North Canterbury News: December 18, 2025

Thursday, December 18, 2025 | Issue 1177 | www.starnews.co.nz 

Waimakariri 

Hurunui 

Find the perfect 

place tocall home 

Seeinsidepages 39-47 23-42 

Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Woodend, Pegasus, Cust, Oxford, Ashley, Sefton, Amberley, Waipara, Waikari, Hawarden, Cheviot, Culverden, Waiau, Hanmer Springs 

The magicofSanta’sGrotto in Oxford 

Christmas cheer ... Children by the hundreds are enjoying visiting Santa’s Grotto in the Oxford A&P Showgrounds. It closes on Christmaseve. 

PHOTO: JOHN COSGROVE 

Chance Voight in liquidation 

ByROBYN BRISTOW 

Chance Voight, aRangiorabased 

investment management firm, has been 

placed in liquidation. 

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) 

–TeMana Tātai Hokohoko –is 

investigating Chance Voight Investment 

Corporation Limited (Chance Voight), ‘‘its 

subsidiaries and persons and entities 

associated with the Chance Voight 

Group’’, arelease from the FMA on 

Monday says. 

Following the FMA seeking 

appointment of interim liquidators over 

six Chance Voight entities, the Court has 

appointed Malcolm Hollis, John Fisk and 

Lara Bennett of PwC New Zealand as 

interim liquidators over the six entities 

with effect from December 10, 2025. 

‘‘The investigation is ongoing,’’ the FMA 

says. 

The FMA also says in November 2025, a 

Chance Voight subsidiary took ownership 

of Patterson Wealth Partners Ltd, a 

licensedfinancial advice provider. 

‘‘The FMA cannot comment further due 

to courtsuppression orders, and an FMA 

confidentialityorder.’’ 

The interim liquidation includes — 

Chance Voight Investment Corporation 

Limited; Chance Voight Investment 

Partners Limited; CVI Securities Limited; 

CVI Financial Limited; CVI Partners 

Mortgage Fund Limited; CVI Partners 

Mortgage Income Fund Limited. 

The interim liquidators are required to 

report to the Christchurch High Court by 

January 26, 2026. 

Investors in Chance Voight,who have 

contacted the North Canterbury News,are 

angry, and ‘‘sick’’ over doubt about their 

investment in the companies. 

Several had their lifesavings invested in 

the company, with one realising 

something was amisswhen their interest 

payment did not land in their bank 

account. They are alarmed at the initial 

lack of information to investors as they 

scrambled to find out the fate of Chance 

Voight. 

Continued Page 2 

P.O. Box 171 |279B Flaxton Road | Rangiora 

Phone 03313 6026 

www.transportrangiora.co.nz 

operations@transportrangiora.co.nz 

admin@transportrangiora.co.nz 

Merry Christmas toall, wishing you all ahappy and prosperous 2026 

General Cartage, Containers &Swinglift, Log cartage, Hiab Crane, Daily Freight

Thursday,July31, 2025 | I sue 157 | www.starnews.co.nz 

By DAVIDHI L, 

Local Democracy Reporter 

It was hailed as a ‘onestop shop ’ to 

make it quicker and easier to build 

major projects when it pa sed into law 

last December. 

But none of the five North Canterbury 

projects included in the Government’s 

Fasttrack A provals Act have 

progre sed beyond being ‘listed ’ 

projects in the fasttrack proce s. 

They were among 149 projects listed 

in the legislation. 

In astatement released last w ek, 

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop 

and Regional Development Minister 

Shane Jones said around 50 of the 149 

projects had lodged substantive 

a plications with the Environmental 

Protection Authority (EPA), since the 

a provals regime was established in 

February. 

Of those, none have b en a proved so 

far, with the first eight expected to be 

signed o f by the end of the year. 

Proposed housing developments at 

Ōhoka, W odend and west Rangiora 

were listed in the legislation, along with 

the W odend Bypa s and the Amuri 

I rigation Company Ltd’s Balmoral 

water storage facility and fish scr en. 

An EPA spokesperson has confirmed 

none of the five North Canterbury 

projects have lodged substantivefasttrack 

a plications. 

Developers of alisted projectcan 

a ply to the EPA where an ‘expert 

panel’ wi l a se s the projectand 

consult with ‘directly a fected groups ’. 

Panel convenors determine the extent 

of the consultation, meaning the is no 

guarant e local communities wi l have a 

say. 

Thereisnotimeframe for alisted 

projec to lodge an a plication, the 

spokesperson said. 

When the project list was a nounced 

in October last year, Mr Bishop pointed 

the finger at councils forcreating the 

housing crisis. 

‘Speaking in general terms, councils 

have contributed to our housing crisis 

by being overly picky about where 

houses can be built, ’ he said a the time. 

The W odend and west Rangiora 

developments have since b en included 

in thenew WaimakaririDistrict Plan 

adopted last month, meaningthey may 

not n ed to be fasttracked. 

Amuri I rigation Company 

chairperson DavidCroft said the 

company anticipated aresourceconsent 

would be grantedbyEnvironment 

Canterbury (ECan) in the next few 

months, after it was lodged in2023. 

‘It l oks like the normal consenting 

proce s wi l be faster. In some waysit 

would be the ideal situation because 

everybody has had the chancetohave 

their say in asystem they are familiar 

with. ’ 

A$20m loan from the Government’s 

Regional Infrastructure Fund was 

a nounced earlier this month for the 

Balmoral water storageproject. 

The proposed Ōhoka development 

was rejected from the District Plan, 

after aprivate plan change requestwas 

rejected by an independent 

commi sioner in November 2023. 

It is sti l subjec to an Environment 

Courta peal. 

An Environment Courtspokesperson 

said the a pe lant, Carter Group, has 

b endirected to advise the court by 

August 2 ‘how or whether it intends to 

proc ed ’. 

Waimakariri District Council 

development pla ning manager Ma t 

Bacon said underthe new District Plan, 

the site of the proposed Ohoka 

development is zoned rura lifestyle. 

It mean the farmland could be subdivided 

into 4ha lots, but not into an 

850home development as proposed. 

Carter Group was contacted for 

comment but areply had not b en 

received by the time the North 

Canterbury News wen to print. 

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency 

has b en completing geotech reports as 

it continuesscoping workfor the 

proposed W odend Bypa s. 

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NEWS 

2 North Canterbury News, December 18, 2025 

Coopers Catch snares award 

ByJOHN COSGROVE 

Winning the Misco Joinery Technology 

Award at the North Canterbury Business 

Awards came as acomplete shock to 

Kaikoura Coopers Catch owners Jason 

and Natasja Hill. 

‘‘We wereabsolutely blown away to 

have taken out the Technology Award at 

the North Canterbury Business Awards 

hosted by Enterprise North Canterbury 

in Rangiora recently. Honestly, we 

didn’t expect to come out on top, but now 

we’re beyond proud,” saysJason. 

“We wereupagainst some big 

technology companies, and we are just a 

little fish and chip shop in Kaikoura.” 

What pushed the popular chippie over 

the line was acommitment to 

developing technology to make it easier 

to run the business and service their 

growing client base. 

Jasonsays it all started when they 

werelocked down during Covid. 

“I was worried about our business, so 

Iwas up at 4am every morning trying to 

find ways to streamline our business 

plan, to make it easier to work with 

suppliers,contractors and to make our 

customers feel like they were valued 

when they walked into our shop. 

“We knew there had to be abetter way, 

and that’s why we’ve worked hard to 

develop smart technological systems 

that worked behind the scenes to benefit 

not only our team, but also to help us set 

realtime customer expectations.” 

He says the ultimate goal was always 

to improve the overall customer 

experience. 

“It means so much to have the judges 

recognisejust how the software and 

technology we developed here is 

integral to the successful running of our 

operations.’’ 

Jasonand Natasja Hill took over the 

FMA investigates Chance Voight 

FromPage1 

The company website has been pulled off 

the internet, and when googling Bernard 

Terrence Whimp —the sole director of 

the six entities in interim liquidation — 

many references to him and his past, are 

blocked. 

Bernard Whimp is no stranger to the 

headlines. He has faced several legal 

skirmishes, bankruptcy, and was 

disqualified from being acompany 

director for afour year period in October 

2006, by the Registrar of Companies. 

He has never been far from catching 

the eyeoffinancial regulators —initially 

the Securities Commission then the 

Financial Markets Authority, its 

predecessor. 

The news came as ashock to its 46 

Rangiorabased staff, whom the North 

Canterbury News understands were told 

Proud winners ... Kaikoura Coopers Catch owners Jason and Natasja Hill, the winners of 

the Misco Joinery Technology Award at the North Canterbury Business Awards. PHOTO: SUPPLIED 

Coopers Catch business from Jason's 

mother ten yearsago. 

“Back then, we were asmall shop with 

aset number of loyal customers, but now 

we have grown into being one of the 

popular destinations forpeoplelooking 

for ameal or asnack. 

He saysabig thank youtoall their 

late last week they no longer had ajob. 

Investigators were seen scouring the 

Chance Voight building on Rangiora’s 

High Street midweek, and all computers 

and office equipment appear to have 

been removed from the company’s 

headquarters. 

The liquidation comes hardontheheels 

of Chance Voight praising the 

Waimakariri district in an article in the 

North Canterbury News, saying the 

district was ‘‘anchoring itself as ahub of 

economic expansion and opportunity’’ 

and Chance Voight’s Head of Business 

Laura Patterson saying the decision to 

establish in Rangiora ‘‘represents more 

than geographic preference. It’s a 

commitment to participate in aregional 

transformation’’. 

Chance Voight established asmall 

office in Rangiora in 2018 in Cone Street 

amazing support crew –their family, his 

mum, Peter, Mariska, Luke, their 

business consultant from EBI, Antony 

their accountant, and Sara and Carly 

from GFM, their social media partners, 

and their software developer and family 

member, Will, for turning the ideas into 

reality. 

after analysing ‘‘infrastructure 

development, connectivity to 

Christchurch, land viability and 

demographic trends’’. 

Chance Voight Investment Partners 

has quadrupled its physical footprint, 

and significantly expanded its workforce 

over the years. 

Until last week Chance Voight 

Investment Partners operated from two 

separate locations —one in Cone Street, 

and the other, amultistorey building on 

the corner of Cone and High Streets. 

It has grown employee numbers from 

four in August 2021, to 10 in August 2022, 

18 in August 2023, 21 in August 2024 and 

46 employees by August this year. 

Investors or creditors with questions 

on the interim liquidation process 

should contact PwC New Zealand at (03) 

374 3000, nz_cvi@pwc.com. 

Wishing Our Customers aSafe 

and Happy Festive Season 

Closed from Midday 

Tuesday the23rd of December 

until 8am Monday the12th of January 2026. 

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Kaiapoi, Rangiora, W odend, Pegasus, Cust, Oxford, Ashley, Sefton, Amberley, Waipara, Waikari, Hawarden, Cheviot, Culverden, Waiau, Hanmer Springs 

Few utilising fast-track process 

Housing . The Waimakariri District Planhas a lowed forupto 17, 0 more houses, meaning the Government’s Fasttrack A provals 

Actmay not be n eded. PHOTO: DAVID HI L 

NEW North Canterbury News PropertyGuide |Showcasing Local Properties fromAugust 7 

Please support ouradvertisers, 

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360 Flaxton Road, Rangiora | Phone 03313 5563 

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LocalNews–LocalViews –Local People

Thursday, December 18, 2025 | Issue 1177 | www.starnews.co.nz 

Matt Doocey 

MP for Waimakariri 

Around the Electorate 

Proud tobePatron ofthe 

Rangiora Community Patrol 

Ienjoy meeting with members of the Rangiora Community Patrol regularly 

to catch up with them and hear how things are going, and what plans they 

have for building their membership. Most people don’t know just how many 

opportunities are available tomembers, including first aid training and even 

apathway to acareer with the NZ Police. 

It’s also agreat pastime for retired police and security officers who may 

have abit more time ontheir hands nowadays. As proud patron ofthe 

group Iamalways keen to get out onpatrol with them, man afundraising 

barbeque, and talk toexisting and prospective patrol members. 

Businesses buoyant about 

the Woodend Bypass 

It was noticeable when Ivisited the Woodend Bakery earlier inthe year that there isplenty of 

support from local businesses for the Woodend Bypass, work on which iscurrently underway. 

Given the expected reduction intraffic volumes from 29,000 vehicle movements toaround 

9,000 aday, business owners like Serey Chum at the bakery are feeling optimistic about the 

prospect ofmore customers as the town becomes more of adestination, even expanding 

their commercial footprint inpreparation. For locals this is aonce inageneration opportunity 

to redesign the Woodend town centre, and it’s an exciting time for 

the community. 

Marking the next step towards 

after-hours healthcare 

It was important to remember local health advocates like Sandi McLean who 

sadly passed away before she could see the sod being turned inAugust on 

North Canterbury’s after-hours healthcare facility. It was six years prior that 

Sandi and her husband David first approached me to start apetition calling 

for urgent after-hours healthcare. Aslocal MP for Waimakariri, Iknow all 

too well the need for this facility. Constituents come to me regularly toask 

what’s happening in this space. The district isgrowing exponentially, and 

the burden we are placing on Christchurch’s health services when we have 

to gointo town toseek medical care iscertainly not insignificant. 

Contact me: 

Kaiapoi: 03 327 0514 Rangiora: 03 310 7468 

Email: waimakariri@parliament.govt.nz Website: mattdoocey.co.nz 

MattDoocey.Waimakariri Matt.DooceyMP 

Funded bythe Parliamentary Service. Authorised byMatt Doocey, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Matt Doocey 



Loved meeting all the entries at the 2025 Purina Pro Plan 

National Dog Show atMainPower Stadium. 

Lots of fun joining Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon toraise money for prostate 

cancer in the Ride DeRangiora atRangiora RSA. 

Afirstfor me this year,presentingthe 

awards forthe motorisedfurniture 

race at theNorthernA&P Show. 

Always good to catch upwith Kerry 

from Compass FMtotalk all things 

local. 

Joined the Pegasus Woodend Menzshed for acuppa and achat about the 

great work they do. 

Aspecial moment acknowledging the 80th anniversary ofthe end ofWorld War 

TwoatKaiapoi’s VJ Day commemorative service. 

Thanks to Kay and the team from Rangiora High School for showing me 

around their new Hauora Hub wellbeing centre. 


Work starts on new solar farm 

ByROBYN BRISTOW 

NEWS 

The North Canterbury News, December 18, 2025 

MASTERBUILDER 

3 

Work has officially started on 

MainPower’s solar farm on Thongcaster 

Road. 

MainPower acting chief executive 

says it is the first solar farm on the 

MainPower network and oncecomplete, 

it will produce enough energy to power 

around1,250 homes. 

Aground breaking ceremony was held 

last week. 

The MainPower board approved 

construction and received the required 

consents for a7.3MW solar farmona 

10hectare site at Thongcaster Road 

earlier this year. 

Lightyears Solar was awarded the 

Engineering,Procurement and 

Construction contract and began 

prework in October. 

Matt Shanks, cofounder and director 

of Lightyears Solar said the company 

was ‘‘really passionate’’ about building 

high quality solar farms that serve the 

local community and help produce 

affordable, renewable energy. 

‘‘Our partnership with MainPower 

allows us to pool our expertiseand 

resources to expand solar power 

infrastructure across North Canterbury, 

and we’re excited to get started on the 

project. 

‘‘We have built several solar farms in 

the area already and are closeto 

completion on a5MWsolar farm in 

Swannanoa, which is also on 

MainPower’s network.’’ 

Breaking new ground ... Sam Rowsell, programme manger at Lightyears Solar and acting 

chief executive of MainPower Damien Whiffen at the groundbreaking ceremony for anew 

solar farm on Thongcaster Road. 

PHOTO: SUPPLIED 

MrWhiffen said MainPower is 

committed to investing in renewable 

energy to assist the local community, 

reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and help 

New Zealand meet its carbon reduction 

goals. 

‘‘This project is akey investment for 

MainPower and our network,’’ Mr 

Whiffen said. 

‘‘I’d like to extend my thanks to our 

immediate neighbours for their support 

and input during the planning process. 

‘‘I’m confident that, once complete in 

May next year, this project will be akey 

asset for our network and agreat 

example of our community working with 

us to decarbonise our place and create a 

sustainable future for our region.’’ 

LocaltoNorth Canterbury. 

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Fire restrictions in Canterbury 

Arestricted fire season has been 

imposed in Canterbury by Fire 

Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). 

It kicked in on Monday evening at 

11.59pm. All open air fires will now 

need apermit. 

FENZ Canterbury District 

Commander Dave Stackhouse says the 

fire danger has increased quickly this 

summer. 

‘‘The trend is for sustained warm 

weather and strong winds in the 

immediate future which is going to 

acceleratethe fire danger.’’ 

He says there have been a 

disappointing number of recent 

wildfire incidents due to people 

ignoring basic fire safety advice. 

‘‘Reignition of previous burns or 

burnoffs getting out of controlshould 

not occur if people follow the safety 

advice on checkitsalright.nz. 

‘‘Having arestricted fire season 

allows us to limit the number of these 

❛The fire danger has 

increased quickly this 

summer.❜ 

—Canterbury District Commander Dave 

Stackhouse 

kinds offires. 

‘‘It gives us greater control of who 

can burn and when, and we can 

provide direct fire safety advice to 

thosecompleting burns.’’ 

For those that have already had a 

burn, Mr Stackhouse says people must 

keep an eye on them. 

‘‘Even if you believe the fire is 

extinguished, it can still be active 

underground. 

‘‘You should continue to monitor the 

fire site as afire you lit remains your 

responsibility.’’ 

Restricted ... Open air fires now need a 

permit. 

PHOTO: FILE 

To apply for apermit go to 

firepermit.nz/FENZ/Welcome.aspx. 

Note: Fire and Emergency’s 

Canterbury District runs from 

Kekerengu to north of Rakaia river. 

NEWBOOK 

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NewWorld Carpark 

17th-24th December2025 

9.00am-5.30pm 

Hundreds of Titles, 

Something foreveryone 

STOCK CLEARANCE 

If you love books 

you’ll Love this! 

Wishing YouaVery Merry Christmas! 

waimakariri.govt.nz

NEWS 

4 The North Canterbury News, December 18, 2025 

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Croquetmilestone 

The Rangiora Croquet Club has 

marked asignificant milestone —its 

120th anniversary. 

LastSaturday, at its River Road 

grounds,the celebration brought 

together astrong field of players, with 

32 Golf Croquetparticipants and seven 

Association Croquet players taking to 

the lawns. 

Visitors from Kaiapoi and 

Christchurch Croquet Clubs joined 

local members,adding to the sense of 

occasion and camaraderie. 

Anumber of invited guests attended 

the celebrations,including past 

members Leith Newell, Carol Kidd 

and Ann Jelfs, Canterbury Croquet 

Association President Gay Jones, Ross 

Mathers from the Rangiora Bowling 

Club, Bruce McLaren from the 

Waimakariri District Council and 

Mayor Dan Gordon. 

Mr Gordon paid tribute to previous 

committeemembers for their 

dedication in keeping the club 

functioning for an impressive 120 

years. 

He said the club had now reached a 

decade at its River Roadpremises. 

Peter and MargaretParkinsonwere 

recognised for their outstanding 

efforts in preparing the initial two 

lawns and establishing the clubhouse. 

Club President Merv Marsh thanked 

the small but determined committee 

who kept the club aliveduring a 

challenging fiveyear period after it 

was separatedfrom the Bowling Club 

and left without ahome ground. 

Peter Parkinson, Leith Newell,Ann 

Jelfs, Carol Kidd, Leonie Woodward, 

Neville Turner and Mark O’Connell 

—many of whom still play for the club 

—workedtirelessly to ensure croquet 

continued, even when it meant playing 

at other clubs in Kaiapoi and 

Christchurch. 

With the establishment of the new 

Rangiora site, the club was able to 

reaffiliate with Canterbury Croquet in 

2015. 

Eastern link closer 

By DAVID HILL, 

Local DemocracyReporter 

Rangiora’s planned eastern link road is 

closer to becoming areality, says 

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon. 

The Waimakariri District Council 

plans to present abusiness case and 

concept design to Waka Kotahi NZ 

Transport Agency in February, with the 

expectation it will be considered for 

funding in the National Land Transport 

Programme. 

