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North Canterbury News: January 22, 2026

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Thursday, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong> | Issue 1179 | www.starnews.co.nz<br />

Waimakariri<br />

Hurunui<br />

15 MARCH <strong>2026</strong><br />

Seeinsidepages 39-47<br />

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

Alast hoorah for Muscle Car organiser<br />

ByROBYN BRISTOW<br />

Muscle Car Madness <strong>2026</strong> is Craig<br />

Stare’s last hoorah as the man­in­charge<br />

of organising the world­renowned event.<br />

Craig only envisaged it running for a<br />

couple of years, but it took on its own<br />

momentum and has rumbled on in the<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> town of Rangiora for<br />

more than three decades.<br />

This weekend is the 36th anniversary<br />

of the Trillo Metals Muscle Car Madness<br />

event, with Craig steering the show<br />

which has ahuge economic impact to<br />

the town, for the last time.<br />

He has sold MCM to former All Black,<br />

and car enthusiast, Brodie Retallick,<br />

who is plying his trade on the rugby<br />

fields of Japan.<br />

He takes over ownership at the end of<br />

March.<br />

‘‘Its time to go,’’ says Craig, who finds<br />

the endless red tape in this day and age<br />

challenging.<br />

‘‘Brodie was born in Rangioraand has<br />

extended family in Amberley.<br />

‘‘This will be life after rugby.<br />

‘‘He has been coming to the showin<br />

Rangiora since he was achild, and he is<br />

really excited about his new venture,’’<br />

Craig says.<br />

Craig began the event 36 years ago,<br />

thinking at the time it would be agreat<br />

spot for afamily picnic weekend.<br />

Atotal of 44 cars rolled into town.<br />

Today the tally reaches well over 1000<br />

and rising.<br />

‘‘It just kept doubling in size.<br />

‘‘I never expected it to still be going 36<br />

years on,’’ the busy organiser says.<br />

‘‘When Istarted it up, Ithought it<br />

would be cool if it lasted acouple of<br />

years.’’<br />

International recognition through<br />

magazine exposure boosted its<br />

popularity even further, and it has been<br />

hard to put the brakes on it since.<br />

‘‘So, if you are apetrolheadofany age,<br />

this is the place to go, smack in the<br />

middle of the South Island at the A&P<br />

showgrounds in the beautiful country<br />

town of Rangiora, just 27 kilometres<br />

from Christchurch,’’ Craig said back in<br />

the day.<br />

He is not turning his back on the show.<br />

He will be about forthe next one as a<br />

‘‘mascot onthe bonnet of acar, or aflag<br />

on an aerial’’, he jokes.<br />

But organising the event has been<br />

anything but ajoke for the past decade<br />

or so.<br />

The hurdles he has had to clear, police<br />

demands over the twin town cruise<br />

through Kaiapoi and Rangiora on the<br />

Thursday evening, and having to placate<br />

afew neighbours of the showgrounds at<br />

times, has taken alot of joy out of the<br />

event.<br />

The final straw is now having to apply<br />

for aResource Consent to hold the<br />

event.<br />

Fortunately the council has helped<br />

with the cost of this paperwork.<br />

‘‘It is such aspectacle for the area.<br />

‘‘Rangioradoesn’t really have any<br />

other draw card, and has put it on the<br />

world stage,’’ he says.<br />

But the after 36 years, Craig says it has<br />

lost abit of its ‘‘sparkle’’ for him.<br />

‘‘I love it when it all begins to happen,’’<br />

he says. But he is not afan of modern<br />

technology, and tackling the internet to<br />

run the business, bookings, and organise<br />

the event.<br />

‘‘That is all beyond me.<br />

‘‘It has been fun, but it is time to go.’’<br />

Muscle Car Madness show opens on<br />

Saturday, <strong>January</strong> 24, and Sunday,<br />

<strong>January</strong> 25, 9am to 4pm. Adults $20,<br />

under 16 free.<br />

The ‘‘Twin Town’’ cruise is on this<br />

evening, Thursday, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>. It starts<br />

from Rangiora High School just before<br />

7pm and heads to Kaiapoi, then back to<br />

Rangiora.<br />

Time to go ... Craig Stare (right), seals the<br />

deal to sell Muscle Car Madness to former<br />

All Black, Brodie Retallick.<br />

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NEWS<br />

2 <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

The ARC leads to new project<br />

ByROBYN BRISTOW<br />

Establishing The ARC, ashared<br />

women’s housing community in<br />

Rangiora for women, has beenfar<br />

more ‘‘rewarding than it has been<br />

challenging’’, says founder Cara<br />

Gullick.<br />

The shared living concept, offering<br />

comfort, stability, and independence,<br />

follows the transformation of the<br />

former Mangatere Alternative<br />

Education Centre,which hasproved<br />

popular.<br />

But Cara says The Arc,where there<br />

are one or two vacancies, hasnot met<br />

the demand for accommodation in the<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> town.<br />

Having to turn somany away<br />

because they were were not single<br />

women has now led to asecond<br />

project.<br />

Cara says this project, will offer an<br />

opportunity for acheaper alternative<br />

retirement option to aretirement<br />

village, will cater for all genders, and<br />

couples.<br />

‘‘I am helping with managing the<br />

redevelopment of ablock of units.<br />

‘‘We will have affordable selfcontainedand<br />

furnished studio units,<br />

and one­bedroom units becoming<br />

available from mid­to­late February.<br />

‘‘These units are suitablefor all<br />

genders and are availabletoboth<br />

younger and older people.’’<br />

Cara says the units will be ideal as a<br />

retirement option, with no buy­in or<br />

exit­costs.<br />

She says both the ARC and the new<br />

accommodationare conveniently<br />

located within walking distance of<br />

Rangiora’s main street.<br />

‘‘The properties offer off­street<br />

parking and are very close to bus stops<br />

and local amenities, providing easy<br />

access to everything needed for<br />

comfortableday­to­day living.’’<br />

Waimak Mayor takes on new role<br />

By DAVIDHILL,<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

Reporters<br />

ShelleyTopp<br />

027 404 6137<br />

John Cosgrove<br />

021 195 0284<br />

Advertising<br />

Amanda Keys<br />

027 536 6<strong>22</strong>4<br />

amanda.keys@ncnews.co.nz<br />

Claire Oxnam<br />

claire.oxnam@ncnews.co.nz<br />

027 387 0464<br />

Glenys Sheehan<br />

027 285 6893<br />

glenys.sheehan@ncnews.co.nz<br />

Get in touch<br />

Phone:03313 2840 or 03 3148335<br />

14 Ashley Street, Rangiora<br />

www.starnews.co.nz<br />

Editorial&Advertising:<br />

info@ncnews.co.nz<br />

Distribution:deliveries@alliedmedia.co.nz<br />

15 MARCH <strong>2026</strong><br />

Dan Gordon is confident his new role<br />

with Local Government New Zealand<br />

(LGNZ) will not detract from his work as<br />

Waimakariri mayor.<br />

Mr Gordon was elected LGNZ vicepresident<br />

late last year by the<br />

organisation’s national council,<br />

following the resignation of president<br />

Sam Broughton, who lost the Selwyn<br />

mayoralty in October’s election.<br />

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stolz has<br />

steppedupfrom vice­president into the<br />

topjob.<br />

‘‘My priority will always be to the<br />

people of Waimakariri, who have<br />

elected me, but this role will allow me a<br />

position of greater advocacy for our<br />

residents,ratepayers and for the whole<br />

region,’’ Mr Gordon said.<br />

‘‘This is an unprecedented time in<br />

local government with the tsunami of<br />

central government reform that is<br />

sweeping over us.<br />

‘‘I had not expected it, but Ihad the<br />

opportunity to be elected by the national<br />

council and Iwas encouraged to do it,<br />

and Igave it alot of thought.’’<br />

He said his role is to support Ms Stolz,<br />

in her role as president<br />

Mr Gordon previously stood for LGNZ<br />

president in 2023, but was defeated by<br />

Mr Broughton.<br />

He has served as zone 5(top half of the<br />

South Island) chairperson, arole which<br />

has seen him serve on the national<br />

council.<br />

‘‘Having been the zone 5rep on the<br />

national council, Iwas aware of the<br />

workload, soIfeel Ican manage it and<br />

continue to prioritise the local<br />

community.’’<br />

Apriority for LGNZ will be appointing<br />

anew chief executive, following the<br />

resignation of Susan Freeman­Greene<br />

last year.<br />

Advocating for local government in<br />

the face ofchange will be afocus for the<br />

new vice­president.<br />

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Several councils around the country,<br />

including Auckland and Christchurch,<br />

have withdrawn their membership from<br />

LGNZ.<br />

But the Waimakariri District Council<br />

has stood firm in its support for the<br />

national body, Mr Gordon said.<br />

‘‘Now more than ever, LGNZ must<br />

return to being the highly effective<br />

advocacy body it once was.<br />

‘‘One that elevates the voice of local<br />

government clearly and credibly to<br />

decision makers.<br />

‘‘With the pace and scale of reform<br />

under way, the best outcomes for our<br />

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bring us together.’’<br />

Mr Gordon’s first public engagement<br />

as LGNZ vice­president will be<br />

representing the national body at<br />

WaitangiDay commemorations at<br />

Waitanginext month.<br />

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Thursday,July31, 2025 | I sue 157 | www.starnews.co.nz<br />

By DAVID HI L,<br />

LocalDemocracy Reporter<br />

It was hailed as a ‘one­stop shop ’ to<br />

make it quicker and easier to build<br />

major projects when it pa sed into law<br />

last December.<br />

But none of the five <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

projects included in the Government’s<br />

Fast­track A provals Act have<br />

progre sed beyond being ‘listed ’<br />

projects in the fast­track proce s.<br />

They were among 149 projects listed<br />

in the legislation.<br />

In astatementreleased last w ek,<br />

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop<br />

and Regional Development Minister<br />

Shane Jones said around 50 of the 149<br />

projects had lodged substantive<br />

a plications with the Environmental<br />

Protection Authority (EPA), since the<br />

a provals regime was established in<br />

February.<br />

Of those, none have b en a proved so<br />

far, with the first eight expected to be<br />

signed o f by the end of theyear.<br />

Proposed housing developments at<br />

Ōhoka, W odend and west Rangiora<br />

were listed in the legislation, along with<br />

the W odend Bypa s and the Amuri<br />

I rigation Company Ltd’s Balmoral<br />

water storage facility and fish scr en.<br />

An EPA spokespersonhas confirmed<br />

none of the five <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

projects have lodged substantivefasttrack<br />

a plications.<br />

Developersofalisted projectcan<br />

a ply to the EPA where an ‘expert<br />

panel’ wi l a se s the projectand<br />

consult with ‘directly a fected groups ’.<br />

Panel convenors determine the extent<br />

of the consultation, meaning the is no<br />

guarant e local communities wi l have a<br />

say.<br />

There isnotimeframe foralisted<br />

projec to lodge an a plication, the<br />

spokesperson said.<br />

When the project list was a nounced<br />

in October last year, Mr Bishop pointed<br />

the finger at councils for creating the<br />

housing crisis.<br />

‘Speaking in general terms, councils<br />

have contributed to our housing crisis<br />

by being overly picky about where<br />

houses can be built, ’ he said a the time.<br />

The W odend and west Rangiora<br />

developments have since b en included<br />

in the new WaimakaririDistrict Plan<br />

adopted last month, meaning theymay<br />

not n ed to be fast­tracked.<br />

Amuri I rigation Company<br />

chairperson David Croft said the<br />

company anticipated aresource consent<br />

would be granted by Environment<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> (ECan) in the next few<br />

months, after it was lodged in 2023.<br />

‘It l oks like the normal consenting<br />

proce s wi l be faster.Insome waysit<br />

would be the ideal situation because<br />

everybody has had the chance to have<br />

their say in asystem they are familiar<br />

with. ’<br />

A$20m loan from the Government’s<br />

Regional Infrastructure Fund was<br />

a nounced earlier this month for the<br />

Balmoral water storageproject.<br />

The proposed Ōhoka development<br />

was rejected from the District Plan,<br />

after aprivate plan change request was<br />

rejected by an independent<br />

commi sioner in November 2023.<br />

It issti l subjec to an Environment<br />

Court a peal.<br />

An Environment Court spokesperson<br />

said the a pe lant, Carter Group, has<br />

b en directed to advise the court by<br />

August 2 ‘how or whether it intends to<br />

proc ed ’.<br />

Waimakariri District Council<br />

development pla ning managerMa t<br />

Bacon said under the new District Plan,<br />

the site of the proposed Ohoka<br />

development is zoned rura lifestyle.<br />

It mean the farmland could be subdivided<br />

into 4ha lots, but not into an<br />

850­home development as proposed.<br />

Carter Group was contacted for<br />

comment but areply had notb en<br />

received by the time the <strong>North</strong><br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong> wen to print.<br />

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency<br />

has b en completing geotech reports as<br />

it continues scoping work for the<br />

proposed W odend Bypa s.<br />

LDR islocal body journalism cofunded<br />

by RNZ and NZ On Air.<br />

NEWS<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

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

Few utilising fast-track process<br />

Local government ... Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle (left), Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon, Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey, Hurunui Mayor<br />

Marie Black and Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith.<br />

PHOTO: FILE<br />

AGreater Christchurch mooted<br />

By DAVID HILL,<br />

Local DemocracyReporter<br />

AGreater Christchurch unitary council<br />

is ‘‘inevitable’’, says Waimakariri MP<br />

Matt Doocey.<br />

Mr Doocey, who is also aGovernment<br />

Minister, said in his view, the<br />

Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri<br />

councils should work towards forming a<br />

unitary council to replace Environment<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong>.<br />

‘‘In my view anew Greater<br />

Christchurch council is inevitable and a<br />

result of evolution rather than<br />

revolution.’’<br />

The <strong>Canterbury</strong> Mayoral Forum has<br />

been reviewing options for the futureof<br />

local government in the region and<br />

discussions have taken on some urgency<br />

since the Government announced its<br />

intention to abolish regional councils in<br />

November.<br />

Regional functions will fall to the<br />

mayors, who will have two years, from<br />

when the legislation passes, to develop a<br />

regional reorganisation plan, which will<br />

need to be approved by the Local<br />

Government Minister.<br />

The Christchurch City Council has<br />

previously proposed aunitarycouncil<br />

forthe city and Mayor Phil Mauger said<br />

the council was open to exploring a<br />

Greater Christchurch unitarycouncil.<br />

Hesaid the boundaries of a‘‘super<br />

city’’ had not been considered and there<br />

would need to be adiscussion with other<br />

councils and communities.<br />

‘‘Our council is considering the<br />

options and no decisions have been<br />

made yet. We will examine the options<br />

and consult with our community.’’<br />

MrMauger said <strong>Canterbury</strong> needed ‘‘a<br />

more integrated and efficient system’’.<br />

‘‘It is the right time to be having this<br />

conversation especially with the<br />

proposed rates cap, which will put more<br />

pressureonustofind efficiencies.’’<br />

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said<br />

no decisions have been made and all<br />

options are on the table.<br />

‘‘What we do know is that as acouncil,<br />

we stay veryclose to our communities,<br />

and we have astrong understanding of<br />

how much people value their local<br />

identity and local decision making.<br />

‘‘Our residents identify strongly as<br />

partofthis district, and that sense of<br />

connection matters.’’<br />

Mr Gordon said the council has<br />

established alocal government reform<br />

working group to consider the<br />

Government’s proposals and prepare a<br />

response.<br />

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black, who is<br />

the <strong>Canterbury</strong> Mayoral Forum’s deputy<br />

chair,said the region’s strength was its<br />

unity.<br />

‘‘I’m confident that as <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

mayors we would look at it with a<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> lens.<br />

‘‘In reality there are urban issues and<br />

thereare more rural issues, but that<br />

doesn’t mean we need to be divided and<br />

create athem and us scenario.’’<br />

She said whatever structure was<br />

settled on, there needed to be aregional<br />

perspective.<br />

‘‘River management crosses<br />

boundaries, it doesn’t separate from one<br />

district to the next, and when it comes to<br />

emergency management we work best<br />

when we all work together.<br />

‘‘It would seem to me there’s not a<br />

great deal of wisdom in separating it<br />

out.’’<br />

Kaikōura Mayor Craig Macklesaid<br />

change is coming, but the devil will be in<br />

the detail.<br />

‘‘A tsunami of change is coming and<br />

we haven’t got enough information to get<br />

our heads around it yet.<br />

‘‘I’m not opposed to anything. Just<br />

show me that it works and that we are<br />

not going to be worse off.’’<br />

Mr Mackle said regional functions<br />

could be delivered across the region<br />

through shared services between<br />

councils.<br />

Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith said he has<br />

seen ‘‘first­handthe benefits’’ of a<br />

unitary council through the<br />

Marlborough District Council.<br />

‘‘It has delivered efficiencies and<br />

helped keep the focus on core functions,<br />

which is something Ibelieve is crucial.<br />

He suggested the Kaikōura and<br />

Hurunui councils could ‘‘work well<br />

together under asimilar approach’’.<br />

LDR is local body journalism cofunded<br />

by RNZ and NZ On Air.<br />

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EST. 2003<br />

NEWS<br />

4 <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Young artists sought<br />

By JOHN COSGROVE<br />

Well­known mural artistMel Eaton, of<br />

Rangiora, is seeking young artists<br />

(aged 15 to 20 years) interested in<br />

learning the ins and outs of creating<br />

murals.<br />

‘‘We have amentoring opportunity<br />

for aproject we are undertaking in<br />

Kaiapoi, and Off The Wall ­Murals NZ<br />

are invitingyoung artists to join us on<br />

this project.’’<br />

She says it will be an excellent<br />

opportunity for young artistsinthe<br />

district to learn the basics of mural art<br />

and public art processes asthey work<br />

alongside experienced mural artists.<br />

‘‘They will learn how to design for<br />

the space they are working with, how to<br />

go from asketch to the full­size<br />

enlargement, what colours work and<br />

which don’t on amural, how to apply<br />

for funding and how public art works<br />

are constructed and created.’’<br />

Thanks to the support of Creative<br />

Communities funding, Off The Wall<br />

Murals is inviting youth artists to jump<br />

in on apublic mural project for the<br />

Chris Ruth Centre in Kaiapoi, which is<br />

beingundertaken this February.<br />

‘‘If you’ve ever thought “I’d love to try<br />

mural paintingbut have no idea where<br />

to start… then this is your moment.<br />

‘‘We’ll be mentoring you on the job,<br />

showing you the ropes and helping you<br />

buildconfidence with real­world<br />

mural skills.’’<br />

Mel says it is agreat way to be part of<br />

ameaningfullocal project. ‘‘Come for<br />

the full week oreven just one day and<br />

have some funasyou learn.’’<br />

She says there is asmall<br />

participation fee (the details will be<br />

provided on enquiry), and there may be<br />

more opportunities across the painting<br />

season too.<br />

‘‘Depending on the weather in<br />

February, it should only take aweek or<br />

acoupleofweekends to complete.’’<br />

Send yourexpression of interest<br />

telling Mel abit about yourself and<br />

your art to: offthewall.<br />

muralsnz@gmail.com. Spaces are<br />

limited.<br />

From nought to<br />

more than $34,000<br />

By DAVID HILL,<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

Ever wondered how much it costs to run<br />

for the job of mayor in <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong>?<br />

According to election expense returns<br />

filed by local mayoral candidates in the<br />

October 2025 elections it can cost from<br />

absolutely nothing up to $35,000,<br />

depending on where you live.<br />

Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle has<br />

declared azero budget.<br />

In contrast, Waimakariri Mayor Dan<br />

Gordon declared campaign expenses<br />

totalling $34,945.81, while Christchurch<br />

Mayor Phil Mauger spent $68,015.<br />

All three <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> mayors<br />

were re­elected for athird term —<br />

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black being<br />

returned unopposed —while Mr Mauger<br />

won asecond term.<br />

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001,<br />

candidates have spending limits based on<br />

population.<br />

The spending limits were $3500 in<br />

Kaikōura, $14,000 in Hurunui, $40,000 in<br />

Waimakariri and $70,000 in Christchurch.<br />

Donations in excess of $1500 also<br />

needed to be declared.<br />

While Mr Mackle had azero budget for<br />

his 942 vote majority, his opponents John<br />

Diver spent $1117.80 and Dave Anderson<br />

spent $916.50.<br />

None of the Kaikōura mayoral<br />

candidates declared any donations.<br />

Mr Mackle said he ran alow key<br />

campaign where he reused his old<br />

billboards.<br />

‘‘I went to the candidate meetings and I<br />

figured ‘they know me and if they want me<br />

they will vote for me’.<br />

‘‘I’m always out in the community —I<br />

don’t really do the office. You get to<br />

understand your community better if you<br />

are in amongst them.’’<br />

But he acknowledged this strategy<br />

might not work in alarger population<br />

area.<br />

Kaikōura had the highest percentage<br />

turnout in the country, with more than<br />

60% of votes returned.<br />

‘‘I guess when things get bigger, people<br />

feel less heard. It’s human nature,’’ Mr<br />

Mackle said.<br />

Mr Gordon defeated his rival Paul<br />

Williams by 10,634 votes.<br />

He declared total donations of<br />

$15,476.15, including in­kind donations<br />

(the use of acar, timber and fittings for<br />

billboards and campaign resources<br />

provided at no cost), opting to declare all<br />

of his individual donations —even those<br />

under $1500.<br />

Mr Williams stood as part of team of six<br />

candidates, known as Standing Together<br />

for Waimakariri, which collectively<br />

declared expenses of $34,640.37.<br />

The Standing Together for Waimakariri<br />

candidates declared $19,789.98 in<br />

donations, which were all under $1500, so<br />

were not declared.<br />

The donations were apportioned across<br />

the six candidates, with each candidate<br />

also making individual contributions to<br />

the campaign.<br />

Only one of the team of six candidates<br />

was successful. Tim Bartle was elected to<br />

the council from the Kaiapoi­Woodend<br />

ward.<br />

Mr Mauger won by 19,604 votes over his<br />

closest rival Sara Templeton.<br />

He declared $116,000 in donations.<br />

Ms Templeton spent $67,927.52 and<br />

declared donations of $29,463.<br />

LDR is local body journalism co­funded<br />

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Visitors enjoyHanmer Springs<br />

