Talented sixteen–year old Invercargill racing driver, Alex Crosbie, has won the 2023 NAPA Auto Parts New Zealand Formula Ford Championship.It is the second year in succession that Crosbie has won the title, a rare feat.  Crosbie, a Year 12 student at Southland Boys High School, sealed the title at Euromarque Motorsport Park at Ruapuna in Christchurch on Sunday. Crosbie had topped the timesheets in testing at the circuit on Friday and then grabbed pole position in qualifying the following morning.Two races were held in mixed weather conditions on Saturday afternoon and Crosbie said later he “didn’t quite have the car set up for the conditions.”Nevertheless, he brought his Ray GR21 home in second place in the opening race before a tenth placing after an off-course excursion in the second outing.Crosbie had built a 2 second lead before a safety car intervention in that race and went off at the first corner after the restart, an incident he described at the time as “gutting.” He went into the first of Sunday’s two races with the goal of a strong finish and after a huge battle with Canterbury based rivals William Neale and Blake Knowles, he finished second, a result that sealed his second consecutive New Zealand Formula Ford Championship. With the championship secured he then won the final race.   The championship had begun at Hampton Downs in North Waikato in February where Crosbie compiled results of second, first, and then thirteenth after a last lap incident while leading, to leave round one with a precious one-point championship lead.The following weekend at Taupo, Crosbie was unbeatable, winning five races from five, increasing his points lead to 99 points and securing the prestigious Ron Frost Trophy. The action then headed to Crosbie’s home track of Teretonga Park in Invercargill where, ironically, he had his toughest weekend of the season.A broken throttle cable resulted in retirement from the first of four races and put him on the back foot for the weekend.He fought back to record finishes of third, sixth and fourth the following day to leave with his championship lead reduced but still intact as he headed to this weekend’s final round.Crosbie also took Class 1 in the championship and finished runner-up to Knowles in the South Island Championship of which this weekend was also the final round. Last year he was third in that championship.Alex said he was “very happy” with the season and thanked his Mum and Dad for their support along with Motorsport Solutions, NAPA Auto Parts and the Hampton Downs Motorsport Academy for their support of the series.”Crosbie’s also thanked his many sponsors for their support.His motor racing efforts are supported by Rodin Cars, Invercargill Oil Shop, Stresscrete Southland Limited, Four Square Otatara, Kiwi Skips, Motorsport Solutions NZ Ltd, Macaulay Motors and Easy Steel Invercargill 

Greater accuracy across the game propelled Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic to a hard-fought 54-49 win over a plucky Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in Invercargill on Saturday. Clinching a thrilling extra-time one-goal win last week, the Magic made it a second straight win but facing a rejuvenated Steel, the visitors were forced into a 60-minute grind before pocketing the points. Returning to their southern base for a first home match after four straight losses on the road, the Steel, who are rebounding from a tough injury toll, showed large doses of their renowned resilience, patience and dogged determination in a closely-fought tussle. In a terrific shooting display, superior accuracy eventually sealed the deal for the Magic but the Steel did enough to secure a bonus point, courtesy of finishing within five to post their first points of the season. Building on her playing minutes since returning from injury, Saviour Tui got her first start of the season, slotting in under the hoop at goal shoot while rising midcourt talent Ivari Christie got the second start of her young career. The Magic stuck with the side that served them so well last week with wing defence Charlotte Elley, a new recruit this season, lining up in her 100th national league appearance.With a couple of lead changes through the first quarter, both teams delivered solid outcomes in the opening exchanges.With her strength in the air, strong hands and accuracy, Tui made an encouraging start for the home side while combining effectively with her shooting partner Georgia Heffernan.At the other end, the experienced shooting combination of Bailey Mes and Ameliaranne Ekenasio were seamless in converting all their attempts, helping the Magic slip into the first break with a 14-12 lead.Image: Michael Bradley PhotographyThe second stanza followed a similar pattern, the defensive hustle of Kate Burley helping the Steel level up the scores. Neither team were able to make a decisive move, the nip and tuck continuing, with both sides enjoying some memorable standards of play.Tui continued to impress under the Steel hoop but came under increasing pressure from the tall figure of Erena Mikaere who provided a disruptive and effective resistance.At the other end, Ekenasio and Mes fronted as a seamless shooting duo, their connection and chemistry in working the circle was pin-point perfect. The positioning of Mes was a particular highlight, the pair helping keep the Magic’s noses in front.A late push gave the Magic some breathing space when leading 28-24 at the main break, Mes returning an impressive 16 from 16 shots.Eseta Autagavaia took over from Tui on the resumption as the Magic, on occasion, threatened to pull away but the Steel refused to buckle.The hosts scored the first two and from there, both sides continued to execute exciting passages of play in an ever-absorbing contesting.In-circle defender Courtney Elliott was introduced for the southerners, in her 50th outing, as the impasse remained with neither side able to gain the decisive game-changing moment.In a bid to pressure more turnovers, Claire Kersten moved from centre to wing defence for the Magic while Georgie Edgecombe came off the bench to centre.Having the better of the third spell, in which they surpassed their highest score of the season to date, the Steel continued to apply the heat.However, the Magic remained steadfast in clutching on to a two-goal advantage when going to the last turn with a 40-38, leaving the contest up in the air for an exciting run home. 

