A groundbreaking Māori youth leadership programme run by Te Hā o Maru will be expanding, thanks to funding from the Otago Community Trust. The Te Pōhā programme is a unique leadership initiative for rakatahi (young people) that connects them to their environment and cultural identity.Te Hā o Maru Health and Social Services toihau (chief executive) Mani Molloy-Sharplin says the programme is the first of its kind in the Waitaki district.The pilot had attendance rates of more than 95%, with 100% of graduate rakatahi transitioning to mainstream education, employment or further studies."Te Pōhā is a unique kaupapa designed by Moeraki's cultural historians and mahika kai practitioners, all who have provided the most precious knowledge for our facilitators to pass down to the rakatahi who attend the programme," Mani says.Otago Community Trust funding of $700,000 over three years will enable a significant expansion to reach even more youth.“Us at Te Hā o Maru cherish the relationship with Otago Community Trust as true partners of our vision," he says.“The investment from Otago Community Trust has been pivotal in enabling us to provide such a special kaupapa to our rakatira of tomorrow.”The aim is to double the annual capacity of the programme, and extend its reach primary and intermediate schools, establishing a comprehensive pathway for rakatahi to connect with their cultural heritage and blossom into future leaders.Te Pōhā centres on mahika kai (traditional food gathering), and revitalising cultural knowledge and methods that have sustained communities for generations.Through immersive, hands-on learning in natural environments, students develop essential leadership skills while actively engaging in practices of Te Ao Māori, including Te Reo Māori, mahika kai, karakia, and waiata, Mani says.The three-year funding will facilitate the recruitment of additional kaimahi (staff), including outdoor specialists, education navigators, and pathways coordinators.Te Pōhā's vision aims for intergenerational change across three core areas: manahua mai te mana tangata (people flourishing), manahua mai te mana whānau (families flourishing), and manahua mai te mana whenua (environment flourishing), Mani says. By integrating NCEA-aligned education with traditional practices, the programme is set to create an impact within entire whānau and communities. Students will engage in vital conservation work, such as wetland restoration and planting, while acquiring skills that open doors to further education and employment.Te Hā o Maru’s long-term sustainability plan envisions programme graduates will eventually become facilitators and directors, ensuring the kaupapa continues to grow organically from within the community it serves, Mani says.The Te Pōhā programme is set to implement its expansion immediately, with recruitment of additional tauira (learners) and kaimahi (staff) already underway.

It starts with one simple task on your phone. Next minute, you’ve been endlessly scrolling social media for an hour.By RNZ Digital Journalist Isra'a EmhailIt’s hard not to be sucked into a spiral of short videos, or a quick session of a game, but we're becoming increasingly aware how these quick dopamine hits don’t do us any good in the long-term.RNZ asked a panel of people embedded in tech for ways to resist the urge to check your phone every five minutes.Kennedy Anderson, content creatorEntrepreneur and content creator Kennedy Anderson. Photo: Supplied via RNZAnderson reckons he uses his phone about six to eight hours a day thanks to his job as content creator and entrepreneur.But there are several ways to limit the ‘noise’ that grabs your attention. He suggests focus mode – a customisable feature on smartphones that restricts notifications – or a geo-blocking app that turns off distractions when you’re in a certain location, like work or home.He’s bought the Brick app, which locks you out of apps and blocks notifications of your selection. The only way to regain them is by physically tapping on the accompanying Brick gadget.Take note of your habits, he advises. Your smartphone’s weekly usage reports can help you be wary or consider using social media on your laptop instead, he says.Kennedy Anderson's Brick gadget. Photo: Supplied / Kennedy Anderson via RNZChloe Gong, author and BookTok superstarChloe Gong is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the critically acclaimed Secret Shanghai novels. Photo: Supplied / One Grid Studio via RNZNew York Times bestselling author Chloe Gong needs to focus on creativity but she's also a well-known 'BookTok star'. For the New Zealand writer it’s simple - out of sight, out of mind.It’s very easy to mindlessly pick up your phone and scroll when it’s accessible all the time, she says. So keep it out of your reach.“It means I add an extra step between the mindless scroll (getting up and getting it) which forces me back on track.”Sam Johnson, gamerUniversity of Waikato Esports coordinator Sam Johnson's club has more than 400 students. Photo: Supplied via RNZSam Johnson is a gamer responsible for the University of Waikato e-sports club which has about 400 members. He discusses digital wellbeing with students and does presentations for NZ Esports Federation.Think about phone use like a game, he suggests. Give yourself an objective, like only looking at a limited number of reels, and reward yourself for following through or get someone to keep track so you don’t cheat.Their club members can only play on the PCs for up to 10 hours a week – after that the software kicks them out, Johnson says. You can find similar apps for phones.If you have a personal and work phone, combining them makes you less inclined to pick it up, he says. “I've just gone from thinking I need access to it 24/7 to being like I almost never miss anything. Outside of hours, there's very little that comes through on mobile that you have to actually attend.”Katrina Colombie, high school tech teacherSmartphone-Free Childhood NZ managing director Katrina Colombie. Photo: Supplied via RNZFormer high school technology teacher Katrina Colombie has seen how the growth of tech use has shaped classrooms. She’s has seen first-hand how it can be a detriment to behaviour.Lock boxes are a popular option. “People say their kids give up trying to pry it open then succumb to the fact they've got to move on with their lives, pick up a book, a ball, a pencil, a guitar, a bike.” Some parents have even reinstalled landlines, she says.The mum of two now helps lead the New Zealand branch of Smartphone-Free Childhood, which encourages parents to sign up to a parent pact – a commitment to delay the age when you give your child a phone.She emphasises they don’t have an anti-technology stance but want to empower parents.Katrina Colombie says some parents are returning to landlines. Photo: RNZ filesSheridan Eketone, Parenting Place coachSheridan Eketone, a parenting coach at the Parenting Place. Photo: Supplied via RNZOECD data in 2018 showed that youth in Aotearoa used digital devices 42 hours per week on average, compared to 35 hours globally. Parenting Place coach Sheridan Eketone is a mum of four and knows how hard it can be to pull tamariki away from the phone.There are apps, like Face Surfer, which set up filters for devices and also sets a screen time limit, which can prompt the Wi-Fi to stop working.Think about where you charge your phone - are you making it easier for yourself to always be using it? Perhaps you can invest in a bedside alarm clock instead of setting your phone to. Photo: Unsplash / Allen y via RNZ“I really like technology doing it for us because then it helps us keep our relationship intact, so it's not me marching into the room going, ‘Right, give me the device’.”Charge phones away from where you spend the most time or leave it in a bag away from you if you want to spend time with the whānau, she says.Bree Arnott, outdoor education expertWhenua Iti Outdoors partnerships development manager Bree Arnott. Supplied / Whenua Iti Outdoors via RNZOne of the easiest things you can do is go outdoors and enjoy nature. But of course, you’ll be tempted to whip out your phone to capture a beautiful scenery. To avoid this problem, mum of three Bree Arnott has invested in a camera.“Go outside to places where you're likely to get wet or messy. They're the places that you're least likely to want to get your phone out, because if you're around a water body, you're going to be worried about dropping your phone, so clambering around the rocks at the shore, heading out on a stand-up paddleboard or walking on a track which means that you can't be on your phone.”Clambering over difficult terrain is an easy disincentive to not be pulling out your phone. Photo: Unsplash / Getty Images via RNZArnott is one of the managers at non-profit organisation Whenua Iti Outdoors, which delivers experiential learning programmes for a range of tamariki.Some of the high school students might be without their phones for up to nine days. It teaches them to build relationships in real-life and understand how to be self-reliant and manage their time.Jackie Riach, psychologistPsychologist and country lead for parenting programme Triple P Jackie Riach wants parents to consider how they use phones around their kids and what kind of messages they're putting to them. Photo: Supplied / Ann Orman via RNZPsychologist Jackie Riach, who is country lead for parenting programme Triple P, says you need to model good phone use to children. (There’s even a Bluey episode about it).Be present when you’re at kids' soccer practice or taking a walk with them. Decide as a family on a ‘tech-free time’ – perhaps it’s when you’re playing a game or in the car or having dinner.“Putting your phone down is, I guess, a little self-talk around this is good for my mental health, this is good for me, this is good for my wellbeing.” - RNZ

