The Star: April 09, 2026

Thursday, 9 April 2026 | Christchurch’s best read and largest circulating newspaper
26-28 JUNE 2026
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Tow time – where drivers
are getting hit the hardest
Motorists continue to run the gauntlet and take the risk of
parking in bus lane tow-away areas. Reporter Geoff Sloan
looks into how much it is costing drivers
If you have been towed after
parking in a bus lane on
Lincoln Rd, you are not alone.
New city council data shows
the busy arterial is the city’s
most active stretch for towing
enforcement.
So far this year, to March 30,
23 vehicles have been towed
and 755 infringement notices
issued for illegally parking in
bus lanes.
The fine is $100, with an
additional $90 towing fee.
Riccarton Rd ranks a
distant second, with just 30
infringements issued.
Both Lincoln Rd and Riccarton
Rd have bus lanes which
can be parked on, except during
peak times from 7-9am and
3-6pm on weekdays.
However, despite the
parking restrictions, many
motorists on Lincoln Rd
are still willing to take their
chances.
› Continued on Page 4
Bus lane offenders on Lincoln Rd.
PHOTOS: GEOFF SLOAN
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2 | The Star, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
inside
Couple in their 70s sell home for $1.47m..........3
Stadium food, drink big revenue source............7
Life-saving cancer facility to open soon............8
Families’ rest home care pressure................... 11
The Way We Were.............................................12
Grand Designs’ couple’s project on market.....14
Letters...............................................................15
Crucial Fiji trip for SI United.............................16
54-year-old calls time on tennis career...........17
Classified.................................................... 18-21
Gig guide...........................................................22
letters
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great things to do
this weekend
Drive-in movie
Saturday, 6.30-10pm
This fun-filled, family-friendly evening will
be packed with
entertainment
before the movie even
begins. Take the kids
to see Zootopia 2 at a
classic drive-in cinema
experience, with food
trucks, a skatepark,
zipline and a playground.
To book tickets, go to fireflycinemas.co.nz
South New Brighton Domain
15th Great Otakaro Avon River Walk
Saturday, 10am to 3pm
This walk will follow the Otakaro Avon
River from New Brighton Pier to the finish
line at the Peace Bell in Hagley Park. Bring
your own lunch, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, a hat
and rain jacket. A reasonable level of fitness is
expected. A donation will be collected for the
non-profit organisation Write On – The School for
Young Writers.
Starts at New Brighton Pier
School Holiday at Riverside
Saturday, 10am to 3pm
Looking for something fun to do during
the school holidays? Bring the whole
family to Riverside for a day filled with
laughter, play, and great memories. You can ride
the free Peace Train and play the giant games
spread throughout the market.
Riverside Market
Shabby Chic Market Day
Sunday, 11am to 3pm
This outdoor market will be free to enter and
feature more than 40 stalls offering a variety
of vintage goods, books, plants, coffee, tea,
food and live music. Stock up on picnic treats to eat
across the road in Radley Park.
If there is a storm or heavy rain,
it will be postponed until the
following fine Sunday.
The Rochester Villa, Connal St, Woolston
The Arts Centre Outdoor Cinema
Saturday, 5pm and 7pm
Get cosy under the stars and watch
Paddington (5pm) and Grease (7pm) on the
big outdoor screen. Bring a picnic blanket or
chairs, some treats, and settle in to watch the stories
unfold. Make sure you arrive early to secure your spot.
Bottle Lake Forest Park, Waitikiri Drive
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starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, April 9, 2026 | 3
Search for new council boss under way
The city council is on the hunt
for a new chief executive.
Incumbent Mary
Richardson’s contract was due
to expire on June 30, but the
city council has agreed to let
her depart on May 1, due to her
accrued leave.
Richardson became the chief
executive in October 2024
after taking over in an interim
capacity in November 2023,
prompted by the resignation of
Dawn Baxendale.
Baxendale’s salary package
was $548,548 in 2023, while
Richardson’s total remuneration
was $450,000.
Richardson said she enjoyed
her time leading the organisation.
She said did not want the
role for the usual full five-year
contract when she was hired.
“When I agreed to take on the
chief executive role, it was with
a clear purpose and a clear
timeframe.
“The organisation is now in a
strong position and focused on
the upcoming Annual Plan and
the development of the 2027–
2037 Long Term Plan.
“It makes sense for someone
who will be here through the
period of planning and delivery
to lead it,” Richardson(right)
said.
Mayor Phil Mauger said
Richardson’s contribution was
“outstanding”.
“Mary has been such a safe
pair of hands and stepped up
at a critical time, delivering
exactly what the organisation
needed. “Her leadership has
strengthened performance,
lifted confidence, and set us up
well for the future.
“She’s a public servant
through and through.
“We are extremely grateful
for her service and wish her
the very best.”
An acting chief executive
will be appointed until a
replacement is found.
Elderly homeowners cash-in
after 47 years in Merivale
An elderly couple paid $365,000
for their home 47 years ago.
Now Sue and Roy have sold it –
for $1.47 million.
Harcourts listing agent John
Fulton told OneRoof selling the
three-bedroom, one-bathroom
property at 47 Holmwood Rd,
Merivale, had been a really big
decision for the couple who are
now in their 70s.
“It was quite an emotional
process for those
buyers coming to
the market,” he
said.
The couple
had watched the
suburb grow
over time and
could tell you
exactly how it John Fulton
had changed,” he
said.
“Roy can even remember
when Merivale Lane was literally
a lane, and they had to
widen the road next to Rangi
Ruru Girls’ School there. It was
pretty amazing hearing the history
of what he said changed in
the area.”
Fulton told OneRoof they had
loved the house and its central
location. Even though they
had considered moving over
the years, they could never
find something with the same
amount of character, charm and
lovely outlook.
The property also captured
the new owners’ hearts as soon
as they stepped inside. The couple
viewed the 1920s property
on the first day it was listed and
returned a few days later for a
second look. “They fell in love
with the home and bought it
Sue and Roy
had owned
the threebedroom,
onebathroom
house on
Holmwood
Rd for
47 years
before it
was sold for
$1.47m at
auction.
while they were overseas.”
The buyers dialled in from
Helsinki in Finland to make
sure they didn’t miss out, Fulton
said. They were the only bidders.
It opened at $1m, paused
at $1.1m and eventually sold for
$1.47m after negotiations.
“It was pretty emotional. I
spent some time on the phone
with (Sue) last night, and they
couldn’t be more pleased with
the result. Emotions were
high, but they were just overwhelmed
with the result, and
I’m thrilled for them now,” Fulton
told OneRoof.
The Holmwood Rd auction
follows some significant sales
in Merivale and neighbouring
Fendalton.
Former All Black Richie
McCaw’s family home sold for
north of $3.6m after two buyers
turned up to bid on the
luxury Jacksons Rd, Fendalton,
property. Another long-term
Merivale resident walked away
with $1.54m after their Repton
St unit exceeded expectations
by selling for $350,000 above its
reserve.
Fulton said Merivale and
Fendalton had always been
popular, but he felt it has been
very hot right now, with people
wanting to be closer to the top
schools. He recently sold a property
on Straven Rd, Fendalton,
for $3.06m to buyers who were
moving from Wigram to be
closer to their son’s school. He
has also fielded inquiries from
people in Queenstown, who
wanted to move to Christchurch
when their children reached
high school age.
•Grand Designs couple
put Merivale “do up” on the
market, pages 14-15
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4 | The Star, April 9, 2026 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
‘I only left the car for a couple
› From Page 1
Over a two-week period, The
Star observed multiple buses
delayed by illegally parked cars.
On one occasion, three buses
had to navigate around seven
cars in just 20 minutes during
the 3-6pm restricted period.
One frustrated bus driver
honked at a car temporarily
stopped in the bus lane.
Traffic cameras are actively
being used to ticket vehicles
illegally parked in bus lanes.
City council head of transport,
Stephen Wright said motorists
can be fined $100 for stopping
on an active bus lane, even if
they remain inside the vehicle.
He said the time limit was
“one minute, if nobody leaves
or enters the vehicle.”
Offending
motorists receive
their ticket in the
mail.
“Utilising
cameras is
safer and more
efficient,” Wright
said.
Parking
compliance Stephen Wright
officers and
the footage from their body
cameras can also be used
as evidence for parking
infringements.
Some motorists have taken to
social media to vent their anger.
“It’s not every day now, but
the tow truck used to hang out
in the Lincoln Rd bus lane every
Despite the restrictions on parking in bus lanes, many motorists on Lincoln Rd are still willing to take their chances, with buses forced to navigate around the
offending vehicles.
PHOTOS: GEOFF SLOAN
afternoon ready to pounce,”
one user wrote.
“It takes them 10 minutes to
tow one car, so they can’t even
come close to keep up with the
number of people parking there,
but they tow heaps of cars.”
Another posted: “It’s just a
money-making scheme for the
council. I got caught, and it was
bloody expensive to get my car
out.”
Wright said 907 vehicles (up to
March 30) have been towed from
Lincoln Rd since PARKS Towing
was awarded the contract for
enforcement in 2020.
A parking compliance officer
accompanies the towing
vehicle to ensure an “efficient
turnaround of vehicles being
relocated from the bus lane,”
he said.
One woman who didn’t want
to give her name, was told by
The Star her vehicle had been
towed after she returned to find
it missing.
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starnews.co.nz
of minutes’
“I’m bloody annoyed, I only
left the car for a couple of
minutes.”
She said if The Star had not
informed her of the towing, she
would not have known where
her car had gone.
There is no signage to help
motorists locate their missing
vehicle.
Wright said all towed vehicles
were logged with the police and
the council parking compliance
operations office.
“Vehicles are relocated to the
nearest safe place, usually a
side street” he said.
In some cases, cars are towed
back to the PARKS Towing
depot in Wigram “if the vehicle
cannot be secured properly or
an officer is unable to find a
safe place to relocate it”.
He did not answer a question
from The Star about how
motorists would know if their
vehicle had been towed.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Been towed? Tell us your story.
Email barry@alliedmedia.co.nz
Keep responses to 200 words
or less
Wright said the towing
of illegally parked cars has
improved bus travel times,
allowing more buses to move
unobstructed along Lincoln Rd
during peak times.
Business owners say
“aggressive towing” discourages
people from visiting their
shops. One owner said the drop
in patronage during operational
bus lane hours “was very
noticeable.”
Another said it was difficult
for customers to identify the
specific bus lane restrictions
among the many signs and
traffic lights along the road.
PARKING TICKETS 2026
(All figures are up to March 30)
1. Cambridge Tce – 1089 tickets
2. Riccarton Rd – 1043 tickets (includes 30 tickets for parking in a bus lane)
3. Lincoln Rd – 779 tickets (includes 755 tickets for parking in a bus lane)
4. Hereford St – 534 tickets
5. Montreal St – 447 tickets
MOST TICKETED ROADS IN 2025
1. Cambridge Tce – 4011 tickets