The project was included in the 

council’s 2024/34 Long Term Plan with a 

$35m price tag. 

It will provide an alternative route to 

the east of the town from Southbrook to 

the new Bellgrove subdivision. 

‘‘This is critical investment for our 

district,’’ Mr Gordon said. 

‘‘The business case will focus on our 

significant growth and the issueof 

congestion. 

‘‘It is part of awider suite of essential 

roading projects forthe district which 

includes Skew Bridge, Five Crossroads 

at Tuahiwi and the Woodend Bypass.’’ 

Should the council receive the 51 

percent subsidy from NZTA, the balance 

of the cost will be shared between 

development contributions from the 

Bellgrove subdivision and loan funding. 

NZTA contributed $500,000 towards 

the cost of developing the business case 

and concept design. 

Earlier this month, councillors agreed 

to bring forward $255,000 from next 

year’s annual plan budget to ensure the 

business case and concept design are 

completed by February. 

Anniversary cake ... Leith Newell and 

CarolKiddcutting the cake. 


Today, the Rangiora Croquet Club is 

thriving, with amembership of 63 and 

astrong sense of optimism forthe 

future. 

The anniversary cake baked and 

iced by members Liz and Fay, was cut 

by Carol Kidd and Leith Newell. 

Visitors enjoyed an afternoontea as 

aslideshowofphotos spanning the last 

120 years was displayed in the 

clubrooms, providing afitting end to a 

memorable day honouring the club’s 

rich history and enduring spirit. 

Staff said the extra funding will 

ensure flood mitigation, soil 

contamination risks and an earthworks 

management strategy are included in 

the concept design. 

Mr Gordon said the link road will help 

reduce congestion through Southbrook 

by diverting traffic at the ‘Sbend’ on 

Lineside Road. 

Southbrook is already experiencing 

congestion of around 26,000 vehicle 

movements aday, he said. 

The road will pass to the west of the 

council’s waste treatment ponds, cutting 

through councilowned land and the 

Spark family dairy farm, before 

connecting with Spark Lane. 

From Spark Lane, the arterial route 

will continue up McPhail Road and 

Bellgrove Boulevard to Coldstream 

Road. 

‘‘As one of the country’s growth 

districts, Waimakariri needs this road 

and Rangiora residents cannot wait any 

longer,’’ Mr Gordon said. 

‘‘We need to show vision and to plan 

and invest in adistrict that has ahigh 

quality of life.’’ 

The proposed arterial route was first 

mooted in the 2001 Rangiora Transport 

Study, with the proposed route being 

designated in 2021. 

LDR is local body journalism cofunded 

by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Special delivery ... Retired pacer King Monty, returns to the races at Rangiora Raceway 

with his driver Ginny Dunmill, of the Life After The Line NZ Trust, and their VIP passenger 

Santa Claus during the club’s Christmas at the Races meeting. 

PHOTO: SHELLEY TOPP 

Christmasmeet ahit 

By SHELLEY TOPP 

Apacked car park is arare sight at race 

meetings these days, but come Christmas 

time the big crowds return and that was 

the case at the Rangiora HarnessRacing 

Club’s popular Christmas at the Races 

meeting last Sunday. 

The club’s president John Woolcott, of 

Kaiapoi,said the gates to Rangiora 

Raceway opened for the grasstrack 

meeting at 10am, two hours before 

racing started and there werealready 

people waiting to get in. 

‘‘It was amarvellous day. Our dreams 

came true with the weather and the car 

park full,’’ he said. 

The meeting was so popular that the 

car park had to be closed at one point 

during the day because there wereno 

parking spaces left. 

‘‘All our sites were also sold out, and 

there have been people phoning this 

morning booking them for next year's 

meeting,’’ John said. 

Although John has been on the club’s 

committee for six years he was only 

made president amonth ago, and said it 

was a‘‘thrilling’’ start to his new role. 

‘‘I was amazed at how well everything 

went. Everyone pitched in and worked 

hard. 

‘‘This year the event was also copromoted 

by Ideal Events and we 

appreciated its efforts.’’ 

Grasstrackracing was popular with 

the public because they were ‘‘right up 

closetothe action’’, John said. 

The Christmas at the Races meeting 

also appealed because it was not totally 

about horse racing. 

It provided exciting racing up close, a 

wide range of familyoriented 

entertainment and activities during the 

day such as competitions, raffles, Kidz 

Kartz racing and live music. 

Quest forthe Quill 

adventure challenge 


The Waimakariri Libraries’ summer 

reading challenge has been given an 

adventure twist withanew name, Quest 

forthe Quill. 

The challenge aims to halt the 

‘‘summer slide’’, when children’s 

reading levels drop. 

This summer library staff hope the 

adventure initiative will provide a 

popular incentive foryoung readers to 

keep reading during the school holidays 

‘‘The idea is that awise wizard needs 

help recovering amagical quill that has 

been stolen by avillain called The 

Dreaditor,’’ Twyla Pearce, the libraries’ 

customer services assistant says. 

To do the quest, children complete six 

reading challenges. 

These are tasks like reading abook 

from acertain genre, trying anew 

author, or cooking afavourite meal. 

Every quest the children complete 

moves them closer to defeatingThe 

Dreaditor and recovering the quill. 

‘‘They can track their progress in the 

challenge booklet, with the aim of it 

feeling like afun adventure that makes 

reading exciting and gives them asense 

of achievement,’’ Twyla says. Each 

reader can choose from five different 

heroes to do the quest or design their 

own unique character. Each hero has 

different challenges/pathways through 

the quest. 

Participants in the Quest forthe Quill 

can also check the libraries’ website 

weekly foranew video from Professor 

Prose that shows how they helped their 

characters. 

Once their challenges are completed, 

NEWS 


STOP BIRDS 

5 

readers will be invited to the last 

adventure at the Quest for the Quill 

Finale in the Rangiora Library on 

January 30 at 5pm to defeat the 

Dreaditor, and recover the Quill once 

and for all. 

To learn more about the Quest for The 

Quill challenge, which opened on 

December 1, runs until January 25, and 

is open to children of all ages. 

Google: ‘‘How to Quest for the Quill’’, 

to meet Professor Prose on You Tube 

and then callinto one of Waimakariri’s 

public libraries in Rangiora, Kaiapoi or 

Oxford to collect achallenge booklet. 

Have an opiniononon 

a local topic? 

Write us a 

Lettertotheto the Editor! 

Email Robyn at 

robyn.bristow@ncnews.co.nz 

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OPINION 


Mayor Marie Black 

Time to have your say 

onyour local beaches 

As we approach the summerwith the 

urge to go the beach and appreciate the 

wonderful coastline –Iwould also ask 

you to consider the impact of this 

natural resource. 

The Pegasus Bay Bylaw controls 

activities to the Northern Pegasus Bay 

Beaches, from the southern boundaryof 

the Hurunui District north to the 

Amberley rocks. 

Abylawwas first developed in 2010 

and was last reviewed in 2015. We are 

now undergoing the 10 year review as 

required under the Local Government 

Act. 

The main purpose of the bylaw is to 

control activities and the use of land on 

the foreshore, beaches and adjacent 

areas of Northern Pegasus Bay to 

manage recreational uses including 

camping and the use of horse and 

vehicles for the benefit and enjoyment of 

all users, and to minimise 

environmental impacts arising from 

these activities. 

So, we want to find out from you—how 

you use the beach? What you enjoyand 

value most about the beaches? Or 

whether you have experienced any 

issues when visiting the beaches?? 

Over the Summer period until 

February 2026 please fill in the quick 

survey that can be found on the Hurunui 

This 

Week 

Sun 

Fishing 

Guide 

Moon 

Wind 

Swell 

Pegasus Bay 

Tide Chart 

3 

2 

1 

Fair 

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 

Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec 21 Dec 22 Dec 23 Dec 24 

Rise 5:44am 

Set 9:07pm 

Best 11:41am 

Times 

Rise 3:44am 

Set 7:48pm 

Moderate S 

SE 1.1 m 

Fair 

Rise 5:45am 

Set 9:07pm 

Best 12:05am 

Times 12:31pm 

Rise 4:21am 

Set 8:47pm 

Moderate Sturning 

SE 

District Council website. Just search 

‘‘Do you like our beaches?’’. If you can 

provide some feedback that would be 

valuable. 

As 2025 draws to aclose, Iwant to take 

amoment to thank everyone across our 

district for the care, commitment and 

community spirit you have shown. 

Christmas and the holiday season are 

atime to reflect, reconnect and 

appreciate the people and places that 

make our district such aspecial place to 

live. 

Whether you arecelebrating 

Christmas,enjoying the summer break, 

or observing family traditions at this 

time, Iwish you aseason filled with 

warmth, rest and connection. 

Iwant to acknowledge our volunteers, 

community groups, emergency services, 

health and wellbeing workers and 

council staff all who quietly give their 

time and energy to support others. Your 

efforts strengthen our communities 

every day and they do not go unnoticed. 

As we head into the Christmas and 

holiday season, Iwant to extend my 

warmest wishes to everyone across our 

district, and to take amoment to 

highlight the importance of staying safe 

over the summer break. 

MeriKirihimete and happy holidays 

Marie 

Batteryfarm proposal 



Environment Canterbury (ECan) has 

confirmed it has received aresource 

consent application from JDE Forbes & 

Euston Street Trustees Ltd forasolar 

array and battery farm on Waipara Flat 

Road, near Waipara,north of Amberley. 

The solar array will take up 76ha,with 

sheep grazing around the 81,000 solar 

panels. 

News of the proposed battery farm has 

received amixed reaction on social media, 

with some residents already opposing a 

proposed solar farm on the same road. 

The applicant plans to establish ground 

mounted photovoltaic units and associated 

buildings to operate an energy generation 

facility including medium voltage units 

and abattery energy storage system for the 

storage of power generated by solar 

panels. 

It would produce enough power for 

10,000 households. No decision has been 

made on whether the consent will be 

notified, have limited notification or be 

nonnotified. 

The Hurunui District Council has yet to 

received aconsent for thisproject. 

Meanwhile, aproposed 181ha solar 

farm, also on Waipara Flat Road, is 

making its way through the consent 

process. ECan granted resource consents 

to Farm North Solar Farm Ltd in October, 

while the Hurunui District Council is 

planning ahearing in May. 

Atotal of 158 submissions have been 

received, with 125 opposed to the solar 

farm. 

Good 

Rise 5:45am 

Set 9:08pm 

Best 

Times 

12:57am 

1:23pm 

Rise 5:06am 

Set 9:41pm 

Moderate S 

strengthening 

Good 

Rise 5:46am 

Set 9:08pm 

Best 

Times 

1:49am 

2:15pm 

Rise 6:00am 

Set10:25pm 

Moderate SE 

Rise 5:46am 

Set 9:09pm 

Gentle Sbecoming 

moderate E 

Rise 5:47am 

Set 9:09pm 

Gentle E 

strengthening 

Rise 5:47am 

Set 9:10pm 

Gentle Sbecoming 

fresh SE 

E0.8 mturning 

S SE0.9 m E 0.8 m E0.8 m SE1.0 m SE0.9 m 

3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 

Good 

Best 

Times 

Local voices apriority 

in localgovt reforms 



North Canterbury councils want to 

keep the local in Government reform. 

Hurunui District Council chief 

executive Hamish Dobbie and 

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said 

their councils will take some time to 

consider the Government’s proposed 

new resource management legislation 

before making asubmission. 

But they said ensuring there is room 

for local voices is apriority. 

The Government announced its 

replacement to the Resource 

Management Act (RMA) last week, 

promising to make it easier to build 

homes, reduce red tape for farmers, 

and to protect the environment. 

Mr Dobbie said while the intent was 

for the new legislation to be ‘‘clear and 

simple’’, but he feared there would be 

less local control. 

‘‘I’ve only had abrief look, but it 

doesn’t seem that different to what has 

been signalled.’’ 

Amajor change is the move away 

from District Plans, to asingle 

Regional Plan, while there is afocus 

on spatial plans. 

The North Canterbury councilsare 

familiar with spatial plans. 

The Hurunui council developed one 

for its south ward, Kaikōura’s council 

has one, and the Waimakariri district 

is part of the Greater Christchurch 

spatial plan with its partners 

Christchurch, Selwynand 

Environment Canterbury. 

‘‘I don’t know how it will impact on 

us,’’ Mr Dobbie said. 

‘‘It depends on whether it’s for high 

growth, urban areas or it includes 

small towns.’’ 

He said there was still alot of 

uncertainty and the legislation could 

be subject to change, even after it 

passes into law. 

‘‘We don’t know where this is going 

to land. The legislation will say one 

thing, but it will come down to legal 

interpretation. 

‘‘But with less consents, there will 

be less opportunity for 

interpretation.’’ 

The Government has indicated 

there will be 46 percent less consents 

under the new regime. 

Most onfarm consents will be 

replaced by freshwater farm plans, 

which will be amajor change, he said. 

Mr Gordon said his initial concern 

was whether the new legislation has 

RANGIORA OCEANWATCH 

2:41am 

3:07pm 

Rise 7:02am 

Set11:02pm 

Good 

Best 

Times 

3:32am 

3:56pm 

Rise 8:09am 

Set11:33pm 

Good 

Best 

Times 

4:20am 

4:44pm 

Rise 9:17am 

Set11:57pm 

❛Iknow that Waimakariri 

residentshave strong views 

about developmentsthat 

negatively impact our 

district.❜ 

—Waimakariri District Mayor, Dan Gordon 

room for local voices and if it will 

enable communities to retain their 

‘‘unique look and feel’’. 

‘‘The new Bills could reduce red 

tape, speed up development, and help 

deliver the infrastructure and homes 

communities across New Zealand 

need. So, this aspect is welcome. 

‘‘I know that Waimakariri residents 

have strong views about developments 

that negatively impact our district’’ 

Waimakariri residents have 

opposed ahousing development at 

Ohoka, and landfill and quarry 

applications in recent years. 

Mr Gordon said the council has 

established aworking group to 

prepare asubmission and willaim to 

incorporate community interests. 

‘‘Our focus willbeensuring any 

changes deliver practical benefits for 

our residents, businesses, and farming 

community while continuing to 

protect the unique character and 

environment of our district.’’ 

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop 

said the RMA and local government 

reforms are the biggest changes to 

local government since 1989. 

‘‘Our new planning system is aonceinageneration 

opportunity to cast off 

the shackles imposed by the broken 

Resource Management Act, and set 

New Zealand on apath to economic 

growth that lifts our living standards 

and protects the environment.’’ 



0 

Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows 

Waimakariri 4:25am 2.2 10:37am 0.8 5:08am 2.2 11:21am 0.8 5:50am 2.2 

6:30am 2.3 12:12am 0.7 7:10am 2.3 12:54am 0.7 7:51am 2.3 1:36am 0.7 8:33am 2.3 2:18am 0.7 

Mouth 

4:35pm 2.1 10:46pm 0.7 5:18pm 2.1 11:29pm 0.7 6:01pm 2.112:03pm 0.8 6:44pm 2.1 12:45pm 0.7 7:27pm 2.1 1:27pm 0.7 8:11pm 2.1 2:09pm 0.7 8:56pm 2.1 2:52pm 0.7 

Amberley 4:25am 2.2 10:37am 0.8 5:08am 2.2 11:21am 0.8 5:50am 2.2 

6:30am 2.3 12:12am 0.7 7:10am 2.3 12:54am 0.7 7:51am 2.3 1:36am 0.7 8:33am 2.3 2:18am 0.7 

Beach 

4:35pm 2.1 10:46pm 0.7 5:18pm 2.1 11:29pm 0.7 6:01pm 2.112:03pm 0.8 6:44pm 2.1 12:45pm 0.7 7:27pm 2.1 1:27pm 0.7 8:11pm 2.1 2:09pm 0.7 8:56pm 2.1 2:52pm 0.7 

4:24am 1.9 10:35am 0.8 5:07am 1.9 11:19am 0.8 5:49am 1.9 

6:29am 2.0 12:10am 0.7 7:09am 2.0 12:52am 0.7 7:50am 2.0 1:34am 0.7 8:32am 2.0 2:16am 0.7 

Motunau 4:34pm 1.8 10:44pm 0.7 5:17pm 1.8 11:27pm 0.7 6:00pm 1.812:01pm 0.8 6:43pm 1.8 12:43pm 0.7 7:26pm 1.8 1:25pm 0.7 8:10pm 1.8 2:07pm 0.7 8:55pm 1.8 2:50pm 0.7 

4:36am 2.2 10:48am 0.8 5:19am 2.2 11:32am 0.8 6:01am 2.2 


Gore Bay 4:46pm 2.1 10:57pm 0.7 5:29pm 2.1 11:40pm 0.7 6:12pm 2.112:14pm 0.8 6:55pm 2.1 12:56pm 0.7 7:38pm 2.1 1:38pm 0.7 8:22pm 2.1 2:20pm 0.7 9:07pm 2.1 3:03pm 0.7 

4:27am 1.5 10:42am 0.4 5:12am 1.5 11:27am 0.4 5:54am 1.5 


Kaikoura 4:41pm 1.4 10:48pm 0.4 5:25pm 1.4 11:31pm 0.4 6:10pm 1.412:10pm 0.4 6:54pm 1.4 12:53pm 0.4 7:38pm 1.4 1:35pm 0.4 8:21pm 1.4 2:19pm 0.4 9:05pm 1.4 3:02pm 0.4 

*Not for navigational purposes. Wind and swell are based on apoint off Gore Bay. Maori Fishing Guide by Bill Hohepa. www.ofu.co.nz www.tidespy.com Graphic supplied byOceanFun Publishing Ltd. 

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NEWS 


Afive-year-old’sdream comes true 

For Tanya Dobson, stepping 

into ownership at New World 

Kaiapoi is the realisation of a 

dream she’s had since she was 

fiveyearsold. 

‘‘When Iwas five, we had a 

family friend, Tim Donaldson, 

over for dinner. 

‘‘I told him Iwas going to own 

asupermarket one day. My 

mum kicked me under the 

table, but Imeant it,’’ she says. 

Years later, that same Tim 

Donaldson, now the General 

Manager of Retail and Property 

at Foodstuffs South Island, was 

the one who called her to say: 

‘‘Fiveyearold Tanya would be 

proud. You've done it!’’ 

Tanya’s ownership story 

began in the aisles of 

PAKnSAVE Invercargill, the 

store her parents owned for 

over three decades. 

‘‘Grocery was our dinner 

table conversation,’’ she says. 

‘‘I was nine when Istarted 

leaving notes in the customer 

comment box asking my parents 

to hire me.’’ 

By 11, she had convinced her 

parents, Anne and Bryan 

Dobson, to let her do tastings 

around the store, and by 13 she 

was on checkout. 

From there, she spent time 

working in every department, 

earning alaw and commerce 

degree along the way, and 

eventually became store 

manager. 

‘‘My parents always said, you 

can’t lead adepartment until 

you’ve worked in it. That stuck 

with me,’’ Tanya says. 

‘‘They believed that 

leadership comes from firsthand 

experience and being a 

genuine team member.’’ 

Tanya’s move into ownership 

is alsoapart of awider family 

legacy. Her two older brothers 

arealso owneroperators 

within the Foodstuffs South 

Island network, with Matthew 

at New World Cromwell and 

JasonatNew World 

Bishopdale. 

Growing up in their family's 

Invercargill store, Tanya and 

her brothers discovered their 

shared passion forgrocery. 

Tanya spent time in both of 

her brothers stores, working 

alongside them to learnabout 

the ins and outs ofownership. 

She alsogained valuable 

experience under the 

leadership ofnew PAKnSAVE 

Invercargill owners Brent and 

Nicola Prue. 

When the opportunity at New 

World Kaiapoi came up, Tanya 

couldn’t believe it. She flew up 

to meet Gareth and Laura 

Caldwell, the outgoing owneroperators. 

‘‘It definitely felt like Iwas 

being pranked when Igot the 

call from Tim that Igot the 

store,’’ she says. 

With just under four weeks 

from the call until takeover day 

in July, it was atight 

turnaround. Tanya packed up 

her life, found arental around 

the corner and moved up with 

her partner and their German 

Dream come tru ... Tanya Dobson, the new owner of New World 

Kaiapoi. 