The young couple bringing a new lease of life to Maheno Tavern have decided there is no time like the present, after the devastating loss of their newborn son.Johnny Johnston and Georgia Rae are re-opening the Maheno Tavern doors tomorrow (Friday, September 5) at 4pm.Georgia moved from Southland to be with Johnny, born and raised in Maheno, and his daughter Lilah (now 8), just over four years ago. The couple now have Zoe, who is almost two, and “angel baby” Johnny, who died in May.Baby Johnny (named after his father and grandfather) was born at 32 weeks’ gestation, after a problem-free pregnancy, Georgia says. “One night I had the stitch and was flown to Dunedin Hospital. Before we knew it, he was in NICU.”Their son’s heart muscle was twice the size it should have been, and he also had other health complications.“Wee Johnny had the amazing doctors from Dunedin, Starship and colleagues in America stumped, and at five days old, he passed away surrounded by family.”Doctors are still investigating what caused Johnny’s condition, and his parents are hoping that what they discover will be able to help other babies in the future.“What we did learn from wee Johnny is that, one - tomorrow is never promised, and two - we deal with our grief by speaking about our son,” Georgia says.“Through those conversations we have only just learned about other people having angel babies, some of them we knew for years.”The couple hopes the tavern will be a place where the community can come together, share their stories and feel less alone.“Because prior to speaking about wee Johnny we were very angry and frustrated and felt alone and targeted, but we weren't, we weren't alone,” Georgia says.Baby Johnny. Photo: SuppliedOlga and Tjarko Edzes, who bought the tavern in 2021, have been “nothing but supportive”, Georgia says.They had been in talks about the possibility of taking on the tavern for about two years, and now there is a signed sale and purchase agreement which, all going well, will be confirmed in December. “Tjarko and Olga . . . have graced us with three months’ due diligence, which includes that we enjoy the tavern, everything is ticking along nicely, and we are enjoying the lifestyle,” Georgia says. “We have a really great feeling about this, and the support from our community already is just amazing.”The tavern appealed to Johnny and Georgia, who are excited about being small business owners and providing a gathering place for the rural community.“We understand that a place like Maheno Tavern can create a space for the kids to play and socialise with each other and the adults to debrief, share work stories and feel better when heading home.”During those two years of discussions, Georgia says she and Johnny have come up with a lot of ideas.They are working with suppliers to bring in “awesome freebies” for children, and are planning an event for Mo-vember, to raise awareness for men’s mental health. They want to host work functions and Christmas parties.“Once we get on our feet we are keen to bring back the bottle store, raffles, the bands, and the Hot Rod Club have reached out, which we are ecstatic about.” Georgia says she loves the energy in the place, and is excited to have customers coming back in.“There's always nerves involved, but feel the fear and do it anyway. “We are just going to take it as it comes. I am sure those that walk through our doors will be patient enough.”Keeping time for family is important for the couple, and for now the tavern will be open Thursday to Saturday until late, and on Sunday until 9pm. They will consider opening more days down the track.Aside from socialising, the family enjoy jumping in the car for adventures and letting the girls experience new things. When the couple get some time to themselves, they enjoy going to the movies, Georgia says.For opening weekend, there will be live music each night, with Flip Side playing on Friday, The Yee Has on Saturday, and Southern Rust on Sunday afternoon.Georgia and Johnny are grateful for all the support they have received so far, and are looking forward to opening the doors to welcome everyone.

Aussie mum Queenie Tan says a lot of people laugh in amazement and are curious when they hear her plans to turn her one-year-old into a millionaire.Sydney-based financial influencer Queenie Tan makes a living sharing her top tips to more than half a million followers online for building wealth, regardless of whether you have $5000 to invest or just $5.When Tan’s own financial transformation began, she owed several thousand dollars in student debt and had no savings. Now she is worth seven figures and plans to turn her one-year-old daughter into a millionaire by the time she retires.The 28-year-old says she will put aside $1000 every birthday in a savings account so by the time her daughter is 18, she’ll have $40,000 which could turn to $1 million even without investing, because of compound interest and how it works.Finfluencer Queenie Tan and her daughter, Gia. Photo: Instagram / investwithqueenie via RNZBut adding investment will give returns “much more” than what you get from a savings account, Tan told Saturday Morning.“As we know, with the cost of living just rising everywhere, our money just gets eaten away by inflation. It gets worth less over time. That's why it's a good idea to start investing.”The author of The Fun Finance Formula says it’s important to balance your budget using the “dream combination” of three Fs – Foundation (spending for mortgage or rent and living costs) Freedom (investing or saving for your retirement or your dream home) and Fun (spending for a dream holiday or going out with friends).Listen on Saturday Morning: Queenie Tan: The Finfluencer Making Personal Finance FunHer “extremely frugal” single father, who retired early, shaped her views on what financial freedom can do and the importance of spending for fun, she says.“I never felt like we were rich growing up because I went to public schools, like we didn't take any holidays unless it was to see relatives overseas where we would stay in their place and not do any paid activities.“He would often like reuse things until they broke. Like his T-shirts had so many holes in them and he would often reuse clothes as like rags around the house. I used to be so embarrassed by all of these things.“While I don't agree with like how extreme he was, like financially, and it's important to still enjoy life, I also think that that freedom and not having to rely on a job is also so amazing.”A powerful move to financial freedom can be “mini retirements” instead of waiting until you’re 65, she says.Supplied / John Wiley & Sons Australia via RNZ“There are so many options to do remote working, so many options now to start a business or a side hustle that can give you a bit more freedom.“There are actually some really interesting studies around this that actually support the idea of taking mini retirements throughout your working life.”A “mini retirement” can also be a time of reset to allow you to return to work refreshed without completely derailing your finances, she says.“Sometimes we hate working because we hate working when it's stressful and we're kind of forced to do it. But I feel like working also does give us meaning and if you're doing work that you enjoy, we all kind of need that meaning in your life.”Investment tipsFor her daughter’s plan, Tan is turning to exchange traded funds (ETFs), which spreads money across a group, so the investment is diversified. She says ETFs help “ride out the volatility” of investments and are generally used in government superannuation schemes.“ETFs are a good way for, I guess, people that don't want to have to look into picking individual stocks. They just want something that they can just simply put aside.”But if you’re new to investment, Tan suggests setting aside an emergency fund (either about $1000 or three to six months of living expenses) to use when things go awry in the market and you have an emergency.She also advises starting small and early, but it doesn’t have to be big and can be at any point in life.Micro-investment apps also mean investment has never been more accessible, she says.“I think that when you do have hope, and when you believe that you can do it, it actually does manifest itself.“We still need to put pressure on like the lawmakers and the people to actually make a difference. But, you know, we can't always wait for them and it’s a good idea to put these things in our own hands as well.” - RNZ

A successful trial of seagull deterrent equipment means there could be a solution on the horizon for Ōamaru building owners.As another seagull breeding season swoops in, the trial of a revolutionary system that uses electricity to deter red-billed seagulls, has been underway on the roof of 149 Thames Street (home to Don the Barber) since mid-August. The gulls are deemed to be “nationally vulnerable”, which means once they build their nests and begin breeding, they cannot legally be disturbed until the breeding season is over. The result for Ōamaru, and other coastal towns and cities, is mess, noise, bad smells and blocked guttering for building owners in town, particularly those with the flat roofs the birds find particularly appealing.Business South Waitaki navigator Rebecca Finlay teamed up with Active Oxy director Brendon Spencer to trial the promising system, which, once set up and plugged in, puts out electromagnetic pulses.“It does two thing really. It makes the birds feel a sensation of vertigo, and it interferes with their guidance system. It disorients them slightly, they don’t like it, and they refuse to land on the buildings with this system installed," Brendon says.The units were installed on the top roof of the trial building, and the veranda, including the windowsills. The side street veranda and bottom roof were left without the units, as a control measure. A camera to watch the activity was also installed, keeping track of the birds' behaviour each week. Brendon says they are pleased with the installation, and footage so far shows the “real reluctance” of the seagulls to land on the building. “I am happy with the system, and there were no birds at all on the roof and veranda when the system was operational.“We will need to see the reaction when we are in full nesting season, as they will really try to nest there as they have been doing for decades in the past. The early signs however, are excellent.” There has been a shorting issue with the wiring on the building, but it is not a major issue, and now it has been identified, it can be addressed when dealing with older buildings moving forward, he says. “From what we have seen thus far, I believe it will help a great deal of business owners in the area and nationally,” he says.Charlie Johnson, of Birdzout Electromagnetix, who provided the system, says the camera feed shows the gulls attempt to settle on the rooftop from around 7.15am to 7.30am in the mornings, before moving off elsewhere.“As expected, some of the gulls are managing to work out where the field is weakest (centred between the lines of the circuit) and are landing down for up to a couple of minutes before flying off. “We expect this behaviour may continue for up to two weeks. “In the random monitoring during the day, the rooftop has remained clear of birds (with the exception of the two fake owls),” he says.Read our previous story with more detail about the system and how it works here.Anyone interested in finding out more about the system can email [email protected] 

Robert Sullivan (Ngāpuhi, Kāi Tahu) of Ōamaru has been announced as Poet Laureate for the next three years.By RNZNew Zealand's new Poet Laureate, Robert Sullivan, was first inspired in his craft by the clouds.A teacher, Mrs Nair, who taught Sullivan in year 6 at Onehunga Primary, planted the seed of a life-long love of writing poetry, he told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.“She set our class a little writing task. We went outside in front of the school lawn, and we had to write about clouds.Robert Sullivan at the Ockham NZ Book Awards. NZ Book Awards Trust“We all lay in the grass and looked up at the sky and wrote about what we saw, and a lot of kids saw, fluffy bunnies and cotton wool and cotton candy floss, and I was a bit different. I saw an alligator floating, and I wrote about lying in the grass watching this alligator, and it made me feel really special. It's a lovely memory.”Sullivan is the author of more than 12 books of poetry including Jazz Waiata, Star Waka and Tūnui /Comet. His most recent book of poems is Hopuarangi-Songcatcher.The value of the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award is $150,000 over three-years. The Laureate receives $40,000 per year, with the balance held by the National Library to cover the cost of the Laureate’s tokotoko, and to support their travel and participation in literary events.He has known about “this wonderful gift of the laureateship” for a while, he says.Listen here on Nine to Noon: Robert Sullivan confirmed as new Poet LaureateSullivan has whakapapa to Ngāpuhi Nui Tonu (Ngāti Hau, and Ngāti Manu), and Kai Tahu (Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki), with affiliations to Ngāti Raukawa, and Ngāi Tai. He is also of Irish, Scottish and English descent.Sullivan's other awards include The Lauris Edmond Memorial Award for a distinguished contribution to New Zealand Poetry (2022), Distinguished Visiting Writer at the University of Hawaii (2001), and the University of Auckland Literary Fellowship (1998).As well as poetry, his children’s book of Māori myths and legends, Weaving Earth and Sky, was listed as a Storylines Notable Non-Fiction Book (2003), won the Non-Fiction category and the New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year (2003).The Poet Laureate was introduced in 1996 as the Te Mata Estate Winery Laureate Award and the first Laureates were Bill Manhire, Hone Tuwhare, Elizabeth Smither, Brian Turner and Jenny Bornholdt.Since 2007, when the National Library took over the appointment of the Poet Laureate, the Laureates have been Michele Leggott, Cilla McQueen, Ian Wedde, Vincent O’Sullivan, CK Stead, Selina Tusitala Marsh, David Eggleton and Chris Tse. - RNZ

Fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion in particular are becoming more and more of an issue.Just One Thing (JOT) Waitaki founder Ruth Davison says 180,000 tonnes of textiles are thrown away in New Zealand every year. “Because we are literally wearing something for a few wears and then chucking it in the bin. Environmentally, it's very bad, it's not breaking down.” JOT is hosting its third Slow Fashion event for locals next Thursday (11 September), to raise awareness and provide education.Ruth is excited about the event, which will be held at The Business Hive from 5.30pm to 7pm. “This will hopefully cement what we've tried to do before, and it's all about showing how we can practically keep clothes in circulation for longer because there's a massive issue with textile waste. “Natural fibres are one of the things we really want to get across. That's the real focus, as much natural fibre as possible, because it does break down, but also it often lasts longer.”On the night, attendees can expect to see practical demonstrations of mending, repairing and repurposing. Along with a free clothes swap, vintage and thrifted clothes stalls will be selling curated pieces in line with showcasing slow fashion items.Operators of two local opportunity shops will be there to sell their clothes and tell the story of where the money they raise goes. “When we go and buy the absolutely wonderful things that they have, we are keeping it in circulation, but that money also goes to the good cause that they are promoting,” Ruth says.It’s not just women's clothing; there will be men's clothing as well.“Normally it is more women, but everybody is welcome and just come and play and have fun and just see the demonstrations. There was a real buzz last year, being involved.“There will be a little bit of what the issues are, but most of it, we are focusing on the solutions because that's really important.”This year's event sees the addition of natural beauty demonstrations. Radka Balcarova, “a wonderful addition to our community”, will be demonstrating how to make soaps, lip balms, and shaving bars.A trademark of a true fashion event, the night ends with a catwalk, compered by Blayde Forbes.Information will be available for those wanting to learn more about what they can do with textile waste or how they can embrace an identity of slow fashion.“I think that's really what Just One Thing is all about. “It's showing the community what's possible, one thing at a time, no judgment, wherever we are. “I'm the worst darner in the world, but I'm proud if I actually do something, if I mend something, because I'm keeping it going for a little while, keeping it in rotation.“Nobody has to be perfect. It's all about just learning from each other. Progress, not perfection.”The event is free, with a koha for the clothes swap and of course, donations are always welcome.Good-quality, clean clothing can be dropped off in person to Zara or Tanya at The Business Hive between 8.30am and 5pm, this week (1 September to 5 September).

Sophie Brown and Chelsea Koay are doing cartwheels over qualifying for the National Gymnastics Competition this year.After both wrestling with Covid interruptions and injuries, Sophie (17) and Chelsea (14) are the first members Ōamaru’s Pathfinders Gymnastics Club to be attending the national competition since 2018. They are part of the Aorangi Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) team.Sophie is competing at Step 6 level and Chelsea at Step 5.Each step usually takes one to two years to complete, and to qualify for Nationals a gymnast has to be at least Step 5, Sophie says.“Then you have to qualify in specific regions with a certain amount of points, and if you do that twice in two different regions, you are eligible to be considered to represent your region at nationals.”Teams can have four members, and gymnasts can also apply to enter as individuals.Chelsea is joined in the Step 5 Aorangi team by Waimate gymnast Rosearia Shelton, while Sophie is joined at Step 6 by Helena Shelton (Waimate) and Emily Best (South Canterbury). South Canterbury Step 8 gymnast Georgia Buckley is also competing for Aorangi.Sophie has been a competitive gymnast for about 10 years, but says Covid struck at an awkward time for her.“I really struggled 'cause I was like at that point, when you're like year 7-8 and everything's changing, and I was sort of was growing a lot. “With gymnastics, you really need to stay consistent. So it was really hard to come back to the sport after six months, and have everything changed. Chelsea Koay (left, age 14) and Sophie Brown (17). Photo: Supplied.“So I struggled through there and had to spend an extra year in Step 4.”Once at Step 5, she didn’t make nationals, and felt a bit “burnt out”, so decided to take time out and took up rowing for a season.Last year, after returning to gymnastics and reaching Step 6, Sophie faced another challenge after “breaking” her knee during a vault, which meant she was out for the whole season.“I landed and it hyper-extended and the two bones separated, and it like chipped all these bits off and the ligaments and stuff were all munted.”While the injury didn’t stop Sophie for long, she says the mental blocks that followed were harder to overcome.“Then as soon as I started this season, I did both my ankles . . . I've been dealing with a lot of injuries recently which has made it a bit tougher, but now that all the pressure's off, I'm feeling a lot better about competing.” Chelsea says she has a mix of excitement and nerves for nationals, but the St Kevin’s College pupil is proud of herself and her team.Chelsea competes on the mat. Photo: Supplied“We've all worked incredibly hard for this opportunity, and I feel truly blessed to be competing alongside such talented athletes,” she says. Hers has not been a straightforward path either, with the sacrifices of long training sessions, injuries and “moments of self-doubt”.But she says every obstacle has made her stronger “mentally and physically”. “I've worked diligently, and I'll continue working harder because, as cliche as it sounds, hard work truly does pay off.“I truly believe having a positive mindset in the gym is key. Whether I win or lose, at least I know I tried and that's what just keeps me going.” Sophie agrees being a gymnast takes mental fortitude, as well as skill.“It teaches you so much about yourself, like it builds insane character. I know I wouldn't be who I am without the sport.” The national competition is in the first week of the school holidays, following the South Island competitions.Nationals round off the gymnastic competition season, and then it’s upgrade season, so there’s not really a break, Sophie says. “Because you always wanna be getting better. You can't really take time off in the sport.”Sophie, who is year 13 at Waitaki Girls’ High School, is not sure if continue competing next year, She plans to study at Canterbury University and to coach.Sophie fully qualified last year through Gymnastics NZ as a coach, and is in her sixth year coaching.She also won an Aoraki Secondary School Sports Award last year for her contribution to the sport.Sophie took up coaching because she wants to help create an environment where the girls “lift each other up” and create a team.Sophie on the beam. Photo: SuppliedShe credits her coach Susie for the amazing environment she’s created, and says she wants to help continue that.Chelsea says win or lose, getting into Nationals is an accomplishment in itself, and she’s proud of how far she’s come.Both girls are grateful for the support of their parents, coach and local businesses supporting their fundraising efforts to get there.Sophie says the biggest thing gymnastics has taught her is if you fail, you just have to get up and keep going.“You have no choice, you know? Fall 10 times, get up 12.”

Run 76 is back next weekend, with a big day of running, raffles, music, and community spirit to support men's mental health.The event was started two years ago, by Waitaki Boys’ High School 2023 head boy Ben O'Sullivan and was originally called Run 72."That comes from the fact that 72% of suicides in New Zealand were men," says this year's head boy Lachlan Wright."Unfortunately, that rate's increased, so it's Run 76 now."Next Saturday (September 6). teams of up to ten people will take to the school's three-kilometre cross-country course in a relay-style run, with one member of each team on the track at all times, for 11 hours.Entry costs $10 per team member or $15 just to have a go.Prizes for most laps, fastest laps, best dressed and best fundraising effort are up for grabs.The boys have organised it themselves with funds going to Mental Health Foundation, I am Hope and Youthline Otago."We have a committee in school that does it," Lachlan explains, "with help from the school office staff and the health and safety coordinator at school.”The boys made an Instagram page, designed and posted flyers, sent out emails and visited local businesses for support."All the RAMS [Risk Assessment and Management Systems] form's sorted and all that jazz... a lot of effort goes into these kind of things."We're trying to create quite a community."A community uniting for men's mental health. Photo: Supplied.As well as the running prizes, there are raffles throughout the day, food trucks, a community BBQ, games including volleyball, big chess and mini-challenges, live music and speakers."Our speakers include a mental health coach from I Am Hope and a representative talking about Gumboot Friday," Lachlan explains."And a few bands from Waitaki Boys' and Girls' that put their hands up for the last hour or two to keep people's spirits up.”In previous years, the run has continued overnight. but this year it will take place between 7am and 6pm due to health and safety issues, Lachlan says."Because you have to start thinking about parents and teachers who've had health and safety training [being] there at all times, a bunch more procedures and the course goes nearish to the foreshore."The organisers are hoping for about 150 running participants and more coming out to enjoy the day.If the weather turns, pavilions and tents will be on hand with the cricket pavilion for music and announcements.SnapFitness, Drummond & Etheridge, Campbell's Butchery, Mitre10 Mega, Rainbow Confectionery and The Business Hive have donated prizes and LuxLoos has donated toilet facilities.People who'd like to get involved are welcome and still have time to get in touch.Enter a team via the event’s Facebook page (entries officially close this Saturday (August 30), although late entries may be considered), contact Lachlan to offer prizes or simply come along on the day to enjoy the atmosphere, buy raffle tickets and show your support.

