Southern View: April 09, 2026

alana@alliedmedia.co.nz 

FOR LOCAL ADVERTISING 

Annabel Judd 

Ph: 021 457 469 

annabel.judd@alliedmedia.co.nz 

Red zone garden site may be sold 

FOR LOCAL ADVERTISING 

BY KEES CHALMERS 

Residents have transformed 

156 

Jenny 

McCormacks 

Wright 

Bay Rd,” he 

said. Ph: 021 220 3484 

A decision 

jenny@alliedmedia.co.nz 

on the properties 

two barren red zone properties 

is set to be made on June 23. 

into a flourishing native 

Woodley lives next to 6 

garden. 

Balmoral Ln with her husband, 

But the future of the garden 

Ian Connor. She started planting 

is uncertain after the city 

in 2017 after raising concerns 

council listed the neighbouring 

about the derelict state of the 

properties on Balmoral Ln in 

site with Land Information New 

Redcliffs for potential sale as 

Zealand, which managed it at 

part of its Annual Plan 2026/27. 

the time. 

The planting project at 4 and 

The Star, January 23, 2025 

“A lot of weeds, a lot of long 

starnews.co.nz 

6 Balmoral Ln has largely been 

led by Ruth Woodley, who hopes 

to see the work preserved. 

“We really feel 

environmentally that it would 

be great if this area was left 

now that it’s planted,” she said. 

The properties sit on a cliff 


directly above a contentious 

site on McCormacks Bay Rd. The 

Star reported the site lies on a 

600-year-old urupā, known as 

the Sumner Burial Ground. 

Residents are opposing its 

potential sale, which is also 

included on the Annual Plan. 


The burial ground was 

discovered in 1873 during 

road construction, when the 

skeletons of early Waitaha 

settlers – known as the first 

people of the South Island – 

were excavated by explorer and 

Canterbury Museum founder 


Julius von Haast. 

Woodley said shell middens – 

ancient refuse heaps made up 

Andrew Long, Ruth Woodley and Ian Connor among the native bushes they have planted over the past nine years. 

largely of shellfish 

remains – are 

also present at 4 

Balmoral Ln. 

Heathcote Ward 

city councillor 

Nathaniel Herz 

Jardine has asked 

council staff 

to investigate 

Nathaniel Herz 

Jardine 

whether the cultural and 

historical significance of the 

urupā extends to the Balmoral 

Ln properties. 

Council head of facilities 

Bruce Rendall said the 

feedback would inform their 

decision-making. 

“Feedback about the 

native planting on 4 and 6 

PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN 

Balmoral Ln, and the concerns 

regarding the nearby urupā, is 

valuable and will help ensure 

decision‐makers have the fullest 

possible picture. 

“We are looking into all 

the matters raised through 

submissions, including any 

potential connection between 

these properties and the site at 

grass and, of course, they just 

seep through,” she said. 

After speaking with LINZ, 

she was given permission to 

plant natives and maintain the 

land, which she has done ever 

since. Together with nearby 

resident Andrew Long, she has 


planted more than 100 trees 

and shrubs. The once-bare site 

is now covered in native species, 

including kōuka, ngaio, karo, 

pittosporum, kōwhai, karaka, 

tōtara, grasses and flax. 

“It’s been a lot of fun, A lot of 

hard work, but also enjoyment.” 


Herz Jardine was also 

conflicted about the potential 

sale. 

“They’ve put a lot of work in 

and it’s really lovely. The tricky 

thing is always the trade-off 

between what the locals get out 

of that spot versus what the city 


as a whole would get out of it if 

we sold it and that money was 

used to reduce rates.” 

Holiday Treats at 

Una Bakery 

We’ve heard people say our 

handcrafted gingerbread 

and rich hot chocolate 

topped with marshmallows 

are the best in town. 

A delicious moment for kids 

- and a warm coffee for you. 

Open 7 days 

73 Centaurus Rd 

Christchurch 

03 337 8214 

Barrington 

Dentures 

We look after you from 

start to finish. 

230 Barrington Street, Somerfield 

Find us on 

03 332 4004 

www.denturesouth.nz 

Cameron knows his market well, and makes you feel very at ease 

with the whole process. I haven’t arranged a house sale in over 25 

years, and as it’s different now than it was then, 

it was great to have someone to work with 

who absolutely knew his stuff. 

Sallie, Justin and Grant 

Seller 

Phone or text 027 555 7079 

REINZ Residential Salesperson of the Year* 2020 - 2025 

No.1 Harcourts Canterbury 2012-2025 

cameron.bailey@harcourts.co.nz No.1 Harcourts New Zealand 2017-2025 

No.1 Harcourts Internationally 2022 - 2025 

www.cameronbailey.harcourts.co.nz Licensed Sales Consultant REAA 2008 

*Overall Residential Salesperson of the Year across all brands in New Zealand.

