Peppermints and Diamonds

  New Zealand's Education System (Preschool and School) In New Zealand, children go to school from the age of 5 to about 18. Education is free at public schools for New Zealand citizens and residents. Let’s look at the main parts of the system: 1. Preschool / Early Childhood Education (ECE) Age: 0 to 5 years Type: Not compulsory (optional) Places: Kindergarten, daycare, playcentre, kōhanga reo (Māori-language preschools) Cost: Many children get 20 hours of free ECE each week from age 3 to 5 Focus: Learning through play, social skills, communication 2. Primary School (Years 1–6) Age: 5 to 11 years old Starts: When the child turns 5 (can start on or after their 5th birthday) Subjects: Reading, writing, maths, art, P.E., science, Māori language and culture Focus: Basic literacy and numeracy (reading, writing, maths), learning to work with others 3. Intermediate School (Years 7–8) Age: 11 to 13 years old Type: Some sc...

       Phormium 'Jack Spratt' is one of the smallest New Zealand Flax on the market, maturing to around 18 inches tall and wide. It has narrow, twisting, reddish-brown foliage. Plant in full sun to light shade. ‘Jack Spratt’ is a great plant for mass plantings, in the low border or small containers. Prefers moist soil with good drainage. Water regularly after planting until roots are established then reduce frequency. Some drought tolerance, but better with occasional irrigation. Some Phormium hybrids are less tolerant of extreme temperatures and extended dry conditions. Provide light afternoon shade in hot inland valleys for cultivars with arching leaves to prevent sunburn. For a tidy appearance prune out old foliage at base. On colorful varieties, remove any foliage that may be reverting back to green or bronze.             

A2 Lesson Plan (Teacher Copy) Learning Goals: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to… Understand the concept of Kiwiana and identify key symbols Use prepositions of time and place accurately Improve pronunciation and listening through music Share ideas in spoken and written English 🟥 9.30am  Warmer, Reading and Vocabulary (30 minutes) " What do you know about New Zealand? Can you name any special things or symbols from New Zealand?"   Reading: Kiwiana – Unique Treasures from New Zealand Kiwiana is a word used to describe special items that are part of New Zealand culture. These include things like the Buzzy Bee toy, gumboots, and the pavlova dessert. Kiwiana also includes famous people and characters like Fred Dagg, and things like jandals, the Kiwi bird, and the silver fern. Many of these things make New Zealanders feel proud and happy. They show what life in New Zealand is like and what Kiwis love. You can find Kiwiana on t-shirts, in shops, and even in art a...

The plant commonly known as ‘Golfball’ is actually a cultivar of Pittosporum tenuifolium —a native New Zealand shrub. Here's a simple breakdown: Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' – Overview Common Name: Golfball Botanical Name: Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golf Ball’ Family: Pittosporaceae Origin: Cultivar of a New Zealand native species Key Features: Shape: Naturally forms a dense, compact ball shape (hence the name). Height & Width: Grows to about 80 cm to 1 m high and wide. Stays neat and round without much trimming . Foliage: Small, shiny, green leaves that are tidy and attractive year-round. Growth Rate: Moderate. It holds its shape as it grows. Growing Conditions: Light: Prefers full sun to part shade . Soil: Thrives in well-drained soils . Tolerates poor soils and urban conditions well. Water: Drought-tolerant once established. Frost: Can handle light frosts. Maintenance: Low. Occasional trim if needed, but it most...

  Carex buchananii is another stunning New Zealand native sedge , known for its unique copper-bronze colour and upright, wiry texture. Carex buchananii – Overview Common Name: Leatherleaf Sedge Botanical Name: Carex buchananii Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge family) Origin: Native to New Zealand Key Features: Foliage: Thin, upright, curly bronze to copper-colored leaves. The tips often curl into a spiral , which gives it a whimsical look. Height: Grows to about 50–60 cm tall (20–24 inches). Spread: Spreads to around 30–40 cm wide. Texture: Coarse and wiry with a windswept, wild look. Growing Conditions: Light: Prefers full sun to part shade . The bronze colour is strongest in full sun. Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates poor or sandy soils. Water: Moderate water needs. Once established, it’s fairly drought-tolerant. Maintenance: Low. Trim back old leaves in late winter or early spring to tidy the clump. Garden Uses: Adds strong colour co...

       St Anne’s Lagoon Wildlife Reserve (Mata Kopae) – North Canterbury Overview St Anne’s Lagoon Wildlife Reserve, also known by its Māori name Mata Kopae, is a scenic freshwater lagoon located near Cheviot in North Canterbury. It is easily accessible from State Highway 1, making it a great stop for travelers exploring the region. Size & Natural Features Covers approximately 16 hectares. Maximum depth of around 1.2 meters. The lagoon is surrounded by deciduous trees, which provide a beautiful seasonal landscape, particularly in autumn. The calm waters reflect the surrounding greenery, making it a picturesque location for photography. Wildlife & Ecology The lagoon was historically significant to Māori, who used it as a source of tuna (eel). Today, it serves as a wildlife reserve, home to a variety of native and introduced waterfowl, including ducks, swans, and herons. Boardwalks and bird hides allow visitors to observe wildlife without disturbing...