Shorthaired Pointer. 

‘‘Now Ilive two minutes from 

the store. Its fabulous,’’ she 

says. ‘‘Kaiapoi feels like awarm 

hug.’’ 

Since taking over, Tanyahas 

already made her mark 

refreshing signage, improving 

the store's front entrance, and 

even painting the car park. 

‘‘Every littlechange is about 

improving the experience for 

our customers and team,’’ she 

says. 

The highlight of the move for 

Tanya has been her store team 

and the community. 

‘‘Honestly, its been amazing. I 

feel like everyone has taken me 

in with open arms, and I 

couldn’t have asked for abetter 

team to join,’’ she says. 

Tanya loves the closeness of 

the Kaiapoi community and the 

connections she’s building 

every day. 

Come weekends she’s on the 

sidelines of local sports games, 

supporting the teams and 

events that the store sponsors. 

She’s also built strong ties with 

the local food bank just down 

the road and is gearing up for 

her first Christmas in store. 

‘‘We’re putting up our 

Christmas tree soon for the 

Giving Tree initiative’’, she 

says. ‘‘There are people out 

there struggling, and if we can 

help ease that pressure, even 

by donating agift, that’s huge.’’ 

She is also exploring every 

cafe in town, walking the 

beaches with her dog and 

getting to know the rhythm of 

Kaiapoi. 

‘‘I’m big on supporting local. 

It’s been cool meeting the 

people behind the businesses. 

‘‘People are so important, 

and my parents have always 

said, people first’’, she says. 

‘‘Everything we do is for the 

team, and the community — 

they support us, so its 

important to support them 

back. 

‘‘This store isn’t just where 

people shop; its apart of their 

lives,’’ Tanya says. 

‘‘I really do feel like I’ve 

found my wonderful here. I 

want every visit to reflect that 

for our customers.’’ 

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NEWS 


Kaiapoi Xmas Market ahit 

Country festival 

BySHELLEY TOPP 

Three Kaiapoi shoppers have 

been rewarded with big 

Christmas presents at the 

Kaiapoi Community Christmas 

Market as winners of the ‘‘Shop 

Local and Win" initiative. 

The market, which was 

organised by Blackwells 

Department Store and its close 

neighbour, the Kaiapoi Club,‘‘to 

bring the Christmas spirit back to 

central Kaiapoi’’, was held in the 

club’s car park last Saturday. 

It attracted alarge crowd and 

featured food and craft stalls, 

community group stalls, face 

painting, abouncy castle, 

roaming circus performers,live 

music, afire truck display, amini 

stock car display with driver 

Savanah Webb, and aSanta’s 

Grotto. 

The ‘‘Shop Local and Win'' 

initiative was held in the weeks 

during the leadup to the 

Christmas market. 

It involved 30 Kaiapoi retailers 

contributing product or vouchers 

for three prize packages and 

anyone who purchased 

something at the participating 

shops up until December 12 were 

eligible to go in the draw for one 

of the prizes. 

The first prize package 

contained product or vouchers to 

the value of $1800, the second 

prize package contained product 

or vouchers to the value of $1400 

and the third prize package 

contained product or vouchers to 

the value of $1000. 

The winners names were 

drawn out of aSanta’s sack 

during the market by 

Dancing with Santa ... Ava Rose, aged 5, of Woolston, joins Santa and 

mini stockcar driver, and Kaiapoi Rock and Roll Club member, Savanah 

Webb on the dance floor during the Kaiapoi Community Christmas Market. 

Waimakariri District Mayor Dan 

Gordon. 

Visitors to the market were 

alsogiven the opportunity to win 

aChristmas hamper with free 

tickets handed out for that during 

the day. 

Blackwells Department Store 

owner and manager Andrew 

Blackwell said the idea for the 

Christmas market had come 


about after the success of the 

Fire and Ice Festivals held 

annually in the Kaiapoi Club car 

park in Ravens Quay,during 

winter. 

He said the new event had 

received fantastic support from 

the community, local sponsors 

and retailers who swung in 

behind the ‘Shop Local and Win’ 

initiative. 

It will be ablast from the past, with Dolly Parton and Kenny 

Rogers set to feature at next year’s Waimakariri Country Music 

Festival. 

The annual festival is set to return to the Rangiora 

Showgrounds Pavilion from February 13 to 15, and planning 

committee chairperson Kevin Taylor is excited about this 

year’s lineup. 

This year’s Friday night show willbeaDolly Parton 

Experience, with Aucklander Karen Day performing as Dolly 

Parton and local Ross Arthur taking to the stage as Kenny 

Rogers. 

Karen’s sister Marian Burns will feature on the violin for 

Saturday’s showcase. 

Two bands are confirmed to play throughout the weekend 

and there will opportunities for ‘‘walkups’’, with participants 

able to sign up to sing asong or two throughout the three days. 

The weekend will finish with ‘‘a big jam session’’ on Sunday 

evening. 

The Waimakariri event is part of acircuit of country music 

festivals. 

Performers and campervans head to Rangiora from Buller 

Gorge Country Music Festival in Murchison the previous 

weekend, arriving at the showgrounds from Thursday 

They stay until Monday, with most heading to country music 

festivals in the North Island. 

Kevin says the growing numbers mean the showgrounds 

pavilion is expected to be packed out throughout the weekend. 

Hundreds of people attended last year’s event, with around 

300 attending the Saturday evening show and 72 motorhomes 

staying the showgrounds. 

There are no presales, with people abletobuy tickets at the 

door, including the all inclusive weekend passes for $50, day 

passes $15 and showcase tickets $25. 

‘‘We are keeping our costs similar to previous years,’’ Kevin 

says. 

Food and tea and coffee will be on sale throughout the three 

days. 

The motorhomes pay $5 anight per person to park up at the 

showgrounds. 

To help ensure the event breaks even, acountry hoedown 

fundraiser will be held on Sunday, January 4, at Neville and 

Nancy Petrie’s property at 30 Boundary Road, Ashley. 

Tickets are $10 at the door. 

Kevin is already thinking ahead to 2027 and lining up some 

new entertainers to keep the event fresh. 

Follow the festival on Facebook or gotocountrymusic.org.nz 

formore information. 

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NEWS 


Pottery rooms extended 

BySHELLEY TOPP 

Members of the Waimakariri 

Pottery Group have praised 

their vicepresident Bernard 

Fears for his role in creating an 

extension to their rooms in 

Loburn Domain. 

The $120,000 new facility was 

formally opened during an openday 

at the Domain recently. 

During the function the 

group’s president, Graham 

Maguire said all group members 

had an input into raising funds 

the extension but ‘‘the driver of 

this enterprise was Bernard’’. 

He was president of the group 

at the time and also became 

project manager, clerk of works, 

grant application organiserand 

general gotoperson, Graham 

said. 

‘‘It was amammoth task and 

the club owes Bernardan 

enormous vote of thanks for his 

work.’’ 

He also thanked Toni Thomas, 

amember of the club, who 

prepared all the plans and 

drawings, ensured the 

information for the consent 

applications was correct and 

made sure the construction was 

to plan. 

‘‘She also coped with all the 

changes that aproject of this 

kind generates,’’Graham said. 

The chairperson of the 

KaiapoiTuahiwi Community 

Board Jackie Watson, who was a 

founding member of the group, 

joined another founding 

member, Adrienne Lamb, plus 

Bernard and Graham to cut the 

red ribbon formally opening the 

new facility. 

Easycare flower garden with no roses ... Cal Wallace with his son Flynn, 

aged 11, on the lawn in their garden, one of six in Rangiora that were 

opened to the public for the Waimakariri Pottery Group’s Garden and Craft 

Ramble. 


‘‘As aformer member of a 

wonderful group that was such 

an importantpart of my life in 

the 70s and 80s itisfantastic to 

see it still flourishing. 

‘‘Both Adrienne and Ihave 

countless memories of those 

early pottery dayswith dieselfired 

kilnsand aheap of 

experimentation with glazes,’’ 

she said. 

‘‘It was an exciting time to be a 

potter as it was astrong 

movement that was happening 

all over the country.’’ 

The group also held aGarden 

and Craft Ramble fundraiser 

during the open day to help pay 

for landscaping the new facility. 

Ten gardens in Rangiora, 

Tuahiwi and Waikuku Beach 

opened to the public for the day. 

Cosy ... The warm, cosy lounge in one ofthe homes. 


The Arc for women 

By ROBYN BRISTOW 

ARangiora housing 

community for women is 

reaching out to anyone 

looking for asafe, cosy home. 

The ARC, in the heart of the 

town, is aredeveloped shared 

living complex, offering 

comfort and independence. 

The founder has 

transformed the complex into 

acontemporary haven for 

women who value ‘‘stability 

and kindness’’. 

She says the three modern 

homes offer flexible living 

arrangements for tenants, 

who can enjoy independent 

living and their own private 

room. 

‘‘Whether you’re beginning 

anew chapter, rebuilding, or 

simply wanting apeaceful, 

caring environment to call 

your own, The ARC offers a 

steady, welcoming space 

where you can breathe, settle 

in, and feel supported,’’ she 

says. 

Allofthe rooms provide 

solitude, but if you want some 

company, it is never far away 

in the lounges or kitchens. 

Spaces are limited, but with 

Christmas approaching The 

ARC is reaching out to anyone 

who is in need of awarm, and 

supportive place to live. 

‘‘If you are seeking comfort, 

community and asafe place 

to land, reach out to the ARC 

team today.’’ 

The team is happy to show 

people around, answer 

questions, or ‘‘simply chat 

about whether The ARC 

might be the right fit for you’’. 

Email 

rangiorahousing@gmail.com 

or text 021 571 789. 

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NEWS 


HanmerSprings gears up for busy summer 


Local DemocracyReporter 

Hanmer Springs is gearing up forabusy 

summer, after achallenging year. 

The tourist town has had abumpy 

ride, with October’s weatherevent and a 

challenging economic environment. 

‘‘The tourismyear has been OK,’’ 

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools &Spa 

general manager Sarah Wiblin said. 

‘‘It’s been an OK year, but we want to 

keep improving and improve our return 

to the council.’’ 

The thermal pools are owned by the 

Hurunui District Council, with the 

profits helping to keep rates down. 

Hanmer Springs took abattering in 

the October 23 weather event, with trees 

uprooted, irrigator pivots overturned 

and roofs and fences uplifted. 

But businesses rallied and wereable 

to reopen for Labour Weekend. 

While some mountain bike and 

walking trails remain closed, the town is 

open for business. 

Ms Wiblin said the pools are close to 

being fully staffed with Christmas 

approaching. 

‘‘We have ahigh proportion of local 

people, with returning university 

students and some internationals, who 

tend to stay round abit longer as the 

busy holiday period goes through to 

Easter and Anzac Day.’’ 

Hanmer Holiday Homes is the town’s 

largest accommodation provider with 

180 holiday homes. 

DirectorJason Fletcher said business 

was ‘‘average’’ this year, amid a 

challenging environment. 

‘‘It hasn’t been great. Normally when 

the economy’s tight and people aren’t 

travelling overseas, we get abit of a 

boost, but it hasn’t happened this year. 

‘‘There’s quite abit of optimism in the 

village with new subdivisions. 

‘‘But Ithink most business people are 

thinking ‘come on Government, you 

need to fix the economy’. We need 

Christchurchand Canterbury coming 

here and we’re not seeing it.’’ 

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Bookings were down nearly six 

percent compared to last year,and were 

often only six weeks ahead, instead of 12 

months in advance. 

Businesses were struggling to find 

labour and were even offering 

accommodation to lure workers to 

Hanmer, Mr Fletcher said. 

‘‘We can’t find kiwis —weneed 

cleaners and maintenance people. It’s 

hard to find long term accommodation 

in Hanmer, so we try to help them.’’ 

Ms Wiblin said the pool has been 

working on several initiatives, with a 

cold plunge pool being opened this 

month. 

At 10 degrees celsius, it will offer 

bathers somewhere to cool off on ahot 

day, or take abreak from the hot pools, 

Ms Wiblin said. 

This year the pools brought back a 

temporary ice skating rink during July’s 

Hanmer Springs Alpine Winter Festival. 

Ms Wiblin said the ice skating rink 

will be back in January and again in 

July. 

‘‘It’s anice cool indoor activity on 

those hot days or rainy days. It’s exciting 

to bring it back.’’ 

Planning work is continuing for a 

gravitybased flyride at the Conical Hill 

Reserve, after the Hanmer Springs 

Thermal Pools and Spa was granted a 

consent by the Environment Court last 

year. 

The initiative was first mooted several 

years ago and received $2m from the 

Government's ‘Shovel Ready’ fund in 

2020. 



Putting ‘we’ in welfare 

The memory of hot and windy months 

two summers ago that caused two 

major wildfiresand evacuations, is 

still vivid in the memoriesofWaipara 

Village residents and wider 

community. 

The Waipara War MemorialHallwas 

transformedinto an emergency 

evacuation welfare hub, providing a 

place for locals to sleep and eat while 

local volunteerfire brigades worked to 

bring the firesundercontrol. 

It was astark reminder for the 

Waipara Community Emergency 

Response Team(CERT) about being 

prepared. 

The Team has been humbled by the 

generosity of local groups and 

businesses helping establish awellestablished 

emergency response 

welfare hub. 

Paul Williams, the Waipara CERT 

coordinator says the group is trying to 

be as preparedaspossible,toprovide 

emergency welfare. 

At the moment, firstaid kits, airbeds, 

woollen blankets, pillows and 

pillowcases,gas cookers,crockpots, a 

gas frypancooker, astand up freezer, 

gazebos,tarpaulins and flood lighting 

are all available during atime ofneed 

when being at home is not an option. 

The generosity of the Kate Valley 

Community Trust, Glenmark Lions 

Club, The Warehouse,and both 

Waipara Residents’ Associationand 

requests on community Facebook 

pages has ensured alot of goods have 

been donated. 

Mr Williams says the WaiparaWar 

Memorial Halland the Community 

Emergency Response Centre ‘One 

Twenty’ on Glenmark Drive (which is 

owned by the Waipara New Life 

Church), have been adapted for 

generatorpower connection in the 

event ofasevere power outage. 

He says there are supplies of basics, 

such as tea and coffee, but storing food 

is achallenge. 

‘‘It is something we are conscious 

of,’’ he says. 

Adonated stand up freezer will help 

with the storage of donated frozen 

good. 

Sharing resources with other 

Emergency Response groups in the 

district is also an option, Mr Williams 

says. 

‘‘We are aware that we have 

resources other groups don’t have.’’ 

Hurunui MayorMarie Black spent 

significant time at the evacuation 

welfare hub in Waipara during the 

firey summer season. 

She urges people to be mindful 

about preparedness starting at home. 

She said working out what supplies 

are needed and how to get your 

householdready can seem 

overwhelming. 

However there was plenty of help 

out there either from the local CERT 

or the Civil Defence website —civil 

defence.govt.nz. 

‘‘Even something as simpleashaving 

bottled water, some cans of food and a 

list of contact numbers for your 

neighbours is agreat start, because 

emergencies can happen at any time.’’

HOLIDAY HOURS 

ChristmasGreetings,fromMayor MarieBlack 

Wishingyou aChristmas season filled with peaceand harmony. Maygoodhealth, happiness and 

treasuredmoments with family andfriendsfillyourdays. This year haschallengedusall in unique 

ways.Ihope this festive time sparkles with laughter,loveand togetherness,and mayevery joyof 

theholidaysstaywithyou andcarry forwardinto2026. 

Happy Christmas from MayorMarie andDaveBlack 

RUBBISHCOLLECTIONS 

Monday22December -HanmerSprings (Nochange) 

Tuesday23December -Amberley, Amberley Beach, Leithfield & Leithfield Beach(No change) 

Wednesday24December -Culverden,Rotherham,Waiau,Hawarden andWaikari (Revised Collection) 

-Gore Bay, Cheviot, Waipara, GretaValley, Omihi, Scargill & MotunauBeach(No change) 

Monday29December -HanmerSprings (Nochange) 

Tuesday30December -Amberley, Amberley Beach, Leithfield & Leithfield Beach(No change) 

Wednesday31December -Culverden,Rotherham,Waiau,Hawarden andWaikari (Revised Collection) 

-Gore Bay, Cheviot, Waipara, GretaValley, Omihi, Scargill & MotunauBeach(No change) 

Monday5January -Normal serviceresumes 

Download Antenno to report issues, 

receivealertsand notifications, 

andstayconnected to your community. 

YOUR WATERSUPPLY 

Our UtilitiesTeamwillbeoperating throughoutthe holidays 

withreduced staffnumbers.Ifyou’reonarestricted scheme, 

here aresometipstomakesurethe holidaysgosmoothly. 

Ensure youhave3days’water available. 

Take stepstofix waterleaks on your property now. 

This includes troughs, watertanks andpipes. 

Conserve waterwhere youcan. 

Keep an eyeonwaterrestrictionsthrough ourwebsite. 

Youcan also find plenty of waterservice tips here too. 

This summerisalready dryerthanusual andisputting extra 

demandonour team,sopleasedoyourbesttobeprepared. 

Pleasereportany waterleaks as soon as possible throughour 

24hr on-callservice 03 314 8816.Thisisfor allrequests, and 

the data collectedhelps inform ourservice anddelivery. 

MAINOFFICE, LIBRARIESAND SERVICECENTRES 

Amberley Council Office: Closes 1pm, Wednesday24December2025 -Reopens Monday 12 January2026. 

Hurunui Memorial Library–Amberley: Closes 1pm, Wednesday24December2025 -Reopens Monday 29 December 2025. Closes 5pm, Wednesday31December2025. 

Reopens Monday 5January 2026 -Normal hoursresume. 

HanmerSprings Libraryand ServiceCentre: Closes 1pm, Wednesday24December2025 -ReopensMonday5January2026. 

CheviotLibrary andService Centre: Closes 1pm,Wednesday 24 December 2025 -Reopens Monday 12 January2026. 

HawardenLibrary: Regularhours ‘til 5pm, Friday 12 December.Schoolholiday hoursTues, Wed, Fri, 10am–2pmfrom16December. Closes 2pm, Friday 19 December 2025. 

Reopens Tuesday13January with reducedschool holiday hours, untilFriday30January 2026.Tues, Wed, Fri, 10am –2pm.Normalhours from Monday 2February2026. 

Amuri Libraryand ServiceCentre: Closes 4pm, Friday 19 December 2025 -ReopensTuesday 13 January 2026, 10am-2pmTuesday,Wednesday,Friday - 

until Friday 23 January2026–(Reduced School Holiday hours).Normalhours resume Monday 26 January2026. 

Greta Valley Library: Closes 4pm,Wednesday 24 December 2025. Normal hoursresumeMonday 12 January2026. 

WaiauLibrary: Closes 11:30am,Saturday20December2025.Normalhours resume Saturday 3January 2026. 

Leithfield Library: Closed Wednesday24December2025and statutorydays. 

Please checkthe HurunuiDistrictCouncil websitefor additional Libraryupdates. 

2026 SUMMER POOL PARTIES 

MAINPOWER AMBERLEY SWIMMING POOL 

Amberley: Wednesday14January 

Cheviot: Wednesday21January 

Culverden: Friday 16 January 

GretaValley: Wednesday21January 

Hanmer Springs: Tuesday20January 

Hawarden: Friday 16 January 

Leithfield: Thursday 22 January 

Omihi: Thursday 22 January 

Rotherham: Thursday 15 January 

Waiau: Tuesday20January 

Waipara: Thursday 15 January 

10.30am- 1:00pm 

10.30am- 12.30pm 

10.30am-12.30pm 

2:00pm-4:00pm 

10.30am- 12.30pm 

2:00pm-4:00pm 

2:00pm- 4:00pm 

10.30am-12.30pm 

10.30am-12.30pm 

2:00pm-4:00pm 

2:00pm-4:00pm 

Closes 5pm, Wednesday24December. Closed 25,26, 31 December and1,2January 2026. 

BUILDING CONSENTS 

Therewillbenoinspectionservice over the 

Christmasbreak.On-site inspectionswillstop 

on Wednesday24December2025, 

commencingagain on Monday 12 January 

2026.Buildingconsents will continue to be 

processedduringthisperiod. 

