Issue 2018 Wednesday 28th February 2024

Rita Yosef’s romance with food started 50 years ago in her grandma's kitchen.

She says her grandma was a great cook. “I practically grew up in the kitchen, looking and tasting the delicious food she and my parents prepared.”

Rita was born in Latvia (former Soviet Union) to a warm Jewish family and moved to Israel when she was six.

“I movedwith myhusbandand two children to New Zealand 21 years ago and settled in Christchurch,”she says.

In 2008, she acquired a formal qualification in Food Preparation and Cooking from ARA Institute of Canterbury and worked in various restaurants and for private clients.

“Cooking is my life,” she says, “I cook and teach with my students, and cook for my own family. I live and breathe food and recipes. I read cooking blogs and books, watch cooking/traveling shows and love talking to people about food. I love cooking and creating recipes with fresh locallygrown ingredients.”

Rita opened her cooking school around 10 years ago but ever since she established My Home Chef 15 years ago in Christchurch, she has always had cooking classes for individuals and groups through community education andthe WEAcentre.

When she moved to Rolleston

three years ago, Rita continued teaching with and for the community focusing on teaching special needs young adults. She now has four cookingteachers on board. Her philosophy is that "Everyone can cook! It doesn't matter how old you are or what your starting abilities are, with a bit of guidance and training you can become a chef in your kitchen!”

Rita started working with special needs students seven years ago when a mother of a nonverbal autistic young woman approached her and asked if she was willing to teach her daughter. She says, “The greatest satisfaction is to see my students succeed and become independent individuals with the ability to cook for themselves andtheir family.”

Last year Rita won the Bronze Selwyn award for Diversity and Inclusion 2023. She says, “It's a great achievement that reflects mypassion for helping the community of special needs students to grow their abilities and make them a vital part of our community! My dream is to open a cafe that will give those young adults employment (which other employers don't want to give them), fair payment for their work and a sense of pride and achievement being part of the community.”

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MyHome Chef - RitaYosef.

Open Monday - Friday: 7am -

NEW GP SERVICE FOR ROLLESTON

Selwyn District Council and Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand are delighted to announce that Phoenix Healthcare has been confirmed as the preferred General Practice provider for the Toka Hāpai Selwyn Health Hubin Rolleston.

Phoenix Healthcare will provide a full spectrum of services, including routine check-ups, care for minor injuries and illnesses, ACC claims, health services across all ages, vaccinations, and repeat prescriptions.

Phoenix Healthcare National Health Manager, Chenoa Walker, says being a part of the Toka Hāpai Selwyn Health Hub goes beyond just setting up a new GP service.

“This is about thinking ahead and being where the community needs us most. It’s also about weaving ourselves into the very fabric of our community and being accessible. By working with the Selwyn District Council and our fellow health providers at the Selwyn Health Hub, we will be offering GP healthcare that sits alongside other health services for patients, under the one roof,” she says.

Ms Walker adds that being part of the integrated hub in Rolleston is an exciting addition to Phoenix Healthcare’s GP service on

Moorhouse Ave.

“With two Phoenix Health Hubs; one in the city and our new Rolleston location, our enrolled patients will be able to choose which one theywant to go to when they need a GP,”she says.

Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton says the selection of Phoenix Healthcare is an exciting announcement for the community.

“The health hub was an ambitious project; we identified a need and stepped up outside of what councils usually do, to provide for our community. We’ve been really grateful for the support of Te Whatu Ora throughout that process.

“We hear regularly from our community about the desire for more General Practices in Selwyn and as one of the fastest growing districts in the country that need will only grow. I’m delighted to have Phoenix Healthcare on board to provide a much needed

service that we know our community is ready to embrace.”

The collaboration between Te Whatu Ora and Selwyn District Council aims to provide health expertise during the procurement process to ensure a range of health services can be provided at Toka Hāpai, including the new general practice, Aroha Metcalf, Te Waipounamu Group Manager Localities says. “Thisjoint approach has ledto a great outcome – the right service that will meet the needs of this community.

“It’s also a great example of place-based planning and what can be achieved when different organisations work together to meet the health and wellbeing needs in their localarea.”

Work is now being carried out on the fit-out requirements for installing the General Practice space in the building. The aim is to have the service open in late 2024.

A PASSION TO COOK AND TEACH

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Rita believes her greatest achievement in her cooking career is her cooking school. “I enjoy working with and for the community and seeing them succeed in their future ventures.”

