North Canterbury News: December 21, 2023

12 The
NEWS
North Canterbury News, December 21, 2023
Toxic algae warnings in NC
Te Whatu Ora has issued ahealth
warningfor the South Bank tributary of
the Waiau /Uwha River above the Waiau
Bridge.
Moderate to high cover of potentially
toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) has
been found in the tributary.
The warning follows toxic algae being
found in the Ashley/Rakahuri River at
the SH1 bridge.
People should avoid the areas, and
animals, particularly dogs, should not be
allowed near the water.
There are also other access points
along the Waiau/Uwha River and the
Ashley/Rakahuri River, that may have
benthic cyanobacteria present.
People are advised to treat every lowflowing
river cautiously, check for the
presence of benthic cyanobacteria and
avoid contact.
Dr Matt Reid, Canterbury Medical
Supporting
charity
Officer of Health, NationalPublic Health
Service, says the algaelooks like dark
brown to blackmats and can produce
toxins harmful to people and animals.
Exposure may cause skin rashes,
nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and
numbness around the mouth and
fingertips.
If you experience any of these
symptoms, visit your doctor immediately,
also let your doctor know if you have had
contact with dark brown/black algalmats
or water in this area, Dr Reid says.
Pets that show signs of illness after
coming into contact with algal mats
should be taken to avet immediately.
People and animals should remain out
of the waterways until the warnings have
been lifted.
Environment Canterbury is monitoring
the sites and the public will be advised of
any changes in waterquality.
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Holiday activities
As the Christmasholiday periodbegins there is ahost of markets, displays, activities
and eventsinNorth Canterbury to attend to buy last minute Christmas gifts, and
stocking fillers, and entertain the whole family.
Markets
Tomorrow, Friday December 22, the Ohoka Farmers Market —Big Christmas
Market is on. This popular Friday market runs from 9am to 12.30pm and offers a
wide selection of last minute gift ideas and Christmas snacks for stocking fillers.
On Saturday, December23, the Kaiapoi Artisan Market will be held at Charles
Street, Kaiapoi.
It runs from 9am to 12noon and offers adifferent approach to produce markets with
many North Canterbury craftspersons and artisans offering aselection of unique
and creative gifts.
Meanwhile the AmberleyFarmers Market is on Saturdaymorning, offering over 20
stalls with produce,artisan products, gifts, wellness and beauty products, ready­toeat
food and hot or cold drinks.
The Oxford Farmers Market is also hosting aChristmas Eve market at Oxford on
Sunday December24, from 9am to 12noon.
Christmas Displays
Checkout the Oxford Christmas Wonderland which runs until Christmas Eve,
Sunday, December 24. Run by the Oxford Community Trust this creative annual
display is being held at the GP Hall on Showgate Drive in Oxford. It is open Monday
to Friday from 2pm to 8pm and Christmas Eve 10am to 8pm. $3 per person entry.
Carols and Music
On Saturday, December23, from 12noon to 1pm, Haze n' Pat will be live at Rangiora’s
newestoutdoor music venue, the Good Street Stage in Rangiora. Join them for afree
concert.
ChristmasEve, December24, will resonate with music as anumber of Carols by
Candlelights sessions have been arranged.
At 10am Carol singing will be held at the Pegasus Community Centre Carols.
At the Oxford ChristmasCarols In The Park, the popular musical group, The Wax
Birds will be playing at the Pearson Park Playground in Oxford from 7pm. Join in
agood old fashioned sing­along, with giveaways, lolly scrambles, free sausage sizzle
(or bringapicnic) and of course, Santa.
From 9pm to10pm Carols by Candlelight will be held at Victoria Square in Central
Christchurch.
Join others for this special candlelight event as the Salvation Army Band celebrate
Christmaswith families, guestperformers, acombined Christchurch choir and afew
twists to help celebrate.
Candles and carol books will be on sale, the proceeds of which help make this event
possible.Toilets and food vendors will also be onsite.
Boxing Day sport
Ramp Race Demolition Derby racing starts at 6pm at Woodford Glen on Boxing Day.
What to look out for early in 2024
The Canterbury Mounted Games Association Coaching Camp, Pony Club Rally and
RegionalTeams Competition will be held at the Rangiora Showgrounds from
January 3 to 7.
Wednesdayisthe PonyClub Rally, with Thursday and Friday coaching days. On
Saturdayand Sunday the NZMGA Regional Teams competitions will be under way
offering achance to see teams in action.
On January 6from 10.30am to 5pm, the Canterbury Rodeo kicks off at Mandeville
Sports Ground, 431 Mandeville Road, Swannanoa. It offers afun family day out
watching top cowboys and cowgirls battle it out in Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Barrel
Racing, Steer Wrestling and Roping events to become this years Canterbury
Champion.
In the evening catch allthe action as Woodford Glen Speedway hosts the South
Island Streetstock Champs and Canterbury Modified Champs, plus Canterbury
Modified&Youth Ministock Champs from 6pm.
For amore peaceful event the next day checkout Waiora links lakeside at Pegasus
for agatheringofvintage cars and radio controlled yachts on Sunday January 7.
Museums
Agreat way to keep the young ones entertained over the holiday period is avisit to
one of the many museums in the North Canterbury District.
At the Oxford Museum opening hours for Dec/Jan will stay the same as present, a
great display set up like 1900'sNZFarmers Store (Grocery department), and their
latestacquisition, abeautiful 1880'sladies dress complete with bustle, is also on
display.
The Rangiora Museum at 9Good Street, Rangiora opens as usual on Wednesday and
Sunday, from 1.30pm –4pm (except 24 December).
Kowai Archives will be closed until Wednesday 7February.
The Kaiapoi Museum, at the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre, will be open
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 5pm; Thursday 9am to 7pm;
Saturdayto10am to 2pm; Sunday, 1pm to 4pm. It does not open public holidays.
Entry is free.
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