Western News: September 21, 2023

4
Thursday September 21 2023
Trailblazing ‘GirlBosses’ encourage
• By Sasha Watson
STUDENTS FROM high
schools in the Western News area
have shined at the Canterbury
GirlBoss awards.
Christchurch Girls’ High
School student Bethany Crossan
(above) was awarded the GirlBoss
inclusion award, Burnside High
School’s Charlotte Mortlock
received the sports award, and St
Margaret’s College’s Millie Edwards
received the STEM award
(science, technology, engineering
and mathematics).
Bethany was recognised for her
efforts to include her Māori heritage
and culture into everyday life.
“I am passionate about providing
a voice for rangatahi Māori
and community. I’ve worked
with many (school) principals for
the last two years to create a more
inclusive environment,” she said.
“I have created many te reo resources
for staff, students and the
community, and have spoken on
the Māori panel for the Ministry
of Education.”
She has also initiated kaupapa,
such as creating a Matariki
display, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
videos, and mentored tamariki to
become confident speakers and
Māori leaders.
“All my life, people have told
me that Māori aren’t academically
inclined and are only good
at sports,” she said.
“This motivated me to prove
them wrong – I have learnt to
celebrate my differences as a
superpower rather than hide my
being Māori.”
Bethany was awarded $1000
and she will put the money towards
further education.
“The awards are an amazing
opportunity,” she said. “Whether
you win an award or not, you are
still a girl boss and are capable of
inspiring others.”
SPORTS AWARD: Charlotte
Mortlock is a part of four
football teams, including
the Canterbury United
Pride Women’s team.
INCLUSION AWARD:
Bethany Crossan’s
superpower is her Māori
culture and she is proud of
her differences.
Bethany (right) and Sophia
Smith at the Matariki interschool
kapa haka festival.
Kōrero mai, let’s talk about our
Safer speed plan
Way safer for everyone
We’re planning to make more speed limit
changes in some areas across Christchurch.
Lower speeds can save lives and prevent serious injury.
Reducing our speed makes a major difference in a crash.
People make mistakes on our roads, and those mistakes
shouldn’t cost our neighbours, whānau or pets their lives.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency have changed the way
speed limits are set. This gives us an opportunity to plan an
area-wide approach for speed changes.
We’re asking for feedback on our 10-year vision and
principles for safe speeds across Christchurch and Banks
Peninsula, as well as our first three years of implementation.
To read the plan and give feedback by
25 October, visit
letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/saferspeedsplan