The Star: December 04, 2025

Thursday, 4 December 2025 | Christchurch’s best read and largest circulating newspaper
Family’s Special
– page 27
Give all children
in Canterbury
a safe and positive
childhood
In a world full of turmoil, economic
uncertainty and despair it is essential
that we do our very best to give the
Olympics dream
vulnerable children in our community
a strong message of hope in the best,
most compassionate and caring way
possible. Each of us should do what
we can, in whatever way we can to
help the next generation be better
than we have been and reach for the
sky in their own respective ways!
DONATE TODAY -
In my long association with Home and
Family I have been privileged to see
SHAPE TOMORROW
and understand how important Home
and Family’s work is for the children in
our community. My decision to leave
021 101 1438
a legacy gives me the satisfaction
contact@homeandfamily.net.nz
of knowing I am helping in my own
small way.
homeandfamily.net.nz
Phillip Duval,
Not everyone
Home & Family Patron & Legator
happy
over 4% rates plan
Could it lead to asset sales?
City councillor Sam MacDonald wants to sell fibre-broadband company
Enable and use the proceeds for an investment fund. The fund’s returns
could help the city council meet the proposed 4% rates cap.
BY DYLAN SMITS
Lower rates increases might be
music to some people’s ears.
But not everybody is thinking
that way.
The Government this week
proposed a 4% annual rates
increase cap but it would not
be fully in force until 2029.
After a 6.49% increase for
the average household in the
city this year, rates are projected
to rise by 9.2% in the
next Annual Plan in June but
this is likely to decrease as city
councillors look for savings.
The rates increase was 9.52%
in the 2024/25 year and 6.6% in
2023/24.
The rates cap has drawn a
mixed response from starnews.
co.nz readers.
Some welcome the constraint
on city council spending and
rates hiking but others are
concerned it will force cuts to
services, encourage asset sales,
and defer critical infrastructure
works.
And the drum for asset
sales has started beating with
right-leaning Waimairi Ward
city councillor Sam MacDonald
calling for the sale of city
council-owned fibre broadband
company Enable.
He believes it could have a $1
billion market value.
Using the sale proceeds, Mac-
Donald would like to form a
protected investment fund for
the city and pay down Christchurch
City Holdings Ltd’s debt
which is $2.4 billion.
However, MacDonald backs
Mayor Phil Mauger’s position
against selling Lyttelton
Port Company, Orion, and the
airport.
Starnews.co.nz readers
reacted to the Government
plan.
Said Moira McNulty:​“Appalling
idea. It will mean things
won’t get fixed because it will
all be spent on water done
expensively. Libraries will
close, pools will have reduced
hours and anything that makes
living in a city fun will be taken
away.”
But Trevor Taylor said:
“Brilliant idea. Time councils
learned to respect the money
they get from ratepayers
and started to spend it more
wisely.”
Said Lox Dixon: “Introduce
rates caps, blame councils for
not being able to afford to run
their services to an acceptable
level, gut local government
(see removal of regional
councils), and once everyone’s
at their wits end, privatise to
companies run by their mates.”
Said Janjan Juakay: “I needed
this. Rates are slowly spiraling
and yet the services we get
haven’t improved.”
Said Pete Beswick​: “Another
populist policy that has had
negative results when tried
elsewhere (Australia). Yes, rates
need to be reined in, and yes,
councils need to be careful
and transparent with their
spending, but only being able to
pay for “the basics” will mean a
lack of vibrancy and life in our
cities.”
Said Steve Keller: "What a
terrible idea. All this will result
in even more under-investment
in the core infrastructure that
we need.”
› Continued on Page 4

2 | The Star, December 4, 2025 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
inside
Jailed car parts dealer to lose properties.................5
Trailblazer’s beachside tribute............................. 6-7
Netball salutes dedicated volunteeer.....................8
The long road to Parakiore................................ 10-11
Rescue vehicles do the job in Ukraine.....................15
UC researchers AI breakthrough.............................17
Rapid fire century lifts St Albans to victory.............26
Hometown athletes set to shine at games.............27
Classified...........................................................28-30
Gig guide.................................................................31
news
Dylan Smits Reporter
021 914 169
dylan.smits@alliedmedia.co.nz
Daniel Alvey
022 014 5622
daniel.alvey@alliedmedia.co.nz
Sam Coughlan Sport
027 203 5214
sam.coughlan@alliedmedia.co.nz
Mike Hansen Online Editor
mike.hansen@alliedmedia.co.nz
Barry Clarke Editor in Chief
barry@alliedmedia.co.nz
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great things to do
this weekend
Great Museum Santa Search
Saturday till January 11
The much-loved Great Museum Santa
Search is back for some festive family fun.
Santas are hiding all over the Canterbury
Museum Pop-Up! Explore every nook and
cranny in the Level 1 Gallery and see how many
sneaky Santas you can find. Discover all the
Santas and you could win a fantastic prize. It’s
not Christmas until The Great Museum Santa
Search is under way and children are hunting
for their bearded bringer of yuletide cheer. The
hunt starts on December 6 at the Canterbury
Museum Pop-Up, 66 Gloucester Street. Free
admission, donations appreciated.
Canterbury Museum Pop-Up, 66 Gloucester St
24AFFIRM 2025
Saturday, from 9.30am
A free, family-friendly festival at Wainoni
Park featuring live performances, kids’
activities, food, and information stalls.
Wainoni Park, 31 Hampshire Street, Aranui
letters
We want to hear your views
on the issues affecting life in
Canterbury.
Send emails to:
barry@alliedmedia.co.nz
Letters may be edited or
rejected at The Star's discretion.
Letters should be about 200
words.
A name, postal address and
phone number should be
provided.
Please use your real name, not
a nickname, alias, pen name or
abbreviation.
Twelve Days of Christmas at the
Cathedral
Till December 16
The event will offer a chance to go behind
the fences and inside the Cathedral to see
the 10-metre City Mission Christmas Tree.
There is no entry cost for the tour, but koha for
the City Mission is welcomed. A $25 donation per
person is suggested. Tickets can be found at events.
humanitix.com. All proceeds go to the City Mission.
Christ Church Cathedral
The Christmas Mākete
Saturday from noon-8pm
Christchurch’s biggest Christmas market
brings together more than 200 artisans, food
trucks, workshops, and festive activities like
meet-and-greets with Santa and the Grinch. Free
entry for those who register for a ticket at
eventbrite.com
Wolfbrook Arena
Shands Rd Christmas
Experience
8.30-11.30pm every night
till December 30
Quite possibly the world’s largest
Christmas light experience. Hot
food, sweet treats, and freshly
brewed coffee from the on-site
vendors. Adults: $15, children
under 15: $5
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starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, December 4, 2025 | 3
Well-earned honour
as final whistle nears
Emma Shaw
Cashmere
“My favourite
place is Godley
Head. I like
walking around
the cliffs and
seeing the view
out to sea. It’s a
great walk down
to Taylors Mistake. I love the
remoteness of the beach there.”
BY GEOFF SLOAN
Claire Lewis has been a pillar of
the netball community for more
than 40 years, contributing to
the sport at club, provincial and
national level.
Her decades of service have
now been recognised with a Netball
New Zealand Service Award
– fast-tracked as the 80-year-old
may only have weeks to live.
“I feel very humbled, I didn't
expect it at all. I’m sure there's
others who are far more worthy
of it,” she told The Star.
The citation reads: “This award
recognises Claire’s outstanding
dedication, commitment,
and contribution to Netball and
the Selwyn Netball Centre over
so many years. It is our sincere
hope that this recognition serves
as a testament to the immense
value of her contribution to netball
in New Zealand.”
Claire’s daughter Antonia
Riordan said her mother was
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
in February and told by
doctors she didn’t have long to
live, and was “nearing the end”.
She said Claire was declining
quite rapidly, and it was only a
matter of weeks.
“Her leadership, compassion,
and dedicated service has lifted
so many, and her legacy will
continue to inspire for years to
come,” Riordan said.
Selwyn Netball president Dawn
Dalley presented Claire with the
award at her home on Sunday
night.
Claire’s husband Clem, sons
Greg, Brent and Marcus, and
daughters Suzy and Riordan
were there to celebrate the
achievement, along with her
granddaughter Janae, who
flew in from London for the
presentation.
Riordan said Claire was very
surprised and overwhelmed by
the recognition.
“She’s pretty humble. She does
not like much accolade or fuss.”
Claire said she treasures the
many friendships she has made
through netball.
“It doesn’t take just one person,
Selwyn Netball president Dawn Dalley presented Claire Lewis with the Netball New Zealand Service Award, recognising her
decades of dedication to the sport.
there are many others that have
worked alongside me.”
Her commitment to the sport
spans more than four decades,
all in voluntary roles.
It began in 1983 when she
joined the Greenpark Netball
Club to support her daughters
after they took up the sport.
Claire also started playing
socially and was the Greenpark
goal shoot for almost 10 years.
“I love the game and the camaraderie,”
she said.
Living in Prebbleton at the
time, she also took on administrative
roles at the Prebbleton
Netball Club.
Since 1987, Claire has been a
cornerstone of the Selwyn Netball
Centre, formerly know as the
Lincoln Netball Association, serving
as vice president, secretary,
shop overseer, game officials
committee member and representative
co-ordinator.
Her involvement extended to
umpiring, dispute resolution, and
representing the netball centre
on the Selwyn Domains Board.
“It’s all been a bit of a learning
curve for me,” she said.
“It doesn’t take just one
person, there are many
others that have worked
alongside me.”
Claire Lewis
Her dedication was recognised
with a SNC Service Award in 2000
and life membership in 2004.
She served as chair of Canterbury
Country Netball from 1993
to 1998 and became a representative
organiser for the Canterbury
Netball Union in 1998.
Claire worked as a librarian at
Lincoln University from the early
1980s, and in the early 2000s
helped establish the Lincoln
University Netball Club, volunteering
as secretary, uniform
organiser and team manager.
“The whole atmosphere was
just great. For the years I worked
at the university, it was just seeing
people achieve and carry on
and then go on to better places,”
she said.
Her service was acknowledged
again with the Administrator of
the Year award in 2021 and life
membership of Lincoln University
Sports earlier this year.
Nationally, Claire trained
bench officials to zone level and
served as a bench official marker.
From 2012, she served as an
official for ANZ Premiership
matches and assisted Mainland
Netball’s technical officials development
group, helping to grow
the capability of bench officials
and statisticians.
Despite her health challenges,
Claire remains deeply engaged in
the sport and still follows all the
Silver Ferns games.
“I’ve enjoyed life, and I’ve
enjoyed sport. I’ve got a granddaughter
who plays netball, but
also children that play cricket,
rugby, tennis – all sorts.”
She said she was extremely
grateful and humbled for the
Netball NZ award, but wasn’t so
keen on “all the fuss”.
“I’m a person who likes to sit
inside the back door. I'm not
someone who likes to be at the
front.”
Police investigate theft
of scrap metal
Police are seeking the public’s help
to identify a person who may have
knowledge of scrap metal thefts
at a commercial
premises in
Chapmans
Rd, Woolston
on Thursday,
November 27.
Pictured in this
image, the person is wearing a
green jacket and hood, and a dark
coloured cap. If this is you, or you
know who this person is, police
can be updated through 105 either
online or over the phone. Use the
reference number 251128/0062.
Information can also be provided
anonymously through Crime
Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
​Pets on buses
Small pets are now allowed on
public transport at off-peak times
in Christchurch, Waimakariri, and
Selwyn. Since Monday pets are
permitted as long as they are stored
in a carrier which fits on a lap or
under a seat. Small dogs can be on
a lead with a muzzle if preferred.
Off-peak times are on weekdays
between 9am and 3pm, and after
6:30pm, or all day on weekends and
public holidays.
Mouldy school meals
Some Haeata Community Campus
parents are horrified after their
children ate a contaminated meal
from the government's free school
lunches programme. The School
Lunch Collective, which overseas
lunch contractor Compass Group is
investigating a food quality issue
after mouldy mince was served
up to students at the Wainoni
school on Monday. The Ministry of
Primary Industries confirmed it is
also investigating and carrying out
checks of the school’s lunches.
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4 | The Star, December 4, 2025 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
Families can’t ‘carry the load alone’
› From Page 1
“And didn't this government
campaign on returning control
to the provinces, not taking it
away at a rate we've barely seen
before?”
Any proposed sale of Enable
is likely to ignite intense debate
between left and right-leaning
city councillors as asset sales are
a typical political faultline.
Council will be required to
consider the rates cap in 10-yearbudgets
starting in 2027.
Mauger did not comment
directly on MacDonald’s Enable
proposal when asked by
The Star, but said he is open to
“exploring any options” to keep
rates down and to look at how
the city council’s key services
can be funded going forward.
“I know ratepayers are feeling
the pinch, and that’s why we’re
checking every dollar we spend
and carefully weighing the
impacts on ratepayers.”
However, Mauger warned if
too many cuts are made, the
whole city will feel the impact of
key services and infrastructure
being underfunded.
“It’s also important that Crown
starts paying its shares of rates
on property in our district, so
every day families don’t carry
the load alone,” he said.
MacDonald, who is finance
committee chair, would like the
city council to plan ahead and
sees a sale of Enable as the best
pathway to avoid damaging cuts
to services and infrastructure
renewals.
“I think the rates cap will help
us have a conversation about
Enable and see what sort of
appetite is out there,” he said.
MacDonald supports the rates
cap and says the Government
has sent a strong signal to councils
to “live within their means”.
Left-leaning The People’s
Choice co-chair Paul McMahon
says MacDonald’s goal to sell
Enable is shortsighted.
“It’s no surprise we’re seeing
asset sales spring up in response
to the rates cap,” he said.
"Very few people seem to
understand Enable’s worth and
the need for a council-owned
reliable fibre network is only
going to increase in an unstable
world.”
McMahon said the Government’s
rates cap is no solution to
the cost of living crisis.
"It will mean reduced
budgets for everything, including
for road renewals and
infrastructure.”
Harewood Ward city councillor
Aaron Keown would back
MacDonald’s proposal to sell
Enable if it stacks up financially.
He strongly supports the rates
cap but is disappointed it will
not come into full force until
2029.
"Ratepayers are hurting right
now. People need council to rein
in spending right now, not in a
few years time,” said Keown.
Halswell Ward city councillor
Andrei Moore said he had
not given any thought yet to
MacDonald’s Enable proposal
and would need to see more
detail.
He said the rates cap would
encourage the city council to
look at a range of options to
decrease rates increases, but
he wants to focus on reducing
spending rather than “resorting
to selling off things.”
Moore welcomed the Government’s
rates cap as a method
to reduce rates rises, but said
more change is need to make it
feasible.
“If central Government
continue to impose more costs
but no additional revenue
streams, then it won't be
achievable.”
HAVE YOUR SAY Do you support the Government’s proposed 4% rates cap?
Send your thoughts to dylan.smits@alliedmedia.co.nz in 200 words or less
Working near power lines? Check with us first
so you can start your DIY with confidence.
When you’re tackling a DIY project at
home, safety comes first. Before you
start, get in touch with us and we’ll help
ensure you can work safely around
power lines.
Visit oriongroup.co.nz/safety for tips
and guidance, or call us anytime on
0800 363 9898. We’re here to help.

