western community news october 2015

Delivered to 17,000 homes throughout Hamilton’s western suburbs Issue 79 (October 2015)

West Hamilton PharmacyNewNawton Mall, Nawton. Phone 846 3121. Facsimile 846 3165

Firefighters gift to kids

page 12

HEAD LICE – Getting rid of the unwelcome ‘lodger’

Being winter and stuck indoors, when young children put their heads together over books and play then outbreaks of head lice are likely. Head scratching is a sign, but some people get a ‘tickling’ feeling of something moving in their hair. There’s no need to be embarrassed – even the cleanest heads get them. But, they are persistent creatures so you need to be persistent to get rid of them. “Come and talk to us”, say Self Care pharmacists, “for advice about treating and controlling head lice.”

Head lice are small, flat insects - about 2-3 mm long. “The Head Lice Self Care fact card has a picture so if you are not sure what they look like, ask us for a copy of the card”, Self Care pharmacists suggest. Head lice live on the human scalp and feed on blood. They crawl through and climb up the hair, clutching tightly with their claw-like legs (they do not jump or fly). When children have their heads touching, lice move easily from head to head.

Adult lice move all over the scalp, so to search for them and remove them it is best to wet the hair, apply

conditioner, and comb with a fine-tooth comb. Wipe the comb with tissue to see whether or not lice are present. Continue to do this until you can find no more insects. Repeat this procedure each day for the next 10-14 days. The eggs (nits) – which are found stuck firmly to the base of the hair, especially the back of the neck and behind the ears - are difficult to remove by comb and need to be pulled out (or killed by squashing between fingernails so they ‘pop’. Leaving them means they hatch (within 7-10 days of being laid) and start the cycle again. That is why each day for 10-14 days you need to repeat the wet combing method - so you get any lice that hatch from eggs you have missed.

The alternative to physically removing lice (by fine-tooth combing) and eggs (by pulling out) is to use a special head lice treatment. Your Self Care pharmacist can advise you about the different types and suggest one best suited to your child. “It is important to use these treatments correctly so read, and follow, the instructions carefully”, advise Self Care pharmacists. “Treatments need to be repeated in a week’s time because you won’t get all the eggs the first time; you have to get them when they hatch.” Using the ‘condition and comb’ method,

check the hair for live lice 24 to 48 hours after treatment.

Be sure to follow the product directions and repeat the course as instructed. Do NOT use animal flea or lice treatments on humans!

Parents often ask how to prevent their children from getting head lice. Here are some simple steps:

Brush their hair thoroughly, every day – this can kill or injure lice and prevent them laying eggs. People should have their own brushes and combs, and not share.

Once a week, check your child’s hair for lice - the sooner you detect lice, the sooner you can treat and prevent them from spreading.

Tell your child’s teacher if your child gets head lice so other parents can be instructed to check their children, who may be the source of infestation and continue re-infesting others.

Tiyrhin, Tallynn and Tashahn Prime invite you Treats in the Park - Friday 30 October 3.15pm - 8.15pm at the

Western Community Centre. See P3

Treatsin the

Park

Issue 79 (October 2015)

page 7

2015Fraserfest

Delivered to 17,000 homes throughout Hamilton’s western suburbs

page 9

Fraser wins Shield

2 Western Community News – October 2015

you are invited to our

AGMAGMAnnualAGM

GeneralAGMAGMAGM

Meeting

The Western Community Centre

46#Hyde#Ave#Nawton#ph 8474873 ex 0

[email protected]

Thurs 15The Western Community Centre Thurs 15thThe Western Community Centre October at 4 October at 4pm

We have tables and chairs

for Hire

$2

$6

Weekend Deal! Pick up Friday, Drop back Monday

The Western Community Centre

IN BRIEF...IN BRIEF...IN BRIEF...IN BRMark in your Calendars

Waitangi Day celebrations will be held at the Western Community Centre Saturday 6th February 2016

Soundsplash is returning! Held at the Wainui Reserve in Raglan, 8,9,10 January 2016. Visit www.soundsplash.co.nz for all the info

Western City Sports Club Season starts againThe Western City Touch Module is due to start on

Wednesday the 14th of October at Elliott Park. This season’s competition is looking very competitive with an increase in Open Men’s and Women’s teams. Along with the Open grades there is a competitive and social mixed grade ideal for family teams. If you are keen to give the game of touch rugby ago check out the website for all competition information http://sporty.co.nz/westerncitysportstouch.

Te Rapa Beach & Indoor Volleyball starting...Volleyball Waikato is running the popular indoor social

volleyball comp again on Monday nights at Te Rapa Sportsdrome in school Term 4 - this year it’s adding a Wednesday night beach volleyball social comp at the beach courts next door. All grades of player are welcome. Beach Volley entry fees are $80 ($60 for school teams) for a team of 4 for 5 wks, indoor teams of 6 will pay $170 ($140 for school teams) for 7 wks. Check it out: www.volleyballwaikato.org.nz.

Understand Learn more about discrimination, how it impacts on recovery and being included in everyday life. Hear from people, just like you and me, who have experience of mental illness. Did you know that most people who experience mental illness recover? To learn more visit www.likeminds.org.nz

Challenge your beliefs Myths and inaccurate beliefs lead to discrimination. Is your knowledge accurate? For example, do you know people who experience mental illness are more likely to be victims of violent crimes, not perpetrators?

Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone, smile, or volunteer your time by joining a community group. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connection with the people around you.

Mental Health Awareness Week

5 – 11 October 2015

1 in 5 New Zealanders will experience mental illness this year. That's a lot of Kiwis - it could be you, your family, workmates or friends.

Get involved in the wellbeing game: www.thewellbeinggame.org.nz To see events happening around NZ: www.mhaw.nz/events

Join or start and develop a neighbourhood Time Bank. Take opportunities to support and advocate for groups, friends, family or neighbours in need. Give a smile away! Organise or promote random acts of kindness days at school, work or when you're out with a group. While driving, stop to let a car into the traffic. Offer to mow the grass verge of your neighbour. Join a community clean up day - or a tree planting project with friends or family If you have fruit trees pop your excess fruit out on the street with a "help yourself" sign. Donate old toys, books, sports equipment, clothes etc to a local charity. Help with school working bees and fundraisers. Offer to help an older neighbour with their wheelie bins on rubbish/recycling days.

Be inclusive Be fair and treat people equally. When you include people who experience mental illness you are aiding their recovery. People who experience mental illness want to be accepted and included without giving up who they are.Checkout the campaign: www.stepforwardnz.co.nz

Your time – te wā ki a koe, your words – ō kupu, your presence – ko koe tonu.

