Bay Harbour: April 09, 2026

Thursday, 9 April 2026
Connecting Your Local Community
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​‘It 100 percent saved our lives
there’s no question about that’
BY KEES CHALMERS
That is what relieved Ōtoromiro
Hotel resident Emily Banfield
said about the establishment’s
fire alarm system, which was
put to the test after a deep frier
caught fire on Tuesday morning.
Banfield has lived on site for
the past year with her partner
Tom Hendrikx in an upstairs flat
of the hotel in Governors Bay.
She also serves as the building’s
fire warden.
They were woken at 12.10am
by the burglar alarm, followed
30 seconds
later by the fire
alarm.
The hotel’s
security and
emergency
system is very
sensitive and is
activated at the
slightest detection
of motion. Jeremy Dyer
Banfield got
out of bed and headed downstairs
to deactivate the alarms,
thinking it was a false alarm.
As she went down the stairs
she saw orange flames in the
kitchen through a cubby hole.
“I quickly ran back upstairs
to Tom and I said ‘the kitchen's
on fire’, then he quickly put
his contact lenses in and came
downstairs,” Banfield said.
The fire-damaged kitchen at the Ōtoromiro Hotel.
She rang 111 before calling the
hotel’s owner Jeremy Dyer, who
lives off-site. The fire alarm system
also automatically alerted
the Governors Bay Volunteer
Brigade. She then stepped in to
her fire warden role and went
through the evacuation process.
She checked the building for
other occupants but found there
were no guests staying that
night.
The fire had reached the
kitchen roof and smoke had
started to spread up stairs by
the time Hendrikx came downstairs
with a fire extinguisher. He
blasted it once which did little to
dull the flames.
Said Banfield: “By that point
I was starting to feel a little bit
panicked, I could tell the the
colour, the bright orange of the
flames meant that it wasn’t a
joke.
“I think it would be a very different
story if they didn’t have
this incredible fire alarm system.
It was definitely pretty scary.
“It 100 percent saved our lives,
there’s no question about that.”
Hendrikx blasted the fire
again which managed to
extinguish the flames, leaving a
long black mark on the wall. No
other damage was caused.
Volunteer firefighters arrived
soon after.
The fire was caused by a
bench-top deep fryer, which
is meant to turn itself off after
a certain amount of time, but
failed to do so.
Dyer said the issue had been
overlooked when the hotel was
closed on Monday.
He said $500,000 had been
invested into the hotel’s Type 4
fire alarm system over the past
10 years, with heat and smoke
detectors installed throughout
the hotel.
“The impact of the fire could
have been much, much worse
had the system not worked and
had Tom not put the fire out,”
said Dyer.
› Continued on Page 3
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2 | Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
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What’s on
A Year Cruising Alaska
Tonight, 7pm
Naval Point Club
Naval Point Club is hosting a zoom
style meeting with Jim Dilley and
Tori Muir who are currently in
Alaska. They will cover the journey
from Lyttelton to Alaska last year,
and focus on the sites and travels in
Alaska.
Lyttelton Antarctic Walk
Saturday, 1-3.30pm
Albion Square
A 3.5km guided walk starts at Albion
Square, highlights the proposed Te
Ūaka The Lyttelton Museum, ambles
down to the No 2 wharf to have a
Tug Lyttelton briefing, discusses
contemporary Antarctic shipping
and takes in the iconic Dry Dock. NZ
Antarctic Society (Canterbury Branch)
guides will share with you what
makes Christchurch and its Port of
Lyttelton an Antarctic Gateway City.
Feature Potter – Mt Pleasant Pottery
Gallery
Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-3pm
Mt Pleasant Pottery Gallery
Dot Moulton is the feature potter
for the month of April. She has
been working with clay for more
than 20 years. Inspired by nature
and texture, her crater collection is
the result of countless test tiles and
plenty of trial and error.
Cards at Club Redcliffs
Mondays, 1pm
Club Redcliffs
Join a friendly group for a fun
afternoon playing 500. All levels
welcome. Contact Heather for further
details on 022 089 2253.
Akaroa Harvest Festival
Saturday,10am-4pm at The Grand Hotel and Bar
Go along to the Akaroa Harvest Festival for a family-friendly day out.
Explore the food and produce options, the cake auction, children’s
games, face painting, artisan stalls and demonstrations. Enter or watch
one of the competitions ranging from best dressed, children’s sand
saucer, biggest marrow, best flower, best fruit and best jam and pickles.
Mt Pleasant Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9am-noon
Mt Pleasant Community Centre
Good local, fresh produce available,
including veges, fish, meat, deli, bakery,
flowers, eggs, olive oil, knife sharpening
and more. Easy parking and an on-site
cafe make it a great place to shop.
Strength and Balance Class
Tuesdays, 10.30-11.45am
Lyttelton Recreation Centre
Build your core strength and balance
and enjoy socialising at this ACC
accredited weekly class. $3 a session.
All inquiries to Lyttelton Community
House on 021 937 492.
Cycles of Return
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10am-4pm
Stoddart Cottage
Wendy Clarke and Sarah Rowland’s
practices explore photographic
processes and presentations, to present
the viewer with interpretations of the
natural environment as seen through
two distinct lenses. Cycles of Return
runs from Friday until April 26.
