9 March New National Champion March 9, 2020 By Pam Fraser Sport North Canterbury has a new National Champion for 2020. Fourteen year old Jess Hendren, won the National Under 18 High Jump title, at the NZ Athletics Championships, at Nga Puna Wai, over the weekend. Starting at 1.58m, Hendren didn’t miss a jump through to her winning mark of 1.74m. Her closest rivals, Olivia Power, Claudia Knight and Jenna Johnston, all went out at 1.66m. Hendren heads to Australia soon, to represent NZ Secondary Schools. Rangiora New Life student Zach Lappin, picked up gold, silver, and bronze, in the Para Javelin, Discus, and Shot Put events, respectively. North Canterbury Athletics club member, Hunter Archbold also picked up a bronze medal in the U18 Triple Jump, and 10th in the Long Jump. And another medalist from the North Canterbury club was Jade Kruger, who was a member of the Canterbury U18 women’s 4x100m relay team that finished second. Kruger also finished 6th her the U18 100m final, and had the 9th fastest time in the 200m. Rising thrower, 14 year old Ben Phillips, also from the North Canterbury Athletics club, finished 4th in the U18 Shot Put, and 5th in the Discus. Rangiora High School athlete Kaitlin Feather also just missed the podium with a 4th in the U18 Long Jump, and 6th in the 100m Hurdles. Former Rangiora High School athlete, Abbey Ladd was 9th in the U20 Discus. Another former Rangiora High School athlete competing was Angie Petty (nee Smit), who is aiming for the Tokyo Olympics later in the year. She was pipped by Katherine Camp in her favoured 800m, but bounced back to win the senior women’s 1500m race. Lillie Rayner, from the North Canterbury Athletics club, was competing in the U18 400m, but missed a place in the final. Related Articles International award for the culinary school in Kaiapoi The International Culinary Studio based in Kaiapoi is confident the demand for their online education business will gain a boost in the sweeping changes to lifestyles brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Studio’s head office might be situated far from a city or centre for hospitality, in fact its sits between a funeral-director and a dog parlour on Williams Street, but as Director of Studies, Cheryl Nesbitt, says, “Online education is the way of ... Local Schools Championing the Environment Loburn School and Peppertree Preschool were awarded Enviroschool certificates last week in recognition of their work inspiring future generations to be environmentally minded. Enviroschools is an environmental action based programme where young people are empowered to design and lead sustainability projects in their schools, neighbourhoods and country. The celebration was held at Environment Canterbury on Friday. Loburn School, who received a green-gold certificate, have developed a thriving natural environment, offering opportunities to learn about environmental sustainability including ... Excellent end to club season North Canterbury junior athletes were making their way on to the podium again this weekend, at the final meeting of the Canterbury athletics club season. The Canterbury Children’s Athletics championships were held at Nga Puna Wai, and several of our local athletes were in hot form. Recently crowned National U18 high jump champion, Jess Hendren, backed up that title with the Canterbury junior 14 girls title. She also finished 4th in the long jump, and 5th ... Captivating Canterbury Futsalers Reach Final The Canterbury United Futsal Pride were in Wellington from the 14th-16th February, defending their National SuperLeague Futsal title. This year, the squad of 14 consisted of four current Waimak United players; Sophie Williams, Madi Silcock, Macey Fraser, and Lily Fisher, along with 3 former North Canterbury players; Tahlia Herman-Watt, Hannah Hegarty, and Rebecca Lake, and the non-travelling reserve, Freya Lodge-Whitham was also a Waimak United player. An incredible feat for the district, which is ... Waimakariri Emergency Operations Centre Activated The State of National Emergency has been extended across the country and in response, the Waimakariri District Council has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). Preparations to activate the centre have been taking place since the State of National Emergency was initially declared but as we move into the second week of the level 4 alert the decision has been made to activate in response to local need for additional welfare services. While the council is ... Bulldogs Unbeaten The Northern Bulldogs won their second round match against last year’s defending champions, the Linwood Keas, 12-8, at Murphy Park. The Bulldogs got off to a great start with a try to Zac Riley, however the Keas hit back late in the half, and the Bulldogs carried a 2 point advantage into the break. Kayne Smith’s try in the second half gave the Bulldogs the lead again 12-4. But the ever present Keas found ...