TRANSFERSTATIONS 

AllStations will operateasnormalduringthe 

break, with Stations closed on Public Holidays. 

Amberley Transfer Stationwilloperate revised 

hours on thefollowing days. 

Tuesday23December, 10:00am-4:00pm 

Wednesday24December, 10:00am-1:00pm 

Tuesday30December, 10:00am-4:00pm 

PHONE Amberley:03314 8816 I Amuri&Hanmer SpringsFreephone:03315 8400 

Cheviot Freephone:03319 8812 I EMAIL info@hurunui.govt.nz I WEB www.hurunui.govt.nz

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Thursday,July31, 2025 | I sue 157 | www.starnews.co.nz 

By DAVID HI L, 


It was hailed as a ‘onestop shop ’ to 

make it quicker and easier to build 

major projects when it pa sed into law 

last December. 

But none of the five North Canterbury 

projects included in the Government’s 

Fasttrack A provals Act have 

progre sed beyond being ‘listed ’ 

projects in the fasttrack proce s. 

They were among 149 projects listed 

in the legislation. 

In astatement released last w ek, 

Infrastructure MinisterChris Bishop 

and Regional Development Minister 

Shane Jones said around 50 of the 149 

projects had lodged substantive 

a plications with the Environmental 

Protection Authority (EPA), since the 

a provals regime was established in 

February. 

Of those, none have b en a proved so 

far, with the first eight expected to be 

signed o f by the end of the year. 

Proposed housing developments at 

Ōhoka, W odend and west Rangiora 

were listed in the legislation, along with 

the W odend Bypa s and the Amuri 

I rigation Company Ltd’s Balmoral 

water storage facility and fish scr en. 

An EPA spokesperson has confirmed 

none of the five North Canterbury 

projects have lodged substantivefasttrack 

a plications. 

Developers of alisted projectcan 

a ply to the EPA where an ‘expert 

panel’ wi l a se s the projectand 

consult with ‘directly a fected groups ’. 

Panel convenors determine theextent 

of the consultation, meaning the is no 

guarant e local communities wi l have a 

say. 

Thereisnotimeframe for alisted 

projec to lodge an a plication, the 


When the project list was a nounced 

in October last year, Mr Bishop pointed 

the finger at councils for creating the 

housing crisis. 

‘Speaking in general terms, councils 

have contributed to our housing crisis 

by being overly picky about where 

houses can be built, ’ he said a the time. 

The W odend and west Rangiora 

developments have since b en included 

in thenew WaimakaririDistrict Plan 

adopted last month, meaningtheymay 

not n ed to be fasttracked. 

Amuri I rigation Company 

chairperson DavidCroft said the 

company anticipated aresource consent 

would be grantedbyEnvironment 

Canterbury (ECan) in the next few 

months,after it waslodged in 2023. 

‘It l oks like the normal consenting 

proce s wi lbefaster. In some waysit 

would be the ideal situation because 

everybody hashad the chancetohave 

their say in asystem theyare familiar 

with. ’ 

A$20m loan from the Government’s 

Regional Infrastructure Fund was 

a nounced earlier thismonth for the 

Balmoral water storage project. 

Theproposed Ōhoka development 

was rejected from the District Plan, 

after aprivateplan change requestwas 

rejected by an independent 

commi sioner in November 2023. 

It is sti l subjec to an Environment 

Court a peal. 

An Environment Courtspokesperson 

said the a pe lant, CarterGroup, has 

b endirected to advise the court by 

August 2 ‘how orwhether it intends to 

proc ed ’. 


development pla ning manager Ma t 

Baconsaid underthe new District Plan, 

the site of the proposed Ohoka 

development is zoned rura lifestyle. 

It mean the farmland could be subdivided 

into 4ha lots, but not intoan 

850home development as proposed. 

Carter Group was contacted for 

comment but areply had not b en 

received by thetime the North 

Canterbury News wen to print. 

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency 

hasb en completing geotech reports as 

it continuesscopingworkfor the 

proposed W odend Bypa s. 

LDR is localbody journalism cofunded 


Gavin, Calum, Luke, Azi 

and Miranda wish everyone a 

Merry Christmas and aHappy 

New Year 

Closed 12 noon 24th December and 

will reopen Monday 5th January 

Nick wishes everyone a 

Merry Christmas and a 

Happy New Year 

Thank you for 2025 

Closed 23rd 

December 

and reopen 

12th January 

SEASON’S GREETINGS 


Waimakariri 

Hurunui 

21 

The team at NorthCanterbury News wish the 

NorthCanterbury community avery Merry 

Christmasand aHappy NewYear. 

We want to thank our 

customers for their 

support in 2025. 

Wishing you all ahappy and safe 

holiday season. 

Closing 23rd December 2025 

and re-opening 12 January 2026. 

163 Stokes Road, Balcairn 

Ph (03) 312 9844 or027 205 5724 (AH) 

farmbikesnc@orcon.net.nz 

www.farmbikeservices.co.nz 

Wishing all our clients a safe 

and happy festive season. 

Thank you for your support! 

Kerb 

damaged 

wheel? 

We come 

to you! 

Cars 

Motorbikes 

Vans 

Utes 

Boat Trailers 

BrakeDust 

Removal 

Qualitytransformationataffordable prices! 

Thanks to all our customersfor their 

support2025. Paul willbeavailable 

throughout the holidays 

Call Paul 022 159 7826 

paul.thomas@wheelmagician.co.nz 

Christchurch North&NorthCanterbury 

Thankyou to ourwonderfuladvertisers, 

readersand deliverers foryourcontinued 

support throughout2025. 

We’re look forward to keeping you 

informed with the latest district news, 

and growing your business through 

advertising with usin2026. 

Our office will be closed for the festive 

season from 19th December and will 

re-open at8.30am on 

Monday 12th January. 

The freight truck will be on 

holiday from 19 th December 

until 5 th January 2026 

Phone: Mel 0274 517 063 (Freight) 

0274 321 581 (Bus) 

03 314 4565 (H) 

We look afteryour needs likewelook afterour own! 

Amessage to our 

45,000 

readers 

SHOP LOCAL 

BUYLOCAL 

SPENDLOCAL 

Waimakariri 

Hurunui 

Reach44,000 

potential 

customers with 

usevery week, 

see page2for 

contactdetails 

Kaiapoi, Rangiora, W odend, Pegasus, Cust,Oxford, Ashley, Sefton, Amberley, Waipara, Waikari, Hawarden, Cheviot, Culverden, Waiau, Hanmer Springs 

Few utilising fast-track process 

Housing . The Waimakariri District Planhas a lowed forupto 17, 0 morehouses, meaning the Government’s FasttrackA provals 

Actmay not be n eded. PHOTO: DAVID HI L 

NEW North Canterbury News PropertyGuide |Showcasing Local PropertiesfromAugust 7 

Please supportour advertisers, 

theheartbeat of ourcommunity 

LocalNews–LocalViews –Local People 

The Team Team wishes 

wishes all 

all clients a 

Merry Christmas and 

aHappy New Year 

clients aMerry 

Christmas and a 


Thank you for 

your Thank patronage you for your patronage 

Closed 19th 22nd December and 

December reopen and reopen 12th January 

12th January 

MerryChristmas to allour Clients. 

Wishingyou asafe&MerryFestive 

Season. 

MayitbefilledwithLove& 

Laughter,Family&Friends. 

Lookingforward to 

catching up in 2026. 

The Team at Duckworth Fencing 

Ashley 0274 364 776 

a.duckworth@xtra.co.nz 

www.duckworthfencing.co.nz 

The Brand Mowers &Chainsaws Team would like tothank our 

customers for your continued support over 2025 

Opening hours over the Christmas/New Years period: 

Closed mid-day Wednesday 24 December |Re-open Monday 5January 

Enquiries can besent tosales@brandmowers.co.nz over the holiday period. 

We wish you ahappy and safe Christmas and look forward 

to seeing you all in the New Year. 

275 Flaxton Road, Rangiora |03 313 6640 |sales@brandmowers.co.nz 

www.brandmowers.co.nz



Season’s Greetings 

Wishing you avery Merry Christmas and aHappy New Year 

WINDOW 

MARKET PLACE 

Ross &Staff wish 

everyone a 

Merry Christmas & 

aHappy 2026 

Closed 24thDecemberand 

Reopening 12th January 


May your holidays bemerry &bright 

Thank you for your continued business 

and best wishes. 

HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS 

24th December close 1pm 

Reopen 29th December normal hours 

30th December normal hours 

31st December close 1pm 

Reopen 5th January normal hours 

Best Wishes for ajoyous 

season and the New Year 

Management &Staff would liketo takethis 

opportunity tosincerely thankall ourwonderful 

customers. We hope youtakethe time to relax, 

reflect and enjoy thefestivities. 

Your always welcomeatthe West 

Iwould like toexpress mysincere gratitude 

for the opportunity towork with you and 

your business over the past year 

Merry Christmas and a 


Closed 19th December 

Reopen 26th January 

215 Waltham Road, Sydenham 

Phone(03) 379-6159 

info@windowmarket.co.nz 

windowmarket.co.nz 

80 Williams St (behind Mobile Car Wash) 

Ph 0800 80 KATS(5287) or327-7789 

www.kats.co.nz 

Open 6days: Mon-Fri 7.30am-5.30pm. Sat 8am-2pm 

Tigers on Tyres ... Pussies on price! 

159 Main Street, Oxford 

Phone03312 1222 

Closed ChristmasDay and BoxingDay 

Normal hoursresume 11amtolate 

Karla Kilner 

10/65 Percival Street, Rangiora 

Phone 03 314 9480 

As we wrap up ourfirstyearunder 

newownership,weextend oursincere 

thanks to allour valued clientsfor your 

trustand support. 

Holiday Closure: 

24 December –4January 

Wishingyou andyourfamiliesahappy, 

safe,and relaxing festiveseason. We look 

forwardtoseeing youintheNewYear. 

Law4you Ltd will close 

1.00pm Friday 19 December 2025 

and reopen on 

Monday 12 January2026 

at 9.00am 

We wish ourclients, associates and 

colleagues avery Merry Christmas 

and Happy NewYear 

138 KippenbergerAvenue, Rangiora 

03 310 6464 | admin@law4you.co.nz 

www.law4you.co.nz 

(Fully Mobile) 

WishingOur Clients aSafe 

andHappy FestiveSeason. 

We’relookingforward forwardtoseeing 

youin2026 

Fully mobile automotive technician forall your 

• Farm machinery,tractor andvehicle air 

conditioning servicing 

• Forkliftrepairs andservicing 

• Lightmechanicaland servicingonfarm 

vehicles 

PhoneAndrewyourlocal mobile tech 

0277500503 

WishingOur ClientsaSafe and 

HappyHoliday Season. 

We Will Be Closing17thDecember 

Re-opening 14th January. 

AMBERLEY OFFICE 

2A Pound Street, Amberley |Phone 03 314 8717 

Email rachel@liddellandco.nz 

CHRISTCHURCH OFFICE 

Level 2, 7Winston Ave, Papanui 

Phone 03 352 1076 

www.liddellandco.nz



23 


AVeryMerry Christmasand Happy 

NewYearfor allour loyalclients 

Closed 24th 

December 

Reopening5th 

January 2026 

Your LocalAuthorised 

SpecialistDaikinDealer 

03 313 0531 /03319 7559 

(NorthCanterbury) (Kaikoura) 

www.northcanterburyenergy.co.nz 

OXFORD BUTCHERY 

by Shane Frahm 

Four generations of Frahms since 1957 

TheTeam at Oxford Butcherywish 

everyone aMerryChristmasand 

aHappy NewYear! 

Thank youfor 2025 

(CLOSED STAT DAYS ONLY) 

• Traditional old fashioned 

Bacon & Ham curing 

• Home Kill 

“Wesell only 

theverybest 

NZ grownmeat” 

44 Main Street,Oxford. 

Ph 312-4205 AH 021269 1817 

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5.30pm, Sat8am-12noon 

Danand the Teamwouldlike totake 

this opportunityy to acknowledge 

youfor your support of our 

businessinthe past year. 

We wouldlike like towish 

youaprosperous Christmas 

andaHappy NewYear. 

Closed 20 th December and 

reopening 12 th January 

Local, family ownedbusinesswho hasbeen in 

business forover30years. 

Membersofmasterpainters. 

Please contact Dan for afree quote 

on 0275 340 878 

Email: office@daybrospainters.co.nz 

www.daybrospainters.co.nz 

BryansTyres Ravenswood 

Unit 2No6 Lilburne Street 

Ravenswood NorthCanterbury 

TheTeam wishes allclients 

aMerry Christmasand 

aHappy NewYear 

Thank youfor your patronage 

Closed 25thto28thDecember 

Reopen29thto31st December 

Closed 1st to 4thJanuary 

Reopens 5thJanuary 

03 313 7323 

bryanstyres@gmail.com 

btrravenswood 

www.bryanstyres.com 

WISHING YOU ALL ASAFE AND 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS BREAK 

TheAmberleyelectorateofficewillbeclosedfromFriday25th 

December 2025 andwillreopenonMonday 2ndFebruary2026. 

Forurgentmatters please emailstuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz 

or call 03 5793204or0800STUART 

Stuart Smith MP forKaikōura 

03 5793204or0800STUART 

stuart.smithmp@parliament.govt.nz 

Funded by theParliamentary Service. Authorised by Stuart SmithMP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn. 

North Canterbury Dental Care 

Dr Hua Gao 

Merry Christmas 

From the friendly team atNorth 

th 

Canterbury Dental Care 

Wishing all our patients alovely Christmas filled 

with laughter and cheer 

Thank you all for supporting uswelook forward to 

seeing you next year 

New Patients Are welcome! 

Call the friendly team today on 03 327 8943 

northcanterburydental@xtra.co.nz | 164 Williams Street, Kaiapoi 

Open until 24th 

December 2025 will be 

operating until around 

1pm and reopening 

for normal business 

hours from Monday 

5th January 2026 

STIHLSHOPHOLIDAY HOURS 

Wednesday24thDecember 

Thursday 25th December 

Friday 26th December 

Saturday 27th December 

Sunday 27th December 

Monday 29th December 

Tuesday30thDecember 

Wednesday31stDecember 

Thursday 1stJanuary 

Friday 2ndJanuary 

Saturday 3rdJanuary 

Sunday 4thJanuary 

21 StationRoad, Rangiora 

3133398 

8am-4pm 

CLOSED 

9am-3pm 

9.30am-3pm 

9.30am-3pm 

8am-5.30pm 

8am-5.30pm 

8am-5.30pm 

CLOSED 

9am-3pm 

9.30am-3pm 

10am-3pm

NEWS 


Kaiapoi artwork with community connection 


The Community Tree, agiant artwork 

created by Kaiapoi artist Christine 

Watton, has been installed at the 

Kaiapoi Community Garden. 

Initially it was at aproposed 

community space in the town’s central 

business district, but it had to be 

removed because of ‘‘reconstruction on 

aneighbouring site’’, Christine says. 

The artwork was put in storage for 

about six years until anew home was 

found along the pathway to the Kaiapoi 

CommunityGarden on the Kaiapoi 

Borough School site, where it first 

started its life. 

‘‘It was apostquake project I 

developed as part of my work with All 

Together Kaiapoi or You Me We Us as it 

was called then,’’ Christine said. 

‘‘My goal was to create an artwork for 

the community space on the main street 

—where Patchina the Giraffe still stands 

—that touched as many hands as 

possible in its construction. 

‘‘‘I worked with all four local schools 

at Borough School one school holiday. 

‘‘There were four students from each 

school creating the underpainting and 

preppingthe leaves and flowers ready 

for the community to paint,’’ Christine 

said. 

She also set up paint stations outside 

The Community Tree ... Agiant artwork by Kaiapoi artist Christine Watton, one of two she has created with help from the community 

for the Kaiapoi Community Garden. 


the Kaiapoi Library forpassersby to 

paint, and participants in afterschool 

programmes,such as the Darley Club, 

alladded their painting flare to its 

creation. 

The Kaiapoi Menz Shed also helped 

with the project by ‘‘fashioning wood 

into the leaves and flowers’’. They also 

helped install the work at the initial site, 

and its new one in the community 

garden. 

Christine has now contributed a 

second artwork, with help from the 

community, forthe garden. 

It was created during the garden’s 

open day forthe Waimakariri Jazz and 

Blues Oxford to the Sea celebration in 

October. An organiser, Nigel Cook, 

asked Christine if she would do a 

painting at the event to commemorate it. 

‘‘I came up with the concept in mind 

that Flossie (the name of the garden’s 

club house) had just been painted, so a 

mural to celebrate the day, to be erected 

on the freshly painted building, was 

appropriate,’’ Christine says. 

‘‘Everyone who added their mark on 

the mural on the day was encouraged to 

add their artist signature on to the table 

cloth part of the painting as arecord of 

their contribution. 

‘‘I prepared the underpainting prior 

to the event and it took me acouple of 

weeks on and off after that to add the 

colour wash, bring it all together and 

finish off,’’ she said. 

Fewer numbers, but camaraderie remains 

By JOHN COSGROVE 

Every reunion their numbers get 

fewer and fewer, but their 

camaraderie and passion for life 

is still very visible when the 

Vietnam veterans of Whiskey 

Three Company come together 

for their yearly gettogether. 

This year it was again hosted 

by the Rangiora RSA and 

members of W3 came from as far 

afield as Australia and the North 

Island. 

Bill Hansen, from Rangiora, 

loves meeting up with his 

comrades each reunion. 

‘‘I was ayoung private back 

then and Ihad just completedmy 

apprenticeship as abutcher 

when Isigned up to go to 

Vietnam. 

‘‘I saw it as away to get some 

overseas adventures under my 

belt. 

‘‘Today it’s great to see my 

mates again. We talk about all the 

funny things that happened when 

we were there and remember our 

fallen mates and those who have 

passed.” 

After his tour of duty with W3 

finished Bill stayed in the army 

for another six months based in 

Singapore, before returning to 

Rangiora. 

‘‘I’ve never talked about my 

experiences there to anyone, but 

here, we all have aspecial bond 

because of what we saw and 

experienced over there, and it’s 

great to be around people who 

understand what we went 

through.” 

The membersofWhiskey 

ThreeCompany RNZIR saw 

active service in South Vietnam 

fromNovember14, 1969 to 

November10, 1970 during the 

VietnamWar. 

Threewere killedinaction or 

diedofwoundsand 16 more were 

woundedinaction. 

Since then, 86 of the original 

158 have died and of the 24 

attending the 2025 reunion, 10 

said they are suffering from 

cancer, while others listed 

ongoing medicaland mental 

issues. 

W3 Company were volunteers 

from the New Zealand Army who 

came togetherunderthe 

umbrellaof1Royal New Zealand 

Together again ... Members of Whiskey 3company 1RNZIR Vietnam veterans gather for their annual reunion 

at the Rangiora RSA. 


Infantry Regiment based in 

Singapore (1RNZIR). 

Under the command of Major 

Evan Torrance, they undertook 

intensive jungle combat training 

at the NZ Army's Camp Terendak 

in the central highlands of 

Malaysia, for six months before 

deploying to Vietnam. 

They were the third and last of 

‘Whiskey' rifle companies to be 

deployed to Vietnam after the NZ 

Government committed forces in 

1963. 

Over 3000 New Zealanders 

served in South Vietnam from 

1963 to 1975 with 37 men killed 

and 187 wounded. 

W3 was assigned to the 2RAR/ 

NZ (ANZAC) Battalion stationed 

at the Australian Army base at 

Nui Dat. 

Their 12month long tour of 

dutyinvolved around 300 days of 

operations acrossthe province. 

Jill Dunley, from Kaikoura, 

whoselate husband Ross Dunley 

was wounded in Vietnam, has 

attended every Whiskey 3and 

Victor 5reunion and saysshe 

does it because ‘‘We are family, 

husbands and wives together 

facing the challenges all veterans 

go through’’. Rangiora RSA 

president and W3 member Ian 

(Blue) Caldwell says next year’s 

reunion might be the last one 

they hold as their numbers are 

getting very low. 

Come in and see us today 

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NEWS 


29 

Christmas fun ... Brodie, aged 4, and his brother Lochlan WardKnowles (2) picktheir 

favourites at the annual North Canterbury Soroptimist Christmas Tree Festival. 


