6 The OPINION <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>December</strong> <strong>21</strong>, <strong>2023</strong> ‘Twas the day before Christmas ‘Twas the day before Christmas, the house was astir Thehours were racing, each one ablur Nan, Poppa, and Auntie Jo in our bedrooms, ever so snug, andmysiblingsand me squeezed inlike bugs in arug. Mumhad the ham and lamb out todefrost while Dad mowed the lawns,nomatter the cost. The radio hummed with afestive song as Snoopypursued the Red Baron along. Uncle Bob from Auckland would come new girlfriend, Kate, at his side We raised our eyebrows our incredulity we could not hide. Mumhad plenty of tasks still tocomplete when cellphones erupted, disrupting the peace. Dad's, Mum's, Nan's, Poppa's,Aunt Jo's in sync Acacophony of rings to make you blink. The chaos ensued, sister Em screamed withfright, Poppa's glasses dropped, aprecarious sight. Nan, in afit that put her almostonthe floor All eyes on Mum, as Dad came through the door. And we realised with dread the radio had stopped. Dad spoke with afrown, the news not so great: ‘‘ landslide, ahurdle, our plans in astate. The transmission line's gone, power's in doubt, No telling how long we must do without.’’ The silence grew thick, we considered the mayhem No ham or pudding, no reruns of Frozen for sister Em? Dad pulled himself together and said to usall: “No worries, don’t stress, we follow the plan, is all.” “The plan?” said Poppa and looked at Nan. “Yes,” said mum with asigh, relief in her voice, we’ve had the plan, awise, prudent choice since October’s wild wind. We foresaw these blues And paid heed to Facebook, Council’s news They said: be ready, take astand Prepare with foresight and have aplan.” Dad went into the garage for his emergency bag. From it he pulled alist, with copies —itwasn’t adrag. ‘‘We’ve candles aplenty to bring Christmas cheer and the gas bottle is full in the barbecue.” ‘‘Our rotisserie extension from Father’s Day will come to good use. That’s for the lamb, we’ve the Weber for ham, and the weather is good for salad.” ‘‘But dad,” wailed mum, filled with concern. ‘‘How to warn Bob, and his latest, for their return? ‘‘Remember, my dear,” said my father so clear, ‘‘the car has abattery, use the aux, do not fear. ‘‘We can also listen in the car to Compass FM, and their latest bulletin.” ‘‘We will miss the carols,” said my Nan so soft. ‘‘Nah,’’ said my brother Mike, holding his ukelele aloft. ‘‘I’ll strum the chords,’’ he proclaimed with cheer. ‘‘We’ll sing along, Christmas still near.’’ ‘‘Thank you, Hurunui Council, said mum, ‘‘for your tales so wise. For Christmas is saved, along with our sighs.’’ By the Hurunui District Council Christmas Elf * Please ensure you have a plan for any eventuality over the Christmas break. If the power is on, you can follow our page, and we will update you, again and again. This Week Sun Fishing Guide Moon Wind Good Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Dec <strong>21</strong> Dec 22 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27 Rise 5:45am Rise 5:46am Rise 5:46am Rise 5:47am Rise 5:47am Rise 5:48am Rise 5:49am Set 9:08pm Set 9:08pm Set 9:09pm Set 9:09pm Set 9:10pm Set 9:10pm Set 9:10pm Best Times 8:17am 8:41pm Set 1:57am Rise 2:52pm Gentle SEbecoming moderate E Good Best Times 9:04am 9:28pm Set 2:19am Rise 4:06pm Moderate E Best 9:53am Good Times 10:18pm Set 2:42am Rise 5:20pm Moderate SE turning S Good The year thatwas in NC By ROBYN BRISTOW Wild weather,achange of Government, huge achievements, some lows, Covid, and testing times for Local Government have dominated <strong>2023</strong>. It rained alot, blew agale at times, was very hot, and chillingly cold, and the firewood pile is now down to nothing. It’s difficult to remember a time when we had to have fires burning throughto<strong>December</strong>. We have nothing left to burn that will fit in the firebox —and Iassure you he has tried. Floods came, and went quickly —but