33
What to do in a drought!
Issue No.33 (March 2008)
Delivered to 18,000 homes throughout Hamilton’s western suburbs
Gideon Stevens cools off in the Municipal Pool, Victoria St, during the Western Stars Holiday Programme
West Hamilton Pharmacy NewNawton Mall, Nawton. Phone 846 3121. Facsimile 846 3165
Gout – A disease to take seriously
Gout is a form of arthritis. The big toe is affected most but ankles, hands and knees also are involved. A gout ‘attack’ usually comes on very quickly, often overnight, with extreme pain and swelling in the joint (acute gout). The skin over the joint can become red and shiny. Without treatment, the pain goes away – usually in about a week. Left untreated, however, over time ‘attacks’ can become more frequent and more severe. Eventually, permanent damage to the joints is likely, with painful disability. Untreated gout also can lead to kidney damage, and increasingly it is becoming clear that gout is linked with obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes – all of which are risks for cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke and angina). Gout is a condition that needs to be taken seriously, and not left untreated. What causes gout? The proteins in the food we eat are digested and broken-down to produce a chemical called uric acid. If the body produces too much uric acid or, as is the case for most people with gout, the kidneys are unable to remove the chemical, blood levels of uric acid rise. Small crystals form in the joints and swelling and pain result. Gout ‘attacks’ can be ‘triggered’ by too much of certain foods and alcohol. Foods rich in purines (which break-down to form uric acid) are the bad ‘guys’. If you have experienced gout pain, or know you have high blood levels of uric acid, cut-down on, or avoid, eating foods such as offal (liver, kidney, tripe, sweetbreads and tongue), large quantities of red meat, shellfish (mussels, oysters, pipis, paua, kina), and large amounts of legumes (peas, beans and lentils). Drinking lots of alcohol, especially beer, also can bring-on gout so it is best to cut right down and instead drink plenty of water. Some medicines, eg certain ones for treating high blood pressure and fluid build-up, can trigger gout. Your Self Care pharmacist will help you with advice and information about gout
and medicines. Being overweight also can bring-on gout ‘attacks’ so talk with your Self Care pharmacist about ways to lose weight, and have a look at the Weight Loss Self Care fact card. The pain of an acute ‘attack’ can be relieved with medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These should be started at the first sign of pain. A different type of medicine, called allopurinol, is used to prevent gout long-term by reducing the levels of uric acid in the blood. It needs to be taken all the time, on a long-term basis, even if you have no gout symptoms at the time. Starting on preventative gout medicines should not occur until after an acute ‘attack’ has passed, and often during the early stages of preventative therapy it is necessary to continue taking a reliever medicine – to stop an ‘acute’ attack coming on. With gout, prevention really is better than trying to cure it. Preventing the build-up of uric acid means controlling weight, blood lipid (cholesterol) levels (see the Reducing Your Cholesterol fact card), blood pressure (the High Blood Pressure fact card has useful information) and blood glucose levels (see the Type 2 Diabetes card). If you only treat the acute ‘attacks’, rather than trying to control the underlying problem, kidney damage and cardiovascular disease increasingly are likely. So, don’t dismiss that bad pain in your big toe, or any other joint for that matter. Talk with your Self Care pharmacist, or your doctor, about pain relief, and about what you can do to prevent further ‘attacks’. Probably, it will mean using gout preventative medicines to reduce high uric acid levels, as well as making changes to your lifestyle and diet. Ask the pharmacist for a Gout Self Care fact card to take home as a reminder of what you need to know and be doing.
Te Rapa, Pukete, St Andrews, Beerescourt, Whitiora, Maeroa, Forest Lake, Frankton, Dinsdale, Aberdeen, Templeview, Nawton, Livingstone, Western Heights, Rotokauri, Crawshaw, Brymer
Bring on the Ethnic Olympics!
In a follow-on from the highly-successful annual Ethnic Soccer festival, the west is hosting the inaugural ‘Ethnic Volleyball Tournament’, at the Te Rapa Sportsdrome, Church Rd, Pukete, on Saturday March 29th. Volleyball is a sport played widely in many of the countries that Hamilton’s ethnic communities originally hail from, and is already proving popular locally at a social, competitive and school level with people from all ages and backgrounds. Planning to enter already are Cook Island, Brazilian, Samoan, Filipino and Japanese teams, from Hamilton and Auckland, with further enquiries received from Chinese, Cambodian,
Come on down to Elliott Park
Imagine bouncy castles, go-karts, a dunking machine, face painting, fruit kebabs, candyfloss, free sausages and children everywhere. How much fun would that be? You don’t need to just imagine it, because on the afternoon of Sunday 2 March that is what is happening down at Elliott Park, Hyde Avenue as part of the National celebration of Children’s day 2008. The Western Community Centre, Hamilton City Council and The Salvation Army are partnering together to head up the ‘Hamilton West Children’s Day’ event for this year. Last year’s event was great and we know that this year’s event will be even
better. The theme is new experiences and there are going to be a variety of activities that will give children a chance to try something new. There will be some awesome activities on the day including sing star and colouring competitions, spot prizes and much more. For more information contact the Western Community Centre 847 4873. The event kicks off at 2.00 pm and runs through until 6.00 pm. If you’re planning on coming down, don’t forget to slip, slop, slap, and wrap. We’re looking forward to seeing you there and celebrating the gift that children are to our families and our community.
