<strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Harbour</strong> News Wednesday <strong>July</strong> 7 <strong>2021</strong> 8 NEWS Kiwibank’s Ferrymead branch closes • By Samantha Mythen THE KIWIBANK branch in Ferrymead closed on Friday. The branch has been operating out of Take Note on Ferry Rd, alongside a New Zealand Post branch. A Kiwibank spokesperson said: “For customers, Kiwibank would have liked to maintain services in Ferrymead, however the host business, Take Note, has decided not to continue its contract with us.” Take Note declined to comment. Kiwibank has been in touch with the seven customers who exclusively use the Ferrymead agent to work through alternative banking options. Kiwibank was originally relocated to Ferrymead from its branch in Woolston in 2015. The community enthusiastically campaigned against the move with 240 people signing a petition to stop its closure. The city council joined the campaign by sending a letter to New Zealand Post, which owns Kiwibank. However, the relocation still went ahead. At the time, New Zealand Post retail distribution general manager Tracey Berry said the company was investing in a full-service post shop and Kiwibank branch in Ferrymead. Deputy mayor Andrew Turner said banks are often at the heart of communities. “For every one facility like this that closes in the community, we lose one more element of community connection,” he said. “While I realise banking is moving online to the digital environment, there are still many people in communities, such as the elderly and business owners, who value the service on-site banks provide and the face-toface contact.” Turner said with the Woolston closure in 2015, the Ferrymead bank became even more essential, yet with its closure on Friday, residents are going to have to travel even further for their contact banking. The nearest Kiwibank service to Ferrymead is in St Martins or on Colombo St. Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz School production dazzles • By Samantha Mythen BIG, SPECTACULAR and exciting were some of the words used to describe Diamond <strong>Harbour</strong> School’s production of The Lion King. The show was held over the weekend. Acting deputy principal and production director Sally Craw said there was a huge buy-in from the community. The Friday and Saturday evening shows sold out and people had to be turned away on Saturday. There were only four tickets left for the opening night on Thursday. “It was really exciting seeing everyone in their costumes and with their masks,” said Craw. The entire school was involved, either taking on a lead role or acting in the wider chorus. Teachers, parents and other family members helped with creating costumes and the background set. Craw said they have received great positive feedback from everyone who saw the show. Several parents commented on the school’s Facebook page that it was the best school production they had ever seen. “I am really proud of the kids,” said Craw. “There is quite a lot of talent here.” Several performing pupils will be attending Cashmere High School next year, where Craw expected they would engage with the high school’s great drama department. Diamond <strong>Harbour</strong> School has a production every two years. “We now have two years to recover,” said Craw with a laugh. DOORS OPEN SATURDAY 9AM The one show NZ explorers do not want to miss! SPECTACULAR: Kaiden, Isla and Chloe impress as Young Simba, Timon and Pumba (top), while the lionesses surround Rafaiki and Nala (Zoe, Olivia, Eva, Nina, Stella, Holly Baie, Mali and Sofia). PHOTO: KIRSTEN NAOMI PHOTOGRAPHY New Zealand Motor Caravan Association ENTRY ONLY $12 CHRISTCHURCH ARENA Sat 10 <strong>July</strong> 9am-5pm Sun 11 <strong>July</strong> 9am-4pm Habit Health Forté Level 1, Forté 2 132 Peterborough St 0800 800 288 Habit Health Byron St 29 Byron St Sydenham 0800 800 288
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Wednesday <strong>July</strong> 7 <strong>2021</strong> <strong>Bay</strong> <strong>Harbour</strong> News 9
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