18.02.2026 Views

Pegasus Post: February 19, 2026

  • No tags were found...

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Leverage SEO-optimized Flipbooks, powerful backlinks, and multimedia content to professionally showcase your products and significantly increase your reach.

FOR LOCAL ADVERTISING<br />

Jenny Wright<br />

Ph: 021 220 3484<br />

jenny@alliedmedia.co.nz<br />

Opportunity<br />

to<br />

The Star, January<br />

help<br />

23, 2025<br />

during<br />

starnews.co.nz<br />

emergencies<br />

The Star, January 23, 2025<br />

starnews.co.nz<br />

Civil Defence Emergency<br />

Management has sent out the<br />

call for budding response team<br />

members The Star, around January the 23, 2025 city.<br />

An information evening<br />

tomorrow will highlight the<br />

work response teams and<br />

their support teams conduct in<br />

emergency situations.<br />

After attending the<br />

information evening, prospective<br />

recruits The Star, will January be invited 23, 2025 to attend<br />

a selection day. This will involve<br />

a basic physical assessment for<br />

those joining response teams.<br />

There are a range of roles<br />

in emergency management<br />

however, and not all require<br />

physical assessments.<br />

“Selection day entails a mix of<br />

team activities and learning basic<br />

responder skills,” said response<br />

team 10 team leader Matthew<br />

Crook.<br />

“For us as team leaders, we<br />

want to put people under a bit<br />

of pressure, see how they work<br />

with others and see how well<br />

they can learn and apply new<br />

skills.”<br />

Recruits will then be invited<br />

to join a team, where they will<br />

join as a probationary member.<br />

After gaining experience through<br />

courses and training exercises,<br />

they will become a fully-fledged<br />

member.<br />

“Training is a mixture of<br />

organised team training and<br />

formal courses. Team trainings<br />

encompass a wide variety of<br />

skills including first aid, ropes,<br />

lowering stretchers, Civil<br />

Defence centres and more.<br />

“The formal courses provide<br />

opportunities to learn skills such<br />

as working in floodwaters, rope<br />

access systems for repairs, the<br />

CIMS structure, and more,” said<br />

Crook.<br />

During emergencies, response<br />

teams carry out a wide variety of<br />

starnews.co.nz<br />

starnews.co.nz<br />

Civil Defence Emergency Management has issued a call for potential new recruits to attend an information session in<br />

Wigram tomorrow evening.<br />

PHOTO: CCC​<br />

roles, including welfare checks,<br />

reconnaissance, evacuations, and<br />

cordon management.<br />

Said Crook: “It’s commonly said<br />

people enjoy it as a way to give<br />

back to their community, but I<br />

think of it slightly differently. I<br />

see it as a chance to feel a part of<br />

the city, not another person who<br />

just lives here.<br />

“I love Christchurch and want<br />

to do my part to keep it such a<br />

cool place to live.<br />

“Joining the teams is a great<br />

way to learn heaps of new skills,<br />

including skills people might<br />

not get the chance to learn in<br />

their regular jobs. Leadership,<br />

decision making, teamwork,<br />

operating with other emergency<br />

services, working at heights – just<br />

loads of interesting things.”<br />

Tomorrow’s information<br />

evening is at the response base<br />

25 Kilronan Pl, Wigram. It starts<br />

at 7pm.<br />

To register, email recruitment.<br />

nzrt.chch@gmail.com<br />

People can also turn up if they<br />

have not registered.<br />

ELECTION YEAR: WHAT DOES IT MEAN<br />

FOR THE PROPERTY MARKET?<br />

Read more inside<br />

WWW.GRIFF.REALESTATE<br />

Powered by Ownly Ltd. Licensed REAA 2008<br />

Caleb Griffioen<br />

0276 370 231<br />

HOLLY JONES<br />

R a y W h i t e N o . 1 I n t e r n a t i o n a l l y<br />

F o r N u m b e r o f S a l e s 2 0 1 9 t o 2 0 2 5<br />

027 222 0220 | holly.jones@raywhite.com<br />

New speed signs<br />

are on the way<br />

We’re introducing variable speed zones near schools across the city.<br />

Lower speeds will apply at the start and end of the school day.<br />

Please be mindful of the new speeds and slow down to help keep our tamariki safe.<br />