Western Community News - February 2008
South African, Zimbabwean, Maori and even pakeha & Aussie groups! The tournament will cater for both competitive and social players, splitting into two grades after some early grading games. There is a $90 team entry fee, with heaps of prizes and games guaranteed. Organisers plan for the the event to be run annually, and for it to be seen as an important activtiy on the region’s cultural calendar. For more information & to make entries, contact Dave on 021-477 388, email volleyballwaikato@xtra.co.nz, or go to the website: www.volleyballwaikato.org.nz (Ethnic Tournament page).
The first face for the community... Hello I am Anita Ram, Western Community Centre’s Receptionist. I am a mother of two children, Nathan and Zara and first worked at the Western Community Centre in 2006, as a volunteer at the Helping Hands Store in Grandview Road. In 2007, I started working as a volunteer on the Western Stars Holiday Programme, as well as relieving as receptionist. From August 2007, I began working full time as relief receptionist, and was then offered the full time permanent position, which I accepted. I find it interesting to meet a wide variety of people, from different cultures and background and learning how a Community Centre is run. I am the first person people see when
you come through the Centre’s front door, so I am often the one that helps direct you to the people they need to see. So come in and see me, and I will try my best to help you!
Your SAY: “What
Robert I went to Raglan, jumped off the bridge,swam, found crabs and went fishing.
Owen Josina and Taylor Stayed at home, Josina went to rode my motorbike Australia, Canberwent to the pools ra and Sydney and MegaZone Taylor went to Kawhia beach swam and sat around.
did you do this summer?”
Zac Stayed home, went to Raglan and dug a hole, It was also was my birthday
Shaun Went to Matarangi Beach and dug a hole. Then went to Whangamata and went surfing.
Brooke Spent 3 days in Waihi with my family at the beach
Jade Went to lots of different beaches to swim and went lugeing in Rotorua
Katy Went to Opito Bay to have new years and swam there and went to the Colgate games in New Plymouth
Sophie Went to Flaxmill Bay with my friends, went on a twilight horseriding trek and saw my cousins in Taupo
! d n u o r A y e k n o M Neil off to
They call themselves NZ’s super musical group for kids! Formed in 2003, The Funky Monkeys have been dedicated to providing the highest quality live musical entertainment to children everywhere. The group performed shows to over 350,000 people last year alone, have music videos airing on all major NZ television networks and had a televised performance at the Auckland Coca Cola Christmas in the Park. With an increase in demand for The Funky Monkeys to put out new material and perform at events throughout New Zealand this has meant Neil, Joe and Chris have had to leave their day jobs. Neil Tolan who is known as Neil Monkey in the group has spent the last 14 years working with youth and children throughout Hamilton west area with a number of organisations, schools and community groups. His current role has been with the Hamilton City Council as a Youth Advisor based at The Western Community Centre working on many projects including this paper, holiday programmes, activities, events as well as organising the popular Treats in the Park event. The Funky Monkeys are currently working on a new album, “Get up and Go,” which will be released in April and will feature a wide range of fun songs that will assist in motivating children to stay active and healthy. The Get up Go tour will make a stop in Hamilton during the April school holidays, Thursday 1st May 10am will see The Funky Monkeys perform their brand new show at the Gateway Christian Centre. Tickets available through Ticketmaster, Check out www.thefunkymonkeys.co.nz for more info. Neil has written: I have really enjoyed my time working in the community, I have had a lot of really cool times, met and worked with a lot of amazing people and had heaps of funny moments. I plan to still be around the place when I have some free time and am looking forward to coming back to the centre as a volunteer to help with some of the programmes, activities and organising of Treats in the Park.
Te Ahurei a Rangatahi Youth Health! Youth Direction! Youth Voice! HEY WHANAU! Memba us? Te Ahurei a Rangatahi WATT! Kicking it wif the Western Community!uppz Were ready to roll owt dis year…toru wha !so f ur keen 2 kme kick it with us learn new skills, join SYNERGY leadership krew or the AHUREI PHAT KREW or complete your community hours, or mayb evn sus owt wrk experience? HOLLA@US! What’s Up and Coming? Camp 2008! Tues 15th Wed 16th Thurs 17th April 2008… Rdy 2 kme owt of ur cmft ZoNe? Keen 2have fun and learn new things? Holla@US! STUDIO! Keen to dance but kant fnd a pl 2? Kme check our pl owt!WATT! 2 HOLLA@ Te Ahurei a Rangatahi krew or 4 more information on youth services, events or educations 46 Barton Street – up the stairs or PO BOX 628 Hamilton Central PH:8383013 FX:8383015 BEBO: www.bebo.com\teahurei HOLLA ATCHA KREW!BZOUNCE!
