Ashburton Guardian

JAN 15 2022

WEEKEND

GUARDIAN

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courageous closure Personal and emotional. That’s how it was for Ashburton’s Shona McGrath, pictured with Will Downs, the man who saved her life after a devastating mountainbike accident left her paralysed from the chest down. “We’ll be friends for life,” McGrath said after returning to the crash site to reconnect with Downs on the STORY P14-15 anniversary of an incident that changed her life forever.

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SHOP smart SHOP loca

Anzco’s heart and soul is just right here Malcolm Hopwood

It’s a dynamic multinational company that’s trebled its workforce in less than 30 years and is now the fifth biggest exporter in New Zealand.

It employs 1100 staff comprising 16 nationalities and recorded a turnover of $1.6 billion in 2021.

You’d think it was based in Auckland or the Waikato. Perhaps it has a smaller off-site operation in Christchurch. But you’d be wrong.

Anzco Foods is based in Mid Canterbury, at Seafield, and it really is a local success story.

It’s the biggest private employer in Canterbury and its heart and soul is in the Ashburton District.

When you ask site manager, Darryl Mackenzie and lamb operations manager, Chris Hindson, what Anzco Foods does, they say: “We provide quality chilled and frozen beef and lamb product to the world market, exporting to more than 80 countries.”

To show their dedication to Mid

Canterbury, 95 per cent of their staff are local and they pour over $60 million in wages annually into this district.

“The culture of local people is quite unique,’’ Mackenzie said.

“They believe in what they’re doing and have respect for health and safety and for each other.’’

Mackenzie’s a local lad, who returned home from the North Island 18 months ago. He said Anzco gives opportunities to Mid Canterbury people to reach the highest levels of employment.

“The mainstay of Anzco’s operations is its people. I’m proud to return to their culture and values.”

Its largest site is at Seafield where it processes lamb and beef. Its rendering, fellmongery and casings plant is there with a cold storage and distribution centre, Ashcold, in Ashburton and a lamb slaughtering plant in Rakaia.

It processes 1.4 million lambs and 105,000 grass and grain-fed cattle from around the South Island at Seafield and Rakaia and 70 per cent of its staff work all year round.

Mackenzie and Hindson emphasise their commitment was to Mid Canterbury farmers and the business c o m m u n i t y.

They point to millions

of dollars paid to local farmers annually for stock and similar amounts to local businesses and tradies for trucking, contracting and maintenance.

“It’s an exceptionally big turnover for Mid Canterbury and New Zealand,’’ Mackenzie said.

“Ashburton has done well out of us.

“In turn, the local workforce is our business. If we didn’t have them, we’d be struggling.

“The calibre of the workforce here is exceptional and their stability is well above the average in the meat industry.”

Despite a challenging time during Covid-19, where the plant was run under strict Alert Level 2 protocols with the workforce remaining a metre apart, Mackenzie and Hindson predict a “strong and exciting future for Anzco” in Ashburton.

This year they want to contribute more to the community at a sporting, educational and philanthropic level.

They are working with a range of agencies such as Farming Families to support rural schools, E3 Gym to sponsor Gumboot Friday in March with funds allocated to Mike King’s suicide prevention foundation and Pacific Church fundraisers.

And they welcome the Ashburton Guardian’s shop smart, shop local campaign.

“We’re one of the cornerstones of Mid Canterbury’s economy in terms of the funding we generate and the jobs we provide.

“And our vision is to continue giving back to the community,” they said.

Left – Anzco Foods’ site manager Darryl Mackenzie (left) and lamb operations manager Chris Hindson proudly display the Ashburton Guardian’s shop smart, shop local poster. They’re right behind the community-boosting campaign.

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al MID CANTERBURY

Grateful to be a part of Mid Canty Daryl Holden Let’s call it the adrenalin buzz real estate agents enjoy when they sell a property to firsthome buyers.

It’s certainly one of the biggest kicks that successful Property Brokers’ agent Karen McRae gets since she got into the real estate selling game 17 years ago.

“I love my first-home buyers,’’ McRae said.

“Their excitement is contagious and just makes you smile and reminds you of how big a deal it is, even if they do scream in your ear when you tell them they’ve bought a house! There is one such buyer, who will know what I’m talking about.’’

Screamer buyer shall remain anonymous but, loud or not, it’s the people and the relationships McRae enjoys that also makes her job, well, not actually seem like a job at times.

“The trust people put in you also is very humbling. It doesn’t matter how big or small the house is, it’s still the same feeling. When clients have asked you for advice and you’ve come up with a plan and that plan works even better than you anticipated, that is also a great feeling.’’

It’s safe to assume that McRae has been humbled by that client trust factor thousands of times over since she got her real estate selling ticket in 2005. She’s made a name for herself in Ashburton as a respected go-to agent and she’s also an example of what happens when someone backs a local and gives them a chance. Because back in 2002, McRae was Ashburton Property Brokers’ receptionist before her potential to sell was spotted and an opportunity created.

“My boss at the time thought I’d be good at it. I was fortunate to join a team of very experienced salespeople, selling both urban and rural properties, and I’d like to thank them as they were happy to teach a newbie. I

Property Brokers’ agent Karen McRae: “We’re a big work family and all have same values and love doing our bit in the community.’’ learnt a lot from them.’’

So McRae got her chance and hasn’t looked back. That, in a roundabout sort of way, is one reason why she backs the Shop Smart, Shop Local campaign, which was as much about recognising and promoting opportunities for locals to shine, as it was about spending money in the local economy.

McRae knows for many businesses and families it was an important time for everyone to adopt that shop and love local approach.

“Over the past 18 months or so, with Covid and the revamp of the town centre, which by the way looks amazing, the retail-

ers and some other businesses around town will have done it hard,’’ she said.

“So it’s even more important now to support them and other businesses in Mid Canterbury. Even if they are not locally owned, these businesses create employment and opportunities for Mid Cantabrians.’’

There’s no doubt that McRae deeply cares about her town and the wider Canterbury area.

Her boys live just up the road in Rolleston, with Cam following in her real estate footsteps by also working for Property Brokers and he’s getting married next month.

Her mother still lives in Ash-

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burton and a regular coffee catch-up with mum, and an aunty, remains one of her favourite times.

“Other than that, I’m a bit boring. Work takes up a lot of my time.’’

McRae’s certainly no clock watcher and works as long as it takes on behalf of her customers. But somehow, she still manages to step into volunteer mode for the Cancer Society, which included helping run the Relay for Life annual fundraiser.

Possibly more importantly, though, McRae also drives Ashburton cancer patients to Christchurch for treatment when she can, saying it’s “nice

to do something for people’’.

“There are some people out there battling with the awful disease and I know first-hand how it feels to have someone helping out. I lost my dad to cancer nearly 18 years ago. It just seems like yesterday.’’

For McRae, it’s simply about giving something back to a town and community that gave her a chance to shine and has supported her ever since. And that, she says, is what she loves about Property Brokers where the synergy was obvious.

“We’re a big work family and all have the same values and love doing our bit in the community.’’

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SHOP smart SHOP local MID CANTERBURY Community spirit alive and well THRIVING COMMUNITIES

Daryl Holden It’s not the usual thing a male reporter would ask a woman in an interview, but I couldn’t help myself.

I didn’t even care we were in full public view. I just had to have a closer look at Emma Timmis’ feet.

So I knelt down to check for the obvious signs – blisters, swelling, missing toenails, hobbit-like deformities that may have given her a genetic edge even. But nothing. Hardly a thing to be seen through her recovery jandals as we chatted in Ashburton.

Well, nothing visually obvious to suggest that Timmis last week somehow completed a scarcely believable length of New Zealand run in just 21 days, setting a new Guiness World Record and obliterating the previous mark by a whopping 14 days for running from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

The Kaiapoi-based artist, originally from England, clocked up a tick over 100km a day, beginning each day between 4.30am and 5.30am and finishing by about seven each night. To put it simply, she ran about two-and-a-half marathons each day for 21 days in a row, ending at the Stirling Point signpost in Bluff just before midnight last Friday.

For someone who struggles to run to the dairy, that really is mind boggling but, incredibly, Timmis does not feel achy and stiff.

She has what she calls a “hole’’ at the bottom of her right foot and a tendon or ligament issue on the same leg but that’s it, apart from some swelling.

Running on the camber and shoulder of roads contributed to her right leg injuries, but it’s that lack of achiness and stiffness that’s meant her incredible feat hasn’t really sunk in.

“I kind of don’t feel like I have done a lot of running,’’ she said in Ashburton in a stopover on her return home, but this time by campervan with partner Tristan Phipps.

“I just feel like someone who has been battered, that I have been in a fight or something because I’ve got specific inju-

World champion long distance runner Emma Timmis in Ashburton: “The main thing that was really beautiful about the whole journey was just the community spirit.’’ ries that hurt. I feel like I have been kicked around but I don’t feel achy. It is a really weird sensation.’’

The whole run had that weird feel to it because, well, it’s hardly a normal thing to do.

But at no stage did Timmis ever feel like she had lost control of her senses and was blindly running to break the record and meet her mental health fundraising obligations.

Her vast endurance running experience – she started when she was 12 – meant the 37-year-old knew what her body could handle.

It certainly wasn’t the first time the Derby-born athlete had challenged herself physically. In 2015, she and a friend roller-skated across the Netherlands.

A year earlier, she ran across Africa – the 3974km distance equivalent to 94 marathons – in just 89 days. Before that, she became the first woman to

run the 2400km Freedom Trail across South Africa in 2011.

Still, even with that background, she remained conscious of not running her body into the State Highway 1 bitumen.

“Obviously if I was pushing myself so much that I could have had long-term damage to my body, then I would have stopped,’’ she said.

“I am sure the whole of New Zealand would have understood that.

“But there was a huge amount of pressure, especially once people had donated to your charities and they showed they believed in you.’’

Hundreds have shown their support by donating to her mental health awareness causes, Youthline in New Zealand and Young Minds in the United Kingdom.

Mental health remained very close and personal to Timmis, who went through her own de-

PASSIONATE ABOUT FOOD?

pression challenges for three years when she thought her running days were over because of a leg injury.

Timmis had a fundraising target of $21,000 and had already bettered that, with more proceeds to come through an auction of running gear and accessories.

But, right now, it was all about rest and seeking ratification that her mark of 20 days, 17 hours and 17 minutes had been accepted by Guinness World Records.

Timmis has to submit videos and photos of the run, GPS tracking details and receipts of things she bought on the trek to prove she was in towns and cities. And after that? More running maybe?

Cue laughter. And lots of it.

“Ah, no running.

“Not just yet,’’ she said showing her common sense, if not her feet, was certainly in one piece.

Community spirit is alive and well. Everywhere.

So says champion long distance runner Emma Timmis, who gave the thumbs up to the communityboosting shop and love local message that Ashburton has been promoting in the past three months.

Timmis, in a quick stopover in Ashburton this week after running the length of New Zealand in a new world record of just 21 days, loved the Guardian’s community-boosting promotion. She saw many signs of thriving communities during her run.

“The main thing that was really beautiful about the whole journey was just the community spirit,’ she said, hoping that continued and grew as it was in Ashburton.

Timmis’ key running support person, partner Tristan Phipps, agreed.

“This was more than just running,’’ Phipps said.

“It was about people in communities helping each other out.

“There are nice people out there. We need to remember that. All communities need to remember that.’’

NEWS 5

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Eastfield Health Walk-in Covid Vaccination Clinics at the former Noel Leeming shop, opposite Briscoes ► Children between 5 and 11 years of age can get their vaccine from Monday, January 17. We prefer if children have a booked appointment – see details below on how to make a booking. ► Everyone 18 years of age and over can get their booster shot at least 4 months after their second dose.

Katherine Wakelin, 10, patting puppy Mishka, who will be at the EA Network and Southern Huskies NZ’s The Antarctic Experience event on Wednesday.

PHOTO MADDISON GOURLAY 110122-MG-001

Husky Theia was rapt with all the attention from young children coming out of the centre’s pool on Tuesday.

An ‘invasion’ of the happy huskies Maddison Gourlay In the middle of summer the EA Networks Centre is offering an Antarctic experience.

EA Networks Centre has partnered up with Southern Huskies NZ to hold a school holiday event that will have seven highly trained huskies on site to teach children how to interact properly with the canines and about their role in Antarctica.

“We are all about developing and understanding the dogs and helping other people do the same,” Southern Huskies NZ owner Joe Murray said.

“We work closely with the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, teaching people all about how dogs are used in the Antarctic.

“But we are also there to provide an education platform for adults and children covering all aspects of huskies, we teach people young and hold how to pat them and respect them.”

Joe and his wife Lori run Southern Huskies NZ and have been in the industry for 30 years. They have seven huskies at their home in Rolleston.

On Tuesday they came to set up the EA Networks Centre for the event and were greeted by plenty of children from the facility visiting on school holidays.

The Antarctic Experience will take place on Wednesday, with a session in the morning and a second in the afternoon.

The first session costs $20 per child and requires supervision, the second session is $30 per child and has a drop-off available.

The age limit for the event is 5 to 14-yearsolds, and spaces in each session are limited so bookings are required through the EA Networks Centre.

Clinic opening hours: Saturday,

January 15

10am – 3.30pm

Monday,

January 17

2pm – 5.30pm

Tuesday,

January 18

2pm – 5.30pm

Wednesday,

January 19

2pm – 7.30pm

Thursday,

January 20

2pm – 5.30pm

Friday,

January 21

2pm – 5.30pm

Saturday,

January 22

10am – 3.30pm

Monday,

January 24

2pm – 5.30pm

Tuesday,

January 25

2pm – 5.30pm

Wednesday,

January 26

2pm – 7.30pm

Thursday,

January 27

2pm – 5.30pm

Friday,

January 28

2pm – 5.30pm

Saturday,

January 29

10am – 3.30pm

To book online after January 17 go to:

www.bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz or to book over the phone call 0800 28 29 26

6 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Swim team utilises ‘closed’ pools Left – The sign at the entrance to the EA Network Centre says pools closed, confusing members of the public as to why a Christchurch-based swim club has been using the pools.

Jonathan Leask A Christchurch swim club has been enjoying the water at EA Networks Centre this week, while locals have been locked out.

The aquatic centre has been closed to the public for scheduled maintenance since January 10 and is scheduled to reopen on January 31.

However, Christchurch-based Jasi Swim Club has held a training camp at the pools this week while locals have had to head over to the Tinwald Pool.

While the pools have been shut, the gymnasium and stadium have remained open for use, leaving members of the public curious as to why swimmers were having access to the pools despite the closed signs at the door.

Ashburton District Council community services group manager, Steve Fabish, said that the Jasi Swim Club has a long-standing relationship with EA Networks Centre and books in January every year.

“We were able to work with the

swim club to ensure that they were thoroughly inducted to be in the pool space, although contractors were completing main-

tenance,” he said.

“We have worked with the swim club to swim in the specific hours that other pools could be

worked on, leaving the main pool maintenance to be commenced as soon as the swimmers completed their swim.”

They have been are not able to use the pool changing rooms as these are fully under construction, with flooring removed, painting and the showers upgraded.

Throughout this week, Fabish said the main, learners, leisure and hydrotherapy pools have had maintenance completed including rebuilding the circulation pumps, upgrading the UV, and filtration systems and replacing tiles.

“We would not be able to open the pool to customers with the ongoing construction and the closed changing rooms.

“We originally looked at a maintenance schedule which would have allowed some of the pools at the EA Networks Centre to remain open with barrier walls, reduced hours, commencing work at night and bringing in portacoms for changing space.

“However, out-of-hours contractors and portacoms were unavailable.”

While it is the first major pool closure for several years, Fabish said securing all the needed contractors during a time that other pools in the district were open provided alternative options and he thanked the community for its patience during the planned maintenance period.

Ashburton Swim Club president Anne Tait had no issues with Jasi having access to the pool.

“I don’t have a problem with it, but I suppose some people will, which I can understand,” Tait said.

The Ashburton swimmers were enjoying the change of scenery for their summer training at the outdoor Tinwald setting, she said.

“Our coaches are happy and the swimmers are as they keep turning up.”