were nothing compared to what those up north in Hawkes Bay experienced. Cyclone Gabrielle will be etched in Hawke's Bay's history as one of the region's darkest times. Adversity, however,often brings out the bestinpeople, and the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><strong>News</strong> was able to tell some heart warming stories as people reached out to those who suffered in the floods, sending goods, stock feed, fencing materials and manpower to help those in dire straits. Many gave in return to all those who reached out when the RANGIORA OCEANWATCH Best 10:44am Times 11:11pm Set 3:08am Rise 6:35pm Gentle E strengthening Good Best 11:38am Times Set 3:41am Rise 7:47pm Moderate S <strong>Canterbury</strong>earthquakes caused widespread damage in 20102011. Agale in October left atrail of destruction. It came the same time as Covid hit our household. Ipaced the lounge, he lay snoring in bed with Covid, as the wind sent objects flying and trees crashing to the ground taking power lines and buildings with them. Aneighbour rang about the loss of power, before the cell towers conked out, while he watched abunny being bowled along in the gale force nor’ wester. The power was eventually restored about three days later — other <strong>North</strong> Cantabrians waited a little longer. But being staunch rural communities, used to adversity, and reaching out to each other, we all remained well fed and watered. Then it was election time — it could not come soon enough as I had fears the TV wasn’t going to remain in one piece for much longer if politicians continued to be the focus of news bulletins and talk shows. Achange of Government resulted, featuring for the first time in MMP history, aline up of Best 12:05am Good Good Times 12:33pm Set 4:<strong>21</strong>am Rise 8:53pm Gentle Sbecoming moderate SE Best Times 1:02am 1:30pm Set 5:10am Rise 9:49pm Gentle SE strengthening three parties, cohabiting together to govern New Zealand. It could be an interesting three years. The only certainty is whatever is changed, legislated or promulgated, it will not please everyone. Local Government meanwhile wove its way through amountain of new legislation, and some fierce criticism. There has been some outstanding performances by both young, and the not so young, during the year, from award winning sporting achievements, to volunteers making ahuge difference. Hungry tummies have been filled by the great work of many, and many organisations have taken care of vulnerable folk, the elderly and those unable to find their way through the maze of red tape to get help. The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong> has endeavoured to feature a crosssection of grassroots, community news over the year, and looks forward to continuing, alongside its communities, to deliver its extensive coverage from the Waimakariri River to Kaikoura, in the New Year. Reflections on <strong>2023</strong> in Hurunui Christmas time gives us achance to reflect on the year, and closer to home, appreciateall that’s good about living in the Hurunui District. As acouncil, throughout <strong>2023</strong>, we focused on remaining true to our values, our role of providing core services for our community and visitors to enjoy. Our council has an opendoor policy to ensure astrong connection across all aspects of council business, and Iknow the team will continue to maintain the same level of service and support for the incoming year. Iamgrateful to all who have helped out this year, from assisting our field staff to taking part in the many council consultation and feedback requests. Your input is important so we can better understand the shared responsibilityofproviding services that are achievable and affordable. Marie Black Early in 2024 we will be delivering apublic consultation document on our draft Long Term Plan (LTP), aproposal your elected members have developed on your behalf, so collectively we can work towards our common