Invercargill's rates could rise by more than the planned 5.05% this year, according to the Invercargill City Council (ICC).An ICC 2023/24 draft annual plan update, which outlines what Council plans to spend on projects, including the new museum, and day-to-day services, now forecasts a probable rates rise of 5.5%.ICC Mayor Nobby Clark said the council was aware the community was being greatly affected by rising costs of living and council was focused on keeping a rates increase to a minimum.“As a community we’re going to face some difficult decisions to bring the budget back into balance next year in the Long-term plan.”The rates rise would mean an average increase of $145, or $2.78 per week, for Invercargill residential ratepayers, Clark said.Council acting Group Manager Finance and Assurance Patricia Christie said savings of almost a million dollars have been found, however these had to be offset against increases in delivery costs linked to inflation, interest rates and depreciation.Depreciation refers to the funds Council needs to put aside each year to pay to replace infrastructure as it ages,” she said.“Depreciation is one of the biggest challenges we have faced this year. The value of all our infrastructure has risen which has significantly increased depreciation costs.”Figures are subject to change over the next three months as new information becomes available ahead of the final plan being presented to Council for adoption in June, Christie said.“We know that many in our community are finding it hard, and there are ways that Council can help,” she said.The Government’s rates rebate scheme is available to low income-earners. Council also has rates remission and postponement policies and is in contact with other support agencies, she said.“If you have trouble paying your rates please get in touch with us early,” Christie said.Council Manager Strategy & Policy, Rhiannon Suter said that there was no public consultation around the Draft Annual Plan, but people can still let Council know their feedback online at letstalk.icc.govt.nzThe 2023/2024 Draft Annual Plan Update was to be presented to Council next week.

Invercargill Police have made further arrests relating to the alleged ram raid style burglary of the Pomona St Discount and Vape store on 14 March.Search warrants this week have resulted in a 17-year-old man and a 24-year-old man being arrested and charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle in relation to the incident. The 24-year-old male has also been charged with aggravated robbery in relation to an alleged robbery at the Centre St Discount store on the 26 June 2022. \He was due to appear in Invercargill District Court today (24 Mar). A 14-year-old youth had earlier been charged with burglary and unlawful takes motor vehicle.Police said investigations into two burglaries of commercial premises in Invercargill and a rural burglary at Wilsons Crossing have resulted in the arrests of a 31-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man, who have been charged in relation to the burglaries and were also due to appear in Invercargill District Court today (24 Mar).

