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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
How many respite care beds are available in North Canterbury is causing confusion, with the associate health minister demanding answers from Health NZ.
Waimakariri MP and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said he was frustrated at Te Whatu Ora … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
How many respite care beds are available in North Canterbury is causing confusion, with the associate health minister demanding answers from Health NZ.
Waimakariri MP and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said he was frustrated at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ’s response to criticism over respite care availability in the region.
Doocey wrote to the agency last month seeking answers after media coverage highlighted concerns about the lack of respite care beds in North Canterbury.
‘‘Despite our best efforts to seek clarification from Health NZ, it seems the community is no closer to being reassured that adequate respite services are actually available, he said.
‘‘Regardless of how many bed vacancies are showing on Health NZ’s books, if a facility wishes to decline to offer respite care, we are no closer to a practical solution for local families in desperate need.’’
In July, Health NZ confirmed to Local Democracy Reporting that four flexi-beds at the Rangiora Health Hub had been ‘‘decommissioned for respite care’’.
Those needing respite care would need to access it through aged care facilities in North Canterbury.
But the NZ Aged Care Association said it was concerned Health NZ is passing respite care on to aged care facilities, which are not always equipped to deal with demand.
An association spokesperson said while aged care facilities were contracted to provide different forms of respite care, there was only one dedicated respite care bed in North Canterbury.
Aged care providers contacted by Local Democracy Reporting said they cannot always guarantee having beds for respite available, due to the competing demands on their service.
In a letter to Doocey, Health NZ regional manager ageing well Mardi Fitzgibbon said the North Canterbury aged care facilities were contracted to supply respite care and it was assured there were plenty of beds available.
She said the four flexi-beds at the Rangiora Health Hub were ‘‘never used for respite allocations and were instead GP flexi beds’’.
When Local Democracy Reporting contacted Health NZ for clarification, the agency said the flexi-beds ‘‘were used for a variety of needs under the care and direction of a GP’’.
Health NZ Canterbury executive director of nursing Becky Hickmott said the Rangiora Health Hub's key offering is a high-quality maternity service.
‘‘The flexi beds were for people who needed time for recuperation or ongoing monitoring in North Canterbury.’’
The flexi bed area is now used for clinic rooms, hearing screening, day assessment unit appointments and maternity bed overflow.
Respite care is funded by Health NZ and is allocated by the Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination following an assessment of a person’s needs.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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Let me introduce BIOPTRON: YOUR SKIN'S NATURAL ALLY.
We're excited to introduce you to a revolutionary approach to skincare: Bioptron Hyperlight Therapy. This clinically proven light therapy device harnesses the power of light to promote natural healing and improve … View moreHello Neighbours
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We're seeking adults aged 65+ to participate in a clinical trial researching a combined COVID-19 and flu vaccine. By joining, you'll be helping us research a single vaccine form of flu and COVID protection for yourself and others globally.
Why participate? Receive a single shot for … View moreWe're seeking adults aged 65+ to participate in a clinical trial researching a combined COVID-19 and flu vaccine. By joining, you'll be helping us research a single vaccine form of flu and COVID protection for yourself and others globally.
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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Two North Canterbury Christian schools are seeking permission to grow their student rolls.
The Ministry of Education is seeking feedback on requests from eight Canterbury state integrated schools to increase their maximum rolls, including two in … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Two North Canterbury Christian schools are seeking permission to grow their student rolls.
The Ministry of Education is seeking feedback on requests from eight Canterbury state integrated schools to increase their maximum rolls, including two in Rangiora.
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Rangiora wants to increase its roll from 175 to 225 students, while Rangiora New Life School (pictured) is looking to increase its maximum roll of 470 by an additional 100 secondary students to 570.
Rangiora New Life School principal Stephen Walters said demand for Christian education in the region is strong.
‘‘I think it is exciting for all of those schools listed.
‘‘It will be phased in over a number of years and it will likely be mostly from home school families.’’
As the school took students from throughout the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts, he said he did not expect it to have a major impact on local state schools.
The school has 230 year 9 to 13 students, so an extra 100 students will represent significant growth.
Walters said about 30 extra students could be absorbed within its existing buildings and the five hectare site has plenty of room for expansion.
As it was too late to plan for next year, he anticipated gradual roll growth to begin from 2026.
‘‘We want to be a low density site, so when we reach 650 we would look for another site.’’
State integrated schools have less ‘‘bureaucratic hurdles" because they don't spend Government money on buildings, he said.
‘‘We build a classroom and then collect the fees from parents to pay for them over 20 or 30 years.’’
North Canterbury’s booming population means local state schools are all growing, with Rangiora High School reaching 1750 students this year and Kaiapoi High School fast approaching its site capacity of 1100.
