May 14_NORWEST

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Six pieces of art were sold for about $10,000 at the Coastguard Sumner Soiree and
Art Auction to help build a new slipway to launch the Blue Arrow Rescue boat.
PHOTOS: TONY BRUNT PHOTOGRAPHY
Coastguard slipway step closer to launch
The Star, January 23, 2025
BY KEES CHALMERS
An art auction and soirée
fundraiser to fix Coastguard
Sumner’s slipway has raised
about $20,000.
Rockfall and silt have built
up The at its Star, rescue January boat 23, slipway 2025
since the earthquakes, severely
limiting its ability to launch
the all-weather rescue vessel
Blue Arrow Rescue. The new
permanent slipway is estimated
to cost $800,000 to build.
The Coastguard Sumner
Soiree The Star, and January Art Auction 23, 2025 held
at the Sumner Bowling Club
last Thursday aimed to raise
awareness about the problem
and money to fix it.
The organisation also
received $60,000 in pledges
towards its ongoing operational
costs.
Said president Blair Quane:
“It was obviously extremely
satisfying to end up with that
sort of result from one evening's
do.
“We’re very thankful that we
could get the public support that
we did from the event and also
be able to raise awareness in
the community about the issue.”
Crew member Howard
Nicholls said it has not decided
how much of the $20,000 will go
towards the slipway project.
Former Olympic swimmer
Anna Simcic
hosted a Q&A at
the art auction
and soirée with
retired Paralympian
swimmer
Dame Sophie
Pascoe.
Quane said
the event sold
Anna Simcic
out with about
110 people attending. Six pieces
of art were sold for about
$10,000. The most expensive
piece by Anton Mogridge, titled
Rescue, depicting Coastguard
Sumner’s first rescue boat from
1898, which was
auctioned for
$3100.
The auction for
a ride on Blue
Arrow Rescue
also fetched
$1400.
Coastguard
Sumner is
Dame Sophie
looking to build
a permanent rail launching
starnews.co.nz
slipway system over the top of
the rock accumulation, enabling
the vessel to launch all of the
time. Coastguard New Zealand
is funding one-third of the
project’s overall cost.
Quane said it is aiming
to have the detailed starnews.co.nz
design
work finished by the end of the
month and is set to submit the
project’s resource consent this
week.
He said Coastguard Sumner
will continue to seek funding
through community grants and
business sponsorships, starnews.co.nz as well
as future events.
The Star, January 23, 2025
starnews.co.nz
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The Star, May 14, 2026
starnews.co.nz
Fight fails to save beloved post shop –
BY KEILLER MACDUFF
A post shop with a difference
is set to close as NZ Post moves
to shut more than 140 counters
around the country, devastating
customers who say it is vital
community hub.
Staff and volunteers at
Stanmore Book and Post in
Linwood had hoped for a
reprieve because of its unique
model and local support
but an appeal by customers,
businesses, community
organisations and politicians
has failed.
A post office has served the
area for more than 140 years,
with community development
organisation Te
Whare Roimata
taking the
business on in
2016 after an
earlier fight for
survival.
Co-ordinator
Jenny Smith
said the trust
appointed
Jenny Smith
two parttime
staff, supported by
a team of volunteers, and
learned everything needed to
successfully manage the shop.
“There are a lot of isolated
people, so this is a place where
they come for connection,” she
said.
Smith said the closure was
a blow for an area that was
already under-served.
“It feels like an undermining
or a devaluing of the people
Stanmore Book and Post in Linwood is set to close as NZ Post moves to shut more than 140 counters around the country.
of this side of town. Many of
them are low socio-economic
neighbourhoods, but that still
means they have a right to
access, an increased right to
access, because it’s harder to
get to some of the services that
are very important to them,”
she said.
She felt there was inequity in
the way remaining post services
had been allocated.
“That whole assessment
model assumes people are able
to easily access these other sites
or have got reliable transport
to be able to do that and takes
no consideration of the terrain
or some of the other difficulties,
such as a very high number of
people with disabilities,” she
said.
NZ Post said commercial
returns and the social impact of
counter closures were important
factors in the company’s
decision-making.
