Prime Minister turns down offer to call off referendum

Email correspondence released today confirms the Prime Minister John Key turned down an offer to call off the referendum and save taxpayers money.
Kiwi Party Leader and Petition organiser Larry Baldock said he had made a genuine offer that could have put the whole matter to rest.

“It seems that the same man who rushed to make a compromise deal with Helen Clark and Sue Bradford in 2007 is no longer interested in finding sensible solutions,” said Mr Baldock

On April 18th, 2007 John Key’s reported position was very clear when he said, “If Labour really believes that ‘light smacking for the purposes of correction’ will not be outlawed, then they need to explain that. But no matter how you read this bill in its present form it will be illegal to ‘lightly smack for the purposes of correction’.

Last week, after fudging on the question for more than 4 years, Sue Bradford herself finally admitted on National Radio that every parent who uses a light smack or any reasonable force for the purpose of correction was now a criminal in this country, regardless of whether they are eventually prosecuted or not!

John Key then went on to say, “The way to send a strong message on child abuse is to make the law clear and precise and then to police it strongly and vigilantly. This bill as it stands does the opposite. For me, a result that sees the criminalisation of parents for a light smack is simply not on the table.”

In May 2007 the whole nation was shocked by the news that John Key was willing to suddenly change the National party’s position on the anti-smacking law and strike a compromise deal with Helen Clark and Sue Bradford.

I recall John Key explaining his actions then on the basis that the Anti-smacking law was a bad law, but since the Government had the numbers to pass it anyway, he felt responsible to do what he could to minimise the harm the law could cause to parents and families all over the country.

Now that he has the power to amend the ‘bad law’ he seems to have completely changed his position and thinks his amendment has made it into a ‘good law’. In the email reply to my offer, Wayne Eagleson wrote, “As the Prime Minister has indicated publicly on a number of occasions, the government is of the view that the current law is working.”

Perhaps the Prime Minister would take the time to explain to Glenn Groves who was recently convicted of assaulting his 7 year old son for nothing more serious than shoving him in the back, how well his amendment to the ‘bad law’ is working.

My proposed amendments as outlined in the attached  correspondence (posted below)  would remove the criminalisation of good parents,” said Mr Baldock.

Ends

Contact
Larry Baldock
021864833

Proposal to withdraw the referendum

From: Larry Baldock
Sent: Wednesday, 17 June 2009 2:23 pm
To: Hon. John Key (MIN)
Cc: Hon. Bill English (MIN); Wayne Eagleson (MIN)
Subject: Proposal to withdraw the referendum.

The Prime Minister,
Parliament Buildings
Wellington
June 16, 2009.

Dear Prime Minister,
In the interests of saving our country most of the estimated $9 million to complete the referendum, Sheryl Savill, the petition proposer, and myself would withdraw the referendum, (as per Sec 22A (1) of the CIR Act 1993) in return for an agreement by yourself to amend the current sec 59 of the crimes Act in the following way.

Delete the following sub clauses from the amended Sec 59,
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) or in any rule of common law justifies the use of force for the purpose of correction.
(3) Subsection (2) prevails over subsection (1),

In this way, the criminalisation of parents who use some reasonable force to correct and train their children would be removed, whilst the other clarifications in Subsection (1) of the permissible use of reasonable force would remain.
Your amendment emphasising the need for the police to use discretion could also remain.

I would be happy to discuss these proposals with your officials and act promptly to call off the referendum and save the hard-earned money of the taxpayers of New Zealand.

Yours sincerely,
Larry Baldock.

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On 18/06/09 11:45 AM, “Wayne Eagleson (MIN)” <Wayne.Eagleson@parliament.govt.nz> wrote:

Dear Larry,

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply on his behalf to your email regarding the s59 referendum.

As the Prime Minister has indicated publicly on a number of occasions, the government is of the view that the current law is working. On that basis, the Prime Minister does not support your proposed changes to the law.

With respect to the issue of the cost of the referendum, the Prime Minister said in the House yesterday that while he was concerned at having to spend $9 million, with a legal process having triggered the referendum it would be followed through on.

Thank you for writing to the Prime Minister on this issue.