ByDAVID HILL,<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

Hanmer Springs is enjoying abusy<br />

summer, even if the weather isn’t<br />

always playing ball.<br />

Hurunui district councillor Tom<br />

Davies, who is basedinHanmer<br />

Springs, said heavy rain just after<br />

Christmas and recent high winds had<br />

‘‘put afew people off’’.<br />

But the town appeared to be busy.<br />

‘‘The roads have been busy and<br />

when the weather’s been good, it’s<br />

been fantastic.’’<br />

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools &<br />

Spa general manager Sarah Wiblin<br />

said she has found the summer<br />

weather alittle cooler than expected,<br />

after moving back to <strong>Canterbury</strong> from<br />

Auckland last year.<br />

‘‘The numbers have been<br />

reasonable considering it’s the middle<br />

of winter, right?<br />

‘‘I don’t think anyone would say that<br />

it’s been agreat start to the new year<br />

weather wise, but the rest of <strong>January</strong><br />

is looking great.’’<br />

Ms Wiblin said some new initiatives<br />

have been introducedtospeed up the<br />

queues to get visitors into the pools<br />

quicker and reduce wait times at the<br />

pool cafe.<br />

The village has been recovering<br />

from the October wind event, which<br />

flattened trees and closed numerous<br />

mountain bike trails.<br />

Hanmer Springs Mountain Bike<br />

Club chairperson Graham Frith said<br />

most of the trails were now open,<br />

including the popular Conical Hill<br />

Walk.<br />

But the Hanmer Springs Heritage<br />

Forest was closed while Matariki<br />

Forests Ltd conducts aharvest anda<br />

general clean up.<br />

Mr Frith said new trails were being<br />

Ready foraction... Graham Frith has been among the volunteers working to get the<br />

mountain bike trails open, following the October wind event.<br />

PHOTO: FILE<br />

created andnew events were planned,<br />

including the Hanmer Springs<br />

Mountain Bike Backyard Ultra<br />

beginningonMarch 7.<br />

Competitors will be required to<br />

complete a10.5km circuit and be<br />

readyonthe hour, every hour for the<br />

next circuit until one rider is left, he<br />

said.<br />

‘‘We’re hoping to get 60 to 70 riders.<br />

‘‘It’s going to be alot of fun.<br />

‘‘The local riders have been doing<br />

the circuit in 45 minutes, which means<br />

they will get a15minutes rest.<br />

‘‘But who knows how long it will take<br />

them after afew hours.<br />

‘‘It’sall about pace, not race.’’<br />

Mr Frith said he anticipates some<br />

riders willgofor 36 hours or longer.<br />

He said the town has been enjoying<br />

abusy summer.<br />

‘‘There’s been alot of people in town<br />

and alot of day trippers, and the<br />

accommodation providers have been<br />

looking full over the weekend.<br />

‘‘It’s been starting to ease up abit,<br />

but we’re hoping for some fine<br />

weather over the remainder of the<br />

school holidays and Waitangi<br />

Weekend.’’<br />

While she had not ventured to<br />

Hanmer Springs over the Christmas<br />

holiday period, Hurunui Mayor Marie<br />

Black said she has heard reports of the<br />

camping grounds around the Hurunui<br />

district being well supported.<br />

LDR is local body journalism cofunded<br />

by RNZ and NZ On Air.<br />

Her hip had otherplans<br />

Rosemary had plans for her retirement.<br />

Morning walks with friends, afternoons in<br />

the garden, weekends chasing grandchildren<br />

around thepark. Herhip hadother ideas.<br />

“It started gradually,” the 68-year-old<br />

recalls.“FirstI’d feel it afterlong walks. Then<br />

after short ones. Eventually Iwas feeling it<br />

just lying in bed trying toget comfortable at<br />

night.”<br />

Her hips began dictating her days. She’d<br />

decline invitations, knowing she’d pay for<br />

it later. The garden grew untidy. Visits from<br />

grandchildren became something to manage<br />

rather than enjoy.<br />

“My world was shrinking,” she admits. “I<br />

wasbecomingsomeone whosat andwatched<br />

rather than joined in.”<br />

Her daughter had noticed the change and<br />

left a bottle of Koru FX on Rosemary’s<br />

kitchenbench afterreadingabout thenatural<br />

cream in herlocal paper.<br />

“I wasn’t expecting much,” Rosemary<br />

admits. “But Imassaged some into myhip<br />

NEWS<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong> 5<br />

Call to stand for<br />

MainPower Trust<br />

The MainPower Trust is gearing up for its<br />

elections, which take place every three years.<br />

The trust oversees MainPower New Zealand<br />

Limited –the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> lines company that<br />

distributes electricity to homes and businesses<br />

across Waimakariri, Hurunui, Kaikōura and<br />

Stewarts Gully/Kainga.<br />

The Trust oversees MainPower’s performance,<br />

community involvement, and appoints<br />

MainPower’s directors. Made up of local<br />

representatives (Trustees) who own 100% of<br />

MainPower’s shares on behalf of people on the<br />

MainPower network (beneficiaries), Trustees<br />

ensure that rebates and discounts are returned<br />

and that initiatives that support the MainPower<br />

community are funded.<br />

Trust Chair Kevin Brookfield says the elections<br />

are agreat opportunity for community minded<br />

people with some governance experience to make<br />

areal difference in <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong>.<br />

‘‘MainPower’s network extendsfrom just south<br />

of the Waimakariri River in Kainga and Stewarts<br />

Gully, to Kaikōura.<br />

‘‘With more than 46,000 connections delivering<br />

power to around 90,000 people, the job of the<br />

MainPower Trust isn’t one to be taken lightly.<br />

‘‘The business has just brought in anew Chief<br />

Executive and is navigating alot of growth and<br />

change in the industry.<br />

‘‘As the Trust, we oversee the company’s<br />

performance and act on behalf of the shareholders<br />

—each of those 46,000 connections.’’<br />

Trust member Gary Walton says the work isn’t<br />

necessarily onerous, but it is very important.<br />

‘‘As amember of the Trust, it’s beholden on us to<br />

know what’s going on in the electricity sector and<br />

particularly how it affects MainPower.<br />

Every three years, three of the Trustees are<br />

retired by rotation, and those three spots are then<br />

open for public election.<br />

This year, while Mr Walton is one of those<br />

retiring, but is standing again. Nominations for the<br />

Trust close at 5pm on Friday, <strong>January</strong> 23.<br />

Elections for the Trust open on Monday,<br />

February 9, and close Friday, March 6.<br />

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NEWS<br />

6 The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Acareerwoven in coloured wool<br />

ByROBYN BRISTOW<br />

Beverley Forrester dismissed the<br />

official notification she received, asking<br />

if she would accept aNew Zealand<br />

Order of Merit in the New Years<br />

honours for her services to the wool and<br />

fashion industries, as ascam.<br />

She was busy getting organised for the<br />

Royal A&P Show of New Zealand,<br />

hosted by the <strong>Canterbury</strong> A&P<br />

Association in Christchurch, and<br />

decided she would deal with it when she<br />

got home after the three day November<br />

event.<br />

‘‘They rang just before Iwas going,<br />

and said they would send it again,’’ says<br />

Beverley.<br />

She coped with the show, came home<br />

on the Saturday, and had agarden full of<br />

70 people on the Sunday for the<br />

Leithfield Garden Tour raising funds for<br />

the local community library and<br />

CommunityCentre.<br />

Then she dealt with her mail.<br />

Beverley Riverina Forrester, of<br />

Leithfield, became aMember of the<br />

New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in<br />

the New Year’s honours for services to<br />

the wool and fashion industries.<br />

‘‘It is overwhelming,’’ says Beverley.<br />

‘‘You do all the things you do because<br />

you enjoy it. You don’t think about<br />

anything in the long term.<br />

‘‘Everything has just evolved,’’ says<br />

Beverley.<br />

Her CV reads like there isn’t aday that<br />

goes by when she is not winging her way<br />

to afashion show, to judge at ashow,<br />

working from her Leithfield base<br />

marketing her products locally, across<br />

New Zealand and the world,ortackling<br />

anew project, the latest of which is coownership<br />

of acrossbred wool<br />

processing manufacturing unit in South<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong>.<br />

Product from it is being laid in<br />

vineyards, and gardens, supressing<br />

weeds.<br />

Abit of a‘‘mistake’’ in processing the<br />

mats led to Beverley launching another<br />

product —wool coats made from the<br />

matting that had taken on some unusual<br />

colours and patterns.<br />

She lives by the mantel her father<br />

taught her: ‘‘Every leader has ateam,<br />

and every team has to have aleader.’’<br />

‘‘I just get on with things and people<br />

give me ideas.<br />

‘‘I take them and don’t park them.<br />

Things just evolve,’’ she says.<br />

She is proud of the local people in her<br />

business who have skills she doesn’t<br />

have herself.<br />

Her ‘‘gang’’ of local knitters,are her<br />

trusted, loyal workers and friends,along<br />

with those who devise the patterns,sew<br />

the woollen garments, or tackle the<br />

every increasing online business<br />

This<br />

Week<br />

Sun<br />

Fishing<br />

Guide<br />

Moon<br />

Wind<br />

Ok<br />

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday<br />

Jan <strong>22</strong> Jan 23 Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 26 Jan 27 Jan 28<br />

Rise 6:16am<br />

Set 9:04pm<br />

Best<br />

Times<br />

3:50am<br />

4:12pm<br />

Rise 9:27am<br />

Set10:46pm<br />

Moderate E<br />

Ok<br />

Rise 6:18am<br />

Set 9:03pm<br />

Best<br />

Times<br />

4:35am<br />

4:57pm<br />

Rise 10:37am<br />

Set11:06pm<br />

Gentle SE becoming<br />

moderate E<br />

Woollen fashion ... Beverley Forrester (MNZM), and some of the products her team knits,<br />

and crafts from natural, undyed coloured wool.<br />

PHOTO: ROBYN BRISTOW<br />

sending product, via the local mailman,<br />

to places throughout the world.<br />

‘‘It all justevolved and has its own<br />

momentum.’’<br />

Beverley has been aloyal and key<br />

member of Rural Women NZ, cutting<br />

her teeth in raising awareness of<br />

women’s strengths and achievements,<br />

via Country Girls Club, and going on to<br />

hold many positions in Rural Women,<br />

including Glenmark branch President.<br />

She was honoured for her work<br />

receiving the Rural Women New<br />

Zealand Enterprising Woman Award,<br />

2011, and was runner up in 2009 for the<br />

Enterprising Rural Businesswoman<br />

Award.<br />

Wool, and fashion, are just one part of<br />

Beverley’s busy life that has taken her to<br />

52 countries.She lectured at the 8th<br />

WorldColoured Sheep Congress, in<br />

Paris in 2014.<br />

‘‘I havebeen such afortunate person<br />

to meet wonderful people in New<br />

Zealand and overseas,’’ she says.<br />

However, her roots are firmly in the<br />

land and her local community back<br />

home in <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> where her<br />

involvement goes well beyond her<br />

business ventures.<br />

Ok<br />

Rise 6:19am<br />

Set 9:02pm<br />

Best<br />

Times<br />

5:19am<br />

5:42pm<br />

Rise 11:48am<br />

Set11:25pm<br />

Moderate E<br />

Good<br />

Rise 6:20am<br />

Set 9:01pm<br />

Best<br />

Times<br />

6:05am<br />

6:29pm<br />

Rise 1:01pm<br />

Set11:47pm<br />

Gentle SE becoming<br />

moderate E<br />

Good<br />

When the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong><br />

visited she was preparing to be a<br />

hammer hand building aramp at the<br />

local community centre in Leithfield,<br />

and she speaks highly of the neighbours<br />

and locals who provide company, share<br />

food and contribute to helping provide<br />

high­quality,un­dyed and sustainably<br />

processed wool products and hand<br />

knitted garments spart of her business.<br />

She also goes to line­dancing once a<br />

week.<br />

‘‘Lifeisabout prioritising. That is my<br />

time out. You have to have balance.’’<br />

Beverley is proud of her rural<br />

heritage, and saysthe strangest thing is<br />

she is still very much apart of asmall<br />

rural community,where she is right at<br />

home.<br />

In the early 2000s, Mrs Forrester left<br />

her occupational therapy career after 32<br />

years as an occupational therapist<br />

within the New Zealand Health system.<br />

Twice she set the New Zealand final<br />

year examinations in psychiatry and<br />

physical medicine, and did apost<br />

graduate course at St Batholomews<br />

Hospital London.<br />

In New Zealand Beverley did postgraduate<br />

courses in music therapy,<br />

RANGIORA OCEANWATCH<br />

Rise 6:<strong>22</strong>am<br />

Set 9:00pm<br />

Best<br />

Times<br />

6:54am<br />

7:19pm<br />

Moderate E<br />

Good<br />

Rise 6:23am<br />

Set 8:59pm<br />

Best<br />

Times<br />

7:46am<br />

8:14pm<br />

Rise 2:16pm Set12:13am<br />

Rise 3:35pm<br />

Gentle Sbecoming<br />

moderate E<br />

Good<br />

Rise 6:24am<br />

Set 8:58pm<br />

Best<br />

Times<br />

8:43am<br />

9:14pm<br />

Set12:46am<br />

Rise 4:54pm<br />

Gentle SE becoming<br />

moderate E<br />

neurodevelopment therapy and also<br />

qualified as aNew Zealand polytechnic<br />

teacher.<br />

Following this she partially converted<br />

afourth­generation sheep and beef farm<br />

to black and coloured sheep near<br />

Waikari, and today her little business<br />

deep in Hurunui is flourishing. Tour<br />

parties can see first hand the wool<br />

products available, and can buy from<br />

The Wool Barn in Leithfield, ared shed<br />

at Beverley’s home, where she moved<br />

after moving from Black Hills near<br />

Waikari.<br />

Knitting kits, including skeins of wool,<br />

patterns and needles are available from<br />

the barn or on line.<br />

‘‘Today there is no body doing<br />

anything in all honesty with natural<br />

coloured wool like me,’’ says Beverley<br />

who has protected her products and<br />

fashion with Trade Marks marks.<br />

Beverley exhibits her woollen crafts<br />

internationally, and is involved in every<br />

aspect of yarn production to the export<br />

of the final product.<br />

After her husband Jim died, and her<br />

cousin visiting her from England, one of<br />

whom wanted agarment, it opened the<br />

gateway her natural coloured, chemical<br />

free wool business began to grow.<br />

She began selling her products and<br />

knitting kits in the United Kingdom in<br />

2007, later opening physical shops,<br />

which she has now closed, preferring<br />

online sales today.<br />

In 2003 she won the HerBusiness<br />

Network Award at the Businesswoman<br />

of the Year Awards, and the 2006 New<br />

Zealand Century Farm and Station<br />

Award, winning again in 2021. She<br />

launched fashion label Beverley<br />

Riverina Knitwear, which featured at<br />

New Zealand Fashion Week, has knitted<br />

agarment for Princess Anne, and held<br />

fashion shows in England, Melbourne,<br />

and New York, and even one on acruise<br />

ship.<br />

She took the whole team to Australia<br />

with her to join her on the cruise ship<br />

because ‘‘they had all contributed’’.<br />

Beverley is along­serving member of<br />

the <strong>Canterbury</strong> Agricultural and<br />

Pastoral Association and is anew<br />

Zealand and international sheep judge,<br />

judging at the United States Sheep<br />

Show, and in the United Kingdom and<br />

repeatedly in Australia.<br />

She has attended three World<br />

Hereford Cattle Conferences, four<br />

Country Women of the World triennial<br />

conferences and been guest speaker at<br />

the GalaDinner of the ACWW South<br />

Pacific Area Conference.<br />

In 2015 Beverley wrote ‘The Farm at<br />

Black Hills: Farming alone in the hills<br />

of <strong>North</strong>ern <strong>Canterbury</strong>’, with the book’s<br />

royalties creating three RWNZ<br />

scholarships.<br />

Swell<br />

Pegasus Bay<br />

Tide Chart<br />

3<br />

2<br />

NE 2.0 m NE2.1 m E 1.8 m E1.5 m E 1.4 m E1.1 m E 0.9 m<br />

3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9 3 6 9 NOON 3 6 9<br />

1<br />

0<br />

Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows Highs Lows<br />

Waimakariri 8:02am 2.3 1:50am 0.6 8:48am 2.3 2:34am 0.6 9:37am 2.3 3:20am 0.6 10:28am 2.3 4:09am 0.6 11:20am 2.3 5:03am 0.6<br />

6:01am 0.7 12:42am 2.4 7:03am 0.6<br />

Mouth<br />

8:26pm 2.2 2:20pm 0.6 9:14pm 2.3 3:04pm 0.6 10:04pm 2.3 3:51pm 0.6 10:54pm 2.3 4:40pm 0.6 11:46pm 2.3 5:33pm 0.6 12:14pm 2.3 6:28pm 0.6 1:10pm 2.3 7:25pm 0.5<br />

Amberley 8:02am 2.3 1:50am 0.6 8:48am 2.3 2:34am 0.6 9:37am 2.3 3:20am 0.6 10:28am 2.3 4:09am 0.6 11:20am 2.3 5:03am 0.6<br />

6:01am 0.7 12:42am 2.4 7:03am 0.6<br />

Beach<br />

8:26pm 2.2 2:20pm 0.6 9:14pm 2.3 3:04pm 0.6 10:04pm 2.3 3:51pm 0.6 10:54pm 2.3 4:40pm 0.6 11:46pm 2.3 5:33pm 0.6 12:14pm 2.3 6:28pm 0.6 1:10pm 2.3 7:25pm 0.5<br />

8:01am 2.0 1:48am 0.6 8:47am 2.0 2:32am 0.6 9:36am 2.0 3:18am 0.6 10:27am 2.0 4:07am 0.6 11:19am 2.0 5:01am 0.6<br />

5:59am 0.7 12:41am 2.1 7:01am 0.6<br />

Motunau 8:25pm 1.9 2:18pm 0.6 9:13pm 2.0 3:02pm 0.6 10:03pm 2.0 3:49pm 0.6 10:53pm 2.0 4:38pm 0.6 11:45pm 2.0 5:31pm 0.6 12:13pm 2.0 6:26pm 0.6 1:09pm 2.0 7:23pm 0.5<br />

8:13am 2.3 2:01am 0.6 8:59am 2.3 2:45am 0.6 9:48am 2.3 3:31am 0.6 10:39am 2.3 4:20am 0.6 11:31am 2.3 5:14am 0.6<br />

6:12am 0.7 12:53am 2.4 7:14am 0.6<br />

Gore Bay 8:37pm 2.2 2:31pm 0.6 9:25pm 2.3 3:15pm 0.6 10:15pm 2.3 4:02pm 0.6 11:05pm 2.3 4:51pm 0.6 11:57pm 2.3 5:44pm 0.6 12:25pm 2.3 6:39pm 0.6 1:21pm 2.3 7:36pm 0.5<br />

8:10am 1.6 1:52am 0.3 8:56am 1.6 2:38am 0.3 9:45am 1.6 3:26am 0.3 10:36am 1.6 4:18am 0.3 11:29am 1.6 5:12am 0.3<br />

6:09am 0.3 12:48am 1.6 7:09am 0.3<br />

Kaikoura 8:33pm 1.5 2:29pm 0.3 9:20pm 1.5 3:15pm 0.3 10:08pm 1.5 4:02pm 0.3 10:59pm 1.6 4:50pm 0.3 11:52pm 1.6 5:41pm 0.3 12:24pm 1.5 6:33pm 0.3 1:20pm 1.5 7:27pm 0.3<br />