~ Sponsored~ Oamaru’s Christmas at the Races returns on Wednesday, 10 December, with a Twilight ‘Race Day’ format that promises festive fun, food and live entertainment at the Oamaru Racecourse.Oamaru Harness Racing Club president and event organiser Scott Elliffe says the event is inspired by hugely successful gatherings of the past.“Christmas at the races was massively successful, becoming one of the largest events in the district back in 2012, 2013,” he says.“This is about recapturing that energy with racing, live music, great food and, for the first time, a Christmas market.”The marquee village will provide a dedicated space for businesses, friends, and groups to host their work Christmas parties while being part of the racing action.Marquees provide a premium experience for guests. Photo: Supplied.Each marquee will be styled for dining comfort, with bar leaners and umbrellas out front providing plenty of space to mingle.“You can celebrate with your colleagues, then wander across to talk with friends or clients. That’s part of the fun,” Scott says.Catering will be provided by well-known Oamaru business owner Sally-Ann Donnelly and team, who have catered numerous local, landmark events.“It’s Christmas dinner with a twist,” she says.“It’s a chance to do something different - a night out people will remember.”The mid-week date is ideal, giving people a chance to lock in their Christmas function well before the madness.The twilight timing means the event runs from 4pm to 9pm, giving groups the flexibility to enjoy a full evening out, with the option of continuing celebrations if they choose.“It’s perfect for a work party - you have it all wrapped up, enjoy a great night out and you're ahead of the game for the rest of December,” Scott says.Alongside the racing, guests can enjoy live entertainment from local band, Fondue Party, festive touches throughout the village and quality facilities - including luxury loos.World-famous in Oamaru, Fondue Party will be providing live music at the event. Photo: Supplied.“We’re bringing in premium marquees from Christchurch, the same quality used at the New Zealand Cup,” Scott says.“Once they're allocated, that’s it - we won’t compromise on the look and the feel of the village.”The marquees are being supplied and styled by Happy Hire.Owner Shaun Rolston said the Oamaru event was set to deliver the same standard seen at major meetings across the country.“We’ve delivered Christmas at the Races events all over New Zealand, from boutique race days, to some of the country’s biggest meetings,” he says.“These events have always proven to be highlights on the calendar - a festive atmosphere people look forward to year after year.”For those new to racing, Santa’s Elves will be on hand with “Santa’s Picks” to ensure everyone can have a fun flutter without needing to know the form guide.The thrill of Race Day, harness racing in action. Photo: Supplied.Scott says it is also about making the most of a venue that is the “only track of any scale in the Otago region now.”“The racecourse is part of our local fabric - home to harness racing, pony clubs, hunt clubs and other equine sports as well as other community events,” he says.“Making use of it for Christmas at the Races shows its value and helps secure future events.”Adding to the atmosphere will be the Christmas Twilight Market, curated by organisers to showcase gifts, locally made treasures and festive ideas.The market will be open to the public as well as racegoers, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the lead-up to Christmas.Stallholder applications are open now.Groups that book their marquee by 17 September will go into the draw to win back the cost of a 10-person mini marquee - valued at $1250.The prize will be drawn at The Business Hive’s Exchange on Thursday, 18 September.Christmas at the Races runs from 4pm to 9pm on Wednesday 10 December at the Oamaru Racecourse, SH1.Marquees can be booked for 10, 20 or 40 people.Full event details are available here - Christmas at the RacesFor marquee bookings contact Scott Elliffe on 027 454 8344 or [email protected].

It is the “complexity of the people” dealing with homelessness, which makes the issue such a difficult fix, says Ōamaru Salvation Army Community Ministries manager Jocelyn Smith.“The reason some people are homeless is potentially woven in with mental health, addiction or lack of medication. So it can make them vulnerable and volatile,” she says. The number of people in the Waitaki without shelter (sleeping in cars and public spaces) has surged 320% in five years, from 15 in 2018 to 63, according to 2023 Census figures.The same data showed the number of people in temporary accommodation (for example, on a friend’s couch, or Women’s Refuge) also classified as homeless, has risen by 60% in the five years since 2018, to 486 people.The exact number for both is now likely to be higher, with the National-led coalition Government tightening restrictions around who is eligible for emergency housing, and with those who live a transient lifestyle being harder to reach with the Census.The multifaceted nature of homelessness, means the mental state of some people results in them “burning bridges” with the groups trying to help them, Jocelyn says.It has come to the point where, in an isolated incident recently, threatening behaviour put the Salvation Army into lockdown, forcing them to call in police and put trespass orders in place - extreme measures previously unheard of for the organisation in Ōamaru, Jocelyn says.She is worried somebody is going to become seriously hurt, and a person could end up in jail.“Which ironically means they will have three meals a day, someone looking after medication, the roof over their head, access to doctors, and mental health services,” Jocelyn says.Despite these hurdles, the Salvation Army continues to offer crucial services. They provide food, access to showers, blankets, and bedding. “Sometimes we can do a voucher for the Warehouse or Kmart . . . to get some toiletries, whatever it is they don't have in . . . we can give, to sort of help get to that space.”Graphic supplied by Salvation Army Social Policy Unit.The "Kai Plans" offer extended food support to help individuals pay down other debts, such as car bills, preventing further financial strain.Some of the situations people find themselves will not be fixed by one food parcel.“But if they can pay down this debt or solve this piece of the problem, we can see this is a solution to that.”The Salvation Army commits to providing an individual or family with food for a set number of weeks or months, and the money they save on the food, can be used to pay off the car bill or whatever this cost is.“You know, you are driving in an illegal vehicle and you could get stung even more, and be in even more debt if you don't deal with that problem. And so by helping to solve that we’re taking away one cost so they can address another.”While they collaborate with other agencies like the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), their limited resources, including only one part-time paid staff member for community ministries, often mean officers and volunteers are stretched thin.If someone turns up at Salvation Army doors and says, “I've got nowhere to sleep tonight”, the first thing they are asked is if they’ve been to MSD, Jocelyn says.“They can help with finance or, you know, pay for somewhere for them for the night.“Often we will get someone turn up 10 minutes before you're about to close the door and go home.”They are also “trying desperately” to get people to sign up for the Social Housing register.“There is some social housing available out there. If not here, then in Dunedin or Christchurch or other places. And if these people are mobile and willing to move, there might be something we can do, but the first thing is that they have to be on the social housing register.”But even that’s not as straightforward as it was, Jocelyn says.“My understanding is that it has got to the point where unless you are literally unhoused tonight . . . you do not qualify to apply for the social housing.“You have to be homeless before you can even start the process, which is just ridiculous to me.“You know, if you're staying with your aunty or you've got a mate that's given you a couch, you've got a roof over your head, you are fine, you don't count.”If Jocelyn could present a wishlist to the Government, on it would be that they address the urgent need for more housing.She wishes they would engage with frontline workers and acknowledge the true scale and complexity of homelessness.She also believes the Healthy Homes regulations, while well-intentioned, have inadvertently led some landlords to keep properties empty rather than incur the costs of upgrades, further reducing available affordable housing.Jocelyn also encourages landlords who can afford to offer their rentals at a cheaper rate to do so, rather than always aiming for top dollar.“It's just heartbreaking because when people are paying 60-70% of their income in rent, they can't afford to live . . . it's just a vicious circle. We just need to grow a conscious community and actually care.” 

~ Opinion ~Election time always invites opinion - and so it should.Our local candidates are being asked to front up to questions from many different quarters.That’s fair enough - voters deserve answers.But sometimes it feels less like a test of governance and more like a test of research skills.And when those answers land on social media, another test begins: courage.Because reading the comments made about you? That takes grit.Dogpiling is a thing.One negative remark on its own might not be so bad.But when others pile on, the noise can drown out what’s actually being said.As voters, some of it just feels grubby and makes us hesitant to engage.For candidates, responding can risk a barrage of ad hominem* abuse - and not responding means putting aside the very reasons they've stood in the first place.That kind of local engagement is, I guess, a form of testing but it's not for everyone.At Waitaki App, we’ve long championed a safe and neutral platform where everyone is treated with respect.That’s why we’re giving local body election candidates a direct-to-reader opportunity - free of social media mud-slinging.We’ve invited each candidate to share their pitch in their own words, unedited and without public comment: just them, speaking directly to you.The question we’ve asked is simple:“What do you most want voters to understand about you and your vision for Waitaki?”Their responses will appear in our election section, alongside a photo, exactly as they supply them.No edits.No annotations.No ratings of which opinions matter more.Just an even playing field.This is about giving voters a clear view - and giving candidates a fair shot at being heard.We’ll keep showing and promoting these candidate statements until 10 October, in line with election rules.Because what matters most this election isn’t who shouts loudest online - it’s who we choose to represent our district when the ballots are counted.~ Find key dates and enrolment info here - Important Waitaki District Council Election Dates.*Ad hominem is Latin for an argument or reaction directed against the person (personal attack) rather than the position they are maintaining (point of view). Not only is it a thing - it's a thing that's been around since before the Romans named it.