2. Lincoln Rd – 3434 tickets (includes 3295 tickets for parking in a bus lane)
3. Riccarton Rd – 3276 tickets (includes 84 tickets for parking in a bus lane)
4. Hereford St – 2061 tickets
5. Montreal St – 1760 tickets
NEWS The Star, April 9, 2026 | 5
Meth, guns seized in gang-linked arrest
Police delivered an early Easter
surprise to a gang member, who
was arrested and charged over
drug supply last week.
At about 2.45pm last Thursday,
the Te Wai Pounamu Gang
Disruption Unit located a person
of interest on Lichfield St.
A subsequent search of his
vehicle located around 500
grams of methamphetamine.
Police then executed a
search warrant at the man’s
address, where a further 10g
of methamphetamine was
discovered, along with six
firearms – including a loaded
pistol – and a large amount of
cash.
The drugs are estimated to
have a street value of about
$150,000.
Police van used for personal camping trip
BY SAM SHERWOOD
A police employee misused a
police vehicle by taking it to go
camping with a friend, despite
it being booked for a search
and rescue exercise, the police
watchdog has revealed.
The employee’s actions were
revealed when emergency services
were called to the van in a
no camping, no fishing area after
a gas cooker caught fire at the
back of the van and caused an
explosion.
The Independent Police
Conduct Authority (IPCA) has
released a summary of a police
investigation it oversaw.
A large amount of cash was found at the home of a gang member after an earlier
vehicle search uncovered methamphetamine.
The 58-year-old man has been
remanded in custody and will
reappear in the Christchurch
The allegation was a Christchurch
police employee used a
police vehicle for “personal use,
knowingly impacting a police
search and rescue exercise”.
“The employee signed out
an unmarked police van, overriding
an earlier booking for a
multi-agency search and rescue
exercise. He then used the van to
take a civilian friend on an overnight
fishing and camping trip.
“This deprived the exercise
attendees of transportation
and equipment, created logistical
issues and forced police to
make alternate arrangements at
short notice.”
The IPCA said later that night
District Court on April 28,
charged with supplying
methamphetamine.
emergency services were called
to the van.
“In a no camping, no fishing
area after a gas cooker caught
fire at the back of the van and
caused an explosion. No-one was
hurt and the van sustained no
damage.”
“Police found there was insufficient
evidence to prosecute the
employee for conversion of the
van.”
Police found the employee had
been “dishonest” and his actions
amounted to serious misconduct.
He resigned before an employment
process was concluded.
“The Authority is satisfied with
the police investigation.” - RNZ
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6 | The Star, April 9, 2026 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
Cancer patient
forced to head
offshore for
treatment
BY CAITLIN DUFTY
“Basically what the health
system is saying to me is, that’s
it. You’re done.”
That is the reality Mike Oliver
is grappling with as he battles
an incurable blood cancer.
Oliver is calling for better
access to life-extending treatments
after being told the
option that could give him
more time is not funded in New
Zealand.
Now, he and his wife Nicky
are preparing to travel to China,
where the treatment could cost
between $125,000 and $400,000.
“There’s a lot of Kiwis in the
same position – spending a
fortune to go overseas and get
treatment because it’s just not
available here,” he said.
In May last year, the
48-year-old father-of-two from
West Melton was living a normal
life when persistent back
pain began to take hold.
“I had quite a bit of back
pain for probably two or three
months . . . and, you know, as a
good Kiwi bloke, I just ignored
it,” he said.
When holidaying in Fiji the
pain became unbearable, so he
decided to seek help.
Within weeks after a series of
tests, Oliver was diagnosed with
multiple myeloma – a blood
cancer affecting plasma cells in
the bone marrow.
“He sat me down and gave me
that message you never want to
hear – you’ve got cancer.
“It just felt surreal. S**t, I’m
actually sitting here being told
that I’ve got cancer . . . and by
the way, it’s incurable.”
He began treatment through
the public system, undergoing
months of induction therapy –
an initial form of chemotherapy.
He also privately funded an
additional drug to give himself
the best chance.
In October, he underwent a
Mike Oliver is travelling to China to receive cancer treatment not available in New Zealand.
stem cell transplant.
“It was quite an arduous sort
of process. Some have an easy
ride, some don’t,” he said.
Oliver spent three weeks
recovering in Christchurch Hospital
following the transplant
and was back at work after a
few months of recovery.
Initially, the treatment
appeared to be working.
However, earlier this year,
pain in his torso led to further
scans, which revealed a
more aggressive form of cancer
known as non-secretory
myeloma – a type that does not
show up on standard blood
tests.
Now Oliver is on what doctors
say is the final funded treatment
option available in New
Zealand.
While he praises the care he
has received from specialists,
he said the health system itself
is falling short.
“The options for blood cancer
are just so limited. There’s
almost no recognition of it.”
Specialists have told him CAR
T-cell therapy offers his best
chance of survival, but it is
not publicly available in New
Zealand.
Dr Alicia Didsbury, an Auckland
researcher leading efforts
to bring CAR T-cell therapy to
New Zealand, said Oliver’s situation
is becoming increasingly
common.
She said patients are often
forced to raise hundreds of
thousands of dollars to access
treatment overseas – something
many simply cannot do.
“It’s terrible. We have families
contacting us every week saying
they’ve reached the end of their
treatment options.”
Didsbury’s project aims to
make these therapies more
accessible and affordable but
says significant funding and
system changes are needed.
For Oliver, the focus now is
on getting overseas as quickly
as possible. The family has
launched a Givealittle page, supported
by a wave of community
fundraising.
“It’s been totally humbling.
It’s hard to ask for help, but the
support has been overwhelming,”
Oliver said.
Friends, family and even
strangers have helped.
“I just want time with my
family. You get told you have
this incurable disease – what
keeps me going is just wanting
to see my girls as long as I can.”
• To donate to Oliver’s Givealitte
head to: shorturl.at/jCnIJ
• To watch the video on Metro News
head to:shorturl.at/2yrth
•Lifesaving cancer treatment
facility, page 8
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starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, 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.
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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She’d tried what was available.
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Janet had made her peace with a life
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Then her grandson came to visit.
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grandmother, about her hip, and
about all those walks she couldn’t
take anymore.
He brought a few bottles and then
went to see her.
Janet was willing to try. But she
wasn’t expecting much. “Hope was
something I’d learned to ration,”
she admits.
Morning and night, she rubbed it
into her hip. It became part of her
routine, sitting right there on her
bedside table next to her reading
glasses.
The first cold morning surprised
her. Janet swung her legs out of bed
the way she always did, bracing for
the familiar stiffness. But something
was different.
Her hip moved.
Not perfectly, not like she was
twenty again. But it moved without
the usual fight.
Within weeks, she was moving
differently. Not having to think so
much. Not planning every step.
Walking became walking again.
The next time her grandson visited,
Janet made sure to tell him. The
wineries and orchards she’d dreamed
about were back within reach.
Always read the label and take as directed. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare professional. Koru Nutrition, Christchurch
“He was so chuffed,” she says.
“He’d wanted to help his nan, and
he had.”
These days, Janet keeps her Koru
FX close. Morning and night, and
more when the weather turns.
“I just love being able to get
out and about now,” she says. “To
walk around the wineries without
worrying about how far the next
seat is.”
Seven children. Decades of
carrying them. And now, finally, her
hip is letting her walk free.
“My grandson just wanted to help
his nan,” she says. “And he did.”
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8 | The Star, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
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​A new manufacturing facility in the city will deliver CAR-T cell immunotherapy, which uses a patient’s
own immune cells to identify and attack cancer cells.
PHOTO: LONZA AG
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Pioneering cancer treatment company
BioOra will offer a life-saving cancer
therapy when its new immunotherapy
manufacturing facility opens in October.
The high-tech facility at Te Papa
Hauora Health Precinct on Oxford Tce
will increase development of CAR-T cell
immunotherapy, a cancer treatment
that uses a patient’s own immune cells.
Economic development agency
ChristchurchNZ estimated the base
will generate about $98 million to
the economy from treating about 500
patients each year.
This came a step closer at a site
blessing attended by clinicians,
international experts, investors,
industry representatives and civic
leaders.
BioOra chief executive John Robson
said Christchurch stood out in the site
selection process because of its hospital,
health precinct and other facilities.
He said the goal was to bring
potentially curable treatments to
patients who had at this stage limited or
no other options.
“What we’re developing has real
curative potential, particularly for
cancers like lymphoma.
“This is about bringing a level of
treatment to New Zealand that has,
until now, largely only been available
overseas.”
Ministry of Health chief science
advisor Ian Town said the city was
playing an important role in advanced
cancer therapies.
“Christchurch is positioning itself as a
leading centre for cancer research and
treatment. Having international experts
here today reinforces that reputation.
These innovative therapies are the
future of cancer care in New Zealand.”
Robson said ChristchurchNZ helped
connect BioOra to the right people,
talent and infrastructure.
ChristchurchNZ chief executive
Ali Adams said BioOra’s decision
to move into Oxford Tce shows the
city is attracting world-class health
innovations that can be scaled up and
succeed.
The high-tech treatment will be delivered at the
Te Papa Hauora Health Precinct on Oxford Tce.
“This facility represents confidence in
Christchurch’s ability to support science
that genuinely changes lives,” she said.
BioOra will develop clinical trials and
carry out therapies seldom available
globally at the facility, and partner with
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical
Center, which is a global leader in
paediatric CAR-T therapy.
The United States’ hospital’s bone
marrow transplantation and immune
deficiency division director, Dr
Stella Davies, said the therapies are
‘‘genuinely’’ revolutionary.
‘‘CAR-T can work much more rapidly,
with early remission occurring in
as little as 28 days – a dramatically
improved experience for patients and
their families.”
BioOra is a private joint venture
between the Malaghan Institute of
Medical Research and Bridgewest
Ventures NZ LP.
Malaghan trust board member David
Downs went overseas for CAR-T therapy
eight years ago, and said watching the
facility become a reality in New Zealand
was emotional.
Once operational, it is expected to
support about 1100 jobs in healthcare,
manufacturing, tourism and other
services, including more than 480 direct
roles.
The BioOra facility is expected to open
on October 7.

