Canterbury school celebrates new whare
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The opening of Rangiora High School’s new whare has been a long time coming, board of trustees presiding member Simon Green says.
The school opened the $1.8 million cultural learning centre, Te Ao Mārama, with a pōwhiri last week after a nine month build.
‘‘It was fully board funded and it has been a long time coming,’’ Mr Green said.
‘‘We are embarrassed it has taken this long, but we are proud we are here and we are able to provide this nice space for students to celebrate their culture.’’
Up until now, Te Reo and kapa haka lessons have been held in an old prefab building across the road from the main school site.
Green said the next major project for board is developing a new performing arts centre for the school and wider community, while it continues to invest in the whenua (school farm).
Principal Bruce Kearney paid tribute to former principal, the late Peter Allen, who had the foresight to employ a Te Reo teacher and establish a whānau classroom for Māori students back in 1990.
‘‘We have built this in a time when it is acceptable to build things like this, whereas Peter created something we didn’t have before.’’
He described the new whare as ‘‘simplistic and beautiful’’
‘‘It is all about form and function,’’ he said.
The new building will be used as a classroom, to host performances and for functions.
‘‘Come summertime this is where we will have concerts and performances for our music and drama students,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘So it will be a performing arts centre as well, until we can build a purpose-built one.
‘‘One of the first things I said post-earthquake was we’ve got to stop building things which only open on weekdays or on Sundays.’’
Kearney said the new whare will be a space for the community, as well as the school, and for all cultures.
The 176sqm building has a fully equipped kitchen.
It can provide a classroom for 30 student desks, seat up to 100 people for performances or 40 people for dining, and 20 people sleeping.
The name, Te Ao Mārama, which means the world of enlightenment, was gifted to the school by Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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
Family Friendly Service and Discussion
Family-friendly monthly service - Sunday, 7 December - at the Ashley Community Church. The gathering will start at 3.30 pm with a shared afternoon tea. Remember to bring something to share!
Remember to go before you come as there is no toilet on site.
Enquiries to Paul or Lesley, Ph 021 140 2074
39 Canterbury St, Ashley.
‘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
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