Seven of New Zealand’s strongest men and women will meet in Te Anau this Easter weekend to go head-to-head in an invitational Highland Games showdown.The elite event, sponsored by PR Law, is a new addition to the Te Anau Tartan Festival programme, aimed to provide an exciting spectacle and complement the already popular family-friendly have-a-go highland games.Festival convenor Kirsty Pickett said four men and three women had accepted the invitation and, collectively, they boasted some impressive credentials.The line-up includes Ashburton’s Craig Manson – a two times New Zealand Highland Games Champion and current Australian champion who can also lay claim to being the New Zealand gumboot throwing champion.Danny ‘Cage’ Devine, from Kurow, has been a formidable competitor on the highland games circuit for several years but reckons he’d have retired were he not always talked back into just one more competition.Attesting to his strength, he was reluctantly thrust into the limelight back in 2004 as the shepherd who carried the merino “Shrek” from the hill he’d been hiding out on, successfully avoiding muster – and thus shearing – for six years. At 80kg Shrek was “heavy for a sheep but light for me”.Local hopes will rest with Invercargill’s Callum McConachy, recently crowned Murihiku’s Strongest Man. A former New Zealand decathlon representative, McConachy placed 5th in his first outing at the Waipu Highland Games. He was runner-up New Zealand Highland Games champion in 2021.The underdog for the event is Dylan Kawana-Waugh. Although he competed in some highland games in his youth, including winning the under-19 championship at the Turakina Highland Games, the 30-year-old is a relative newcomer to heavyweight events, having only joined the gym a little over a year ago.The women’s competition features Christchurch’s Amy Ferris who comes from a powerlifting and strongman background and is already featuring prominently at national level in highland games.Canterbury strongwoman Amy Ferris will be lining up against two other women in a special elite highland heavyweight competition at this year's Te Anau Tartan Festival. Photo: SuppliedAmerican Lindsey Crazy Wolf, who now calls Gore home, has competed on the Colorado and New Mexico circuit and last year placed 3rd in the Oceania Championship while, the Masters weightlifting record holder but a relative newcomer to highland games, Karen Ladbrook, from Greenhills, rounds out the trio.Unlike the family-friendly have-a-go event that the Tartan Festival is known for, the invitational competitors will use championship-grade weights and equipment.This means the cabers they toss will be between 5m and 6m long, while the farmer’s walk will see them carrying upwards of 65kg in each hand.Two highland games disciplines not previously seen at Te Anau – the stone put and weight over bar – will also be added for the elite competitors.Fiordland Vintage Machinery member Doug Ramsay hard at work crafting logs into 6 metre highland cabers for this year's festival. Photo: Southland AppPickett said sourcing the appropriate equipment had been made possible thanks to advice from the Hororata Highland Games organisers, and the hard graft of members of the Fiordland Vintage Machinery Club who had stepped up to make the cabers and weights that will be used in the competition.“It’s been amazing the way the club members have so enthusiastically adopted this project. They have spent hours and hours down there, scraping bark off logs, sanding, cutting, weighing and measuring. We’re so grateful for their support,” she said.The invitational heavyweight event will be a key component of the Te Anau Tartan Festival, staged alongside the have-a-go highland games on Saturday 8th April.It boosts an already exciting programme, which features two exclusive performances of the Highland Dance Company of New Zealand’s Heart of the Highlands show just a week before they leave for performances in Virginia, USA.Further information about the festival, show tickets, and entry details for the have-a-go competition can be found at the festival website: www.teanautartanfestival.co.nz

