Pegasus Post: April 16, 2026

FOR LOCAL ADVERTISING
Jenny Wright
Ph: 021 220 3484
jenny@alliedmedia.co.nz
Ant fan buzzing
ahead of global
The Star, January 23, 2025
starnews.co.nz
nature challenge
The Star, January 23, 2025
Ant enthusiast Patrick Rayen
is busy preparing to take
hundreds of the tiny insects
on a nocturnal adventure as
part of this year’s City Nature
Challenge.
The challenge from April
24-27, The is Star, an January annual, 23, four-day 2025
global “bioblitz” where cities
compete to document plant, animal,
and fungi species using the
iNaturalist app.
This is the eighth year
Christchurch has taken part
to help connect residents with
nature The Star, and January gather 23, data 2025 on local
urban biodiversity.
Patrick, 11, is taking at least
four of his ant farms to the
challenge’s evening adventures
event, where people will be able
to see them being fed.
Species will include parrot
ants, big headed ants, Suchier's
meat ant and the white footed
house ant.
“I first started becoming interested
in ants about five years
ago after watching some videos
on YouTube. Then I noticed
them crawling around in the
garden at home and started trying
to identify them using the
iNaturalist app,” he said.
Now he wants to be an entomologist
and always carries test
tubes when he is out and about,
just in case he comes across
a species he does not already
have.
His most exciting discovery so
far was being the first person to
identify the Sydney mono ant in
the South Island, in August last
year.
“The species is now listed in
the New Zealand Arthropod Collection,
with his name as finding
it,” said Sandra, Patrick’s mum.
The public is invited to Avonside’s
Climate Action Campus
and the surrounding red zone
land to see Patrick’s ants and
find out what biodiversity they
can discover at night-time.
Scientists and experts will be
on hand to help identify what’s
found.
Other fun activities arranged
for the evening adventure
include rock painting, light traps
being set up to catch night flyers,
a tour of the butterfly gardens
and a scavenger hunt.
Christchurch people have
really got behind previous
challenges.
In 2024, there was a largescale
effort to put the city on the
international biodiversity map.
More than 20,000 nature
observations saw Christchurch
place 26th out of 690 cities,
beating the likes of Los Angeles,
starnews.co.nz
starnews.co.nz
starnews.co.nz
Patrick Rayen will be bringing his ant farms to the City Nature Challenge’s evening adventures event , giving the public an
opportunity to see the insects being fed.
PHOTO: CCC
Melbourne and Wellington.
Last year the number of nature
observations rose to more than
25,000, placing Christchurch 27th
out of 669 cities, with a grand total
of 3.3 million observations made
worldwide.
WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON
— WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN
TO YOUR HOME'S VALUE?
CALEB GRIFFIOEN
0276 370 231
WWW.GRIFF.REALESTATE
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HOLLY JONES
R a y W h i t e N o . 1 I n t e r n a t i o n a l l y
F o r N u m b e r o f S a l e s 2 0 1 9 t o 2 0 2 5
027 222 0220 | holly.jones@raywhite.com

The Star, April 16, 2026
starnews.co.nz
Colour, culture give new life to bare
Artist Kophie Su’a-Hulsbosch
has transformed a blank twostorey
concrete wall in Linwood
Village into a vibrant new
community talking point.
The large-scale mural has
been created as part of the
city council’s
Enliven Places
Programme, with
a strong focus
on reflecting the
stories, identity
and aspirations
of the local
community.
Su’a-Hulsbosch
said ideas were
gathered during
a community
Kophie
Su’a-Hulsbosch
drop-in session held in March.
“People spoke about wanting
to see the diversity of the
neighbourhood reflected,
along with more greenspace,
references to the red zone,
native birds, local shops, and a
sense of hope for the future,”
she said.
“There was a strong desire to
focus on what’s growing now
rather than what’s been lost, to
show strength in community
and to create something
positive, vibrant, and uplifting
that encourages new ideas and
embraces change.”
The mural features native
plants found in the red zone
such as kōwhai and cabbage
trees, alongside foraging
opportunities such as lemon
trees.
The Ōtākaro Avon River
“People spoke about
wanting to see the
diversity of the
neighbourhood reflected,
along with more
greenspace, references
to the red zone, native
birds, local shops, and
a sense of hope for the
future.”
Kophie Su’a-Hulsbosch
runs through the centre of the
artwork, acknowledging its
history as a māhinga kai site for
local rūnanga and its ongoing
importance to the community.
Three local figures are also
featured, celebrating everyday
people from the neighbourhood
— primary school teacher
Lucinda Ferguson, tradie Jeff
Su’a, and Moana Vā general
manager Lana Shields, who
has worked across a range
of community organisations
including the City Mission.