It feels good to give and everybody has something to offer.

How will you play your part?

Hamilton residents can now get insight into their neighbourhoods through the Council’s Community Profiles.

The Profiles are based on information obtained during the 2013 census and the Council’s Community Survey in September and October 2014.

The profiles look at 11 specific geographical areas of our city – six are on the western side of the river. The areas largely reflect recognisable suburbs within Hamilton. Each suburb is numerically labelled.

The profiles will be useful to many groups within the Hamilton Community and it is hoped that they will be useful to assist in community decision making and programme planning in the coming years.

The new design for the profiles creates a comprehensive view of the city, and have been designed with a long term plan in mind to enable comparisons to be made in the future.

Although these profiles are Council documents, much of the detail included can be responded to and used by different sectors of the community. The profiles are seen as a way to understand our communities better and create more effective planning in the future.

The profiles can be downloaded, in PDF form, from hamilton.govt.nz/communityprofiles.

Get your community profile

Western Community News – October 2015 3

Homework Centre launchesA new initiative is being launched to enable students to

have better access to learning support outside of school hours. “It is important students are resourced to be able to reach their potential at school as this has a dramatic effect on their future opportunities” says Te Rongopai Trust chairperson Susanne Rowse.

The homework drop in centre will run at the Good News Community Centre on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 3pm-4:30pm starting October 13th. Tuesday’s sessions are for high school students and the other days are open to all school students. Whanau are welcome to come and learn with their students. Students will have access to trained tutors who can support students to complete homework tasks, test students on spelling, help students to complete research, listen to them read and more. The students will also be able to use one of the 14 tablets and laptops to access a great range of online resources. A number of our volunteers are fluent in Te Reo Maori and so can also support those in full immersion or bilingual education. There is no charge for this service.

If you would like to find out more about the programmes on offer at the Good News Community Centre (Cnr of Dominion Rd and Breckons Ave) or are interested in volunteering please phone the office on 8505020, email us at [email protected] or check out our facebook page.

Piripi Perawiti (age 10, Crawshaw Primary), Ruby Karaka-Ruru (age 18, Nga Taiatea Wharekura) and Te Aroha Perawiti (age 8, Crawshaw Primary) make the most of the online learning tools

available at the homework centre

Your Say: Why does Hamilton need a new Skate Park?

Skateparks are a good investment for our city. They require a low level of maintenance and they are able to be used by future generations.

Having a new skatepark in Hamilton would mean the youth/skaters would have more variety and also keep up with the rest of the country.

I am a 32 year old family man that loves to bring my children to the skatepark for fun, challenges, motivation, respect and safety

Hamilton’s youth population is growing, but the number of facilities for youth is not.

A safe place for youth to skate and develop a positive future.

Current Hamilton Skateparks are at their use-by-date and a fresh new park or extension would not only beneÞt the youth but also Hamilton’s image and mark on the map.

Keara Piri Justin Zach Harry William

Skate Comp registrations open

at 4.30pm

Friday 30th October 2015

Western Community Centre, Hyde ave, Hamilton

To help us cover some of the costs of the night.

Treat Tickets are $4. This gets you some cool treats

and free rides on the inflatables.

For More Information check out the Western Community Centre Facebook Page or call 8474873

Go to the registration area to buy your ticket or

drop into the centre a few days before before

the event.

Entertainment, food stalls,

8 Treat stations, community Info, inflatable rides,

prizes and heaps more!

$4 per child

Treat Stations open at 4pm.

3.15pm - 8.15pm A huge thanks to

Trick or Treat!!!.... It’s that time of the year again – with thousands of people expected to turn out there for Treats in the Park on Friday, 30 October from 3.15pm-8.15pm at the Western Community Centre in Nawton.

The inaugural Treats in the Park event was held 14 years ago as a way of providing young trick-or-treaters with a safe, controlled environment and has continued to grow in popularity each year.

Planning for this event starts in March with a bulk of the planning done during September and October. 3 years ago a small fee was introduced to help with event costs as funding was becoming very difficult. This year this fee has been increased to $4.00.

Western Community centre staff asked children in

the area should they scale back the event to keep the fee down or increase the fee slightly to make the event a little bigger. Children wanted the event bigger. This fee does however only cover half of the event cost and the additional amount is covered by our supportive funders.

Some of the features of this year’s event will include 8 Treats stations, free bouncy castle rides, family entertainment, food stalls and a skate competition including demo skaters.

If you would like to support this event by donating treats for the children or by helping in another way, volunteering on the day, please contact the Western Community Centre on 07 847 4873.

Trick, or Treat?

Maeroa Intermediate School is to present its first major musical production in years when “This Is My Song” takes the stage in October. This original production written by teachers’ Colin Metcalfe, Kuini Thompson, Dionne Sasso and Anthony Hills at Maeroa, was previously staged in 2001 and returns this year with a few new characters and songs but with the original storyline intact.

It tells the story of a family in contemporary Europe living in the fictional country of Kavaria who are invaded by the neighbouring Moldavians. Ethnic conflict results and families begin suddenly disappearing overnight. Tatiana and her sister are forced by the invaders to sing at a concert to ensure their safety. This concert is being staged to show the world that everything is “normal”, but Tatiana has met and fallen in love with Stefan, a Moldavian soldier with whom she plans to escape the country after the concert along with

her family. This is her story, this is her song. The production features a cast of over a hundred students

and has a number of the lead roles double cast. It is directed by Drama teacher Dionne Sasso, produced by teacher Colin Metcalfe, choreography by Dance teacher Amy Russell, with musical direction from Music teacher Anthony Hills.

Evening performances are in the school auditorium on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 27, 28 and 29 October starting at 7pm. Tickets are $6 for adults and secondary school students, and $4 for children up to Intermediate School age. Ticket holders are asked to bring a cushion and be seated by 6.45pm for pre-show entertainment and there will be no admittance for late comers until half time.

Tickets are available from the school office from Monday 12th October.

Chayse Paikea as Stefan and Bree Stevens as Tatiana.

Maeroa Intermediate production


WEST WORDBy Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe

Children have a fundamental right to live full and successful lives and be safe from neglect and abuse.

Sadly, many miss out on stable family life, regular education and good health care, leading to a raft of preventable social ills down the track.

R ecently, I joined Social Development M inister Anne Tolley and a wide cross-section of community representatives for the formal launch of the Hamilton Children’s Team.