-In Term 4 2022 the students from Lumsden School studied New Zealand history.As part of this learning, they investigated their own family history and connections.Many students were very excited to talk to parents and grandparents and learn about their family history and heritage.Jamelia came into the principal’s office several times in the morning because she was excited to share the news of what she had learned the previous night.She has Māori family and European family links.I asked Jahmelia recently how she felt when she looked at the mural.“I feel proud of our school because it shows how much we care about our school and our cultures.” Jahmelia C Year 6 points to some of the cultures her family links to.Students were involved in researching images, patterns and symbols associated with different cultures.Students drew up design ideas.These ideas were used to create two overall mural design concepts by our artist Shannon Douglas.One design was a weave pattern with different images and patterns woven together.The other design was a stylised landscape where paddocks showed a variety of images and patterns.Both concept drawings were presented to the students.They voted strongly in favour of the paddock design.All cultures in our current school community are represented in the mural.Māori culture is shown by a Taniwha in the river, koru along the edge of the river and koru patterns in the sky.This signifies the importance of our tangata whenua. Shannon painted the mural over the school holidays.Thanks to Resene for discounting paints.Thanks to Southland District Council for supporting this project via Creative Communities NZ Fund. On Monday 13 February Lumsden School celebrated the mural at our Meet and Greet Family picnic.A mihi whakatau (traditional welcome) for new families on the evening we unveiled the mural and shared a picnic with families. Staff and families enjoyed a relaxed picnic teaInterview with the Artist Shannon DouglasWhat inspired you to become an artist? Being an artist is such a part of who I am, not creating is like not breathing.I can't help myself!  What skills and qualities help you to be so successful with Mural painting? For me, being organised helps a lot- I (or the person who wants the mural) have an idea, I draw a sketch and when I'm happy, I can paint it.That way we can move ideas around before doing the final version .If I don't follow a process, I can get very muddled and end up not happy with the final product.It also helps to be open-minded about trying new things or new ideas- you never know what new trick might make all the difference. What do you like most about the mural at Lumsden School? I love that it is so inclusive, but in a cohesive way- even though we have pieces of everyone in the mural, it fits together so well that you can tell we're a pretty awesome school whānau. What would your advice be for any students who aspire to painting murals when they grow up? Practice, practice, practice.I have a lot of people, grown ups and young people, look at my work and feel frustrated that they're "not as good" as me.But what they don't see is how long it has taken for me to learn and grow, and how many times things haven't worked out how I wanted!It's okay not to get things right the first time.Sometimes, it's just a beautiful accident waiting to happen- so be brave and have a go.  *Also, colour theory is awesome.If you don't know what colour theory is, go look it up! Shannon Douglas and her familyLumsden School Proudly Supported by Harvey Tanks

Gore's new $7.7 million James Cumming Community Centre and Library is set to be officially opened by the Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Kiri Allan, at 1pm tomorrow (24 Mar).The government was a major funder of the Ardwick Street project, contributing $3 million from its Shovel Ready scheme, along with Mataura Valley Milk who donated $958,000.The town's original library was closed in 2019 after black mould and asbestos was found.It has since occupied both the former James Cumming Wing and the New Life Church.The library is expected to open for business on Monday (27 Mar).Official opening: 1pm, Ardwick Street, Gore

Southland sheep and beef farmer Geoffrey Young has toppled sitting Beef+Lamb director and current chair Andrew Morrison, to be elected to the Beef and Lamb New Zealand board (B+LNZ).Young received 8,777 weighted votes to Morrison's 6,787 in the B+LNZ Southern South Island election held on 22 March.The southern electorate covers Southland and the Clutha District.There was a 36% turnout.Young was also a candidate the Southland District mayor elections held in October last year.

Big Glory Bay Salmon has been awarded a gold medal at the 2023 Outstanding New Zealand Food Producer Awards held last Thursday (16 Mar).Sandford Group Marketing Manager, Emma Croft said she was ecstatic that their first ever fresh salmon retail product had been recognised like this."It was amazing to have the efforts of the entire team - farmers, supply chain, factory and all the way through to marketing - be recognised for all the over and above efforts we go to, to make our business sustainable and provide outstanding food. It’s so meaningful to us,” she said.Judges described the Big Glory Salmon king salmon entry as “Very clean, sweet flavour. Fine texture and delicious”The seafood packs have only recently been launched into New Zealand supermarkets.Big Glory Bay was opened in 1993, and at 47˚ south, is considered one of the most remote aquaculture farms in the world.

