2015 school terms and holidays

This page provides information on the 2015 School Terms and Holidays for State and State-Integrated primary, intermediate, secondary and composite schools. It also provides information for Anniversary Day Holidays for 2015.

2015 School Term Dates:

1. Primary and Intermediate Schools

* or a day in December which ensures that the school has been open for instruction for 384 half-days in 2015.

2. Secondary and Composite Schools

* Or a day in December which ensures that the school has been open for instruction for 380 half-days in 2015.

2015 Public (Statutory) Holidays

New Zealand schools must be closed on Saturdays and Sundays and on the following statutory holidays:

And the relevant Anniversary Day Holiday for 2015 as listed below:

Report by Lisa and Maya Thomas, Westport

The camp, like last year, was held at Totara Springs in Matamata which meant we were all in for a very special time indeed. Maya and I travelled over from Westport and met with the other families from South Island group at Christchurch airport, where we all excitedly boarded the plane to Auckland. The flights were sponsored by Jetstar which was just so generous.
Once we had all arrived safe and sound the bus was there to pick us up and off we went to Matamata to meet with all the other KWANZ kids and their families who would also be attending the Camp. Our kids all just bonded straight away.
Each child and parent was given their room allocations and received a goodie bag full of various products from hair gel, accessories to lip balm , -talk about awesome. They also each received  a n Arthritis New Zealand T-Shirt and Jetstar T-shirts and hats.
The Camp was full of exciting activities -Nature hunt , Flying Kiwi,  Slug guns for target practice, The flying fox and so much more, We had the National Pediatric Rheumatology Team from Hutt Hospital, Sue , Jackie, Rachel and Nicola, come along to educate parents and answer the many questions that we all had . It was so good to have that time and so wonderful of them to come and support us all.

Then there was the very welcome surprise visit from Steve Price, Rugby League Star. He had a go at abseiling along with the other kids and one brave mummy (me) this was heaps of fun.

The meals were always delicious and the Totara Springs staff were so friendly and helpful.

From the first day the KWANZ youth leaders were assigned to the different age groups and were just so cool with all the kids, great role models as they themselves understand what its like to live with Arthritis.

Wow and what a huge treat on Saturday afternoon.  A bus trip to “Hobbiton”, it was AMAZING to see, and everyone had the best time and took loads of pics.  We got to see the Hobbit homes and had a Ginger beer at the actual Green Dragon pub which is on the movie set and a chance to have a look around. It was a fantastic day. Before you knew it we were all heading back to the Camp for a yummy tea and to end the night, a swim in the hot springs pool.

Sunday came all to soon but what a great start – pancakes and other goodies for breaky, It was also a very special day for Caesar, one of the camp kids as he was celebrating his 13th  Birthday. There was big birthday cake a pressie and of course a happy birthday song from everyone.

Then we cleaned our rooms and packed our bags , before something for everyone to enjoy ….The famous amazing forest water slide (everyone’s favourite), squeals of delight came from every person  that had a go and they quickly made their way back up the hill for another go.

An art session was led by Moira, and the kids all  created a special piece that will be made into cards diaries calendars to raise funds for Kids with Arthritis New Zealand…. and what a wonderful job they all did .

Once again, friendships were made with the kids and the parents, nothing can compare with the comfort and support you feel when surrounded by people on the same journey, all with the same concerns and questions about JIA and everything it brings into the children’s life and the families living with it.

As one of the parents I would say we all agree that none of this would have been possible without the amazing people doing everything in their power to bring the children and families together- Sandra, Francesca, Dianne, Robyn, Adrienne, and many others, -what would we do without you . The camp is the most wonderful gift to give our very special children and worth it to see every one of their faces with the biggest smiles. Maya and I already can’t wait for next year.

Kids With Arthritis NZ members accept a $20,000 donation from the New Lynn Lions Club.

New Lynn Lions President Graham Ferguson, Phil Donnelly KWANZ National Secretary/Treasurer, Klayre Derrick, Kathleen Derrick KWANZ members, Robyn Clark KWANZ National Administrator, Adrienne Crowe KWANZ National President, – organisers of ‘Galaxy of Cars’ – Lion Mary Hibberd, Lion Bob Hibberd, New Lynn Lion Galaxy Chairperson Noel Mountjoy.

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On Monday 25^th March 2013, the New Lynn Lions Club presented ‘Kids with Arthritis New Zealand’ with a cheque for $20,000.00 at their annual presentation dinner.

Children with arthritis from throughout New Zealand will benefit from this huge financial contribution.

The money was raised at the annual ‘Galaxy of Cars’ classic car show and automotive swap meet, which was held on 24^th of February at Western Springs Speedway. This is the 15^th year that the New Lynn Lions Club has run this very successful event which included hundreds of vehicles, from Model Ts to Hot Rods and everything in between.  This amazing group of dedicated volunteers works tirelessly on this annual event, selecting a different children’s charity each year to donate the proceeds to.

Kids with Arthritis New Zealand (KWANZ) is the national support network for children with arthritis and their families.  In New Zealand it is estimated that there are about 1 in 1000 children who have Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).

KWANZ aims are

To provide support and relevant educational, and social service information to every child in New Zealand with arthritis, and their family.

To raise awareness and understanding in the community that “even kids get arthritis”,

To provide activities such as camps, seminars, social activities and peer support for families, and

To provide advocacy and fundraising support to Arthritis New Zealand, our parent body.

KWANZ’s vision is to provide sufficient funding for running annual camps, seminars and workshops for all of our children and their families.

The invaluable benefits gained include, social interaction, peer support, teamwork and leadership opportunities, and they build confidence through achievement of physical and mental challenges during camp activities.

JIA is a chronic autoimmune illness occurring in children before the age of 16.

JIA affects large and small joints, causing pain and swelling, stiffness, reduced mobility and fatigue.

Some children may have a rash and fever and other organs such as the eyes and heart may affected by inflammation.

During the course of the illness, there will be periods when they are too unwell to attend school and when coupled with the regular appointments with doctors, other hospital specialists and physiotherapists for treatments, their education may be significantly disrupted.

Some children and young people may have to deal with a range of psychological issues related to living with a chronic illness.

Children with arthritis are courageous, inspirational and have a strong determination to ‘not let this disease control their lives.’

The life of a child with arthritis is a special journey, and Kids with Arthritis New Zealand provide children and their families with a positive link with other families where they can share experiences, and ways of dealing with similar life challenges.

This extremely generous donation from the New Lynn Lions Club in Auckland, will allow KWANZ to provide the support and activities that our children with arthritis deserve.