Hamilton has over 4 0 lead professionals who have taken part in intensive training, and who will work with families to ensure they have access to all the social services to receive the help they need to support our city’s most vulnerable children.

The team will develop individual support plans and a single point of contact for at- risk children and their families, and trial new services including the Vulnerable Children’s Hub for professionals who are worried about a child, and the Vulnerable K ids Information System (ViK I) to allow professionals working with a child to share and manage information appropriately.

I am a strong supporter of this concept and advocated for such a team to be established in Hamilton when the concept was first proposed more than a year ago, so it is great to see our local team up and running and I wish them every success with their vitally important work.

W e all have a duty to help protect children from harm and I am optimistic that this important initiative will help many of our most at- risk children to experience the success, security and healthy values we all want for our children

Need parenting advice and inspiration for fun and engaging activities for children? Look no further! Get your weekly fix during the iDad – Full time full on radio show on 89.0FM.

Join Frank Carter as he navigates his way through parenthood. His three year old daughter Eslet is live in the studio with him each week. They chat about what’s on, latest news and views on parenting and general information on where to get help and guid-ance on all things children. The show airs Tuesdays at noon on 89.0FM and is available anytime at www.freefm.org.nz

Interested in hosting your own show? We provide full training and support to get you on the air. Get in touch today! Call us on 8342170 or email our Pro-gramme Director Silvana on [email protected].

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to be in to win a range of prizes and keep updated on everything we have going on www.facebook.com/FREEFM89

iDad

Jessie Hudson is the older sister that every girl de-serves. Jessie has decided to take on the challenge of the 2015 Round The Bridges and fundraise all in sup-port of her sister Sarah-Jane.

Jessie’s younger sister Sarah Jane is 14 years old and is a bright young girl who just happens to be liv-ing with a disability. Sarah Jane joined StarJam at the beginning of this year.

Since Joining Sarah- Jane has absolutely blos-somed. She has gained a group of tight-knit friends and her confidence continues to grow each week. StarJam empowers young people with disabilities through weekly music workshops.

“My sister attends the Hamilton weekly singing group and the continued support and acceptance she receives is incredible, for this I would like to repay StarJam for all their hard work and fundraise as I take part in the Hamilton Round the bridges on November the 15th.”

In Hamilton alone Over 80 young people with dis-abilities known as Jammers participate in StarJam’s weekly programmes with over 420 Jammers partici-pating nationwide. All of StarJam’s programmes are at no cost to families so fundraising efforts like Jes-sie’s are vital.

To support Jessie you can visit her fundraising page at everydayhero.co.nz.

Challenge accepted


Fraser High School has become the first Hamilton school to sign an agreement with 24/7 YouthWork.

24-7 YouthWork is a trust relationship between a local school and a local church in the context of the

local community working together. 24/7 Youth Work has an out-of-class, extra-curricular emphasis that sup-plements and supports existing school activities. It is about effective encouragement for young people and quality service delivery for schools.

This partnership has been created through a relation-ship with the Salvation Army Grandview and two of their youth workers, Daniel and Chase Popping.

Daniel and Chase are now actively involved within the school and local community and will be working alongside the school to provide students with a positive and encouraging schooling environment.

24/7 is about seeing young people enjoy their high school years and building a great foundation to launch themselves into adult life, developing a good strong healthy next generation of New Zealanders coming through. 24/7 YouthWork is currently set up in six-tynine other Intermediate and Secondary schools throughout New Zealand and work is currently under-way to see other school settings established.

24/7 Youth Work

The Nawton Primary School Rippa Rugby team returned home from the recent Rippa Rugby World Cup in Wellington, placing 4th in New Zealand. The top 20 teams from within their respective Rugby Unions showcased their talents throughout the week. The road to Wellington required our students to use all of their values: PRIDE- perseverance, respect, integrity, detachment and excellence.

Qualifying for the New Zealand Nationals required a team to win the last of the three qualifying tournaments (Waikato, Thames Valley and King Country Tri-angular Tournament) which were held in Term two (over 50 teams competed over the three tournaments). “We managed to win when it counted” remarked Matua Hone Waudby coach of the Nawton Avengers team.

Matua Hone also commented that the National Rippa Rugby tournament was a different challenge all together, a lot of teams had been there multiple times so understood the rulings and strategies that progressed teams into the knock out stages of the tournament. We were the only team that was there for the first time to make the semi’s which was amazing.

We had a motto that we stuck to over the 8 weeks of grueling training sessions – To be the best, you have to train like you’re the second best. Knowing that we are the 4th best team in Aotearoa New Zealand out of the 350 plus teams vying for qualification to make Nationals was a massive achievement and I am so proud of my young team.

It’s all about creating memories and experiences that last a life time – attitude plays a big part in that. We can take a lot out of our experience in Wellington and build for another shot at next year’s National Champs. Most importantly our students represented our school, community and district with PRIDE.

Top left: Matua Hone Waudby, Khaleb Burton, Fareena Begum, Shanaia Keegan-Terry, Nidar Bun, Nemani Tawake, Whaea Chriss Goodwin.

Bottom Left: Te Hau Rawiri-Bennett, Skye Elkington, Dakota Brady, Te Maia Huirama, Paige Wilson.

Nawton/Georgia makes semis

Six students from Hamilton’s Fraser High School recently completed a youth leadership course led by Hamilton Pools.

The Youth Education in Lifeguarding and Leadership Programme (YELLP) gave the students a chance to complete two pool industry qualifications, the National Pool Skills Award (NPSA) and the Pool Lifegyard Practising Certificate Award (PLPC).

The programme challenged the students to lead by example and develop a sound understanding of what being a professional lifeguard involves.

The students spent 20 hours “shadowing” a qualified lifeguard and attending several training sessions. A tital of 20 students from three schools have now completed the programme and gained their qualifications.

Although there’s no guarantee of employment after the course, it does prepare the students for a career in the pool sector and is designed to support them in curriculum and industry understand and help them prepare for job interviews for roles they pursue.

However, the programme has seen two Fraser students and six other YELLP participants join Hamilton pools as lifeguards.

Y.E.L.L.P.


1970’s Rowing Skiff returns to Fraser

FRASER HIGH SCHOOLTe Kura Tuarua o Taniwharau

Learn with purpose Engage with Pride Act with Respect Dare to Succeed

Many Fraser High School sports teams have just returned from the NZ Secondary Schools Winter Tournament week which is held every year at the start of September.