*
starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, December 4, 2025 | 5
Jailed car parts dealer to lose properties
BY AL WILLIAMS
Jailed chop shop boss Abdul
Ahmadi received $800,000 in
stolen cars and now looks set
to lose millions in property as a
result.
The High Court has given
police the green light to sell two
of the wrecking yards owned by
Ahmadi.
Ahmadi was the director of a
dismantling business that was
carrying out legitimate work.
But behind the scenes it was
also dismantling and exporting
stolen cars overseas.
Ahmadi operated dismantling
yards in Christchurch and Upper
Hutt, and over a period of time,
became known as someone who
accepted stolen cars.
The practice came to an
end when police raided his
Christchurch yard and found
several stolen vehicles on-site.
​He was jailed for three years
and three months in the district
court on November 12.
​Now, Justice Jonathan
Eaton has granted the Police
Commissioner’s application
for an order for sale of two
restrained properties in Upper
Hutt.
It followed an application for
restraining orders under the
Criminal Proceeds (Recovery)
Act in February after Ahmadi’s
arrest.
The properties have respective
capital values of $1,090,000
and $700,000. Ahmadi was a
director of Alizadah Property
Investments, the registered
Abdul Ahmadi during his sentencing in the district court last month. He was jailed for three years and three months and
police have now been given approval to sell two of his wrecking yards.
PHOTO: AL WILLIAMS/POOL
owner of the two properties.
He operated two businesses
from the properties, Lion Auto
Dismantlers and NZ Wellington
Car Parts, both trading under
the name North Wreckers, when
he came to police attention for
receiving stolen vehicles and for
non-compliance.
Ahmadi owns a $1.3 million
home in Wigram.
​He was purchasing specifically
targeted vehicles from
recidivist thieves and rapidly
dismantling them and exporting
their parts for profit.
During the course of their
investigation, police undertook a
financial review which showed
Lion Auto and NZ Wellington
Car Parts engaged in large-scale
quantities of shipments to the
United Arab Emirates.
From the funds receipted from
the UAE, more than $479,000
had been transferred from the
two company accounts to the
Alizadah Property Investments
account which serviced the
mortgage payments.
Police said an early sale was
necessary to preserve the value
of the properties given the escalating
arrears on the mortgage.
Justice Eaton said he was satisfied
there were reasonable
grounds to believe Ahmadi had
unlawfully benefited from significant
criminal activity and that an
early sale order was appropriate
given the escalating arrears on
the mortgage of the properties.
The offending occurred
between December 2023 and
August 2024.
​Ahmadi was arrested in
September 2024 following a
police investigation of illegal
activities at multiple autodismantlers’
yards.
A Canterbury investigation
into a rise in car crime and theft
started in early 2024 and focused
on two vehicle dismantlers yards
– one in Christchurch and the
other in Upper Hutt.
Police believed both yards
were fuelling vehicle thefts in
their wider areas.
Police were suspicious after
visiting the Christchurch autodismantler,
finding breaches of
the Secondhand Dealers and
Pawnbrokers Act.
Investigators alleged multiple
stolen cars had been bought by
the yard at undervalued rates.
Police then executed simultaneous
warrants in Upper Hutt
and Christchurch.
At his sentencing, the court
heard Ahmadi fled from Afghanistan
and sought refugee status in
New Zealand 25 years ago.
The Crown said Ahmadi’s
offending was highly
sophisticated, with several
victims describing to the court
how they had been affected
emotionally by the thefts.
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6 | The Star, December 4, 2025 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
Beachside tribute to trailblazer in
BY GEOFF SLOAN
A pioneering figure in women’s
sport will be honoured today, on
the one-year anniversary of her
death.
Marise Chamberlain remains
New Zealand’s only female Olympic
track medallist, and for 34
years was the fastest woman in
the country over 800m.
Her achievements helped pave
the way for generations of female
athletes – she led by example,
mentored others and spoke publicly
to inspire women and young
athletes across the country.
Today, a memorial beach seat
will be unveiled south of the
South Brighton Surf Life Saving
Club, followed by the opening of a
beach access track named in her
honour.
The event, organised by the city
council, will include a celebration
of Chamberlain’s life at the surf
club.
Chamberlain’s daughter,
Marissa Stephen, said it was
wonderful her mother was being
recognised for her contribution to
South New Brighton and to women’s
sport.
“She lived in South New
Brighton most of her life and did a
lot of her Olympic and Commonwealth
Games stamina training
on the sandhills,” she said.
Stephen said her grandfather,
Len Chamberlain, had been
involved in building the original
South Brighton Surf Life Saving
Club and encouraged her mother
to run.
Marise Chamberlain’s training work at the Technical Club on Ensors Rd, Opawa,
served her well, helping her to a bronze medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
“My mother was very passionate
about the South New
Brighton area, she didn't want to
live anywhere else.”
Chamberlain won the silver
medal in the Empire Games
half-mile in Perth in 1962 and an
800m bronze at the Tokyo Olympics
two years later, recording a
time of 2min 2.8sec.
Her personal best of 2min
01.4sec, set in 1962, stood for
34 years until it was broken by
Toni Hodgkinson in 1996 with a
time of 1min 58.25sec, the current
New Zealand women’s 800m
record.
Chamberlain would likely have
won gold at the 1966 Kingston
Empire Games in Jamaica but
stumbled tragically near the finish
line.
Despite carrying a leg injury
and being advised not to run the
final of the 880-yard event, she
chose to compete.
“She told me that in all her
years of running, she had never
felt so good in a race and felt it
was hers,” Stephen said.
Her mother led all the way and
was well ahead when she pushed
herself even harder to record a
fast time.
However, just four metres from
the finish, she collapsed with a
strained Achilles tendon.
In excruciating pain, she
dragged herself across the line in
sixth, missing out on a medal.
“She was completely devastated
and didn’t want to return to
New Zealand as she felt she had
let everybody down,” Stephen
said.
Chamberlain’s path to success
was far from easy. She worked
full-time as a typist to support
her running career and paid out
of her own pocket for physio
treatments three times a week.
"She had to duck out at lunchtime
and make sure she returned
back to work in time, as that was
the only time she could fit it in
before her after work training
schedules,” Stephen said.
Training conditions were also
challenging.
"She was running on uneven
ground most of the time, as there
weren't any specialist running
tracks back then,” Stephen said.
Her mother biked to Rugby
Park or the Ensors Rd, Opawa,
grounds to find a better surface.
“She did have the help of a
great Latvian coach, Valdemar
Briedis who volunteered his time
to help her.”
Stephen said women in the
1950s and 60s faced huge pressure
to stay out of sport, which
was seen as “unladylike”.
Her mother also faced stigma
for not marrying or having children
earlier in life.
“Her family were often asked
if there was something wrong
with her, as she was still living
at home and hadn’t settled
down yet.”
Retiree refuses to ‘sit it out’
When her four-year-old
grandson asked her to play on the
floor, 71-year-old Annie hesitated
– not because she didn’t want to,
but because she knew getting back
up would be difficult.
“That moment broke something
in me,” Annie recalls. “I’d been
making excuses for months. ‘Nana
will watch from the couch.’ But
seeing his disappointed face when
I said no again – I realised I’d
become a spectator in my own
life. I was sitting everything out.”
The decline had been gradual.
First, skipping morning beach
walks. Then the unopened pilates
mat gathering dust.
“You don’t notice you’re
shrinking your world until
suddenly it’s tiny,” she says. “I
went from being the grandmother
who’d chase them around to the
one watching from the bench.”
Annie had always prided herself
on being active.
“I felt like I was disappearing,”
she admits.
“Accepting this might be my
new normal,” she says. “That’s a
horrible feeling at 71.”
The turning point came when
a friend mentioned Koru FX, a
natural New Zealand cream that
had helped her.
Annie picked up a bottle from
her local pharmacy that afternoon.
Reading the ingredients, she
recognised names she trusted –
arnica for soothing, mānuka oil
from New Zealand, peppermint
for cooling relief.
“These weren’t mystery
chemicals,” she says. “They were
things my mother would have
used.”
The cream absorbed quickly and
seemed to last a long time. Annie
soon noticed changes.
“I wasn’t planning my
movements as much.”
“Each week I noticed something
else. Reaching high cupboards.
Getting in and out of the car
easier. Small things that add up to
a life.”
The test came visiting her
daughter who’d just had Annie’s
eighth grandchild. Her newborn
grandson lay on a soft blanket.
“I looked at him lying there, so
perfect and new,” Annie recalls.
“And I thought – I’m not missing
this. Not again.”
Without overthinking, Annie
lowered herself to the floor. She
lay beside him, letting his tiny
hand wrap around her finger,
breathing in that newborn smell.
“My daughter found us like
that,” she smiles. “Me on my
stomach, making faces at him.
Later she told me she hadn’t seen
me on the floor in years.”
Getting up wasn’t graceful. But
Always read the label and take as directed. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare professional. Koru Nutrition, Christchurch
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she did it.
“That baby won’t remember
that moment,” Annie says. “But I
will. Because it was the moment I
stopped being a spectator.”
Three months later, Annie keeps
Koru FX in her bathroom and
handbag. She’s back to morning
walks, gentle pilates, and most
importantly, being present.
“I’m not running marathons,”
she says. “But when my
grandchildren need me on their
level, I can get there. That’s
everything.”
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starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, December 4, 2025 | 7
suburb where her journey began
Back then, Stephen said,
women “weren’t meant to have
goals and dreams”.
“She used to say to me, she
wanted to have the chance to
reach her potential.”
Chamberlain never socialised
or went to dances.
“She couldn't do that as she
didn't have time. She had to make
the sacrifice for her running
career,” Stephen said.
After returning from the Tokyo
Olympics, Chamberlain married
Denis Stephen in 1965 and
had two daughters, Marissa and
Louise.
Denis, a Canterbury rugby and
rugby league representative was
a known speedster on the wing
and was under the guidance of
Briedis for speed training at the
Technical club.
“He had a motorbike and used
to give mum a ride home as she
only had a bike and it was dark
by the time they finished training.
That’s how their friendship developed,”
Stephen said.
Her parents later divorced
amicably. Denis Stephen, 67, was
killed in his Spreydon home in
2004 following a dispute with a
neighbour. The man was charged
with manslaughter.
Across her career, Chamberlain
won 17 national titles.
“They were pretty much all
achieved while running solo as
nobody in New Zealand could
keep up,” Stephen said.
Chamberlain also enjoyed a
fierce rivalry with Australian
runner Dixie Willis, with the
Chamberlain’s daughter Marissa Stephen said it was “wonderful” to have her mother honoured with a beach seat and access
path naming in South New Brighton, the suburb closest to her heart.
PHOTOS: GEOFF SLOAN
pair consistently ranked one and
two in the world after the 1962
Empire Games.
“The Europeans used to say
to my mum they would never
train in the conditions she had
to train in. They couldn't believe
it,” Stephen said.
Overseas athletes had access
to proper facilities and training
camps – luxuries Chamberlain
never enjoyed.
Stephen said her mother
believed sport was a great leveller
– regardless of background, sport
could change lives.
“She was very much into the
importance of sport as being able
to empower people.”
She also believed strongly in the
therapeutic benefits of the beach,
both physically and mentally.
“She visited the beach every
day for a walk, right up until a
Marise Chamberlain with her 1964
Olympic medal.
PHOTO: NZOC
few days before her unexpected
passing at the age of 88,” Stephen
said.
Chamberlain was inducted
into the New Zealand Sports Hall
of Fame in 1995 and appointed
a Member of the New Zealand
Order of Merit in 2003 for her services
to athletics.
Stephen said the wooden beach
seat dedicated to Chamberlain
will overlook the sea, and feature
a marble plaque listing all of her
mother’s achievements.
“It’s very humbling and lovely
that she is being recognised for
her achievements,” she said.
• The unveiling ceremony at the South
Brighton Surf Life Saving Club starts
at 1.30pm, followed by a celebration of
Chamberlain’s sporting life. A livestream
will be available on the surf club’s
Facebook page.
Heads up...
Orion is carrying out an aerial LiDAR
(Light Detection and Ranging) survey
of our electricity network.
With a network region spanning
over 8000 square kilometres,
covering rural and urban areas,
and serving over 229,000
customers, there’s a fair bit to
cover! We will have helicopters
operating throughout November
and early December.
This is part of our commitment
to providing our community
with a safe, reliable and resilient
network. It will help us identify
potential hazards, such as trees
and vegetation close to our assets,
so we can better manage them
before they cause power outages.
Your privacy is our priority.
All flights will be conducted
by Christchurch Helicopters
and will comply with
New Zealand Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA) regulations
and privacy guidelines.
For more information, visit
oriongroup.co.nz/aerialsurvey
or call us on 0800 363 9898
anytime. We’re here to help.