The Star, April 9, 2026 


From shunning ‘boring’ ballet to 

Dancer and choreographer 

Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson 

has dived into his bright 

and sparkly children’s work 

Dazzlehands, which is being 

performed by the Royal New 

Zealand Ballet at the James 

Hay Theatre tomorrow and on 

Saturday. He tells Rebecca Fox 

how a production like it could 

have changed his negative view 

of ballet as a child 

As a young dancer growing 

up in Christchurch, Joshua 

Guillemot-Rodgerson did just 

about anything to avoid ballet. 

‘‘I was like ‘anything but 

ballet’, basically. I thought it 

was so boring. I mean, as a 

boy too, it’s harder to wind up 

in ballet and so I was steering 

quite clear of it.’’ 

Instead he dived into all 

other forms of dance, such as 

ballroom, tap dancing and jazz, 

before deciding to move into 

contemporary dance. Only the 

advice was: He would need to 

get some ballet training to do 

that. 

‘‘That pressure was building 

up as I realised I wanted to be 

a professional dancer. And, 

eventually, I just bit the bullet. 

I was like ‘okay, I’m going to 

have to do this’. I actually 

didn’t really want to even start 

ballet. But it just seemed like a 

Choreographer Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson rehearses with Pig, who is danced by Jake Gisby. 

necessity.’’ 

What he did not bank on 

at age 14 was ballet and 

the challenges it posed 

becoming addictive. Now he is 

choreographing the Royal New 

Zealand Ballet’s production of 

Dazzlehands. 

‘‘(Ballet) just started to 

become something that I 

wanted to do more and more 

of, the more I got into it,’’ 

Guillemot-Rodgerson said. 

So much so he got into the 

prestigious Juilliard School in 

New York where he gained a 

PHOTOS: STEPHEN A’COURT/RBNZ 

bachelor of fine arts in dance. 

He also studied choreography 

and created pieces for Juilliard’s 

Choreographic Honours shows 

for three years. 

But dancing became his main 

focus when he graduated. He 

went on to dance at Houston 

Ballet for three years before 

deciding to return home to New 

Zealand in 2020, joining the 

RNZB as a guest artist before 

becoming a full-time company 

member and soloist in 2021 and 

a principal artist in 2024. 

When he got the opportunity 

to choreograph a studio 

work for RNZB, he looked to 

his childhood for inspiration, 

creating a work about children 

in a playroom trying out 

different imaginary scenarios 

from going on a boat voyage 

to being spies and doing 

karaoke. 

‘‘It was like I used to do with 

cousins and my brother when 

we were younger. It was really 

crazy. I think everyone else 

probably always knew it was 

for children, but I didn’t really 

realise that until the end.’’ 

It was this combination 

of his early beginnings in a 

variety of dance forms and that 

playful piece which attracted 

the attention of the ballet’s 

community engagement 

manager, Lauren Byrne. 

She was looking for someone 

to choreograph a new children’s 

work based on the book 

Dazzlehands by Wellington 

author and illustrator Sacha 

Cotter and Josh Morgan. 

Said Byrne: ‘‘As soon as I 

came across the book, I knew it 

was meant to be danced. 

‘‘There’s so much movement 

in the language and 

illustrations that it immediately 

Coasters 

Are you living off the Coast and would like to 

keep up with the local news and events? 

We have new digital editions 

available for subscription. 

CHRISTCHURCH 

BRIDGE CLUB 

Love card games? 

Learn to challenge the brain! 

Our club welcomes you. 

Beginner Bridge Lessons 

2 FREE INTRODUCTORY modules, 

then $20 to cover teaching material. 

Mondays, starting May 4 @ 7.30pm 

Scan here 

digital.greystar.co.nz 

Phone: 03 366-1516 

21 Nova Place, Christchurch 

Email: office@chchbridge.co.nz 

www.chchbridge.co.nz

starnews.co.nz The Star, April 9, 2026 

dazzling show choreographer 

sparked ideas for choreography 

and character.’’ 

For Guillemot-Rodgerson, it 

has been an opportunity to dig 

out old dance moves, combine 

them with the ballet he has 

come to love and get back to 

choreography. 

At the heart of the ballet is the 

character Pig, who lives on a 

perfectly ordinary farm where 

the animals all know their 

roles. The cow goes ‘‘moo’’, the 

chicken goes ‘‘cluck’’, and the 

farmer expects Pig to simply 

‘‘oink’’. But Pig has other 

ideas. Instead of making the 

expected sound, Pig dazzles 

everyone with a series of 

elaborate ‘‘hands’’ – from train 

hands to disco groove hands – 

much to the farmer’s growing 

frustration. 

‘‘We wanted to combine 

ballet with those different 

dance styles, and so each of 

the characters is like ballet 

combined with something else. 

So the cow’s a hip-hop, funkloving 

cow. The chicken is a bit 

spicier, and she’s on point, but 

she’s doing tango steps. And the 

sheep is your old Hollywood 

kind of Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly. 