We had eight teams in total that travelled, both home and away, for games over the course of the week from 31 August – 4 September.Premier Netball – (two teams playing) Upper North Island

Secondary School Tournament (UNISS) Hamilton1st XI Boys Football – Malcolm Cowie Tournament,

Papakura1st XI Girls Football – Maurice Hulme Tournament,

Hamilton1st XI Girls Hockey – Eveline Hankers Tournament,

NgateaPremier Junior Boys Basketball – Zone 2 Regionals,

RotoruaPremier Boys Basketball - Zone 2 Regionals, RotoruaPremier Girls Basketball - Zone 2 Regionals, Rotorua

Being away on tournament is both rewarding and exhausting at the same time. The bonds that students form while being away as a team, is invaluable. However it can also be the most physically demanding time of their High School Sports experience, and regardless of results the rewards are countless.

After a very tough first two days of pool play, the Premier Netball team were unfortunately knocked out of the top tier for their grade. They lost to Wentworth College, who went through to get 3rd place overall, and to Western Springs College who also finished with a high ranking at the end of the week. Despite those two early losses, this

team went on to win seven of their 10 games throughout the week with a final placing of 17/32 teams overall. Thanks

to coaches Jodie Bates and Jenn Te WhareThe Girls and Boys Football teams both faced extremely

strong competition in their respective tournaments, and as always with Football, the weather played a major part in the outcome of some games. The girl’s games were called off on the first day due to ground closure, and the weather was questionable most of the week. However both teams had a very good experience overall, and although the results were not what either team wanted, the students had a great week and with such young teams, we are hoping the wins will come in the near future. Thanks to team management Gordon Sim, Claire Timpany (Girls) and Tim O’Hara and Brian Judson (Boys).

The 1st XI Girls Hockey had a mixed week in Ngatea. Again this was a very young team with three of the 2nd XI players being called upon to join the team at the last minute. All played very well while away at tournament.

After finishing third in pool play, the girls finished 8th overall at this tournament, losing their final play-off game to Sancta Maria College. We are excited about the potential of this team in the future. Thanks to Mr Glen Perkinson and Sam Tan and Sandra Jenkin for your management of the team this season and for Mrs Naomi Gray for also helping at tournament.

The Basketball Teams had some very successful results while away at their Regional Tournament. At this tournament they are required to qualify in order to secure a spot at Nationals in October, which are held in Palmerston North.

The Junior Boys, who have been together for the most part of 2 years, have had their most successful campaign. After getting out of A Grade last year, the boys were able to finish 8th overall in the Premier Division, losing 91 – 88 against St Johns in their play off for 7th and 8th.

Thanks to Tama Green and Hyrum Harris for coaching these boys this season.

The Premier Girls also had a very successful campaign, beating St Kentigerns in the play off for 3rd and 4th, eventually coming out winners 77 – 58. This girl’s team has now qualified to attend Nationals in October in Palmerston North.

The highest achievement this year for Fraser High School Teams, was the Premier Boys Basketball team, who have blown away any competition with an unbeaten run through Regionals this year, and a Grand Final win to take out the tournament against Te Awamutu College with a high score of 112 – 84.

Thanks to Mrs Auld, Mr Jeff Green and Miss Kirby Auld, for all their support and hard work with Basketball this year. It was a very successful campaign and we look forward to great results at Nationals.

Over all, it was a great week of sport for our kids, some great experiences and memories that these students will keep forever.

— Jenn Te Whare, Sports Coordinator.

Eight Fraser Teams Travel to NZ Secondary School’s Tournament Week

The Girls 1st XI Hockey Team playing in the Evaline Hankers Tournament in Ngatea.

On Friday 31 July, a piece of Fraser High School’s history, an 11.5 metre rowing skiff, owned and raced by the school in the 1970’s, was returned to the school.

Mr Ian Pinfold, father of 2006 Fraser Head Girl and keen rower, Kelly Pinfold, had found the skiff in storage in Ngaruawahia and spent some time restoring it before returning it to Fraser.

The skiff, named “Dave Campbell”, was met on its return by the first Principal of Fraser High, Mr Dave Campbell, after whom the boat was named.

The intention is to rehouse the

skiff in the school library where it will be on display for future rowers and students to admire.

— Angela Davison

The Dave Campbell rowing skiff with Past Principal, Dave Campbell, Ian Pinfold and school Librarian and Archivist, Angela Davison.

Past Principal, Dave Campbell, seen here explaining features of the skiff to Year 11 students, Haydon Squire, Aniket Mistry (hidden), Reuben McConnachie and Aidan Jury.

Fearless Fretters’ Wins GoldOn Friday, 28 August, Fraser’s Guitar

Ensemble (Fraser’s Fearless Fretters) competed in the annual Senior Band and Orchestra Festival, held at the Waikato University. It was a fantastic experience, full of people, music, a vibrant atmosphere and a wonderful display of the talent from schools in and around the Waikato region.

For the second year running Fraser’s Fearless Fretters performance was of a high enough quality to earn them a Gold Medal. Our performance consisted of five arrangements (three instrumentals and two vocals) arranged and taught to us by Peter Skandera.

We were absolutely stoked with our success and the feedback from the Judges. We had all put a lot of time, effort and practice into our preparation, and with a number of new members in the group from all age levels across the school plus five tunes to perfect, we had a lot of work to do.

A massive thank you to Peter Skandera for all of his hard work and patience. Also to our music teachers, Mr Te Weehi, Ms Matenga, and Mrs Kraenzlin for their support and guidance throughout the year.

— Anna Butcher

Fraser’s Fearless Fretters – Back row: Jason Tofilau and Francis Faletau Front row: Dylan Fowler, Shannon Griffen, Anna Butcher, Tuatahi Melsom.Absent: Rowan Stewart, Nia Hepi, Charlene Neho, Daniel Uli, Jedidiah Ah-Tune and Tyler Hepi-Paraha.


2015Fraserfest

Showcasing & Celebrating

SuccessThursday 15th October4pm - 7pm

f eaturinglive performances from, Barbershop Boys, MusicPro & Stage Challenge. Plus Young Enterprise Market Day, Foodstalls, Information on The Learning Hubs, Volleyball, Football (Staff and B oys/ Girls mixed), Netball (O ld Girls v Prems), Basketball, Turbo Touch (Staff v Senior Council), Art Folios, & Texpo.


NZ Secondary School’s Sur�ng Competition at Manu Bay, Raglan



Nine young Pasifika students from Fraser High School participated in the ‘Fresh Horizons’ three day workshop held at Wintec (12-14 August).

