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Regional updates for February 15th, see the live Stuff updates.
14th February - 10:45am Update: National State of Emergency
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, has confirmed a National State of Emergency this morning due to the widespread damage across the country due to … View moreRegional updates for February 15th, see the live Stuff updates.
14th February - 10:45am Update: National State of Emergency
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, has confirmed a National State of Emergency this morning due to the widespread damage across the country due to Cyclone Gabrielle.
While many regions have already declared a local state of emergency, a National State of Emergency gives the National Controller legal authority to apply resources across the country in support of a national level response.
Here's what you need to know:
- Heavy rain red warnings are in place for Northland and Hawke's Bay, with red strong wind warnings also for Northland, Coromandel and Taranaki. Check all weather warnings on the MetService website.
- States of emergency have been declared in Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Ōpōtiki, Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato District, Hauraki District, Whakatāne District, Bay of Plenty, Napier and Hastings.
- There has been a landslide in Murawai with one firefighter missing.
- Gisborne is feared cut off and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Residents are to take note of the Welfare Centres for Gisborne and Coromandel.
- A number of road closures are in place across the North Island. View these on the Waka Kotahi NZTA website.
- Fire and Emergency is urging people to only call 111 if life or safety is at risk after a surge in calls.
- In Auckland there are 27 shelters and civil defence centres where people can go in an emergency.
Stuff are posting live updates and have shared what you need in your 3-day emergency kit. Stay up to date with Civil Defence updates and track the storm here.
2pm Update for Hawke's Bay:
Multiple evacuations needed in Puketapu, Esk Valley, Rissington, Omahu, Waiohiki, Jervoistown and Meeanee and Waipawa.
Many remain trapped in cars and houses. Several bridges have been taken out with access between Hastings and Napier now cutoff. More than 20,000 people are without power and cellphone communication in and out of the region is patchy.
Omahu residents needing shelter can go to Hastings Sports' Centre. Taradale residents can head to St Joseph's Māori Girls' School.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The lure of the stars is helping bring international students back to North Canterbury.
Oxford Area School is among several schools busy getting their international programmes back in full swing after Covid restrictions.
The school’s observatory … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The lure of the stars is helping bring international students back to North Canterbury.
Oxford Area School is among several schools busy getting their international programmes back in full swing after Covid restrictions.
The school’s observatory was proving to be a major drawcard.
German students Lana Hoehn, 15, and Mike Schuck, 16, said they could not wait to visit the observatory.
‘‘I read about the observatory in the brochure, so it was one of the selling points for me,’’ Mike said.
Attending high school in Hanau, a small city near Frankfurt, Mike said he was keen to experience life at a rural school.
‘‘I wanted to get close to nature, so outdoor education was a big part of why I chose to come here.’’
While Mike will spend two terms at Oxford, Lana’s visit was just four weeks.
It meant stargazing opportunities were limited, with the observatory’s winter programme not due to start until April.
But principal Mike Hart suggested some solar observing (of the sun) could be arranged before Lana returned to Germany.
Lana said she was enjoying the laid back lifestyle in Oxford.
‘‘New Zealand is beautiful, the people are so friendly and the school system is good here.’’
Lana and Mike said they were impressed with the variety of subject choices and the ‘‘friendly teachers’’.
Lana comes from Ansbach, a rural town in Bavaria.
Mr Hart said the school was pleased to have its international programme back in full swing after hosting a group of eight students from rural Brazil on a short stay in term three last year.
Six international students have started the school year at Oxford, including four from Japan.
Enquiries continued to be strong and he was confident the school would return to having up to 20 international visitors.
Group visits were also confirmed from Thailand next month and Japan in June.
‘‘The Thai group will be immersed into our classes, experience kapa haka and visit the observatory,’’ Hart said.
An astronomy programme was being arranged for the Japanese group’s two week stay.
Local schools were keen to hear from prospective homestay families.
■ Rangiora High School relaunched its international programme last year, with 15 students arriving in term three.
Principal Bruce Kearney said a new international director had been appointed and 30 students from Japan and Europe had started the new school year at Rangiora.
A major drawcard was the equestrian programme run by Comcol North Canterbury.