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Ferrymead
The Astral Library
by Kate Quinn
Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome
to the Astral Library, where books are doors to new
worlds. Alix Watson knows one thing: unlike people,
books will never let her down. Working dead-end
jobs to make ends meet, she takes nightly refuge
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dreaming of far-off lands. Until she stumbles
through a hidden door and is transported to The
Astral Library, a place where the lost find sanctuary
within their beloved stories. But when a shadowy enemy
threatens to destroy the library, Alix must flee from danger
through the Regency drawing rooms of Jane Austen and the back
alleys of Sherlock Holmes’ London as danger closes in … ‘Quinn
infuses her first fantasy with a joyful love for libraries and their
custodians...It’s charm is boundless’ SFX Magazine
ENTER TO
WIN
THIS BOOK
The Italian Correspondent
by Belinda Alexandra
Past loves are like ghosts. They haunt you forever. The stunning
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that was a recipe for recklessness. Rome, 1951. Veronica Gold
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tries to shake off its dark fascist past and promote itself as the
most glamorous nation in Europe, Veronica is trying to forget the
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Eighth Army at the brutal height of the Second World War. But just
as she hopes to lose herself in la dolce vita, three men appear in
her life: Lyle Cooper, her ex-husband and an American diplomat;
Marcello Fabbri, an archaeologist and one-time partisan now
working in the ruins of Pompeii; and the dashing Count Carlo
Durazzo, husband of Veronica’s estranged friend, the enigmatic
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book
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WIN THIS BOOK
We have one copy of The Astral Library to give away, courtesy of Paper Plus Ferrymead. To be in the draw,
email giveaways@starmedia.kiwi with The Astral Library in the subject line or write to Paper Plus Book
Giveaway, The Astral Library , Star Media, PO Box 1467, Christchurch 8140. To be eligible for the draw, all
entries must include your name, address and contact number. Entries close Wed 28 January, 2026.
The book winner of The Blood Says Otherwise was Linzi Douglas of Mt Pleasant
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starnews.co.nz
NEWS Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 | 3
Restaurant break-in caught on camera
BY KEES CHALMERS
Three men were caught on CCTV
breaking into Brigittes Sumner
early Monday morning, and also
attempted to force their way
into the Ice Cream Parlour and
Takeaways next door.
Brigittes co-owner Michael
Rowland-Jones said the offenders
got out of a Toyota Yaris with
T-shirts wrapped around their
heads.
They ripped the front door handle
off trying to enter the building
before smashing the glass pane
and reaching inside to open it.
The offenders pulled out the
cash register, but the restaurant
does not keep cash on site
overnight. They also stole three
bottles of alcohol and knocked
over a glass container
of mints on
their way out.
Rowland-Jones
said the break-in
took just 40 seconds,
between
12.45 and 1am.
He declined to
give Bay Harbour
News the CCTV
footage.
He said the
damage was minor and more
Michael
Rowland-Jones
inconvenient than destructive
and estimated it will cost about
$1000 to fix.
He was alerted by the restaurant’s
security company the
alarm had been triggered.
After checking CCTV footage
and seeing the offenders leave
after the break-in, he contacted
police the next morning.
Brigittes Sumner was broken into between 12.45-1am on Monday.
This was Brigittes Sumner’s
first break-in since opening on
the esplanade in July last year,
taking over from Sumner Social.
Rowland-Jones and Jeremy
Stevens share ownership of the
restaurant and Brigittes Merivale.
Police acting sergeant Paddy
Sullivan said they were following
lines of enquiry to find the
offenders.
“We believe these offenders
may have been involved in further
offending in Christchurch
between Sunday night and Monday
morning,” he said.
Rowland-Jones said police
told him the further offending
occurred in Riccarton.
“It’s always concerning knowing
people were breaking into
your business,” he said.
“The most important thing was
no staff members or customers
were put in danger. It was just a
victimless crime that is now costing
the business money.”
If you have any information
that can assist with the
investigation, contact police
through 105 online or by phone.
Use the reference number
260406/9044.
‘He absolutely
saved the day’
› From Page 1
Banfield said every other time
the fire alarms had been activated
they were false alarms.
Fire chief Doug Burt said the
outcome could have been far
worse had Hendrikx not proactively
extinguished the fire.
Said Banfield: “He’ll hate to
admit it, he will play it down as
much as he can but he absolutely
saved the day.
“I feel grateful it wasn’t any
worse than what it was, but it’s
definitely a bit of an eye opener.
You hear about people dying in
house fires and quite often you
scratch your head and think how?
“But that gave me a first hand
taste of how it can happen so
easily.”
Candidates
announced
Jason Crew and Keith Molloy are
the candidates for the vacant
Akaroa community subdivision
seat on Te Pataka o Rakaihautu
Banks Peninsula Community
Board.
The by-election will be
conducted by postal vote. Voting
will commence on May 11 and
close at noon on election day,
June 12.
The vacancy comes after
former Akaroa community
subdivision board member Nigel
Harrison died on February 2.
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4 | Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
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starnews.co.nz
NEWS Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 | 5
Council urged to
reinstate funds for
coastal pathway
BY KEES CHALMERS
The Coastal Pathway Group is
seeking to have a significant
funding cut reversed to allow
for stopping platforms to be
built along the causeway.
For the 2027-28 financial
year, $720,000 had originally
been allocated in the city council’s
three-year plan for
further coastal pathway
works. However, group
secretary Tim Lindley
discovered last month
that the amount had been
reduced to $120,000.
Lindley and group
chair Hanno Sander presented
to city councillors
on Tuesday as part of
the Annual Plan 2026/27
hearings, requesting
the original funding be
reinstated.
They also asked for
$360,000 to be brought
forward into this year’s
Annual Plan to allow the
stopping platforms to
start sooner.
Heathcote Ward city
councillor Nathaniel Herz
Jardine said he was not aware
of the funding reduction.
“I’m pretty concerned about
that and I’ll definitely be raising
Tim Lindley
Nathaniel Herz
Jardine
it as we move from a draft into
the final annual plan,” he said.
"I’m really behind them, as
a group they’re reliable and
a great partner for council.
They’ve got the plans ready – I
think we should just crack on
and do it.”
Said Lindley at the hearing:
“There’s still more to do. The
most common request
we get from users is for
stopping points along the
causeway section.
“There’s also re-integrating
the pathway with the
Christchurch Yacht Club’s
platform and lighting along
the Moncks Bay section.
“The most important one
is the platforms.”
The funding would go
towards building two stopping
platforms along the
causeway section of the
Coastal Pathway – a 1.3km
stretch from Scott Park
to Te Raekura Redcliffs
School.
