The Star: January 08, 2026

Scan here for
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Christchurch’s best read and largest circulating newspaper
Bin a very
good year
for recycling
– page 3
Eyesore, danger, complaints
​BY DYLAN SMITS
This busy roundabout carries
10,100 vehicles a day, from
heavy transport trucks to
commuters.
But many motorists say
the overgrown vegetation in
the middle of the Halswell
Junction Rd and Springs Rd
roundabout is a danger – and
a potential fire risk.
Dozens have
complained to
Halswell Ward
city councillor
Andrei Moore.
His frustration
is clear.
“It’s an
overgrown
roundabout. Andrei Moore
I don't really
want to be
spending endless time on
it, but something has to be
done,” Moore told The Star.
"You also end up in this
difficult grey area. Is the
maintenance about safety or
is it aesthetic?”
The overgrown roundabout
is a key junction between
Wigram, Hornby, Halswell
and Prebbleton.
But aesthetics are no longer
a Government priority.
The vegetation is not being
maintained to its previous
standard by New Zealand
Transport Agency due to
changes to maintenance budgets
made by the Government.
The Government Policy
Statement on Land Transport
2024 restricted budgets
which paid for aesthetic
maintenance in order to focus
The overgrown roundabout which obscures this Holden Captiva before it
rounds the bend.
PHOTO: DYLAN SMITS
resources on more critical
maintenance like filling pot
holes.
An NZTA spokesperson
told The Star the city council
has recently agreed to start
maintaining the roundabout.
Moore and Hornby Ward
city councillor Mark Peters
have both inquired about the
issue to NZTA and learnt of
the budget constraints from
staff last week.
Peters questions the logic of
viewing the maintenance as
purely aesthetic.
“It’s not just an aesthetic
issue, I have heard about
some near misses,” he said.
Between 2020 and 2025,
there have been six recorded
crashes at the roundabout
with one resulting in a serious
injury.
Moore’s Facebook post
about the roundabout
received many comments
concerned about the
overgrowth.
“If the plantings are
considered aesthetics then
they need to lay paver instead
when constructing so there
are no weeds to grow. This
HAVE YOUR SAY What do
you think about the state of
this roundabout and others in
Christchurch? Send your view to
dylan.smits@alliedmedia.co.nz
in 200 words or less
is done in England at all
roundabouts for visibility,”
said Jane Foord.
Peter Welsh said it “looks
like a fire hazard waiting to
happen”.
Said Maree Walker: “This
is a problem nationwide. It’s
lack of forethought from the
engineers who design the
roundabouts. Plant them out
if you must, but make sure
there is enough funding so
they will be maintained in its
lifetime.”
Get out the
sunscreen
Finally, Christchurch is in
for a few days of consistent
hot weather after a less than
impressive summer so far.
It is forecast to reach 25 deg C
today, with a possibility of late
showers. Tomorrow it will get
to 30 deg C, on Saturday it will
be 29 deg C, and Sunday 32 deg
C with the possibility of late
showers.
It will be a marked change
from recent weeks when temperatures
have unseasonally
lingered in the mid-teens, particularly
since the start of the
year, when cold north easterly
winds and on-and-off rain have
been the norm.
But for the week starting
Monday the inconsisent
weather will return with
temperatures in the low to mid-
20s and on-and-off rain.
Tribesmen
drugs bust
Christchurch was a key part
of a multi-million dollar drugs
operation, spearheaded by
the Tribesmen motorcycle
gang. The operation exploited
gaps in airport security using
commercial flights and tow
trucks to move drugs and cash.
On pages 6-9, reporter Al
Williams takes an inside look at
who was behind it and how it
all unfolded.
• All forms of gold bought, including Alluvial.
• We also buy Estate and Antique Jewellery.
• Gold & Silver Bullion/Coins Bought & Sold.
Do you have unwanted, broken
or worn out gold jewellery?

2 | The Star, January 8, 2026 starnews.co.nz
inside
Iconic cafe for sale for first time in a decade.........3
Recyclers get pat on the back.................................3
Most popular books of 2025 revealed......................5
Inside police operation to take down Tribesmen 6-9
The Way We Were: A history of camping................10
United defender brings big-stage experience.........13
Metro cricket back after festive break....................15
Classified........................................................... 16-18
Gig guide.................................................................19
news
Dylan Smits Reporter
021 914 169
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Daniel Alvey
022 014 5622
daniel.alvey@alliedmedia.co.nz
Sam Coughlan Sport
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Mike Hansen Online Editor
mike.hansen@alliedmedia.co.nz
Barry Clarke Editor in Chief
barry@alliedmedia.co.nz
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great things to do
this weekend
Anthony Harper Summer Theatre
Friday-Sunday
Calling all elves, orcs and halflings.
Buckle up for a journey into Middle Earth.
The Lord of the Rings in 90 Minutes! is
Rollicking Entertainment’s playful spin on
Tolkien’s trilogy. Friday, 7-8.30pm, Saturday &
Sunday, 4-5.30pm and 7-8.30pm. Best suited for
age 12 and over. Free, koha appreciated.
Archery Lawn, Botanic Gardens
The Art of Banksy
Until January 27,
10am to 5pm
Don’t miss your
chance to see more
than 150 pieces of original
and authenticated Banksy artworks, including
pieces that made him famous such as Girl with
Balloon. Part of a 10-year global tour. Entry $35.
Te Pae
letters
We want to hear your views
on the issues affecting life in
Canterbury.
Send emails to:
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Letters may be edited or
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phone number should be
provided.
Please use your real name, not
a nickname, alias, pen name or
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Live at the Point
Sunday, 1-5pm
Enjoy an afternoon
of free live music at
Diamond Harbour. The
line-up starts with Drummie
Dan, followed by improv
specialists Easy Living, genre-blending Noise
Section, the ever-evolving Paulo Santo and the allfemale
Midnite Blues Band.
Godley House Gardens, Diamond Harbour
Pool Party
Saturday, noon-5pm
No plans? No
worries, join the pool
party. With huge
inflatables, bouncy castles
and free ice-creams from
Streets, there’s hours of fun for the whole whānau.
Standard pool entry prices apply.
Norman Kirk Memorial Summner Pool, Lyttelton
Mānuka Stories
Until February 28
Visit Tūranga and follow
the trail of blooms into the
Mānuka Storygrove.
The new exhibition for kids is filled
with books, puppet theatre and poetry. Check out the
Mānuka Stories summertime reading challenge too.
Grab an entry form, collect stickers and be in to win.
Tūranga
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only $70
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starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, January 8, 2026 | 3
Cafe loved by star poet goes on the market
The iconic White House Cafe,
once a popular haunt of one
of New Zealand’s most famous
poets, is up for grabs almost
10 years after it last closed its
doors.
The property is on the market
for offers over $695,000.
Owner Hilda De Buyzer told
OneRoof the cafe’s popularity
endured long after its closure,
with tourists still turning up in
search of Devonshire tea.
De Buyzer and her husband
bought the property in 2004
after relocating from Australia.
The White House Cafe, at
1887 Selwyn Lake Rd, Dunsandel,
first opened in 1952 and
operated for about 50 years as
a popular stopping point for
travellers.
De Buyzer told OneRoof it
took her a year to convince her
husband to buy the cafe.
“I had my eye on it, and I said
‘oh please’. I did like the property
– it was a big property.”
She went on to run the cafe
for the next decade, selling
cream teas and fresh sandwiches
to a steady stream of
customers.
“It was very popular,” she
said, noting that retirement
villages in Christchurch would
run trips to the cafe for their
residents.
Poet Sam Hunt often popped
in on his way to and from
speaking gigs at schools in
Timaru and Oamaru and struck
up a friendship with De Buyzer.
“We used to either write or
ring each other,” she said.
Hunt called De Buyzer after
the 2011 earthquake to check if
she was OK. Another time, he
told her to tune in to the radio
because he had dedicated a
poem to her.
“He was a very nice guy,” she
said, adding the cafe had also
hosted Sir John Kirwan and
former Invercargill mayor Sir
Tim Shadbolt.
The iconic White House Cafe near
Dunsandel is looking for new
owners. Poet Sam Hunt was a
regular visitor to the eatery and
struck up a friendship with owner
Hilda De Buyzer.
“I met a lot of interesting
people, and I did enjoy it.”
De Buyzer closed the cafe for
good in 2016, citing difficulties
finding staff, the toll of working
six days a week, and an injury.
She kept the property,
occasionally visiting with her
husband from their Darfield
home to mow the lawns and
stay in a converted cottage at
the back of the site.
Now, De Buyzer believes the
time is right for a new owner
to put their stamp on the wellknown
property, though she
told OneRoof it will be hard to
let go.
Tall Poppy listing agent Leana
Butler said the cafe remained
well known, despite its 2016
closure.
She said the property had
resource consent for a cafe and
gift shop, giving a new owner
the option to revive the muchloved
destination.
“There aren’t a lot of
properties around where you
can run an enterprise like
that and then actually buy it
outright,” Butler said.
Bin a very good year: City
tops own recycling record
​Residents have been given a pat
on the back for their best year
at recycling.
Just 1% of recycling truckloads
were sent to landfill
throughout 2025 due to contamination
from non-recyclable
material.
It is a significant drop from
the 43% of recycling truckloads
which were being rejected in
2020 when numbers started
being tracked.
City council contractors collect
about 20 to 30 truckloads of
recycling every weekday, which
equates to 26,167 tonnes over
the past year.
City council resource recovery
manager Dr Alec McNeil
said it is fantastic to see such a
low number sent to landfill.
“Since we launched our bin
good campaign and established
a permanent recycling educator
team, there’s been a significant
drop in the number of loads
being rejected due to high levels
of contamination,” he said.
“At the campaign launch in
2020, we were rejecting about
43% of kerbside recycling
​The amount of truckloads rejected for contaminated recycling has dropped from
43% in 2020 to just 1% last year.
truckloads. This has continuously
dropped over the years,
and we’re stoked with the current
result of just 1%.”
McNeil said the improvement
also means significant cost savings
for ratepayers, as sending a
truckload to landfill costs up to
$1000 more than recycling it.
The city council resource
recovery team has also been
awarding more gold star stickers
to residents for perfect
recycling.
“Our bin educator team have
been essential in encouraging
residents to improve the quality
of their recycling. They give out
gold star stickers to residents
who have only the right stuff in
their bins,” he said.
A third of a recycling bins
were awarded with a gold star
in 2025, a 100% increase on the
previous year.
When a recycling bin has
minor contamination from nonrecyclable
material, the bin
educators deliver a feedback
pamphlet and the bin is still
emptied.
If a bin is too contaminated to
empty, a warning tag is left on
the bin, and after three strikes
the bin may be removed.
McNeil said while residents
are performing very well, there
are still materials that cause
confusion.
“Our most common contaminant
is soft plastics. We want to
remind our residents that soft
plastics, such as bread bags,
bubble wrap and courier bags
cannot go in kerbside recycling
anywhere in New Zealand, even
if they say they are recyclable.”
Soft plastics can be taken to
recycling bins at The Warehouse
and many supermarkets.
​Gough donates fees
Former city councillor James
Gough has made the overdue
donation of his council company
directorship earnings. Gough was
criticised last year for not donating
his Transwaste board fees to the
Mayor’s Welfare Fund on an annual
basis as required by city council
rules. Gough earned $98,421
while on the board, with the fund
receiving $56,597 after tax. Gough
said last year he always intended
to make the donation at the end of
the city council term to avoid unnecessary
administrative costs.
Motorcyclist critical
A motorcyclist was critically
injured in a crash on Curletts Rd
(SH75) in Hillmorton about 11am
yesterday. Curletts Rd between
SH76 and Lincoln Rd was closed
for a period.
Paragliders crash
A pair of paragliders escaped
injury after crashing into the sea
near Taylors Mistake. The two
were seen above Scarborough
before both hit the water at Moki
Point, north of Taylors Mistake on
December 27. Coastguard Sumner
and Sumner-Taylors Mistake SAR
were called out about 9pm but both
paragliders were able to detach
themselves and swim for help.
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4 | The Star, January 8, 2026 starnews.co.nz
WOOD BURNERS
SUPPLIER
JANUARY SALE
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The new Masport Clutha ULEB wood fire is
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starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, January 8, 2026 | 5
MOST POPULAR BOOKS 2025
1. In too deep Lee Child
2. We solve murders Richard
Osman
3. We all live here Jojo Moyes
4. A different kind of power: A
memoir Jacinda Ardern [NZ]
5. Intermezzo Sally Rooney
6. The Secret Lee Child and
Andrew Child
7. The last secret agent: My untold
story of life as a spy behind Nazi
enemy lines Pippa Latour with
Jude Dobson [NZ]
8. The hidden girl Lucinda
Edmonds
9. The waiting Michael Connelly
10. Death at the sign of the Rook
Kate Atkinson
11. Dog Man. Vol 12: The Scarlet
Shredder Dav Pilkey
12. No words for this: A memoir
Alison Mau [NZ]
13. Frankie Graham Norton
14. Midnight and blue Ian Rankin
15. Camino ghosts John Grisham
16. No Brainer Jeff Kinney
17. The dark wives Ann Cleeves
18. Diary of a wimpy kid: Hot mess
Jeff Kinney
19. I haven’t been entirely honest
with you Miranda Hart
20. The blue hour Paula Hawkins
21. Precipice Robert Harris
22. The women Kristin Hannah
23. Onyx storm Rebecca Yarros
24. Leave the girls behind
Jacqueline Bublitz [NZ]
25. Nightshade Michael Connelly
Jack Reacher fans have helped
authors Lee and Andrew Child
take out the most popular book
at Christchurch’s libraries for
the eighth year running.
Christchurch City Libraries
staff compile a list each year of
the most issued books, with In
too deep from the Jack Reacher
series coming in at number one
for 2025.
Second and third on the list
went to We solve murders by
Richard Osman and We all
live here by Jojo Moyes, while
former Prime Minister Jacinda
Ardern’s memoir A different
kind of power was number
four. Taking out fifth spot was
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney.
City council head of
libraries and information Erica
Rankin said the Jack Reacher
series are always a hit with
readers.
“The Secret by Lee and
Andrew Child was also on the
list, coming in at number six.
Reacher fans are always ready
and waiting to read the latest
book in the series and this year
was no different.”
Rankin said it was good to see
an autobiography featuring in
PHOTOS: CCC
Readers can’t get
enough of Lee Child
the top five.
“It’s an engaging read that
chronicles Jacinda Ardern’s
extraordinary rise and offers
inspiration to a new generation
of leaders.
“We know people often
love to read over the summer
holidays and if they are looking
for inspiration the list is a
great place to start. We also
compile lists of most popular
New Zealand books, adult
fiction, non-fiction, rangatahi
teen, tamariki kids and comics/
graphic novels, which are
definitely worth checking out.”
MOST POPULAR NZ BOOKS 2025
1. A different kind of power: A
memoir Jacinda Ardern
2. The last secret agent: My untold
story of life as a spy behind Nazi
enemy lines Pippa Latour with
Jude Dobson
3. No words for this: A memoir
Alison Mau
4. Leave the girls behind
Jacqueline Bublitz
5. Tasty Chelsea Winter
MOST POPULAR EBOOKS AND
AUDIOBOOKS
1. Onyx Storm Rebecca Yarros
2. Quicksilver Callie Hart
3. Sunrise on the Reaping Suzanne
Collins
4. A Beautiful Family Jennifer
Trevelyan [NZ]
5. Shield of Sparrows Devney Perry
MOST POPULAR NON-FICTION
1. A different kind of power: A
memoir Jacinda Ardern
2. The last secret agent: My untold
story of life as a spy behind Nazi
enemy lines Pippa Latour with
Jude Dobson
3. No words for this: A memoir
Alison Mau
4. I haven’t been entirely honest
with you Miranda Hart
5. The let them theory Mel Robbins
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6 | The Star, January 8, 2026 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
Inside the police operation to take down
A two-year police investigation
dismantled a multimilliondollar
drug network in which
Christchurch was a key part
of the jigsaw, resulting in
jail for Tribesmen members
and associates. Al Williams
takes a look at the operation
that exploited gaps in airport
security, using commercial
flights and tow trucks to move
drugs and cash.
Ricky Poa lived a lavish
lifestyle, often travelling
business class overseas and
driving cars worth six figures.
He sat atop a multimillion-dollar
drug empire, but
always at arm’s length from his
minions.
In conversations with a Thai
citizen he met during one of
his trips, Poa boasted about
his wealth and positioned
himself near the top of a gang
hierarchy.
He paid for the man to visit
New Zealand to “see my country
and see my gang”.
Behind the wealth lay a vulnerability
in regional airport
security that allowed Poa’s
operation to flourish.
It was widely known smaller
airports lacked the luggagescanning
machines used at
major hubs, enabling large
quantities of drugs to be transported
without detection.
Tribesmen national vice-president Ricky Poa (pictured left) sat atop a drug-dealing and money-laundering operation.
Drugs were collected in
Auckland and driven to Hamilton
and Rotorua, before being
flown to Christchurch for
distribution.
Meanwhile, Poa, 33 and
legally unemployed, was travelling
to Thailand and Indonesia
where he stayed in luxury
accommodation.
He lived in Thailand for
several months, with gang
associates and family members
regularly visiting him on trips
he funded, despite having no
legitimate income.
He owned or used several
high-value vehicles, including
a $65,000 2017 Jeep Grand
Cherokee, a $149,000 2021 Mercedes-Benz
and a $159,500 2021
BMW X5 SUV.
While Poa flaunted his wealth
and bragged about his status, his
underlings were busy running
a multimillion-dollar methamphetamine
and cocaine supply
network out of Christchurch.
Poa was the principal offender,
leader and primary financial
beneficiary of the operation.
Known as Sarge, Bigko and Rick,
he instructed his troops to do
the groundwork.
He was responsible primarily
for sourcing significant quantities
of the drugs from organised
criminal groups in Auckland
and elsewhere.
Consistent with that role, he
rarely handled drugs or cash
himself.
As the operation expanded,
it attracted the attention of the
South Island National Organised
Crime Group. A team of 20
officers worked around the clock
to dismantle it.
Poa’s days of international
travel, luxury accommodation
and flash cars ended in late 2023,
when the group was busted as
part of Operation Italian Sky.
The national vice-president
of the Tribesmen Motorcycle
Gang was taken into custody as
police identified 11 members
and associates operating a
methamphetamine and cocaine
supply network.
All have since been convicted
and sentenced.
A ‘family’ affair
For more than two years,
Poa was supported by Michael
Erikson, one of his most trusted
patched members, who managed
the transport and storage of
drugs and cash.
Known as Sweets, Erikson
was Poa’s most loyal associate
and had Poa’s nickname, Sarge,
tattooed on his face.
Erikson and his brother
Jaxxon, a prospect known as
Big Boy, managed the first of
two supply lines, receiving
wholesale kilogram quantities of
methamphetamine and cocaine
for distribution through the
network.
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and assistance and/or
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attendence if required and/or
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hospital or medical clinic if required
A FREE attendance and/or transport
for accident-related injuries more
than 24 hours old if required.
Joining is easy
Simply visit stjohn.org.nz/membership
or call 0800 ST JOHN (0800 785 646).
Individual Membership
1 person
Joint Membership
2 people
Household Membership
3–10 people
Emergency ambulance
fee for non Ambulance
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Price
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per call out
Prices include GST. Membership benefits do
not apply retrospectively. Prices effective at
November 2025 and are subject to change.
Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
Please refer to stjohn.org.nz/membership-terms.

starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, January 8, 2026 | 7
Tribesmen’s extensive drug syndicate
They arranged for their
mother, Sherryn Erikson, to
receive and store drugs and
cash at her Blockhouse Bay
home in Auckland. On their
instruction, she handed over
drugs and money to others,
including their cousin Jordan
Rapana and later Tramayne
Rauhihi.
Sherryn Erikson was sentenced
in the High Court at
Christchurch for her role in
the multimillion-dollar supply
network. She was charged with
permitting her Auckland home
to be used as a drop-off and collection
point.
The Erikson brothers arranged
for Rapana to bring the methamphetamine
from Auckland to
their Christchurch home, which
was the centre of operations for
the first supply line.
The brothers distributed the
methamphetamine to streetlevel
dealers in Christchurch
and collected the cash proceeds
from sales, assisted by Dylan
Sherryn Erikson was sentenced in the High Court at Christchurch for her role in
a multimillion-dollar methamphetamine and cocaine supply network based in
Christchurch. Erikson was charged with permitting her Blockhouse Bay, Auckland
house to be used as a drop-off and collection point.
Blake Harpur (left), Jaxxon Erikson and Michael Erikson at Cany Customs in Rangiora.
Stuart in the enforcement of
drug debts, including a kidnapping
in September 2023.
The brothers also operated
a second supply line, sourcing
methamphetamine and cocaine
from the North Island via
Rauhihi.
Poa’s brother, Andrew Smith,
a patched member, was responsible
for managing the second
supply line and in regular communication
with Poa about it.
The operation ran under the
guise of two Rangiora-based
businesses owned by Blake Harpur:
Cantow, a towing company,
and Cany Customs, a vehicle
detailing business.
Smith and Harpur arranged
for cash to be sent from
Christchurch to Auckland and
drugs to be transported back in
tow trucks or company vehicles.
They also sold methamphetamine
and cocaine at street level.
Rauhihi, known as Swags,
worked as a tow truck driver for
Harpur. Although not patched,
he transported cash north and
drugs south under Harpur’s
direction.
Senior gang member Matthew
Linton, known as Ghost
or Casper, managed the gang’s
finances. He stored large sums
of cash and tracked dealer earnings,
using storage units and
bank accounts under his control.
Over a 19-month period,
Linton received $765,000 into
his accounts and transferred
$697,000 onward, including
$566,000 into overseas gambling
accounts.
When he was arrested in late
2023, police found $134,000
hidden in shopping bags at
a Riccarton storage unit and
another $37,000, along with a
money-counting machine, at his
New Brighton home.
Caleb Caffery stored cash
for the gang and reimbursed
Rapana for travel expenses.
He deposited drug
proceeds into his accounts
before transferring funds
electronically to Poa to finance
his stay in Thailand.
Supply chain one
Between January 2022 and
July 2023, Rapana transported a
quantity methamphetamine to
Christchurch at the direction of
the Erikson brothers.
He obtained drugs from
unknown organised criminal
groups in Auckland, either
exchanging cash directly or leaving
money unattended in his
vehicle for collection. Sherryn
Erikson also received drug deliveries
at her home from criminal
associates.
Police surveillance observed
Erikson visiting Rapana’s property
to drop off drugs and collect
cash.
Rapana usually flew commercially
to Christchurch,
occasionally driving instead. On
arrival, he would take an Uber
to a location near the Erikson
brothers’ home, walk the remaining
distance, deliver the drugs
and usually return to Auckland
the same day.
They would give cash to him
to take back to Auckland for the
next drug procurement.
He was paid in cash after each
delivery, with travel costs paid by
associates and later reimbursed.
› Continued on Page 8
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products and get the GST value (15% off the full retail price) off at Resene ColorShops and participating resellers. The discount
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8 | The Star, January 8, 2026 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
Regional airport loopholes exploited to
› From Page 7
The Erikson brothers would
drive to several locations of interest
after the deliveries, distributing
methamphetamine and collecting
cash.
The final trip occurred in July
2023, when Rapana was arrested
at Christchurch Airport carrying
1.971kg of methamphetamine.
Travel records showed he made
at least 20 such deliveries.
Supply chain two
Between May and October 2023,
a second supply line was operated
using tow trucks from Harpur’s
business to transport cash to Auckland,
purchase methamphetamine
and cocaine from organised crime
groups and return to Christchurch
for distribution.
Drivers, mainly Rauhihi, but also
Harpur and Smith, met organised
crime figures to exchange cash for
wholesale quantities of methamphetamine
and cocaine, often in
public locations or at Sherryn Erikson’s
home.
She would store drugs and cash
for the supply line at her property,
as she did for the other supply line.
Drug deliveries would be
received and processed at Harpur’s
Rangiora businesses, ready for
wider distribution.
The drugs were sold and distributed
by Smith, Harpur and the
Erikson brothers.
After the first supply line was
disrupted, the brothers relied on
Harpur’s operation to continue
distribution.
A screenshot, left, extracted from Blake Harpur’s phone and an image taken at Christchurch Airport in July 2023, after one of the busts.
The final trip took place in
October 2023, when Rauhihi was
arrested at a Mt Roskill service
station with 1.987kg of methamphetamine
and 1.62kg of cocaine in
his possession.
Records showed at least 15
drug deliveries were made
using tow trucks.
The quantities
Based on the intercepted communications
throughout the
offending period and the drugs
intercepted by police on both
supply lines, the total quantity of
methamphetamine and cocaine
attributable to each supply line
was conservatively assessed:
• Total methamphetamine on
supply line 1 = 30kg;
• Total methamphetamine on
supply line two = 25kg;
• Total cocaine on supply line 2
= 15kg.
A total of $497,000 cash was
seized at properties linked to the
defendants during the offending
period.
Financial investigations into
the network showed little-to-no
legitimate spending within their
accounts.
Despite this, some members
of the group were identified
driving high-end vehicles, taking
overseas holidays and living
affluent lifestyles.
The summary of facts showed
the financial success of the
illegal enterprises, the two
distribution lines, and the streetlevel
operation was summarised
in an extracted voice message
found on Blake Harpur’s mobile
phone following termination.
In the conversation, Smith
explains who is paying for
the national Tribesmen club
function.
“It’s like a two-week function
you know, we’re all ready.
Christchurch is already going to
be covering a lot of that.
“’Cause our chapter makes
a lot of money man, so we’re
kind of like obviously the
ones putting our hands in our
pockets...”
Installing new underground
power cables in Merivale
Orion is installing new 11kV underground power cables across
several streets in Merivale to strengthen our power network.
We’ll be working during the day and at night to get this work
done as quickly and safely as possible. Traffic management will be
in place, please follow all signage and instructions from our crew.
We thank you for your patience.
For more information about where we’re working, visit our
project webpage: www.haveyoursay.oriongroup.co.nz/merivaleunderground-cable-upgrades
or phone 0800 363 9898

starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, January 8, 2026 | 9
distribute methamphetamine, cocaine
The cops
South Island National
Organised Crime Group
manager Detective Senior
Sergeant Phil Sparks said the
group were key suppliers of
controlled drugs into the South
Island.
With a team of 20 sworn
and non-sworn staff, he said
hundreds of hours were spent
dismantling the network.
Even though the investigation
had put a dent in supply,
Sparks said there was always a
vacuum to be filled when they
prosecuted a large syndicate.
​“The volumes are increasing
in terms of meth and coke
in the South Island due to
availability and demand;
however, we will not let up in
the fight to restrict or stop this
supply.
“I’m not saying we are seeing
a specific spike, however, the
volumes over the past five years
have grown.”
Sparks said overseas crime
groups viewed New Zealand
as the “golden goose” because
of high returns, with the
South Island often even more
lucrative due to its geographical
location.
“So, it is attractive for them
and there is demand here.”
Sparks said the Tribesmen
exploited gaps in the airport
scanning operations,
specifically in Hamilton and
Rotorua, that enabled them to
transport drugs.
“That is something we are
THE SENTENCES
Ricky Michael Te Rangi Poa: 7 years
and 7 months’ imprisonment.
Michael Joseph Aaron Erikson: 8
years and 4 months’ imprisonment.
Andrew Michael Smith: 9 years and
3 months’ imprisonment.
Jaxxon Erikson: 6 years and 3
months’ imprisonment.
Blake Michael James Harpur: 5
years and 9 months’ imprisonment.
Jordan Rapana: 5 years and 6
months’ imprisonment.
Matthew John Linto: 3 years and 1
month’s imprisonment.
Tramayne Rauhihi: 2 years and 10
months’ imprisonment.
Dylan Rudd Stuart: 1 year and 9
months’ imprisonment.
Caleb Anthony Pasione Caffery: 10
months’ home detention.
Sherryn Elizabeth Erikson: 9
months’ home detention.
working with the carriers
on. They (organised criminal
groups) are utilising regional
airports’ lack of scanning to
their advantage.
“There are always learning
curves in these investigations;
however, as a whole, the
success of Operation Italian Sky
lies in exceptional investigative
work conducted by some
very good investigators who
are combating a noticeable
upsurge in organised crime
groups’ ability to network and
attempts to work around law
enforcement,” Sparks said.
The summary of facts showed the
Tribesmen Motorcycle Club was
formed in Ōtara, South Auckland, about
1981-82. In 1984, police recognised
them as an outlaw motorcycle gang.
Today, there are multiple chapters
of the gang throughout New
Zealand; some of these appear to be
subordinate to other chapters and
some stand in their own right – which
is the case with the South Island
Tribesmen.
The Tribesmen
Senior members of the gang wear
a patch that designates their standing
and role within the gang. In general, a
patched member is a senior and trusted
member of the group.
​People who wish to join the gang
begin as friends, then become gang
associates, then progress to gang
prospects.
Associates and prospects are
predominantly the workers of the
group, completing drug runs and selling
drugs at the direction of patched
members.
Patched members in more senior
positions are unlikely to physically
carry or be in the same place as the
controlled drugs from which they
financially benefit.
The gang members who benefit the
most through the profits derived from
this activity are often senior patched
members and members with leadership
roles within the gang.
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10 | The Star, January 8, 2026 starnews.co.nz
The Way
We Were
The Yellowlees of Kaiapoi sunbathing outside their caravan
at Woodend Beach in 1964. Right – Parents arriving to pick
up their children from a YWCA camp in Spencerville in 1963.
The summer past-time of
holidaying in temporary
accommodation for
recreational purposes dates
back to the 1800s.
“Camping out is well enough
known in New Zealand,
where it is a genial and
favourite method of spending
a holiday,” reported the
Colonist newspaper in 1896,
reinforcing the Victorian
notion that outdoor activity
was more wholesome than
urban life.
By the 1920s, camping
holidays by private car started
to become popular.
CAMPING
Reported The Star in
1931: “Every year more and
more people are learning
the charms of the camping
holiday – the holiday with car
and tent, when the whole of
the island is at one’s disposal
and the route is as fancy
dictates . . . You go where
you like, pitch the tent where
you will, and, having stayed
a while, move on in quest of
other Elysian fields.”
Today, popular campsites
can require booking a year in
advance, but the pleasure of
overloading the car and taking
to the road continues.
Working together at a Boys Brigade camp at Waipara River in 1972. Above – Hazel Sullivan and Ron and Beverley Buxton
removing water from around their caravan at a flooded Spencer Park Motor Camp in October 1974.
Wayne and
Daphne Todd
having bacon
and eggs for
breakfast with
Robert Todd and
Angela Darly at
Spencer Park
Motor Camp in
January 1987.
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starnews.co.nz
The Star, January 8, 2026 | 11
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12 | The Star, January 8, 2026 starnews.co.nz
Bupa
Parkstone
Retirement
Village
Apartments from $665,000^
Brand new two and three bedroom apartments
opening from February 2026
Live the life that’s right for you at Bupa Parkstone Retirement Village in Ilam, with brand
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At Bupa Parkstone Retirement Village you’ll enjoy a lock up and leave lifestyle that offers both
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Features:
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For more information, or to make an appointment to view,
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^Price is for a licence to occupy under an Occupation Right Agreement.

starnews.co.nz
Defender bringing
big-stage experience
to young United
SPORT The Star, January 8, 2026 | 13
​BY SAM COUGHLAN
The experience of playing
against some of the world’s
best players has Christian Gray,
South Island United’s final
signing, well placed ahead of
the start of the inaugural OFC
Pro League next weekend.
The defender joins from
national powerhouse and
13-time continental champion
Auckland City, bringing significant
big-stage experience.
His thumping header against
Argentine giants Boca Juniors
at last year’s Club World Cup
helped the amateur side secure
a stunning draw.
Gray also played against
German champions Bayern
Munich, marking star English
striker Harry Kane, and dealt
with Uruguayan forward Edinson
Cavani when facing Boca.
His goal – and the international
attention that followed
– saw Gray’s profile surge, with
his Instagram following climbing
to more than 30,000.
“Down here in New Zealand
we’re so far away from it, but
football in Argentina in particular
is huge,” he said.
“From that one moment, it
(his following) went up pretty
much overnight. It's probably
gone down a little bit since
then, but before that my social
media was non-existent to be
honest.”
Gray is South Island United’s
21st and final signing and, at 29,
the oldest player in what is otherwise
a young squad.
With several years of experience
playing in the Pacific
Islands for Auckland City, Gray
hopes he can help his new
teammates with his expertise.
“I’ve played in most of (the
islands), it is a different challenge
over there,” he said.
“The conditions play a massive
part, and how you manage
the game and manage yourself
in those conditions, that's probably
the main thing.”
Gray has just finished a teaching
degree and was due to start
full-time work at Auckland
Grammar before being offered
a professional deal by South
Island United.
“I was locked in for this year
as a teacher, and I was ready
just to get stuck into that career
until I got a call from South
Island United and I considered
it.
“The school was supportive
and said ‘yeah go do that, you
can come back after’. To be
part of a brand-new club and
a brand-new league I thought
yeah, I’ll do it.”
​New South Island United signing Christian Gray wins a header over Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani during Auckland City’s 1-1 draw
with Boca Juniors at the FIFA Club World Cup last year.
PHOTO: GETTY
Gray is looking forward to
playing in front of friends and
family when he runs out for
United’s first game on January
17, at Eden Park against
Auckland FC.
“It will be cool to represent
the South Island against
Auckland, hopefully there’s a
decent crowd and atmosphere –
obviously Eden Park is exciting.
“Being a brand new league
and a brand new club, there’s a
little bit of uncertainty I guess,
but who knows?
“I’d like to think we have a
good chance at the title,” he
said.
​Gray training with South Island United this week ahead of the club’s first game
next weekend against Auckland FC at Eden Park.
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14 | The Star, January 8, 2026 starnews.co.nz
TRAINING
PROGRAMME
15 MARCH 2026
COMMUNITY FUN RUN | 12KM OR 6KM
WWW.CITY2SURF.CO.NZ
WEEK 1
Congratulations on making your decision to enter the FreshChoice City2Surf!
No doubt, the first hint of panic will have set in as your thoughts turn to ‘how are you going to
prepare yourself for this challenge?’ And that is probably why you are now reading this article. This
is going to be as close to employing your own personal coach as you can get….and, it is all for free.
We are presenting two 10 week programmes to you. The first one is for beginners and FreshChoice
City2Surf first timers. You consider yourself unfit, and you have not played sport for a period of time.
The second programme is aimed at people who are already dabbling in fitness and have some
experience with jogging or running. For both groups the main goal will be to finish the event, enjoy
the experience but above all use the 10 week programme as a means to improve your overall health,
fitness and quality of life.
WEEK 1: Starting out
LEVEL THURS OR FRI SUN TUE WED
Beginner
12km Jog/Run
Intermediate
12km Jog
Jog/Run
6km
Walk
6km/12km
25 min
Walk 4 min, Jog 1 min
(repeat 5 times)
25 min
Easy jog
20 min
Walk 3 min, Jog 2 min
(repeat 4 times)
6km 14 min (light)
12km 40 min (light)
30 min
Walk 4 min, Jog 1 min
(repeat 6 times)
40 min
Easy Jog
30 min
Walk 3 min, Jog 2 min
(repeat 6 times)
6km 15 min (mod)
12km 30 min (light)
40 min
Walk
20 min
Easy Jog
40 min
Walk
6km 20 min (mod)
12km 40 min (light)
30 min
Walk 3 min, Run 2 min
(repeat 6 times)
50 min
Easy Jog
30 min
Walk 3 min, Jog 2 min
(repeat 6 times)
6km 30 min (light)
12km 60 min (light)
To achieve this goal you need to develop
some awareness around the basic
requirements of exercising for health and
fitness. First and foremost this has to do
with 3 key principles:
1. How often do you train?
To improve your level of health and
fitness you will need to aim for 4 sessions
per week. 2 or 3 sessions per week will
only maintain what you have and
1 session per week is definitely not
sufficient.
2. How long are your sessions?
The duration of your sessions will
generally build towards between 30 and
50 minutes with one longer session of
60-80 minutes.
3. What is the right intensity to train at?
The good thing about the programme
is that all your runs will be done
at submaximal pace, also called
conversation pace. That means a pace
where you can still talk. If you can’t talk
you are going too fast and you are likely
to come to a grinding halt sooner or later.
This programme and accompanying
information are written as a guide only. If you
are concerned about your health at any stage
please undergo a health check with your GP.
TIP
If you have never run
or jogged before, we
recommended that you
alternate brisk walking with
jogging as indicated in the
schedule. Be aware that
jogging is different from
running. When jogging, you
go at a pace which is only a
fraction faster than a brisk
walk, your feet stay close to
the ground and the rhythm
is that of a slow dance. This is
a technique, once mastered,
which will enable you to jog
for longer periods of time (for
example, the whole
12 km distance.) On behalf of
the team at Sports Clinic
www.sportsclinic.co.nz
15 MARCH 2026
ADULT ENTRIES
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While stocks last.
OR ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.CITY2SURF.CO.NZ
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starnews.co.nz
SPORT The Star, January 8, 2026 | 15
​Metro cricket back after festive break
In brief
​BY SAM COUGHLAN
League leaders Heathcote will
look to maintain top spot in the
Metro one-day competition when
it resumes on Saturday, while Old
Boys and Sydenham will be keen
to make up for lost time.
Heathcote’s 56-run win over
Riccarton in round one before
Christmas has them level with
East Shirley on 11 points, but
leading on net run rate.
They visit Elmwood Park to
face Old Boys, who were unable
to get started in their first game
against Sydenham due to a wet
pitch after overnight rain.
Sydenham travel to Lancaster
Park having already claimed
silverware this season, beating
Burnside in the T20 final on
December 21, thanks to Matt
Tromp’s 74 off 38 balls.
Captain Mitch Gardner also
made history in that match,
surpassing Dave Gallop to
become Sydenham’s leading premier
grade wicket-taker with 536.
Gallop, now 88, scored more
than 6000 premier runs for
Sydenham in addition to 535
wickets bowling leg-spin. He
played 24 times for Canterbury
from 1956-1966, scoring a century
and taking 27 first-class wickets.
The other one-day matches see
East Shirley host St Albans while
Riccarton visit Burnside.
Riccarton, currently in last
place on the overall ladder, will
be desperate for competition
points, with the bottom-placed
team at the end of the season
relegated if the winners of the
second-tier championship do not
already have a premier team.
As it stands, current championship
leaders Halswell are in line
for promotion to the top tier.
Saturday’s matches start at
10.30am.
Bowlers see success
Belfast’s Rohan Ware and Elmwood
Park’s Mandy Boyd have claimed
national titles at the singles and pairs
national championships. Ware beat
Australian Nathan Black 21-13 in
the men’s singles final at Burnside
on Monday while Boyd, alongside
Nelson’s Kirsten Edwards, took out
the women’s pairs beating Elmwood
clubmate Tania Woodham and
Allenton’s Sandra Keith 18-13 in the
final. The nationals continue today
with the post-section for the men’s
pairs and women’s singles taking
place, finishing tomorrow.
Age-group champs under way
Canterbury’s boys’ and girls’ under
19 softball teams start their national
championship campaigns in Christchurch
and Auckland today. The boys
start against Southland at 11am and
play Waikato at 3pm to round out the
first day, while the girls play North
Harbour at 9am, Otago at 11am and
Auckland at 3pm. Both tournaments
finish on Sunday.
Sydenham captain Mitch Gardner surpassed Dave Gallop as the club’s leading premier
wicket-taker.
Heathcote’s Philippe Boissevain bowls against St Albans in a T20. His side are
currently top of the one-day competition.
PHOTO: PAUL CORLISS
PREMIER ONE-DAY POINTS
Heathcote 11, East Shirley 11, Burnside 10, Sydenham 5, Old Boys 5, St Albans 0,
Lancaster Park 0, Riccarton 0
Top run-scorers
531 – Lachie Harper (St Albans); 457 – Matthew Tromp (Sydenham); 433 – Nick Gibb
(Burnside); 427 – Tim Hampton-Matehe (East Shirley); 424 – Tyler Lortan (Heathcote)
Top wicket-takers
33 – Tom Agnew (Sydenham); 31 – Alex Tait (Burnside); 29 – Philippe Boissevain
(Heathcote); 25 – Travis Muller (Heathcote); 25 – Ian Souness (St Albans)
They said it
“Not for the first time in this
series, Jamie Smith has
played one of the dumbest
shots you’ll ever see in test
cricket.”
– England’s wicketkeeper
fails to impress former Australian
batter Justin Langer during the third
Ashes test in Sydney
A fairer capital gains
model and homes
from $350,000, its a
great time to discover
Freedom.
Show homes
nearly complete!
Visit our sales office
to learn more
Open Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm
74 Trevors Rd, Ashburton
Phone 03 423 2430
freedomashburton.co.nz

16 | The Star, January 8, 2026 starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS
Your guide to our LOCAL & TRUSTED
Trades & Professional Services
To advertise: Phone 379 1100 or email star.class@starmedia.kiwi
ARBORIST
Canterbury Tree Experts
Your Trusted Arborists for Christchurch
and the Greater Canterbury region
Our Services include:
- Tree Removal and felling
- Tree Pruning and height reductions
- Hedge trimming - Site Clearance
- Branch Chipping - Stump Grinding
Fully insured Arborists.
Contact us for a free site
visit and quote.
Phone:
027 4231 538
Email: Ben@CanterburyTreeExperts.co.nz
Website: CanterburyTreeExperts.co.nz
Re Roofing
Roof Repairs
• Approved Age Concern
provider
• Over 30 years experience
• Licensed Building Practitioner
N A BARRELL
ROOFING LTD
Ph: 0275 389 415
Email: nabroofing@xtra.co.nz
TRADES & SERVICES
BATHROOM TILER wet
area waterproofing,
underfloor heating, soap
boxes, old to new, for
best results, call Devon
on 021 375-888 or 03 BUILDER New builds,
329 5511
alterations, decks,
fencing. 30 years in the
trade has given me
TRADES & SERVICES ability to build to a high
standard. Free quotes.
Ph Brent 027 241 7471.
BEST BATHROOMS Full
renovation specialists,
LBP builder. Free quote,
all building property
maintenance. Ph 387-
0770 or 027 245 5226
ciey@xtra.co.nz
TRADES & SERVICES
BUILDING AND property
maintenance. No job too
small. 40 years
experience. Ph 027 497
8322. david.cartwright@
xtra.co.nz
landscaping
25 Years experience
• Landscape construction and
garden maintenance
• Residential & light commercial
• Garden makeovers
For a proFessional job call
ross legg 027 222 0388
email revivelandscaping23@gmail.com
WINDOW TINTING
tintawindow
advanced film solutions
99% uv block
fade protection
heat control
reduce glare
25 Years Experience
Free Quotes Canterbury and Districts
03 365 3653 0800 368 468
ELECTRICIAN A prompt
& reliable registered
electrician with 24 years
experience for all
residential and
commercial work, new
housing and switch
board replacements.
Phone Chris 027 516
0669
FENCING
Quality timber fencing -
gates & repairs. Timber
decking. Ph Ryan 027
951 8892
GARDENING, lawn
mowing, gutter cleaning
Residential and
commercial work. North
and West CHCH. Phone
Will on 021 140 0977
privacy films
frosting designs
non-darkening films
Workmanship Guaranteed
Lifetime Warranties on Most Films
UV
block
BLOCKED DRAINS Drain
. A+ LAWN Clearance, CCTV BUILDER - GARDENER
MOWING Inspections, Remedy & LICENSED AVAILABLE
Christchurch, Mowing Repair. CDDL Services Available for for weeding, pruning,
& Weed Whacking. Ltd. Ph: 0800 487 453 alterations, additions, regular garden
Ph: 0274 115 744. BRICK & BLOCK LAYING
repairs, decks, maintenance, rubbish
Email: m.gillette1234 All restoration work and
bathroom alterations, removed. Experienced
@gmail.com
new work plus
aluminium window & & qualified.
door replacements.
foundations, Ph 342
Ph Richard
A CARPENTER Licensed
Free quotes. Over 30
9340 or 021 853 033.
0274 918 234
Building Practitioner no.
years in industry.
Prompt, reliable,
100981. All carpentry & BRICKLAYER George
quality workmanship.
building repairs & Lockyer, Governors Bay.
HOME SERVICE All
maintenance.
UK trained with over 40 Ph Ian on general property repair &
Alterations & property years exp. Smaller jobs 021 350 509. maintenance, Artificial
upgrades. Laundries / & brick repairs preferred.
grass laying, Painting,
bathroom / kitchens No job too small. 027
Kitset Assembly. Ph
CARPET LAYING Exp.
replaced. Specialising in 684 4046 E:
George 021 053 8655
Repairs, uplifting,
replacement of all rotten georgelockyer@xtra.co.
relaying, restretching.
timber, fascia boards, nz
Phone John on 0800 INDEPENDENT
windows, windowsills
BUILDER Qualified 50 003 181, 027 240 7416 CARPETS - Huge
etc. John Sandford, Ph
yrs exp. Bathrooms, jflattery@xtra.co.nz selection of quality
329 4616, mob 027 518
carpets at unbeatable
Kitchens, Renovations,
9598
Repairs & Extensions COMPUTERS - TVs - prices to suit every
johnsandford2@gmail.c
Free quotes. Discount CCTV Computer - home. Expert advice.
om
for pensioners. Ph Mike Repairs, Sales, Virus Visit us today! Call now
AAA HANDYMAN
03 980 9771 or 027 Removal, Internet. TV - 03 388-6643 or 027 827
licensed carpenter LBP,
2266 930
Stereo installs, Setup. 3360
CCTV - 35 yrs exp. Ph
all property and building
Paul 027 405 3888
maintenance, repairs,
bathroom/shower TRADES & SERVICES
installations, with free
quotes. 03 387 0770 or
027 245 5226
BUILDER Semi-retired.
ciey@xtra.co.nz
Available for bathrooms,
decks, small projects
and all repair work. Ph
027 326 6114 or
brentew@outlook.com.
Excellent work. Great
rates.
TRADES & SERVICES
TRADES & SERVICES
INSECT SCREENS,
BLINDS AND SECURITY
DOORS
Custom made security
doors, also flyscreen
windows and doors, and
stylish blinds. Quality
you can trust. We also
repair existing Screens
and doors etc.
Canterbury Blinds and
Screens. Ph 03 3589237
for a free quote.
JCM DIRECT TYRES
provides quality tyres,
both new and used,
expert fitting, and fast,
reliable service. Trusted
to ensure your vehicle’s
safety and performance
with reliable products
and professional care.
8c Birmingham Drive -
call 03 343-0099
House & Garden
Property Services Ltd
Tree & hedge trimming
Gardening
Landscaping
Gutter cleaning
All aspects of property maintenance
CALL US 03 260 4499
ANNE’S HAIR & BEAUTY
HAIRDRESSER & BEAUTY THERAPIST
Qualified, 25 years Experience.
Registered & Licensed Home Salon
TRADES & SERVICES
LANDSCAPING Paving,
Lawns, Irrigation,
Decking, Fencing. Kanga
& small digger services.
Check out Squire
Landscaping on
Facebook. FREE
QUOTES. Ph Arthur 347-
8796, 027 220-7014
Edwin 027 220-7154
LAWN MOWING Tom's
Mowing - cutting the
east side of
Christchurch. Ph 021
120 1069
PAINTING Interior /
Exterior, Roofs, Decks,
Fences. For a
competitive quote ph
John 0272 242 831
30 years + experience
Older house
restorations:
no problem!
Quotes: FREE!
Rates: Reasonable
Paint supplied at
trade price!
NO JOB TOO SMALL
Light industrial also
Roger Brott
Painter & Decorator
021-1966-311
PAINTING
Indoor / Outdoor, over
30 yrs exp, same day
quotes, ph Steve 021
255 7968
EXTERIOR
PAINTING
Ph Paul 022 191 7877
swedekiwipainting
.co.nz
Hair & Beauty
PAINTING Exterior
experts. Roof painting.
Ph Paul 022 191 7877
www.swedekiwipainting.
co.nz
PLUMBER Friendly,
certified local expert in
plumbing, gas &
drainage. Guaranteed
top-quality work. Call
Waterloo Plumbing 022
630 7639
PLUMBER Highly
experienced Plumber.
Exceptional service.
Ready to help with all
your plumbing needs.
Call today! MJ Plumbing
Ltd 021 109 2397
PLUMBER Do you need
a reliable plumber?
Quality and timely
services. No job too big
or small. Phone V
Plumbing Ltd. 022 351
4125
TRADES & SERVICES
For an appointment phone
03 310 6890 or
021 298 3957
TRADES & SERVICES
H2O SOLUTIONS
Renovations, New
Houses, Hot Water
Cylinders, Kitchens,
Bathroom Upgrades,
Laundries, General
Maintenance, Water
Filters. Phone Mark 027
869 0026
PREMIUM TYRES offers
top-quality new and
used tyres, wheel
alignments, vehicle
servicing, WOF's & Oil
changes. Trusted for
reliability, affordability,
and fast service across
Christchurch, 222
Linwood Ave, PH 380-
5020
TRADES & SERVICES
THE ROOF
SPECIALISTS
CANTERBURY LTD
Established 2005
Protective coatings
10 year guarantee on:
Faded coloursteel
Tiles & iron
Decramastic
Phone NOW 4 FREE
Roof check & report
Scott McKenzie
022 044 3008
ROOF
PAINTING
Competitive rates
Rope n Harness
certified
39 yrs experience
Owner operator
Exterior - Interior
Painting
Phone Mason on
021 233 0378
Email:
mason.wairau@
gmail.com
Website:
masonwairau.com
TRADES & SERVICES
TEAM TURF
For all your artificial turf
requirements.
Residential or
commercial.
teamturf.co.nz
Christchurch installers.
Grow Landscape
021 034 5504
TRADES & SERVICES
ROOF
PAINTING 24/7
Rope & harness
a speciality,
no scaffolding
required,
30 years of
breathtaking
experience.
FREE QUOTES
20% OFF other
roof quotes
Exterior staining,
exterior painting,
water blasting.
Moss and mould
treatment $300.
Phone Kevin
027 561 4629
TILING
Floor & walls.
Kitchen & splashback
specialist.
No job too small.
35 yrs exp.
Free quotes
Ph 0274 833 887
TREE SERVICES Free
quotes 20+ yrs exp.
Tree, hedge or shrub -
reduction, shaped or
removed. Ph/text Paul
The Branch Manager
027 431 4720
TREE SERVICES
Pensioner discounts.
Tree & hedge reduction.
Professional advice.
Stump grinding and
branches chipped. Txt or
ring Andrew on 027 20
44 949.
TREE SERVICES
Specialist tree pruning &
shaping. Also hedge
trimming and garden
tidy-ups. Ph Hugh, "The
Little Green Groomer"
021 275 5445
TREES FOR
CANTERBURY:
Specialist Native Plant
Garden Centre. Trees,
Shrubs, Groundcover.
Supporting your
community and the
environment. 42
Charlesworth St,
Woolston. Phone: (03)
982 1028
7”, 45’s, singles, eps
records wanted, any
amount top prices paid.
Pennylane Records, 430
Colombo Street,
Sydenham, ring Dave
021 222 6144, 7 days
A+ ALL whiteware
wanted. Same day
service, cash paid for
freezers, fridges,
washing machines,
ovens. Also buying
furniture & h/hold
effects. Anything
considered. Ph Dave
027 66 22 116
WANTED
A1 ALBUMS, old photos,
postcards, coins, gold,
bank notes, badges,
medals, jewellery,
watches, china, crystal,
books, furs, vintage
clothing, paintings,
furniture, estates &
downsizing. Etcetera
Antiques, 194 Edgeware
Rd, 385 5117.
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.
CARAVAN wanted with
shower and toilet,
needing repairs ok or
any condition. Ph 027
622 0011
SPOUTING CLEANING
Spouting unblocked, OLD TOYS, Models &
cleaned out & flushed Trains. Tri-ang, FunHo
out. Call Greg 03 384 Matchbox, Dinky,
2661 or 027 616 0331. Hornby, Meccano,
Marklin, Corgi etc. Ph
027 604 1816
toymodelcollectors.co.n
z
WANTED
PENNYLANE RECORDS
always buying records.
Excellent prices paid.
430 Colombo Street,
Sydenham, 366 3278,
open 7 days
TOOLS, Garden, garage,
saw benches, lathes.
Cash buyer. Phone 355-
2045.
BOOKS, STATIONERY
cards, gifts - Paper Plus
New Brighton has it all.
Friendly local team,
great prices, supporting
this community. 72
Brighton Mall, New
Brighton. Phone 03 388
1809
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
TOOLS, Garden, garage,
saw benches, lathes.
Cash buyer. Phone 355-
2045.
BOOKS
CARAVANS & TRAILERS
CARAVAN wanted with
shower and toilet,
needing repairs ok or
any condition Ph 027
622 0011
ENTERTAINMENT
DELICIOUS all you can
eat buffet at Valentines
Hornby - Fresh seafood,
roasts, desserts and
great service for the
whole family! 7/11
Chalmers Street Hornby
- PH 0800 VAL BUFFET
GARDEN SUPPLIES
A THICK LAYER OF
BARK keeps the
moisture in, the weeds
out & looks great in your
garden beds. I will
deliver and lay it for you.
Call Hugh "The Little
Green Groomer" 021 275
5445
direct
cremation
(includes committal)
$2,200 GSt
inclusive
0800 27 28 29
www.mainlandcrematorium.co.nz

starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS The Star, January 8, 2026 | 17
CARS WANTED
CAR REMOVALS
$$CASH PAID$$
CARS, VANS, UTES & 4X4 WANTED
NZ OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 24 YEARS
We use world class vehicle depollution systems
0800 77 80 80
www.pickapart.co.nz
PUBLIC NOTICES
STAMP AND
POSTCARD FAIR
The Philatelic Centre
67 Mandeville Street,
Riccarton
Saturday 10th January
9am-12pm
Buying and Selling
Phone 027 635 4957
RAFFLE RESULTS
Cholmondeley
Children’s
Centre
Christmas
Raffle
Drawn in a
live draw,
under Police
supervision,
at 10am on
December 19th
at ILAM Toyota,
below is our lucky
winning ticket
Prize: 2021
Toyota Corolla
GX 2.0L Petrol
CVT Hatch
Ticket # 815
SITUATIONS VACANT
Want to
make an
impact in
the South?
Senior Advertising Sales
Consultant
Ashburton Courier
Location: Ashburton | Permanent 40 Hours Per Week
About us:
Allied Media, previously known as Allied Press, has been at the heart of
New Zealand’s media landscape for over 163 years. We’re driven by a clear
mission: to empower and connect the South by championing the people,
businesses, and ideas that shape our island.
Our Values
Creative – We encourage innovation
Collaborative – We work together
Accountable – We own our actions
HEALTH & BEAUTY
FEET FIRST PODIATRY
provides expert foot
care,
offering
personalised treatments
for pain relief, injury
recovery, overall foot
and lower limb wellness.
Unit 2B, 355 Riccarton
Road. Ph 03 348-7910
www.feetfirst.co.nz
HEALTH Boost your
wellbeing at Marshall’s
Health & Natural
Therapy. Quality health
supplements, herbal
dispensary, natural
skincare, and expert
naturopathic advice.
Visit us today for a
healthier, happier you!
Marshalls Health &
Natural Therapy. 101
Seaview Road, New
Brighton. Ph 03 388
5757. Shop instore or
online:
www.marshallshealthsh
op.co.nz
PERSONAL
MALE, 64 seeks
intimate lady playmate.
Any age / size. Ph 021
146 8156
TO LET
SLEEPOUT HIRE
Christmas special, from
$60pw, free delivery on
some sleepouts. Biggest
range, best prices. Ph
0274 741 723
nzsleepout.com
PUBLIC NOTICES
Learn CPR for your loved one
This free training is designed to give you the confidence to take
action if someone suffers a cardiac arrest by:
Calling 111
Step one
Starting CPR
Step two
Scan here
Using an AED
Step three
West Coasters
Are you living off the Coast and would like to
keep up with the local news and events?
We have new digital editions available for subscription.
More
informatıon
About the role:
Want to make an impact in Ashburton? Join our sales team and help
businesses grow!
We’re looking for a natural communicator with a knack for creative
problem-solving. Someone that thrives on building relationships and
driving results. Working as the Senior Advertising Sales Consultant for
our Ashburton Courier publication, you’ll work across our print and digital
platforms, delivering creative, impactful campaigns that resonate with
people across the city, the region and the country.
This position is based in Ashburton and a valid driver’s licence is required.
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities:
• 4+ years of successful sales experience.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills; in person,
over the phone and via email.
• A strong focus on accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Able to think creatively and develop solutions for clients.
• A high level of self-motivation, strong team work ethic, and time
management.
We offer:
• Base salary + Commission scheme + KiwiSaver.
• Ability to purchase additional leave + company laptop + phone.
• Access to Southern Cross Medical Insurance.
• Monday to Friday role, based in Ashburton, no weekend work.
More about Allied Media:
As one of the country’s largest independent media companies, we deliver
trusted local journalism and engaging content across more than 20
newspapers, five magazines, major local events, and a growing digital
network. But our strength lies in more than just what we publish, it is in
the people behind the scenes. From journalists and editors to designers,
developers, videographers and marketers, our team brings stories,
campaigns, and experiences to life across print, digital, and events. Our
flagship publication, the Otago Daily Times, is New Zealand’s most trusted
newspaper (AUT’s Trust in News research), and our digital platform, odt.
co.nz, continues to reach new heights. At Allied Media, we’re proud of our
deep roots, and we’re just as excited about the future. Join us and be part
of a team that’s keeping the South informed, inspired, and connected.
How to apply:
If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply via SEEK or reach
out to Mark Julius, Sales Manager, at mark.julius@alliedmedia.co.nz for a
confidential discussion. We will get in touch if you are shortlisted for this
opportunity.
digital.greystar.co.nz
alliedmedia.co.nz/careers

18 | The Star, January 8, 2026 starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS
WHAT'S ON
AT HORNBY CLUB
Holiday Hours
OFFICE HOURS
Now through to 19 January
Sunday to Thursday: 9am-4pm
Friday & Saturday: 9am-8pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-8pm
PAVILION CAFE
OPEN 9am-4pm from now through to 12 Jan
CHALMERS RESTAURANT
CLOSED. Reopens Sunday 1st Feb
WHAT S
ON
To add a listing, contact
Jo Fuller 03 379 7100 or
027 458 8590
jo.fuller@alliedmedia.co.nz
Raffles are back
next Wednesday 14th Jan
Every
Wednesday to Sunday
from 4pm - 6pm
(Saturday 11am - 1pm).
CHASE THE
ACE!
RETURNS THURSDAY
NEXT 15TH JANUARY
CRACK THE
CUBE!
RETURNS FRIDAY
NEXT 16TH JANUARY
The Papanui
310 Sawyers Arms Road
Phone: 03 359 9586
papanuiclub.co.nz
SPECIALS!
THURSDAY THROUGH
TO SUNDAY
Pizza + 12oz Beer
for $25
Burger + 12oz Beer
for $25
Two
Pulled Pork Sliders
for $16
Annual
Picnic
11AM AT
SUN
8TH
FEB
YALDHURST SCHOOL
FAMILY FUN INCLUDING
BOUNCY CASTLE, GAMES,
RUNNING RACES & PRIZES
Come on down!
17 CARMEN RD. PH. 03 349 9026
WWW.HORNBYCLUB.CO.NZ
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
THURSDAY 8TH jan, 7PM - 9pm
DND trio
60s & 70s revisited
FRIDAY 9TH jan, 10PM - 2AM
DYNAMIX
SATURDAY 10TH janUARY
10.30PM - 2.30AM
MIMIC
$6 MURPHY
EVERY SINGLE DAY, ALL DAY LONG!
Pool Tables | Function Rooms | 85a Hereford Street | www.therockpool.co.nz

starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS The Star, January 8, 2026 | 19
GIG GUIDE
Thursday 8 to Wednesday 14 January 2026
ADDINGTON BAR, 291 Lincoln Rd:
Saturday 8pm - Instinct & Ruby Fusion.
APOLLO PROJECTS STADIUM, 95 Jack
Hinton Dr: Saturday 24th Jan & Sunday 25th
Jan, 5.30pm - Ed Sheeran ‘Loop Tour’.
ARMADILLOS BECKENHAM, 155
Colombo St: Saturday 21st Feb - Level 6.
ARMADILLOS HALSWELL, 29 Ensign
St: Thursday 8pm - DJ Chick Karaoke..
ARMADILLOS ISLINGTON, 670 Main
South Rd: Sunday 3pm - Lino.
A ROLLING STONE, 579 Colombo St:
Thursday - Closed. Friday 7pm -
Appalachian Old Timey Jam Session, feat
travelling US/Canadian guests, all welcome to
play, listen & watch, free. Saturday 8pm -
Intergalactic Tours presents 'A Joe Satriani
Tribute - Surfing With The Alien' performed
by Cam Blockland (The Superjesus, AUS),
plus special guests, Red Weekend - Cam and
his band play Satch's legendary album in full,
plus greatest hits, tix $33+BF from
eventfinda.co.nz or door sales. Sunday 8pm -
Desafyar & Max G present Sensual Sundays -
January 2026 Social Dance, guest DJs playing
Bachata, Zouk, Kizomba, & Salsa - wind
down, chill out, connect, all welcome, dancers
$5 entry, spectators free. Monday 7pm -
Believe it or Not Quiz, table bookings 03-377-
4787, free entry, dogs welcome too. Tuesday
7pm - Inner City Jam hosted by Tyler
Robbins, feat open mic slots and jam session,
all ages and levels welcome, free. Wednesday -
Closed.
AVONHEAD TAVERN, 120 Withells Rd:
Friday 7.30pm - The Party Singers.
BILL'S BAR, 1 Halswell Rd: Thursday 7pm
- A&J Karaoke. Friday 7.30pm - DJ Rick
Karaoke. Sunday 6pm - A&J Karaoke. Friday
16th Jan, 7.30pm - Flat City Brotherhood.
Friday 23rd Jan, 8pm - Dynamix.
BRIDIE'S BAR, 401 Worcester St: Friday
4pm - DJ. Saturday 3pm - Raisin Tooth.
CASHMERE CLUB, 50 Colombo St:
Wednesday 4th Feb, 7pm - Quiz. Saturday 7th
Feb, 7.30pm - Mainland Big Band, $10 entry.
Friday 27th Feb, 7.30pm - Simmer.
CHCH CASINO, 30 Victoria St: Friday
5.30pm - Zed & Andy; 9pm - Acoustic
Solution. Saturday 5.30pm - Ananda & Ants;
9pm - Cantora Band.
CHCH FOLK MUSIC CLUB, Irish Society
Hall, Domain Tce: Sunday 7.30pm -
Community Barn Dance/Ceilidh.
COASTERS TAVERN, 1 Daniels Rd:
Saturday 8pm - DJ Rick Karaoke.
DARKROOM, 336 St Asaph St: Saturday
8pm - Absolute BOWIE DJ Music Night.
FAT EDDIES, 1/76 Hereford St: Thursday
5.30pm - Vintage Blue; 9pm - Jynx. Friday
4.30pm - Peaches Duo; 8pm - The In Crowd;
11.30pm - Third Junction. Saturday 1pm -
Josh Braden; 4.30pm - Harbourist Duo; 8pm -
Roger Roger; 11.30pm - Vibe Check. Sunday
2pm - The Suite; 5.30pm - Ants Pickard.
Monday 6pm - Marcel Bramao. Tuesday
7.30pm - Jack Bubb. Wednesday 8.30pm -
Roger Roger.
GOOD TIMES COMEDY CLUB, 224 St
Asaph St: Saturday 8pm - Big Laughs!
Professional Comedy Line Up 2026. Tuesday
7pm - 2 Fast, 2 Funny.
HORNBY CLUB, 17 Carmen Rd: Friday
23rd Jan, 7pm - Gazza. Sunday 25th Jan, 3pm
- Robbie Drew Birthday Bash.
MAK BAR, 1276 Main North Rd: Saturday
& Sunday - Free Juke Box.
MICKY FINN'S, 85a Hereford St:
Thursday 7pm - DnD Trio. Friday 10pm -
Dynamix. Saturday 10.30pm - Mimic.
NORTH HAGLEY PARK, 1 Park Tce:
Friday 3.30pm - Maoli Island Vibe feat. Maoli;
Stan Walker; Katachfire; Aaradhna; Hone.
Hosted by DJ King Kapisi. Saturday 31st Jan,
11am - Great Kiwi Beer Festival.
OAK N FERRY, 608 Ferry Rd: Saturday
24th Jan, 8.30pm - In the City. Saturday 31st
Jan, 8.30pm - Hired Guns.
OLD PAPANUI TAVERN, 15 Main North
Rd: Saturday 8.30pm - DJ Chick Karaoke..
RACECOURSE HOTEL, 118 Racecourse
Rd: Friday 30th Jan, 7.30pm - RiccStar &
Steph.
RICHMOND CLUB, 'The Borough', 75
London St: Friday 7pm - Matchbox.
Saturday 7pm - Bite the Bullet. Sunday 3pm -
Reminisce with Anthony.
ROSE & THISTLE, 24 Main North Rd:
Friday 8.30pm - Annalea & Junior. Saturday
8.30pm - Mark Duo.
SHARKEY'S BAR & CAFE, 96 Hoon Hay
Rd: Friday 7pm - Karaoke. Saturday 7pm -
Karaoke. Sunday 4pm - Open Mic & Karaoke.
SPACE ACADEMY, 371 St Asaph St:
Thursday 15th Jan - Repulsie Woman. Friday
23rd Jan - DARTZ Tiny Summer Tour. Friday
30th Jan - Sam Cullen.
spaceacademy.co.nz/live
SUMMER SUNDAYS SERIES, Botanical
Gardens Archery Lawn, Hagley Park,
Rolleston Ave: Sunday 1st Feb, 1pm -
Fleetwood Mac Tribute (performed by DnD
Showband) & The Rolling Stones Tribute
(performed by Silver Train), free.
TAI TAPU HOTEL, 780 Old Tai Tapu Rd:
Saturday 1pm - Live music. Sunday 1pm -
Live music. Sunday 29th Mar, 1pm - Sign of
the Firebird.
TEMPS BAR, 21 Goulding Ave: Saturday
31st Jan, 8.30pm - Music returns.
THE BOG, 50 Victoria St: Friday 6pm -
Mike Hill; 10pm - Mendacity. Saturday 7pm -
Mike Hill. Sunday 5pm - Willie McArthur.
Monday 6pm - Sionna. Wednesday 6pm -
Sionna.
THE BROOK BAR, 16 Southbrook Rd,
Rangiora: Friday 8pm - Mandi Miller.
THE CHURCH, cnr Worcester &
Manchester Sts: Thursday 6pm - Citrus &
Milk; 9.30pm - Ananda & Ants. Friday
2.45pm - Leighton Fairlie; 6.15pm - Eve Kelly;
10pm - HeadRush. Saturday 2.45pm - Bryony
Matthews; 6.15pm - Ellie Brook; 10pm - On
Tap. Sunday 2pm - King Tubbs; 5.30pm -
Coyte Pretty; 9.30pm - Nick Jackman.
churchpub.co.nz/this-week
THE EMBANKMENT TAVERN, 181 Ferry
Rd: Friday 7.30pm - Open Mic.
THE FITZ2 SPORTS BAR, 77 Stevens
St: Friday 7pm - Mel & Dave's Karaoke.
THE LITTLE FIDDLE, 132 Oxford Tce:
Thursday 9pm - Topia. Friday & Saturday
9pm - DJ’s. Sunday 4.30pm - Irish Sess; 7pm -
Live music.
THE MILLER BAR, 308 Lincoln Rd:
Friday 9.30pm - The Meaniez. Saturday
9.30pm - Misconduct. Sunday 6pm - Karaoke
with Rick. Tuesday 7pm - Quiz. Wednesday
7pm - Karaoke with Rick.
THE MUD BAR, 174 St Asaph St:
Thursday 6.30pm - Quiz. Friday 5pm - Mac
Kerr Band; 9pm - DJ. Saturday 5pm - The
Party Singers; 9pm - DJ. Sunday 4pm - Hired
Guns.
THE PAPANUI, 310 Sawyers Arms Rd:
Friday 16th Jan, 6.45pm - Becky Mayes.
THE RICCS, 280 Blenheim Rd: Friday
7.30pm - DJ Chick Karaoke. Saturday 7pm -
Mandi Miller.
THE ROCKPOOL, 85 Hereford St:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9pm - DJ's.
THE SIDELINE SPORTS BAR, 331
Stanmore Rd: Thursday 7pm - Jam Night
with Ritchie Gillies & Nick Buchanan.
Saturday 7pm - DJ Chick Karaoke. Tuesday
7pm - DJ Chick Karaoke.
THE STOCKXCHANGE BAR, 110
Marshland Rd: Saturday 7.30pm - Shiver.
THE TURF, 6 Inwoods Rd: Tuesday 7pm -
Quiz.
WORLD BUSKERS FESTIVAL, Various
locations across Central Christchurch:
Thursday 22nd January to Sunday 1st
February. worldbuskersfestival.co.nz
WUNDERBAR, Lyttelton: Friday 7pm -
The Groomsmen with special guest Briar
Sharp. Saturday 8pm - Saurian (Dunedin hard
rock) with support The Camel Tony’s &
Samuel Keen, $15 entry.
RESTAURANT & CAFÉ
‘Famous for our roasts!’
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Treat the family!
GREAT KID’S MENU
ACTIVITIES ROOM
KID’S MEALS
ALL MAINS INCLUD
A FREE ICE CREAM
SUNDAE
SENIOR'S SPECIAL
LUNCH & DINNER
$29
TWO COURSES
Soup/Roast or Roast/Dessert
FROM ONLY
$13
The
RACECOURSE HOTEL
& Motorlodge
118 Racecourse Rd, Sockburn,
Christchurch. Ph 03 342 7150
www.racecoursehotel.co.nz
BRIDIE’S BAR
401 WORCESTER ST | PH (03) 260 0325 | WWW.BRIDIES.CO.NZ
$12
BREAKFAST
Two free range
eggs, bacon,
sourdough bread,
Vivace coffee
SLAINTE
(Cheers)
$6
MURPHY'S
PINTS
EVERY SINGLE DAY,
ALL DAY LONG!
BRIDIE’S BAR
WHAT'S PLAYING
FRI.4PM: DJ
SAT.3PM:
RAISIN TOOTH
OPEN FROM 7AM MON-FRI & FROM 8AM SAT/SUN
GREAT MENU | 18 MACHINE GAMING ROOM
BRIDIE'S BAR & BISTRO | 401 WORCESTER ST
PH (03) 260 0325 | WWW.BRIDIES.CO.NZ

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