A Word from the Mayor
As 2021 draws to a close it also brings to the end the academic year for many of our students.
The tradition for schools in our district to host a celebration ceremony, although this year however, the guidelines to manage public gatherings has curtailed the ability for schools to celebrate in the tradition manner – in the past it has been a privilege to attend these functions to recognise the educational excellence of the students. I would like to extend to all school leavers good wishes as you embark on the next steps of your educational journey, stepping into a new environment will bring a mixture of excitement and tension, however both are appropriate as you follow your dreams and contribute to your successful life journey.
Thank you to all educators, I am grateful for your dedication and determination to ensure our young minds are curious and well equipped for their futures.
Over the weekend I had the privilege to attend the Waikari Hospital 100 year celebration afternoon tea. Dr Charles Little whose statute stands in front of the hospital fell victim to the epidemic in 1918 as he assisted and relieved those suffering from the influenza epidemic. There is a certain irony that we are currently facing a global pandemic and its impact on our health and wellbeing.
An early 1915 minute states that “A factor that helped to create feeling in favour of a hospital at Waikari, was that the counties of Cheviot, Amuri and Waipara considered that they were getting poor return for the hospital rates they were paying. A proposal that the three counties should get severance from the North Canterbury Hospital Board district was taken up with considerable favour and sympathetically received by the Minister of Hospitals”. It went on to say that “the doors of the hospital were opened by Mrs Evans on 2nd September 1920. Interestingly Mr and Mrs Little were obliged to reside at the Great Northern Hotel until four residents of Waikari, Messrs Anderson, Earl, Arres and Holland undertook to the building of a doctor’s residence and the Waipara County Council agreed to take over after obtaining the necessary power to do so. This was the beginning of county councils providing a doctor’s house in country districts. This is not too distant from what we do today in support of the provision of quality health services for our communities.
No doubt the hospital holds stories close to the hearts of many people as this facility has brought many new lives into the world, but with the reduction of the birthing unit it will also hold special warmth as it now provides end of life cares for many families from our district and beyond. This fabulous facility is situated on a unique site that oozes tranquility and serenity.