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June 2009

As CoOL As It Gets

Submitted by Heather Roy on Sat, 27/06/2009 - 6:38pm

This week the issue of Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) appeared in the media again with articles in both the 'Sunday Star-Times' and the 'Herald On Sunday' newspapers, as well as press releases from a number of different interest groups.

CoOL been an issue in New Zealand for some time, with an increasing interest by the public in knowing where their food comes from. Many countries have mandatory CoOL regimes - some applying only to imported foods, and some applying only to fresh and whole foods.

A number of other nations, however, have no regime and rely on fair trading practice regulation. New Zealand is one of these countries - although we do have mandatory CoOL requirements covering wine, clothing and footwear.

Some groups have been lobbying for mandatory labelling, while their opponents advocate either remaining with the status quo introducing a consistent CoOL scheme that is voluntary.

Waste Not

Submitted by Heather Roy on Mon, 22/06/2009 - 12:24pm

I've just finished separating the plastics from the glassware and newspapers for this week's recycling collection and - as he does most weeks - my husband commented that my efforts are wasted because much of the cardboard, glass and plastic I carefully set aside for recycling ends up going to the dump anyway.

I like recycling - it makes me feel that I'm making a contribution to the environmental cause and taking an active part in caring for the planet. At the same time, I'm also very aware of the commentary about what really happens to the recyclables that others - like me - carefully separate and put out for collection each week.

The most recent piece I've seen on this issue is Michael Laws' 'Sunday Star-Times' column. Along with US liberal political commentator and filmmaker Michael Moore, he is a vocal opponent of recycling - which, they both claim, is a farce.

Gifted and Talented Kids Shouldn't Be Forgotten

Submitted by Heather Roy on Sun, 14/06/2009 - 12:53pm

At a time when the media all too often focuses on young people who are in trouble or who are troubled, it can be easy develop a skewed perspective of our young people in general. It is easy to forget that the vast majority of our young people are hard-working and dedicated.

This week, for example, I was invited to present first prize at the Wellington Stage Challenge. I was amazed at the professional performances of the thousands of 11-18 year-olds which can only result from large degrees of talent, commitment and hard work combined.

In our schools there are many gifted and talented children who have needs as real as those others who have fallen through the cracks. Next week will see the start of an initiative to remind us - June 15-22 is Gifted Awareness week, an initiative established by the Gifted Education Centre designed to raise awareness of the centre and of the needs of gifted students throughout the country.

Special Education - Where Choice Is Vital

Submitted by Heather Roy on Tue, 09/06/2009 - 12:00pm

When it comes to the education of their children, parents - often with advice - are best placed to determine what the right school is.

What is right for one is not necessarily right for another. The idea that there is a 'one size fits all' education model to suit all children is a myth.

For this reason it was interesting to see the IHC-commissioned report 'Learning Better Together' was released on Wednesday.

'Learning Better Together' is the latest step in IHC's long-standing campaign to promote 'inclusive schools' - schools that welcome and teach all students in their communities, regardless of whether those students are intellectually disabled or not.