Said Lindley: “There’s
so much to see – you’ve
got all the bird life sitting
around there, the oystercatchers,
spoon bills, all sorts of
things.
“When people are walking,
it’s not just a route, it’s an
The Coastal Pathway opened in
November 2023 and is used by about
a million people each year. Right –
a concept design of the stopping
platforms along the path’s causeway.
PHOTOS: CCC
experience and we want people
to enjoy the experience, particularly
overseas visitors.”
The stopping platforms were
part of the original plan but were
not built, as priority was given to
completing the pathway itself.
Since revisiting the idea, the
number of platforms has been
reduced from three to two, and
the designs have been updated to
ensure they do not intrude on the
Avon-Heathcote Estuary.
The group has also been
working with Ara Institute
students on wind shelters for the
platforms.
The Coastal Pathway opened
in November 2023 at a cost of
$26.25 million.
The council contributed
$9.95m, while $15.8m came
from central government via
the Coastal Pathway Group. A
further $500,000 was provided
through in-kind contributions
and small grants. Lindley said
the group’s estimates show about
a million people a year use the
pathway.
“That puts it right up there in
earthquake recovery projects
as getting the same level of use
as is projected for Te Kaha and
Parakiore,” he said.
Seven children, one hip
Janet always dreamed of retiring
to the Hawke’s Bay.
She and her husband had talked
about it for years. The wineries. The
orchards. Long walks through the
countryside that people travelled
from all over the world to see.
And after raising seven children,
surely she’d earned the right to
enjoy what came after.
“I carried all seven of my kids on
that hip,” she says. “It’s just what
you do as a mum. You don’t think
about what it might mean later.”
What it meant later was that her
hip remembered every single one
of them. Seven children, decades
of carrying them, and now her body
was asking for something back.
Janet found herself counting
benches. Not because she collected
them, but because every walk
started with a calculation of how
far to the next one, how long before
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Cold mornings were the worst.
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“You adjust,” she says. “You tell
yourself this is just how it is now.”
She’d tried what was available.
Creams that promised so much but
nothing quite did the job for her.
Janet had made her peace with a life
smaller than what she had hoped
for.
Then her grandson came to visit.
He’d heard about Koru FX
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The first cold morning surprised
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Her hip moved.
Not perfectly, not like she was
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Within weeks, she was moving
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Walking became walking again.
The next time her grandson visited,
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6 | Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz

starnews.co.nz
NEWS Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 | 7
Stadium food, drink big revenue source
BY DYLAN SMITS
Half of the One New Zealand
Stadium operator’s revenue will
come from food and beverages
as the company aims to get
more financial independence
from the city council.
City council-owned Venues
Ōtautahi is forecasting no need
for operational or capital funding
from ratepayers for the
stadium – at least in the first
three years of operation.
Venues Ōtautahi also manages
the Christchurch Town
Hall, Wolfbrook Arena, Apollo
Projects Stadium, Hagley Oval
and the Airforce
Museum of New
Zealand.
Chief executive
Caroline Harvie-
Teare presented
the company’s
Caroline
Harvie-Teare
2026-29 draft
Statement of
Intent (SOI) to
city councillors.
"We want to make sure we
maintain our long term sustainable
financial position. We want
to continue to maintain that
operational (funding) independence
from council, and also
to continue to self-fund major
event attraction,” she said.
Unlike many other stadium
operators, the SOI shows food
and beverages are delivered
in-house by Venues Ōtautahi,
making up about half of its
annual revenue.
Venues Ōtautahi is projecting
$48m in revenue for the 2026/27
financial year. Hiring out the
company’s venues and management
services represents about
21% of revenue.
High-end hospitality bookings
and commercial sponsorships,
such as One New Zealand’s
stadium naming rights, and
ticketing make up most of the
remaining revenue streams.
The SOI says city council
capital funding for the stadium,
such as building maintenance
or upgrades, is not expected
to be needed until seven years
after it opened.
However, Venues Ōtautahi
does require $12.2m over the
next three years for upgrades
to the town hall and Wolfbrook
Arena.
While no operational funding
has been forecast over the next
three years, the city council will
be reimbursing $1.55m to Venues
Ōtautahi next financial year
for stadium pre-opening costs.
The pre-opening has cost Venues
Ōtautahi $4.3m for over the
past three years.
The company will also receive
tax subvention payments of
$1.75m from the city council
over the next three years
which will help off-set capital
costs.
The SOI states Venues
Ōtautahi is working for “greater
financial independence” from
the city council to reduce the
cost to ratepayers.
Said Harvie-Teare: "Over time
as the assets continue to age
and repairs and maintenance
costs increase for One New
Zealand Stadium, this may
change. However, it is the
company’s intention to continue
to develop and execute
strong strategic commercial
arrangements to maintain this
position.”
In the 2027/28 financial
year, Venues Ōtautahi has
a goal of 17 major ticketed
events, with more than 10,000
attendees, at the stadium. It
hopes to pull in more than
545,000 attendees during the
2028/29 financial year.
Wharf designs reflect culture
One of the new Akaroa Wharf designs.
PHOTO: CCC
Akaroa’s bicultural history has
been recognised in the designs
for its new wharf, which is set
to be completed in 2027.
City council and Ōnuku
Rūnanga partnered up to create
two cultural elements for the
Akaroa Wharf, which will be
demolished and rebuilt later
this year.
The new wharf will feature
a carved taurapa (the stern
post of a waka) and a whāriki
(woven mat) at the entrance.
Ōnuku Rūnanga chair Rik
Tainui said the harbour holds
deep cultural and spiritual
significance for Ngāti Irakehu
and Ngāi Tahu. “The harbour
has sustained our people
for generations, just as it
continues to sustain the Akaroa
community today.
“Some of the most meaningful
moments in our tribal and
national history happened on
these shores. Including these
designs is a way to honour our
tīpuna, reflect our identity, and
acknowledge our enduring
connection to this place.”