The ‘Fresh Horizons’ workshops were created to empower and inspire young Pasifika students (Year 10 - 13) who have a keen interest in the Arts, Drama and Fashion.

With the support and guidance of talented and renowned tutor, Lindah Lepou, four students spent their time creating and learning new fashion designs and assembly skills. Silia Ta’ufo’ou and Leilani Esekia (Y10), who planned and made the stunning garment pictured below, said they learnt “Never to

give up on what you’re doing, don’t listen to what other people say about your designs. Show others who you are”.

Two other students, Sekati Fuamoli and Angele Sa (Y10), also constructed their garment out of paper and said the hardest thing for them was their first day. “We had heaps of ideas and it was hard to choose”.

All the students agreed that the workshop was a valuable learning and fun experience. The workshop finished with family and friends invited to view and be wowed by their child’s efforts and innovative Wearable Art.

— Laraine Heaslip

Pasi�ka Students Experience “Fresh Horizons”

Silia Ta’ufo’ou and Leilani Esekia with the garment they designed and manufactured.

My name is Corbin Jones and I love surfing. My coach, Mr Thompson, entered me in the Secondary School Nationals this year, as I am a member of the Fraser High Surfing Team.

Thirty schools took part in the competition this year from as far away as Christchurch and Kaitaia.

During the competition the waves were nice and clean, and broke for over 100m long. I got the longest wave of my year, since I broke my hip playing Rugby last year. I have been operated on and

have pins and metal inside me so I am not as flexible as I was before my accident.

Surfing is a hard sport but the more often I go out, the better I get. I encourage all of you to join our surf club at Fraser if you enjoy surfing. The competition happens every year and Mr Thompson, Mr Malone, Mr Lane and Mr Nelson offer students heaps of support and opportunities to get out to Raglan and surf.

See Mr Thompson in H6 if you are interested in joining the Club.

The Fraser Surf Team, Chris Malone, Corbin Jones and Simon Thompson

On Friday, 14 August, a group of Fraser High School students, accompanied by their Fabrics teacher, Ms Heaslip, competed in the South Waikato Wearable Arts Competition held in Tokoroa.

One of the students, Imogen Green, entered three of the five entries from Fraser. Her first creation to hit the catwalk was “Running away with the Circus” modelled by Becca Leah. This garment was constructed using

insulation tubing and plastic. This garment was placed 1st in its category.

Her second garment, “Before the first coffee” modelled by Ethan Rowling, was created entirely using recyclable takeaway coffee cups.

Imogen’s third garment, “Land Bound Taniwha”, which she modelled herself, was also placed 1st in its category. It was assembled with an assortment of

farming materials.“It is always an honour to be

rewarded for my work,” said Imogen, “and it was a wonderful experience to compete in such a well organised event. I intend to carry on with my success in Wearable Arts and pursue many other opportunities that will help me reach my dream of becoming a costume fashion designer”.

Our congratulations go to Imogen on her successes.

Success for Student at Wearable Arts Competition

Imogen Green working on two of her prize winning garments, the “Land Bound Taniwha” (left) and “Before the First Co�ee”.

95th Birthday 95thBirthday CelebrationFriday 23rd October 2015from 1pm, in the Fraser High School Assembly Hall, 72 Ellicott Road

!Come and share some light refreshments, take a tour around the school, and reminisce about your school days at Hamilton Technical College or Fraser High School.

(A gold coin donation for afternoon tea would be appreciated)

RSVP to 8468645

Hamilton T ech nical C olleg e and Fraser Hig h S ch ool’ s


Fraser 1st XV Wins Shield from Fairfield



2015FraserfestShowcasing

& Celebrating Success

Thursday 15th October4pm - 7pm

SuccessThursday 15th October4pm - 7pm4pm - 7pm

f eaturinglive performances from Barbershop Boys, MusicPro, & StageChallenge. Plus Young Enterprise MarketDay, Foodstalls, Information on The Learning Hubs, Volleyball, Football (Staff and boys/ girls mixed), Netball (old girls v Prems), Basketball, Turbo touch (Staff v Senior council), Art Folios, & Texpo.

Thursday, 27 August was the day that the Fraser 1st XV Rugby team had been looking forward to all year! The team of 2015 had only one result in mind and that was victory! Most of the team had been involved in last year’s last minute loss and they were going to tick all the boxes to ensure this would not happen again!

All year, the team had been preparing for a big game, a big stage and with the news that they had not made the top four in their competition, and were not going to get a chance to compete for the title, all focus then turned to the team’s next final ‘The Shield Game’.

Preparation leading up to this game was excellent and the boys were excited, calm and focused on the job at hand. Game day had finally come around and weather was perfect for the game that we wanted to take to the big Fairfield pack. After an intense and emotional Haka the game started.

The team always knew a strong start was needed as they did not want to take their foot off the pedal and

give Fairfield a sniff of a chance, and that’s exactly what they did. Lead by a solid set piece the Fraser boys were able to stretch the Fairfield defence and score four quick tries out wide.

At the end of the first half the team had a nice advantage, leading 32-0. The message from the coaches at halftime was simple, stick to the plan and take the simple option.

Unfortunately, for most of the second half the boys did not maintain the first-half structure which turned the game into an arm wrestle. Fairfield managed to get plenty of possession and territory and scored two tries. After this wake-up call the Fraser team got back to work and scored from a lineout drive to end any chance of a comeback from Fairfield.

Overall it was a great display of what the 1st XV was capable of, and had been working towards, all year. It’s now up to Fairfield to come to Fraser High next year to attempt to win back the shield!

— Cody Price, Coach

On Saturday, 19 September, the Fraser Girls 1st XI played the final of the knockout cup in the Waikato Secondary competition against Waihi. Our team were on a great run of results having defeated Hamilton Girls High on the way to the final.

Despite fighting hard and representing Fraser with pride, Waihi was too good on the day, winning the final 2-0. Being runners-up is a fantastic effort in a Senior Girls Competition when half our team are made up of juniors.

We are extremely proud of

the team because they played to the final whistle and when the game was done, showed fantastic sportsmanship in acknowledging the success of Waihi. They have been ambassadors for the values of our school and deserve this recognition.

Special thanks goes to Geoff Horton and Claire Timpany for their coaching this year and leading Fraser Girls football on such a great journey. Things are looking great for Football at Fraser and paves the way for future successes.

— Gordon Sim, Manager

Football Final – Waihi too good on the day

Jason Tofilau breaks a tackle heading for the try-line with Siale Maile in close support.

The Fraser pack overpowers the Fairfield forwards Robert Waru goes over for the last try for a 38-13 win.

