Renown as being the best team building exercise of all time, the ultimate Team Relay has been described by participants as the most social and scenic event in New Zealand. Each year, around 4500 participants cover the 155km course. Peady Tai, former student of Opotiki College participated in the relay on the weekend and says that she’s been given the most difficult part of the relay.

Minister of Education Hekia Parata will arrive in Rotorua today to meet with Iwi education leaders within Te Arawa.    The purpose of the meeting is to create an opportunity for dialog between Iwi and educational groups to discuss the priorities and aspirations within education.  Presentations from Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Rangitihi and Ngāti Whakaue will also take place.  We also understand that the iwi education groups will be signing a memorandum of understanding between themselves and the Ministry of Education.

The Kawerau suicide prevention action plan is being implemented this year with five scholarships up for grabs for the Kawerau community to attend the Te Whakauruora program.  The program is based on suicide prevention.  Te Rau Matatini who was contracted by the Ministry of Health has provided the funding for these scholarships.  Emma Kutia of Te Ao Hou PHO says that time is running out to apply for these scholarships, so be in quick.   The closing date for applications is this Friday. 

Te Wharekura o Ruatoki along with the community will be looking forward to next Thursday when the completion of the new gymnasium named Mauri Tau along with the technology block is opened.  Over the past 18 months major reconstructions on the schools administration block Te Kōnae Aronui as well as the hall and technology areas have had upgrades.  The school’s gymnasium was destroyed by fire in September 2009.  The opening will take place at the school on Thursday the 1st March with an early dawn ceremony. 

Today marks the first anniversary of the February Christchurch earthquake where 185 people died.  Ngāti Awa gave $10,000 dollars to help with the Christchurch clean up.  Aroha Te Poono of Te Teko who lived in Christchurch during the earthquake moved back to the Bay of Plenty not long after.  It’s a move that she does not regret.