Xmastree festival 

Winners of this year’s annualNorth 

Canterbury Soroptimist ChristmasTree 

Festival were The Sterling, which won 

the best in business trees, Rangiora New 

Life School, which won the bestentry 

from preschools and schools tree 

section, Big Brothers Big Sisters of 

North Canterbury, which won the 

community organisation trees section, 

and Stars Ravenswood, which won the 

eco prize. 

This year, the festival had 36 ornately 

adorned trees on display in the foyer of 

the Waimakariri District Council offices 

in Rangiora, and this included aGifting 

tree, aWishing tree and aRemembrance 

tree. 

The public voted fortheir favourite 

tree in each category. 

The Community Wellbeing North 

CanterburyTrust thanked Soroptimist 

International of North Canterbury forits 

supportand everyone who donated gifts 

forlocal families under the giving tree. 

The Soroptimist’s thanked all who 

helped to make the annual Christmas 

Tree Festival asuccess again in 2025, 

especially those who entered atree, 

those who sponsored atree, and the 

public who voted and brought in gifts for 

Wellbeing North Canterbury to 

distribute. 

All funds raised went to Dementia 

Canterbury. 

Stay safe round water 

By DAVID HILL. 


As people take to beachesand rivers, it is 

atimely reminder to stay safe around 

water. 

North Canterbury’s councils play arole 

in drowning prevention, offering learn to 

swim and water safety education,while 

the WaimakaririDistrict Council helps to 

fund lifeguards on local beaches over the 

summer holidays. 

Waimakariri District Council aquatic 

facilities managerMatt Greenwood said 

the council’s Waiswim Schools 

Programme supports 27 schools, visiting 

the schools and hosting students at 

council pool facilities. 

Local pools include the Dudley Park 

Aquatic Centre (Rangiora), the Kaiapoi 

Aquatic Centre and Oxford Community 

Aquatic Centre. 

‘‘Our qualified instructors helpbuild 

confidence and competence in the water, 

developing essential survival skills such 

as fitting life jackets, floating while 

clothed, and responding to emergencies 

like capsized boats or strong currents. 

‘‘Lessons are designedtoreflect North 

Canterbury’s aquatic environmentand 

conditions. 

‘‘Waiswim encourageschildren to 

share their knowledge at home, 

strengthening watersafety awareness 

within families and communities.’’ 

Mr Greenwood said the WaiSwim 

lessons are offered to children and adults 

outside of the schools programme, with 

an emphasis balance and body 

positioning in the water. 

Last month, the council announced it 

had boosted its funding to Surf Life 

Saving New Zealand by $41,502 to 

$120,690. 

It meanspaid lifeguards will be 

patrollinglocal beaches for 110 days this 

season upfrom 99 days last year. 

Paid patrols will be active at Woodend 

and Pegasusbeaches from December 22 

to January 25 and the weekend of 

January 31 and February 1. 

At Waikuku Beach, paid patrols will 

operate from December 15 to February 6, 

with volunteerpatrols operating in 

weekends until March 15. 

The Hurunui District Council offers 

water safety through the various 

community and school pools across the 

district, including the council run 

MainPower Amberley Pool and the 

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. 

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said the 

district has an abundance of areas for 

recreation on the water, including 

braided rivers, lakes and beaches. 

‘‘The message is around being safe and 

parents and caregivers have arole.’’ 

DrowningPrevention Aotearoa has 

been promoting water safety and took its 

message to councils at the Local 

Government New Zealand conference in 

Christchurch in July. 

The Aucklandbased charity has 

launched acampaign to help people 

understand what to do if they fall into the 

water. 

‘‘Panicking, or the effects of cold water 

shock, can lead to drowning or cardiac 

arrest,’’ aspokesperson said. 

‘‘Even the strongest swimmers can be 

affected. 

‘‘Floatingonyour back gives you the 

best chance of survival if you’re in 

trouble in the water.’’ 



Under cover ... Ahuge covered area at Oxford Area Schoolwill provide an extensionto 

the gym space. 


Canopy cover at OAS 

By JOHN COSGROVE 

Anew structure is catching the eye of 

visitors to the Oxford Area School on 

Bay Road in Oxford. 

Mike Hart, the PrincipalofOxford 

Area School says the new and exciting 

structure, whichhas appeared 

recently, is acanopy. 

‘‘It will provide shelter, lighting and 

asound system while giving us more 

gym spaceatour school complex. 

‘‘The turf underneath will be 

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resurfaced with marked astroturf 

courts and arunning track will be 

installed down one side. 

‘‘The cover will hopefully go on this 

side of Christmas and the astroturf is 

expected to be laid earlynext year.’’ 

Mr Hart says work kicked in this 

term and, barring any hiccups, it 

should be wrapped up before 

Christmas. 

‘‘It is amighty structure covering 

three courts and we are all looking 

forward to using it next year.’’ 

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NEWS 


NorthCantydrivers in action at Speedway 

BY JOHN COSGROVE 

Itwas arace meeting of highs and lows 

for Kaiapoi’s Clay Pohio, but despite all 

his adventures on the night, he still took 

it all in his stride as he competed in the 

twoday American Invasion /War of the 

Wings Sprintcarsmeeting held at the 

Ruapuna Speedway over the weekend. 

Pohio(22) won his first heat in the 

Lightning Sprint class, againstthe hardcharging 

Brett Booth, of Christchurch, 

in dominant fashion. 

In the second heat, after starting in 

reverse order, he quickly worked his 

way up to the front again, only to have 

his front axle snap on the last corner of 

the final lap. 

‘‘I was so close, but if you can’t steer, 

then you can’t win,’’ he said. 

The tightknit Lightning Sprint racing 

community all pitched in to help, and 

after some quick repairs in the pits, Clay 

started midfield in the feature race. 

‘‘A massive thanks to all the guys who 

jumped in and helped me get the car 

fixed for the feature —Jamie Booth, 

Alan Chapman, Jason Nairn, Moose, 

Dad and Mum —Iwouldn’t have been 

out there without their help. 

‘‘The car was not set up right as we had 

rushed the repairs, so Istruggled to get 

it around the track but during acaution 

moment in the latter half of the race 

which fortunately slowed all the cars 

down and bunched them up, it allowed 

me to have acloser look at the higher 

sections of the track, as Iknew Ihad no 

chance on the lower faster bits. 

‘‘When the green light came onagain I 

just booted it and went as hard as I 

could.’’ 

His racetactics paid off, and he was 

again tussling with Booth for the win. 

‘‘I had awicked battle to the line with 

Boothy for the win and managed to grab 

it onthe line. 

‘‘It’s goodracing with Brett because 

youknow he is avery safe and respectful 

driver.’’ 

However, Clay was subsequently 

disqualified for receiving ‘‘outside 

assistanceonhis car’’ during that 

caution in the race. 

‘‘During the caution, the race officials 

ordered me to stop at the pit gate 

because my hood had flipped up, we 

hadn’t secured it properly after the 

repairs,and the infield crew guy put it 

down. 

‘‘This caused another team to lodge a 

protest against me foroutside help. Iam 

still abit unsure about what Iwas 

supposed to do there,’’ he said. 

He put it all down to learning, as this 

was only his third race in the car. 

Clay is amultinational grass kart 

champion and was competing in his first 

season of Lightning Sprint car racing. 

To cap it all off, when he drew up at 

the finish line at the end of the feature 

race, he thought he had won and did a 

big celebration jump off his car, but on 

landing, he sprained his ankle. 

He says he still has abig smile on his 

face as he knows he can race with the 

more experienced racers in his class 

He’s looking forward to next year's 

South Island champs at Ellesmere. 

Kirk Hawkins, of Fernside, won the V6 

Wingless Sprint cars feature race with, 

Andrew Gregge, of Rangiora third. 

Going fast... Bonnie Sinclair, of Swannanoa, holds off her opponents in the Lightning 

Sprint Car heat races at the Ruapuna Speedway over the weekend. 

PHOTOS: JOHN COSGROVE 

On the pace ... Chris Dempsey of Kaiapoi competes in the V6 Wingless Sprint car races 

at the Ruapuna Speedway. 

Onthe charge ... Clay Pohio, of Kaiapoi, leads Brett Booth of Christchurch in the first of 

two heat races of the Lightning Sprint class. 

Infront ... Andrew Gregge, of Rangiora, leads Kirk Hawkins, of Fernside, in the first heat 

ofthe V6 Wingless Sprint car races. 

Almost ready ... Jack Read, of Rangiora, checks his car out before the first quarter Midget 

car race on the Friday night.

NEWS 


31 

Oxford’swarm welcome for Santa Claus 

Hi all ... Oxford Fitness Centre members walk in fromofemergency vehicles in Sunday’s 

parade. 

Santa’s helpers... Santa’s little helpers at the Oxford Santa Parade were (from left) Emily 

Cox, Toria Smith, Maddie Hanes and Ella Burford. 

PHOTOS: JOHN COSGROVE 

Here you are ... Santa Parade participants hand out lollies to the hundredsofspectators 

lining the streets in Oxford. 

On parade ... View Hill School pupils wave to the crowds from their float in the Santa 

Parade. 

Allhere ... Farming vehicles were abig part ofthe paradedown Oxford’s Main Street last 

Sunday. 

Hi mum ... Oxford Area School pupils wave to family from aboard their large float as they 

parade down Main Street in Oxford. 

Hi Santa ... Crowds wave to Santa as he progressed along Oxford’s Main Street during 

their santa parade.

NEWS 


Long service ... Hurunui District Council chief strategy and community officer Judith 

Batchelor (left) is congratulated by Hurunui Mayor Marie Black on 30 years service to the 

council. 

PHOTO: DAVID HILL 

Three decades of 

service honoured 

By DAVIDHILL, 


‘‘Speed shopping with the mayor’’ has 

been ahighlight for Judith Batchelor as 

she marks three decades with the 

Hurunui District Council. 

Ms Batchelor, the council’s chief 

strategy and community officer, was 

recognised for her long service at a 

council meeting on Tuesday, December 

16. 

She recalled shopping expeditions 

with Mayor Marie Black among her 

highlights. 

‘‘Marie and Ishare apassionfor shoe 

shopping,’’she said, noting she admired 

the mayor’s shoe collection. 

Humour aside, Ms Batchelor said it 

had not always been easy being awoman 

in aleadership role. 

She said she had areputation for 

bringing ‘‘potentially, amuch needed 

dose of reality’’. 

‘‘I have sat in meetings and smiled 

while I’ve been called ‘feisty’.’’ 

There have been plenty of changes 

during her 30 years at the council and 40 

years in local government. 

‘‘The only cloud we talked about back 

then was the one which ruined your 

weekend,’’ she said. 

Ms Batchelor said she had worked on 

some ‘‘incredible’’ projects, including 

the Kate Valley Landfill, two wind farms 

which ended up in the Environment 

Courtand the award winning Coastal 

Conversations, which led to Coastal 

Adaptation Plans to address sea level 

rise for Hurunui’s beach communities. 

More recently she has worked on the 

proposed Hanmer Springs flyride 

project, which also ended up in the 

Environment Court, and the Soldiers’ 

Block restoration project in Hanmer 

Springs. 

‘‘The restoration of the Soldiers’ Block 

is alegacy project I’m extremely proud 

of.’’ 

She said it was about 30 years of 

‘‘turning up, speaking up and 

occasionally shaking things up’’. 

Mrs Black said Ms Batchelor was born 

in Cheviot, soshe is ‘‘true blue 

Hurunui’’. 

She thanked Ms Batchelor for her 

loyalty, professionalism, sense of 

humour and ‘‘an unwavering 

commitment to the Hurunui district and 

the people you work with’’. 

‘‘I first met Judith in my old role when 

she was abrand new mum with ababy in 

her arms,’’ Mrs Black, aformer Plunket 

nurse, said. 

‘‘She has seen more change and more 

passwords than most of us care to 

remember. 

‘‘When someone asks, ‘does anybody 

remember when?’ The answer is 

probably ‘you better ask Judith’.’’ 



Bookworm ... Agata EliasDrago, aged 11, of Oxford, is one of the Waimakariri Libraries’ 

young reading stars who loves the opportunities to experience and learn new things that 

reading gives her. 


Young reading star 


One of the Waimakariri Libraries’ young 

reading stars believes children who have 

not discovered the joy of reading books 

are missing out alot in life. 

Agata EliasDrago, aged 11, apupil at St 

Joseph’s School in Rangiora, says she 

takes every opportunity she can to read, in 

the car on her waytoswimming practice, 

at the library and also at home every night 

before bed. 

Recently, she has been reading alot of 

books written by Japanese and Chinese 

authors —books with speaking cats as 

main characters, or fantasy books on 

Chinese legends with dragons and 

warriors. 

She also enjoys reading historical 

books. 

‘‘My latest book is The Sparrow, written 

by Kiwiauthor and journalist Tessa 

Duder. 

‘‘It is the story of ayoung English girl 

whoissent to alabour camp in Australia 

for punishment, but ends up in New 

Zealand,’’ Agata says. 

‘‘What Ilove about reading is that Iget 

to experience what the author wants to 

show me. Icould ride adragon one 

afternoon, be in mars the following day or 

fly over China as aphoenix,’’ Agata says. 

She is abig fan of the Waimakariri 

Libraries but also has an extensive 

collection of her own books, on snakes, 

insects, spiders and scorpions. 

The collection includes her favourite 

book, agift from her Italian aunty. 

‘‘It is abook on spiders, scorpions and 

snakes, endemic to Italy and Europe,’’ 

Agata says. 

Other favourites she would recommend 

for young readers include: The Last 

Soldier of Nava, ALanguage of Dragons, A 

Darker Shade of Magic, AConjuring of 

Light, Darwin’s Dragons, and Dreaming in 

Chinese. 

Agata’s earliest recollection of reading 

is having her Italian grandfather reading 

abook to her, but making the story up 

along the way as he couldn’t read English. 

She also remembers a``fun project’’ 

she did with her dad that might encourage 

children not interested in reading to 

begin doing so which involved reading 

every Harry Potter book one at atime, and 

then watching each movie together. 

Also, children who are not keen readers 

might like to start doing so by first trying 

graphic novels —booklength illustrated 

stories —orcomic books like the Wings of 

Fire series, Agata says. 

AMBERLEY

NEWS 


Red’s best ... The Amberley Red Hat Society wait for their high tea to arrive at the 

Amberley Lions Club’s annual high tea party, held at the Tin Shed at the Amberley Domain. 

The Red Hats are an international friendship group of senior ladies of distinction in towns 

around the world, who love to dress up with their red hats at functions and, as they putit, 

‘‘To age disgracefully’’. 

PHOTO: JOHNCOSGROVE 

High tea time for all 

It was high tea and high fashion as many 

of the 120 senior citizens from Amberley 

dressed up to gather for the 30th annual 

Amberley Lions Christmas HiTea. 

Held at the Tin Shed in the Amberley 

Domain, the seniors enjoyed music and 

dancingprovided by the Rangiora Brass 

Band and the Amberley Dance Group 

before they took part in the high tea put 

on by the Lions, who also served the tea 

and nibbles. 

Among the gathering weremembers of 

the Amberley branch of the Red Hats 

Society. 

They are an internationalfriendship 

group of senior (and some not sosenior) 

ladies of distinction in towns scattered 

around the world, who love to dress up 

with their red hats at functions and, as 

they put it, ”To age disgracefully while 

having alot of fun”. 

The society encourages women in 

their pursuit of achieving the most out of 

life. 

They support women seeking fun, 

friendship, freedom, fitness and the 

fulfilment of lifelong dreams. 

The next community event is the 

Hurunui District Community Christmas 

Dinner,whichwill be held on Sunday, 

December21, courtesy of the Inspire 

Church in Amberley. 

Paul Chinnery honoured 

Paul Chinnery has been honouredfor donating thousands of trees for the Ohoka 

School’s annual plant sale, with acommemorative seat unveiled in his honour 

atthe school 

For more than 15 years, despite not have any family connection to the school, 

hemade the donation from Chinnery WholesaleNursery, Woodend, making a 

significant difference to the school’s fundraising efforts. 

The seat was built by Menzshed Rangiora, led by John Stanton and Allan 

Gamble, with support from ITM Rangiora. Aplaque was crafted by Swannanoa 

business MollerYoung, with final finishing completedbythe school’s 

caretaker. 

Amy O'Kane, Principal of Ōhoka School says his ‘‘incredible, long standing 

commitment’’ has helped raise funds to support all its tamariki. 

‘‘Thank you Paul for your dedication and support.’’ 

Beach cleanup ... Some of Pegasus Bay School's Sustainable Development Goals 

ambassadors,Thea Leech (left, aged 9), Olsen Nurse(7), Freya Nurse (9), Franca Nurse (6), 

Mila Ganda (11) and Ava Leech (13), far right, took part in the Pegasus Bay Beach cleanup 

organised by the ambassadors recently. 

PHOTO: SALLY PATTERSON 

Trailer load of rubbish 

Volunteers taking part in aweekend 

beach cleanup and beautification 

initiative have collected atrailer load of 

rubbish from two Waimakariri beaches 

and removed graffiti from anearby 

playground. 

The environmental event was 

organised by Pegasus Bay Schools 

United Nations Sustainable 

Development Goals (SDG) ambassadors 

and supported by their families, friends, 

SDG pou/leader Sally Patterson and 

another school teacher Penny Galway. It 

was also supported by Eco Educate 

founder and director Lesley Ottey, and 

the Waimakariri District Council. ‘‘We 

started at the Pegasus Bay Beach and 

made our way down towards Waikuku 

Beach with some children joining the 

charge down at Waikuku Beach after 

surf lifesaving,'' Sally said. 

‘‘Then on Sunday we had tamariki/ 

children continue the initiative with 

their families as they couldn't commit on 

Saturday.’’ 

Ateam of SDG ambassadors also met 

at Karen Eastwood Park in Pegasus on 

Saturday and spent three hours cleaning 

the graffiti off playground equipment 

with the ecofriendly cleaning paste they 

made at school during ascience 

experiment while planning the cleanup. 

‘‘The group of tamariki/children 

worked tirelessly scrubbing off explicit 

language and inappropriate drawings,’’ 

Sallysaid. 

The paste was so effective the school is 

planning on using it as their general 

cleaning paste in classrooms. 

The weekend cleanup and 

beautification event was such asuccess 

that the SDG ambassadors have been 

reflecting on what they can do to helpto 

achieve an even greater impact next 

year. 

‘‘With most of the SDG ambassadors 

venturing off to HighSchool next year 

for the next stage in their learning 

journey there are plans to link up with 

Kaiapoi HighSchool to plan and 

organise future events across the 

Waimakariri region covering all beaches 

and rivers,’’ Sally said. 

‘‘We want to ensure that our place is 

protected and respected by the 

community. We learned about the 

broken window theory, where the visible 

signs of crime such as vandalisim and 

rubbish creates an environment that 

encourages further problems. By taking 

charge and fixing this it makes our 

community abetter and safer place 

through the act of kaitiaki/guardianship 

which is one of our school values.’’ 

‘Colindar’ raised over $10,000 for charity 

North Canterbury based Master Photographer Linda Palmer, has presented a 

cheque for $10,316.75 to Save the Kiwi's Executive Chairperson, Richard Leggat, 

reflecting the profits from the sale of her latest project ‘the Colindar’. 

Olympian Dame Lisa Carrington’s much loved cavoodle, Colin, was the poster boy 

and the inspiration of the Colindar, a2026 pictorial calendar filled with photos 

starring Colin, which had been shot by Linda of Paw Prints Photography NZ, in 

various locations around Auckland. 

She then teamed up with Dame Lisa to launch the Colindar later in August. 

Are you ready togrow? 

Forreal Kiwi gardeners who like 

to get their hands dirty. 

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and save! 

Paylessfor your favouritemagazinetobehome-delivered! 

Subscriptions 0800 624 295 

kiwigardenermagazine.co.nz

GARDENING 


35 

YOUR lOcalspecialists 

fORallYOUR gaRdeningneeds 

It’stimetodecorate your Christmas tree 

Christmas trees of all shapes, 

sizes and varieties continue to 

be the ‘goto’ Christmas icon in 

people's houses and shop 

windows. 