The Tinwald outdoor pool has been opened for lane swimmers from 8am until 9.30am daily, while the swim school holiday programme and the Ashburton Swim Club have been using it from 9.30am to 12.30pm, and then it opens to the public until 8pm, with plenty of people make the most of the later closing time.

Work resumes on Walnut Avenue upgrades Contractors resumed work on the Walnut Ave upgrade project on Tuesday.

Fulton Hogan had shut down work on December 22 and resumed this week working to complete the new stormwater basins, installing the traffic signal ducting across West Street, and continuing to construct the footpaths and wider pavement areas.

From February, they will begin pavement construction on East and West streets and begin installing the traffic lights.

The project, which started in August, is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

As well as installing traffic lights at the intersection with State Highway 1 and Walnut Ave, SH1 West Street will be widened to allow for turning lanes.

Lights will also be installed at the East Street and Walnut Ave with turning bays added.

The other major roading pro-

ject on SH1 in Tinwlad is still earmarked to start next year.

A Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency spokesperson said over

the next year, the project team will be working with Ashburton District Council and KiwiRail to develop the detailed design for

the project.

“We expect to complete this phase either at the end of the year or early next year.”

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Above – Congestion mayhem: Life at the intersection of Walnut Avenue and West Street.

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

7

8 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

December 2021 At the end of each year, Guardian staff choose the best of the year’s photos to share with you all and reminisce.

Zelda Sandys on her final day as watchhouse officer as she retired after three decades of being the public face of Ashburton’s police station.

Above – Methven resident Mark Harris and Ashburton deputy mayor Liz McMillan were pleading with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to urgently review the speed limit of a portion of State Highway 77 north of Methven.

Below – Sandra Curd received the Olive Craig award for “long and outstanding service to Rural Women.

One of the Ashburton Guardian’s identities, Joyce Bingham, retired after 22 years as distribution administrator.

A customer at Ashburton’s Somerset Grocer has their vaccination pass verified by an employee after the new Covid traffic light system came into effect.

Methven’s Garage Gym owner Anna Johnson said her business would pull through despite the latest setback of the vaccination mandate through the Covid-19 traffic light system which had her lose a third of the members.

NEWS 9

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

The tables have turned Alumni of Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School are now teaching the kids a thing or two

M

id Canterbury’s Megan Wilson is back where it all began this week.

She is currently down from Auckland as the guest tutor at the Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School, which is producing its 22nd show.

A former cast member in the singing school shows in her youth, Wilson said she has loved being involved with this year’s performance of Retro, Rock and Revival at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre.

“It is so nice being back here,” she said.

“And it is so nice to be here at the Event Centre, I remember performing at the opening night in 2008.”

Wilson is enjoying being home in Ashburton, and was excited to be helping her old singing teacher, teach young minds.

“This is my first year being on the other side of the show.

“The alumni are sharing the role of helping Jo.” Now on the other side, she has high standards for the young performers but said they have surprised her this year.

“Usually it’s two days lines and two days dancing and putting it together on the Thursday and Friday.

“But we were started the danc-

Lauriston-born Megan Wilson (nee O’Reilly) is back on stage in Ashburton this week after making her mark in the Auckland theatre.

Guardian reporter Maddison Gourlay caught up with her.

By Maddison Gourlay es on Wednesday, even [event centre manager] Roger Farr said this is an exceptional group to be this far on a Wednesday.

“Roger has seen year after year of students come through.”

Wilson said she probably wasn’t one of the best of Jo’s students back in her singing lessons days at Mount Hutt College.

“I was very average.

“I was a terrible student for Jo, sometimes just not even showing up.”

But hard work, a passion for the craft, and an old workmate telling her acting was “just a hobby” were the motivation Wilson needed to prove them wrong.

Several years down the track Wilson knows her way around the stage, performing lead roles in various top production company musicals.

She moved to Auckland in

2011 and appeared in performances of Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story and Hair.

Then in 2017 she landed her first lead role as Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity, a

Above - Megan Wilson playing Hunyak in Chicago the Musical in July last year.

Left – In the We Will Rock You show, Megan Wilson played alongside legendary Kiwi singer Annie Crummer.

role which put her skills to the test, showcasing she was a triple threat – dancing, singing, and acting.

She then played Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street The Musical, a role that Wilson had “so much fun” playing.

She was excited for the show with all the tap-dancing numbers involved, but the part of Dorothy Brock was to play a past her prime Prima Donna, renowned for inability to dance.

Her most recent performance was in the broadway musical Chicago in Auckland last year.

Wilson was cast as Hunyak, a Hungarian immigrant accused of murder. Speaking Hungarian for the role was something Wilson took in her stride as a “good challenge”, she said.

In 2020, Wilson married fellow Mid Cantabrian performer, musician Adam Wilson, in early March right on the eve of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, which cancelled the couples overseas travel plans.

Now she is lining up her biggest role yet, and not the one she was originally cast for.

Megan and Adam are expecting their first child in June this year, trading guitars and microphones for formula and nappies for a while.

Due to the most recent Covid lockdown, Megan is not be able to continue in her role as Cossette in the Les Miserables, due to the date being rescheduled right when she is due to have her baby.

However, motherhood doesn’t mean the curtain has come down on her time on stage.

10

RantorRave

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

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OUR VIEW

Closure, after darkest of times F or vastly different reasons this has been an emotionally raw time of reflection for Ashburton’s Shona McGrath and Jason Alexander.

McGrath, left paralysed from the chest down after a mountainbike jump went so horribly wrong a year ago, and Alexander, forever reeling after his teenage daughters were killed in a horror car crash.

Fortunately, closure of sorts has recently come for them both.

McGrath showed undeniable courage to return to the crash site on the anniversary of the life-changing incident to provide what she called a “sense of peace’’.

She’d never been back to the Adventure Park site in Christchurch.

She’d never properly met the

Sunmara, an Ashburton College student, died later in hospital on her 16th birthday.

Sunmara succumbed to extensive burns after the car’s fuel tank ruptured and the battle to save her had meant multiple amputations due to infections. man who kept her alive.

A third passenger survived, but That man, Will Downs, just with life-long happened to be injuries.

McGrath showed undeniable courage to return a medic riding In court on his mountainWednesday, to the crash site on the anniversary of the lifebike immeditheir dad was changing incident to provide what she called a ately behind the first of McGrath when five people to “sense of peace’’. he saw the crash read victim and took control impact stateof the situation. ments.

A bike-riding angel from God? And his statement to the driver tenced to more than two years in Perhaps. prison in Christchurch this week. said it all.

He certainly was to McGrath.

“I’ve had over two years to Tayla Alexander, 17, died at “He kept me alive until the think what to say to you … I the scene of the fiery crash on patrol arrived 14 minutes later,’’ could and would forgive you if Summit Road in Christchurch McGrath said. this was just an accident … but in November, 2019, while sister

Daryl Holden

“

“He saved my life.’’

For Alexander, no lives could be saved, but at least he got to see some form of justice dished out.

That happened when a young man, who admitted speeding before a car crash that killed his two teenage daughters, was sen-

this was an act of pure stupidity.”

Pure stupidity.

That cost two lives.

Two teenage sisters.

Gone.

Now a dad is left to pick up the pieces to try and keep going.

A dad who won’t celebrate his girls turning 21.

A dad who won’t be able to walk down the aisle with them on their wedding days.

“This has ripped my entire world apart,’’ he said.

A world that, somehow, must go on, and it will do in time for both McGrath and Alexander, whose bravery and courage has to be admired.

We can learn a lot by how they both reacted and the strength they showed in the darkest of times imaginable.

Kia kaha (stay strong) to them both.

TAKING ISSUE 11

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Genes, luck and hope Peter McQuarters

Is our future written somewhere in the stars?

PETE’S PERSPECTIVE

H

appy New Year and well done you, . . you’ve made it into 2022.

Christmas, among other things, tells us to start to apply the brakes as we prepare for the compulsory stop that is the transition into a new year.

It’s also a time to, hopefully, step back a bit, recharge, re-inforce our connection to those who are important to us and consider where we’ve come from, where we are presently and where we are heading.

Of course the virus has played a huge role in colouring all our lives over nearly two years.

We have been functioning in a world we never really seriously contemplated, and adapting, coping and surviving accordingly.

But here we are, getting on with it.

This is a significant year I guess for yours truly.

Around about a bit over half way through, I am due to earn the title, “pensioner.”

Holy Batdroppings, Batman, I just can’t for the life of me fathom how I went from 17 to 65 in about ten seconds.

But it’s looming, it’s a reality and it has to be faced.

Sometimes when I really stop and try to figure it all out, usually on a clear, starry night, or watching the immensity of relentless waves smashing against the Kaikoura rocks as they have done for all time, I wonder who I am.

This figure, functioning in this reality in this time in history, in this game of life.

Where the opportunities are bountiful for the bold who seek them, where fortunes can be amassed for those astute enough to accumulate them, and can also be lost when the tide turns.

What’s it all about Alfie?

I’m not an old man, but I’m not a young man either.

Old enough though to see contemporaries fall along the way.

There is often no rhyme or reason for it.

Bad luck, genes, bad decision-making, but often just way out of the individuals control.

I can look back on people who have been incredibly successful and amassed large wealth, only to have their health fail in their prime.

Or meet a car coming the other way.

All the money in the world wouldn’t have made a difference.

Then there’s my flatmate Molly.

Stoic, practical, grounded.

Now in her 96th year.

Walks without a stick, puts away truckers-sized meals and is devouring the entire contents of the Ashburton Public Library five books at a time!

Of modest means, but still here and enjoying life. One day at a time.

Not overthinking it, just getting on with it.

A hardy soul forged by the years of the Great Depression, and a survivor of the countless hurdles that naturally occur for anyone getting on towards 100

years on the planet.

So as we are now two weeks into 2022, with plenty to navigate, we must not lose sight of the promise of tomorrow.

To be thankful and grateful that we are here and able to do what we can.

To sort the wheat from the chaff, to focus on what is important to us and dispense with the clutter.

Often peace can be found in a simplistic approach.

Good luck for the ride through 2022, and may genes, luck and hope get you through.

The ongoing Djokovic/Australian Open circus

BY OLIVER BROWN

T

his tournament is much bigger than any one person,” said Victorian premier Daniel Andrews, pressed for his take on Novak Djokovic’s potential deportation.

It was a neat little platitude, but sadly not true.

The world No 1’s visa dramas have eclipsed all other plot-lines ahead of this year’s Australian Open, to the extent that the draw was delayed by 75 minutes while prime minister Scott Morrison gave a press conference in Canberra.

A statement by Morrison on Djokovic’s fate would at least have brought precious clarity to the event’s organisers. As it turned out, he said nothing, and a worldwide audience of anxious Djokovic fans were instead treated to detailed updates on Australia’s policy on returning backpackers.

Craig Tiley, the tournament director, was thus forced to preside over the greatest absurdity of all: a draw that included a player in grave and immediate danger of being thrown out of the country.

Australia’s dithering handling of this dispute is creating a situation fundamentally unfair for everyone involved. It is patently unreasonable to expect Djokovic to prepare for a potential 10th Australian Open title while the sword of Damocles is wielded over his head.

Most of all, it is casting an ominous shadow over the event more broadly, with every other player certain to be interrogated over the coming days for their views on Djokovic’s treatment.

Some are hardly shy in offering a verdict, not least Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, who accused Djokovic of making his vaccinated rivals “look like fools” and of “playing by his own rules”.

Until Djokovic’s participation is confirmed one way or the other, the tournament will remain in an embarrassing state of limbo.

“Respected international journalists are now calling it a ‘temporary’ Australian Open draw,” lamented Paul McNamee, who ran this event for 12 years. “Knowing the enormous contributions by so many over the years, I have to say I don’t like our grand slam being subject to ridicule.”

Then again, certain decisions around this Australian Open do invite derision.

Take, for example, the announcement that crowds will be capped at 50 per cent in response to the Omicron surge across Victoria.

On the surface, this is represented as a public health imperative: a questionable one, given that the state’s high caseloads are yet to translate into any unmanageable strain on the health system.

“It is a relatively small number of people who are gravely ill,” Andrews said this week.

It is difficult to shake the sense that the 2022 Australian Open is falling prey to elaborate Covid theatre.

Djokovic arrived at a tense, awkward time, with many demonising him as a potential super-spreader.

And yet in a city awash with Omicron, and whose population is 93 per cent double-jabbed, it is hard to see how his presence affects Melbourne’s risk profile one iota. Ultimately, he is being shunned for his failure to conform.

Alex Hawke, Australia’s immigration minister, is keeping Djokovic in agonising suspense as he builds his case.

One wonders, though, how much of a case there is left to build.

Yes, it is indefensible that Djokovic admitted this week to conducting an interview with a French journalist while knowingly Covid-positive, but it is essentially irrelevant, since the transgression took place in Serbia, not Australia.

Hawke and the government he represents need to bring the curtain down on this shabby pantomime, and fast.

For the more they vacillate, the more they undermine the centrepiece of Australia’s sporting summer.

LETTERS

Game set and ....?

My name is Novac, I’ve been aptly named.

I’ve flown out, then thrown out, and thoroughly shamed.

I’m in court, not on court, and doing my thing.

I’m hiding away ‘stead of being the King.

The king of the tennis world I need to be.

I already am but there’s glory for me.

If I pull it off and can win here once more.

Indeed it will seal it and even the score.

There’s for and against me, and who would have thought, I’d never be playing here, this is my sport.

The I’s were all dotted the t’s had been crossed, And so I sailed forth, to be told it’s my loss.

The ‘down under’ thunder says “trouble you’ve brought, But really they’re mutt’ring “It is your own fault” Yes. Iris Taylor

Letters to the editor We welcome your letters and emails, but: Ideally, no more than 200 words.

We reserve the right to edit or not publish Email: editor@ theguardian.co.nz

12 TRAVEL

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Fall in love with Queen T

reat your taste buds to an epicurean adventure this summer! Home to some of the most decorated restaurants in New Zealand, fine dining in Queenstown will smash your expectations. Tucked away in the heart of Queenstown, Rata executes artfully crafted dining experiences, from goat’s cheese profiteroles and Rata blossom honey to grass-fed beef tartare.

Don’t miss the eatery’s contemporary twist on the classic cheese roll—the Southland Windsor Blue Cheese Roll with preserved apricots and honey and mustard.

Outrageously good.

Located in the historic Archer’s Cottage, Botswana Butchery is another icon of destination dining in Queenstown, with sublime lake views and roaring fires, providing a heart-warming ambience all year round. The salivating superb straddles everything from the finest cuts of wagyu eye fillet and slow roast lamb shoulder from the Butchers Block to a sweeping range of seafood, including the flash fried paua with garlic and lemon. And both lunch and dinner settings can be paired with a recommended wine from the venue’s private 1800 bottle cellar.

At Steamer Wharf, Flame Bar & Grill has a ringside seat on the best lake views from its first floor perch. A mainstay of the dining scene for over a decade, powered by their secret South African BBQ recipe wrapped around award-winning ribs and steaks. If you love aged steaks and juicy ribs you’ll be in seventh heaven.

The sides and salads are deliciously prepared too, like their crunchy apple slaw with pinenuts. There are many strings to their culinary bow, including the freshest seafood plates to burgers, zesty seasonal salads and their acclaimed creamy Mozambique prawns.

One of the newest kids on the block is the festive Mexican restaurant, Margo’s. From the second you walk in, you know you’ve come to somewhere special. Eye-catching arched walls adorned with vibrant street art set the tone. Settle in at a balcony table and sink into some celebratory frozen margaritas as dish after dish is brought to your table.

This is soul food grounded in the multitude of regions of Mexico.

Star specimens include the tuna ceviche served with pineapple salsa and avocado, a Mexican fondue of cashew cheese (queso fundido), coconut shrimp with valentina mayo (hot sauce) and the rabbit empanadas in lime mayo.

Margo’s tacos, nachos and fajitas are all irresistibly good. Leave room for dulce. How could you say

Queenstown’s cachet as the adventure capital of New Zealand needs little introduction, but it’s the food adventures that piqued my interest, on my latest foray to the glittery resort town.

By Mike Yardley

Al fresco dining on Queenstown beach. PHOTO QUEENSTOWNNZ

Above – Blls and Bangles.

Below left – The World Bar.

PHOTO BALLS AND BANGLES PHOTO MY GUIDE QUEENSTOWN

Below right – Attiqa.

