WHS Newsletter | Issue 3.04 | 26 August 2022

Principal's Message

Kia ora and welcome to the Wakatipu High School newsletter at the end of week 5 - halfway through the term. There has been plenty going on at WHS over the last week with the Theatrefest performance last weekend, senior school exams finishing on Wednesday, Year 10 Health Expo on Thursday and junior Next Steps throughout the week. Please see below for more, and a big thanks to all the junior parents who engaged with Next Steps - we hope you found it useful.

Board election - is now underway, with a strong field of candidates and voting now open - please see below for more including re this year’s electronic voting system. Over my time WHS has had very good boards who have made a real contribution to the school, please ensure that you participate in this important process.

Term 3 - is always a great term with lots happening (as well as skiing, and improving weather :). However, as I said to the school on ‘Friday Features’ this morning, for seniors in particular, with events like Winter Tournament and the school musical, students will need to be well-planned and organised to ensure that their learning and internal assessments receive due focus and attention over the next five weeks.

This term also contains Year 9 Journeys in Week 10, the Branches Camp parent evening on 13/9, as well as our Parenting Adolescents evening on 8/8 (see below for more). A related fun fact is that there are now only 33 school days left for seniors this year.

Teacher Only Day - a reminder that next Friday 2nd is another national NCEA development Accord TOD.

WHS is incredibly well-supported by the community, for which we are incredibly grateful, and two key organisations that support us currently have fundraisers:

• WHS Foundation are running a fundraising raffle with amazing prizes - please click the link and buy a ticket or two to support the Foundation to support WHS. https://www.whsf.nz/raffle
• Branches Art Auction is on tonight! This is a very important fundraiser for our Year 10 Branches Camp so please do come along (Te Atamira, from 5.30pm, tickets $25 at the door) for a great night and to support this great cause!

We have nearly 130 students plus staff and parents heading to Winter Tournament next week. Our Director of Sport, Mrs Nathan, and I spoke to the students today - which included noting how great it is that Winter Tourney is happening after being cancelled for the last two years with Covid. We wish them well.

Lots happening here at WHS, and a great newsletter below celebrating some amazing successes of our students as well as flagging a range of upcoming events. A good weekend of weather ahead too, whether you're hitting the slopes, trails, playing fields or sidelines - enjoy :)

Steve Hall
Principal

WHS Board Election - It’s time to vote!

On Wednesday parents and caregivers will have received an email with information and instructions on how to vote from iro@electionz.com (please check your spam folder if you have not seen the email). Click the link in the email and follow the instructions to see the candidates, read their statements and place your votes. If required, you can log in and out of the voting site as many times as you like before casting your vote. 

Voting closes 4pm Wednesday 21 September. 

The 10 candidates for the six Parent Representative positions are: 
- Blundell, Guy
- Edmonds, John
- Exell, Rachel
- Hastie, Gaylene
- Irvine, Sara
- Januszkiewicz, Adrian
- O'Malley, Ben
- Maroszek, Daniel
- Mason, Simon
- Read, Melissa

Karla Dawson
WHS Returning Officer

Uniforms

With August coming to an end from Monday 5th September (Week 7) puffer jackets are no longer part of our uniform. Also a reminder that our ngā tama (young men) should be tucking their shirts in, all students should be wearing ties, and we expect students to have the correct navy socks/tights and black low-cut polishable shoes by this time of year.

Health Education Community Consultation

In Physical Education and Health, the focus is on the wellbeing of the students themselves, of other people, and of society through learning in health-related and movement contexts.

In Health Education, students develop their understanding of the factors that influence individual and community health. Students develop competencies for mental wellness, reproductive health and positive sexuality, drug education, safety management, and nutritional needs. Students build resilience through strengthening their personal identity and sense of self-worth, through managing change and loss, and through engaging in processes for responsible decision making. They learn to demonstrate empathy, and they develop skills that enhance relationships. Students use these skills and understandings to take critical action to promote personal, interpersonal, and societal wellbeing.