8 | The Star, December 4, 2025 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
Financial advisor’s licence
cancelled – police alerted
A Christchurch-based financial
adviser who obtained more than
$42,000 in commission by deliberately
misleading clients over
insurance policy applications
has had his licence cancelled.
The Financial Markets
Authority (FMA) found serious
conduct issues in 14 insurance
policy applications submitted
on behalf of 13 customers by
Hope Group Ltd (HGL) and its
sole director and adviser Junpu
Wang, the New Zealand Herald
reported.
The matter has also been
referred to police.
The FMA said HGL and Wang
obtained $37,374 in upfront
commissions and a further
$5342.34 in overpayments from
clients who paid two premiums
for the same or similar cover
while both policies remained
active for up to 27 weeks.
“Wang deliberately misled
impacted clients to take out
second policies after the
24-month clawback period
for the sole purpose to obtain
commission payments from
the insurer,” said Louise Unger,
FMA’s executive director,
response and enforcement.
“HGL and Wang’s actions
represent a serious and
deliberate departure from the
standards expected of a licensed
financial advice provider.”
Unger said the cancellation
of HGL’s licence is critical to
ensuring the protection of
consumers and the integrity of
the market, NZ Herald reported.
“Wang has not accepted his
conduct, all allegations have
been denied and attempts made
to blame another financial
adviser who was never
engaged by HGL at the time the
applications were submitted,”
she said.
The FMA’s inquiries identified
material breaches of obligations,
including:
• Submitting second policy
applications for existing
clients using incorrect or
false customer information to
conceal that the policies were
duplicates;
• Completing an authority
to accept a direct debit form
on behalf of a client without
obtaining the client’s authentic
signature;
• Failing to obtain client
consent for first and second
policies (with the same or
similar cover) to remain active
during a significant period,
causing clients to pay two
premiums;
• Misleading clients by
recommending second
policies to benefit from lower
premiums under a promotional
offer, despite clients being
ineligible (e.g., already existing
policyholders);
• Failing to ensure clients
understood the advice provided.
In some cases, clients were
incorrectly advised that a new
policy was needed because their
existing policy would become
more expensive after 24 months;
in two cases, clients were told to
take out a new policy to obtain
a second luxury item – despite
being ineligible for that benefit.
HGL held a full financial
advice provider licence
and provided personal risk
insurance advice (life and health
insurance, income protection
insurance, trauma and disability
insurance) to retail clients.
Tourist pleads guilty after
fatal crash in Sheffield
BY AL WILLIAMS
A Swiss national who caused
the death of a grandmother in
a crash at Sheffield will have to
wait for his day in court despite
concerns he is stuck in New Zealand
with no income.
Patrick Keusch, 32, appeared
before Community Magistrate
Sarah Steele in the Christchurch
District Court on Monday where
he entered a guilty plea to careless
driving causing death.
Glenda Sally Douglas, 68, from
Greymouth, died at the scene following
a collision between two
vehicles at the intersection of
State Highway 73 and Deans Rd
on November 19.
Two other people suffered
minor injuries in the crash.
​The court heard that there
was no sentencing date available
until the new year, despite
defence lawyer Grant Fletcher
calling for a resolution before
Christmas.
Fletcher said while it was
clearly a terrible tragedy, his client
was stuck in New Zealand
with little support and no earning
capacity.
“It is extremely difficult for
him to remain in New Zealand
for a period of time.”
The summary of facts showed
Keusch was driving east on
the highway while Douglas
was heading westbound about
1.45pm.
Keusch began to slow down in
preparation to make a right turn
Patrick Keusch, 32, entered a guilty
plea to a charge of careless driving
causing death when he appeared in the
Christchurch District Court.
PHOTO: IAIN MCGREGOR / POOL
towards the intersection of State
Highway 73 and the Inland Scenic
Route 72.
As he crossed the centre line
turning into the intersection, he
collided head-on with Douglas’
vehicle.
Keusch told police he did not
see the oncoming vehicle.
Fletcher asked if it was possible
to get restorative justice and
sentencing wrapped up before
Christmas.
Police were opposed to the
move, saying it would be too soon,
given the time the victims needed
to process the matter.
Steele said restorative justice
needed to happen and asked
if that could take place before
Christmas. – Open Justice
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starnews.co.nz
The Star, December 4, 2025 | 9
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10 | The Star, December 4, 2025 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
Parakiore finally arrives after
Parakiore – the largest
recreation and sports centre in
New Zealand – will finally open
on December 17. Reporter
Dylan Smits explains the $500
million facility’s history of cost
blowouts and nearly a decade
in opening delays
​In 2012 the National
Government revealed the
Christchurch Central Recovery
Plan, often called the blueprint,
an ambitious proposal to
reshape the central city after
the earthquakes.
Among the so-called anchor
projects was a world-class
Metro Sports Facility bordered
by St Asaph, Moorhouse and
Antigua Sts.
It would replace the Canterbury
Brewery building, which
was demolished due to earthquake
damage.
What was the target opening
date provided? The first quarter
of 2016.
After a series of projected
cost blowouts, a doubling of
the budget, and more than 13
years since the facility was
announced, the public will be
using the long-promised centre
in just two weeks time.
The facility had an original
budget of $246 million, with
$147m from the city council and
the rest provided by the Crown.
The city council contribution
was capped with all additional
funding to cover budget
increases being met by the
Crown.
A Crown Infrastructure Delivery
(CID) spokesperson said in
May this year Parakiore was
expected to cost "around $500
million upon completion”.
CID was formed to deliver
large infrastructure projects
for the Christchurch rebuild on
behalf of the Crown, but its role
has since expanded nationwide.
When asked by The Star for a
more specific and updated total
cost for Parakiore and a cost
breakdown, a CID spokesperson
said the final cost of the project
will not be finalised until midnext
year.
“As the final project costs
are not known, further details
about the project’s budget are
withheld,” the spokesperson
said.
The legacy of the other 16
anchor projects is mixed also.
Mostly successful projects
included the Tūranga library,
the Bus Interchange and Justice
and Emergency Services
Precinct.
While others, such as One
New Zealand Stadium and Te
Pae Convention Centre, faced
years of delays.
Mayor Phil Mauger said “it’s
certainly been a long road” for
Parakiore.
"I know the whole team is
thrilled to be preparing for the
first event, and then opening
the doors to the public.”
At 3.2ha, Parakiore is New
Zealand’s largest indoor sport
and aquatics facility.
It includes a 50m competition
pool, dive pool, five hydroslides,
a large aquatic leisure zone and
a sensory aqua centre, designed
for inclusive participation.
There are nine indoor courts,
including a three‐court show
court with retractable grandstands
for spectators.
It also features fitness and
movement studios, and a High
Performance Sport New Zealand
training base.
The hydroslide tower houses
five slides, including the trapdoor
Looping Rocket.
“It’s certainly been a long
road, but I know the whole
team is thrilled to be preparing
for the first event, and then
opening the doors to the public,”
said Mauger.
Parakiore’s
first delay was in
June 2014.
A revised
schedule in the
anchor projects
overview pushed
the completion
date out to the
end of 2017.
The delay
Phil Mauger
received little
public blow back at the time.
In May 2015, the first big
delay also came with little fanfare,
with Ōtākaro Ltd, CID’s
predecessor, stating the project
would likely not be completed
until 2020.
The ambitious scale of the
project and there being no
selected contractor were the
main reported reasons for the
more than two year delay.
However, progress was being
made with major design work
and site preparation was well
under way.
Then much worse news
arrived for the new Labour
Government in November
2017, with Ōtākaro Ltd reporting
a budget blowout of $75m
more than the project’s $246m
Spring Summer
Prices Slashed
ROUND LOUNGER
WAS $1995
NOW $1500
COUCH SET WITH CONCRETE TABLE
WAS $3250 NOW $2400
TABLES
3.0m WAS $2500
NOW $1875
2.5m WAS $2000
NOW $1500
2.0m WAS $1500
NOW $1125
© Jason Gulley
CHAIRS
WERE $325 EA
NOW
$250EA
OPEN:
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm,
Sat 10am–4pm,
Sun Closed
69 Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch
www.garden.co.nz
P: 365 9945 E: info@garden.co.nz
BAR LEANER TABLE
WAS $995 NOW $745
Exhibition on now
Free entry
Donations appreciated
www.canterburymuseum.com

starnews.co.nz
NEWS
The Star, December 4, 2025 | 11
a decade of costly delays
budget. This brought the total
cost to about $321m.
Ōtākaro Ltd has since become
Crown Infrastructure Delivery
Ltd and expanded into national
projects beyond its original role
in the city’s rebuild.
The cost overrun stemmed
from a revised price by the
preferred contractor, Leighs
Cockram Joint Venture, after
a more detailed budget was
produced.
Potential budget overruns,
such as a more difficult than
expected ground remediation,
also needed to be covered, the
contractor said.
As a result, the arrangement
with Leighs Cockram was cancelled
by Greater Christchurch
Regeneration Minister Megan
Woods and the opening was
delayed again until the first
quarter of 2021.
"I am announcing that the
early contractor involvement
will be cancelled, and I have
instructed officials to undertake
urgent work to get this project
back on track,” Woods said at
the time.
Ōtākaro Ltd took back control
of the detailed design and
a “build only” contract was
planned with the Crown having
a more hands-on role in the
project.
Woods said the project rework
would deliver about $50m
in savings which would have
in theory brought the budget
down to about $271m.
The combination of the cost
blowout and further delay
harmed confidence in the
project.
Throughout 2018 and 2019,
the project appeared mostly
back on track with a $221m
build contract awarded to CPB
contractors and early construction
starting.
However the build contract
does not represent the
total budget cost, which would
remain unclear throughout the
Covid pandemic.
Just as significant momentum
was building and construction
was under way, the pandemic
caused major labour and supply
issues.
CID pushed back the expected
opening date to early 2023 in
November 2021.
In June 2022, the project’s cost
blowout once again became
clear to the public with CID
confirming the total budget was
now $317m, a $71m increase
from the original cost and
seemingly higher than the Government
had hoped for from its
rework.
The official name Parakiore
Recreation and Sport Centre
was given to it by Christchurch
rūnanga Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri in
April 2021.
Parakiore was the youngest
son of Tūrākautahi, the Ngāi
Tahu chief of Kaiapoi Pa.
He is described as a man of
great strength and amazing
speed as a runner, fitting the
themes of the sports facility.
Construction ramped up
again following the pandemic
until perhaps the project’s largest
crisis occurred in September
2022. CPB controversially
lodged a claim with CID for an
additional $212m – on top of the
established $221m contract – to
complete the build.
The contractor cited Covid-19
impacts, poor ground conditions
and design issues.
It was just the start of
a contentious legal battle
between CPB and the Crown.
By September 2023, CPB
increased its additional cost
claim even further from
$212m to $439.4m and stated
construction would not finish
until May this year – another
delay.
This would have pushed
out the total contract value
to $696m if accepted by the
Crown.
"We continue to reject the
excessive and unsubstantiated
claim on both entitlement and
amount,” a CID spokesperson
said at the time.
Construction was 70%
completed in October this year
and CID’s court action against
CPB was successful, with the
High Court preventing the
contractor from halting work.
CID stated the completion
date goal was late 2024 but
acknowledged the legal
dispute with the contractor
made it unlikely. The pace of
construction slowed and in
November 2023 the total project
cost was $365m, $119m more
than the original budget and
not including CPB’s far higher
additional cost claims.
CPB had filed to appeal the
High Court’s decision ordering
works to continue, but dropped
the appeal in March last year.
Then in May, CID published a
project update, giving a delayed
completion date of July this
year, citing ground issues, poor
contractor performance and the
legal dispute as the causes.
A CID spokesperson said
Parakiore was expected to cost
"around $500 million upon
completion” in May this year.
This was less than CPB’s
claimed $696m for its contract
but still more than double the
original $246m budget.
An end to the fraught
construction period was in sight
however, and construction was
completed in October.
Parakiore was officially
handed over from the Crown to
the city council on October 31,
which completed the fit-out and
now takes on the operator role.
The centre’s first official
event, the Special Olympics’
National Summer Games, will
be held before doors open to
the public. The games, which
are held every four years, will
run from December 10 to 14 in
the city. It is the pinnacle event
for athletes with an intellectual
disability in New Zealand.
New ways
to pay!
Metro now supports
contactless payments *
• Standard adult fares only
• No transaction fees
• Concession? Continue
using your Metrocard
Visit motumove.govt.nz
* Standard fare only. Keep using your
Metrocard for concessions and discounts.

