MASSEY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
ISSUE 33 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014
MASSEY MATTERS, 396 DON BUCK ROAD MASSEY
PHONE: 832 0431 EMAIL: [email protected]
www.facebook.com/Massey Matters – “Like” and follow
us to keep up to date with news and events in Massey
LOCAL STUDENTS HELP BUILD
WEST HARBOUR COMMUNITY HUB
C
onstruction work has just begun on the West Harbour
Community Hub at West Harbour School on Oreil Avenue. In 2012
when the visioning meetings for this hub began, Massey Matters
raised the idea of involving local people in the construction work and
this scheme has recently come to fruition. Two Massey High School
Construction Academy students have been allowed to work two days
a week on site for work experience and to give them an opportunity
to enter the workforce Chris Skinner, Head of Construction, Carpentry
and Infrastructure Vocational Academy says, “This sees Massey High
School Carpentry Academy students demonstrating their work ethic
and work experience to prospective employers.”
Canam Construction, the company which has taken on the build
is very happy to involve the students. Michael Thompson, Canam
General Manager says, “Canam Construction is happy to support the
local community and Massey Academy and give these young men
this opportunity. We’re sure this will be successful and we’re looking
to future opportunities for more Academy students to take part in
initiatives like this.”
Cassidy Hau, year 13 and Anthony Valk, year 12 are the first to
benefit from the initiative developed by Massey High School, Massey
Matters and Auckland Council. The council’s new procurement policy
gives companies the opportunity to have local young people on work
placement options. Both Anthony and Cassidy are excited about this
opportunity. Cassidy says, “it’s a real privilege to be able to learn things
like how to speak to site managers. I’m also looking forward to learning
heaps of new skills with different tools that I’ve never used before.”
Vanessa Neeson, Chair of the Henderson Massey Local Board describes
it as a “wonderful collaboration” and says “it is so exciting to finally get
to this point after years and years of work and planning.” Massey
Matters are delighted at the partnership opportunities which this has
created and hope to see this initiative expand in the future. Tracy Watts,
Acting Manager of Massey Matters says, “having local people involved
in building local facilities helps to promote pride and ownership in their
communities and we also hope this will become a pathway for more
young people to gain apprenticeships and employment opportunities
with local companies. We’re keen to see this initiative lead to more
Auckland Council build projects that use the Council’s purchasing power
to deliver added value to our communities”.
by Mikaela Ellwood (Massey High School)
MASSEY MEANS
BUSINESS UPDATE
W
ith now well over 100 businesses registered on the Buy Local
Directory it’s easier than ever to find local tradespeople and
retailers. Using local businesses helps build community – check www.
masseymeansbusiness.co.nz – BUY LOCAL DIRECTORY.
Spring is here, and developments along the Massey/North West corridor
are becoming more obvious each day. Many people are not aware that
rather than “building a Mall”, this development will eventually be the
equivalent of building a whole new town. As well as opportunities for
employment and new businesses of all sizes being established, community
facilities, open spaces and walking/cycle ways are under development,
making the North West an even more exciting place to live.
Massey Means Business is keen to keep the local community updated
on progress by hosting regular update events at Wings Conference
Centre on Hobsonville Rd. The next of these will be held on 8 October at
5pm. Registration essential, email: [email protected]. All
welcome.
www.masseymeansbusiness.co.nz
www.facebook.com/masseymeansbusiness
TERM 4, 2014
MEG PROGRAMME
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A JOB?
I
f you’re looking for a job and aren’t quite sure
where to start, come along to the Massey
Community House every Wednesday. 9.30-11.30am
in term 4 for our Employment Support Sessions.
We’ll help you to “get employment ready” by
supporting you to identify your skills and strengths,
write cover letters and a great CV, prepare for
interviews, carry out online job searches, find
the right type of jobs, give you a just touch of
employment law with your rights in focus, a dollars
and sense refresher, through to the transition
to work. The programme is supported by an
experienced Employment Coach.