Every two years the Ministry of Education asks us to consult with our community about the Health Education programme that is being offered to students at Wakatipu High School. We would appreciate you taking some time to give us some feedback on your thoughts about relevant aspects of community health and how it is currently facilitated at Wakatipu High School. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at dlowe@wakatipu.school.nz.

David Lowe
Acting HoLA Health and Physical Education
dlowe@wakatipu.school.nz

Year 10 Youth Expo

After a Covid enforced year’s hiatus, the Year 10 Youth Expo returned to Wakatipu High School Theatre on Thursday 25 August. The Expo was a great opportunity for students to understand and become aware of what different agencies in our local community offer. They provided suitable and professional advice with respect to different challenges that the youth of our community may face. This year we had the following agencies attend:

• Mana Tahuna
• Public Health Nurses
• Guidance Counsellors
• NZ Police
• The Salvation Army
• Central Lakes Family Services
• Oranga Tamariki
• Whakatipu Youth Trust
• Thrive! Te Pae Ora
• Spectrum Club

David Lowe
Acting HoLA Health and PE

2022 WHS Musical - Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities

WHS is excited to announce that this year’s musical is Footloose!  a fantastic musical based on the 1984 film that focuses on the complicated love between family, friends and the community, but ultimately the power of forgiveness. The Musical will run from 21-24 September in the Wakatipu High School theatre.

While our musicals are fantastic shows which provide wonderful opportunities for our students, they are very significant undertakings to put on but, due to their popularity with students, families and the local community, they are also a great opportunity for the community to support our students. 

Each year businesses and families sponsor or support the musical in a range of ways, such as advertising in the musical programme. Please see below for info on sponsorship and advertising opportunities - and note that both come with complimentary Thursday night tickets! As always, we are also very appreciative of other support including supplies and paint, props, costumes, makeup, as well as adult support for the various production crews.

Please contact me if you wish to be a sponsor or advertiser, or have any queries re supporting the musical - many thanks in anticipation!

Monica Parker
Arts Co-ordinator
mparker@wakatipu.school.nz

HPV Vaccination

Due to Covid restrictions and school closures over the last two years, more than 30,000 Kiwi kids have not received their free HPV (Human Papillomavirus) immunisation at schools across New Zealand. Immunisation is important and is recommended by the Ministry of Health. As a public health initiative, we are working alongside our local GP practices to ensure every eligible child can be protected against future HPV-related cancers.

What is HPV?

• HPV is a virus that can cause certain cancers in both males and females.
• HPV is so common that most people will come in contact with it at some point in
  their lives.
• Each year, a number of people undergo treatment or die from cancers caused by HPV - which is why the HPV vaccine is government funded.

How do I get my child vaccinated?
The HPV vaccine is free for all boys and girls aged 9 to 26 years. Children require two vaccinations if under 15 years, and three vaccinations for those 15 years or older.

The Doctors, Whakatipu Medical centre can arrange for your child to receive their Free HPV vaccination. Simply contact them on 03 4422288 or email nurses@wkt.thedoctors.co.nz to book an appointment.

Join the Student Executive

Applications for the 2023 Student Executive Team are now open! The 2023 Head Students, Lead Prefects, House Leaders and Deputy positions are excellent leadership opportunities, open to current year 11 and 12 students.

Positions available in this application process:

• Head Students x 4 (Yr 13 only, Head x2, Deputy x2)
• Lead Prefects ( Yr 13)
• Sports Prefect 
• Arts and Cultural Prefect 
• Community and Service Prefect 
• Support (Whanaungatanga ) Prefect 
• Academic Prefect
• Environmental Prefect
• STARs Prefect (Peer Support)
• Māori Student Prefect. 
• International Student Prefect.
• Junior School Prefect
• Wellbeing Prefect 
• Head of House (Yr 13 only, 2 positions per House)
• Deputy Head of House (Yr 12 or Yr 13, 2 positions per House)
• Prefects and Student Council positions will be made available later in the year. STARS Peer Mentoring applications will also be available later this term.