On Wednesday, 19 August, Fraser High participated in the “Dance NZ Made” Regionals at Hamilton Girls High. Fraser’s dance crew of 14 were: Emma Connolly, Georgia Le’Mon, Charlotte Brough, Paige Buysman, Tayla Yim-Loy, Courtney Kelly, Nicole Steere, Melanie Wacker, Jarvis McRoberts, Gabriella Templeton, Maia Stevens, Mihirangi Gregory, Aroha Hiriwani and Hannah Devlin. The crew rehearsed for many weeks leading up to the event, and were entered in three dance categories. The three routines were very different, each with their own personality.

The competition followed a day of workshops, led by Creator and Director, Dean McKerras, and Adjudicators, Emma Martin and Brook Parsons. During the workshop all the participating students learnt a dance routine as part of the showcase at the end of the competition.

During the competition, Fraser performed a dance called ‘Withdrawals’. The dance was a unique blend of Hip Hop and Contemporary dance, choreographed by Georgia Le’Mon. The second dance was a contemporary dance called ‘Fight for Gold’ choreographed by Emma Connolly, Paige Buysman and Sacred Heart Student, Hannah Devlin. The final dance was a Hip Hop piece called ‘Flawless’ choreographed

by Georgia Le’Mon.The Fraser team worked hard to

produce the three different dance routines during the month, prior to the competition, with long, after school and weekend practices. Everything paid off, when all three dances received the award “Excellence in Choreography”. The Contemporary dance ‘Fight for Gold’ won first place and the Hip Hop ‘Flawless’ placed second.

After Regionals the school received an email from Dean McKerras, explaining that a new category for the Nationals had been created, to include a solo section. Year 12 student, Melanie Wacker, had been identified as being an exceptional dancer and she, along with six other students from throughout New Zealand, were requested to choreograph and perform a solo at the National Championships Final in Palmerston North on Saturday 19 September. The six dancers had a chance to win a ‘World Class Dance Tour’ in Los Angeles, valued at $3500. Each of the dancers were given two weeks to prepare their solo routine. Melanie choreographed an energetic expressive contemporary dance to the song “I Will Always Return” by Bryan Adams. “The competition was an amazing experience” Melanie said, “There was such a variety in the dance routines performed by different schools. I hope that next year Fraser will be able to send a group to Nationals.”

Fraser Dancers Reaching for the Stars

Melanie Wacker performing her routine for the Nationals for students..


Keen to learn Te Reo Māori or improve your current Māori language.

This course could be for you. It is for beginners with little or no knowledge of Te Reo. The course will enable students to learn the basics of the language and culture, including greetings and farewells, numbers and karakia.

Location: 108 Grandview Road, Hamil-ton. Room can be found behind the front rooms at the back (The Child Centre).

Sunday morning 10am till 12pm, New Classes Starting in Term 4 11th of October

2015Contact Ani Nock for more information

[email protected], or call 021359876. Ngā mihi nui!!

The Western Community Centre46 Hyde Ave, Nawton, contact 8474873, [email protected], www.westerncommuni-tycentre.org Check us out on Facebook!Community information hub, Photocopying ser-vices we can print from USB, B&W 10 cents, colour 50 cents, colour A3 posters $1Justice of the PeaceAvailable Tuesdays, 9.30am – 12pm, no appoint-ment needed just turn up!Free Legal AdviceNiemand Peebles Hoult are offering free legal ad-vice on Wednesdays at the centre. Appointments take place between 9am – 10am. To book contact the centre.Western Community Centre Radio Show - Free FMTune into to 89FM every Friday 10.30am - 11am to stay updated with news and information from the Centre. Visit freefm.org.nz for podcasts of the show and further info.Fruit & Vege co-op Just $10 gets you a bag of fruit and a bag of veg-gies. Order before 3pm Wednesday, pick up Thurs-day after 11.30am. Hamilton West Community Network MeetingsCommunity network meetings are designed to give local agencies and citizens the opportunity to net-work with others working and living in their area and hear of activity that is occurring. Held at the West-ern Community Centre, Mondays 1pm – 2.15pm. Next meeting takes place 16th Nov, contact Ioana Manu 021 359 878.

EducationFloral Lessons with Elsie MoormanContemporary Floral work for the home and gifts. Learn from an experienced Tutor, NZFAS Teacher and Judge. Tuesdays 10am - 12 noon. Enquiries to Elsie Phone 07 855 6439.English Language ClassesThese classes are for adult learners who have Per-manent Residence and only 0-6 years of schooling in their own country. Monday, Tuesday, Wednes-

day and Thursday 12.15-2.45pm contact [email protected] - Phone 853 2188 Weekly conversation classes also available. Triple 1 Care - Workplace First Aid Courses taking place October 13 th, November 10 th, December 8th. Full Course $169, 8.30am – 5pm, Refresher Course $115, 8.30am – 3.30pm. Book on 0800 487 475 (Option 7) or check out tripleonecare.co.nz. Courses based at our 108 Grandview road centre.Toastmasters If you want to meet a great bunch of people, have an enjoyable evening while at the same time learn the art of public speaking in a friendly and sup-portive environment, then come along to Dinsdale Toastmasters. Tuesdays 7.15 pm - 9.00 pm at our 108 Grandview Road Centre, contact (0800) 736 753 (Evening) :(07) 850 4187

ChildrenMainly MusicThis programme takes place here at the centre 10am every Wednesday, facilitated by Westside Church. Fun, interactive music sessions for young children and their parents/caregivers. Complimen-tary first session, Thereafter $2, $3 per family.Lil GrooversGot kids from 0-10 years old keen to dance? Dance classes for littlies and big kids to really get them go-ing. Tuesday mornings 9am - 9.45am for under 5’s, Thursdays 3.30pm - 4.15pm for 5-7 years, 4.15pm – 5pm for 7-10 years, $6 per child-family discounts and concessions available, More info [email protected] or call Cat on 021 525 795Iloha Club- Japanese PlaygroupThe Iloha Club is a Japanese playgroup for mums and dads who can speak Japanese and for chil-dren aged 0 to 5 who are learning Japanese in the Waikato.It is a great opportunity to meet other families. They have a lot of fun with a focus on language, Jap-anese music, stories, crafts and cooking. Contact [email protected] Friday 10am – 12:30pm, donation per session is 50c per childYoung Engineers Young Engineers is for Year 2 to 8 students and helps children learn about engineering, science and physics while they build motorised Lego mod-els. It is a programme that helps to teach children

through practical exercises and experiments and will engage children of all levels. Takes place every Wednesday from 3.15pm to 4.30pm and registra-tions are open now on www.youngengineers.nz. To find out more, contact Ariana – [email protected] or 021-2424567.Western Stars Holiday Programmes1st week based Fraser High School and week based at our centre. Programmes start at 8am to 5.30pm. Cost per week is $130 or $26 per day. Winz subsidies may be available, Enrol at the cen-tre or online at our website. 8 weeks of holiday pro-grammes are held throughout the year.