First session on Wednesday 22 October. Register
with Maxine by txt: 021 525 616 or email: maxine@
notforprofithr.co.nz
Massey Matters is published bi-monthly with the support of
MASSEY HOLIDAY
PROGRAMME
D
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT
AT MASSEY HIGH SCHOOL
T
he MHS Foundation would like to express their gratitude
for the generous community support during the
International Night on 8 August. More than 130 guests
attended and enjoyed a huge variety of food from more
than 15 countries. This annual event helps to raise funds for
student scholarships and school projects.
www.mhsfoundation.co.nz
uring the July school holidays, over 1700 children and their
families enjoyed a free holiday programme sponsored by Massey
Matters at the Massey Leisure Centre.
The Massey Library and YMCA collaborated to provide
entertainment for primary school aged children, completely free of
charge. The theme was ‘Wild’ and children could enjoy gymnastics,
storytelling, loom crafts, a scavenger hunt and many more activities.
Marina View primary school’s Jump Jam team, which will be
competing in the nationals, came along and got children, library
staff and YMCA youth leaders active. The ladies from Fresh & Flawless
came along and painted over 200 children’s nails free of charge while
a circus team got children spinning plates and trying out unicycles.
Organisers of the programme said they aimed to “contribute to
children’s health and well-being by giving them quality activities and
entertainment within their community.”
Christine Calis, one of the organisers, said that “parents were
grateful the programme was in the wettest school holidays and that
we never charged them for it.” She also mentioned
that parents were happy
with the range of activities
as they suited older
and younger children.
Christine went on to add
that it strengthened the
relationship between the
library and the YMCA, “It’s
such a win-win situation
that has come out of Massey
Matters’ funding.”
The YMCA and
Massey Library will run
a similar programme
in the October
school holidays. The
programme will still
be free and open to
anyone to come along.
by Zoe Parlevliet,
Massey High School
SNOW IN THE PARK
T
hree truckloads of snow from Snow Planet were recently
delivered to Royal Reserve and sculptured into a temporary
toboggan run, creating a white-winter experience for Massey’s ‘Snow
in the Park’ event.
Amongst the spotted beanies, fluffy mittens and colourful
umbrella’s, was Vanessa Neeson, chairman of the Henderson-Massey
Local Board who funded the event. She is determined to make ‘Snow
in the Park’ an annual occasion. “I hope this event will provide free fun
for families that can’t afford it,” says Vanessa, who hopes events like
this will help support the strong community. Along with food and
drinks, activities like face painting, bouncy castles and toboggan runs
were free of charge, giving families a free day out they could all enjoy.
Although the rain was persistent, so were the families. A positive
atmosphere radiated from all participants including the sound of the
rain mixing with the children’s laugher as they raced down the slopes.
The sausage sizzle wouldn’t have been possible without Fresh
Choice, who provided the supplies, and helped to warm everybody
up in the cool air. Aside from the snow slope, Snow Planet provided
the toboggans used by the children and the prizes offered to
participants. The travel voucher prize was donated by BNZ West
Auckland, and no lesser credit could be given to Mai FM.
Keep a look out for it next year, as it’s certain to be packed full of
free activities and put a smile on your face!
by Alicia Baxter, Massey High School
LINCOLN HEIGHTS
PLAYGROUP
W
e are very excited about the opening of our new playgroup in
a classroom in Lincoln Heights School. This playgroup is for
everyone in the community who is at home with an under-5-year-old.
We warmly invite you to come in and see us at any time on Monday,
Tuesday or Wednesday morning between 9am and 12 noon. We are
offering a place for parents and whānau to meet and relax over a cup
of tea where babies, toddlers and children can explore a wide variety
of exciting activities; and parents and whanau can share in their
child’s play and discover lots of things they can do at home to help
them with their learning.
Come in and meet Louise, our lovely playgroup coordinator who
is there to make sure everything runs smoothly and to support the
children and families who come to playgroup.
This playgroup has been established in partnership between
Lincoln Heights School and the Auckland Kindergarten Association.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to making this idea a reality
– a great team effort resulting in a lovely place for families and young
children to enjoy.
MASSEY
NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL
MATTERS INC. CHAMPION! BECOME AN
UPDATE
AGENT OF CHANGE
M
I
t’s AGM time of year for Massey Matters. This year our AGM will be
Tuesday 18 November from 6pm at Westgate Baptist Church on
Hobsonville Road. This year we will be looking for new Governance
members – enthusiastic and committed people that live, work or have
a business in Massey who want to see Massey and its people continue
to thrive. It’s an exciting time for Massey and if you’re interested in
being part of this, come along on 22 October between 4pm and 6pm
at Westgate Baptist Church Foyer.