Their history dates back 

millennia, ranging from the use 

of evergreens in ancient Egypt 

and Rome to the olden 

Germanic traditions of 

candlelit trees that made their 

way to America in the 1800s. 

Christmas Trees have been 

an integral part of Christmas 

celebrations for generations. 

While they stand tall and 

proud in the face of marketing 

onslaughts concerning the hot 

toys or decorations for this 

year's festive season such as 

hairy gnomes, many people still 

recall fond memories of 

decorating the traditional 

triangular shaped Fir tree 

read Pine tree in New Zealandwhich 

is often afamily affair in 

many households. 

New alternative versions of 

the tree appear in the shops 

each Christmas season to 

challenge people's perception 

of what aChristmas tree should 

look like. 

While you can find ahundred 

and one varieties of the 

traditional green tree —coated 

oruncoated in white snow, 

natural or synthetic,preassembled 

or not, with or 

without astar on top, some of 

the latest variants found in gift 

and home accessories shops, 

include delicate wireframed 

3D triangles covered in LEDs 

which blink and gleam 

invitingly. 

Thereare triangular light 

stalks with LEDs that change 

colour on cue, pseudoOlive 

trees covered in LEDs, and 

fairylightcovered Arctic Birch 

Trees which come in 

champagne or white colours, to 

suit the room decor. 

The shape is simple enough 

which makes it easy to create 

when the family has relocated 

to the riverside bach. 

You can make acceptable 

alternativeChristmas trees out 

of driftwood orforest debris 

which lets you be as creative as 

you want. 

Another alternativeisusing 

one of the many tallpot plants 

already residing in your lounge 

—justuse tinsel and wrapping 

paper to decorate it. 

If you want to keep it very 

minimalistic, then tryusing just 

one flat piece of timber cut into 

atriangle shape or repurposed 

packing pallets, MDF boards or 

custom wood scraps cut into 

tree shapes. 

Above all have fun creating 

your own special Christmas 

Tree. 

Havingfun ... Enjoy decorating 

your Christmas tree this festive 

season. 

PHOTO: FILE 

ThePlaceToGo 

ForAYearRound 

Beautiful Garden

RURAL LIFE 


Youngfarmers introduced to cropping 

ByJOHN COSGROVE 

Many members of Waimakariri Young 

FarmersClub working solely in the dairy 

industry. 

But on Monday night they visited a 

cropping farm at Cust for adifferent 

perspectiveoffarming, and an educational 

experience. 

Club chairman Bella Archersays it was 

part of an ongoing programme the club 

undertakes each year to allow its members 

to experience the many different elements 

involved in the farming industry in the 

wider Waimakariri District. 

‘‘It’s part of our series of farm tours 

whereby members visit local farms to 

review their operations and discoverhow 

the owners make it asuccess. 

‘‘As alearning experience, it opens our 

members' eyes to the many varied and 

interesting methods undertaken by many 

farmers in the local farming sector, and 

they get to see how these farmers make 

their operations sustainable in the long 

term,’’ says Bella. 

She says 90% of their membersare 

involved in dairy operations, so Monday 

night’s visit to Taggart Farm at Cust wasa 

great way to review how acompletely 

different farming operation worksthat's 

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not based around astrict daily regimeof 

milking. 

‘‘It waswonderful having Roscoe 

Taggart there to let us ask the hard 

questions as he carefully explained his 

farm’s operations, what his workflow was 

and what plans he has for the future 

sustainability of his family’s cropping 

farm.’’ 

Roscoe introduced the club membersto 

his family’s 1200hectare mixedcropping 

farm. 

He says the focus continues to be on 

precise agriculture practices and 

innovation. 

The family have been farming at Cust 

since 1958, withthree generations working 

the land. 

Roscoe says he’s proud they are known 

for their diversification in crops, which 

includes wheat, barley, and clover 

paddocks, while also managing sheep and 

beef finishing operations. As he guided the 

club membersaround the farm,he 

emphasised the importance of continuous 

innovation to enhance efficiency and 

sustainability in their farming practices. 

2703929 

Our way ... Roscoe Taggart (left) explains his family’s farming operation to members of 

the Waimakariri Young Farmers Club who were visitingtolearn more about sustainability 

and many diverse farming operations in the district. 


Students helping health of Bennetts Stream 

Last month, agroup of 20 Year 3and Year 

4students from West Eyreton School took 

250 native seedlings they had grown in the 

school greenhouse and planted them at 

Bennetts Stream near Oxford in North 

Canterbury. 

The programme, which is supported by 

Irrigation cooperative Waimakariri 

Irrigation Limited (WIL) which provides a 

greenhouse, seedlings and abiodiversity 

project teammember who works closely 

with the school to provide practical 

environmental education that is helping 

thestudents to take action to improve the 

environment in their local area. 

West Eyreton teacher Michelle Orr says 

the schoolhas been working withWIL’s 

biodiversity project lead Dan Cameron 

over the last six years and his bimonthly 

school visits have had apositive impact on 

the students. 

‘‘It was great for the students to come 

back to the Bennetts Stream site ayear 

later to see how theiroriginal plants are 

growing and to plant more seedlings from 

our greenhouse. 

‘‘The students’ faces light up when Dan 

arrives for one of his sessions and being 

outside doing something positive for the 

environment is away that we can leave the 

land better than when we found it.’’ 

Michelle says the seedlings in schools 

project fits in well with the school’s 

science curriculum and offers apractical 

way for students tolearn about the 

environment around them. 

WIL’s biodiversity project lead Dan says 

the students arereally engaging in the 

planting days because they have cared for 

and raised the seedlings themselves and 

play akey role in the growing process. 

‘‘Being involved in the entire lifecycle of 

the plants is key and from here we will go 

back and plant the next lot of seeds in the 

greenhouse at the school ready to begin 

the cycle again.’’ 

Year 4student Liam O’Malley says he is 

motivated to improve the stream due to 

the discovery last year of Canterbury 

Mudfish at Bennetts Stream. 

‘‘We were here ayear agowhen the 

mudfish were found. They are really 

endangered so we want to do our best to 

make thisstream agood place for them to 

live. 

‘‘I have been part of the school’s 

4x4 Centre and 

Automotive Repairs 

AA Approved Repairer 

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Cnr Anderson Stand Saleyard Dr, Amberleyb 

Ph: 03314 7539 

Group taskforce ... Twenty West Eyreton 

Year 3and Year 4students who planted 250 

seedlings grown at their school at Bennetts 

Stream near Oxford. 

PHOTO: SUPPLIED. 

gardening group for two years.Wegoto 

check on the greenhouseonce aweek to 

see how the plants are going. We check the 

soil temperature and the moisture levels. 

‘‘I really enjoy the teamwork and 

planting the plants here today has been a 

lot of fun.’’ 

Year 3student Keira Mather planted 

around 30 native seedlings with her two 

friends.She says learning to put together 

the plant guards was the trickiest part of 

the day. ‘‘The plant guards were abit hard 

to put together but we worked on it in our 

groups. Iwant to come back here in the 

future and see the mudfish doing well.’’ 

Dan says the longterm goal for the site 

is to enable greater public accessfor 

recreational use. 

Wishing Our Valued 

Customers and Wood 

Suppliers aHappy and 

Safe Festive Season 

Amberley Firewood 

Phone 0274438462

Gold for James at Special OlympicsGames 

Kaikoura swimmer, James 

Fissenden, has spent hours on 

the road getting to his favoured 

training pool in Rangiora. 

The preparationpaid off with 

aGold and Silvermedal at the 

Special Olympics National 

Summer Games2025. 

James, aged 23, was one of a 

strong North Canterbury team of 

athletes,who enjoyed success 

and good times at the Games 

held in Christchurch from 

December 10 to 14. 

He was accompanied by his 

mother Megan Fissenden and 

father Mark, at the Parakiore 

complex, ahead of his races. 

He put his heart and soul into 

his freestyle 50metre event, and 

was rewarded for all his hard 

work claiming Gold. 

He won Silver the following 

day in the 25m freestyle. 

Megan said while Jameshad of 

course dipped his toes in 

swimming pools as achild, it was 

only recently that he began 

taking the sport more seriously. 

Some of that was probably 

driven by the fact his three 

siblings, 24yearoldtwins 

Samantha and Grace (Grace, 

now living in Parnassus), and 

younger brother Will, were all 

sports mad. 

James said he remembered 

being dragged along to athletic 

programmes and often sitting on 

the sidelines while his siblings 

competed. Later swimming took 

ahold of him. 

‘‘So we joined Special 

NC RESULTS 

RangioraBridge Club 

Grey Pairs: N/S: Jenny Story/Peter 

Story 1, Beverley Brain/JoyceGray 

2, Veronica Hall/Pam McAllister 3. 

E/W: Dawn Simpson/Helen Phillips 

1, Nita Sheasby/Andrea Dempsey 2, 

Sue Solomons/Craig Shannahan 3. 

Summer Pairs: N/S: Dave Tocker/ 

Liz Duke 1, Jenny Story/PeterStory 

2, Jill Amer/Pauline Miller 3. E/W: 

Gaynor Hurford/Jenny Shore 1, 

Alison MacDonald/Lynette Tillman 

2, Tom Rose/Geoff Swailes 3. 

Xmas Pairs: N/S: Mike Marren/Sue 

McIlroy 1, Kate Whitehead/Murray 

Messervy 2, Lisa Wells/Veronica 

Hall 3. E/W: Ginny Russell/Moody 

Shokry 1, Dawn Simpson/Murray 

Davis 2, Liz MacLean/Anne Bagrie 

3. 

Xmas Pairs: N/S: Jannene 

Cumming/Owen Evans 1, Jenny 

Olympics in North Canterbury 

18months to two years ago,’’ 

Megan said. 

“James got bored doing 

athletics, so mum (I) took him for 

someswimming lessons… so we 

camedown every night for 

training,’’ she said. 

Staff at the Rangiorabased, 

Dudley Aquatic Centre were 

very friendly and welcoming. 

Kaikoura did have a25metre 

pool but it was often closed in 

the winter. 

Aoneway trip by car from 

home to the aquatic facility 

could be two or twoandahalf 

hours. 

He’d kept in touch with one of 

his early Blenheimbased 

swimming coaches, Desiree, who 

had visited James at the summer 

seasonal pool in Kaikoura, and 

also made avisit to surprise him 

at the Christchurch National 

Summer Games. 

Kaikoura had proved an 

amazing town to raise four 

children, Megan added. 

‘‘They’ve been really lucky to 

grow up with both sets of 

grandparents there.’’ 

One set of grandparents had 

visited during the Games. She, as 

amum,was very proud of James 

and his “sticking power” or 

commitment to staying in the 

sport. 

‘‘You know, Special Olympics 

isn’t just about the sports… just 

the inclusiveness of it. 

‘‘Because James has been 

mainstreamed with everything 

Story/Peter Story2,Janet Apperley/ 

Andrea Dempsey 3. E/W: Lynda 

Grierson/GaynorHurford 1, Judith 

Driver/Jan Roose 2, Sam Gurney/ 

Megan Eddy 3. 

Amberley Bridge Club 

December 8: North/South: Judith 

Driver &Jan Roose 1, Jannene 

Cumming &Owen Evans 2, 

Margaret Bean &Ken Fox 3. East/ 

West: Jan Haley &Alison Meyer 1, 

Sarah HughesGames &Shula Guse 

2, Caryl Brown &Nell McKellow 3. 

December 11: N/S: Lesley Bladon 

Moss&Adrienne Paine 1, Judith 

Driver &Jan Roose 2, Di Bethell & 

Sarah Hoban 3. E/W: Nola 

McKissock&Diane Watson 1, Helen 

Phillips &Glenys McCallum 2, 

Douschka Saunders &Nell 

McKellow 3. 

Agolden smile ... James Fissenden, and his mum Megan, at the 

Parakiore swimming complex after James Gold medal swim. PHOTO: SUPPLIED 

throughouthis life and 

everyone’s always been really, 

really wonderful, but Ireally see 

from aparent’s perspective; it’s 

like he’s found his tribe. It’s his 

place to belong.” 

Apart from freestyle James 

had also more recently enjoyed 

the butterfly swimming stroke. 

He was also able to do 

backstroke and breaststroke but 

wasn’t quite as keen on those 

disciplines. 

The car trip sometimes 

extended as far as Northlands 

Mall, Christchurch so James 

could get in avisit to EB Games 

and keep up with his interest in 

online gaming. 

He potentially would like to 

take part in esports. 

James and the family also 

enjoy reasonably frequent trips 

to Main Beach on the Gold Coast 

and he loves spending plenty of 

time in the surf. 

Recently, in Kaikoura, he was 

approached to help out as a 

support person to the lifeguards, 

working at the local outdoor 

pool. 

He goes to the pool three 

afternoons each week. 

The Christchurch /Otautahibased 

National Summer Games 

ran for the four days at multiple 

venues over multiple disciplines 

including swimming, athletics, 

basketball, and horseriding. 

The National Summer Games 

is the largest inclusive sports 

event in the country, this year, 

with over 1400 athletes, their 

coaches and support crew. 

The games, also including 

tenpin bowling and powerlifting, 

have been held across six venues 

in Christchurch, including the 

new Parakiore Recreation and 

Sports Centre. 

Athletes who successfully 

compete at the national Special 

Olympics are eligible to compete 

at the 2027 World Special 

Olympics in Chile. 

Empire athletes grand champs 

The Stunt Team from Rangiora’s 

Empire Athletics is aSuper Grand 

Champion. 

It won its age division at the 

Cheerleading Super Nationals held 

in Auckland recently, and then 

went on to be named Super Grand 

Champs acrossNew Zealand and 

Australia 

The Stunt Team was awardedthe 

highest score in its category — 

PartnerorStunt Group. 

Empire Athleticsdirector, 

Gemma Grinder, is thrilledbythe 

team’s success and is ‘‘delighted’’ 

her daughter (Emily Grinder) wasa 

member of the winning stunt group. 

Other Empire teams alsoenjoyed 

success at the Super Nationals and 

Empire Athleticswill have two 

teams competing atthe Global 

GamesinHawaii in May 2026. 

SPORT 


37 

Superchamps ... Emily Grinder, Ila Bavis, Emma 

Sansom, and Charlotte O’Hara. 

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

NEWS /PROPERTY 


Together We Roared, by Steve Williams 

Steve Williams, arguably the greatest caddie in golf history, 

teams up with renowned golf journalist Evin Priest to give 

his definitive account of his 12year partnership with the 

legendary Tiger Woods, sharing personal, neverbeforetold 

moments of their friendship on and off the course. 

Wild Walks Aotearoa, by HannahRose Watt 

Clip together your waist strap and tighten your boots, this 

practical and vibrant guide from experienced adventurer 

HannahRose Watt is for anyone interested in the 

wilderness. 

The Rest is HistoryReturns, by Tom Holland 

Thesecond book from the creators of the smashhit number 

one podcast takes us on adizzying 

A–Z through the past. 

Disconnected Kids, by RobertMelillo 

Disconnected Kids is acomprehensive athomeguide to 

the Brain Balanceprogramme, which involves no 

medication or medical interventions, but focusing on 

movement and sensory exercises to stimulate proper brain 

development. 

Mrs DisNot on aDiet, by Lotta Dann 

Lotta Dann'sjourney with extreme dieting and drastic 

weight loss led to endless praise for her skinny body. But 

noone knew what she had to do to maintain it. 

Hastings, by Dick Frizzell 

This charming memoir by one of New Zealand's bestknown 

painters is alove lettertohis home town, Hastings, and the 

weirdly innocent world of the 1950s and early 1960s. 

Unveiled, by Theophila Pratt 

Now aqualified occupational therapist, Theo tells her story with aview to 

unveiling the secrets of the Gloriavale community, empowering other survivors to 

break free of the cycle of abuse. 

Propagating Plants, by Alan Toogood 

With hundreds of stepbystep tutorials, this new edition of Propagating Plants is 

agoto guide for clearand instructive propagation advice. 

Careless People, by Sarah WynnWilliams 

Sarah WynnWilliams, ayoung New Zealand diplomat, pitched for her dream job. 

She saw Facebook’s potential and knew it could change the world for the better. 

But, when she got there and rose to its top ranks, things turned out alittle different. 

These titles are available in both Waimakariri and Hurunui libraries. Find out 

more about recent additions to the library collection by going to the library 

catalogue at waimakariri.kotui.org.nz or hurunui.kotui.org.nz or contact your local 

library. 

Green light for business park 

By DAVID HILL 


Alight industrial business park is 

closer to becomingareality for 

Kaikōura. 

Kaikōura Business Park 2021 Ltd has 

received the lastofthe required 

resource consents from Environment 

Canterbury (ECan)and plans to begin 

construction in January. 

The Kaikōura District Council issued 

aprivate plan change lastyear to allow 

the 21.6ha site on the corner of Inland 

Road andState Highway 1, south of 

Kaikōura, to be rezoned for alight 

industrial development. 

The development will provide a 

purposebuilt light industrial zone with 

modern, serviced space for commercial, 

service, trade, andlightindustrial 

activities, aKaikōura District Council 


‘‘The project aims to ease pressure on 

existingmixeduse areas andcreate 

opportunities for employmentand 

business growth.’’ 

Chevrolet display 

Aunique event is planned at the Better 

Half Kitchen and Bar at 7Ashworths Beach 

Road, Leithfield, on Sunday, December 28. 

It is believed it will be the first ever special 

display of Chevrolet vehicles from about 

1903 to 2025. 

All classic vehicles are welcome, but the 

Chevrolet will be parked up to the grassed 

oval. Admission is adonation to the 

Amberley Menz Shed on entering the field. 

Food and drink is availableonsite. A 

bouncey castle is available for the children 

free of charge. Everyone is welcome to help 

Community feedback during the 

consent process led to landscape 

buffers, building design controls and 

measurestoprotect neighbouring 

amenity includedinthe final design. 

The developer did not want to speak 

to media, but Local Democracy 

Reporting understands the developer is 

‘‘relieved’’ the process is complete and 

is looking forward to moving into the 

next phases. 

The private plan change request was 

first lodged in 2023, before being 

granted ayear later. 

Resource consents were issued last 

year and in January by the Kaikōura 

District Council, allowing the site to be 

subdivided into up to 53 light industrial 

lots. 

ECan granted resource consents last 

month for wastewatertreatment, 

stormwater, installing apipe and 

extracting gravel in the Kowhai River 

bed, taking groundwaterand for 

earthworks. 



raise funds for the Amberley Menz Shed’s 

new shed. 

Community Picnic Day lakeside at Pegasus 

Acommunity picnic day will be held 

lakeside at Pegasus Lake on Sunday 

January 4, 2026. 

Organised by the Canterbury Branch of the 

Vintage Car Club of New Zealand and the 

Pegasus Radio Sailing Club, it is an 

opportunity to have afun family picnic 

while experiencing awide range of vintage 

cars and radio controlled yachts close up, 

says organiser John Forster (027 444 3427). 

The picnic will run from 10am to 2pm. 

Agents... 

Licensed REAA2008 

Whatever you 

need, just ask! 

027873 5121 aaronc@pb.co.nz 

Forgenuinely friendly real estate service 

Michelle Clark . Aaron Clark . AnnaPethig 

Reach45,000 potentialbuyers 

by advertisingyourlistingsin 

theNorth Canterbury News 

Property Guide 

Phone 

03 314 8335 or 

email 

info@ncnews.co.nz 

to findout more

WEEK COMMENCING THURSDAY, 18TH DECEMBER, 2025 

PrivateRversideLivinginPopular Silverstream 

3 1 2 

Beautifully designed forcomfort,accessibilityand relaxedliving, this well-built 175sqm brickhome 

is perfectlypositionedonaprivate546sqm backsection,enjoyingtranquilviews across theriver 

walkway. 

Step inside to discover athoughtfullydesignedkitchen featuringlower benches, apull-outpreparea, 

quality appliances,and smartstorage solutionsthatmakecookingand entertaining abreeze. The 

open-plan kitchen, dining andlivingareacapturesviews to thesouth andopens to asunny,sheltered 

terrace to thenorth -aprivatehavenfor alfrescodiningorpeacefulafternoonsinthe sun. 