Yours sincerely,
Wayne Eagleson
Chief of Staff
Office of the Prime Minister
Ph: 64 4 817-9365 or 64 21 709 067
Parliament Buildings
Wellington

Living, Laughing and Learning Conference with Diana Waring September 11<sup>th</sup> and 12<sup>th</sup>, 2009

Venue: Hornby Presbyterian Community Church, 27 Amyes Road, Hornby Christchurch

Friday night Registration, Curriculum sales & family tables for second hand resources will be open from 5.30pm

6pm                  Family fun – music, drama and laughs

6.45pm             Keynote session with Diana for the whole family; Unlocking the Mysteries of the Middle Ages

8.30pm The Ultimate Family supper (Sales tables will remain open until 9.30pm)

Saturday 8.30am  Registration

9am –    The Well-Kept Secret of a Biblical Education (this session has a Christian focus)

10.15    Am tea

10.30 -  Beyond Survival

12-1pm Lunch

1 pm     Workshop options (choose 1 out of 4)

1.  Diana and Bill – Making the most of teen years at home. Encouraging session for teens

2.  Barbara Smith – Avoiding Burnout. Strategies to identify and overcome burnout.

3.  Lennie Harrison – Early Reading and Writing Skills. A practical session aimed at 4-8yrs.

4.  Linda Gage – Character Training. Focussing on the heart and mind while they learn and grow.

2.15pm Workshop options (choose 1 out of 4)

1.  Bill Waring – The Homeschool Principal; an encouraging discussion time for Dads

2.  Barbara Smith and Ngaire Allan – Preparing for an ERO review; putting your best foot forward.

3.  Lennie Harrison – Meat for Teenagers (directed at parents only, and Christian content)

4.  Linda Gage – Time Management. Practical tips for balancing the house, the family, life and everything else.

3.30pm afternoon tea

3.45pm Final keynote session with Diana Actively ENGAGE Learning & Actually ENJOY Learning!

5.15 pm End of conference. Book stalls remain open until 6pm

*Please bring a contribution for morning/afternoon tea if you are attending on Saturday.

*Creche will be provided for children 3 and under only. A parent’s room with sound from the auditorium is available for mum’s with babies.

* No children’s programme will be available but quiet children over 12 are welcome to attend sessions.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Registration Details:

Names of those attending: Mum/Dad_________________________________________________________________

Children’s names and ages requiring a place in crèche on Saturday_________________________________________

Number of Adults and Children attending on Friday Evening: _____Adults ______Teens/Children

Number of Adults/Teens attending on Saturday: _____Adults _____Teens

Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________

Phone:________________________________  Email:_________________________________________________

Workshop Preferences: (to help us allocate rooms – you may change your mind on the day) Please rank your choices.

Session 1:          Making the most of your teen years at home.  Number attending_____

_____Avoiding Burnout _____ Early Reading and Writing Skills. _____ Character Training.

Session 2: The Homeschool Principal (Dad attending? Yes/No)

_____ Preparing for an ERO review. _____ Meat for Teenagers _____Time Management.

We would like a table to sell used resources: Yes/No   (Table cost will be $5)

Cost: Early bird registration until August 21<sup>st</sup>. Late Registration fees are in brackets. All fees cover the whole family.

Friday Evening $15 ($20)            Saturday only $30 ($35)              Friday and Saturday $35 ($40)

Post registration forms with payment (cheques made out to CHE) to 12 Egmont Place, Harewood, Christchurch

Internet banking: please deposit with your surname & “Conference” as a reference: A/C 03 0802 0162706 00

Living, Laughing and Learning Conference with Diana Waring

September 11<sup>th</sup> and 12<sup>th</sup>, 2009

Venue: Hornby Presbyterian Community Church, 27 Amyes Road, Hornby Christchurch

Curriuclum vendors and other resources will be available for sale during the conference.

Friday evening 6-9pm: An evening for the whole family with music, drama, singing and comedy courtesy of your homeschooling friends; a race through the Middle Ages with Diana and the Ultimate Family supper.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Middle Ages
Join Diana for a whirlwind tour through one thousand years of colorful characters and world changing events. Beginning with the fall of Rome and continuing all the way up to Gutenberg’s printing press. Seat belt use suggested–you’re going to move fast!