INF8407 January <strong>2026</strong><br />

Find out more<br />

ccc.govt.nz/saferspeeds


The Star, <strong>February</strong> <strong>19</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

starnews.co.nz<br />

Decades of camaraderie, rescue<br />

John Atkins has been a<br />

volunteer at Coastguard<br />

Sumner for the past 30 years<br />

and has no plans of stopping.<br />

The 77-year-old Mt Pleasant<br />

resident tells Kees Chalmers<br />

about his most memorable<br />

rescue, how to stay safe<br />

on the water and what has<br />

kept him going<br />

​What is it about being<br />

part of the coastguard that<br />

has kept you there for so<br />

many years?<br />

I think probably the<br />

camaraderie and the<br />

friendships you make along<br />

the way, we’re a great group<br />

and always looking after each<br />

other’s backs. I’m also a keen<br />

boatie so it’s always nice to get<br />

out on the water.<br />

How did you get involved<br />

with Coastguard Sumner?<br />

I had a friend whose<br />

father was in it for many<br />

years, Peter Bradley, and he<br />

said to me 30-odd years ago<br />

‘you’re a boatie, why don’t you<br />

come down and try joining?’ It<br />

was the Sumner Lifeboat back<br />

then, so I went down and of<br />

course in those days there was<br />

not much training, they just<br />

throw you on a boat and away<br />

you went. You gradually pick up<br />

everything.<br />

John Atkins next to Coastguard Sumner’s Hamilton Jet rescue boat. The jet can be used in breaking surf, river mouth bars,<br />

and along rocky shorelines.<br />

PHOTOS: GEOFF SLOAN<br />

What is it about being on the<br />

water that you love?<br />

I don’t know really. I just love<br />

being out on the water, fishing or<br />

cruising around. I did sail competitively<br />

many years ago. I was just<br />

crew on trailer sailers (keelboats<br />

designed for easy towing) on a<br />

Saturday in Lyttelton.<br />

When did you start sailing?<br />

I was in the sixth form<br />

(Linwood High School). I<br />

remember going out with a<br />

mate when we were supposed<br />

to be studying for a university<br />

entrance exam. We didn’t pass<br />

but we still turned out alright.<br />

In my mid 30s I had a sailing<br />

boat which I actually built, an<br />

18 foot trailer sailer. The first<br />

time I took it out I forgot to<br />

seal the keel and it half sunk in<br />

Lyttelton Harbour which was<br />

a bit of a joke. I sold it not long<br />

after that. I had a young family<br />

who didn’t take much to sailing<br />

so I decided I would rather have<br />

a boat with a motor on it. You<br />

push a button and away you<br />

go. I've had jet boats, I've had<br />

everything. You name it, I've<br />

done it.<br />

Tell me about your family<br />

life?<br />

Me and my first wife, we were<br />

together for 27 years and split<br />

up 16 years ago. I had a couple<br />

of step daughters and one of my<br />

own. I have a partner now, Terri<br />

Somerville, and we’ve been<br />

together for 15 years and live<br />

in Mt Pleasant. We met through<br />

work, she was a flower grower<br />

and I ran the auctions. She’s<br />

got two girls as well so it’s quite<br />

an extended family. They’re all<br />

great kids and we still keep in<br />

touch.<br />

What different roles have<br />

you had with coastguard?<br />

I started out as a crew<br />

member, then I got my<br />

coastguard skipper’s ticket<br />

which I did for 10 years, that<br />

expired about four years ago.<br />

Then I became qualified crew.<br />

That means I can go on our<br />

boats and do things I used to do<br />

as skipper, but I’m not in charge<br />

of the boat anymore.<br />

There was a celebration in<br />

October, recognising your 30<br />

years in Coastguard Sumner.<br />

What was that like?<br />

I don’t know where the years<br />

have gone to be honest. I still<br />

love it, I still enjoy teaching<br />

people the skills I’ve learnt<br />

over the years. But it was great,<br />

Your Friendly Local<br />

Dentists & Hygienist<br />

03 389 5923<br />

BOOK ONLINE TODAY<br />

WWW.RICHMONDVILLAGE.DENTAL<br />

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

ENTER<br />

A TEAM<br />

TOGETHER<br />

BOOK A<br />

HOSPITALITY<br />

SITE<br />

BE IN TO<br />

WIN!<br />

GREAT PRIZES<br />

12KM OR 6KM<br />

CHOOSE YOUR<br />

DISTANCE<br />

WWW.CITY2SURF.CO.NZ<br />

SUPPORTING CHARITY


starnews.co.nz The Star, <strong>February</strong> <strong>19</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