She is also planning to extend

her services to wider Christchurch and to other cities and places in Aotearoa to give more people with diversity the chance to cook, create andget amazingskills. Tofindout more about Tofindout more about Tofindout about Tofindout about Rita’s cookingschoolvisit: Rita’s Rita’scookingschoolvisit: cookingschoolvisit: Rita’s cookingschoolvisit: www.myhomechef.co.nz. www.myhomechef.co.nz.

Chef RitaYosef with Aron Harris andat the CulturalFest in Lincoln. Aron is Rita’s most senior student in Rolleston andis in his third year at the cooking school.

INDULGE YOUR TASTE AND

Embrace the extraordinary at the 13th Leeston Fete on March 23, 2024, from 10am to 3pm!

High Street in Leeston, transforms into a lively hub with 140 stalls, a secret garden, and free kids' entertainment.

Indulge your senses with a wide variety of stalls and food vendors to suit every taste.

Local shops will also be open, adding to the charm of the day.

Find a cozy spot, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and enjoy adelicious bite.

Bringfriends, bringfamily, Bringfriends, bringfamily, Bringfriends, Bringfriends, make adayof it! make adayof it! adayof it! adayof it! Free entry! Free Freeentry! #LeestonFeteSpectacular #LeestonFeteSpectacular #LeestonFeteSpectacular #LeestonFeteSpectacular #FoodieHeaven #ShopLocal #FoodieHeaven #FoodieHeaven#ShopLocal #ShopLocal

ROLLESTON MEN'S SHED INGENUITY

By SandyFerguson

By BySandyFerguson SandyFerguson SandyFerguson

After being quoted nearly $2000 for a replacement window for his caravan, one of the Rolleston Men’s Shed members decided to attempt to make a replacement. A wooden mould was made and willing hands with hot-air guns applied heat to the plastic sheet. The outer moulded shaped layer's replacement was made for a fewdollars.

Less complicated jobs for the Shed involved chair and table repairs – two rocking chairs required parts, three table chairs were painted and other chairs needed reassembled. A small table with three legs

had inlay missing from one leg. The middle of the three now has new inlay. A greenhouse kitset was assembled and delivered, being lifted over fences and gates to where it was needed.

What do you do when someone breaks their laptop's screen? Turn it into a desktop computer by connecting external screen and saving it from landfill.

A good yarn and the morning cuppa are still the important items for Sheds. The Shed is open Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday, 9.00am until midday.

Visit our website for more info, Visit our website for more info, Visit website for more Visit website for more rollestonshed.wordpress.com. rollestonshed.wordpress.com. rollestonshed.wordpress.com. rollestonshed.wordpress.com.

The Leeston Fete offers the fun andexcitement of acountry fete with somethingfor everyone.

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“Buildingmyreputationon greatserviceandresults!”

More than 2,000 people recently joined Selwyn’s Emergency Services teams for a family day out at the Rolleston CommunityCentre. There was plenty to see and do as crews from Rolleston Fire and Emergency, Police, Community Patrol, St John and Selwyn’s Civil Defence and Emergency Response Teams turned out to demonstrate their equipment and skills in a safe, fun environment as part of the Summer in Selwyn event series.

Families had the opportunity to practice their CPR skills, participate in a stretcher carry challenge, police fingerprinting, and observe how first responders access a wreckedcar.

The day not only provided a

Severalemergencyservices were on handto demonstrate their equipment andskills at the Selwyn Emergency Services FamilyDay.

firsthand look at the wide range of duties our emergency services carry out but also showcase the strong partnerships that exist within Selwyn's emergency response community.

LONG-TERM PLAN–HOW IT WORKS

ByCouncillors LydiaGliddon andBobMugford

ByCouncillors

It has come to our attention that some do not understand the importance of a Long-Term Plan (LTP) works, and with the LTP fast approaching here is a brief overview.

An LTP is the budget for 10 years. It sets out Council’s work programme for the coming 10 years, including any major new projects or changes to services planned during this period, along with details on funding and rates. The LTP is reviewed every three years and includes policies, strategies, and activity management plans.

Within the LTP sits Annual Plans – these are the yearly work programmes on what council is going to do for the year. This is a detailed action plan outlining Council's projects and finances for each particular year. Minor adjustments can be made here but not major.

Long story short – if it isn’t in the LTP, it is particularly hard toget it in an AnnualPlan.