For past few years, I been really impressed and inspired by the commitment and dedication many of our local youth have shown in our community particularly
from those youth in the Nawton and Crawshaw area. Throughout the year at the centre, hundreds of our young people volunteer their time in many different ways and for me it has been a privilege to have met you and worked alongside you. A majority of the work you do is unseen by the general public but goes along way to making our neighborhoods better places to live in. Seeing you all put in many hours, take unpaid days off work, give up weeks of your holidays, has truly inspired me. I know from my experience that there are many amazing youth across our City, being positive role models for others including adults to follow and look up to. You live life to the full and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. You work hard, have great ideas and contribute to many needed and valued organisations, clubs, groups and families every day. I have heard this statement a number of times “ Young people are our leaders of tomorrow but from what I have seen, you are our Leaders today! Neil
“Western Stars, where everyone is a star” Four Western Community Centre holiday programme staff were recently recognised for their commitment and involvement at the Western Stars programme. These were Rachel Anderson for completing 10 programmes; Isaac Williams, 21; Rinaira Watene and Tamati Nock, 20. “This is a huge achievement for our staff and volunteers, for Isaac, Rinaira and Tamati, it represents over 5 years involvement,” says Ani Nock programme coordinator. “The award ceremony that is held during the programme with the children has become really significant for the programme and has inspired our staff, volunteers and children to stay with the programme developing their leadership skills and taking up key roles” Rinaira has been with the programme for over five years and is responsible for the 8 and 9 year olds in the moonlight Zone says“awesome experience’, says Rinaira, “ I’ve learned heaps of new skills, that have really helped me with my teacher training” A successful aspect and strength of the programme has been the involvement of
many high school students, over 150 youth have been involved as junior leaders over the past six years with a number of these youth going on to take up staff positions within the programme. It has been very beneficial for the children that attend to have staff that have been involved for a number of years including Ani Nock, 26 programmes; Matty Clark, 23; Anaru Terry 16; Bessie Taitoko, Riki Nock, Danielle Sinclair and Taui Johnson, all on 15; and the Western Stars Hip Hop dance tutor Ivan Kana on 14. Held at Fraser High School for one week during the school holiday period Western Stars has grown from one programme with 30 children to four programmes with up to 180 children attending. Starlight Zone ages 5 – 7 years, Moonlight Zone 8-9 years, Twilight Zone 10 – 12 years and the new VIP Zone which is for students 13 years or year 9 at high school. The next programme takes place in the first week of the April School Holidays. For more info contact The Western Community Centre, wstars@wccham.org.nz or 07 8474873 ext 0.
Western Community News - February 2008
COMMUNITY PROFILE Sharon Wells
Sharon Wells says being a volunteer at the Helping Hands Store of the Western Community Centre in Grandview Road has given her a great point of contact with the local community. “I enjoy it because it gives me something to do and I meet a lot of people. Most of them want to chat to you, especially the elderly.” When there is a shop sale on, Sharon finds that people come from all over just to see what’s available. Sharon has also discovered that being a volunteer often involves dealing with the unexpected. “An example is when I get a text that donations are on the doorstep of the shop and it could be night
time. I have to get out of my pyjamas and come down and put the stuff inside the store and then go home again.” The Helping Hands Store sells more than just clothing. “Products range from knitting needles right through to electrical. We sell dishes, glasses, plates and anything you can imagine or perhaps don’t see much of anymore. We welcome anyone willing to volunteer their services at the store at 108 Grandview Road, Nawton or phone 07 846 3353 or contact the Western Community Centre at 07 847 4873. Sharon can be found on the local Country and Western circuit. “I sing but I don’t play guitar.”
The Taniwha Shop Making a Mark The recently opened Taniwha Shop in Ohaupo and NewNawton Mall (Grandview) sells carved greenstone, stone, bone, wood and ponga treasures and gifts as well as other traditional Maori items and is also a studio for Ta Moko. Artist and co-owner Moera Anderson says the shop allows people to access traditional taonga (gifts) each of which has its own story (origins, meaning behind its creation) which brings it to life for the new owner. He believes everyone has a right to be part of the tikanga (correct processes) through art, language and culture. Moera brings a lifetime of learning and knowledge to his art.
GRG?
When applying Ta Moko, he uses genealogy charts, discussions with clients and their families and karakia to inspire his designs. He says different tribes have different designs which reflect their kaupapa and korero. He does not apply mainstream tattoos like skulls. He says Ta Moko are only relevant to an individual, they are not designs you can choose from a catalogue. The shop is open Wednesday – Sunday from 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (Saturday and Sunday closes at 6.00 pm).
Ta-Moko artist Tane Singh-Lagah working on a Nawton Community resident.
What’s that?
So the children have, or are about to leave the nest? Then something unexpected happens, there is a knock on the door or a ring on the phone and life has suddenly changed. A breakdown in the fabric of the family has occurred, you will not have an empty nest at all, and in fact the nest may even be much too small. For whatever reason, you are now faced with raising another child or children. You are not alone; you have joined the ranks of “GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN”! There are approximately 20,000 children in NZ not living with their biological parents! Some 15,000 are living with Grandparents or other Kin carers. When National Coordinator Diane
Vivian was feeling alone and without the normal group support one gathers when a child is born she thought, “we can’t be the only ones doing this” phoned the local paper and placed an ad’ asking others to call her. There were so many calls that the first GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN
Western Community News - February 2008
Its all go at the Crosslight Trust
group was convened. Today there are 44 groups nationwide and the membership numbers have reached 3600. Membership is FREE! Hamilton GRG group coordinator Lynn and husband John have been raising their grandson for ten years. Lynn says being the eldest ‘parent’ at Playcentre and on the school PTA and BOT’s was not daunting and she is looking forward to camp with his Intermediate School class at the end of next week. We would like to invite you to attend our first support group meeting held on Wednesday 19 March 2008 at Kotahi Playgroup premises, 108 Grandview Road, Nawton 10.00 am to 12.00 pm. Morning tea will be provided. We look forward to meeting you. For more information you can contact Lynn by telephone: 07 855 7280 or email: lafynn@ xtra.co.nz
Hi Western Community News readers – we hope your new year has started off really well for you. We can’t believe the holidays have gone so fast. We hit the ground running when we re-opened on 7 January. Jean Masters held a basic New Zealand Sign Language course which was well attended and everyone who participated were extremely enthusiastic and want to come back for more. Our youngest participants were 6 and 8 years old – they came along with their grandmother so they all had a great time learning together. Other participants were from community organisations which was fantastic! We hope to offer another course in the second half of 2008 when Jean is more available, so if you are interested in learning sign language, please give us a call. This year we hope to build on the two new programmes we started last year (CAFÉ and Support for Deaf and Hearing Impaired) so we can provide more support for people in our community. Don’t forget our COUNSELLING service - professional and very reasonably priced, so please don’t hesitate to phone us if you would like to come and talk to one of our counsellors (Linda, Mark, Anita, Raewyn or Carol) they would feel privileged to be there for you.
