Latest news with #Stoltz
NZ Herald
09-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Gisborne mayor invites Act leader David Seymour to witness mayors' role in schools
In Seymour's letter, he mentioned four things mayors could do to help attendance in their communities. This included engaging with the Government's new daily school attendance dashboard, leading conversations with their community, amplifying the message that school helped young people achieve better outcomes, and letting Seymour know what was working in their communities and what was not in an effort to get students to school. The letter has sparked criticism and confusion from many mayors across the country because of the Government's directive to councils to stick to their core responsibilities. Stoltz said she, too, was surprised by the letter. 'The Government sent a clear message to all mayors and councils last year to stick to their knitting and focus on the core basics like roads, rubbish and water.' The Government had also indicated it would remove the 'Four Well-beings' from the Local Government Act, Stoltz said. 'He [Seymour] often publicly criticises mayors and councils for taking part in activities that, according to him, are outside of 'core functions'. 'But then he contacted each mayor individually to ask them to lead discussions in their regions about issues that the Government would clearly put in the community 'Four Well-beings' section and definitely not a council core function.' Stoltz said mayors – especially in smaller towns or regions – were actively involved in most community activities, attending functions and community meetings that included school, cultural and recreational activities. 'We see it as part of our job and what our community expects of us. 'We go above and beyond what our official job descriptions are. 'I am often invited to schools and talk to leadership groups and classes about leadership and the importance of staying in school and upskilling yourself.' When requested, she also hosted school groups at the council and talked about the importance of education in making positive contributions, she said. 'I would invite David Seymour to visit us in the regions and get a clear understanding of what mayors do on a day-to-day basis.' Stoltz said she did check the Government data on school truancy rates and was proud of Gisborne, with attendance numbers around the mid-80% range ... 'taking into account that Covid, as well as two cyclones and seven extreme weather events in 2023, affected attendance and also access to some rural schools'. 'There is always room for improvement, and I will be there cheering our students and teachers on.' Seymour told Local Democracy Reporting it was great that mayors like Stoltz recognised the country was facing an attendance crisis and were addressing it. 'I hope that more mayors follow her lead.' Seymour said his letter to mayors didn't ask them to spend money, hire more bureaucrats or make more rules. 'All it asked was for community leaders to play a positive role, encouraging young people to get to school.
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Gisborne Mayor Invites Act Leader David Seymour To Witness Mayors' Role In Schools And Community
Article – Zita Campbell – Local Democracy Reporter Stoltz has participated in a campaign promoting school attendance with posters being put up at most schools and around town. Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz has invited Act Party leader David Seymour to see the work mayors do in the community, including supporting school attendance. Stoltz is participating in a region-wide campaign to promote attendance, including posters being put up at most schools and around town. Last month, Associate Minister of Education Seymour wrote a letter to all New Zealand's mayors asking for support on school truancy rates in their communities. Speaking with Local Democracy Reporting, Stoltz said she would invite Seymour to visit regions to get 'a clear understanding of what mayors do on a day-to-day basis'. In Seymour's letter, he mentioned four things mayors could do to help attendance in their communities. This included engaging with the Government's new daily school attendance dashboard, leading conversations with their community, amplifying the message that school helped young people achieve better outcomes, and letting Seymour know what was working in their communities and what was not in an effort to get students to school. The letter has sparked criticism and confusion from many mayors across the country because of the Government's directive to councils to stick to their core responsibilities. Stoltz said she, too, was surprised by the letter. 'The Government sent a clear message to all mayors and councils last year to stick to their knitting and focus on the core basics like roads, rubbish and water.' The Government had also indicated it would remove the 'Four Well-beings' from the Local Government Act, Stoltz said. 'He [Seymour] often publicly criticises mayors and councils for taking part in activities that, according to him, are outside of 'core functions'. 'But then he contacted each mayor individually to ask them to lead discussions in their regions about issues that the Government would clearly put in the community 'Four Well-beings' section and definitely not a council core function.' Stoltz said mayors – especially in smaller towns or regions – were actively involved in most community activities, attending functions and community meetings that included school, cultural and recreational activities. 'We see it as part of our job and what our community expects of us. 'We go above and beyond what our official job descriptions are. 'I am often invited to schools and talk to leadership groups and classes about leadership and the importance of staying in school and upskilling yourself.' When requested, she also hosted school groups at the council and talked about the importance of education in making positive contributions, she said. 'I would invite David Seymour to visit us in the regions and get a clear understanding of what mayors do on a day-to-day basis.' Stoltz said she did check the Government data on school truancy rates and was proud of Gisborne, with attendance numbers around the mid-80% range … 'taking into account that Covid, as well as two cyclones and seven extreme weather events in 2023, affected attendance and also access to some rural schools'. 'There is always room for improvement, and I will be there cheering our students and teachers on.' Seymour told Local Democracy Reporting it was great that mayors like Stoltz recognised the country was facing an attendance crisis and were addressing it. 'I hope that more mayors follow her lead.' Seymour said his letter to mayors didn't ask them to spend money, hire more bureaucrats or make more rules. 'All it asked was for community leaders to play a positive role, encouraging young people to get to school. 'Because ultimately it is an issue we're all going to have to tackle together.'
