Auckland police have arrested a man after an alleged hostage situation in Te Atatū this afternoon.
A police spokesman told the Herald they received a report a man was being held against his will at an address on Matipo Rd at 2.34pm.
The alleged offender is accused of assaulting a man, but he did not require medical attention, the spokesman said.
Police arrested a man at the address without incident and are considering charges.
A weka hitched a 300km ride to Christchurch in a ute.
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Matipo Primary School in Te Atatū is one of four schools whose land has been bought by Te Kawerau ā Maki
An iwi has bought four Auckland schools in a $50 million-plus deal funded by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
a small iwi based at Ihumātao where protesters have occupied land planned for housing
has bought the land under Campbells Bay School on the North Shore and Waterview School
Matipo School and Henderson Primary School in West Auckland
Te Kawerau Iwi Investment Trust chair Edward Ashby said the deal was worth between $50m and $60m and had been funded by ACC
The Ministry of Education will lease back all four sites in perpetuity
which will use half of it to pay back its loan to ACC
and that means the loan is paid down and both parties are 50/50 in it," Ashby said
He said nothing would change for the schools except that the iwi hoped to develop relationships with all of them
"The response from our conversations with the principals and boards has been very positive," he said
"They have been very interested to learn about the iwi and how we can help them understand the history that they sit on
We want to be able to help with part of the curriculum."
Only 150 people stated an affiliation to Te Kawerau ā Maki in the 2013 census - still the latest figure available because of the undercount of Māori in the 2018 census
However, it is one of several iwi that have lived in the Auckland area since the 17th century
and its rohe or tribal area stretches from Mangawhai to Papakura
A Treaty of Waitangi settlement signed in 2014 at Makaurau Marae at Ihumātao returned several sites to the iwi in West Auckland and provided that the land under the four schools would be available for the iwi to purchase for two years after the settlement date
Ashby said it took longer than two years in practice to agree on the deal
"The Crown has a number of schools across Auckland
but some schools they didn't put on the table
so it became a negotiation between the iwi and the Crown on what schools are potentially in the buy," he said
But Waterview School board of trustees chair Margi Watson said the four schools were identified in the Deed of Settlement and she became aware of it several years ago
The Waterview board has recently held a hui with Te Kawerau ā Maki and welcomed the new relationship
"It's a significant milestone for our community and for Te Kawerau ā Maki," Watson said
"It's really clear in the Education and Training Act
that it is a requirement [for school boards] to commit to Te Tiriti
and this is an opportunity for us to enable some of those partnership requirements to happen
Henderson Primary School principal Tony Biddick said his school already had "a bit of a relationship"with Te Kawerau ā Maki
"Te Kawerau ā Maki are the first people of this land
"This will be a fantastic opportunity for us to learn more about our place."
Te Kawerau ā Maki chair Te Warena Taua said the investment in the education sector "fits perfectly with our cultural aspirations and values"
"This historic agreement will help re-establish the footprint of Te Kawerau in our traditional rohe
It represents the ongoing regeneration and renaissance of our tribe."
A weka hitched a 300km ride to Christchurch in a ute
where the entire board of trustees resigned late last week
The Ministry of Education has appointed a commissioner for a troubled West Auckland school after its entire board of trustees walked out
Matipo Primary School, in Te Atatū Peninsula, now has a commissioner in place of the board; whose remaining three elected members, including the chair, resigned late last week.
newly appointed commissioner Dennis Finn said he was looking forward to working with the wider community to address issues at the school
"I appreciate that this is not an easy time and that people will have differing views of certain aspects affecting your school," he said
that we will work our way through the issues so that the school returns to its community as soon as possible.''
A notice of dissolution of the board of trustees at Matipo Primary School - whose motto is "Seek The Truth" - was published in the New Zealand Gazette earlier this week
The exact reason for the resignations have not been explained
but come after several other board member resignations in previous months
It is also understood that more than a dozen teachers or staff members have resigned or been let go this year and that
there was growing concern among parents and the wider school community
The resignations also follow historical concerns of serious misconduct relating to financial matters at the school; which led to investigations being carried out by the ministry
The Education Council told the Herald this week that that investigation was ongoing and there was no update
Finn said he had 19 years experience working in statutory interventions and was confident they would be able to move forward positively in the school community's interests
He has worked in schools all around the country that have faced troubled times or circumstances in the past; including at Berkley Normal Middle School
may likely be similar to Matipo's case in that he was brought in at that school after its whole board of trustees also resigned
Matipo's new commissioner encouraged parents and those connected to the school to communicate with him
I must scope the needs of the school and this requires me to talk to a range of people."
who took over the reins from long-time headmaster Wayne Bainbridge last October
said this week that the school remained in a strong position to provide excellent education for its pupils
West Auckland's Matipo Primary School is at the centre of complaints relating to misconduct issues
A West Auckland school has called in police and the Ministry of Education to deal with several issues of "serious misconduct" requiring financial investigation
is at the centre of a number of investigations by various authorities
including the Education Council and police
Ministry of Education deputy secretary Katrina Casey said: "The school board raised a number of historical serious misconduct issues with us and we supported them to undertake a forensic audit
asset register reconciliation and an IT audit.''