PHOTO QUEENSTOWNNZ

Right – Habana Bar.

PHOTO QUEENSTOWN NZ

no to cinnamon tossed churros with Mexican hot chocolate and dulce de leche? They also offer a great vegan menu of options.

The mixologists at Margo’s whip

up masterful concoctions from a head-swirling range of Mexican tequilas, mezcals, whiskey and gin that pay homage to the mother country. There’s a party atmos-

phere here; a fiesta of flavour, colour, culture, exemplary cuisine and exceptional service.

Travelling with the kids? A decadent family favourite is to

make tracks for Balls and Bangles.

This delicious venue is another Queenstown original, fawned over for their bagels, sandwiches and brugels (burger bagels). Be warned – the glitter bomb doughnuts will leave your kids spell-bound. The flavour range is lip-smacking, from oreo cream and vanilla bean custard to lemon curd and peanut butter and jelly. The next-level option is the doughnut on top of a milkshake. Does that qualify for meal status?

Stretch your legs and take a stroll along the lakeside on the Frankton Walkway to the historic Boatshed Café. It’s winning way to start your day and earn yourself a hearty breakfast at one of the most photogenic spots in Queenstown.

If you’re not up for the leg work,

TRAVEL 13

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

nstown all over again

Above – Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise.

PHOTO QUEENSTOWNNZ

Above – Margo’s.

PHOTO QUEENSTOWNNZ

Above – Flame Bar and Grill.

PHOTO FLAME Right – The Suneck at Attiqa.

PHOTO ATTIQA

Below – Rata.

grab a Queenstown water taxi or the bus.

Its back story is fascinating, set in the restored New Zealand Railways Shipping Office after beginning life as a store in the 1870s.

In 1936 it was bought by Frank Duncan, a Dunedin lawyer, who moved the building from the town centre to its current waterfront location. For a bumper breakfast, wrap your lips around the works.

Eggs on toast with halloumi, mushrooms, crispy potatoes, grilled tomato, avocado and bacon. Great coffee, too!

Great drinking spots? Home of the teapot cocktail, in Church St, The World Bar is a buzzing spot for afternoon drinks, flavourful food and shindiggery. The teapots are still as good as ever, as are

PHOTO RATA DINING

their classic cocktails. You can’t go wrong with world punch, consisting of Captain Morgan’s spiced and dark rum, orange, pineapple, soda and grenadine. Mmmm.

I’ve always enjoyed Ballarat Trading Company, the resort town’s original gastropub. Inspired by an 1850s’ trading emporium, the evocative space oozes character. Sidle into a cosy booth, or

kick back outside in the courtyard or along Queenstown Mall. Their crispy calamari is a personal favourite.

Tucked away in Searle Lane, Habana Boutique Rum Bar infuses Queenstown with a taste of Cuba.

Boasting a collection of over 70 rums, this pint-sized bar offers sophisticated respite from some of the wilder party bars in town.

It’s definitely the destination for the best mojitos in town. Their daiquiris are also a hit with locals as are their rum flights, critical in determining which variety will become your new pet preference.

And how could you visit Queenstown without enjoying some great craic and Guiness at Póg Mahone’s? Indisputably the Irish heart of Queenstown since 1998,

the Kiwi and Irish owners wanted a truly authentic Irish atmosphere, so had the entire pub designed and built in Ireland, then shipped over. Try the signature beef and Guinness pie, the hearty Irish stew or tuck into something from the stone grill.

Also becoming part of the waterfront landscape in recent years, Perky’s Floating Bar. With tap beers and Central Otago wines, you’ll also be drinking in some of Queenstown’s most breathtaking views, whether you’re sitting out on the bow or amid the gorgeous wooden interior.

If you’re peckish, bring your own food, so grab your favourite takeaways and enjoy it on the boat, over beverages.

Elevate yourself at Attiqa, a vivacious gin and cocktail bar located upstairs from the corner of Queenstown Mall and Rees Street.

The Sundeck is the perfect place to enjoy a cheeky drink and some eclectic house music.

Fantastic lake views, the extensive cocktail list and the tapas menu have cemented its credentials as Queenstown’s favourite rooftop bar. Bask in the sun by day and come twilight, the fire pits go on, and the Attiqa magic reaches deep into the night, with the views, vibes and libations. Their espresso martinis are tops.

14 WEEKEND FOCUS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Shona meets the man On the first anniversary of Shona McGrath’s serious accident in Christchurch that paralysed her from the chest down, she set out to do two things. Confront the scene of her crash and meet the man to whom she owes her life. She did both.

By Malcolm Hopwood

I

t was a day beyond Shona McGrath’s wildest expectations.

Twelve months on from her serious accident which left her paralysed from the chest down, Shona reunited with the man who saved her life.

In December, Shona told family and friends she wanted to return to the Adventure Park in Christchurch to relive the events that saw her lose control of her mountain bike and crash to the ground, with the bike landing on top of her.

Because she didn’t remember much of what followed, she wanted to revisit the jump on the mountain bike track to understand the events that took place.

It was to be her biggest journey since her crash, which was followed by six months’ rehabilitation at Burwood Hospital.

Accompanied by family members and Monique and Paul from Stoked Cycles in Ashburton, Shona made the trip. She was met

by Adventure Park management and taken by chairlift to the top of the trail. There she looked down on the number of tracks below, one of which she’d attempted 12 months earlier.

“It was a beautiful day and I could look out on the whole Adventure Park area,” she said. “It was then I finally decided to go through with it.”

Seated in a mountain bike buggy and wheeled to the jump, Shona reflected for a moment.

“Then I had a huge wave of emotion and cried and cried and cried. I was hugely overcome. My mind and body took over,” she said.

“As weird as it sounded, I experienced relief. It was surreal, I had a sense of peace.”

As she sat in the buggy, her family and friends rode their bikes off the jumps as a tribute to Shona, her accident, her courage and recovery.

“I felt a sense of healing afterwards and thankfulness that I survived,” she said.

“I was happy and it brought closure. It was better than a perfect day.”

But what crowned her pilgrimage to the site was the chance to reunite with her rescuer, Will Downs, and talk through what happened on that fateful day.

Will met her at the entrance to the park, accompanied her to the summit and back down to the jump.

There he explained to Shona what took place. Will, a paramedic, was riding his mountain bike immediately behind her. When he saw her crash, he ran to her and took control of the situation.

“I’d landed head-first on pine needles with my face buried in dirt. My feet were caught up in the pedals and the bike hyper-extended over my back, causing my paralysis,” Shona said.

Left – Friends for life. Shona greets the man who saved her life, Will Downs.

Below – Shona recalls the emotion flowing out of her as she sat on the jump and remembered her tragic fall.

“I’d punctured my lung and remember calling out ‘I can’t breathe’.”

Will made her as comfortable as possible, called both the Adventure Park patrol and ambulance and started moving her diaphragm to help her breathe.

“He kept me alive until the patrol arrived 14 minutes later. I can think of no words that adequately describe my gratitude. He saved my life.”

Will acknowledges his role and was glad he was travelling behind Shona. “The family wouldn’t have known what to do and I was able to prop her up on her side and clear her airwaves so she could breathe with one lung,” he said.

“I’m used to seeing accidents, but this was one of the most serious I’d experienced in my time in New Zealand.”

Will, from Dundee in Scotland, appreciated her thanks and was grateful he was on hand and could assist and comfort her. “It was a very emotional meeting and we’ll keep the association going,” he said.

Shona had little recollection of what was happening. She didn’t realise she was so close to death.

Looking back, she regards Will’s presence as a miracle. He was a mountain biker who worked once a month at the Adventure Park and built wheelchairs in his spare time.

But more than anything else, he was a medic who kept her alive and then supervised her transfer to the ambulance.

Over the months that followed, Shona had no knowledge of who he was until Will contacted Monique and Paul at Stoked Cycles in December asking about her recovery. Shona asked if he’d meet her at the park on 4 and he agreed.

“I was able to thank him personally. The occasion was very personal,” she said. “We’ll be friends for life.”

A further highlight of her visit was a karakia, a blessing, performed by Shona’s sister, Brenda Leonard. She spoke to the party who accompanied Shona and sang the karakia. The ceremony was very moving and gave Shona “a sense of healing afterwards”.

“I felt peaceful about being able to accept what took place. I have no blame and no regrets that I did it. I wasn’t doing anything

WEEKEND FOCUS 15

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

who saved her life

Above – Shona McGrath looks out at the Adventure Park from the chairlift at the top of the trail.

Right – She was surrounded by her family at the first anniversary of her accident. (clockwise from 12 o’clock) Darren, Nate, Meg, Shona, Sarah and Ben.

stupid or beyond my limits, it just happened.”

At the time Shona was training for the Mountain Bike Championships in April. She’d completed some runs and had then moved to the Skills Park area where there were further obstacles such as the jumps.

“I recall someone nearby saying ‘come on, you can do it, she (Shona) is old enough to be your grandmother’.” She heard the remark as she jumped then sensed something was wrong, losing control in the free fall and crashing to the lower level.

Shona returned to Ashburton last week, glad she’d had the courage to revisit the place where the accident took place. That night and, into the following day, she slept for nearly 20 hours.

“I was so exhausted,” she said.

Another adventure beckons this month. Her sons, Josh and Calem, are taking her to Cromwell where she’s a passenger in a Ferrari, travelling at a speed far greater than she’s ever experienced.

“It’ll be my adrenalin for the day,” Shona said.

But her major challenge for 2022 is to maintain the gradual improvement to her health and mobility. Last month she received

her own personal wheelchair with coloured spokes, ideal for use around her home and short trips to town. It accompanies a

power chair that enables her to travel longer distances and walk the dogs.

Long-term Shona wants to

learn to drive a modified car and an adaptive bike that will allow her to return to the undulating tracks and trails she enjoyed on

her mountain bike.

It may not be the full circle, but she’s heading in the direction she wants.

16 WEEKEND FOCUS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

QUICK GUIDE What: Ashburton’s disc golf Where: Smallbone Drive reserve Map, rules: Go to the EA Networks Centre where the course starts close by.

Equipment: You can hire one disc for $5 or five for $20.

How long to play: An hour or less, the course being tight and not long in nature.

Oops: Finn Holden couldn’t quite keep to the disc golf course in Ashburton, his shots often ending up in the rough or, embarrassingly, in the bushes.

He’s played table tennis for New Zealand, but no way on earth was Finn Holden going to try another “oddball’ sport like disc golf. Then the Ashburton disc golf course came calling.

By Finn Holden

No-one has a rough day at disc golf D

Finn Holden shows off a disc golf goal he would’ve liked to hit at the Ashburton disc golf course.

o you remember that oddball kid at school who seemed to specialise in the most ludicrous and laughable sports imaginable?

Well, that was me. Now, don’t get me wrong, because I’m extremely thankful about getting introduced to a wide range of sports by Dad. But sometimes I just wish he had pushed my six foot four and 90kg frame down the rugby path rather than encouraging me into chess, table tennis and pickleball.

So when I found out that Ashburton was hopping on the disc golf bandwagon, I chuckled and convinced myself that I wouldn’t try it. No way, Jose. That I wouldn’t let another farcical sport infiltrate my oddball life.

That I wouldn’t give in to the booming craze of arguably (so they say) one of the quickest growing sports globally.

But only a few weeks later, my moral code got the better of me and I felt the call of disc golf duty.

For the uninitiated, disc golf is like regular golf, except there are no clubs and balls. Just a disc (think frisbee) that players throw and aim for wire baskets instead

of holes. If you’re good, you’ll throw your disc in the metal basket every time. If you’re like me, you’ll need a weed eater, a flame thrower, six golden retrievers and two Sherpa guides to find your lost disc in the bush, trees and overgrown grass, or even across the road somewhere completely out of bounds.

Hey, but at least I looked the part when I fronted up, because I already had a disc golf starter pack. It was purchased at a Boxing Day sale a few years ago without ever having been used.

Starter pack at the ready, I headed off to the EA Networks Centre to find out about it, get a map of the course and a copy of the rules to see what the buzz was all about. Boy, I’m glad I did.

Smiling faces, scenic landscapes and sinking putts are what dreams are made of at the Ashburton disc golf course, which opened late October last year.

All 18 holes – yes, they call them holes – sit amongst trees and bushes in a tight layout on the Smallbone Drive reserve near the EA Networks Centre. There’s not a lot of distance between

each hole so it would take less than an hour for most disc golfers to complete the course.

Oddly, none of the holes are numbered and the grass and course terrain needs to be shown a bit more love by those responsible for its upkeep.

Still, it’s hard to grumble because, as a poor university student it almost brought a tear to my eye when I found out that it cost nothing to play. Yes, zilcho. God bless Ashburton.

Because these days it’s virtually impossible to find anything that’s free, especially a fun and family-friendly activity as engaging as disc golf.

That’s surely one reason why so many are getting involved and why there are apparently about 20,000 recreational disc golfers in the country and 18 affiliated clubs.

So, listen up to those of you who have never tried any sport, to those who live and breathe sport and even to those who play weird sports like me.

Disc golf. It’s everywhere and it’s for everyone. Go check it out in Ashburton. You won’t be disappointed.

HERITAGE 17

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Trials and triumphs

By Connor Lysaght

T

he idea to build a hydroelectric power station at Lake Coleridge came during a time when New Zealand was beginning to take electricity use seriously.

During the 1880s and 1890s, growing interest in electric power led the Christchurch City Council to consider building a hydroelectric power station on the Waimakariri River.

However, this never came to fruition thanks to an uproar from ratepayers following the passing of the City of Christchurch Electric Power and Loan Empowering Act 1902. The Act authorised the Council to raise costly loans to construct and maintain the proposed Waimakariri station, which placed the financial burden squarely on the Christchurch City Council and ultimately the ratepayers.

The real sticking point was that any outlying areas that tapped into the power supply would not pay the same price, and so the project was brought to an indefinite halt.

At the end of 1903, American engineer L M Hancock produced a report for the New Zealand Government that proposed an alternative plan that would cause less controversy and provide more benefits.

That plan was for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant at Lake Coleridge.

While the lake sits just outside our District’s boundary, northwest of the Rakaia River, the success of the hydroelectric power plant there was not just a win for Christchurch and Selwyn Districts.

Ashburton benefited from Coleridge too, alongside all of Canterbury.

The work begins Back in 1901, a party of seven journeyed from Christchurch to inspect Lake Coleridge and measure its usability for hydroelectric power generation. The group concluded that while it was possible, a hydro station at Coleridge would “involve a very considerable expense” and that diverting the Harper and Wilberforce Rivers to provide a greater flow of water would be costly and difficult.

The idea was shelved until Hancock’s report in late 1903, which managed to convince the Government that Coleridge was the best spot for a power station close to Christchurch.

Photograph of a scene at Lake Coleridge, Canterbury, including the hyro-electric power station.

The Council expectantly waited for the Government to make a start, but it would be another seven years before the project kicked into gear.

Following another series of bureaucratic hold-ups, a party was finally sent to Coleridge in late 1910 to prepare the site for the proposed works.

According to Rosemary Britten’s book on Lake Coleridge, the area was “busier than it had ever been, or is likely to be again” between 1911 and 1914. Coleridge power station was built largely by hand, and steam shovels were relied on for some of the heavier work.

The construction effort was immense; there were up to 400 men working at one time, yet the sheer volume of manpower

did not prevent problems from arising during those busy years.

Challenges Lake Coleridge power station was the first in the world to be built entirely on glacial moraine, which led to some problems and mistakes.

These problems are best explained

by Rosemary Britten: “The powerhouse foundations were made with a deep concrete block for each turbine unit and shallower foundations for the rest of the building, all capped with a thin layer of concrete. When the machines were started, concrete cracked, foundations subsided to varying depths, and the whole system became out of alignment.

This caused trouble for ten years, until pressure-grouting with many tonnes of cement under the floor finally consolidated the loose shingle and obtained a solid foundation.”

Loose gravel made work in the tunnel and surge chamber “difficult, slow and dangerous.” The pipes crept up and down as much as 15cm daily due to temperature fluctuations, which caused the anchor blocks to become dislodged. This caused delays, as they had to be redesigned to include expansion joints.

