who almost made the reed quintet seem the best musical format on the planet.” (The Times)
Acclaimed for virtuosic playing, brilliant arrangements, and innovative stage presentation, Calefax is a classical ensemble with a pop mentality.
The programme features a blend of classical compositions that will transport you through time and across cultures. From the intricate harmonies of Bach’s Baroque masterpiece to Schubert’s Romantic lyricism, and the jazzy rhythms of Gershwin’s iconic ‘An American in Paris’. Calefax, hailing from the Netherlands, are thrilled to be performing the world premiere of a newly CMNZ-commissioned work from award-winning New Zealand composer Rosie Langabeer.
Don't miss Calefax in Christchurch: Wednesday 25 September - 7.30pm at the @piano
.........Photography: Merlijn Doomernik
On Tuesday 12 November, the Prime Minister will deliver a public apology to survivors of abuse in care in Parliament.
You can register your interest to attend the event in Parliament, or if you want to watch it with friends, whānau or a support person you can attend an event at the Due Drops … View moreOn Tuesday 12 November, the Prime Minister will deliver a public apology to survivors of abuse in care in Parliament.
You can register your interest to attend the event in Parliament, or if you want to watch it with friends, whānau or a support person you can attend an event at the Due Drops Event Centre in Auckland, Shed 6 in Wellington or the Christchurch Town Hall.
Contact the Crown Response Unit today:
Phone: 0800 717 017 (8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday)
Email: contact@abuseinquiryresponse.govt.nz
Registration closes 4.30pm Monday 30 September.
Accommodation, travel and food costs will be covered. Travel assistance will be provided in forms of air travel, petrol vouchers, gift cards, and train, and bus tickets.
An earthquake occurred 15 km south-east of Amberley today (Friday Sep 13) at 10:41am.
What you need to know:
- Light shaking was felt right down through Christchurch and Kaiapoi.
- The magnitude was 4.0 and the depth was 22 km
- See the Geonet image below to see how far the shaking was … View moreAn earthquake occurred 15 km south-east of Amberley today (Friday Sep 13) at 10:41am.
What you need to know:
- Light shaking was felt right down through Christchurch and Kaiapoi.
- The magnitude was 4.0 and the depth was 22 km
- See the Geonet image below to see how far the shaking was reported.
- Some people have reported hearing a loud bang.
You may wish to check out Natural Hazards Commission list of ways to make your home safer for natural disasters here.
Did you feel it where you are?
Longer days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
Make the most of your Sundays with a subscription to the Sunday Star-Times. From just $51, enjoy gripping investigations, in-depth analysis, and exclusive subscriber rewards. Plus, for September only, receive a free Antipodes Supernatural … View moreLonger days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
Make the most of your Sundays with a subscription to the Sunday Star-Times. From just $51, enjoy gripping investigations, in-depth analysis, and exclusive subscriber rewards. Plus, for September only, receive a free Antipodes Supernatural SPF50+ Ceramide Silk Facial Sunscreen worth over $60.
Don't miss out on this unbeatable offer—subscribe today! *Print T&Cs apply.
Kia ora neighbours,
In our September mag, Amy Roberts from Villaleigh Plants has a list of her favourite blooms for long display. "If you want a long season, look beyond the flowers," is her advice. Here are her picks: Geranium phaeum 'Mourning Widow', Salvia leucantha, … View moreKia ora neighbours,
In our September mag, Amy Roberts from Villaleigh Plants has a list of her favourite blooms for long display. "If you want a long season, look beyond the flowers," is her advice. Here are her picks: Geranium phaeum 'Mourning Widow', Salvia leucantha, Hylotelephium 'Autumn Joy' (pictured), Eryngium pandanifolium and Alchemilla mollis.
Have you got them in your garden? In fact, we'd love to see what you've got in bloom now. Post a photo and share the joy!
Create your very own mini Jurassic Park with this easy-to-make potted dinosaur garden. Rejuvenate old dinosaur toys that have faded with Resene testpots to help them keep looking good in the harsh sunlight.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter. Photo: Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founders Matt Shanks (left) and Sean Toban.
A North Canterbury residents group has called for a proposed solar farm consent application to be publicly notified.
Community concern at a proposal to build a 180.8-hectare … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter. Photo: Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founders Matt Shanks (left) and Sean Toban.
A North Canterbury residents group has called for a proposed solar farm consent application to be publicly notified.