He’s got a cane that he dances 

with Broadway jazz sheep. And 

then Flamingo is a play on the 

swan. She’s just like a kookier 

version of that real in-a-tutu 

ballet dancer. And then the pig 

is his own thing. He’s the centre 

of the story and he will not do 

what a pig’s supposed to do, and 

so his dance moves go all over 

the shop.’’ 

Working alongside the 

authors, Guillemot-Rodgerson 

and Byrne aimed to create a 

40-minute show, so it required 

the addition of a couple of 

characters and fleshing out a 

few others. 

‘‘That’s how we ended up with 

a flamingo on a farm, because 

they loved the absurdity of it 

and thought it totally fit in the 

Dazzlehands world. 

‘‘Because even the more side 

characters of the cow and the 

chicken, they’re not in the book 

as much, but when they are, 

they have so much personality 

and they’re very sassy and over 

it and it was fun to get to create 

characters like that with the 

dancers.’’ 

The colourful illustrations in 

the book have been brought to 

life by designer Victoria Gridley, 

who had the job of creating 

human costumes from the 

characters. 

‘‘Even though it’s tricky to 

make a literal cow in a book 

and become a human who’s 

part cow, I think she did an 

awesome job.’’ 

Guillemot-Rodgerson 

enjoyed learning about the 

requirements of making a show 

for children, how it needed 

to be easy for them to join in, 

amazing enough for them to go 

‘‘wow’’ and the need for jokes 

that appealed to children and 

adults. 

‘‘It was cool to have all these 

parameters, because sometimes 

when you’re choreographing, 

you could just go absolutely 

anywhere, but often that is not 

as freeing as it sounds.’’ 

The process has left him 

with a love of children’s 

choreography. ‘‘It was certainly 

not what I was expecting. 

Being in that audience and 

seeing them get the things that 

you were hoping they would 

get throughout the show is so 

satisfying. And then also the 

unexpected things, like there’s 

so much laughter that goes on 

at random moments, and that’s 

super cute and awesome as 

well.’’ 

Guillemot-Rodgerson is sure 

if he had seen the ballet as 

a 5-year-old he would have 

thought maybe ballet was 

for him. ‘‘I hope that kids are 

thinking that when they’re 

watching the show, because I 

ended up getting to ballet when 

I was 14, which is pretty late. 

‘‘And I still feel like I’m 

playing catch up. It’s something 

that it does help the earlier you 

do start.’’ 

He has also said there is 

plenty of appeal for young 

males who often find it harder 

to access ballet. 

‘‘I hope it’s already changed 

some young dancers or young 

non-dancers’ lives in that 

regard already. I mean, both 

those that want to dance, 

because it is a ballet but also the 

message of the story is about 

embracing what makes you you 

and your individuality.’’ 

The finished product debuted 

at Te Papa in Wellington 2024 

and then toured other locations. 

The latest tour will be the 

first time the show has been 

performed in his home city. 

It also comes hard on the 

heels of RNZB’s production of 

Macbeth, in which Guillemot- 

Rodgerson danced the title role 

in some shows. 

‘‘I’m not sure they could 

have done anything more 

drastic actually. We’ve gone 

from maybe the darkest thing 

we’ve ever done to one of the 

brightest. It’s super cute and 

funny and crazy and disco-y, 

and it’s just everything we were 

not doing. So I actually think 

it’s quite fun for the dancers to 

pivot like that and get to show 

off another side of themselves.’’ 

He encourage children to get 

up and ‘‘boogie along and yell 

out the animal noises’’ during 

the show. 

•Dazzlehands is on stage at the 

James Hay Theatre tomorrow at 

2pm and 3.30pm, and Saturday 

at 10.30am and noon 

Consider Chatswood 

for your forever home 

AVAILABLE 

NOW 

Care suite available now at 

Chatswood Retirement Village. 

Contact either Rhonda on 027 507 0521 

or Russell on 03 332 6343 at Chatswood 

Best value care suites in 

Christchurch with all the 

amenities you need for 

supportive care. 

CHATSWOOD 

RETIREMENT VILLAGE 

60 HAWFORD RD, OPAWA | PHONE 332 7323 | WWW.CHATSWOODRETIREMENT.CO.NZ



Diesel cost worry, security beefed up 

BY JOHN GERRITSEN 

Papanui HS 

fundraiser 

standout 

Papanui High School was the 

top fundraising team with 

$16,961 collected for the Cancer 

Society’s Relay For Life. 

The total was built through 

a series of student-led initiatives, 

including a non-uniform 

day, bake sale, a quiz night supported 

by Papanui businesses, 

and a community sausage sizzle 

at Mitre 10 Papanui. 

The top individual fundraiser 

was Riley Goodall, the student 

representative on the board of 

trustees who pledged to shave 

his hair off if he raised more 

than $1000. 

He raised $1626 and followed 

through on the night, shaving 

his hair in front of the relay 

crowd. 

Funds raised will support 

essential Cancer Society 

services, such as patient 

transport, accommodation for 

rural families, cancer research, 

and support for individuals and 

their families. 

