Withdrawal from programmes supports community initiatives

The Christchurch City Council yesterday announced it will be withdrawing its school holiday programmes in the Bromley, Linwood and Templeton areas. The change takes effect immediately.

The decision disestablishes 46 roles, 45 of which are seasonal, school-holiday positions. One role is full-time permanent.

The move is in line with the Council’s commitment in the Long Term Plan to build capacity in the community to provide holiday programmes, says the Council’s Recreation and Sport Manager John Filsell.

“Since the start of the year three community providers, supported by the Council, have established holiday programmes in the Linwood and Bromley areas.

“In Templeton, a new community-based provider of holiday programmes has the capacity to accommodate the children attending the Council’s programme.”

He says from its research, the Council is confident there are sufficient providers with a proven track record to ensure there will be an adequate range of affordable school holiday programmes on offer in the future.

“The Council will continue to work through its community recreation advisers to build capacity and support community-operated holiday programmes, as well as ensuring the programmes offered meet the needs of the community.”

The Council is working with all affected staff to provide other opportunities where possible.