All in News
An English class for migrants in Waimakariri district has attracted six students from Colombia, Thailand, Japan and France. Recent work by the Waimakariri District Council’s community team in organizing get together for our migrants resulted in the class where ESOL teacher Jude Archer provides tuition. Meeting weekly on a Thursday morning upstairs in the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre the class practise and improve their conversation skills.
Canterbury’s Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive with caution while the Lewis Pass alternate highway (State Highway 7) remains the main route between Picton and Christchurch. The Lewis Pass/ Murchison alternate highway is likely to remain the only highway for some time, while the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) continue to clear slips generated by the Kaikoura earthquakes.
Issues of international students coming to New Zealand, which adds almost $3b to the country’s economy annually, is a hot topic in the country now. All the more when hundreds of students from India are being deported on charges of providing false information to the authorities here. Set in this context was the December 5, public meeting organised by the Ministry of Education in Christchurch to deliberate ideas on improving on the draft “international student wellbeing strategy”. When in force, the strategy will update the Leadership Statement for International Education announced in 2011.
- this came out at the Lincoln University Dairy Farm Open Day held on November 19; the 186 hectare irrigated property, of which 160 hectares is the milking platform, is a former University sheep farm
Celebrate Bishopdale 2016 was the fourth instalment of the local festival in the Bishopdale suburb of Christchurch. Every year, the event is organised by the Christchurch City Council’s Fendalton/Waimairi Community Governance staff in partnership with the Bishopdale Community Trust. Funding is provided by the Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board. This year, the stage performances started with Isleworth School Kapa Haka; and included Nor'West Brass Band and a dance act by the Christchurch Zhonghua Chinese Society. In all, there were over 30 market stalls for the local community to buy some Christmas gifts.
- he spoke to The Migrant Times after successfully organising the Bank's fourth Migrant Expo, held at the Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau, Auckland on November 5
Around 5,000 visitors attended the event, which started as a pilot three years ago. Last year, the event moved to Sky City and was organised as a family fun day with over 120 stalls.
Clive Antony is a man on a mission. The young University of Canterbury business management student, whose parents immigrated to New Zealand from Kerala in India 25 years ago, is taking the established street wear brands such as Huffur and RTM, in his bid to provide the Kiwi youth what he calls “the ethical alternative”.
A major road safety campaign to help visitors understand and prepare for driving in New Zealand is now underway, Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss announced on November 25. “Summer is on its way and so are many international visitors. New Zealand roads can be challenging, particularly in and around some of our most popular tourist spots. The campaign focuses on the Visiting Drivers Project areas of Otago, Southland and the West Coast, and uses billboards, posters, digital advertising and social media to spread road safety messages," noted the Minister.
Christchurch suffered a major earthquake in 2011. Northern Canterbury, particularly Kaikoura, did so on November 14. Five years back, several - more than 60 - agencies and migrant associations got involved and guaged whether the City's earthquake response was adequate. Some key learnings were presented as a result. We present some excerpts from that Report. Question is, have we learnt something from the past?
The South Island inaugural Fono for Pacific community leaders provided an opportunity for leaders to gather and share how various governmental agencies can better respond to the needs of most vulnerable Pacific children, youth and families. By April 1, next year, the Ministry of Vulnerable Children will be in place focussing on five sore services – prevention, intensive intervention, care support services, transition support and a youth justice service aimed at preventing re-offending. The forum provided an opportunity for community leaders to engage with decision-makers to help them understand what works best for Pacific children. The Fono's theme was “Connect and Act”.
This Friday, November 25, was White Ribbon Day, a UN-recognised international day urging all to eliminate violence against women. It all came about through a men’s movement in Canada drawing attention to the issue in 1991 that led to the UN designating a world day to call on global efforts to tackle the issue of gender-based violence.
Women in crisis can call 24 hours 7 days a week, 0800 SHAKTI or 0800 742 584
or
Email: sawc@shakti.org.nz
or
Visit shakti.org.nz
"I am a competent confident New Zealand-born Kiwi woman. Yet, I too stayed in a violent relationship for six years. Thus, I can feel what all domestic violence victims feel. I also understand why some women choose to stay in a violent relationship. First - is the feeling of guilt. That somehow women start believing it's their fault. Second - is the shame of explaining to everyone why they put up with such abuse. Third - is after a while women loose confidence and their sense of individuality. Fourth – is hope. Hope that things will change. Hope that the man will realise his mistake. That's why organisations such as Shakti do such an amazing job. This is a cross-party issue and I believe the Justice Minister Amy Adams is doing a good job handling it."
Canterbury’s favourite community event has wrapped up for another year after three days of animals, fun and entertainment. The exhibitors are packing up their stalls and the animals are being prepared to head home for a well-earned rest.
Dozens of people took a seat on a blue ‘Smile Couch’ at the Ashburton A&P Show last month to find out more about the Ashburton District Council’s Start with a Smile campaign. The campaign, which launched in September, aims to make Mid Canterbury feel like home for the many newcomers who are choosing to live and work in the district.
Images from the pyrotechnics display at New Brighton Pier, Christchurch, held on November 5, and attended by thousands. These images are provided by Joy Kochakkan. Please check his facebook page - JK images to view more such pictures.
The Labour Attache from the Philippines Embassy in Australia was in Christchurch recently to generate awareness about the workers rights in New Zealand. We present below some parts of his presentation.
Following up on Prime Minister John Key's announcement made mid last year of granting skilled migrants and entrepreneurs more points towards residency if they agree to live in the regions, the Government will be announcing the policy details early next year. Minister of Small Businesses, Craig Foss, who is also the Associate Minister for Immigration informed this while attending the Small Business Roadshow organised by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, on November 7, in Christchurch.
In October, a Pasifika Community Night was observed at the Kaiapoi Library to welcome the Pasifika people to the Waimakariri district. A meal was shared, people got to know each other, and detailed information was given on the health and community services available in the community.
No Limits director and Ara Institute of Canterbury Pasifika Liaison Sela Faletolu-Fasi (inset with mic), performing with young Pasifika performers at the YMCA theatre in Christchurch on November 4. The show which has been performed by the team since last four years is known to leave audiences in tears when the reality of challenges Pacifika youth face hits home. After the show, former mayor Garry Moore complimented the young performers saying, "I have never contemplated suicide in my life. So to see what all our youth face while tackling the hardships of life is an eye-opener." Councillor Glenn Livingstone added, "We hear you. Now is the time all of us - the decision makers - sit together to find a solution to this problem."