callouts with the coastguard<br />

there’s not too many of us that<br />

get to 30 years, so it was good.<br />

But it’s done now, so I’ll just<br />

carry on. Maybe I might get<br />

another five years if I’m lucky;<br />

if I’m still fit I’ll keep going.<br />

Do you plan to retire<br />

anytime soon?<br />

No, not really, there’s always<br />

something for me to do. I’ve<br />

been spending a lot of time<br />

on the radios in the comms<br />

room, also launching boats and<br />

retrieving them, there’s always<br />

a lot of work there.<br />

What rescue stands out the<br />

most over the years?<br />

There was one incident when<br />

they were doing the pipeline<br />

for the sewage ponds. I’m going<br />

back maybe 20 years when<br />

they did that. Their boat, a<br />

big aluminium boat capsized<br />

coming into the slipway at<br />

Sumner in the late morning.<br />

The crew were tipped out<br />

and they managed to make<br />

it to shore. The alarm went<br />

and I was skippering Caroline<br />

Nicholson (a rigid inflatable<br />

boat). There was a little bit of<br />

breaking from the shore that I<br />

seem to remember, but it wasn’t<br />

too bad. We threw a tow rope<br />

on it as it was getting washed<br />

on to the rocks, it was almost<br />

right up against them. We<br />

managed to hold it off before a<br />

crane managed to drag it off. If<br />

they hadn’t before the next tide<br />

it would’ve gotten smashed on<br />

to the rocks, but it worked out.<br />

What tips do you have for<br />

beach-goers and boaties<br />

looking to stay safe on the<br />

water?<br />

If you’re on a boat, you must<br />

wear a life jacket – that could<br />

save your life. Obviously learn<br />

to swim, make sure you’re a<br />

good strong swimmer if you’re<br />

going out on the water and<br />

swim between the flags. If<br />

you’re surfing just watch that<br />

rip at Scarborough when there’s<br />

an outgoing tide.<br />

​Do you feel rewarded by<br />

the work you do? Does it feel<br />

good to be appreciated by the<br />

people you are helping?<br />

It does I suppose in some<br />

ways, but you get used to it.<br />

You do your job and that’s<br />

about it. But it is a good feeling,<br />

especially if we’ve rescued or<br />

saved somebody.<br />

What did you do for<br />

work? How did you juggle<br />

it with volunteering at the<br />

coastguard?<br />

All my life I’ve been in sales<br />

and marketing, my last position<br />

was South Island manager of<br />

FloMax, where I was for 20-odd<br />

years. If we got a call out and<br />

the pager went off, I used to<br />

drop everything and rush down<br />

to Sumner and the company<br />

understood that. I retired nine<br />

years ago when I was 68.<br />

How do you spend your time<br />

when you are not on duty now<br />

you are retired?<br />

I’m busy doing renovations<br />

to the house. I do a bit of<br />

walking, we have a group<br />

called the Sumner Youth<br />

Group. (Naming) it was a bit<br />

of a joke to be honest, the<br />

average age of the group<br />

would be in the 70s. There’s<br />

about 20 of us and we walk<br />

every day of the week, so that<br />

keeps me fit.<br />

Coastguard<br />

Sumner<br />

teams up<br />

with the<br />

Taylors<br />

Mistake and<br />

Sumner surf<br />

life saving<br />

clubs for<br />

rescue<br />

drills.<br />

What skills do you need<br />

to possess and learn to be<br />

an effective member of the<br />

coastguard team?<br />

Obviously you need to<br />

be serious about it, be a<br />

people’s person, be<br />

willing to learn and follow<br />

instructions. I would encourage<br />

any young person that’s<br />

interested in boating to do<br />

a boating course and decide<br />

whether they want to join<br />

coastguard.<br />

FLOORING<br />

Made Simple<br />

• Carpet, Vinyl, Mats & Mat Binding<br />

• Full Laminate and Timber Supply<br />

& Installation<br />

• Short End Rolls of Vinyl & Carpet<br />

• Rugs Made to Measure<br />

Over 45 Years<br />

Experience!<br />

BEST PRICE, HONEST ADVICE, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!<br />