“The mural is designed to
resemble cloth, layered and
woven together and reflecting
how different cultures, stories,
and people come together to
form the vibrant community
of Linwood Village,” Su’a-
Hulsbosch said.
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starnews.co.nz The Star, April 16, 2026
Linwood wall
Cultural elements are woven
throughout, including Pacific
patterns found in fabric at local
shops, alongside symbols such
as the Filipino sun and a lotus,
representing the diversity of
communities that call the area
home.
The mural complements a
2024 Enliven Places Programme
project at the adjacent 89
Stanmore Rd site, where a
temporary gathering space has
been created for community-led
events while the land awaits
future development.
City council head of planning
and consents Mark Stevenson
said the programme supports
projects that bring life to underused
spaces.
“Projects like this mural, the
adjoining activation space, recent
streetscape and Doris Lusk park
upgrades aim to help make locals
feel seen, proud of where they
live, and excited about what the
future of Linwood Village holds.”
A piece by artist Gwyn Hughes (above) will be auctioned off at the Art and Sculptural Exhibition. Right - I Used to Sleep at
Night by Ben Reid who was one of the guest artists at the 2024 exhibition.
Exhibition for a good cause
The mural features native plants found in the red zone, the Ōtākaro Avon River and
three everyday working people from the neighbourhood: Lucinda Ferguson, a primary
school teacher; Jeff Su’a, a tradie; and Lana Shields, general manager at Moana Vā plus
cultural elements throughout reflecting the diversity of Linwood Village. PHOTOS: CCC
Not-for-profit organisation,
Hōhepa Canterbury, will hold
its biennial Art and Sculptural
Exhibition next month.
The exhibition and auction
will include artwork and pieces
from over 50 established and
up-and-coming New Zealand
artists, including Renata Przynoga
and Gwyn Hughes, along
with work by Hōhepa residents.
The exhibition is one of
the main fundraisers for
Hōhepa Canterbury, which
supports adults living with an
intellectual disability.
A VIP preview night for serious
art buyers will be held on
May 22 from 7-9pm, while the
exhibition will run from May
23-24 at 23 Barrington St.
The VIP event will include
bubbles, live music, live
painting and a key piece by
Hughes will be auctioned off.
Tickets can be purchased at
hōhepaART.com
Hughes will also be doing live
painting shows on the exhibition
days from 10am to noon
and 1.30-3.30pm.
The proceeds from the exhibition
will go to Hōhepa Wellness
and Community Participation
Programmes.
“And the more money is
raised, the more opportunity
we have to support our
people,” a Hōhepa Canterbury
spokesperson said.
​Hōhepa Canterbury supports
a vibrant community of people
with intellectual disabilities.
“Our quality, innovative
services encourage them to
live fully engaged lives. We
see disability as something
you have, not something you
are. So we hope this exhibition
will become part of the
Christchurch art calendar, as
well as a unique opportunity to
give people with a disability a
voice and the chance to exhibit
work alongside established
artists.”
At the 2024 exhibition, more
than $45,000 in art was sold,
showing the incredible quality
of work on display.
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With fuel prices climbing and
uncertainty in the Middle East,
a lot of people are asking what
this means for property.
History offers some
reassurance. During the oil
shocks of the 1970s, New
Zealand saw serious inflation
and mortgage rates climb into
the high teens. Property
values didn't collapse. People
moved into hard assets
precisely because everything
else felt uncertain — land and
bricks held their value when
paper didn't.
What's different this time is
that central banks have
become more sophisticated.
Fuel-driven inflation is a
supply shock, not an
overheating economy. Hiking
rates doesn't make oil
cheaper, and there's growing
recognition that blunt rate
increases in response to
supply-side inflation can do
more harm than good. If the
RBNZ takes that view,
borrowing costs may not spike
the way people fear.
The headlines will be noisy.
But for Christchurch buyers
and sellers, the underlying
conditions look more stable
than the news cycle suggests.
If you're thinking about selling,
let's talk.
CALEB GRIFFIOEN
027 637 0231
caleb@griffioen.nz
griffioen.nz
BOOK ONLINE TODAY
WWW.RICHMONDVILLAGE.DENTAL

The Star, April 16, 2026
starnews.co.nz
MG takes aim at rivals with big, bold QS
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
Among the latest in a seemingly
endless stream of new
models from MG is the QS – a
large, affordable seven-seat
SUV aimed at making a big
impression with buyers here.
The company is backing its
ambitions with equally sizeable
models, including the QS and
the recently launched U9 ute,
based on the LDV Terron.
Both MG and LDV are owned
by Chinese automotive giant
Shanghai Automotive, an
aggressive player determined
to establish credibility in this
competitive segment.
MG has a lot riding on the
success of both the U9 and QS,
with the latter likely to have
broader appeal thanks to its
strong value proposition.