“It feels like an
undermining or a
devaluing of the people
of this side of town.”
Jenny Smith
According to Census data, Central
Christchurch and Linwood
West are among the city’s most
socio-economically deprived
areas.
StatsNZ data shows lower
incomes, higher unemployment,
poorer health outcomes, higher
disability rates and lower digital
and car access than the city
average.
Smith said some people
needed help to complete
transactions, deal with government
agencies, advice on
other community resources or
companionship.
“Many just drop in to be able
to say hello, come and spend a
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starnews.co.nz The Star, May 14, 2026
'It’s much more than a postal service’
time, have a cuppa with us, take
note of the books we provide
and a whole range of community
information,” she said.
Team leader Janine Carney
was a trust social worker when
she took on the role.
She was able to link people
with help by listening to their
stories and building a rapport,
combined with her knowledge
of the neighbourhood and
support services.
“We’re all about this
community and within this
community there are groups
– some are having mental
health issues, some are having
poverty issues, some are having
recidivist crime issues, some
are having all of the above,” she
said.
“We deal with gang members,
we deal with people who are
very obviously mentally unwell
but we treat all of those people
as a human first.”
Carney acknowledged
changes in the way people
sent and received mail and the
steep drop in letters but said
there was still big business in
packages, with many of the fastgrowing
suburb’s small business
owners and online traders
frequent customers.
Postal Workers Union
spokesperson John Maynard
was also critical of the way NZ
Post had handled the process.
“NZ Post is required to exhibit
a sense of social responsibility
but we’re concerned it does
exactly the opposite. They make
a decision and then rely on
Team leader Janine Carney said Stanmore Book and Post was important for the
neighbourhood’s small business owners and online traders.
people to have to fight back to
keep their resources,” he said.
The union claimed the
company had repeatedly
approached cuts in the same
way and the lack of consultation
and communication was
eroding public confidence in the
postal service.
Local MP Reuben Davidson
said the closure would cause a
deep sense of loss.
“It’s much more than a postal
service. It’s a real connection
and a service for that
community, to send and receive
but also to build community
cohesion, which is and should
be a real priority,” he said.
Davidson said he had met
NZ Post and was
not convinced
the shop’s multifaceted
role was
factored into its
decision.
NZ Post
spokesperson
Sarah Sandoval
said all the
relevant
information was
Reuben
Davidson
considered and the company
had a dual mandate as a stateowned
enterprise.
“We absolutely need to
deliver a commercial return,
that’s absolutely clear,” she said.
“We need to consider the
social impact and do no social
harm. Obviously, absolutely,
that’s part of our decisionmaking
criteria when we’re
reviewing these things.”
Sandoval said there were
several other outlets in the
area, the closest of which was
two kilometres away, upstairs
at a local mall.
“We have one of the largest
retail networks right across
the country, larger than any
supermarket brand, and really
pride ourselves on the services
that we deliver,” she said.
“That doesn’t undermine
that this decision is a very,
very difficult one but we’re
absolutely committed to the
services and really proud
of what we provide for the
communities in New Zealand.”
Locals were passionate about
the post shop, including longtime
box-holder Dee Bagozzi
who planned to use a competing
service once the counter closed,
rather than face a drive or deal
with infrequent buses.
“It’s a really big
environmental issue and all the
older people that live around
here will be forced to drive,”
she said.
“I can’t understand how a
public utility can transform
itself into a hard-nosed
business.”
Noel West, 85, has had a post
box in Linwood since he moved
to Christchurch 50 years ago.
Since retiring, he said he was
more likely to sit and chat with
staff, mull the history of the
city’s post offices, “chew the
fat, put the world to right and
disagree at times”.
The alternative sites were
“miles out of his way”, and he
felt NZ Post would lose a lot of
business as a result of the move.
“They’re cutting their own
throat,” he said.
Business owner Fono Fili
used the shop as her delivery
address and to post and pick up
orders.
“We’d like to see them stay.
It’s very handy, they’re very
friendly, the service we receive
here is different from the
service I’ve received at any
other post shop,” she said.
Hilary Talbot, a former
volunteer and regular customer,
was clear about what Linwood
would lose when the doors
closed.
