| Mahurangimatters 16 January 201318

Get practical hands on training!

Kick start your career in Agriculture Today!

Are you passionate about Farming? We have a range of study options that you may be interested in:

National Certificate in Farming Skills (Work Ready) Level 3 This 40 week programme has been developed to help students get the core skills needed to start a career in agriculture with the opportunity to specialise in sheep and beef or dairy. Start date: Monday 11th February Where: Matakana, Rodney Whether you’ve just left school, changed careers or you are an adult learner new to the agricultural industry you can gain the essential skills and knowledge in the classroom, in the workshop and on the farm!

Programme delivered in Partnership

Are you 16—17 years of age?

Quality FREE training focused on safety, confidence building and best practice. Skills that will be covered include quad bikes, fencing, tractors plus more! Start date: Monday 11th February Where: Warkworth, Rodney Taratahi has been successfully preparing students for careers in agriculture since 1919. Graduates and farmers recommend Taratahi because we offer: Nationally recognised courses An environment for male and female students who

come from urban and rural backgrounds Practical, technical and theoretical study creating well

rounded individuals Contact Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre today to find out more: 0800 827 2824, info@taratahi.ac.nz www.taratahi.ac.nz

Youth Guarantee

Introduction to Farming Level 2

ALL ABOUT LEARNING

A cabin being built in Sandspit this summer, by four women architects, will be both a relaxing retreat and a statement about architecture, women, sustainability and more.The Whare in the Bush project sprang from the musings of recent Auckland University architectural graduate, Ruby Watson, about building her own studio or “getaway” from scratch. The idea was embraced by her architect friend Elisapeta Heta, who saw its potential to become part of the 2013 Architecture + Women exhibition in September, and they teamed up with fellow architects Raukura Turei and Rebecca Green to make it a reality.The group aims to challenge the notion of DIY and building as a masculine domain and change the meaning of ‘homemaker’, while celebrating the skills of women in the largely male-dominated architecture industry.Construction is proposed between the end of January and March, and the community will be invited to participate through sponsorship or donation of new and secondhand materials, as well as contributions of labour and expertise. The building site is a peaceful spot alongside wetlands at the bottom of

Ruby Watson at the site of the cabin she and three other women architects hope to create over summer.

her parents’ five acre block, close to where her previous construction effort, a childhood tree house, once stood.“We have a connection to the land and the project and the space we want to inhabit.I always dreamed of doing it here because it’s home.” The objective is to create an “elastic band house”, intended to capture the open, embracing the philosophy of a house Ruby once stayed in where everyone was welcome.“The walls of the house just stretched to accommodate whoever needed the

space. The concept also reflects the ‘give and take’ of the community in helping to create it.”The exact design will remain flexible as the team gathers materials from a variety of sources, although to avoid the need for resource consent and to keep it transportable, the cabin will have to remain under 10sqm. Ruby says building a second one adjacent to it is also being considered.In addition to timber, she anticipates they’ll use simple, cheap “materials of the land”, such as bamboo and possibly sheep’s wool from her family’s

own flock, as insulation.“It’ll be time-consuming, but worthwhile and provide plenty of work for community volunteers.” The hut won’t be connected to power, but Ruby hopes to incorporate a potbelly stove, if one can be found, and find a way to draw water from a nearby spring. Sustainability is an important principle of the build, which will endeavor to have minimal impact on the environment and avoid wasting materials. It will also be built on skids to enable it to be moved away, although ultimately, she sees it returning to the site as a retreat.“I think that the world over, we’re wanting smaller buildings and a lighter footprint. The idea of a retreat is quite captivating to people. Why are we so interested in it? Are we wanting to get away from this busy life we’re leading?”The process will be filmed throughout and the resulting footage displayed, along with the cabin, at the Architecture + Women exhibition. You can track progress or contact Ruby through The Whare in the Bush Facebook page or email rubymarilyn@hotmail.com.

opportunity knocksMore to Sandspit bush construction than meets the eye

Mahurangimatters 16 January 2013 | 19

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Excellent staff ratiosSpecial offers availableSpacious outdoor area

20 hours ECE competitive feesPRESCHOOL, INC.