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

starnews.co.nz
NEWS The Star, April 9, 2026 | 11
Pressure on
families over
rest home care
BY SUSAN EDMUNDS
Families trying to find rest
homes for their elderly relatives
have been shocked to discover
that they must pay anything
from $10 to $85 a day for care,
even when they qualify for the
government subsidy.
It is because rest homes
are permitted to charge
surcharges any time a
room is not “standard”
– and many providers
are no longer building or
offering standard rooms.
Aged Care Association
chief executive
Tracey Martin said it was
a known problem and
reflected the fact government
funding did not cover the
cost of building, maintaining
and upgrading facilities.
“As cost pressures have grown
and funding has not kept pace,
providers have had limited
options to sustain operations
and maintain quality environments.
This has led to a greater
dependence on premium
charges to cross-subsidise the
cost of care and infrastructure,”
she said.
Tracey Martin
“Across New Zealand we are
seeing a reduction in care beds,
at rest home, hospital level,
dementia and even psychogeriatic.
We are seeing a reduction
in care beds that are able to be
provided for just the amount of
money that the state has said
they should get.
“For a hospital level
bed that’s on average
$353 a day. That’s what
they are allowed to
charge for care because
that’s what the state has
decreed.
“But they are allowed
to put a premium charge
on top of that if the
accommodation has
something different or
extra, and that’s what the premium
charges are for.”
People who are going into a
rest home can access a government
subsidy for care, if they
meet the asset test.
This requires that single
people needing care have total
assets below $291,825, or a
couple with only one person
needing care has total assets of
$291,825 or $159,810 plus their
home and car.
Despite receiving the Government subsidy for rest home care, some families are still forced to pay a room surcharge.
The Government then takes
all of the pension except for
about $57 a week, then tops up
the difference, to $352 a day for
hospital level care.
Not-for-profit providers offer
about 60% of the country’s rest
home care and tend to charge
lower premium rates, or, in
some cases, standard rooms.
But they face large costs and
many were having to add large
premiums to break even, Martin
said.
“It’s really impacting on New
Zealand families. They just cannot
find a place for their loved
one to be. It’s also backing up
emergency departments.
“We’ve got seniors in hospital
who need to come into
residential care and they can’t
find a residential care bed so
they can’t discharge them from
hospital, so they can’t put people
out of ED up into the wards.”
The Ministry of Health said
aged residential care providers
could charge residents more
when they offered things like an
ensuite, more space or garden
access.
“Aged residential care
providers are required to admit
a person without charging
them a premium if the person
requests a standard bed and
there are no standard beds at
the right care level available
within a 10km radius, and that
facility is their preferred choice,
a spokesperson said.
PHOTO: GETTY
“This requirement applies
regardless of what type of rooms
providers are building.”
The spokesperson said the Government
recognised that there
needed to be a more sustainable
system.
“While New Zealanders generally
have good access to a range
of aged care services, reviews
have identified a range of challenges,
including that the way
services are funded is outdated
and that access to the right services
can be inconsistent and
inequitable.
“The Government has
established the Aged Care
Ministerial Advisory Group to
provide expert advice on longterm
reform of the system.” - RNZ
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12 | The Star, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
The Way
We Were
About 133,000 people attended Billy Graham’s Crusades during the eight-day event at Lancaster Park, with the biggest daily
attendance believed to be 50,000.
The arrival of the Qantas Boeing 707-138 named ‘City of Geelong’ – the first scheduled jet service from Sydney to New
Zealand – drew huge crowds on a wet Christchurch weekend in 1965. PHOTOS: CHRISTCHURCH STAR/CANTERBURYSTORIES.NZ
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
April 6-11
Evangelist draws huge crowd
On April 8, 1959 American evangelist Billy Graham concluded the
Christchurch leg of his ‘Billy Graham’s Crusades’ tour. The
event drew enormous crowds, with 133,000 people attending
the eight-day gathering at Lancaster Park.
Led by Graham and supported by associates Leighton
Ford, Grady Wilson and Joseph Blinco, the Christchurch event
formed part of a wider New Zealand and Australia tour that
attracted massive audiences, including more than 160,000 in
Auckland and nearly 60,000 in Wellington.
Graham himself preached at the final two Christchurch
services, which were also relayed by landline to audiences in
other centres such as Dunedin.
Billy Graham
The scale of attendance reflected the country’s strong
religious leanings at the time — the 1956 census recorded just 0.5% of adult
New Zealanders as having no religious belief — and underscored the global
influence of Graham, who rose to prominence in the late 1940s and went on to
advise every US president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama.
First commercial jet service touches down
On April 10, 1965, Christchurch was at the heart of a new era in trans-Tasman
travel when Qantas’ first scheduled jet service from Sydney to New Zealand
landed at Christchurch Airport.
Thousands turned out to welcome the
historic arrival of the Boeing 707-138 named
‘City of Geelong’. Commanded by Chief Pilot
Captain R.F. “Torchy” Uren, the flight included
four New Zealand-born cabin crew – Bob
Bishop, Alan Williams, Alan Gill and Lyttelton’s
Anne Claydon — along with Qantas founder
Sir Hudson Fysh and his wife, Lady Fysh.
Among the special guests was Tom
McWilliams, radio operator aboard the
Southern Cross during the first ever trans-
Tasman air crossing in 1928. He was struck
by how far air travel had come.
“We most certainly didn’t starve today,” he
said, recalling that on the 14-hour, 25-minute
Mayor George Manning, left,
welcomes Qantas founder Sir
Hudson Fysh to Christchurch.
journey in 1928 he had relied on packed sandwiches — a stark contrast to the
1965 flight, which took just two hours and 26 minutes.
Fine weather on the Saturday afternoon helped draw thousands to witness
the arrival after a patchy morning, while frequent showers the following day
did little to dampen interest. With few other distractions, large crowds again
gathered at the airport, with about 10,000 people watching the Boeing depart
on its return journey — a clear sign of the public fascination with the jet age’s
arrival in Christchurch.
The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of
Romeo & Juliet
Presented by Riccarton Players Directed by Alistair Bean
Passion. Feud. Fate. And a love story
that still sets hearts racing more than 400
years later
Riccarton Players invites audiences of
all ages to experience the excitement,
humour and heartbreak of William
Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece in a
fresh and engaging new production that
brings this legendary story vividly to life.
remind us why this story continues to
captivate audiences across generations.
Whether you know every line or are
discovering the play for the first time,
this is Shakespeare that feels immediate,
accessible, and alive.
Perfect for students encountering the
play for the first time, families looking
for an enriching night out together,
and devoted Shakespeare enthusiasts
returning to a favourite classic, this
vibrant staging captures everything that
makes Romeo & Juliet unforgettable —
youthful energy, fierce friendships, sharp
wit, high drama and a love story
that still resonates more than
400 years later.
Set in a world where rivalries
simmer just beneath the
surface, two young people dare
to imagine a different future
beyond the expectations placed
upon them. Along the way
there’s comedy, action, music,
movement, and moments of
extraordinary tenderness that
EVENT DETAILS:
Show Details:
7.30pm Wednesday – Saturday,
16-25th April 2026
Matinees:
2pm Saturdays 18 & 25 April, and
4pm Sunday 19 April
Venue:
Rangi Ruru Girls’ School Drama Theatre,
36 Merivale Lane, Merivale
Ticket Prices:
Adult: $25, Student/CSC: $20 &
Child: $10 (up to 12 y.o.)
To book online or for more information:
www.riccartonplayers.co.nz
or phone: 03 3384 699