Students may hold more than one position.
Year 11 and Year 12 students are invited to apply and must submit their application by 4 pm on Monday 5 September.

Spirit of Adventure Recipient

Each year Triple Star Management Limited generously sponsor one student from Wakatipu High School on a 10 Day Development Voyage aboard the Spirit of Adventure. This year's recipient is Lachy Boniface - congratulations Lachy! 

Active Citizenship in our Community

Volunteer South are running another Community Service Day next Friday (Teacher Only Day) - Friday 2nd September.

Following the success of the first community connection day in May, there are now a variety of opportunities for students to volunteer their time with. Whether you're interested in early childhood education, conservation, baking, or events- we have options! 

By participating, not only will you connect with others and gain valuable new skills, but also engage in a unique, meaningful experience that gives back to your community by supporting local charities, all while hanging out with your friends! Sign up below. Deadline Monday 29th August, first come first served!

Deputy Head Boy Message

Kia Ora,

We wrapped up our Mock Exams on Wednesday. Hopefully, everyone has achieved the grades they were striving toward, and your hard work has paid off. If not, take the time to reflect on what could have been done better in the lead-up to your exams, talk to your teachers and start preparing for the real exams, which are only two months away now.

On Wednesday night, the Second XI football team beat Dunstan 2-1 in the last game of the season. The 1st XI retains the Central Otago competition trophy this season as the team have been unbeaten; well done, and good luck for tournament week. I'd also like to say good luck to everyone participating next week in the Winter Tournament Week. It's a big deal representing the school across the South Island, so make sure you're displaying the school values on and off the fields and courts. Good luck, play hard!

As a part of the External Speaker Series yesterday morning, we had local philanthropist Kaye Parker. What resonated with me from what Kaye said was, "Mistakes are good and you should always own up to your mistakes because everyone makes mistakes". Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come and talk to us.

With us only having 5 weeks left of term, it's important to debrief and recuperate from Mocks. Whilst getting straight back into the last whole month of school the seniors have this year, I implore all of you to apply yourself over these next 5 weeks and to reach for your heights.

Thanks,

Sam Davis
Deputy Head Boy

Arts News and Information

Arts Success at Wakatipu High School
In the past few weeks Wakatipu High School has had considerable success in regional and national events.

The school jazz bands competed in the ARA Jazzquest in Christchurch on July 31 and came away with a Gold Grading for the Jazz Ensemble and a high Silver Grading for the Big Band. These were particularly strong results given the impact of students who were unable to be on this trip. 

Hot on the heels of this one our bands, Estrogen, has made it through to the national semi-final of the Rockquest competition, which means they are in the top 30 nationally from a starting line up of over 800 bands!. They had their live recording session for the semi final last Saturday and the results for the final national top 10 bands will be announced on August 26. Congratulations to Emily Johnston - Bass, Ruby Ross - Vocals, Mikaela Patteron - Drums and Mya Wilcox - Guitar.

Billie Carey has once again made the final top 50 for the Play It Strange student songwriting competition. Only the first place winner is announced separately in this competition. Huge kudos for her continuing success in the songwriting scene. 

The Drama department has had success with their recent results in the local and regional rounds of the 2022 Theatrefest event run by Theatre New Zealand. The students have taken out four awards to date with James Scoles taking a distinction in acting award at the Regional Final. Students are waiting to hear if they make the National Final to be held in September. 

All of this success and the School Musical, “Footloose” still to come late September!

Theatrefest Recap
On Saturday and Sunday last week, WHS hosted the 2022 Regional Lower South Island TheatreFest. Six Groups competed, along with a group from WHS with a wide range of experience and genres on display. It was a fantastic event driven by our students. Although the Wakatipu student's performance was a highlight of the event, we were not selected for the National Final.

Students that were involved from WHS were: 
The cast of Peninsula: James Scoles, Sebastian Cerea, Finn Hyndman, Sophie Thompson, Rochelle Tickle 
Tech crew: Sofia Taquet, Tomas Colby, Baxter Bamford 
Backstage crew: Guinevere Buckley, Maddox Newell, Meg Wheatley
Front of house: Joel Mitchell, Isadora Figueroa

Visual Arts
A sample of work by Year 13 Design students, who have just finished producing a series of posters.

