175 Years Since Hone Heke Cut Down The Flagpole

Last week a special ceremony in the Far North has marked the 175th anniversary of the felling of the flagstaff at Kororāreka.

In 1845, Ngāpuhi chiefs Hone Heke and Te Ruki Kawiti joined forces to cut the British flagstaff down. This started what became known as the “Flagstaff War”.

Hone Heke had become concerned with the Crown’s control over Māori affairs following the Treaty of Waitangi being signed in 1840.

Corona Virus: Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr Explains Shock Official Rate

Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr is urging all Kiwis to talk to their banks as interest rates plummet today in response to the coronavirus challenges facing the economy.

In a surprise move earlier today the central bank cut New Zealand's official cash rate (OCR) to 0.25 per cent - an all-time low – that will be in place for the next 12 months.

The move is designed to free up Kiwis' spending and stimulate the economy.
All the major banks reduced their interest rates after today's announcement.

Orr urged all New Zealanders to talk to their banks – "this is the time to over-communicate".

New Zealand Announces Measures Against Covid-19

New Zealand Prime Minister has announced a number of measures to counter Covid-19.

As of midnight tomorrow, every person arriving in New Zealand (apart from those coming from the Pacific islands) will have to self- isolate for 14 days.

All cruise ships are also being asked to not come to New Zealand until June 30. However, this does not apply to cargo ships.

New Rules Will Allow More Crocodiles In NZ Zoos

New rules will allow more crocodiles in New Zealand zoos.

Under the new rules, live crocodiles and eggs will be able to be imported from the EU, Asia and the Pacific.

Currently, we can only get crocodiles from Australia.

The move coincides with Auckland Zoo building a new $50 million southeast Asian attraction which will open this year.

$10,000 Reward for Sighting of South Island Kokako

A $10,000 reward for sighting the South Island Kōkako remains unclaimed.

After three years, more than 200 possible encounters have been reported. However, the bird known as the ‘Grey Ghost’ remains elusive.

The South Island Kōkako Charitable Trust, which is offering the reward, has said the reward would be paid once experts confirmed any evidence was confirmed.

Whale Shark Spotted Off Tauranga Coast!!

As you already know a Whale Shark has been spotted in Tauranga. It had been spotted by the skipper of the Bay Explorer, and there were 16 people on board.

The whale shark was 11 km off Mauao. The captain said the fish swam right up to the boat before it went under. 

Water Fun- Day

Last week Friday, most of our school participated in a group of water games.  We played duck, duck goose with water and we also played with several water balloons as well.

Not only did we do that, but we also played a lot of games where we try and put the water in a different place the fastest. It was kinda fun.