starnews.co.nz
The Star, April 9, 2026 | 13
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14 | The Star, April 9, 2026 NEWS
starnews.co.nz
Grand Designs’ couple selling
A DIY couple who appeared on
the Grand Designs New Zealand
television show are selling their
latest renovated property in
Merivale.
Isabelle and Tim Weston
sold the house that used to be
owned by Isabelle’s late father –
world-record-setting motorcycle
pioneer John Britten – for close
to $8m after it appeared on the
show.
Now they have put their
latest six-bedroom "do-up" on
Carlton Mill Rd on the market.
They bought the house for $3.4
million in 2021, the same year
they sold Britten Stables on
Matai St in Fendalton.
OneRoof reported the couple
were in a financial hole after
the Covid pandemic when their
event and accommodation business
stalled. They were looking
for a new place to call home
and needed to pay off debt from
their Britten Stables renovation.
The four-bathroom home,
known locally as Millstream,
had been damaged in the
earthquakes and was sold “as
is, where is”. But Isabelle said
compared to Britten Stables, the
renovation and repair work was
doable.
“When we saw the property,
although it was probably quite
daunting to most [people], we
saw a lot of opportunity. We had
been living in the stables, so this
just felt normal and natural,”
she told OneRoof.
The Carlton Mill Rd home has had extensive renovations, including a major kitchen makeover (right).
The couple carried out the
work in several stages. The
painting and bathrooms came
first then they removed a damaged
section that housed one of
the lounges.
They reconfigured the kitchen
and living area and built a
new conservatory with a glass
roof similar to the one used at
Britten Stables. The final stage
was completed at the end of
last year and involved laying
concrete for the driveway.
The house was finished
off with some 1990s touches,
including a large staircase, tiled
floor, and towering Hannah
Kidd giraffe statue.
The house has been used for
“lots of kids’ birthday parties
and discos”, Isabelle said.
It has an 80sq m foyer which
is perfect for roller-blading.
It also features a gym, whiskey
lounge and office, covered
swimming pool area and a marble
outdoor shower.
The couple were reluctant to
say how big their renovation
budget was, but admitted it was
more than the $2.5m they spent
on renovating Britten Stables.
“We love to renovate because
it’s an opportunity to build on
something that already has
character, and I feel like when
people come to this house, it’s
now new – it’s a cohesion of
different time periods that gives
it depth,” Isabelle told OneRoof.
“This property had a really
good existing footprint, and it
was really laid out except for
that connection to the outdoors.
What we really did was put in
a lot more glass and open it all
up to the outside, as well as do a
whole renovation.
“I feel like whoever buys this
house will be extremely happy
because we did it with the intention
of staying here a long time.
We like to do things well and
are quite fussy, so I feel like
whoever ends up living here
will love it.”
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starnews.co.nz
NEWS / LETTERS The Star, April 9, 2026 | 15
Merivale ‘do up’
Were the rowing coaches
sent home men or women?
Isabelle and Tim appeared
on Grand Designs New Zealand
in 2018 with their mammoth
renovation of Britten Stables.
Bayleys listing agent Adam
Heazlewood told OneRoof
Millstream was one of the city’s
“finest homes” and ticked all
the boxes.
“No one expects it. They all
think they are going to a twolevel
home and then all of a
sudden there’s this third level.”
Heazlewood declined to
give a price indication before
the sale, but several property
records have been broken in
Christchurch over the past six
months.
A riverside mansion on St
Barnabas Lane in Fendalton
became the most expensive
property to sell in the city after
fetching $9.55m in November
last year.
The Carlton Mill Rd home is
for sale by negotiation.
Isabelle and Tim Weston, pictured with their daughters in 2021, after
they renovated Britten Stables (below) for the TV show Grand Designs
New Zealand.
A question with the coaches
sent home from schools’ top
rowing event in The Star,
April 2.
​Were the coaches sent home:
Male, female or both? ​
The article pointed out
that "female rowing coaches
complained".
Why did it have the need to
point out it was female? ​
Was it because the coaches
sent home were men? And as
per usual women became the
"party poopers"?
Funny how women were
labelled as the complainers
but the gender of the three
coaches sent home weren't even
mentioned.
Oh well as a woman this isn't
surprising. Trust us as women
to the ruin those three coaches
fun (rolling my eyes).
– Tori Milligan
The editor responds: Our
understanding is the coaches
sent home were male.
Dogs in pools
I am not sure what all the
fuss is about re raw sewage
(and chlorine) being discharged
directly into the sea when dogs
are allowed into Waltham
Summer Pool (annual pool
party event).
Pool cleaning does not get
rid of all toxins, viruses and
bacteria.
– John Hill, Beckenham
We want to hear your views on the
issues affecting life
in Selwyn
Send emails to:
barry@
alliedmedia.co.nz
Letters may be edited or rejected at
Allied Media’s discretion. Letters should
be about 200 words.
A name, postal address and phone
number should be provided.
Please use your real name, not
a nickname, alias, pen name or
abbreviation.
What a wonderful occasion
it was on Good Friday, the
Crusaders last game at Apollo
Projects Stadium. Beautiful
weather and a big win for the
Crusaders over the Fijian Drua.
So good to be there. Codie
Taylor brought up 150 games
for the Crusaders in style with
four tries. Great games by
fellow try-scorers, Sevu Reece,
Chay Fihaki, (two each) and
Leicester Fainga'anuku.
Captain Will Jordan continues
to be in brilliant form. The
Fijian boys played their part,
it was champagne rugby. Up
front Taylor, Fletcher Newell,
Jamie Hannah and others were
dominant. That ground holds
so many great memories for me
over the last 14 years, that I will
always treasure.
– Graham Paterson, Redwood
Canterbury Region - Christchurch l Ashburton l Timaru l Selwyn District l Waimakariri
Your
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Woolston Brass presents ANZAC
Christchurch’s iconic Woolston Brass
returns to The Piano this ANZAC Day with a
moving tribute to the spirit of the ANZACs.
Under the baton of esteemed Music
Director Phil Johnston, this heartfelt concert
will take place at 2pm on Saturday 25th
April at The Piano, offering audiences an
unforgettable afternoon of remembrance,
reflection, and celebration.
A beloved tradition in Ōtautahi
Christchurch, Woolston Brass’ ANZAC
concert is a stirring musical commemoration,
featuring timeless favourites, wartime singa-longs,
and moving tributes that capture
the essence of the ANZAC legacy. With a
programme that blends patriotic pride
with deep emotion, the concert promises to
transport audiences through history, paying
homage to the bravery and sacrifice of those
who served. From the poignant sounds of
Nightfall at Camp to the rousing march of
Dambusters, from the beauty of White Cliffs
of Dover to the unifying anthem of God
Defend New Zealand, this concert embodies
the spirit of ANZAC Day. Special solo
performance from Principal Cornet Anthony
Smith will add further depth to an already
inspiring musical journey performing
Pictures from Wartime.
Perfect for all ages, this event offers a
moment to gather with whānau and friends,
to reflect on our shared heritage, and to
honour the resilience of past and present
generations. Whether you are a lifelong
supporter of Woolston Brass or experiencing
their brilliance for the first time, this ANZAC
Day concert promises to be an uplifting and
deeply moving experience.
Limited tickets are available – secure
yours now and be part of this cherished
Christchurch tradition. Lest we forget.
Book now online at Eventfinda https://
www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/woolstonbrass-presents-anzac/christchurch
or call
Eventfinda Call Centre 0800 BUY TIX
(289 849) Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm.
Booking fees apply.
WOOLSTON BRASS presents
or read online
135
A GUIDE OF HEALTHCARE
PROFESSIONALS IN CANTERBURY
Woolston Brass • Music Director Phil Johnston
Saturday 25 April, 2pm The Piano. Book now at Eventfinda
woolstonbrass.org • facebook.com/woolstonbrass • info@woolstonbrass.org

16 | The Star, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
SPORT
Linwood out to test champs first up
BY SAM COUGHLAN
Linwood head coach Brendan
Nolan insists there is “no bad
blood” between his side and
Marist Albion ahead of their
first-round Metro rugby clash
on Saturday.
The teams meet in a replay of
last year’s final, which Marist
won with a try after the hooter
from Shun Miyake, denying Linwood
a second consecutive title.
Nolan said he welcomed
the chance for his side to test
themselves against the defending
champions first up, but last
year’s result was not a motivating
factor.
“It’s always nice to come out
on top, but it's not so much us
versus them, it’s probably us
versus ourselves really. It’s a
good test against the best of
2025.
“There’s no bad blood at all,
those are those breaks.”
Marist enter the new season
under a new head coach, with
former assistant Sam Chamberlain
taking over from Ross
Kennedy.
Chamberlain said his squad
had a fresh look, with several
new faces including first-five
Kody Edwards from Manawatū
and halfback Charlie Sullivan,
who is part of the New Zealand
under 20 wider training squad.
Former Sumner duo Josh
Loader and Marshall Blakely
have also joined, while last
New Linwood halfback Alex Johnson in action during preseason after joining from Auckland’s College Rifles.
year’s final hero Miyake has
departed to play in Japan.
“Definitely a newer-looking
side this year from last year,
which is exciting,” Chamberlain
said.
“A lot of these guys are just
looking for an opportunity,
and obviously the club’s had
a pretty good last four or five
years.”
Linwood have also undergone
changes ahead of the new
campaign.
Halfback Jake Chalklen has
moved to Auckland for work,
but has been replaced by Alex
Johnson, who arrives from
PHOTO: CLUB RUGBY
College Rifles after also relocating
for work.
Another halfback, Ben
O’Donovan, has signed with
Munster in Ireland, with Matt
Donaldson joining from Lincoln
University in his place. Sumner
first-five Will Haig has also
been added to the squad.
CHRISTCHURCH METRO
ROUND 1
(2.30PM SAT)
• Linwood v Marist Albion,
Tane Norton Park
• University v Belfast, Ilam Fields
• New Brighton v Sumner,
Rawhiti Domain
• HSOB v Christchurch,
Bob Deans Field
• Shirley v Burnside, Burwood Park
Sydenham v Lincoln University,
Sydenham Park
English flanker Rory Duff
returns after last playing for
the club in 2023, while French
hooker Benjamin Moirod – from
Servette in France’s Nationale
2 – has joined after moving to
New Zealand.
Chamberlain said he was
looking forward to the rematch.
“It’s two good teams going at
it, which is great.
“I think it’s a great way to
start the season and find out
where you’re at as a group
against a quality side like them.
That’s what we’re looking forward
to most, just being able to
test ourselves against them.”
In other matches, New
Brighton and Sumner meet
in the “Battle of the Beaches”,
University host Belfast,
High School Old Boys play
Christchurch, Burnside visit
Shirley, and Sydenham host
Lincoln University.
​United, Tech look to
bounce back
Christchurch United will get
an immediate chance to make
amends for Monday’s English
Cup knockout to Ferrymead Bays
when they meet the same side in
the Southern League tomorrow.
United went down 4-2 on penalties
after a 2-2 draw, while defending
champions Cashmere Technical
were also knocked out, losing
2-1 to Nomads. FC Twenty 11,
Universities and Halswell United
progressed to the quarter-finals
with wins, while Coastal Spirit,
Burwood and Western had byes. In
Saturday’s league action, Technical
travel to Wānaka, Selwyn host
Dunedin City Royals, and Coastal
visit Nomads.
Verhoeven makes
his NRL debut
Former Eastern Eagles junior and
St Bede’s College student Antonio
Verhoeven has joined the ranks
of Cantabrians in the NRL after
making his Brisbane Broncos debut
on Saturday. The 19-year-old came
off the bench on the wing, replacing
the injured Reece Walsh, in
Brisbane’s 26-12 win over the Gold
Coast Titans. He lined up alongside
fellow Cantabrian and former St
Thomas student Jordan Riki.
They said it
“I hit the ball in the
water on 13 and
15 in practice. So
that was kind of
a welcome to the
Masters moment.”
– American golfer
John Keefer, making his Masters
debut at Augusta National this week
Fiji trip crucial as
SI United push for
spot in top four
BY SAM COUGHLAN
South Island United captain
Christian Gray knows the
importance of their final set of
OFC Pro League fixtures before
the league splits into the top and
bottom four.
United sit sixth with four
games remaining, just two
points shy of fourthplaced
Solomon Kings,
and with a game in hand.
Their remaining matches
will be played over 11
days in challenging conditions
across Suva and Ba
in Fiji.
“It will be a bit tough,
four games in two weeks
in those conditions,” said
Gray.
“The league's so tight, if we
win the catch-up game we could
be third or we could probably
be rock bottom. It's an important
hub, obviously the last one
before the finals series.”
Midfielder Charlie Beale has
had a limited role so far, making
just three substitute appearances
in United’s 10 games.
He said he hoped to be able to
make more of an impact in the
league’s home stretch.
“With it being my first year on
a pro contract, it’s obviously disappointing,
but I can understand
that it’s just part of the process,”
he said.
Christian Gray
“I don’t think many pros have
gone through their career without
having a bit of time on the
bench. Hopefully those four
games back to back means I’ll be
able to contribute a bit more.
“It’s obviously a lot of football
just in the six-month period anyway,
so I think the depth of the
squad is going to be tested.”
United have impressed
in patches but ultimately
have just three wins to
show for their efforts so
far in their debut season.
In the Solomon Islands
last month a 4-1 win over
PNG Hekari was followed
by a 3-2 defeat to Bula
FC, after being 2-0 up at
halftime.
Gray said more is
needed to secure a top-four finish
for the finals series in Auckland
in May.​“We know we’ve still got
a lot more to give, I don’t think
we’ve got close to our potential
yet. But we haven’t got long.
“The most important thing is to
be peaking around now or in the
next couple months.”
Their final league game against
Kiwi rivals Auckland FC promises
to be a highlight, after
Auckland won their first meeting
of the year 3-0.
The match was originally
scheduled for Melbourne in February
but was postponed due to a
waterlogged pitch.
South Island United’s Charlie Beale could be in line for more game time in Fiji
with four games in 11 days.
PHOTO: MAX COMRIE
“It’s probably the game you
look forward to most when you
see the draw,” Beale said.
“Fingers crossed it goes ahead,
and we get a chance to beat them
this time.”
United open their Fiji trip
against Vanuatu United on Saturday,
a win that could see them
leapfrog three teams.
They then face Tahiti United
on Tuesday, Solomon Kings
on Friday, and Auckland next
Tuesday.
SOUTH ISLAND UNITED
FIXTURES
Vanuatu United, 3pm April 11
Tahiti United, 3pm April 14
Solomon Kings, 3pm April 17
Auckland FC, 3pm April 21
Points (games played)
Auckland 23 (10), South Melbourne 19
(10), Bula FC 15 (11), Solomon 15 (11),
Vanuatu 13 (11), South Island 13 (10),
Tahiti 10 (10), PNG Hekari 5 (11)