Schools that use diesel for 

heating are locking up their fuel 

tanks and preparing for big bills 

when they return from the April 

holidays. 

They were expecting the 

Education Ministry would help 

cover the extra cost if the fuel 

crisis kept prices high, but no 

details had been confirmed or 

made public. 

Meanwhile, some schools 

reported teachers and parents 

car-pooling to keep costs down. 

Burnside High School 

principal Scott Haines said 

most of the school was heated 

by diesel boilers and the price 

of diesel would have a direct 

but manageable 

effect on the 

school's budget. 

"We burnt 

77,000 litres of 

diesel last year 

at Burnside High 

School to heat 

the campus. So 

Scott Haines the quantum is 

large," he said. 

Burnside High is the South 

Island’s biggest secondary 

school. 

Haines said the school spent 

$108,900 last year on diesel and 

one of the first steps it took in 

response to the fuel crisis was 

to improve security around its 

10,000-litre diesel tank. 

"Now it's locked in a cage 

with external lighting and CCTV 

infrastructure on it," he said. 

Haines said Burnside 

purchased diesel through an 

Most of Burnside High School is heated by diesel and the high price of the fuel will have a direct impact on the school’s budget. 

all-of-government contract so 

the price was relatively good 

and the Education Ministry 

was working on a fuel-support 

allowance for schools with 

diesel boilers. 

"Anything they can give 

us there will help offset the 

additional payments the 

school's making, but beyond 

that, frankly, it's just a cost of 

doing business, isn't it? 

"It simply means that our 

heat, light, water component, 

that budget line is going to blow 

out pretty handsomely. But in 

the scheme of things, in terms of 

the wider school budget . . . it's 

not a huge figure." 

Haines said fuel prices did 

not seem to be affecting student 

attendance but there appeared 

to be more bicycles in the 

school's bike-stands and some 

teachers were car-pooling. 

Addington Te Kura Taumata 

School principal Donna Bilas 

said about half of the school 

relied on a diesel boiler for heating. 

Bilas said it normally cost 

$2500-3000 to fill the school's 

diesel tank and she expected 

that bill would be a lot higher 

this year. 

"Normally our 

diesel use, we 

do two to maybe 

three fills in the 

winter months so 

we're looking at 

being well over 

budget in terms 

of what we get Donna Bilas 

from the ministry 

for heating, lighting, and 

water," she said. 

Bilas said the school already 

has a full tank of diesel, but if 

prices remain high it will have 

to cut back on other parts of its 

property spending to cover the 

increased cost. 

However, she said the 

ministry was collecting 

information from schools about 

last year's spending on diesel 

and she hopes that is a strong 

indication it will provide some 

funding support. Bilas said 

the school had not noticed any 

effects of the fuel crisis, but 

it was considering allowing 

teachers to stay home if they 

have release time and have 

taken stock of the number of 

pupils who were driven to 

school. 

Education Minister Erica 

Stanford said the Government is 

still taking stock of the situation 

and planning for each phase of 

its fuel response plan. – RNZ 

Learn CPR for your loved one 

This free training is designed to give you the confidence to take 

action if someone suffers a cardiac arrest by: 

More 

informatıon 

Calling 111 

Step one 

Starting CPR 

Step two 

Using an AED 

Step three


Little bundles 

of joy 

The sweetness of carrots will 

lift spirits at the autumn table, 

writes Nigel Slater 

CARROTS WITH CARDAMOM, 

CREAM AND CASHEWS 

Carrots respond to mild, sweet 

spicing – the sort of softness 

similar to that of a korma. 

When it comes time to finish 

the dish, you can successfully 

add the cream while the stew 

is simmering, but it is crucial to 

remove it from the heat before 

stirring in the yoghurt. To do so 

while the dish is bubbling, even 

slightly, risks the sauce curdling. 

You could use small, new 

parsnips, too, if you wish, 

substituting them for half the 

carrots. 

Ingredients 

Serves 4 as a main dish 

2 medium onions 

3 Tbsp vegetable oil or melted 

butter 

40g ginger 

2 cloves garlic 

1kg carrots 

75g cashews, roasted and salted 

12 green cardamom pods 

2 tsp cumin seeds 

2 tsp coriander seeds 

1 tsp ground turmeric 

½ tsp ground mild chilli powder 

¼ tsp black pepper 

750ml vegetable stock 

1 stick cinnamon 

15g coriander leaves 

3 Tbsp cream 

3 Tbsp natural yoghurt 

Rice, steamed, to serve 

Method 

• Peel and roughly chop the 

onions. Warm the oil or butter 

in a large, deep pan over a 

moderate heat – I use a heavy, 

enamelled pan, 24cm in diameter 

– then add the onions. 

• Peel and grate the ginger on 

the coarse side of a grater, then 

add to the pan. Peel and finely 

slice the garlic, then add to the 

onions and continue cooking, 

stirring regularly for 10-12 

minutes, until the onions have 

softened to a translucent, pale 

gold. 