Ōnuku Rūnanga represents
Ngāi Tarewa and Ngāti Irakehu,
whose marae sits on the eastern
side of the harbour.
The area is one of the first
places in the South Island
where Ngāi Tahu signed the
Treaty of Waitangi.
City council head of parks
Rupert Bool said it was
delighted to see designs that
show the stories and history of
the harbour.
“These elements are a way for
us to help share and honour the
area’s history. We hope visitors
will not only enjoy the new
wharf, but also gain a sense of
the deep cultural and historic
significance of the landscape
they’re standing in.”
Construction of the new
wharf is expected to start
in June and continue until
midway through next year.
The nearby Drummonds
Jetty and Daly’s Wharf will be
used as alternatives during the
rebuild period.
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8 | Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
SPORT
D’Almeida riding the waves of
​Sumner stalwart Gareth D’Almeida is entering his fourth
season as head coach of the premier side with a drastically
different looking squad. He spoke to Kees Chalmers about the
season ahead, the challenges of coaching and what has kept
him at the club for the past 23 years
How is the team looking ahead of
the season opener on Saturday?
Good. We’ve played four preseason
games and had some
great success in all of them. The
last one was against Shirley, in
a game of three halves – three
tries each – so it was pretty tight.
The others, against Kaiapoi,
Hanmer and Southbridge, were
pretty comprehensive wins. The
boys are progressing quite well.
​
It doesn’t get much bigger than a
Battle of the Bays clash against
New Brighton first up. How are you
feeling?
We’re pretty excited. It’s obviously
our biggest rival and
always a massive game. To start
the season like that — I’m personally
happy with it. I think it’s
a great way to launch straight
into it.
​
What has pre-season training been
like?
Pre-seasons have evolved a
lot. You’ve got things measured
in terms of metres and dynamic
movements, and there’s a lot
more wrestling involved.
A lot of it is based around
injury prevention – certainly different
from my day, where you
got absolutely punished.
What are your expectations and goals
for your team for the season ahead?
My first goal and expectation is
connection within the group.
We’ve got a massively new
squad. In the backline that’s
been playing through pre-season,
there’s only one player who
has returned from last year, and
there are a lot of new faces right
through the forward pack.
The focus for me personally as
a coach and an RDO (rugby development
officer) is connection
with this group, alignment and
setting standards in place.
​
Who has left and who have you
brought in this season?
Marshall Blakely and Max Pearson
have both gone to Marist.
Will Haig has gone to Linwood,
Jack Miller to UC, and Tom Ziollo,
our former captain, has stopped
playing.
Evan Hooper, who played at 12
for us, has signed with the Western
Force academy. Will Tinley
has gone back to England, and
Frankie Read, who played 6/8,
has gone to play Heartland on the
West Coast.
Our midfielder Waitangi
Tuisuga has had back surgery,
so I’m not sure if he’ll play this
season. Macklan Robertson did
Sumner premier head coach Gareth D’Almeida watching on with backs coach Josh Toy (left) and Ben Gorse (right).
PHOTOS: TONY BRUNT
his ACL at the end of last year
for Canterbury U19s, so he’s currently
unavailable.
Coming in, we have Paula Moli,
a lock from South Canterbury,
Craig Mitchell-Hernan from Canada,
Maikel Tuala from Waikato,
and Seb Cox from England, who
covers 10 and 12. We’ve also got
Joachium Hullah, also from England.
He’s a second rower or loose
forward, and Max Goulter from
Shirley, who was their halfback
and captain.
Is connecting this new group one of
the tougher challenges you’ve had
as a coach?
It has its ups and downs. In
some ways, it’s a clean slate,
so you get to work with new
players and set standards and
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SPORT Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 | 9
change with new look squad
expectations early. It’s quite a
good opportunity.
​
Do you have goals in terms of an
outcome for the season?
As a coach, you want to win it
– that’s what you’re doing it for
– so I’d be lying if I said that’s
not a goal. We want to go as far
and as deep as we possibly can
in the competition.
But I believe results come
after you get the groundwork
and foundations right within
the group.
​
How did you get involved with
Sumner?
I was playing colts for
Christchurch when Sumner
were in division 2. I was also
with the surf club out here and
had a lot of mates involved.
They had a goal to make division
1 and convinced me to come out
when Razor was coaching.
We went back-to-back undefeated
before moving up to
division 1 in 2010 and I carried
on playing right through to 2016
as a flanker.
I took a couple of years off,
then got into coaching in 2018
with the Suburbs/Sumner combined
colts team. I coached
premier colts in 2020 and 2021
when we went back-to-back,
then moved up to division 1 in
2023.
When I first came (to Sumner),
I didn’t want to be the RDO. I
had a landscaping business and
didn’t have time for it, but we
didn’t have one, so it evolved
Sumner prop Bradley Fifita bursting through Shirley’s defenders last season.
into a role that needed to be
done. For the last three years,
I’ve been the RDO.
​
What’s the biggest challenge of
being a club rugby head coach?
I think people management is
the hardest part.
Most clubs have separate RDO
and head coach roles, but I’m
wearing two hats and there are
so many moving parts.
You’re keeping an eye on the
colts, division 2, whether they’ve
got enough numbers for the
weekend, and then you’ve got to
coach division 1.
As an RDO, you’re also helping
players find jobs and accommodation
if they’re coming from
overseas. There’s a lot to keep
across.
How did you find the transition
from playing to coaching?
Tactics and game plans
always interested me, but I
think, predominantly, I wanted
to help others.
You see players hitting the
same hurdles you did, and
you understand where they’re
coming from – that’s really
rewarding.
“The games are what
you do it for, and it’s so
rewarding. That’s why I
keep doing it.”
Gareth D’Almeida
It’s a big transition. It takes a lot
of time and planning. What you
do on the grass is only a small
part – there’s a lot that goes on
behind the scenes.
​
How have you found the head
coaching role so far?
I enjoy it. It’s a lot of work for a
four-month season – you basically
start from the end of the previous
season and go right through
to now.
