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Posts by Northern Outlook
683 days ago

Five new principals for North Canterbury schools

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Five North Canterbury schools will begin the year with new principals.

Former principal and Rangiora High School board of trustees presiding member Simon Green said it was a normal level of turnover for the region.

‘‘It is certainly in line with the last four to five years.’’

Last year there were about 15 school principals across the Waimakariri and Hurunui districts announcing their retirement or starting new roles over the previous 12 months.

Green said it showed principals were thinking more about their work/life balance.

‘‘Traditionally in North Canterbury people stayed in a job a long term, but those days are gone and people are more willing to move and take on new roles.’’

Amy O’Kane is the new principal at Ohoka School, near Kaiapoi, while at View High School, near Oxford, Pax O’Dowd is the new principal.

Kate Hassall has stepped up from deputy principal to the top job at North Loburn School, north of Rangiora, while Rebecca Pugh is new principal at Greta Valley School.

Jo Fissenden (pictured) has been promoted from deputy principal to principal at Kaikōura High School.

At Hurunui College, deputy principal Jane Marsh will be stepping up as acting principle while Stephen Beck takes up a secondment as the Ministry of Education’s area schools adviser.

Principals are employed by a school's elected board of trustees.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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More messages from your neighbours
12 hours ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 40.6% Yes
    40.6% Complete
  • 33.8% Maybe?
    33.8% Complete
  • 25.7% No
    25.7% Complete
456 votes
22 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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