• While the onions cook, open 

the cardamom pods and scrape 

out the seeds, then, using a spice 

mill or pestle and mortar, grind 

them to a gritty powder with the 

cumin and coriander seeds. Stir 

into the golden onions, then add 

the ground turmeric, chilli and 

black pepper. 

• Let the spices toast fragrantly 

for a minute or two, stirring 

occasionally and taking care they 

don’t burn, then finely chop and 

add half of the salted, roasted 

cashews. Reserve the other half. 

• Halve the carrots lengthways, 

then chop into 4-5cm lengths. 

Once the onion, spice and nut 

mixture is nicely toasted, stir in 

the carrots and let them cook for 

a minute or two before pouring 

in the stock. 

• Add the cinnamon stick, a 

generous seasoning of salt and 

bring to the boil. Lower the heat, 

partially cover with a lid, then 

simmer for 25 minutes or until 

the carrots are just tender. 

• Roughly chop the coriander. 

Stir in the cream and when the 

sauce is back up to temperature 

remove from the heat then stir 

in the yoghurt, reserved cashews 

and chopped coriander. Serve 

with rice. 

CARROTS WITH BASIL CREAM 

A favourite of mine, for the 

way the mild tartness of the 

creme fraiche contrasts with the 

sweetness of the roasted carrots. 

The whole dish tastes of 

summer. A good side dish, this 

way with carrots is also inviting 

as a main dish, alongside 

steamed brown rice flecked 

with parsley and black pepper. 

Ingredients 

Serves 4 as a side dish 

650g carrots 

2 Tbsp olive oil 

For the basil cream: 

15g mixed parsley, basil and 

dill 

1 Tbsp lemon juice 

3 Tbsp olive oil 

100ml creme fraiche 

Method 

• Get out a roasting tin or 

baking dish large enough to 

hold the carrots and set the 

oven at 200degC. 

• Scrub the carrots – I only 

peel them if their skins are 

thick, which is unlikely at this 

time of year – then slice them 

in half lengthways. 

• Put them into the roasting 

tin, pour over the olive oil, 

grind over a little salt and black 

pepper, then tumble them 

together so the carrots are well 

coated with oil and seasonings. 

• Roast in the preheated oven 

for 45-50 minutes, turning them 

over halfway through. They are 

done when they are tender and 

their edges have caramelised a 

little. 

• While the carrots are 

roasting, make the basil cream. 

Using a food processor, reduce 

the parsley and basil leaves, 

dill fronds and olive oil to a 

thin, bright green paste. Scrape 

into a bowl with a rubber 

spatula then stir in the creme 

fraiche. 

• Remove the carrots from 

the oven and transfer to a 

serving dish, then trickle the 

herb sauce over them and 

serve. 

Your 

PROVIDERS AUTUMN 2026 

GET YOUR 

FREE COPY 

NOW! 

in pickup 

stands 

Canterbury 

wide 

or read 

online 

A GUIDE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN CANTERBURY



Diesel-powered Tank 300 gets the job done 

Motoring with Bob Nettleton 

If you’re after a capable midsized 

SUV – and who isn’t – with 

strong on- and off-road ability, 

plenty of equipment and solid 

value for money, the Tank 300 

turbo diesel convincingly ticks 

the boxes. 

This newcomer to our increasingly 

crowded SUV market 

arrived about 15 months ago 

and has easily outsold its larger 

sibling, the 500. 

Tank is a sub-brand of GWM 

(Great Wall Motors), which is 

part of SAIC (Shanghai Automotive 

Industry Corporation), 

one of China’s four largest 

state-owned automotive 

manufacturers. 

With its distinctive, rugged, 

retro-styled boxy design, the 

Tank 300 has clearly struck 

a chord with buyers here. 

Many have no doubt been 

drawn by the $54,990 starting 

price for the Lux. The more 

upmarket Ultra we drove 

carries a $5k premium, but you 

do get additional equipment 

as standard. The $58,990 Lux 

Hybrid, by comparison, looks 

less compelling value, making 

the $3k step up to the Ultra an 

attractive proposition. 

Adding to the appeal is a 

seven-year, unlimited-kilometre 

warranty. 

The powertrain is responsive 

enough, though not much 

more, and pulling power is only 

adequate. In short, it is not a 

class leader for performance, but 

it is a dependable workhorse. 

A touch more smoothness 

and refinement would improve 

overall drivability. At open-road 

speeds, however, it feels more 

composed, sounds less strained 

and proves a capable long-distance 

cruiser. 

It is paired with GWM’s inhouse 

nine-speed automatic 

transmission, which is capable 

of handling up to 750Nm of 

torque. 

It is not flawless, with the 

occasional hesitant or clunky 

gear change detracting slightly 

from the experience. 

In terms of size, the Tank 

300 measures 4600mm long, 

1930mm wide and 1903mm 

tall, with a generous 2750mm 

wheelbase. These dimensions 

compare favourably with several 

rivals, though the 400-litre 

boot capacity is underwhelming 

for a vehicle of this size. 