By Susan Edmunds, Money Correspondent [email protected] has had the largest price rise of any item tracked in the consumer price index since 2000, Consumer NZ says, and there's a risk that more people may not be able to access it at all in future unless there are industry changes.Consumer has released a report into the insurance industry, investigating how climate change is affecting the cost and availability of house and contents insurance.It noted the cost of insurance had gone up 916 percent since 2000. That is ahead of the increase in the price of cigarettes and tobacco, which were up 608 percent.The price increases were prompting people to drop their insurance, Consumer NZ investigative team leader Rebecca Styles said. She said it was particularly an issue for retirees on fixed incomes. "They've come to me and they're like 'I can't keep paying these, 15 percent, 20 percent, 30 percent increases year-on-year. We can't afford it any more."She said, in 2022, 7 percent of those who had dropped their house insurance had done so because of the cost. This year, the proportion was 17 percent."The anecdotal feedback we've received is people are making what seem like extreme pragmatic decisions - 'oh my mortgage is paid off, well I'll drop my insurance as soon as that's done'. I asked them, 'what will you do if there's a natural hazard or something, you're not covering for that;… they're like 'oh well I'll live in a caravan'. Taking big risks with their financial future, really."She said options were limited for people struggling to pay. "You can switch around, we've got very low switching rates in New Zealand… but if you live in Wellington and Christchurch, it's harder to switch. You might not be able to get the quote online, you have to ring around, which you know is the life admin of reading the policies… it's not a five-minute job."High-risk areas might find it hard to get cover elsewhere, she said.Climate change and the cost of increasing weather events were pushing up the cost of insurance, the report said."Stats NZ figures show the cost of house insurance started tracking up significantly in 2011, again in 2017 and once more from 2022 to 2023."These spikes are probably due to the impact of natural disasters on insurers. In 2011, Christchurch experienced a devastating earthquake, with $21 billion worth of insured losses. 2017 was declared the worst year on record for weather-related losses, with $242 million paid out by the insurance industry."This has since been eclipsed by the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, with the losses that year currently calculated as costing $3.8 billion."Styles said, for insurance to be affordable and remain available, the industry wanted effective climate adaptation legislation and a related framework."Such a framework would clarify which homes are at risk and whether mitigations, adaptation or retreat is the best way to keep people and property safe. Without such a framework, insurers might retreat from insuring homes, communities, cities and even entire countries if the risk proved too great."Without serious intervention in the form of a government-led adaptation framework, with cross-party support, it's possible that many New Zealanders will not be able to get insurance by 2035."She said Tower's recent announcement of more risk-based pricing was potentially the start of another round of insurers stepping back. "I think the numbers are just going to keep going up if we don't get a climate education framework in place to help communities adapt."She also recommended the Financial Markets Authority review the pricing of house and contents insurance to confirm New Zealanders were being charged fairly, based on accurately assessed risk, and to ascertain why householders in this country were paying more than Australians.She said, at renewal, insurers should offer clear and transparent information about what had changed, including the difference in price, and how cover would be affected. They should also be more transparent about natural hazards data so people could see how it related to their house.Styles said the government should also develop a comparison and switching platform to make it easier to change insurers, and create an avenue for policyholders to contest high premium price hikes.She called for the government to review how many houses were not adequately insured, and banks could check when a mortgage refixed that there was sufficient cover in place.Insurers should also report to the Financial Markets Authority on the postcodes they were no longer insuring.She said a big question was who would pick up the bill for the changes required. "Our research shows that people expect central and local government to pay, insurers to chip in, as well as individual property owners ... but we need leadership and government."The Insurance Council said it recognised that it had been a challenging time for New Zealanders facing cost-of-living pressures."As Consumer NZ highlighted, there are a number of drivers of premium levels, some outside insurers' control, including building cost inflation, global reinsurance, and government taxes and levies."Insurers are moving toward more risk-based pricing as understanding of hazards like earthquakes and flooding improves. They're also working to help customers manage their protection more cost-effectively, and we encourage people to explore options and shop around."We've consistently said that New Zealand must take a long-term view of natural hazard risks, especially as climate-related events become more severe. Like Consumer NZ, we support government leadership on climate adaptation and standardised risk data to avoid building in high-risk areas and invest in resilient infrastructure like flood protection."By acting now, we signal to global reinsurers that New Zealand is addressing rising climate risks and working to keep insurance accessible for future generations." ~RNZ

~ This article is written by ChatGPT with questions from us. AI can make mistakes and so can copy-checking humans. Enjoy. ~We took the audio transcript from The Business Hive's recent mayoral candidate panel and gave it to ChatGPT to analyse - the results may surprise you. Read on.The Business Hive hosted all four mayoral contenders last week in a wide-ranging panel on business, growth, and the future of Waitaki.We ran the full transcript through ChatGPT to distil what each candidate really stands for.Here’s what emerged when the talking points were stripped back to their core.Vision SnapshotsWe asked ChatGPT to summarise each candidate's vision and identify their distinct approach.Guy Percival – The ListenerCore Vision: Keep council in its lane while strengthening dialogue with business.Focus Areas: Monthly dialogue with businesses, oppose paid parking, prioritise practical CBD improvements.Tone: Relationship-based, nostalgic, practical.Kelli Williams – The ProtectorCore Vision: Protect Waitaki’s special character while guiding smart growth to fund infrastructure.Focus Areas: Careful growth (not growth for growth’s sake), enabling council culture, protecting identity.Tone: Protective, cautious, growth-minded.David Wilson – The Cost-CutterCore Vision: Refocus council on essentials, cut barriers and unlock tourism's full potential.Focus Areas: Low rates, budget scrutiny, efficient core services (roads, water, permits), refocus tourism.Tone: Pragmatic, efficiency-driven, cost-control oriented.Melanie Tavendale – The InnovatorCore Vision: Build a thriving economy on skills, partnerships, and diversification.Focus Areas: Workforce skills & training, diversification projects (Waitaki Grown), rebuilding partnerships.Tone: Collaborative, forward-looking, opportunity-driven.Core AgreementWe asked ChatGPT to identify core agreement between the candidates - the things that stands out in the transcript as being raised by everyone.Business and Community Success Are LinkedAll candidates emphasised that a strong business environment supports local jobs, prosperity, and community wellbeing. None positioned business growth as separate from community outcomes.Council Needs Better Dialogue with BusinessWhile they differ on how, each agreed council must have stronger, more regular communication with the business community:Melanie Tavendale → rebuilding broken relationships.David Wilson → keeping council “out of the way.”Kelli Williams → council as an enabler, less risk-averse.Guy Percival → monthly round-tables.Rates Must Be Managed CarefullyEveryone recognised affordability as critical. No candidate argued for higher rates or free spending.Infrastructure and Core Services Are Non-NegotiableAll pointed to basics like roads, water, wastewater, and zoning as essential council responsibilities. Everyone agreed these are top priorities and must be delivered well.Council Culture and Processes Need ImprovingEach raised frustrations about the way council currently operates:David Wilson → removing bureaucracy, ensuring efficiency.Guy Percival → governance vs operations clarity, better councillor leadership.Kelli Williams → risk-averse culture needs reform, smoother processes.Melanie Tavendale → fixing broken relationships, better procurement.Growth Should Be PurposefulNone rejected growth outright, but all insisted it should be considered, purposeful, and beneficial to the community, not growth “for its own sake”.Unique FocusWe asked ChatGPT to identify a unique focus per candidate - something that stands out in the transcript as being raised, only by them.Kelli Williams - Balancing growth while preserving town characterShe frames growth as necessary but warns against “growth for the sake of growth,” stressing Oamaru’s special, almost “step back in time” appeal. She makes the case that people move here for that uniqueness and don’t want it to change too much. The preservation-alongside-growth stance is hers alone.Guy Percival - Monthly informal council–business meetingsHe proposes a standing commitment for monthly round-table discussions between councillors, the CEO, and the business community in a casual setting. While others mention communication, his call for a regular, structured but informal monthly forum is unique.Melanie Tavendale - Workforce development and educational pathwaysShe emphasises analysing local workforce gaps, collaborating with schools and the polytechnic, and creating pathways so young people can train locally (or leave and return with new skills). No other candidate went into this level of detail about workforce planning and education links.David Wilson - Tourism system overhaulHe talks extensively about refocusing Tourism Waitaki, questioning its structure, costs, and out-of-town governance, and pushing for alignment across attractions (Geopark, Precinct, Penguin Colony, Steam & Rail). This “tourism governance refocus” is distinct to him.Core ThemesWe asked ChatGPT to identify core themes mentioned throughout the transcript and provide a brief assessment of each candidate's position.Overall VisionMelanie Tavendale – Thriving local economy with confident investment, workforce growth, and outside funding.David Wilson – A business-friendly district where council enables growth by doing its core job well.Kelli Williams – Balanced growth that funds infrastructure while preserving Waitaki’s unique character.Guy Percival – Stronger relationship between council and business through consistent dialogue and practical town centre improvements.Council–Business RoleDavid Wilson – Keep council efficient, low-cost, and out of the way.Kelli Williams – Council should act as an enabler, not a bureaucratic barrier.Guy Percival – Monthly informal meetings between council and business leaders to share challenges.Melanie Tavendale – Rebuild partnerships, fix broken relationships, constant dialogue.Rates & AffordabilityKelli Williams – Growth to support funding for infrastructure, but done carefully.Guy Percival – Recognises limited funding; focus on using allocations wisely.Melanie Tavendale – Affordability important but balanced with investment in initiatives.David Wilson – Key priority: keep rates low, with line-by-line budget scrutiny.Infrastructure & ServicesGuy Percival – Town centre amenities, oppose paid parking, streetscaping (e.g. flower baskets), traffic flow to bring people into CBD.Melanie Tavendale – Supports local procurement, outside investment, and diversification projects.David Wilson – Core basics: good roads, footpaths, water, wastewater, efficient permits.Kelli Williams – Improve council processes to be less risk-averse and more supportive.Innovation & GrowthMelanie Tavendale – Supports diversification (Waitaki Grow), Taskforce for Jobs, external funding for initiatives.David Wilson – Growth expected to come from removing council barriers.Kelli Williams – Careful, purposeful growth that preserves Waitaki’s identity.Guy Percival – Incremental, place-based improvements to CBD and visitor experience.Tone & EmphasisDavid Wilson – Pragmatic, efficiency-driven, cost-control oriented.Kelli Williams – Protective of community character while still growth-minded.Guy Percival – Relationship-based, nostalgic, practical improvements.Melanie Tavendale – Collaborative, opportunity-focused, forward-looking.All four circle the usual issues — rates, growth, processes — but their instincts diverge: Tavendale looks to skills and diversification, Wilson to a tourism reset, Williams to protecting character while guiding growth, and Percival to listening while letting business lead.The campaign trail will bring more speeches and promises — but this side-by-side comparison might help you set each candidate apart. As the election draws closer, those instincts may matter just as much as their policies.~🤖This analysis is based on the full event transcript from The Business Hive’s mayoral candidate panel. You can read a human-written article, with full quotes and questions from the floor here on Mayoral candidates face off on business vision.