COMMUNITY PROFILE Matthew (Matty) Clarke Matthew Clark, known to his friends as Matty or Kortaz, started working with young people when he was still a teenager himself and his involvement grew from there. “ I have gone away on youth camps, helped with Treats in the Park and done holiday programmes. I might add that I have done 23 holiday programmes.” While holiday programmes are on, matty gets up early in the morning and works hard to support the programme before going off to his regular job in the afternoon. Mattys enthusiasm for anything that enable young people to reach their potential has also seen him work with troubled youth on a one to one basis as a teacher aide. “ It may be years
down the track before you know, but helping a young person you could have influenced them to take a better path than the one that they were on.” Matty has recently been teaching a two-day hip - hop course at The Western Community centre, he shares his knowledge and love for the hip- hop culture to youth who may have the same interests. This course incorporates the 4 elements of Hip Hop, which are Djing, Breaking, Graffiti and rapping. Along with his community work he is a husband to be, and a father of a beautiful 1 year old daughter. Mattys words of wisdom for readers” Be proud of who you are, remember your history, and be open for change.’
Help at hand for would-be home owners Kiwis are getting help to understand about home ownership. A series of free workshops about all the things first home buyers need to know is happening in Hamilton, Raglan, Morrinsville and the Coromandel. Welcome Home First Steps, supported by Housing New Zealand, will take people through the entire house buying process so they can carefully plan a successful move from renting to home ownership. “The workshops are
designed to teach people about home ownership, so they can make better choices about owning their own home, or decide that it is not right for them at the moment” says Marama Henare-Waho of Kowhai Consulting Limited, the company running the workshops. Welcome Home First Steps workshops cover: home ownership; deciding what you want in a home; budgeting and goal setting; the home buying process; getting a home loan;
maintaining your home and building a new home; building a home on Maori land; refinancing and selling your home; and affordable house design. Welcome Home First Steps workshops are free to attend – a workshop for the Hamilton West Community is scheduled for Tuesday 11 March 2008 at the Western Community Centre, 46 Hyde Avenue, Nawton, Hamilton. To register for a workshop, or to organise a workshop for your group, contact Marama Henare-Waho on 0800 323 543 or (07) 838-3024 or (027) 232-5073 or e-mail marama@kowhai.biz. More information about the Welcome Home First Steps and your local providers is available at www.hnzc.co.nz, or free phone 0508 Welcome (0508 935 266).
Family Start’s New Appointment
Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust - Family Start has recently appointed a new Community Liaison/Public Relations person. Rawi O’Brien Ngati Mahanga, Ngati Te Wehi, Ngati Hikairo, Ngati Te Ata returns to us here at Family Start from Waahi Whanui Family Start in Huntly.
Western’s After School Care A new exciting After School Care Programme has started on 04 February 2008 at the Western Community Centre. The After School Care Co-ordinators Rinaira Watene and Ani Nock are very experienced and skilled in the work they do for these children. Their knowledge, talent and skills has been very beneficial to the children of this community. The programme caters for children aged 513 years and has been very popular with the programme already full. Children attend from a range of different local schools such as Nawton Primary, Aberdeen Primary, Maeroa Intermediate and Hamilton’s Fraser High School. Children are picked up from Nawton
Primary and walked over to the Western Community Centre with staff members, children are then given afternoon tea, a range of different activities and a small amount of time is set out for homework requirements. The programme caters for 20 children and is CYFS approved; we will hopefully increase this number
as the year goes on. The programme would like to thank Rubina Wheeler from Nawton Primary School for all her support.
Rawi has four children and is a very proud nanny of eleven mokopuna. A strong community oriented person Rawi has worked previously with young people at Ngaruawahia High School. A trained counsellor Rawi also does voluntary work for the Alternatives to Violence Programme (AVP). Family Start are pleased to have her back, as she brings with her a myriad of skills, abilities and knowledge. Rawi is very familiar with the work that we do alongside families and is keen to tell others about what we can offer families with new born babies. If you would like to know more about the Family Start Programme give Rawi a call on 848 0008.
Western Community News - February 2008
Day One at High School for New Year 9s
New staff and students waiting to be escorted on to the school marae.
Maatua McGrath formally welcomes the new students and staff to the school
Senior student, Daniel Green, replies to Maatua McGrath’s welcome on behalf of the students and staff
Principal, Mr Martin Elliott, introduces himself and addresses all the students and staff.
Group Tutor, Mr Tony Hall, introduces himself to the students of his House Group, Mataatua 14.
The Principal, Mr Elliott, talking informally with new students in the grounds at morning interval.