“A little bit of its heart.”
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The Star, May 14, 2026
starnews.co.nz
SPONSORED CONTENT
Infrastructure overhaul
project enters next phase
Preserving Christchurch’s
character, one home at a time
Christchurch’s housing landscape has
shifted significantly over the past decade.
Following the earthquakes, many
character homes were lost, replaced by
higher-density developments.
While necessary, this has left a gap
for those who value traditional design,
heritage, and architectural quality.
Christchurch-based team VILLA&CO
are taking a different approach. Rather
than clearing sites for new builds, they
focus on restoring character homes
and reworking existing properties
into spaces with genuine architectural
integrity.
Their philosophy is simple: Restoration
over demolition. By drawing
on traditional proportions, classic
materials and time-honoured design
principles, VILLA&CO create homes
that honour the past while supporting
modern living.
A standout example is Gillies House
on Champion St. Built in 1908 as a
retirement home for Inspector Gillies,
the property holds strong historical
significance.
When VILLA&CO took on the project,
the goal was to retain the essence of
the original home while rebuilding and
strengthening it for today.
The result is what they describe as a
“118-year-old new build” – a home that
feels authentic to its era, yet performs
like a new property.
The project was made possible by previous
owners Bill and Jane Demeter, who
were committed to seeing the home preserved
rather than demolished.
Their decision highlights a thoughtful
alternative for homeowners looking to
pass on their property while protecting
its legacy.
Through projects like Gillies House,
VILLA&CO are quietly establishing themselves
as guardians of Christchurch’s
character – proving that progress and
preservation can exist side-by-side.
• Discover how VILLA&CO are reimagining
Christchurch’s character homes at villaco.nz
A two-year programme to upgrade water
and roading infrastructure in the city’s
northwest is picking up momentum, with
three new projects getting under way this
month.
The first project is the replacement
of water supply pipes on a section of
Wairakei Rd between Breens Rd and
Woolridge Rd, which started late last
week.
Work to replace water supply pipes on
a 2km section of Harewood Rd, between
Harris Cres and the Breens/Gardiners Rd
intersection, will follow.
A third project, starting later this
month, will see the replacement of wastewater
pipes on Matsons Ave, Chapel St
and a section of Harewood Rd. The work
is being combined with installation of
new separated cycleway on Matsons Ave
and Harewood Rd, as part of the Nor’West
Arc and Wings to Wheels cycleways.
Water and wastewater pipes in several
northwest locations are reaching the
end of their service life and need replacing.
The Northwest programme, a major
project to co-ordinate upgrades of water
and roading infrastructure, started in
January.
“Replacing the water and roading infrastructure
in the northwest is one of the
biggest programmes of work the council
has on the go at the moment,” said city
council general manager city infrastructure
Brent Smith.
“The upgrades will ensure these essential
services continue to meet the needs of
our growing communities.
“We’ve carefully planned the projects
to reduce disruption, keep traffic flowing
and get out of the way as quickly as
possible.”
The city council is encouraging people
to plan ahead during the works period.
“Our website has details of the work
sites and traffic impacts. If you live, work
or travel through these areas, plan ahead
and expect delays.
Bus users should check the MetroInfo
website for information about detours
and stop closures.
“We know this kind of work is
disruptive and thank everyone for their
patience while we get the work done.”
PHOTO: CCC
Expect delays
Cranford Street
We’re putting in permanent peak-hour bus lanes
between Innes Road and Berwick Street.
Expect to see new bus lane cameras, road markings, signs and some
skid resistant paint.
Work will start on Monday 18 May and is expected to take 6 weeks.
We know road works are disruptive for you. We’ll work hard to
minimise disruption and keep traffic flowing.
Ngā mihi nui, thanks for your patience.
Find out more
ccc.govt.nz/cranford
INF8621 APR 2026

starnews.co.nz The Star, May 14, 2026
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Deadline Sale: All offers must be received by 2pm,
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Tuesday 26 May 2026 (unless sold prior).