Hours: Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm<br />

Unit 3, 183 Bower Ave, North New Brighton<br />

Ph: 03 388 6643 or 027 827 3360<br />

independent@independentflooring.co.nz<br />

72 Brighton Mall, New Brighton<br />

Phone: 03 388 1809<br />

www.paperplus.co.nz<br />

Locally owned. Friendly people. Great advice.<br />

“DO WE WAIT?”<br />

THE QUESTION EVERY<br />

ELECTION BRINGS<br />

With the <strong>2026</strong> general<br />

election set for Saturday 7<br />

November, we looked back at<br />

Christchurch REINZ data from<br />

<strong>19</strong>96 to today to see what<br />

changes in election years.<br />

The short version: house<br />

prices don’t reliably fall in<br />

election years. Sales activity<br />

can pause slightly during<br />

campaigns — particularly in<br />

competitive elections — but<br />

typically lifts again once the<br />

result is known.<br />

Markets don’t respond to<br />

slogans. They respond to<br />

policy that affects costs and<br />

access—such as tax reforms or<br />

first-home buyer incentives.<br />

CALEB GRIFFIOEN<br />

027 637 0231<br />

caleb@griffioen.nz<br />

griffioen.nz<br />

These can influence behaviour<br />

well before election day.<br />

This year, Christchurch sellers<br />

face a unique logistical hurdle.<br />

The weekend immediately<br />

following the election is<br />

Show Weekend, leaving a<br />

narrow window for sellers<br />

hoping to launch and sell<br />

before Christmas.<br />

For buyers, that hesitation can<br />

create opportunity. For sellers,<br />

planning ahead matters more<br />

than waiting for the vote.<br />

Planning a move in <strong>2026</strong>?<br />

Let’s look at the data and find<br />

the timing that works for you<br />

— I’m always happy to chat.


The Star, <strong>February</strong> <strong>19</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

starnews.co.nz<br />

Historic club meets to reshape<br />

BY KEES CHALMERS<br />

The 154-year-old Lyttelton Club<br />

will decide whether to remain a<br />

member of Clubs NZ at a special<br />

general meeting on Sunday.<br />

Members will also review a<br />

proposed draft constitution,<br />

possibly vote on a new committee<br />

and decide whether to<br />

continue its membership as a<br />

club without a premises.<br />

Clubs NZ chief executive<br />

officer Lucy Waterreus said she<br />

was aware of discussions at the<br />

Lyttelton Club about leaving the<br />

association, but did not know a<br />

meeting had been<br />

set.<br />

The cost of<br />

being a member<br />

of Clubs NZ is<br />

$4.50 plus GST per<br />

financial member<br />

of the club. As of<br />

the 2025 financial<br />

year, Lyttelton<br />

Club had about Lucy Waterreus<br />

650 members.<br />

Waterreus said the association<br />

provides advocacy for its<br />

members at a local and central<br />

government level, as well<br />

as connecting clubs across the<br />

country and allows members to<br />

visit other member clubs while<br />

travelling.<br />

The club leased its building<br />

on Dublin St to the Armadillos<br />

restaurant chain in August following<br />

financial troubles. The<br />

meeting will be held there at<br />

1pm.<br />

The Lyttelton Club leased its building on Dublin St to the Armadillos restaurant chain in August following financial troubles.<br />