‘‘Oxford Area School used to be same size as us, but it has overtaken us with its growth.’’
St Joseph’s School principal Ben Gorman said there was strong demand for a Catholic education.
‘‘We've had significant roll pressure for the last six to seven years.
‘‘Currently, we have over 50 applications for enrolment for next year, but only have 20 spaces available (with departing year 8 students).’’
Gorman said if the maximum roll increase is approved, it will be phased in between from 2026 to 2030, with two classrooms built.
St Joseph’s School board of trustees chairperson Emma Dangerfield said North Canterbury’s growing population is likely to lead to more enrolments.
‘‘We want to see students enrolled in their preferred school option so ensuring we have more spaces available for these children is a no-brainer.’’
She said the increased roll would have little or no impact on other schools due to the rapid population growth.
Christchurch schools Aidenfield Christian School, Emmanuel Christian School, Middleton Grange School, St Mark’s School and Christchurch Adventist School have requested to increase their rolls.
St Bede’s College is looking to increase its day student roll and reduce its roll for borders, while keeping its maximum roll at 786.
The Ministry of Education is seeking feedback until September 27.
State and state-integrated schools and kura have a school board that governs it and makes decisions on the school's strategic direction.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
We have a diesel fuel tank/furnace that used to fuel under floor heating for a central heating system. We have calculated the tank has a volume of approximately 555 litres and there is about 385 litres of fuel in there. It would be perfect for a farm or a business that needs diesel. We need to get … View moreWe have a diesel fuel tank/furnace that used to fuel under floor heating for a central heating system. We have calculated the tank has a volume of approximately 555 litres and there is about 385 litres of fuel in there. It would be perfect for a farm or a business that needs diesel. We need to get rid of this tank as the heating system is no longer used. Does anyone want the diesel, or the diesel and the tank, or the diesel, tank and furnace. We're in central Rangiora. Send me a message and come view. Make an offer. Even if you just want to siphon the diesel we can get rid of the rest of the unit.
3 piece $40, single $20 had a long time,but don't wear anymore I think there titanium.look real in the lights pick up kainga.
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share… View moreDrivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
Hi all. I am posting this on behalf of Murphy's family. Please have a read and let me know if you, or anyone you know, would be interested in re-homing Murphy.
Thanks Debbie.
Ryman Healthcare has won the Canstar Blue 2024 award for Most Satisfied Customers in Retirement Villages in what is a first for the company.
The award recognises retirement living communities with the highest customer satisfaction. Ryman topped the rankings, achieving a perfect five-star … View moreRyman Healthcare has won the Canstar Blue 2024 award for Most Satisfied Customers in Retirement Villages in what is a first for the company.
The award recognises retirement living communities with the highest customer satisfaction. Ryman topped the rankings, achieving a perfect five-star rating across all categories: Overall Satisfaction, Accommodation, Atmosphere, Facilities, Location, and Value for Money.
Click read more for the full story.
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Hi,
Is anyone needing lawns mown? Can only do a Mon/Tues as I work the rest of the week.
Thanks 🙂
Longer days and warmer weather are fast approaching!
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On Saturday, 28th of September we'll be holding an online garage sale and you are invited - both to score some bargains and to sell your wares!
The sun is starting to shine and perhaps you're ready to part with your winter goods, get involved by listing your goods ahead of … View moreOn Saturday, 28th of September we'll be holding an online garage sale and you are invited - both to score some bargains and to sell your wares!
The sun is starting to shine and perhaps you're ready to part with your winter goods, get involved by listing your goods ahead of Saturday's event. And come back on Saturday to find new treasures.
List your items now. Head to Market.
The Sequel to ANGELA's ASHES. 'Tis is the story of Frank's American journey from impoverished immigrant with rotten teeth, infected eyes & no formal education to brilliant raconteur & schoolteacher. A tale of survival vivid, harrowing & often hilarious. Pickup … View moreThe Sequel to ANGELA's ASHES. 'Tis is the story of Frank's American journey from impoverished immigrant with rotten teeth, infected eyes & no formal education to brilliant raconteur & schoolteacher. A tale of survival vivid, harrowing & often hilarious. Pickup Northwood, Belfast
set in 1938. Mariette Carrera is a defiant & strong-willed 17 yr old.Her parents fear for her reputation in their small, gossipy NZ hometown. So with the world on the brink of war, Mari leaves home on the SS Rimutaka, bound for London. Adventures & the Blitz ahead of her. Pickup Northwood,… View moreset in 1938. Mariette Carrera is a defiant & strong-willed 17 yr old.Her parents fear for her reputation in their small, gossipy NZ hometown. So with the world on the brink of war, Mari leaves home on the SS Rimutaka, bound for London. Adventures & the Blitz ahead of her. Pickup Northwood, Belfast
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