Casey said the matter had now been referred to police and the Education Council
"We are working with NZ School Trustees Association to support the board while appropriate actions are taken.''
but a spokeswoman for the Education Council confirmed it had received a mandatory report from the school and were working with staff and other agencies in relation to the matters raised
Matipo's principal Paul Wright - who took over the reins late last year - did not respond to requests for comment
However, this afternoon, the school's Board of Trustees released a statement addressed to parents acknowledging what it called "a series of historical concerns.''
the Board requested assistance from Ministry of Education and New Zealand School Trustees Association to assist the senior leadership team to investigate these irregularities
"Independent investigators were employed by the board
who confirmed that the risks had already been removed from the school and that no children had been directly affected
"The Board decided that further action was required and referred the matter on to the Education Council and the Police."
did not reveal the nature of the concerns they were dealing with
However it emphasised that they were historical matters not connected to anyone currently employed at the school
"There is no risk to school operations or ability to deliver quality educational outcomes for our children.''
The situation comes after some significant changes at the school in the last year
It is understood several board members resigned
as did a number of non-teaching staff members
the BOT posted a newsletter telling parents board members had recently been investigating "several confidential complaints.''
The newsletter said: "We take complaints very seriously and have been working with external advisors and the New Zealand School Trustees Association to resolve these and ensure that processes are followed properly.''
Wright was officially welcomed as the new principal last October
Matipo Primary School has spent months restructuring its school systems and culture
Staff at an Auckland primary school dealing with serious misconduct issues have spent months restructuring its systems
Matipo Primary School, in Te Atatu, has had to call in the help of the Ministry of Education and now police, as well as other authorities, to help investigate historical serious misconduct issues.
As a result of those issues, a forensic audit, an IT audit and an asset register reconciliation have all been carried out.
Principal Paul Wright, who started last October, has worked closely with the school's board of trustees and staff members to make several changes.
In his report to the BOT last November, he outlined a number of areas that needed to be improved - and as quickly as possible.
Many of the aspects needing to reviewed included:
Setting up a school filing system, re-establishing board minutes books for the past seven years, moving parents to online banking and online ordering of stationery to minimise cash-handling and establishing a robust cash-banking system.
He also wanted to review the school bank "in the light of unsatisfactory performance", he said.
The Ministry of Education this week said it was made aware of the situation after the school board raised a number of serious misconduct issues.
As a result, the matter was referred to the Education Council as well as police.
Those matters now being investigated did not involve any current staff members.
This week, the Matipo BOT released a statement acknowledging that "no children had been directly affected".
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The bridge access to Matipo Park has been closed since 2017. Photo / Bevan Conley
Matipo Park users have renewed calls to reopen safe public access to “one of the jewels in Whanganui’s crown”.
That also raised questions about the legality of crossing the railway line beyond the bridge and in 2020 KiwiRail determined a level crossing would be unsafe due to sight distances.
Whanganui Mountain Bike Club member Craig Davey told Whanganui District Council’s aspirations and projects committee that, as part of the council’s long-term planning process, users wanted all options explored to restore access.
Matipo Park can still be accessed via Westmere Walkway but that runs over private land and users have to negotiate cattle, uneven ground, stiles, mud and unfenced water, according to the council website.
Davey said despite it being closed, people were still using the unauthorised access off Brunswick Rd.
“People choose to not use the Westmere Walkway and may make use of what is to all intents and purposes the historic way to get in,” he said.
“That creates a problem in itself. Even though there are signs there, people still choose to access it even though there are potential safety requirements not being met.
“It’s indicative of the strong desire to use Matipo Park.”
The land was gifted to the council by the Matipo Company in 1913.
Davey said the park was “one of the jewels in Whanganui’s crown if you like being in nature, if you like fitness, if you like exploring”.
“What it provides in terms of wild for this city, it’s really important. It’s got a whole lot of biodiversity.”
It had a range of users and was an important park for Whanganui’s mountain biking community.
“We’ve had internationally recognised riders come from Whanganui because of places like Matipo Park.”
Davey said the mountain bike club and the Matipo Users Group wanted “access for all”.