Lyttelton Club governance<br />

group member Steve Gallop<br />

said at the time, a “declining<br />

and ageing membership” meant<br />

leasing the building to the South<br />

Island hospitality chain was the<br />

best financial option.<br />

Armadillos Lyttelton venue<br />

manager Zac Adams said the<br />

club does not use the premises<br />

and does not have a club night.<br />

Gallop, Mark Hughes and<br />

Dwayne Pool make up the current<br />

governance group. An<br />

email sent to members said<br />

they are happy to<br />

continue in their<br />

current roles,<br />

looking after<br />

building maintenance<br />

for the<br />

tenant and ensuring<br />

it is brought<br />

up to code.<br />

Gallop declined Steve Gallop<br />

to comment<br />

about the meeting or what its<br />

membership is now.<br />

A meeting was held in March<br />

last year to discuss future<br />

options for the club after the<br />

governance group said it lacked<br />

enough support from members<br />

and could not remain open.<br />

After it was revealed in <strong>February</strong><br />

the club’s plans to close,<br />

governance group member<br />

Dwayne Pool said the original<br />

email “said nothing about the<br />

club closing or being in financial<br />

difficulty” and claimed<br />

the media misrepresented the<br />

situation.<br />

However, the email clearly<br />

stated the club would be weighing<br />

up options, but “either way,<br />

the Lyttelton Club will close”.<br />

Leasing was a proposed<br />

option in the March meeting<br />

along with a full sale or turning<br />

the building into a community<br />

centre.<br />

It is not the first time the<br />

club has experienced financial<br />

woes. It came close to shutting<br />

in December 2022 due to<br />

pandemic-related pressures<br />

and insurance issues.<br />

Motoring Trades & Services<br />

DRIVE THE TREND<br />

Rejects 99% of UV<br />

Deep black colour tint<br />

Lifetime Nationwide<br />

Warranty*<br />

Calling all van lovers,<br />

4wd junkies & ute enthusiasts!<br />

NZ’s ToyoTa CommerCial<br />

reCyCled ParT sPeCialisTs<br />

oPeN saTUrdays 8am - 12pm<br />

40 Buchan Street,<br />

Christchurch. (03) 377 7717<br />

*Warranty terms, conditions and exclusions apply.<br />

www.nzvanspares.co.nz<br />

68 Falsgrave Street, Woolston,<br />

Christchurch<br />

E: parts@nzvanspares.co.nz<br />

P: 03 379 3932 / 0508 698 267<br />

www.hiluxspares.co.nz<br />

$$ CAR REMOVALS - CASH PAID $$<br />

CARS, VANS, UTES<br />

& 4X4 WANTED,<br />

NZ OWNED & OPERATED<br />

FOR 25 YEARS<br />

We use world class<br />

vehicle depollution<br />

systems<br />

0800 77 80 80<br />

www.pickapart.co.nz<br />

Mobile,<br />

we coMe<br />

to you!<br />

“Locals Supporting Locals”<br />

VAuGHAN PiRie<br />

owner operator<br />

027 565 5577<br />

vpbatteries@gmail.com<br />

Vaughan Pirie<br />

Owner Operator<br />

027 565 5577<br />

vpbatteries@gmail.com<br />

www.vpbatteries.co.nz<br />

MObile,<br />

We cOMe<br />

tO yOu!<br />

Working for<br />

a greener future


1<br />

starnews.co.nz The Star, <strong>February</strong> <strong>19</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Your weekend projects start here!<br />

DEALS ON NOW!<br />

Growfresh Mesclun<br />

Combo Pack Pack of 6<br />

SKU: 188520<br />

4 for<br />

$16<br />

Jobmate Hedge Shears<br />

SKU: 390556<br />

Growfresh Silverbeet Ironman<br />

Pack of 6<br />

SKU: 188499<br />

4 for<br />

$16<br />

Was $39.99<br />

$420<br />

$2999<br />

$420<br />

Tui All Purpose Potting Mix 40L<br />

+ 25% Extra Free<br />

SKU: 2937<strong>19</strong><br />

Growfresh Spring Onion<br />

Green Pack of 6<br />

SKU: 188502<br />

4 for<br />

$16<br />

Tui All-Purpose Liquid<br />

Superfood 750ml<br />

SKU: 2048882<br />

only<br />

only<br />

$1398<br />

$420<br />

$1598<br />

ON NOW!<br />

Come in-store and checkout the deals!<br />

ON NOW<br />

5 <strong>February</strong> - 4 March<br />

Prices valid until 4 March <strong>2026</strong>. Only while<br />

stocks last. Accessories not included.<br />

Mitre 10 MEGA Prestons<br />

390 Prestons Road. Christchurch<br />

Phone: 03 373 6555<br />

Find us at: /MEGAPrestons<br />

Opening Hours:<br />

Monday – Friday:<br />

7am – 7pm<br />

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays:<br />

7am – 7pm<br />

www.mitre10.co.nz/mega-prestons<br />

ON NOW<br />

5 <strong>February</strong> - 4 March<br />

PRESTONS


The Star, <strong>February</strong> <strong>19</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

