Selwyn Times: March 06, 2019

24 Wednesday March 6 2019
Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi
SELWYN TIMES
Conference a chance to learn about
Lincoln High
School year
13 student
John Elliott
writes about
his visit to the
European Union
AT THE START of this year,
I was offered the opportunity
to take part in a trip to the
European Union with others
from around New Zealand and
Australia.
I got the chance to go to
Prague, Geneva and London
taking part in an International
Youth Conference, visiting
the Red Cross and United
Nations buildings and exploring
universities within London.
The trip helped me to explore
what leadership meant to me
and help my understanding of
the importance of why it is we
need to understand and listen
to others and their perspective,
which is becoming ever more
important within today’s diverse
and separated world.
My trip began in Prague, where
I was invited to take part in the
International Youth Leadership
Conference.
The conference was a weeklong
event with around 30 people
from around the world. We all
took part in recreating real-world
decisions and discussion through
model UNs, model international
crimes court and debating.
The IYLC mission is “to
facilitate an exchange of
ideas across an ethnically
diverse and socially responsible
group of young international
leaders.”
During my time at the
IYLC, I felt like this is exactly
what was achieved. I was able
to talk with and learn about
many other cultures and beliefs
that I hadn’t known about
previously.
I didn’t always agree with
everyone while at the IYLC,
but the environment was one
where we all considered the
other ideas and meant we were
able to express those differences
in a way that helped each other
expand and change our own
perspective of the world and why
it’s so important to take time to
consider others’ views.
If you don’t you can’t expand
LEARNING
TRIP: Lincoln
High School
year 13
student
John Elliott’s
European
trip began
in Prague,
Czech
Republic.
your scope and aren’t able
to see the world from other
perspectives.
It is easy to ignore others that
have a view that differs from
yours but learning to understand
each other is necessary to help
improve relationships around the
world.
READY, SET, FLEX
Flex Fitness is set to open in just weeks and
the new gym promises to be an exercise
venue where everyone feels welcome –
whatever your fitness levels.
Whether you are at the start your fitness
journey or you’re a work out guru from way
back, the newest gym in Lincoln will be able
to cater to your every need.
Locals and owners Scott and Mel have set
up this gym, on the corner of Edward St and
Eastfield Drive, with the community in mind.
Both grew up in the area, so are aware of
the needs of local residents.
“What we want to provide is a 24-hour
gym that also offers great support and
encouragement to those who need it.
We want to see our members succeed
in reaching their goals and achieve great
things,” says Mel.
“We know there are lots of reasons for
coming to a gym – whether it is fitness,
strength, weight loss or just general
wellness. We also know that it is easier
for people to succeed when they feel
supported, have the right equipment and
programme, as well as an environment
where they feel welcome and included.”
The new gym promises to be state-of-the
art. Here you will find a range of options to
suit your exercise preferences.
“We’re bringing Life Fitness (cardio) and
hammer strength gear, group fitness classes
and personal trainers. There will be Netflix
to watch while you work out on the cardio
equipment. There will also be a smoothie
and coffee bar.”
There is also a beauty therapist on site who
will be offering half price services for the
first month.
Mel and Scott are also the parents of a
young family, including twin girls, so they
know the demands on time and pressures
family face. “We want to make sure people
are working out smartly so they make best
use of whatever time they have available to
exercise.”
If you sign up before the official open day
Mel and Scott will waive the joining fee
and you’ll also go in the draw to win 1 of 6
helicopter experiences with Independent
Helicopters. Those who become members
prior to opening are also able to join in
outdoor training sessions in Lincoln two
days a week.
If you want to find out more about Flex Fitness ring Mel
on 027 3222 164 or email lincoln@flexfitnessgym.co.nz
Malvern Residents Form Social Housing Trust
What would you do if you were a solo parent or a senior who needed to find
affordable housing in Malvern?
A group of citizens who want to assist in finding viable housing has recently
been incorporated as the Malvern Housing Trust.
This follows the release of a report to the Selwyn District Council on 7
November 2018 entitled ‘Council Involvement in Social Housing’. This report
includes a policy statement that SDC ‘does not view social housing as a core
activity and will not be a direct provider or investor in this activity’.
The members of the Trust have begun a conversation with Selwyn District
Council about the various recommendations in this report,
which can be accessed at https://www.selwyn.govt.nz/__data/assets/
pdf_file/0008/286649/PUBLIC-Agenda-Council-7-November-2018.pdf
(pp.141–177).
If you share a similar concern for social housing issues in the district, the
Trust welcomes your involvement and your comments in its work.
For further information please contact the Chair, Philip Baldwin,
on 022 637 5296 or malvernhousingtrust@gmail.com.
CHANGE
BEGINS
HERE.
TEXT LINCOLN@FLEX TO 884
TO GET YOUR FREE TRIAL
3 EASTFIELD DRIVE, LINCOLN, CHRISTCHURCH P: 027 322 2164 E: lincoln@flexfitnessgym.co.nz
Are you concerned about the need for social housing in Malvern?
is looking for people to help meet the need for affordable housing for
Join us: Tuesday, 12 March, 7.00pm, Darfield Library, or
ring Philip Baldwin 022 637 5296 for more information