Issue 81 (February 2016)
Delivered to 17,000 homes throughout Hamilton’s western suburbs
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th n i G N I l NO DIV o o p e v di
page 2
School
is Back
ch a e B n a Ragl an-up Cle
pages 6&7
page 9
Waitangi Day in the West
Pawi and Tamihana enjoying the Waitangi Day celebrations. See story on page 3
West Hamilton Pharmacy NewNawton Mall, Nawton. Phone 846 3121. Facsimile 846 3165
Relieving Indigestion & Heartburn Who hasn’t suffered from indigestion and heartburn, especially after overdoing it with food or drink, or when rushing meals? These are very common conditions although for some of us, indigestion and heartburn happen for other reasons and can cause considerable discomfort. It’s good to know that help is available from your pharmacist. With indigestion (or dyspepsia), we can feel sick and experience gas, or a bloated feeling, in the stomach. “Indigestion causes discomfort and pain in the area between your ribs and belly button, and occurs during eating, or immediately after” advise Self Care pharmacists. A common symptom of indigestion is heartburn, where there is a burning feeling rising upwards from the stomach towards the throat. The acid contents of the stomach return, or ‘reflux’, back into the oesophagus (the space between the throat and the stomach, which is shaped like a tube) and causes irritation there. Indigestion and heartburn can be caused by: • Foods such as cabbage, onions, cucumber, curries and chocolate. • Certain drinks, eg alcohol, fizzy drinks, strong coffee and tea. • Eating food too fast; eating fatty or large meals, especially late at night.
• Stress and anxiety, smoking, bending and stooping, being overweight. • Pregnancy • Certain medicines – such as aspirin and other antiinflammatory medicines for pain and arthritis. Try to identify the cause of your indigestion or heartburn and if possible avoid these things. If the medicines you take give you symptoms, let your pharmacist or doctor know. Sometimes taking food at the same time as you take your medicines can help. Remember to take your medicines with a glass of water, while sitting or standing upright. According to Self Care pharmacists, “there are changes you can make to help prevent or reduce symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. They include stopping smoking (see the Quit Smoking fact card); avoiding rich, spicy, fatty foods, and large meals late in the day, and eating smaller meals; having plenty of physical activity – at least 30 minutes most days; losing weight if you are overweight (see the Weight and Health fact card) and learning to relax and sleep well (See the Sleeping Well fact card).” Sometimes focusing on lifestyle changes may be all that is needed to stop indigestion and heartburn. If medicines are required, your pharmacy has a wide range of products available for the short-term relief of heartburn and indigestion symptoms. “We can assist you in selecting the one that is best for your situation”, advise Self
Care pharmacists. Antacids neutralise excess acid in the stomach. They can provide quick and effective relief but their effects don’t last long. Reflux symptoms can be relieved by medicines called alginates that form a ‘raft’ on top of your stomach contents, helping to prevent them being regurgitated. Where these medicines do not help, or symptoms are experienced as often as 2 or more times per week, other medicines may be required that decrease the amount of acid made by the stomach. There are several different types of medication available that do this. Your pharmacist can, in certain circumstances, supply these medicines without a prescription for the short term relief of heartburn symptoms. Your Self Care pharmacist will advise if this is appropriate for you. “If there is still no improvement with lifestyle measures along with short-term use of medicines, or if symptoms suggest another cause, then we would refer you to your doctor for further investigations and treatment”, confirm Self Care pharmacists. “Our Indigestion & Heartburn fact card has more information, so ask us for a copy.”
No diving (in the dive pool)
The Manu Police – Editorial
Max Dillon Coyle
For many of you reading this, part of growing up was jumping off the diving boards into the pools. Mustering up the courage to go to the next height up, finally reaching that top board. Knees a bit wobbly and your tummy feeling a bit off, holding onto the railing you looked down. The water looked miles away! Some of us never made it off that top platform. Some of us opted to head back down, knowing the top board was a little too high for them, safe in the fact they’d established their boundaries. For others, jumping off the top became second nature and our confidence grew. Sadly it seems that’s not something that happens at Hamilton’s Waterworld anymore. No more huge manu’s, splashes reaching the roof. No more youngsters facing their fears and pushing their own limits in their own time. Hamilton City Council has closed the diving platforms to the public permanently, in a move that went un-notified publicly for the past few years. Interestingly Waterworld’s website states “The dive pool suits some water sports and either competitive or recreational diving from our range of platforms.“ which is at odds with the reality that recreational users aren’t actually able to use the platforms at all. The Western Community Newspaper has placed an Official Information Act Request to the Council in regards to the number and nature of serious incidents of recreational users of the high diving platforms. We’ll be publishing the results on our Facebook profile as well as in the next issue of our newspaper.