“What has changed since 1913 to 2017? We’ve had trains and we’ve had bridges and streams and people have still been able to get across. What’s changed is a heightened sense of safety around level crossings.
“No longer can we have some sort of drafting gate and a sign. We have to have a very long distance of visibility.”
He said an underpass would take away all risk but would cost around $300,000.
Davey said there was money in year four for the council’s current long-term plan for Matipo Park.
“I’m assuming, given the quantum, it’s for addressing the bridge or a small way to going towards what looks like to be the only option.
“We have a solution but do we have the money for that solution?”
Committee chairman Rob Vinsen said the matter would be considered as part of the long-term plan.
Zaryd Wilson has been a journalist covering the lower North Island for more than a decade. He joined the Whanganui Chronicle as a reporter in 2014 and has been editor since 2021.
Taranaki has 277 farms with consent to discharge effluent into waterways.
Samuel Finnemore, 19, died early on Tuesday morning at a property on Matipo St, Riccarton.
Police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death of a Christchurch university student.
Samuel Finnemore, 19, died early on Tuesday morning on Matipo St, Riccarton, in Christchurch.
The Herald understands police are investigating whether Finnemore accidentally fell out of his bedroom window before he was found at the intersection of Matipo and Elizabeth streets about 3.50am.
It is also understood there is no evidence Finnemore had been drinking or was under the influence of any drugs at the time of his death.
On Thursday Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells said a scene examination at Finnemore’s flat was now complete.
“Police are continuing to treat the death as unexplained.
“Early indications are that police are not looking for anyone else in relation to Sam’s death.”
Finnemore’s death will be referred to the coroner.
Finnemore’s family paid tribute to the teen on Wednesday. They said he was a “loving only child” of Cameron and Lisa, who lived in Auckland, and a beloved cousin, nephew, and grandson of family in Christchurch, Tauranga, and London.
“Sammy loved to competitively snowboard. He spent many happy days in Wanaka,” his parents said. “He loved uni and recently turned his studies to geology, a subject he discovered only after coming to Canterbury. He was well-liked, happy and he cherished time with his many friends in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wanaka. Sam loved life, was always happy.
“We celebrate him and will remember him fondly.”
The family thanked the community that was supporting them, and expressed gratitude to the police and the University of Canterbury, which was his “home away from home”.
Finnemore previously attended Albany’s Kristin School in Auckland. As a Year 13 student in 2020, he won the overall senior boys title at the Auckland Secondary Schools Snowboarding Championships. He was due to celebrate his 20th birthday tomorrow.
Kristin School Executive Principal Mark Wilson said Finnemore was a “much-liked student and member of our school community”.
“He was a very talented snowboarder, who worked hard to achieve both academically and in his sporting endeavours.
“Sam’s loss will be felt very deeply by many in our school community and we are looking to support these families in any way we can.”
The school passed on its “deepest condolences” to Finnemore’s family and friends.
“Our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.”
University of Canterbury Students’ Association president Pierce Crowley said there was a “sense of real grief among the entire student community”.
“We are deeply saddened by the death that occurred yesterday, and our thoughts and sincerest condolences goes out to their family.”
Support would be provided to students alongside the University of Canterbury.
Police remained at the flat yesterday as a group of Finnemore’s friends gathered outside.
The university earlier offered its “deepest condolences to family and friends” of Finnemore.
“Based on the information we have, we’ve offered support and assistance to those immediately impacted and we have support in place for our student and staff community.”
Finnemore’s flat remained cordoned off on Wednesday. Police appeared to be focused on his bedroom which had a broken window with yellow and orange markers leading from the driveway to an area guarded by a forensics tent.
The homeowner told the Herald he was aware there was an incident at the rental property, but declined to comment further.
The police cordon was outside Wharenui School, near Blenheim Rd, beside Wharenui Swimming Pool and Sports Centre.
Medical equipment could be seen strewn across the road on the corner of Matipo St and Elizabeth St.
Five red and yellow soft jump packs were open with masks, gloves, and bandages at the intersection near traffic lights and on the footpath.