LEIGH COMMUNITY

NEW TERM STARTS WEDNESDAY JAN

30TH 2013

ALL ABOUT LEARNING

opportunity knocksA youth employment scheme for the Mahurangi area, which has secured funding for a 12-month trial, starts this month.Springboard Community Works has received an $80,000 sponsorship from the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference programme to employ Karl Madsen to implement a scheme known as the Otorohanga Model, working with Youthline and WINZ. Simplistically, the scheme looks at matching school leavers and young unemployed people with jobs that are available locally. In the process, skill shortages will be identified and local businesses will gain employees who are mentored and supported.While Springboard has worked mainly with ‘at risk’ youth over the last decade – and this focus will be maintained – the new scheme will take its work beyond that sector into the mainstream youth employment market.Over the six years the scheme has been running in Otorohanga, youth unemployment has fallen dramatically. Springboard director Gary Diprose says he is hoping to see the same results in Mahurangi.A staff camp will be held on January 25 and then Springboard will begin surveying local businesses on their employment needs.“If the surveys identify that there is a skills shortage in a particular area, then we can look at ways to get some training provided locally,” Gary says. “We’re very keen to build relationships with Mahurangi

College, and eventually Rodney College, local course providers and employers – their involvement will be key to whether or not the scheme is a success.”Springboard will also be seeking ways to build a strong relationship with school leavers to catch those students who haven’t made study or employment plans.“This is not a ‘tick the box and dump’ programme. As with other Springboard courses, we will walk alongside these young people as they learn the skills they need to turn them into good employees.“We would welcome enquiries from employers interested in being involved in the project.”Key outcomes identified in the first year include a 50 percent reduction in youth unemployment; reduced crime, gang recruitment, tagging and negative youth behaviour; greater connection between youth and Springboard; and a better database of businesses, employers and training opportunities for local youth.Springboard is based in Hamatana Road, Snells Beach, and is involved with around 120 youths on a weekly basis. It targets at-risk youth and families, offering programmes aimed at reconnecting them to the community and getting them back into the workforce.Some of these programmes include the Go180 for youth offenders aged 14 to 16 years, the early intervention programme Energise for five to 12 year olds, 4U Mentoring, Elevate family support, and the anti-graffiti initiative D Crew.Info: 425 4623 or mail@springboard.org.nz

“More than just dollars”The new job placement scheme being implemented by Springboard Community Works is being funded to the tune of $80,000 by the Vodafone Foundation World of Difference programme.Vodafone senior advisor Sum Tran says the programme assesses not only the organisation applying for a grant and the project they are putting forward, but also the individual applicant who is going to deliver the project.“Springboard’s Karl Madsen was a stand-out applicant,” she says. “He is full of passion, vision and drive, and has experience in working with youth, in various capacities. Springboard presented itself as an innovative and credible organisation, with a fantastic track record, particularly in working with ‘at risk’ youth.“We are excited about seeing a ‘youth in work’ transition programme up and running, and for Springboard to become a sustainable and replicable model.”Sum says over the year, recipients participate in a series of hui which bring together past and current World of Difference recipients. The gatherings focus on networking, exploring potential areas of collaboration, information sharing, upskilling and evaluation.“We’re always looking at ways to support our charity partners in whatever way practical, from bringing in guest speakers to tapping into Vodafone’s sponsorship assets. World of Difference is definitely more than just the dollars.”Each year, the Vodafone Foundation pays the salary and expenses of around 10 individuals to work for a youth cause of their choice for 12 months. Last year, more than $2 million was distributed. Info: www.vodafone.co.nz/foundation

On the box – Springboard Community Works will feature in two episodes of the TV One series Unsung Heroes this month. The first episode will screen on January 16

and the second on January 23. The show starts at 7.30pm.

Springboard tackles local youth employment market

| Mahurangimatters 16 January 201320

Contact Phillipa ReeveB.A. (Creative Writing)

09 423 0483 • phillipa@evolucidy.com

Evoke, enable, energise & celebrate your writer’s voice

Suitable for new and experienced writers

Creative Writing

Workshops

Warkworth 425 8730 Wellsford 423 8246 In Home Educare 0800 5437 787

Find out what makes us special - check us out today!www.kowhaikids.co.nz or like us on facebook

From Babies to Five Year Olds!