The games are what you do it
for, and it’s so rewarding. That’s
why I keep doing it.
​
What has kept you at Sumner for so
long?
I love the community and the
club. What appealed to me initially
was how different it is – the
community is really connected,
and there’s a laid-back, surfy vibe.
We do things a bit differently,
but when it’s game time, we’re on.
We want to play high-level footy
like everyone else but that offfield
vibe is quite unique.
I think there’s also still an
itch to scratch. I’d like to see us
firmly in that top-four space and
competing really well.
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10 | Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
SPORT
Feneon still fired up after career finale
Remi Feneon called time on his
tennis career after winning his
sixth premier title with Burnside/
Sumner. He spoke to reporter
Kees Chalmers about his origins
in France, his collegiate career
in the United States and his
decision to step down from
playing at the top level
At 54, Remi Feneon’s body might
be ready to stop playing premier
tennis, but his competitive edge
may take longer to fade.
Feneon capped his interclub
premier playing career with
a win, as the Burnside Park/
Sumner side he plays for and
coaches beat defending champions
Cashmere 5-1 in last month’s
championship final.
The Heathcote resident will
continue his full-time coaching
role with the two clubs, a position
he has had for the past four
years.
But the feeling of playing in a
match cannot be replicated from
the sidelines.
“Nothing beats the thrill of
competing. The butterflies in
your stomach, the joy and the
disappointment of winning and
losing, you can’t get that from
doing anything else other than
playing,” he said.
“If you're a competitor and
that’s what you like doing,
there’s no substitute for that.
Maybe I’m going to miss that,
maybe I won’t retire after all.”
Feneon is originally from
Aix-en-Provence in southeast
France.
The region’s consistent, mild
weather meant he spent much
of his childhood outdoors playing
sport. His father, Marc,
played rugby, and his mother,
Jeanine, played basketball, both
at a non-professional level.
They took up tennis for fun
later in life, inspiring Feneon to
pick up a racket at the age of 5
– and he has barely put it down
since.
“I must have liked it because I
wouldn’t have played for so long
otherwise,” he said.
Feneon started playing in tournaments
when he was 8, but as
he got older, his size proved a
disadvantage.
Though he now stands at
205cm, he was already taller than
most as a teenager and found
himself slower around the court
than his peers.
Kate Whithear from Sumner gets some tips from Feneon, who will continue
working as a coach after calling time on his playing career.
Four years playing at the University of Mississippi, right, gave Remi Feneon the
drive and discipline that shaped his life both on and off the tennis court.
PHOTOS: GEOFF SLOAN
By 15, he had grown into his
body, becoming more powerful
and rising to the top of his
regional age group.
Between the ages of 16 and 23
he won about 50 tournaments in
France, outside the main ATP tour.
In last month’s final he played
as his team’s No.1, losing his final
match to Tim Meredith 6-4, 6-4.
He said the focus was on the
enjoyment of the game and winning
as a team rather than his
individual performance.
“The team can’t be put together
again because half are moving
away from Christchurch, so it was
basically this year or never,” he
said.
“It was really good, everything
went our way and we won.”
It was his sixth premier title.
His first came with Canterbury
Country in 2001/02, followed by
wins with Elmwood (2009/10),
Burnside Park (2011/12) and Waimairi
(2018/19, 2019/20).
He also won two inter-provincial
titles in 2001 and 2008.
Feneon was the oldest player
in the premier competition by 10
years and now hands the mantle
to Cashmere’s Matt Meredith.
Feneon said he wanted to bow
out on his own terms – while still
competitive against the best, and
before his body gave out.
“The amount of work we do
during the week with coaching,
then playing on the weekend,
every year it becomes more and
more difficult on the body,” he
said.
“I wanted to stop when I could
still play at that level. I didn’t
want people wondering ‘what is
he doing playing?’
“I’ve been doing it for 25 years,
so that’s probably enough now.”
He said it was his ability to
stay competitive that has kept
him going at the top level all this
time.
He has not completely ruled
out a return to competitive tennis,
but said it would likely be at
a lower level.
When he was 20 and chasing a
place on the professional circuit,
he moved to the United States on
a tennis scholarship at the University
of Mississippi.
There, he trained in a professional
environment, spending
more than 30 hours a week on
court, and said the discipline of
American college sport shaped
his outlook.
“You have to be respectful,
you’ve got to make your grades
and you’ve got to be on time. If
you don’t do those things, there
are consequences, just like in
life,” he said.
​"If you’re a competitor and
that’s what you like doing,
there’s no substitute for
that. Maybe I’m going to
miss that, maybe I won’t
retire after all.”
Remi Feneon
He spent four years in Mississippi
and, despite injuries, earned
All-American honours twice –
awarded to players who reach
the quarter-finals of the end-ofseason
national tournament.
Out of more than 100 schools
competing, his team finished in
the top 10 in three of the four
years he was there.
During his third year, he met
his now wife, Joelene, who had
also moved to the university to
play tennis.
“She was in the tennis team
and I was in of the tennis team,
so we were always sharing the
same place and the same training,
so that’s how we met,” he
said.
After graduating, he considered
pursuing the professional tour,
but the cost was prohibitive.
“If your parents don’t have the
money for you to travel and you
have no sponsor, that decision is
made pretty quickly,” he said.
“It probably costs between
$150,000 and $200,000 a year.”
The couple moved to South
Africa, where Joelene is from,
and lived in Southbroom, a
coastal village near Durban, for
10 years.
There, Feneon started his own
coaching business and continued
to compete, dominating local
competitions.
He said helping younger players
develop was particularly
rewarding.
Their children, Kurt and Jade,
were born there, but the family
moved to New Zealand in 2001 in
search of a better life.
He took up a coaching role with
Mid Canterbury Tennis and spent
a year in Ashburton, though the
slow lifestyle did not suit them.
They later moved back to
South Africa for another four
years before a coaching job at
Canterbury Tennis opened up.