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021 519 275
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021 198 9056
Scan QR code or visit:
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021 519 275
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021 198 9056
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The Star, May 14, 2026
starnews.co.nz
Mazda’s aging CX3
still competitive
Launched in 2015, Mazda’s CX-3
continues to defy its advancing
years. It remains a popular
choice among compact urban
SUV buyers, thanks to its smart
styling and excellent ride and
handling.
Its competitiveness this deep
into its model life reflects Mazda’s
strong focus on quality during
design and development. That
approach has helped position the
CX-3 as a market leader rather
than a follower, offering tangible
points of difference in one of
the toughest segments of the new
vehicle market.
This foundation has also helped
build a strong and loyal customer
base. Apart from some minor
mid-life fettling, the vehicle is
largely unchanged since arriving
here 11 years ago – a sign of how
complete the package was from
the outset.
That update brought a new
grille, revised tail lamp designs
and smarter alloy wheels. Mazda
also took the opportunity to give
the CX-3 the “silent” treatment,
reducing noise and vibration
through measures such as thicker
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
front and rear door panels, rear
door glass, and a denser cabin
headliner.
Seemingly small changes like
these can deliver meaningful
gains in refinement, and that is
certainly the case here.
The CX-3 range has been
streamlined from six models
at launch – with a choice of
1.5L turbo diesel or naturally
aspirated 2.0L petrol – to three
variants.
Prices start at $33,210 for the
GLX, while the mid-range GSX
tested here retails for $38,990.
At the top of the range, the
$42,190 SP20 adds enhanced
styling and additional standard
equipment.
​Under the bonnet is a 110kW
2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol
engine producing 195Nm of
torque at 2800rpm. Paired with
a six-speed automatic, this wellproven
powertrain is used across
all three models.
It’s hardly cutting-edge – there’s
no turbocharging or electrification
– and on paper its outputs
appear modest, reflected in a
0-100km/h time of 9.5 seconds.
​Rating out of 10: Performance 7, Handling 7, Build Quality 7, Comfort 7,
Passenger and Load Space 4, Safety 7, ANCAP crash rating – 5 Star
Fuel Economy: On road test average consumption 6.9L/100km
Price: $38,990
Overall points out of 10: 7
In practice, though, it’s a
capable all-rounder, with solid
pulling power through the low- to
mid-range. Mazda’s i-Stop fuelsaving
system is effective, if not
as smooth or well integrated as
some rivals.
​The six-speed automatic is well
matched to the vehicle, delivering
smooth and unobtrusive shifts
whether in urban driving or on
the open road. It goes about its
job with minimal fuss and rarely
puts a foot wrong.
Inside, the ergonomically
focused driver’s area is designed
to keep key controls within easy
reach. An Active Driving Display
projects essential information
into the driver’s line of sight.
The cabin itself has a classy
look and feel, with impressive
attention to detail and quality
materials in high-touch areas
lending a more premium finish.
​One of the biggest disappointments
is the overly snug cabin
compartment with limited rear
seat passenger space, especially
for those taller than average.
There isn’t exactly an
abundance of cargo hauling
capacity in the rear cargo hatch.
You can, with careful planning
and a bit of brute strength pack
in extra items such a smaller size
soft luggage bags.
Some compensation comes
in the form of a strong technology
offering. Mazda’s Human
Machine Interface (HMI) incorporates
the MZD Connect system,
featuring a 7-inch touchscreen
and rotary controller to manage
navigation, communication and
smartphone-linked apps.
Safety is another strength, with
the CX-3 boasting an impressive
suite of i-ACTIVSENSE technologies.
The GSX includes features
such as blind spot monitoring,
traffic sign recognition, smart city
brake support reverse and Mazda
radar cruise control, along with
high beam control to automatically
manage headlight dipping.
​As with most modern Mazda
passenger vehicles, the CX-3
delivers excellent road holding
and communicative steering,
allowing drivers to place the
vehicle precisely where they
want it.
This composure extends to
both sealed and gravel roads.
It’s a shame all-wheel drive is
no longer offered, as it would
suit New Zealand’s variable
conditions.
The suspension is tuned for
a more compliant ride, with
improved bump absorption and
reduced road noise, making it
better suited to poorer surfaces.