Give your kids the Smart Start in our small, family oriented, community-minded

learning centres in Warkworth and Wellsford. With a nurturing, committed teaching team and the best programme around you know

your little one is in the best of hands. Check out our ERO reports!

Dyslexia... more than areading problemContact Ann CookLicensed Davis Dyslexia Facilitator

Call 0272 855 926 www.dyslexiaworkshop.co.nz

Please contact the Women’s Centre to enrol 0800 237 674 or 425 7261 or call at 10 Morpeth Street, Warkworth

info@womenscentrerodney.org.nz • www.womenscentrerodney.org.nz

CourSeS for TerM oNe 2013 – WarkWorThYoung Mum’s educational Programme Wed 23rd Jan • 10am-12.30pm • FREE For young mothers up to 25 years to encourage positive parenting, behaviour management skills & strategies for raising healthy and happy children. healthy relationships Date & Time TBA • $25 – How is your relationship with yourself and others? This course offers an exploration into enjoying on going healthy relationships. Computer Course – 8 weeks Frid 15th Feb • 9.15-11.15am • $40 Each week learn something new from amazing word graphics to preparing your own CV.Personal Development 8 weeks Tues 12th Feb • 10am-12.30pm • $40 A support group for women that encourages learning,sharing & inner-growth in a safe & caring environment. fused Glass Jewellery Making Sat TBA • 9.30am-3.30pm • $20 You will learn basic glass fusing techniques, the theory of glass, cutting glass, design and turning your art work into finished jewellery. art Therapy – 6 weeks Mon 4th March • 10am-12pm • $100 For those who want to take a therapeutic journey & gain deeper understanding themselves. Career Planning & Job Search – 6 weeks Mon TBA • 10am-12pm • FREE How do I find a job? How do you put a CV together? Plunket: Post Natal Distress Support Group Thurs 31st January • 10.30am-12.30pm Learn ways to cope survive & thrive. Make new friends & gain strength from other people’s experience. Walking Group Tues TBA • 9.30am – Starting from Women’s Centre on 19th Feb will walk for 30-40 mins. flax Weaving Sat 16th March • 9.30am-3pm • $20 Would you like to learn how to create art from this versatile natural resource? Stone Sculpture Workshop Sat TBA • 9.30am-3.30pm • $20 After an introduction to this concrete-based material and sculpturing women will experiment and create their own piece of art.

SeniorNet Warkworththe place where you acquire computer skills

We offer courses for PCs, Apple Mac, IPads and Tablets from absolute beginners to advanced users.

If you cannot attend but wish to get further information contact our course co-ordinator on 422 3728

www.seniornetwarkworth.org.nz

Come to our Open Day Tuesday 22nd January, 2.30pm - 4.30pm

at 3 Matakana Road, Warkworth and learn more about us.

ALL ABOUT LEARNING

opportunity knocksA new Trees for Survival programme at Ahuroa School is teaching students to care not just for plants, but for the environment, and giving them the practical skills to go about it.At the same time, it will help local landowners revegetate erosion prone land, improve stream flow and water quality, provide shade for stock along planted margins and increase biodiversity while improving productivity.Teacher Nik Massey says groups of students from years one to eight elect to work on the project for around an hour-and-a-half a week, growing 1500 tiny native seedlings from about 15mm high until they’re ready for planting out.Thanks to sponsors, local farm Streamland Suffolks and Leslie Officer of Future Presence, the scheme is at no cost to the school. Trees for Survival supplies everything required, from an 8 to 10m netting-enclosed growing table to a watering timer, compost, bags and plants. Streamland Suffolks’ Karyn Maddren says it is one of a few schemes available to assist private land owners. Her farm will be one of the first to receive initial plantings, which will both stabilise erosion and enhance a waterway, encouraging birds and wildlife, contributing to a wider plan to link

Growing trend catches on

plant corridors to the Araparera River. The programme will also go on to help others in the future.Karyn will help teachers to oversee the project’s implementation.“The more we can teach kids about trees and the environment, the better for everyone,” she says.It’s anticipated the native plants will be ready for planting next autumn, when the whole school is likely to be involved in a planting day.Full story at www.localmatters.co.nz

The project is helping to teach students how to tackle environmental issues such as erosion and water pollution, how to handle plants and protect their roots.