After seven years there,
he started his own coaching
business at Waimairi Tennis Club
before moving to Burnside Park.
rugbynews.co.nz | 0800 77 77 10

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Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 | 11
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12 | Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
PUZZLES
All Over Residential | All Over the Bays
WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
CROSSWORD
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9
10 11
12 13 14
15 16 17
18
19 20 21 22
445
SUDOKU
Every row, column and box should
contain the digits 1 to 9.
WordBuilder
WORDBUILDER
N T A
A P I
6
345 345
N T A
A P I
many words of three or more letters,
How
including
many
plurals,
words
can you
of
make
three
from
or
the
more
six
letters, using each letter only once? No foreign
How words or beginning with a capital are
from many
allowed.
the words
There's
six letters, of three
at least one
using or more
six-letter
each letters,
word.
only
including once? plurals, can you make from the six
TODAY
letters, Good using 17 each Very letter Good only 22 once? Excellent No 26 foreign
No words beginning with a capital are
words or words beginning with a capital are
allowed. Solution 344: There’s age, air, are, at awe, least ear, earwig, one six-letter era,
allowed. erg, gar, There's gear, grew, at ira, least ire, rag, one rage, six-letter raw, reg, word. rig,
word. wag, wage, wager, ware, TODAY wear, weir, wig, wire.
Good 17 Very Good 22 Excellent 26
letters, including plurals, can you make
Solution 344: age, air, are, awe, ear, earwig, era,
erg, gar, gear, grew, ira, ire, rag, rage, raw, reg, rig,
wag, wage, wager, ware, wear, weir, wig, wire.
23 24
25 26
Across
7. Unapproachable subject (2-2,4)
9. Steel beam (6)
10. Former Russian ruler (4)
11. Self-governing (10)
12. Swimsuit (6)
14. Calm (8)
15. Turned to liquid by heat (6)
16. Globe (6)
19. Upside down (8)
21. Four score and ten (6)
23. Person chosen to judge a
dispute (10)
24. Sharp-tasting (4)
25. Protect (6)
26. Recall (8)
Decoder
Down
1. Miniature tree or shrub (6)
2. Quartet (4)
3. Arrange (8)
4. Meeting plan (6)
5. Person who overreacts (5,5)
6. Fill in temporarily (8)
8. Shrewd (6)
13. Vague, imprecise (3-7)
15. Kingdom (8)
17. Scenic view (8)
18. Proofreader (6)
20. Angry outburst (6)
22. Objective (6)
24. Crypt (4)
Crossword
Across: 7. No-go area, 9. Girder, 10. Tsar, 11. Autonomous, 12. Bikini,
14. Tranquil, 15. Molten, 16. Sphere, 19. Inverted, 21. Ninety, 23. Arbitrator,
24. Tart, 25. Shield, 26. Remember.
Down: 1. Bonsai, 2. Four, 3. Organise, 4. Agenda, 5. Drama queen, 6.
Deputise, 8. Astute, 13. Ill-defined, 15. Monarchy, 17. Panorama, 18. Editor,
20. Tirade, 22. Target, 24. Tomb.
WordBuilder
Ana, ani, ant, anti, apian, apt, inapt, nap, napa, nip, nit, pain, paint, pan, pant,
pat, PATINA, pin, PIÑATA, pint, pit, pita, tai, TAIPAN, tan, tap, tapa, tin, tip.
DECODER
Each number represents a different letter of the alphabet. Write the
given letters into all squares with matching numbers. Now work out
which letters are represented by the other numbers.
VOLUME 1
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REALTY Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 | 13
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14 | Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
MOTORING
MG takes aim
at rivals with
big, bold QS
Among the latest in a seemingly
continuous conveyor belt of
new models from MG is the
QS – a large, affordable sevenseat
SUV aimed at making a big
impression with buyers here.
The company is matching its
ambitions with equally large
models, including the QS. It has
also entered the ute market
with the extra-large U9, based
on the LDV Terron.
Both brands sit under Chinese
automotive giant Shanghai
Automotive, aggressive marketers
determined to establish
themselves as credible players
in this segment.
MG has a lot riding on the success
of both the U9 and QS, with
the latter likely to have broader
appeal. It offers strong value for
money, smart modern styling, a
generous features list, and the
reassurance of a seven-year,
unlimited-kilometre warranty.
The QS is also considerably
cheaper than many of its main
rivals, notably the Kia Sorento
and Toyota Highlander. Those
competitors benefit from fuelefficient,
low-emission hybrid
powertrains, while the QS relies
on a conventional petrol engine.
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
However, MG has access to
hybrid technology that seems
certain to find its way into the
QS before long.
The more time I spent with
the QS, the more it felt like a
longer, wider version of the MG
HS mid-sized SUV.
Its sharp, sleek profile has
caught some motoring pundits
by surprise and highlights
MG’s growing confidence in
producing visually striking vehicles
– with varying degrees of
success.
That presence helped the QS
earn a place among the finalists
in this year’s New Zealand
Motor Writers Guild Car of the
Year awards.
MG has tasted success here
before, with the MG4 EV taking
the title in 2022, and the
QS is good enough to mount a
credible challenge, although
this year’s field is particularly
strong.
Key highlights on the QS
résumé include contemporary
styling – not all of it original,
and at times a little generic
– and a strong suite of new technology
that will appeal to many
buyers.
Rating out of 10: Performance 6, Handling 7, Build Quality 7, Comfort 7, Space 8, Styling 7, Fuel Economy, on
road test average consumption, 9.4L/100km, Value for money 8
Five Star 2024 ANCAP crash rating
Price: $55,990
Overall points out of 10: 7.5
The standout is the pricing:
from $49,990 for the entry-level
front-wheel-drive Excite, rising
by $6000 for the flagship
Essence AWD. That undercuts
its main large seven-seat AWD
rivals, including the Sorento
and Highlander.
While those models offer
petrol-hybrid powertrains, the
QS sticks with a conventional
2.0-litre turbo petrol engine — a
choice that undoubtedly helps
keep pricing highly competitive.