YouthWestern Wheel Learner Licence CourseContact the centre for dates of our next courses, cost is $30 plus $93.90 for the Test Licence Fee. To enrol or for more info contact Aileen 8474873 ex 1, [email protected] Boarders – 3rd Monday of the monthWe’re opening up the Centre for an evening of board gaming good times. You can attend solo or bring a friend/partner or your whole family. Choose from any of our board games or bring your own and meet some new & awesome Hamilton folks! It’s FREE 6pm - 10pm, stay for as long as you like. In Association with Waikato Boardgamers & The Western Community CentreBoom Boxing – Youth ClassA combination of intense sweat and boxing fun, mixed with music. Wednesdays 5pm – 6pm and it’s free for high school aged youth. Txt: Wallace 021-126-8119 OR Facebook focus-24sevenFabulosity Girls ProgrammeThis 6-session programme is designed for year 9 high school girls and incorporates a range of fun activities held after school. From master chef, tips to feel good, staying healthy to helping out the community. Contact Youth Development Worker - Nathan Morgan for info. email [email protected] or call 8474873 ex 5

50+ ProgrammesTai Chi We offer 2 community Tai Chi classes each week, Tuesday and Friday Cost $3 per session. Tai Chi has been proven to improve mobility, flexibility

and balance. Maureen Leong is the primary tutor. 10.30am-11.30am50+ Luncheons and Bus TripsLuncheon takes place monthly on third Thursday of each month at 12pm, the luncheons provide an opportunity for seniors in our area to meet, social-ize, interact and enjoy some local entertainment. Transport is provided for those unable to drive. The luncheons are potluck and a great way to network and make new friends.Bus trips take place throughout the year to a num-ber of destinations; contact the centre to find out about our next one.

Health and WellbeingTraditional Maori HealingWayseer is based at the centre Tuesday evenings, mirimiri (massage) romiromi (bodywork) rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) $20 clothed massage or bodywork. Contact David Kukutai Jones 022 569-4288 [email protected] BoxingA combination of intense sweat and boxing fun, mixed with music. Wednesdays 6pm - 7:30pm (general). Session $10 per person. It’s great to bring your own box-ing gloves and pads, however we have a limited no. Which can be used for those who’d like to give Boom-boxing a go. Don’t miss out limited places available! Txt: Wallace 021-126-8119 OR Face-book focus24sevenWallace 021-126-8119 OR Facebook focus24sev-enMates Men’s NetworkCreating Positive Male Role Models in our Com-munity, Tuesday 7pm – 9.30pm (fortnightly) [email protected] 0800 4MATES.

Our Little Wish ListThe centre is always on the look out for donations of tea, coffee, milo, sugar, rubbish bags, lego, cof-fee mugs, kitchen utensils, pens, and stationery items. If you can help, feel free to drop off to our centre at 46 Hyde Ave. Every little bit helps!

Volleyball in West HamiltonSocial, School, Club & Beach Volleyball - all played in the west. Contact Dave Macpherson on 021-477 388, or [email protected]

What’s on out West

Nga mihi i roto i nga tini ahuatanga o te wa, warmest greetings. I am the Rev. Hone Te Rire the Amorangi Minister based at the Nawton Community Presbyterian Church here in Naw-ton. I am from Onepu and Kawerau in the East-ern Bay of Plenty. I also whakapapa or relate to the following iwi, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Tuhoe, Te Whakatohea, Tuhourangi and Te Whanau-

a-Apanui. I currently live in Te Kuiti with my wife and three of our six children. My wife and I are proud grandparents of ten mokopuna. I desire to make myself available to you as your Amorangi Minister, serving your needs where requested for tangihana, baptisms, weddings, supporting grieving whanau, karakia for the mauiui or sick and infirm whanau whether

at home or in hospital, and generally being a shoulder to lean on. I am also the kaumatua and chaplain for Nawton Primary School. I take church services at Nawton Church on the second and fourth Sunday’s of the month. My contact details can be found on the Nawton Church notice board in the office window at 63 Livingstone Rd in Nawton.

Hone’s Korero

It will come as no surprise to locals that Robert Harris Café, Te Rapa has been sin-gled out as one of the best in the country.

Korina and Steve Verkley, owners of the Robert Harris Café, Te Rapa, received the award for ‘MOST IMPROVED’ at the an-nual 2015 Robert Harris Café Franchise Awards, held in Auckland on Tuesday 18 August. The awards acknowledge outstand-ing service and bring together the 41 cafes in the Robert Harris Café network.

David Thackery, Robert Harris Cafes, Franchise Manager, says; “Our annual awards acknowledge café owners who con-

tinually raise the bar across their service and product offerings. Their passion for excel-lence ensures both the future growth of the Robert Harris Café network and the New Zealand hospitality industry. Congratula-tions to Korina and Steve on winning this award.”

Mr Verkley says of their win; “Our team is really hardworking and aim to constantly exceed the high standards of Waikato coffee drinkers, so to win an award that acknowl-edges this is simply wonderful. We are ab-solutely thrilled.”

Te Rapa Cafe wins Award

Korina and Steve Verkley (middle) accepting the award for Most Improved from (L-R) Sheldon Kearns, Frucor and Colin Jones, Simply Squeezed

Community Te Reo Māori Classes

Te reo class is under way at the Western Community Centre’s 108 Grandview Rd facility.

Ngā mihi nui!!


Home Safety

Friday 9th October

at the

11am til 2pmWestern Community Centre,

Hyde Avenue, Nawton.

Sausage sizzle, face-painting, music, ambulance tour/rides, Firewise kids playhouse,

advice on how to keep your home, family and community safe.

October 4th to the 10th is New Zealand (and Internation-al) Babywearing Week and the Western Community Centre is in on the celebration, together with me, Georgie, fitness instructor at Kangatraining Hamilton. Having our babies snuggled up in ergonomic carriers while getting a sweat up is one of the things which makes our postnatal workout different to others: mums have fun and they get back into shape while bonding with their little ones!