The cabin is more impressive, 

offering plenty of space front 

and rear and an overall light, 

airy feel, although the dark 

hard-plastic trim can seem a little 

gloomy. 

The driver monitoring system, 

previously criticised for its 

constant alerts and nagging, has 

been toned down – though not 

eliminated. The intrusive voice 

prompts are gone, replaced by 

frequent chimes. 

These can be muted via the 

touchscreen settings, but must 

be reset each time the vehicle is 

restarted. 

With a wide array of features, 

the Ultra is clearly the premium 

offering in the Tank 300 line-up. 

Rating out of 10: Performance 6, Handling and ride comfort 6, Build 

Quality 7, Space 7, Styling 7, Fuel Economy On-road test average 

consumption 8.5L/100km, Value for money 8 

Safety: Five star 2022 ANCAP crash rating 

Price: $59,990 

Overall points out of 10: 7 

Highlights include 18-inch alloy 

wheels and a side step for easier 

access. 

Inside, occupants are treated 

to imitation Nappa leatheraccented 

seats, with eight-way 

power adjustment, plus memory 

and massage functions for the 

front seats. 

Underneath, the Tank 300 

sticks with proven mechanicals 

– double wishbone suspension 

up front and a multi-link 

set-up at the rear. This robust 

configuration supports its offroad 

capability, which feels 

considerable, even if it wasn’t 

fully tested. 

On sealed urban roads and 

highways, the ride is generally 

competent, although at lower 

speeds over rough surfaces 

it can feel a little bouncy and 

would benefit from improved 

cushioning. 

The steering is well weighted, 

making for a pleasant drive, 

though greater feedback and 

communication would help lift 

the driving experience beyond 

its current, somewhat average 

level. 

Motoring Trades & Services 

DRIVE THE TREND 

Rejects 99% of UV 

Deep black colour tint 

Lifetime Nationwide 

Warranty* 

Calling all van lovers, 

4wd junkies & ute enthusiasts! 

NZ’s ToyoTa CommerCial 

reCyCled ParT sPeCialisTs 

oPeN saTUrdays 8am - 12pm 

40 Buchan Street, 

Christchurch. (03) 377 7717 

*Warranty terms, conditions and exclusions apply. 

www.nzvanspares.co.nz 

68 Falsgrave Street, Woolston, 

Christchurch 

E: parts@nzvanspares.co.nz 

P: 03 379 3932 / 0508 698 267 

www.hiluxspares.co.nz 

$$ CAR REMOVALS - CASH PAID $$ 

CARS, VANS, UTES 

& 4X4 WANTED, 

NZ OWNED & OPERATED 

FOR 25 YEARS 

We use world class 

vehicle depollution 

systems 

0800 77 80 80 

www.pickapart.co.nz 

Mobile, 

we coMe 

to you! 

“Locals Supporting Locals” 

VAuGHAN PiRie 

owner operator 

027 565 5577 

vpbatteries@gmail.com 

Vaughan Pirie 

Owner Operator 

027 565 5577 

vpbatteries@gmail.com 

www.vpbatteries.co.nz 

MObile, 

We cOMe 

tO yOu! 

Working for 

a greener future


Be in to WIN 

Fuel Vouchers + 

your monthly 

power bill paid! 

OPEN DAY 

33 SUTHERLANDS RD, HALSWELL 

SATURDAY 11 APRIL | 11:00AM 

Something big is happening at Oliver Grove. Join us for our opening 

event with Kieran Read & ZM! 

Come down from 11am and: 

• Grab a free coffee & sausage sizzle 

• Keep the kids entertained with games & face painting 

• Win fuel vouchers with ZM 

Plus, everyone who steps inside goes in the draw to have their 

power bill paid! 

Stage One homes are now selling, with the first homes complete and 

available to walk through on the day. Explore the homes, experience 

the neighbourhood, and be part of the very first Oliver Grove Open Day.



WANT TO GROW 

YOUR BUSINESS? 

Exhibit to thousands 

of potential customers 

across three 

amazing days! 

26-28 JUNE 2026 

Wolfbrook Arena 

Connect with customers face-to-face 

Generate immediate sales 

Capture quality leads 

Showcase your products or services 

Elevate your brand awareness 

VISITORS PRIZE 

BE IN TO 

OF FLOORING FROM 

BOOK A STAND 

Contact Marissa Stephen now! 

marissa@alliedmedia.co.nz 

027 243 5238 

www.starhomeshow.co.nz 

TRUSTED 

FOR 

YEARS


SCHOOL OPEN DAYS 

Standing and 

Working Together: 

The Christian Education 

Network of Schools 

The Christian Education Network 

(CEN) of schools in Greater 

Christchurch offers high-quality 

education founded on Biblical 

truth, within a Christ-centred 

supportive community that 

emphasises character, creativity, and 

responsibility. 

At its heart, the CEN is a 

collaboration of State Integrated 

Christian schools working together 

to strengthen Christian education. 