On 1 September 1914 the station’s tunnel filled with water for the first time, unexpectedly and accidentally. An unusually strong gale took off the top two layers of the bag dam, which kept the water out of the intake construction work. Waves whipped up by the wind poured down the tunnel and filled the surge chamber to lake level. It was found that the tunnel leaked so badly that work was held up in order to fix it.

Success at last Lake Coleridge power station.

The opening ceremony of the Coleridge power station was held on 25 November 1914. Prime Minister William Massey opened the valve which let the water flow into the first turbine, which heralded the conclusion of a long and drawn-out project.

Rosemary Britten states in her book that Coleridge “was the first New Zealand scheme built under the Aid to Water Power Works Act 1910. As well as being the first in the world to be built on such an unstable foundation, the powerhouse itself was the first large building in New Zealand to be constructed entirely of reinforced concrete. It was also first in the world to introduce air-vented draft tubes on the turbines.”

Outages and supply cuts plagued the early days of Coleridge. Some adverts in the Ashburton Guardian during the early twenties advertised gas lamps with the tagline “don’t depend on Coleridge!”

Eventually, failures became less frequent and the system became more reliable.

Coleridge was opened with three operational turbines and had nine by 1930. Since then, four have been decommissioned. However, Coleridge’s power output is much higher today than it was in 1930 thanks to computerisation and modern redesign.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that there are vast systems of infrastructure that make our lives easier. Next time you flick on a light, put the kettle on or sit down to watch TV, remember that it’s thanks to the hard work of many experts, past and present, from all sorts of different fields.

CONTACT Material for this page is co-ordinated by the Ashburton Museum and Art Gallery.

Articles from other organisations are welcomed, as is any feedback on what appears.

Email: museum@adc.govt.nz Mail: PO Box 94, Ashburton 7700 Phone: 307-7890 Copies of the photos on this page are available for purchase from the Ashburton Museum and Art Gallery.

18

DriveThru All things motoring and otherwise

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Godzilla’s last stand

N

issan’s flagship performance vehicle, the GT-R, has convincingly cemented its place in automotive royalty over the past 52 years.

Now, the R35 GT-R has taken its last stand in Australia.

To celebrate the final R35 Godzilla’s arrival Down Under, Nissan introduced two incredible special editions – the GT-R T-spec and GT-R NISMO SV.

All vehicles arrived in Australia prior to 31st October 2021 and have been secured by eager collectors, determined to own a final iteration of this cult performance icon.

“The name GT-R is undoubtedly one of the most iconic names in automotive performance circles – both locally and around the world,” says Nissan Australia Managing Director, Adam Paterson.

“Since arriving in Australia, I have

learnt just how revered the GT-R is by Australians.

“Nissan Motorsport has a fantastic legacy in Australia – dominating the Australian Touring Car Championships and convincingly conquering Bathurst in the early 90s.

“Since that time, the GT-R has been a performance icon with just shy of 1000 R35 GT-R sold to Australian performance car enthusiasts.

with Bernard Egan Godzilla’s history The GT-R was born in 1969

when Nissan installed the high-performance S20 2.0-litre straight-six engine into the PGC10 Skyline sedan In September 1972, the second generation Skyline GT-R debuts, with just 197 cars ever produced due to the global oil crisis After a 16 year hiatus the GT-R nameplate returns in May 1989 with the global debut of the R32 In 1990 Nissan Australia introduced the GT-R nameplate and imported 100 vehicles to support Nissan Motorsport Nissan Motorsport won back-toback at Bathurst in 1991 and 1992 Tokyo Motor Show 1993 saw the global debut of the R33 GT-R, although the car didn’t begin production until January 1995 In January 1999 the R34 GT-R was revealed – a shorter and more muscular evolution in design Five years after R34 production ceased, Nissan unveiled the R35 G-R at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007 April 2009 the R35 GT-R launches in Australia From April 2009 to November 2021, 982 R35 GT-R were sold Down Under Nissan Australia imported the R32 for four years and then the R35 for 12 years from 2009 to 2021 “When we announced that the R35 GT-R would cease being imported in Australia, we saw an incredible surge in demand.

“In fact, October 2021 was the fifth best sales month ever for R35, with sales only higher in the launch year of 2009.

“We are now marking the closure of this chapter for the R35 GT-R in Australia.”

MOTORING 19

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

First of the first

Last year the Vintage Car Club made a New Year’s resolution – to repeat their tradition of staging their first rally for the year on the first day of the year.

So on January 1, many members – in an interesting and eclectic variety of vehicles – set off on an afternoon run, with an afternoon tea stop at the home of Peter and Lois Etheridge.

The expansive gardens created by Peter and Lois, featuring lakes, many species of trees, shrubs and other plants, provided plenty of shade in idyllic botanical surroundings, where members enjoyed chatting, and the classic vehicles looked right at home.

YOUR LOCA

PARTS & SERV

Honda Service S The Etheridges truly have all their ducks in a row.

The need for speed

H

ennessey is inching closer and closer towards it’s goal of breaking top-speed records.

The Venom F5 has been going through testing recently, and for the first time, we get to see it in all its glory.

Reaching its top mode, a setting unsurprisingly named F5, means the car is able to unleash 1355 kW of power and reach insane top speeds. In its recent testing, the hypercar got to 483km/h.

But Hennessey hopes that when the car is fully unleashed, it’ll be able to reach 500km/h or more, which would take the “production car top speed record.”

The video shows John Hennessey and a team member piloting and Audi as they watch the Venom F5 tear up and down the runway.

Hennessey describes the video as “testing high-speed stability beyond 250mph” (402km/h).

But this isn’t the end of the story.

Hennessey teased another run at the top speed title that’ll be happening in the near future.

He says “it’s another exciting step on the road to seeing how fast the car can go in just 3.2 miles at Florida’s NASA runway in the coming months!”

This will certainly be one to look out for!

BOOK IN FOR YOUR SERVICE PRIOR TO THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS!

Honda Service Store Ashburton We are open for business.

8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Can pick up / deliver your vehicle.

Phone 03 308 9109 Corner Cass and Havelock St (use Cass St entrance)

MALCOLM LOVETT AUTOMOTIVE LTD

299 0329 3 03 hond

ho

20 WHAT’S ON

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

All events are subject to change under Covid restrictions Every day Mt Hutt Memorial Hall 160 Main Street, Methven NZ Alpine and Agriculture Encounter, Art Gallery and Hall of Memories.

10am Ashburton Aviation Musuem Static displays, collection of aircraft and memorabilia on display from 1-3pm. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road.

Weekdays Mid Canterbury Connector Mid Canterbury Connector provides low-cost return trips to Ashburton from smaller towns or rural areas in an on demand service, Mondays to Fridays, any time between 9am and 4.30pm.

Book via the direct phone line for bookings, which is 03 928 8164.

Ashburton Aviation Museum Static displays, collection of aircraft and memorabilia on display daily from 1-3pm .

Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road.

Monday St David’s Union Church Circuit training in the hall at 6am at 48 Allens Road, Allenton.

Age Concern Ashburton Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am. Enquiries to 308 6817.

Ashburton community walking group.

Walking for about 30-40 minutes on Mondays and Fridays at 10.30am. Meet Walnut Avenue Pavilion.

R And R Linedancing Upper Improvers/intermediate weekly line dance classes from 7-9.30pm at Balmoral Hall, 240 Cameron Street.

Tuesday

Justice Of The Peace JP available for all signing services on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12pm-2pm. No appointment necessary. No fee. Community House, 44 Cass Street.

Ashburton Menz Shed Call in and have a chat and a cuppa from 9am2pm at 8 William Street.

St David’s Union Church Walking group meets outside church at 9.30am at 48 Allens Road, Allenton.

St David’s Union Church Circuit training in the hall at 6am at 48 Allens Road, Allenton.

Mid Canterbury Badminton Club.

Badminton, daytime section from 9.30am and Club night from 7-9pm. All abilities welcome at EA Networks Centre.

Waireka Croquet Club Golf Croquet, handicap singles from 9.45am then Golf Croquet, singles -6 to 8 handicap and 9 to 16 handicap at 1.15pm at the Ashburton Domain off Philip Street.

MSA Tai Chi Classes at 10am. Cost $3 per session at the MSA on Havelock Street.

Age Concern Ashburton

January 14-15 Retro, Rock and Revival Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School returns for 2022 with Retro, Rock and Revival from Janaury with shows on Janaury 14 and 15 at 7-30pm, All Tickets $28 (fees apply).

This year Jo Castelow is joined by the talented alumni Megan Wilson.

January 16-22

Golf Croquet Nationals The Waireka Croquest Club is playing host to the CNZ National Golf Croquet Tournament at its grounds in the Ashburton Domain. Vaccine pas required.

Steady As You Go. Fall prevention programme at 10.30am at the All Saints Anglican Church on Chapman Street, Methven.

Ashburton MSA Petanque Club.

Competition and social play, all welcome from 1pm at 115 Racecourse Road.

R.S.A. Indoor Bowls Weekly social indoor bowls from 1.15pm at the RSA Linton Lounge on Cox Street.

Pickleball Ashburton Come and have a go at EA Networks Centre from 5-7pm. Paddles are provided.

Age Concern Ashburton Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am. Enquiries to 308 6817.

Wednesday

Ashburton open coffee mornings If you are new to town or been living here all of your life, come and have a coffee and chat at a child-friendly location. All are welcome at the Plunket rooms, 222 Cameron Street. Please contact Adi 027 220-8791 or Sue-ann 021 679348 to register.

10.30am - 12 noon Hip Hop for Seniors Every Wednesday 10am-11am at the Ashburton Senior Centre, 206 Cameron Street, Ashburton. $5. Phone 308-6817 Art Addicts Art Addicts (AA) is the Ashburton Art Gallery’s weekly art space for kids. Wrap up your Wednesday school day and head to the gallery to get creative and explore themes in art. A great space for children to learn and interact with each other. Children of all ages are welcome. Donations appreciated.

3 - 4.30pm Little Groovers Every Wednesday during school terms Hakatere Presbyterian parish, 127 Thomson Street, Tinwald. Musical fun for 0-5-year-olds.

Gold Coin donation. Call 03 308-5272 for more information.

10-10.30 Device Drop-In Sessions Free Device Help Sessions at the Ashburton Public Library every Wednesday between 2pm and 4pm.

St David’s Union Church Circuit training in the hall at 6am at 48 Allens Road, Allenton.

Ashburton Menz Shed Call in and have a chat and a cuppa from 9am2pm at 8 William Street.

Pickleball Ashburton.

Check out this fast growing racket sport. Come and have fun every Wednesday from 9.30am 11.30am at EA Network Centre.

St Stephen’s Anglican Church.

Holy Communion at 10am on Park Street.

Age Concern Ashburton Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am. Enquiries to 308 6817.

MSA Tai Chi. Classes at 10.45am. Cost $3 per session at the MSA on Havelock Street.

Waireka Croquet Club.

Association Croquet 10am - 12am, doubles

January 18 to February 22 Run and Walk Ashburton Kicks off its Summer Park Series, Run or Walk 1, 3 or 5km. Registration opens from 5.30pm for a 6pm start at the Ashburton Domain, Walnut Avenue Pavilion (off Creek Road).

Everyone is welcome, adults pay $2 and under 18s are free and there are spot prizes drawn each week.

My Vaccine Pass is required for all participants over 12 years old.

January 29-30

Ashburton Pakeke Lions Charity Market

from 1-4pm at the Ashburton Domain off Philip Street.

Thursday

Age Concern Ashburton.

Ladies exercise class at 9.30am at theAshburton Seniors Centre at 206 Cameron Street.

Mid Canterbury Badminton Club.

Weekly morning games, free racket hire, all welcome from 9.30am-11am at the E A Networks Sports Centre.

Ashburton Menz Shed Call in and have a chat and a cuppa from 9am2pm at 8 William Street.

Fit Kidz Fit kidz for pre schoolers and caregivers at 10am at St David’s Union Church, 48 Allens Road.

MSA Tai Chi. Classes at 10.45am. Cost $3 per session at the MSA on Havelock Street.

Steady As You Go Falls Prevention Exercises designed to strengthen and improve muscles in a supportive environment. Contact Age Concern Ashburton 308 6817. Sessions at 11am at at Holy Spirit Church. Thomson Street.

Tinwald, 1pm at St Stephen’s Church. Park Street, and Buffalo Lodge Hall. Cox Street Ashburton MSA Petanque Club.

Social play for beginners and experienced players from 1.30pm at 115 Racecourse Road.

Ashburton.

Friday

Ashburton Community Walking Group.

Walking for about 30-40 minutes on Mondays and Fridays at 10.30am. Meet Walnut Avenue Pavilion.

12pm-2pm Ashburton Justice Of The Peace.

JP available for all signing services from 12-2pm.

No appointment necessary. No fee. Community House. 44 Cass Street.

Age Concern social group.

Seniors Social Group with speaker, entertainment, quiz, exercises and morning tea at 10am in the Seniors Centre on Cameron Street.

Pickleball Ashburton Come and have a go at EA Networks CentreCentre from 6-8pm. Paddles are provided.

Saturday

Ashburton’s Farmers Market Support local stall holders selling local fresh produce, plants, hot food and drinks. North end of West Street car park Ashburton from 9am 12.30pm.

Craft market.

Plants, woodwork, toys and much more weekly from 9am - 12pm in the West Street carpark.

Ashburton Vintage Car Club.

Museum and parts shed open from 10am12pmat 86 Maronan Road. Tinwald.

Ashburton Aviation Museum A great selection of many aircraft, from the past to the future at the Ashburton Airport from 10am - 3pm.

Run And Walk Ashburton.

Meet outside frontrunner on Moore Street at

The 2022 Annual Ashburton Pakeke Lions Charity Market will be held at the Ashburton Racecourse on the mornings of January 29 and 30 from 9am. We are collecting quality second-hand furniture, collectables, china, household, sporting, garden, and workshop items etc. No TV’s or computers, please. Contact John: 3076229, Dave 3074349 or Clarrie 3089629. Charity Market subject to COVID restrictions in force at the time.

February 4

Laugh Club Ashburton New Zealand’s premier comedy night hits Ashburton. 2 hours of gag packed laughs at your the

7.30am, runners and walkers, all fitness levels welcome. Coffee and chat at Columbus Cafe afterwards.

Waireka Croquet Club.

Association croquet. Singles and doubles from 10am - 4pm at the Ashburton Domain off Philip Street.

Sunday

St Stephen’s Anglican Church.

Holy Communion at 8am and 10am on Park Street.

St David’s Union Church Worship Service led by Rev Jim Young from 9.30am at 48 Allens Road, Ashburton.

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Combined Service with Hakatere and Methodists at Thomson Street at 10am. Vaccine passes mandatory. No service at St Andrew’s.

Hakatere Presbyterian Parish Morning Worship at 65 Oxford Street led

by Rev. Johanna Warren at 10am. Note - My Vaccine Pass mandatory please.

St Andrew’s Anglican Church.

Holy Communion at 10am on Thomson Street.

Tinwald.

Pickleball Ashburton Come and have a go at EA Networks Centre from 5-7pm. Paddles are provided.

Waireka Croquet Club.

Golf Croquet. Casual games from 1.15pm at the Ashburton Domain off Philip Street.

Every Thurs and Sat

Ashburton Toy Library Open every Thursday and Saturday from 9.30am - 12.30pm, , plus every alternate Tuesday afternoon 3.30pm-5pmat 106 Victoria Street.

Second Fri of every month

In Colour, art and craft club In Colour is the Ashburton Art Gallery’s monthly programme for unleashing your creativity.

Bring along your art and craft projects to share with others over morning tea once a month.

10.30am - 12 noon

Last Sun of every month

Nor’Westers Muso’s Club A monthly open mic afternoon at Feeney’s Lounge in the Devon Tavern, Ashburton. All the gear is set up, just bring your talent - all are welcome, as is any style of music.

2pm - 6pm

First Sunday of every month

Methven Market A local produce and craft market at the Methven Resort on the first Sunday of each month from 9am to 1pm.

Monthly

Ashburton Embroiderers’ Guild Meet Seniors Centre 206 Cameron Street held on the first Saturday of the month 10.30am - 3.30pm, second Thursday of the month 1pm 3.30pm, third Tuesday of the month 7pm - 9pm, and the fourth Thursday of the month 10.30am - 3.30pm.