Year 9 students in their peer support groups, introducing themselves to other members of their Tutor Group. Photos: Tim Atkinson Western Community News - February 2008
Students in their peer support groups, playing games designed to help them make new friends and relax in their new environment of High School.
Fun had by all at School Tabloid Sports
This year for the first time, the Tabloid sports encompassed the whole school together. The students really got involved and had a ball. The winning House Group at each level was: Year 9 – Mataatua 12 Year 10 – Mataatua 08 Seniors (Years 11, 12 & 13) – Tokomaru 02 Final House Group results TAINUI 1261 pts TOKOMARU 1394 pts MATAATUA 1416 pts TE ARAWA 1462 pts AOTEA 1486 pts
5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Photos: Tim Atkinson
Sport@fraser We urgently need keen parents and guardians to coach or manage a sporting team for our winter codes. Sports include badminton, basketball, football, golf, hockey, inline hockey, netball, rugby, rugby league, squash, table tennis and wrestling. Free sports fees are given to the children of all coaches and managers.
Up and coming events
4 March Waikato Regional Athletics zones 6 March School Swimming Sports 10–11 March Football muster 16 March Waikato Secondary School Touch qualifying tournament
12 March
Announcement of the 2008 Senior Boys Volleyball team 19 March Announcement of the 2008 1st XV Rugby team 20 March School Athletics Day 2 April Announcement of 1st XI Boys & Girls football teams 4 April Western Heights High School winter sports tournament For further information, talk to the staff in the Sports office. Kia Ora, Brendon, Kerryn and Melissa Western Community News - February 2008
Parents, Please be Considerate Drivers
Ellicott Road, outside the school’s main gate, is a narrow section of road and, between the hours of 8.00-9.00 am and 3.00-3.30 pm can be an exceedingly busy piece of highway. Recently a number of parents dropping students off at school were observed doing things that were either inappropriate or in some cases illegal.
Parents taking such actions not only place their own students at risk but also other road users and students as well. Please be a considerate driver, and drop your student off at a point away from the main gate. Photos: Tim Atkinson
Please DO NOT stop on the yellow line. Also, pulling back on to the road (at this point) is not easy with other vehicles legally parked in front of you.
The sign says NO STOPPING between the hours of 8.00-9.00 am and 2.30-4.00 pm.
Stopping across the main entrance prevents other vehicles entering the school and adds further congestion to an already busy highway.
U Turns across a busy street are dangerous at any time.
Te Kotahitanga Teacher Training an Important Feature at Fraser
Hamilton’s Fraser High School is lucky to have been chosen as a ‘Te Kotahitanga School’. Te Kotahitanga is a project that aims to “Raise Maori Student Achievement”. The photos shows some of the activities our staff did while on the Hui in January. Top right: Our Facilitator Iti Joyce talking about the whakapapa of Te Kotahitanga. Bottom Right: Teachers Karyn Porton and Toni Waugh complete a ‘Human Treasure Hunt’ to get to know each other. Bottom left: A group of teachers who were involved in the Project last year are answering the question “What do they think fosters effective co-construction with Maori students?” The Hui was an awesome start to the year and we thank Nga Taiatea Wharekura and Te Papa O Rotu Marae for their hospitality. Photos: Tim Atkinson
Western Community News - February 2008
Introducing our New Staff for 2008 Kerrin Knauf – Science
Kia Ora, I was born and bred in the King Country (Otorohanga and Te Kuiti). After studying, I worked in a chemistry laboratory for six years. During this time I travelled to the United States and Canada and had an absolutely fantastic time. My interests include: the outdoors – tramping, rowing, netball, triathlon and just about any other sport. I have a passion for learning and helping others on their journey of success. I look forward to teaching Science and Chemistry at Hamilton’s Fraser High School.
Nicole Hardy – Social Sciences
I attended Hamilton’s Fraser High School as a student from 1997 to 2001. During that time I was Deputy Head Girl and took part in the wider community of the school. It is a pleasure to return to my old school to embark on a career in teaching. I graduated from the University of Waikato with a Master of Social Science. I enjoy teaching Geography, History and Social Studies, and have been given the opportunity to teach Year 9 Economics this year which I’m looking forward to. In my spare time I enjoy watching a variety of sports with rugby league as my favourite. I also spend as much time as I can at the beach during the summer. I believe that 2008 is going to be a positive year for Hamilton’s Fraser High School and it is with great pleasure to be a part of this school community once more.
Jason Henderson – Music
I am the latest addition to the Music Department at Hamilton’s Fraser High School. I feel privileged to make Fraser my first teaching position. I am passionate about music and working with young people to develop greater creativity and understanding in the Art that is so important to all cultures and communities. I think it is natural that as a teacher at Fraser I will become part of the Fraser culture, and will be involved with the communities that surround and support the school. I look forward to a great year and a strong start to my teaching career.
Vicki Shannon – Dance and Drama
For the last three years I lived in Taupo teaching at a local High School. Now I’m teaching dance and drama at Fraser High School and am also learning hip-hop at a local dance school. I am hoping to become involved in the local theatre scene around Hamilton as I love to perform on stage especially in musical theatre. I was the director/ producer of a musical theatre production of Grease and also have a passion for film – I’m in the process of writing my own blockbuster hit at the moment. I play summer hockey for the local Fraser Tech team as a fullback and will hopefully be playing for the Fraser Tech women’s team in the winter as their goalie. I enjoy a good book and love doing creative things. In my spare time I like to paint landscapes and make beaded jewellery.