Two of Southland's three councils have now lifted their various water restrictions following rising river and soil moisture levels.Invercargill City Council (ICC) and Southland District Council (SDC) both lifted their restrictions on Tuesday (21 Mar), leaving just Gore District Council with bans still in place.ICC Group Manager Infrastructure Erin Moogan said she was pleased to remove water restrictions after such a dry summer and thanked the community for their patience and cooperation.Southland District Council (SDC) also lifted its sprinkler ban on Tuesday.In a social media statement SDC said Recent rainfall has eased pressure on the council's water treatment plants and they are now producing enough water to supply consumers.GDC remains the only council to retain water restrictions, with Gore and Mataura still at level three restrictions.

New Zealand netball fans will see a familiar face amongst the coaching ranks of Wales Netball at the Netball World Cup (NWC23) in South Africa in July.Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel head coach Reinga Bloxham has been appointed as a specialist coach for the Welsh Feathers, Wales’ national netball team, providing an unrivaled professional development opportunity at the sport’s top echelon.A memorandum of Understanding agreement has now been completed with Netball New Zealand (NNZ), Netball South Zone and Wales Netball.Bloxham is the second New Zealand coach to be assigned a support role with another nation at NWC23, testament to NNZ’s commitment to sharing expertise to benefit the evolution of the sport globally.The appointment brings NNZ’s tally of coaches involved with NWC23 to five, including Silver Ferns coaches Dame Noeline Taurua and Deb Fuller, Fiji Pearls specialist coach Yvette McCausland and Taranaki Netball general Manager Jaqua Pori-Makea-Simpson, who is head coach of Tonga.NNZ national coaching manager Tania Karauria said it was a great opportunity for Bloxham.“It’s fantastic for another ANZ Premiership coach to have this experience on the international stage,” she said.“We’re really grateful to be working with Netball South and Wales Netball to make it happen. I’m excited to see how our kiwi flavour of netball will be infused into the global game.”Bloxham will join the Welsh Feathers coaching ranks at the end of the ANZ Premiership, arriving in Cardiff on June 15. She will support newly appointed head coach Emily Handyside in the final build up for NWC23, to be staged in Cape Town from July 28 to August 6.She described the chance to be involved with the team and its coaching group as “a privilege”.“Observing a World Cup from the outside would be great but to be involved in the preparation, the highs and lows of the World Cup itself and then the debrief process gives me a whole new level of learning and an understanding of what is required for international coaching,” Bloxham said.“I’m looking forward to the challenge of entering a new environment and being able to learn but also share my knowledge and coaching, particularly from a defensive perspective.“Globally it’s an awesome initiative to grow us as coaches and work collaboratively to extend our skills and learn from new experiences and this has to be good for our game.”A valuable High Performance Coach Development opportunity, the NNZ Ako Coaching Initiative is unique in its approach. In Te Ao Maori, the concept of ako means both to teach and to learn. It is underpinned by reciprocal relationships and recognises the knowledge that both coaches bring to learning interactions.The shared vision is that two coaches from two countries will build a strength-based campaign which will optimise the performance of the Welsh Feathers at NWC23, at the same time as developing world class capabilities of a Wales and New Zealand head coach.Key stakeholders acknowledged for their instrumental roles in getting the initiative up and running are NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie, Wales Netball chief executive Vicki Sutton and Netball South Zone chief executive Sonya Fleming.“Reinga deserves this opportunity to coach on the world stage and I’m excited to see the knowledge she will gain from this experience and bring home,” Fleming said.“As an organisation it is important to invest in our staff as we know the positive flow-on effect it has not only for our other netball coaches, but those from a variety of sporting codes. We all have a role to play in the future success of both sport and those guiding our athletes in the high performance arena.”

A recreational boat that slipped it berthing lines during high winds on Monday night (20 Mar) is likely to take 2 weeks to salvage, according to Environment Southland's (ES) regional harbour master and maritime manager Lyndon Cleaver.A Riverton boat remains stranded on mudflats in Jacobs River Estuary. Photo: Dallas TempletonES, along with the boat's insurer and dive salvage experts, visited the site today to establish a salvage plan.Cleaver said there is still no noticeable discharge to the water, but ES would be continuing to monitor the situation closely until the vessel was removed from the water.Another vessel that partially sank at its berth in Riverton Harbour on Monday night, has now been re-floated and recovered from the water, Cleaver said.