This story was first published by RNZ Online Checkpoint @CheckpointRNZ [email protected] quest for true love can move slowly and that's why a campaign's been launched to help a very rare snail find a mate.Ned was unearthed in a Wairarapa garden earlier this month and was found to be something quite special - a left-spiralling snail.His shell spirals in an anticlockwise direction from its smallest point, while the vast majority of snails boast a clockwise spiral on their shell.It is a problem for Ned because the physical logistics means he needs another lefty in order to mate.A nationwide snail hunt has been launched by New Zealand Geographic to find him a special friend.Illustrator and gardener, Giselle Clarkson, found Ned and immediately picked up on his special spiral."It was last week I was in my garden and getting ready for spring, I was doing a big job weeding and the garden is absolutely riddled with snails at the moment," she told Checkpoint."I was pulling out a big plant and a snail tumbled into the dirt ... I went to pick it up and then something looked off, it just it was that uncanny valley type thing where you're looking at something and something's wrong, but you just can't put your finger on it because it's really subtle."At first, I thought perhaps it was another species altogether ... and I realised I had a rare lefty, which I knew about through my work with New Zealand Geographic."Clarkson said while snails are hermaphrodites, they almost fit like puzzle pieces, meaning a lefty requires another lefty to mate.Because of that, people are being asked to investigate their own gardens or local park as part of a campaign to find Ned a suitable partner."If people could get out into their gardens on the next warm, damp night ... with a torch or your park or you know anywhere that there's just sort of nice damp overgrown spots."There should be snails there and see if you can find a lefty, and then get in touch with New Zealand Geographic.Clarkson said while snails may not possess the best reputation for keen gardeners, she hopes people can rally behind Ned's cause."I hope people find it in their hearts ... you're holding it in your hand and its tentacles come out and it's emerged, and its eyes are there just sort of looking gently back at you."Could you really be so cruel as to deny them a chance at love?"Clarkson said it's an uphill battle as only one in every 40,000 snails is a lefty.People keen to participate or those unsure if they have found the rare, left-spiralling snail can email photos to [email protected] - RNZ.

10-12 minute readThe four Waitaki mayoral contenders shared the stage for the first time this election, at Ōamaru's The Business Hive last week, putting business and community issues in the spotlight. Over the course of last Thursday evening (August 21) Melanie Tavendale, Guy Percival, Kelli Williams and David Wilson each outlined their vision, suggested how council processes could better serve business, and fielded questions from the floor - ranging from helicopter pads, net-zero targets, mental health and "failure".Visions for business and communityMelanie Tavendale emphasised the link between local enterprise and community wellbeing.“If our businesses are doing well, our community’s doing well, there’s jobs available,” she said.“We need to keep that in the back of our minds, but obviously affordability when it comes to rate expense as well.”Highlighting the Waitaki Grown medicinal crop trials, she said diversification could bring benefits beyond agriculture.“They’re helping to support land diversification, which I think is massive in this community… [also] upskilling people and the opening of potential new markets for our community.”Hard at work are some of the Waitaki Grow team (from left) Rebecca Finlay, Johnny Halvorsen, Craig France, Viv Ferne and Jock Webster. Photo: SuppliedMelanie stressed the importance of workforce development and the role the council can play as a convenor.“While education is not a role of council, we are a small enough community that we can understand where our holes are … and actually find ways of creating those educational pathways to bring people into those spaces.”She argued for stronger council-business partnerships and called for the “spotlight [to] stay on local procurement”, pointing to the need to ensure council spending policies actually support local suppliers.David Wilson set out a different emphasis, promising to “make sure that council doesn’t put any hindrances in the way of business - by that I’m meaning that we want to keep the rates low”.“If I’m elected as mayor, I will be going into the budget with my new council and we will be going line by line through the budgets … to establish exactly where we can save some money.”The essentials matter most, he said.“The most important thing for businesses is that council does its job well. So low rates, good roads, reliable water and wastewater service and adequate zoning, and efficient and quick permitting. That’s my clear vision for businesses.”For Kelli Williams, growth had to be balanced against Waitaki’s distinct character.“Oamaru needs to grow a little bit, as does our entire district. But I’m all about not growing for the sake of growth,” she said.“People come to this town endlessly and fall in love with this place … They don’t want to see this place change too much. I don’t think any of us want to see it change too much.Waitaki does need to grow, to help fund infrastructure, but “the growth's got to be in the right place and for the right reasons… so we’re going to do it carefully”.Kelli acknowledged frustrations with council processes, saying the culture is “very risk-averse … and so they should be” because penalties for getting things wrong can be severe.“I really believe we need to be an enabling council, one that helps people get through all the roadblocks… We don’t want people turning up, getting frustrated, and wanting to leave.”Incumbent councillor Guy Percival took a reflective approach, saying the vision “was already present in the room” and that capability lay with the business community itself.Looking back on his time in council he expressed frustration at the lack of dialogue.“In my decade with the council, I cannot recall the business community coming in, either in a public forum, or arranging a meeting with us to discuss their problems and where they can go.”Guy proposed monthly casual meetings in a neutral space as one way forward.Regular meetings with business in a neutral space could help build solid relationships. Photo: Alex Regtien“We would meet the councillors, the elected members, and hopefully our chief executive… and have round-the-table discussions on what we can do to help.”He referenced ghost towns in the United States and said, “we are never going to lose State Highway 1, so we’ve got to get together more than we ever have and work on what we can do to revitalise our CBD”.Policies and processesAsked to name a policy or process that needed to change, Guy kept his answer short.“Well, we don’t have any policy that could fix the CBD, in my knowledge, and we don’t have any process that would be relevant. I think I’ve just covered most of what that question is about.”But elsewhere in the discussion, he made clear that, for him, the biggest issue was not a single policy but the overall culture of governance.“There’s a huge line between governance and operations,” he said.“The only way you can improve that is by having good councillors. Regardless of the mayor, I think all of us up here have the same basic ideals and principles.”“So, the most important thing to me, regardless of who might lead them, is getting the right people into the council.”Kelli pointed to the clunky way elected members request and receive reports.“More of a direct line between elected members and subject matter experts would mean that we’ve got a much better product to actually base our decisions on,” she said.Kelli touched on the District Plan and growth opportunities that could be looked at, but stressed, “there would have to be a cost-benefit analysis there because anything to do with the district plan at this point is an expensive process”.“The big thing is, if it costs too much right now, it's going to have to be on the back burner until we see what's going to happen out there.”She also argued for a stronger “no surprises” policy, noting that public trust in leadership suffered when communication broke down.David turned the focus to tourism, urging a reset.He spoke of the long community effort behind the Victorian Precinct and Vanished World, now part of the Geopark, but said the industry had become fragmented.“There’s an imbalance in the way that tourism is now being handled,” he said.“We need to look at getting everybody onto the same page, the Geopark, all the eateries, the train, everything that’s to do with tourism and bringing dollars into the community.”“We’re just not capitalising on it as good as we can.”He questioned proposals for the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony to become a stand-alone organisation due to cost and called for a “good, hard look" at Tourism Waitaki."What’s its vision? How much is it costing? Where does it want to go?”Melanie saw technology as key to improvement, advocating for more online services and streamlined case management.“It would save so much time and money for our local businesses,” she said.“The more we can enable things online and actually give people the tools they need and the information in front of them… I think that benefits the whole community,” she said.Having case managers would mean “rather than one person who’s got a really complex case … getting passed around five people… that’s been talked about for a while, but it’s still not done as effectively as it could be.”The Business HIve and Poshtel are examples of local private investment in local facilities. Photo: Supplied.Ensuring a genuine voiceOn the question of how businesses could have a genuine voice in decision-making, David emphasised transparency.“We’re moving into a difficult period. We know we don’t have a lot of money to do it with, so we’re going to have to be innovative.”“I want to see the secrecy that has grown within the council culture… removed. I want to see a lot more transparency so that when businesses are wanting to find what’s going on, we can help that to happen.”He said he’d like to see some new committees organised within council, “to help address water, the finance issues, but most importantly, address the tourism issue”.Melanie called for partnership and informed communication.“I don’t think you can have a genuine voice unless you’ve got a really clear avenue straight to councillors … to actually sit at the table and have honest conversations.“Council, for me, is not always going to be in the funding space, but I think in the facilitation space, the ability to actually bring together projects.”She also suggested reviewing case studies when things went wrong in order to improve processes, provide transparency and a basis for developing improvements, “not just stop on that conversation but go, what now?”.Guy pressed again for regular meetings with the business community as well as stronger direction from elected members.“We’ve got to have far more direction, with a consensus by the elected members to direct the bureaucrats per se,” he said.Kelli highlighted the need for councillors to be “really active citizens in the community … not just representing their own point of view” but constantly listening and feeding that back into decision-making.“It’s not just the mayor to be going to these meetings, the councillors need to be getting out there too, everyone needs to have their finger on the pulse… and bring it back to the table.”Questions from the floorAudience questions drew out some of the evening’s most candid moments.What if you’re not elected?Ray Henderson, the first to his feet, noted that with four people standing for mayor and none running for council, three would inevitably miss out. He asked what each would do if unsuccessful.David replied with a long list of community commitments he already juggles, from chairing boards to helping organise events.“If I’m not successful as mayor, then I’ve still got plenty to do,” he said.Melanie said she would continue to grow through her business and family life, open to whatever new opportunities presented themselves.Kelli pointed to her work in real estate and her passion for selling both houses and the Waitaki lifestyle.Guy raised a laugh by saying, “I hadn’t considered failure” and promising to still “be a pain in the arse in the council”.What’s your stand on the appropriateness of net-zero targets for the Waitaki district? Kelli said there was “no harm in looking into things that will work… [but] I would hate to make promises… without having more information”.Guy quipped that the question was above his pay grade, so he’d have to “call in some consultants”.Melanie encouraged breaking those issues into practical, topic-by-topic conversations, e.g. cycling or erosion“I think sometimes just the terminology in itself shuts down a whole lot of conversations”.David warned of global inequities, pointing to large nations not bound by the Paris Accord, and said any local stance must have community backing.What would you look at doing to improve mental health services?Guy admitted, “I don’t believe we’ve served the community very well in that area … and it would be my privilege and pleasure to push for more funding, more ability, more staff.”Kelli argued for ensuring the right expertise was represented at the council table, “if we didn’t have lots of knowledge that we need, then we should be bringing it in and making sure we can actually do something”.Melanie highlighted the ongoing work of Stronger Waitaki and noted much of the funding comes via Dunedin. She said efforts were being made to gain local providers so the funding we do have goes further.David tied the issue to advocacy, saying council had to fight to retain the hospital and transport links to Dunedin.What do you feel is the support for a helicopter pad to enable international tourists to enter here quickly?Would investing in tourism infrastructure, in the right places, help local business was one question being asked. Photo: Stock via Canva.Melanie acknowledged the legitimate health and safety concerns with one that was removed from near Friendly Bay, but said getting a new one has taken too long – criticising a council tendency to focus on why projects were “too hard” instead of finding solutions.David cautioned that heritage and ambience must not be sacrificed, especially with Ōamaru’s heritage precinct on the cusp of national recognition – second only to the Waitangi Treaty grounds.Kelli, a former RNZAF helicopter pilot, joked, “obviously, I support anything helicopters” before saying “in the short-term future, it’s a nice to have, however, it’s a great idea and definitely worth having some conversations” about in the future.Guy noted there had once been a helipad north of the Steampunk playground and said it was “crazy not to be able to replace it somewhere”, before light-heartedly suggesting Holmes Wharf.The evening closed with the audience having the chance to speak personally with the candidates, leaving voters with much to consider before election day.