Leanne Ireland – English
This Year at Fraser is my first teaching position and I’m happy to be here. Besides teaching English I moonlight as an actor and am a mother to my 12 year old son.
Kamal Nair – Science
I was born in the island paradise of Fiji and after graduating from Waikato University with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Teaching, I taught Science and Biology at Tokoroa High School for three years. Now, I’m teaching Science and Biology at Hamilton’s Fraser High, I play soccer and enjoy watching rugby and league. I am looking forward to my time here at Fraser.
Dr Mike Simmonds – Science
Originally from England, Mike has an Honours degree in Electronics and a doctorate in Materials Science. He then undertook research in various UK universities and a stint at a Swiss Research Institute. Mike then became a senior research fellow at Sheffield Hallam University where he led a research group and lectured to undergraduates. Mike then retrained as a secondary school teacher and move to New Zealand with his New Zealand partner and has recently joined Fraser from Matamata College where he taught Science to year 13. Here at Fraser, Mike is teaching junior Science and Electronics as well as Level 1 Science, Level 2 Physics and Level 3 Science. He likes to spend his spare time with his family and wishes that his ability at golf was matched by his enthusiasm. If he had any money he would enjoy travelling.
Sarah Quinnell – English
I have worked for the last five years at Hamilton Girls’ High School, where I worked as an English teacher and a Dean. My interests lie in acting, reading, hanging out with friends, watching movies, listening to music and renovating the house I bought just over a year ago. I’m really looking forward to working at Fraser this year.
Neil Henderson – Technology
I have been teaching for 26 years. My previous school was Hamilton Girls High School where I was HOD of Graphics and Resistant Materials Technology and I have a background in the building industry. I am married and have three adult children, two are qualified teachers and one is a sales consultant in the building industry. My interests are travel, bush walking, sailing, reading and making things.
Sue Fayter – Maths
Having emigrated from England to teach at Fraser, I hope to get better at what I do in the classroom (ie: developing good relationships with my students), improve my Māori, assist with costumes in school productions, get involved with Restorative Approaches and make lots of new friends.
Nicola Wallace – Science
Kia Ora! I completed my schooling in Whangarei and moved down to the Waikato to start my tertiary education and this year I started teaching Years 9, 10 and 11 Science at Fraser. My husband and I enjoy rock climbing, mountain biking, camping and kayaking in our spare time. I am looking forward to the rest of the year at Fraser as I have been made to feel so welcome by the staff and students and I hope to make as big an impact on them as they have on me.
Ruth Love – Maths
I am starting my fourth year of teaching having previously worked at Hillcrest High. I am on the board of Riverlea Theatre where I participate in most of the musicals they produce. I take Hip-Hop classes and am currently working towards Intermediate Three. I have choreographed various shows for Riverlea, with my most recent work being Cowboy Christmas. Last year I played Lily in the Musikmakers’ production of Annie, and Mrs Coen in their season of Rent. I recently choreographed the Mooloo kids for the Chiefs home games, and was Little Chief for the 2005 rugby season.
Turina Paku – Science
Kia Ora, I completed my secondary schooling at Wairoa College (500 students) and did my BSc and Grad. Dip. in teaching at Waikato University. I landed my first teaching job at Ngaruawahia High School (about 400 students). So, can you imagine my anxiety at Fraser’s Teacher only day – where approximately 120 teachers spoke about their holidays. It was a shock to see and meet so many staff members (I still have no idea who they are) and then to meet approximately 450 year 9 students (that’s Ngaruawahia High School including the staff). After getting over the initial culture shock, I have managed to survive the first two weeks. All in all, it’s been pretty good. Still lots to learn, but plenty time for that.
James Anthony – Maths
I was born in India and have been in New Zealand for more than seven years, living mostly in Whangarei. I did my teacher’s training at Auckland University, and at Hamilton’s Fraser High School I teach Mathematics at two levels. Apart from teaching I enjoy playing Chess, Table Tennis, Badminton and reading books. I would like to make a difference in students’ lives and aim to make Mathematics an easy subject for my students to succed in.
Jocelyn Auld – Food Technology
I love teaching Food Technology and am very excited to be at Hamilton’s Fraser High School. I hope to build positive relationships with both the staff and the students within the school, and my one hope or dream is to build a more exciting and positive Food Technology Department where students can achieve their goals. Western Community News - February 2008
What’s On Out West?
Happy New Year from the Western pm – 6.45 pm. Places are limited. Pro- 07 846 3336 grandview_corps@nzf.salCommunity Centre. It has been a gramme information and enrolment forms vationarmy.org. great start to the new year. The weather has been superb so come and visit us and check out our programmes, services and events for 2008. Western Community Centre will be running another three day Learner Licence course starting in April. Phone 847 4873 for more information. Venue hire – Western Community Centre has a large combined conference room that can fit over 100 people and a sports complex room that sits 30. Call the Centre for rates and availability. Health clinics – Plunket nurse holds clinics at our Centre every Wednesday 9am-3pm appointments are made through Richmond Street. They are also running Community Karitane clinics on Fridays until the end of 2007 and we hope these clinics will continue in 2008. Margaret Higgins – Dip Counselling also holds counselling sessions on a donation basis for community at the Western Community Centre. Margaret is now offering counselling services every week on Wednesday and Thursday. Please call the Centre on 847 4873 to make an appointment. Hip Hop Dance Classes start at the Western Community Centre, 3 March to the 14 April held on Monday nights with the cost being $30 for the 7 sessions. Full payment must be received by the 2nd week of classes. Class times and age groups are 5-7 years 4.00 pm-4.45 pm, 9-10 years 5.00 pm-5.45 pm and 11 plus years from 6.00
can be collected from the Western Community Centre 46 Hyde Avenue, Hamilton 07 847 4873, or email wstars@wccham. org.nz.