This year, myself and fellow instructors across New Zea-land would like to take this opportunity to raise funds for

Mothers Helpers, a charity which helps women suffering from postnatal depression. We believe that a mum’s health and happiness are key to the good start of a lifelong bond between herself and her baby! I will be organizing a raffle with some beautiful prizes donated by small New Zealand businesses (and fellow mums) and there will also be a few demos to show you what Kangatraining is all about!

So join us at the Home Safety Village Fair and spare a few gold coins to help a great cause! “

Georgiana FitzPatrick

NZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing WeekNZ Babywearing Week

(Front): Jaedan Williams, Kazlo Evans, Livi Hirawani (Captain), James Sonnenberg, Myshaan Komene, Tawhio Tarawhiti (Back) Ms Wihongi-Popham (Manager) Mike

Hirawani (Coach) Noah Wood, Jardyn Watene, Tina Wood (Assistant Coach) Westyn Cobb.

We were not expecting anything more than to be a part of the Aims Tournament hype, preparing to play against 46 other intermediate teams around New Zealand. We had never attended an Aims tournament before and our team goal was to feature in the top 10 teams.

Within two days we had won our section, top 16. We then played against a strong Hastings Intermediate team and Monrad Intermediate from Auckland, jetsetting us to top 4.

Our one and only loss of the whole tournament was against Murrays Bay Inter-mediate School, Auckland, beaten 45-40 in extra time, progressing to the finals. Instead of dropping our lips, we replied with an impromptu rousing, heart-felt haka acknowledging the opposition’s win. Those who did not know who or where Maeroa Intermediate School was, were soon commenting on the school that played hard and fair, won with humility and lost with dignity.

Two of our 9 team players (Livi Hirawani and Noah Wood), were selected for the AIMS tournament team. A tribute and honour in itself.

The NZCT Aims Games International Sporting Championship wrote on the official website “Maeroa, please come back next year! Winners and losers come and go but champions stay with us forever”.

MAEROA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM’S FIRST EVER

A.I.M.S. TOURNAMENTBy Melanie Wihongi-Popham, Team Manager and Teacher in Charge.

Bicycle safety workshop

On Wednesday 26 August the learners in the ESOL Literacy class at Western Community Centre in Nawton attended a bicycle safety workshop. The work-shop was presented in class by Celia Hope.

Celia is an NZQA cycling instructor, a member of the Hamilton Bicycling Net-work and the ESOL Literacy teacher for the Hamilton East class. The workshop is the result of an initiative by the Frankton Rotary group, who have donated more than 60 pushbikes to new residents with refugee backgrounds. They have also donated money to make the workshops possible. The workshop in Nawton is the fourth in a series of five, delivered to all the ESOL Literacy classes run by English Language Partners in Hamilton.

During the workshop learners learnt the names for all the parts of the bicycle, legal requirements for bicycle safety in New Zealand and tips for se-curity and maintenance of the bicycle. Not all the learners ride bikes, but most learners have children or friends with bikes. The workshop enabled the parents to help their children be safe when riding their bikes.

Celia brought her own bike to use in the demon-stration, as well as safety gear and equipment to maintain the bike. She demonstrated the high-vis clothing and how to fit the helmet. She also dis-cussed how to use the bicycle to carry loads safely. All the learners enjoyed the workshop and went away with lots of information to help their families be safe. Thank you Celia!


Nawton Dental Centre

61 Hyde Avenue, Nawton, Hamilton www.nawtondentalcentre.co.nz

$40 Examincluding 2 X-rays

Free WINZQuote

Free Dentistry for under

18 year olds*

Free ParkingNew Modern

Practice

• General Dentistry • Emergency Dentistry • White Fillings • Crown & Bridge• Root Canals • Cosmetic Dentistry • Hygiene Treatments

New Patients Welcome

Call today to make an appointment: 846 5678

*Conditions Apply

Nawton Dental Centre

61 Hyde Avenue, Nawton, Hamilton www.nawtondentalcentre.co.nz

$40 Examincluding 2 X-rays

Free WINZQuote

Free Dentistry for under

18 year olds*

Free ParkingNew Modern

Practice

• General Dentistry • Emergency Dentistry • White Fillings • Crown & Bridge• Root Canals • Cosmetic Dentistry • Hygiene Treatments

New Patients Welcome

Call today to make an appointment: 846 5678

*Conditions Apply

Shontelle Cargill

Hamilton fire fighters had an unusual duty recently – they hand-delivered a miniature fire station to a community centre.

The New Zealand Fire Service donated the playhouse to the Western Community Centre to raise awareness about home fire safety.

The Western Community Centre manager Neil Tolan said the play house was a great addition to the centre.

“It even comes with its own smoke alarm. We know that children are at great risk if a fire breaks out in their home so this will be a very valuable resource in assisting us to educate our children around those important home fire safety messages.”

The house is one of eight playhouses built by early childhood education provider Footsteps Foundation who last year built a playhouse village.

The philosophy behind the project is that it takes a village to raise a child.

Footsteps Foundation regional manager Karen Cave said a lot of people talked about community but fewer who actually work within their own.

“We are really proud to stand next to the Fire Service working within the community and for the playhouse to come to a community centre is absolutely great.”

Footsteps Foundation invited several organisations including the New Zealand Fire Service, to transform eight purpose-built houses to represent the extended community or village that surrounds a child and impacts their lives such as a home, school, hospital, police station, and a fire station.

The playhouses have since been distributed throughout the country.

Hamilton senior fire fighter, Jess Kukutai said the project had left her with a warm feeling.

“We have been working on this for about five months, for a place to deliver the playhouse too. It fits at the community centre, its perfect, it feels good and they are going to utilise it.”

TIM MACINDOE MP FOR HAMILTON WESTSenior Government Whip

543 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton | PO Box 382, Hamilton 3240 | P: 07 850 6262 E: [email protected] | www.timmacindoe.co.nz

www.national.org.nz

I am grateful to all who have worked to establish the recently launched Hamilton

Children’s Team (HCT). Their goal is to assist our city’s most vulnerable children to

thrive, achieve and belong. Mayor Hardaker, Social Development Minister Hon.

Anne Tolley, HCT Director Cathy Holland, Te Kohao Health Managing Director Tureiti

Moxon, Te Kohao Health Senior Staff Member Rei Mihaere and I were pleased to be

there for the HCT launch. I wish the HCT well for the important work ahead of them.

Funded by the Parliamentary Service and authorised by Tim Macindoe MP, 543 Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton

Fire fighters donate children’s playhouse

western community news october 2015

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