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

RANGIORA


Apilot, alibrarian and an artexhibition<br />

BySHELLEY TOPP<br />

NEWS<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

7<br />

Anew exhibitionatKaiapoi’s Art on<br />

the Quay Gallery is acollaboration<br />

between two friends who met at The<br />

Drawing Room, aChristchurch art and<br />

craft supplies shop.<br />

The Works by aLibrarian and aPilot<br />

exhibition showcases art by Neil<br />

Fitzgerald, aretired librarianfrom<br />

Waikuku Beach, and Oxford’s Jonathan<br />

Marett, aretired Air New Zealand<br />

pilot.<br />

The exhibition was initially intended<br />

to be asolo exhibition of Neil’s work,<br />

but he invited Jonathan to join him.<br />

Jonathan was ‘‘honoured’’ to do so<br />

and has included aportrait of Neil in<br />

his collection of exhibits.<br />

Neil and Jonathan are now both<br />

members of the Christchurch Portrait<br />

Group in Opawa and the Woodend Life<br />

Drawing Group, who have both<br />

exhibited their work separately<br />

before.<br />

Jonathan’s tribute exhibition to<br />

record­breaking New Zealand aviator<br />

Jean Batten, who died in 1982,<br />

achieved adream result for him when<br />

it was shown in her home town of<br />

Rotorua during 20<strong>22</strong>.<br />

All 18 pieces in the exhibition were<br />

purchased by one of Jean’s admirers<br />

who has agreed to keep the collection<br />

available for public display in Rotorua.<br />

Neil, who recently turned 86, had an<br />

enjoyable career ‘‘very much in my<br />

comfort zone’’, working in the<br />

Christchurch CityLibrary system from<br />

1968 to 2005.<br />

During that time he spent ayear<br />

travelling around the South Island as a<br />

Country Library Service driver, which<br />

took him to ‘‘some great places to paint<br />

and draw’’, including afew of his<br />

favourites —Reefton, the Denniston<br />

Plateau and Lake Ohau.<br />

Art collaboration ... Waikuku Beach artist and retired librarian Neil Fitzgerald, left, with retired Air New Zealand pilot, Jonathan Marett,<br />

of Oxford, during the opening of theircombined art exhibition, Works by aLibrarian and Pilot, in Kaiapoi’s Art onthe Quay Gallery last<br />

Thursday evening.<br />

PHOTO: SHELLEY TOPP<br />

His lifelong passion for paintingand<br />

drawing, which began as achild with a<br />

``fixation" for the images in Arthur<br />

Mee’s Children’s Encyclopedia, has<br />

also taken him much further afield<br />

around the world where he has visited<br />

theMusée Delacroix in Paris, the art<br />

museum andstudio of Eugène<br />

Delacroix, leader of the French<br />

Romantic art movementduring the<br />

1800s. Neil has alsovisited Cezanne’s<br />

Les Lauves Studio in the city of Aix­en­<br />

Provence, in France, andEngland’s<br />

famous Sandham Memorial Chapel in<br />

the village of Burghclere where a<br />

``very special" collection of largescale<br />

murals by Sir Stanley Spencer,<br />

an acclaimed war artist who died in<br />

1959, are on show. The Works by a<br />

Librarian and aPilot exhibition closes<br />

on February 12.<br />

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NEWS<br />

8 <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Amberley man’ship pain‘‘excruciating’’<br />

By SHELLEY TOPP<br />

An Amberley retiree who is<br />

suffering from ‘‘excruciating hip<br />

pain’’ has had to wait more than<br />

ayear for amedical<br />

appointment to assess the<br />

problem.<br />

John Crichton, aged 71, who<br />

ran asuccessful engineering<br />

business in Mason's Flat near<br />

Hawardenfor 30 years, initially<br />

approached his Amberley<br />

doctor in <strong>January</strong> last yearto<br />

see what could be done to<br />

relieve the pain and restore his<br />

mobility.<br />

The doctor told John he would<br />

refer him to Te Whatu Ora/<br />

Health New Zealand for an<br />

assessment under the public<br />

health system.<br />

On March 14 John received a<br />

letter from Te Whatu Ora/<br />

Health New Zealandtelling him<br />

that he would receive an<br />

appointmentbyMay 3, 2025 for<br />

an assessment.<br />

When that never happened<br />

John waited three or four<br />

months before returning to his<br />

GP offering to go private to<br />

speed things up.<br />

John’s wife Lyndahad had<br />

successful private hipreplacement<br />

surgery about<br />

seven years ago and he asked<br />

his GP if it would be possible to<br />

have that same surgeon do his<br />

surgery.<br />

Areferral was sent to the<br />

surgeon,but on July 1last year<br />

the Amberley MedicalCentre<br />

received his reply declining to<br />

do the work because he said<br />

John was a‘‘complex patient<br />

with anumber of comorbidities’’<br />

(two or more medical<br />

conditions).<br />

The surgeon also said because<br />

of this he would be<br />

‘‘uncomfortable managing John<br />

at Southern Cross Hospital’’,<br />

and that John had been referred<br />

to the (Burwood) orthopaedic<br />

department which is<br />

‘‘appropriate as he will require<br />

amulti­disciplinary approach’’.<br />

The letter was disappointing<br />

for John and made him think of<br />

all the years he had paid for<br />

medical insurance, only to be<br />

told that private surgery, in this<br />

case, is not available to him.<br />

It also made him feel for other<br />

patients who do have health<br />

insurance, but may also find<br />

themselves in asimilar<br />

situation.<br />

Once it became clear to John<br />

private surgery was not an<br />

option he resigned himself to<br />

the reality of an extended wait.<br />

Late last year with his pain<br />

levels intensifying and his<br />

mobility decreasing he decided<br />

to take the ‘‘squeaky wheel’’<br />

approach and contacted the<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong> to see if<br />

making his story public would<br />

take him closer to the surgery he<br />

needed.<br />

Two days after contacting the<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong> last<br />

December he received<br />

notificationfrom Te Whatu Ora/<br />

Health New Zealand offering<br />

him aclinical assessment<br />

appointment on February<br />

2, ‘‘after acancellation’’.<br />

Theappointment seemed a<br />

long way off to John but he<br />

willingly accepted it only to<br />

be told earlier this month<br />

his appointment has now<br />

been pushed further away<br />

and it has now been<br />

rescheduled for February<br />

16.<br />

Johnsays he realises the<br />

public health system is<br />

‘‘stressed to the max’’ and<br />

many people are facing<br />

long waits for surgery, he<br />

would like to see the the<br />

wait times significantly<br />

reduced because living a<br />

life in daily pain is not<br />

something he would wish<br />

on anyone.<br />

New look forSpecsavers Rangiora store<br />

Specsavers Rangiora has opened its<br />

new look store in High Street.<br />

Specsavers, which has been serving<br />

the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> community for<br />

more than nine years in eyecare, and<br />

more than five years in earcare, says its<br />

commitment to providing morespaceto<br />

see more patients, prompted the<br />

refurbishment.<br />

‘‘We have been growing steadily as a<br />

local business. As such, we have<br />

invested in acomplete reconfiguration<br />

and refurbishment of our storefrom<br />

floor to ceiling,’’ says May Young,<br />

Optometrist Director Specsavers<br />

Rangiora.<br />

The reconfiguration has added an<br />

additional test room allowing the team<br />

to see more patients.<br />

In addition, the store boasts abigger<br />

waiting area, new lighting and<br />

illuminated displays for frames to<br />

increase the customer experience when<br />

in store.<br />

‘‘Our care values extend to supporting<br />

the local community in particular<br />

Community Wellbeing <strong>North</strong><br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> whom we have partnered<br />

with for more than six years.’’<br />

May says she and Jenny White, the<br />

retail director, both live in Rangiora and<br />

are committed to continue serving our<br />

community.<br />

Lis Lintvelt (Regional Training<br />

Manager Specsavers NZ), May, Deirdre<br />

Ryan (Manager Community Wellbeing<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> Trust), Waimakariri<br />

Mayor Dan Gordon, Toni Paratene (team<br />

member), Misty Bonnett (team member),<br />

Gareth Hunt (Head of Retail Support<br />

Specsavers NZ), and Caitlin Luscombe<br />

(team member), attended the opening.<br />

Other team members include Lucy<br />

Walsh, Claudia Murray, Yeji Kim and<br />

Daniel Beech.<br />

Eye examination ... Waimakariri Mayor<br />

Dan Gordon has an eye examinationat<br />

Specsavers.<br />

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NEWS<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

11<br />

Company begins shift Uncertain times won’t<br />

stop Canty planning<br />

On the Move ... Rangiora’s skyline is changing subtly with the shifting of the Luisetti Seeds<br />

seed cleaning equipment and silos from the Rangiora yard to its new base in Ashburton.<br />

Many of the more than 30 large and small seed silos, which have stood for years between<br />

Edward and Blackett Streets in Rangiora, have begun their journey south as part of the<br />

company’s planned move of their seed cleaning and manufacturing operations.<br />

Managing Director Edward Luisetti said it is an exciting time, and he looks forward to what<br />

comes next, as the company begins its plans for the future development of its central<br />

Rangiora sites.<br />

Mr Luisettisays they are looking at the plans they have for the future of the land surrounding<br />

their headquarters at 20 AshleyStreet. ‘‘We have been working closely with the Waimakariri<br />

District Council as we want to create something special for the town.’’ PHOTOS COURTESY EDWARD LUISETTI<br />

By DAVID HILL,<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

Planning for <strong>Canterbury</strong>’s future will<br />

not stop, despite an uncertain future,<br />

Environment <strong>Canterbury</strong> chairperson<br />

Dr DeonSwiggs says.<br />

Dr Swiggs said staff are continuing<br />

to work on this year’s annual plan and<br />

next year’s 2027/37 Long Term Plan<br />

(LTP), despite Government plans to<br />

abolish regional councils.<br />

The Government announced plans<br />

in November to abolish regional<br />

councils and pass the responsibilities<br />

on to mayors,aspart of local<br />

government and Resource<br />

Management Act reforms.<br />

But Dr Swiggs said it was business as<br />

usual, as staff navigate the proposed<br />

changes.<br />

‘‘Our focus remains on ensuring any<br />

structural changes serve <strong>Canterbury</strong>'s<br />

unique environmental and community<br />

needs.<br />

‘‘Regional decisions require<br />

regional accountability, and we're<br />

committed to evidence­based<br />

governance that protects what matters<br />

for Waitaha <strong>Canterbury</strong>.’’<br />

Council staff have signalled a2.9<br />

percent average rate rise in thisyear’s<br />

annual plan, which is due to go out for<br />

public consultation next month.<br />

‘‘We recognise the uncertainty from<br />

Government proposals, and we are<br />

focused on stability and continuity and<br />

delivering essential services, while<br />

preparing for change,’’ Dr Swiggs said.<br />

‘‘Planning for <strong>Canterbury</strong>’s future<br />

cannot stop.’’<br />

Staff have also begun work on next<br />

year’s LTP, which will need to account<br />

for future changes decided by the<br />

community and Government, he said.<br />

Priorities in this year’s annual plan<br />

include ‘‘transparent financial<br />

stewardship’’, sustainable and<br />

equitable regional transport and<br />

building residence to natural hazards.<br />

Dr Swiggs said staff and councillors<br />

are continuing to consider the<br />

proposed reforms and will be<br />

finalising submissions next month.<br />

‘‘I think it’s fair to say councillors<br />

are feeling determined to do what we<br />

were elected to do –lead on behalf of<br />

the region and ensure delivery of<br />

essential services for our communities<br />

and environment.<br />

‘‘We are concerned the proposed<br />

reforms appear to be one size fits all<br />

and focused on lines drawn on amap,<br />

instead of considering principles and<br />

outcomes that best serve our region<br />

into the future.’’<br />

The council was also concerned<br />

there are ‘‘unintended consequences’’<br />

in the Government’s proposals, he<br />

said.<br />

He said he looked forward to<br />

working with the community, local<br />

councils and the Government to find<br />

the best outcome for Waitaha<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong>.<br />

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MOTORING<br />

12 The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Motoring Guide<br />

QualityatNCCollision Repairs Kaiapoi<br />

There is only one New Years resolution<br />

for the staff at <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> Collision<br />

Repairs Kaiapoi —continue providing<br />

customers with the same high standards of<br />

service in <strong>2026</strong> as they did in 2025 —<br />

leading the way with passion, talent, skill,<br />

and location.<br />

Despite arecent name change,longtime<br />

employee and now new ownerLee<br />

Marsh says he and his staff at the Kaiapoibased<br />

repair facility will continue to offer<br />

their <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> customersthe<br />

same high levels of quality workmanship<br />

they are well­known for delivering.<br />

‘‘We have been here for over25years,<br />

meeting the region’s paint and panel<br />

repair needs,’’ Lee says.<br />

‘‘We will continue to offer all insurance<br />

work and repairs for vehicles, from<br />

everyday bumps and scrapes to major<br />

smash work.’’<br />

He says they have always done this type<br />

of work, and their staff are all very highly<br />

qualified and trained to handle the myriad<br />

of issues an unfortunate collisioncan<br />

produce.<br />

‘‘Motor vehicle owners forget they have<br />

achoice when it comes to collision<br />

damage repair.’’<br />

Lee advises <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong>people<br />

not to be swayed by insurance companies<br />

demandingthey get their damaged vehicle<br />

repaired in Christchurch at their<br />

facilities.<br />

‘‘Recommend us for all your paint and<br />

panel repairs, as it is your car and your<br />

choice. We are right here on hand in<br />

Kaiapoi.’’<br />

The business deals with all insurance<br />

companies, offers free quotes, and has a<br />

fleet of courtesy cars so owners don’t have<br />

to be stranded when their car is getting<br />

repaired.<br />

They also offer free pick­up and<br />

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<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong>Collision Repairs<br />

Kaiapoi continues to invest in technology<br />

and training to ensure it uses the latest<br />

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Located at 90D WilliamsStreet in<br />

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Respect for customers’ vehicles is<br />

paramount, and afriendly, forwardlooking<br />

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Contact Lee Marsh on (03) 327 3028 to<br />

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BACK TO SCHOOL<br />

16 The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Students<br />

building<br />

skills<br />

Two Cheviot Area School pupils<br />

have learnt some valuable<br />

skills making alarge octagonal<br />

shaped outdoor picnictable for<br />

fellow pupils.<br />

George and Baxter spent two<br />

hoursevery Friday afternoon<br />

working with tutor Simon<br />

Chester from the Cheviot<br />

MenzShed, to create the table,<br />

which was delivered to the<br />

school before the last day of<br />

term last year.<br />

It is hoped the partnership<br />

between the school and the<br />

MenzShed will continue this<br />

year, with not only woodwork,<br />

but engineering on offer too<br />

from ably qualified MenzShed<br />

members.<br />

George and Baxter were<br />

guided through the build and<br />

completed all the measuring,<br />

machining and construction.<br />

Simon said both lads showed<br />

akeen interest to learn and<br />

picked up on tasks very quickly.<br />

He said they were apleasure<br />

to work with.<br />

Simon is proud of their<br />

efforts and believes the skills<br />

they have learned along the way<br />

will be abenefittoboth as well<br />

as any prospective employers in<br />

the future.<br />

George and Baxter are also<br />

proud of their achievement<br />

along with their parents.<br />

The table is an asset to the<br />

school and it’s solid<br />

construction means it’ll be<br />

around for many years.<br />

Big achievement ... Cheviot MenzShed tutor Simon Chester, (centre), with<br />

George (left) and Baxter and the finished outdoor picnic table. PHOTO: SUPPLIED<br />

Waimak schools<br />

growing rapidly<br />

By DAVID HILL,<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

Three Waimakariri schools<br />

facing booming rolls are<br />

hoping to open new<br />

classrooms soon.<br />

The Ministry of Education<br />

has announced work will start<br />

on new classrooms at Sefton<br />

and Woodend schools in term<br />

one as they cope with rapid<br />

growth.<br />

Planning isalso under way<br />

for new classrooms at Kaiapoi<br />

<strong>North</strong> School, but no date has<br />

been set.<br />

Kaiapoi <strong>North</strong> School<br />

board of trustees chairperson<br />

Greg Thompson said the<br />

school was next to the<br />

growing Beachgrove subdivision.<br />

The school passed its<br />

maximum rollof540 at the<br />

end of last year.<br />

While term one will begin<br />

with 490 students, growth is<br />

anticipated to continue over<br />

the next few years.<br />

‘‘We are teetering on the<br />

edge,’’ Mr Thompson said.<br />

‘‘We just have to keep<br />

talking to the Ministry and<br />

constantly update them on<br />

our numbers so they are fully<br />

aware of out situation.’’<br />

In the meantime, the school<br />

has been getting on with some<br />

other projects including<br />

installing anew fence and<br />

improve accessibility around<br />

the school.<br />

Upgrades have been made<br />

to classrooms including<br />

replacing LED lights,<br />

acoustic wall linings, some<br />

window and door joinery and<br />

carpet replacement.<br />

Woodend School has been<br />

bulging at the seems for<br />

several years on the back of<br />

the booming Ravenswood<br />

sub­division, with the school<br />

roll set to pass 600.<br />

Ministry of Education head<br />

of property Gary Anaru said<br />

late last year staff have been<br />

working with school’s board<br />

of trustees to plan for eight<br />

new classrooms.<br />

He said the first four<br />

classrooms were due to be<br />

handed over at Anzac<br />

Weekend.<br />

But as last year ended,<br />

principal Andrew Retallick<br />

said he was waiting for<br />

confirmation on the dates.<br />

Sefton School principal<br />

Heidi Moeller­Kemp said<br />

some prefabricated<br />

classrooms arrived onsite<br />

before the end of last year and<br />

will be refurbished during<br />

term one.<br />

‘‘It will be interesting to see<br />

how they put it all together<br />

and make it look nice.’’<br />

The school has arollof138,<br />

but is in agrowing zone, with<br />

anew sub­division, and is<br />

expected to pass 150 students.<br />

LDR is local body<br />

journalism co­funded by RNZ<br />

and NZ On Air.<br />

DatesFor <strong>2026</strong><br />

Monday 26 th <strong>January</strong><br />

12.30-3.30pm<br />

Course Confirmation Y11-13<br />

-Selectedstudentsonly<br />

Wednesday28 th <strong>January</strong><br />

2.00 -4.00pm<br />

Kahui WhetūDrop-in<br />

Session<br />

Thursday 29 th <strong>January</strong><br />

9am-AllStudentsStart<br />

11:30am - Mihi Whakatau<br />

(Welcome)GPHall<br />

Welcometothe new<br />

school year,and new<br />

Students, Staff and<br />

Families.<br />

Buses will runfrom29<br />

<strong>January</strong><strong>2026</strong><br />

Establishing ameaningful<br />

connection with your child's<br />

teacher is essential.<br />

We invite youtoour Drop In<br />

sessiontomeet your Child's<br />

Homeroom Teacher,Learning<br />

Mentorsand Deans for<strong>2026</strong>.<br />

This is agreat opportunity to<br />

seetheirLearning spaces,drop<br />

off stationery and to askany<br />

questionsyou mayhavein<br />

preparationfor theupcoming<br />

year.<br />

AllYear Levels Welcome.<br />

Date:Wednesday28<br />

Jan2pm -4pm<br />

No appointment needed<br />

Haere mai ki tewhānau oTeKura Tuatahi oKaiapoi<br />

We are excited towarmly welcome students back toschool on<br />

Monday 2nd February <strong>2026</strong> at 8:55am<br />

starting with amihi whakatau in our school hall togreet<br />

our new staff and whānau.<br />

We invite you toour open classrooms and Technology Centre on<br />

Thursday 29th <strong>January</strong> <strong>2026</strong> from 11am- 12pm.<br />

The school office will be open on<br />

Monday 26th <strong>January</strong> <strong>2026</strong><br />

for new enrolments and general enquiries.<br />

Please email office@kbs.school.nz<br />

for anenrolment appointment


BACK TO SCHOOL<br />

The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong> 17<br />

Commitment to pathways<br />

By DAVID HILL,<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

Kaiapoi High School is committed to offering vocational pathways,but is coming under<br />

increased pressureasstudents stay on for longer due to youth unemployment.<br />

Board of trustees presiding member Belinda Smith says the school would like to offer<br />

more trades classes to meet agrowing need, but these tend to be the most expensive to<br />

rundue to the materials used and the specialist buildings required.<br />

‘‘We would love to be able to add more [trades] classes so we can provide more students<br />

access to these courses, butone of the challenges is finding teaching staff with the<br />

expertise to teach them.’’<br />

The Government is placing agreater emphasis on vocational pathways, including the<br />

trades and land­based subjects, as part of an overhaul of secondary education.<br />

At the same time, other subjects like art history could be phased out.<br />

KHS offers trades and vocational pathwaysinhospitality, building and construction,<br />

automotive and engineering.<br />

Other specialist subjects like food and nutrition, health and physical education were<br />

offered as academic pathways. Students choosing land­based subjects can access them<br />

through the gateway programme.<br />

In class ... Amuri Area School principal Matt Barlow visits students at work.<br />

AmuriAS cramped<br />

By DAVIDHILL,<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

A<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> school is hoping to<br />

get started on ascaled back building<br />

project this year.<br />

Amuri Area School has been<br />

anticipating aredevelopment of the<br />

senior part of the school for several years.<br />

But principal Matt Barlow said the<br />

school’s board of trustees has had to<br />

revise its expectations following a<br />

Ministry of Education review in 2024.<br />

Based at Culverden, the Year 1to13<br />

school serves alarge rural area including<br />

Rotherham, Waiau, Mt Lyford and<br />

Hanmer Springs.<br />

‘‘It is business as usual for us and our<br />

roll continues to trend upwards,’’ Mr<br />

Barlow said.<br />

‘‘We generate enough growth to be on<br />

the list (for building projects), but we<br />

never quite meet the priority threshold<br />

because we don’t have the samelevel of<br />

growth of other schools.<br />

‘‘But we are getting abit cramped for<br />

space.’’<br />

Amuri Area School finished last year on<br />

370 students and Mr Barlow anticipated<br />

the roll could be higher at the start of this<br />

year.<br />

‘‘We are tending to have bigger groups<br />

staying at school, with more than 20Year<br />

13s for the last two years ­previously we<br />

only had 15 to 16 Year 13s.<br />

‘‘We had abig Year 8cohort last year<br />

with 42 students.<br />

‘‘While we will lose some to boarding<br />

school in Christchurch,wewill get<br />

students from Hanmer Springs coming<br />

into Year 9this year.<br />

‘‘So right across the board we are having<br />

quite high numbers.’’<br />

PHOTO: FILE<br />

The school was one of more than 300<br />

schools caught up in a2024 review,which<br />

saw many building projects placed in<br />

limbo or scaled back.<br />

Mr Barlow the school’s board worked<br />

with the Ministry last year on arevised<br />

plan.<br />

‘‘We’re looking at more of amove to<br />

prefabs and refurbishment of existing<br />

buildings.’’<br />

He said the board has been setting aside<br />

funds from its five­yearlyfunding<br />

allocation towards the project and is<br />

waiting to see what funding the Ministry<br />

has available in next year’s Budget.<br />

‘‘We won’t know the actual cost of the<br />

redevelopment until them, but we are<br />

hoping will get abit more.<br />

‘‘But at least we’ve got some certainty<br />

and we can get on with some of the work.<br />

‘‘We will look to get some projects under<br />

way from the funds we have over the<br />

summer.’’<br />

The school suffered damage in the<br />

October wind event so it was eligible for<br />

someemergencyresponse funding from<br />

the Ministry.<br />

It will help pay for roof reports and a<br />

new skylight, while trees were also blown<br />

over.<br />

Ministry of Education head of property<br />

Gary Anaru said late last year the Ministry<br />

had been working with the school’s board<br />

of trustees to consider the options.<br />

Planning was under way for the<br />

upgrade of classrooms, the gymnasium<br />

floor and changing rooms, he said.<br />

Mr Barlow said the board was planning<br />

for the replacement of the gym floor to<br />

coincide with the April school holidays to<br />

minimise disruption.<br />

LDR is local body journalism co­funded<br />

by RNZ and NZ On Air.<br />

Ph 03 313 3638 Director: DrG.Dykes<br />

rangiora@kipmcgrath.co.nz<br />

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Welcometothe newschoolyear.<br />

2444038<br />

28 <strong>January</strong> New Enrolment Day<br />

9.30am-11.00am fornew non-enrolledYear9-13students<br />

28-29 <strong>January</strong> Teacher Only Days<br />

30 <strong>January</strong> New Student Orientation Day<br />

Thefirst dayfor Year 9and anynew Year 10-13 students<br />

2February First dayofclassesfor allYear9-13students<br />

5February House Sports Day<br />

6February WaitangiDay<br />

More detailed informationon<br />

our<strong>2026</strong> start dates is available<br />

on the<strong>News</strong>&Events page at<br />

www.rangiorahigh.school.nz<br />

Proudof<br />

ourpast.<br />

Focusedon<br />

ourfuture.