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Gisborne Mayor Invites Act Leader David Seymour To Witness Mayors' Role In Schools And Community
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz has invited Act Party leader David Seymour to see the work mayors do in the community, including supporting school attendance. Stoltz is participating in a region-wide campaign to promote attendance, including posters being put up at most schools and around town. Last month, Associate Minister of Education Seymour wrote a letter to all New Zealand's mayors asking for support on school truancy rates in their communities. Speaking with Local Democracy Reporting, Stoltz said she would invite Seymour to visit regions to get 'a clear understanding of what mayors do on a day-to-day basis'. In Seymour's letter, he mentioned four things mayors could do to help attendance in their communities. This included engaging with the Government's new daily school attendance dashboard, leading conversations with their community, amplifying the message that school helped young people achieve better outcomes, and letting Seymour know what was working in their communities and what was not in an effort to get students to school. The letter has sparked criticism and confusion from many mayors across the country because of the Government's directive to councils to stick to their core responsibilities. Stoltz said she, too, was surprised by the letter. 'The Government sent a clear message to all mayors and councils last year to stick to their knitting and focus on the core basics like roads, rubbish and water.' The Government had also indicated it would remove the 'Four Well-beings' from the Local Government Act, Stoltz said. 'He [Seymour] often publicly criticises mayors and councils for taking part in activities that, according to him, are outside of 'core functions'. 'But then he contacted each mayor individually to ask them to lead discussions in their regions about issues that the Government would clearly put in the community 'Four Well-beings' section and definitely not a council core function.' Stoltz said mayors – especially in smaller towns or regions – were actively involved in most community activities, attending functions and community meetings that included school, cultural and recreational activities. 'We see it as part of our job and what our community expects of us. 'We go above and beyond what our official job descriptions are. 'I am often invited to schools and talk to leadership groups and classes about leadership and the importance of staying in school and upskilling yourself.' When requested, she also hosted school groups at the council and talked about the importance of education in making positive contributions, she said. 'I would invite David Seymour to visit us in the regions and get a clear understanding of what mayors do on a day-to-day basis.' Stoltz said she did check the Government data on school truancy rates and was proud of Gisborne, with attendance numbers around the mid-80% range ... 'taking into account that Covid, as well as two cyclones and seven extreme weather events in 2023, affected attendance and also access to some rural schools'. 'There is always room for improvement, and I will be there cheering our students and teachers on.' Seymour told Local Democracy Reporting it was great that mayors like Stoltz recognised the country was facing an attendance crisis and were addressing it. 'I hope that more mayors follow her lead.' Seymour said his letter to mayors didn't ask them to spend money, hire more bureaucrats or make more rules. 'All it asked was for community leaders to play a positive role, encouraging young people to get to school. 'Because ultimately it is an issue we're all going to have to tackle together.'
NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Thousands attend moving Anzac Day service in Gisborne
After the solemn march behind the Highland band pipers from the Gisborne District Council chambers to the Cenotaph, the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter crew flew over the gathering to begin proceedings, and the RSA Kapahaka Roopu performed a beautiful waiata pōwhiri. The crowd gave voice to the anthems of New Zealand and Australia and the Gisborne Civic Brass Band played How Great Thou Art. Two teens from the Cadet Forces read the famous In Flanders Field poem in English and then in Māori. One veteran told the Gisborne Herald afterwards: 'I don't ever remember a more inclusive dawn service. We felt like the one people we are'. Aircraft from the aero club flew over the scene, wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph and Mayor Rehette Stoltz spoke. 'Anzac Day gives us the opportunity to think of those in our communities who have experienced war and conflict – those who lost their lives, our veterans, our armed services personnel, families of the fallen, and our refugee communities," Stoltz said. 'We also remember those who were injured and returned home after serving us bravely. Let us not forget the impact on them and their loved ones. 'New Zealanders who remember World War II, and those who grew up in its shadow, know the suffering that division can cause. 'As we witness concerning events across the globe, it is incumbent on all of us to remember the lessons of the past. 'Let Anzac Day forever be a reminder of our duty to uphold the values of those who have served our nation in the protection of peace and democracy.' Royal New Zealand Navy Warrant Officer Rowe Kaa, formerly of Gisborne, delivered a powerful speech. 'Today we acknowledge the assembly of the people and remember all those who have served and are still serving our nation in the armed forces, and in particular those who gave their lives for New Zealand.' She made special mention of 28 Māori Battalion. 'The battalion was renowned for its rich cultural history, strong sense of unity, bravery and tenacity in battle. 'As Lt General Sir Bernard Freyberg said - no infantry battalion had a more distinguished record, or saw such heavy fighting, and sustained such heavy casualties as the Māori Battalion.' Kaa pointed to the role New Zealand played in the creation of the United Nations after WWII. 'That system is under a huge strain today and the world is a much more unstable and dangerous place than it has been decades. 'When we leave here today we may like to consider what we as individuals, as a community and as a country can do to continue to uphold the rule of law, freedom and basic human rights across the world. 'In doing this we can continue to honour in a powerful way the memory of those service men and women who came before us, who sacrificed so much for our nation and our values.' The ode was read in Māori by Syd Clarke and in English by Gisborne RSA president Trevor Jukes. The trench whistle was sounded, as it was sounded in WWI, the Last Post was played, a three-round gun salute was fired from across the river and the RSA Kapahaka Roopu performed again. Jukes said it was 'great to see such a turnout and thanks to all those who have supported us today. Well done everybody, a magnificent job'. He led three cheers from the crowd for the veterans. One service-goer was heard to say after the proceedings: 'You have to say Anzac Day and the spirit it represents is still very much alive and well, growing stronger even, in Gisborne'. A feature of the service was the age spread of people - from babies in prams to the elderly. A mum with a couple of youngsters in tow summed it up when she said: 'I think it's really important the children have an understanding of Anzac Day and the sacrifices made'.
The Citizen
22-04-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Stoltz podiums at BNAC Marathon
Corlize Stoltz claimed a podium place when she finished third in the women's 10km race at the Benoni Northerns Athletic Cub (BNAC) Marathon on April 13. Still recovering from a foot injury that put her out of competition for a year, the Boksburg resident was part of the women's top three that sent the crowd along the finishing straight into a frenzy as they came home in single file to all finish under 41 minutes. 'This year, I plan to build consistency – in training and performance. I am also focusing on recovery and staying injury-free,' said Stoltz. Also Read: De Bruin achieves career high with third place at Johnson Crane Marathon She crossed the line in 40:58, 55 seconds behind winner Simonay Weitsz, who cut the tape in 40:03 and was 43 seconds behind runner-up Benoni Harriers' Bronwyn Nel, who clocked 40:15 for the silver. While the sub-41:00 was outside the three athletes' lifetime bests in the distance, Stoltz and Weitsz are still on the comeback trail following long-term injuries, while Nel has just completed one of her busiest track and field seasons, where she competed in the 800m, 1 500m and 3 000m. Coming into the race, Stoltz planned to start conservatively and then put foot to pedal in the second half. It is a strategy that worked as she still had enough in the tank on the back end of the race to challenge for a top three position. She said planning things out, focusing on her priorities and sticking to what she can control worked out for her on the day. 'I stayed patient early on to conserve energy and then pushed hard on the last stretch. Also, training in the right set-up and trusting my training made a difference,' she said. While victory is always on the back of her mind, it is about progress and not just podiums. Going into her next challenge, the Colgate Race on May 4 at Boksburg Stadium, the Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen alumnus wants to enjoy the experience more and not just focus on the outcome. 'Next time, I will focus more on my mental game, staying calmer under pressure and not letting slight setbacks throw me off. 'I learnt not to go out too hard too early. Pacing is everything, and trusting steady efforts adds up.' Also Read: BNAC's Botha dominates category at CGA league At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