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park-like grounds on the Te Atatū Peninsula and parent Jamie Lowe says it has "never been in better shape"
A principal whose school community has split into warring factions has resigned
West Auckland's Matipo School principal Paul Wright has seen a 65 per cent staff turnover since he started in October 2017
Almost 250 parents signed a letter of no confidence in Wright two months ago
At the same time 24 of the school's 40 staff supported Wright and expressed no confidence in the ministry's intervention process
Wright confirmed yesterday that he will leave at the end of the school year "to pursue other opportunities within education"
after seeing the school through an Education Review Office review due in early December
Finn said he planned to appoint an interim principal to take over until a long-term principal was appointed later next year
Finn confirmed that he would stay on as commissioner but both men said they could not comment further
In early September Finn appointed a professional mediator
to investigate the issues raised in the parents' letter of no confidence
She indicated yesterdaythat she had completed her investigation but could not comment further
"The work I undertook for Matipo School was on a confidential basis and I cannot talk about it," she said
The parents' group that organised the letter of no confidence referred the Herald to their lawyer Simon Mitchell
who said he was taking instructions on a statement which is expected today
said he was "beyond gutted" by Wright's resignation
"Our school has never been in better shape
If you look at what has been achieved in this school in the last three years
He said staff turnover was normal when a new principal came into a school that had been led for 28 years by the same person
in this case former principal Wayne Bainbridge
'This is our vision and this is where we're going,' about half the team left," Lowe said
"They have been replaced with brilliant people
They have taken everyone off term contracts and put them on fulltime
and now their teacher turnover is minimal."
He said "a very noisy minority" of parents had "caused carnage"
creating tensions which made Wright's position untenable
I'm amazed that he has lasted this long and I don't blame him for throwing in the towel," he said
"Maybe his role was to have all those hard conversations and be hated
and now if we are lucky enough to get anyone else in
New signs have gone up at Matipo Park to warn the public to keep out
Aramoho's Matipo Park remains closed to the public as the Whanganui District Council continues to work on safety issues
which is on Brunswick Rd and backs on to the Westmere Walkway
mountain bikers and as a dog exercise area
the park was closed in 2017 when a structural inspection of the bridge
which needs to be crossed to access the park from the road
senior parks manager Wendy Bainbridge said
"Before the issue of the unsafe bridge is addressed
a KiwiRail-approved level crossing needs to be installed over the railway lines," Bainbridge said
"We have engaged a consultant who is working through the design process."
The railway track runs along the Brunswick Rd side of the park
READ MORE:• Dog survives week in park before being found• City walkway set to officially open
The front gate of Matipo Park been locked since the park was closed in 2017
people have still accessed the park via the Westmere Walkway
Another set of signs has recently been installed to say there is no access to the park and the driveway area has been cleaned up
"Members of the public are advised not to use the park while it is closed," she said
The council has also announced restricted access to Hylton's Pit at Brunswick and Araheke Mountain Bike Park (both Pauri and Wiritoa trails) at Lake Wiritoa because of the extreme fire risk
Access is restricted to between dawn and 11am for all users including forestry contractors
Taranaki has 277 farms with consent to discharge effluent into waterways
Rosemary Rippon and Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall step on stage as the Matipo Community Development Charitable Trust wins the supreme Trustpower Community Award
the chairwoman of a Whanganui trust still couldn't quite believe it was the supreme winner at the Trustpower National Community Awards
The Matipo Community Development Charitable Trust (MCDCT) received $4000 and a trophy for the win
Members had travelled to Tauranga to compete
and were among 26 groups who gave presentations and summaries of their work before judges
Matipo chairwoman Rosemary Rippon got to hear about groups doing "absolutely amazing" things across the country
"The fact that we scooped this still just blows me away
The trust works in education and employment
Trustpower community manager Emily Beaton said
It encourages young people to make better decisions and realise their potential
It has two courses under way at the moment
One is in horticulture and feeds into the trust's community garden in Matipo St
It's looking "pretty amazing" at the moment
""They say the Matipo Community Gardens have become a hub for the wider community to gather and harvest healthy food to feed their families and it is now commonplace to see visitors from all walks of life engaging with the students
picking vegetables and generally keeping an eye on progress," Beaton said
The trust is looking to run a evening class in te reo Māori for six weeks next term
something it has wanted to do for a long time
One is a joint working bee with a Rotary group to clear weeds and extend its horticultural activities "beyond the fence" at Matipo St
Another is some work for the Whanganui District Council that the trust could do in Castlecliff
It has also been looking to buy the house it has been using
And it has been fundraising for a ride-on lawnmower to use at the gardens
Any of these things could take a while to happen
and it's still early days for a lot of this."