NEWS<br />

18 The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Operation Coverup warming shatteredlives<br />

ByJOHN COSGROVE<br />

When the volunteer knitters involved<br />

with Operation Cover­up watch the<br />

videos of recipients in Eastern<br />

Europe receiving the many knitted<br />

items they have donated, there is not<br />

adry eye in the place, accordingto<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> co­ordinator Maureen<br />

McQuarrie.<br />

‘‘The recipients are honestly in<br />

tears when they learn someone from a<br />

small country on the far side of the<br />

world from them cares enough to<br />

make and transport woollen clothes<br />

and knitted blankets that will help<br />

them survive the severe <strong>North</strong><br />

Europeanwinters.<br />

‘‘It truly tugs at your heartstrings<br />

when you read about how amazed and<br />

grateful they are,’’ she says.<br />

At ameeting held in Rangiora over<br />

the weekend, many of the volunteer<br />

knitters involved with Operation<br />

Coverup,had achance to catch up and<br />

talk about the latest updates on<br />

conflicts in EasternEurope.<br />

They also discussed the types of<br />

knitted clothing itemsneeded, watch<br />

and read about where their clothes<br />

are going, and meet others, who like<br />

themselves, knit with apassion to<br />

help others.<br />

‘‘The clothes and blankets they<br />

create with donated and bought wool<br />

are transported by Mission Without<br />

Borders to Eastern European<br />

countries such as Moldova,Romania.<br />

Bosnia, Serbia and of course<br />

Ukraine,’’ says Mrs McQuarrie.<br />

‘‘It is very humbling seeing the<br />

gratitude these people expresswhen<br />

the clothes are given out.<br />

‘‘I have been doing this for 26 years,<br />

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Surrounded with colourand love ... Operation Coverup <strong>Canterbury</strong> co­ordinator Maureen McQuarrie (left) and Maureen Braun are<br />

surrounded by amultitudeofcolourful woollen blankets knitted by over 300 knitters based in the South Island,which were onshowin<br />

Rangiora over the weekend.<br />

PHOTO: JOHN COSGROVE<br />

and I, like all our 300­plus volunteers<br />

here in the South Island, still havethe<br />

passion to use what skills we have to<br />

make someone else'slife just that<br />

little bit easierand more<br />

comfortable.’’<br />

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She says the warmth of love is the<br />

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they have helped.<br />

All the wool the knitters useis<br />

purchasedfrom the sales of recycled<br />

clothing at Mrs McQuarrie’s small<br />

shopinRangiora.<br />

Annually, two shipping containers<br />

are sent from Auckland to be<br />

distributed to orphanages, lowincome<br />

families, the elderly and<br />

street people in Eastern Europe.<br />

Community key to<br />

vocational pathways<br />

By DAVID HILL.<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

Community partnerships is the key<br />

offering vocational pathwaysatanarea<br />

school, says Oxford Area School board of<br />

trustees presiding member Aaron<br />

Campbell.<br />

‘‘We try to offer as much as we can if<br />

the demand is there. For asmall, rural<br />

school we are batting above ourweight,’’<br />

he said.<br />

The Government is placing agreater<br />

emphasis on vocational pathways,<br />

including the trades and land­based<br />

subjects, such as agriculture and<br />

horticulture, as part of an overhaul of<br />

secondary education.<br />

At the same time, other subjects like<br />

art history could be phased out.<br />

Mr Campbell said agriculture was a<br />

popular subject with students, while the<br />

school works with tertiary sector and<br />

community partners to offer<br />

opportunities in the trades.<br />

‘‘Being in arural, agricultural<br />

community, there’s alot of interest from<br />

our students because of their life outside<br />

of school and it seems to be growing.<br />

‘‘We have good community partners<br />

and we are always looking for more.’’<br />

Principal Mike Hart said how<br />

agriculture was offered varied from year<br />

to year, depending on the needs of<br />

students.<br />

‘‘Some years we offer avery practical<br />

hands on course, taking students on farm<br />

with the support of local farmers, and in<br />

some yearsitismore along the lines of<br />

agribusiness.<br />

‘‘Because of our small numbers, we<br />

have to be flexible and be able to adapt<br />

to what our students need every single<br />

year.’’<br />

The school has partnerships with Ara<br />

and the National Trades Academy to<br />

offer trades courses.<br />

Oxford Area School developed<br />

CASAtech (<strong>Canterbury</strong> Area Schools<br />

Association Technology Group) in 1994<br />

with other <strong>Canterbury</strong> area schools,<br />

offer online collaborative learning<br />

courses.<br />

It evolved into Cantatech and has<br />

since been replaced by NetNZ.<br />

‘‘In an area school you’ve got to be<br />

innovative and collaborative,’’ Mr Hart<br />

said.<br />

‘‘We work with arange of partners,<br />

where they be other schools, provides or<br />

out in the community.<br />

‘‘Looking at the proposed changes for<br />

secondary qualifications, the<br />

Government seems to be looking<br />

vocational and academic pathways, they<br />

are two separate pathways, but they both<br />

need to contribute to qualifications.’’<br />

Ministry of Education schools policy<br />

general manager Jen Fraser said the<br />

Ministry acknowledged many schools<br />

willneed support to facilitate access<br />

industry­led subjects for their students.<br />

‘‘This could be bothdirectly through<br />

teaching at school, or through atrades<br />

academy programme where the school<br />

partners with atertiary provider who<br />

delivers the learning.’’<br />

She said schools will continue to have<br />

the flexibility to offer students amix of<br />

industry­led and Ministry­led<br />

(academic) subjects.<br />

The Ministry was considering how to<br />

build on the support for students to<br />

access industry­led subjects, including<br />

for those attending small, rural schools<br />

and wharekura.<br />

LDR is local body journalism cofunded<br />

by RNZ and NZ On Air.


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NEWS<br />

20 The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

AED installed at <strong>North</strong>brook Studios<br />

Members of the variousclubs and<br />

organisations based at the <strong>North</strong>brook<br />

Studio area in Southbrook will now have<br />

access to an external AED (defibrillator)<br />

in the event of amedical event.<br />

The initiative for the installation of the<br />

device came from Howard Pettigrew,<br />

Chairperson of the <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

Woodcraft Club, which has clubroomsat<br />

the Studios.<br />

‘‘While we have lots of teenagers among<br />

our wood turners, we also have many<br />

retirees and Ihad noticed that the other<br />

Studio users had manyolder people<br />

among their membership,’’ Howard says.<br />

He says while there were other AEDs<br />

within ashort distance of the studios,<br />

none were available outside of working<br />

hours, which is whenclubroomsare often<br />

in use.<br />

Leanne O’Mahoney,President of <strong>North</strong><br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> Musicals says it is an asset for<br />

the many groups that use its rooms—<br />

singing groups, dance groupsand the Step<br />

Ahead Trust, which is there three times a<br />

week.”<br />

Howard says he is grateful other groups<br />

were supportive,especially <strong>North</strong><br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> Musicals which was willing to<br />

have it installed outside its clubrooms<br />

where it is visible from the road and<br />

under security lighting.<br />

An application for agrant for the AED<br />

was made to the Aotearoa Gaming Trust,<br />

who have operating venues in the area.<br />

‘‘The clubs and organisations are<br />

incredibly grateful to the Trust and the<br />

Help at hand ... Howard Pettigrew thanks Courtney Elliot from the Brook Bar for their support of the AED, watched onbyLeanne<br />

O’Mahony, Musicals (left), Peter Edwards, Rangiora Players andDavid Thorne, RSA Club Brass Band.<br />

PHOTO: SUPPLIED<br />

Brook Bar for the successfulgrant<br />

application,’’ he says.<br />

‘‘We are just very happy to be able to<br />

extend ahand and help the wider<br />

Rangiora community,’’ Courtney Elliot<br />

from the Brook Bar says.<br />

Not only will this be available for<br />

<strong>North</strong>brook Studio users but also the<br />

nearby community and users of the 57<br />

hectare <strong>North</strong>brook Wetlands area whose<br />

walking tracks are very popular.<br />

‘‘Its wonderfulfor our patrons and our<br />

audiences and certainly for the local<br />

people here, and agreat compliment for<br />

the area,’’ Peter Edwards of the Rangiora<br />

Players says.<br />

The clubs and organisations are also<br />

very grateful to the Waimakariri District<br />

Council for its support.<br />

As David Thorne of the Rangiora RSA<br />

Club Brass Band says: ‘‘Let’s hope we<br />

never have to use it, but it is great to have<br />

it readily available at all hours if ever<br />

needed.’’<br />

Rangiora NewLife and St Joseph’sexpand<br />

By DAVID HILL,<br />

Local DemocracyReporter<br />

Stephen Walters’ office has suddenly<br />

become popular.<br />

The Rangiora New Life School<br />

principal has moved into amakeshift<br />

office in anticipation of the school<br />

admin block being demolished.<br />

Mr Walters’ office will double as a<br />

staffroom, complete with acoffee<br />

machine.<br />

‘‘We are all sharing space, so Idon’t<br />

mind. Any inconvenience is<br />

temporary.<br />

‘‘It’s certainly made me popular, as<br />

everyone pops in for acoffee.’’<br />

Rangiora New Life School is one of<br />

two <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> Christian<br />

schools which obtained permission<br />

from the Ministry of Education last<br />

year to raise their maximum rolls.<br />

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School<br />

(Rangiora), ayear 1­8 school, will<br />

increase its roll from 175 to <strong>22</strong>5, while<br />

Rangiora New Life School, ayear 1­13<br />

school, will grow from 470 to 570<br />

students over the next three years.<br />

The roll increaseswill takethe<br />

pressure off other<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

schools,inthe face of apopulation<br />

boom.<br />

St Joseph’s board of trustees<br />

presiding member Emma Dangerfield<br />

said anew four classroom blockisdue<br />

to be open for term one and asecond<br />

two classroom blocklikely to be ready<br />

for term two.<br />

‘‘This is the first major capitalworks<br />

the school has had in 20 years.<br />

‘‘The buildings are an adaptable<br />

modular design used across the<br />

Diocese.’’<br />

Ms Dangerfield said four of the<br />

classrooms are Government funded,<br />

while the rest are funded by the<br />

Catholic Diocese from attendance<br />

dues paid by whānau.<br />

The school will be fundraising to<br />

fund landscaping and playgrounds.<br />

She said the 135­year­old church<br />

buildinghas already been<br />

deconsecrated and will soon be<br />

dismantledtomake way for anew<br />

church.<br />

‘‘It will be sad to say goodbye to this<br />

historic building.’’<br />

It will be replaced by alarger and<br />

more modern building to meet the<br />

needs of agrowing community.<br />

Rangiora New Life School attracts<br />

students from the Waimakariri and<br />

Hurunui districts.<br />

Anew blockofseven classrooms is<br />

being built ready for term one,<br />

allowing growth in the primary school<br />

classrooms.<br />

The Gateway New Life Church is<br />

funding the build, recovering the cost<br />

through attendance dues.<br />

‘‘We’re not reliant on Ministry<br />

funding or oversight, so we just have to<br />

meet council regulations,’’ Mr Walters<br />

said.<br />

The growing roll means the school<br />

needs anew admin blockand<br />

staffroom, whichithopes to open in<br />

May.<br />

‘‘Our admin building was built when<br />

we had 200 students,sonow we need a<br />

building and astaffroom for aschool<br />

of 570 students,’’ Mr Walters said.<br />

‘‘We are moving from asmallschool<br />

to amedium­sized schooland<br />

medium­sized schoolsneed to have<br />

economies of scale to manage their<br />

size.’’<br />

He said the schoolhad been<br />

carrying awaiting list for anumber of<br />

years.<br />

Long term, the schoolhas amaster<br />

plan to grow to 700 students on the 5ha<br />

Southbrooksite, with the potential for<br />

asecond site to support future growth.<br />

LDR is local body journalism cofunded<br />

by RNZ and NZ On Air.<br />

AMBERLEY


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Thursday,July31, 2025 | I sue 157 | www.starnews.co.nz<br />

By DAVID HI L,<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

It was hailed as a ‘one­stop shop ’ to<br />

make it quicker and easier to build<br />

major projects when it pa sed into law<br />

last December.<br />

But none of the five <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

projects included in the Government’s<br />

Fast­track A provals Act have<br />

progre sed beyond being ‘listed ’<br />

projects in the fast­track proce s.<br />

They were among 149 projects listed<br />

in the legislation.<br />

In astatement released last w ek,<br />

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop<br />

and Regional Development Minister<br />

Shane Jones said around 50ofthe 149<br />

projects had lodged substantive<br />

a plications with the Environmental<br />

Protection Authority (EPA), since the<br />

a provals regime was established in<br />

February.<br />

Of those, none have b en a proved so<br />

far, with the first eight expected to be<br />

signed o f by the end of the year.<br />

Proposed housing developments at<br />

Ōhoka, W odend and west Rangiora<br />

were listed in the legislation, along with<br />

the W odend Bypa s and the Amuri<br />

I rigation Company Ltd’s Balmoral<br />

water storage facility and fish scr en.<br />

An EPA spokespersonhas confirmed<br />

none of the five <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

projects have lodged substantivefasttrack<br />

a plications.<br />

Developers of alisted project can<br />

a ply to the EPA where an ‘expert<br />

panel’ wi l a se s the project and<br />

consult with ‘directly a fected groups ’.<br />

Panelconvenors determine theextent<br />

of the consultation, meaning the is no<br />

guarant e local communities wi l have a<br />

say.<br />

Thereisnotimeframe for alisted<br />

projec to lodge an a plication, the<br />

spokesperson said.<br />

When the project list was a nounced<br />

in October last year, Mr Bishoppointed<br />

the finger at councils for creating the<br />

housing crisis.<br />

‘Speaking in general terms, councils<br />

have contributed to our housing crisis<br />

by being overly picky aboutwhere<br />

houses can bebuilt, ’ he said a the time.<br />

TheW odend and west Rangiora<br />

developments have since b en included<br />

in the new Waimakariri District Plan<br />

adopted last month, meaningtheymay<br />

not n ed to be fast­tracked.<br />

Amuri I rigation Company<br />

chairperson David Croft said the<br />

company anticipated aresource consent<br />

would be grantedbyEnvironment<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> (ECan) in thenext few<br />

months, afteritwas lodged in 2023.<br />

‘It l oks likethe normal consenting<br />

proce s wi lbefaster. In somewaysit<br />

wouldbethe ideal situation because<br />

everybodyhas had the chancetohave<br />

their say in asystem theyare familiar<br />

with. ’<br />

A$20m loan from the Government’s<br />

Regional Infrastructure Fund was<br />

a nounced earlier thismonth for the<br />

Balmoral water storageproject.<br />

The proposed Ōhoka development<br />

was rejected from the District Plan,<br />

after aprivate plan change requestwas<br />

rejected by an independent<br />

commi sioner in November 2023.<br />

It is sti l subjec to an Environment<br />

Court a peal.<br />

An Environment Courtspokesperson<br />

said the a pe lant, CarterGroup, has<br />

b en directed to advise the court by<br />

August 2 ‘how orwhether it intends to<br />

proc ed ’.<br />

Waimakariri District Council<br />

developmentpla ning manager Ma t<br />

Baconsaid under the new District Plan,<br />

the site of the proposed Ohoka<br />

development is zoned rura lifestyle.<br />

It mean the farmland could be subdivided<br />

into 4ha lots, but not intoan<br />

850­home developmentasproposed.<br />

Carter Group was contacted for<br />

comment but areply had not b en<br />

received by the time the <strong>North</strong><br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong> wen to print.<br />

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency<br />

hasb en completing geotech reports as<br />

it continuesscoping work for the<br />

proposed W odend Bypa s.<br />

LDR is localbody journalism cofunded<br />

by RNZ and NZ On Air.<br />

NEWS<br />

<strong>22</strong> The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Proposed ratescap raising questions<br />

ByDAVID HILL,<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

Government regulations couldprevent<br />

councils from delivering afour percent<br />

rates cap, says a<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

council boss. Waimakariri District<br />

Council staff will present aproposed<br />

draft <strong>2026</strong>/27 annual plan to councillors<br />

on Tuesday, <strong>January</strong> 27, proposing an<br />

average 4.92% annual rate rise.<br />

Chief executive Jeff Millward said a<br />

chunk of the extra cost will be upgrading<br />

infrastructure to meet new water<br />

regulations.<br />

The Government has proposed arates<br />

cap range of 2% to 4% ayear across all<br />

general and targeted rates, which would<br />

come into effect in 2029.<br />

Local government minister Simon<br />

Watts has said the proposal was ‘‘about<br />

stopping the runaway rate hike’’.<br />

Mr Millward said the average general<br />

rate across the district, excluding water<br />

services, will be around 2.7%.<br />

‘‘We have pushed out some non<br />

essential works to get the costdown.<br />

Onceagain, we are looking to keep it as<br />

Amessage to our<br />

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

Few utilising fast-track process<br />

Housing . The Waimakariri District Planhas a lowed forupto17, 0 morehouses, meaning the Government’s Fast­track A provals<br />

Actmay not be n eded. PHOTO: DAVID HI L<br />

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affordable as possible.’’<br />