Hotel Ashburton at 8pm. Laugh Club Ashburton will have two of New Zealand’s finest comedians performing in New Zealand’s premier clean stand up comedian Nick Rado and Tarun Mohanbhai.

February 5-6

Militaria and Aviation Extravaganza The Ashburton Avation Museum is joining forces with the Military Adventure Group to put on an extravaganza over Waitangi Weekend 2022. The display will see one of the largest presentations of military uniforms, weapons, and equipment ever assembled at one display. Dates in history ranging from

the New Zealand Maori Wars through to Timor. This will be situated in the Superhanger generously provide for use by the museum. 9am-4.30pm noth days. Tickets: Family pass $38, Adult: $16, Child $5, MotorHome Parking: $5.

February 12-13

South Island Motorhome Show Buy, sell and trade Motorhomes, campers, caravans and more at the Annual South Island Motorhome Show at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds from 9am each day.

Visit trade exhibits to check out their latest vehicle offerings, or browse the private sellers to arrange a direct private purchase.

LIST YOUR EVENT FREE Publish your event here for free! Just send the details of the event and some contact details to

editorial@theguardian.co.nz

21

FinalWhistle The Guardian’s sports wrap

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

calling time on a week of sport

National champions on the greens

A pact made six years ago between Sandra Keith and Bev Morel led to national success earlier this month on the greens. FULL STORY: P22

Six years in the making Hawke Cup match

P23

Croquet nationals

P23

Halberg snub

P24

22 SPORT

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

National glory result of a six-year pact The triumph of Sandra Keith and Bev Morel in the 2022 Summerset Nationals women’s pairs was the product of a six year pact.

The Canterbury duo, who are long-time rivals, promised each other back in 2016 they would team up one day in a national competition.

It took a while, but finally happened this year, with spectacular results.

They were unbeaten across the tournament, a class above most of their opponents, culminating in the emphatic 20-8 victory in the final against Clare Hendra and Tayla Bruce.

It was sweet success, especially as their combination had taken so long to come to fruition.

“We had a pact six years ago, when I gave up playing for the Canterbury team,” said Morel.

“I told her ‘I’ve got one thing on my bucket list with bowls, I want to have a game of pairs with you Sandra’. So, we shook on it.

“We have had other things on but finally [this year] we were both left without a player. I rang her up and she said, ‘Right Bev, we’re on’.”

Despite never combining before, there was instant chemistry.

“We read the head the same and we both make quick decisions,” said Morel.

“We don’t umm and ahh about what shot is going to played. Sandra knows exactly what she is going to do, and I backed all her decisions. We were very relaxed with each other.”

Keith agreed, admitting that things flowed almost perfectly.

“I wasn’t sure how it was going to go,” said Keith.

“But she is a bit of a legend around bowls in Canterbury, and it turned out we clicked quite well.”

“We have both played long enough to respect each other.

“She did her thing, I chipped in and did mine and we hardly said much when we were playing. We didn’t have to; it worked out well.”

Their similar mental approach on the green, along with a relaxed

attitude to the overall tournament, paid dividends.

“It’s a mindset thing, if you are both in a same sort of zone,” said Keith. “Her ability to draw is brilliant; I let her do what she does well, and she did do it well … so it made my job a lot easier.”

“And there was no stress on us, just taking each game as it comes.

“At the start of the week, we thought we would have a chance, but we wouldn’t have run out and put our money on the TAB or anything. But it couldn’t have gone any better.”

They were unbeaten across the event, though had a tight semi-final contest against Natarsha Grimshaw and Hanna Rio da Silva (Hawkes Bay), eventually prevailing 22-17.

Christchurch’s Bev Morel (left) and Sandra Keith after winning the national pairs final earlier this month.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

“They played well, but we got out in the lead and got a bit of control,” said Keith. “When you are in front one is a good score.

“Don’t have to chase points.”

Keith and Morel were up against 2020 finalists Hendra and Bruce in the decider, and the pregame pep talk was succinct.

“We just said ‘Let’s go out and do it, let’s do what we have been doing,” said Keith.

The match continued a pattern from across the week, with Morel and Keith getting into a strong position and able to control the contest from there, despite a late fightback from Hendra and Bruce.

It was the fourth national title for the 80-year-old Morel, after fours success in 1995 and 2007 and a pairs trophy in 2018.

“They are all special,” said Morel. “This one was really special, because it was a goal that I had for the year. It’s up there, especially with someone that I had played against a lot, a top player and a fantastic person.”

Keith (53) also had three previous national successes on her resume; (2012, singles; 2013, pairs; 2020, fours) and expressed similar sentiments about the significance of this triumph.

“It’s awesome to have won a title with her,” said Keith.

“Not many 80-year-olds win those.”

“It hasn’t really sunk it yet, how well it went. If you tried to plan it that way, it would never work.

But it just all fell into place; it was probably meant to be.”

Morel, who took up bowls four decades ago, puts her longevity in the sport down to several factors.

“I keep myself fit, I love the game, I enjoy coaching and I love the camaraderie,” said Morel.

And they won’t be waiting six years to team up again.

“We are going to play next year,” said Morel.

“We are going to try and defend our title.”

CRICKET

Playoff race starts to take shape in Tweedy Cup Matt Markham There are still three games to go before the knockout stage of South Canterbury Cricket’s Tweedy Cup for this season, but already the fate of a number of teams in the competition has been sealed.

Barring some sort of major disaster in the coming weeks, Pleasant Point, Tech Stags, Celtic and Temuka will play in finals cricket come February, but just

who lands where in the pecking order behind the rampant Pleasant Point side is still anyone’s guess.

The Stags are in a slightly precarious position.

They’ve been the second-best team in the competition all season, but a disastrous result against Temuka last weekend has Celtic breathing down their neck has piled the pressure on.

The semi-final format sees the top two sides play off against each other in a preliminary final, while the third and fourth ranked teams also play.

The loser of the main preliminary final gets a shot at redemp-

tion by playing the winner of the third and fourth match in the major semi-final, with the winner of the first game getting a direct path into the final.

So, there’s a lot riding on finishing second.

Tied on points with Celtic, Tech have a superior run-rate so are the actual second placed team, but they can’t afford any further slip-ups, or that advantage could be lost – a fact not helped by a tough two final rounds in the coming weeks.

They play the bottom-ranked Star today – a match they should win – but they have a clash against Pleasant Point in the pe-

nultimate round before playing Celtic in the final round – a game which could well determine the final standings.

For Allenton, the task to make the playoffs is a little more unrealistic.

Ranked fifth, but two wins behind Temuka on the standings, they would need to win all three games in the run to the end of the normal season.

It’s not a completely insurmountable task but an incredibly tough one given the fact they have to Pleasant Point in the final round.

A win against Temuka today would be a good start and close

the gap, then if they were able to beat Star again next weekend and Temuka lose to Celtic it could create some interest heading into the final week for the Allenton side.

Round 13 action Tech Stags v Star at Technical 12pm Temuka v Allenton at Temuka 12pm

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Golf croquet’s best coming to town Matt Markham

The best of the best in golf croquet from across New Zealand will converge on Ashburton tomorrow.

In a continuation of yet another major national event to be held on our patch of New Zealand over recent times, Croquet New Zealand are bringing the Golf Croquet Nationals to Ashburton, as our best golf croquet players go in the pursuit of national glory.

The nationals stretch out over the course of a week, with play

Golf croquet WHAT: NZ Croquet Golf Croquet Nationals WHERE: Waireka Croquet Club, Ashburton WHEN: Sunday through to Saturday – 8:30am start each day.

WHO: The best Golf Croquet players in New Zealand and some of the best in the world.

SPORT 23 SHORT & SHARP

Over 60s bowls

Outdoor Bowls Mid Canterbury Over 60 Tournament, Monday January 17, 12.30 start, MSA green. 3 Games 8 end 3 bowl triples. Mufti an $6 per player (Skips names first). 1. M Skilling, G Taylor, A Smith, 2. J Argyle, D Prendergast, D Watson, 3. A Miller, H Goodall, T Pearce, 4. M Anderson, S Harrison, D Waller, 5. J Kewish, D Muir, A Gibson, 6. A Hill, R King, A Huband, 7. M Smallridge, R Mitchell, A Gibbs, 8. B Hopwood, J Moffatt, G Edlin, 9.

M Watson, D Lysaght, G Crack, 10.

T Johnson, C Cleghorn, W Herriott, 11. M Reid, R Petrie, R Prendergast, 12. M Palmer, W McCarthy, L Spargo.

Reserve: D Taylor.

Run and Walk

Ashburton’s Waireka Croquet Club will be awash with some of the best golf croquet talent in New Zealand over the course of the next week during the NZ Croquet Golf Croquet Nationals. beginning tomorrow and culminating next Saturday with the finals of the coveted singles events.

Tournament manager, and local croquet alum, Audrey Leath said the tournament would be one of high skill, with some of the best players in the world in action.

“All of the players, with the exception of two, have world rankings,” she said.

“The ages of the players are mostly under 30, with four players in the higher age group –

some are under 18 as well.”

Tomorrow begins with the doubles action, which will last across two days with seven games to be played by each combination, with eight pairings lining up to shoot for success.

The final stages of the doubles will be played on Tuesday.

Then from Wednesday, it’s into the singles action with 14 players doing battle.

The final for the singles will be played on Saturday.

Leath said the matches would be closely contested, with plenty

of tactical aspects to the play given the fact there is no time limit for games, allowing players as much time as necessary to map out their own path to success.

Players from across New Zealand are in town to compete in the event with the Manawatu/ Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury and South Canterbury associations represented in the event.

Play begins at 8.30am each day during the tournament with spectators able to come and view the matches in action.

Run and Walk Ashburton’s Summer Series commences on Tuesday, January 18. An annual event on the calendar of the group each year, the series is held in the Ashburton Domain and runs over the course of six weeks. Those who enter are able to run, or walk, 1km, 3km or 5km with all ages and abilities welcome.

Entry is $2 for adults and Under 18’s are free. Registration opens each week at the Walnut Avenue Pavilion with a 6pm start each night.

Spot prizes are also drawn during each evening. A my vaccine pass is required for all those aged over 12.

Softball finals They’ve been plying their trade all week, but tomorrow it’s finals time for the large group of budding softball players from across the South Island who are in town.

Ashburton is hosting the Under 15 Mainland Softball Zone open club championships this week with 22 teams competing at Argyle Park.

Finals for the tournament are due to be played tomorrow with the women’s final at 1pm and the boys final at 3pm.

No rain in the forecast, time to make hay for Mid Canterbury Matt Markham With the threat of rain almost non-existent this weekend, Mid Canterbury will be out to make hay while the sun shines in cricket’s Hawke Cup. After their first match was abandoned after little play before Christmas due to an early summer deluge, getting back out in the middle and making a solid start against Southland today on the Ashburton Domain Oval will be high on the order of priorities for the two-day match.

Whether that’s with the bat or the ball, it doesn’t matter.

Wickets with the ball are paramount, and a good steady flow of runs with the bat without the loss of too many quick wickets is the same.

After a few years of building together as a team, this is a Mid Canterbury line-up that should be ready to strike.

They boast good, quick and troubling bowlers and some steady heads with the bat in hand, and those experienced shoulders will be relied on

against a solid Southland outfit who appear to be in pretty good nick this season.

But it’s not unsurmountable for the Mid Canterbury lads; they’ve beaten Southland before, and they can do it again.

But with so many of the players taking part in the match plying their trade away from the Mid Canterbury scene, it’s hard to judge where each individual is at in terms of their form and progression throughout the club season.

What is known that those who have featured in South Canterbury’s Tweedy Cup competition and have made their way into this side are in good form.

Alex Hooper has proven to be a strike-rate bowler for the Tech Stags side all season.

He’s hitting great lines to be his side’s leading bowler this season, with 15 wickets at an average of 7.47 – one of the best in the competition.

He’s coming off a three-wicket haul last week in a losing performance which also saw him score an unbeaten half century

with the bat – a valuable commodity to have further down the order for Mid Canterbury.

Ryan Bell, who gets his cap for his fifth Hawke Cup appearance today, is another who has been in good form.

The talented all-rounder has taken 11 wickets this season at 9.91, but also boasts a batting average in the competition of over 50.

Throw into the mix the experienced Des Kruger, who again has been in great form with the bat in the club competition, scoring 207 runs at 41.4, and there’s a good strong nucleus of form for the other players in the team to build around.

William Southby will again

Mid Canterbury XI William Southby (capt) Ryan Bell Sam Clark (wk) Devon Flannery Nick Gilbert Alex Hooper Tom Innes Angus Jemmett Des Kruger Harry McMillan James Southby be at the helm of the side for the match, with Sam Clark being thrown the wicketkeeping gloves for the match.

Play gets under way at the Ashburton Domain Oval today and tomorrow from 10.30am.

Alex Hooper will be a key player for Mid Canterbury in their Hawke Cup clash against Southland which begins today.

PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

24

RightonTrack Guardian racing

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Mid Canterbury’s horse and dog racing action

McDonald’s snub a kick to the racing industry Matt Markham James McDonald, you could do no more.

OK, so maybe that’s not quite true, he could have won every race he rode in last year.

That would have made him immortal, the greatest to have ever sat in the saddle and, most importantly, lifted the balance of my TAB account into a surplus unlike it’s ever seen before.

But something suggests that might not have even been enough to see the greatest jockey New Zealand has produced recognised at the illustrious Halberg Awards this year.

You see, the finalists were announced this week and despite what seemed like a large amount of the community I live in on the planet social media seeing it as odds-on that the champion hoop would be a finalist for Sportsman of the Year, McDonald was snubbed by the exorbitantly large judging panel.

A nominee, yes. But a finalist, not on their nelly.

So, I’ve been pondering – as you do – as to why

it might have been that McDonald got the cold shoulder from the judging panel.

Maybe his achievements weren’t deemed great enough?

12 Group Ones, a record-setting season and a Melbourne Cup victory on a Kiwi bred-mare that captured the nation for even just the smallest amount of time would suggest that couldn’t have been the reason.

Maybe it was because the judges felt that success for McDonald is just as much about the horse that he’s riding than it is his own skillset?

Surely not.

Scott Dixon is a finalist for the Award and his success is just as much about the car he’s driving as it is his own skill, in exactly the same manner as it is for J-Mac. And, to further that, it’s not that many moons ago that Mark Todd won the Supreme Halberg for sitting on the back of a horse.

So, it couldn’t be that.

Maybe it was more about those who got the nod ahead of him?

Hamish Bond

is a great athlete and a gold medal winner and it’s always hard to win a Halberg coming off an Olympic year.

Kane Williamson has been Kane Williamson and done Kane Williamson things, Paul Coll is a freak of nature and is more than deserving of his spot, and Scott Dixon drives a car like I used to dream of when tearing up the backroads in my first car 20 years ago.

None, with perhaps the exception of Coll, have done anything to my eyes more significant than what McDonald has within the timeline for voting though.

So, I was still at a crossroad.

But I’ve come to the conclusion, rather reluctantly, that it has to be because James McDonald comes from the horse racing industry.

It’s an industry looked upon by some as one for the rich and money-hungry, powered by deep left pockets and funded by the same on the right.

And it only takes a handful of that small village worth of people on the judging panel to think that way to be able to sway the rest into dismissing a racing nomination.

However, while it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, it’s still a sport.

And the people who compete in it are still sportspeople just like an All Black, a Black Cap, a golfer or a racing car driver.

And if James McDonald, off the back of the 12 months he’s had in the saddle, can’t make the finalist spot, then there’s little to no chance of anyone ever being able to do it in the future because that precedent is incredibly high and unlikely to be achieve at any point in the near future.

James McDonald

M6 Wingatui gallops

Laver serves up a beaut in Southland Matt Markham The future continues to shine bright for rugged pacer Laver, and his local driver Gerard O’Reilly.

A few weeks after claiming the Ashburton Cup just before Christmas, the dour pacer, who is trained by Geoff and James Dunn, grabbed another cup to put on the mantlepiece, the Northern Southland Cup at Invercargill’s Ascot Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Driven positively, as is the norm with Laver, by O’Reilly, the pacer found the front inside the first half lap of the 2700m event and simply never looked back, crushing his rivals into submission down the back straight to run away and win the $30,000 event by two- and three-quarter lengths.