Trust members are mindful the foundation for their work was laid by the late Craig Rippon
After his death his son Carlos "picked up the ball and ran with it"
"It's really Carlos that's the key player," his aunt said
Parents and staff have split into factions opposing either the principal or the commissioner at Matipo School in Te Atatū
A professional mediator has been called in to West Auckland's troubled Matipo School
where parents and teachers have split into rival factions trying to oust either the principal or the commissioner
Almost 250 parents have signed a letter expressing no confidence in the principal
And 24 of the school's 40 staff have expressed no confidence in the ministry's intervention process
Only four staff members supported the process in the vote
Finn has appointed a professional mediator, Judith Scott
to investigate the issues - an inquiry which he said the school would have to pay for
A group of parents has instructed a lawyer, Simon Mitchell
Large numbers of both staff and students have left the school
A staff list provided by Wright to a parent on August 12 shows 22 teachers have been appointed since January last year
three of whom have resigned in the past three months
out of 34 teachers on the staff - an apparent staff turnover rate of 65 per cent
The school's roll rose steadily from 523 in July 2015 to 592 last year, but dropped to 544 this July
Finn said about 40 students left "in a reasonably short period of time this year"
A parent said families were upset about rumours that Wright had threatened to trespass some parents from the school
Another said parents had not been consulted enough about changes such as combining some students from different year levels in the same class
introducing a BYOD (bring your own device) policy in Years 5 and 6
and introducing play-based learning for new entrants for their first two years
Finn said he was aware of the trespassing issue but could not comment on it
had told him they were concerned about parents "coming into their classrooms without making arrangements"
but we have to accept that many parents have got concerns over a wide range of issues and that we have to genuinely work with them," he said
He accepted that the school should have communicated with its parents better before making some changes
if you don't take people with you we are wasting our time," he said
said no parents had actually been trespassed from the school
although one was threatened with trespass because he "manhandled" another family's child
They said the agitation against Wright started almost as soon as he arrived in October 2017 because he removed from the payroll three relatives of the former principal, Wayne Bainbridge
In April 2018 the Ministry of Education said "a number of historical serious misconduct issues" at the school were being referred to police and the Education Council.
A spokeswoman for the Education Council, now called the Teaching Council, said on Fridaythat the council was "still investigating allegations of misconduct at Matipo Rd School".
She said the council had not received any complaints about Wright.
Parent Jamie Lowe, who obtained the data on staff turnover from Wright, noted that only two of the six teachers who resigned this year were "aggrieved", and the others left for personal reasons such as taking jobs closer to their homes.
Ministry of Education deputy secretary Katrina Casey confirmed that "a range of concerns has been raised in relation to Matipo School".
"We are working with the commissioner to ensure the wellbeing of the students, staff and the wider community," she said.
"The commissioner holds all functions, powers and duties of the board and has the authority to make decisions about the school. We are confident the commissioner is effectively managing issues raised with him.
"If a parent does have a concern about the wellbeing of their child at school, we encourage them to make use of the school's formal complaints process in the first instance. If they remain concerned after that process, they can contact our local office for advice.
"Our focus is to return schools to full self-governance as soon as changes can be sustained without statutory intervention."
Popular Whanganui doctor Chris Cresswell whose body was found beside his mountainbike on Saturday. Wanganui Chronicle photograph by Bevan Conley.
The year has ended in shock with the sudden death of one of Whanganui's most well liked and respected doctors.
Chris Cresswell, acting head of Whanganui Hospital's emergency department, died while riding his mountainbike on Saturday.
Police attended the scene at Matipo Park, at about 4.30pm. Dr Cresswell was found lying lifeless beside his bike.
It appears he had fallen but the death will be referred to the Coroner before a full determination of the cause of death can be made.
Matipo Park is a recreational park reserve off Brunswick Rd and is available for walkers, horse riding and mountain biking.
All tracks are steep and can get slippery when wet. A sign at the park warns users to take extreme care.
Family friend Rochelle Bullock spoke to the Chronicle on the family's behalf.
"I saw him just before he went out for his ride. He was so looking forward to 2017 and celebrating the new year with friends. He was like a brother to me," Ms Bullock said.
Dr Cresswell was passionate about equality, the environment and medicine.Ms Bullock said Dr Cresswell was "well respected and loved amongst all people."
He worked alongside iwi and was prominent in advancing Maori health.
He was also politically active and a member of the Green Party. He was a major player in raising awareness of climate change, and publicly opposed and demonstrated against the Trans Pacific Partnership and seabed mining.
In September last year he climbed on top of local MP Chester Borrows' car during a protest against the TPP and in November helped organise a local march to encourage awareness of climate change issues.
Dr Cresswell was well known to Chronicle readers for which he wrote a regular column.
A police spokeswoman said the death was being treated as a sudden death and was not thought to be suspicious.
Funeral service details will be available after Wednesday, Ms Bullock said.
Dr Cresswell was the Whanganui branch president of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.
Members were saddened by news of his death, said the association's executive director, Ian Powell.
"Dr Cresswell was a highly passionate and compassionate doctor, full of exuberance. While concern for the patients he treated was central to his work, he also saw the role of the doctor extending into broader issues, including the effects of environmental and trade policies on people's health and well-being.
"This involvement in broader issues also required courage, a personal quality he had an abundance of.
"Our thoughts are for his family and close friends at this sad and difficult time."