The council will need to spend money<br />

upgrading its water services<br />

infrastructure to comply with<br />

regulations from water regulator<br />

Taumata Arowai, including introducing<br />

ultra violet treatments in urban<br />

drinking water.<br />

It means urban ratepayers in Kaiapoi<br />

can expect an average rate rise of 5.6%,<br />

with similar rises in Oxford, Pegasus<br />

and Woodend, while forRangiora<br />

ratepayers it will be 3.9%.<br />

In contrast, rural rates where there<br />

are no council water services, will rise<br />

by lessthan 3% on average.<br />

While other councils were setting up<br />

council controlled organisations which<br />

will separate water services from the<br />

rates bill, Waimakariri is setting up an<br />

in­house water services business unit.<br />

It means water services will remain on<br />

Waimakariri rate bills and Mr Millward<br />

said it was unclear how it will impact on<br />

the council if the rates cap is imposed.<br />

‘‘We may not have to include three<br />

watersinthe rates cap, but we are<br />

mindful ofitanyway because it is an<br />

affordability issue forour ratepayers.<br />

‘‘If we keep getting unfunded costs<br />

passed on to us forservice<br />

improvements and compliance it just<br />

adds to the cost.’’<br />

While Consumer Price Index inflation<br />

climbed back up to 3% last year, councils<br />

operated with construction inflation<br />

(BERL ­Business and Economic<br />

Research), which rose to 3.5%, adding to<br />

council costs, he said.<br />

‘‘Interest rates have dropped, which<br />

has helped to offset some of costs, but<br />

our costs keep going up.’’<br />

The council is proposing acapital<br />

works programme of $60m, down from<br />

the $73m proposed in the 2024/34 Long<br />

Term Plan.<br />

It includes nearly 200 projects, Mr<br />

Millward said.<br />

The council will consult on whether to<br />

proceed with the planned $19.7m<br />

Rangiora library extension and the<br />

proposed $37.9m Rangiora eastern link<br />

road, which is subject to aWaka Kotahi<br />

NZ Transport Agency subsidy.<br />

Both will be funded by amix of loan<br />

funding and development contributions<br />

Work is under way on the $4.1m<br />

Pegasus Community Centre, while work<br />

on the Mandeville resurgence channel is<br />

due to get under way this year ­stage one<br />

is expected to cost $2.3m and stage two<br />

$24.1m.<br />

These projects will be loan funded.<br />

Acommunity centre is also proposed<br />

for Ravenswood, while staff are also<br />

reviewing whether to bring forward<br />

work to upgrade the water mains on<br />

HighStreet, Rangiora, after two<br />

breakdowns with burst water pipes in<br />

the last year.<br />

LDR is local body journalism cofunded<br />

by RNZ and NZ On Air.<br />

Aglimpse below thesea at art exhibition<br />

ByDAVID HILL,<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

Fish, sea creatures and anything related<br />

to the ocean featured in aKaiapoi<br />

Borough School art expo held in<br />

November.<br />

Teacher Kaitlin Laing said the Moanathemed<br />

Art Expo brought the school hall<br />

to life with some fishy scenes.<br />

‘‘It was afantastic display of creativity<br />

that showcased the wonder of the ocean.<br />

‘‘Each classproduced apiece of<br />

artwork, with some creating<br />

collaborative pieces and others<br />

showcasing individual student<br />

creations.<br />

‘‘The students did agreat job and<br />

produced some high­quality pieces.<br />

Overall,the expo displayed hundreds<br />

of pieces across all classes.’’<br />

Among the displayswas Ruma toru’s<br />

(room 3) ‘‘Amazing Anglerfish<br />

Creations’’.<br />

The classdescription said the<br />

students had been learning about ocean<br />

creatures that live deep in the Midnight<br />

Zone.<br />

‘‘We werefascinated by the anglerfish<br />

–itmay look abit scary, but it’s very<br />

clever.<br />

‘‘The femaleanglerfish has aglowing<br />

light to attract prey in the dark.<br />

‘‘Students painted and decorated<br />

their own colourful anglerfish using<br />

bright paints, vivid markers, toothpicks<br />

for teeth, and pipe cleaners for lights.’’<br />

Ruma tekau mā tahi (room 11)<br />

produced a‘‘Weaved Art’’ display using<br />

wool and embroidery thread to blend<br />

shades of blue and green, mimicking<br />

waves, currents, and shimmering<br />

reflections on the water’s surface.<br />

Ruma tekau mā ono (room 16) has<br />

been learning about the different ocean<br />

zones, including the sunlight, twilight,<br />

midnight, abyss and trench zones.<br />

‘‘The students chose their favourite<br />

sea creatures from different zones and<br />

used black vivid with metallic colours to<br />

Sea themes ... Artwork on display in<br />

Kaiapoi Borough School’s the Moanathemed<br />

Art Expo. PHOTO: KAIAPOI BOROUGH SCHOOL<br />

create beautiful ocean silhouettes.’’<br />

Ruma tekau mā whitu (room 17)<br />

produced a‘‘Foil Fish’’ display creating<br />

an oceanscape using salt, white pastel,<br />

and dye.<br />

Fish shapes were cut out and covered<br />

with either netting or macramé string.<br />

After covering the fish in foil, the<br />

students painted and decorated them<br />

with sparkles and an eye, before hotgluing<br />

them on to the oceanscape.<br />

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RURAL LIFE<br />

26 <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Rangiora Toyota RuralLife<br />

Proposalsinvited<br />

for Molesworth<br />

as processopens<br />

By ROBYN BRISTOW<br />

Potential operators wanting to run a<br />

commercial farming operation for up<br />

to 30 years in the Rangitahi/<br />

Molesworth Recreation Reserve are<br />

invited to submit aproposal.<br />

DOC South Marlborough Operations<br />

Manager Stacey Wrenn says an<br />

experienced high country stock farm<br />

operator is being sought to take on the<br />

day­to­day running of Molesworth<br />

Recreation Reserve.<br />

‘‘We’ll be assessing proposalsacross<br />

arange of criteria,including the<br />

operator’sexperience, skills and<br />

resources, how biodiversity and<br />

heritage values will be protected, how<br />

cultural values will be upheld, andhow<br />

public access will be improved and<br />

facilitated.<br />

‘‘We’ve worked with iwi to<br />

understandthe cultural values of<br />

Molesworth to inform the proposal<br />

process,’’ he says.<br />

Mr Wrenn says commerciallyfocused<br />

tourism opportunities such as<br />

guiding or use of existing buildings for<br />

short­stay accommodation to run<br />

alongside the farming operation will<br />

also be considered, where it is<br />

‘‘consistentwith the purposeofthe<br />

reserve’’.<br />

Rangitahi/Molesworthisaniconic<br />

drylands landscapewith ahistory<br />

familiar to many New Zealanders.<br />

Alongside along history of sheep and<br />

cattle farming in the reserve it holds a<br />

deep cultural significance for iwi.<br />

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fish who thrive in several lakes free of<br />

predatory trout and salmon.<br />

It is also an important habitat for<br />

native birds and has braided rivers,<br />

which are globally rare.<br />

Mr Wrenn says proposals for<br />

activities likeexotic forestry, deer<br />

farmingand safari parks will notbe<br />

considered.<br />

‘‘We know how important this place<br />

istopeople, and how they value the<br />

naturing on offer. DOC expects farming<br />

to be the primary activity occurring at<br />

Molesworth.<br />

‘‘We’ll be looking at proposals<br />

carefully to ensure the future operator<br />

is chosen with the area’s significant<br />

values in mind.’’<br />

He says once DOC understands what<br />

the preferred farming operator is<br />

proposing, it will also call for separate<br />

commercial,recreation or tourism<br />

proposals that could fit alongside the<br />

successful applicant’s operations in<br />

<strong>2026</strong>.<br />

At 180,787ha, Rangitahi Molesworth<br />

Scenic Reserve is slightly larger than<br />

Rakiura/Stewart Island and larger<br />

than 10 of New Zealand’s 13 National<br />

Parks.<br />

Alltender applications must be<br />

received by DOC on, orbefore, March<br />

20. More details about the scope of the<br />

opportunity on offer and the farm<br />

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Ewe fair ... Hurunui Mayor Marie Black (right) chats to stock agents Allister Orchard (left)<br />

and Duke Loe at apast Hawarden Ewe Fair.<br />

PHOTO: FILE<br />

Pastoral farmers<br />

welcome the rain<br />

By DAVID HILL<br />

Local Democracy Reporter<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong>’s farmers will be<br />

hoping for some sunshine, after a<br />

variable start to summer, Hurunui<br />

Mayor Marie Black says.<br />

The rural sector took abattering in<br />

October’s wind event, with trees<br />

uprooted, irrigators overturned and fire<br />

breaking out, but Mrs Black said<br />

summer rain will have given farmers<br />

some relief.<br />

‘‘From aseasonal perspective, it’s<br />

been alittle bit up and down.<br />

‘‘It was cool through Christmas and<br />

New Year, but it would have been a<br />

welcome relief to much of our district.’’<br />

Mrs Black said pastoral farmers will<br />

have welcomed the regular rainfalls,<br />

but grain farmers waiting to harvest<br />

their crops will be hoping for some hot<br />

summer days ahead.<br />

‘‘It’s been typical of the weather over<br />

the last few years and we will probably<br />

get some incredibly hot days through<br />

February, when the kids go back to<br />

school.<br />

‘‘I’m pretty sure the pastoral farmers<br />

will be welcoming the overnight rain<br />

we’ve been getting, but they’re not so<br />

happy with the heavy winds.’’<br />

Mrs Black said the roads have been<br />

busy, as holiday makers have made<br />

their way to the popular spots,<br />

including Hanmer Springs, Kaikōura<br />

and the region’s beaches.<br />

Federated Farmers <strong>North</strong><br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> meat and wool cochairperson<br />

Sara Black said it had been<br />

agood start to the season.<br />

‘‘The year has started off well, we've<br />

had some heat and now some<br />

reasonable tallies of rain.’’<br />

At her family’s Marble Point Station,<br />

there was 83mm of rain in the last week,<br />

while farmers in the Amuri Basin got<br />

around 60mm.<br />

‘‘This has helped farmers who haven't<br />

got their irrigation back up and running<br />

after the October winds, but now I'm<br />

sure everyone is looking for some heat<br />

to finish off lambs and encouragemore<br />

growth.’’<br />

Commodity prices remained strong,<br />

giving farmers plenty of optimism for<br />

the year ahead, Sara Black said.<br />

For <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> farmers,<br />

attention turns to the Hawarden Ewe<br />

Fair on Friday, <strong>January</strong> 30, and the<br />

Sheffield Ewe Fair on Friday, February<br />

13, ahead of the autumn A&P shows.<br />

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SPORT<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Trust’sprogramme helping young people<br />

27<br />

By DAVID HILL,<br />

Local DemocracyReporter<br />

Outdoor education is facing an<br />

uncertain future in schools, but asmall<br />

Kaikōura trust is doing its bit to train the<br />

next generation of leaders.<br />

Te Hā oMātauranga is running an<br />

outdoor education programme thanks to<br />

Sport Tasman’s Tū Manawa Active<br />

Aotearoa fund.<br />

The funding is allowing Te Hā to train<br />

20 rangatahiasleaders in three<br />

different areas ­rafting, marine<br />

activities and bush craft.<br />

Te Hā education lead Sarah<br />

Beardmore says rangatahi will complete<br />

afirst aid course and earn acertificate<br />

at the end of the programme.<br />

‘‘We are training up to 20 young<br />

people as leaders to create more<br />

opportunities for training other young<br />

people.<br />

‘‘It’s about helping people to<br />

experience the outdoors.’’<br />

While the programme is not aimed as<br />

vocational training, Sarah says thereis<br />

no reason why it couldn’t lead to more<br />

opportunities if rangatahi get inspired.<br />

The rafting programme kicked off<br />

towards the end of last year with eight<br />

young people being trained to be<br />

leaders onarafting trip with Clarence<br />

River Rafting.<br />

It will culminate in afour to five day<br />

rafting trip.<br />

The bush craft programme will<br />

include aleaders’ camp at Puhi Peaks<br />

Station, with rangatahi learning about<br />

flora and fauna, and further bush walks<br />

and camping planned.<br />

The marine programme will include<br />

boogie boarding, snorkeling and beach<br />

games.<br />

Te Hā operations lead Vicki Gulleford<br />

said the programme aims to help young<br />

people form relationships and build a<br />

reputation.<br />

‘‘Forayoung person it’s an amazing<br />

excuse to get off the phone and be<br />

inspired to get outside more.’’<br />

Out onthe water ... Rangatahi learn about<br />

leadership out in the raft. PHOTO: TE HĀ OMĀTAURANGA<br />

NC RESULTS<br />

Amberley Bridge Club<br />

<strong>January</strong> 12<br />

Lyn Edwards &Martin Pryde 1, Margaret<br />

Bean &Ken Fox 2, Judith Driver &Jan<br />

Roose 3.<br />

<strong>January</strong> 15<br />

<strong>North</strong>/South: Kaye Rowell &Penny<br />

Hepworth 1, Judith Driver &Jan Roose 2,<br />

Helen Thornburgh &Mary Bain 3. East/<br />

West: Ian Pettigrew &Caryl Brown 1,<br />

Diane Watson &Nola McKissock 2,<br />

Denise Lang &Irene Carson 3.<br />

Marching contest<br />

Team effort ... The victorious Rangiora fours bowling team —Trish Hannah (skip), Viv Schischka (3rd), Sydney Mulligan (2nd) and Julie<br />

Wood (lead) —receive the Cup from the President of Bowls <strong>Canterbury</strong> Sharon Wilson (left).<br />

PHOTO: SUPPLIED<br />

Rangiorabowlers win fours<br />

Rangiora Bowling Club’s women’s fours<br />

are champions.<br />

Trish Hannah (skip),Viv Schischka<br />

(3rd), Sydney Mulligan (2nd) and Julie<br />

Wood (lead), won the <strong>Canterbury</strong>Centre<br />

Women’s Fours title for 2025­<strong>2026</strong>.<br />

Rangiora played aday of section play,<br />

then aknockout day of two post section<br />

games and finally afinals days to achieve<br />

its<strong>Canterbury</strong>title last month. It beat a<br />

Christchurch Bowling Club’s fours team<br />

on its own green, 17­4, to take the title.<br />

Rangiora will host the 33rd Leisure<br />

MarchingNational Championships at<br />

MainPower Stadium in late March,<br />

welcoming 81 teams and 726 marchers from<br />

across New Zealand for two days of colour,<br />

music and movement.<br />

The event is beinghosted by McCullough<br />

Guards, aChristchurch­based leisure<br />

marching team, in partnership with the<br />

Pioneers of <strong>Canterbury</strong> Masters —the<br />

current national and South Island<br />

champions. The event starts on Friday,<br />

March 27, 9.30am. Entry to take in the<br />

spectacle is free.


WINGS WITH WHEELS<br />

28 The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Oxford’sfifth annual Wings with Wheels<br />

Organisers of the fifth annual Wheels with Wings are<br />

over the moon at the supportthey received from<br />

motoring and aviation enthusiasts over the weekend.<br />

Spokesperson Dave McPherson says both the Oxford<br />

and District Lions Club and the Oxford Community<br />

Trust are very pleased with the large numbers<br />

attending their combined car and aircraft show<br />

fundraiser, held on Sunday on aproperty on the<br />

outskirtsofOxford.<br />

‘‘We did very well considering the rain at the start<br />

and the dark­looking clouds near the end of the day. I<br />

have never seen the car park so full, as we had over<br />

1000 people come through the gates.’’<br />

He says that at one point, there were over 20 aircraft<br />

on the ground and hundreds of cars, trucks, and<br />

motorcycles parked on­site for people to inspect.<br />

‘‘It was too many to count.’’<br />

He says they are extremely grateful to all the<br />

members of the Mazda MX5 Club, the East Coast Air<br />

Cooled VW club, the Bambina Club, the Royal Enfield<br />

Owners group, the Triumph and Mini car clubs, and all<br />

the owners of the many custom and vintage cars, trucks<br />

and motorcycles who came along to show their<br />

vehicles, plus the many flying club members who<br />

supported them on the day despite the damp weather.<br />

‘‘They flew in from all over as we had aero club<br />

members from Timaru, Darfield, Rangiora and<br />

Christchurch attend.<br />

‘‘Their sports and general aviation planes were of<br />

big interest to all who came, and it was great to see the<br />

Fletcher Top Dresser, the vintage Auster on­site and<br />

the Spitfire flyover later in the day.’’<br />

Mr McPherson says they are already planning for<br />

next year's event and are keen to establish it as a<br />

regular show on the third weekend of <strong>January</strong> each<br />

year.<br />

‘‘It’s become very popular, and we want to thank<br />

everyone who took part this year as we raised valuable<br />

funds to support both community programmes.’’<br />

Old friend ... Having arest at the Oxford and District Lions Wings with Wheels show on<br />

Sunday was Dave Coakley, of Cust, with his 1930 Model AFord Sedan which he purchased<br />

in1971.<br />

PHOTOS JOHN COSGROVE<br />

Old is beautiful ... Gregor Kaiserand his sonMattis (11), of New Brighton, get aclose look<br />

at an immaculately restored vintage Auster Mk5D which was one ofover 20 aircraft which<br />

flew in for the show on Sunday.<br />

Historical flight ... Pilot Richard Collett, of Oxford, flew Roy Hill’s veteran 1972 Fletcher top<br />

dressingaircraft from its nearby Oxford base to show it off at the Wings with Wheels.<br />

Along way from home ... An extensive line up of aircraft were on show on Sunday, and<br />

included this Cessna 172B from Waihi and aPiper Pa­14 from Rangiora.<br />

Isitstill raining? ... Motoring and aviation enthusiasts check the weather at the Oxford and<br />

District Lions Wings with Wheels show on Sunday.<br />

PHOTO: KATH COSGROVE<br />

Aircooled fun ... Mark Leeburn and Denise Palmer, from the East Coast Air Cooled Club,<br />

head off for adrive in Mark’s 1971 VW Type18car at the Wings with Wheels show.


WINGS WITH WHEELS<br />

The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Showabigsuccess of rural community<br />

29<br />

Rain ­noworries ... Despite rain at the start of the Oxford and<br />

District Lions Wings with Wheels show, this custom car enthusiast<br />

snaps aphoto of a1954 Ford Popular rat rod on display.<br />

PHOTOS: JOHN COSGROVE<br />

Gently does it ... Pilots from Timaru, park their AlpiAviation<br />

Pioneer 300 sports aviation aircraft in the line up at the show on<br />

Sunday.<br />

PHOTO: KATH COSGROVE<br />

Keeping it tip top ... Paul Carson, of<br />

Hororata, cleans the raindropsoff his 1972<br />

Holden LJ Torana to preserve the shine.<br />

Exotic line up ... Hundreds of classic, vintage and customised cars, trucks and motorcycles<br />

lined up for people at the show.<br />

Pilot Ted ... Eleni Tsavousis and her daughter Toula (4), from New York, look over Ross<br />

Marfell’s Alpi Aviation Pioneer 300 RS light aircraft with Pilot Ted at the Wings with Wheels<br />

show on Sunday.<br />

PHOTO: KATH COSGROVE<br />

On Show... Tony Kalksma’s heavily modified 1957 VW Beetle named Zombie, attracted<br />

alot of attention at the Wings with Wheels show on Sunday.<br />

Together again ... The annual Wings with Wheels show brings together motor vehicles<br />

and aircraft in Oxford.<br />

Reflections galore ... Despite the rain many custom cars arrived at the show adorned with<br />

highly polished chrome.<br />

PHOTO: KATH COSGROVE


GARDENING<br />

30 The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

YOUR lOcalspecialists<br />

fORallYOUR gaRdeningneeds<br />

Rain beats sprinklersfor nurturing gardens<br />

Susie Shore advises on<br />

summer gardening chores.<br />

It has been one of the best<br />

growing seasons for along time<br />

—nothing like rain to beat<br />

sprinklers hands down.<br />

I’ve had lovely Jersey Benne<br />

potatoes, the gooseberries are<br />

looking quite fat and Ihave had<br />

the best strike of carrots ever.<br />

Soon it will be time to plant<br />

leeks for the winter, they are so<br />

easy to grow.<br />

Keep vegetables watered —<br />

the same for bedding plants.<br />

Strawberries need to be<br />

watered, and covered to keep<br />

the birds from eating them and<br />

lemons need to be fed and<br />

watered regularly.<br />

Aphids are about so keep<br />

them under control with a<br />

spray, but only spray in the cool<br />

part of the day so that the leaves<br />

are not scorched and bees not<br />

affected.<br />

It is such alovely time of the<br />

year —everything flowering<br />

and looking just so fresh, lovely<br />

and colourful.<br />

Lawns need to be cut alittle<br />

higher to keep the weeds down<br />

and also fertilised.<br />

Try to keep the greenery on<br />

your bulbs. It feeds the bulbs<br />

for next year and it also keeps<br />

the narcissi fly out ofthe centre<br />

ofthe bulb. They lay grubs and<br />

they eat the inside ofthe bulbs,<br />

especially daffodils.<br />

If you areplanting up<br />

hanging baskets include<br />

‘‘saturaid’’.<br />

It helps to keep the soil moist.<br />

Alsoput asaucer in the bottom<br />

ofthe basket beforefilling it<br />

with soil.<br />

Hanging baskets need to be<br />

fed with liquid fertiliser after<br />

watering, every 10 days.<br />

When your delphiniums have<br />

finished flowering, cut back<br />

and they willflower again<br />

which is abonus.<br />

Feijoas need adrink when<br />

they are flowering, as it helps<br />

with fertilisation. Also give<br />

them alittlefeed of<br />

nitrophoska.<br />

Peonies,hybrid clematis,<br />

sweet peas and lily bulbs are all<br />

popping up orflowering. My<br />

Sweet peas were planted in the<br />

autumn facing north.<br />

Ifed them with liquid<br />

fertiliser occasionally and its<br />

paid off. They are very lush and<br />

are just starting to flower.<br />

Don’t forget your hat,<br />

sunscreen and gloves when out<br />

gardening.<br />

Ihave just had an eye<br />

procedure which Iimagine is<br />

partly due to not wearing ahat<br />

in the early daysofmy<br />

gardening life which is along,<br />

long time ago —all is well with<br />

my eye thankfully.<br />

Happy gardening.<br />

It is good foryour figure and<br />

your mind and so rewarding —<br />

even just picking afresh lettuce<br />

is satisfying.<br />

Summer colour ... Rain has<br />

helped create fresh, colourful<br />

displays in many gardens. PHOTO: FILE<br />

TheOneStopShop<br />

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Colourful Garden


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rural haven foryears to come!<br />