Let Us Know
The Arts department would like to know about any artistic achievements that students have attained outside of school be it in drama, dance, music or visual arts. Please send through details and photos to mparker@wakatipu.school.nz

Support the Arts
We are always looking for local professional performing and visual artists to visit our school and run workshops for our students. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Monica Parker the Arts Coordinator at mparker@wakatipu.school.nz 

Instagram Page
Follow our school’s Instagram page for recent successes or news within the school’s Arts Department at whsartdepartment

Sport and Active Recreation News

Mt Aspiring College Exchange
It was an awesome day for the local derby between WHS and MAC last Tuesday in the annual winter sports exchange held in Wanaka. The competition is always fiercely fought and a big congratulations MAC for a dominant win this year 9-4. A silver lining was winning the 'Battle of the Range', the 1st XV Boys rugby game for the first time. As always the exchange is well timed preparation for the upcoming winter tournament week. A huge thank you to our coaches, umpires and staff members as well as all of the students who represented WHS so well. 
Results per match are below:
Senior A Boys Basketball won 74-64
Junior A Boys Basketball won 70-34
1st XI Boys Football won 6-3
1st XI Girls Football lost 3-1
Junior Boys Football lost 7-1
1st XI Mixed Hockey drew 3-3
Senior A Netball lost 22-15
Senior B Netball lost 20-13
10A Netball lost 35-23
9A Netball lost 22-18
1st XV Boys won 24-22
U15 Boys Rugby lost 69-0
Senior A Girls Volleyball lost 3-1
Senior A Boys Volleyball lost 2-1
Overall MAC won 9-4

Winter Tournament Week
WHS wishes our 129 students involved in Winter Tournament Week all the very best as they depart this weekend for their various tournaments across the country. This is a massive undertaking for our school, coaches and staff members. We want to thank Aotearoa Gaming Trust for their significant support with the cost of accommodation and van hire. To follow the progress of our teams check out the sports facebook page: www.facebook.com/WakatipuHighSchoolSports
Senior A Boys Basketball - Southern Cup - Dunedin
1st XI Boys Football - Jim Wishart Tournament - Christchurch
1st XI Girls Football - Lotto Sportswear Tournament - Dunedin
1st XI Mixed Hockey - SISS Mixed Hockey Tournament - Gore
Blue and Gold Ice Hockey - SISS Ice Hockey Tournament - Dunedin
Senior A Netball - SISS Senior Netball Champs - Timaru
U15 Rugby - SISS Co-ed Junior Rugby Champs - Nelson
NZSS Climbing Champs - Tauranga
NZSS Golf Champs - Auckland

Climbing Update
Azaria Briscoe and Lucy Sinclair have spent the past week training and competing in Texas alongside their New Zealand team mates in the lead up to the World Youth Climbing Champs. This has been a fabulous experience for them. Both girls reached and controlled one zone each in their bouldering event earlier this week. The Lead Climbing competition commences next Monday morning, NZ time. Keep up the good work!

NZ Karate Selection
Mackenzi Jackson has recently been selected to represent New Zealand at the 2022 Commonwealth Karate Championships to be held in Birmingham, England in September. This follows on from Mackenzi's 3rd place success at the Oceania Karate Championship last month. Well done Mackenzi.

NZSS Duathlon Champs
Congratulations to Year 10 student Siena Mackley who recently competed in the Junior Girls Duathlon Champs in Auckland where she finished 4th. 

NZ Mountain Running Champs
Siena Mackley also won the NZ Mountain Running Champs held at Deer Park Heights in Queenstown over the weekend. Siena ran in the U20 Women's grade so that she could qualify for the World Mountain Running Champs in Thailand in November. At 14 she beat other 16-19 year olds, a wonderful result. Congratulations also to Year 11 student Jude Deaker who finished 6th in the U20 Men’s event. 