“He’s thrived since the moment he got down here,” co-trained Geoff Dunn said.

“And he’s still thriving, it took Gerard a lap to pull him up.”

After running a huge race in the New Zealand Trotting Cup last November, Laver has seemingly gone from strength to strength and the Dunns, O’Reilly and the horse’s owners, Bob and Jenny Sandford, have a lot to look forward to in 2022.

And that may include not having to put rivals to the sword all the time.

“Gerard feels like he’s starting to develop a bit of speed, which is exciting, so he might just not be the one-trick pony that everyone thinks he is.”

Laver has now won nine of his career starts, with a further 19 placings and close to $150,000 in earnings.

John Morrison was also in on the action at Wednesday’s meeting, but as a trainer, when his horse Harrison won the last race on the card with Carter Dalgety in the bike.

Today at Wingatui Raceway

R1 Brent Lucas Builders Mdn $15,000 1200m 11:55 8 37016 Darci Palmer K Chowdhoory (8) (A1) 56.5 R6 Meenans Liquorland (Bm65) $30,000 1400m 14:45 2 86052 Carisbrook 9 x8357 Final Savings 56.5 1 53153 Lennon K Chowdhoory (3) (A1) 59 10 x5721 Shanghai Express Montes De Oca (9) (A1) 54.5 2 x5x10 Plutonium B M Murray (6) 59 11 760 Glory Chance K Mudhoo (5) 54 3 41654 Leroy J R Lowry (9) 58.5 4 63403 Radegast C R Barnes (10) 58.5 R4 G.H. Oliver Fencing Mdn $15,000 1400m 13:35 5 37363 Fashion Shoot J D Laking (4) 58 1 x0202 Stan With Me D Turner (4) 58.5 6 0x642 Pownce D R Bothamley (8) 58 2 2x228 Bentley G A Jogoo (8) 58.5 7 65839 Benny Lincoln C W Johnson (5) 58 3 9x203 Christophe Vermeer B May (6) 58.5 4 5 Virat C A Campbell (1) 58.5 8 227x5 Deceptio Visus D Turner (17) 57.5 9 5x106 Cheekini D Montes De Oca (12) (A1.5) 56.5 5 l The Cluster J R Lowry (5) 58.5 S Muniandy (7) 56.5 6 84 Ataahua Pipedream Ms K Williams (11) 57 10 50525 Kerany 11 41396 Neon Moon G A Jogoo (11) 56.5 7 45 Sharpie K Chowdhoory (12) (A1) 57 12 67015 O’jude Ms K Williams (1) 56.5 8 4 The Arctic Blast A Balloo (9) 57 9 3328x Nevets C R Barnes (2) 56.5 13 0x19 Second Thought K Mudhoo (16) 56.5 R2 Custom Fencing 2&3yo $30,000 1200m 12:25 C A Campbell (14) 56 T R Moseley (14) 56.5 14 50x56 Choux In 1 43362 Mackenzie Lad D Montes De Oca (10) (A1) 58.5 10 x4373 Iffraajable 55.5 S Muniandy (3) 56.5 15 8x2x0 Uphold 2 121 Ruby’s Lad C A Campbell (3) 58.5 11 23x98 Kamenna 16 6430x Regal Girl 55.5 3 77505 Fireglow K Chowdhoory (7) (A1) 57.5 12 0x4 Chavela D Montes De Oca (10) (A1) 56.5 17 67536 A Little Vague 55 66 Go Suzy C W Johnson (7) 56.5 4 1x484 Palmetto D R Bothamley (1) 57.5 13 L Callaway (13) 56.5 R7 W A E Waikouaiti Cup $40,000 2200m 15:23 5 2x9 Buoyant C W Johnson (8) 56 14 000x7 Mi Jadore 6 4 Spin A Champion S D Khetoo (9) (A3) 56 R5 Hope & Son Cooke Howlison Hcp $40,000 1400m 1 51065 Mr Intelligence J R Lowry (7) 62 7 1 Burgie C R Barnes (4) 55.5 14:10 2 42461 El Gladiador T R Moseley (5) 59.5 8 7x0x1 Just Maybe Ms K Williams (6) 55.5 1 14191 Hasabro J R Lowry (5) 62 3 2104 Southern Ocean K Mudhoo (6) 59 9 x00x9 Fah Sai K Mudhoo (5) 54 C R Barnes (9) 58 2 61129 He’s Got Power S D Khetoo (6) (A3) 57.5 4 1370x Dee And Gee 10 4xl87 Pickens T R Moseley (2) 54 5 26223 Firoden C A Campbell (4) 56 3 x4480 Khimar War R Cuneen (9) 57 B May (10) 54.5 900 Whale Song D I Montes De Oca (1) (A1) 55 6 645x7 Take The Deel R3 Property Brokers (Bm74) $30,000 1200m 13:00 4 K Chowdhoory (2) (A1) 54 5 49x05 Ray’s In Command C W Johnson (2) 54.5 7 16612 Sulu Sea 1 392x4 Challa S Toolooa (4) (A3) 61.5 8 5648 Bluey’s Chance A Balloo (8) 54 54 2 1410x Rockland Ms K Williams (6) 59.5 6 34034 Monza Circuito C R Barnes (3) 9 14214 Savezar Ms K Williams (3) 54 T R Moseley (7) 54 3 3x50x Golden Harvest C W Johnson (3) 58.5 7 3x0x0 Owen Patrick 10 85927 Youneverknow S Toolooa (1) (A3) 54 C A Campbell (11) 54 4 28334 Desert Magic A Bohorun (10) (A3) 58 8 x1217 Humbucker 11 7x960 Francis Drake C W Johnson (11) 54 9 12741 My World K Chowdhoory (8) (A1) 54 5 73541 Anduin C R Barnes (1) 57 10 1010 Robina Joy Ms K Williams (10) 54 6 5680x Our Teddy Boy C A Campbell (2) 57 R8 Hampden Takeaways Mdn $15,000 1600m 15:58 11 5047 El Bee Darci K Mudhoo (4) 54 7 6141 Treybon J D Laking (11) 57 1 53753 Bob Marlie K Mudhoo (9) 58.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

8400x Mr Hass J D Laking (11) 58.5 0 Abruzzi D Turner (7) 58.5 0x86x Harvey Darvey J R Lowry (10) 58.5 Sokanon D R Bothamley (2) 58.5 40802 Justanace K Chowdhoory (1) (A1) 57 The Westender T R Moseley (5) 57 468x4 Baby Cheeses K Mudhoo (12) 56.5 47x40 Kentucky Cougar S Muniandy (3) 56.5 5x00x Pearl Of Delgatie C W Johnson (6) 56.5 446 Summer Wages C A Campbell (4) 56.5 95 Ashvegas Girl T Jonker (8) 55 9x0x Miss Otis Regrets C R Barnes (9) 55

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

3044 2496x 53465 3x756 960

J R Lowry (8) 58.5 Allasera T R Moseley (7) 58.5 Leave It To Me J D Laking (4) 58.5 Levon L Callaway (2) 58.5 Tactfull D R Bothamley (3) 58.5 Grandiloquent Ms K Williams (11) 58.5 Obie C W Johnson (16) 58.5 Benny Hill S D Khetoo (14) (A3) 57 Back Hut S Muniandy (13) 56.5 Verdigris C A Campbell (5) 56.5 Lugano’s Ace D Turner (15) 56.5 Voralto B May (1) 56.5 Degreeofinnocence B M Murray (6) 55 Idle Lady 56.5 Pentesla 58.5

16 9x746 Sure Is 17 50x56 Choux In

54.5 56

R10 Otago Times Mile Series (Bm74) $35,000 1600m 17:08

1 38201 Exchange J R Lowry (10) 62 2 1x131 Tyler Eight Ms K Williams (4) 59 3 84218 Zouluminous J D Laking (7) 57.5 43902 4 x1133 Colossal G A Jogoo (14) 57.5 x5342 5 20084 Hee’s Our Secret B M Murray (13) 57 60x35 6 35111 Elizabeth Rose S Muniandy (2) 56.5 x8794 7 47359 Tellyawhat L Callaway (9) 56.5 36596 8 67281 Easy On The Eye D Turner (1) 55.5 87 9 00x11 Its So Easy K Mudhoo (15) 55.5 00x7 10 5211 Royce Roca K Chowdhoory (8) (A1) 55.5 00x90 11 6x054 Itsonlymoney C W Johnson (6) 55 C R Barnes (5) 54.5 R9 Otago Times Mile Series (Bm65) $35,000 1600m 12 7x144 Direct Flight 13 1761 Phyllite C A Campbell (11) 54.5 16:33 T R Moseley (3) 54.5 1 x477x Panzer D I Montes De Oca (11) (A1) 60 14 47512 Polar Night 15 x477x Panzer 55.5 2 1x576 The Ace J R Lowry (2) 60 3 125 Poniard D Turner (16) 59.5 Matt Markham’s Wingatui Selections 4 x3102 Copy Me In C W Johnson (14) 59 Race 1: Summer Wages, Miss Otis Regrets, Justanace, Sokanon 5 20427 Country Boy J D Laking (15) 59 Race 2: Ruby’s Lad, Mackenzie Lad, Palmetto, Buoyant 6 42631 Capo Dell Impero C A Campbell (8) 58.5 Race 3: Rockland, Treybon, Challa, Anduin 7 7x812 Rosy Clark C R Barnes (4) 57.5 Race 4: Christophe Vermeer, Bentley, Nevets, Stan With Me 8 33497 Yeah Right T R Moseley (13) 57.5 Race 5: My World, Hasabro, He’s Got Power, Robina Joy 9 00x14 Secret Sound S Muniandy (5) 57 Race 6: Fashion Shoot, Neon Moon, Radegast, Leroy 10 0x73x Bridget Town Y Atchamah (7) (A4) 56.5 Race 7: Southern Ocean, Savezar, Firoden, Sulu Sea 11 x4914 Madam Sequoia T Jonker (12) 56.5 Race 8: Back Hut, Leave It To Me, Allasera, Carisbrook 12 78x21 Seikrid K Chowdhoory (1) (A1) 56.5 Race 9: Country Boy, Capo Dell Impero, Seikrid, Namibia Miss 13 5023 Namibia Miss Ms K Williams (3) 56 Race 10: Tyler Eight, Elizabeth Rose, Zouluminous, Colossal 14 4166x Royal Wings 56 BEST BET: Southern Ocean (Race 7) VALUE: Christophe Vermeer (Race 4) 15 54997 Decisive G A Jogoo (9) 55.5

25

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Mid Canterbury’s 2021 sporting events in retrospect - December

For her tireless work and dedication to the sport of Netball, Gail Benseman was presented with the volunteer award by Kev Opele.

Mid Canterbury Netball’s summer social league came to a close with Peg Legs the deserved winners.

Brothers Quinn and Jett Jansen gained national selection into the New Zealand waterski, OzKiwi team.

The Mid Canterbury Tennis senior side won the coveted Shirley Dalzell Memorial Trophy.

The best male golfers in New Zealand rolled into town for the NZ Men’s Interprovincial.

After a frustrating start to the season the Allenton seniors picked up their first win in the South Canterbury competition.

BE SEEN

Feature your business in the Ashburton Guardian!

Tricroft would like to present AON House

The new Aon House on West Street breaks new ground with its co-operative and collaborative work spaces and means Tricroft Properties has taken another giant step towards cementing its position as a major property investor and developer.

RIVERSIDE INDUSTRIAL PARK

Saturday, March 13, 2021 | YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE

23

There were smiles a mile wide when Highgrove won for a large group of local owners at the annual Ashburton Trotting Club Christmas meeting.

Charity Market Garage Sale

Ashburton Racecourse 9am-1pm Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 of January Cakes, produce, crafts, household, furniture, collectables, antiques, garden, workshop, sports, children’s entertainment, sausage sizzle, craft stalls, cash or eftpos available.

•

Donations of good quality items gratefully accepted.

No TVs or computers please.

• Items collected from Wednesday, January 26, or please drop off at Racecourse, 9am - 4pm Wednesday, January 26 Phone John 307 6229 Dave 307 4349

Netball is the number one chosen sport in New Zealand and in Mid Canterbury around 1300 people take to the netball court each season.

This feature celebrates the Mid Canterbury clubs that keep this ever-popular sport alive and well in our district.

ALLENTON CELTIC COLLEGE

HAMPSTEAD METHVEN MT SOMERS

They can be called into action anytime, anywhere, for almost anything. And they volunteer to do it. Guardian reporter Jonathan Leask spoke to our volunteer fire brigades about what they do. They all talked about giving back to their communities and helping people in need and the commitment required to do so.

RAKAIA SOUTHERN UNITED

ASHBURTON

SHOP SMART, SHOP LOCAL

Ashburton Pakeke Lions Club Charitable Trust

Serving our Community Helping Local Charities

Vaccine pass and mask required

MID CANTERBURY

26

WeeklyWorkout

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Exercise your grey cells with our weekly sports crossword and quiz

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Korfball orginated in what country? a) Sweden b) The Netherlands c) Germany 2. In 2017, the men’s and women’s world squash champions originated from what same country? a) India b) Russia c) Egypt 3. Which indoor sport uses the terms tweener and cranker? a) Ten pin bowling b) Table tennis c) Badminton 4. Cowdray Park is a famous sporting venue for what sport? a) Football b) Lawn bowls c) Polo 5. Which football team is known as ‘The Toffees’? a) Everton b) Tottenham Hotspur c) Nottingham Forest 6. On November 8, 2007 Ross Taylor made his test debut, against which country? a) Australia b) South Africa c) England 7. The Crusaders begin their Super Rugby campaign this year against which side? a) Hurricanes b) Chiefs c) Highlanders 8. Chris Wood has been newsworthy this week, but which English Premier League side did he first play for? a) Burnley b) West Bromwich Albion c) Barnsley

Answers: 1. b) The Netherlands, 2. c) Egypt, 3. a) Ten Pin Bowling, 4. c) Polo, 5.

Everton, 6. b) South Africa, 7. a) Hurricanes, 8. b) West Bromwich Albion.

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PUZZLES 27

Puzzles and horoscopes

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Cryptic crossword 1

2

3

Simon Shuker’s Code Cracker 4

5

Your Stars

6

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): There’s something of value you don’t want to lose. This is what’s standing between you and a change. The shift will occur after you’ve reckoned with your feelings and deemed the loss necessary.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): If you wanted to get judgmental, all the data is there. It doesn’t look great on paper, so there’s plenty to judge.

But you want to be constructive – which is hard, helpful and so on-brand for you.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): There are those who will do anything you ask, but you have to do it.

Do you really want to work that hard? Seek people who come with their own initiative.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): To talk about what you know and listen when you don’t seems so simple, but many will violate the rule. They speak to fill the void or get attention – tiresome. All you have to do is politely excuse yourself.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): When you think about it, the amount of love and respect you give yourself mirrors the amount you give others and vice versa. So no matter how you go about it, increasing the love increases the love.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Those who worry about having a thing are not rich in it. There are two ways to be rich – to have so much of something you can’t possibly run out or to have so little of it that you have nothing to lose.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): It would be unreasonable and cold-hearted to love only those who love themselves. Love all types if you can. But for close relationships, the healthier prospects promise wonderful harmony.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): Complaining is like a rocking chair; a comfort though it never goes anywhere. Arguably, those who find comfort in complaining provide less of it to others.

Luckily, you know when to use your feet.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Explore, decide, change your mind – all part of the process. Anyone who gives you a hard time about this doesn’t fully understand your creativity. Believe in your vision enough for anyone who can’t see it.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Do not tie your selfworth into anything as precarious as a bank balance, bad hair day or other transitory state. Moods will rise and fall, but your value remains inestimable.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Look into the depth of the sky, try and count the stars. Take that expansive feeling with you wherever you go and know that whatever it is you think you lack, there really is enough to go around.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): There’s an elegance in you that you often let shine, though sometimes you hide it because you don’t want too many people coming for you at once. Today, you’re very much in control of and aware of this.