Saturday 9am – 5.30pm

A variety of encouraging and practical sessions with Diana and other experienced home educators.

9am The Well-Kept Secret of a Biblical Education (Specifically for Christian families)
How much have the prevailing culture and our own school experiences influenced our views on education, even in homeschooling?  This powerful message will provide you with a foundational and scriptural framework for understanding education — the content and the means — from a Biblical perspective.

10.30am Beyond Survival (General Audience)
A transparent description of the beginning days in her homeschooling, including the struggles and failures she experienced as she unsuccessfully tried to create school at home. Learn how she went from “barely surviving” to finding great joy on the journey with her children. Diana brings experience with her own children for over twenty years, as well as insights gleaned from homeschooling families around the world.

4pm Actively ENGAGE Learning & Actually ENJOY Learning! (General Audience)
“How do I get my kids to finish their school work?”  The deeper question is actually, “How do I get my kids to be self-motivated?”  We will look at specific ways to encourage and assist our children in developing ownership of their education.  We must learn the critical difference between controlling and directing; pushing and releasing; coercing and facilitating.  It is the master teacher who says, “I can not teach you how to do it, but I can help you learn to do it.”

Workshops will include:

Diana and Bill                Making the most of teen years at home. Encouraging session for teens

Bill Waring                    The Homeschool Principal; an encouraging discussion time for Dads

Barbara Smith               Avoiding Burnout. Strategies to identify and overcome burnout.

Barbara & Ngaire Allan   Preparing for an ERO review; putting your best foot forward.

Lennie Harrison                Early Reading and Writing Skills. A practical session aimed at 4-8yrs.

Meat for Teenagers (directed at parents only, and Christian content)

Linda Gage                       Character Training. Focussing on the heart while they learn and grow.

Time Management. Practical tips for balancing the house, the family, life and everything else.

See the Insert for your registration form and plan to join us for a wonderful weekend of encouragement.

Go to  http://www.dianadownunder.com for more on Diana’s teaching and resources as well as registration details for all her Downunder conferences. A very informative website developed by Chareen Rushworth. (Cantabrian now in Melbourne)

Queries: gagetribe@xtra.co.nz or ngaire.allan@paradise.net.nz

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Sponsors:

Grace Green – Creative Memories consultant Website: http://www.mycmsite.co.nz/gracegreen
06 878 0058 Helping people organise and display their photographs.

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To become a sponsor of this event please email Barbara at DianaWaringPN@hef.org.nz or phone (06)357-4399

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Living Learning and Laughing Conference
Australia / New Zealand 2009 htttp://www.dianadownunder.com

http://www.aheconference.org.nz/

Diana Waring is coming to Auckland!

is proud to bring you a fabulous lineup of speakers  in our

2009 Conference

19 September 2009

Registrations open 1 July 2009

Location: Windsor Park Baptist Church, 550 East Coast Road, Mairangi Bay, North Shore

Time: 9am – 5pm

Cost: (Early Bird Fees Take NZ$ 5 off your fee by booking before 31 July 2009)

Auckland Home Educators member rates:

NZ$ 35 single*

NZ$ 45 couple*

Non member Rates:

NZ$ 55 single

NZ$ 65 couple

Outside of AK Region Rate (North of Wellsford; South of Pukekohe):

Non-member single Out of AK rate $45

Non-member couple Out of AK rate $55

*Join AHE for $20 and make use of our member rates.

Diana’s sessions are

1. Not Just your Average Genius

2. History via the Scenic Route

3. Actively ENGAGE Learning and Actually ENJOY Learning

4. Indispensable Ingredient

There will be a wide range of other workshop sessions covering a variety of topics. We will get the conference plan to you as soon as it’s finalised.

Contact Us:

Enquiries email conference@ahe.org.nz

Registrations (after 1 July) email registrations@ahe.org.nz or phone 09 527 187 (If you need to leave a message, please give a land line number.)