We are, inadvertently, putting people at risk of drowning by West Ward Councillor, Andrew King
There still needs to be hours when the dive pools are available for the public. My opinion is yes, the public should be able to use, under supervision, the 5m and 7.5m fixed platform, but not the 10m it is just too high. Also the dive club, water polo, aqua jogging, underwater diving and kayak training to right themselves should get priority, if the dive pool has been booked. I’m disappointed this is another thing our kids can’t do. It started with climbing trees, our lullaby’s got pulled out, then Council swings and jungle gyms and now diving platforms. Yes our kids will get winded, bruised, a sprain or even a broken bone in extreme cases if they land awkwardly, but unlikely and I would say there are more injuries “poolside” out of the water than in the complex. Letting our kids and adults use the diving platforms under supervision encourages activity in deep water and will lead to deep water confidence. Then when they find themselves out of their depth they shouldn’t panic, as they would have learnt to be comfortable when they can’t touch the bottom. Our drowning statistics are horrendous for a country surrounded by water. The more we remove people from our deep water facilities the more drownings there will be. What better way to gain confidence than using a fun tool like diving platforms to get Hamilton’s kids into deep water under supervision. By protecting Hamilton’s dive platform users from a sprained ankle we are inadvertently putting them at risk of drowning.
Council management responds. “It’s correct that we don’t allow customers to use the 5-metre, 7-metre and 10-metre fixed diving platforms at Waterworld. It’s a policy we introduced several years ago, in the interests of our customers’ health and safety. In the past, when we did allow customers to use these higher fixed platforms, we had a number of incidents which gave rise to concerns: younger customers climbed to the higher platforms and then realising they couldn’t go through with the dive, they tried to climb back down the stairs, slipped and hurt themselves. In other instances, members of the public jumping from those higher fixed platforms hit the water awkwardly and hurt themselves.
2 Western Community News – February 2016
Our customers are welcome to use our springboards over the diving pool as poolside staff rosters allow. We realise this policy may frustrate some of our customers, but we think it’s sensible and a safe approach in the circumstances. We’re improving our signage around the facility so it’s clearer to our customers. We do allow members of local dive clubs to use the platforms, but only under the supervision of a diving coach.” Deanne McManus-Emery, Hamilton City Council’s Community Development and Leisure Manager, whose unit oversees the operation of Hamilton Pools.
Your Say: What’s your favourite way to jump into the water?
Rydell, 13 years A Tuck!
Tearanui, 12 years A Gorilla!
Paris, 12 Years A Pin ☺
Qijhae 10 years A mean Bomb
Haki 7 years A Running Bomb
Tutanekai 9 years A Bomb
Te Tohu 9 years Bombing
Aroha 9 years Manus
Waitangi Day 2016 Kirikiriroa Hosted by Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa and Western Community Centre at Elliott Park in Nawton. What an awesome fun community day. Kicking off at 10.00am with a Powhiri and laying the pou the official ceremony overseen by Matua Beau went off without a hitch. We had a day of entertainment from local community and arts groups, plenty of kai stalls – it’s hard to go past hangi and fresh mussel fritters. The tamariki had free face-painting and the obligatory bouncy castles and there were plenty of novelty stalls. The weather stayed kind – slightly overcast with a light breeze and there was a beautiful turnout from the community. Laughter, balloons, candy floss and sunscreen! Horomona Horo em cee’d for the day peppering through the entertainment with a history lesson on Te Tiriti o Waitangi – one considerably more accurate
than the lessons many of us got in the 70’s and 80’s school curriculum! The day was outstanding in that it was a celebration of who we are today and just how far we have come over the last 200 years. Not a politician in sight, bless them! Many thanks to participating organisations; Whatawhata Maori Women’s Welfare League, Kaute Pasifika, Rauawaawa, Te Kohao Health, Te Rau Matatini, Funworks Hawkes Bay and Red Cross. Special acknowledgement to sponsors; Ministry for Culture & Heritage, Trust Waikato, Family Start and Te Rau Matatini. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make today a community day. Big ups to Western Community Centre and Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa.