starnews.co.nz<br />

Chocolate for<br />

every day<br />

​Chocolate comes with goodness<br />

baked in, writes Penelope Maguire<br />

​I’m a huge fan of chocolate.<br />

I love it for both its nutritional<br />

benefits (particularly its mineral<br />

content, flavonoids and antioxidants)<br />

and its therapeutic<br />

effects, both physiological and<br />

emotional.<br />

As a chef, I’m equally devoted<br />

to chocolate for its flavour,<br />

versatility, and the sheer joy it<br />

brings to the person eating it.<br />

The recipes below are by no<br />

means "health foods", but they<br />

are reliable, comforting staples,<br />

that you can return to again<br />

and again when the need for a<br />

chocolate treat arises.<br />

​<br />

THE PERFECT EVERY DAY BROWNIE<br />

This brownie is the brownie.<br />

It’s carried me through nearly a<br />

decade of cafes. It’s gluten free,<br />

easily made vegan (see adaptations<br />

below), endlessly adaptable,<br />

and always dependable.<br />

Ingredients<br />

250g butter<br />

250g chocolate<br />

660g white sugar<br />

225g gluten-free flour<br />

70g cocoa<br />

1 Tbsp vanilla extract<br />

½ tsp salt<br />

6 eggs<br />

Optional additions (see below)<br />

Method<br />

• Preheat the oven to 180°C.<br />

Butter and line a 34 x 24 cm baking<br />

tray.<br />

• Very gently melt the butter<br />

and chocolate together in a<br />

saucepan, stirring to prevent the<br />

chocolate catching on the bottom.<br />

Once melted, remove from the<br />

heat and allow to cool for about<br />

10 minutes.<br />

• In a large bowl or electric<br />

mixer, combine all the dry ingredients<br />

and whisk well. Add the<br />

melted butter and chocolate<br />

mixture, followed by the eggs<br />

and vanilla, and beat until very<br />

smooth. The batter will be very<br />

runny, that’s exactly what you<br />

want.<br />

• Pour into the prepared tray,<br />

dot with any additions if using,<br />

and bake for 35 minutes (30<br />

minutes for the half-size batch).<br />

Remove from the oven and allow<br />

to set as it cools.<br />

• This brownie is best left overnight<br />

before cutting, but a few<br />

hours in the fridge is also fine.<br />

• Cut into desired sizes and<br />

store in an airtight container in<br />

the fridge or on the bench. For<br />

freezing, place portions in a ziplock<br />

bag and freeze.<br />

Additions<br />

Once the base is poured into<br />

the tin, you can add almost<br />

anything to change the flavour:<br />

Caramel, white chocolate, chocolate<br />

chips, berries (add an extra<br />

5-10 minutes baking time if using<br />

frozen berries), plums, nuts, pretzels,<br />

peanut butter, Biscoff, cookie<br />

dough – go wild!<br />

​Variations<br />

• Vegan: Replace butter with a<br />

dairy-free alternative or 250 ml<br />

oil. Use dairy-free chocolate and<br />

substitute the eggs with 6 flax<br />

eggs.<br />

• Peppermint: Replace vanilla<br />

with 2 tsp peppermint extract<br />

and add chopped peppermint<br />

chocolate.<br />

• Orange: Replace vanilla with<br />

2 tsp orange extract and add<br />

finely grated orange zest.<br />

• Rose: Replace vanilla with 3<br />

tsp rosewater and add chopped<br />

Turkish delight.<br />

• Coffee: Dissolve 1 Tbsp<br />

instant coffee granules in 1 Tbsp<br />

hot water and use in place of the<br />

vanilla.<br />

​<br />

THE PERFECT EVERY DAY<br />

CHOCOLATE CAKE<br />

This is my go-to chocolate cake:<br />

super moist, long-lasting, and<br />

ideal for lunchboxes or dressing<br />

up for a celebration. I like adding<br />

a little ginger and cinnamon,<br />

something I learned from my<br />

grandma, but if that’s not your<br />

thing, just leave them out.<br />

Ingredients<br />

2½ cups plain flour<br />

2 cups caster sugar<br />

½ cup brown sugar<br />