GirlGuiding New Zealand Local Taitua District operates units for girls and young women aged 5 –18 years in Nawton, Dinsdale and Glenview areas. Watch out for Girl Guide biscuits for sale in your local community from Saturday 01 March. For more information telephone 847 4226 or 846 5400
Salvation Army
Family Store corner Te Rapa and Garnett Avenue Church service held every Sunday at 10.30 am Shared lunch held the first Sunday of each month Music and movement every Tuesday at 9.30 am and 10.30 am Grandview Family Toy Library is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays 9.30 am to 11.30 am Bible Study every Wednesday 7:30 pm Youth group activities every Thursday night Play group every Friday mornings from 9.30 am Relate for women - held monthly Reload for men - held monthly For more information contact Shar on
Crosslight Trust
can be for anyone, in any language, to
10 Western Community News - February 2008
Martin Gallagher MP
Our OP SHOP has all sorts of bargains and we often have extra special specials! Don’t forget our other services too – OVER 60’s SOCIAL GROUPS and FOODBANK. Want to know more? Our contacts are phone 07 847 2998 or email crosslight@xtra.co.nz or come in and see us at 1 Johnson St, Dinsdale (opposite Frankton School). Christine Wright (Manager) and team.
Social Volleyball
Social Volleyball runs almost every Monday night during school term (not on statutory holidays) at the Te Rapa Sportsdrome, Church Rd, Pukete. Anyone can play - get a team together; competitive or beginners, men, women or mixed, schoolchildren welcome. Competition start dates:May 12, July 28, October 20; entry fees: $140 per team (adults) or $100 per team (school students) - for 8 weeks or fun! Late entries for the current competition may be accepted if there is space. The Ethnic Volleyball Tournament is on Saturday 29th March at Te Rapa Sportsdrome. Contact Dave on 021-477 388, email hamiltonvolleyball@xtra.co.nz, website: www. volleyballwaikato.org.nz.
Pukete Neighbourhood House is
based at the Te Rapa Sportsdrome in Church Rd, Pukete. Phone Sue or Jane on 849 1115 for details of their activtities and programmes.
Access Radio in Action On Saturday 5 April Community Radio Hamilton is holding a public Open Day that, much like its unique form of radio programming, aims to inform and entertain. As an Access radio station, Community Radio Hamilton provides a forum for free speech in any language. Each week more than 120 volunteer broadcasters produce 100 different radio shows in more than fifteen languages. The station is governered by a not-forprofit trust, and is partly funded by NZ On Air. “We always operate an open door policy, but often people feel a bit intimidated when it comes to being on the radio. We want to show how fun and easy it
WEST WORD
get involved in Access radio,” explains general manager Phil Grey. The Open Day will feature ethnic food, live music, station tours, and plenty of giveaways. Short information sessions will be held at the start of every hour to explain how people can start the simple process of planning their own Access radio show. “It depends on the individual, but we usually have people in training and then on air within four to six weeks,” says programming director Dannii Vallely. The Open Day is on from 11am-2pm on Saturday, 5 April at Community Radio Hamilton’s studios on the ground floor of the ASB Building, 214 Collingwood Street, Hamilton. For more information
Safe Schools a Priority
As the new school year dawns, I reflect on my own experience of this exciting and sometimes worrying - time. One of parents’ biggest fears is the safety of roads outside schools. This is not surprising given that nearly 2/3 of all trips to school are now made by car, contributing to the 59 young cyclists and pedestrians injured on Hamilton roads before or after school in the last 5 years. This is unnecessarily high, which is why I have been working hard to lobby government to act on the concerns of Hamilton schools and parents. It all paid off last Tuesday when Transport Minister Annette King opened the first of 18 new 40km an hour zones for Hamilton schools (see ribbon-cutting photo above). She acknowledged the importance of my strong lobbying as well as councillors Macpherson and Gower on this critical issue. The zones will be active 35 minutes before, and 20 minutes after the schools are open, and local police have indicated it will be strictly enforced. The last few years have seen major changes in education - notably the development of an updated curriculum and national qualifications, and the provision of 20 hours free preschool care. This year will see that continue, with the establishment of a clear pathway for all young people to be in some form of schooling or training until 18. This should be suited to each individual’s needs to adequately prepare them for the workforce. Finally, at this time of year it is appropriate to pay tribute to all of our teachers who make such a difference to our young people. Thanks to you all!
The Pukete Neighbourhood House
An excellent holiday programme was held at the Pukete Neighbourhood House. The highlight was a trip to Raglan but activities such as Bone Carving and the Foam Man were also very popular. We are taking enrolments for the next Holidays from now on so just ring the house if interested. Vege Co-op restarts, Thursday 14 February. This will be very welcome. When you have to buy fruit and vegetables over the holiday time it makes you realise what
a good deal we get from the co-op.