Accommodation includes threedoublebedrooms. Themaster suiteoffers alarge walk-through 

dressingroom andaspacious ensuitewithspa bath andwet shower,plusmorning sunand direct 

terrace access. Thetwo additional bedroomseachfeature Murphy beds (one double,one bunk)and 

excellent storage. Asecondbathroom,separatetoiletwithhandbasin andwell-appointed laundry in 

the garage complete thelayout. 

The double internal-access garage hasbeen customizedwitharaised ceilingto accommodate a 

vehicle with ahoist andincludesextensive storageoptions.Additional features such as electric 

windows andblindsinhard-to-reach areasadd to thehome’seaseoflivingfor thosewithphysical 

impairments. 

Outdoors, thelandscapedgardenisdesignedwitheaseofmovementinmind–with no stepsfrom 

the inside,widepaths,level deck areasand establishednativeplantings.There is aspaciousshedfor 

hobbies,raisedplanter anddirectlevel access to theriverside walkway. 

Thispropertycatersbeautifully to families, couples, or singlesseekinganeasy-care lifestyle.Located 

justminutes from Silverstream’s café andamenities,five minutestoKaiapoi andwithineasyreach of 

Christchurch, this home combines conveniencewithserenity. 

Anexceptional opportunity forthose seekingprivacy,sun andriverside living –perfect forpetsand 

childrenwithwalking andbikingonyourdoorstep. 

6StorerStreet,Kaiapoi 

2 

Price byNegotiation 

www.bayleys.co.nz/5528987 

Phonefor viewingtimes 

Whalan andpartnersLtd,Bayley. Licensed under theREA 2008 

Jane Moody 

Residential, Country and Lifestyle 

Sales, Rangiora 

+64 27 455 0161 

jane.moody@bayleys.co.nz

NEW LISTING 

Oxford 49 Mairangi Lane 

Executivehome,premium lifestyle andsuperbviews 

An exceptionalcontemporarystyledhome on an elevated4.0035 hectares offering fabulousviews. Highly 

functionalliving spaces, largecountrykitchen andpantry,home theatrelounge, lofty ceilings, large windows, plus 

indoor-outdoorflowtodecks. Masterbedroom with ensuite,walkinrobe, spacious familybedrooms plus 

additional art studio. Solar water heating, underfloor heating, double garage, extensive lawns, nativeplantings, 

children’sadventureplayarea,fruit trees, pony shelter and impressive threebay shed.Council water, excellent 

access,5minutes to Oxford, an easy commute to the city and recreational opportunities on your doorstep. Call 

now! 

bayleys.co.nz/5529155 

4 2 2 2 

DeadlineSale (unless soldprior) 

1pm, Thu29Jan 2026 

251-253 High Street, Rangiora 

View 12.45-2.15pm Sun 21 Dec or by appointment 

Dean Pugh 027 335 6303 

Anna Bray 027 320 7457 

WHALAN ANDPARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSEDUNDER THEREA ACT2008 

bayleys.co.nz

NEW LISTING 

Boundary lines areindicativeonly 

Boundarylines are indicative only 

Amberley 442 Double Corner Road 

Land, layout, lifestyle 

•Positionedon4.66 hectares,this lifestyleblockoffersland, layout and amodernedge foraneasy step into rural 

Amberley living. Thehome delivers laid-back comfort,with its sloped roofline andglazing framing countryside 

views across open-plan living.Timber floors andalog burner anchor the space,with lounge zones adding 

definition, while the dining and kitchenflowtothe patio. 

•Three bedrooms andtwo bathrooms form abalanced layout. Aseparate laundry, floor-mountedheat pump and 

double internal-access garage boostpracticality. 

•Outdoors, twothree-baysheds-one enclosed -and two gardensheds expandworking capacity. Fully fenced 

into three paddocks withtroughs, and minutes from Amberley, it delivers rural scalewitheveryday convenience. 


3 1 2 2 


1pm, Wed 28 Jan 2026 

251-253 High Street, Rangiora 

Mark Pringle 027 4333334 

mark.pringle@bayleys.co.nz 

JackPringle 027 533 4820 

jack.pringle@bayleys.co.nz 


Rangiora 10 Tripoli Street 

Sunlit sanctuary in aquietlocation 

Welcome to abeautifully invitinghomewhere warmth, sunlight and effortless living come together. This delightful 

three-bedroom,two-bathroom propertyfeaturesalovely, well-appointed kitchenatthe heartofthe home, 

connecting seamlessly with thespacious open-plan dining and living area. Bathed in northern sunshine, this space 

opens out to apatio andaprivategarden sanctuary, creating awonderfulspotfor relaxing or entertaining. 

The thoughtful layout offers great flow and comfort, with all bedrooms agenerous size and the masterenjoying its 

own ensuite and walk-in-robe. Newcarpet is soon to be installed in the open-planliving and dining area. The 

attacheddouble garage also features new carpet, complementing theconvenient laundry positioned within it. 

3 1 2 2 


4pm, Mon 22 Dec 2025 

Adrienne Goodeve 021 977 877 

adrienne.goodeve@bayleys.co.nz 



bayleys.co.nz

Theteam at PropertyBrokers 

Rangiorawould like to wish youa 

veryMerry Christmas and 

afabulous 2026. 

We thankourclients andcustomers forall 

yourloyalty andsupport throughout 2025. 

Property Brokers Rangiora 

Property BrokersLtd LicensedREAA2008 |Q025952

Rangiora 128A King Street 

Scan for more 

Vendors on the move -act quickly! 

Perfectly positionedinthe heartofRangiora, this delightfultwo-bedroom home offersprivacy, comfort,and unbeatable 

convenience. With no bodycorp fees,it's an affordable and stress-freeoption for those seekinganeasy-carelifestyle.Set on a 

fully fenced, private section, this propertyprovidesasecure retreat just ashortstrollfrom thetown's vibrantshopping centre, 

cafes, and amenities. Inside, you'll find amodern, updated interior with aspacious open-plan livingareathat captures all-day 

sun-atruewarmand inviting suntrap. Aheat pump ensuresyear-round comfort,and the low-maintenance layout makes this 

homeideal for busy professionals, downsizers,orsavvy investors. Asingle garage and easy-caregrounds completethis 

appealing package. With thevendorshavingpurchased andready to move,opportunities like this don't last -early viewingis 

highly recommended! 

2 1 1 

For Sale Buyers $495,000+ 

View By appointment 

Web pb.co.nz/RU214062 

Megan Burridge 

M 027 281 9215 

E megan.burridge@pb.co.nz 

Leithfield 189Leithfield Road 

Scan for more 

Grow your own -'Good Life' 

Escape to 1.1haofpeaceful, sheltered land -where lifestylemeets opportunity.Offeringspace, privacyand scope to live 

sustainably or grow your own venture, thisproperty is ararefind in sought-after Leithfield. 

Once athriving market garden,the property'sexisting horticultural infrastructure providesthe ideal base forthose seekinga 

self-sufficient lifestyle or small-scale growing operation. Thehome's relaxed layout includesacountry-style kitchen, generous 

open-plan lounge, and aversatile second livingarea currently used as ahomelibrary -perfect forwork or leisure. 

Set within easy reach of Leithfield village,local reserves,and KowaiRiver walks,withAmberley, Rangiora, and Christchurch all 

an easydriveaway, this is country living with connectionand convenience. 

Propertiesofthis scale and flexibility areseldom available. Don'tmiss the chance to make it your own -get in touch today for 

more information or to arrange your viewing. 

Title "Limited as to Parcels".Boundariesand land sizeare indicative only 

3 1 2 2 



Web pb.co.nz/RU215827 

Dayan Muntz 

M 021 432 926 

E dayan.muntz@pb.co.nz 

PropertyBrokersLtd Licensed REAA 2008 |pb.co.nz 

Proudtobehere

Motunau 4Pegasus Crescent 

Scan for more 

Space, style,storage and coastal serenity 

Perfectly positioned in sought afterMotunau Beach,this superblyappointed, low maintenance propertydeliversexceptional 

flexibility,whetheryou're seeking an elegant permanentresidence,anidyllic holiday escape, or asmart addition to your 

investment portfolio.Thoughtfully configured formodernliving,the home featuresfour generousbedrooms, twowell-finished 

bathrooms,and aseparate toilet. Adedicated studyprovides valuable work-from-homecapability or an additional 

multipurpose space. The open-plan livingzone is warmand inviting, enhanced by alog burner along withaheat pump and 

substantial insulation to ensureyear-round comfort.Practicality isfurther elevated by aseparate laundryand an impressive 

level of in-home storage. Designed for effortless enjoyment,the sun-soaked courtyard offersaprivate,easy-careoutdoor 

sanctuary. Perfect forrelaxed entertainingorunwinding afteraday on thewater.Completing this outstanding package is the 

rareadvantage of triple garaging, aworkshop, extensive storage,and ample off-street parking. MotunauBeach is celebrated 

for itsgreat fishing,breathtaking natural beautyand relaxed coastal lifestyle. 

4 2 1 3 



Web pb.co.nz/RU218580 

Cannan Elvines 

M 027 399 3229 

E cannan.elvines@pb.co.nz 

AN AUCTION EVENT 

GEARED TO GET YOU 

MORE! 

The BID DAY OUT auctionextravaganza 

features adiscountedmarketing programme, 

more qualified buyers, more competition and 

ultimately, moremoneyinyourpocket. 

If youwanttoget SOLD, there is no better 

opportunity thissummer. 

Don’t miss out; call us today on 03 313 8022 

FEBRUARY 2026 

Scan theQRcode, or visit 

pb.co.nz/bdo formoredetails. 

Terms and Conditions apply |Licensed REAA 2008 

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 |pb.co.nz 

Proudtobehere

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL 

Happy Holidays 

Thankyou foryourtrust and supportthroughout theyear. 

Welookforward to helping youachieveyour property goals in 2026! 

LindaFogarty 

027294 4818 

PeterCrean 

027434 4002 

Mark Clyne 

027531 2964 

KevinRowe 

027609 4227 

Nick Rattanong 

027308 5280 

MariaRickerby 

027563 1733 

RubyBurney 

027 3123533 

John Priebee 

021946 941 

Jo Priebee 

021942 234 

BruceHoban 

027588 8889 

Amberley,Rangiorateam 

T 03 313 0610 

PGG Wrightson Real EstateLimited, licensedunderREAA 2008 

Helping grow the country 

Happy Holidays 

Wishingyou allthe best in 2026 

71 High Street, Rangiora 

73 CartersRoad, Amberley 

T 03 3130610 

E rangiora@pggwre.co.nz 

View OurListings 

PGGWrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed underthe REAA 2008.

Four SeasonsRealty 

Scan the QR 

code to view 

morelistings 

GUIDING YOUTO 

CONFIDENT REAL 

ESTATEDECISIONS 

Knownfor herempathyand communication, Emma Gray ensures clients 

feel informed,understood, and confident throughoutthe entireprocess. 

EmmacombinesaBachelor of Business withmorethan 15 yearsofprofessional experience 

in recruitment andsales, bringing astrategic mindset andagenuineability to understand 

people to therealestateindustry. Her background has shaped her intoasolutions-focused 

professionalwho excels in negotiation,communication, anddeliveringexceptionalresults. 

Driven by adeep interest inpeople,Emmabuildsmeaningful relationships grounded 

in trust,transparency, and care.She takesprideincreating apositive andmemorable 

experiencefor bothvendorsand buyers,ensuring everyinteraction is guided by 

professionalism and empathy. 

Based in North Canterbury,Emmaenjoys lifewith her husbandand two young daughters. 

Outside of real estate,she’s an avidrunnerwho lovesspending time adventuring inthe 

greatoutdoors. 

With astrong business foundation, apeople-first approach, and arelentless commitment 

toachieving outstanding outcomes, Emmawants to makeevery propertyjourneypositive, 

stress-free, andpersonalised to the individual or familyshe is helping. 

Getintouch today! 

harcourtsfourseasons.co.nz 

EMMA GRAY 

021 323 856|03 323 6045 

emma.gray@harcourts.co.nz 

Four Seasons Realty 

Licensed Agent REAA 2008 

Your home forlocal property

Ravenswood 

LOCAL. CONNECTED. HERE. 

NATHAN 

GILBERT 

BECKY 

GILBERT 

KATRINA 

HAZELWOOD 

JENNY 

LAKE 

VICTORIA 

THOMPSON 

TRACY 

WALKER 

YOUR LOCAL&DEDICATED Team 

Our Ravenswoodofficedelivers professional, 

personalisedservicewith localinsight. We havea 

strong community focuswhich helpsustoachieve 

the bestoutcomes forour clients. 

We take pride in: 

Providing expert adviceyou canrely on 

Delivering standout marketing that makes your property shine 

Using thelatest technology&datatodeliver outstanding results 

Buying or selling, we’reheretohelpyoumakeclear,confident 

choices. From residential to lifestyle blocks,our team is 

committed to achievingyour real estategoals. 

Scan 

THEQRCODE FORA 

FREE HOUSEAPPRAISAL 

Four Seasons Realty2017 Ltd|Licensed Agent REAA 2008 

03 662 9700 ravenswood@harcourts.co.nz Shop 4, 6Clayton Place,Ravenswood

PUZZLES 


CROSSWORD 

431 

SUDOKU 

Every row, column and box should 

contain the digits 1to9. 

WORDBUILDER 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

8 9 

10 11 

331 

L M D 

U E O 

12 13 14 15 

16 

17 18 

19 

How many words of three ormore 

letters, including plurals, can you make 

from the six letters, using each only 

once? 

No words beginning with acapital are 

allowed. There’s atleast one six-letter 

word. 

Good 18 Very Good 22 Excellent 26 

20 21 22 23 24 

25 26 

27 28 

29 30 

31 32 

33 34 

Across 

1. Shade (6) 

5. Calm (6) 

10. Pilot(7) 

11. Friendly (7) 

12. Rotate (6) 

15. Selection(6) 

16. Consistency, feel (7) 

17. Sudden hardpull(4) 

18. Accomplishment(4) 

19. Strategies (7) 

20. Be unsuccessful (4) 

22. Seep (4) 

25. Servingdish(7) 

27. Onelevel of abuilding(6) 

28. Trader (6) 

31. Greed(7) 

32. Crushunderfoot (7) 

33. Deadly(6) 

34. Artilleryman(6) 

Down 

2. Pointofview(7) 

3. Beginning (6) 

4. Uncommon (4) 

5. Summit(4) 

6. Platitude (6) 

7. Feverish (7) 

8. Boggy (6) 

9. Flaw (6) 

13. Legitimately (7) 

14. Law (7) 

15. Fractured(7) 

20. Financial(6) 

21. Seclude (7) 

23. Overshadow (7) 

24. Edible partofanut (6) 

25. Die (6) 

26. Take back(6) 

29. Hades (4) 

30. Male deer (4) 

Crossword 

Across: 1. Colour, 5.Pacify, 10. Aviator, 11.Amiable, 12. Swivel, 15. Choice, 

16. Texture, 17. Yank, 18. Feat, 19. Tactics, 20. Fail, 22. Leak, 25. Platter, 27. 

Storey, 28. Dealer, 31. Avarice, 32. Trample, 33. Lethal, 34. Gunner. 

Down: 2. Opinion, 3. Outset, 4.Rare, 5. Peak, 6.Cliché, 7. Febrile, 8. Marshy, 

9. Defect, 13. Legally, 14. Statute, 15. Cracked, 20. Fiscal, 21. Isolate, 23. 

Eclipse, 24. Kernel, 25. Perish, 26. Regain, 29. Hell, 30. Stag. 

WordBuilder 

Demo, doe, dole, dome, due, duel, duo, eld, elm, emu, led, leu, lode, loud, 

ludo, meld, mod, mode, model, MODULE, mold, mole, moue, mould, mud, 

mule, ode, old. 

DECODER 

Each number represents adifferent letter of the alphabet. Write the 

given letters into all squares with matching numbers. Now work out 

which letters are represented by the other numbers. 

Decoder 

All puzzles copyright 

T H E P U Z Z L E C O M P A N Y 

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz 

Sudoku

ARE YOUR DOG 

DETAILS CURRENT? 

BelfasttoPegasus 

Motorway and 

WoodendBypass 

25-SH-B2P-04 

What’s happening in your 

community... 

Surf Life Saving NewZealand Patrol Dates 

Thinking about heading tothe beach for aswim? 

Thanks tofunding from the Waimakariri District Council 

and support from community partners, Surf Life Saving 

New Zealand lifeguards will be patrolling across the 

Woodend, Pegasus and Waikuku beaches for 110 days 

this summer season. 

Woodendand Pegasus 

22 December–25 January (fully funded lifeguard 

service), aswell asthe weekends of 31 January and 

1February. 

Waikuku 

15 December–6 February (fully funded lifeguard service). 

There will be additional coverage for weekends from 

8Novemberto15March,providedbyvolunteer lifeguards 

duetoits popularity andbeing thehomeofthe surf 

lifesavingclub. 

Council Services During theHolidays 

Visit waimakariri.govt.nz to see our full guide to 

Council services over the Christmas–New Year period, 

including swimming pools, service centres, libraries, 

and kerbside collections. 

Noisecontrol,dog andstock control 

Day and night, please call the after hours service on 

0800 965 468 and follow the recorded instructions. 

Please note this is an urgent service only. Normal 

services resume Monday 5January 2026. 

Buildinginspections 

Building inspections will resume after the holiday break 

on Monday 5January 2026. 

Kerbside collections 

There will be no kerbside collections on Christmas Day 

and New Year’s Day. 

From Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, kerbside 

collections will move to the following day for the 

remainder ofthat week. Thursday’s collection will move 

to Friday and Friday’s collection will move toSaturday. 

Rubbish bags and wheelie bins must be placed out for 

collection by7am. 

Collection times may vary during the holiday period. 

Please contact the Council on0800 965 468 ifyou 

experience any problems with your kerbside collections. 

Remember you can sign up at rethinkrubbish.co.nz for 

text alerts to remind you toput out your kerbside bins. 

Snap Send Solveand emailenquiries 

Requests and messages will not beprocessed on 

statutory holidays orweekends. Please report urgent 

issues by caling 0800 965 468. 

Report urgent issues by phone 

Urgent calls to any Council Service Centre during the 

holidays will be directed to our after hours answering 

service and passed ontoduty staff and contractors. 

Call 0800 965 468 and follow the recorded instructions. 

The summer holidays bring an 

influx oflost and found dogs. 

If your contactdetails in theDog Register areuptodate, 

and your dog is wearing acurrent registration tag, it is 

much quickerand easier to getthemhomeifthey’re lost. 

Please advise any new: 

• Dog arrivals/departures 

• Changes to phonenumbers,especially 

cell phonenumbers 

• Addresstransfers within thedistrict 

• Microchip number if thedog hasbeen 

microchippedsince registration 

• Changes of postal address 

andemail address 

• Selfservice with dogs online 

at waimakariri.govt.nz 

• Neuteringdetails. 

Emailustoupdatethe DogRegister 

office@wmk.govt.nz 

Don’tbe 

foiled by your 

wrapping. 

Plastic foil wrap, soft 

plastic packaging like 

ribbons, bows, bubble 

wrap, cellophane and 

any soft plastic needs 

to go in the rubbish. 

Howtoknowifwrapping 

paperisplastic foil: 

• It’soften shinyonthe inside 

as well as theoutside 

• It’shardtorip 

• Itfeelslikeplastic 

If in doubtthrow it out, 

or save it andreuse it again. 

SUPPORT 

LOCAL 

ART 

THIS 

SUMMER 

rethinkrubbish.co.nz 

EXHIBITIONS 

GIFTS 

WORKSHOPS 

THURSDAY –SUNDAY 

11AM –4PM 

OPEN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 

EXCEPT CHRISTMAS DAY AND BOXING DAY 

OXFORDGALLERY.ORG.NZ 

Sign up forupdates 

Subscribing is thebestway to hear about 

progress andtoreceive importantupdates 

straight to your inbox. 

TheBelfast to PegasusMotorwayand 

WoodendBypassproject hasbeen 

prioritisedasone of theGovernment’s 

RoadsofNationalSignificance.Itincludes 

a10kmextension on StateHighway 1(SH1) 

north of Christchurch from theSH1/SH71 

Lineside Road interchangetojustnorth of 

thePegasus roundabout anda6kmbypass 

of Woodend. 

