The Oak Tree Times
11 September 2015
11 September 2015
Queen Mary Chisolm Ward Upgrade
By Grace Robinson and Kyra Carter
Recently a proposal has been made to
upgrade the Queen Mary Chisolm Ward into
a European Style Spa.
Justine Rutherford, Hanmer Springs Thermal
Pools and Spa Human Resources Manager
said, “ We would like Hammer to be known
as the fabulous Alpine Spa Village. We
believe that spas are a critical part of Hanmer
Springs so our aim is to create a luxury spa.
There will be pools, massages and steam
rooms to create a wonderful escape for people
to relax.”
An artists impression of the new development
Hanmer resident Jonathan Gardiner went to a local meeting about the Queen Mary Chrisom Ward upgrade. “There
were around 60 people at the meeting and they were mainly locals. I think it’s a great idea for the town. Most of the
people at the meeting were in support of the idea”.
The proposal has just been sent out so it is uncertain when the project will be finished. It will be a 15 million dollar
project. (Continued on page 2)
POTHOLE MADNESS
Flu Hits Hanmer Hard
By Josh Parker and Sam Pool
By John Jackson and Lucas Smith
The potholes behind the Four Square and in
Fraser Close have been upsetting people in the
village.
Over the last 2 months Hanmer Springs has been
hit hard by the flu.
The influenza or flu is a virus that attacks the
respiratory system and can be life threatening for
the young and old.
The local medical centre has given out around
200 vaccinations.
Nurse Heather Pool said, "We
gave out a lot of vaccinations but
it still wasn't enough because the
flu got to the community. Most
people aged between 1 and 50
were hit the hardest but most
people older than 50 got
vaccinated.”
The flu is spread through
sneezing coughing and touching. Some
symptoms are increase in temperature, body
aches and pains, runny nose, coughing, and
sneezing, shortness of breath.
So last month Jason James, Steve Carter and
Ben Reid took the problem into their own
hands filling in the potholes down Fraser Close,
as a temporary measure.
Debbie McCabe, Manager of Tree Bears Preschool said, “The potholes are dangerous to
people who crossing the road and to people
who are driving when it’s snowing or raining
because people can’t see them.”
Jason James said, “It will probably cost around
$21,000 to permanently fix the road.”
Whilst the best solution would be for the road
to be permanently fixed, the residents who use
the road have created a good temporary fix.
!
PAGE 1
The Oak Tree Times
11 September 2015
Queen Mary Chisolm Ward Upgrade (continued from page 1)
A few locals around the town were asked, “Have you heard about the Queen Mary Chisholm ward upgrade
and what do you think about it?
“Mikhal from Flavors
Fudge Shop said,
“It’s something good
to do with the
building and its part
of Hammer’s
history.”
Cheryll from the Four Square
said, “It would be better to be
closer to the pools. It would
also be better to be changed
into a rest home for the
elderly so the nice gardens
could stay”.
Bridget and Lisa from
“Up The Garden
Path” explained that
“It’s exciting and just
what Hammer needs
and its good the
building is going to be
used”.
Sarah from the Log Cabin
said, “ I have heard about it
and I think it’s great the
building is going to be put to
use”.
Stop the Rocks
By Avril Paea and Christa Lamont
The Hurunui District Council has asked local Hanmer
residents to take the rocks off the lawns outside their
properties.
Naomi Woodham from the Hurunui District Council said
the risk was that if someone is biking along the road and
fell off, they could land on a rock instead of landing on the
grass and cause them an injury. “Another risk is that if a
car has to pull over in a hurry and they hit rock that could
damage the car.”
She said there was also the potential for people to trip over
the rocks if they are buried under snow.
Local resident Denis Thomson has rocks outside his
property and says they are there to stop people parking on
the lawn. He said it was a particular problem when
parents came to pick up their kids from school as they park
on his lawn and, especially in winter, it gets messed up.
Jane Gillard also has rocks and says it because the ground
slopes toward the footpath. “The rocks are like a retaining
wall as it stops all the mud and dirt from sliding on to the
footpath and it makes the footpath look really tidy.”
Gordon Simpson, owner of Boutique Gardens, said the
rocks stop people parking on his lawn which means he can
mow it. Gordon says the council expects the homeowner
to mow the lawn but on Saturdays there could be half-adozen cars parked on it so he couldn’t mow it.
If the rocks were taken away it would make it a lot safer
but cars would be able to park on people's lawns and mess
them up.
!
Rocks outside a property in Harrogate Street
PAGE 2
The Oak Tree Times
11 September 2015
Profile:Debby Moody
Debbie Moody recently won an award for Fundraiser of the Year. After
being nominated she was selected as a regional finalist!
What do you do for a living?
I own my own business called “AMAZING DAYS”. I plan conferences,
events and meetings which include weddings, and travel around the
country visiting corporate businesses and attending trade shows to
encourage people to travel to Hanmer Springs for their event. I am also a
marriage celebrant. Amazing Days also manages the Hanmer Events
Community Trust which includes four outdoor events that bring people in
the village to participate in MTB racing, Half Marathon, Marathon, 10km
and 5km races plus the Bivouac Outdoor Mt Isobel Challenge which is a
duathlon.