12 | The Star, December 4, 2025 starnews.co.nz
DECEMBER
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starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, December 4, 2025 | 13
Brighton mall set
for long-awaited
$4.2m revamp
New Brighton mall is in for a
$4.2 million upgrade after a
decade of plans for a revamp.
The city council project proposes
new paving, a central
gathering space with seating,
new lighting and paving, and
a transition to a shared cyclist
and pedestrian zone.
The community has been
invited by the city council to
give feedback on the plans.
Work to revamp the pedestrian
mall area has been in the
pipeline for a decade.
With recent projects like He
Puna Taimoana, the City to Sea
Pathway, Marine Parade, and
the New Brighton Beachside
Playground all contributing to
New Brighton's steady regeneration,
and new developments
like the Village Green Project
and Pierside underway, the
time has come to turn attention
to the mall.
City council planning and
delivery transport manager
Jacob Bradbury said the plans
have been informed by views
in the community that the best
way to draw people to spend
time in the area is to improve
the feel, safety and connectivity
of the mall.
“The mall’s main purpose is
to act as a gateway between the
pier, the beach and local businesses
to give people in New
Brighton easy access to hospitality,
retail and services,” said
Bradbury.
“To make it all flow better and
be more welcoming, we’re looking
at a range of changes and
improvements.”
Bradbury said $4.2m is earmarked
for the revamp.
“We’re confident that this
spend will go a long way
towards lifting the amenity,” he
said.
“There's already so much
awesome stuff going on in the
Brighton mall area, and by
simply linking it all together
in an attractive way, we can
really make the most of the
regeneration that's already
happening.”
Bradbury said the city council
is working closely with Martini
Investments, the Greater
New Brighton Charitable
Trust and ChristchurchNZ to
make sure private and public
developments integrate well.
New paving along the mall
could incorporates the newly
gifted name for the mall, Te
Ara Kuaka, which means “the
pathway of the godwit”.
New Brighton mall is set for a $4.2
million revamp and the city council
is asking for public feedback on the
proposed plans, pictured right.
PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN
​The central gathering area in
the mall, adjacent to the Village
Green would have bespoke
seating, planting, irrigation and
LED feature lighting.
New streetlights, free public
Wi-Fi, rubbish bins, drinking
fountains and signage would be
established.
Changing the mall's
designation from pedestrian to
a shared zone, would make it
easier for people to access the
mall in different ways, like cycle
or skateboard.
See the proposals in detail
and have your say at letstalk.
ccc.govt.nz/brightonmall
To see the plans in person,
visit the pop-up display inside
New Brighton Library.
Consultation on the plans is
open until Sunday, February
1 and work on the upgrades is
expected to begin in winter 2026.
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14 | The Star, December 4, 2025 starnews.co.nz
December 2025
Ann Brokenshire,
Principal’s message
As we come to the end of another remarkable
year, it is a pleasure to celebrate the many
successes of our students. Their curiosity,
resilience, creativity and determination
continue to shine in classrooms, on the
sports field, in the arts and through service
to others. Each achievement, big or small,
reflects the heart of our school and belief that
every learner can thrive.
These successes are only possible through
partnership. We extend our sincere thanks to
our whānau for the support, encouragement,
and trust you place in us each day. To our
dedicated staff, thank you for the care,
expertise, and commitment you bring to our
learners. Together, you help create a school
where young people can feel confident,
valued and ready to take on new challenges;
and many do exactly this.
I also want to express my deep gratitude for
the ongoing support shown to our school
and to our new principal, Sam Ainsworth.
Your shared belief in the future of our kura
will help our community continue to grow
and flourish under Sam’s leadership.
After 23 years as principal, I will be stepping
into a new role at the Ministry of Education
as a Leadership Advisor from the start of
2026. It has been an immense privilege to
serve this school and its community. Thank
you for the trust, the kindness, and the
shared vision that have made this journey so
meaningful.
Our school is in wonderful hands, and I look
forward to watching it continue to prosper.
Ngā mihi nui
Senior Prizegiving
October 31 was a time of celebration as we
acknowledged our senior prizewinners across
academic, cultural, leadership, service and
sporting spheres at the Year 11 Prizegiving and
Year 12 / 13 Merit Assembly during the day,
and then at the Senior Prizegiving and Year 13
Graduation Ceremony in the evening.
We wish all our graduating students well as
they move on from school, and on to the
next chapter in their lives.
We also congratulate all our students on
their successes this year, and particularly the
following major award recipients:
Woolhouse Scholar – for academic
achievement, character and contribution to
the life of the school: Libby McMahon
United Cup for student of the year – academic dux of the school:
Emilie Burt
Holder Cup for proxime accessit:
Niamh Ellison
Graham Leslie Award – exhibiting our school values:
Philip Brown
William and Ina Cartwright Award for the top Year 12 students:
Lucas Bennett and Gracy Patel
The top Year 11 and second-to-top Year 11 students will be
announced next year after external assessment results are known.
We would also like to congratulate our Middle School students on
their successes. Their award ceremonies will be held on December
05, 09 and 10, and, at the time of going to press, have not been
announced.
Honouring Ann and welcoming Sam
Ann Brokenshire started at Hillmorton High School in 1995 as an Assistant Principal. She was
soon promoted to Deputy Principal, and then Hillmorton High School’s fifth Principal in 2003.
During her 30-year tenure at Hillmorton, Ann has seen remarkable changes in the school and
education in general.
NCEA and a new curriculum were introduced in the early 2000s, Hillmorton became a Year 7 -13
school in 2014 with the closure of the neighbouring Manning Intermediate School, Hillmorton’s
substantial roll growth from around 600 students pre-earthquake to today’s 1,400, the move
to digital learning, overseeing two significant building projects and the planning of two more
as our physical site evolves and develops, a recent rebranding of the school - including new
uniform - to better reflect our 21st century positioning so we are walking backward into the
future, and another new curriculum.
Over her many years of service, Ann has touched the lives of thousands of students, whānau
and staff, encouraging and challenging all of us to be our personal best, and seeing the best in
us. At times stern, at times caring and kind, Ann has always wanted the best for all of us.
We wish her well in her next venture, knowing she will not be a stranger to us.
Ann is passing the rākau to Sam Ainsworth, our current Associate Principal who is passionate
about the school and has been with us for six years in senior leadership. We welcome Sam to
the role as we continue to move forward, facing the challenges ahead.
SCHOOL RE-OPENS FRIDAY 30 JANUARY
Tankerville Rd, Hoon Hay, Christchurch. Ph: 03 338 5119. Email: admin@hillmorton.school.nz www.hillmorton.school.nz

starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, December 4, 2025 | 15
Rescue vehicles do the job in Ukraine
​BY DYLAN SMITS
​After two whirlwind trips
to Ukraine, Matt Goodrick
received the call he had been
hoping for.
A soldier told him the Isuzu
Trooper vehicle Goodrick had
donated to the war-torn country
had been used to rescue seven
wounded soldiers from the
southern frontline the previous
day.
“It’s good to know the trip
was worth it and we’re actually
helping. You know, everyone
can do their bit to help even if
it’s minor in the big scheme of
things,” said Goodrick.
He received the call in mid-
October and believes the
vehicle is still being used to
evacuate soldiers from the
frontline.
The 57-year-old from
Huntsbury crowd-funded about
$15,000 for Ukraine, which he
used to purchase the Isuzu and
a Mitsubishi Challenger for
casualty evacuations.
The vehicles were filled with
medical equipment.
In July, Goodrick travelled
across Europe with United
Kingdom-based aid group
Ukraine Mission, driving from
the UK to the Polish border and
then 1600km into Ukraine.
The people of Ukraine have
been fighting off the Russian
invasion for nearly four years,
and Goodrick said they are now
in survival mode.
“They’re doing everything
they can to protect their way of
life and their democracy.”
During the nine-day trip,
he travelled from western to
southern Ukraine to deliver the
Isuzu Trooper to Dnipro, before
heading to Zaporizhzhia to
deliver an ambulance.
Zaporizhzhia, a city of 710,000
about 40km from the frontline,
has been claimed by Russia as
its territory but remains under
Ukrainian control.
The Mitsubishi Challenger
purchased by Goodrick only
arrived in Ukraine recently
after a mechanical fault had to
be repaired.
He returned to Ukraine in
September on a shorter trip,
delivering a minibus and a
campervan to the western
city of Lviv on behalf of the
charity, Ukraine Mission, before
heading back to the UK to spend
time with his English father.
He returned to Christchurch
in late-October.
Goodrick said his strongest
impression was the contrast
between the relatively normal
rhythms of daily life and the
constant reminders of war.
He had been swimming in
the Dnieper River and later
sat down for a meal at a
Zaporizhzhia restaurant when
he heard the distant boom of a
missile strike.
“That’s just the bizarre nature
of life in Ukraine,” he said.
Across the country, Goodrick
Matt Goodrick with his friend Richard
Crosby in London ahead of the second
trip to deliver aid to Ukraine.
saw large memorial sites
marked with plaques, photos
and Ukrainian flags, honouring
the soldiers and civilians who
have died during the conflict.
“In every town and city you
can see the toll of the war,” he
said.
“In Dnipro we stayed in a
pretty standard hotel but then
you’re told the windows have
been replaced three times
because they were blown out
from bombings at the nearby
train station.”
The vehicles Goodrick
helped deliver were packed
with practical medical
supplies needed to treat
injured soldiers and civilians,
including stretchers, walkers,
wheelchairs, crutches and
monitors.
Many conversations Goodrick
had with Ukrainians will
stay with him forever, from
a young surgeon in a Dnipro
hospital treating the wounded
to a female soldier on the
Polish border who offered an
emotional thank you in broken
English.
In Zaporizhzhia, he was humbled,
and slightly embarrassed,
to be thanked in a small recognition
ceremony by an aid
group working on the frontline.
“Compared to what these
people do every day, my
contribution was tiny. But
I guess it just reflects how
grateful Ukrainians are for any
foreign support.”
He said it felt good to contribute
even on a “micro-level”.
Goodrick’s wife and his wider
family are glad to have him
home.
“There’s valid concerns about
safety and that so they're all
pretty pleased I'm back now.”
•To help Goodrick raise funds
to donate to Ukraine Mission,
go to givealittle.co.nz/cause/
average-kiwi-plans-to-helpsave-lives-in-ukraine
A Ukrainian solder with the donated Izuzu
Trooper which was used to rescue seven
injured soldiers from the frontline last
month.
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16 | The Star, December 4, 2025 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
The Way
We Were
Waiting for the Hay’s Christmas Parade on Cambridge Tce in 1970.
Below – watching the Miss New Brighton pageant in 1968.
CROWDS
The largest-ever crowd in
Christchurch is thought
to have been for the Band
Together concert in Hagley
Park in 2010, which was
attended by 130,000. It was
also the largest free concert
in New Zealand.
The Botanic D’Lights festival
in 2018 saw 136,000
through in five days, while
the A&P Show has typically
attracted about 100,000.
An estimated 70,000
enjoyed the Hay’s annual
Christmas pageant in its heyday,
Lancaster Park drew
a record 57,000 spectators
in 1961 when the All
Blacks played France, and
about 20,000 went to see
evangalist Dr Leighton Ford
during his five-day ‘Mission
Christchurch’ in 1987.
Did you attend any of these
mass gatherings? See if you
can spot yourself in our
photos.
In 1983, 25,000 gathered at Northlands for the chance to win a house. Above right – the crowd at QEII stadium for
evangelist Dr Leighton Ford in 1987. Below – an Addington Raceway Inter-Dominion crowd in 1971; Canterbury University
students protesting the planned Omega military site in 1968.
PHOTOS: CHRISTCHURCH STAR, CANTERBURYSTORIES.NZ
Over 125 years of
unwavering care.
WEEK 5
of Home & Family
GIVING BACK Series
Protecting childhoods.
Helping tamariki thrive.
Donate Today - Shape Tomorrow
Each year, Home & Family provides life-changing therapy,
wraparound care and evidence-based programmes to families
impacted by family violence.
Your donation helps ensure:
• Families receive the immediate,
compassionate support they need
• Intergenerational change is possible
for Canterbury whānau
• No child is left behind, no matter
their circumstances
Together, we can create a brighter future for tamariki
and whānau.
Scan the QR Code or visit www.homeandfamily.net.nz/donate-2
021 101 1438 • contact@homeandfamily.net.nz • homeandfamily.net.nz

starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, December 4, 2025 | 17
AI, open datasets
being used to help
communities plan
​Canterbury University
researchers are using
AI and open datasets to
create affordable, accurate
elevation maps that will help
communities plan and adapt to
a changing climate.
Xiandong Cai and Professor
Matthew Wilson from the university’s
Geospatial Research
Institute have developed a
deep-learning model called
joint spatial propagation superresolution
(JSPSR) that uses AI
to dramatically enhance global
satellite elevation data.
Professor Wilson said the
team’s goal is to democratise
access to accurate elevation
data.
“AI allows us to achieve high
accuracy and good spatial resolution
using open satellite data
that is accessible to everyone.”
He said high-quality elevation
data is essential for planning
everything from flood modelling
to infrastructure design,
agriculture and renewableenergy
development.
Currently, the most accurate
option is light detection and
ranging (LiDAR), which provides
exceptional detail, but for
many nations it is too expensive
and logistically demanding,
requiring specialised aircraft,
equipment and technical
capability.
Governments across much
of Africa, Asia and the Pacific
currently rely on basic global
satellite elevation datasets that
lack the fine-scale detail needed
for reliable modelling of landscapes
and waterways.
Addressing this gap, JSPSR
uses AI to generate high-resolution,
bare-earth digital
elevation models (DEMs) using
only open satellite data and
modest computing power.
Early results show that the
JSPSR model can deliver a
ten-fold improvement in spatial
resolution, and around a
72% improvement in elevation
accuracy, compared to
the basic datasets. In addition,
JSPSR delivers 1.05 m root
mean square error (RMSE),
vertical accuracy from 30 m
input data, and up to four
times faster processing than
the widely used enhanced deep
residual networks for single
image super-resolution (EDSR)
method.
Said Cai: “While the new technology
is not a replacement for
LiDAR, JSPSR provides far more
accurate elevation information
Professor Matthew Wilson and Xiandong Cai are using AI to democratise access
to accurate elevation data.
than current free satellite datasets
at a fraction of the cost of
LiDAR. This could transform
flood-risk mapping and environmental
planning for districts
or countries that currently lack
the resources to capture LiDAR
data. Our ongoing work aims to
further refine and validate the
model so it can be applied reliably
across global landscapes.”
Potential applications
include:
•Infrastructure and urban
planning: Flood-risk assessment,
stormwater design,
transport planning.
​•Agriculture and land management:
Irrigation modelling,
erosion monitoring, precision
agriculture.
•Environmental monitoring
and climate resilience: Sealevel
rise modelling, habitat
mapping, carbon-stock estimation.
•Energy and renewable
development: Hydrological
modelling, hydro site design,
renewable generation planning.
Said Wilson: “By making highquality
terrain data affordable
and accessible, the UC team’s
work supports global efforts to
strengthen climate resilience,
reduce inequalities and enable
sustainable infrastructure
development in regions that
need it most.”
New chapter
for summer
reading
challenge
Christchurch City Libraries’
reading challenge has started.
Running from December to
the end of January, the Mānuka
Stories programme encourages
children to read and listen to
stories, visit a library and get
involved in events throughout
the warmer months.
Each completed activity will
earn a sticker and once the
entry form has been completed,
entrants go in the draw to win
prizes.
Council acting head of libraries
and information Rosie
Levi said the challenge has a
new name this year – Mānuka
Stories.
“The mānuka signifies the
connection we have as people
to the whenua (land). The
environment was seen as the
ultimate storyteller for our
ancestors so the mānuka is a
reflection of that relationship.
“It requires us to nurture and
care for the mānuka, just as storytelling
and reading does for
our own learning and growth,”
she said.
“It’s the perfect opportunity
for children and their families
to head into a library, grab a
book or take part in an activity
and go in the draw to win some
prizes.”
UN International Volunteer Day 2025
Every Contribution Matters
Today, we celebrate our Blind Low
Vision NZ volunteers, part of the 800
million people worldwide who give
their time to strengthen communities.
To our volunteers, thank you for
contributing over 1 million hours each
year to support the independence
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18 | The Star, December 4, 2025 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
—On the Unveiling Ceremony of the Rewi Alley
Memorial Museum
The former Municipal Chambers in Christchurch
stood quietly under the gentle early-summer
sunlight, its century-old stone walls glowing with
warmth. On November 22nd, this historic building—
witness to countless moments of the city’s past—
welcomed a new chapter in the story of friendship:
the unveiling of the Rewi Alley Memorial Museum.
At the invitation of New Zealand’s Speaker of
Parliament, Gerry Brownlee, Mr. Zhao Leji, Chairman
of the Standing Committee of the National People’s
Congress of China, visited Christchurch—the Garden
City—as part of his official visit to New Zealand.
On the morning of the 22nd, Chairman Zhao joined
former Speaker Sir David Carter, Christchurch
Mayor Phil Mauger, Deputy Mayor Victoria Henstock,
Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black, members of
the Alley family, representatives of the New Zealand
China Friendship Society (NZCFS) and other local
friends at the former Municipal Chambers for the
ceremony.
A Bridge of
Friendship,
A Road
Forward
He Ying
Consul General
of the People’s
Republic of
China in
Christchurch
the “Gung Ho” industrial cooperatives he initiated,
which revitalized China’s wartime economy; the
Bailie School he founded, which trained urgently
needed technical personnel; his spirit of “work hard,
work together”; and the “hands and mind together”
educational philosophy, which continues to influence
vocational education in China to this day.
He highlighted that from the moment Alley arrived
in China in 1927, he built bridges of friendship
wherever he went. Alley’s pivotal role in establishing
the New Zealand China Friendship Society in 1952
left an indelible mark on people-to-people ties.
Looking to the future, Chairman Zhao called for
action: “We must carry forward, promote, and further
develop the ‘Rewi Alley spirit’, deepen exchanges
among our peoples, communities, and youth, and
write a new chapter of mutual understanding and
shared progress in the new era.”
As these profound words resonated through the
hall, my gaze turned to the exhibition panels.
Photographs of Alley in China, together with his
Chinese friends and students, captured his simple
and sincere smile—quietly conveying a life shaped
by humility, compassion, dedication to education,
and an unwavering commitment to friendship and
peace.
Yet what moved me most deeply was a single thin
sheet of Alley’s will, displayed in the showcase at the
center of the exhibition hall:
“After cremation, I would like my ashes put aside
until some convenient time when a visitor or friend
is going to Shandan, and there to be scattered on the
fields of of Sze Pa (where he worked for a long time)
with no ceremony. Please no fuss. It is just one more
soldier marching on.”
“It is just one more soldier marching on.” That single
sentence speaks louder than a thousand words. In
it, Alley distilled the grandeur and turbulence of his
life into the simple duty and journey of an ordinary
soldier. This profound serenity and selflessness—his
steadfast willingness to merge completely with
the land he cherished—stands as the ultimate
expression of his “Work hard, work together” spirit
at the very end of his life.
Christmas Experience
BY MOLLY SWIFT
“It’s dead Christmas,” Carl Yates says.
Around him, a graveyard of sleeping
elves, reindeer and toy soldiers lay still.
‘Twas eerily quiet at Shands Rd,
Prebbleton when RNZ visited. Not a
creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
Tangles of wires wound their way
between model carnival rides, above
them rows of thousands of fairy lights
hung dull and lifeless.
Lusterless stars sat at the top of the
trees, wreaths hung from closed doors,
and the trains were parked at the station
waiting for the spark of festive spirit to
kick in.
​But when the sun sets on Friday, and
the switch turns on, the ‘graveyard’
will come alive, and transform into
Christchurch’s very own Christmas
wonderland.
“Most people, when you put up your
Christmas lights, they’re up for a month,
and then everything comes down and
your home returns to normal,” Yates
says.
“This place, it’s like this all year round,
but of course, the lights are off… So, it
looks like dead Christmas, but it comes
back to life again in a spectacular way.”
It’s an acre full of colourful lights and
extravagant animations, with a twist of
steampunk creations and a touch of New
Zealand history, including old displays
from the Court Theatre, and the original
Goodnight Kiwi.
​Thousands of people flock from all
over the country to experience the synchronised
light and sound show.
Carl Yates’ Christmas display has been lighting up Shands Road for 19 years. PHOTOS: RNZ/NATE MCKINNON
Students from Burnside High School and members
of the local Chinese community greeted the
distinguished Chinese guests with lively lion dances
and traditional waist drum performances, offering a
vibrant and heartfelt welcome.
Sir David Carter, serving as Chairman of the Museum
Management Committee, spoke first. He extended
a warm welcome to Chairman Zhao and expressed
sincere gratitude to the Chinese Embassy and
Consulate, as well as the Christchurch City Council,
for their dedicated efforts in establishing the
museum. He spoke with deep emotion, noting that
the foundation of New Zealand’s enduring friendship
with China began 98 years ago, when Rewi Alley first
set foot on the Shanghai docks.
“It is particularly moving to witness this memorial
museum established here in Christchurch — the
largest city in the South Island and where Alley
attended high school — to honor the significant
contributions of this remarkable pioneer to our
relationship with China.” Carter said. He emphasized
that today’s bilateral relationship should not be
taken for granted. “While the economic part of
that relationship is important, the true basis of
the relationship has to be genuine friendship.” He
expressed hope that the memorial would help more
people learn Alley’s story, understand how a New
Zealander contributed to and witnessed China’s
development, and appreciate the timeless values his
life embodied: commitment, respect, and empathy.
Amid warm applause, Chairman Zhao addressed
the audience. His voice was measured yet powerful.
He conveyed heartfelt thanks, on behalf of China,
to all those who had worked tirelessly to make the
memorial a reality.“Rewi Alley was a founder and
pioneer of China-New Zealand friendship, a luminous
name in the history of exchanges between our two
peoples,”he declared. His words were filled with
remembrance and respect. “We will never forget
that during the most difficult period of the Chinese
People’s War of Resistance against Japanese
Aggression, Rewi Alley stood shoulder to shoulder
with the Chinese people through thick and thin.”
Chairman Zhao recounted Alley’s lasting legacy:
At the moment of unveiling, as the red cloth slipped
down and applause surged through the hall, the
sound resonated not only as an echo of history but
also as an embrace of the future.
After the ceremony, a friend paused for a long
moment before the display of Alley’s will. Softly, he
said, “He never left; he has only moved forward in
another way.”
Here in Rewi Alley’s hometown, witnessing the
unveiling of the Memorial Museum, as the Chinese
Consul-General in Christchurch, I am filled with deep
honor and a profound sense of mission. I am keenly
aware that none of the work of our Consulate-
General could have been accomplished without
the generous support and steadfast help of friends
from all walks of life, to whom I offer my heartfelt
gratitude.
Stepping out into Christchurch’s clear, radiant earlysummer
sky, Alley’s spirit—his lifelong dedication
and steadfast conviction—felt like the southern
sun: warm, steady, and full of strength. Though his
ashes rest in the fields of Sze Pa in Gansu province
of China, his spirit lingers in New Zealand’s gentle
breeze. He lives on in the history of China-New
Zealand friendship, and even more so, in the hearts
of every ordinary person inspired by his story.
Within this century-old building, the new memorial
stands—not as an end, but as a bridge of
connection. As the speakers wished, it reminds
every visitor that the story of friendship must be
carried forward from generation to generation,
written with our hands, our hearts, and our minds.
THANK YOU
CHRISTCHURCH
No1
for readership in Christchurch
The latest survey confirms one ad in The Star is read by
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THE PRESS DOWN -7.3%
This advertisement is paid for by the Chinese Consulate
*Source Nielsen national readership report Q4 2024 – Q3 2025 (one ad placement – CHCH urban area, average issue readership - Star/The Press) all people 15+.