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Matipo Developments are still working hard to fulfil Craig Rippon's vision for the people of Castlecliff
was co creator of the Matipo Development Trust which established gardens to help feed local whanau and then developed into a vision to teach reading and writing to entire families
His son Carlos Rippon said that vision is still strong to help people in the area who live with challenged family situations and are making choices to change through education and training because they see it as a gateway to employment
Carlos Rippon said they are setting up training by approaching the training centres in Whanganui who provide the NZQA qualifications to bring about top training for their people
Matipo Developments has been successful in setting up numeracy and literacy classes through the YMCA and horticulture training through the Wai Ora Christian Community Trust
"Over the last two and a half years and a lot of extra help to achieve all this has come through the help and assistance of Rotary Club"
The latest initiative is carpentry and mechanical training at UCOL
"We the Board of Matipo Trust are excited that UCOL did agree and it has taken six months to set up and to get started with 15 students with ages ranging from 16 years to 40 enrolled thus far
The carpentry course is new and commenced 13 June 2016"
Des Warahi has been involved in youth work since at least 2010
Spending a full-time year with the Matipo Community Development Charitable Trust was a challenging but worthwhile experience
He finished his time as a Vodafone World of Difference recipient in February
He's satisfied with what he and the trust achieved
Its members have a good structure to work with
and are keeping the vision of founder Craig Rippon alive
"They have grown and grown and they just blew me away last year
They are amazing people who are so much cleverer than they realise."
The late Craig Rippon wanted to improve education and employment opportunities in the Matipo St area of Whanganui's Gonville/Kokohuia suburb
Families involved had connections with the Black Power gang and he wanted a better life for them
"I was never treated with anything but respect," he said
a state house the trust uses for horticulture and other classes
"You really had to be there and be with the people."
after Rippon was murdered and during the court case that followed
"I was used to working for a longstanding charitable trust
The Matipo group was starting from scratch
He helped it get charitable status and add people experienced in governance to its board
The trust continued to find training for its members
Horticulture training was provided by Land Based Training and carpentry training by UCOL - until students decided they didn't want to be bussed to Palmerston North
the Automobile Association and Te Ora Hou helped with driver training and trust members moved toward getting full driver licences
The YMCA and Wai Ora Christian Community Trust were also involved in courses
The community garden was extended and now has a shed and a tunnel house for propagating plants
Warahi had hoped to get the young people to a camp
So there was a whānau camp of 100 at Camp Raukawa instead
Warahi enjoyed his own mentoring in the programme
and discovered the importance of looking after himself - something he initially thought was "new age waffle"
When his time ended in February the World of Difference Programme also ended
"It's one more loss of grassroots funding."
Police have responded to a report of an unexplained death in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton
They were called to the scene on Matipo Street at 3.50am on Tuesday
Part of the street was cordoned off while police examined the scene
and medical supplies were seen on the road near a police tent set up at the site
was still open but parents were asked to take their children into the grounds via Rex Street or Blenheim Road
Recent developments at Matipo Road School \n\nKia ora koutou;\n\nYou may now be aware that over the course of the weekend..
The Ministry of Education is moving in on Matipo Primary School
Education authorities have stepped in to help a West Auckland primary school after its entire board of trustees walked out
The Ministry of Education has moved in on Matipo Primary School
after the remaining three members of its board resigned late last week
The resignations come after several other members left in previous months; including the former chairwoman
who announced her resignation at a meeting in June
They also follow historical concerns of serious misconduct relating to financial matters at the school; which led to investigations being carried out by the Ministry
deputy secretary sector enablement and support
said they were made aware of the latest situation at Matipo yesterday morning
we have met with the principal and New Zealand School Trustees Association to work through the support that the school requires to address the governance gap these resignations create.''
would likely come in the form of a commissioner that would replace the board under section 78N(3) of the Education Act 1989
Casey thanked former members of the board for their commitment and said the Ministry would be working to help youngsters at Matipo
"We will support the school as it continues to focus on delivering a great education to students.''
The exact reason for the resignations had not been officially explained
it was understood more than a dozen teachers or staff members had either resigned or been let go this year and there was growing concern among parents and the wider school community
who replaced long-time headmaster Wayne Bainbridge last October
confirmed he had met with the Ministry and NZSTA yesterday
He said the school's priority was its pupils
"We can confirm the school remains in a strong position to continue to provide the excellent education opportunities it is known for and that students and their achievement remain our priority."