Our Family Support Worker, Craig, is Play Group will start again Tuesday 12 here to help with any problems you may February. This is a very informal group have WINZ, ACC,or with Housing New of mums and dads who get together each Zealand. Just telephone 850 4013. week for a coffee and a chat while the If you love scones and a good chat come children play in the safe confines of the to our Scone Wednesdays. Held every Sportsdrome grounds. fortnight the next one is Wednesday 27 Before and After School Programme February at 12.00 pm. This is also a good started again on Thursday 07 February. chance to have a chat with one of our We will still take enrolments just ring the City Councillors as there is always one of them available on this day. house 849 1115.
Education Programmes offered at Hamilton Abuse Intervention Project Hamilton Abuse Intervention project (HAIP) is an organisation which deals solely with family violence prevention. Based on research done in Duluth Minnesota Haip provides education classes for men, women and youth who have been involved in violent situations within their family context. When we think of family violence it is physical violence which comes to mind but family violence actually takes many forms, all of which are hugely destructive to families and traumatic for children who often hear or witness their parents fighting, says HAIP Services Manager Julie Pullman. Physical violence includes all forms of physical abuse such as slapping, punching, pushing and strangling of victims, emotional violence is all forms of verbal abuse, intimidation, coercion, control and abuse of power,
sexual violence is forcing anyone to be involved in sexual activity against their will which can vary from coercing someone to watch pornography to child abuse and rape. Economic violence is when one person becomes controlling over family finances to the point where their spouse or partner has no access to money or say over how finances are managed. Unfortunately family violence has reached epidemic proportions in New Zealand with Hamilton police currently responding to between 70 – 85 family violence incidents per week. The education programmes at HAIP are aimed at helping people who have either been victims or perpetrators of violence to learn healthy ways of interacting and moving from tactics of power and control to relationships of respect, fairness, equality and responsible parenting.
Western Fruit and Vegetable Service Nawton residents Ian and Margery Bramwell would like to share about one of the services the Western Community Centre offer. The provision of inexpensive
fruit and vegetable packs to the community has been a great help to us. Generally the packs are of good value with in season produce and occasional treats. We have been purchasing the fruit and vegetable packs continuously for nearly 5 years. The quality over the years has varied but recently there has been a considerable improvement. We enjoy this community service and appreciate the work the Community Centre and volunteers put into it. The fruit and vegetable packs are available every Thursday on a weekly basis. Everyone is welcome to access this service, so to order a pack you can contact the Centre on 847 4873.
Lila Jones, Manager of HAIP.
Seniors Luncheon
On Thursday 13 December our seniors attended their final luncheon for the year in ‘fancy dress.’ What an interesting time that was had because of their wild and wacky imaginations that showed their excellent recall of days gone-by. We had Yorkshire pudding depicted with Santa’s many helpers of pixies and matrons with a splash of Aussie Outbacker carrying a Billy full of kangaroo dung (chocolate raisins). The many costumes that were put together were fantastic and superb in creation. The Kaumatua from Kirikiriroa Marae
attended and brought with them their own flavour of friendship and decorum. We noted that Shirley Temple came with them and she was all pinked out. Thank you for the mix and mingle. The lovely Kotuku entertained our seniors filling them with misty watered coloured memories of music long ago but not forgotten. Thank you to all our seniors for a great ending to 2007. As weeks go by in 2008, the monthly held senior luncheons have started again. Come and socialise, bring a plate, enjoy a meal and engage in the fabulous entertainment provided.
Western Community News - February 2008 11
n w o t H s t i s i Eric Orr v
Eric Orr, renowned artist and designer from New York City, was recently at Western Community Centre in Hamilton to inspire youth into realising their creative talents. Students from Fraser High and other schools in Hamilton attended the two day workshop at the Centre where they worked in teams to paint murals on large boards. The completed work will be placed on prominent walls in their schools. In working with youth in Western community, Eric drew on his life experience as an artist and designer. He believes that a focus on youth is the most productive way to realise a healthy community for the future, while also instilling youth leadership in society. Eric encouraged workshop participants to explore their own cultural roots. In the workshops, students painted aspects of their
surroundings and life that were meaningful to them. Students worked with a broad colour palette of acrylic paint which was sponsored by Resene Paints. For many, it was the first time they had painted to a large scale. Eric Orr began his own creative journey as a New York City subway artist in the early 80s. He attended the School of Visual Arts in 1979 and the Arts Student League during 1980-83, and began his career painting in the NYC subway stations through the early 1980s. It was there that he substituted typography for his unique character, or symbol, the “Robothead” and collaborated with pop artist Keith Haring on the black panel subway spaces. Eric’s work is recognized internationally and held in private collections in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America. He has been featured in numerous exhibitions in art galleries on both coasts of the US and has given live painting exhibitions in North America and the Asia Pacific. Eric has gained recognition for his work with children and young artists who have found his workshops and their involvement in creating collaborative artworks to be of a deeply transformational nature. The response from the participants and the warmth and hospitality he has received within the community and schools during his time in New Zealand has made a meaningful connection for Eric.
BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME - YOUR WAY
Maxine Horscroft Residential Sales Consultant Mobile: 021 629 469 After Hours: 847 6165 Office: 847 0919 Email: propertypurchase@hotmail.com
Nawton School students line up for Eric
MARTIN GALLAGHER MP for Hamilton West
Happy to help people in our community! Electorate Office: 487 Anglesea Street Phone: 838 3033 Fax: 838 3083
Email: martin.gallagher@xtra.co.nz
Postal: P O Box 19-183, Hamilton
Webpage: www.martingallagher.co.nz
12 Western Community News - February 2008