Western Community News – February 2016 3
Future Living Conversations If you want to live well and still be kind to the planet, these free introductory conversations are for you! The Future Living Conversations are fun, practical gatherings, offering you the future living skills needed to help you reduce carbon emissions, save money and create a healthier lifestyle. Come along to a supportive relaxed environment where you can ask questions, learn, and meet local experts and likeminded folk. The speakers include business owners, city council staff, enthusiasts and knowledgeable locals. We are offering eight topics: growing your own food, travel choices, energy efficiency in the home, reducing waste, building design, strong healthy communities, water use and conservation, and ethical healthy food. The Future Living Conversations will be running at Western Community Centre. Thursdays 25 February to 17 March Two topics a day 10.30 am to 12pm and 12.30pm to 2pm. Staying for both topics, why not bring your lunch? All the topics are free, you can come to them all or pick and choose! Interested? Contact Tania on 07 839 4452 or tania@ envirocentre.org.nz Future Living Conversations are facilitated by Waikato Environment Centre and are funded by Hamilton City Council. The conversations complement the Sustainable Living Aotearoa on line programme at www.sustainableliving.org.nz
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WEST WORD By Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe KickStart breakfasts and Fruit in Schools supporting local children A new school year has begun, and I hope our city’s children had a restful break from homework, study, after-school activities and lunch-boxes over the summer. Starting school is an exciting time for new entrants – but it can be a time of mixed emotions for parents! Congratulations to all who have the responsibility of being school leaders this year, and welcome to new teachers to the profession. I wish everyone a happy and productive year in schools throughout Hamilton. Effective learning is enhanced when children start the day with a nutritious breakfast and eat healthily during the day. That’s why I appreciate 12 schools in the Hamilton West electorate serving KickStart breakfasts consisting of a bowl of Weet-bix and milk before the school day starts, while many others benefit from the Government-funded Fruit in Schools programme. Nearly 20 million pieces of fruit and vegetables were issued to NZ school children last year. Fruit in Schools contributes to improved dental outcomes, better concentration, a reduction in general sores and an increase in overall healthy eating behaviour. The KickStart programme is a partnership between Government, Sanitarium, Fonterra and the community. In 2013 the Government provided $9.5 million over five years to expand the programme to five mornings per week and to all schools that request it, regardless of decile rankings. Since then, 39 more schools in the Waikato region have started serving KickStart breakfasts. This month the six millionth KickStart breakfast was served. Thanks to KickStart, children are healthier, better behaved, and more focused, with 99.5 per cent of schools satisfied or very satisfied with the programme. I thank all who help to serve and supervise the breakfasts in our schools, and also those who are running after school programmes which are so important for many local families.
Sunnyside Rd Residents Call For Speed Reduction
Residents of Sunnyside Road are fed up with speedsters barreling down their street. Noticing speeds of up to 100km an hour residents are scared it won’t be long before there’s a major crash or someone is seriously injured or worse. The residents who do not want to be named, say that “In the past we’ve spoken to Council with no response. We just couldn’t seem to get through to them, no one wanted to know. Other residents for a long time tried and tried.” “This has been an ongoing concern for so many years we’ve lost count. All we’re asking for is speed bumps and/
or traffic islands, some way we can fix this.” When asked about a 40km zone, many residents think that would be heaven, but with reckless drivers ignoring the current speed limit, a 40km zone could be ignored on its own without accompanying infrastructure. Robyn Denton; HCC Network Operations Team Leader says: “We understand the residents’ concerns, as speeding drivers on residential streets is all-too-common, not just in Hamilton but throughout the country. Unfortunately, installing islands or speed bumps can create further problems in terms of road noise or crash risks, and as the residents them-
selves point out, the main issue is one of driver behaviour - ignoring the road rules and posted limits.” Council has said they are looking at siting their speed trailer on the street have raised the issue with police saying they are best-placed to enforce the road rules. West Ward Councillor Dave Macpherson urged residents to contact their local Councillors when faced with bureaucratic inertia; “When previous Councils sensibly had a Transport Committee, it was easier to know who to approach, but sorting out these issues is still Councillors’ job, even under the Hardaker hands-off regime,” he said.
Early Childhood Education Now Free From 2 Plus! ABC Te Rapa are a local Childcare centre helping to make childcare more affordable for parents. Based in Te Rapa at 37 Sunshine Avenue, their outstanding team has something new on offer for parents. They are now offering childcare services from 2 years of age and can give 30 free hours of Early Childhood Education for both 2 and 3 year olds. The service is seeking more parents from the community to enrol their young ones in this great programme. So theres no need to wait for your child to turn 3, you can enrol for free from 2. Rachel Christopher, the Centre Manager says “We’re set up to encourage exploration and discovery, which are crucial elements of play for young children. We’ve got wonderful teacher/child ratios and have our unique ‘Be School Ready’ initive which sets us apart from many other centre’s.” If you know of families who may benefit from this, let them know and for more information you can call them and speak to one of the friendly, professional team members on 07 849 7750, or pop in and see them. ABC Te Rapa is open from 7am-6pm.
The Western Communuity New is published by The Western Community Centre in partnership with Fraser High School. It’s offices are at 46 Hyde Ave, Nawton Hamilton. It is Hamilton’s only locally owned and 100% locally operated newspaper, local is something we’ve been for 35 years. The Western Community News is delivered bi-monthly on Saturdays across Hamilton West to l 7,000 letterboxes. Publishing Manager Max Coyle Production Editor Dave MacPherson
Managing Editor Neil Tolan Fraser High School Editor Tim Atkinson
Proof-reader Jan Plumley
facebook.com/westernnewspaper Advertising: Email westerncommunitynewspaper@gmail.com Or call Neil on 07 8474873 ext 9 Stories & Letters to the Editor Email westerncommnitynewspaper@gmail.com
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Give your child the best start in life at ABC Te Rapa. Enrol and receive 30 hours free childcare every week for your 2 or 3 year old for a limited time only.* Centre set up to encourage exploration and discovery Great teacher to child ratios Unique Be School ReadyTM initiative Friendly, professional team, focused on fostering strong relationships Open from 7am to 6pm ABC Te Rapa 37 Sunshine Avenue, Te Rapa Phone: 849 7750 E: abc.terapa@beststarteducare.co.nz www.beststarteducare.co.nz *conditions apply BestStart for happy, confident learners
Email or call me if you would like me to come feed & play with your pets while you are away. I come to your house and I charge $5 per feed. I am happy to play with and walk your pets, clear mailboxes, and any other small jobs you may have. My mother will help me out with any bigger jobs. If you need special care, I do have a small room at my house where I can look after one pet at a time.