We are currently working through the 2024-34 LTP – with a draft out for consultation on April 2 until May 2. This draft is where the community feed in their ideas and feedback via submissions, which then goes tohearings and deliberations. Amendments are them made and the LTP is adopted before July.

This is areminder tostart thinkingabout what you want tosee from council, what is important to you and any specific concerns or projects. Your input is crucial to ensuring that the LTP accurately reflects the needs, aspirations, and priorities of the people it serves.

SELWYN RELAY FOR LIFE

A FamilyAffair A AFamilyAffair FamilyAffair FamilyAffair

This year’s Selwyn Relay For Life event committee is very much a family affair, with no less than five family members involved in the event and a sixth family member handing over the mantle of chair to this year’s new chairperson, George Inwood.

George, a teacher at Rolleston College, has stepped into the role of committee chair this year, taking over the reins from his father-in-law Duncan Sole who chaired the event committee for the previous decade. George is committed to continuing the family legacy of serving the Selwyn community through Relay For Life and is looking forward to delivering another successful event.

Although this is his first year as chair, George is a previous

committee member so has a good understand of the undertakings and challenges involved. His father, Paul, is also on the committee this year providing additional family support from the other side of the meetingtable.

Relay For Life has run in Selwyn since 2011. George describes the feelingof seeing the event come together in previous years, “You have to be there to understand how powerful, how fulfilling it is to be part of something like this. When you see those affected by cancer do their celebration lap and the candle-light remembrance for those who have passed, it reminds you of what it’s all about, the purpose of whywe’re here.”

The committee is hoping to raise around $50,000. In addition to George’s father

The Selwyn Relay For Life will take place at Brookside Park, Lowes Road Rolleston, from 10am to 10pm on Saturday March 16, 2024. For more informa<on or to register visit, relayforlife.org.nz/o/selwyn-relay.

ROLLESTON CENTRAL PROBUS

We are off to a great start, nearly two months of a year gone. The older we get, the quicker it goes, so enjoy life by being with folk your age and doing interesting things like outings and listening to speakers of all interests. Join us on the third and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

January was a well-supported get-together for lunch at the Silver Dollar. Our speaker for February,Geoff Marks, and his story of voluntary service in many countries and organisations, and over the next couple of months we’ll have Bernadette Devonport andAnna Leask. Outings consist of a trip to Glenlothian Farm in February, and another to look forward to is the

sitting on the event committee, his mother-in-law, Penelope, and wife Scarlett will bring their expertise as fitness instructors to lead the pre-event warm up routine, while his mother Tracey will be running an on-site coffee cart to keep participants and supporters fuelled for the 12hour event.

“I’d like the students, and anyone involved really, to understand the impact they can make on the lives of others when they support a cause this way. It’s a chance for our students to show leadership and understand how rewarding it is to be part of something bigger. Relay For Life is not just a fundraiser, it’s a symbol of unityandhope.”

Under George’s leadership the committee is gearing up for an exciting and high energy day with a wide range of entertainment, activities, and refreshments available to keep participants and supporters powered through the 12-hour period.

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)is lookingfor volunteers. You’re not alone in thinking CAB is a taxi service, a free and independent information service.

CAB Christchurch has six locations across the city and Rolleston, staffed by 100+ tremendous people who gain as much as they contribute and are rewarded by the smile on client’s faces, and have fantastic listening skills. Our volunteers also happen to be tall and short, young, ageless, mono, andmultilingual.

Glentunnel Museum, and, of course, a meal afterwards to have achat.

At our speaker meetings, we offer a lucky door prize for purchase to win something wonderful and, of course, the morning tea is another time tochat tosomeone new.

Other groups include coffee mornings and a craft group run by the other Probus group. The Outand About group go on interesting walks and visits and is heading to the Rakaia River and always a mealafter these outings. Come along for lots of Fun, FellowshipandFriendship.

CallHerb on 03 321 7466 or CallHerb on 03 or Denise Denise on 027 557 0515 for on 027 557 for more information. more moreinformation.

Do you feel more empathetic, patient, generous than you did before? Do you feel like grabbing a chocolate bar, a chance to make a difference to people’s lives by answering questions about rental housing, employment issues, consumer law, immigration, neighbourhood disputes, relationships, cost of living, as well as complex, obvious and dumb things. Please note: noquestion is too obvious or dumb CAB offers free confidential information and advice is delivered by volunteers throughout the country – do you want tobe one of them?