starnews.co.nz
SPORT The Star, April 9, 2026 | 17
‘I don’t want to be the last in these roles, I want to be one of many’
​BY SAM COUGHLAN
Julie Patterson grew up in a
rugby-mad family, but her first
taste of playing the game did
not come until her late teens at
university.
Now the 60-year-old is Canterbury
Rugby’s first female
life member after receiving the
award for her services to the
sport over the last 40 years.
“It’s pretty humbling, it's a huge
honour,” she said.
Growing up in Southbridge in
the 1970s, rugby was not seen
as one for girls. Although she
enjoyed watching games, she
instead played netball and cricket.
Grandfather William Patterson
was patron at Southbridge RFC in
the 1960s while her father John
and his brothers all played for the
division 1 team.
After moving to Christchurch
for university in 1985, she started
playing fullback for the University
club and never looked back,
making more than 100 appearances
while also representing
Canterbury for three seasons in
the early 1990s.
Off the field, she joined the first
Canterbury women’s advisory
board in 1989.
“That’s probably where my first
bit of beyond-club contribution
came,” she said.
She was involved in administration
at University and in
1995 served on the first Metro
committee.
In 1996, she became part of the
Canterbury disciplinary panel
and continues today. She is also
part of the match-day citing process
for NPC and Super Rugby
games in Christchurch.
In 2019, she was appointed Canterbury
Rugby’s first-ever female
president.
“I don’t want to be the last in
these roles, I want to be one of
many,” she said.
“If you’re the first, it’s sometimes
a little bit challenging to
change people’s mindset.
“Anyone that’s known me for
the last 40 years knows my passion
and commitment to the sport
has been significant.
“There’s certainly more female
faces contributing and providing
that diversity of thought, which
will always help get better
outcomes.”
Canterbury Rugby’s newest life
member Julie Patterson, involved
in governance since the 1980s,
pictured after serving on the citing
panel for the 2025 Super Rugby final.
She previously made more than 100
appearances for University.
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.
He 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,
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
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.
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.

SPORT
18 | The Star, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
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starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS The Star, April 9, 2026 | 19
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prices to suit every
home. Expert advice.
Visit us today! Call now
03 388-6643 or 027 827
3360
INSECT SCREENS,
BLINDS AND SECURITY
DOORS
Custom made security
doors, also flyscreen
windows and doors, and
stylish blinds. Quality
you can trust. We also
repair existing Screens
and doors etc.
Canterbury Blinds and
Screens. Ph 03 3589237
for a free quote.
JCM DIRECT TYRES
provides quality tyres,
both new and used,
expert fitting, and fast,
reliable service. Trusted
to ensure your vehicle’s
safety and performance
with reliable products
and professional care.
8c Birmingham Drive -
call 03 343-0099
LANDSCAPING Paving,
Lawns, Irrigation,
Decking, Fencing. Kanga
& small digger services.
Check out Squire
Landscaping on
Facebook. FREE
QUOTES. Ph Arthur 347-
8796, 027 220-7014
Edwin 027 220-7154
MOSS & LICHEN
waterblasting removal
Ph 021 405 277
Services:
Licensed & Registered
Electrician
• Lighting
• Data & AV
• Power
027 752 4700
dominic@plainselectrical.co.nz
www.plainselectrical.co.nz
TRADES & SERVICES
LAWN MOWING Tom's
Mowing - cutting the
east side of
Christchurch. Ph 021
120 1069
PAINTING Interior /
Exterior, Roofs, Decks,
Fences. For a
competitive quote ph
John 0272 242 831
30 years + experience
Older house
restorations:
no problem!
Quotes: FREE!
Rates: Reasonable
Paint supplied at
trade price!
NO JOB TOO SMALL
Light industrial also
Roger Brott
Painter & Decorator
021-1966-311
TRADES & SERVICES
PAINTING
Indoor / Outdoor, over
30 yrs exp, same day
quotes, ph Steve 021
255 7968
PAINTING Exterior
experts. Roof painting.
Ph Paul 022 191 7877
www.swedekiwipainting.
co.nz
EXTERIOR
PAINTING
Ph Paul 022 191 7877
swedekiwipainting
.co.nz
TRADES & SERVICES
• Repairs
• Ventilation
• Renovations
• New Builds
• CCTV &
Alarms
TRADES & SERVICES
PAINTING
experts. Roof painting.
Ph Paul 022 191 7877
www.swedekiwipainting.
co.nz
TRADES & SERVICES
ROOF
PAINTING
Competitive rates
Rope n Harness
certified
39 yrs experience
Owner operator
Exterior - Interior
Painting
Phone Mason on
021 233 0378
Email:
mason.wairau@
gmail.com
Website:
masonwairau.com
ROOF
PAINTING 24/7
Rope & harness
a speciality,
no scaffolding
required,
30 years of
breathtaking
experience.
FREE QUOTES
20% OFF other
roof quotes
Exterior staining,
exterior painting,
water blasting.
Moss and mould
treatment $300.
Phone Kevin
027 561 4629
Re Roofing
Roof Repairs
• Approved Age Concern
provider
• Over 30 years experience
• Licensed Building Practitioner
N A BARRELL
ROOFING LTD
Ph: 0275 389 415
Email: nabroofing@xtra.co.nz
TRADES & SERVICES
ROOF
PAINTING
Trade Certified
BOOK IN NOW
AND RECEIVE 20%
DISCOUNT
Rope and Harness
Specialist
No Scaffold Required
30 years exp
Free Quotes
Call Collin
Ph: 021 132 7106
PLUMBER Friendly,
certified local expert in
plumbing, gas &
drainage. Guaranteed
top-quality work. Call
Waterloo Plumbing 022
630 7639
PLUMBER Highly
experienced Plumber.
Exceptional service.
Ready to help with all
Exterior your plumbing needs.
Call today! MJ Plumbing
Ltd 021 109 2397
H2O SOLUTIONS
Renovations, New
Houses, Hot Water
Cylinders, Kitchens,
Bathroom Upgrades,
Laundries, General
Maintenance, Water
Filters. Phone Mark 027
869 0026
PLUMBER Do you need
a reliable plumber?
Quality and timely
services. No job too big
or small. Phone V
Plumbing Ltd. 022 351
4125
PREMIUM TYRES offers
top-quality new and
used tyres, wheel
alignments, vehicle
servicing, WOF's & Oil
changes. Trusted for
reliability, affordability,
and fast service across
Christchurch, 222
Linwood Ave, PH 380-
5020
THE ROOF
SPECIALISTS
CANTERBURY LTD
Established 2005
Protective coatings
10 year guarantee on:
Faded coloursteel
Tiles & iron
Decramastic
Phone NOW 4 FREE
Roof check & report
Scott McKenzie
022 044 3008
ROOFING AND GUTTER
REPAIRS. 25yrs
experience. Licensed
Practitioner. Ph: CANdo
Roof n' Gutter 027 237
9431
SHINE PRESSURE
washing services.
Concrete driveways,
paved areas, wheelie
bins. Servicing
Christchurch. Contact
Will 021 140 0977 or
Anthony 022 546 1394
for a free quote.
SPOUTING CLEANING
Pennylane,
Spouting unblocked,
cleaned out & flushed
out. Call Greg 03 384
2661 or 027 616 0331.
STUMP GRINDING &
small tree removal. Tony
0275 588 895
TRADES & SERVICES
TEAM TURF
For all your artificial turf
requirements.
Residential or
commercial.
teamturf.co.nz
Christchurch installers.
Grow Landscape
021 034 5504
TRADES & SERVICES
COUNTRY TOUCH
WINDOW
CLEANING
Honest, Reliable
Professional Operator
We cover all of
Chch plus Lincoln,
Prebbleton areas.
Regular window
cleaning or one off
cleans our specialty
Ph or Text
022 068 9009
Window Cleaning
Specialists
TILING
Floor & walls.
Kitchen & splashback
specialist.
No job too small.
35 yrs exp.
Free quotes
Ph 0274 833 887
TREE SERVICES Free
quotes 20+ yrs exp.
Tree, hedge or shrub -
reduction, shaped or
removed. Ph/text Paul
The Branch Manager
027 431 4720
TREE SERVICES
Pensioner discounts.
Tree & hedge reduction.
Professional advice.
Stump grinding and
branches chipped. Txt or
ring Andrew on 027 20
44 949.
WANTED
7”, 45’s, singles, eps
records wanted, any
amount top prices paid.
Pennylane Records, 430
Colombo Street,
Sydenham, ring Dave
021 222 6144, 7 days
A+ ALL whiteware
wanted. Same day
service, cash paid for
freezers, fridges,
washing machines,
ovens. Also buying
furniture & h/hold
effects. Anything
considered. Ph Dave
027 66 22 116
A1 ALBUMS, old photos,
postcards, coins, gold,
bank notes, badges,
medals, jewellery,
watches, china, crystal,
books, furs, vintage
clothing, paintings,
furniture, estates &
downsizing. Etcetera
Antiques, 194 Edgeware
Rd, 385 5117.
ALL JAZZ Records
wanted: Kiwi and
overseas artists, Blue
Note, Prestige, Riverside,
ECM, Verve, Impulse,
CTI, Milestone etc; top
prices paid for good
titles. — Please phone
Dave 021-222-6144,
Pennylane Records, 7
days.
ANY VIDEO GAMES
wanted play station,
xbox, nintendo, sega,
atari, vintage etc
Sydenham,
Christchurch, 7 days,
021 222 6144
CASH PAID
for jars of old coins and
bank notes, also old
silver bars. Ph Carlos
0275 296 560.
WANTED
WANTED TO BUY -
ENGLISH STAMPS -
Mint - Decimal. Soon
most will have no value
for postage. Also buy
NZ MINT. Call Tony on
0274 321 297
WANTED TO BUY
Garden Figurine Moulds.
Phone 027 746 1655.