Sharp modern styling, a
long list of features, and the
reassurance of a seven-year,
unlimited-kilometre warranty
make it a compelling package.
Key highlights of the QS
include contemporary styling
– though not entirely original,
and at times a little generic
– along with a suite of new
technology that will tempt
many buyers. Its biggest
drawcard, however, is price.
The range starts at $49,990
for the front-wheel-drive
Excite, with a $6000 step up
to the flagship all-wheel-drive
Essence.
The test vehicle was the AWD
Essence, making it well suited to
outdoor lifestyles. However, with
just 180mm of ground clearance,
off-road ability is limited if
you value the condition of the
underbody.
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre
turbocharged engine producing
153kW and 360Nm, delivering
solid low-speed pulling power.
That said, it faces a tough task
moving a vehicle of this size,
with the QS tipping the scales at
around 2000kg.
Off the line, acceleration
is reasonably brisk, but
performance tapers off through
the mid-range. On hills, especially
when fully loaded, the engine
can feel strained and short on
sustained punch.
On the open road, the QS is
generally smooth and refined,
with minimal intrusion from
engine, wind, or road noise.
Overall, though, the powertrain
lacks the outright urge needed
to move such a large SUV with
real authority. A modern ninespeed
automatic helps, offering
mostly clean and efficient shifts,
although not always with the
same level of smoothness as some
rivals.
Reinforcing its value credentials
is a generous list of standard
features, including automatic
LED headlights, striking 21-inch
alloy wheels, and a 12.3-inch dualscreen
infotainment setup with
Android Auto.
Rating out of 10: Performance 6, Handling 7, Build Quality 7, Comfort 7,
Space 8, Styling 7, Value for money 8
Five Star 2024 ANCAP crash rating
Fuel Economy, on road test average consumption: 9.4L/100km,
Price: $55,990
Overall points out of 10: 7.5
A 360-degree camera provides
excellent visibility, while Apple
CarPlay, built-in navigation, and
wireless charging round out a
well-equipped interior.
The QS ticks most of the ride
and handling boxes, feeling
composed and confident in
typical driving conditions.
It handles New Zealand’s
varied roads well, although it
begins to lose composure at the
extremes.
Over rough gravel and
corrugated rural surfaces, the
ride can become unsettled,
struggling to absorb highfrequency
bumps.
Body roll under pressure is
present but acceptable, aided
by an effective and responsive
AWD system that is well suited
to New Zealand’s varied driving
conditions.
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starnews.co.nz The Star, April 16, 2026
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The Star, April 16, 2026
starnews.co.nz
Better after a short stay in the fridge
Fresh is not always best.
A vegetable soup and a
chocolatey, nutty ricotta
dessert are overnight
sensations that taste even
better the next day, reckons
Nigel Slater
AUTUMN VEGETABLE SOUP
WITH ORZO
A humble, good-natured soup.
Swap vegetables as the need
takes you. Carrots instead of
swede; courgettes for butternut;
a leek in place of onion.
Ingredients
Serves 6
1 medium onion
200g swede
1 celery rib
3 tbsp olive oil
300g butternut squash or
pumpkin
1 tsp rosemary leaves
4 cloves garlic
10 sprigs thyme
3 large tomatoes
80ml white wine
1 litre vegetable stock
250g green beans
80g orzo
Method
• Peel the onion and swede.
Cut them and the celery into
small dice. Warm the olive oil
in a deep heavy-based pan over
a moderate heat, then add the
chopped vegetables, stirring
them to coat with oil.
• Peel the pumpkin or
butternut, discard the seeds and
fibres, then cut into small dice
and add to the pan.
• Peel and finely slice the
garlic. Finely chop the rosemary,
add to the pan with the garlic,
a pinch of salt and the sprigs of
thyme, then leave to cook for 5
minutes, stirring regularly.
• Chop the tomatoes into small
pieces (discard the seeds if you
wish, but I prefer not to) then
add to the pan, with the white
wine. Pour in the stock, lower
the heat so the soup simmers
gently, then partially cover with
a lid and leave to cook for 30
minutes until the swede and
pumpkin are soft enough to
crush easily between your finger
and thumb.
• Cut the green beans into
short lengths (about 2cm) then
add to the pan, with the orzo.
• Turn the heat up and leave
to cook for 10 minutes until the
pasta is tender and almost soft.
• Check the seasoning – you
will need pepper and a little salt
– and serve.
​RICOTTA WITH AMARETTI AND
CRYSTALLISED FRUIT
Don’t feel obliged to hunt out
hazelnut chocolate, but I do
think the tiny nibs of roasted
hazelnut contribute to the
texture.