Alifestyle location with both Rangiora and Kaiapoi within easy<br />

reach and bordered by Ohoka and Tuahiwi -make use of the<br />

Four SeasonsRealty<br />

nearbycountryschools, Ohokamarket,equestrian &dog facilities,<br />

but still be abletoeasily connectintotownamenities.<br />

Feeatures:<br />

• Open-plan living +separate living +dining +master-bdrm living<br />

• 3x Heat-pumps +under-floor heating +diesel central-heating +<br />

HRV +solarhot-water<br />

• Kitchen butler’s pantry +induction cooktop<br />

• Pool-room +3-Car garaging<br />

• Bay barn +shed +3-phase power<br />

143 FLAXTONROAD FLAXTON<br />

4.13ha 4 4 3<br />

ForSale By Negotiation<br />

View online harcourts.co.nz/L37632801<br />

Contact<br />

MITCH & MANA<br />

027 413 0797<br />

mitch&mana@harcourts.co.nz<br />

Licensed AgentREAA2008<br />

VIEWINGTIMES<br />

Refertoinformation online or contactagents<br />

TOPSALES CONSULTANTS<br />

HARCOURTS F OUR S EASONS 2024 - 2 025<br />

Scan<br />

the<br />

QR<br />

code<br />

Four SeasonsRealty<br />

027 413 0797 |027 6262 824<br />

mitchandmana@harcourts.co.nz<br />

Licensed Agent<br />

REAA 2008<br />

Follow<br />

us<br />

on<br />

Facebook


Four SeasonsRealty<br />

Scan the QR<br />

code to view<br />

more listings<br />

harcourtsfourseasons.co.nz<br />

Your home forlocal property


Rangiora’sPremier Eco-Friendly Community<br />

Arangeofsection sizes<br />

Services to the boundary<br />

Te Matauru PrimarySchool zone<br />

STAGE6<br />

Coming Soon<br />

Rangiora’sPremier Eco-FriendlyCommunity<br />

Situated in West Rangiora,Townsend<br />

Fields presents aliving spacethat<br />

enhances your outdoor experience<br />

with opencountryside, surrounded by<br />

reserves, waterways, nativeplantingand<br />

recreationalwalkwaysand paths. Simply<br />

put,itisthe town’s newest,eco-friendly<br />

locationtocallhome.<br />

Draft<br />

Contact Chris to makeanappointment or<br />

askquestions.<br />

Chris TALLOTT<br />

027 4906 042|03313 6158<br />

sales@townsendfields.co.nz<br />

For more<br />

information<br />

townsendfields.co.nz<br />

Four SeasonsRealty<br />

Licensed Agent REAA 2008


Leithfield 20 McleanDrive<br />

New Listing<br />

Scan for more<br />

Vendorshavepurchased-mustbesold!<br />

Committed to their next move, the vendors areselling -making this astandout buying opportunity.This contemporaryMike<br />

Greer Home combines style, space,and versatility,featuringthreebedrooms, twobathrooms,and generous open-plan living.<br />

Set on alarge,established section, it boasts two covered entertaining areas,aswim spa,and an impressive81m2 three-bay<br />

shed,plus aseparate two-bedroomdwellingideal formultigenerational families or potentialrentalincome -it's the lifestyle<br />

you've beendreaming of! Designed withfamilylivinginmindwith open-plan living area, asunny, separateloungeand stylish<br />

kitchencomplete with awalk-in pantryand SueKelly filtersystem.Year-round comfort is ensuredwith twoheat pumps, alog<br />

burner, heat transfer system, ceilingfansinall roomsand doubleglazingthroughout. Enjoyeffortless indoor-outdoor living<br />

withtwo coveredentertaining areasand arelaxingswim spa -perfect for hostingorunwinding. The extra-longdouble garage<br />

provides internal access, built-instorage,and attic space. Setonagenerous, private section withbeautifully established<br />

gardens.<br />

5 3 3 2<br />

Auction 1.00pm, Thu 12th Feb, <strong>2026</strong>, (unless sold prior)<br />

View Sun 25 Jan12.00 -12.45pm<br />

Web pb.co.nz/RU162595<br />

Kiara Tinirau-Philps<br />

M 027 545 4272 E kiara.tp@pb.co.nz<br />

Rangiora <strong>22</strong>4King Street<br />

NewListing<br />

Scan for more<br />

Opportunity not to be missed!<br />

Are you lookingfor an opportunitytoredecorateand add yourown magictoaproperty. Then look no further. Setonasunny<br />

corner section just ashort strollto theshopping centre, this super-sized home delivers space, versatilityand opportunityina<br />

highly convenient location. Withexcellent busconnections and close proximity to schools, parksand all town facilities, this<br />

propertyisperfectly positioned foreasy everyday living.Inside, thegenerous layout is idealfor familiesor those seekinga<br />

work-from-home or business opportunity.The hugelounge,warmed by alog fireset on araisedfireplace, providesa<br />

welcominghub for familyliving and relaxation. This space flowsseamlessly into theadjoiningdining area and family-sized<br />

kitchen, creating afunctional andsocial heart of thehome.There are twobedrooms, including one exceptionally largeroom<br />

featuring afullwall of cupboardsand extensive closet space,offering flexibility foramastersuite,studioorhomeoffice. The<br />

homeisserviced by amain bathroom plusanadditional separate toilet forconvenience. Practical featuresabound, witha<br />

walk-through laundryprovidingexcellent extrastorage.<br />

2 1 1 2<br />

DeadlineSale closes Tuesday10th February,<strong>2026</strong> at 1.00pm,<br />

(unless sold prior)<br />

View Sat24Jan 1.00 -2.00pm<br />

Sun 25 Jan1.00 -2.00pm<br />

Web pb.co.nz/RU161473<br />

Bev Wright AREINZ<br />

M 027 434 2486 E bev@pb.co.nz<br />

PropertyBrokers LtdLicensed REAA 2008 |pb.co.nz<br />

Proudtobehere


Amberley 5Newton Place<br />

Oxford 243Burnt Hill Road<br />

EffortlessAmberleyliving!<br />

Warmth and light greet you the momentyou step inside this<br />

welcoming, well-constructed family home,tucked awayatthe end of a<br />

quiet right of way. The interioroffersgenerous proportions<br />

throughout,withfourgood-sizedbedrooms including amaster suite<br />

complete with ensuite,walk-in robe anddirectdeck access.Atthe<br />

heart of the home,the expansive open-plankitchen, living anddining<br />

area flows effortlessly outdoors,while asecond loungewith logburner<br />

provides acosy retreat. Neutral decor, double glazing, aheat pump<br />

andthe woodburner combine to createacomfortablehome thatis<br />

easy to personalise.<br />

Domett 359 Hurunui Mouth Road<br />

4 2 2 3<br />

ForSale $920,000<br />

View Sun 25 Jan 2.30 -3.00pm<br />

Web pb.co.nz/RU219157<br />

Aaron Clark<br />

M 027 873 5121<br />

Anna Pethig<br />

M 027 913 4909<br />

Executive alpine retreat!<br />

Where sophistication meets self-sufficiency! Completed in 2023, this<br />

exceptional home embodies executive living with arareblendof<br />

sophistication, sustainability, and breathtaking scenery. Elevatedto<br />

capture panoramic views across the mighty Southern Alps and<br />

foothills,the property offers an unrivalled sense of space, peace, and<br />

privacy -yet remains within easy reach of Oxford, Rangiora, and<br />

Christchurch City. Every detailhas been thoughtfully considered.<br />

Underfloor heating via heat pump, wood fire andexcellent solargain<br />

ensure year-round comfort, whilea60,000-litre water catchment<br />

system delivers pristine, spring-like water, complemented by town<br />

supply access at the boundary.<br />

3 3 3 2<br />

For Sale By Negotiation<br />

View By appointment<br />

Web pb.co.nz/RL206896<br />

Megan Burridge<br />

M 027 281 9215<br />

Scan formore<br />

Dairy supportwith options<br />

Definitely worth consideration -we'repleased to present'Cranlea Farm', a192 ha (approx) multipurposeproperty<br />

strategically positioned in the thriving Cheviot area. Importantly, an adjacent125 ha (approx) property is also available for<br />

purchase,creating arare opportunitytosecureapproximately317 hectares in one strategic location. This neighbouring<br />

propertyhas demonstrated provenperformance andexcellent results,providing confidence in theproductivecapacity of the<br />

combined holding. Forastute buyers seeking scale,operationalefficiency, and genuinegrowth potential, this dual-property<br />

opportunityrepresentsexceptional valueintoday's strongruralmarket. Exceptional Dairy Support Capability: In amarket<br />

wherereliabledairy support is increasingly valuable, Cranleadelivers.The property features adependable irrigation system<br />

drawingfrom the Hurunui River, supported by twostorage dams ensuring consistentwater supply. Three pivot irrigators cover<br />

40 hectares, complimented by arobust 155 sprinkler,fixed grid system spanning 28 hectares -totallingapproximately 68<br />

hectares of irrigated flatsidealfor intensive grazing andwinterfeed production.<br />

4 3 2<br />

For Sale By Negotiation<br />

View By appointment<br />

Web pb.co.nz/RR217483<br />

Fraser Ibbotson<br />

M 021574 037<br />

Maurice Newell<br />

M 027 240 1718<br />

Cannan Elvines<br />

M 027 399 3<strong>22</strong>9<br />

E fraser.ibbotson@pb.co.nz<br />

E mauricen@pb.co.nz<br />

E cannan.elvines@pb.co.nz<br />

PropertyBrokers LtdLicensed REAA 2008 |pb.co.nz<br />

Proudtobehere


Boundary lines areindicativeonly<br />

Boundarylines are indicative only<br />

Amberley 442 Double Corner Road<br />

Land, layout, lifestyle<br />

•Positionedon4.66 hectares,this lifestyleblockoffersland, layout and amodernedge foraneasy step into rural<br />

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

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

definition, while the dining and kitchenflowtothe patio.<br />

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

double internal-access garage boostpracticality.<br />

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

into three paddocks withtroughs, and minutes from Amberley, it delivers rural scalewitheveryday convenience.<br />

bayleys.co.nz/5529240<br />

3 1 2 2<br />

DeadlineSale (unless soldprior)<br />

1pm, Wed 28 Jan <strong>2026</strong><br />

251-253 High Street, Rangiora<br />

View 10.30-11amSun 25 Jan<br />

Mark Pringle 027 4333334<br />

mark.pringle@bayleys.co.nz<br />

JackPringle 027 533 4820<br />

WHALAN ANDPARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSEDUNDER THEREA ACT2008<br />

FINAL NOTICE<br />

Oxford 49 Mairangi Lane<br />

Superior<strong>Canterbury</strong>views,sunsets,and skylines<br />

Anexceptional contemporary styled home onanelevated 4.0035 hectaresoffering fabulous views. Highly<br />

functionalliving spaces, large countrykitchen andpantry,home theatrelounge, lofty ceilings, large windows, plus<br />

indoor-outdoorflowtodecks. Masterbedroom with ensuite,walk-in robe,spacious family bedrooms plus<br />

additional artstudio. Solar water heating, underfloor heating, double garage, extensive lawns, nativeplantings,<br />

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

access,five minutes to Oxford,aneasycommutetothe city andrecreational opportunities on your doorstep.Call<br />

now!<br />

bayleys.co.nz/5529155<br />

4 2 2 2<br />

DeadlineSale (unless soldprior)<br />

1pm, Thu29Jan <strong>2026</strong><br />

251-253 High Street, Rangiora<br />

View 1-2pm Sun 25 Jan or by appointment<br />

Dean Pugh 027 335 6303<br />

Anna Bray 027 320 7457<br />

Alicia Lonsdale 027 428 0345<br />

WHALAN ANDPARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSEDUNDER THEREA ACT2008<br />

bayleys.co.nz


TRADINGHOMES<br />

SEASON1is comingsoon<br />

Buying intrading seasons isthe best time to sell your home and confidently buy your new<br />

one. We have two major sessions, the first being mid February, March, April then in Spring:<br />

late September, October and November.<br />

Selling early in each season is advised, that way you’re inacash<br />

position mid season ready for the purchase. Being acash buyer<br />

is the best way towoo the attention of any home owner.<br />

As aprofessional agent, my team and Istrive to be the best<br />

when representing your asset. Success leaves clues and after<br />

25 years of real estate experience, weunderstand that our role<br />

is making the transition as smooth aspossible. Real estate is not<br />

just taking pretty photos, whacking up asign and wearing shiny<br />

shoes. It’s about listening to our clients and making the correct<br />

recommendations. Insome cases we are preparing the sale of<br />

our clients aseason ahead toensure nothing is left to chance.<br />

Our marketing may appear high-end, but our costs are<br />

reasonable—and designed to maximise your outcome, not<br />

compromise it.<br />

Hear from those who’ve worked with us.<br />

“” “”<br />

Wow! We can’t praise Lance, Juliet and Aaron<br />

enough for selling our property, with great heart and<br />

professionalism, resulting inaspectacular outcome<br />

at auction, far exceeding our expectations.<br />

When we met Lance, wewere sold onhis kindness, humour,<br />

energy and passion for selling property. With his wonderful<br />

team, they came upwith anamazing campaign, wefelt<br />

confident toleave in their hands. Throughout the whole<br />

process, the team not only looked after ustirelessly but<br />

also looked after potential buyers with the same heart<br />

and professionalism.<br />

We are positive wewould not have gotten the same<br />

result with anyone else and highly recommend Lance,<br />

Juliet and Aaron to anyone selling their property.<br />

KIM &GORDON<br />

Lance, Juliet and Aaron are so empathetic of what<br />

tasks sellers face when going tomarket, from open days,<br />

property inspections, going through the legal requirements<br />

and the moving of your household effects. Their<br />

understanding of all the various stages and the support<br />

they provided when we needed help or guidance was<br />

simply superb. The idiom “a safe pair of hands” describes<br />

their dedication tosupport and guide you through the<br />

processes, and wehighly recommend this team.<br />

IAN &ROSEMARY<br />

Speak with ustoday<br />

Lance Farrant | Aaron Laing<br />

021 419 815<br />

Use your phone camera to scan the QRcode to view my latest references.<br />

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008<br />

Residential /Commercial /Rural /Property Services


Live Auction Event<br />

Last Chance List Now<br />

Experience the auction event of<strong>2026</strong>, partner with Bayleys to<br />

get your property under the hammer. Benefit from our seasoned<br />

agents, award-winning auctioneers, and tailored marketing packages,<br />

to ensure nostone isleft unturned to find you the best buyer.<br />

bayleys.co.nz/canterbury<br />

Residential /Commercial /Rural /Property Services<br />

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008


AUCTION<br />

73 Chinnerys Road, Woodend<br />

Offering the kind of space and opportunity thatwill excite<br />

many, this 6417m2 propertycould be one ofthe best<br />

landbanks or development opportunities in<strong>2026</strong>! Ourowners<br />

are on their next journeyand there isnoturning back, they<br />

want to see this one sold under the hammer!<br />

Zoned 'General Residential Zone' inthe PartiallyOperative<br />

Waimakariri District Plan.<br />

raywhitemorrisandco.co.nz/RAN31930<br />

Ray WhiteMorris&CoRealEstate Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)<br />

Auction<br />

4pm, Wednesday18February,<br />

<strong>2026</strong> at RayWhiteRangiora<br />

(unlesssold prior)<br />

View<br />

Saturday 2.00-2.30pm<br />

Sunday 1.00-1.30pm<br />

4A2B2L2J6417F<br />

Stuart Morris<br />

027 4<strong>22</strong> 6395<br />

stuart.morris@raywhite.com<br />

Daph O'Rourke<br />

027 883 7993<br />

daph.orourke@raywhite.com<br />

Open Home<br />

Open Home<br />

FORSALE<br />

46 Tiritiri Moana Drive, Pegasus<br />

4A2B2L2J730F<br />

FORSALE<br />

14 Rapaki Street, Pegasus<br />

4A3B2L1D2J701F<br />

This stunning lakefront property<br />

is an absolute showstopperperfectly<br />

positioned tomaximise<br />

breathtakingviews in every<br />

direction. Capturing expansive<br />

north-facing reservevistas and<br />

magical western lake sunsets,<br />

this home offers arare and<br />

remarkable opportunity!<br />

ForSale<br />

$1,495,000<br />

View<br />

Sunday2.00-2.30pm<br />

Stuart Morris<br />

027 4<strong>22</strong>6395<br />

stuart.morris@raywhite.com<br />

Daph O'Rourke<br />

027883 7993<br />

daph.orourke@raywhite.com<br />

4years ago, ourperceptive<br />

owners decided to create their<br />

own magic. They built a<br />

spectacular 'forever' home, but<br />

life threw them acurveball.<br />

Departure isnow imminent, and<br />

with it comes the rarest of<br />

opportunities, available nowfor<br />

the briefest of times!<br />

ForSale<br />

BuyerEnquiry Over<br />

$1,450,000<br />

View<br />

Sunday3.00-3.30pm<br />

Stuart Morris<br />

027 4<strong>22</strong> 6395<br />

stuart.morris@raywhite.com<br />

SusieLowe<br />

027918 9131<br />

susie.lowe@raywhite.com<br />

raywhitemorrisandco.co.nz/RAN32121<br />

RayWhiteMorris &CoReal Estate LimitedLicensed (REAA 2008)<br />

raywhitemorrisandco.co.nz/RAN32032<br />

RayWhite Morris &CoReal Estate Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)


RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL<br />

OPEN HOME<br />

ASHLEY 66 Boundary Road<br />

Unlock the Potential With This Versatile Lifestyle<br />

Set on 2.0234ha in sought-afterAshley near Rangiora,<br />

this lifestyle property offers space, versatility, and<br />

potential. The concreteblock and weatherboard home<br />

features open-plan kitchen/dining, spacious living with<br />

logburner, three double bedrooms, and two heat<br />

pumps. Outdooraccess, adeck, and mature trees<br />

enhance the appeal. Includes adouble garage, lean-to,<br />

expansive sheds, and fiveunits of county water.Ideal<br />

forrenovation,hobby farming,orpeaceful living in a<br />

prime location.<br />

3 1 2<br />

PRICE BY NEGOTIATION<br />

Plus GST (if any)<br />

VIEW By Appointment Only<br />

Peter Crean<br />

M 027434 4002<br />

E pcrean@pggwrightson.co.nz<br />

Mark Clyne<br />

M 027 531 2964<br />

E mark.clyne@pggwrightson.co.nz<br />

AMBERLEY 2Haydon Place<br />

Must Be Sold!<br />

Builttocapture thesun andrich in features, this<br />

substantial homereflects the vision our clients had<br />

when building, while offeringscope to further<br />

enhance. Located on theever-popular westside of<br />

town, close to theprimary school, preschool,<br />

swimming pool and domain. The open-plan kitchen,<br />

livingand dining features alog burner, heat pump and<br />

walk-in pantry. Asemi-separate lounge, three<br />

oversized bedrooms(primarywith ensuite), excellent<br />

storage, internal accessdouble garage, barn-style shed<br />

and ablankcanvas garden complete this generous<br />

2,302sqm property at 2Haydon Place.<br />

3 2 2<br />

AUCTION (Unless Sold Prior)<br />

12.00pm, Tuesday 3February -Onsite<br />

VIEW 12.00-12.30pm,<br />

Saturday 24 <strong>January</strong><br />

Maria Rickerby<br />

M 027 563 1733<br />

E mrickerby@pggwrightson.co.nz<br />

Ruby Burney<br />

M 027 312 3533<br />

E ruby.burney@pggwrightson.co.nz<br />

pggwre.co.nz/RAN42057<br />

pggwre.co.nz/AMB4<strong>22</strong>32<br />

ExperienceCounts,<br />

Contactthe<br />

Professionals<br />

Peterand Markscombination of experience,market<br />

knowledgeand professionalismhas established aproven<br />

track record of success.Their expertise will guide you<br />

every step of theway,achievingthe best possible results.<br />

Local knowledge<br />

Personalised approach<br />

Free,no-pressure appraisals<br />

PETERCREAN<br />

M 027 434 4002<br />

MARK CLYNE<br />

M 027 531 2964<br />

EXPERTS IN RURALAND LIFESTYLE SALES<br />

pggwre.co.nz<br />

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA2008<br />

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensedunder REAA 2008<br />

71 High Street,RANGIORA<br />

73 Carters Road,AMBERLEY<br />

Phone: 03 313 0610<br />

Email:rangiora@pggwre.co.nz<br />

Helping growthe country<br />

Formoregreat listings,visitwww.pggwre.co.nz


RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL<br />

NEW LISTING<br />

NEW LISTING<br />

AMBERLEY 3PembertonDrive<br />

Oasis in Amberley's Heart<br />

• Contemporary design with quality finishes<br />

• Kitchen with stone benchtops, premium<br />

appliances, walk-in pantry<br />

• Semi separate lounge<br />

• Open-plan living &dining withoutdoor flow<br />

• Expansive patio with electric rain sensor louvres<br />

• Double-sided gas fire &ductedheat pump<br />

• Primary bedroom with walk-inwardrobe, elegant<br />

en suite &patio access<br />

• Internal-accessdouble garage, garden shed,alarm<br />

system, and waterfilterincluded —plusmany<br />

more features.<br />

3 2 2<br />

DEADLINE SALE (UnlessSold Prior)<br />

Offers Over $949,000 Considered<br />

Closes11.00am,Thursday 19 February<br />

VIEW 11.15-11.45am,<br />

Saturday 24 <strong>January</strong><br />

Maria Rickerby<br />

M 027 563 1733<br />

E mrickerby@pggwrightson.co.nz<br />

Ruby Burney<br />

M 027 312 3533<br />

E ruby.burney@pggwrightson.co.nz<br />

AMBERLEY 16 Deans Place<br />

ARare Find!<br />

Finalsection in sought-afterDeansPlace! This 801sqm<br />

(more or less) freehold,flat site with titleissuedis<br />

ready for yourdream homeornextbuild.<br />

Located in Amberley’s popular OakfieldsSubdivision,<br />

backingonto areserve forspace and privacy, yetjust<br />

moments from SH1and ashort walk to shops,cafes,<br />

and amenities.<br />

Utilities to boundary, sensible covenants protect your<br />

investment andreflect thequalityofthe<br />

neighbourhood. Titled sectionsare rare -act fast!<br />

Contact Maria or Ruby today.<br />

$279,000 GST Inclusive<br />

Maria Rickerby<br />

M 027 563 1733<br />

E mrickerby@pggwrightson.co.nz<br />

Ruby Burney<br />

M 027 312 3533<br />

E ruby.burney@pggwrightson.co.nz<br />

pggwre.co.nz/AMB42899<br />

pggwre.co.nz/AMB42896<br />

Your national team.<br />

PGG WrightsonRealEstateare your national<br />

team of trustedproperty experts, connecting<br />

people with rural, lifestyleand provincial<br />

residentialpropertyaroundthe country.<br />

Bookapersonalisedappraisalfor your rural,<br />

lifestyleorprovincial residentialpropertyduring<br />

<strong>January</strong>orFebruaryandyouwillgointhedrawto<br />

WINone of fiveWeber Family-Q barbeques.*<br />

WIN<br />

one of5<br />

Weber<br />

Family-Q’s<br />

Scanthe QR code to<br />

bookyourappraisal<br />

andenterthe draw.<br />

*T&Cs Apply<br />

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensedunder REAA 2008<br />

71 High Street,RANGIORA<br />

73 Carters Road,AMBERLEY<br />

Phone: 03 313 0610<br />

Email:rangiora@pggwre.co.nz<br />

Helping growthe country<br />

Formoregreat listings,visitwww.pggwre.co.nz


Thursday,July31, 2025 | I sue 157 | www.starnews.co.nz<br />

By DAVID HI L,<br />

LocalDemocracy Reporter<br />

It was hailed as a ‘one­stop shop ’ to<br />

make it quicker and easier to build<br />

major projects when it pa sed into law<br />

last December.<br />

But none of the five <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

projects included in the Government’s<br />

Fast­track A provals Act have<br />

progre sed beyond being ‘listed ’<br />

projects in the fast­track proce s.<br />

They were among 149 projects listed<br />

in the legislation.<br />

In astatement released last w ek,<br />

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop<br />

and Regional Development Minister<br />

Shane Jones said around 50 of the 149<br />

projects had lodged substantive<br />

a plications with the Environmental<br />

Protection Authority (EPA), since the<br />

a provals regime was established in<br />

February.<br />

Of those, none have b en a proved so<br />

far, with the first eight expected to be<br />

signed o f by the end of the year.<br />

Proposed housing developments at<br />

Ōhoka, W odendand west Rangiora<br />

were listed in the legislation, along with<br />

the W odend Bypa s and the Amuri<br />

I rigation Company Ltd’s Balmoral<br />

water storage facility and fish scr en.<br />

An EPA spokespersonhas confirmed<br />

none of the five <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

projects have lodged substantivefasttrack<br />

a plications.<br />

Developers of alistedprojectcan<br />

a ply to the EPA where an ‘expert<br />

panel’ wi l a se s the projectand<br />

consult with ‘directly a fected groups ’.<br />

Panel convenors determine theextent<br />

of the consultation, meaning the is no<br />

guarant e local communities wi l have a<br />

say.<br />

There isnotimeframe for alisted<br />

projec tolodge an a plication, the<br />

spokesperson said.<br />

When the project list was a nounced<br />

in October last year, Mr Bishop pointed<br />

the fingeratcouncils forcreating the<br />

housing crisis.<br />

‘Speaking in general terms, councils<br />

have contributed to our housing crisis<br />

by being overly picky about where<br />

housescan bebuilt, ’ he said a the time.<br />

The W odend and west Rangiora<br />

developments have since b en included<br />

in the new Waimakariri District Plan<br />

adopted lastmonth, meaning they may<br />

not n ed tobefast­tracked.<br />

Amuri I rigation Company<br />

chairperson David Croft said the<br />

company anticipated aresource consent<br />

would be grantedbyEnvironment<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> (ECan) in the next few<br />

months,after it waslodged in 2023.<br />

‘It l okslike the normalconsenting<br />

proce swi l be faster. In some waysit<br />

wouldbethe ideal situation because<br />

everybody hashad the chancetohave<br />

their say in asystem theyare familiar<br />

with. ’<br />

A$20m loan from the Government’s<br />

Regional Infrastructure Fund was<br />

a nounced earlier thismonth for the<br />

Balmoral water storageproject.<br />

The proposed Ōhoka development<br />

was rejected from the District Plan,<br />

after aprivateplanchange requestwas<br />

rejected by an independent<br />

commi sioner in November 2023.<br />

It is sti lsubjec to an Environment<br />

Court a peal.<br />

An Environment Courtspokesperson<br />

said the a pe lant, Carter Group, has<br />

b endirected toadvise the court by<br />

August 2 ‘how or whether it intends to<br />

proc ed ’.<br />

Waimakariri District Council<br />

development pla ning manager Ma t<br />

Bacon saidunderthe new District Plan,<br />

the site of the proposed Ohoka<br />

development iszoned rura lifestyle.<br />

It mean the farmland could be subdivided<br />

into 4ha lots, but not into an<br />

850­home development as proposed.<br />

Carter Group was contacted for<br />

comment but areply hadnot b en<br />

received by the time the <strong>North</strong><br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong> wen to print.<br />

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency<br />

hasb en completing geotech reports as<br />

it continuesscoping workfor the<br />

proposed W odend Bypa s.<br />

LDR is local body journalism cofunded<br />

by RNZand NZ On Air.<br />

PROPERTY GUIDE<br />

42 The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

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getting your newsout there.<br />

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Send your news tips to<br />

robyn.bristow@ncnews.co.nz<br />

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Contact Amanda on<br />

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Have yougot an opinion<br />

aboutastoryyou’veread?<br />

Send us your<br />

Letters to theEditor!<br />

Send all letters to<br />

robyn.bristow@ncnews.co.nz<br />

Letters are limited to 250 words and may be abridged.<br />

All letters are published at the Editor’s discretion.


SHOW HOME GUIDE<br />

The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

43<br />

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PUZZLES<br />

44 The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

CROSSWORD<br />

1 2 3 4 5 6 7<br />

8<br />

9 10<br />

434<br />

SUDOKU<br />

Every row, column and box should<br />

contain the digits 1to9.<br />

WORDBUILDER<br />

334<br />

N T I<br />

A E V<br />

11 12<br />

13 14 15<br />

How many words of three ormore<br />

letters, including plurals, can you make<br />

from the six letters, using each only<br />

once?<br />

No words beginning with acapital are<br />

allowed. There’s atleast one six-letter<br />

word.<br />

Good 21 Very Good 25 Excellent 29<br />

16 17 18 19<br />

20<br />

21 <strong>22</strong> 23<br />

24 25<br />

26 27<br />

Across<br />

1. Somnolent (6)<br />

4. Narcotic (6)<br />

9. Trick(4)<br />

10. Attentive, engaged (10)<br />

11. Groupofseven (6)<br />

12. Vital(8)<br />

13. Sluggish (9)<br />

15. Surprise attack (4)<br />

16. Imprison (4)<br />

17. Building(9)<br />

21. Memento(8)<br />

<strong>22</strong>. Idle talk (6)<br />

24. Exaggerated comicaldrawing of<br />

aperson(10)<br />

25. Shine(4)<br />

26. This one or that (6)<br />

27. Standing (6)<br />

Decoder<br />

Down<br />

1. Embracetightly (7)<br />

2. Throwout (5)<br />

3. Artist (7)<br />

5. Allow(6)<br />

6. Attacker(9)<br />

7. 55thwedding anniversary(7)<br />

8. Unadventurous person(5-2-3-3)<br />

14. Zenith (4,5)<br />

16. Reducetoashes (7)<br />

18. Salve, ointment (7)<br />

19. Disastrous (7)<br />

20. Leaveempty (6)<br />

23. Vision (5)<br />

Crossword<br />

Across: 1. Sleepy, 4.Opiate, 9. Dupe, 10. Interested, 11.Septet, 12.<br />

Critical, 13. Lethargic, 15. Raid, 16. Cage, 17. Structure, 21. Keepsake, <strong>22</strong>.<br />

Gossip, 24. Caricature, 25. Glow, 26. Either, 27. Status.<br />

Down: 1. Squeeze, 2. Eject, 3. Painter, 5. Permit, 6. Assailant, 7.Emerald,<br />

8. Stick-in-the-mud, 14. High point, 16. Cremate, 18. Unguent, 19. Ruinous,<br />

20. Vacate, 23. Sight.<br />

WordBuilder<br />

Ani, ant, ante, anti, ate, ave, eat, eta, etna, naive, NATIVE, nave, neat, net,<br />

nit, tai, tan, tea, ten, tin, tine, vain, van, vane, vat, vein, vent, vet, via, vie, vine.<br />

DECODER<br />

Each number represents adifferent letter of the alphabet. Write the<br />

given letters into all squares with matching numbers. Now work out<br />

which letters are represented by the other numbers.<br />

All puzzles copyright<br />

T H E P U Z Z L E C O M P A N Y<br />

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz<br />

Sudoku


WaimakaririDistrictLibraries<br />

SURVEY 2025<br />

What’s happening in your<br />

community...<br />

BeachUsers Survey 2025/26<br />

Do you visit our beaches frequently? Keep aneye<br />

out for the bright pink signs at the entrance toyour<br />

favourite beach.<br />

Follow the steps onthe signs totake the survey and tell<br />

us about the things you enjoy doing atthe beach. By<br />

sharing your experience, you’ll help contribute towards<br />

the next review ofthe <strong>North</strong>ern Pegasus Bay Bylaw<br />

and play akey role inprotecting and improving this<br />

special coastal environment for everyone to enjoy in<br />

the meantime.<br />

Scan to take part<br />

Find OutMore<br />

waimakaririlibraries.com<br />

0800 965 542<br />

Does Your Pool<br />

FenceComply?<br />

Summer’scoming—is your pool<br />

barrier compliant?<br />

Make sure your pool meetsthe<br />

requirements of theBuildingAct 2004.<br />

Usethe ‘Homechecklistfor pool owners’<br />

on ourwebsite to check.<br />

Council carries out routine inspections<br />

year-round to ensure pool safety and<br />

protect children under five.<br />

Gotquestions?Call03311 8906<br />

Register your pool at waimakariri.govt.nz<br />

Search ‘Swimming Pool Registration’<br />

A Good Street to CelebrateRangiora’sHeritage<br />

Rangiora’s town centre has anew window into the past,<br />

with two large black and white heritage prints installed<br />

today inthe Good Street laneway courtyard.<br />

The images—showing 140HighStreet and108 High Street<br />

as they appeared in thelate1800s andearly 1900s—will<br />

give passers-by achancetopause,reflect,and seejust<br />

howfar thetownshiphas come.<br />

“These are snapshots in time—time’s little loopholes,”<br />

says Council’s Greenspaces Manager, Grant MacLeod.<br />

“Great community projects like this make people<br />

stop, think, and be inspired. There’s asaying that<br />

photos keep yesterday infocus’, and this project is an<br />

opportunity tocelebrate our history, acknowledge how<br />

far we’ve come, and think about what Rangiora might<br />

look like inthe future.”<br />

The heritage prints are part ofaseries, complementing<br />

those already on display along the BNZ bank building.<br />

Good Street was chosen for the new additions asitsits<br />

close towhere the original photos were first taken.<br />

Clean<br />

Clean pizza boxes<br />

without food scraps<br />

(oil andgrease is okay)<br />

go in your yellow<br />

recycling bin.<br />

Dirty<br />

Dirty pizza boxeswith<br />

food, sauceorcheese<br />

on them go in your red<br />

rubbish bin or bag.<br />

Digitise<br />

your<br />

memories<br />

Do youhaveold photographs,<br />

negativesorslides that you’dlike<br />

to digitise?<br />

Learnhow to transformtheminto<br />

digitalfileswithour SlideScannerat<br />

Rangiora Library.<br />

Book your introductory<br />

session viaour online<br />

Book aLibrarian form.<br />

The project, which issupported by the Rangiora-Ashley<br />

Community Board, has anestimated cost of $1,000<br />

to install.<br />

The original prints were sourced from the Rangiora<br />

Museum, who will also provide historical details<br />

about each building for plaques that will sit alongside<br />

the prints.<br />

ContactUs<br />

waimakaririlibraries.com<br />

library@wmk.govt.nz<br />

0800 965 542<br />

Council says these installations show public services<br />

are about more than bricks, mortar, roads and pipes—<br />

they’re about investing intown centres, fostering pride,<br />

and celebrating the stories that make Rangiora unique.<br />

Keep an Eyeout forToxic Algaethis Summer<br />

During the warmer months, toxic algae (cyanobacteria)<br />

start appearing inour rivers, lakes and other waterways.<br />

Our canine friends are most at-risk of the harmful<br />

effects oftoxic algae. The musty smell attracts dogs<br />

and itonly takes asmall amount being ingested tohave<br />

fatal consequences.<br />

If you think your dog has eaten it, the symptoms<br />

to watch for are panting, lethargy, muscle tremors,<br />

twitching and convulsions. Contact your vet straight<br />

away if you see these symptoms after visiting ariver<br />

or lake.<br />

Toxic algae can appear as thick dark brown/black mats,<br />

often with aslimy velvety texture. Make sure you know<br />

what to look for soyou can avoid it, and if in doubt, stay<br />

out and well away from the water.<br />

Helpingyou getback<br />

on your feet.<br />

NgāMahiamuri akenei<br />

A<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> based<br />

online support directory<br />

helping you take your next step.


Thursday,July31, 2025 | I sue 157 | www.starnews.co.nz<br />

By DAVID HI L,<br />

Local DemocracyReporter<br />

It was hailed as a ‘one­stop shop ’ to<br />

make it quicker and easier to build<br />

major projects when it pa sed into law<br />

last December.<br />

But none of the five <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

projects included in the Government’s<br />

Fast­track A provals Act have<br />

progre sed beyond being ‘listed ’<br />

projects in the fast­track proce s.<br />

They were among 149 projects listed<br />

in the legislation.<br />

In astatement released last w ek,<br />

Infrastructure MinisterChris Bishop<br />

and RegionalDevelopment Minister<br />

Shane Jones said around 50 of the 149<br />

projects had lodged substantive<br />

a plications with the Environmental<br />

Protection Authority (EPA), since the<br />

a provals regime was established in<br />

February.<br />

Of those, none have b en a proved so<br />

far, with the first eight expected to be<br />

signed o f by the end of the year.<br />

Proposed housing developments at<br />

Ōhoka, W odend and west Rangiora<br />

were listed in the legislation, along with<br />

the W odend Bypa s and the Amuri<br />

I rigation Company Ltd’s Balmoral<br />

water storage facility and fish scr en.<br />

An EPA spokesperson has confirmed<br />

none of the five <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

projects have lodged substantivefasttrack<br />

a plications.<br />

Developers of alistedprojectcan<br />

a ply to the EPA where an ‘expert<br />

panel’ wi l a se s the projectand<br />

consult with ‘directly a fected groups ’.<br />

Panel convenors determine the extent<br />

of the consultation, meaning the is no<br />

guarant e local communities wi l have a<br />

say.<br />

Thereisnotimeframe for alisted<br />

projec tolodge ana plication, the<br />

spokesperson said.<br />

When the project list was a nounced<br />

in October last year, Mr Bishop pointed<br />

the finger at councils for creating the<br />

housing crisis.<br />

‘Speaking in general terms, councils<br />

have contributed to our housing crisis<br />

by being overly picky about where<br />

houses can be built, ’ he said a the time.<br />

The W odend and west Rangiora<br />

developments have since b en included<br />

in thenew WaimakaririDistrict Plan<br />

adopted last month, meaningtheymay<br />

not n ed to be fast­tracked.<br />

Amuri I rigation Company<br />

chairperson DavidCroft said the<br />

company anticipated aresource consent<br />

would be grantedbyEnvironment<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> (ECan) in the next few<br />

months,after it waslodged in 2023.<br />

‘Itl oks like the normalconsenting<br />

proce s wi l be faster. In some waysit<br />

would be the ideal situation because<br />

everybody hashad the chancetohave<br />

their say in asystem theyare familiar<br />

with. ’<br />

A$20m loan from the Government’s<br />

Regional Infrastructure Fund was<br />

a nounced earlier thismonth for the<br />

Balmoral water storageproject.<br />

The proposed Ōhoka development<br />

was rejected from the District Plan,<br />

after aprivateplan change requestwas<br />

rejected by an independent<br />

commi sioner in November 2023.<br />

It is sti l subjec to an Environment<br />

Court a peal.<br />

An Environment Courtspokesperson<br />

said the a pe lant, Carter Group, has<br />

b en directed to advise the court by<br />

August 2 ‘how or whether it intends to<br />

proc ed ’.<br />

Waimakariri District Council<br />

development pla ning manager Ma t<br />

Bacon said underthe new District Plan,<br />

the site of the proposed Ohoka<br />

development is zoned rura lifestyle.<br />

It mean the farmland could be subdivided<br />

into 4ha lots, but not into an<br />

850­home development as proposed.<br />

Carter Group was contacted for<br />

comment but areply hadnot b en<br />

received by the time the <strong>North</strong><br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong> wen to print.<br />

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency<br />

hasb en completing geotech reports as<br />

it continuesscoping work for the<br />

proposed W odend Bypa s.<br />

LDR is local body journalismcofunded<br />

by RNZ and NZ On Air.<br />

CLASSIFIEDS<br />

46 <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

PUBLIC NOTICES<br />

PUBLIC NOTICES<br />

SITUATIONS VACANT<br />

SITUATIONS VACANT<br />

EDUCATIONAL<br />

NoticeofElection<br />

MainPower Trust (the Trust) holds all of the ordinary shares in MainPower New<br />

ZealandLtd (MainPower)onbehalfofqualifying customersinthe <strong>North</strong><strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

area. The Trust’s purpose is to manage the shareholding ofMainPower and other<br />

assets forthe benefit of thosequalifying customers.<br />

TheTrust is governed by sevenTrustees,three of whom must nowretire by rotation.<br />

Allan Berge, JoAshby and Gary Walton are the retiring trustees. JoAshby has<br />

indicated she will not seek re-election. Allan Berge and Gary Walton can stand for<br />

re-election if they choose.<br />

To standfor electionacandidatemustbeaqualifyingcustomeron23<strong>January</strong> <strong>2026</strong>,<br />

which ingeneral terms isanelectricity consumer residing within the MainPower<br />

network area. The nomination must be supported by two other qualifying<br />

customers.Anominationformand candidate handbook areavailablebyphoning the<br />

Independent Returning Officer, on the free phone election helpline 0800 666 028,<br />

or from the office ofthe Trust Secretary at Koller &Hassall Ltd, 267 High Street,<br />

Rangiora. Completed nomination forms must beinthe hands of the Returning<br />

Officernolater than 5pmon23<strong>January</strong> <strong>2026</strong>.<br />

If more than threenominationsare received,anelection will be held by postal and<br />

internet voting. Voter packs will be mailed or emailed toall qualifying customers<br />

from 9February<strong>2026</strong>,withvoting closingat12noon on 6March <strong>2026</strong>. MainPower<br />

customers, except those who take supply from the network previously owned by<br />

Kaiapoi Electricity Limited are eligible tovote and will receive one vote for each<br />

separate powerconnection.<br />

Furtherrequestsfor information aboutthe election maybemadetothe ReturningOfficer.<br />