Museum raffle winnersCongratulations to the winners of the Warkworth & District Museum’s recent quilt raffle. The winning tickets were – first, ticket 1453 and second, ticket 1044. Authorised by R. Simmons, manager/curator.

Mahurangimatters 16 January 2013 | 21

Where learning and discovery are nurtured by nature

Genuine CareA Warm

Welcome!

Licensed from birth to 5 years

7am-6pm

Early Learning Centre

33 Glenmore Drive, Warkworthwww.natures-nest.co.nz

Phone 425 0511

At kindy, your child will benefit from inviting outdoor areas, rich literary, numeracy and

technology experiences and well resourced environments.

WellsfordHazelmere Street

09 423 8281

Mangawhai36 Insley Street09 431 4333

Snells Beach15 Hamatana Road

09 425 6330

You are invited to visit our local Kindys!

For more information call

0800 4 KINDYor visit our website

www.mykindy.co.nz

Just some of the things our Kindys offer:

• All day and sessional hours• Safe and enriching learning

environments• Qualified and registered

teachers• 20 hours ECE

ALL ABOUT LEARNING

opportunity knocks

The decision to leave your child in the care of others for the first time can cause understandable anxiety for many parents. Kindergarten is suitable for children from the age of two to five years and offers the benefit of supporting children’s learning in a safe and stimulating environment, complementing your child’s learning experiences at home. Parents as first ‘teachers’ influence what a child’s working knowledge and experiences are of the world around them. Supporting children’s learning in this way makes a big difference to the way they develop and go on to learn throughout their lives.Tips to remember if you are planning to start your child at kindergarten: y Think about what’s important for you and your family – choose a kindergarten that you feel shares your values and meets your needs. Ask plenty of questions, nothing is too trivial!

y Talk with your child from a very young age – learning to communicate with others and express themselves is an important skill.

y Encourage independence early – children need to experience a variety of social settings to gain the confidence and self-esteem required to establish new relationships

y Role model appropriate behaviour and language – social competencies like empathy, fairness, respect and valuing the opinions of others are learnt by experiences

y Always be honest – children learn quickly to doubt what you say if you don’t always follow through. This is especially important when you leave your child for the first few times as they need to trust and be assured that you will be back later and that they will be fine without you. Don’t sneak off and leave without saying anything.

y Children will benefit from talking about their new learning environment with you and your family – take them with you when you visit, spend the time to help them to become familiar with the centre’s regular routines and teachers so they can gain a real sense of belonging.

For more tips on preparing your child for school, go to localmatters.co.nz

Warkworth

Early Childhood Education Centre

Mon-Fri 8.30am-3.30pm & Open School Holidays

warkworthkindy@xtra.co.nzPhone 09 425 9581 Office 09 425 9572

20 ECE Hours • Licensed for 2½ - 5 year oldsReggio Emilia inspired setting

Warkworth CBD Location

Term 1 starts Monday 14th January 2013Term 2 new enrolments welcome

“Every journey has a beginning”

www.warkworthkindergarten.co.nz

Whitaker Road

Nevill

e St

reet

Mill Lane

Hexham St

Morpeth St

Church Hill

Brow

n Ro

ad S

H1

1

WE ARE HERE

Perc

y St

Simple steps help prepare toddlers for school transitionBy Jeanine Gravatt, Director, Warkworth Kindergarten

| Mahurangimatters 16 January 201322

ENROLMENTS• Supportive environment • Individual attention

• Proven programmeWe have vacancies for enrolment at all levels - primary & secondary

09 423 7727 | www.livingway.co.nz

Living WayCHRISTIAN SCHOOL

TAKING ENROLMENTS NOWPhone 425 7096

Email: mahurangi@naka.co.nz13 Albert Road, Warkworth

Warkworth’s only public kindergartenA member of the

Northern Auckland Kindergarten Association

Opens for term 1 - Tuesday 29th January 2013

You Choose!Automotive, Hospitality, Office Admin?

Spend half the week in the classroom and half in the work place of your choice.