Ingredients
Serves 6
250ml cream
250ml ricotta
80g crisp amaretti
80g crystallised orange and
citron peel
70g crystallised cherries
100g hazelnut chocolate
For the chocolate decoration:
100g dark chocolate
2 tbsp crystallised orange peel
4 tbsp flaked almonds
Method
• In a chilled bowl, whip the
cream until thick. Stop beating
when it is thick enough to sit in
soft mounds.
• Add the ricotta to the bowl.
Crumble the amaretti into
large, rough pieces and add to
the cream.
• Cut the crystallised peel and
cherries into small dice, then
add to the bowl, folding the
cream, ricotta, amaretti crumbs
and fruit together. Take care
not to over-mix.
• Place a mixing bowl over
a small pan of simmering
water, then break the hazelnut
chocolate into the bowl, and
leave to melt, without stirring.
• When the chocolate is
liquid, remove from the heat,
then fold briefly and gently into
the amaretti cream, leaving
ribbons of chocolate running
through the cream.
• Cover the bowl with
clingfilm and refrigerate for
at least 2 hours or, better still,
overnight.
• Melt the chocolate for the
decoration as before. Pour on
to a lightly oiled tray. Scatter
over the chopped candied peel
and almonds. Leave in the
fridge until the chocolate has
set crisp then break into shards
and serve with the amaretti
cream.
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starnews.co.nz The Star, April 16, 2026
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The Star, April 16, 2026
starnews.co.nz
CHRISTCHURCH
CREMATORIUM
FUNERALS
CROSSWORD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9
10 11
12 13 14 15
16
17 18
19
20 21 22 23 24
25 26
446
SUDOKU
Every row, column and box should
contain the digits 1 to 9.
WordBuilder
WORDBUILDER
R G E
L A G
6
346 346
L A G
How many words of three or more
letters, including plurals, can you make
How many words of three or more letters,
including plurals, can you make from the six
letters, using each letter only once? No foreign
How from
words many the
or words six
beginning
letters, of three using
with or more a capital
each letters, are
only
allowed. There's at least one six-letter word.
including once? plurals, can you make from the six
TODAY
letters, No Good words using 16 each beginning Very letter Good only 22 with once? Excellent a capital No 28 foreign are
words Solution or words 345: ana, beginning ani, ant, anti, with apian, a capital apt, inapt, are
allowed.
nap, napa, nip,
There’s
nit, pain,
at
paint,
least
pan, pant,
one
pat,
six-letter
allowed. There's at least one six-letter word.
word. PATINA, pin, PIÑATA, pint, pit, pita, tai, TAIPAN, tan,
tap, tapa, tin, tip. TODAY
Good 16 Very Good 22 Excellent 28
Solution 345: 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.
27 28
29 30
31 32
33 34
Across
1. Ship’s cable (6)
5. Dig up (6)
10. Regarding, in connection with (7)
11. Probity (7)
12. Longs for (6)
15. Thin layer or sheen (6)
16. Ruler (7)
17. Coarse file (4)
18. Overcome (4)
19. Law (7)
20. Loot (4)
22. Likelihood (4)
25. Degenerate (7)
27. Rouse (6)
28. Outburst (6)
31. Deliberately vague (7)
32. Prominent (7)
33. Accentuate (6)
34. Threats or force (6)
Decoder
Down
2. Debts (7)
3. Lying face up (6)
4. Ascend (4)
5. Reverberation (4)
6. Building for aircraft (6)
7. Communication (7)
8. Attorney (6)
9. Dictator (6)
13. Besotted (7)
14. Relate to (7)
15. Sign (7)
20. Frightened (6)
21. Determined (7)
23. Muffles (7)
24. Scabbard (6)
25. Determine (6)
26. Rudder (6)
29. Wine sediment (4)
30. Employed (4)
Crossword
Across: 1. Hawser, 5. Exhume, 10. Apropos, 11. Honesty, 12. Yearns, 15.
Patina, 16. Emperor, 17. Rasp, 18. Best, 19. Statute, 20. Swag, 22. Odds,
25. Deviant, 27. Awaken, 28. Tirade, 31. Evasive, 32. Salient, 33. Stress,
34. Duress. Down: 2. Arrears, 3. Supine, 4. Rise, 5. Echo, 6. Hangar,
7. Missive, 8. Lawyer, 9. Tyrant, 13. Smitten, 14. Pertain, 15. Portent,
20. Scared, 21. Adamant, 23. Deadens, 24. Sheath, 25. Define, 26. Tiller,
29. Lees, 30. Used.
WordBuilder: Age, ale, are, ear, earl, egg, eggar, era, erg, gag, gage, gal,
gale, gar, GARGLE, gear, gel, glare, lag, lager, LAGGER, large, lea, leg,
rag, rage, rale, real, reg, regal.
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
CHRISTCHURCH
CREMATORIUM
FUNERALS