West Coast school phases out coal
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
South Westland Area School at Harihari is a hive of activity and it is not just the usual daily comings and goings of children.
Builders and tradespeople have occupied the school over the past couple of months, transforming the way it is heated, as part of the Government's programme to phase out coal-fired boilers in schools.
At the same time, the school is taking on a more cohesive appearance with a rebuild of covered paths and the addition of an all-weather outdoor lunch space.
Principal Nick Glancy said the zero carbon emissions initiative, costing at least $1.5million, was ''a massive project'' for the school.
The project was directly managed and funded through the Ministry of Education to phase out the traditional coal-fire boiler-radiator system and to bring heat pump technology to every learning area. That had necessitated an electrical upgrade across the site.
''They've had to upgrade all the electrical throughout the school, so the whole place has been dug up to put the power cables underground. That's due to be completed in early April.''
The school pool will also benefit from the heat pump-based system, Glancy said.
Work also started in mid-December on replacing covered areas between various buildings.
Glancy said that work was a part of a long-term maintenance plan developed for the school.
This followed the recent rebuild, which was the result of a significant fire at the site, and the ongoing work was part of a project to weatherproof and re-clad the school.
Central to this and linked to the healthy school lunch scheme was the new outdoor lunch area, which was nearly completed, he said.
Once finished, the all-weather canopy area would be complemented by tables and chairs, which would present a new opportunity for the school to promote positive social connection as a learning experience.
Glancy said the opportunity for pupils to sit at a table and interact with their peers and staff could not be underestimated, particularly as some young people did not necessarily always have the opportunity of sitting down at a table for meal time at home.
''It's just created a really good opportunity ... this one is pretty exciting.''
Currently, the area school roll sat at a ''very healthy'' 115, with the secondary roll for year 9 to 13 pupils, at 65.
The school continued to draw secondary-age pupils from Ross, 45 minutes drive away, down to Whataroa and the glaciers.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
🚧 Big upgrades are on the way for Haast!
Motorists travelling on SH6 near Haast should be ready for some delays, with $5 million worth of work kicking off on important improvements to the highway.
The Gates of Haast Gorge bridge, which connects the 140km journey between Haast and Wānaka, is a crucial link — especially for locals and visitors heading to the West Coast glaciers.
A bit of patience now for safer, stronger roads ahead! 💛
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