Now more than a decade into
its lifecycle, the CX-3 still deserves
its place among the leaders in the
small urban SUV segment.
It looks good, drives even
better, and remains well built
– qualities that continue to
attract buyers despite strong
competition from newer rivals.
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starnews.co.nz The Star, May 14, 2026
REAL ESTATE
178 Knowles Street, Saint Albans 3 1 2 1 2
www.harcourtsgold.co.nz | Listing #L39516677
Sun Soaked Single Story Living,
Prime Location
An impressive renovation has transformed home
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living spilling out to a north-facing terrace.
Enjoying the advantage of a 789m 2 section,
including mature trees and an expanse of lawn
for backyard sports, it doesn't get better than this
for classic Kiwi living.
A tiled entrance sets the tone for an exceptional
interior upgrade. A palette of soft, contemporary
neutrals, enhanced by eye-catching details, adds
the finishing touch to a floorplan that works
perfectly for easy living. The open-plan living
room is bright and spacious, with a sunny sitting
area where large bi-fold doors can be pushed
back to connect a sun-drenched terrace. The
dining area alongside flows to a stylish kitchen
where sleek cabinetry provides ample storage
and a breakfast bar invites casual socialising.
A generous sunroom opens to decking and a
well-kept lawn in the rear garden, ensuring great
options for entertaining whatever the weather.
The serene master bedroom looks out over
the front garden, while two more bedrooms
accommodate the family, all served by a smart
modern bathroom. A detached double garage
completes the package, all secured in fully fenced
grounds that are manicured to perfection.
Auction
Thursday 4th June 2026
from 10:00am (unless sold prior)
Gold Auction Rooms,
471 Papanui Road
Harrison Reid & Cameron Bailey
Licensed Sales Consultant REAA 2008
Harcourts gold Papanui
H: 021 248 8232 | C: 027 555 7079
harrison.reid@harcourtsgold.co.nz
cameron.bailey@harcourtsgold.co.nz
The Transformational Power of Gratitude
Gertrude Stein once said,
"Silent gratitude isn't much use
to anybody," and I'm given to
agree with this revered writer's
sentiments.
I’ve always been aware of the benefit of appreciation
and gratitude, but until recently, when I undertook
some research on the subject, I had never heard it
deemed a performance tool.
Hailing from the Latin word gratis, or ‘grateful’,
gratitude is much more than a soft, emotional or
optional state of being.
In fact, a body of work undertaken at Harvard
Medical School has identified that its strength spans
multiple fields.
Gratitude shifts attention neurologically. Our brains
have a built-in bias for threat, risk and problems
(some people’s more than others!), and gratitude
redirects attention to what’s working and what’s
been gained.
Some utilise journalling to double-down on this
benefit, recognising that the act of writing down what
you’re grateful for makes the invisible visible, whilst
also helping to build motivation and confidence.
I’ve been doing this for some time, especially at work,
where my antennae can get stuck in a repetitive
cycle of problems and worry. I can tell you, it’s a
challenging space and the uncertainty apparent in
the world right now doesn’t help.
Taking a few moments at the end of each day to
reconcile what’s been happening and give thanks
for the results or corresponding learnings has been
a gentle game changer. On every workday page of
my diary, I write in highlighter something that has
lifted the day’s burden, or my heart, and it never fails
to help.
Gratitude doesn’t just change your circumstances: it
changes the quality of your experience. Think about
the last time you opened a door for someone, gave
up your seat – yes, that still happens – purchased
something or dined out. All these experiences are
elevated if you mix in some gratitude.
This morning, I read a post on social media
whereby the writer had ventured into a specialty
shop to purchase a specific food item, asking
if they were still open. The answer was “only if
you’re spending $80” and the writer responded
by walking out. Now, manners or lack thereof
obviously come into this scenario, but the
complete lack of gratitude or interest in a
customer is a bad omen for any business and
given this occurred here in our own city, there’s
space for improvement.
Where gratitude is expressed as well as felt, it
strengthens and increases trust.
Everyone feels seen and valued, and it’s an
opportunity for the smallest gesture to provide one
of the greatest returns: in business, that’s loyalty.