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High winds on Monday night (20 Mar) have cause multiple boating accidents in both Riverton and Bluff, according the Environment Southland's (ES) Maritime manager Lyndon Cleaver.A recreational vessel in Riverton Harbour sank after breaking its berthing lines in the high winds on Monday night, before drifting and colliding with the town's bridge.The boat suffered severe damage, but ES advise no diesel was spilled at the time.A Riverton boat sunk after slipping its moorings and hitting the town's bridge following high winds. Photo: Environment SouthlandThe boat remains grounded on the mudflats of Jacobs River Estuary, with the owner and insurance company now working on removing it from the estuary.Another Riverton vessel also partially sank at its berth on Monday night, but was later refloated. And in Bluff a ship broke away from its berth and had to be recovered by South Port tugs.There was also minor oil spill in Bluff as oil was being transferred, but ES report this was quickly dealt with.A yacht also broke its mooring and became grounded at Green Point.Earlier today ES activated a High River Watch on the Oreti, Aparima and Mataura Rivers following heavy rainfall in Southland headwaters overnight (21 Mar).ES will continue to monitor river flows over the next couple of days as the increased flows make their way down the catchments, they said.

Police can now release the name of the woman who died following a fatal crash just after midnight on SH6 near Lochiel, on Saturday 25 February.She was Dorothy Violet Roberts, 75, of Winton.Police arrested a 40-year-old man has been arrested on two drunk driving related charges, and was due to appear in the Invercargill District Court today, 21st March.Two other people were taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Cycling Southland representatives Ruth Whelan and Neil Familton both claimed medals at the Masters Track National Championships in Cambridge last weekend (18-19 Mar).Whelan won gold in the 500m time trial for masters women 45-49, recording a time of 37.746 seconds which was more than three seconds clear of her closest rival.Whelan's win also earned her fastest masters woman in any age group.Whelan also claimed silver in the masters women open sprint, after qualifying with the second fastest time. She sailed through the quarter finals and semi finals without dropping a ride, and claimed the first ride in the best of three gold medal final against the fastest qualifier on the day, Canterbury’s Fiona Bennetts (35-39), however Bennetts managed to come back to claim the next two rides to take out the gold medal.There was another silver medal for Whelan in the masters women team sprint, where she helped her composite team qualify second fastest to go into the gold medal ride against a well-drilled Canterbury squad, with an unfortunate mechanical issue preventing the team from improving on their qualifying time from the morning.Cycling Southland representative Neil Familton. Photo: SuppliedFamilton, riding in the mens 60 to 64 age group, won silver in the individual pursuit, behind a flying Peter Ashworth, who set a new national record on his way to gold. Familton had been the previous record holder in the age group.Familton also claimed a bronze medal in the 500m time trial for his age group.Although Familton said he relished the challenge of racing against younger riders, he was looking forward to moving up an age group at the end of the year and becoming the youngest rider in his new age group. 

