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296 days ago

Five new principals for North Canterbury schools

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Five North Canterbury schools will begin the year with new principals.

Former principal and Rangiora High School board of trustees presiding member Simon Green said it was a normal level of turnover for the region.

‘‘It is certainly in line with the last four to five years.’’

Last year there were about 15 school principals across the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts announcing their retirement or starting new roles over the previous 12 months.

Green said it showed principals were thinking more about their work/life balance.

‘‘Traditionally in North Canterbury people stayed in a job a long term, but those days are gone and people are more willing to move and take on new roles.’’

Amy O’Kane is the new principal at Ohoka School, near Kaiapoi, while at View High School, near Oxford, Pax O’Dowd is the new principal.

Kate Hassall has stepped up from deputy principal to the top job at North Loburn School, north of Rangiora, while Rebecca Pugh is new principal at Greta Valley School.

Jo Fissenden (pictured) has been promoted from deputy principal to principal at Kaikōura High School.

At Hurunui College, deputy principal Jane Marsh will be stepping up as acting principle while Stephen Beck takes up a secondment as the Ministry of Education’s area schools adviser.

Principals are employed by a school's elected board of trustees.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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More messages from your neighbours
4 hours ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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6 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.6% Second half of November
    4.6% Complete
  • 43.6% 1st December
    43.6% Complete
  • 17.5% A week before Christmas
    17.5% Complete
  • 33.2% Whenever you wish
    33.2% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2324 votes
5 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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