If you’ve just replaced your curtains, and are not quite sure what to do with the perfectly fine old ones, then have we got the story for you.A Curtain Bank has started in Ōamaru, where people can donate their old, clean curtains in good condition, to be reused by people in need.The Curtain Bank is an off-shoot of Warmer Waitaki, co-ordinator Laura Campbell-Cowan says. “We're basically on a mission to try and get curtains in people's houses that don't have them. Because as much as it's a legal requirement to make sure your house can be heated, it's not to keep the heat in, which seems counter-productive,” she says.“We're asking for donations of clean, emphasis on clean, non-mouldy curtains. Curtains that you'd be happy to have in your home, basically.”The initiative has taken a couple of months to get off the ground, and Laura says she was “dobbed in” for her role by House of Breakthrough pastor Damien Goodsir, “knowing that I’m an organisation queen”.The group has been supported through funding from the Waste Minimisation Fund and with extra help and support from Stronger Waitaki, both of which have been incredible, Laura says.“The Curtain Bank in Dunedin has also helped us get on our feet as well, and just show us how things work. They're a really long-running group.” Referrals to the bank come through Family Works, and the group of volunteers was working on their first referral earlier this month, when they spoke to the Waitaki App. Laura is told what a household requires, and the group works to fill that need with the curtains they have available.“The referral that we've got at the moment, she's got three bedrooms and none of them have curtains in them.”“I think I added up, it's about 20 metres of curtains for this referral.”They prepare the curtains to fit the spaces, and then hand them over. There is no contact between the curtain bank and the recipient of the curtains. It is all done anonymously.“Just privacy reasons for both parties,” Laura says.Laura says because they are only a small group volunteering their time, it is a matter of doing what they can, when they can.“If that means we can only do one a month, we do one a month.”The Curtain Bank is not only helping people keep their homes warmer, it is also reducing the waste which goes to landfill.They weigh all the curtains that come in, and will weigh any waste as well.“And then once we calculate that all, we'll be able to then be like, ‘sweet, we've saved this amount of curtains from landfill potentially’, because some people would just throw them out.” While the Curtain Bank is grateful for donations, they need the curtains in ready-to-use condition.“We're all semi-retired slash working mums, so we don't have time to be going down to the laundry and doing all the washing. “Some of them, if all they need is a wash, then okay, we'll weigh it up, but we would rather not have to.”Laura says if anyone has a bit of free time, they are always looking for more helpers too. “You don’t have to be able to sew. It’s just measuring to detail, that kind of thing, if someone wants to take the time.”While the volunteers work out of the House of Breakthrough hall on Ure Street, the group is not affiliated with the church, and anyone is welcome, she says.Laura says she got involved because she attends the church, and Damien knew she had her own sewing business in the past.He asked her to attend a meeting about getting it off the ground, knowing that, despite already having a lot going on, she wouldn’t be able to keep her hand down to volunteer.“Then it sort of just happened, and I feel like I'm doing reasonably well at delegating to everybody so that then I can just disappear into my studies . . . but I like being able to help people.“We'll eventually all know what our role is, and I think if no one was going to do it, then it would be sad. Because no one should have to go through winter, worrying that their kids are going to sleep and getting cold . . . and winter's hard enough without going to bed cold.”Curtain donations can be dropped off at Ōamaru businesses Guthrie Bowron, Waitaki Interiors and Carpet Court. For anyone wanting to volunteer at the Curtain Bank, email Laura at [email protected] 

The number of people sleeping in cars and public spaces in the Waitaki has increased a whopping 320% in five years, and that number is likely to be higher now.According to 2023 Census figures, there were 15 people without shelter in 2018, and 63 people in 2023. However, Waitaki District Council Housing Policy and Strategy specialist Kayla Stewart says this figure is likely to be higher due to new Government legislation and the challenges of reaching and accurately identifying people living rough.The Census figures have two different definitions of homelessness - the first is a more broad definition and includes people who basically have a roof over their head, she says.“People in temporary accommodation, like emergency housing or Women's Refuge, or staying in someone else's house because you don't have anywhere else to go, or in severely crowded housing,” she says.“So you might have two families in one house, or in uninhabitable housing, and by that they mean things like no running water.”This figure has also risen in the Waitaki by 60% since 2018, which means 486 people were experiencing homelessness in the Waitaki in 2023.The second definition, referred to by Statistics NZ as people living without shelter, is what people more commonly think of as homeless, and it is this figure which has more than tripled here.The statistics provide a “really good picture” of the situation, Kayla says, but that was two years ago, and the National-led coalition Government have tightened the conditions around emergency housing.“So the criteria for that has changed significantly.”It has become tougher for people to access emergency housing, with applicants having to demonstrate they have not “unreasonably contributed” to their situation.It might be the case that someone moves to the district for work and their job falls through. If they'd left secure accommodation, that might be seen as contributing to their homelessness, Kayla says. “I've heard from other service providers that there's a big challenge for people exiting prison, and whether that's being interpreted as contributing to their own homelessness being sent to prison? So, that's what we are hearing from the providers.”Statistics provided by Waitaki District Council Housing Policy and Strategy specialist Kayla Stewart. People in the Waitaki might be unaware of the issue, because they don’t see people living on the streets, but the council receives frequent reports of people taking shelter in public buildings, living in parks, or in their cars.“That's quite a unique thing for us, having those multiple reports coming in . . . And this is so concerning, particularly in the winter, you know, it was minus-four this morning.”The Waitaki desperately needs an outreach service, but one doesn’t exist, due to a lack of funding, Kayla says.“Central government has provided funding support elsewhere, to the likes of Rotorua, and if you look at the numbers, (per capita) we are very comparable to Rotorua.”Waitaki’s percentage of homeless people is 2.1% (210 per 10,000 people), which is also higher than Dunedin and Timaru.The issue is complex, there are a lot of moving parts and everyone is needed around the table, Kayla says.A meeting with Waitaki’s service providers and a lot of faith-based groups has been held recently, to do a “stocktake” of what can be done to help here.“Things like what kind of food supports are available, what kind of housing supports are there available? Mental health support and that kind of thing.”This helped identify gaps, and one of the biggest gaps is outreach support, Kayla says.“For a lot of service providers, people need to come through their doors in order to access the service, and you can see why that might be a barrier for someone experiencing homelessness.”Outreach is about going out, and finding the people who need help.“We are also looking at what a cross-council response could look like, because, as you can imagine, it affects lots of different council teams, and so how can we have a compassionate response and a consistent framework with how we approach these situations.”This includes working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand locality officers around fire safety.Kayla refers to an incident where multiple tents caught on fire in Dunedin’s Oval in May this year, and says it is “very relevant” to make sure people have good fire safety practices when using gas to cook and heat.There appears to be no one particular reason homelessness is on the rise, more like “the perfect storm” of factors, including the cost of living crisis and the change in legislation, and people having “increasingly challenging lives”.“Life is really tough for people at the moment . . . it’s very challenging, and it only needs one thing to go wrong.“We know we have a shortage of affordable rentals in this district, we have a very low median income, and we don't have transitional housing in this district either, which is an issue.”There is emergency housing, which is “very temporary” motel-kind of accommodation, but transitional housing is the “next step on the housing continuum”.It’s generally for about a three-month period, and people receive wraparound support and care that helps them transition into the private rental market or social housing.“And I think the other challenge we have is there are no further social housing placements allocated to Waitaki.“Central government provides social housing . . . In the budget they allocated a number of - they're called income-related rent subsidy tenancies, but - social housing tenancies, and none were allocated for Waitaki, or the South Island.”While there is existing social housing, it is full, and the need is growing.Kayla says it’s good for people to remember anyone can find themselves in this position, so be kind. It might only take one unexpected car breakdown or the loss of a job, which means a missed rent payment, and things snowball.“Just treat everyone with care and dignity, you know? And if you see someone and you're concerned, then let the police know, so they can do a welfare check.”If somebody feels they are on the verge of a situation where they could find themselves homeless, there are some great services available, she says.There is the Sustaining Tenancies Programme through Methodist Mission Southern, which works with people who might be at risk of having their tenancy terminated.There is also Family Works which can provide a financial mentoring service, the Ōamaru Salvation Army, who can offer “Kai cover” to help keep people fed if unexpected costs come up, and Energy Mate - which can help with advice on how to keep energy costs down, and stay warmer.“Just reach out and find out what support is available, because we do have some wonderful service providers in this district who really go above and beyond to help people.” She also encourages people to find out what help might be available from the Ministry of Social Development.Staff there can help with bond payments, and they are also the ones to see for emergency housing and to register for social housing.Next week in the Waitaki App, we talk to Jocelyn Smith from Ōamaru's Salvation Army, about being on the coalface of trying to help people facing homelessness.