goals so we can live, work and play in the Hurunui District. It is areally important process for us, and you, to understand how the district will prosper and grow throughout the next 10 years. During this festive season, we will remember that Christmas holds avariety of different meanings,and Itrust you will have achance to spend time with family and friends. Be aware of safety on the roads, take care under the summer sun, and around our waterways, especially with the young ones, and if you are out into the wildernessbemindful of the natural environment. On behalf of the Hurunui District Council, Iwish you all the best for the festive season and trust that the New Year of 2024 brings you good health and happiness. Swell Pegasus Bay Tide Chart 3 2 NE 0.5 m E0.5 m E0.6 m E 0.8 m E1.1 m E 0.8 m E0.7 m 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 1 0 Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Waimakariri 12:09am 2.4 6:<strong>21</strong>am 0.5 1:05am 2.4 7:<strong>21</strong>am 0.6 2:04am 2.4 8:<strong>21</strong>am 0.6 3:02am 2.4 9:19am 0.6 3:58am 2.4 10:15am 0.6 4:52am 2.4 11:08am 0.6 5:42am 2.4 11:59am 0.6 Mouth 12:37pm 2.4 6:55pm 0.5 1:34pm 2.4 7:49pm 0.5 2:31pm 2.3 8:43pm 0.5 3:26pm 2.3 9:37pm 0.5 4:20pm 2.3 10:31pm 0.5 5:11pm 2.3 11:24pm 0.5 6:01pm 2.2 Amberley 12:09am 2.4 6:<strong>21</strong>am 0.5 1:05am 2.4 7:<strong>21</strong>am 0.6 2:04am 2.4 8:<strong>21</strong>am 0.6 3:02am 2.4 9:19am 0.6 3:58am 2.4 10:15am 0.6 4:52am 2.4 11:08am 0.6 5:42am 2.4 11:59am 0.6 Beach 12:37pm 2.4 6:55pm 0.5 1:34pm 2.4 7:49pm 0.5 2:31pm 2.3 8:43pm 0.5 3:26pm 2.3 9:37pm 0.5 4:20pm 2.3 10:31pm 0.5 5:11pm 2.3 11:24pm 0.5 6:01pm 2.2 12:18am 2.4 6:30am 0.5 1:14am 2.4 7:30am 0.6 2:13am 2.4 8:30am 0.6 3:11am 2.4 9:28am 0.6 4:07am 2.4 10:24am 0.6 5:01am 2.4 11:17am 0.6 5:51am 2.4 Motunau 12:46pm 2.4 7:04pm 0.5 1:43pm 2.4 7:58pm 0.5 2:40pm 2.3 8:52pm 0.5 3:35pm 2.3 9:46pm 0.5 4:29pm 2.3 10:40pm 0.5 5:20pm 2.3 11:33pm 0.5 6:10pm 2.<strong>21</strong>2:08pm 0.6 12:20am 2.4 6:32am 0.5 1:16am 2.4 7:32am 0.6 2:15am 2.4 8:32am 0.6 3:13am 2.4 9:30am 0.6 4:09am 2.4 10:26am 0.6 5:03am 2.4 11:19am 0.6 5:53am 2.4 Gore Bay 12:48pm 2.4 7:06pm 0.5 1:45pm 2.4 8:00pm 0.5 2:42pm 2.3 8:54pm 0.5 3:37pm 2.3 9:48pm 0.5 4:31pm 2.3 10:42pm 0.5 5:22pm 2.3 11:35pm 0.5 6:12pm 2.<strong>21</strong>2:10pm 0.6 12:15am 1.6 6:27am 0.2 1:11am 1.6 7:27am 0.2 2:08am 1.6 8:27am 0.2 3:04am 1.7 9:25am 0.2 4:00am 1.7 10:<strong>21</strong>am 0.3 4:55am 1.7 11:14am 0.3 5:46am 1.7 Kaikoura 12:47pm 1.7 7:01pm 0.2 1:44pm 1.6 7:55pm 0.2 2:40pm 1.6 8:48pm 0.2 3:34pm 1.6 9:41pm 0.3 4:27pm 1.5 10:33pm 0.3 5:19pm 1.5 11:26pm 0.3 6:10pm 1.512:06pm 0.3 *Not for navigational purposes. Wind and swell are based on apoint off Gore Bay. Maori Fishing Guide by Bill Hohepa. www.ofu.co.nz www.tidespy.com Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd. RANGIORA
Nouveau ChillyBin 25L 2003977 $39 98 Polarbox PopPolar Box Chilly Bin 20L Assorted SKUs 3-WayCamping Fridge 42 litre 382344 $99 98 Gasmate $499 Was$849 9 Number 8 Single Burner ButaneStove H: 95mm W: 330mm D: 280mm 268843 Gasmate ButaneStove 10,900 BTUSilver 368850 Kiwi Camping CompactLPG GasStove Twin Burner 233547 $29 $54 99 *Gas sold separately $119 Number 8 ButaneGas Canisters Pack of 4, 220g 243728 ButaneGas Canister 230g 270044 $7 35 Number 8 Butane GasCanister 450g 270045 $6 98 Number 8 $9 98 100% LOCALLYOWNED &OPERATED. Prices valid until 2 nd January2024 While stocks last *Ifyou findalower priceonanidenticalin-stock product, we will beat it by 15%. Excludesspecial quotes, on account(credit and cash) purchases,stock liquidations andcommercial quantities.The same in-stock productmust be available to youfor same daydeliveryorcollection. Includes GSTand delivery charges.Ifyou findthe same product cheaperfromanotherMitre10store or online at www.mitre10.co.nz we’ll match that price. The in-store price may be lower than that advertised. RANGIORA
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