starnews.co.nz
NEWS
The Star, December 4, 2025 | 19
on Shands Rd just gets 'bigger and bigger'
For almost two decades, Yates has been
tinkering away in his very own Christmas
workshop, building all sorts of festive
backdrops and animatronics.
Setting up the plethora of decorations
is no easy or cheap task; the thousands
of Christmas lights cost around $60,000 a
year.
“We literally work on this all year. I’m
always coming up with new ideas,” Yates
says.
His late wife, Maureen, was the driving
force of the show, which all started off
with her collection of Christmas bears.
“I created one of the display rooms for
her because the house was getting overloaded.
We put up a few Christmas lights,
and it got bigger and bigger,” Yates says.
Maureen died from motor neurone
disease in 2020, but Yates continues her
legacy.
​The show now features an information
stand and donation box dedicated to
Motor Neurone Disease NZ.
Putting on the show remains a family
affair, with daughter Odette Rose on the
door.
“It was never intended to be a business.
It was really just set up for friends and
family, and it escalated from there. So, I
didn’t really think too much of it. It was
just them being their crazy selves,” she
says.
The colourful Christmas village, a new
expansion to the show, was largely Yates'
new wife Yvonne's work.
Her favourite part of the experience is
the low sensory night just for autistic children
and adults, when the music is turned
down.
​“A lot of the parents say it’s so nice we
can bring the children out and they feel
comfortable,” she says.
But don’t expect to hear lots of the usual
Christmas carols when the public visits.
While the village plays blues Christmas
Thousands of people flock from all over the country to experience the synchronised light and sound show created by Carl and Yvonne Yates. Daughter
Odette Rose, left, works on the door.
music, the rest of the light show flashes in
sync with popular rock music.
“We are out here every night… Do you
want to listen to Christmas music every
day like that? I sure as heck don’t,” Yates
says.
For Yates, the show is a labour of love.
He enjoys seeing children’s faces light up
when they arrive.
“We are going to keep doing this as long
as we can. Yes, I do fall off the roof quite
regularly, but I’ve learnt to land on my
head, so no damage happens,” Yates says.
Next year is the show’s 20th anniversary.
“I am dying for this Christmas to be over
so I can start on the ideas that are already
coming together,” he says.
“That’s going to be our big year.” – RNZ
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starnews.co.nz
The Star, December 4, 2025 | 21
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22 | The Star, December 4, 2025 starnews.co.nz
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starnews.co.nz
The Star, December 4, 2025 | 23
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24 | The Star, December 4, 2025 starnews.co.nz
SENIORS’ LIVING LIFE
Dilo Oil – the remarkable skin rejuvenator
Until Rachel Hunter’s popular TV series “TOUR OF
BEAUTY,” Dilo oil was relatively unknown, being one
of the best-kept secrets of the Pacific Islands. It may,
however, be one of the best natural beauty & healing
oils available, as it possesses potent natural skinregeneration
& healing properties.
According to ethnobotanist Chris Kilham,
Dilo (pronounced dee-lo) oil is a powerful skin
regenerator as it is one of the most effective agents
in promoting the regeneration & formation of new
tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing & the
growth of healthy skin.
As early as 1918, French researchers discovered
what the people of the South Pacific Islands have
known for hundreds of years: Dilo oil has a rare &
powerful ability to heal many skin conditions. In
French medical literature, they described how the
oil healed a gangrenous ulcer on a woman’s leg that
was so serious a condition it would have led to an
amputation if the Dilo oil hadn’t completely cured it.
Dilo oil has the unique ability to spur the
formation of new tissue, drastically speeding up
the healing process. Studies show it promotes
cell proliferation & the production of collagen &
glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). GAGs are essential for
the creation and maintenance of healthy collagen
& elastin. For this reason, Dilo oil is fantastic at
supporting the healing of wounds and scars as well
as smoothing fine lines & wrinkles.
Super-absorbing, it can penetrate all three layers
of the skin epidermis, dermis, & hypodermis to
offer exceptional cell hydration & regeneration.
In addition, Dilo oil has potent anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial, antifungal & antioxidant properties.
FEATURE
Traditionally, Dilo oil is used to keep the skin
youthful and to treat just about any skin complaint.
Some of the conditions for which it is considered
helpful include abrasions, cuts & cracks, acne & acne
scars, pimples, blemishes, stretch marks, wrinkles,
blisters, burns (including chemical & radiation),
diabetic sores, rashes, shaving irritation, dry or scaly
skin, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, herpes sores
(cold sores), insect bites & stings, rheumatism, pain,
sciatica, shingles, sunburn, rosacea, athlete’s foot,
skin eruptions, warts, skin ulcers & sores, nappy
rash & almost any other skin ailment & often with
incredible results. Dilo oil also has a natural SPF and
is a natural insect repellent.
Many beauty & skincare products on the market
today contain unnatural ingredients that can be
toxic & may even contribute to disease. Generally,
the benefits are exaggerated & often only temporary
or camouflage. Marshall’s Dilo oil is 100% pure &
certified organic. It has been cold-pressed from
the Dilo nut & contains absolutely no additives.
Polynesians & Southeast Asians have revered Dilo oil
for centuries, believing it to be a sacred gift of nature
& the Gods. Dilo oil stimulates & supports the skin’s
natural healing process by promoting the growth of
new, healthy skin tissue. I believe it is a remarkable
product & highly recommend it to everyone. A 50ml
bottle is only $19.90 & 100ml bottle is only $32.50.
Further information is available from the
Natural Health Advisers at Marshall’s Health
& Natural Therapy, 101 Seaview Road, New
Brighton, Phone: 388-5757. Visit us online at
www.marshallshealthshop.co.nz We are always
happy to help!
NATURAL HEALING
& Beauty Oil
Revered for centuries by Polynesians & Southeast Asians for its
remarkable skin anti-aging & healing properties, Dilo oil comes
from the nut of the sacred Dilo tree, “the tree of a thousand
virtues”. Dilo oil is often called the beauty oil as it can penetrate
all three layers of the skin offering exceptional cell hydration
& regeneration. It has a unique ability to stimulate the growth
of healthy skin cells & this gives it powerful anti-aging &
healing properties that can help reduce lines, blemishes, scars
& damage to the skin. It also possesses anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial, antifungal & antioxidant properties.
DILO OIL SUPPORTS:
• Skin repair & regeneration – Has a unique
ability to stimulate the growth of healthy
new skin cells. This gives it powerful antiaging
& healing properties
• Exceptional skin hydration & revitalisation
Replaces lost moisture while supporting
skin health
• Wound healing – Feeds the skin with
nutrients & stimulates healing
50ml
Only
$19.90
SUPER PRICES
Bringing You the
Best in Natural
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100ml
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• Excellent for just about every skin
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dermatitis, rashes, sores, rosacea,
shingles, cold-sores, insect bites
& stings, athlete’s foot, cuts, scrapes,
acne, burns, sunburn, ulcers, warts,
fungus etc.
• Skin protection from sun & wind damage
as well as bacteria, viruses & fungus
300ml
Only
$76.90
Mail Order
Available
500ml
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$120.00
MARSHALL’S HEALTH
& NATURAL THERAPY
CONSULTING - PRESCRIBING - DISPENSING - MANUFACTURING - MEDICAL HERBALISTS
101 SEAVIEW ROAD, NEW BRIGHTON
Phone: 03 388 5757 • Email: enquiry@marshallshealthshop.co.nz
SHOP INSTORE or ONLINE: www.marshallshealthshop.co.nz
— Knowledge Makes The Difference —
A close
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because we
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Member of the Heritage Lifecare Group
At Golden Healthcare Group, we look after residents with a range of
care needs. We specialise in providing long term residential, dementia,
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Brookhaven Retirement Village
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84 Harewood Road, Papanui.
Phone: 03 375 0722
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For more information visit: www.goldenhealthcare.co.nz

starnews.co.nz
FEATURE
The Star, December 4, 2025 | 25
SENIORS’ LIVING LIFE
Protect your hearing
There are three different types of
hearing loss:
1) Conductive hearing loss
This means that the vibrations are
not passing through from the outer
ear to the inner ear, specifically the
cochlea. This type can occur for many
reasons, including:
• an excessive build-up of earwax
• glue ear
• an ear infection with
inflammation and fluid build up
• a perforated eardrum
• malfunction of the ossicles
• a defective eardrum
Ear infections can leave scar
tissue, which might reduce eardrum
function. The ossicles may become
impaired as a result of infection,
trauma, or fusing together in a
condition known as ankylosis.
2) Sensorineural hearing loss
Hearing loss is caused by
dysfunction of the inner ear, the
cochlea, auditory nerve, or brain
damage.
This kind of hearing loss is normally
due to damaged hair cells in the
cochlea. As humans grow older, hair
cells lose some of their function, and
hearing deteriorates.
Long-term exposure to loud noises,
especially high-frequency sounds, is
another common reason for hair cell
damage. Damaged hair cells cannot
be replaced. Currently, research is
looking into using stem cells to grow
new hair cells.
Sensorineural total deafness
may occur as a result of congenital
deformities, inner ear infections, or
head trauma.
3) Mixed hearing loss
This is a combination of conductive
and sensorineural hearing loss.
Long-term ear infections can damage
both the eardrum and the ossicles.
Sometimes, surgical intervention may
restore hearing, but it is not always
effective.
Beware of noise levels and protect
your hearing.
Companionship in later life
It is common for people to enter
into new relationships later in life.
The desire for companionship could
hardly be said to decrease as we age.
There are important legal matters
regarding property that arise from
these new relationships that need
serious consideration.
The law that governs the division of
relationship property is the Property
(Relationships) Act (“the Act”). Under
the Act, when a de facto relationship
ends there is a presumption of a 50/50
division of relationship property. This
raises a number of questions. Firstly,
how do you know if you have a “de
facto” relationship? And secondly,
what if you don’t feel that a 50/50
division is fair in your situation?
Whether you have a de facto
relationship or not depends on a
number of elements that are set out
in the Act. Firstly, the Act applies to de
facto relationships of three or more
years. But determining whether a
relationship is de facto or not isn’t
just limited to whether you share
a bedroom, or what your financial
arrangements are. The definition of
what makes a de facto relationship is
very broad. This is to ensure that the
law can allow for the differing ways
that people live in their relationships.
None of the elements listed in the Act
are essential to a de facto relationship
– they are all just considerations for
the Court to take into account.
It is not surprising that the 50/50
division can come as a shock and
cause huge upset for people. There
are many reasons for this. Perhaps
you or your partner have children
from previous relationships that you
wish to provide for. One of you may
bring substantial assets, or debts, to a
relationship. Or you might have ideas
of how you would like specific assets
to be distributed on your passing.
Fortunately, the Act provides an
alternative to the 50/50 division
scheme in the form of Contracting
Out Agreements. In these Agreements,
you can set out the rules you would
both like to apply to your property
if the relationship comes to an end
because of separation or death.
Having a Contracting Out Agreement
in place ensures that there is no
misunderstanding on what you both
want to happen after you die. You
should be aware that as well as
completing an Agreement, you may
also need to update your Will so that
the terms and conditions of your
Agreement are reflected in your Will.
Contracting Out Agreements are
subject to specific requirements
under the Act – one of which is
that both parties must receive
independent legal advice before the
agreement is signed.
At Harmans we have a specialist
Family Law Team and a specialist
Seniors Team who can assist with
Contracting Out Agreements and
Estate Planning. Give Harmans a
call on 03 379 7835 to discuss your
legal requirements.
Feel at home with
quality nursing care.
The Nurse Maude Care Home is
located in the vibrant
neighborhood of Merivale. It’s a
place where residents can
enjoy a sense of purpose,
meaning and dignity with 24/7
nursing care available.
Rest Home
Hospital Care
Respite
Protecting you
through all stages
of life
Our friendly and experienced Seniors Law team offers specialised
legal advice so you have peace of mind and feel confident when it
comes to making decisions that are right for you and your family.
Our Seniors Law team can help with:
• Wills and Trusts
• Reverse Mortgages
• Occupation Right Agreements
• Residential Care Subsidies and Loans
• Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Estate Planning
• Asset Protection
• Sale and Purchase of Property
We have two convenient locations, in the Central City and Papanui,
or we can come to you with our home visit service.
Contact us today to
arrange a viewing
Phone: 03 375 4145
Email: carehome@nursemaude.org.nz
www.harmans.co.nz

26 | The Star, December 4, 2025 starnews.co.nz
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Rapid fire century lifts
St Albans to victory
BY KEES CHALMERS
St Albans captain Lachie Harper
promoted himself up the batting order
with a clear brief – hit hard and hit fast.
He delivered exactly that, blasting an
unbeaten 102 off just 52 balls in a T20
metro premier match against Christchurch
East Shirley on Saturday.
Typically a pace-bowling all-rounder
who bats in the middle to lower order,
Harper was pushed up to give his side a
rapid start during the powerplay.
He also starred with the ball, taking 3–29
from his four-over spell to help restrict
Shirley to 151.
While the scorecard suggests a slogfest,
Harper said there was still plenty of
thought behind his innings.
“You’ve got to be smart about it,” he
said.
He brought up his 50 off 29 deliveries
and needed only another 23 to reach three
figures. His knock featured 10 fours and
six sixes.
“Once you get into a bit of a groove, you
get the first few away, then you just sort of
keep going and have that gradual intensity
throughout the innings,” he said.
Harper emphasised the importance of
backing his shot selection and trusting his
aggressive approach.
The 24-year-old had never scored a century
for the club until Saturday, although
he came agonisingly close against the
same team on the same ground last season
in a two-day match.
He was left stranded on 99 when St
Albans declared in an attempt to win first
innings points.
“It was good to finally knock it off,” he
said.
On 92 with only five runs needed for
victory – and two boundaries required for
his century – Harper took on a cow corner
slog and was dropped on the rope. The
ball dribbled over for four.
Harper said he shouted the fielder a
beer afterwards in thanks.
The batter then launched the next
ball for six over long on to bring up his
century.
Another chapter in the historic rivalry
between Christchurch Boys’ High and
Christ’s College will be written on
Saturday in the first XI one-day final.
Boys’ High is chasing a clean sweep, having
already claimed the T20 and
two-day titles in term one.
They also won the Canterbury
knockout tournament in October,
beating St Andrew’s College
to qualify for the national secondary
schools competition in Lincoln
in two weeks. A win would secure
their 14th national title and third in
a row.
Head coach Rob Smith said their
preparation has remained the same.
“The foundation and hard work has all
been done now. It’s really just about trusting
that our style of cricket is the right way
to go about it,” he said.
Despite going unbeaten in the one-day
competition and topping the table, Smith
dismissed the favourites tag.
“If that’s a tag that others want to put on
us, it doesn't bother us at all,” he said.
Boys’ High will be without captain
and opener Harry O’Loughlin, who is
representing Canterbury at the national
​Lachie Harper cuts one away during a two day
match against Old Boys’ earlier this season.
“It was a nice relief to win the game
and good to see all that hard work come
together,” he said.
St Albans lost their earlier T20 match
to Burnside West by six wickets. Burnside
and Sydenham won both their games,
while Lancaster Park, Heathcote, Old
Boys’ and St Albans claimed one win each.
Riccarton and East Shirley went winless
over the opening two rounds of the
competition.
The teams will play three T20 games this
week, one tonight and two on Saturday.
FIXTURES
Tonight, 5.30pm: Burnside West v Heathcote
at Burnside Park, Christchurch East Shirley
v Riccarton at Burwood Park, Sydenham v St
Albans at Sydenham Park, Elmwood v Lancaster
Park at Elmwood Park.
Saturday, 10.30am: Old Boys’ v St Albans at
Elmwood Park, Heathcote v Lancaster Park at
Heathcote Domain, Riccarton v Sydenham at
Riccarton Domain, Christchurch East Shirley v
Burnside West at Burwood Park.
Saturday, 2.30pm: Riccarton v Old Boys’ at
Riccarton Domain, Burnside West v Sydenham
at Burnside Park, Heathcote v Christchurch East
Shirley at Heathcote Domain, Lancaster Park v St
Albans at Lancaster Park.
Rivalry renewed as CBHS
chase title clean sweep
BY KEES CHALMERS
Rob Smith
under-19 tournament.
O’Loughlin recently became the first
player in school history to reach 100 first
XI games, with year 12 wicketkeeper
Dylan Freeman leading the side in his
absence.
Smith said the rivalry with College
comes from tradition and respect.
“It’s always so exciting when
the two teams do play each other
because I think both are just so
proud of who they are and it just
makes for quite an entertaining
sporting spectacle,” he said.
“Everyone looks forward to playing
these sort of games.”
He said the College side looked
well-balanced but Boys’ High would
be focusing on their own processes.
“We won't even talk about playing
Christ’s College this week, it's literally
just going out there and focusing on our
game.”
Boys’ High will lose eight of their year
13 players after this season, all of whom
were part of their triumph at last year’s
national secondary schools tournament.
“These boys have played a lot of cricket
together and I think that just reinforces
that trust in each other to go out there and
play their style,” Smith said.