Staff vs Year 13 Basketball
The annual staff vs Year 13 basketball match was played last Monday in front of a packed gym. It is always a highlight on the school sports calendar. This year the staff took out the match 49-40 which gives the staff a 2-1 lead for the year!

South Island Ice Figure Skating 
WHS had three students compete at the South Island Figure Skating Championships two weekends ago which involved over 100 skaters. The championships attracted a lot of entries and a high level of skating. All our skaters did well with Sabine Edmonds placing 4th in Basic Novice, Megan Carr was 5th in Juvenile and Shiloh Thurston was 5th in the Elementary Grade.

1st XV Rugby 
It has been a big end to the season for the 1st XV rugby team. The side made it to the middle four semi finals of the Otago Premier Schools competition for the first time and took on Dunstan High School at home in a nail biter of a match and went down 21-17 late in the game. Our boys then took on Mt Aspiring College in the annual exchange last Tuesday and in another close game won this match 24-22 making it the first time we have beaten MAC in the exchange and crowned us winners of the 'Battle of the Range'. It has been an amazing second half of the season for these players, they have won seven of their last eight matches. A huge thank you to the incredible coaching and management team of Lee Hart, Gary Russell, Steve McIsaac, Rowan Small and Aaron Redalli. Thank you to the parents for their fantastic support this season. 

CO Hockey Results
The 1st XI mixed hockey team finished 3rd in the Senior grade, beating Dunstan Black 6-2 in the playoffs. The team really grew and developed across the season, finishing 2nd in the pool play but unfortunately losing to MAC in the semifinal. 

Alpine Skiing National Points Races
The Alpine Skiing National Points races have got under way for 2022 and there are a number of WHS students competing in these at different ski fields across NZ. 
Mt Dobson results:
Sasha Key - 1st Slalom race 1, 1st Slalom race 2, overall winner Slalom U16 girls 
Hagen Brown - 2nd Slalom race 1, 4th Slalom race 2, overall winner U16 boys
April Bentley - 2nd Slalom race 2
Finn McCaw - 1st Slalom race 2
Coronet Peak GS results 
Sasha Key - 3rd race 1, 5th race 2, 5th overall U16 Girls
Alaska Speedy - 2nd race 1, 2nd race 2, 2nd overall U16 Girls
April Bentley - 6th race 1, 7th race 2, 7th overall U16 Girls
Violet Smillie - 7th race 1, 6th race 1, 6th overall U16 Girls 
Hyugo Saunders - 2nd race 1, 4th race 2, 4th overall U16 Boys
Bayley McDonald - 6th race 1, 1st race 2, 3rd overall U16 Boys
Hagen Brown - 8th race 1, 5th race 2, 5th overall U16 Boys
Finn McCaw - 5th race 1
Coronet Peak Slalom results
Sasha Key - 3rd race 1, 8th race 2, 3rd overall U16 Girls 
Alaska Speedy - 1st race 1, 4th race 2, 2nd overall U16 Girls
April Bentley - 4th race 1, 7th race 2, 4th overall U16 Girls
Violet Smillie - 5th race 1, 5th race 1, 5th overall U16 Girls 
Finn McCaw - 3rd race 1, 3rd race 2, 3rd overall U16 Boys

Sports Blues Nomination Form
Nominations are now open for the 2022 Sports Blues Awards. The Blues awards celebrate sporting excellence in students Year 9-13. To read the criteria document and to complete a nomination form please click on the link below. Nominations close at 5pm on Wednesday 7th September. Please email lnathan@wakatipu.school.nz if you have any queries.
Nomination form: https://forms.gle/MFSVvvFdwTZnpD3j7
Sports Blues Criteria: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oUfA_UwUByfBh_NnnKOKeWtNkUSZyzocP-7bqiEtmOA/edit