20 | The Star, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS
WANTED
GIG POSTERS wanted
by local and overseas
bands. Excellent prices
paid especially for hand
pulled or silk screen
posters. Will pay $1000
for Suburban Reptiles
Sat Night. Any amount.
Dave 021 222 6144,
Pennylane Records,
Sydenham, Christchurch,
7 days
GOLD WANTED
CASH PAID. Top prices.
The Pawnshop - 396
Blenheim Rd, 121
Riccarton Rd, 77 Ferry
Rd, 7 days.
MILITARIA Any country,
swords and helmets,
uniforms, badges,
medals, memorabilia,
WW2 or earlier, Ph 021
035 0882
MUSIC TAPES wanted
by local and overseas
bands, especially Flying
Nun, Xpressway, Onset
Offset Failsafe, Private
press, etc any amount,
excellent prices paid.
Pennylane Records, 021
222 6144, Sydenham,
Christchurch, 7 days.
TOOLS, Garden, garage,
saw benches, lathes.
Cash buyer. Phone 355-
2045.
YELLOW TIKI longline or
seeker. Ph 027 746 1655
BOOKS, STATIONERY
cards, gifts - Paper Plus
New Brighton has it all.
Friendly local team,
great prices, supporting
this community. 72
Brighton Mall, New
Brighton. Phone 03 388
1809
DELICIOUS all you can
eat buffet at Valentines
Hornby - Fresh seafood,
roasts, desserts and
great service for the
whole family! 7/11
Chalmers Street Hornby
- PH 0800 VAL BUFFET
CARS WANTED
We buy small Japanese
vehicles, must be tidy,
cash paid
Ph: Doug Drake Motors
03 389 1121
or 027 432 9947
OLD TOYS, Models &
Trains. Tri-ang, FunHo
Matchbox, Dinky, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Hornby, Meccano,
Marklin, Corgi etc. Ph
027 604 1816
FEET FIRST PODIATRY
toymodelcollectors.co.n provides expert foot
z
care,
offering
personalised treatments
PENNYLANE RECORDS for pain relief, injury
always buying records. recovery, overall foot
Excellent prices paid. and lower limb wellness.
430 Colombo Street, Unit 2B, 355 Riccarton
Sydenham, 366 3278, Road. Ph 03 348-7910
open 7 days
www.feetfirst.co.nz
BOOKS
ENTERTAINMENT
CARS WANTED
HEALTH Boost your
wellbeing at Marshall’s
Health & Natural
Therapy. Quality health
supplements, herbal
dispensary, natural
skincare, and expert
naturopathic advice.
Visit us today for a
healthier, happier you!
Marshalls Health &
Natural Therapy. 101
Seaview Road, New
Brighton. Ph 03 388
5757. Shop instore or
online:
www.marshallshealthsh
op.co.nz
MASSAGE Full body
sensual massage for
mature ladies only.
Relax, refresh your body
with the sense of touch.
Ph or text 027 251 4660.
MOBILE Toe Nail Cutting
Service by Registered
Nurse. $50. Phone 022
281 6647
PUBLIC NOTICES
CARS WANTED
CAR REMOVALS
$$CASH PAID$$
CARS, VANS, UTES & 4X4 WANTED
NZ OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 24 YEARS
We use world class vehicle depollution systems
0800 77 80 80
www.pickapart.co.nz
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
WANT TO GROW
YOUR BUSINESS?
Exhibit to thousands
of potential customers
across three
amazing days!
26-28 JUNE 2026
Wolfbrook Arena
direct
cremation
(includes committal)
$2,200 GSt
inclusive
0800 27 28 29
www.mainlandcrematorium.co.nz
PERSONAL
Connect with customers face-to-face
MALE, 64 seeks
intimate lady playmate.
Any age / size. Ph 021
146 8156
PUBLIC NOTICES
GREYPOWER
Christchurch Social to
be held on 15th April at
St Martins Church Hall
at 1pm. Topic: Hon.
Casey Costello, Minister
for Seniors. Afternoon
tea, Raffles. Neville
Wootton, Vice President.
Kehilat Yeshua
קהילת ישועה
Messianic Family
ALL WELCOME
North New
Brighton
Community Centre
Shabbat (Sat)
10:30am
Shalom
VISITORS PRIZE
BE IN TO
Generate immediate sales
Capture quality leads
Showcase your products or services
Elevate your brand awareness
BOOK A STAND
Matt Grant
021 026 70578
Office@Bethel.org.nz
BethEl.org.nz
OF FLOORING FROM
Contact Marissa Stephen now!
marissa@alliedmedia.co.nz
027 243 5238
ADD SOME
COLOUR
TO YOUR ADVERT!
www.starhomeshow.co.nz
TRUSTED
FOR
YEARS

starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS The Star, April 9, 2026 | 21
WHAT’S
ON
To add a listing, contact
Jo Fuller 03 379 7100 or
027 458 8590
jo.fuller@alliedmedia.co.nz
WHAT'S ON
AT HORNBY CLUB
Pavilion Café Opens 8am daily
Legends Bar Opens 10am daily
Reception Open from 9am daily
Chalmers Restaurant
Wednesday to Saturday:
A la Carte from 5pm
Sunday: Buffet from 4.30pm
BRIDIE’S BURGER IS
SMASHING IT!
A NEW style of burger is trending across the
country at the moment and Bridie’s Bar in Linwood
now has added it to the Burgers section of their
latest menu - e Smash Burger, aka Bridie’s
Smashie.
“It’s mostly to do with the meat patty,” said Chef
Chris. “Instead of cooking a traditional hamburger
patty, we ‘smash’ a loose ball of Angus mince beef
onto a very hot skillet creating a patty that is full of
avour, caramelized, crispy on the edges, and juicy
in the centre. Extra llings are added and we serve it
in a so brioche bun.”
Proving hugely popular, Bridie’s Smashies are
priced at only $15 each with a choice of 3 avours.
1. House favourite, e Cheeseburger Smashie (Patty, American Cheddar, crispy
onions, and Bridie’s famous Burger Sauce)
2. e Firecracker Smashie (Patty, American Cheddar, Pickles, Jalapenos, Hot Sauce,
and Slaw).
3. e BBQ Bacon Smashie (Patty, Bacon, American Cheese, crispy Onion, Pickles,
and BBQ Sauce).
e Irish themed pub has been a mainstay in the local community for over ten years
Friendly staff and regular entertainment coupled with amazing family friendly food and
great drinks specials has made Bridie's a popular destination with patrons across the city.
Bridie’s Bar & Bistro, 401 Worcester St, Ph 03 260 0323, www.bridies.co.nz
BRIDIE’S BAR
Members
Happy
Hour!
4.30pm - 6.30pm
TUES, WEDS, & THURS
(10% off members price)
CHASE THE ACE!
THURSDAY 6.30PM
$500
CRACK THE CUBE!
FRIDAY 6.30PM
$500
3PM SUNDAY
MEMBERSHIP
RENEWAL
DUE
NOW
Renew at reception
or via your app
2026 ITM
CHRISTCHURCH
SUPER 440
SAT 18 & SUN 19 APRIL
Have a pit stop at Hornby Club
for a Buffet Breakfast &
12oz House Beer or House Wine
From 7.30am. $30 per person.
Tickets on sale now.
Happy Hour from 4pm.
RACE ON BIG SCREEN
THROUGHOUT THE DAY
$12
BREAKFAST
Two free range eggs,
bacon, sourdough bread,
Vivace coffee
BRIDIE’S famous
SMASHIES
BURGERS
$15
CHEESEBURGER
FIRECRACKER
BBQ BACON
$6
MURPHY'S
PINTS
EVERY SINGLE DAY,
ALL DAY LONG!
WHAT'S PLAYING
FRI.4PM-7PM:
ELEVATORS
DUO
SAT.3PM:
NEXUS
EVERY
TUESDAY
7PM
SATURDAY 9 MAY
OPEN FROM 7AM MON-FRI & FROM 8AM SAT/SUN
GREAT MENU | 18 MACHINE GAMING ROOM
BRIDIE'S BAR & BISTRO | 401 WORCESTER ST
PH (03) 260 0325 | WWW.BRIDIES.CO.NZ
Come on down!
17 CARMEN RD. PH. 03 349 9026
WWW.HORNBYCLUB.CO.NZ
Join us 7 days a week for all
the LIVE sporting action!
Visit our website to
see what’s on
FRI
10 Matchbox
LIVE MUSIC
SAT
11
Sign of the
Firebird
SUN
12 Reminisce