Building work continues on site for the West Harbour Hub. We’re
still scheduled for completion in December and opening of the Hub
in the New Year. At present we have a small group of local residents
who are volunteering as Hub Coordinators and are hosting sessions
in the old West Harbour School dental clinic on Tuesday and Thursday
– everything from cooking classes, Te Reo lessons, crochet, weekly
information sessions around health, budgeting and free community
courses. They are keen to see more local people getting involved, so
if you’d like to know more follow “West Harbour Hub” on facebook or
contact Sam at Massey Matters on ph: 832 0431.
For more information on the above check out www.masseymatters.
org.nz or www.masseymeansbusiness.co.nz
Tracy Watts, Manager (Acting)
assey Matters to Me Champions are local residents, community
members and students who initiate, lead, inspire or help
organise activities, events, meetings or awareness around community
pride within Massey Matters boundaries, such as:
• Street/community paint outs/ adopt a spot days (removing graffiti)
• Stream restoration or clean up days
• Street beautification projects
• Setting up a neighbourhood network identifying assets for emergency
situations in co-junction with Neighbourhood Support Waitakere
• Awareness campaigns around keeping our community safe and clean
• School based activities or awareness campaigns
• Community safety events promoting pride
Each champion receives a goodie bag and a certificate and will be
published in the Massey Matters newsletter.
For more information and a nomination form please contact Massey
Matters on ph: 832 0431 or email: [email protected] or
download from our website.
Closing date 31 October
2014. Proudly supported by
Auckland Council Graffiti Education
Prevention funding.
www.masseymatters.org.nz
COLWILL LENDS A HAND
AT MANUTEWHAU RESERVE
S
enior students from Colwill School Massey East
enthusiastically gathered at Manutewhau Reserve on
Thursday the 12th of June, with one goal in mind… to plant
800 native trees, ferns and flaxes. Armed with gloves, spades
and determined attitudes and expertly led by biodiversity
experts Huw Hill-Male and Mike, from Auckland City Council, the
budding conservationists set to work.
The intention of this planting event was to help restore the
Manutewhau Reserve’s ecosystem by giving nature a helping ‘kick
start’. Native revegetation of the area not only restores health,
vitality and beauty to the natural environment but it will mean
a safer habitat for migrating and nesting animals. According to
Payman from Colwill, “no native plants, no native animals.”
By 12.30pm the mission was completed. All 800 native flora
had been planted and the hard working students got the
chance to relax with a hot sausage and drink and reflect on
their accomplishment. As Klyzeah from Colwill succinctly puts
it, “protecting and preserving the biodiversity of our natural
environment is a definite must”.
The Publishing Team, Colwill School
R
oy and Lynne Withey are the Directors of the Westgate Kip
McGrath Education Centre. The Centre provides a positive and
supportive learning environment which promotes self-esteem and
boosts every child’s confidence. Once assessed, each child follows
an individualised learning plan crafted to cater for their own specific
learning needs and support them in their school work. The team’s
aim is also to ensure that each child finds pleasure in their learning
experience at the Centre.
“I have to say a BIG thank you to Lynne! We have seen much
improvement in our daughter’s literacy just in the few weeks she has
attended. She ‘ASKS’ to do her Kip McGrath homework and is already
planning how to celebrate completing the workbook. But most
importantly she is really enjoying it.” A.H.
“At Kip McGrath Westgate, we aim to
ensure that every student reaches their
full potential. We are proud to be part of
this organisation, as Kip McGrath is New
Zealand’s only nationwide, professional
tuition provider.”
Roy & Lynne
NEEDED:
COMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY DINNERS
6, 20 OCTOBER, 3, 17 NOVEMBER,
1, 14 DECEMBER, MASSEY
COMMUNITY HOUSE
To reserve your table, include number of
adults, children and your name in a txt to
021 175 9769 or contact the Community
House on ph: 833 9220.
MASSEY MEANS BUSINESS
FREE BUSINESS EVENT
8 OCTOBER, 5-7PM, WINGS
CONFERENCE CENTRE,
327 HOBSONVILLE RD
For local businesses on North West
Development.
