12 Wednesday <strong>May</strong> 8 <strong>2019</strong> Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi News Pupils get active on the way to school MORE THAN 4000 young people from 10 schools across the district will be getting active on their way to school for the second annual Active Autumn. The district council’s road safety team is running the campaign during term 2 to encourage children to walk, skate, bike or scooter to get to and from school. Pupils taking part get a card stamped each time they walk or wheel to or from school. A colouring competition is also being held, with children challenged to develop their own road safety message. School road safety coordinator Stephanie Hautler said there are physical and mental benefits for children from active transport including better road safety awareness, independence, friendships and physical fitness. “Skipping the car ride also means less noise, less congestion, less visual pollution and cleaner air. Burning less fuel saves money too,” Ms Hautler said. • Visit www.selwyn.govt.nz for more information about Active Autumn 100% CAPITAL gAIN TO THE RESIDENT • By Anan Zaki PLOUGHERS FROM across the district are gearing up to compete in the national competition. The biennial New Zealand Ploughing Championships will take place this weekend, with 40 competitors taking part. It will be held at Wilkinson Farm in Chertsey on Saturday and Sunday, with the winner chosen by a panel of judges qualifying for the World Ploughing Championships in Russia next year. Four competitors are from the district – farmers Jeff Cridge, Simon Reed (both of Kirwee), retired Lincoln farmer John Stalker and West Melton construction worker Joe Marychurch. Mr Reed is taking part in his fourth nationals after winning a regional event in Swanannoa, North Canterbury, last year. “I’ve only been in it for a few years and you get better and better. You learn where your shortfalls are,” he said. The event will feature conventional, reversible, vintage and horse ploughing. Mr Reed is hoping to finish in the top three this year, after mid-table performances in the past. Ploughing is something his family has been involved in, he said. “My ancestors were heavily involved in match ploughing. We were introduced into it at a young age, not at New Zealand levels but at local levels,” Mr Reed said. “Then I just decided it was a sport I’d be interested in pursuing.” It helps as ploughing is part of everyday life at Mr Reed’s crop farm, but match ploughing involves careful understanding. “Understanding the soil type is the biggest key and knowing how Local News Now Ready for ploughing nationals John Davison PRECISION PLOUGH: Retired Lincoln farmer John Stalker at last year’s Rakaia Ploughing Match. $1,000 fULLY REfUNDAbLE DEPOSIT SELWYN TIMES Fire rages, homes at risk the soil type is going to behave,” Mr Reed said. The event is being hosted by the Rakaia Ploughing Match Association. Association president John Davison said match ploughing as a sport dates back to the 19th century. “When it started there were only horses ploughing and the last of them [horses] ploughed competitively in the late 1940s or early 1950s,” Mr Davison said. “Then it was tractors until a few years ago when because of the popularity of Clydesdales it’s gone full circle.” Association board member John Hall said the competition is split into sections over the two days. “The first day is stubble [ploughing]. It’s going to be barley stubble this time and they are judged various aspects like straightness, neatness, weed control and the soil available and more,” he said. “On the second day they are ploughing a grass paddock. If there’s any fault they’ll show up.” *The New Zealand Ploughing Championships will be held on Saturday and Sunday at Wilkinson Farm, on Wilkinsons Rd, Chertsey. Admission is $10 cash INVESTMENT IN YOUR RETIREMENT AND REAP THE REWARDS IN ROLLESTON E S T A T E Phone. 03 421 7796 | Email. sales@woodcroftestate.co.nz WOODCROFT WAY, 28 KENDON DRIVE, ROLLESTON, CANTERBURY ROLLESTON’S NEW REgISTERED RETIREMENT VILLAgE • Initial weekly fee of $75 includes rates, insurance, grounds maintenance and window washing • Gated community and emergency call button in each villa • Two & three bedroom villas with single/double garage from $450,000 • There will be an on site manager and a pavilion and bowling green • Show Home now open Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm • After hours viewing by appointment call Corinne 021 292 1141 www.manorgroup.co.nz Specialists @ Individuality • Focus on sustainability • Award winning family owned business • Proven reputation of quality • Full architectural design package NATIONAL “HOY” WINNER plus GOLD RESERVE 2016 View our display home Phone Jesse 021 701 265 or visit www.jdhomes.co.nz Canterbury
SELWYN TIMES Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Wednesday <strong>May</strong> 8 <strong>2019</strong> 13