Community concern at a proposal to build a 180.8-hectare solar farm near Waipara, north of Amberley, has prompted the Waipara Residents’ Association to write to the Hurunui District Council to press for it to be notified.
Far North Solar Farm Ltd applied to the Hurunui District Council in March for resource consents for its proposal.
The company is proposing to build a 143.8 MWp solar farm on a 242.4ha property next to State Highway 7 near Waipara.
Waipara Residents’ Association chairperson Steven Ellis said the committee has written to the council to request the consent applications ‘‘be publicly notified and not fast tracked’’.
‘‘It is important that community members be given the opportunity to be heard, through a submission process, regarding their thoughts about the proposed use of this farm land.’’
Community concern led to the group Save Waipara Valley being formed last year.
A Hurunui District Council spokesperson said the application is on hold, while the applicant commissions peer reviews of the landscape and visual effects, and glint and glare effects.
No decision has been made whether to notify the consent.
Meanwhile, the Waimakariri District Council has received resource consent applications for solar farms at Swannanoa and Sefton.
Auckland-based Lightyears Solar Ltd has applied for a resource consent to build an eight hectare solar farm at Swannanoa.
A council spokesperson said staff are working through the notification process, but no decision on notification has been made.
The council could decide to have no notification, a limited notification with neighbours and affected parties, or a full public notification.
Lightyears Solar Ltd co-founder and development manager Matt Shanks said his company proposed building ‘‘a mid-sized, dual use solar farm’’.
The farm will generate six megawatts of renewable energy, which will mostly be consumed locally ‘‘providing for some of Rangiora’s daytime energy needs’’, he said.
He said Lightyears Solar has contacted the immediate neighbours to the farm, as part of the consent process.
An Australian company Energy Bay Ltd has applied for a resource consent to build a solar farm on 80ha at Sefton.
The council spokesperson said the application was on hold, awaiting more information.
No decision has been made whether to notify the consent.
Environment Canterbury has received consent applications from Lightyears Solar, which are on hold awaiting further information.
But the regional council has no active consent applications from Far North Solar Farm Ltd and Energy Bay Ltd for solar farms in North Canterbury.
The Waimakariri District Council granted a consent, subject to conditions, in April for MainPower, North Canterbury’s energy network, to construct a solar farm on a 10 hectare site at Thongcaster Rd at Eyrewell Forest, to the north of Waimakariri River.
The site is expected to produce enough energy to power 1250 local homes through MainPower’s distribution network.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Continuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. … View moreContinuing with Neighbourly's online Q&A with experts in their field, this week we are tackling online safety with Jandy Fiske from Netsafe.
Jandy Fiske has been with Netsafe for nearly 8 years. Starting on their helpline, she's now Netsafe's Community Engagement Advisor. Jandy says: 'I'm passionate about online safety because I strongly oppose bullying and want to support those affected by it.'
Jandy is passionate about protecting vulnerable communities and is promoting online safety to ensure no one falls prey to online scams. She can answer your questions about any type of online scams, and also about online harm such as online bullying.
↓ Ask your question below now and she'll be online on Wednesday, 11th September to reply to you ↓
A close-up experience with Tutumairekurai/Hector’s dolphins reinforced Councillor Genevieve Robinson’s commitment to protecting our coastal environment.
She’s also kept on her toes by our Youth Rōpu, who bring fresh perspectives and challenge us to think differently about the issues we … View moreA close-up experience with Tutumairekurai/Hector’s dolphins reinforced Councillor Genevieve Robinson’s commitment to protecting our coastal environment.
She’s also kept on her toes by our Youth Rōpu, who bring fresh perspectives and challenge us to think differently about the issues we face.
Hear more from Councillor Robinson, who represents Ōhoko/Christchurch Central, as she shares her views.
youtu.be...
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the coastal town of Cooks Beach, Coromandel.
With golden sandy beaches and lush Coromandel bush, what's not to love about the 150th Heart Foundation Lottery?
Valued at over $1.2 million, this … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the coastal town of Cooks Beach, Coromandel.
With golden sandy beaches and lush Coromandel bush, what's not to love about the 150th Heart Foundation Lottery?
Valued at over $1.2 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a classic Kiwi holiday escape, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Put an empty wine bottle to good use with this feeder finished in Resene Clover that can cater for a range of garden birds.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Tender
Marketed by Maurice Newell
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