Kearney said schools had learned, from the Covid period, not to rely on the income from international students to fund teaching resources.
Proceeds would go into ‘‘nice to haves’’ such as new musical equipment, he said.
Rangiora New Life School has begun the year with six international students from Japan and Germany.
Principal Stephen Walters said he hoped group visits would return next year.
Kaiapoi High School principal Jason Reid said his school was slowly rebuilding its international programme and reconnecting with overseas contacts.
A group visit from Japan was planned later in the year.
Kaikōura High School hosted Chinese students prior to Covid, but principal John Tait said there were no international students at present.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Tomorrow is Valentines day. We have you sorted. A complete package. All you have to do is buy tickets. Only a few tickets left.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Kaiapoi High School is hoping to ‘‘get ahead of the game’’ on proposed new literacy standards.
The school has been participating in a Ministry of Education pilot of proposed new literacy and numeracy standards.
‘‘We are so glad we joined … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Kaiapoi High School is hoping to ‘‘get ahead of the game’’ on proposed new literacy standards.
The school has been participating in a Ministry of Education pilot of proposed new literacy and numeracy standards.
‘‘We are so glad we joined it early on because we want to get ahead of the game,’’ principal Jason Reid said.
‘‘It gives you an inside view into the criteria and what is required of our teaching staff and to know where the challenges are for our students.’’
The pilot involved around 40 percent of Kaiapoi’s year 10 students, with students achieving the curriculum levels 3 to 4 at the start of the year.
The aim was to bring the students up to a literacy ‘‘pass’’ at level 5, principal Jason Reid said.
‘‘There was specific teaching developed for this group targeted at raising them to the desired level 5 by the end of the year.’’
An online tool, e-asTTle, was used to track the students’ progress, alongside the pilot assessment. Data collected was passed on to the Ministry of Education.
Reid said the proposed model, as a co-requisite, would have a detrimental effect on students earning NCEA qualifications.
‘‘Every school we have discussed this with, who are also in the pilot, share the same concerns.’’
He said there could be merit, if new literacy and numeracy standards were introduced, in assessing students at year 9 and 10.
Students who ‘‘passed’’ could then concentrate on NCEA in later years, leaving schools to concentrate on bringing the remaining students up to the required level in year 11.
The trial was continuing this year, and if adopted all students would need to pass the literacy and numeracy tests as a co-requisite to NCEA qualifications.
While the literacy and numeracy standards were focused on high school students, Reid said learning needed to start at primary school.
He was grateful for the strong relationships with local primary schools in Te Kāhui Ako Kātote (Kaiapoi learning cluster).
Kaiapoi North School is one school which has embraced structured literacy to give children a head start.
‘‘It all starts at age 5,’’ principal Jason Miles said.
‘‘It is essential for children to develop foundational skills in literacy as it gives them the confidence to give things a go.’’
The school’s approach revolved around phonetics, or sounding out letters and words, which ultimately led to improved spelling, writing, and reading.
The learning cluster played a vital role in information sharing between the high school and local primary schools to better meet the needs of students, Miles said.
Miles is the New Zealand Principals Federation vice-president and a spokesperson for Lifting Literacy Aotearoa.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
This sale is for raspberry and thornless blackberry plants, $15 and $20 each.
(Plant now so your berries are well established by spring)
Bulk Deals:
$60 worth for $50
$90 worth for $70
$130 worth for $100
All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis … View moreThis sale is for raspberry and thornless blackberry plants, $15 and $20 each.
(Plant now so your berries are well established by spring)
Bulk Deals:
$60 worth for $50
$90 worth for $70
$130 worth for $100
All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce awesome raspberries.
The thornless blackberries are Black Satin
Pick up in Rangiora. However, for an $80+ purchase, I'm happy to deliver myself within 30min of Rangiora for an extra $10 - depending on location.
Will exchange mobile numbers before pickup.
Concerned about root spread when growing raspberries and blackberries?
If you are concerned re how to grow raspberries and keep them contained - fear not! It's not difficult to achieve. I’m happy to explain how to keep them under control and give you a 1-page ‘How To’ guide.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of regulation makes it difficult for councils to manage their weed spraying programmes, Environment Canterbury (ECan) science director Dr Tim Davie says.