Loyal clients, customers or guests return, refer
and stay through market shifts. They make faster
decisions, have less objections and remain open to
the relationship or product.
I try to express gratitude at every crossroad,
interaction, lesson and experience. I’m genuinely
grateful for everything in my life: my family and
friends, my ability to help others and to have
choices. I’ve worked hard for that, as have many of
the gracious and grateful people I know.
I think we could all make each other’s days just a little
bit kinder and our load a little lighter by engaging in
more gratitude, and there’s no time like now to get
started.
Lynette McFadden
Harcourts gold Business Owner
027 432 0447
lynette.mcfadden@harcourtsgold.co.nz
PAPANUI 352 6166 | INTERNATIONAL DIVISION (+64) 3 662 9811 | REDWOOD 352 0352 | PARKLANDS 383 0406 |
SPITFIRE SQUARE 662 9222 | STROWAN 351 0585 | GOLD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 352 6454 |
SPITFIRE SQUARE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 027 772 1188
GOLD REAL ESTATE GROUP LTD LICENSED AGENT REAA 2008 A MEMBER OF THE HARCOURTS GROUP
harcourtsgold.co.nz

The Star, May 14, 2026
starnews.co.nz
CROSSWORD
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9
10 11
12 13 14
15 16 17
18
19 20 21 22
450
SUDOKU
Every row, column and box should
contain the digits 1 to 9.
WordBuilder
WORDBUILDER
A O T
T P E
6
350 350
T P E
words of three or more letters,
How
including
many
plurals,
words
can you
of
make
three
from
or
the
more
six
letters, using including each letter plurals, only once? can No you foreign make
How words or beginning with a capital are
from many the words six letters, of three using or more each letters, only
allowed. There's at least one six-letter word.
including once? plurals, can you make from the six
TODAY
letters, Good using 14 each Very letter Good only 18 once? Excellent No 24 foreign
No words beginning with a capital are
words or words beginning with a capital are
allowed. Solution 349: There’s ale, alee, anele, at least ave, eel, one elan, six-letter
eve,
allowed. even, lane, There's lav, lave, at lea, least lean, one leave, six-letter LEAVEN, lee, word. lev,
word. leva, nave, navel, vale, TODAY van, vane, veal, vela, venal.
Good 14 Very Good 18 Excellent 24
Solution 349: ale, alee, anele, ave, eel, elan, eve,
even, lane, lav, lave, lea, lean, leave, LEAVEN, lee, lev,
leva, nave, navel, vale, van, vane, veal, vela, venal.
23 24
25 26
Across
7. Starving (8)
9. Racquet sport (6)
10. Demeanour (4)
11. Overstate (10)
12. Smoothly (music) (6)
14. Reprimand (8)
15. Code (6)
16. Elude (6)
19. Tedious (8)
21. Remorseful (6)
23. Restriction (10)
24. Spurn (4)
25. Syndicate (6)
26. Ragged, worn (8)
Decoder
Down
1. Deep gorge (6)
2. Zealous (4)
3. Solitary (8)
4. Mark of disgrace (6)
5. Curry favour (10)
6. Aversion (8)
8. Position (6)
13. Recognise with gratitude (10)
15. Vital (8)
17. Power (8)
18. Illustrate (6)
20. Prophet (6)
22. Loan shark (6)
24. Search (4)
Crossword
Across: 7. Ravenous, 9. Tennis, 10. Mien, 11. Exaggerate, 12. Legato, 14.
Chastise, 15. Cipher, 16. Escape, 19. Tiresome, 21. Rueful, 23. Limitation,
24. Shun, 25. Cartel, 26. Tattered.
Down: 1. Ravine, 2. Keen, 3. Lonesome, 4. Stigma, 5. Ingratiate, 6.
Distaste, 8. Stance, 13. Appreciate, 15. Critical, 17. Strength, 18. Depict,
20. Oracle, 22. Usurer, 24. Seek.
WordBuilder
Ape, apt, ate, atop, eat, eta, oat, opt, pat, pate, pea, peat, pet, poet, pot,
tap, tape, tat, tea, TEAPOT, teat, toe, top, tot, tote.
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