1½ cups cocoa powder<br />

4 tsp baking soda<br />

2 tsp baking powder<br />

1 tsp salt<br />

1 tsp ground ginger<br />

1 tsp ground cinnamon<br />

1 cup light olive oil<br />

4 eggs<br />

2 cups milk<br />

2 cups hot (not boiling) water<br />

1 Tbsp white vinegar (don’t forget<br />

it!)<br />

2 Tbsp vanilla extract<br />

Method<br />

• Preheat the oven to 170°C.<br />

Butter and line two springform<br />

cake tins.<br />

• Sift all the dry ingredients<br />

into a large bowl and whisk until<br />

evenly combined. In a separate<br />

bowl, whisk together the eggs<br />

and oil. In another bowl, mix<br />

the milk, hot water, vinegar and<br />

vanilla.<br />

• Add both wet mixtures to the<br />

dry ingredients and mix very<br />

well. Pour into the prepared tins<br />

and bake for approximately 40<br />

minutes, or until a skewer comes<br />

out clean.<br />

• Allow to cool completely<br />

before icing with this simple<br />

chocolate icing for lunch boxes,<br />

or I suggest a rich chocolate<br />

cream cheese icing for special<br />

occasions.<br />

SIMPLE CHOCOLATE ICING<br />

Ingredients<br />

100g butter, softened<br />

2 cups icing sugar, sifted<br />

¼ cup cocoa powder, sifted<br />

1 tsp vanilla extract<br />

1-2 tsp boiling water<br />

Method<br />

• Add the softened butter to<br />

the bowl of a stand mixer fitted<br />

with the paddle attachment.<br />

Beat on medium speed until<br />

pale and creamy.<br />

• Add the icing sugar and<br />

cocoa powder and mix on low<br />

speed until just combined.<br />

Once incorporated, increase<br />

the speed to medium and beat<br />

until smooth.<br />

• Add the vanilla and 1 tsp hot<br />

water then beat until silky and<br />

spreadable. Add a little more<br />

liquid ( a tiny bit at a time) if<br />

needed until you reach a thick<br />

but glossy consistency.<br />

• Spread over a completely<br />

cooled cake and decorate with<br />

edible flowers, sprinkles or<br />

chocolate chips.<br />

Join the Ambulance Membership<br />

Start your year of care today<br />

Membership benefits include:<br />

A FREE 111 emergency triage with<br />

over-the-phone medical assessments<br />

and assistance and/or<br />

A FREE emergency medical<br />

attendence if required and/or<br />

A FREE emergency transport to<br />

hospital or medical clinic if required<br />

A FREE attendance and/or transport<br />

for accident-related injuries more<br />

than 24 hours old if required.<br />

Joining is easy<br />

Simply visit stjohn.org.nz/membership<br />

or call 0800 ST JOHN (0800 785 646).<br />

Individual Membership<br />

1 person<br />

Joint Membership<br />

2 people<br />

Household Membership<br />

3–10 people<br />

Emergency ambulance<br />

fee for non Ambulance<br />

Membership members<br />

Price<br />

$70<br />

p.a.<br />

$96<br />

p.a.<br />

$115<br />

p.a.<br />

$125<br />

per call out<br />

Prices include GST. Membership benefits do<br />

not apply retrospectively. Prices effective at<br />

November 2025 and are subject to change.<br />

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.<br />

Please refer to stjohn.org.nz/membership-terms.


starnews.co.nz The Star, <strong>February</strong> <strong>19</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

Make<br />

your move.<br />

Make<br />

it bold.<br />

I’m recruiting now for<br />

someone to join my team! If<br />

you’re driven, ambitious and<br />

ready to take your career<br />

further, let’s talk.<br />

Harold Taningco<br />

027 863 2161 | harold.taningco@harcourtsgold.co.nz<br />

www.harcourtsgold.co.nz<br />

Parklands Branch<br />

Parklands Mall, Queenspark Drive, Parklands<br />

03 383 0406<br />

enquiries.parklands@harcourtsgold.co.nz<br />

LICENSED AGENT REAA 2008


The Star, <strong>February</strong> <strong>19</strong>, <strong>2026</strong><br />

