Western News: March 14, 2024

Thursday March 14 2024 5
Church Cnr
upgrade on
agenda
• From page 1
Discord was developing within
the board after that meeting,
with first-term Halswell city
councillor Andrei Moore
expressing concern at Broughton’s
competency with social media in
terms of communicating with the
public.
He wanted her position to be
reviewed at today’s meeting,
though Broughton’s resignation
pre-empted that course of action.
The Church Corner intersection
also features on the agenda with
staff recommending last month’s
decision not to implement safety
improvements be reconsidered
following legal advice.
Broughton said the February 15
meeting was not ideal but she was
satisfied with her stewardship,
while conceding shortcoming
with social media.
“I got so involved in planning
issues I probably didn’t learn how
to manage Facebook effectively. I
was busy last year and I’d have to
be taught this too,” she admitted.
Her resignation was based
on a “degree of pressure” from
some board members, but she
was optimistic her demand to
oversee planning matters would
be endorsed.
“I’m reasonably confident the
majority are comfortable with
that. This has been a strength of
mine,” she said.
Principal heading north
• By Sasha Watson
GILBERTHORPE School
principal of 10 years Andrew
Wilkinson is taking up a
new challenge in the North
Island.
He will become principal of
Waihi East School in April.
He and wife Helen and three
children Ali, 4, Niko, 7, and
Nate, 9, will make the move at
• By Sasha Watson
THE HORNBY Community
Care Trust will have a new
home from July 1.
The trust was gifted the
Hornby Library building next
to it on Goulding Ave by the
city council at no cost.
Once the Hornby Library
moves into the Matatiki Centre
in April, its former building
will no longer be required for
council services.
The trust’s chair Bob Shearing
said it has been a long
process.
“It is something I have been
working on since first hearing
about the library moving.
Ultimately, it’s about having
the space, which is premium
for organisations, to offer to the
community.”
the end of term one.
Wilkinson said
there was never going
to be an ideal time to
leave, but knowing
Gilberthorpe School
was in good stead
with a fantastic team
made it slightly easier.
“We can all be
proud of what
everyone has contributed to get
Andrew
Wilkinson
us to where we are.
“We have gone from a
school in need to a school
where staff, students and
community are proud to
be a part of.”
He resigned on March 3.
Gilberthorpe’s deputy
principal Rebecca
Speden will stand in as
the acting principal for
term two.
Trust gifted building
EXPANSION: The Hornby Community Trust will take
over the old library building next door.
The trust was also granted
$315,400 from the city council’s
Capital Endowment Fund to go
towards refurbishing the space.
“We are looking to fix up the
roof, get on to differed maintenance,
and make the space fit
for purpose. There is still a lot
of money needed for the full
fit-out,” Shearing said.
City council community
support and partnerships head
John Filselll said the trust is doing
wonderful work to encourage
community well-being.
“It offers a broad range of
services and activities including
support groups, exercise classes,
and life skill programmes .
. . It is keen to expand into the
library building and we are
happy to help facilitate that.”
Should the trust decide the
building is no longer required,
the city council may take back
ownership of it for $1.
NZ rep
dream
closer for
athletes
• From page 1
“They will get the advantage for
selection, so it really just comes
down to one race.”
The pair represent Selwyn at club
meets and are coached by former
New Zealand Commonwealth
Games representative Angie Petty
and her partner, Briton Sam Petty.
Angie Petty said it would be
‘insane’ if the pair were to qualify
together.
“Of those runners (that have
made the qualifying time), Daniel
is second-fastest and Cooper is
fourth,” she said.
“But Cooper ran his in a local
event while all the rest were in
big meets like (the Sir Graham
Douglas International in Auckland
last weekend).
“It’s easier to run faster in those
big meets with other runners
around you and I know Cooper’s
got more in him.”
Wightman said the prospect was
exciting.
“It’s just down to one simple race,
who comes out better on that day.
“I quite like that instead of
having points and stuff where you
have to worry about all the races
you’re running.”
Teamwork makes
the
work.
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