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Relax knowing your pet is being loved and cared for by the expert just down the road. Western Community News – February 2016 5
FRASER HIGH SCHOOL Te Kura Tuarua o Taniwharau
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O Tatou We Are
Photos Clockwise from top lef
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The school Principal, Mrs Virgini school assembly.
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New staff and students being w
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Year 9 students catching up with
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Group Tutor, Miss Lerke, escortin
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New Year 9 students getting acq
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Years 11, 12 and 13 students reschool holidays.
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Year 13 students sorting themse peer support training.
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New students intoducing thems
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Year 9 students giving the Princi
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11 Year 13 Student Leader, Hannah
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Learn with Purpose Engage with Pride Act with Respect Dare to Succeed 2
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u Lava O Le Lumana’i the Future 6
ft:
ia Crawford, welcomes all students and staff back to school at a full
welcomed to Fraser at a powhiri on the school marae.
h friends during interval.
ng her new Year 9 students to their group room.
quainted.
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-enrolling in their selected subjects during the last week of the
elves into birth-date order, without speaking, during
selves to other new students in their class.
ipal their full attention during their first school assembly.
w students relax during peer support with a game of ‘Fruit Salad’.
h Jenkin, escorting a group of Year 9’s to their next class. Western Community News – February 2016 7
FRASER HIGH SCHOOL Te Kura Tuarua o Taniwharau
Learn with Purpose Engage with Pride Act with Respect Dare to Succeed
Welcome to a new school year Te Puea whakatauki I hope Fraser’s entire community had a stunning and full Christmas, and a great start to the New Year. The first day of our school year, with our senior students ran smoothly. It was lovely to see our seniors return to be with us again, and to listen to their animated accounts of their holiday and their goals for this year. They look great and I know they will be LEAD student leaders to be proud of. Our new students and Year 9 students are finding their way around the school, and they have plenty of support to help them ‘find their feet’. There are a few changes this year to the school’s annual calendar, and I know our community will be disappointed about one change. Fraser will not be hosting FraserFest this year. We have decided to hold FraserFest every alternate year instead. However, the fantastic news is that Fraser will be producing a School Musical Production and compete at Stage Challenge this year. We can do so much with a New Year and I hope that all our students and staff will see the start of the year as an opportunity to start afresh, be focused and to be purposeful. Inā kei te mōhio koe ko wai koe, I anga mai koe i hea, kei te mōhio koe, Kei te anga atu ki hea If you know who you are and where you are from, then you will know where you are going.
Virginia Crawford, Principal
Introducing our 2016 Student Leaders
Eden Putu French – Head Girl
Teancum Timu – Head Boy
isney has D taught me a lot of life lessons throughout my life but the main value that is embroided within me is the idea of friendship. I love meeting new people and I play Basketball at a National level. I love smiling as it is said to be contagious and I enjoy seeing people succeed. “Friends are like streetlights along the road, they don’t make the distance any shorter but they light up the path and make the walk worthwhile”. – Anonymous
I am a bubbly person who is passionate about Sport, Art and people. I play Netball and I have been a Waikato representative in Volleyball and Touch, and when I’m not in the gym I spend my downtime painting and reading. I love to learn and be challenged, and I believe laughter is the best medicine, and cheesecake...!
Caleb Hardwick – Deputy Head Boy It’s strange, you see every-one is so keen to climb the ladder of life. Then there is me, stuck half way because I’m scared of heights. This year I plan to take a leap of faith; go sky diving, compete in the New Zealand International Fitness and Body Building (NZIFBB) competition and make this year one to remember. “I would rather live one year as a lion than 100 years as a sheep” – Mike Rashid
Alysha Koloni – Deputy Head Girl I’m the fangirl out of the bunch. I know every 1D song inside and out, I love to read and write fanfiction and I love rocking out with my Royal Family moves, and who cares if it’s a little weird; that’s what makes me beautiful! I’m one of the cheesiest and goofiest people you’ll meet; I enjoy laughing and making people laugh because you’re never fully dressed without a smile!