Established in the early 2000s, 

the network builds on a 60-year 

history of Christian education in 

Christchurch. Initially comprising 

four city schools—Middleton Grange, 

Hillview, Emmanuel, and Aidanfield 

Christian Schools—the network has 

since expanded to the wider region 

and includes Rangiora New Life and 

Rolleston Christian Schools. 

Our network offers communitybased 

primary education with 

pathways to secondary schools 

on both sides of the Waimakariri 

River. This provides opportunity for 

children to continue their Christian 

education through to graduation, no 

matter where they live in Greater 

Christchurch. 

The CEN’s successful development 

has been supported by a collaborative 

relationship with the Ministry of 

Education, who have worked with 

us to provide coordinated enrolment 

schemes and the best possible 

education while staying true to our 

Christian values. 

As enrolment season approaches, 

we invite you to explore the 

opportunities within the CEN 

network. Together, we can provide 

your child with an education that 

equips them for using their Godgiven 

gifts and skills in serving 

others, making a positive impact, and 

fulfilling their purpose in life. 

Discover your future at 

Papanui High School 

Papanui High School invites 

prospective students and families to 

its Open Evening on Thursday, 21 May 

2026, starting at 6:30 pm. The event 

introduces our guiding vision: Tōku 

Kura, Tōku Tiketike, Tōku Haepapa - My 

School, My Success, My Responsibility. 

Our culture is built on three core 

values: Whanaungatanga (Community), 

Hiranga (Excellence), and Tika 

(Integrity). We build our community 

together, emphasising that relationships 

are the foundation of everything we do. 

We strive for our personal best through 

continuous growth, and we act with 

integrity always, using honesty and 

character as our moral compass. 

Visitors can tour our modern campus, 

including the Tuke and Pārua blocks for 

Science, Maths, and Special Education. 

Discover a diverse curriculum featuring 

academic NCEA pathways, vocational 

Hospitality, and renowned Outdoor 

Education. 

With over 25 sports and vibrant arts, 

PHS empowers every student to thrive. 

Student-led tours will showcase 

all the brilliant opportunities on 

offer. Join us at 30 Langdons Road 

to see how we prepare students to 

be active, independent members of 

society. 

Papanui 

High School 

OPEN NIGHT 

Thursday 21st May 6.30pm 

The evening will consist of an address from the principal and student 

representatives, followed by guided tours of the school’s facilities. 

30 Langdons Road | www.papanui.school.nz 

Phone: 03 352 6119 

My School, My Success, My Responsibility - Tōku Kura, Tōku Tiketike, Tōku Haepapa 

Hillview Christian School 

Yr 1–10 

Open Days: 5 th & 7 th May 

p: 332 6923 

e: office@hillview.school.nz 

w: www.hillview.school.nz 

Middleton Grange School 

Yr 1–13 

Open Day: 15 th May 

p: 348 9826 

e: office@middleton.school.nz 

w: www.middleton.school.nz 

Emmanuel Christian 

School Yr 1–10 

Open Days: Viewing by appointment 

p: 359 3595 

e: office@emmanuelchristian.school.nz 

w: www.emmanuelchristian.school.nz 

Aidanfield Christian 

School Yr 1–10 


p: 338 8153 

e: enrol@aidanfield.school.nz 

w: www.aidanfield.school.nz 

Yr 1–8 


p: 550 2653 

e: office@rcs.school.nz 

w: www.rollestonchristian.school.nz 

Rangiora New Life School 

Yr 1–13 

Open Day: 12 th May 

p: 313 6332 

e: admin@rnls.school.nz 

w: www.rnls.school.nz 

A network of non 

denominational Christian 

Schools offering limited 

places in 2027 

• High quality affordable Christian education 

• Qualified teachers who are committed Christians 

• High standards of academic achievement and 

behaviour 

• Co-educational and State Integrated 

• New Zealand Curriculum delivered from a 

Biblical perspective 

• Christian virtues modelled and encouraged 

• Strong partnership and shared vision between 

home and school for God’s calling on the life of 

the child 

• Pathways for pupils from Aidanfield, Emmanuel, 

Hillview and Rolleston to Middleton Grange 

School at Senior College level 

Refer to each school website 

for enrolment information



CONTINUING EDUCATION 

Turn towards mindfulness and 

clarity this term at Risingholme 

As life accelerates and digital noise 

grows louder, Risingholme invites you 

to step out into nature, to take pause 

and rediscover the joy of mindful 

engagement this coming term. Read on 

to find out more or view the full list of 

courses at www.risingholme.org.nz 

Make It Visible! Documentary 

Photography as Storytelling will teach 

you to turn simple observations into 

something truly special through the art 

of photography. The course introduces 

you to the foundations of documentary 

photography, guiding you from finding 

your subject and building trust to 

shaping impactful visual narratives 

that turn everyday observations into 

memorable moments. 

Similarly, Nature Journaling for 

Beginners will encourage you to slow 

down and connect with nature through 

thoughtful and guided observation 

exercises. Journaling helps train your 

attention and deepens your sensory 

awareness to build mindfulness. 