A parent who asked not to be named told the Herald there had been a lot of disturbance at the school this year - with a high teacher turnover and parents approaching nearby schools in a bid to enrol their children elsewhere
The lack of teachers had resulted in some classes across year levels having to be merged so that students had a teacher
Their child's class had students in years 4
"A lot of people are shocked [at the latest development] but they're excited that there's something that might happen
you lose the school and it takes a couple of years for it to recover
Asked about the situation and the issues that had led to the mass resignations
we think it is appropriate to wait for a commissioner to be appointed before making further comment.''
A statement released on the school's website acknowledged the work of the board and encouraged parents who had questions to get in touch with the principal
our staff will be doing everything needed to ensure that these governance matters have no impact on our children and the exciting things planned for this last week of term and that the school environment remains positive and settled for them.''
Police have named the Canterbury University student who died in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton yesterday morning
Finnemore's family said they were devastated to learn of his death on Matipo Street just two days before his 20th birthday
He was an only child who loved life and competitive snowboarding
He was a happy person who would be celebrated and remembered fondly
"Sam was a loving only child of Cameron and Lisa who live in Auckland
nephew and grandson of family in Christchurch
He loved uni and recently turned his studies to geology
a subject he discovered only after coming to Canterbury," their statement said
and he cherished time with his many friends in Auckland
We celebrate him and will remember him fondly
"The family express their thanks to the community that are supporting them through this difficult time
and express their gratitude to the New Zealand Police and the University of Canterbury
Detective Senior Sergeant Damon Wells said police were continuing to treat Finnemore's death as unexplained
"A post mortem was carried out today and our enquiries are ongoing
Police would like to offer our deepest thoughts and sympathies to Sam's family
also issued a statement acknowledging his tragic death
Executive principal Mark Wilson said the school wanted to pass their condolences on to his family
"Sam was a much-liked student and member of our school community
who worked hard to achieve both academically and in his sporting endeavours," Wilson said
"Sam's loss will be felt very deeply by many in our school community and we are looking to support these families in any way we can."
A Christchurch university student crashed through a window at his home before his death
The University of Canterbury has put support services in place
saying it understands one of its students has died
Part of a Riccarton street was cordoned off as police examined the scene
Carlos Rippon, Marama Dey and Wayne Temoananui
ALEVEL 3 course in organic horticulture began with a powhiri for 14 students in Whanganui's Matipo St on Tuesday.
It's an initiative of the Matipo Community Development Charitable Trust, and the welcome ceremony was at the trust's community garden in the Kokohuia street.
The course will be run by Agriculture New Zealand in conjunction with the Wai Ora Christian Community Trust, Wai Ora CEO Marama Dey said.
Wai Ora has its base in Brunswick Rd, and is running a Level 2 horticulture course there this year. The Level 3 course will be run in Matipo St as a satellite. It will use the community garden and an empty Housing New Zealand house across the street as a classroom.
The Matipo trust began life three years ago, when the "visionary" late Craig Rippon and others wanted a better life for their whanau. They saw education as a key to jobs and to eventually starting their own small businesses.
"Where this group wants to go is to run their own businesses and employ their own guys," Ms Dey said.
They had started with a community garden on land from Whanganui District Council, and went to Wai Ora for help learning to grow it.
"For Maori the whenua is important to us. Without the land and without growing kai there's no further generations. If we are growing kai and our people are unemployed, at least they can eat."
To get Primary ITO qualifications the students need literacy and numeracy skills too. Many had missed out on those.
YMCA Central has helped with that. There are seven students from the trust doing literacy, numeracy, ICT and cooking this year with Sandy Leyland.
Last year's Level 2 horticulture students had to get NCEA Level 2 in the same year, and they did.
"A lot of them were people who've missed out on education in school and life, full stop, and been seen as going nowhere. We are just so really, really proud of them, because they have worked really hard and achieved."
The community garden is at the dead end of Matipo St. Raised beds have been built, lined with newspaper and cardboard and filled with compost donated by the Nga Hononga Marae Trust working just across the paddock.
The garden has fed the community for three years, Ms Dey said, and fruit trees have now been added.
She's one of the eight Matipo Community Development Charitable Trust trustees. Carlos Rippon is the chairman.
He and Wayne "Chopper" Temoananui are grateful for all the help they have had - from Wai Ora, Nga Hononga Marae Trust and Whanganui District Council. Porter Hire has also helped with a bulldozer, and Dave Hoskin Carriers has helped truck in sawdust.
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Rosemary Rippon speaks at the graduation of horticulture students at Matipo Community Garden
Eleven people were presented with certificates in horticulture at Whanganui's Matipo Community Garden on Thursday
The eleven have done a year's study with tutors Eric Churton
Reg Dilloway and Taihape's Toby Schweikert
They received both National Certificates in Horticulture Level 3 and Agriculture New Zealand Certificates in Organic Horticulture Level 3
Agriculture New Zealand area manager Gerard Karalus said they were a dedicated bunch
"The development of these people has been outstanding
Their literacy and numeracy came on a lot too."