8 Western Community News – February 2016
We Welcome More High Quality Staff to the Fraser Team Joshua Dobbs – Technology Kia ora. I am a Hard Materials Technology and Graphics teacher here at Fraser High School. I am married to a very supportive and loving wife - Liz, we have two wonderful children, Brianna who is 6 and Josiah who is 3½ . I am Architecturally trained and have also studied in Adult Education and Engineering. I have five years’ experience teaching carpentry for a local trades provider. I have experience in the trades and an ever increasing interest in the building industry. I was born and raised on a dairy farm and before I descovered my passion for teaching I worked as dairy farmer on large farms in the mighty Waikato, Southland and Taranaki. I enjoy gardening, woodworking, gaming and crossfit. I have a heart for technology, design and sustainability. I believe that my interests, varied life experiences and personality brings depth and authenticity to my teaching. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach here at Fraser High School and am looking forward to seeing my students start to develop their own passions and follow their dreams in our ever changing, challenging and expanding technological world. Ngā mihi,
Greg Hobson – Maths and PE Kia ora koutou katoa. I have been teaching for the past eight years, most of which was in the UK. All together I have lived in the UK for the last 11 years. I am actually an old Forest Lake, Maeroa and Fraser High boy and I am immensely proud of being able to be part of a school that has formed a huge part of mine, and my family’s, lives. I have numerous fond memories of Fraser High School and I hope to contribute to those of our community’s students in the future. I will be teaching three subjects at Fraser; Maths, PE and Health and am currently completing papers at Waikato and Massey University. I have a keen interest in all things sport, not least football and running, so if you are ever around and want to put the sports world to rights then I will be more than happy to chat. I really look forward to meeting you, if not at Fraser, then in and around the community.
Tovah Reed – Drama Kia ora, ko Ngati Porou toku iwi. Ko Tovah toku ingoa. I am pleased to introduce myself or rather reintroduce myself to the Waikato region. I studied in Hamilton at Waikato University and made my way up to Auckland for four years of my teaching career. I am first and foremost a Drama teacher but also have Dance, English, Media Studies and even PE under my belt! I enjoy Zumba and Hip Hop dancing, playing the ukulele, and singing. I intend on implementing my zest for life, vivacious energy and commitment into my role as Fraser High’s Drama teacher this year.
Michelle Warner – Science Technician I am the new Science technician here at Fraser High School. My job is to supply and look after all of the Science resources and to help teachers set up for Science experiments. It is an interesting job, as I get to tinker with all sorts of Science equipment and do research to find new ideas and resources. The staff at Fraser have been very welcoming and friendly and I look forward to providing exceptional science support to the Science teachers, so that they can provide excellent learning experiences for their students. I am an ex-student of Fraser High School and I have tertiary qualifications in Science and Teaching. In my spare time, I like to read books, watch movies, play my violin and play tennis. My favourite sports are gymnastics, MotoGP and tennis. I am married to Kevin.
Todd Drinkwater – Physical Education Kia Ora Koutou! Originally from Kamo, I first came to Hamilton in 2006 where I studied a conjoint degree in Teaching and Sport and Leisure studies at Waikato University. On completion, I started my first teaching opportunity at Fraser High School. After four years at Fraser I left to travel on my OE to the UK where I experienced the fast paced excitement of Europe and had my first experience in teaching Science. On returning to Fraser, I am looking forward to seeing old faces, meeting new ones and bringing my new experiences into my teaching practice.
Night School at Fraser shines in our Community! Kia ora and welcome to Adult Learning in 2016. Throughout the year Fraser holds many classes in the evenings and weekends. In 2015 over 2800 adult students did some kind of course through our school. 218 classes were offered during the four terms of the year. If you think there is something you would like to learn in a friendly and easy environment contact the school on 847 1074 or go to the ACE (Adult Community Education) website for details of what is on offer: www.fraserace. ac.nz The Community Education programme is always looking to add courses that may interest learners. If you have ideas or if you think you could offer a class please do contact the Director of Community Education by email. p.faulkner@fraser.school.nz
The night classes have already started but the weekend classes will begin soon. These include computer classes, craft classes and cooking classes. During the school holidays there is a fantastic course for youngsters
aged between 9 and 14 called Junior Chef. Yummy and healthy food for all the family. Fraser is proud to host Adult Learning for all of Hamilton. Happy Learning in 2016.
FRASER HIGH SCHOOL Te Kura Tuarua o Taniwharau
Learn with Purpose Engage with Pride Act with Respect Dare to Succeed
Senior Council Students attend Leadership Camp at Raglan
The Senior Council staff and students who attended the camp. Fraser High Schools’ Senior Council is ready and eager to bring on the New Year! In anticipation for 2016 the new Council stayed at Raglan Kopua Holiday Park for a two night leadership camp. This was a fun filled opportunity to bond with fellow peers and staff mentors as we did workshops, swam at Ngarunui Beach together, and had late night lip sync battles. Overall we gained a better understanding of how we are going to work as a collaborative team in order to achieve our goals in the coming year. Our first activity in Raglan was a beach clean-up, working with the Waikato District Council we searched for rubbish along the coastline with bags in hand. This was a rewarding experience with many positive comments from other beachgoers and a great way
to initiate the trend for positive contributions to our school. With this in mind we took some time to discuss what our ‘vision’ was for this school year, and how we were going to find more opportunities to spread the infectious Fraser spirit throughout the school and wider community. With many eager minds there was no shortage of ideas, and with teamwork and lots of discussion we were able to turn some of those ideas into real action plans, which we presented to our school Principal, Mrs Crawford, on the last night of camp. Council members returned home excited and driven with purpose, to put our plans into action, serve our school and share Fraser pride and spirit. — Talia Davies
Above: Students planning their vision and objectives for the year. Below: Jumping for joy on completing the beach clean-up.