The test vehicle here was
the AWD Essence, which suits
outdoor lifestyles, although
its 180mm ground clearance
limits more serious off-road
excursions if you value the
underbody.
The 2.0-litre turbo isn’t a barnstorming
performer, producing
153kW and 360Nm of torque
– enough for solid low-speed
pulling power. However, it’s
working hard to move a vehicle
of this size, with the QS tipping
the scales at around 2000kg.
Initial acceleration is reasonably
brisk, but performance
fades through the mid-range.
The engine’s enthusiasm
tapers off noticeably, particularly
over hilly terrain or when
fully loaded with passengers and
luggage.
On the open road, the QS is
smooth and generally refined,
with minimal intrusion from
engine, wind, and road noise.
Overall, though, the powertrain
lacks the all-round punch
needed to move such a large SUV
with real authority.
A hybrid – ideally a plug-in
– would be a welcome addition,
bringing the performance
this otherwise capable SUV
deserves. The nine-speed automatic
delivers clean, efficient
shifts, although not always with
the same level of smoothness as
some competitors.
Reinforcing its value-formoney
credentials is a strong list
of standard features, including
automatic LED headlights, eyecatching
21-inch alloy wheels,
and a 12.3-inch dual-screen infotainment
system with Android
Auto.
A 360-degree camera provides
excellent all-round visibility,
while the central display offers
seamless smartphone integration
via Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto, along with builtin
navigation and wireless
charging.
Safety is comprehensive,
with features such as adaptive
cruise control, lane departure
warning, and autonomous emergency
braking included under
MG’s Pilot Safety suite. This has
helped the QS achieve a five-star
ANCAP safety rating under the
organisation’s latest, more stringent
testing protocols.
The QS ticks most of the ride
and handling boxes, feeling controlled
and confident in a wide
range of conditions, and generally
at ease on demanding roads.
At the extremes, however,
the ride can lose composure,
struggling with high-frequency
bumps and corrugations on
rural gravel surfaces.
Body roll under pressure is
present but acceptable, aided
by an effective and responsive
AWD system that is well suited
to New Zealand’s varied driving
conditions.
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CLASSIFIEDS Bay Harbour News, April 9, 2026 | 15
CARS WANTED
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021 222 6144, 7 days
ANY VIDEO GAMES
wanted play station,
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Connecting Your Local Community
starnews.co.nz
Ray White Ferrymead
Lyttelton & Bays
Phone (03) 384 4179 | Email prier.manson@raywhite.com
rwferrymead.co.nz /RayWhiteFerrymead @raywhiteferrymead
Prier Manson Ltd. (Licensed REAA 2008)
23-24

COASTAL AUCTION SERIES
THURSDAY 30 APRIL FROM 5PM
Coastal Cutie with Timeless Charm
18 Augusta Street, Redcliffs
2 bedrooms, 1 living, 1 bathroom, 1 garage, 1 carport
Positioned within the ever-popular coastal suburb of Redcliffs, this
charming bungalow presents an inviting opportunity for those seeking
comfort, character, and an easy connection to the seaside lifestyle.
Full of warmth and personality, the home reveals its appeal from the
outset, where polished timber floors and classic detailing reflect its
heritage while thoughtful updates support modern day living. The openplan
kitchen, dining and living area is light-filled and welcoming, flowing
effortlessly through French doors to a beautifully established garden
setting. Here, a spacious deck with built-in seating and a dedicated BBQ
nook create a natural extension of the living space, well-suited to relaxed
entertaining or quiet moments outdoors.
The garden is a true standout-your own private, picturesque retreat
framed by established planting and a beautiful outlook to the surrounding
hillside. Perfectly positioned for sun and natural shelter, it’s an inviting
space made for effortless entertaining or simply unwinding.
This is a home that balances charm, comfort and location, offering an
appealing opportunity, this home is for definite sale and immediate
possession is available.
Open Homes: Saturday 2.15 - 2.45pm and Sunday 2.00 - 2.30pm
Auction: Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5pm, Sumner Surf Life Saving Club
(Unless sold prior)
www.rwferrymead.co.nz/OPA32629
COASTAL AUCTION SERIES
The Standevens
M. 0274 304 691
E. thestandevens@raywhite.com
Laidback and Luxurious Oceanic Lifestyle
87 Glenstrae Road, Redcliffs
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 toilets, 2 living, 2 garage, 740 sqm land
Perfectly positioned & beautifully crafted with magnificent, ever-changing
views. This stunning home is the perfect haven to relax and escape the
hustle and bustle.
Featuring all the conveniences you would expect from a home of this
magnitude and so much more!
Entertainer’s kitchen, numerous indoor and outdoor living spaces,
sheltered balconies, intelligent design, internal vacuum system, sound
system, and tiled bathrooms just to name a few.
Internal access garage and a separate accommodation spaces with
kitchenette ideal for guests.
Outside is as impressive as the interior, and the landscaping is meticulous.
This may well be the best home on the hill right now, we certainly think so
and it deserves your attention. Simply, it’s a must-view!
See you at the open homes or call Pip now for a private viewing at your
new home!
Open Homes: Saturday and Sunday 1.30 - 2.00pm
Auction: Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5pm, Sumner Surf Life Saving Club
(Unless sold prior)
www.rwferrymead.co.nz/OPA31744
COASTAL AUCTION SERIES
Pip Sutton
M. 027 224 9524
E. pip.sutton@raywhite.com
Ray White Ferrymead | rwferrymead.co.nz | 03 384 4179 | prier.manson@raywhite.com | Prier Manson Limited Licensed REAA 2008

OTHER COASTAL OPPORTUNITIES
Designed for Living, Positioned for Views
17 Stoneyridge Close, Mount Pleasant
4 bedrooms, 2 living, 1 study, 2 bathrooms, 3 toilets, 2 car garaging
Nearby to John Britten reserve and positioned in a breathtaking Mount
Pleasant setting, this beautifully finished residence offers an exceptional
standard of living, where expansive views and thoughtful design come
together with ease. From the moment you arrive, there is a sense of
elevation and calm, with stunning panoramas stretching from the city
across the ocean, Pegasus Bay and out to the Kaikoura ranges.