Hockey Awards 2022
Congratulations to the following hockey players who received awards this season;
Oliver Battrick - 1st XI Most Valuable Player
Sammy Fookes - 1st XI Greatest Contribution
Peter Davis - 1st XI Most Improved Player
Blake Jackson - 2nd XI Most Valuable Player
Jessie Glover - 2nd XI Most Improved Player
Scarlett Blundell - Gold Team Most Valuable Player
Amelia Hey - Gold Team Most Improved Player

Opportunities

New to WHS?
If you have just recently joined Wakatipu High School and keen to find out more information about sport and active recreation opportunities please visit our website to see what is on offer and join the google classrooms of those activities you are keen to participate in: https://www.sporty.co.nz/wakatipu

Deans Bank 10 Hour MTB Event - Labour Weekend
Deans Bank 10 Hour is open to and welcoming of anyone who can hop on a bike and ride a lap, or 2, or 10 - or more! Teams - each person is to register and pay the entry fee individually.  We have a school category - mixed team, male and female. For those entering with a membership discount - proof of membership will be requested at event registration. You have until Race Day to become a member. Register here: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=283837

Kate Moetaua Foundation Scholarship
Are you in Years 9 to 13 and live in the Wakatipu? Or do you have children in these years who are talented in sports or arts? Then the Kate Moetaua Foundation scholarship is for you! Over 3 years we have given out scholarships to almost 20 recipients. We have seen that these scholarships are making a real difference and you could be next. Applications are open until the 31st of August so make sure you get in and apply!! https://forms.gle/EUNzf7D2uAVooZxA7

Merv Aoake Scholarship
The Wakatipu Yacht Club in conjunction with the Lions Club Queenstown are proud to be offering the Merv Aoake Scholarship for the 2022-2023 season. This scholarship is open to our junior members interested in furthering their sailing skills in an O’pen Skiff. This is an amazing opportunity for any junior member to enhance their sailing skills and also have a go at regatta racing.If you would like to apply for the scholarship please fill in the application form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ajmeVcbL5mdpjkhDkqwSK0PJmHjgixME/view?usp=sharing and return by 4th September 2021 to  waktipuyachtclub@gmail.com. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Keep Us Informed
The sports department would love to hear from you if you know of any awesome achievements from our students so that we can celebrate these as a school. Please send through details and photos to lnathan@wakatipu.school.nz. 

Support Sport at WHS
Jump on board and support the team by liking or following the Wakatipu High School Sports Facebook page. This is the best way to stay informed and up to date with the successes of our athletes and teams and help celebrate their great achievements. https://www.facebook.com/WakatipuHighSchoolSports/ 

Laura Nathan
Director of Sport

Local scholarships and other opportunities

Kate Moetaua Foundation Scholarship (Open to Years 9-13)
The Scholarship fund was created in memory of Kate Moetaua to support Wakatipu students in Years 9-13 with existing talent, particularly in Arts or Sports, to achieve their full potential and to follow their dreams. Up to $3,500 in total will be granted in scholarships to students. The maximum awarded per student will be $1,000.

Applications open on the 1st of August and close at 5pm on 31st August. For more information, and application forms visit www.wakatipucommunityfoundation.co.nz or https://www.katemoetauafoundation.org/scholarships

Merv Aoake Scholarship 
The Wakatipu Yacht Club in conjunction with the Queenstown Lions Club are proud to be offering the Merv Aoake Scholarship for the 2022-2023 season. This scholarship is open to our junior members interested in furthering their sailing skills in an O’pen Skiff.  This is an amazing opportunity for any junior member to enhance their sailing skills and also have a go at regatta racing.

If you  would like to apply for the scholarship please fill in the application form and return by 4^th September to waktipuyachtclub@gmail.com

Year 13 students are encouraged to apply for scholarships.  For a comprehensive guide to a range of University, Regional, Industry and Sport Scholarships that are available for our Year 13 students, please see link below. 