Fraser Students Action Beach Clean-up
It’s a thankless task clearing away rubbish but Fraser students dig deep to help the Raglan community. Raglan’s coast is looking tidier thanks to a group of keen Fraser High School students and staff. Fraser High School’s Senior Council worked collaboratively with Waikato District Council Raglan Reserves Team Leader, Noel Barber, to undertake a beach clean-up on 28 January. A group of 22 Fraser students and five staff walked from Ngarunui beach back to Te Kopua Domain collecting rubbish along the way. The Senior Council students wanted to give something back to the Raglan community after they stayed at the Kopua Holiday Park for two nights to develop the student’s leadership vision for the year. “We know that Raglan gets hit hard in the summer months and our students want to set the right example about being socially and environmentally responsible,” Senior Council camp organiser, Carli Last said. This year, one of the aims for Fraser High School’s Senior Council is to be a positive presence in the school and wider community. “Cleaning up the shores of Raglan not only gave our students an excuse to be at the beach, but it showed us
that something as simple as picking up rubbish can ripple effect so positively on a community. I would definitely do it again!” Head Girl, Eden French-Putu said. “Each of us walked away feeling content, knowing that we had made a difference and hopefully, we were able to help influence other members of the Waikato community to do their bit,” said Deputy Head Girl, Alysha Koloni. Head Boy, Teancum Timu said “I am honoured to be able to be a part of this operation and I look forward to our next event for the community,”. Comments from other students: “It was our pleasure to help the council and reaffirm the commitment we, as Fraser students, have to our social responsibility.” – Vinod Bal “Thank you - Waikato District Council for giving Fraser High School the opportunity to give back to the community! Who knew that picking up a piece of rubbish or two can be so effective!” – Ahmed Faisal “I had a lot of fun! Not only was I walking along the beautiful Raglan shore line, I was helping keep that shore line beautiful and clean!” – Shaye Paki
If you are interested in coaching any of these teams, please contact: JENN at the sports office
07 847 9044 ext 641
Western Community News – February 2016 9
What’s on out West veggies. Order before 3pm Wednesday, pick up Thursday after 11.30am. You can now order online at www.foodtogether.kiwi
Education The Western Community Centre 46 Hyde Ave, Nawton, contact 8474873, reception@wccham.org.nz, www.westerncommunitycentre.org Check us out on Facebook! Since 1979 the centre has been providing a wide range of support services,programmes, activities and events. Our two facilities are at 46 Hyde Ave and 108 Grandview Road in Nawton. The centre is owned by the community and overseen by a board of community members elected each year.
Community information hub Photocopying services we can print from USB, B&W 10 cents, colour 50 cents, colour A3 posters $1 Justice of the Peace Available Tuesdays, 8.45am – 12pm, no appointment needed just turn up! Free Legal Advice Niemand Peebles Hoult are offering free legal advice on Wednesdays at the centre. Appointments take place between 9am – 10am. To book contact the centre. Tables and Chair Hire We have tables and chairs for hire! Tables $6 each, Chairs $2 each. For weekend hire pick up Friday drop off Monday. We also have a pie warmer for hire. Western Community Centre Radio Show - Free FM Tune into to 89FM every Friday 10.30am - 11am to stay updated with news and information from the Centre. Visit freefm.org.nz for podcasts of the show and further info. Fruit & Vege co-op Just $10 gets you a bag of fruit and a bag of
Floral Lessons with Elsie Moorman Contemporary Floral work for the home and gifts. Learn from an experienced Tutor, NZFAS Teacher and Judge. Tuesdays 10am - 12 noon. Enquiries to Elsie Phone 07 855 6439. Lil Groovers Got kids from 0-10 years old keen to dance? Dance classes for littlies and big kids to really get them going. Tuesday mornings 9am - 9.45am for under 5’s, Thursdays 3.30pm - 4.15pm for 5-7 years, 4.15pm – 5pm for 7-10 years, $6 per child-family discounts and concessions available, More info lilgroovers@outlook.com or call Cat on 021 525 795 Iloha Club- Japanese Playgroup The Iloha Club is a Japanese playgroup for mums and dads who can speak Japanese and for children aged 0 to 5 who are learning Japanese in the Waikato. It is a great opportunity to meet other families. They have a lot of fun with a focus on language, Japanese music, stories, crafts and cooking. For more information please contact hamiltonilohaclub@gmail.com Friday 10am – 12:30pm, donation per session is 50c per child Western Stars Holiday Programmes Programmes start at 8am to 5.30pm. Cost per week is $130 or $26 per day. Winz subsidies may be available, Enrol at the centre or online at our website. 8 weeks of holiday programmes are held throughout the year.