22 | The Star, April 9, 2026 starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS
GIG GUIDE
Thursday 9 to Wednesday 15 April 2026
RESTAURANT & CAFÉ
SENIOR'S SPECIAL
LUNCH & DINNER
$29
TWO COURSES
Soup/Roast or Roast/Dessert
The
RACECOURSE HOTEL
& Motorlodge
$6
MURPHY'S
PINTS
EVERY SINGLE DAY,
ALL DAY LONG!
$1 POOL TABLES
FANTASTIC MENU
kiwi classics
amazing thai
FUNCTION ROOMS
85a Hereford Street
www.therockpool.co.nz
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
GREAT KID’S MENU
ACTIVITIES ROOM
KID’S MEALS
ALL MAINS INCLUDE
A FREE
ICE CREAM
SUNDAE
FROM ONLY
$13
118 Racecourse Rd, Sockburn,
Christchurch. Ph 03 342 7150
www.racecoursehotel.co.nz
THE WEEKEND LINE UP
THURSDAY 7pm-9pm
DYNAMIX TRIO
FRIDAY 7PM-9PM
SIONNA
10pm-2am
HIRED GUNS
SATURDAY 7PM-9PM
DYNAMIX TRIO
10.30pm-2.30am
SHADOW
PUPPET
ADDINGTON BAR, 291 Lincoln Rd:
Saturday 8pm - The Party Singers.
ARMADILLOS HALSWELL, 29 Ensign St:
Thursday 8pm - DJ Chick Karaoke.
ARMADILLOS BECKENHAM, 155
Colombo St: Tuesday 7pm - Quiz.
ARMADILLOS ISLINGTON, 670 Main
South Rd: Sunday 3pm - Lino.
A ROLLING STONE, 579 Colombo St:
Thursday 7pm - NZ Songwriters in the Round
presents Songwriters' Open Mic, hosted by the
lovely Phil Doublet, all original material
welcome, free. Saturday 2pm - Doubtful
Sounds, smooth sounds of the 60s & 70s, close
harmony country rock, feat Paddy Long on
pedal steel, free; Saturday 8pm - Back to the 80s
Dance Party feat DJs Regress and 59 to 1,
playing all your favourite New Wave, Synth-Pop,
New Romantic, Rock, & Cheese! Tix $19+BF
from UTR.co.nz or door sales if not sold out
prior. Sunday 1pm - Risingholme Orchestra's
Annual Fundraiser Quiz, all welcome, phone 03-
377-4787 to book your team; Sunday 6pm - J9
Jive's Social Dancing for Everyone, J9 plays an
eclectic mix of dance tracks, all welcome, no
partner needed, any style of dance encouraged,
$5 for dancers at the door; Sunday 8pm -
Desafyar & Max G present Sensual Sundays
Latin Dancing, all welcome, guest DJs curate a
night of Bachata, Kizomba, Salsa, & Zouk, $5 for
dancers at the door. Monday 7pm - Believe It or
Not Quiz, table bookings on 03-377-4787, all
welcome including dogs. Tuesday 7pm - Inner
City Jam with host Tyler Robbins, open mic &
jam slots, all ages and abilities welcome, great
community feel, instruments provided, bands
welcome, free.
AVONHEAD TAVERN, 120 Withells Rd:
Friday 7.30pm - The Party Singers.
BILL'S BAR, 1 Halswell Rd: Thursday 7pm -
A&J Karaoke. Sunday 6pm - A&J Karaoke.
BRIDIE'S BAR, 401 Worcester St: Friday
4pm - Elevators Duo. Saturday 3pm - Nexus.
CASHMERE CLUB, 50 Colombo St:
Wednesday 7pm - Quiz Night.
CHATS BAR, 251 Travis Rd: Tuesday 7pm -
Quiz.
CHCH CASINO, 30 Victoria St: Easter
Friday 6pm - Zed & Andy; 10pm -Cantora.
Saturday 6pm - Black & Gold; 10pm - The
Meaniez.
CHCH FOLK MUSIC CLUB, Irish Society
Hall, Domain Tce: Sunday 19th April, 7.30pm
- The Groomsmen.
CHILD CANCER FUND RAISER,
Richmond Club, The Junction, 75
London St: Saturday 18th Apr, 7.30pm - A
Night of Rock n Roll feat. Live Band; ELVIS
(Greg Belcher); Roy Orbison (Tony Gregory
Hunt); Phil Chapman; Gerry Gregory Hunt;
Tristan Gregory Hunt (saxophones); with guest
artists Betsy Petrie. Tickets $20 at the club, door
sales available. Proceeds to Child Cancer (after
costs).
COASTERS TAVERN, 1 Daniels Rd:
Saturday 8pm - Mandi Miller. Wednesday 7pm
- Quiz.
DARKROOM, 336 St Asaph St: Thursday
5pm - Darkroom Fundraiser Cabaret. Friday
6pm - Friday Night Hootenanny feat. The
Charlotte Sometimes & the Bohemian
Bunglenuts. Saturday 6pm - Guideless with
Spirit Boy and Hexxer ‘Off The Edge’ single
release.
FAT EDDIES, 1/76 Hereford St: Thursday
8pm - Live Band Karaoke; 11.30pm - Jinx.
Friday 4.30pm - Harbourist Duo; 8pm -
HeadRush; 11.30pm - Vibe Check. Saturday
4.30pm - Eve Kelly Duo; 8pm - Tina & The
Turners; 11.30pm - Third Junction. Sunday 2pm
- King Tubbs; 6pm - Prince & Stevie Wonder
Tribute Show. Tuesday 7pm - Quiz; 9.30pm -
Josh Braden. Wednesday 8.30pm - Mac &
Mates.
GOOD TIMES COMEDY CLUB, 224 St
Asaph St: Saturday 6.30pm - It’s Giving
Comedy; 8pm - Big Laughs Pro Comedy
Showcase. www.goodtimescomedyclub.co.nz
HORNBY CLUB, 17 Carmen Rd: Sunday
3pm - Gazza. Friday 17th Apr, 6pm - Awesome
Source. Friday 24th Apr, 7pm - Jo’s Karaoke.
Sunday 26th Apr, 3pm - Reminisce with
Anthony.
KAIAPOI CLUB, 118 Raven Quay: Thursday
7pm - Quiz.
MACKENZIES, 51 Pages Rd: Friday 8.30pm
- In the City. Wednesday 22nd Apr, 7pm -
Karaoke with Brent Love.
MAK BAR, 1276 Main North Rd, Kainga:
Saturday - Live Music. Sunday 3pm - Hired
Guns.
MICKY FINN'S, 85a Hereford St: Thursday
7pm - Dynamix Trio. Friday 7pm - Sionna;
10pm - Hired Guns. Saturday 7pm - Dynamix
Trio; 10.30pm - Shadow Puppet.
NEW BRIGHTON CLUB, 202 Marine Pde:
Saturday 18th Apr, 6.30pm - Absolut Duo feat.
Annalea.
PINT & PONY, 1 Hamill Rd: Saturday
7.30pm - Absolut Duo.
QUEENSPARK TAVERN, 60 Queenspark
Dr: Friday 7pm - Sharkey’s Karaoke. Saturday -
Hired Guns. Wednesday 7pm - Quiz.
RACECOURSE HOTEL, 118 Racecourse
Rd: Friday 7.30pm - Rockabella.
RICHMOND CLUB, 'The Borough', 75
London St: Friday 7pm - Matchbox. Saturday
7pm - Sign of the Firebird. Sunday 3pm -
Reminisce.
ROSE & THISTLE, 24 Main North Rd:
Friday 8.30pm - Karaoke with Annalea & Junior.
Saturday 8.30pm - Shameless 2.
SHARKEY'S BAR & CAFE, 96 Hoon Hay
Rd: Friday - Free Juke Box. Saturday - Sharkey’s
Karaoke. Sunday 4pm - Open Mic.
SPACE ACADEMY, 371 St Asaph St:
Thursday - Georgia Knight. Friday - Rei
‘Moisturise & Decolonise’ Tour. Saturday -
Bridges ‘Life of the Party’ EP release. Sunday -
Wicker Suite ‘The Way That It Was’ Tour.
spaceacademy.co.nz/live
THE BOG, 50 Victoria St: Thursday 7pm -
Quiz. Friday 6pm - Josh Keating; 10pm - The
Shameless Few. Saturday 7pm - Josh Braden;
11pm - Smashbox. Sunday 5pm - Willie
McArthur. Monday 6pm - Sionna. Tuesday
7pm - Jamesons Irish Band. Wednesday 6pm -
Sionna.
THE CHURCH, cnr Worcester &
Manchester Sts: Thursday 6pm - Laura Lee
& Adam Hattaway; 9.30pm - Jinx. Friday
2.45pm - Leighton Fairlie; 6.15pm - Sam Beal;
10pm - Brad Staley. Saturday 2.45pm - Tay
Renee; 5.15pm - Ananda Massa Duo; 10pm -
Jinx. Sunday 2pm - Curio Club; 5.30pm -
Coyote Pretty; 9.30pm - Tom Lush.
churchpub.co.nz/this-week
THE CRAIC, 84 Riccarton Rd: Friday 10pm
- Sophie Cleaver. Saturday 9.30pm - Karaoke.
Tuesday 7pm - Quiz. Wednesday 10pm -
Karaoke.
THE DUX, 6 Poplar St: Tuesday 6.30pm -
Pub Quiz. Friday 17th Apr, 8pm - D’Sendantz.
THE EMBANKMENT TAVERN, 181 Ferry
Rd: Thursday 9pm - Carpathia. Friday - Open
Mic feat. Ruby Fusion. Wednesday 9pm -
Carpathia.
THE FITZ2 SPORTS BAR, 77 Stevens St:
Tuesday 7pm - Quiz.
THE LITTLE FIDDLE, 132 Oxford Tce:
thelittlefiddle.co.nz/whats-on
THE MILLER BAR, 308 Lincoln Rd: Friday
9.30pm - Bite the Bullet. Saturday 9.30pm -
Misconduct. Sunday 6pm - Karaoke with Lance.
Tuesday 7pm - Quiz. Wednesday 7pm -
Karaoke with Lance.
THE PAPANUI, 310 Sawyers Arms Rd:
Friday 6.45pm - Reminisce with Anthony.
Friday 24th Apr, 6.45pm - Becky Mayes.
THE RICCS, 280 Blenheim Rd: Saturday
7.30pm - Shiver. Wednesday 7pm - Quiz.
THE ROCKPOOL, 85 Hereford St:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday - DJ's.
THE SIDELINE SPORTS BAR, 331
Stanmore Rd: Thursday 7pm - Jam Night
with Ritchie Gillies & Nick Buchanan. Tuesday
7pm - DJ Chick Karaoke.
THE BROOK BAR, 16 Southbrook Rd,
Rangiora: Friday 8pm - Mandi Miller.
THE TURF, 6 Inwoods Rd: Thursday 7pm -
Live Music. Tuesday 7pm - Quiz.
WUNDERBAR, Lyttelton: Friday 6pm -
Minerva EP release tour with support Kenring
& Tephra. Saturday 6.30pm - Bogan Royale feat.
Divebomber; Tenkara, CyberManic; Narcotic
Tonsils.