Responding to concerns raised by Kaiapoi resident Michael Bate, Davie said the Parliamentary… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of regulation makes it difficult for councils to manage their weed spraying programmes, Environment Canterbury (ECan) science director Dr Tim Davie says.
Responding to concerns raised by Kaiapoi resident Michael Bate, Davie said the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) lacked the necessary clout to offer guidance to councils.
Bate tabled two Radio New Zealand articles from last year, at a Waimakariri Zone Committee meeting last week about the lack of mechanisms to govern chemical use.
‘‘The EPA, as it stands, is meant to have oversight around chemical use, but there’s very little legislative requirements and there’s no requirement to report it,’’ Davie said.
‘‘If the EPA had a mandate and was properly funded we would have standards to respond to.’’
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton presented a report to Parliament last year raising concerns about the regulations around chemical use.
The report identified consequences such as lakes overloaded with zinc, too much antibiotics in wastewater and harm to bees from insecticide-dipped seeds.
It recommended expanding the EPA’s powers to require more data to be collected from chemical importers, manufacturers and sellers.
But more funding was needed.
Davie said it was important for the PCE to highlight those issues.
‘‘But he can’t enforce it and the government hasn’t responded.’’
ECan managed 59 river rating and drainage districts.
Weed management was essential to keep communities safe from flood risks and to protect biodiversity.
Waterways were vulnerable to infestations of exotic pest plant species which choked braided rivers and restricted natural functions.
Davie said spraying was ‘‘the nasty compromise’’ to manage weeds and the spread of gorse around riverbeds.
Glyphosate was widely used in New Zealand and other countries as a general-purpose herbicide and was considered safe by the EPA.
‘‘In an ideal world we would rather not spray,’’ Davie said.
‘‘Glyphosate is a spray which is reasonably short lived. It is a compromise and it is a really difficult thing to manage.’’
The Waimakariri District Council is preparing a report on spraying practices and chemicals used in the district.
■ Waimakariri Zone Committee chairperson Michael Blackwell and deputy chairperson Arapata Reuben both stepped down at last week’s meeting.
Carolyne Latham was elected chairperson, with Erin Harvie elected deputy chairperson.
Former Rangiora High School student Ruby Gill-Clifford was appointed as a youth rep to the zone committee.
Ruby served three years on ECan’s Youth Rōpū and was deputy chairperson last year.
She is studying for a science degree at Canterbury University.
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Hi Neighbours
I am taking appointments for Reiki with Rae in Rangiora
I also work in with Hayley a Clairvoyant Medium Psychic. She connects with past loved ones to get messages for you, gives guidance and answers questions. She also offer House Investigation and Cleansing
Text 0273 621 601
This Triple Power bracelet was created for high energy, abundance and protection. This captivating mix of Blue, Red and Yellow Tigers Eye will ignite the fire within and dissipate anything that is holding you back.
Harnessing the power of the Sun and Earth, Tiger Eye is a stone for protection, … View moreThis Triple Power bracelet was created for high energy, abundance and protection. This captivating mix of Blue, Red and Yellow Tigers Eye will ignite the fire within and dissipate anything that is holding you back.
Harnessing the power of the Sun and Earth, Tiger Eye is a stone for protection, power, and perseverance working to fill the aura with a fiery confidence to pursue your dreams. Its frequency brings mental clarity by balancing the body's hormones to release any unneeded tensions on the journey to success. It is known as one of the most powerful crystals to attract wealth and abundance. Highly recommended to entrepreneurs, business owners, and creators of any kind.
Red Tiger Eye:
Is robust and full of heart. It was even a stone loved by Roman soldiers heading into battle and by ancient Egyptians who saw the flaming stone as a symbol of the light and love of Ra. For those sluggish days or periods of low mood and lost energy, the Red Tiger Eye will infuse you with more motivation and purpose and can be an instant pick-me-up. this gem is all about bringing comfort, protection, and a sense of standing calm and strong to your being.