Youth Western Wheel Learner Licence Course Contact the centre to find out about the next course. Cost is $30 plus $93.90 for the Test Licence Fee. To enrol or for more info contact Aileen 8474873 ex 1, aileen@wccham.org.nz Western Boarders – 3rd Monday of the month
We’re opening up the Centre for an evening of board gaming good times. You can attend solo or bring a friend/partner or your whole family. Choose from any of our board games or bring your own and meet some new & awesome Hamilton folks! ITS FREE 6pm - 10pm, stay for as long as you like. In Association with Waikato Boardgamers & The Western Community Centre Boom Boxing – Youth Class A combination of intense sweat and boxing fun, mixed with music. Wednesdays 5pm – 6pm and it’s free for high school aged youth. Txt: Wallace 021-126-8119 OR Facebook focus24seven
Seniors Tai Chi We offer 2 community Tai Chi classes each week, Tuesday and Friday Cost $3 per session. Tai Chi has been proven to improve mobility, flexibility and balance. Maureen Leong is the primary tutor. 10.30am-11.30am 50+ Luncheons and Bus Trips Luncheon takes place monthly on third Thursday of each month at 12pm, the luncheons provide an opportunity for seniors in our area to meet, socialize, interact and enjoy some local entertainment. Transport is provided for those unable to drive. The luncheons are potluck and a great way to network and make new friends. Bus trips take place throughout the year to a number of destinations; contact the centre to find out about our next one.
Health and Wellbeing Traditional Maori Healing Wayseer is based at the centre Tuesday evenings, mirimiri (massage) romiromi (bodywork) rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) $20 clothed massage or bodywork. Contact David Kukutai Jones 022 569-4288 wayseer@outlook.com Boom Boxing A combination of intense sweat and boxing fun,
mixed with music. Wednesdays 6pm - 7:30pm (general). Session $10 per person. It’s great to bring your own boxing gloves and pads, however we have a limited no. Which can be used for those who’d like to give Boom-boxing a go. Don’t miss out limited places available! Txt: Wallace 021-126-8119 OR Facebook focus24seven Wallace 021-126-8119 OR Facebook focus24seven Mates Men’s Network Creating Positive Male Role Models in our Community, Tuesday 7pm – 9.30pm (fortnightly) info@ mates.org.nz 0800 4MATES.
Venue Hire Board Room - Great for group meetings, can sit up to 14 people. The Lounge - A comfortable relaxed meeting room, can sit up to 8 people. Large Room - This room can seat up to 100 people. Training Room - This room can seat up to 40 people own Kitchen included. 108 Grandview - This venue is set up to cater for children, ideal for playgroups or children’s birthday parties and small meetings.
Thank You! Thank you to all those who bring in donations of goods, produce and help us financially to support our awesome community. We really appreciate your support. Our Little Wish List We are always on the lookout for donations of lego, coffee mugs, kitchen utensils, pens, and stationery items. If you can help, feel free to drop off to our centre at 46 Hyde Ave.
Volleyball in West Hamilton Social, School, Club & Beach Volleyball - all played in the west. Contact Dave Macpherson on 021-477 388, or volleyballwaikato@xtra.co.nz
Hone’sKorero
Nga mihi o te tau hou, blessings, happy New Year 2016. The photo you see is about connecting communities. On my right is the Moderator of Te Aka Puaho, spiritual leader of the Maori Synod of Presbyterian Church; and on my left is the Moderator of the Kaimai Presbytery, representing the Waikato, Coromandel, Western & Eastern Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Tokoroa and the King County Parishes. My role in your community is about joining the two together. I quote from the gospel of Leviticus, chapter 19, verse 18, ‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord.’ Come and visit me at the church I take services on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. I am in the church office on Wednesday and Thursday every week. You will also find me at the Nawton Primary School as the resident Kaumatua and Chaplain. I am contactable by text on 021 741218 or ring the Nawton Community Presbyterian Church Office at (07) 847 0868 and leave a message. You are important because the Lord says so – korero mai, talk to me
‘Ko te Amorangi ki mua; ko te Hāpai-ō ki muri’
(The emblems of God leading the way, the people will follow the Lord) 10 Western Community News – February 2016
CHALK FEST 2016
Free FM is proud to bring you Chalk Fest for 2016! Come and join us as we create art on the street right here in Hamilton city. It kicks off at 11am on Saturday 05 March 2016 at Civic Square. Registration is FREE - you can register on the day from 10am or email marketing@freefm.org.nz to get a registration form sent to you. Grab some friends and family to make a team or participate as an individual. Drawing starts at 11am with Prizegiving following judging at 12.30. Be in to win $100 cash plus loads of awesome prize packs thanks to our sponsors Crayola and Hoyts Metro. Once again we are joining forces with the Childrens Day Celebration in Garden Place that same day from 10am. There will be rides, entertainment, food and lots to see and do. Bring the family along to join in the fun in the under 5’s area, youth zone or have a go on the many rides and amusements. Best of all its free! Check out www.freefm.org.nz for further information