Other Workshop speakers

• Akoranga
• Interact Curriculum
• Numicon – a clear image for maths
• Rachel Larkin : Writing to Inspire
• Science for Home Educators

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Sponsors:

Grace Green – Creative Memories consultant Website: http://www.mycmsite.co.nz/gracegreen
06 878 0058 Helping people organise and display their photographs.

~~~~~

To become a sponsor of this event please email Barbara at DianaWaringPN@hef.org.nz or phone (06)357-4399

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Living Learning and Laughing Conference
Australia / New Zealand 2009 htttp://www.dianadownunder.com

Photography competition

Home educated children can enter

Parents can sign as the teacher

—– Original Message —–
From: Oliver Raman

Dear Principal/ Administrator

I have just sent in the order for 30 high spec A100

Fujifilm Digital Cameras. They are silver in colour and

feature:-

• 10  Megapixels
• 3x  Optical Zoom
• Face Detection with Auto red-eye removal
• High ISO1600
• SD/SDHC Memory Card Compatible
  

These cameras will come with a memory card & a

camera bag. These are just some of the prizes for

students and schools who enter the

New Zealand Schools Photographic Competition
Further details are available at http://www.nzschoolsvisualarts.co.nz

Please note the closing date is the 31 July 2009.

Good luck with your schools entries.

Oliver C. Raman

New Zealand Schools Visual Arts Charitable Trust
Reg. No. CC22970 07 846 0380 oliver@24zoom.com
021 1901 695 http://www.nzschoolsvisualarts.co.nz

Slight change in programme:

HOME EDUCATORS WORKSHOP

Saturday 20<sup>th</sup> of June 2009

REAP HOUSE, Masterton

Cost: $15 per family or $5.00 per session

Contact: Nina Taigel on (06) 377 5317 email: wayne.ninataigel@paradise.net.nz
Sharelle (06) 370 1476 haydnsharelle@xnet.co.nz

9am arrival and registration, discussion box open

9:30am welcome and introduction

9:50am session one begins

10:50am morning tea break and book sales open

11:10am session two begins

12:10-1PM lunch break  (byo) and book sales open

1:00pm session three begins

2:00pm afternoon tea break and book sales open

2:30pm session four begins

3:30pm discussion panel

Session Cycle   A Cycle B

1                            Getting started                                            Preparing for an ERO

2                            Activities with preschoolers                       Adventures in the living room

3                            Choosing curriculum                                  Homeschooling in the secondary years

4                             Educating kids for English and                    Keeping going when the going gets tough.

Maths/ recognizing and educating

children with learning issues .

Home Education Awareness Week 12 to 17 October 2009

Home Educators all over the country use this as an opportunity to do something special to raise their profile locally and develop a bit of positive public relations. This helps in gaining the movement a bit more credibility, especially when applying for grants or discounts with resource suppliers, or for admission to tertiary institutions or gaining help and advice from schools and perhaps even the use of some of their resources. And of course the benefits would be examined by more people, thereby bringing more people into the home schooling movement and your local support group.

For more information on HEAW go to: http://hef.org.nz/2007/home-education-awareness-week/

Sat 19 Sept 2009-Diana Waring Conference-Auckland

Wed 16 Sept 2009-Diana Waring Conference-Hastings

Wed 16 Sept 2009

Diana Waring

Living, Laughing and Learning Conference

Hastings

Venue: Reformed Church of Hastings, Florence St.

Cost: $5 per family per session.

Contact: Nellie: (06) 874-8545, DianaWaringHastings@hef.org.nz

Programme

3:30pm — The Indispensable Ingredient—Diana Waring

7:30pm — Actively ENGAGE Learning & Actually ENJOY Learning! - Diana Waring

http://www.dianadownunder.com/Hastings.html

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Sponsors:

To become a sponsor of this event please email Barbara DianaWaringPN@hef.org.nz or phone (06)357-4399

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Tuesday 15 Sept 2009 Diana Waring conference Palmerston North

Tuesday 15 Sept 2009

Diana Waring

Living, Laughing and Learning Conference

Palmerston North

Venue: Reformed Church, 541 Ruahine St., Palmerston North

Cost: Early Bird Rates: $20 single; $25 family. Regular Rates: $30 single; $40 family.

Time: 9am to 4:30pm

Contact: Barbara, (06) 357-4399, DianaWaringPN@hef.org.nz.

Programme

8:45am — Registration, browse tables

9am — Welcome & Notices

9:15-10:45am — Not Just Your Average Genius - Diana Waring

11:00-12:30 — 3 Electives

1. The Indispensable Ingredient - Christian perspective. Diana Waring