starnews.co.nz
Hometown athletes
set to shine at games
BY ADAM BURNS
High levels of anticipation and
excitement are building among
some of the Special Olympics’
hometown heroes ahead of the
event’s return.
The national summer games
open next week, marking the
first time in 20 years the city
has hosted the pinnacle event.
This year’s edition brings
together 1205 participants from
around the country.
They will compete across 10
sports: athletics, basketball,
bocce, equestrian, football, golf,
indoor bowls, powerlifting,
swimming and tenpin bowling.
Christchurch swimmer Caitlin
Roy will compete in her first
national event, having taken up
the sport three years ago.
The 26-year-old, who has dyspraxia,
said she had been training
hard ahead of the games.
“It’s incredible. Just to be, not
quite on the world stage, but to
be out there and just displaying
what we can do as people with
disabilities, that we’re not just in
one small bubble, but thousands
of us competing against each
other in a brand new facility,”
she said.
“It’s pretty great.”
Fellow local athlete Andrew
Oswin brings plenty of
Andrew Oswin is competing in his fifth national summer games and will also be
co-presenting at the opening ceremony .
SPORT The Star, December 4, 2025 | 27
Swimmer Caitlin Roy is looking forward to competing at the Special Olympics’
national summer games.
PHOTOS: RNZ / ADAM BURNS
experience into his fifth national
summer games appearance.
Now 36, he last competed in
Christchurch as a teenager when
the event came to the city in
2005.
“I have met and made friends
through the Special Olympics, at
every national summer games,”
he said.
Although he is aiming for a
medal in athletics, Oswin said
the Special Olympics was about
much more than winning,
referencing the “athletes oath”.
The oath reads: “Let me win.
But if I cannot win, Let me be
brave in the attempt”.
“The oath means to be
determined, to do your best. And
whatever you do, get out there
and do your team proud,” he
said.
Oswin will also take on presenting
duties at both the
opening and closing ceremonies.
He will be joined on stage by
media personality Jason Gunn
and fellow athlete Georgia List.
List is competing in the 100m
breaststroke, 50m freestyle, 50m
backstroke and the mixed medley
relay events.
Heading into the games, the
25-year-old swimmer said she
was excited and nervous.
“I started swimming when
I was nine. So this is my third
nationals I’m going to,” she said.
The large contingent of participants
will be supported by
family members and about
700 event volunteers, in what
is expected to deliver a multimillion
dollar boost to the local
economy.
Special Olympics New Zealand
chief executive Fran Scholey
said the event was a rare opportunity
for athletes and their
families.
“(For most people) we participate
for our school, maybe
in athletics, and we then go to a
regional athletics (competition).
Our community don’t get that
same opportunity,” she said.
“So we get family members
seeing their son, their daughter,
their brother, their sister, aunty,
uncle competing for the very
first time.
“Everyone should be given the
opportunity to represent their
club or their school in such an
environment.”
The Special Olympics will also
serve as a post-quake showcase
for Christchurch, touted as the
city’s biggest sporting event of
the year.
More than 1700 people will
travel to the city specifically for
the event, Scholey said.
The games’ opening ceremony
will be held on December 10 at
Wolfbrook Arena.
The games finish on December
14 with a closing ceremony
followed by a dinner and disco
event for athletes.
– RNZ
Georgia List will be competing in her third
Special Olympics summer games.
Family effort driving Special Olympics dream
BY GEOFF SLOAN
Jacob Lowson is gearing up
for the biggest challenge of his
sporting career.
The runner, who is autistic,
is firmly focused on picking
up medals at the Special
Olympics’ national summer
games starting next Thursday
in Christchurch
The stakes are high at the
four-yearly event – a strong
performance can see athletes
qualify to represent New
Zealand at the 2027 Special
Olympics World Games in Chile.
Lowson said he plans to race
in the 1500m, 800m, 400m and
the relay races.
The 24-year-old is receiving
extra training from his father
Bryan and sister Taylor, who
are among the five volunteer
athletics coaches for Special
Special Olympics athlete Jacob Lowson, coached by his sister Taylor and father Bryan,
is determined pick up a medal at the national summer games. PHOTOS: GEOFF SLOAN
Olympics Canterbury.
Bryan Lowson said Jacob was
determined to overcome the
disappointment of missing out
on medals four years ago at the
last national games in Hamilton.
Jacob progressed easily
through the heats but caught
Covid-19 before the final and
was unable to compete.
“He missed out on getting a
medal or any recognition he had
been at the games.”
Bryan said the disappointment
had driven his son to put in
some big distances in training,
but he knows nothing is
guaranteed.
“It depends on the day. He’s
definitely quick enough, but
you just never know what’s
going to happen at the time.”
Taylor Lowson, 23, is the
youngest coach at Special
Olympics Canterbury. The
qualified personal trainer has
been voluntarily coaching
athletics for seven years,
starting when she was 15.
“We’ve got a big group from
athletics going, about 15 which
is really exciting,” she said.
“For some, it’s their first time
competing or running on an
athletics track.”
Taylor was positive about
the chances of success for local
athletes.
“We’ve got some pretty quick
people on the track so I think
we’ll do pretty good there.”
Jacob said while he was
feeling excited for the athletics
competition, he was equally
looking forward to performing
in the summer games’ opening
ceremony with the Jolt Dancers,
a disability-led inclusive dance
company.
The national summer games
will be held across six venues –
Ngā Puna Wai, Cowles Stadium,
Riding for the Disable Arena,
Harewood Golf Club, Zone
Bowling Garden City and the
new Parakiore Recreation and
Sports Centre, which will host
the swimming and basketball
competitions.
Entry to all Special Olympics
events is free.
• The Special Olympics programme
can be found at: nsg2025.co.nz/
sports/
Top juniors balancing national champs with interclub duties
BY DIANE KEENAN
Three of the country’s brightest
tennis prospects will squeeze
in their premier interclub
commitments tomorrow night
between playing in the national
U18 and U16 Tennis New
Zealand championships.
Riley Breen and Josh Gilbert
will line up for Mid-Canterbury
against Te Kura Hagley, whose
top player, Ray Xu, has also
been in outstanding form in this
week’s U18 championships at
Wilding Park.
Breen, Xu and Gilbert will be
seeded for the U16 championships,
starting at Wilding Park
today.
Mid-Canterbury coach Jack
Riley Breen and Ray Xu are playing in the U18 and U16 Tennis New Zealand
championships this week before playing premier interclub on Friday night.
Tiller said the Canterbury 16s
boys are leading the country in
terms of depth.
“There’s a strong group who
trains as a squad and it’s pleasing
to see the coaching, training,
dedication and hard work
reflected in their results,” he said.
Others in the group include
Nic Rayner (Bishopdale) and
Sakeri Parnell (Burnside Park/
Sumner), who are also competing
at the U16 nationals.
“They are having 10 days of
tennis at a seriously good level
which is excellent,” Tiller said.
POINTS
Cashmere 73, Burnside Park/
Sumner 71, Elmwood 67, Mid-
Canterbury 57, Te Kura Hagley 38,
Edgeware 32, Bishopdale 28.
Te Kura Hagley’s coach Hugo
Nurse Strang coached Xu from
when he was five, along with
Parnell.
“They love tennis, work hard
and challenge each other, both
are also so respectful,” he said.
Te Kura Hagley secured its
first win in the premier competition
last week with a 5-1 win
over Edgeware who this week
play Elmwood away.
It was a case of “so near, yet
so far” for Elmwood last week
in its match against title holders
Cashmere.
James and Matt Meredith
both won their singles for
Cashmere with Tom Batt and
Lawrence Darling taking the
honours for Cashmere which
went on to win both doubles.
James Meredith currently
leads the player standings with
no losses this season.
Cashmere this week meets
Burnside Park/Sumner which
dominated Bishopdale in the
last round. Finn Emslie-Robson,
Lucas Adam and Parnell
all won their singles with
Nic Rayner Bishopdale’s only
winner.
The women’s competition
will resume next week.

28 | The Star, December 4, 2025 starnews.co.nz
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starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS The Star, December 4, 2025 | 29
ENTERTAINMENT
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67 Mandeville Street,
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Saturday 6th December
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Phone 027 635 4957
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30 | The Star, December 4, 2025 starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS
WHAT S
SMASHIES HAVE ARRIVED!
ON
To add a listing, contact
Jo Fuller 03 379 7100 or
027 458 8590
jo.fuller@alliedmedia.co.nz
L
I
V
E
M
USIC
WHAT'S ON
AT HORNBY CLUB
Pavilion Café Opens 8am daily
Legends Bar Opens 10am daily
Reception Open from 9am daily
Q U I Z
Every Wednesday
4.30pm - 6.30pm
TUES, WEDS, & THURS
(10% off members price)
WED
31
DEC
8PM
Members
Happy Hour!
EARLY BIRD
MEMBERS
DRAW
Join or *renew
between
1-17 December
to win BIG!
$1200 Supermarket Voucher
$500 Supermarket Voucher
$250 Supermarket Voucher
+ TEN Spot Prizes!
DRAW WED 17 DEC, 6PM
*Must renew by 5pm 17 December
FRIDAY 6.30PM, LEGENDS
X-FILES DUO
FRIDAY 7PM, PAVILION
JO’S KARAOKE
SUNDAY 3PM, PAVILION
IAN MAC
Chalmers Restaurant
Wednesday to Saturday:
A la Carte from 5pm
Sunday: Buffet from 4.30pm
CHASE THE ACE!
THURSDAY 6.30PM
$1250
CRACK THE CUBE!
FRIDAY 6.30PM
$1000
LUNCH & DINNER
Sundays 7th, 14th, 21st
of December
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
NOW OPEN
*no drink included in prices
ADULTS: $40,
SENIORS: $35
CHILDREN
$2/year of age
up to 12 years
*membership &
conditions apply
DND
SHOW
BAND
Tickets $15 on sale at the Club office | Door sales $20 (if available)
Come on down!
17 CARMEN RD. PH. 03 349 9026
WWW.HORNBYCLUB.CO.NZ
A NEW style of burger is trending across
the country at the moment and Bridie’s
Bar in Linwood now has added it to the
Burgers section of their new season menu
- e Smash Burger, aka Bridie’s Smashie.
“It’s mostly to do with the meat patty,”
said Chef Chris. “Instead of cooking a
traditional hamburger patty, we ‘smash’ a
loose ball of Angus mince beef onto a very
hot skillet creating a patty that is full of
avour, caramelized, crispy on the edges,
and juicy in the centre. Extra llings are
added and we serve it in a so brioche
bun.”
Proving hugely popular, Bridie’s
Smashies are priced at only $15 each with
a choice of 3 avours.
1. House favourite, e Cheeseburger
Smashie (Patty, American Cheddar, crispy
onions, and Bridie’s famous Burger Sauce)
2. e Firecracker Smashie (Patty,
American Cheddar, Pickles, Jalapenos,
Hot Sauce, and Slaw).
3. e BBQ Bacon Smashie (Patty,
Bacon, American Cheese, crispy Onion,
Pickles, and BBQ Sauce).
Whether you're meeting mates for a
catch up over drinks or aer somewhere
to take the family for a delicious meal,
SLAINTE
(Cheers)
$6
MURPHY'S
PINTS
EVERY SINGLE DAY,
ALL DAY LONG!
Bridie's Bar and Bistro on Stanmore Road
is the perfect spot.
e Irish themed pub has been a
mainstay in the local community for over
ten years Friendly staff and regular
entertainment coupled with amazing
family friendly food and great drinks
specials has made Bridie's a popular
destination with patrons across the city.
e breakfast menu is available daily
until 1pm, however the mains menu is
available all day everyday from opening.
Let's not forget the kids. Bridie's offers
family-friendly dining and the kid's menu
has many choices with something to
satisfy the fussiest eater.
Anniversaries, Birthdays, Family
gatherings, Work Do's. Bridie's can cater
to any event or function at any budget.
ey can provide set menus, platters, and
group catering. Enquire today about
hosting your special event.
Food allergy? Let the staff know. Many
of Bridie's meals can be modied to
accommodate dietary requirements.
Bridie’s Bar & Bistro
401 Worcester St, Ph 03 260 0323
www.bridies.co.nz
BRIDIE’S BAR
WHAT'S PLAYING
FRI.4PM: DJ LUKE
SAT.3PM:
BOTTLEJACKS
SUN.3PM:SUNDAY SESSION
OPEN FROM 7AM MON-FRI & FROM 8AM SAT/SUN
GREAT MENU | 18 MACHINE GAMING ROOM
BRIDIE'S BAR & BISTRO | 401 WORCESTER ST
PH (03) 260 0325 | WWW.BRIDIES.CO.NZ

starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS The Star, December 4, 2025 | 31
GIG GUIDE
Thursday 4 to Wednesday 10 December 2025
ADDINGTON BAR, 291 Lincoln Rd:
Thursday 8pm - Comedy. Friday - Karaoke.
Saturday 8pm - Live music. Sunday 2pm - Open
Mic. Monday 7.30pm - Quiz. Tuesday - Free
Pool. Wednesday 6pm - Poker.
ALTIORA, Chch Arts Centre Gym, 25
Hereford St: Friday 11th Dec, 7pm - Ale
House Rock No. 9... a casual, community
focused choir with a bar hosted by Davey
Backyard, $10 entry.
ARMADILLOS ISLINGTON, 670 Main
South Rd: Sunday 3pm - Lino.
A ROLLING STONE, 579 Colombo St:
Thursday 7pm - Remembering Frank Zappa,
7pm screening '200 Motels' with 9pm live music
from Ruby Fusion, all welcome, free.
Friday 8pm - Elidi present 'Angor Animi' Album
Release Show, w/ special guests Pull Down The
Sun, and Via Kaleidoscope, tix $25+BF from
cosmicticketing.co.nz or door sales if not sold
prior. Saturday 2pm - Doubtful Sounds, smooth
country-rock, 4-part harmonies, Eagles, Beatles,
LRB and more, free; 8pm - Lazy Ghost (AUS)
'Read My Mind' NZ Tour, dreamy psychedelic
surf rock w/ support from Big John's House, tix
$25+BF from UTR.co.nz or cash-only door sales.
Sunday 2pm - Christchurch Acoustic English
Folk/Trad Slow Session, all welcome to play or
listen, quiet percussion only, music provided, free;
6pm - Canterbury Blues Club, Club Night feat
Lachlan Platt, Billy Valance & Jon Hooker, and
The Fabulous Blue Beats, cash-only door,
members $5, non-members $15, 2026
memberships available at the door. Monday 7pm
- Believe It or Not Quiz, table bookings 03-377-
4787, all welcome incl dogs, free. Tuesday 6pm -
SingMates End of Year Choir Performance Night,
feat a cappella singing groups, all welcome, free;
7pm - Inner City Jam hosted by Tyler Robbins
with open mic slots and jam session, all levels
and abilities welcome, free. Wednesday 6pm -
OCSM End of Year Students' Performance
Showcase, all welcome.
AVONHEAD TAVERN, 120 Withells Rd:
Friday 7.30pm - Live music.
BILL'S BAR, 1 Halswell Rd: Thursday 7pm -
A&J Karaoke. Saturday 7pm - The Meaniez.
Sunday 6pm - A&J Karaoke.
BRIDIE'S BAR, 401 Worcester St: Friday
4pm - DJ Luke. Saturday 3pm - Bottlejacks.
Sunday 3pm - Sunday Session.
CASHMERE CLUB, 50 Colombo St:
Saturday 7.30pm - The Mainland Big Band
Christmas Party, $10 entry. Friday 12th Dec,
2pm - 50s Up Brass Variety Christmas Concert,
$5 entry.
CHAT'S BAR, 251 Travis Rd: Wednesday
7.30pm - Karaoke.
CHCH CASINO, 30 Victoria St: Friday
5.30pm - Rusila; 9pm - Drag Night. Saturday
5.30pm - Hemi Porter; 9pm - Giant Poppies.
COASTERS TAVERN, 1 Daniels Rd: Friday
6pm - Live music.
DARKROOM, 336 St Asaph St: Thursday
7pm - Lads On Tour Cabaret. Saturday 8pm -
Kentucky Fried Children; St Peter’s Thursday;
Goodbye Starlet.
FAT EDDIES, 1/76 Hereford St: Thursday
11.30pm - HeadRush. Friday 4.30pm - Mac &
Mates; 8pm - Mirrors; 11.30pm - Jinx! Saturday
1pm - Josh Braden; 4.30pm - Lee Martin; 8pm -
Sound Sensation; 11.30pm - Vibe Check. Sunday
1pm - NZ Modern School of Music; 5.30pm -
Rua. Monday 6pm - Ants Pickard. Tuesday 7pm
- Quiz; 9.30pm - Marcel Bramao. Wednesday
8.30pm - Jinx Duo.
GOOD TIMES COMEDY CLUB, 224 St
Asaph St: Thursday 7.30pm - Laugh Panel 2
hosted by rising talent and award winning trainwreck
Jarrod Cook and feat. exquisite panellists:
Tama Alexander; Aimée Borlase; Ben Vyas; Shen
Mansell, $15/$20. Friday 8pm - Alan McElroy -
Ah Jaysus! Saturday 8pm - Big Laughs Pro
Comedy. goodtimescomedyclub.co.nz
HORNBY CLUB, 17 Carmen Rd: Friday
6.30pm - X-Files Duo (Legends); 7pm - Jo’s
Karaoke (Pavilion). Sunday 3pm - Ian Mac
(Pavilion).
KAIAPOI CLUB, Raven Quay: Friday 2pm -
50s Up Brass Variety Christmas Concert, $5
entry; 5.30pm - Gazza. Saturday 5.30pm - Tracy
Rockhouse. Sunday 3pm - Tracy Rockhouse.
MACKENZIES HOTEL, 51 Pages Rd:
Saturday 13th Dec, 8.30pm - Girl from Mars.
MAK BAR, 1276 Main North Rd: Saturday
8pm - 12 Gauge. Sunday 3pm - Branded.
MICKY FINN'S, 85a Hereford St: Thursday
7pm - Bandit Queen (Decemberists). Friday
10pm - The Uncovered. Saturday 7pm - Sionna;
10.30pm - Mimic.
NEW BRIGHTON CLUB, 202 Marine Pde:
Friday 19th Dec, 7pm - Old Skool.
PEGASUS ARMS, 14 Oxford Tce: Monday
7pm - Pub music session. Tuesday 7pm - Quiz.
Wednesday 7.30pm - Open Mic. Thursday 18th
Nov, 7.30pm - Singalong.
RACECOURSE HOTEL, 118 Racecourse
Rd: Friday 7.30pm - RiccStar.
REDWOOD BAR, 340 Main North Rd:
Friday 19th Dec, 7pm - The Party Singers.
RICHMOND CLUB, 'The Borough', 75
London St: Friday 7pm - The Vague-As
Brothers. Saturday 7.30pm - Absolut Duo.
Sunday 3pm - Rockabella.
ROSE & THISTLE, 24 Main North Rd:
Friday 8.30pm - Karaoke with Kim. Saturday
8.30pm - Shameless 2. Sunday 4.30pm - Irish
Xmas Afternoon with Marlarky.
SHARKEY'S BAR & CAFE, 96 Hoon Hay
Rd: Friday 7pm - Karaoke. Saturday 7pm -
Karaoke. Sunday 4pm - Jayson & Karaoke.
SPACE ACADEMY, 371 St Asaph St:
Thursday - 03 Sessions feat. Glen MacDonald
Quartet. Friday - Polson w- Gracie Snow &
BWD. Saturday - Left Or Right w- Frankie &
The Teardrops. Sunday - Tarn PK w- Caitlin.
Wednesday - Xmas Quiz.
TEMPS BAR, 21 Goulding Ave: Saturday
8.30pm - No Secrets.
THE ASSEMBLY, 153 Madras St: Saturday
13th Dec, 7pm - Jordan Luck Band, tickets @
theassembly.flicket.co.nz
THE BLACK HORSE, 33 Lincoln Rd:
Wednesday 7pm - Annalea & Junior Karaoke.
THE BOG, 50 Victoria St: Thursday 7pm -
Quiz. Friday 6pm - Neil Alexander; 10pm - 12
Gauge. Saturday 7pm - Topia; 11pm - Neon.
Sunday 5pm - Willie McArthur. Monday 6pm -
Sionna. Tuesday 7pm - Jamesons Irish Sessions.
Wednesday 6pm - Sionna.
THE CHURCH, cnr Worcester &
Manchester Sts: Thursday 6.15pm - Live
music; 9.30pm - Live music. Friday 2.45pm -
Live music; 6.15pm - Live music; 10pm - Live
music. Saturday 2.45pm - Live music; 6.15pm -
Live music; 10pm - Spektrum. Sunday 2pm -
Live music; 5.30pm - Live music; 9.30pm - Live
music. www.churchpub.co.nz/this-week
THE EMBANKMENT TAVERN, 181 Ferry
Rd: Friday 7.30pm - Open Mic. Wednesday -
Live music.
THE FITZ2 SPORTS BAR, 77 Stevens St:
Friday 7.30pm - Mel & Dave's Karaoke.
THE LITTLE FIDDLE, 132 Oxford Tce:
Thursday 9pm - Topia. Friday & Saturday 9pm -
DJ’s. Sunday 4.30pm - Irish Sess; 7pm - Live
music.
THE MILLER BAR, 308 Lincoln Rd:
Thursday 7pm - Comedy. Friday 9.30pm - In the
City. Saturday 9.30pm - Misconduct. Sunday
6pm - Karaoke with Lance Kiwi. Tuesday 7pm -
Quiz. Wednesday 7pm - Karaoke with Lance
Kiwi.
THE OLD LEITHFIELD HOTEL, 11 Old
Main North Rd: Friday 7.30pm - The Party
Singers. Sunday 14th Dec, 2pm - Nexus. Sunday
21st Dec, 2pm - Feelgood Factor. Sunday 28th
Dec, 2pm - Funky Claude. Wednesday 31st Dec,
8pm - New Year’s Eve with The Party Singers.
THE PAPANUI, 310 Sawyers Arms Rd:
Friday 6.45pm - Neville Wilkins & the Viscounts.
THE ROCKPOOL, 85 Hereford St:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9pm - DJ's.
THE SIDELINE SPORTS BAR, 331
Stanmore Rd: Thursday 7pm - Jam Night with
Ritchie Gillies & Nick Buchanan.
THE TURF, 6 Inwoods Rd: Thursday 7pm -
Live music.
WUNDERBAR, Lyttelton: Friday 19th Dec,
8pm - Sawfish with The Beat Skips.
RESTAURANT & CAFÉ
‘Famous for our roasts!’
BOOK YOUR
YEAR-END XMAS
FUNCTION NOW!
SPECIAL PRE-XMAS
SET MENUS AVAILABLE
® ® ® ® ®
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY
STEAK / SCHNITZEL
meal
deal
2 FOR $40
CONDITIONS
APPLY
® ® ® ® ®
FAMILY FRIENDLY
GREAT KID’S MENU
ACTIVITIES ROOM
KID’S MEALS
ALL MAINS
INCLUDE A
FREE ICE CREAM
SUNDAE
THURSDAY
Social
club
NIGHT
® ®
meat
raffles 5.30
PM
SATURDAY
3 terminals
RACING
& SPORTS
sunday
irish session
1ST SUN OF MONTH
Live
irish
MUSIC
GUINNESS SPECIAL
FROM ONLY
$13
SENIOR'S SPEICAL
LUNCH & DINNER
TWO COURSES
Soup/Roast or $
Roast/Dessert
29
The
RACECOURSE HOTEL
& Motorlodge
118 Racecourse Rd, Sockburn,
Christchurch. Ph 03 342 7150
www.racecoursehotel.co.nz
FRIDAY
karaoke
with
ANNALEA
& JUNIOR
8.30PM
SATURDAY
LIVE
BANDS
8.30PM
sunday
scottish fling
3rd SUN OF MONTH
Live
scottish
MUSIC
WHISKY TASTING
18 GAMING MACHINES
ROSE & THISTLE | papanui
24 Main north rd | ph 03 352 7011
THE WEEKEND LINE UP
THURSDAY 4th dec 7pm - 9pm:
bandit queen
"the decemberists tribute”
Friday 5th dec 10pm - 2am:
THE UNCOVERED
SATURDAY 6th dec 7pm -9pm: sionna
10.30PM - 2.30AM: MIMIC
$6 MURPHY
EVERY SINGLE DAY, ALL DAY LONG!
85a Hereford Street | www.therockpool.co.nz
Pool Tables | Function Rooms

Purchase any new ASX in November and get
$500 worth of genuine accessories FREE*
The stylish Mitsubishi ASX LS comes
beautifully designed and appointed for
just $28,990+orc. An economical 2 litre
petrol engine delivers 8.5L/100km*, smart
18-inch alloy wheels linked with the
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deliver an assured and enjoyable drive.
Inside you’ll find an 8-inch touchscreen
with smartphone link display audio
enabling AppleCar Play and Android Auto,
along with Bluetooth hands-free and
reversing camera. The ASX LS also comes
backed with our
10-year Powertrain Warranty.
+ORC*
CHRISTCHURCH MITSUBISHI
386 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch
Tel 03 379 0588 | chchmitsubishi.co.nz
* Price listed is for ASX LS and excludes on road costs which includes Registration, WOF, A full tank of fuel and a Tyrewise stewardship
fee. Fuel economy and range figures are based on the ADR 81/02 test for combined urban/extra urban driving. Fuel economy & CO2
figures are calculated to WLT-3P. Please notethat actual on-road fuel consumption will vary depending on traffic conditions, vehicle
load and individual driving styles. Visit www.mmnz.co.nz for full Diamond Advantage Warranty conditions.
Free accessories offer applies to genuine Mitsubishi ASX accessories chosen at the time of sale.
*
Price listed is for ASX LS and excludes on road costs of $800 which includes Registration, WOF, A full tank of fuel and a Tyrewise stewardship fee. Fuel economy
and range figures are based on the ADR 81/02 test for combined urban/extra urban driving. Fuel economy & CO2 figures are calculated to WLT-3P. Please note
that actual on-road fuel consumption will vary depending on traffic conditions, vehicle load and individual driving styles. Visit www.mmnz.co.nz for full Diamond
Advantage Warranty conditions. MIT 2517
CHRISTCHURCH NISSAN, 392 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch
Ph: 03 595 6820 www.christchurchnissan.co.nz
christchurchnissan.co.nz