starnews.co.nz<br />

CHRISTCHURCH<br />

CREMATORIUM<br />

FUNERALS<br />

CROSSWORD<br />

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8<br />

9 10<br />

11 12<br />

13 14 15 16 17<br />

18 <strong>19</strong> 20<br />

438<br />

SUDOKU<br />

Every row, column and box should<br />

contain the digits 1 to 9.<br />

WordBuilder<br />

WORDBUILDER<br />

R W A<br />

E M R<br />

6<br />

338 338<br />

E M R<br />

words of three or more letters,<br />

How many words of three or more<br />

including plurals, can you make from the six<br />

letters, using each letter only once? No foreign<br />

How words or beginning with a capital are<br />

from many the words six letters, of three using or more each letters, only<br />

allowed. There's at least one six-letter word.<br />

including once? plurals, can you make from the six<br />

TODAY<br />

letters, No Good words using 13 each beginning Very letter Good only 17 with once? Excellent a capital No 22 foreign are<br />

words Solution or words 337: art, beginning arty, awry, dart, with daw, a capital day, drat, are<br />

allowed. draw, dray, dry, There’s rad, rat, raw, at least ray, rya, one tad, tar, six-letter<br />

allowed. There's at least one six-letter word. tardy,<br />

word. taw, TAWDRY, trad, tray, try, wad, war, ward, wart,<br />

warty, wary, way, wry, TODAY yard, yaw.<br />

Good 13 Very Good 17 Excellent 22<br />

Solution 337: art, arty, awry, dart, daw, day, drat,<br />

draw, dray, dry, rad, rat, raw, ray, rya, tad, tar, tardy,<br />

taw, TAWDRY, trad, tray, try, wad, war, ward, wart,<br />

warty, wary, way, wry, yard, yaw.<br />

letters, including plurals, can you make<br />

21 22 23 24<br />

25 26<br />

27 28<br />

Across<br />

1. Phone surveillance (7)<br />

5. Mail satchel (7)<br />

9. Proportion (5)<br />

10. Loneliness (9)<br />

11. Irrational (9)<br />

12. Surmise (5)<br />

13. Curtain (5)<br />

15. Serving no useful purpose (9)<br />

18. Unfaithfulness (9)<br />

<strong>19</strong>. Right-hand page (5)<br />

21. Brownish-yellow colour (5)<br />

23. Too early (9)<br />

25. Ocean-going (9)<br />

26. Group of eight (5)<br />

27. Unrelated line of thought (7)<br />

28. Advanced in years (7)<br />

Decoder<br />

Down<br />

1. Concerned (7)<br />

2. Strike back (9)<br />

3. A jandal, in Oz (5)<br />

4. Rule or law (9)<br />

5. Stalk (5)<br />

6. Massacre (9)<br />

7. Illegal inducement (5)<br />

8. Origin, beginning (7)<br />

14. Severely criticise (9)<br />

16. Group of US universities (3,6)<br />

17. Meet (9)<br />

18. Journey, crossing (7)<br />

20. In full view (7)<br />

22. Cerebrum (5)<br />

23. Indicate (5)<br />

24. Audibly (5)<br />

Crossword<br />

Across: 1. Wiretap, 5. <strong>Post</strong>bag, 9. Ratio, 10. Isolation, 11. Illogical, 12.<br />

Guess, 13. Drape, 15. Pointless, 18. Treachery, <strong>19</strong>. Recto, 21. Amber, 23.<br />

Premature, 25. Seafaring, 26. Octet, 27. Tangent, 28. Elderly.<br />

Down: 1. Worried, 2. Retaliate, 3. Thong, 4. Principle, 5. Prowl, 6.<br />

Slaughter, 7. Bribe, 8. Genesis, 14. Excoriate, 16. Ivy League, 17.<br />

Encounter, 18. Transit, 20. Overtly, 22. Brain, 23. Point, 24. Aloud.<br />

WordBuilder<br />

are, arm, awe, ear, era, err, mar, mare, maw, mew, ram, rare, raw, rawer,<br />

ream, rear, rearm, REWARM, war, ware, warm, WARMER, wear.<br />

DECODER<br />

Each number represents a different 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<br />

CHRISTCHURCH<br />

CREMATORIUM<br />

FUNERALS

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!