    Gore Bay is a small coastal settlement in North Canterbury, New Zealand , known for its stunning natural scenery and relaxed atmosphere. It’s located near Cheviot , about a 90-minute drive north of Christchurch. What Makes Gore Bay Special? Beautiful Beach – A long, sandy beach popular for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing. Cathedral Cliffs – Unique, weathered clay formations that resemble cathedral spires, offering incredible photo opportunities. Quiet and Peaceful – A great escape from the city, with a laid-back, off-the-beaten-path vibe. Camping & Holiday Homes – There’s a small campground and a few holiday homes available for rent, making it a great spot for a getaway. Surfing & Fishing – The bay is known for good surf breaks and rock fishing. It’s a great place for a relaxing beach day, scenic walks, and soaking up New Zealand’s coastal beauty.

Pegasus Bay Winery is a highly regarded winery located in the Waipara Valley, about 45 minutes north of Christchurch, on the way to Kaikōura. The winery is known for its stunning setting, excellent wines, and its award-winning restaurant. Key Highlights of Pegasus Bay Winery: 1. Wines: Pegasus Bay is well-known for its Pinot Noir and Riesling, along with a wide range of other varietals like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot. The winery's cool-climate region allows it to produce unique and high-quality wines. They focus on organic and sustainable viticulture, producing wines with a distinctive regional character. 2. Wine Tastings: The winery offers tastings where you can sample their wines while learning about the wine-making process. You can experience a range of their offerings, often paired with insights from knowledgeable staff. The tasting room is set in a beautiful environment with large windows that look out onto the vineyards. 3. Restaurant: The Pegasus...

Gemstone Beach is a unique and scenic beach located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, near the small town of Orepuki. It is famous for its stunning collection of smooth, colorful stones, including various types of gemstones and minerals. The beach's name comes from the natural phenomenon of gemstones, such as jasper, agate, and quartz, being washed up on the shore, particularly after storms. The stones on Gemstone Beach are smoothed by the ocean’s waves and are found in a wide range of colors, including greens, reds, and browns, making it a popular spot for those interested in geology or simply looking to collect beautiful stones. Visitors often walk along the beach, searching for these natural treasures, but it’s also a great spot for a peaceful walk, photography, and enjoying the stunning coastal views. Gemstone Beach is also known for its beautiful and rugged coastal environment, with cliffs and lush native bush surrounding the area. It’s an ideal stop...

By Neil Finn There is freedom within There is freedom without Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup There's a battle ahead Many battles are lost But you'll never see the end of the road While you're travelling with me … Hey now, hey now Don't dream it's over Hey now, hey now When the world comes in They come, they come To build a wall between us We know they won't win … Now I'm towing my car There's a hole in the roof My possessions are causing me suspicion But there's no proof In the paper today Tales of war and of waste But you turn right over to the TV page … Hey now, hey now Don't dream it's over Hey now, hey now When the world comes in They come, they come To build a wall between us We know they won't win … Now I'm walking again To the beat of a drum And I'm counting the steps to the door of your heart Only shadows ahead Barely clearing the roof Get to know the feeling of liberation and release … Hey now, hey now...

  1. **Kia Ora** - Hello, welcome, or thank you in Māori 2. **Aotearoa** - The Māori name for New Zealand 3. **Pākehā** - Term to refer to New Zealanders of European descent 4. **Whānau** - Extended family or kinship group in Māori culture 5. **Jandals** - Flip-flops or sandals 6. **Chilly bin** - Cooler box or ice chest 7. **Tiki tour** - A scenic route or detour 8. **Sweet as** - Excellent, great, or all good 9. **She'll be right** - Everything will be okay 10. **Bach** - Holiday home or beach house 11. **Kiwiana** - Items or elements that are uniquely New Zealand 12. **Tū Meke** - Awesome or well done in Māori 13. **Number 8 wire mentality** - Resourceful or creative problem-solving 14. **Pōhutukawa** - A native New Zealand tree known as the New Zealand Christmas tree 15. **Haka** - Traditional Māori war dance or ceremonial performance 16. **Pavlova** - Meringue-based dessert popular in New Zealand and Australia 17. **Kia Kaha** - Stay strong or be brave in Māori 18....

Bill Richardson Transport World, located in Invercargill, New Zealand, is the world's largest private automotive museum, showcasing over 300 vintage vehicles, including classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles.  The museum's collection began in 1967 when Bill Richardson, a Southland businessman, started acquiring old trucks. By the time of his passing in 2005, the collection had grown to 150 vehicles. In 2015, his daughter Jocelyn and her husband Scott O'Donnell expanded the collection and opened it to the public.  Visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibits, from a 1904 Ford Ac car to a 2016 Dub Box caravan. Highlights include a rare 1940 Dodge RX70 Airflow truck, one of only three known restored models worldwide, and a 1932 Mack BG, the first truck to feature the Mack Bulldog mascot.  The museum also offers interactive elements such as the Construction Zone for children, a replica of Invercargill's Majestic Theatre playing old movies, and exhibit...