The course has included lots of written work
plus practical work in the Matipo Community Garden and in their own gardens at home
They were picked up and taken to the course from Tuesday to Friday
Graduate Jordan Coe-Lilly said he had little experience with plants before he started the Level 1 and 2 course two years ago
Classmate Lynaire Kumeroa had an existing interest in growing
and slotted into the Level 3 course this year
and hopes to make a permaculture plan for her home and grow food for her family
The two said they learned about composting
companion planting and growing plants from seed
The graduation was held at the Matipo Community Garden
with 100 fruit trees bought through funding from Te Mana o te Awa
Anyone can come and take whatever they want," Ms Kumeroa said
Fellow graduate Carlos Rippon wants to go on to a course on riparian planting next year
then start a business providing riparian planting work and employing his own
was a founder of the Matipo Community Development Charitable Trust
Its aim was to educate local people so they could get jobs and have better lives
Rosemary Rippon is now the trust's chairwoman
And it will get the full-time help of Vodafone World of Difference recipient Des Warahi next year
Mr Warahi has been working with the trust for three years already
Mr Rippon is "pretty excited" about having his help in 2017
The trust will offer courses in Level 2 and 3 horticulture next year
By Blair Ensor, Kristie Boland and Nadine Roberts of
A university student crashed through a window at his Christchurch home before his death
near the intersection of Elizabeth and Matipo streets in Riccarton about 3.50am on Tuesday
Stuff understands the man was a student at the University of Canterbury
Police have launched a large-scale investigation into how he came to be fatally injured
The focus of the inquiry is how the student came to crash through the window at the front of the rental property
Forensic investigators have been at the scene since early on Tuesday
A trail of yellow and orange markers lead from the student flat to where it is thought emergency services tended to the young man at the intersection of Matipo and Elizabeth streets
Medical equipment could be seen strewn on the road on Tuesday morning
but was later hidden from view by a blue police tent
"Inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident," a police spokesperson said
A University of Canterbury spokesperson said the university offered its "deepest condolences" to the family and friends of the deceased
we've offered support and assistance to those immediately impacted
and we have support in place for our student and staff community."
Students requiring support were urged to contact student care services
Riccarton is heavily populated with students who go to the university
The property police were focusing on is owned by R G Bailey Investments
Company director Ross Gilray said he did not know anything about the incident
Wharenui School is opposite the scene of Tuesday's incident and was open on Tuesday
Residents who live in the area were shocked to wake to find Matipo St
which is near Westfield Riccarton shopping centre
A man who lives across the road from the cordoned off area said he heard nothing overnight
He said a lot of students lived in the area behind the cordon
Another group of university students who live in the area said they did not hear anything
They had exams on Tuesday morning and said it was a quiet night
police said they were aware of the "deep sense of grief" in the Christchurch community following the unexplained death
"This is especially true of the family and friends of the person who has died
Police were working hard to establish the circumstances that led to the death
and were limited in what detail they could provide while the investigation was under way
*This story was originally published on Stuff.
Police were called to the scene of the "unexplained death" around 4am on Matipo Street in Riccarton this morning
the university said support had been offered to those immediately impacted by the student's death
Wider support was in place for the university community
and students were urged to contact student care services
The university offered its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
police said they were aware of the deep sense of grief in the Christchurch community following the death
"We know that people have questions about what has happened
and police are working hard to establish the circumstances that led to the death," police said
"While the investigation is underway we're limited in what detail we can provide."
chairperson of the Middleton-Matipo Community Association
was at the police cordon earlier on Tuesday
There had been a recent rise in crime in the area and people were living in fear
Simmonds said he wanted to see a more visible police presence in the area
was still open but parents had been asked to take their children into the grounds via Rex Street or Blenheim Road
detective senior sergeant Damon Wells said in a statement
The Canterbury student was found dead in Matipo St
Christchurch police were not looking for anyone else in connection with his death
A scene examination was completed and the death referred to the coroner
Police are appealing for information following a suspicious fire in Palmerston North last month
They said two people were seen on CCTV at the Matipo Lane premises around 2.30am on Thursday
Police have released those images in a bid for information
Detective Sergeant Shelley Ross said the pair arrived in a Toyota Echo with a covered number plate
"The passenger broke the window of the building," said Ross
"The driver lit something on fire and threw it through the broken window then tossed an accelerant on the fire."
Ross said the passenger then threw a large glass bottle containing liquid into the building
The fire burned for approximately two hours before it was found and there was extensive damage to the building
Anyone with information was urged to contact police and reference the case number 231130/5707
Information could also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers