Nor'West News: January 15, 2026

alana@alliedmedia.co.nz
FOR LOCAL ADVERTISING
Alana Powell
Ph: 027 535 6583
alana@alliedmedia.co.nz
Pupils take the lead in park project
FOR LOCAL ADVERTISING
Annabel Judd
Ph: 021 457 469
annabel.judd@alliedmedia.co.nz
School pupils have stepped into
the role of landscape architects,
designing and constructing a
new outdoor play space, thanks
to an innovative collaboration.
Te Kōmanawa Rowley School
pupils spent the past five
months undertaking a full
co-design process for a play
structure in Hoon Hay Park,
as part of the Place Cadets
programme by Gather Landscape
Architecture and the city
council.
The project saw the pupils
mapping their neighbourhood,
learning about the park’s wetland
history, conducting a site
visit, developing a brief, making
scale models, building fullsize
The cardboard Star, January prototypes, 23, 2025 and
helping construct the final play
structure.
Place Cadets programme lead
Wendy Hoddinott said the project
gave the pupils practical
experience in planning, modelmaking
and construction,
alongside The Star, design January professionals.
23, 2025
“The resulting landscape
design reflects the children’s
ideas gathered through handson
exploration, model-making
and dialogue,” she said.
“Ten-year-olds from the
school collaborated with
designers The Star, to January articulate 23, 2025 their
aspirations for play, challenge
and a meaningful relationship
with their environment.”
The pupils learned how to
think like a landscape architect,
create prototypes and
work with the city council to
get the structure approved for
construction.
Hoon Hay Park was once part
of a wetland ecosystem, with
design inspiration drawing on
the regenerative strength of
the kahikatea tree – once an
integral part of the original
environment.
“The structure references
the weaving form of the tree’s
root system, creating spaces
for climbing, movement, and
cosy hideaway spaces,” said
Hoddinott.
“The new play feature
integrates with the existing
playground to form a continuous
loop of climbing, balancing
and jumping elements with an
obstacle-style play experience.”
The pupils presented their
plans to the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote
Community Board, which
approved the designs. The new
play space was completed late
last year.
The city council is exploring
the potential for another phase
this year that focuses on native
planting, logs to step and
balance on, and painting the
paving.
FOR LOCAL ADVERTISING
Jenny Wright
Ph: 021 220 3484
jenny@alliedmedia.co.nz
starnews.co.nz
Te Kōmanawa Rowley School starnews.co.nz pupils
helped to design and construct a
new play structure in Hoon Hay
Park, thanks to the Place Cadets
programme.
PHOTOS: PETRA MINGNEAU/CCC
starnews.co.nz
The Star, January 23, 2025
starnews.co.nz
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The Star, January 15, 2026
starnews.co.nz
Music, art, sport and politics:
Christchurch has a busy year
ahead in music, art, sport and
politics. Dylan Smits looks at
what you should keep on your
radar in 2026
January
• The 10-day World Buskers
Festival returns from January
23 to February 1.
• Global superstar Ed Sheeran
is coming to Christchurch for
the first time in 11 years for
his Loop Tour after the release
of his album Play. Sheeran
will play two shows at Apollo
Projects Stadium on January 24
and 25.
February
• Kiwi pop icon Lorde is
bringing her Ultrasound World
Tour to the city with one show
on February 13 at Wolfbrook
Arena. It follows the release of
her fourth album Virgin last
June.
• Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub
will host domestic and international
track stars on February
21. The 2026 International
Track Meet is New Zealand's
biggest one-day international
track and field event and offers
opportunities for athletes to
earn prize money, and gain
world ranking points.
• The city will again host Australasia’s
largest music festival,
Electric Avenue, from February
27-28. About 45,000 attendees
Australasia’s largest music festival, Electric Avenue, will be held in Hagley Park on February 27-28. Split Enz will headline
the festival on their 50th anniversary. Inset – One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is set to open in April.
are expected on each of the two
days.
Iconic Kiwi band Split Enz
is headlining the festival,
reforming for their 50th
anniversary. Other top artists
include Australian DJ Dom
Dolla and popstar Kesha. Last
year’s festival brought $10.5m
in visitor spending to the city.
Tickets are sold out.
• The city council will
consider funding decisions for
major heritage buildings like
the Christ Church Cathedral,
Canterbury Museum and
the Provincial Chambers on
Durham St North, as part of the
Annual Plan process.
City councillors will debate
and adopt the draft 2026/27
Annual Plan (budget) before it
goes out for public consultation.
Christ Church Cathedral
Reinstatement Ltd is seeking
$40-45m from the city
council, Government and
private donors to restart
construction. Canterbury
Museum wants $21m from
ratepayers to partially cover
the redevelopment’s $86.6m
budget blowout, while the
stalled Provincial Chambers
restoration could cost an
estimated $200m – but the city
council is considering a private
partnership to help cover the
cost.
City councillors will decide
which services and facilities to
fund while working towards the
Government’s 4% rates increase
cap. Without further savings,
rates are projected to rise by
9.2% in the next Annual Plan.
The final city council budget
is typically confirmed in late
June.
March
• The New Zealand
Squash Open, the nation’s
premier professional squash
tournament, will return to the
Isaac Theatre Royal from March
3-8 after last year’s successful
event. It features top men’s and
women’s international players
and Kiwi stars competing in a
unique setting. The 2025 open
was the first held in the South
Island or in a theatre.
April
• The city will have a worldclass
covered stadium with the
opening of the $683m One New
Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha in
April.
The roofed 30,000-seat
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starnews.co.nz The Star, January 15, 2026
What’s on in the city in 2026
complex will host its first big
event over Anzac weekend with
the Super Rugby Pacific Super
Round. Tickets are available
and selling fast.
• Christchurch will host the
first-ever South Island round
of the Repco Supercars Championship,
New Zealand and
Australia’s premier touring car
race category. From April 17-19
motorsport enthusiasts will
gather at Euromargue Motorsport
Park in Templeton for the
championship. It is expected
to bring significant economic
benefits.
May
• New Zealand’s largest
art exhibition event, the
Christchurch Art Show, returns
from May 1-3 at Te Pae. About
10,000 attendees are expected,
providing opportunities for
artists to display and sell their
work.
• One New Zealand Stadium
will host its first music
concert on May 16, Once in a
Lifetime, headlined by Six60
and Synthony. The artists
will collaborate throughout
the show, culminating in a
performance of Six60’s top hits.
June
• Rugby League will debut at
One New Zealand Stadium with
the Warriors v North Queensland
Cowboys on June 21.
• The city council will adopt
the final 2026/27 Annual Plan at
The Repco Supercars Championship will be held in Christchurch for the first time
in April.
the end of the month. This may
include a decision on the future
of ratepayer-owned fibre broadband
company Enable.
With the Government’s rates
cap putting pressure on budgets,
Mayor Phil Mauger and
some right-leaning city councillors
support investigating the
sale of Enable. The debate will
be contentious. Some sale proceeds
could be used to reduce
debt and form a protected
investment fund. Although the
proposal has not been formally
introduced yet, it could form
part of the Annual Plan process.
July
• The All Blacks will play
France in their first home test
of the season at One New Zealand
Stadium on July 4, marking
the first major test in Christchurch
since the 2011 earthquake
and kicking off the inaugural
Nations Championship. Tickets
go on sale in March.
August
• New Zealand’s largest
sustainable lifestyle show,
the Go Green Expo, returns to
Christchurch from August 8-9 at
Wolfbrook Arena.
September
• The national Short Course
Swimming Championships
comes back to Christchurch for
the first time since 2010 with
the new pool facilities open at
Parakiore Recreation and Sport
Centre.
The event from September 27
to October 1 is expected to draw
top swimmers from across the
country.
October
• The 2026 General Election
is likely to be held between
September and November.
Five Christchurch-based
electorates are up for grabs,
while two incumbent Labour
MPs – Megan Woods and
Duncan Webb – are not
standing for re-election.
In Woods’ traditionally safe
red seat of Wigram, boundary
redrawing could make it a
battleground.
Labour has selected tech
consultant Dominik Yanzick
as its candidate to replace
Woods, while National has
again selected accountant Tracy
Summerfield.
In Webb’s seat, Christchurch
Central, neither major party
has selected a candidate
yet.
National MP Hamish
Campbell will stand again in
Ilam with no Labour candidate
confirmed yet. In Christchurch
East, incumbent Labour MP
Reuben Davidson will stand
for re-election with no National
candidate confirmed.
It is a rematch in Banks
Peninsula with Labour’s Tracey
McLellan trying to take back
Funding for the mothballed Christ
Church cathedral will be considered as
part of the Annual Plan process.
the seat she lost to incumbent
Vanessa Weenink in 2023.
November
• The annual Royal A&P Show
of New Zealand, formerly the
Christchurch A&P Show, is set
to be held on November 12-14.
After previous financial woes,
the 2025 show was generally
considered successful but no
financial figures for the event
have been revealed yet.
December
• The Ōmōkihi South Library
and Customer Service Hub
is scheduled to open at 66
Colombo St in Beckenham,
serving the southern suburbs.
The $32m rebuild project
started mid-last year and
replaces the former South
Library which was demolished
due to earthquake damage.
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The Star, January 15, 2026
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Professor makes
history with global
astronomy medal
A Canterbury University mathematics
professor has become the first person
based outside the United Kingdom to
receive a prestigious international
medal for research into the history of
astronomy.
Professor Clemency Montelle, head of
UC’s school of mathematics and statistics
has been awarded the Agnes Mary
Clerke Medal for historical research in
astronomy or geophysics by the UK’s
Royal Astronomical Society. The medal is
presented every three years.
The 2026 award recognises Montelle’s
research into the history of astronomy,
particularly her work on Indian
mathematical astronomy and other premodern
astronomical traditions, and the
connections between them.
Her scholarship draws on a rare combination
of skills, including advanced
mathematics, ancient languages and cultural
history, and has helped challenge
long-standing biases in how astronomical
knowledge has been studied and
understood.
Much of Montelle’s work involves
tracking down rare manuscripts in
libraries and archives around the world
and translating their technical content.
Her research has uncovered sophisticated
mathematical ideas developed
centuries earlier than previously recognised,
including through the analysis of
Sanskrit astronomical tables.
Originally from the United States,
Montelle completed her PhD at Brown
University and reads Ancient Greek,
Latin, Sanskrit and Classical Arabic. She
has also helped bring historical research
into the digital age, developing software
Professor Clemency Montelle has been awarded the Agnes Mary Clerke
Medal (right) for her research into the history of astronomy, particularly
her work on Indian mathematical astronomy and other pre-modern
astronomical traditions.
to analyse ancient numerical data and
creating tools that allow complex scripts
and mathematical notation to be displayed
accurately online.
Montelle said the Royal Astronomical
Society award is a significant
recognition.
“I am delighted and honoured to
starnews.co.nz
receive the Agnes Mary Clerke Medal.
“It is especially meaningful to be
recognised for work exploring the
deep historical roots of astronomical
knowledge across cultures, and for the
collaborative work, mentorship and
community-building that make this
scholarship possible,” she said.
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starnews.co.nz The Star, January 15, 2026
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The Star, January 15, 2026
starnews.co.nz
The Way
We Were
It was a valiant push that
paid off.
Malvern Scout group
members pushed Sam Sword
on a toilet from Cathedral
Square to New Brighton
to raise funds to get to
the Australian National
Jamboree.
The Scouts needed to raise
$2000 for each of the nine
members to attend the
three-week jamboree in
Ballarat in January 1992.
Scout leader Philip Duval
told The Press the Scouts’
departure capped off months
of fundraising, including
garage sales, auctions, and
a 16,300-ticket raffle for
SCOUTS
a car, donated by Garry
Donnithorne Toyota.
The seven boys and two
girls were the only ones
from Canterbury going to the
jamboree, which drew 14,000
participants.
The Scouting movement
started in New Zealand
in 1908, the same year
Lord Robert Baden-Powell
launched it in the UK. It aims
to empower young people
through adventure and
challenge to be ready for life,
starting with Kea, then Cubs,
Scouts, Venturers and Rovers.
About 13,000 young people
are members of Scouts
Aotearoa.
Hoon Hay Cubs promoting a free shoe shine at Hillmorton Shopping Centre in 1988 to attract members. From left, Dwayne
Key, Timothy Brawn, Jonathon Gilliver, Kelly Day and Anaur Gray.
Mairehau Scouts Matthew Mills,
Matthew Charlies and Michael Smith in
a tug-of-war in 1982; Scouts planting
trees above Evans Pass Road in 1966;
Lyttelton Sea Scouts Owen Austin and
Adam St John checking life jackets at
the National Scout Regatta in 1986.
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starnews.co.nz The Star, January 15, 2026
REAL ESTATE
Move in Ready Northwood Gem
5 Millpark Place, Northwood
Auction: Thurs 29 Jan at 11am (Unless Sold Prior)
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas,
2 separate toilets, 228m² floor, 510m² land,
2 car garaging, 3 off-street parks - BE27244
Open Homes: Sat 17 Jan 11am-12pm, Sun 18 Jan
10:30-11.30am & Wed 21 Jan (please see website)
ADVERTISING FEATURE
This well-presented permanent-material home,
built in the 2000s, offers low-maintenance
living in a sought-after Northwood location.
The property is part of the prestigious Styx
Mill Country Club, offering unlimited use of
indoor pool, gym, tennis courts, and sauna
and spa facilities to the lucky new owners.
A large welcoming entryway leads through
to a spacious open-plan kitchen complete
with a generous walk in pantry, a living and
dining area that flows seamlessly out to the
tidy, easy-care garden-perfect for relaxing or
entertaining with the added bonus of a garden
shed and raised vege garden.
A separate lounge provides an ideal second
living space or quiet retreat. Accommodation
includes three generous bedrooms with walk
in wardrobe and ensuite in the main bedroom
and a well-appointed bathroom, ensuring
comfort for families or guests. The internalaccess
garage includes practical laundry facilities.
Set among similar quality homes in a peaceful
cul-de-sac, the property enjoys convenient
proximity to the Northwood Shopping Centre
and local amenities.
The vendor is cashing up their rental and
moving on to other projects-presenting a
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Debbie Pettigrew
Mob. 027 777 0411
Harcourts Grenadier Beckenham
Phone 03 337 1316
(Licensed Agent REAA 2008)
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

The Star, January 15, 2026
starnews.co.nz
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Discover the joy of learning with Risingholme
Risingholme’s brand new 2026
programme is live and ready for
enrolments. With over 300+ courses and
workshops offered annually, there is no
shortage of things to learn.
This year’s programme is packed with
familiar favourites as well as a suite
of brand new courses and workshops
across a range of topics including:
Computer and Digital Skills - learn
basic tech literacy and get the most
out of your devices with courses like
Getting to Know your Computer and
Getting to Know your iPhone. For those
looking to make sense of spreadsheets,
Risingholme is offering Excel
Spreadsheets courses for beginners and
for advanced users throughout the year.
In the health and wellbeing space,
the new courses emphasize gentle
movement and adaptability. Try Tai Chi
Yang Style, Chiball Exercise, or Easy
Stretching and Chair Yoga to find the
type of movement that not only feels
good but does good for your mind and
body. Risingholme is also one of the few
organizations offering a course in the
Ronnie Gardiner Method. This multisensory
exercise uses rhythm, music,
verbalisation and movement to work
the brain making it an excellent exercise
for healthy aging as well as for those
living with neurological conditions or
during recovery from events like stroke.
If you’re a foodie or want to get
the most out of seasonal ingredients,
come experience a Dehydration
Demonstration and Testing and learn
handy tips about this long-standing
food preservation method. For those
just beginning their cooking journey,
Cooking for Beginners is where you will
learn the basics of making tasty and
nutritious food.
If you have limited time or want to
try adult and community education
without committing to a full course,
consider enrolling in short 1-2 day
workshops which can give you a taste
of what learning at Risingholme is like,
and leave you with skills that can last a
lifetime. Term 1 offers lots of workshops
across sewing and fabric arts, including
Pattern making and a Fabric Painting –
Vintage Bottles and Jars Workshop.
Risingholme’s courses are for the
curious beginners, and for those with
some experience looking to extend
their skills and further explore their
interests. Visit www.risingholme.org.
nz to view the full programme and
enrol to discover the joy of learning
something new.
Term 1 Night Classes at Papanui
Thinking of a New
Years Resolution? Trying
something new is
always a great place to
start and Papanui High
School has a wide range
of choices. If you are
looking to keep fit and
active we have Yoga,
Pilates, Tai Chi, Strengh-
2Balance and Zumba to
choose from. Creativity
is well catered for with
Basket Weaving, Guitar,
Ukulele, Photography, Stone Carving
and Art. Or if you want to get creative
in the kitchen, we have Indian, Spanish
With an election approaching, bringing
social and political questions into
focus, gain an understanding of politics
in Term 1. To vote with confidence join
Civics 101 - Quentin Findlay (Mon 16
Feb, 5 weeks, 6.30–8pm) who introduces
central and local government and interest
groups in a clear, grounded way.
In Politics Made Plain - Michael Couch
(Tue 3 Mar, 5 weeks, 12.30–2.30pm)
explains how electorates and Parliament
work including MMP.
Stimulating courses, “Our Changing
Oceans” and “Understanding the
Treaty” will expand your horizons. Or,
indulge yourself with Cooking, Screenwriting
or Zentangling.
A Tale of Two Heists by Dr Rosie
and South American Cuisines on
offer. For the practical creative
we have Woodwork, Sewing, Candle
Making, Willow Obelisks and
Upholstery.
New on offer this term are Philosophy,
Spanish Conversation,
Brand Building and Digital Marketing
for Small Businesses and
Understanding Autism (ASD).
Term 1 courses begin the
week of 9 February. For a
complete list of courses and
to enroll, visit our website,
https://www.papanui.school.nz/comedu/categories
phone 03 3520701 or
email ace@papanui.school.nz.
Broaden Your Horizons in 2026 at CWEA
Ibbotson (Tue 10 Feb, 12.30–2pm, $12)
examines recent high profile thefts
from the Louvre. Learn what these
reveal about how societies value art,
how museums construct meaning and
respond to changing expectations.
In Power Foods for the Brain
- Katarina Tawiri (Sat 21 Feb,
9.30am–12.30pm, $28) focuses on brain
health and ageing well through diet.
She demonstrates low fat, plant based
recipes backed by research. Students
receive handouts of economical recipes,
using nutrient dense key foods and
supplements.
For more details or to enrol, visit
www.cwea.org.nz or drop in to 59
Gloucester Street.
What will you delve into now?
Courses, events & workshops: arts, science,
history, writing, cooking and more
Affordable prices, central city location
Secondhand bookshop 10am-3pm
Roopu kaimahi matauranga o waitaha
Canterbury Workers’ Educational
Association
CWEA, 59 Gloucester St, Chch. www.cwea.org.nz 03 366 0285

starnews.co.nz The Star, January 15, 2026
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Make 2026 your year to read and understand the Bible!
The Bible is the world’s best selling
book, and also holds the record for
being translated into more languages
than any other book. This means that
almost any person on earth can have
access to the Bible and read or hear the
words which have changed the course
of history so often. No other book is
so widely quoted or so widely studied.
More books are written about the
Bible than any other book. The Bible
has endured thousands of years of copying
by hand, yet it appears to have
remained almost unchanged. It has
been burned, banned and outlawed
many times. For example, in 1408 England
passed the following law: “that no
one henceforth on his own authority
translate any text of Holy Scripture into
English or other language . . . and that
no book of this kind be read.” Those who
did translate it into English (such as William
Tyndale) were killed. Others were
burnt at the stake for saying the Lord’s
prayer in English. Only a few years ago,
it was a criminal offence in many communist
countries to have a Bible in your
possession. Even when it was possible
to own a Bible in days gone by, it might
have been the only book owned by a
family, and was read and treasured,
memorised and discussed. But in today’s
busy world, with so many books and so
much information, it is much less well
known. The Bible is a book of amazing
diversity - a mixture of enchanting
history, beautiful poetry, remarkable
prophecies, great wisdom, simple proverbs
and difficult teaching. At its core
is one key message: ‘God wants you to
turn to Him!!’ The Old Testament tells of
events from the creation of man. It gives
God’s word as it related particularly to
the people of Israel. In contrast, the New
Testament records God working with
people through his son, Jesus Christ.
In the New Testament it becomes clear
that God’s promises are to all people,
not just to Israelites. How is the Bible
still around after so many years, with so
much controversy around it? Many have
even risked their lives for it. So what is
it all about? But more importantly how
does it relate to US? If you have always
wanted to know more about this amazing
book, this is your opportunity. You
are invited to come along this year to
some Bible reading groups that are
relaxed, informative and friendly, to
bring any questions that you might have
and to take time to read, discuss, and
learn together.
Make 2026 your year to read and
understand the Bible!
This is an entirely free event (you
won’t ever be asked for money), and is
run by volunteers from the Christadelphian
community. No pressure is ever
applied as we believe in freely providing
everyone with the tools to begin
reading the Bible for themselves and
so discover a real treasure. The classes
are specifically designed for people who
don’t have any level of Bible knowledge,
and free Bibles are available if you need
them.
If you would like to find out more
but are unable to attend these groups,
we welcome you to view some online
seminars at www.onlinebibleseminars.com
on Exploring the Bible and
Bible Study Made Easy.

The Star, January 15, 2026
starnews.co.nz
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Discover the joy of music at the Christchurch School of Music
For 70 years, the Christchurch School of
Music (CSM) has been at the heart of Canterbury’s
musical life—nurturing talent,
inspiring creativity, and building a warm,
family-friendly community where music
truly comes alive.
Whether you’re taking your very first
musical steps or looking to refine your
performance skills, CSM offers something
for everyone. From toddlers to retirees,
absolute beginners to advanced performers,
the school’s doors are open to all who
want to experience the joy of music.
A place for the whole family
Saturday mornings at CSM are alive
with energy. Young children from 2-8
sing, dance and play their way through
“Take Off with Music” classes experiencing
the elements of music in a playful
engaging way or begin their instrumental
journey with Suzuki strings from
age 4½. Six-year-olds can start with the
recorder—an ideal foundation for future
musical learning.
Older children, teens, and adults can
have lessons across a wide range of
instruments including voice. Whether you
dream of playing violin, swinging in a big
band, or performing with an orchestra,
there’s a pathway waiting for you.
The lifelong value of music
Music enriches life at every stage—
boosting development in young children,
enhancing focus and creativity in teens,
and offering adults a powerful outlet for
expression, stress relief, and community
connection. Older adults benefit too,
with music supporting memory, cognitive
health, and emotional wellbeing.
Learning an instrument or singing in a
group strengthens confidence, brings joy,
and keeps minds active. At CSM, people
of all ages discover that it is never too
early—or too late—to experience the
transformative power of music.
Join an ensemble and find your sound
CSM is home to one of the most diverse
ensemble programmes in the region.
With:
• Four orchestras
• Two concert bands
• A Big Band, jazz combo and rock bands
• Wind ensembles, flute choirs and
recorder ensembles
• A children’s choir
• A percussion ensemble
…there’s a place for every skill level
and musical interest. These groups provide
an encouraging environment to
grow, collaborate, and perform—whether
you’re stepping on stage for the first time
or polishing your technique for the next
big concert.
Start your musical journey today
If you’ve ever thought about learning
an instrument, singing in a choir, or joining
an ensemble, now is the perfect time.
Come along to the Try an Instrument Day
on Saturday 24 January in the Avonhead
School Hall between 10am and 1pm
Visit www.csm.org.nz or find the
Christchurch School of Music on Facebook
to learn more, explore programmes,
and get involved.
Bountiful berries
Don’t get fooled into wanting the
biggest of strawberries, writes Nigel
Slater, the small ones are often the
most flavoursome
STRAWBERRIES WITH
LEMON RICOTTA ICE CREAM
Serves 4. Ready in 2-4 hours
Ingredients
For the ricotta ice cream:
125g caster sugar
125ml water
2 Tbsp lemon juice
500g ricotta
For the strawberries:
4 passionfruit
a little black pepper
juice of a small orange
400g ripe strawberries
Method
• Make the ice cream: Put the sugar and
water into a saucepan and place over the
heat until the sugar has dissolved. This
may well be before the water has boiled.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool,
then chill thoroughly.
• Whisk in the lemon juice and ricotta,
then pour into an ice-cream machine
and churn until
almost frozen.
Transfer to a
freezer box and
store in the deep
freeze until
needed.
• To serve: Cut
the passionfruit
in half and put the seeds and juice into a
small bowl.
• Grind in a little black pepper. Stir in the
orange juice. Remove the hulls from the
berries, slice the fruits thickly, then stir
them into the passionfruit and orange.
• Cover the bowl and set aside in a cool
place (not the fridge) for half an hour or
so, then eat with the ricotta and lemon
ice-cream.
​
STRAWBERRY SORBET
Serves 6. Ready in 2-4 hours
The syrup needs to be completely cool
before you start to churn the sorbet.
I make the syrup the day before and
chill in the fridge or cool it quickly over
ice cubes. The best flavour will come from
using berries that are scarlet right through,
rather than those that are white inside.
Ingredients
150g caster sugar
120ml water
350g ripe strawberries
juice of half a lemon
Method
• Put the sugar and water in a saucepan
and bring to the boil. Remove from the
heat as soon as the sugar has dissolved and
leave to cool.
• Hull the berries,
then whiz them in a
food processor until
smooth. Add the
lemon juice, then
stir into the chilled
syrup.
• Pour the
mixture into an
ice-cream churn
and mix until almost frozen or, if you are
proceeding by hand, tip into a chilled
freezer box and place in the deep freeze
for about 2 hours until partially frozen, stir
the edges into the softer middle and return
to the freezer for a further hour.
• Repeat the stirring of the edges into the
middle until the sorbet is fully frozen.
Try an Instrument!
Try out the instruments with some help from
our friendly CSM tutors. A relaxed, fun, way to
find the instrument that best suits you.
SATURDAY
24 JANUARY
10.00am - 1.00pm
AVONHEAD
SCHOOL HALL
55 Avonhead Rd
Modern living. Timeless care.
For over 60 years,
we’ve provided
professional,
compassionate care
in a serene setting.
When it’s time to transition from living
at home into a more comprehensive
support environment, WesleyCare is
the right choice. We offer a range of
affordable options, from rest home and
hospital level care through to respite and
palliative care. Our experienced staff build
genuine relationships with residents, and
our purpose-built facilities provide all the
comforts of a warm, modern home.
ENTRY BY KOHA
www.wesleycare.nz
91 Harewood Road, Papanui
Call WesleyCare Manager Donna Coxshall
on 03 375 1189 to arrange a visit

starnews.co.nz The Star, January 15, 2026
HARCOURTS GOLD
TOP20
PERFORMERS
DECEMBER 2025
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REDWOOD
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PAPANUI
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PAPANUI
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SPITFIRE SQUARE
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PAPANUI
11
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LICENSED AGENT REAA 2008

The Star, January 15, 2026
starnews.co.nz
CROSSWORD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20
433
SUDOKU
Every row, column and box should
contain the digits 1 to 9.
WordBuilder
WORDBUILDER
E G R
I D B
6
333 333
I D B
many words of three or more letters,
How
including
many
plurals,
words
can you
of
make
three
from
or
the
more
six
letters, using each letter only once? No foreign
How words or beginning with a capital are
from many
allowed.
the words
There's
six letters, of three
at least one
using or more
six-letter
each letters,
word.
only
including once? plurals, can you make from the six
TODAY
letters, Good using 19 each Very letter Good only 24 once? Excellent No 30 foreign
No words beginning with a capital are
words Solution or words 332: ace, beginning aced, acre, with acred, a adze, capital arc, are
allowed. allowed. arced, are, There's cad, There’s cadre, at least car, at card, one least care, six-letter one cared, six-letter
cedar, word.
word. craze, CRAZED, cred, czar, dace, dare, daze, dear,
ear, era, race, raced, TODAY rad, raze, razed, read, red.
Good 19 Very Good 24 Excellent 30
Solution 332: ace, aced, acre, acred, adze, arc,
arced, are, cad, cadre, car, card, care, cared, cedar,
craze, CRAZED, cred, czar, dace, dare, daze, dear,
ear, era, race, raced, rad, raze, razed, read, red.
letters, including plurals, can you make
21 22 23 24
25 26
27 28
Across
1. Momentum (7)
5. Substance also known as marsh
gas (7)
9. Scour (5)
10. Infamous (9)
11. Anyone or everyone (3,6)
12. Musical instrument (5)
13. Poisonous (5)
15. Disentangle, get free (9)
18. Minor point, distraction (4,5)
19. Unspoken (5)
21. Incendiarism (5)
23. Amenable, open to reason (9)
25. A life of luxury and indulgence
(5,4)
26. Requirements (5)
27. Boundless (7)
28. Chance your arm (colloq) (3,2,2)
Decoder
Down
1. Immediate (7)
2. Puzzled (9)
3. Forbidden (5)
4. Foolish (9)
5. School subject (5)
6. Anarchist (9)
7. Amidst (5)
8. Nature, character (7)
14. Customers (9)
16. Forthright, emphatic (9)
17. Building designer (9)
18. Wrap (a baby) (7)
20. Act of betrayal against the state
(7)
22. Not gas or liquid (5)
23. Traces (5)
24. Unit of imperial currency (5)
Crossword
Across: 1. Impetus, 5. Methane, 9. Scrub, 10. Notorious, 11. All comers,
12. Organ, 13. Toxic, 15. Extricate, 18. Side issue, 19. Tacit, 21. Arson, 23.
Receptive, 25. Dolce vita, 26. Needs, 27. Endless, 28. Try it on.
Down: 1. Instant, 2. Perplexed, 3. Taboo, 4. Senseless, 5. Maths, 6.
Terrorist, 7. Among, 8. Essence, 14. Clientele, 16. Trenchant, 17. Architect,
18. Swaddle, 20. Treason, 22. Solid, 23. Reins, 24. Penny.
WordBuilder
Bed, beg, berg, bid, bide, bier, big, bird, bred, bride, BRIDGE, brig, deb,
die, dig, dire, dirge, dreg, drib, erg, gibe, gibed, giber, gird, grid, ire, rebid,
red, rib, ride, ridge, rig.
DECODER
Each number represents a different 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.
All puzzles copyright
T H E P U Z Z L E C O M P A N Y
www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz
Sudoku