Blue Tiger Eye:
With a surge of saltwater and earthy energy, Blue Tiger Eye brings comfort, calm, and complete harmony into a chaotic world. A stone that has been celebrated since ancient times, the Blue Tigers Eye is linked to the Sun God Ra and is called on to be a symbol of strength and willpower along with helping communication flow, protecting from negative energy, and deepening intuition.
Golden Tiger Eye:
Tantalizing with its shimmering golden hues, Golden Tiger Eye is rich in healing properties and brings a bounty of benefits to the body, mind, and soul. This stone is all about balance and making sure that you stay stable and upright without veering into the extreme. This doesn’t mean that the Golden Tiger Eye is passive. It’s meaning runs deeper, it takes your fight and flight into account and works with your natural flow. If you need a dose of confidence, courage, or calmness, Golden Tiger Eye helps you to navigate your way through any conflict. Beadalon Stainless Steel Wire with Silver Plated Closure and findings.
$20 Upgrade to Sterling Silver Closure for an exquisite long lasting crystal healing bracelet.
Text 0273 621 601
Join our Leve 2 fee's free course* at Christchurch Campus. Over 13 weeks you’ll learn crucial skills that will help you with your career in the hospitality industry such as:
• Food safety and hygiene
• Barista
• Beverages (cocktails and mocktails)
• Food service
• Cooking
… View moreJoin our Leve 2 fee's free course* at Christchurch Campus. Over 13 weeks you’ll learn crucial skills that will help you with your career in the hospitality industry such as:
• Food safety and hygiene
• Barista
• Beverages (cocktails and mocktails)
• Food service
• Cooking
Click on the link below and one of our awesome team will be in touch. T&C's Apply
Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!
Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help… View moreSwap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!
Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need.
I have some beautiful Aviary Budgies that I am selling. These have been in a lovely Aviary with plenty of flight span, so preferably they would be best suited for an Aviary. Some in the pictures are not for sale but because it's so hard to get them singled out. I have just put most of them in … View moreI have some beautiful Aviary Budgies that I am selling. These have been in a lovely Aviary with plenty of flight span, so preferably they would be best suited for an Aviary. Some in the pictures are not for sale but because it's so hard to get them singled out. I have just put most of them in pictures. They are selling for ($20 each) and they are up to a year old. Pickup Kaiapoi p.s. I also have goldfish (Orange) for sale ($8 each) 03-3276606 Please leave us a message
The newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!
Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.
Whether you’re … View moreThe newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!
Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.
Whether you’re after unlimited minutes and calling, endless data or flexible payment options to fit your budget, Mobile Compare has it all from your favourite providers. Plus, the website is super easy to use — you’ll find a fantastic deal in no time! Check it out today!
As new condition and only used a few times.
Adjustable foot and backrest.
Rain cover included
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The presence of chlorine in the Kaiapoi north drinking water supply is causing confusion among residents.
Some have taken to social media to vent their frustrations over it.
The Waimakariri District Council began chlorinating the Kaiapoi north supply… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The presence of chlorine in the Kaiapoi north drinking water supply is causing confusion among residents.
Some have taken to social media to vent their frustrations over it.
The Waimakariri District Council began chlorinating the Kaiapoi north supply last year as a precaution, after routine testing showed increased levels of organic materials in it.
Specialist equipment has been ordered and is expected to arrive in February or March, a council spokesperson said.
The council has applied for chlorine exemptions for the water supplies in the district’s six urban areas, including Kaiapoi.
The first draft decision, on the Cust water supply chlorine exemption application, was received just before Christmas and indicated that application was likely to be declined.
‘‘While this decision is draft only and does not directly apply to Kaiapoi, it does highlight how challenging it is to gain approval for a supply to operate without chlorine,’’ the spokesperson said.
‘‘The council is continuing to supply unchlorinated water where we have a high level of confidence, while our exemptions are being processed.
‘‘For north Kaiapoi this means the council must take a precautionary approach and continue with temporary chlorination until we have a higher level of confidence.’’
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Jazz up a tired set of wicker chairs with eye-popping colours and Resene FX Metallic paint.
Find out how to add a little shimmer of your own with these easy instructions.
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