7 8

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ACROSS 1. They illustrate how a grid’s made up around the forenoon (8) 4. A branch of police work that’s biting (4) 8. Container that would be enormous were it to contain sulphur (3) 9. One of the bends: remedy involves Valium initially (5) 10. A pot nothing is drawn out of? Likely! (3) 11. Maid becomes watchful if old boy gets ahead of her (7) 12. Bird will take something from somebody when at home (5) 13. To advance to a greater degree, in addition (11) 17. Potato, perhaps, sounds as if it might get blown (5) 18. Old cars, a string of which might come from the butcher’s (7) 20. Grassland discovered where Land’s End approach starts (3) 21. Handy things to be as hard as? (5) 22. It’s a peg, of course (3) 23. Requirement for putting one to bed heads off (4) 24. But it doesn’t produce a vegetable with a shell! (8) DOWN 1. Contrive to distribute seed around six (6) 2. Following break-up of fat with hesitation (5) 3. To be so highly deserving makes the writer right? It follows! (5) 5. Somehow get up a form of blame when in credit (7) 6. It’s silly to be so loving! (6) 7. Commercial traveller also appears in the edges one tells off (10) 9. When frightened, teeth are sounding like magpies (10) 14. Feeling of resentment makes one unfeeling when topless with fury (7) 15. Pinched Southampton water finally in the second place (6) 16. A view of carpets shaken right out (6) 18. A person to hold the bowl out in entering (5) 19. Possibly a wide crowd player (5)

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anti-clockwise.

WordWheel

T E

Quick crossword 1

2

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4

5

6

7

8 9

10

WordBuilder WordBuilder

WordWheel

R Y M O

984

H R A E C WordBuilder D E How many words of three or more including plurals, can you make Aletters, RRusingA from theH five letters, each letter only once? No foreign words or words with a capital are allowed.

ESone five-letter C word. ? beginning There’s at least 199

?

E

N I

Insert the missing letter to complete an

12 13

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ACROSS 1. Invoice (4) 3. Make-up (colloq) (3,5) 9. Token (7) 10. Gentle push (5) 11. Revival from inactivity (12) 13. Placate (6) 15. Unaccustomed (6) 17. Top-class cookery (5,7) 20. Ascend (5) 21. Mythical creature (7) 22. Proceeding without pause (8) 23. Microbe (4)

23

DOWN 1. Financially ruined (8) 2. Hobbles (5) 4. Supporters (6) 5. Prison (12) 6. Inside (7) 7. You (archaic) (4) 8. Done for no gain (12) 12. Postscript (8) 14. Hunting (7) 16. Shrewdness (6) 18. Likeness (5) 19. Deeds (4)

Previous cryptic solution

Good Verywords Good of 16 three Excellent 19 How 11 many or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginningsolution: with a capital are née, allowed.

Previous ens, est, nest, There’s least one sen, five-letter net, nets, at see, seen, sene,word. sent, sente, tee, teen, tees, ten, Goodset, 11 Very Good teens, 16 Excellent 19 tens, tense

eight-letter word reading clockwise or Previous solution: DOUGHNUT anticlockwise. Previous solution: DOUGHNUT

11

199

Across: 1. Communist 5. Paw 7. Arno 8. Firewood 10. Football 11. Span 13. Dashed 15. Scarab 18. Slab 19. Reticent 22. Romantic 23. Race 24. Fur 25. Broad bean Down: 1. Chaffed 2. Mango 3.8Icicle 4. Tree 5.2Prosper4 6. Widen 9. Abbey 12. Acrid 14. Stammer 16.8 Between 5 9 7 17. Merino 18. Serif 20. Evade 21. Snob

7 1 4 3 Previous quick solution 4 3 10.5Overstep 1 6 Across: 1. To the point 7. Yobbo 8. Against 1 Spam 18.4Taper off 9 11. Ague 13. Hiding 15. Seance 17.

Previous solution: ens, est, née, nest, 21. Surpass 22. Alike 23. Amalgamate 8 6 9 7 net, nets, see, seen, sen, sene, sent, Down: 1. Table 2. Thousand 3. Elated 4. Oval 5. Nonagon www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz 3 8 9 2 sente, set, tee, teen, teens, tees, ten, 6. Hypothesis 9. Thereafter 12. Demerara 14. 6 Diagram tens, tense 16.

Nausea 19.

Opine 20.

Fall 2 5 8 4 7 15/1 7 2 9 1 3 8 SOLUTIONS PREVIOUS Sudoku Fill the grid so that every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

87 7 5 9 8 2 36 4 1 1 6 2 1 3 4 6 8 5 9 7 2 7 2 5 9 6 4 3 6 1 44 3 65 8 6 9 2 7 9 4 2 9 3 5 8 1 6 7 8 6 4 8 7 4 6 2 8 3 1 7 2 4 6 8 9 5 7 3 9 8 5 8 6 1 9 7 2 4 3 4 7 2 8 9 1 1 74 4 3 8 6 9 5 2 3 2 5 8 4 7 1 6 3 9 8 9 3 1 2 7 5 4 3

1 5 6

8 3 9

5 7

8

2

5

3

4 2

6

9 4 7

8

9

1 7 6 3 3 6

2

9

2

4 6 7 9 2 5 1 3 8

5 1 9 3 8 6 2 7 4

3 5 1 2 9 4 7 8 6

9 8 6 5 7 3 4 2 1

7 2 4 1 6 8 3 9 5

8 7 5 6 4 2 9 1 3

6 9 3 7 5 1 8 4 2

1 4 2 8 3 9 6 5 7

2

9 4 1 HARD

MEDIUM

2 3 8 4 1 7 5 6 9

9 6 1 5 3 2 7 8 4

2 6 8 1 3 9 4 7 5

5 7 9 6 8 4 1 3 2

3 4 1 2 5 7 8 6 9

9 3 7 4 1 6 2 5 8

4 5 6 8 2 3 9 1 7

8 1 2 9 7 5 3 4 6

Ray Ray White White have have buyers buyers looking looking to to step step into into property. property.

1 9 5 7 4 8 6 2 3

6 2 3 5 9 1 7 8 4

7 8 4 3 6 2 5 9 1

3 6 7 5 8 2 1 4 9

1 2 9 4 3 6 7 8 5

4 8 5 7 1 9 3 6 2

5 3 8 2 9 1 6 7 4

7 1 6 8 4 5 9 2 3

2 9 4 3 6 7 8 5 1

6 4 1 9 5 8 2 3 7

9 5 2 6 7 3 4 1 8

8 7 3 1 2 4 5 9 6

RayRay White� White�

T 03 307 8317 T 03 307 8317 E ashburton.nz@raywhite.com E ashburton.nz@raywhite.com 96 Tancred96 Street, Tancred Ashburton Street, Ashburton 7700 7700 rwashburton.co.nz rwashburton.co.nz Real Estate Mid Canterbury Real EstateProperty Mid Canterbury Limited Licensed Property Limited Licensed REAA 2008 REAA 2008

2

3 4 7 1 5

28

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Trades&Services Advertising

To place a Trades & Services ad, call 307-7900 or email classifieds@theguardian.co.nz

HEAT PUMPS KEEP YOUR HOME THE PERFECT TEMPERATURE ALL YEAR ROUND

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Keeping your property protected with a security camera system from Masterguard Protect your biggest asset with a home security camera package from Masterguard Call me today for a free, no obligation quote

Hartley Curd phone 0800 788 393 or 021 328 301 57 Dobson Street, Ashburton.

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CALL GROUTPRO FOR AN HONEST DISCUSSION ABOUT YOUR GROUT AND TILE AFTERCARE

Let’s start the conversation call 0800 764 846 455 West Street, Ashburton Email: ashburton@smith-sons.co.nz or visit: smithandsons.co.nz

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CLASSIFIEDS 29

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

Inwards Goods Assistant SEEDS Family Wellbeing Service Coordinator Due to the retirement of our current staff member we are now looking to employ a coordinator to oversee this service.

S.E.E.D.S places volunteer support workers with parents of newborns/ pre-schoolers in homes to support parents with practical parenting and household skills with the goal of building selfconfidence and self-reliance.

We are looking for a non-judgemental, empathetic person with the ability to support vulnerable families in obtaining their goals. This is a well-established service with a good pool of trained volunteers and good referral base.

• Do you have experience in service coordination, client planning • and assessment?

• Are you passionate about improving wellbeing and social • outcomes for families?

• Are you a skilled communicator with excellent relationship • management?

• Do you have excellent organisational and time management • skills?

• Do you have a commitment to strength based processes?

• Do you have experience in volunteer recruitment, support and • retention?

• Do you have knowledge of and a commitment to delivering • culturally appropriate services?

If you can answer yes to these questions we would love to hear from you.

This position is for 25 hours per week and is based in Ashburton Applications close Friday January 21st 2022 For an application pack please go to the careers section of our website: www.safermidcanterbury.org.nz We offer a collegial, family friendly and flexible work environment.

TALBOT SECURITY GROUP

New World Ashburton are looking for an Inwards Goods Assistant. In this full time role you will be unloading delivery trucks and vans, checking off deliveries and receipting goods into our computerized system, as well as general storeroom housekeeping.

We are big on Health & Safety at Ashburton New World, so we are looking for someone who is proactive and who shares in this passion, given the high risk environment that is “Inwards Goods”.

What we need from you: • A current OSH and F Endorsed Forklift License • Experience using a forklift • Experience using SAP or other computer management inventory systems • Comfortable working in a busy storeroom with team, merchandisers, drivers and other visitors that use the storeroom • Being reasonably fit and strong, as much of the work involves lifting, moving on and off vehicles and standing for long periods What you get from us: • Ongoing training and mentoring • Career development opportunities • Great company culture and work environment You would be working Tuesday to Saturday from 5.00am – 2.30pm, with some flexibility for extra hours only when required. We are looking for an individual who thrives on a challenge, is forward thinking, clearly driven and excels in a united culture.

Applicants will be required to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Applications close 26th January 2022 Please apply in writing – including a cover letter and current CV to: donalda.hartley@newworld-si.co.nz

COURIER CONTRACTOR New Zealand Couriers have an opportunity available for a duo to service a run requiring 1.5 vans to service the West Ashburton and Methven areas.

A New Zealand Couriers contractor is an independent business owner.

Since 1964 our courier company has been driving ahead of the competition thanks to our passionate team, innovative systems and friendly, results-focused service.

All Independent Contractors are professional business people running their own business, and operate on a ‘Contract of Service’ with New Zealand Couriers. You essentially own your own business but with the advantages of being paid on a set date, a starting base of customers, and our ongoing support. Current run earnings are $180-190k + gst.

Being well organised, understanding how to prioritise, and working to tight time-frames are important skills to be successful in this type of business.

Key attributes: • • • • • • •

Attention to detail and quality of work Good customer service focus (both internal and external) A ‘can do’ positive attitude as well as being a team player Adaptability and flexibility in changing environments Reliability and honesty A professional image and good communication skills Clean driver’s licence and security check

If you are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, have superb communication skills, can finance your own late-model vans, equipment including a scanner, support yourself in business and continue to carry out the excellent service shown by the previous contractor - then we want to hear from you.

Further information available on our website: http://www.nzcouriers.co.nz/our_roles.html#role_detail_contract_ driver

Delicatessen / Seafood Department Full Time & Part Time Positions Available

We are currently seeking friendly, energetic and customer focused applicants to join the team at Ashburton New World.

You will: • Have the ability to present our products to a high standard • Be highly motivated, reliable and show good initiative • Have excellent presentation • Be a great communicator & team player We will offer you full training and the opportunity to work in a great team environment.

Days and hours to be discussed at an interview. Your roster will include one evening and one weekend shift.

To apply: Please email: donalda.hartley@newworld-si.co.nz Applications close 26th January 2022

MEETINGS, EVENTS

Applicants for this position need to be domiciled in New Zealand with the appropriate visa or permanent residence before applying. Any appointment will be subject to a satisfactory drug test and security check. You must be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.

For further information or to apply, please contact: Derek Edwards Branch Manager, New Zealand Couriers, phone 027 226 8831, email derek.edwards@nzcouriers.co.nz

We Help Save Lives Find out how you can help save lives by visiting: www.otago.ac.nz/chchheart A University of Otago Centre of Research Excellence

MEETINGS, EVENTS

South Rakaia Bach Owners Association (Inc).

Annual General Meeting

Notice of General Meeting

to be held in the Entertainment Hall at 6pm on Friday, January 28, at 6pm Business, to extend the timeline of the interim committee for a further 60 days.

Members to have current membership and vaccine passes Guardian Situations Vacant

307 7900

Will be held at the Settlement Shed at 3pm on Saturday January 22, 2022

Are you a self-motivated person that enjoys something different each day?

Locksmith Services

We’ve got a great position custom made for that person who wants great hours with • Car Keys a few added bonuses which include a Company Car, Cell phone and laptop.

• to House The hours of work are 6am 2.30pmKeys Monday to Friday. We’re looking for someone who’s keen to learn and• is motivated to get ahead in life, keys we also have CCTV, Alarms Electronic Car Remote & Locksmithing so on larger jobs you might get to head out with them to assist, so • Locks variety is something you must enjoy.

E - operations@talbotsecurity.co.nz P - 03 307 2409 anytime 24/7 If it sounds like your kind of job and you have the following skills then make sure you apply.

• • • • • • • • •

Self motivated Work unsupervised Good work history Clean drivers licence Great with people Have basic computer skills Great phone manner Quick learner Good sense of humour

What the job entails? We’re looking for a person to call around to businesses and farms around Mid Canterbury and service Fire Extinguishers during working hours of 8.30-2.30pm & from 6am to 8am you’ll be doing some other jobs for the for the company, nothing super difficult and we’ll explain to those that make the interviews what this entails.

Please apply via Email ONLY : info@talbotsecurity.co.nz.

No walk in’s or phone calls will be accepted.

Each application Must have a cover letter outlining why they would be a good fit for this role.

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

Crop Farm Worker

Teacher of Digital Technology

– seasonal or part-time

Fixed Term- Terms 1-2, 2022 Part Time .56 FTE or more by negotiation We are a friendly, well-resourced, rural college We are a friendly, well-resourced, rural located in Methven, in the heart of Mid Canterbury. college located in Methven, in the heart of Mid We seek an enthusiastic and passionate practitioner Canterbury. to join our Technology team at the college.

We an enthusiastic passionate The seek successful candidate and would ideally be able to teach Digital Technology up to team Year 13.

The practitioner to join our Technology at the position would also be suitable for teachers with college. proven experience in supporting learners with selfThe successful candidate ideally be Fixed TermTermswould 1-2, 2022 directed modules. able toTime teach Technology up to could Year be Partposition .56 FTE more The isDigital Part or Time .56 by FTEnegotiation but 13.

The would alsodepending be suitable for the We are aposition friendly, well-resourced, rural on college increased by negotiation teachers with proven experience in Canterbury. supporting located in Methven, in the heart of Mid successful candidate’s teaching strengths. learners self-directed modules.

We seek Hutt anwith enthusiastic andthe passionate practitioner Mount College, and Methven township, to our team atSki the college. liejoin atposition the Technology base of Mt Hutt.56 Area. wider The is Part Time FTE butOur could environment a multitude of options for The successfulprovides candidate would ideally be be increased by negotiation depending onable the outdoor enthusiasts, including new13. Ōpuke to teach Digital Technology up the tostrengths.

Year The successful candidate’s teaching Thermal would Resort also and be Spa,suitable and is for a haven for those position teachers with seekingexperience to become a family oriented and proven in part supporting learners with selfMount Hutt College, andofthe Methven tight knitmodules. community. directed township, lie at the base of Mt Hutt Ski Area. packs, Our position wider environment multitude of The isApplication Part Timeprovides .56 FTE aincluding but could the be Job Description areincluding available by increased negotiation depending on the the options forby outdoor enthusiasts, contacting college@mthutt.school.nz. successful candidate’s teaching strengths. new Ōpuke Thermal Resort and Spa, and is a Applications at 12:00pm haven Hutt for those seeking toclose become part of aon Mount College, and the Methven township, the 21st ofArea.

January 2022. lie at the baseFriday of Hutt Skicommunity.