You will help people to understand their rights and to access services and support. You will help them with information andoptions sotheycan findawayforward. You will work as part of an amazing team and be equipped with training and resources. You will support CAB clients with information and advice on a range of issues. You might also help with other aspects of runningthe CAB.

•

Tofindout more about Tofindout more about more more volunteering, visit volunteering, volunteering,visit visit volunteering, visit cab.org.nz or email cab.org.nz or email or or manager.cabchch manager.cabchch @gmail.com. @gmail.com.

Relay For Life starts with a Celebration Lap, lead by people who currently have or previously had cancer, and people who have supported or are currently supporting someone on their cancer journey.

BEWARE THE SCAMMER

ByGinnyNelson

Scams are becoming more elaborate all the time & Banks are not being very proactive in protecting clients against this new wave of sophistication. The basic defences of never giving out your pin number or password to ANYONE (no one at a bank would ask), password protecting your phone & computer etc are all still very relevant, but scams are coming in so many forms nowit is mindboggling!

Never do any form of investment without a thorough investigation, including checking with the bank if the account number you have been given to deposit funds is

a legitimate account belonging to the company you are investing with. It could be a ‘mule’ account that looks authentic but belongs to the scammer.

• Don't trust unexpected contact.

• Do yourresearch.

• Resist demands to act quickly.

• Be suspiciousand always seek a second opinion.

• Keep your computer virus protectionup to date.

• Never openattachments on emails or texts, even if you are expecting a parcel.

• Reserve the right to be impolite! And keep your money and your identity safe.

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KIDS COMPETITION: CREATE A HABITAT DIORAMA

TOCK, an earth loving robot, is encouraging children up to 10 years old to think about the habitats that are important to animals. Tock is running a competition to create a habitat diorama from a cardboard box.

The competition is open until April 12 for entries to individual children or groups/ classes with a prize for individual and a prize for groupentry.

The competition can be found The competition can be found The can be found The can be found on the Fun/Craft/Competitions on the Fun/Craft/Competitions on Fun/Craft/Competitions on Fun/Craft/Competitions page at TOCK.earth/habitat page TOCK.earth/habitat-competition. competition.

TOCK.earth is an awardwinning Lincoln-based children’s environmental education initiative created by husband-and-wife team Ian and June, who were driven by a passion to inspire young tamariki (aged three to eight years old)andtheir families to care for the earth and natural environment. The initiative provides families with simple actions they can take every day in a fun and child-focused way. They are helped by their veryown creation – their timetravelling, earth-loving robot TOCK, who tamariki, across Selwyn, Christchurch and beyond, have truly fallen in love with and remember his key messages long after meeting him and the TOCK team.

Since starting the initiative

TOCK, an earth lovingrobot, is well-lovedbychildren in the Selwyn district andhas followers fromaroundthe world three years ago, June and TOCK have delivered almost 400 in class workshops to preschools and primary schools in the Canterbury region through their outreach programme reaching over 10,000 children. In fact, they even have followers as far afield as Malta, Ireland, UK, andChina. The team were voted the overall winner of the People’s Choice Category and received a Gold Award for Sustainability at the recent Selwyn Awards 2023 for their “impact in environmentaleducation”.

In addition to their environmental in class

workshops covering such topics as kaitiakitanga and waste reduction, they now offer live, interactive online workshops too available to schools, preschools, home schoolinggroups.

June and Ian love to be creative – having collectively written, illustrated and published their own book, created fun animated TOCK videos, written and recorded award winning environmental themed songs/music videos (with the help of local children)andare excitedtobe working on four new songs to include in their programme and to share with tamariki and schools. Much of what they have produced has been funded from their own personalpocket.

They have also created a fact filled child friendly website called www.TOCK.earth and organise regular craft/ art based environmental competitions, complete with prizes, for children and schools tojoin in with.

For information andtobook For information andtobook For andtobook For andtobook workshops schools or workshops schools or schools schools communities can headtothe communities headtothe website tofindout more. website tofindout more. tofindout more. tofindout more.

GROWTH IN ROLLESTON ATTRACTS NEW BUSINESS

Evidenced by population and employment growth data, Selwyn is one of the fastest growing districts in New Zealand,and as Rolleston residents will tell you, their town is absolutelycontributingtothe district’s expansion.

