Our current outbound Youth Exchange student George is almost half way through his 12 month exchange in Vienna, Austria. George writes: 

 

Phil Ker the CEO of the Otago Polytechnic outlined the Polytechnic and the Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) reforms at our August 15 meeting. Click through below for write-up. Photo: Ron Palenski

 

The Beachcare planting on Sunday 18th August was successful with 500 natives planted in less than 1 hour at the far end of Tomahawk Beach, with approximately 60 people involved (kids included). John Drummond with his daughter Sarah, Alistair Logan, and myself (with 4 year old son Saul) were there, and enjoyed the sunshine and great company with the BBQ, cake and soup at the end of the planting.  This is the last planting for the year, as winter is the best time to get the plants established. In November (7th) we will help with releasing, which where weeds and invasive species are removed around the young plants, to help them survive.