Tertiary Course Planning Sessions in Term 3
University Liaison Officers visit Wakatipu High School during Term 3 for course planning and to assist students with the transition from school to university. This is a good time to look at individual interests and help students put their first-year course together. These visits are scheduled to take place on the following dates:

• Otago Polytechnic - 5 September
• Victoria University of Wellington - 13 September
  
• Lincoln University - 20 September
• Massey University - 23 September
• University of Canterbury - 26 September
• University of Otago - 27 September
  

Careers - Job Vacancies for Students

Student Job Vacancies can be viewed at the link below. Please join the google classroom with the code: 3spycgk

Branches Trust Art Auction

WHS Foundation

Office Administrator wanted!
10 hours per week – independent contractor
The Wakatipu High School (WHS) Foundation is a charitable trust, working with our community to
support a world-class, all-round education for the youth of the Wakatipu Basin. 

This independent contractor role will provide administration support to our Executive Officer and
Board of Trustees to ensure that all our programmes, fundraising activities and communications is
delivered as planned.  
 
This role is for a part time Wakatipu based contractor for 10 hours per week, offering flexibility and
both a work-from-home and office arrangement.  Attractive pay rate based on experience.
There is room for both hours to increase as workload varies and over time.

Applications including cover letter and CV to be sent to exec@whsf.nz.
Applications close 20 September 2022

Community Notices

Disinformation, Misinformation and Democracy.  Sanjana Hattotuwa, Thursday September 1, 2022

Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa has watched “splintered realities” emerge in New Zealand, as divisive and destructive disinformation and misinformation spread through social, media and political landscapes with the pandemic.  His fears for democracy in his adopted country are based on having seen and studied this, in his homeland Sri Lanka, since 2010. For six months prior to the start of the occupation of Parliament grounds, he analysed often poisonous, conspiracy-propagating threads and live streams as part of The Disinformation Project. The exchanges he has seen are “so horrific that I don’t think most Kiwis would recognise their country”. If nothing is done to rein this in, he says, the trajectory is chilling for its impacts on next year’s general election and the very foundations of New Zealand's democracy.

Thursday, September 1, 6 – 7.30pm in The Rees Hotel Queenstown’s conference room. Registration required here as seats are limited. Please bring cash for your koha. This will be given to The Manaaki Collective. Masks must be worn.

Catalyst Trust Mayoral Candidate Forum

Book Tuesday, September 13, in your diary - that’s the night you can hear those asking you to vote for them to lead our council and community being quizzed on their big ideas and background.

You will hear from Glyn Lewers, Jon Mitchell, Neeta Shetty and Olivia Wensley as they present their prepared pitches, followed by questions from David Williams, a veteran journalist with expansive local knowledge.  Candidate Al Angus said he was busy that night and Daniel Shand did not respond to emails.

Williams, a former local journalist and editor who is now Newsroom’s South Island correspondent, will also moderate the second Q&A session, incorporating questions from the audience as well as area high school students. 

Catalyst is running workshops with interested students and Williams prior to the forum to ensure our community’s youngest voters can be actively involved in their first democratic election.

The forum will be held in Wakatipu High School’s auditorium from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. on September 13. Registration is required here and masks must be worn. More details on Catalyst Trust’s website and Facebook page as they come available.

Catalyst trust is running this as a free event, but koha for the Wakatipu High School awhi fund will be welcomed.

Session 1
Please register by text, call, or email to Mandy by Monday, 5th September to receive your programme material.
Tuesday, 13th September 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Online - Join Zoom Meeting by clicking this link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6957453407?pwd=Y2h3bEpBVW5JSno1VUhlb1N5M1hIdz09
Session 2
Please register by text, call, or email to Mandy by Monday, 5th September to receive your programme material.
Wednesday, 14th September 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Online - Join Zoom Meeting by clicking this link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83983934854?pwd=Rk1NWC9YaXFzTUM0QWZsUTFvOFlLUT09 

• You must register to attend both Session 1 and 2.

For more information please contact: Amanda Greer (Mandy) Te Kaiwhakahaere mō te Matauranga (Education co-ordinator)
Seasons for Growth Coordinator
Central Otago REAP
Ph: 021 544 894
Ph: 0800 267 327 or 03 448 6115
mandy@coreap.org.nz

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and purchase your Entertainment Membership from us today!!