Why do you do this?
Because I love people and believe Hanmer Springs is the most beautiful part of New Zealand.
What are your hobbies?
Community activities, dancing, art, sewing, family, friends, socializing.
What is your greatest fear?
Letting people down.
What is your greatest achievement in life?
Having a wonderful husband and 5 gorgeous
children and amazing grandchildren.
Can you tell us about your recent award?
I feel excited yet humbled about being nominated
for Pride of NZ (2015) – Fundraiser of the Year.
After being nominated I was selected as a
regional finalist. From there I was named as the
regional winner (SI), for Fundraiser of the Year
and will now travel to Auckland for the New
Zealand awards. I was overwhelmed to be
nominated as fundraising and community support
is something I have done all my life. I love helping
others. I would love to be voted the People’s
Choice in the awards as there is a $10,000 prize
to be donated to the charities of my choice.
What other jobs have you had?
I left school and was a touch typist at Bonus
Bonds, following this I moved to Christchurch and
continued to work in the Post Office in supply
branch, I became a computer operator with the
very first head office of Noel Leeming in 1984.
After this I worked as a secretary in a jewellery
manufacturing company before starting a
business in antique jewellery, coins, and
banknotes. Following this I was a real estate
agent then became a bank manager with the BNZ
in 2000.
In 2006 I chose to move to Hanmer Springs
because of the lovely clean air.
During all my life I have been involved with lots of
community activities including Toastmasters,
Halswell Drama, and of course in Hanmer Springs
I am a volunteer with the St John Ambulance.
PAGE 3
The Oak Tree Times
11 September 2015
Amuri Lions Speech Competition
By Ryan Lynch and Jem Anderson-Gardner
On Tuesday 25th of August,
four senior students from
Hanmer springs school
participated in the Amuri
Lions speech competition.
Hanmer Springs School was
competing against several
Left to Right; Jem Anderson-Gardner, Esmè Hewitt, Christa Lamont, Kyra Carter.
other schools from the
Hurunui district. There were three themes, one for each year group. Years 7 and 8's theme was ' If I
was the principal of my school this is how it would be'. The year 9 and 10's theme was 'What should
the new flag symbolize?' and the year 11, 12 and 13's theme was 'Why was the book better than the
movie?'.
Hanmer contestants, Esmè Hewitt said her favourite part was hearing all the other kids say there
speech especially the older kids.
"I felt pretty nervous because it was really stuffy on the stage."
Hanmer Springs school principal, Brendan Wright said," I think they did a fantastic job. I mean it's
not an easy thing to write and present a speech". Every student that entered received a certificate
for participation.
Take a trip to the Glaciers and
stay at the…
Rainforest Motel
Fox Glacier
12 Spacious en-suite units, including large
2 bedrooms with full kitchens.
Great views towards the mountains from the rooms and
the large grounds.
Free wi-fi and
great discounted
rates for any
families who
have children at
Hanmer Springs
Primary School!
Great friendly
local knowledge
on all attractions.
Rainforest Motel
15 Cook Flat Road
03 7510140 | [email protected]
www.rainforestmotel.co.nz
Fox Glacier
By Emily Hodges
Fox Glacier is a great place to go on
holiday! There is a stunning Glacier.
In Fox Glacier there is a pretty walk
around Lake Matheson, famous for its
mirror views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
It takes about 60 minutes return. There is
also a great cafe for when you have
finished the walk. Lake Matheson is one of
the most photographed lakes in New
Zealand!
As well as Lake Matheson there is the
amazing Glacier that attracts tourists from
all over the world! It is currently retreating,
but it is still great to see.
There are great deals on helicopter flights
and skydiving if you want some
excitement. If you want a challenge try
climbing Mount Fox. It is about as high as
Mount Isobel and at the top there are
stunning views of the southern alps,
including Mount Cook and the Glacier.
PAGE 4
The Oak Tree Times
Netball Prize Giving
By Hope Anderson-Gardner and Jana Al-Rousan
On Tuesday 1st of September Hanmer Springs
Netball Club had their prize giving at the Sports
Pavilion.
Trophies and certificates were given out to all
the netball teams from Future Ferns to the
Seniors. Congratulations to the senior team who
won the Hurunui division.
Club President Nadine Cuff said, “We have lots
of parents involved in the netball club they
range from four different teams, we have the
Fun Fern team and all their parents,Future Ferns
team and the primary team and we’ve got the
seniors so we have a wide variety of people
involved.”
The dinner was served by the Garden House
Cafe team. It included a special surprise for the
children - a blue cookie monster cupcake.
Kate McCully, Grace Robinson and Payton
Wilson from the Primary C team won trophies
Kate McCully said she was really happy to get
the trophy for being a good role model and for
respecting people. She enjoyed the dinner. “It
was good and I liked the selection of food on the
table.”
11 September 2015
Grum Goes Global
By William Henderson and George
McRae.
On Wednesday May 28th 2014
Graham Frith left for his
amazing adventure to bike
around the world, to raise money
for Canteen. The students at Hanmer
SpringsPrimary School regularly talk to Grum
on Skype.