Caroline Robinson has lived in Rolleston for four years and isn't looking to leave anytime soon.

“Rolleston’s growth hasn’t gone unnoticed by the locals,” says Caroline. “It’s thriving. There are new people in our community all the time, it seems like a reallygoodchoice for people, especiallyfamilies.”

More and more people are choosingto callRolleston home, andthis population increase is contributing to an associated upsurge in new businesses in the

area. Sharon Layton, owner of the property management company Quinovic Merivale, says that her Merivale office currently manages more rental properties than anyother of Quinovic’s offices nationwide. She says that a considerable portion of her business growth has been in Rolleston and Lincoln, and to meet the ongoing demand for rental property management in Rolleston, she’s openingan office there.

“Rolleston has been a strong market for rental properties outside of Christchurch over the past five years,” explains Sharon. “It’s a really attractive market for people looking to invest in rental properties, and a great place for people to live. The need for a Quinovic office in Rolleston is obvious.”

Sharon says that the vast majority of her clients are not ‘big developers’ or ‘rich people who own numerous rentals’ as suggested by recent rhetoric.

“The owners of rental properties in my Rolleston portfolio are generally mum and dad investors,” says Sharon. “They believe in the ongoing growth potential of the area, and Christchurch properties are seen has havingbeen astronger investment than other parts of the country.”

A dedicatedteamwholives and breathe the Rolleston market makes sense to Sharon given the percentage of her rental portfolio already located there. She is looking forward to having a physical office in Rolleston in the near future but laughingly notes that due to growth and competition for space, emptyoffices are hardtofind!

Caroline Robinson isn't surprised by this. “Why would you want to live anywhere else when you can live in Rolleston? I’m surprised everyone doesn’t move here!”

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CELEBRATE SELWYN HOLI: A FESTIVAL OF COLOURS

Join the fun andexplosion of colour at inauguralSelwyn Holi: AFestivalof Colours on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Helpet Park, Rolleston.

The vibrant and joyous festival of Holi, celebrated by millions of people around the world, is coming to Rolleston with hues of happiness and togetherness. Organised by the IndianNZ Association of Christchurch incorporated, the inaugural Selwyn Holi festival promises to be a day filled with laughter, embracing diversity, mouthwatering food with our 17 food stalls and experience of colour.

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The IndianNZ Association of Christchurch has extended the warmth and inclusivity of Holi to the Selwyn communities, inviting one and all to partake in this cultural extravaganza.

Scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Helpet Park in Rolleston, the festival will kick off at 11 am andcontinue until 3 pm. Best of all, it's a free community event, open to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For those unfamiliar with the festival, Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours, is an Indian festival that marks the arrival of spring. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the victory of good

over evil, the onset of a new season, and the blossoming of love and unity. The highlight of Holi is the playful throwing of coloured powders on each other.

With a focus on familyfriendliness, the organisers have ensured that the event remains alcohol-free and dogfree, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to wear old clothes to fully embrace the spirit of Holi, as the colours can be difficult to wash out of fabrics.

To maintain environmental sustainability and ensure the safety of participants, only natural corn flour-based colours will be used at the event. These colours are nontoxic and skin-friendly, ensuring that everyone can join in the festivities without anyworries.

Additionally, outside colours will not be allowed, but attendees can purchase colours at the event using cash.

The Selwyn Holi festival presents a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate diversity, and experience the rich cultural heritage of India. It's a day to leave behind inhibitions, embrace spontaneity, and immerse oneself in the joyous revelry of colours.

So mark your calendars, gather your friends andfamily, and join in the celebration of Selwyn Holi. Let's paint the town with love, laughter, and the vibrant colours of spring!

For more information and more information updates updates- follow IndianNZ follow followIndianNZ IndianNZ Association of Christchurch Association of Inc. page or contact Gurvinder Inc. page or contact Gurvinder or or Singh on 021 059 6604. Singh on 021 059 6604. on 021 059 on 021 059

NZ LOCAL HERO OF THE YEAR FINALIST

A Selwyn woman, Dr Olive Webb, is one of three finalists of the 2024 New Zealand LocalHeroof the Year award. The award recognises an individual who has or is making a significant contribution to their region, town, suburb, iwi or local group.

Dr. Olive Webb has advocated for New Zealanders with learning disabilities and over the decades, her impact on service providers has been transformative, offering invaluable guidance in understanding neurodiversity (particularly non-verbal communication). This has resulted in significant positive

changes in the delivery of services.

