How Well Do We Know People in our Community?

Jane Lenting

Growing up in Christchurch Jane’s early years were rich in experiencing the wide-open spaces of the Canterbury hinterland. “My parents would take us camping in the holidays. I remember the sheep, the mountains, the rivers, and the freedom. It was idyllic.

Between 1961 and 68 we spent three 4-month periods in New Caledonia. My father was a dentist and as there was no dentist in Hienghène, he did pro bono work in the local community. We lived in tents and my schooling continued by correspondence.

Those times engendered my love for remote places, different lifestyles, and cultures.

Back in Christchurch, maths and science were my subjects of choice which led to an Electrical Engineering degree at Canterbury University.

On leaving university I applied to do Volunteer Service Abroad. My post was in Vanua Levu in Fiji, where I taught maths and physics. It was a Catholic Boarding School catering for both boys and girls.  There were few Europeans. The teaching was in English to a New Zealand syllabus.  In the holidays I would walk to see my students who lived in remote rural coastal villages.  It was humbling to see the parents so proud of their children’s progress.  … Continue Reading

Recycling days

Wednesday September 7th Glass

Wednesday September 14th Wheelie bin

Wednesday September 21th  Glass

Wednesday September 28th Wheelie bin 

From the CEO

Finally, spring is in the air and hopefully a spell of dry weather is ahead. 

There are a few happenings in Martinborough that shouldn’t go unacknowledged. Firstly, the Martinborough School 150^th anniversary this month, which is an amazing milestone. We wish all those who are taking a trip down memory lane a very pleasant visit.

Another piece of Martinborough history is the old Courthouse. A Council asset, the old building has become the headquarters of the local MenzShed and I can’t think of a better set of guardians. 

Recently, the group created a new workshop behind the courthouse to allow for bigger projects and work that is better suited to being outside the old building. Although they’re already a sizable group, the extra room means there’s room for more members.

We also want to commend the Martinborough Pump Track Project, a community-led project which is now fundraising to build a visionary facility in Considine Park. Council will work with the project as it proceeds. … Continue Reading

Did you know

NEW ZEALAND has the highest rate of deaths from melanoma in the world. More people die of this skin cancer each year than are killed on our roads. However caught in time it can be treated. The first sign is often a change in the size, shape or colour of an existing mole, or the appearance of a new mole. Get it checked ASAP! 

A WORD OF praise for the District Council’s recently revamped web site. It is really user friendly; clear and concise. Even I can use it and I’m no great shakes at computers. So thanks to the person/team who put it together. All the frequently required information is available and clearly labelled, I’m sure it will reduce the number of telephone enquiries 

‘FOR EVERY complex problem there is a clear and simple solution – and wrong’ H L Mencken  

‘SCIENCE HAS BEEN quite embattled. It’s the most important thing there is. An arts graduate is not going to fix global warming. They do many valuable things, they are not going to fix the planet or cure cancer’  Bill Bryson  … Continue Reading