Western News: June 18, 2020

More documents

Recommendations

Info

2 Thursday June 18 2020 Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz WESTERN NEWS News GENERAL INQUIRIES Ph 379 7100 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Ph 379 1100 Star Media, a division of Allied Press Ltd PO Box 1467, Christchurch starmedia.kiwi NEWS Bea Gooding Ph: 021 911 576 bea.gooding@starmedia.kiwi ADVERTISING Alana Powell Ph: 962 8753 alana.powell@starmedia.kiwi Your local community news delivered to 24,894 homes within The Star each week. Templeton • Islington • Hei Hei • Broomfield Halswell • Oaklands • Westlake • Hornby • Ilam Wigram • Sockburn • Church Corner • Avonhead Hyde Park • Russley • Riccarton Park • Riccarton Biodiversity to get a boost from new wetland A NEW wetland that will improve the water quality at the Halswell River is almost complete. Since the Covid-19 lockdown, contractors have been able to complete the final earthworks for the wetland at Ahuriri Lagoon which flows into the Halswell River. Final works, completed last week, included the removal of a temporary earthen dam between the culvert exiting the wetland and the main channel of the river. This connected the wetland with the river, making it fully operational. Netting installed to protect plants from being uprooted by pūkeko before becoming established is still in place but will be removed in the coming weeks. An Environment Canterbury spokesman said: “Low rainfall this year has left low water levels in Ahuriri Lagoon and flow in the Halswell River, but when rain returns, the wetland will be seen in its full glory.” The wetland will work as a natural filter for the Halswell River which has degraded water quality. Water leaves the main branch of the river and flows through part of the original channel, passing alongside the Little River Rail Trail in a section newly planted with native seedlings, BOOST: The new wetland constructed near the Halswell River is now fully operational and ready to increase biodiversity in the area. before entering the top of the wetland. “There it meanders through an area containing more than 80,000 aquatic plants that act as a filter to remove nitrates and other contaminants, before rejoining the river.” The Whakaora Te Ahuriri project, which is being run by the city council, Selwyn District Council, Environment Canterbury, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Department of Conservation started in July 2018. The $3.5 million project is funded by the Government’s Freshwater Improvement Fund, Environment Canterbury and NIWA. Timeless Elegance New Boutique Residential Aged Care | 03 357 9392 | russleyvillage.co.nz
WESTERN NEWS Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Thursday June 18 2020 3 News Remembering past times at Oaklands School • By Kim Thomas DIANE CARSON taught at Oaklands School in its early years and worked in the long red ‘Canterbury’ brick classrooms that housed most of its pupils. More than 50 years later, Mrs Carson’s granddaughters Emma and Esther Vincent attend the school and the two original brick blocks are being completely overhauled for a new generation of learners. Mrs Carson, who was known as Mrs Jellyman during her time at the school, said it was lovely to see some of the school’s history retained in the form of the red bricks. “I have photos of the staff outside the brick block classrooms and have good memories of teaching there. I started in 1966, which is the year the school opened, and worked there for five years,” she said. “During that time there were about 700 students at the school. We had classes with 37, 38, 39 children in them each at their own desk. There were a lot of children because a lot of people were moving to the area.” The brick Canterbury blocks MEMORIES: Former Oaklands School teacher Diane Carson with her granddaughters Emma (left) and Esther Vincent outside the original brick block buildings. are being refurbished as part of the school’s $5-million-plus redevelopment. Principal Margaret Trotter said refurbishment of the two Canterbury brick blocks was the last major construction project of the school’s redevelopment. The red bricks would be retained but the rest of the building would be modern, she said. The construction of three new buildings – to house the administration, a library and flexible learning space, and an extended junior school - finished last year. “It will be exciting to finish the last big piece of the redevelopment puzzle and enjoy the finished product. We have been very lucky that our redevelopment has run to schedule and look forward to celebrating the milestone when it is all complete.” Rotary helps create community space ROTARY CLUBS across the city have joined forces to develop a dedicated garden and market space for the community to enjoy. The overgrown pocket of land will be developed on the grounds of disability service provider Hohepa Canterbury and was made possible by the Rotary Clubs of Riccarton, Hornby, Papanui, Cashmere and Christchurch Sunrise. The area became overrun and unusable following the earthquakes, therefore Hohepa Canterbury decided to construct a pathway and reflection garden – but was struggling with funding. Said the Rotary Club of Riccarton president Greg Cayford: “We will be sharing with, and working alongside residents, day community members, parents and staff who may choose to engage with the project. “This project is highlighting that there are many connections already established between Rotary clubs, individual members and with Hohepa Canterbury.” Hohepa Canterbury in Cashmere provides support to 130 special needs children and adults with an intellectual disability to live fully engaged lives. They offer diverse living options, learning and activity programs, community participation, and therapies inspired by anthroposophy – a holistic philosophy encompassing the planet, the people and spiritual essence. One of anthroposophy’s key teachings is that physical wellbeing is enhanced by creating physical environments for work and living that provide a positive experience. Aside from providing the campus with a “welcoming, visually appealing streetscape,” the stream boundary was integral to the wellbeing of the Hohepa community. The area’s mature trees will be enhanced by green space and plantings, providing a natural area for reflection. The gathering space will host activities such as market stalls selling Hohepa farm goods and seasonal activities such as carol singing. “As meetings have been held between Rotary representatives and the Hohepa team, it has become clear that there are further enhancements we can develop together as the project progresses and nears completion,” said Mr Cayford. A place to call your own? Here’s a helping hand You could qualify for a First Home Grant of up to $10,000 per person or a 5% deposit First Home Loan – or even both. Find out more at KaingaOra.govt.nz/firsthome
Page 1: THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020 Connecting
Page 5 and 6: WESTERN NEWS Latest Canterbury news

Western News: June 18, 2020

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?