In 2023, she released a book titled ‘From behind Closed Doors,’ a poignant reflection on her 50-year journey alongside individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Olive Webb.

HOT TOPIC – HOW TO LIVE WITH PLASTIC

Lincoln Envirotown, in conjunction with Lincoln University, is happy to announce that the annual popular “Hot Topic” discussion will take place on

Thursday, March 28 in the Stewart Building of Lincoln Universityfrom6.30 pm.

As per tradition, the wellknown radio personality Kim Hill will lead a panel of experts who will discuss this year’s topic “PLASTIC – how do we live with it”. Once the panel has deliberated their varying views, the audience will be invited to question the panel members.

Issues relating to the problems associated with our overuse of plastic have been prevalent for many years and its disastrous impacts on

ocean life are well catalogued. The panelists will discuss all issues relating to how essential plastic might be, our ability to reduce consumption, andour means of recyclingthe plastic we use.

The evening is always a wellattended stimulating and enjoyable occasion; all are welcome.

More details andan invitation More details invitation toregister can be found by toregister can found visitingHumanitix visitingHumanitix –– KimHill KimHill Hot Topic 2024, or byvisiting Hot Topic 2024, byvisiting Lincoln Envirotown’s website Lincoln website or Facebook Page. or Facebook Page. or Page. or Page.

SELWYN WOMAN RECEIVES NZDF CIVILIAN GOLD AWARD

When Springston’s Tania Lutton joined the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in 1985, she didn’t have a lot of experience under her belt and for the first six months not much in the way of pay cheques either.

Fast forward nearly four decades and the former Commonwealth Games athlete who now leads the organisation’s human resources team in the South Island, was recently awarded the Gold Civilian Recognition of Service badge.

The award is given to civilian personnel who have 30 years of cumulative service with the NZDF.

Tania’s career with the NZDF began as a mail clerk in the registry, which she said was a

great place to learn the organisationalstructure.

As to the question of what has kept her working for the NZDF all this time, Tania’s answer is simple.

“For me it comes down to loyalty, lifestyle and passion for the organisation, and the work I do in HR. Working for the NZDF is like working with family, and just like with every family there are the odd challenging family member, but that makes it interesting.

The NZDF has always encouraged and supported me with my sporting and work career and quite honestly, I haven’t seen another employer that can offer the same care of their people.”

Tania says receiving the Gold Civilian Recognition badge

meant a lot to her. “It’s true that time flies when you are having fun, I have certainly had some fun working here over my nearly 39 years. I am so grateful to my Mum who dragged me along to apply for the position all those years ago.”

TaniaLutton.

SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS FOR VISUAL ARTS ROLLESTON GARDENING CLUB

The Rolleston College visual arts department is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Jasmine McDermont and Cam Naughton who both achieved scholarships for painting. This is a very prestigious academic award that places Jasmine and Caminthetop3%ofalllevel3 learners across the country studying painting in 2023.

Jasmine and Cam also achieved excellencefortheirportfolios.

Scholarship in visual arts is a twostepprocess:

Submitting a three-panel portfolio of artwork, and submitting a workbook of supporting evidence that explains the learner’s ideas, development, artistic influences and learning journey.This is assessedbyan external expert marking panel of both secondary and tertiary visualartseducators.

Cam says “I like looking at colours, shapes, people, clothes, nature, architecture and other paintings. I like taking parts of these things and putting them onto any surface I can get my hands on. Ilikelookingateverything.

“More than anything though, I like to look at and listen to words. But not in the form of books. I like to look at sentences and musical lyrics, or even just single words.I like the meaning that these words have and the fact that the meaning of these words is differentforeveryone.

“Because of this, text is one of the themes I explored this year."

Jasmine says “I wanted to portray evolution and change in identity. This was something I felt was relevant to me personally. I wanted to explore these ideas in a unique way that told a story of a school girl, much like myself. I was really passionate about exploringtheseideasbecauseI felt as if I am going through these concepts myself, in my

own life, as a year 13 leaving school.

I wanted to explore the semirealism style within the figures of the girl to make it more personal, realistic and more relatable to the viewer. I chose to present my ideas as a sort of story that is gradual and ends with the final form of the girl almost like a show or manga/book.Animeandmanga is where I drew many of my ideas from and I wanted to present my art in a similar story-basedformat.”