Grandview Community Garden Summer Sowing Summertime and holidays didn’t see any let up in gardening activity at Grandview Community Garden this year. In fact it’s been the reverse: because summer is a prime time for growing veges, our mentoring sessions continued right through the holidays, three times a week, covering topics such as: how to stop weeds, how to plant and grow kumara, waterwise gardening and how to bring helpful insects to your garden. Our newest garden members are a mix of experienced gardeners who are new to NZ, wanting to learn how to grow food in their new home, as well as young gardeners who are at the very beginning of their food growing journey. It’s exciting to see the new gardeners as they sow, tend and harvest their first veges at Grandview Community Garden. If you’d like to try some tasty new summer recipes, join us on February 14th. Starting at 5:30 in the afternoon, cooking tutors from our community will be showing new ways to cook summer produce. Coming up in the cooler autumn months are practical gardening sessions on composting worm composting, growing berries and our always popular plant propagation workshop. There is space for new gardeners and autumn is a great time to start your vege plot. Contact us on grandviewcommunitygarden@gmail. com or through our Facebook page. See you in the garden! Grandview Community Garden Trust (L) Tipu learning how to propagate kumara (R) Community Garden Trustees Min, Angela and Stephanie
(S) NEEDED! At the Community Centre, we’re always needing volunteers for events as well as people with passion and skills. Volunteer positions we’re seeking applicants for are: Waste Reduction Officer: Passionate about recycling and minimising landfill? We need someone dedicated to helping us reduce our waste, through waste audits, composting, trash sorting and keeping the bins in line. Minimum 2 hours per week. A great addition to your CV and a chance to help the environment and your community. Bicycle Workshop Supervisor: Know how to fix a flat tyre and keep bikes in good order? Help enable our bicycle program, restoring bikes to gift to those in need and teaching others to look after theirs. Minimum 4 hours per week, no maximum. Perfect for someone that loves bikes and wants to share that with others. We’re
building a community workshop, come be the heart of it. Gardeners: Green fingered? Know your weeds from your wisterias? Help us keep developing our beautiful gardens, expanding our vegetable plot and develop the seedling nursery. If you’ve not got the space at home to fulfil your gardening habit or you’d like to extend your green fingered reach, there’s no minimum hours required just a dedication to get things growing. Lawn Mower: We need someone with half an hour to spare every week or fortnight to mow around the fruit trees on Elliott Park. We supply the mower and gas, just bring safe footwear and earmuffs/ headphones should you require them. If you’d like to apply, email admin@ wccham.org.nz or call 07 8474873 or pop into the Centre.
We have tables and chairs for Hire $6
$2 Weekend Deal!
Pick up Friday, Drop back Monday
Available our reception!
The Western Community Centre admin@wccham.org.nz 07 8474873 46 Hyde ave, Nawton
Western Community News – February 2016 11
TIM MACINDOE MP FOR HAMILTON WEST Senior Government Whip
It is a privilege to serve as Hamilton West’s MP and to speak for my constituents in Parliament. 2016 is a year of exciting opportunities for our city and region. The Government remains firmly focused on securing further economic growth, and improvements to public services within a programme of responsible public spending.
543 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton | PO Box 382, Hamilton 3240 | P: 07 850 6262 E: macindoe.office@parliament.govt.nz | www.timmacindoe.co.nz
www.national.org.nz
Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Tim Macindoe MP, 543 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton.
Show us your Green Thumb With so many wonderful and productive gardens gracing our community, the Western Community Centre has found themselves the recipients of daily boxes of fresh vegetables and fruit. Every day at the Centre we’ve had people bringing in their garden surplus which we’ve been able to pass on to those who are going without. From courgettes to cabbages, beans to beetroot and even some more exotic appearances like kohlrabi. Kohlrabi translated from German means cabbage-turnip. Its inside flesh is pale green, slightly sweet, and crispy. The taste of kohlrabi is similar to broccoli stems or cabbage heart, but sweeter. Kohlrabi can be planted anytime from August to March, are easy to grow and are ready in around 2 months. They can be grated raw for salads, or to use in fritters. You can cut them into pieces and steam and use in casseroles or with baked veges. Whilst our green thumb’ed gardener for this issue doesn’t have any kohlrabi, his homemade pickle made from his gardens produce, has been winning the tummies of all those lucky enough to get some. Reg is a long time local, and was happy to show off his produce. He says its hard being confined to his wheelchair but that only makes everything he grows all the sweeter. If you’ve got a wonderful garden we’d love to hear about it and if youv’ve got extra fruit and veg feel free to drop it into the Centre at 46 Hyde Ave.
Kohlrabi Fritters Grated Kohlrabi, grated carrot, egg, salt & paprika. Local Reg Barton shows off his garden and its wares
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12 Western Community News – February 2016