To sign up andfor 

projectinformation, visit 

nzta.govt.nz/b2p 

BelfasttoPegasus Motorway 

andWoodend Bypass 

Feeling... 

Stressed, Anxious, 

Hungry,Isolated, 

Blue or Lonely? 

nextsteps.org.nz 

Helpingyou getback 

on your feet. 

NgāMahiamuri akenei 

Ngāmihi nui 

Thank you 

to everyone 

who joined us 

this year 

Scan me 

ANorth Canterbury based 

online support directory 

helping you take your next step. 

Meri Kirihimete 

Chamber Gallery Rangiora

CLASSIFIEDS 


PUBLIC NOTICES 

AGM 

approaching, or 

SGM to be held? 

Advertise your club's 

upcoming AGMand 

SGM'sinour public 

notices. 

Ph 03 313 2840 to find 

out more 

Ph 03313 2840 

to find out more 



YOUCAN 

DO IT ALL! 

From Buyingand 

Selling, Garage Sales 

through 

to Announcements 

and Jobs. 

Find them herein 

our classifieds 

Ph 3132840 

VOLUNTEER 

DRIVERS 

REQUIRED 

Fundraiser for the 

Waimakariri Country Music Festival 

LIVE BAND WITH WALK UPS 

Sunday 4th January 2026 

11am -5pm approx 

30 Boundary Road, Ashley 

Bring your seats 

Sausage sizzle, bacon butties, 

coffee and tea available 

$10 admission, children free 

Rain Date Sunday 11 th Jan 2026 

SPRING CLEANING? 

Out with the old and in 

with the new, advertise it 

here in our classifieds! 

Ph03313 2840 


CHRISTMAS 

CAROL 

SERVICE 

7pm, Wednesday 

24th December 

AshleyCommunity 

Church 

39 Canterbury 

Street,Ashley 

Service Leader 

Paul Askin 

Acollectionwill be 

taken 

Suppertofollow 

Enquiries 

027289 1380 

ENTERTAINMENT 

FARMINGNOTICES 

BUYINGTRACTORS and 

farming implements, I 

may also buy older 

tractors and implements 

for repair or to 

dismantle. What have 

you got? Phone 0274 

341 828 

MEAT 

PROCESSING 

BEEF • SHEEP 

• WILD GAME 

MEAT2U.NZ 

399 GRESSONS ROAD 

313 0022 

FORSALE 

CANTERBURY HONDA 

LTD, Honda bikes, 

repairs, and power 

equipment. Friendly 

service, visit us today, 65 

Main North Rd, 

Woodend. Call 03 312 

7927. 

DOG 

FOOD 

SALES 

MEAT2U.NZ 

399 GRESSONS ROAD 

313 0022 

FORSALE 

CARS FORSALE 

FORD RANGER 2009, 

260,000 kms, solid 

condtion, bull bars, flat 

deck, manual, diesel, 

$13,500. Phone 021 299 

0871 

FUNERALDIRECTORS 

WINNERS of Citizens 

Advice Bureau North 

Canterbury Christmas 

Raffle. Drawn 12 

December by Mayor Dan 

Gordon. 1st Prize…1694. 

2nd Prize…1881. 3rd 

Prize…1667. 4th Prize… 

2756. 5th Prize…1947. 

6th Prize…2947. Thank 

you to all participants 

for your support. Have a 

Happy Christmas and 

New Year. All winners 

will be contacted. 

CABNC 03 313 8822 

OLD MAN PINE 3.7m 

$300, mixed hardwood 

3.7m $400. Phone 021 

993 497. 

SLEEPOUT HIRE 

Christmas special, from 

$60pw, free delivery on 

DIRECT CREMATION, 

some sleepouts. Biggest 

Phone 03 313 6948 or 

email us for abrochure: 

range, best prices. Ph 

office@undertaker.co.nz 

0274 741 723 

Meetings 

by 

nzsleepout.com 

appointment. 

PROPERTIES FORSALE 

FOR SALE, LOCATION 

LOCATION - Your 

weekender is for sale in 

Akaroa. Fully equipped, 

this cabin has sea views, 

very sheltered position, 

sleep up to six, totally 

relaxing, modern cabin 

to take your city 

stresses away. Spend 

your weekend detoxing 

from your city life for the 

new year holiday. There 

is akitchen, dining, living 

experience, big folding 

ranchslider opening 

onto decking with 

verandah like a spare 

room. Has a bathroom, 

shower, portaloo, fridge 

freezer, mattress & 

pillows for the bed. Take 

ashort stroll track tothe 

village of Akaroa, 

perfect getaway escape, 

dream location, parking 

for one car. Text for 

more information & 

photos, 027 427 3489. 

$67,000 as is whereis. 

RAFFLERESULTS 

TOOLS, Garden, garage, 

saw benches, lathes. 

Cash buyer. Phone 355- 

2045. 

CARAVAN wanted with 

shower and toilet, 

needing repairs ok or 

any condition. Ph 027 

622 0011 

PENNYLANE RECORDS 

always buying records. 

Excellent prices paid. 

430 Colombo Street, 

Sydenham, 366 3278, 

open 7days 

7”, 45’s, singles, eps 

records wanted, any 

amount top prices paid. 

Pennylane Records, 430 

Colombo Street, 

Sydenham, ring Dave 

021 222 6144, 7days 

TRADES &SERVICES 

FIREWOOD 

TO LET 

WANTED 

ALL JAZZ Records 

wanted: Kiwi and 

overseas artists, Blue 

Note, Prestige, Riverside, 

ECM, Verve, Impulse, 

CTI, Milestone etc; top 

prices paid for good 

titles. — Please phone 

Dave 021-222-6144, 

Pennylane Records, 7 

days. 

FOR ANY GOLD that you 

wish to sell, talk to Silver 

Gold Bullion –the smart 

choice for selling. 

Trusted for over 15 

years. We will buy any 

gold, gold & silver 

bullion, gold & silver 

coins, platinum, etc, We 

buy numismatics, coins, 

banknotes and we offer 

the top price! Talk to us 

today 021 175 5356: 

silvergoldbullion1@gmai 

l.com 

CARS, Vans, 4WD’s 

wanted for dismantling 

or repair -Please phone 

027-258-8366. 

ANTHONY SYMONDS 

Plastering &Painting 

Services 

Locals with 30 years 

experience 

Allworkmanship 

Guaranteed. 

Phone021 344 023 

2502479 

CARS WANTED 


ARE YOUA 

TRADIE? 

Let the district know 

what you have tooffer 

by advertising in our 

Trades &Services! 

Ph 03 313 2840 

to find outmore! 


WOEF Warrant of 

electrical fitness $155. 

ROI Record of 

Inspection $160. 

General electrical work 

$120, $80 2nd Hr. 

Phone: 020 4069 1137 

sam@WRES.co.nz 

www.wres.co.nz 

HAY FOR SALE? Sell 

your stockfeed in our 

classifieds.Ph313 2840 

AMAC BUILDERS Father 

& son with 40 years 

experience. Hurunui / 

Waimak based, New 

Builds, restorations, 

weatherboard repairs, 

farm sheds &more. No 

job too small. Call Andy 

027 318 4400 

Hayand 

Baleage 

making 

Conventional or 

round bales 

Full joborpartjob 

Ph 0274 782 925 

WINDOW TINTING 

tintawindow 

advanced film solutions 

99% uv block 

fade protection 

heat control 

reduce glare 

25 Years Experience 

privacy films 

frosting designs 

non-darkening films 

Workmanship Guaranteed 

Lifetime Warranties on Most Films 

UV 

block 

PLUMBER Since 1955, 

we’ve built an enduring 

reputation asareliable, 

honest, and professional 

home services team - 

respected, proven, and 

trusted by generations 

of 

Canterbury 

homeowners. Clyne & 

Bennie Ph: 0800 37 47 

37 


FARMINGNOTICES 


Free Quotes Canterbury and Districts 

03 365 3653 0800 368 468 

DECLUTTER YOUR 

HOUSE and sell those 

unwanted items in our 

classifieds. Phone 03 

313 2840 or call in to 14 

AshleySt, Rangiora 


NOTIFICATION OF WEIGHT AND SPEED LIMITS ON BRIDGES 

REGULATION 11,HEAVY MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS 1974 

NOTICE ishereby given that pursuant toregulation 11(3) of the Heavy Motor Vehicle 

Regulations 1974, the Waimakariri District Council has fixed the following maximum weight 

and speed limits for heavy motor vehicles and combinations including aheavy motor vehicle 

on the bridges described hereunder: 

FORHIRE 

Taylor Made Homes Ltd 

Est 1997 -Family ownedbusiness 

RMB 5708 |LBP 160644 

Specialising in smaller and transportable 

homes as secondary dwellings 60-90m 2 

Viewplans on TaylormadeHomes.co.nz 

King House Removals -new homes 

Contact Kevin Taylor 0274 343 109 

Logan Taylor 0274 340 083 

Email taylormadehomes@xtra.co.nz 

FORHIRE 

Road Name Bridge Name Weight Limits Maximum 

Speed Limit 

(Km/h) 

Maximum 

Weight on 

any One 

Axle (kg) 

Gross Weight 

(% of Class 1) or 

Maximum sum of 

axle weights (kg) 

Aschens Road Bridge 61A 7,800 80% N/A 

Bald Hills Road 

Bald Hills Road 

Bridge 

N/A N/A 10 km/hr 

[Attention isdrawn to the applicable infringement fees set out inSchedule 1ofthe Land 

Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999, which apply toinfringement of these 

limits]. 

Date issued: 15/12/2025 

Joanne McBride 

Transport and Roading Manager 


Rossburn 

Receptio 

ions 

and 

Northbro 

rookok Chapel 

Available for any 

celebrations, funerals, 

memorial services, birthday 

parties, conferences etc. 

Catering is also available. 

Onsite museum to view. 

Phone Richard on 

0274 300 420 or 

Sarahah 0272 563 155


GARDENING Tree, 

TRADES & SERVICES? 

PAINT & WALLPAPER 

Hedges, Bush Pruning, 

ARBORIST qualified. 

List yours now in our STORAGE SERVICES. Wayne 

CHIMNEY SWEEPS. 

Bryant, exterior, interior, Lawns, Weeding. Quality 

Copper Beech Tree Time to service your fire. 

classifieds.Ph313 2840 Rangiora, from $25 pw, qualified tradesman, workmanship. CDDL 

Services. Tree removal, Accumulation of soot 

ph 027823 0961 free quotes. Ph 313 Services Ltd. Ph: 021 

pruning, height seriously affects MOVEMEN 

5337 or 027 654 4568 449 069 

reduction, hedge performance. Latest 

trimming, shaping, tree rotary brush technology. LIMITED BRIAN'S Tree Services. HAP'S FARM and FURNITURE 

planting, firewood. Free Free moisture check on 2men plus bigtruck Tree felling, topping, gardening service, 

wood. Safety inspection. 

shaping, firewood cut, 

REPAIRS 

quote. Contact Angus 

From $179 +GST 

sheep shearing, 

Edwards 027 259 6741, All work insured and 

rubbish removed, stump 

Kaiapoi based 

crutching, drenching etc, Irepair and resurface 

copperbeechtreeservice guaranteed. From $80 

grinding, branch 

s@gmail.com 

Call Gerard 

fencing repairs, furniturespecially 

single story. 0800 

chipping. Affordable gardening, pruning, antiques 

SWEEPME 

or 027668 3636 rates. Phone 03 327 

or 027 432 3520 5505 or 021 124 4894. small tree trimming etc. Phone DavidBrady 

2741360 www.sweepnz.co.nz. movemen.co.nz 

Phone 021 267 4025. 

03 312 0145 

PAINTERS 

RegTradesman 

Interior,exterior. 

NorthCanterburyPainters 

specialisingindecoratingfor 

over 65 at adiscount rate. 

Free quotes. 

Covering NthCanty, Oxford, 

Kaiapoi,Rangiora, Amberley. 

Rob03327 7899 


TRUSTED TRADES &PROFESSIONAL SERVICES /CLASSIFIEDS 







51 


POWER TOOLS repairs, 

parts &sales for over 40 

years. All main brands 

serviced. Grossman 

Trade Tools, 23 Watts 

Road, Christchurch. Ph 

389 9230. 

BUILDING and property 

maintenance, no job too 

small, 40 years + 

experience. Phone 0274 

978 322. Email 

david.cartwright@xtra 

.co.nz 

TrustedTrades&ProfessionalServices 

To book your spaceinthisguide,phone Amanda Keys 313 2840 or emailamanda.keys@ncnews.co.nz 

Chiropractic Services 

Septic Tanks 

Builders 

Automotive &Recovery 

Dr Joy White 

ACCRegistered Dr of Chiropractic 

Wednesday 

Dr Jess Ross 

ACCRegistered Dr of Chiropractic 

Tuesday 

Phone 020 440 4712 

We have nowmoved to 

211KingStreet, Rangiora 

2700264 

SEPTIC TANK 

CLEANING 

For aclean efficient service please phone 

COUCH‛S 

(03) 313-3963 

North Canterburyry 

Deck &Fence. 

Thelocal builders 

doing the local work. 

Free quotes 

phone 

021428206 

Ph Aaron Rowlands 

0272 588 366 

Eftpos available 

• WOF Cars &Trailers 

• MotorbikeWOF 

• VehicleServicing 

&Repairs 

• Tyres &Punctures 

• Towing &Salvage 

• Courtesy Car Available 

13 StoneEyrePlace, 

Swannanoa 

Mon –Fri8am –5pm 

Builders 

Hair &Beauty 

Accountant 

Starlink /TV /Security 

Alterations,Bathrooms, Kitchens,Repairs, 

Decking&Structures,Pergolas, Verandas, 

Fencing, Landscaping, Concrete,FarmSheds 

Residential/Commercial 

Ph 027727 9162 

www.zatarabuilders.co.nz 

ANNE’S HAIR &BEAUTY 

HAIRDRESSER &BEAUTY THERAPIST 

Qualified, ,25years Experience. 

Registe 

tered &Licensed Home Salon 

For anappointment phone 

03 310 6890 or 

021 298 3957 

TAX RETURNS 

Tax&AccountingConsultants 

Taxreturns,GST returns, rentalreturns &pay dayfiling 

10/65 PERCIVAL STREET,RANGIORA 

03 314 9480 

NEW 

CLIENT 

DISCOUNT 

10% 

2647405 

• Starlink aerial mounting • Wi-Fiextensions 

• TV wall mounting • Home audioinstallation 

• Alarminstallation 

• Security camera installation 

Mark Hubball 03 595 6647 

www.tvsolutions.co.nz 

Cattle Problems 

Concrete &Construction 

Air Conditioning 

Windows&Doors 

• Live Humane Capture 

• Trucking 

• Tagging 

• Testing 

• Sale ofunruly, difficult, pesky 

cattle 

Profit share 50-50 

Craig Flintoft 03 312 9432 

craigflintoft@gmail.com 

2459888 

WINDOW MARKET PLACE 

•New &Used 

•Timber&Aluminium 

•Windows&Doors 

8am-5pmWeekdays 

8am-2pmSaturday 

215 WalthamRd, Sydenham 

Ph (03) 379 6159 info@windowmarket.co.nz 

Fax(03) 962 1012 www.windowmarket.co.nz 

ncn1242200aa 

Butchery 

Oxford Butchery 

Shane Frahm 

We cankill &process your stock 

Four Generations ofFrahms 

since1957 

Ph 312 4205 

Oxford 

Engineering 

Number one 

old-fashioned bacon 

&ham curing. 

A/H 021 269 1817 

For your Engineering needs 

187d Ohoka Road, Kaiapoi 

Phone 03327 5246 |027 495 2821 

toppeng@xtra.co.nz 

2227889v3 

Plumbing 

Forall 

general 

aspectsof 

plumbing 

Discountsfor over 

65 yearsold 

Fast friendlyservice 

Allworkguaranteed 

AaronMcCartney 

Certifying Plumber 

Cell 027366 9091 

A/H03310 2137 

Free Call: 

0508 44EVER 

EMAIL: 

plumber_27@yahoo.com 

Electrical 

ELECTRICAL LTD 

-Irrigation 

-Farm 

-Industrial 

-Municipal 

7day 

Breakdown 

Service 

Servicing 

Canterburyry 

Farming for more 

than 30 years 

RANGIORA 

313-6104 

Spouting 

Seamless Spouting 

Supply and Install 

of Seamless Gutters 

10 year no leaks 

guarantee 

• Continuous spouting made on site, 

largecolour rangeavailable 

• .55Gauge NZ Colorsteel Used 

• Repair or replaceany type of gutter 

• Undertakeall insurancework 

• Independently ownedand operated 

• Competitivepricing 

Servicing North Canterbury Districts 

Call Marvin 027 371 4179 

marvinkwong@hotmail.com 

ADVERTISING 

YOUR 

BUSINESS? 

Delivered to morehomes 

in North Canterbury and 

Kaikouraregions than any 

other publication. 

Thebestread paper in 

North Canterbury! 

Forcontact details see page 2 

To book your space in this guide,phone Amanda Keys 313 2840 or emailamanda.keys@ncnews.co.nz

$ 

9990 9,990 $ 

23,990 

$ 

24,990 

$ 

15,990+ORC, 

2012 MAZDA CX-5 

2000cc,Petrol, 173,000kms 

$ 

13,990+ORC, 

2020 MAZDA CX-30 

2000cc, Petrol, 45,000kms 

$ 

7990 7,990 

2018 TOYOTA RAV4 


$ 

21,990+ORC 

2018 SUZUKI IGNIS 

1242cc,Hybrid, 44,000kms 

$ 

13,990+ORC 

2013 SUBARU IMPREZA 


$ 

24,990+ORC, 

2009 TOYOTA IQ 

996cc, Petrol,104,000kms 

$ 

29,990 

2021 SUBARU IMPREZA 


$ 

14,990+ORC 

2015 MAZDA DEMIO 


$ 

12,990+ORC, 

2019 TOYOTA COROLLA 

1800cc,Hybrid, 41,000kms 

$ 

11,990 

2017 HOLDEN COLORADO LTZ 

2800cc,Diesel,88,000kms 

2017 HONDA FIT 


2015 SUZUKI SWIFT 


$ $ 

17,990+ORC, $ 

11,990 8,990 

2001 NISSAN NAVARA 

2016 SUBARU OUTBACK 2007 TOYOTA RAV4 

2700cc,Diesel, 178,000kms 

2500cc, Petrol,98,000kms 


Allpricesinclude on road costs, 12 monthregistration andnew WOF 

2012 MITSUBISHI COLT 


*Safetyratingsare from year of manufacture*

Matt Doocey 



Fixing the basics. 

Building the Future. 

Restoring law &order 

•Reduced violent crime with 

29,000 fewer victims 

•Reduced ram raids by 85% and youth 

offending by 16% 

•Increased police patrols 

•Banned gang patches in public 

•Given police more power and tools 

•Brought back consequences for crime 

Rebuilding the economy 

•Delivered tax relief 

•Introduced Family Boost 

•Increased rates rebates for seniors 

•Got tourism back to boost the economy 

•Slashed red tape for farmers 

•Launched $7 billion in infrastructure projects 

Investing inHealth 

•Hired 2000 extra nurses 

•Launched 24/7 digital healthcare 

•Delivered 16,000 more elective surgeries 

•Extended regular prescriptions to 12 months 

•Extended the age for free breast screening 

•Announced we are extending postnatal stays 

for new mums 

Focusing on Education 

•Banned cell phones in classrooms 

•Put an end to open-plan classrooms 

•Implemented one hour aday of reading, 

writing andmaths 

•Introduced Leaning Support Coordinators 

•Announced we are replacing NCEA 

•Invested in fresh teaching materials, training 

and resources 


Hon Matt Doocey 


Our Government is delivering for New Zealanders 

and I’m working hard for you. 

As always, I’m here tohelp! 

Kalapoi office 

137 Williams Street •03327 

0514 

kaiapoi@parliament.govt.nz 

Rangiora office 

Level 1,Conway Building, 188 High Street 

waimakariri@parliament.govt.nz 

03 310 7468 

From my family to 

yours, wishingyou a 

MerryChristmasand 

aHappy NewYear! 

Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised byMatt Doocey, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

North Canterbury News: December 18, 2025

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