Whether it's for the first time or a return to tertiary, people who are near or beyond retirement age still have the fighting spirit to head to university.By RNZ Digital journalist Isra'a EmhailWhen experienced broadcaster and food journalist Julie Biuso arrived at the University of Auckland campus last year, she felt a bit like an imposter.“Although it was funny, I'd travel by ferry from Waiheke and then either walk up or sometimes get the bus. If the bus was crowded, people would stand up and give me a seat because they probably thought I was a professor. Little did they know.”The now 71-year-old was the oldest on the Master of Creative Writing course by “quite a few years”, she says. The university describes it as a competitive degree, with only about 12 students accepted each year.Last year, people aged 40 and above made up about 20 percent (75,890) of domestic students enrolled in degrees ranging from certificate level 1 to doctorate.Julie Biuso looks at a shelf containing her cookbooks and hold holds her first ‘book’ of family favourites - written when she was about 10. Photo: Supplied“I'd written 17 cookbooks in my career, and I've worked as a food journalist and broadcaster for 40 years. But I didn't have an English degree. So it was quite a lot of things to consider,” Biuso says of her decision to apply.“I thought, I'll never know unless I have a go. So I started with the enrolment and it was so damned hard. It was like the proof and all the things that you had to do.”Biuso, the youngest in a family of 10 children, has been on a journey around the world learning about different cuisines and honing her craft. But she always knew she wanted to write a novel.It wasn’t until she moved to Waiheke Island about 10 years ago, when she separated from her husband, that her creative talent was unleashed.“I think for a lot of women in particular, you've gone through that whole thing, you might have started university or done a degree earlier or not even gone at all and life gets in the way and kids and work and all that kind of thing. You find yourself in your late 60s and you think, well, do I take up golf or what do I do?,” Biuso says.Julie Biuso with her first granddaughter, Remi, at the Parnell Rose Gardens, Auckland. Photo: Supplied"I wish I had time now to study politics, I mean there are so many things I'd love to do. I've left my run a wee bit late but just think of something you’re interested in, because if you are interested, you’re halfway there, the learning is easy."Biuso graduated in May and has completed her first draft of her novel. The best part of it all is how you feel about yourself, she says.“It comes at a cost because you’re supporting yourself through a year, and a degree is not cheap on any level, but I urge people if they’re interested and they're considering it, to find some way to do it because it's got all the rewards, not necessarily financial, but I think as a writer, you're kind of used to not making a load of money in your career.”Jane McCarroll says she's not earning a fortune, but she's always pumped to start the day at her job. Photo: SuppliedAucklander Jane McCarroll knows all too well what it means to be a single parent whose sole focus is on providing for her whānau. She spent 30 years in the corporate industry in various roles before hitting a turning point in 2023, when she was made redundant a sixth time.“I just lost the energy to try and fight the tide of having to explain why I shouldn't lose my job or respond to a consultation exercise that is moot at best.”Her parents advised her to consider what it was she truly enjoyed doing.“I've always just had to provide and chase money and sometimes [because of] the stress of all of that pressure, I would wake up in the morning and vomit before going to work and that would happen for extended periods of time.”The 52-year-old is now in her second year of studying at AUT for a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching). The sector fit her aspirations of helping parents and supporting mental health of tamariki."The first thing people say, ‘what do you want to do that for? Six figures to minimum wage? Like you know you're changing nappies?'.“And I was like, yeah, yeah, yeah, but let's just think about this as a transition time and then what does the pathway look like? And I'll tell you what it looks like, it looks pretty f---ing exciting, way better than what it looked like trying to fight for my job and being ghosted.”While juggling two jobs and full-time study, her parents have sometimes chipped in to support her too, she says.“Just the feeling that I have when I go to work now, where I feel appreciated, I feel valued, I work with stakeholders that are hilarious, they're two and it's just such an engaging life.”She’s excited for what the future holds, with lucrative job packages for early childhood educators overseas too.“I love kids and I love seeing the sense of wonder. It's good for us too, to see the sense of wonder and the magic in everyday things.”Dr Timoti Te Moke. Photo: Stephen TilleyJust four months away from his final exams in AUT’s Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, Timoti Te Moke was facing a manslaughter charge and heading to the campus on meals of mainly rice and just enough money to pay for his rent and bus ticket.He was ultimately found not guilty, but he continued studying throughout the trial. The practical component of his degree was delayed until the next year.Having survived abuse and violence, a stint in prison and gang involvement, he was determined to graduate. Giving up was not an option, he says.Listen here on Nine to Noon: The former gang member and prison inmate turned doctor“I had to keep just pushing ahead. I had to make sure that I was doing the studying. Like when I get home, I just have my head in a book and of course I have to read over it five, six, seven, eight times for me to actually start picking it up because my head would keep wandering.“Of course, it [the trial] affected me because I went from being in the top percentage of my class to being the last, but the thing is that the skills that I had developed over this life allowed me to survive, and that’s what I’m very, very good at.“There have been a couple of times in my life, where I’ve been in situations where if I didn’t get up, I was going to die that night … I’ve experienced some unbelievable violence.“The will to survive is irrepressible in me.”Dr Timoti Te Moke says he wants to inspire the whānau to become doctors too. Photo: SuppliedAfter his paramedicine degree from AUT, he took a step further to become a doctor with a degree from Otago Medical School. The 58-year-old is now working as a house officer at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital, with plans to specialise in the ICU, which would take another five years to complete.However, he’s clear about one thing. It wasn’t that he simply worked hard and became a doctor, he says, but he overcame societal barriers that pushed him to believe he could never achieve anything.Before the manslaughter charge, the university had rejected his application three times."I’m more than used to having doors slammed in my face and being kind of shunned and rejected and that’s because my whole life has been hard,” Te Moke says.“I'm a doctor now, but I should have been a doctor 30 years ago and the reason is because these barriers have been put in front of me through colonisation, through having to live in negative social determinants. Don't get me wrong. This isn't isolated to Māori, it’s just that Māori make up a huge proportion of it.”His qualifications have opened the eyes of the younger members of his whānau, Te Moke says.“They had a belief that Māori didn't have what it took to get in there. Not that they weren’t smart enough, but that those kinds of doors weren’t available for them,” he says.“Now the plan is to make a family of doctors.”Rhondda Greig is a Wairarapa-based author and painter. Photo:SuppliedRhondda Greig has established herself as a painter in the 84 years she’s lived. But there’s a certain memory from nearly 20 years ago that’s moved her so deeply, she’s attending the University of Otago’s Master of Creative Writing to pursue it as a writing project.As an artist in residence at Scotland’s University of Aberdeen in 2006, she stumbled upon items that have a strong link to New Zealand.“I always thought sometime when I come back to New Zealand, I want to creatively write about this or deal with it in some ways, because most New Zealanders will not know of this.”Based in Wairarapa’s rural Matarawa area, where she has a studio, it wasn’t possible to drop everything and live in Dunedin for the course, which requires about 40 hours of commitment each week.“What it has meant is that I’ve had to learn very fast, I can tell you that, the technical skills of managing Zoom meetings et cetera.“I have been challenged in so many different ways but that’s good.”When things get tough, she’s reminded of her mother - a trained soprano who couldn’t pursue her dreams."Often when I felt, ‘oh, I can't keep going, this is all too hard, I don't have enough money’ or something else has come up. I've always thought you have to. I have got to because I'm doing this for mum really,” Greig says.“I would just be one of many thousands people who recognise that our parents didn't have the opportunities through education and encouragement perhaps in New Zealand that we have had.”Going back to study is simply an expansion of her mindset of being a student of life and the compulsion in creatively expressing knowledge, she says.“I was very conscious that I didn't want a younger person to have been denied a place on the course because they have a career and a future ahead of them.“But I was able to deal with that by thinking, well, I have been deemed suitable. So what I am producing now … I'm feeling this [project] is something I can give back to New Zealand, not being grand about that, but it's an experience I have had and I know that when I'm gone, there won't be many people around who will remember it anymore.”Greig had at a younger age been studying architecture but didn't finish that degree. She got married, became a mother and, instead, made a commitment to be an artist before going on to write five books and dabbling in poetry.“Quite early on in my writing career, somebody said to me, ‘I can't understand why you want to write when you can paint, and you've established yourself as an artist’.“For me, they've been in tandem. I mean, just because I can paint and I've been able to have a career as an artist, which has been fulfilling and wonderful, doesn't mean I have to shut down my voice.” - RNZ