Supporting Rangiora students to reach their potential
By local democracy reporter David Hill:
In guiding students to reach their full potential, Rangiora High School’s new associate principal likes the "gently relentless" approach.
Remihana Emery moved over from Kaiapoi High School to take on the role of associate principal at the start of this year, following the retirement of the school's first associate principal Paul Donnelly.
He said he was driven by his whakaaro — mentality and beliefs — in helping young people find their potential.
His approach has been influenced by former Kaiapoi guidance counsellor Rob Courtney, who has also made the move to Rangiora.
"Rob uses the phrase ‘gently relentless’, which means you keep chipping away and doing it in a way that is mana enhancing to everybody as much as possible.
"Sometimes it is a fear of failure holding them back, and for some adults that anxiety still exists.
"It saddens me because you know the potential those kids have. They are our biggest investment."
The role of associate principal was created in 2018 and is "very fluid", Emery said.
"It is about doing the work behind the scenes so [principal] Bruce [Kearney] can connect with the community and other schools."
Board of Trustees presiding member Simon Green said the associate principal role was created when the school looked to move on after being managed by a commissioner.
"The board and principal (at the time) realised just how complex and time-intensive school leadership had become for a large school of 1600 students."
The school roll has since grown to 1750.
Emery said his career has been "a roller coaster ride".
After leaving school he worked in construction for 15 years, but his life took a different direction after joining a church in Kaiapoi 2004.
Emery and his wife Michelle became youth group leaders and it led to him attending a meeting at Kaiapoi High School as a support person.
Courtney invited him to volunteer at the school as a mentor and later "he came to me and said ‘we need you here full time’".
Known to his students as Matua Remi (Uncle Remi), he left his job and enrolled at university at the age of 32.
Emery was a teacher at Kaiapoi High School for 10 years teaching maths and te reo.
He became a dean as a third year teacher and was then deputy principal for three years.
"I’m fortunate to have had opportunities presented to me to fast track my career."
He made his mark at Kaiapoi as the lead singer of the teachers’ band, The Viking Thunders, which won the teachers equivalent of Rockquest, and was a kapa haka tutor.
"It is an avenue to let off some steam and it is a good way to connect with the kids.
"I have already busted out a few songs at school assemblies at Rangiora and I got the students to give me a beat for ‘We will rock you’."
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Lack of investment remains a concern – ECan councillors
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
A lack of investment remains a concern as Environment Canterbury backs the region’s transport plan.
The regional council voted to adopt the 2024-34 Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan at a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
But councillors expressed concerns at a perceived lack of funding from central Government and a potential funding shortfall.
The Canterbury Regional Transport Committee, comprising the region’s 10 mayors, gave its approval to the plan at a meeting on April 18.
Councillor Deon Swiggs said the there had been under-investment in transport and infrastructure in the South Island for too long.
‘‘It is a relatively good plan, but we need to get on top of the funding because we are getting behind in Canterbury and in the entire South Island.’’
He was also concerned at the lack of a timeframe set out for the implementation of the proposed mass rapid transport for Greater Christchurch.
Environment Canterbury principal strategy advisor Clare Pattison said the regional transport plan set out priorities for transport in the region.
But the timings would ultimately be set by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and the regional council.
She said the council could refer questions back to the regional transport committee if there were concerns.
Councillor Grant Edge said if the council did not adopt the plan by the June deadline, it would put at risk funding for Canterbury’s roading projects.
Councillor Vicky Southworth said funding was issue which ‘‘continues to be raised’’.
‘‘Hopefully something changes, but we have to put our best foot forward and hope we get the support.’’
The plan proposed an investment of $10.8 billion over 10 years, which would double the region’s transport investment.
But it will require a $4.6b contribution from central Government.
Key projects include the proposed Woodend Bypass and a second Ashburton bridge.
The plan also includes public transport improvements for Greater Christchurch, which are dependent on Government support.
It will now be submitted to Waka Kotahi to be included in the National Land Transport Plan.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Share your New Zealand music memories...
It's NZ Music Month and New Zealand really has some beautiful songs from artists that we call our own.
Whether it's April Sun in Cuba, Don't Forget your Roots, or How Bizarre or Bic Runga's 'Sway' - songs have a way of unlocking memories and evoking old feelings.
In honour of NZ Music Month, share a New Zealand song or artist that is special to you and explain why.
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The Tova Show
Hello! Are you a …
- A student/young professional renting
- A young family, renting or owning
- An older New Zealander/retiree/pensioner
We’re reaching out from the Tova show, the flagship weekly politics podcast on Stuff, as we prepare for our budget coverage and how it’s affecting Kiwis - we’d love to hear from you.
We need a few people who are available the week before the budget (Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd May) and on the day of the announcement (Thursday 30th May).
Please email tova@stuff.co.nz or comment below if you’d like to share your perspective with us. We give you our commitment to treat your experience with sensitivity and care.
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