-Hedgehope School is a fabulously modern and truly up to date, future focussed environment bursting with resources and wonder.Our student whanau are curious, dazzled and hugely appreciative of our learning spaces and resources that the BOT and PTA tirelessly support. Student efficacy and agency gives powerful voices to students to lead their own interests for learning.This year our overarching theme continues to be Curiosity, students have their own passions, big questions and timelines.Hedgehope’s Forest School involves a weekly adventure to Sherwood Forest, as part of our two year Biodiversity and Regeneration Project.Students have been out and about being adventurous in Southland, talking with experts and local businesses. We have two classes of 36 students that all love to learn!Our students are coached by 4 incredibly talented and inspiring teachers and 2 learning supports.We are a happily connected whanau!We all REACH for Greatness in everything we do!2023 is already jam packed with stimulating learning experiences and opportunities at school and in our wider community and environment.We have already connected and been inspired by Hokonui Runanga for Waitangi day, planning to build mokohi ( Māori rafts), Biodiversity study at Sherwood Forest and the planning of collaborative arts project to carve the Matamata (the "pet" Taniwha of Te Rakitauneke, that created The Hokonui hills) with Jeromy Van Riel.This will lead into a second arts mural project with Stephanie MacDonald in Term 2, with huge thanks to funding from Creatives in Schools Initiative. We have a fabulous working and learning relationship with Josh Sullivan from Enviro Schools and so many of his colleagues from Environment Southland, along with Lloyd Esler, Jesse Bythell, Sarah Thorne, Makarewa Catchment Group.Our students are gaining so much insight into the complex systems and relationships within our natural environment.We are a Silver Enviro School, slowly working towards Green Gold.Students are also being hugely inspired by experts associated with Field Based Stem, Ruud Kleinpaste (The Bug Man) spent another 2 days with us, along with Sam and Hari from The Milkyway.Our students programmed Mars Rovers, went to space and into the International Space Station (using Virtual Reality Headsets) with these two experts that have worked for NASA! Last November Ruud and so many other experts helped us with a 24 hour Bioblitz. The team have also experienced Beach Education with Surf Lifesaving at Oreti Beach and seniors have enjoyed Surfing with Jessica Terrill.The Wonder Project starts today with our new engineer relationship investigating rocket launching.Seniors have taken on Leadership roles around the school with goals and procedures. Over half of our students have taken up the challenge to make their own morning tea and lunch at school daily.The range of fresh healthy food and engagement to create from our garden is exciting to watch.The added bonus is less morning stress at home, less rubbish and less food waste.This also gives an opportunity to budget and portion control.It's a win all round!You may well be wondering how we fit in Curriculum subjects and classroom teaching and learning time.Everything we do is integrated, students have a powerful voice that is led by their interests and needs, our teaching team's task is to explicitly make the links with students, provide extension so that we develop highly curious, flexible, literate and numerate critical thinkers and problem solvers, that are full of empathy for collaboration or independence.Hedgehope Schools vision: Inspire students to be curious to discover, explore and actively engage in their dynamic learning community.We are a happy little school with a huge heart.We believe that anything is possible with effort and a big dream.Hedgehope School proudly supported by Classic Kitchens

Ten young Southland athletes, including 16-year-old motorcycle road racer and AGR Racing team member Cormac Buchanan, are set to reap the rewards from a 2 year fast-track programme, thanks to SBS Bank Academy Southland (AS).AS's two year programme supports Southland’s best young athletes to reach their potential both in and outside of sport with advice on mental skills, nutrition, athlete life and strength and conditioning.SBS Bank Academy Southland advisor Carly Anderson and manager Jason McKenzie. Photo: Academy SouthlandSBS Bank Academy Southland manager Jason McKenzie said it was always exciting to bring a fresh group of athletes into the programme.“We’re looking forward to working alongside these athletes, their parents and their coaches to help them become the best they can be.”The 2023 programme got underway last weekend with four workshops involving athletes and parents, setting them up for the year with a focus on nutrition and recovery so that they can make best use of their strength and conditioning programmes at the Mike Piper Training Centre, which is based at ILT Stadium Southland.CLICK HERE to listen to Cormac Buchanan on The Outlet Southland.The Academy is continuing to innovate this year with a greater focus on providing adolescent-specific advice for athletes and their coaches.Dr Caroline Stewart, the Academy’s long-time doctor, will work closely with strength and conditioning coach Josie Frew to ensure programmes are best suited to adolescent athletes.“This is about taking that really holistic approach to ensuring each athlete has their specific needs being met,” McKenzie said.“We’ll be providing medical screening and workshops to discuss the best ways of training growing bodies.”This year’s Foundation Year intake includes athletes who are already competing on the international stage through to promising individuals looking to get to the next level, McKenzie said.“We are really proud of the role the Academy has played since 2005 in helping young people to achieve and, in doing so, provide inspiration for all Southlanders.”SBS Bank Academy Southland 2023 Foundation Year intake:Cormac Buchanan (motorcycle road racing) James Hargest CollegeKeegan Jackson (Para table tennis) Aurora CollegeJames McLeay (athletics/cross country) Southland Boys’ High SchoolCaitlin Kelly (road and track cycling) Verdon CollegeMagnus Jamieson (road and track cycling) Verdon CollegeCharliese Erskine (trap shooting) Southland Girls’ High SchoolMaggie Manson (basketball) Central Southland CollegeJoseph Koroiadi (swimming) Verdon CollegeIngamar Siegruhn (squash) James Hargest CollegeAnna Templeton (netball) Southland Girls’ High School