2. Homeschooling the secondary years - with Craig Smith

3. Getting started and keeping Going  in Home Education - with Barbara Smith

12:30-1:00 - BYO lunch. Drinks provided, look at stands

1:00-2:30 - Actively ENGAGE Learning & Actually ENJOY Learning! - Diana Waring

2:30-3:00 - Afternoon Tea, look at stands

3:00-4:30 - Panel Discussion

Bill and Diana Waring, Craig and Barbara Smith plus two others. Bring your questions, write out questions during Diana talks - this is often the highlight of the workshop

4:30 End/looking at stands

There will be new and second hand materials available as well.

Book Sellers with a stand:

Home Education Foundation http://hef.org.nz

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Sponsors:

To become a sponsor of this event please email Barbara DianaWaringPN@hef.org.nz or phone (06)357-4399

“““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““““

HEART RETREAT 2009

Home Education Workshop Masterton-20 June 2009

Saturday 20 June 2009

Venue: REAP HOUSE, 340 Queen street, Masterton

Cost: $15 per family or $5.00 per session

Contact: Nina Taigel on (06) 377 5317 email: wayne.ninataigel@paradise.net.nz
Sharelle (06) 370 1476 haydnsharelle@xnet.co.nz

9am arrival and registration,

9:30am welcome by Jane (W.H.S.A co-ordinator)

10am session 1
1. Getting started  - Barbara Smith
2. Preparing for an ERO visit - Craig Smith

11am morning tea and browse tables etc.

11:30am session 2
1. Activities with preschoolers -
2. Adventures in the living room - Erena Fussell

12:30 lunch (byo) browse tables etc.

1pm session 3
1. Choosing curriculum  - Erena Fussell
2. Homeschooling the secondary years - Craig Smith

2pm afternoon tea and browse tables etc.

2:30pm session 4
1. Educating Children for English and Maths / recognizing and educating children with learning
issues - SPELD
2. Keeping going when the going gets tough -  Craig and Barbara Smith

3:30pm discussion panel

4pm session 4 finishes

Diana Waring is coming to New Zealand September

Listen to Diana:

This seems to automatically come on when the page opens. So you don’t need to click on anything. There is music for a start, then the interviewer all before Diana comes on.

Original Air Date: 11/21/2008 9:00 AM

Arts At Home: Interview with Diana Waring

Discussion of the integration of arts, history and creativity within our homeschool lifestyle

Topics: Coming Events | Edit | No Comments »

Vex Competitions: Homeschool Team Win at 2009 Vex Robotics World Championships

Homeschool Team Win at 2009 Vex Robotics World Championships

Written by Mark Lawton

Friday, 08 May 2009 17:12

Auckland Homeschool Team Free Range Robotics took away two awards at the 2009 Vex Robotics World Championships held 30th April - 2nd May in Dallas, Texas.

They won the World Championship title for Programming Skills where they had to design and programme a robot to navigate over a field and score goals in a one minute period without any human intervention.  They were one of the two top scoring robots in the preliminaries and went on to face off against the other top team in the finals.  The team watched and cheered as the Free range robot scored in 3 goals while picking up other blocks on the field and then managed to finish on the raised platform with 4 seconds to go.  The final score was 28 to 14 giving Free Range Robotics the World Title in programming skills.

The team also came third in the Robot Skills Challenge where they had to control a robot by remote control over a course and score goals in a one minute period. Their Score was 59 points which was only one point behind the two finalists who scored 60 points.

In the tournament section the 280 qualifying teams from around the world were split into two divisions. Free range robotics came first in their division, despite the fact that their alliance partners could not compete for two games, and they had to compete with one robot against two opposing robots.

They went on to win both quarter final games. In the semi finals they won their first game and lost their second game by a technicality, even though they were ahead on points. In the nail-biting third game they teamed up with a Canadian team and lost by one point with the final score being 36-37.

Another homeschool team from the USA, along with their alliance partner, won the tournament.

Free range robotics have been meeting as a team at Massey University for ten months who kindly provided their premises and who have facilitated the NZ regional competitions.

“The home school team were great to work with and the Massey University team were inspired by their success and proud to be associated with such a great team of kids and parents”said Dr Johan Potgeiter, senior lecturer in mechatronics, engineering and industrial management at Massey University.