starnews.co.nz
CLASSIFIEDS The Star, April 9, 2026 | 23

FIND A
HOME
YOU’LL
LOVE
GROUND FLOOR OASIS
DAVID & NEIL
Ryman Residents
WITH THE
FREEDOM
TO EMBRACE
ADVENTURE
IA G26 2 1.5
101m 2
$680,000
Be in quick to secure this west-facing corner apartment. Soak up the afternoon
sunshine in your open plan living area and enjoy entertaining friends and family
on your private patio.
Richard Hadlee Village 20 Radcliffe Road, Northwood
Call Sharyn 0800 685 122
AFTERNOON SUN DELIGHT
ROOM FOR EVERYONE
SUNNY AND BRIGHT
SA 166 1 1
53m 2
$360,000
IA B39 3 1.5
109m 2
$695,000
IA G26 2 1.5
90m 2
$660,000
This first-floor serviced apartment is
spacious and private, with an open
plan living area and kitchenette –
perfect for when friends or family
come to visit.
Kevin Hickman Village
25 Steadman Road, Riccarton Park
Call Wendy 342 4755
This spacious and private corner
apartment is perfectly positioned
to soak up the afternoon sun and
offers a tranquil outlook across to
the neighbouring orchard.
Charles Upham Village
24 Charles Upham Drive, Rangiora
Call Adrienne 310 8644
This apartment is ready for you to make
yourself at home, with ample storage
space and a recent refresh. Enjoy warm
sunshine throughout the afternoon in
your bedroom and living area.
Kevin Hickman Village
25 Steadman Road, Riccarton Park
Call Wendy 342 4755
rymanhealthcare.co.nz/canterbury

Scan here for
Thursday, 9 April 2026
Christchurch’s best read and largest circulating newspaper

SUPER LONG WEEKENDS.
Repco Supercars Championship
– ITM Christchurch Super 440
Ruapuna Raceway
17-19 April 2026
The Repco Supercars Championship is Australasia’s
premier touring car series, promising high-octane action,
fierce competition and an unforgettable experience.
For the first time, drivers will battle it out on the iconic
South Island circuit Ruapuna Raceway, led by Kiwi
stars Ryan Wood, Andre Heimgartner and Matt Payne,
winner of the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy and now
Bathurst 1000 champion.
Motorsport fanatic or completely new to the sport?
Here is your guide to Supercars ahead of the inaugural
ITM Christchurch Super 440.
Has Supercars raced in New Zealand Before?
Yes, Supercars first came to New Zealand in 2001, held
at Pukekohe. Since then, the championship has raced in
Hamilton and Taupo. 2026 marks the first time Supercars will
come to the South Island.
Racing format
The 2026 season will continue with the entertaining threephase
structure introduced in 2025: the Repco Sprint Cup,
Ryco Enduro Cup, and the dramatic Repco Finals Series, which
has proven a popular addition to the championship.
Who are the Kiwi drivers?
In 2026 there are currently three Kiwi drivers competing:
Matt Payne, Ryan Wood, Andre Heimgartner.
Tell me about the cars
The 2026 Repco Supercars Championship will be the fourth
season under the new Gen3 ruleset. The new cars were designed
with an eye on increased road relevance and improved racing.
The four types of cars racing this year are: Ford Mustang GT,
Toyota GR Supra, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
The cars use a specialised, purpose-made racing fuel developed
exclusively for the Championship. This year, Supercars has
introduced bp Ultimate Supercars Racing Fuel, a 100 per cent
renewable-based fuel composed of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per
cent bio-gasoline derived from waste materials.
THE CARS
Ford Mustang
Chevrolet Camaro
Toyota GR Supra
WHAT’S ON
THURSDAY 16 APRIL
Supercars Fanfare
The Green outside Te Pae
4pm - 6pm
FREE Public Event
FRIDAY 17 APRIL
Supercars ITM
Christchurch Super 440
Ruapuna Raceway
Supercars Live Site
The Terrace, 12pm - 4pm
SATURDAY 18 APRIL
Supercars ITM
Christchurch Super 440
Ruapuna Raceway
Supercars Live Site
The Terrace, 10am - 6pm
SUNDAY 19 APRIL
Supercars ITM
Christchurch Super 440
Ruapuna Raceway
Supercars Live Site
The Terrace, 10am - 6pm
MORE INFO
+ TICKETS

CENTRAL CHRISTCHURCH
SUPERCARS ACTIVITY
Oxford Terrace
Bridge of
Remembrance
SUPERCARS
LIVE SITE
Te Pae
Christchurch
Convention Centre
Colombo Street
Cashel Street
Lichfield Street
Cathedral
Square
Avon River
New Regent Street
Manchester Street
High Street High Street
Margaret Mahy
Playground
Haranui Lane
Supercars Live Site
Riverside Market
The Terrace
Madras Street Madras Street
Latimer
Square
Armagh Street
Event Shuttle Bus
Pickup/Drop Off
Metro Bus Interchange
Gloucester Street
New Regent Street
Supercars Fanfare
(The Green next to Te Pae)
Worcester Street
Little High Eatery
Te Pae
Hereford Street
One New Zealand
Stadium
Barbadoes Street
Bus Interchange
Tuam Street
St Asaph Street
Durham Street South
GETTING
TO RUAPUNA
RACEWAY
A 'Super shuttle service' will be running
from the central city. This is a paid morning
and nightly service, and return shuttle
tickets can be purchased online starting
from $30.
There will be a free Supercars park n
ride service running from the Canterbury
Agricultural Park. With no booking
necessary, attendees can drive to the
Canterbury Agricultural Park, park their
vehicle and take the free shuttle to the
raceway. View directions on Google Maps.
There is free parking onsite, however this
is limited and will be allocated on a first in
first served basis. Overflows will need to
head to the Canterbury Agricultural Park
and take the free shuttle service to the
event, or ticket holders can purchase a
shuttle service to and from the city.
West Coast Road
Ruapuna
Raceway
Bus drop off and
premium pre-booked
carpark access (sold out)
Carpark
Barters Road
Buchanans Road
Hasketts Road
(no entry)
General carpark
access (limited)
Free shuttles and parking at
Canterbury Agricultural Show Grounds
Yaldhurst Road
Pre-booked shuttle
bus pick up direct
from the CBD
Main South Road

SUPER LONG WEEKENDS.
Women driving change in motorsport
Motorsport has long been a male‐dominated industry, but that’s
changing. Across Australasia and right here in Christchurch, more
women are finding their place within the sport - not only behind the
wheel but across engineering, operations and leadership roles.
Supercars is helping drive that change, placing gender equity at the core
of its long-term vision. Clearer pathways into technical, operational and
on-track roles are opening doors for women across the championship.
Progress is already visible, with women achieving historic firsts in race
engineering, contributing vital performance insights behind the scenes,
and stepping into senior leadership and team ownership roles within the
paddock.
The talent emerging on track is equally exciting. This season, rising
driver Alice Buckley will compete in the Dunlop Super2 Series, becoming
only the fourth woman to race in Supercars’ key feeder category. Her
presence reflects a growing depth of female talent coming through
the ranks and highlights the expanding opportunities for women at the
highest levels of the sport.
That focus on meaningful pathways is also taking shape locally. At
the University of Canterbury, the Women in Engineering Residential
Programme brings female high-school students from around the country,
to give students early exposure to real-world engineering, helping break
down barriers and grow confidence.
This year the University’s Motorsport Club got involved, aligning with
Supercars coming to Christchurch. Their workshop introduced students
to foundational mechanical concepts of motorsport engineering, offering
a first taste of the career pathways engineering can offer.
Together, global momentum and local action are driving lasting
change and ensuring more women can see a future for themselves in
motorsport.
BEA VEAR
ROMY MAYER