A comprehensive three-quarter assault from the Trident Home Tactix has been rewarded with a 55-38 away victory over the Ascot Park Hotel Steel on Sunday (19 Mar).But it was the Steel who walked off court to the cheers of the crowd - after a final 15 minutes that rates as their best of the season so far. In their first home game of the season after three losses on the road, the Steel were greeted with a typically loud and loyal crowd in Invercargill. But for the majority of the game, they found very little room to move or be creative, under heavy guard from a clinical Tactix side. Yet to their credit, the Steel never gave up – and won the final quarter by five, through more confidence and aggression on attack. A lot of that came down to the first appearance of the season for goal shoot Saviour Tui, who ended the night with reassuring figures of 14 from 17.  The Tactix were on fire, though, for most of the match, illustrated in their record first half score. And goal defence Karin Burger continued to relish her return to netball from injury - claiming five intercepts and five gains.The Steel continued to experiment in their shooting circle, with Tui returning from a knee injury for her first minutes of the season. Initial teething problems feeding into the shooting circle became a major headache for the Steel, with the old relationship between Tactix defensive duo Burger and Jane Watson growing in strength with every game. The Steel were trailing 17-9 at the end of the first quarter and the chasm only widened over the next 15 minutes. On managed time, Tui went to the bench having shot seven from nine, with Eseta Autagavaia taking the goal shoot bib. When she got the ball, Autagavaia was pretty deadly with her shot. The trouble was putting the ball in her hands. Sam Sinclair left the court with an injury early in the second quarter, bringing young attacker Ivari Christie into the game at wing attack. But the Tactix were most concerned with shutting down the Steel’s most effective feeder, centre Kate Heffernan. On attack, the Tactix quickly settled into a rhythm. Aliyah Dunn expectedly took the lion’s share of shots, but didn’t have the same confidence further away from the hoop (yet she still finished the game with an impressive 39 from 45). Her partner, Te Paea Selby-Rickit was solid and smart – often getting the better of her sister, Te Huinga Reo, in the Steel defence. Tactix wing defence Greer Sinclair had superb vision on attack, firing the ball through court to Dunn, while Kimiora Poi at wing attack worked tirelessly with her feeds.  By halftime, the Tactix had racked their highest scoring performance in an ANZ Premiership first half, 37 goals to the Steel’s 18.With Winders back on the court, but at wing defence, and Courtney Elliott joining Kate Burley in the circle defence, the Steel had moments of fluidity through court in the third spell. But they couldn’t build any continuity - other than consistently scoring nine goals in every quarter up until the last stanza, which they entered trailing 49-27. But it was a heartening final quarter from the Steel, through a new urgency led by the Heffernan twins, which will give them plenty to work on this week. Their feeders were confident to release the ball into Tui – back on court for her second spell – who showed her clever footwork to wriggle free of Watson.  Still there was no denying the Tactix overall domination, as they were able to give vital minutes to bench players Parris Petera and Vika Koloto.  Official Result and Stats: Ascot Park Hotel Steel: 38Trident Homes Tactix: 55Shooting Stats - Steel:Saviour Tui 14/17 (82%)Georgia Heffernan 11/16 (69%)Eseta Autagavaia 13/15 (87%)Shooting Stats - Tactix:Aliyah Dunn 39/45 (87%)Te Paea Selby-Rickit 15/18 (83%)Vika Koloto 1/1 (100%)MVP: Jane Watson