JACINDA ARDERN: LABOUR LIST MP AUCKLAND November 2016 will be one of those months that will stay in people’s minds for a long time to come. In fact, all of 2016 will be. There were the losses of so many icons (David Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen) the dramatic election in the United States and, finally, our own natural disasters. So often in the face of big or tragic events, we look immediately for lessons. For something, anything, that can be taken from otherwise devastating moments. The November earthquakes reminded us of our vulnerability, and that there are very few places in our country that will ever stand completely still. That doesn’t make it any easier. I wasn’t in the big one, but sat in Wellington in the days that followed while the earth continued to move every few hours, wondering how everyone’s nerves were holding up, and being reminded once again just how resilient the people of Canterbury are. But since then we have started to have the conversations we need. Are we each prepared? Are our warning systems adequate? Have we got the implementation of our earthquake standards right? On some of these questions, we have come up short. For a while now I have heard folks with an interest in civil defence advocating for personal notifications of tsunami warnings for instance. This would at least mean we could contact additional groups like tourists in vulnerable areas in a time of need. I hadn’t seen anything like that in operation till a trip to New York state. A storm rolled in with masses of thunder and torrential rain. Now, a Kiwi who is used to changeable seasons wouldn’t usually bat an eyelid at quickly changing weather patterns like that, so it wasn’t until my phone buzzed with a tornado warning that we had any idea we needed to get off the road - and quickly. Using modern technology like this to our advantage is surely a no brainer.
LOCAL NEWS PONSONBY COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS Ponsy Kids Community Preschool • 20 ECE funded hours. • New session times developed to meet the needs of our community. 2016 has been very busy here at Ponsy Kids. The highlight of our year has been the redevelopment of our playground which has now been completed. We recently celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a party for the children. The builders from Alpha1, our architects Natasha Markham and Andrew from Maud, graphic artist Greg Straight who designed our mural and representatives from Auckland City Council and also board members from our Ponsonby Community Centre Board attended our celebration. The children love the new space and especially the grass hill for sliding down. They have invented their own snowboards with our curve boards with some children even managing to stand up as they slide down. The cut out windows are very popular and the children love to watch the skateboarders in the skate bowl in Tole Street Park and also the dogs having a run in the park. During the year we were visited by The Education Review Office and we were very happy with the outstanding report we received. Comments from the report included, “The programme is highly responsive and flexible, enabling children to engage in a range of interesting learning opportunities. Teachers work skillfully alongside children, consistently supporting them with their play choices. They encourage children to explore a variety of resources, listen to their ideas and foster oral language development through very good questioning and discussion. Literacy, numeracy and science experiences are prioritized and integrated will into the context of children’s play. The children’s independence, emotional and social competence are very well promoted. Children with special educational needs are very well supported.” We are all looking forward to our family picnic dinner to celebrate the end of the year. 'Fairy Clare' will be there to perform her show, 'Fairy Clare's Fabulous Christmas Present'. Happy and safe holidays to everyone.
But every disaster we have faced in recent times has reminded us all of something else - we have something more than resilience in our reserves, we have kindness. There is something about the way New Zealander’s react at times like this that truly defines who we are. Neighbours check in with one another, maraes open their doors, students build armies of helpers, complete strangers who lose everything find themselves surrounded by support.
Contact details are: E: julie@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz T: 09 376 0896
It’s all of these traits that I know we can equally channel to tackle some of the other challenges we face today, and going into next year. The need to house people, make sure our kids get the best start in life, support some of the lonely and isolated elderly in our community, or look after those who have taken refuge on New Zealand shores. All of these are challenges that I know we have the humanity, and pragmatism, to take on in our own unique way.
We invite booking applications for 2017 from individuals / community and private groups for term classes. If you would like to start a new activity / class in the new year, please feel free to contact us for assistance, we welcome applications from all sectors of our community.
But in the meantime, I want to wrap my final column for the year by wishing you all some wonderful time with family and friends over the holiday season. May the sun shine and PN the earth be still wherever you are! (JACINDA ARDERN) F JACINDA ARDERN, Labour List MP based in Auckland Central, www.jacinda.co.nz
Ponsonby Community Centre & Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall This year has been a busy time for us all at Ponsonby Community Centre. We are thankful to our board for their input and contribution, and also Waitemata Local Board for their continued support.
Gym Kids Gymnastics will be running its holiday programme on Monday 16 January to Thursday 19 January and following week Monday 23 January to Thursday 26 January from 9am to 4pm at Leys Institute Gymnasium Hall. To register your child, please visit their website: www.gymkids.co.nz F PN For more information on Ponsonby Community Centre, T: 09 378 1752; M: 021 244 0904, E: info@ponsonbycommunity.org.nz; www.ponsonbycommunity.org.nz; Facebook: Ponsonby Community Centre
L-R: Jude, Hunter, Hannah Horsfield, Anna Black, Hannah Tipoai, Hannah Lee, Julie Ferguson, Natalie Ferguson, Sarah Tolley and Alva Ward, Carlo and Neve Merry Christmas from Ponsy Kids Community Preschool.
30 PONSONBY NEWS+ December 2016
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