Matarau students ‘pay it forward’ for their school action project
This year Matarau school year 1 – 3 students have participated in the Experiencing Marine Reserves programme, thanks to support from the Whangarei Harbour Health Improvement fund.
The students snorkeled the Whangarei Harbour Marine Reserve site at Reotahi and saw triple fins, spotties and juvenile snapper.
“We are really happy to have the snorkel equipment to cater for so many young students. It’s so important the students are able to experience their local marine reserve ... we live around such an awesome harbour,” says Samara Nicholas (EMR founder and programme director)
The final part of the EMR programme is to take action in the community, and the school decided to “pay it forward” by fundraising for $715 for EMR to replace some of EMR's old boogey boards.
“The yellow boogey boards, which have not been replaced for over 15 years have become a really important safety feature of our programme. Young students can feel safe and secure with them in the water. "
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
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.
Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
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.
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23.9% Yes
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75.3% No
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
What workplace change would you like to see most?
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!