28 week courses that let YOU choose where you want to be!Automotive, Hospitality or Computing

Hands-on courses that get you a National Certificate.Call Lynn for 2013 enrolment information

09 425 8493Check us out www.mti.net.nz

Shop 6 River View PlazaTues-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-12pm

Phone 09 425 9673

Clothing AlterationsSchool Uniform

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ALL ABOUT LEARNING

The Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre will offer two programmes within Rodney this year.Working from bases around Warkworth, Helensville and Silverdale, Taratahi’s first students will start their programme on February 11. The Introduction to Farming Programme is a certificate which will allow students to gain a range of skills such as quad bikes, tractors, chainsaws, fencing and handling livestock. This free 23-week programme is open to 16 and 17 year olds who are keen to gain an entry level qualification. The other programme on offer is the National Certificate in Farming Skills (Work Ready), which is open to all age groups. Karl Stevens, who will be tutoring from a base at a Matakana dairy farm, says the course is a great opportunity for local students.“This programme has been running in Northland for a year and already 80 percent of students who undertook it have got good farming jobs,” he says.“We are positive the same will happen here in Rodney, especially with the focus on not only milking on the dairy farm, but understanding the whole farming operation.”Taratahi chief executive Donovan Wearing says there is strong demand

Tutor Karl Stevens teaching fencing best practise to a student.

from the Rodney district for relevant, practical training in agriculture.“We are looking forward to allowing locals to stay in the region and still be able to gain great skills,” he says. Taratahi, which is based in Masterton, has been training Kiwis in agriculture for 93 years. Its philosophy of ‘real farming on real farms’ means students gain agricultural skills in real life environments on local farms. Info: Ceres Sharp on 0800 463 276 or visit www.taratahi.ac.nz

opportunity knocksAgricultural training on offer

Mahurangimatters 16 January 2013 | 23

YOU CAN BE FIRST TOO!First to hatch New Zealand Eels!

First to hatch the Giant Bully!First to hatch the Whitebait species – Giant Kokopu!

First in New Zealand to deliver an Aquaculture qualification!

You can obtain a first class qualification at NZ’s only tertiary education provider that is also a

licensed fish farm & hatchery

Call Lynn now for enrolment information09 425 8493

0800 DONT SINK www.mti.net.nz

Mahurangi Technical Institute:

The Certificate in Aquatic Studies starts Feb 2013

Enrol now for February 2013Courses available at a variety of sites in your area:

Agriculture (General Farm Skills) Horticulture (Levels 2 - 5)

Occupational Health and Safety Mäori Studies (Te Reo)

Forestry (Foundation and Operations)

For further information 0800 162 100www.northtec.ac.nz

See our website for Terms and Conditions

Study close to home

Create your future with NorthTec

Tou iwi, tou wanangaYour people, your place

---

ALL ABOUT LEARNING

opportunity knocks

A course in vocational studies will be offered in Wellsford for the first time this year.The NorthTec course will give students over the age of 16 a second chance at getting some life skills with a focus on horticulture and agriculture. The programme is for young people who didn’t complete their secondary school education and it will provide the necessary skills to be able to enrol in trade level qualifications. The programme contains various theory and practical components, with a focus on literacy and numeracy. Students can expect to learn how to grow kai for whānau, traditional Māori gardening techniques, farm fencing, computer skills, small concreting tasks and CV writing. Learning will be based at the Coast to Coast PHO site in School Road, starting on February 25, and runs three days a week from 9am to 3pm.In addition, NorthTec has been running programmes in horticulture and sustainable rural development from Te Herenga Waka O Orewa in Silverdale for a number of years and these will continue this year.Tutor Fraser Campbell is running a National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3 – Organic Strand) and a

Hands on learning is part of the new vocational studies programme on offer in Wellsford.

NorthTec course gives early school leavers second chance

Certificate in Sustainable Rural Development (Level 3) starting in semester one and a Certificate in Sustainable Rural Development (Level 2) starting in semester two. The National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) has had an overhaul and is now a year-long programme and covers topics such as permaculture, organic horticulture, budding and grafting, interpreting weather, weeds and other pests and Growsafe certification. The sustainable rural development offers subjects such as plant propagation, food processing, building tasks and practical projects.