The team is grateful for the sponsorship provided by Frontline Technologies, Joseph Banks, NZMarks, Telecom, Leading Edge, Lions Foundation, Accplus, Imagio, Civileer, Mrs Higgins, Auckland Home Educators and Printstop. They are also grateful to the rest of the team who were not able to go to Dallas and the homeschooling community and others who helped support them.

Auckland home-schoolers shine in robot competition

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10571246

4:00AM Saturday May 09, 2009
By Isaac Davison

Team members competing in Texas included (from left) Max Waller, 14, Ethan Harrold, 13, and Kane Ross, 16. Photo / Supplied

A group of Auckland youths have given the favourites a fright in a world robotics competition.

Six representatives of Free Range Robotics - a group made up of home-schooled youngsters from 14 Auckland households - dazzled international competitors and Nasa scouts in reaching the semifinals of the Vex Robotics World Championships in Dallas, Texas.

The six were ranked first in the competition for programming and third for driver skills, leading more than 260 schools from around the world that had won their respective regional and national titles.

Massey University lecturer Johan Potgieter, who mentored the team, said he was not surprised by their success. The more open-minded curriculum of home schooling was an ideal breeding ground for robot-builders.

“Many of these kids have never sat an exam in their life … They have a very structured learning programme during the day, but it is obviously much easier for parents to integrate robotics because they are not following a set curriculum.

“There is a bit more flexibility to think outside the square … They can teach robotics in business terms, they can do projects on fundraising, on constructing … What they are doing is not under the strict guidelines of the [Ministry of Education].”

Dr Potgieter said the driver skills award was especially significant, as the diminutive Free Range Robotics driver, Ethan Harrold, was just 13 years old. “He was so small he could almost not see over the field …”

In Dallas, teams made up of six pupils had to modify and programme their remote-controlled robots, and on a playing field resembling a small boxing ring they had to race to place 7.5cm cubes into goals.

Free Range Robotics supervisor Craig Paul said they were finally eliminated by an experienced and aggressive American high school.

“They knew to study us and programmed their robot specifically to face us. It was almost like robot wars, smashing into us and perhaps pushing the boundaries a little.”

New Zealand teams dominated the championship. Onehunga High School team “Symbiohsis” also reached the semifinals, and Dr Potgieter’s Massey team were crowned best university ahead of top American colleges.

“The American community was impressed with New Zealand teams. We were the favourites … Whatever we did, the crowd just loved us.

“If you look at the number of teams and what we won - we cleaned up.”

He put the success down to intensive robotics workshops at weekends and allowing more “play-time” as opposed to strict theory. They also had the advantage of being unknown in the competition, and a laidback approach to problem-solving.

“We were gracious in defeat … but we didn’t have to be gracious very often because we almost never lost.”

Programming Champion

2921, Free Range Robotics, Auckland, New Zealand (Home Educators)

Robot 3rd

World Winners: The New Zealand Home Education Free Robotics Team

http://www.robotics.org.nz/index.php/blog.html

Written by Michael Lawton

Saturday, 02 May 2009 15:50

Hi Guys, Today was the final day of the Robotics Championships! We were beaten by one cube in the semi’s,  but achieved first place in Programming Skill’s and third place in Driver Challenge in the World! Thank you so much for all your support in helping us get here, and for cheering us on from New Zealand! Go Free Range Robotics!!! Well done! The new game was previewed, and looks really exciting! Thank you again for all your support! Talk to you soon! Rhiannon `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Kiwi kids to compete in World Robotic Champs http://www.3news.co.nz/Kiwi-kids-to-compete-in-World-Robotic-Champs/tabid/973/articleID/98047/cat/587/Default.aspx Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:37a.m. This month 2,000 school students from across the globe will compete in the World Robotics Champs in Dallas, Texas. Amongst them will be two teams from New Zealand, one of which is made up students many of whom have never been to school. `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Also see: http://hef.org.nz/2009/robotics-competition-winners-will-head-to-us/

From our World winning Home Schooling Free Range Robotics team

Second Day