Anthony Morton<br />

ReturningOfficer -MainPower Trust<br />

iro@electionz.com<br />

0800 666 028<br />

WrightsRoadStorage Ponds<br />

Community Meeting<br />

Burnt Hill Storage Limited (BHSL) invites residents living between the<br />

Waimakaririand Eyre Rivers,south of WrightsRoadand northofthe Eyre<br />

Diversion toattend acommunity information meeting onTuesday 24<br />

February at 7pmatOxfordWorkingmen’s Club.<br />

The purpose of this community meeting istoprovide residents with<br />

informationregarding theWrights Road StoragePonds (tobelocated on<br />

thecorner of Wrightsand Dixonroads)and to facilitatethe establishment<br />

of aCommunity Liaison Group. Information will be provided on how to<br />

apply tobecome amember ofthe Community Liaison Group which will<br />

hold itsfirstmeetinginMarch. Constructionofthe WrightsRoadStorage<br />

Pondsisexpected to begininMay <strong>2026</strong>.<br />

As acondition of theresourceconsents, BHSL is required to establisha<br />

Community LiaisonGroup.The Community Liaison Groupistaskedwith:<br />

1. Facilitatingthe flowofinformation between BHSL andthe<br />

community.<br />

2. Identifying issues of concernthatarise during theconstructionof<br />

thestorage ponds.<br />

3. Identifying appropriate measures to addressissuesraised.<br />

4. Making recommendations to BHSL andits contractorsregarding<br />

issues raised.<br />

5. Providingannualadvisoryreports forresidentslivingwithinthe<br />

identified inundationzone.<br />

6. Ensuring that residents within theinundationzoneare awareofthe<br />

CLGand theavailabilityofassistance forpreparing andupdating<br />

HouseholdEmergencyPlans (aspartofthe EmergencyEvacuation<br />

Plan).<br />

In addition to the community meeting, BHSL will hold eight small group<br />

meetings over the weekend of Saturday 14 February and Sunday 15<br />

February forresidents to meet individually or in smallgroupsofuptosix<br />

people to discuss the Wrights Road Storage Ponds. The meetings are<br />

availableonthe datesand timeslistedbelow.<br />

Date<br />

Saturday 14 February<br />

Saturday 14 February<br />

Saturday 14 February<br />

Saturday 14 February<br />

Sunday 15 February<br />

Sunday15February<br />

Sunday15February<br />

Sunday 15 February<br />

Time<br />

10am–11am<br />

11am–12pm<br />

12:15pm –1:15pm<br />

1:15pm–2:15pm<br />

10am–11am<br />

11am–12pm<br />

12:15pm –1:15pm<br />

1:15pm–2:15pm<br />

To register for ameeting orifyou have any questions regarding the<br />

Wrights Road Storage Ponds please email Waimakariri Irrigation CEO<br />

Brent Walton at admin@bhsl.co.nz.If youwould liketoattend ameeting,<br />

please include the timeslot you prefer and names ofattendees. Please<br />

visitthe BurntHillStorage Limitedwebsite at www.bhsl.co.nzfor further<br />

informationonthe WrightsRoadStorage Ponds.<br />

CleanerWanted<br />

Dixons Road,Loburn<br />

Saturdaysand Sundays<br />

From 10am forabout 2.5hours<br />

Must be reliable,honestwith<br />

attentiontodetail<br />

KATE VALLEYLANDFILL<br />

COMMUNITY TRUST<br />

APPLICATIONS FORFUNDING<br />

ASSISTANCE<br />

The Trust invites applications from eligible<br />

groups orindividuals for grants from the 21st<br />

funding round.<br />

Application period isfrom 26<strong>January</strong> <strong>2026</strong><br />

to 27 February <strong>2026</strong>. Only applications on the<br />

<strong>2026</strong> form will be accepted.Forms areavailable<br />

from theHurunui District Libraryorbyemailing<br />

secretaryKVLCT@gmail.com.<br />

Ageneral information evening will be held at<br />

the Waipara Hall on Thursday 5th February<br />

<strong>2026</strong> 7:30-8:30 pm at which Trustees will<br />

explain the eligibility requirements and assist<br />

with anyapplicationquestions.<br />

Enquiries should bedirected toJulian Ball on<br />

021671 721.<br />

NOTICE OFSTOPPED ROAD<br />

Part of Adderley Terrace, Kaiapoi<br />

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to<br />

Section342(1)(a) of the LocalGovernment Act 1974and<br />

the Tenth Schedule thereto the road described in the<br />

Schedule to this notice ishereby stopped.<br />

SCHEDULE<br />

Phone Andrea 027293 2544<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong> Land District<br />

PUBLIC NOTICES<br />

Description: 145m 2 adjoining Lot 1000 DP 616097 (RT<br />

1236668); shown as Section 1onSOPlan 615196 (part<br />

Adderley Terrace); andDescription: 396m² adjoining Lot<br />

1000 DP 616097 (RT 1236668); shown as Section 2on<br />

SO 615196 (partAdderley Terrace)<br />

The road will be transferred to the adjoining owner<br />

and amalgamated with the land held in Record of Title<br />

1236668.<br />

Dated this 14th dayof<strong>January</strong> <strong>2026</strong><br />

JeffMillward<br />

Chief Executive<br />

Waimakariri District Council<br />

TRADES &SERVICES<br />

Amessage to our<br />

45,000<br />

readers<br />

SHOP LOCAL<br />

BUYLOCAL<br />

SPENDLOCAL<br />

Waimakariri<br />

Hurunui<br />

Reach44,000<br />

potential<br />

customers with<br />

usevery week,<br />

see page2for<br />

contactdetails<br />

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

Few utilising fast-track process<br />

Housing . The Waimakariri District Planhas a lowed forupto17, 0 more houses, meaning the Government’s Fast­track A provals<br />

Act may not be n eded. PHOTO: DAVID HI L<br />

NEW <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong> PropertyGuide |Showcasing Local PropertiesfromAugust 7<br />

Please supportour advertisers,<br />

theheartbeat of ourcommunity<br />

Local<strong>News</strong>–LocalViews –Local People<br />

Teacher Aide @Southbrook School<br />

We arelookingfor an enthusiastic,energetic<br />

and funteacher aide to join ourteam for<br />

<strong>2026</strong>. Aknowledge of and or/experience<br />

workingwithneurodiversechildrenwouldbe<br />

an advantage.<br />

This is afixedtermposition, four days<br />

aweek (20hoursper week)for <strong>2026</strong>,<br />

beginningon4th Februaryand finishing<br />

16th December.<br />

If this sounds likeyou, pleaseemail our<br />

PrincipalJulie Walls your C.V. by 23 <strong>January</strong><br />

julie.walls@southbrook.school.nz<br />

SITUATIONS VACANT<br />

Adriel,Amberley.<br />

PermanentPartTime<br />

Supportive Partner<br />

TheSupportivePartner role deliversqualitycaretopeople<br />

living with Dementia,assistingthemwithdaily personal<br />

cares, mealsand activities that have meaningtothem.<br />

Adriel’s vision is to create aworkplace that reflectsthe<br />

culturally diversehistory of Aotearoa NewZealandand People<br />

living with Dementia andsupports inclusiveness&equitywith<br />

theemphasisbeing on attracting local&internationalstaff<br />

with relevant life skills (caringfor whanau/family,cooking),<br />

community engagement (Church,Local iwi, Pacific People)<br />

andgood communication skills.<br />

Thepositions availableare part time mornings or afternoons<br />

andinclude some weekends,job sharingisapossibility, with<br />

thepotential to work increased hourstocover staff leaveand<br />

theopportunity to gain qualificationsrelevanttoHealth &<br />

Wellbeing,First Aide andDementiaCare.<br />

Hourly rate rangesfrom$26 to $34per hour,depending on<br />

experience andqualifications.<br />

Please emailadriel@xtra.co.nz with coverletterand CV.<br />

TUITION AVAILABLE<br />

Primary and secondary<br />

(Math, English, Science)<br />

up to NCEA level 3.Each<br />

student on an<br />

individually tailored<br />

programme. Kip<br />

McGrath Rangiora has<br />

been serving the local<br />

community for 30+<br />

years. Give usacall (03)<br />

313 3638 or book your<br />

free assessment online<br />

https://www.kipmcgrath.<br />

co.nz/rangiora<br />

PUBLIC NOTICES<br />

AGM<br />

approaching, or<br />

SGMtobeheld?<br />

Advertise your club's<br />

upcoming AGMand<br />

SGM'sinour public<br />

notices.<br />

Ph 03 313 2840 to find<br />

out more<br />

Ph 03 313 2840<br />

to find out more<br />

SITUATIONS VACANT<br />

Rangiora High<br />

School<br />

Casual<br />

Cleaners<br />

Monday-Friday.<br />

Allenquiries<br />

andCV’scan be<br />

emailedto:<br />

wlj@rangiorahigh.<br />

school.nz.<br />

Class5TruckDriver<br />

Location: Waimakariri, <strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

Full time,Permanent,pluspart-time on call drivers<br />

Transport RangioraLtd,amedium-sized transportand logistics<br />

companybased in Rangiora, is seekingamotivated Class5<br />

truckdriver.<br />

What We Offer:<br />

• Aprogressive company culturewithafriendlyteam of drivers<br />

• Astrong commitment to health and safety<br />

• Competitive pay ratesbased on experience<br />

KeyResponsibilities:<br />

• SafelyoperateClass 5trucksfor various transporttasks<br />

• Maintainahighstandardofvehicleappearanceand<br />

performance<br />

• Adhere to allsafetyregulations and company policies<br />

Requirements:<br />

• Valid Class5driverslicense<br />

• Strongsafetyrecord<br />

• Abilitytopassamedicalexaminationand drug test<br />

• Positiveattitude and prideinyour work and appearance<br />

• Current NZ visa and residing in NewZealand<br />

If this sounds likeyou, pleaseemail your CV through to<br />

admin@transportrangiora.co.nz<br />

Applynow forthisroleorget more informationby<br />

contactingthe office<br />

(03) 3136026


FIREWOOD<br />

OLD MAN PINE 3.7m<br />

$300, mixed hardwood<br />

3.7m $400. Phone 021<br />

993 497.<br />

FARMINGNOTICES<br />

BUYING TRACTORS and<br />

farming implements, I<br />

may also buy older<br />

tractors and implements<br />

for repair or to<br />

dismantle. What have<br />

you got? Phone 0274<br />

341 828<br />

FARMINGNOTICES<br />

MEAT<br />

PROCESSING<br />

BEEF • SHEEP<br />

• WILD GAME<br />

MEAT2U.NZ<br />

399 GRESSONS ROAD,<br />

WAIKUKU<br />

PH 313 00<strong>22</strong><br />

FORSALE<br />

SUV STORAGE<br />

DRAWERS, made in 2<br />

sections with alockable<br />

cabinet. Made of<br />

Triboard and could be<br />

altered. Was fitted in a<br />

Nissan Mistral /Terrano.<br />

Footprint ofthe drawers<br />

is available. Offers<br />

invited. Phone 0274 485<br />

633.<br />

FORSALE<br />

70 AMP 12 VOLT<br />

ALTERNATOR to suit<br />

Nissan 2.7 Diesel.<br />

$250.00, Phone 0274<br />

485 633.<br />

"AQUAPRO" 2.4m Rigid<br />

bottom inflatable dinghy<br />

with accessories and<br />

3.3hp Mercury<br />

Outboard. Asking price<br />

$1850. Phone 0274 485<br />

633.<br />

CANTERBURY HONDA<br />

LTD, Honda bikes,<br />

repairs, and power<br />

equipment. Friendly<br />

service, visitustoday,65<br />

Main <strong>North</strong> Rd,<br />

Woodend. Call 03 312<br />

7927.<br />

RANGE OF CAMPING<br />

gear including 4person<br />

Australian Tent, Camp<br />

Chairs, 2 burner Gas<br />

Stove, Heavy Duty<br />

Canvas Bag, Frame type<br />

Backpack, 12 volt Chilly<br />

Bin, self-inflating single<br />

mattress.<br />

inflatable<br />

other items as<br />

displayed. Offers invited.<br />

Phone 0274 485 633<br />

DOG<br />

FOOD<br />

SALE<br />

MEAT2U.NZ<br />

399 GRESSONS ROAD,<br />

WAIKUKU<br />

PH 313 00<strong>22</strong><br />

TRUSTED TRADES &PROFESSIONAL SERVICES /CLASSIFIEDS<br />

The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>January</strong> <strong>22</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

FORSALE<br />

QUALITYBROWN<br />

SHAVERPULLETS<br />

Supreme efficient<br />

egglayers<br />

Pointoflay pullets<br />

Vaccinatedfor<br />

Salmonella andEDS<br />

$30 each for 3ormore<br />

Availablenow<br />

TXTordersto<br />

0272742945<br />

or phone<br />

03 3129 805<br />

PROPERTY WANTED<br />

WE'VE GOTAsection for<br />

everything! Find what<br />

you need and sell what<br />

you don't in our<br />

classifieds.<br />

TO LET<br />

Double<br />

mattress,<br />

SLEEPOUT HIRE<br />

Christmas special, from<br />

$60pw, free delivery on<br />

some sleepouts. Biggest<br />

range, best prices. Ph<br />

0274 741 723<br />

nzsleepout.com<br />

WANTED<br />

7”, 45’s, singles, eps<br />

records wanted, any<br />

amount top prices paid.<br />

Pennylane Records, 430<br />

Colombo Street,<br />

Sydenham, ring Dave<br />

021 <strong>22</strong>2 6144, 7days<br />

WANTED<br />

TOOLS, Garden, garage,<br />

saw benches, lathes.<br />

Cash buyer. Phone 355-<br />

2045.<br />

WANTED<br />

ALL JAZZ Records<br />

wanted: Kiwi and<br />

overseas artists, Blue<br />

Note, Prestige, Riverside,<br />

ECM, Verve, Impulse,<br />

CTI, Milestone etc; top<br />

prices paid for good<br />

titles. — Please phone<br />

Dave 021-<strong>22</strong>2-6144,<br />

Pennylane Records, 7<br />

days.<br />

PENNYLANE RECORDS<br />

always buying records.<br />

Excellent prices paid.<br />

430 Colombo Street,<br />

Sydenham, 366 3278,<br />

open 7days<br />

WANTED<br />

CARAVAN wanted with<br />

shower and toilet,<br />

needing repairs ok or<br />

any condition. Ph 027<br />

6<strong>22</strong> 0011<br />

TRADES &SERVICES<br />

PLUMBER Since 1955,<br />

we’ve built an enduring<br />

reputation as areliable,<br />

honest, and professional<br />

home services team -<br />

respected, proven, and<br />

trusted by generations<br />

of<br />

<strong>Canterbury</strong><br />

homeowners. Clyne &<br />

Bennie Ph: 0800 37 47<br />

37<br />

TRADES &SERVICES<br />

FURNITURE<br />

REPAIRS<br />

Irepair andresurface<br />

furniture specially<br />

antiques<br />

PhoneDavid Brady<br />

03 312 0145<br />

ARBORIST qualified.<br />

Copper Beech Tree<br />

Services. Tree removal,<br />

pruning, height<br />

reduction, hedge<br />

trimming, shaping, tree<br />

planting, firewood. Free<br />

quote. Contact Angus<br />

Edwards 027 259 6741,<br />

copperbeechtreeservice<br />

s@gmail.com<br />

WOEF Warrant of<br />

electrical fitness $155.<br />

ROI Record of<br />

Inspection $160.<br />

General electrical work<br />

$120, $80 2nd Hr.<br />

Phone: 020 4069 1137<br />

sam@WRES.co.nz<br />

www.wres.co.nz<br />

AMAC BUILDERS Father<br />

& son with 40 years<br />

experience. Hurunui /<br />

Waimak based, New<br />

Builds, restorations,<br />

weatherboard repairs,<br />

farm sheds &more. No<br />

job too small. Call Andy<br />

027 3184400<br />

TRADES &SERVICES<br />

GARDENING Tree,<br />

Hedges, Bush Pruning,<br />

Lawns, Weeding. Quality<br />

workmanship. CDDL<br />

Services Ltd. Ph: 021<br />

449 069<br />

STORAGE<br />

Rangiora, from $25 pw,<br />

ph027 823 0961<br />

TRADES &SERVICES<br />

MOVEMEN<br />

LIMITED<br />

2men plus bigtruck<br />

From $179 +GST<br />

Kaiapoibased<br />

Call Gerard<br />

027668 3636<br />

movemen.co.nz<br />

PAINT & WALLPAPER<br />

SERVICES. Wayne<br />

Bryant, exterior, interior,<br />

qualified tradesman,<br />

free quotes. Ph 313<br />

5337 or 027 654 4568<br />

PLASTERER, Interior<br />

Renovations.<br />

Specialising in KITCHEN,<br />

renovation work, plaster renovations,<br />

board fixing &stopping, pergolas,<br />

stipple & skim coating,<br />

cornice & cove,<br />

registered tradesman.<br />

Call Mark027 438 0665.<br />

bathroom<br />

decking,<br />

fencing.<br />

Honest reliable licensed<br />

builders. Phone Don 027<br />

727 9162.<br />

ARE YOUA<br />

TRADIE?<br />

Let the district know<br />

what you have tooffer<br />

by advertising in our<br />

Trades &Services!<br />

Ph 03 313 2840<br />

to findout more!<br />

DEB'S PRIVATE<br />

TRANSPORT -<br />

Appointments, outings,<br />

shopping, airport<br />

transfer. Phone 021 289<br />

9256. Email<br />

dtooby.nz@gmail.com<br />

ANTHONY SYMONDS<br />

Plastering &Painting<br />

Services<br />

Locals with 30 years<br />

experience<br />

Allworkmanship<br />

Guaranteed.<br />

Phone021 344 023<br />

WINDOW TINTING<br />

tintawindow<br />

advanced film solutions<br />

99% uv block<br />

fade protection<br />

heat control<br />

reduce glare<br />

25 Years Experience<br />

privacy films<br />

frosting designs<br />

non-darkening films<br />

Workmanship Guaranteed<br />

Lifetime Warranties on Most Films<br />

UV<br />

block<br />

BUILDING and property<br />

maintenance, no job too<br />

small, 40 years +<br />

experience. Phone 0274<br />

978 3<strong>22</strong>. Email<br />

david.cartwright@xtra<br />

.co.nz<br />

House &Garden<br />

Property services Ltd<br />

Tree &hedge trimming<br />

Gardening<br />

Landscaping<br />

Gutter cleaning<br />

All aspects of<br />

property maintenance<br />

CALL us 03 260 4499<br />

Free Quotes <strong>Canterbury</strong> and Districts<br />

03 365 3653 0800 368 468<br />

TrustedTrades&ProfessionalServices<br />

2502479<br />

TRADES &SERVICES<br />

TRADES &SERVICES<br />

47<br />

TRADES &SERVICES<br />

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

Decorators<br />

Air Conditioning<br />

Accountant<br />

Starlink /TV /Security<br />

•Local husband &wife business<br />

•Qualified Tradesman •40+ Years Experience<br />

•Painting •Wallpapering •Waterblasting<br />

•NoTime Wasted •Free Quotes<br />

Ph: Lyn 021 207 4499<br />

Wayne 021 731 817<br />

waylyn2@scorch.co.nz<br />

Concrete &Construction<br />

Counsellor<br />

TAX RETURNS<br />

Tax&AccountingConsultants<br />

Taxreturns,GST returns, rentalreturns &pay dayfiling<br />

10/65 PERCIVAL STREET,RANGIORA<br />

03 314 9480<br />

Panel and Paint<br />

NEW<br />

CLIENT<br />

DISCOUNT<br />

10%<br />

2647405<br />

• Starlink aerial mounting • Wi-Fiextensions<br />

• TV wall mounting • Home audioinstallation<br />

• Alarminstallation<br />

• Security camera installation<br />

Mark Hubball 03 595 6647<br />

www.tvsolutions.co.nz<br />

Spouting<br />

Seamless Spouting<br />

• 18 metre spray booth<br />

• Full Paint &Panel& Service<br />

Supply and Install<br />

of Seamless Gutters<br />

10 year noleaks<br />

guarantee<br />

Builders<br />

<strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong>ry<br />

Deck &Fence.<br />

Thelocal builders<br />

doing the local work.<br />

Free quotes<br />

phone<br />

021 428 206<br />

Engineering<br />

For your Engineering needs<br />

187d Ohoka Road, Kaiapoi<br />

Phone 03327 5246 |027 495 2821<br />

toppeng@xtra.co.nz<br />

• Insurance work<br />

• Repairs and painting -<br />

caravans, motorhomes,<br />

trucks, boats and cars<br />

• Full coachbuilding service<br />

8Seven Mile Drive<br />

Belfast, Christchurch<br />

Phone 03 3234115<br />

www.autobodyrepairs.co.nz<br />

• Continuous spouting made on site,<br />

largecolourrange available<br />

• .55Gauge NZ Colorsteel Used<br />

• Repair or replaceany type of gutter<br />

• Undertakeall insurance work<br />

• Independentlyowned andoperated<br />

• Competitive pricing<br />

Servicing <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> Districts<br />

Call Marvin 027 371 4179<br />

marvinkwong@hotmail.com<br />

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


$<br />

18,990+ORC,<br />

$<br />

20,990<br />

$ 12,990+ORC<br />

$<br />

15,990+ORC,<br />

2016 MAZDA AXELA<br />

2000cc,Petrol, 92,000kms<br />

$<br />

13,990+ORC,<br />

2020 KIA SPORTAGE<br />

2000cc, Petrol, 125,000kms<br />

$<br />

7,990 7990<br />

2018 NISSAN NOTE<br />

1200cc,Petrol, 53,000<br />

$<br />

19,990<br />

2018 SUZUKI IGNIS<br />

1242cc,Hybrid, 44,000kms<br />

$<br />

17,990<br />

2013 SUBARU IMPREZA<br />

2000cc,Petrol, 42,000kms<br />

$<br />

12,990<br />

2009 TOYOTA IQ<br />

996cc, Petrol,104,000kms<br />

$<br />

34,990+ORC<br />

2017 SUBARU XV<br />

2000cc,Petrol, 94000kms<br />

$<br />

19,990<br />

2021 SUZUKI SWIFT<br />

1200cc,Petrol, 13,990kms<br />

$<br />

12,990+ORC,<br />

2017 SKODA FABIA<br />

1200cc,Petrol, 67000kms<br />

$ 17,990+ORC<br />

2020 TOYOTA HIACE<br />

2000cc, Petrol, 66,000kms<br />

$ 16,990+ORC<br />

2018 MAZDA CX-5<br />

2500cc,Petrol, 150,000kms<br />

$<br />

21,990+ORC<br />

2015 SUZUKI SWIFT<br />

1200cc,Petrol, 79,000kms<br />

$ 9,990 9990<br />

2015 TOYOTA COROLLA<br />

FIELDER<br />

2016 SUBARU XV<br />

2021 SUBARU IMPREZA<br />

Petrol,1500cc, 52,000kms<br />

2000cc, Petrol, 88,000kms<br />

2000cc,hybrid, 83,000kms<br />

Allpricesinclude on road costs, 12 monthregistration andnew WOF<br />

2017 SUZUKI ALTO<br />

660cc, Petrol,45,842kms<br />

*Safetyratingsare from year of manufacture*

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