Designed to embrace its outlook, the home is filled with natural light, with
high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glazing drawing the scenery into each of
the main living spaces.
The kitchen forms a central hub, anchored by a striking black benchtop,
dual wall ovens and a walk in pantry. It connects effortlessly with the
open-plan dining and living areas, as well as a formal lounge which can be
shut off or opened up as the occasion requires.
Outdoors, the grounds are landscaped and well-configured for a hillside
setting, with near-level areas for relaxation and play. Move-in ready and
finished to a high standard, this is a home that balances scale, comfort
and outlook - offering a considered living environment in one of Mount
Pleasant’s most desirable positions.
Open Homes: Saturday 12.15 - 12.45pm and Sunday 11.00 - 11.30am
Auction: Thursday 23 April 2026 from 11am, Ray White, Level 2,
76 Hereford Street (Unless sold prior)
www.rwferrymead.co.nz/OPA31868
The Standevens
M. 0274 304 691
E. thestandevens@raywhite.com
Post Quake Treehouse Paradise
6 Zephyr Terrace, Governors Bay
3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1705sqm, 1 garage
This is a home that celebrates a life lived in harmony with nature. Nestled within a lush,
1,705sqm sanctuary of greenery and birdsong, 6 Zephyr Terrace offers a rare blend of postquake
peace of mind and timeless character. Our owner is now downsizing, presenting a
remarkable opportunity for a new family to secure their own slice of this verdant paradise.
The heart of the home is defined by the warmth of raked Rimu ceilings that span the
open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating an atmosphere of rustic elegance and
volume. This central hub flows seamlessly to the outdoors through two sets of sliding doors,
leading you onto an extensive deck that perfectly immerses you in the surrounding oasis of
greenery. The dining area is thoughtfully designed, featuring a beautiful built-in sideboard
and cabinetry. Climate control is effortless regardless of the season; stay cosy with the
clean-air woodfire and heat pump in the living area, while a heat transfer system ensures
the three bedrooms stay warm. An additional heat pump in the hallway provides total home
comfort throughout the year. The layout features a master bedroom that opens directly
onto the patio, and two more generous bedrooms that share a modern, full family bathroom,
and a separate toilet for convenience. Below, the home offers incredible utility with a single
garage and a sizeable workshop area-perfect for hobbies or gear storage-complemented by
a carport tucked under the decking to accommodate extra vehicles.
Open Homes: Saturday and Sunday 10.00 - 10.30am
Price: $960,000
www.rwferrymead.co.nz/OPA31717
Designated Affordable Home - Stylish, Sustainable,
and Smart Living! - Block F Unit 12
F12/228a Opawa Road, Hillsborough
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 car park
Tucked quietly at the rear of Opawa Road, this architecturally designed home by Habitus
Group blends modern living with smart sustainability. Perfect for singles, couples, or
first-time buyers seeking comfort, community, and a clever step into homeownership.
Construction is already underway, with completion anticipated to be Easter 2026.
Built with durability in mind, the home features a Coloursteel roof, Metalcraft cladding
upstairs, and timeless brickwork on the lower level. Energy efficiency is a core focus,
with 3.6kW solar panels, LED lighting, high-performance insulation, and a reliable Daikin
heat pump ensuring year-round comfort. Security is taken care of with an Arrowhead
EC alarm system and keypad entry. Inside, a well-considered layout offers an open-plan
living area, a generous main bedroom, and a second versatile room - ideal as a guest
bedroom, nursery, or study, depending on your needs. The living area flows seamlessly to
a private, landscaped courtyard, creating a low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for
entertaining or quiet evenings in. This turnkey package includes contemporary finishes,
full window treatments, and key appliances such as a fridge/freezer and washing machine
- everything you need to move in with ease. Positioned within a vibrant, communityfocused
development, you’ll enjoy access to landscaped communal areas designed to
foster connection.
Price: $475,000
www.rwferrymead.co.nz/OPA32461
Ahmad Sultani
M. 021 104 7115
E. ahmad.sultani@raywhite.com
Ahmad Sultani
M. 021 104 7115
E. ahmad.sultani@raywhite.com
Ray White Ferrymead | rwferrymead.co.nz | 03 384 4179 | prier.manson@raywhite.com | Prier Manson Limited Licensed REAA 2008

We bring the whole team
Ahmad Sultani
Licensee Salesperson
021 104 7115
Ben Hancock
Licensee Salesperson
027 585 8780
Cade Henderson
Licensee Salesperson
027 498 4092
Claire Oliver
Licensee Salesperson
027 599 4057
Colette West
Licensee Salesperson
029 0205 1902
Kayley Lennon
Licensee Salesperson
027 301 4617
Kirill Shevchenko
Licensee Salesperson
022 392 6238
Mark Gardner
Licensee Salesperson
021 633 669
Neale Bettman
Licensee Salesperson
027 276 2470
Pip Sutton
Licensee Salesperson
027 224 9524
Sai V
Licensee Salesperson
029 0239 2967
The Standevens
Licensee Salespersons
027 430 4691
Craig Prier
Auctioneer
027 434 5299
Paul Pretorius
Sales Manager
027 688 8512
Antonia McAtamney
Loan Market
021 469 224
Richard Withy
Sales & Auction Manager
027 550 0267
Kate Major
Operations Manager
027 630 0072
WANT TO WORK
BY THE WAVES?
RAY WHITE FERRYMEAD
CALL OR TEXT
027 550 0267
FOR A CONFIDENTIAL CHAT
Ray White Ferrymead
Phone (03) 384 4179 | Email prier.manson@raywhite.com | rwferrymead.co.nz
/RayWhiteFerrymead @raywhiteferrymead Prier Manson Ltd. (Licensed REAA 2008)