Visual arts teacher Claire Robertshaw says she is thrilled with the results, but not surprised. Both learners have proven themselves to be very committed to their own aesthetic and have shown passion and determination in creating their original and thoughtprovokingwork.

“The highlight of Cam and Jasmine’s achievement for me, astheirteacher,isseeingthem achieve at the highest level without having to compromise at all on who they are as individuals and as artists. They are their authentic selves and this shines through in their artwork.”

Teacher in charge of the visual arts, Rob Ferguson, is over the moon for Cam and Jasmine and theirachievements.

"We wish them both the very best for their future creative pathways.”

We are well into our Summer gardening with changeable temperatures, but still need to water and keep the gardens looking fresh. We’ve had the occasional storm with hail just to mess it up, but we still enjoythat life of getting out in the fresh air.

Our group is back into to our monthly meetings withoutings and speakers organised for the year ahead. We have had another walk around members’ gardens and an annual trip to Ashburtonwith a small group at both but well enjoyed. In February, a larger group went by bus and car to the

Botanical gardens. We enjoyed interesting talks by the knowledgeable folk who look after the roses, dahlias, and rockeries – it was well worth the experience with a nice lunch afterwards. Coming up is a trip to Kaiapoi Food Forest andWasabi Farm next month and, of course, our working bees in between. Now whatto do in your garden at this time of the year? Gather harvests still in the veggie patch and look at planting some autumn and winterfood – brassicas, beetroot, lettuce, silver beet,

and spinach – most of this can be put in pots or raised beds if you don't have much room.

Flowers – deadhead perennials to keep colour in the garden to attract the butterflies. You can start looking at a bulb selectionfor spring as they are now in the shops and we suggest a smalliris such as reticulata for pots, which makes a nice show.

Keepgardeningin the cooler Keepgardeningin the cooler Keepgardeningin cooler Keepgardeningin cooler part of the day. For more part of the day. For more part of For part of For information about the Club, information about the Club, information about information about

CROCHET CLASSES HELP SUPPORT WOMEN

The Women's Helping Hand Trust, NZ recently launched its crochet classes tailored specifically for women in the Rolleston community. The classes aim to provide a supportive and empowering environment where women can come together and learn new skills.

The classes run every Sunday at the Rolleston Community Centre from 11am to 12pm. Whether

you're a beginner or an experiencedcrocheter, you are welcome to join the group as it explores the art of crochet and helps to unleash your creativity.

The Women's Helping Hand Trust NZ is a registered charity established due to growing need within the community during Covid-19 pandemic. The Trust organises free weekly development and wellbeing classes for ethnic

women and children. The purpose of the programmes are to bring together different backgrounds of ethnic women and children to develop their confidence andskills.

The Trust also organises festival celebrations as well as many other services and activities to help women in needin communities.

For more information, visit For more information, visit For more visit For more visit womenhelpinghandtrust.com. womenhelpinghandtrust.com. womenhelpinghandtrust.com. womenhelpinghandtrust.com.

TIMEBANKS CONNECT

Let’s get the timebanks meeting! An idea was sparked between Fiona, the coordinator of Selwyn Timebank, and Kate, the MidCanterbury Timebank coordinator. They decided to get folk from the timebanks to meet together in Rakaia at the endof January.

Seventeen people gathered in the Salmon Tales Cafe and enjoyed drinks and nibbles and enjoyed getting to know one another.

It was a challenge to pull them away from their conversations, however, the next visit was to

the Rakaia Village Green where Dorothy Knight talked about the establishment of this beautiful garden and walkway several years ago. Meandering along the pathway we learnt more about what was planted there, and the great need for more volunteers to help Dorothymaintain the garden. Some of the group decided to walk a longer loop via the Rakaia Primary School grounds. Dorothy showed the edible patch that she had planted, as well as the big tomatoes growing in the hot house - ready for the children

when they returned to school. The school principal joined in with the discussion and marvelled at how the garden had helped the children, physically as well as emotionally.

The timebanks plan to meet The plan to meet together again soon for future together again soon for future together soon for future together soon for future events! events! events! events!

Tofindout more, email Tofindout more, email Tofindout more, Tofindout more, selwyntimebank@gmail.com selwyntimebank@gmail.com selwyntimebank@gmail.com selwyntimebank@gmail.com

Artwork byCamNaughton.

Artwork by Jasmine McDermont.

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