Latest news with #VincentCommunityBoard
Otago Daily Times
15-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Funds needed to continue key project
Primary school pupils are working with male mentors to reinvent pallets in cool DIY projects. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED A new trailer is needed for a programme visiting Central Otago schools to teach boys about DIY and self-esteem in the process. The trailer that carries tools to six primary schools in and around Alexandra as part of Boys' Brigade's Edge Workshops needs replacing. The programme has been running in the area for five years and facilitator Warwick Tomlinson said the trailer in use was "starting to die", gather "rust spots" and cost the organisation money. The Boys' Brigade is gathering funds for a new trailer for the organisation's Edge programme that visits primary schools in Alexandra, Clyde, Omakau, Poolburn and Roxburgh. On cold, wet days, the trailer becomes a welcome makeshift classroom for at-risk young people often struggling to engage with their school work, Mr Tomlinson said. The programme accommodates six pupils each term at each school, rolling up once a fortnight with volunteer mentors and one paid co-ordinator willing to teach the children how to turn used wooden pallets into new gadgets or toys. At the end of April, after hearing from Mr Tomlinson, the Vincent Community Board unanimously approved a grant of $5000 to Boys' Brigade New Zealand for a new trailer. But almost four times that amount is needed to get the project across the line. Boys' Brigade national director Mike Brewer described the programme, which has been running for nearly 15 years in New Zealand, as "hugely successful". "We try and target boys who are struggling or not doing well in the education system and really help them over a term to give them a bit of self-esteem and work on their values and behaviours to try and get them integrated back into some good classwork," he said. The young people were taught how to use some basic tools as they completed small building projects that have included wooden race cars, mobile phone charging stations and candlesticks. Mr Brewer said the organisation relied on grants and donations to ensure its programmes gained the "traction" needed to make a difference in their communities. Boys' Brigade's unique philosophy of having "men teaching boys" was special, he said. "In some of these guys' lives, they may not have a father figure or a male role model ... So [our programmes] can fulfil that function well ...We really do find that the boys respond well to having an older guy working with them."
Otago Daily Times
01-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Hundreds gather in remembrance
Despite the cold, hundreds of Central Otago residents gathered to pay their respects at the various Anzac Day services across the district on Friday, one of whom was Teviot Valley Community Board member Sally Feinerman who attended the Roxburgh service. Cr Feinerman said there about 100 people present to view the parade and service which she described as really lovely. Central Otago District Council chief executive and chief of the New Zealand Army Peter Kelly was the guest speaker at the service. Cr Feinerman was also impressed with the role Roxburgh Area School's head students had in the service. "They did great,"she said. Fog shrouded the landscape as more than 100 people gathered at the Clyde Cenotaph for the wreath-laying service. Alexandra-Clyde RSA president Kevin Harding opened the ceremony with a reminder that New Zealand, a country of only 1million in 1914, sent 100,000 men to fight in World War 1, with a fifth not returning. Cadets guarded the cenotaph as wreaths were placed. The Alexandra and Districts Pipe Band led a parade down Tarbert St before stopping at the cenotaph for the wreath-laying service. Three shots from a 25-pounder gun echoed throughout the town to open the service. Those present heard of the importance of the Anzac spirit, and the shared history with Australia from guest speaker Army Major Duncan McEwan. Maj McEwan also spoke of the United Nations, and how New Zealanders have contributed to the organisation through peacekeeping and disaster relief. Vincent Community Board chairman Jayden Cromb placed a wreath on behalf of the Vincent Community Board alongside his son Tamati. Mr Cromb described the turnout in Alexandra as one of the best since he joined the community board. "I thought it was really nice and it's always good to see the older generation, like the veterans, but also seeing that cadet squadron there and seeing the next generation still taking part in it," he said. Other ceremonies in Central Otago were well-attended, with 200 people present for the parade in Ranfurly. Maniototo Community Board member Stu Duncan attended the Ranfurly service and described the turnout as great. "There was easily 200 people there, maybe 250 max," he said. 150 people braved the fog in Lowburn to attend the service there. Central Otago District deputy mayor Neil Gillespie said the Lowburn service was really good with a relaxed community atmosphere where people caught up with a cup of tea afterwards.