Grum says he chose to travel because he used
to be a teacher and he wanted to getaway from
the children and go on an adventure.
“Every one has a dream and I want to achieve
mine,” said Grum.
When asked why he decided to support
Canteen he said he had a young friend who
died of cancer at the age of nineteens.
“His name was Ben. I had known him since a
baby. Canteen does wonderful work. When
you have cancer it’s really hard and Canteen
helps them get thorough that.
To follow Grum’s great mission go to
grumgoesglobal.com
PAGE 5
The Oak Tree Times
11 September 2015
Kapahaka
By Bronson Keepa and Zak Hill
Every Thursday afternoon D Keepa comes to Hanmer
Springs School to teach kapahaka with Miss Mackenzie
and Mr Wright.
D has been teaching Kapahaka since 2012 and says he
teaches it because it's fun and part of his culture. "The
hardest part about Kapahaka is making the kids listen,”
said D.
John Jackson, 12, is our Kapahaka caller (Kaia). He was
chosen because his tribe is Ngai Tahu.
"I like Kapahaka because you can shout and scream and
it's really fun! It's also part of my culture," said John.
He says the hardest part about being caller is the
expectations, knowing that everyone is looking up to
him and if he makes a mistake everyone else will too.
He says he likes how most of the kids listen.
At the start the kapahaka group do a Karakia (Maori
prayer) and a voice warm up. They stand in a diamond,
boys on the outside girls on the inside.
The Haka and songs they do are the Hanmer Haka,
Utaina, Taniwha and mountain to the sea. The Haka he
will be teaching next is a boys Haka.
Kapahaka Kaia, John Jackson
Book Review:The Forest Of Hands And Teeth.
By Carrie Ryan
Review By Lily Burke
“The Forest of Hands and Teeth” is a highly recommended book. It is
zombie related which, in the book, are called Unconsecrated. It’s a book
about a teenage girl called Mary and they live in a village surrounded by
metal fences to protect them from the Unconsecrated and the forest. The
sisterhood are very protective and half evil but nobody knows that.
I think that this book would be suitable for mostly boys that like zombies
and girls of course. Age wise it is about 8 and up, but if you get nightmares
don’t even bother reading this book.
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The Oak Tree Times
RIDDLES
by Ananya Chrispin
Q1. We hurt without moving, we poison without
touching, we bear the truth and the lies. We are
not to judged by our size. Who are we?
Q2. A monkey, a tiger,a bird, who will reach the
banana first which is on the coconut tree?
Q3. When is homework not homework?
Q4. What building have most stories?
Last Editions Answers
A1. A book keeper.
A2. Cent,Scent and Sent.
A3. Balance.
A4. The letter ‘x’. It is the 24th letter in abc
in XX in roman numerals is 20. XXX is a label
used for movies which are inappropriate
(unclean).
11 September 2015
Book Review: Maximum Ride
By James Patterson
Review By Lucas Smith
“Maximum ride” is a very interesting book about six
kids, Max, Iggy, Fang, Angel, Gazman and Nudge
who aren't your everyday children. They are 98%
human and 2% bird.The flock is being hunted by evil
scientists who want to sell them as weapons.While on
their adventure they learn about the by half plan. A
plan to reduce the earths
population by half. So they
go on a quest to save the
world. But also they are
developing powers on their
own. This is the first young
adult book by James
Patterson.Will the flock
manage to save the world?
Will they stop being hunted?
Find out in maximum ride.
www.maximumride.co.uk
www.jamespatterson.com
Answers will be in the next edition of The Oak Tree
Times
Advice Versa
Dear Agony Aunt,
I was playing a game of soccer and we were sorting out teams I was the only one left and my friends said: “Go
away you’re not a good soccer player.” And they poked their tongues out at me.
From Upset
Dear Upset
Try telling your friends that you really
like playing soccer and that you want to
play with them again and that if
someone said “your not good at soccer
how would you feel”.
Dear Agony Aunt,
My friends have kicked me out the
group. I’ve tried telling them that I
would like to play with them but they
run away from me.
From Sadness
Dear Sadness,
Ask why they’re running away from
you and how they would feel if
everyone was running away from them?
PAGE 7
The Oak Tree Times
11 September 2015
The Hanmer Way Word Find
Extra points for hidden words.
Book Review: Matilda
By Roald Dahl
Review By Samantha Ford
Matilda is a great book about a little girl who goes to the library every week.
Matilda’s life is miserable because her parents don’t care for her. They care for
TV and not books but Matilda loves reading books. She could read all day long
if she was allowed to.
Matilda is incredibly smart. She can outsmart her parents and teachers. It’s
funny when Matilda glues her father’s hat on his head .
Then something happened - the most happy thing in her life…….. READ THE
BOOK TO FIND OUT.
If you are a person that likes a sad story then with a happy ending’ then this is
the book for you.
The author is Roald Dahl and he has written lots of books like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “The
Twits”. Matilda won a “Childrens book award” in 1988.
This publication was written and published by the Senior Students of Hanmer Springs Primary School. If you
have any news tips or stories, please email us at [email protected] or phone 315 7208
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