This course is for the curious and 

incorporates visits to nature sites 

around the garden city. 

Risingholme is also offering a range 

of courses geared towards finding 

your flow through gentle exercise 

and mindful movement. Try a Tai Chi 

Yang Style course that blends slow, 

flowing movements with mindful 

breathing to help you build strength, 

improve balance, and cultivate inner 

stillness. For those who have reduced 

mobility or who want to incorporate 

a little bit of movement whilst sitting 

down at work, Easy Stretching and 

Chair Yoga is an adaptable Yoga course 

that takes you through stretches and 

positions which can be completed 

from the comfort of your seat. Finally, 

The Ronnie Gardiner Method is a fun, 

music‐driven, and accessible exercise 

course that blends rhythm, movement, 

and cognitive challenges to help boost 

your coordination, focus, and energy. 

Enrol in a Term 2 course now, term 

starts on Monday 4 May. 

Spark good conversations 

People say, “I’ll take a course at WEA 

when I’ve retired, but why wait?” Many 

people including those who are semiretired 

enjoy our evening and weekend 

courses. They appreciate a couple of 

hours away from work to broaden their 

thinking and spark good conversations. 

With Iran recently thrust into global 

headlines and drawn reluctantly into 

conflict, understanding this complex 

nation has never been more important. 

Join Hamish McGregor’s “Introduction 

to Modern Iran”, on Saturday 16 May, 

9.30am–2pm; to explore Iran’s history, 

culture, and identity and the forces that 

shape its modern role. 

Or get hands on with Katarina Tawiri’s 

“Food for Fitness” on Saturday 27 June, 

9.30am–12.30pm, whether you’re an 

athlete or simply enjoy staying active, 

explore how plant based foods can 

power energy, recovery, and long term 

health. 

Gain practical tools to sort fact 

from fiction with Erik Brogt’s “Critical 

Thinking and Logical Reasoning”, course 

from Tuesday 5 May, 6–8pm, 5 wks. 

Learn how to spot misinformation or 

the media’s misuse of experts’ statistics. 

To enrol, visit cwea.arlo.co or call 

(03) 366 0285. Canterbury WEA, 59 

Gloucester Street, Christchurch. 

Term 2 Night Classes at Papanui 

Trying something new 

and keeping actively 

engaged in learning has 

numerous benefits for 

adults of all ages. Here 

at Papanui we have 

something for everyone. 

If you are looking for a 

creative outlet we have 

Watercolour Painting, 

Stone Carving, Pastel 

and Charcoal Drawing or 

Photography. For the practical creative 

we have Woodwork, Dressmaking, 

Willow Weaving and Cake Decorating. 

If you’re keen to stay active over the 

cooler months try Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi 

or Strengh2Balance. For Winter 

meal inspiration, we have Indian, 

Spanish, Thai, and Cooking 

Around the World on offer. 

New on offer this term are an 

Introduction to Café Baking 

and Politics Made Plain which 

aims to provide insight into our 

Political system ahead of the 

General Election. 

Term 2 courses begin the 

week of 28 April. For a complete 

list of courses and to enroll, visit 

our website, https://www.papanui. 

school.nz/com-edu/categories phone 

03 3520701 or email ace@papanui. 

school.nz. 

Where will your 

curiosity take you? 

Choose from over 300 short 

courses, day and night, across 

Christchurch. 

Scan to browse our courses 

Browse our courses 

www.risingholme.org.nz 

info@risingholme.org.nz 03 332 7359


Want to 

know God… 

and struggling to read the Bible? 

Bible Reading Groups 

Have you always wanted to read the Bible but struggled to get 

started, or stay motivated by yourself? 

Then these relaxed group sessions are for you! 

Sundays • Starting April 26 

7:00 - 8:00pm 

St Albans Community Centre 

1049 Colombo Street 

Free Parking: 128 Caledonian Rd 

Mondays • Starting April 20 

7:30 - 8:30pm 

Upper Riccarton Library 

71 Main South Road 

Bible Study Course 

Mairehau, Christchurch 

April 28 - June 16 

Tuesday 7:30pm 

In our first term we explored the basics of the Gospel—the “Good 

News” about Jesus Christ—and how he fulfils God’s promises to 

Adam, Abraham, and David. In our second term we continue this 

journey, focusing on the Kingdom of God and the hope promised 

in the Scriptures. Together we’ll turn to the Bible to discover what 

God reveals about the future and how we can be prepared for the 

return of Jesus Christ. Whether you're returning for term 2 or 

joining us for the first time, this Bible course is designed to stand 

alone and is open and free for everyone. 

Christchurch North Christadelphian Hall 

4 Ranger Street Mairehau 8052 

Free • All Welcome 

Bibles and refreshments provided 

bibleeducation.org.nz 

More info on our website



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 

Enjoy WordFit? Magazines available. 

See www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz 

Sudoku

Southern View: April 09, 2026

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?