Rangatahi Wanagna. Photo supplied.The usually dry business conducted at Ashburton District Council meetings was punctuated by sweet music this week.

Eight students, one with a guitar, and accompanied by Maori warden Ray Solomon provided an insight into the work locally of Rangatahi Wanagna.

Solomon said the wardens had been running a series of wanagna for the youth of Hakatere, aimed at helping them make positive life choices using Tikanga Maori values

He said the response of those taking part in the wangana had been encouraging and the sessions were not just for Maori.

The multicultural make-up of the participants had resulted in closer ties.

The young people taking part ranged in age from 12 to 18 years.

The programme is funded by Te Puni Kokiri, with a grant of $30,000 to run six wananga over a year.

The Mid Canterbury group is applying for more funds to keep the programme going.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 30 June 2018

Ashburton College’s 2018 student executive have no shortage of initiative. Photo Katie ToddAn open mic night.

A shared morning tea programme.

A bid to make the school ball more welcoming.

A Youtube channel to showcase student work.

These are just some of the ideas brought from the boardroom table to the school grounds by this year’s Ashburton College executive.

The fifteen-strong team have been plugging away to make Ashburton College the best and most vibrant place it can be for its 1200-odd students – and successfully making a difference, Head of Senior School Claire Bubb said.

After being elected into their positions last year, the Year 13 leaders have quickly seized the chance to make positive changes to all facets of the school community.

Helmed by head boy Caleb Livingstone and head girl Connie Davidson, the student executive are always looking for ways to “Achieve Quality, Show Pride and Have Respect,” putting the school values into practice.

This year’s specific goals were to strengthen the relationship between all year levels, raise the profile of the student executive and support all students within the school community, Livingstone said.

Working alongside the heads are deputies Uatifoti Saofai and Matthew Clough, and Maggie Tarry, the representative responsible for voicing student perspective to the board of trustees.

Joe Danielson and Liv McCrea have undertaken the significant task of overseeing both the ball and the graduation dinner, and said they are focusing on creating the most welcoming environment possible.

Community services committee leader William Hii maintains close relationships with Volunteering Mid & South Canterbury and Ashburton Youth Council, opening doors for the students to help out and get involved.

Managing the school environment is Marika Mellish, and helping run student welfare initiatives is Kate O’Reilly.

Ensuring a variety of sports events and competitions are on offer is sports committee leader Sophie Beveridge.

Jack Bubb, cultural committee leader, organises events to celebrate the school’s cultural diversity while Olivia Small, ambassador committee leader, works with a number of other schools to strengthen links between Ashburton College and the community.

Their collective output is impressive – particularly balanced with Level 3 NCEA demands – but also wouldn’t be possible without secretary Tessa and treasurer Lanelle Millar-McArthur.

The group meet every Tuesday morning to touch base, and also manage dozens of other successful programmes like reading mentoring, peer support, subject tutoring and uniquely – restorative training.

“At Ashburton College we value the fact that every student deserves a right to education,” Davidson said.

She said there are many amazing people in the school community, and for them the group will be continuing to implement Ashburton College’s values to the best of their ability.

To see some of their initiatives in action, head to youtube.com/user/ashcollpresents

By Katie Todd © The Ashburton Guardian - 29 June 2018

Ashburton College Ball party-goers from 2017. Photo supplied.As the Ashburton College ball approaches tonight, anticipation levels are running sky high.

But few will be as excited today as Brooke Hooper, a Year 12 student who will be enjoying a top-to-toe ball package for free.

Earlier this month Hooper was announced as the recipient of a Seeking Cinderella competition run by six Ashburton business owners wanting to ease the cost and stress for parents and ball-goers.

Hooper will be beautified with a spray tan from Pure Bronze Tans and hairstyling and makeup courtesy of Tanglez Studio, then receive an evening bag from Style Footwear, a flower corsage to match from Samantha Rose Florist, and have her special night captured on camera with a photoshoot from Emmily Harmer Photography.

She was also offered a hire ball gown from Dress Collective, but has opted to wear one of her own.

Hooper’s entry stood out because she didn’t want to put pressure on her family, said Dress Collective owner Melissa Ross.

“She’s so excited.

“She was over the moon when we told her she had won,” Ross said.

Also dishing out a range of goodies to help students get to the ball is the Once Upon a Time project, launched last year.

Five recipients will receive dresses, homemade corsages, makeup, handbags and hairdressing packages from Minx and Tanglez Hair Studio, courtesy of organisers Louise Duke and Kirsty McGlynn.

They have also paid for six students’ tickets.

The ball will take place at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre and is themed Paris by Light.

For ball committee leaders Liv McCrea and Joe Danielson, it will be the culmination of weeks of preparation and hard work.

By Katie Todd © The Ashburton Guardian - 29 June 2018