MASSEY HIGH SCHOOL
HOUSE AUCTION &
MARKET DAY
SAT 18 OCTOBER, MASSY HIGH
SCHOOL, 274 DON BUCK RD
If you would like to run a stall please
contact Jacob on ph: 831 0528 or email:
[email protected]
STARS PARTY
FRI 31 OCTOBER, 5-8PM,
WESTGATE BAPTIST CHURCH
An alternative to halloween, organised by
combined Massey churches. Everything
FREE! Sausage sizzle, bouncy castle,
entertainment, pony rides and more.
HALLOWEEN IN THE
100-ACRE WOOD FRI 31
OCTOBER, 5-7PM, 5 SUNPARK PL
Presented by Massey Playcentre. Rain date
1 November.
KUMEU VINTAGE BRASS
VARIETY CONCERT
SAT 22 NOVEMBER, 2PM,
MASSEY HIGH SCHOOL
PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Contact Neville on email:
[email protected]
PACIFIC IN THE PARK
FRI 28 NOVEMBER, 3-9PM,
MOIRE PARK
GOVERNANCE MEMBERS
WHITE RIBBON
PARADE FRI 28 NOVEMBER,
Massey Matters Incorporated is a
community-based organisation dedicated
to building relationships with and between
residents, community groups, organisations
and agencies to enrich and strengthen
the Massey community. We are looking for
motivated governance members. Do you
have any experience in law, accounting,
or HR and are looking to volunteer some
time to a local community organisation?
Contact Tracy Watts, email: tracy.watts@
masseymatters.org.nz
12.30-2.30PM
CHRISTMAS IN
TRIANGLE PARK FRI 28
NOVEMBER, 3-7PM
Plenty of fun activities including a visit
from Father Christmas, local entertainers,
sausage sizzle and market. Something for
all members of the family. Rain date
5 December.
BOARD MEMBERS
WESTGATE SANTA
PARADE SAT 29 NOVEMBER,
West Auckland Budget is looking for
motivated board members with strategic
planning, problem solving and team work
skills. Contact Fiona Snijder, ph: 416 4727 or
email: [email protected]
10AM-12NOON
EVENTS AT MASSEY
COMMUNITY HOUSE
CHILDCARE CO-ORDINATOR
ECE/Childcare co-ordinator required for the
Massey area for Toddler Day Out 2015. Contact
Kay Lindley, email: [email protected]
385 DON BUCK RD, PH: 833 9220
Scam Savvy Workshop 15 October,
10am.
Learner Licence Held on Tuesdays 12.302.30pm, starting 21 October, for 6 weeks.
Theory section of Learner Licence.
WEA Tutor. Students will have access to
computers for test practices. Cost: $50
includes workbooks.
WINZ Advocacy & Employment Law
Clinic Held on Tuesdays, strictly by
appointment.
Hip Hop Classes for Kids Held every
Wednesday during the school term,
4-5pm. Cost: $2 per hour.
Friendship Group Meets every Thursday
at 11.15am. Bring some food for a shared
lunch. Text 02 1056 5030 for further info.
MASSEY MATTERS
GOVERNANCE &
INFORMATION EVENING
WEDNESDAY 22 OCTOBER, 4-6PM,
WESTGATE BAPTIST CHURCH
MASSEY MATTERS AGM
TUESDAY 18 NOVEMBER, FROM 6PM,
WESTGATE BAPTIST CHURCH
NEWSLETTER
LOCAL BUSINESS
ADVERTISING
COMMUNITY GROUPS
NIUTUPUOLA PASIFIKA
PLAYGROUP
Delivery dates 2014: Aug, Oct, Dec
Circulation: 9,000x delivered to Massey
residents/organisations. (All prices + GST)
THUR/FRI, 9.30AM - 1PM
1 issue
During school terms. Contact Lingi
Pulesea, ph: 838 0741 or email:
[email protected]
full page
$750
quarter
page
WEST AUCKLAND
KNITTERS GROUP
$188
business
card
Contact Sharon, email: sharonnoyce123@
gmail.com or mob: 021 332 006. Find them
on facebook: West Auckland Knitters
$100
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
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SPECIAL THANKS
to Laura Swan and students of
Massey High School for their
contribution towards the articles in
this issue.
www.twosparrows.co.nz
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