Our wider family oriented andMttight knit Applications should ofbe sent for to environment provides a multitude options Application packs, including Job college@mthutt.school.nz. outdoor enthusiasts, includingthe the new Ōpuke Description are available byiscontacting Thermal Resort Spa, and a or haven those Aand school house flat for may be college@mthutt.school.nz. close seeking to become partfor ofthe a Applications family oriented and available successful applicant. at 12:00pm on Friday the 21st of January tight knit community.

2022.

Application packs, including the Job Description are available by Applications should be sent to contacting college@mthutt.school.nz. college@mthutt.school.nz.

Applications close at 12:00pm on Friday thehouse 21st or of flat January 2022.

A school may be Applications should be sent to available for the successful college@mthutt.school.nz. applicant.

A school house or flat may be available for the successful applicant.

Teacher of Digital Technology

WANTED

GENUINE cash buyer, wanting Falcons, Holdens, Valiants or any pre-1990 vehicles suitable for preservation. Phone 021 02914847 or 03 615 7930

FOR SALE

2019 JAYCO SILVERLINE 21.65-3 Touring Facelift Model immaculate one owner. Top of the line loaded with extras asking 112,000 O.N.O Ph. 0211303792

We are seeking a retired farmer to assist on our irrigated arable property near Methven, Mid Canterbury. Some previous experience of harvesting preferred.

This position might suit someone wanting year round part-time or seasonal work. We can offer flexibility of hours and an attractive hourly rate.

Email: hunterletham@ snap.net.nz or phone 03 3021877 or 022 304 5116.

HIRE

GENERAL hire.

Lawnmowers, chainsaws, concrete breakers, trailers, and more. All your DIY / party hire, call and see Ashburton U-Hire. 588 East Street.

Open Monday-Friday 7.00am – 5.30pm; Saturday 7.30am - 5pm; Sunday 8.30am 12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz

MEETINGS, EVENTS

PAKEKE Lions Charity Market Sat 29 & Sun 30 January.

Donations of saleable household, workshop and garden items welcomed. No TVs or computers. Collections: John 3076229, Dave 3074349, Clarrie 3089629

MOTORING

WHEEL alignments at great prices. Maximise the life of your tyres with an alignment from Neumanns Tyre Services Ltd, 197 Wills Street. Phone 308 6737.

Vaccine Pass Required A McDowell Secretary

To advertise here contact Melissa on 027 286 6527 or 03 307 7936

Guardian Real Esate 307 7900

Melissa Shimmin

30 CLASSIFIEDS SITUATIONS VACANT

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

SITUATIONS VACANT

Daily Diary 2022

AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY OPERATOR/ TRUCK DRIVER We are looking for an experienced truck driver with a Class 5 licence plus two years experience agricultural contracting which will include buck-raking.

For more details please phone Jacob 0274 225 464 or Email office@jacobholdaway.nz Applications close 27th January 2022

Jacob Holdaway Contracting Ltd

GARDENER Lochlea Lifestyle Resort has an opportunity for a person who can fill this fulltime position in our unique resort.

The successful applicant will be able to communicate well, have the ability to work unsupervised and hold a clean, current, driver’s licence.

Duties will include lawn mowing. Formation of new gardens and general lawn and garden maintenance.

3 Positions

Hospice Mid Canterbury provides support to individuals and families throughout the Ashburton district who are dealing with a life-limiting illness.

We are experiencing growing demand and therefore have three new positions which will bring more focus and support to staff and volunteers as well as a greater focus on funding and outreach.

Team Coordinator – will nurture and support our wonderful team of staff and volunteers; a real ‘people person’ (12 hours/week) Outreach Coordinator – community liaison person responsible for funding, promotions, marketing and community education; a ‘storyteller’ who can convey the value of hospice support to others (12 hours/week) Administrator – provide admin assistance to other roles, reception, assist with account processing and financial reporting, etc. (10 hours/week) The people we are seeking will be computer literate, have strong organisational and communication skills, and have the ability to relate well to others in line with our culture of Care, Compassion and Respect.

This is a wonderful opportunity to join our very special organisation and make a positive difference in our community.

Please contact Jane, admin@hospicemc.nz for further information or to request a Job Description.

Applications close 5pm, 28 January 2022.

The successful applicant will be subject to a police check.

Applications for this position close at 4pm on Monday, January 24, 2022 Please direct all enquiries and CVs to The Manager: tony@lochlearesort.co.nz or phone 03 3079080

Driver Urgently Needed We are a Local Owned Transport business serving Mid Canterbury for over 20 years.

If you would like to be a driver for us you will be responsible for operating a range of vehicles and equipment to ensure a safe and timely collection service. You’ll also be required to keep accurate records and paperwork and undertake vehicle safety checks.

To be successful in this role you will need: • A valid clean NZ Class 1,2,3 and 4 licence with relevant driving experience • Relevant transport industry knowledge and experience • You will need to be physically fit and have the ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team • Valid vaccine pass.

Hours by negotiation.

All applications to be sent to garybin@xtra.co.nz

For just $10!* Book your birthday greeting, including a photo, for just $10!

Ten words only.* (Under 12 children’s birthday greetings remain FREE) *Terms and conditions apply.

P: 03 307 7900 E: classifieds@theguardian.co.nz Level 3, Somerset House, 161 Burnett Street

Buying or selling a vehicle?

Call the Guardian today for your motoring advertising requirements.

307 7900

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15

7.30am RUN AND WALK ASHBURTON. Meet outside frontrunner, Moore Street, runners and walkers, all fitness levels welcome. Coffee and chat at Columbus Cafe afterwards.

9am - 12pm CRAFT MARKET. Plants, woodwork, toys and much more weekly. West Street carpark.

9am - 12.30pm ASHBURTON DISTRICT FARMERS MARKET. Support local stall holders selling local fresh produce, plants, hot food and drinks. North end of West Street car park Ashburton.

9am-3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSEUM. Static displays with collections of up to 30 aircraft and memorabilia. Ashburton Airport.

Seafield Road.

10am-12pm ASHBURTON VINTAGE CAR CLUB. Museum and parts shed open. 86 Maronan Road. Tinwald.

10am-4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY. Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall. 160 Main Street Methven.

10am - 4pm WAIREKA CROQUET CLUB. Association croquet. Singles and doubles, the domain, Philip Street.

10.30am - 3.30pm ASHBURTON EMBROIDERERS’GUILD. Meet on the 1st Saturday of the month at the Seniors Centre, 206 Cameron Street.

1.15pm WAIREKA CROQUET CLUB. Golf Croquet, drawn Pairs. The domain, Philip Street.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 16

Morning Worship at 65 Oxford Street led by Rev. Johanna Warren. Note - My Vaccine Pass mandatory please.

10am ST ANDREW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Holy Communion. Thomson Street. Tinwald.

10am-4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY. Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall.160 Main Street, Methven.

1pm-3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSEUM. Static displays, collection of aircraft and memorabilia on display. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road.

1.15pm WAIREKA CROQUET CLUB. Golf Croquet. Casual games. The domain, Philip Street.

5-7pm PICKLEBALL ASHBURTON Come and have a go at EA Networks Centre stadium on River Terrace. Paddles are provided.

MONDAY, JANUARY 17

GROUP. Walking for about 30-40 minutes on Mondays and Fridays. Meet Walnut Avenue Pavilion.

1pm-3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSUEM. Static displays, collection of aircraft and memorabilia on display. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road.

6pm ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Circuit training in the hall, 48 Allens Road, Allenton.

7pm-9.30pm R AND R LINEDANCING ASHBURTON. Upper Improvers/intermediate weekly line dance classes. Balmoral Hall, 240 Cameron Street.

8am ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Holy Communion. Park Street.

9am - 1pm METHVEN LOCAL CRAFT AND PRODUCE MARKET. Held the first Sunday of each month.

Methven Resort. Main Street. Methven.

9.30am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH Worship Service led by Rev Jim Young at 48 Allens Road, Ashburton.

10am St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Combined Service with Hakatere and Methodists at Thomson Street. Vaccine passes mandatory. No service at St Andrew’s.

10am ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Holy Communion at Park Street.

10am HAKATERE PRESBYTERIAN PARISH

6am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Circuit training in the hall. 48 Allens Road, Allenton.

10am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON, 206 CLUB. Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Enquiries to 308 6817.

10am-4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY. Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, 160 Main Street Methven.

10.30am ASHBURTON COMMUNITY WALKING

Construction Staff Due to an increase in work load we are looking for applicants for the following positions to join our team.

Foreman and Carpenters

What you need: • High standard of workmanship •A real team player • Honesty and reliability • Good computer skills for construction software • Have a good understanding of work place health and safety In return we can offer: • Competitive pay rates • Free full cover Health Insurance (discounted rates for family) • Varied array of work in the commercial sector • Full time hours • Long term job opportunities within a larger company

Building Apprentices

What you need: • A willingness to learn • Motivated • A team player • Honesty and reliability In return we can offer: • Competitive pay rates • Free full cover Health Insurance (discounted rates for family) •The ability to learn a wider array of building skills in a commercial company.

• Long term job opportunities in a larger company If the above sounds like you and you are wanting a change, or the opportunity to step up to your next challenge, please do not hesitate to contact us.

All applicants will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

Email applications to: commercial@mcintoshgroup.co .nz Alternatively, call into our office at 38 JB Cullen Drive Ashburton and fill in an application form.

Applications to be received no later than 4pm Friday 28th January 2022

Having a Garage Sale?

Call the Guardian for all your classified requirements.

307 7900

FAMILY NOTICES 31

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

MASTER MONUMENTAL MASON

For just $10!*

Phone 03 307 7900 | Email: classifieds@theguardian.co.nz LEVEL 3, SOMERSET HOUSE, 161 BURNETT STREET

Ashburton Guardian

Call me Call Call me me for all for for all all your your your real real real estate estate estate needs needs needs

For all your memorial requirements New headstones and designs Renovations, Additional inscriptions, Cleaning and Concrete work Carried out by qualified tradesmen.

(Under 12 children’s birthday greetings remain FREE)

Garage Sales

Honest.

Honest. Trustworthy.

Trustworthy. Local.

Local.

E.B. CARTER LTD

Book your birthday greeting, including a photo, for just $10! Ten words only.*

For Sale

Honest. Trustworthy. Local.

620 East Street Ashburton Phone 308 5369 or 0274 357 974 ebcarter@xtra.co.nz NZMMMA Member

Raffles 307 7900

YOUR ONLY LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED

DEATHS

Canterbury owned, locally operated

Mick Hydes Mick MickHydes Hydes

Patersons Funeral Services and Ashburton Crematorium Ltd

027 437 9696 027437 4379696 9696 027 mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS,

LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Buying or selling a property?

Jo Metcalf

18-22 Moore Street, Ashburton | 0800 263 6679 027 637 1229 | www.memoryfunerals.nz

WEEKEND SERVICES

services please phone Methven Medical Centre on 302 8105 or Rakaia Medical Centre on 303 5002 DUTY DOCTORS for details on how to access the For all other medical assistance outside after-hours service each weekend. of normal hours please phone your Pharmacies general practice team, 24/7, to speak with a health professional who will give Wises Pharmacy, Countdown you free health advice on what to do or Complex, East Street, will be open from 9am - 1pm Saturday, from 10am where to go if you need urgent care.

1pm Sunday.

If you don’t have a regular general practice, call any GP team 24/7 for free Ashburton Rest Homes telephone health advice.

Please contact directly for hours.

Please bring your Community Services Card. All non-New Zealanders should Emergency dentist bring their passport with them, New If you do not have or cannot contact Zealanders should bring some form your regular dentist, please phone 027 of ID. 683 0679 for the name of the rostered weekend dentist in Christchurch. Hours Methven & Rakaia areas 9am - 5pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

For weekend and emergency

Healthline is a free health advice service.

It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The toll-free number to call is 0800 611 116.

Healthline is staffed by registered nurses who are trained to assess health problems and offer advice over the phone. The service is free and confidential.

Alcoholics Anonymous Call 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) or visit www.aa.org.nz for more information.

Mental Health - Call free on 0800 222 955. Ask for the Crisis Team.

Safe Care - 24hr Rape and Sexual Assault

Crisis Support. Phone 03 364 8791

Victims Support Group

24hr - Freephone 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846).

Direct dials to a volunteer.

Ashburton Office - 307 8409 week-days, 9am - 2pm, outside of these hours leave a message.

Alcohol Drug Help Line Call us free on (0800 787 797).

Lines open 10am - 10pm seven days.

© Copyright Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited 2022

Saturday: Fine apart from morning and evening low cloud. Northeasterlies developing in the afternoon.

MAX

Midnight Saturday

Canterbury Plains

22 MIN 11

Saturday: Fine apart from morning and evening low cloud. Northeasterlies developing in the afternoon.

SUN PROTECTION ALERT PROTECTION REQUIRED

Wear a hat and sunglasses

Data provided by NIWA

: 5 5 9 : 20 am – 5 pm

Christchurch Darfield Lake Coleridge Methven Rakaia Timaru

Ashburton Museum

327 West Street, Ashburton, phone 307 7890.

Open daily: 10am – 4pm.

Ashburton Public Library

Havelock Street. Ph 308 7192. Saturday: 10am - 1pm.

Sunday: 1pm - 4pm.

EA Networks Centre - Pools

20 River Terrace - phone 03 308 4020. WEEKEND HOURS: Sat and Sun 7am - 7pm. Public holidays 10am - 5pm.

Information Centre

Methven - Saturday and public holidays 10am until 2.30pm. Phone 302 8955 or isite@ midcanterburynz.com

ANIMAL SERVICES Dog, Stock & Noise Control

Ashburton District Council 03 307 7700 - 24hr service.

Animal Welfare Centre

All enquiries - phone 308 4432 or 027 3329286.

Veterinarians

WEEKEND EMERGENCIES Please call your usual vet to be transferred to the emergency vet.

Sunday: Fine.

Northeasterlies.

MAX

Canterbury High Country

24 MIN 13

Saturday

Mountain weather hazards: None issued.

Wind at 2000m: Light.

Monday: Fine.

Northeasterlies.

Freezing level: Above 3000m.

Saturday

21 21 23 20 21 20

13 12 10 11 13 11

Sunday Sunday

23 21 25 22 22 24

Motoring 307 7900

327 West Street, Ashburton, phone 308 1133.

Open daily: 10am – 4pm.

Wind at 1000m: Light.

Around The Region

Guardian

Art Gallery

Mainly fine. One or two afternoon showers.

Sunday: Fine.

Northeasterlies.

A ridge covers the country on Saturday and Sunday.

Easterlies strengthen over the upper North Island as former tropical cyclone Cody approaches from the north and is expected to approach northeastern New Zealand late on Sunday, producing strong winds in its vicinity. Cody is expected to pass to the east of the North Island on Monday and Tuesday. A weak front moves over the deep south on Tuesday.

Ph 307 7433

Please respect any COVID-19 restrictions or requirements

HELPLINE SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES

Ashburton Weather

Office and Chapel Corner East & Cox Streets, Ashburton

Call the Guardian 307 7900 today or your real estate advertising requirements.

MEDICAL SERVICES IN EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PHONE 111.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS HARMER, Mary Ann – The Harmer and Cavill families would like to express their heartfelt thanks for all of the messages and cards at this very difficult time. Your support has been an enormous help as we grieve for our loss of Mary.

14 13 11 12 15 12

Monday

24 24 27 24 24 24

15 14 11 13 14 13

Mountain weather hazards: None issued.

Mainly fine, some morning cloud.

Wind at 1000m: Light.

Monday: Fine.

Northeasterlies.

MAX

Readings to 4pm Friday Temp °C Maximum Minimum Grass min 24hr Rain mm Month to date Wind km/h Strongest gust Sun hrs on Thu Month to date

Methven 20.0 7.2 – – – – – – –

Christchurch Timaru Airport Airport 22.3 21.1 12.0 9.2 9.9 – 0.0 0.0 2.0 3.6 SE 31 SE 22 3:06pm 2:55pm 7.1 – 119.9 –

Tides, Sun and Moon Saturday

Tide data sourced from MetOcean Solutions

Sunday

Monday

Ashburton H 2:43am 3:01pm 3:24am 3:41pm 4:03am 4:19pm Mouth L 8:45am 8:58pm 9:29am 9:39pm 10:10am 10:18pm Rakaia Mouth Rangitata Mouth

H L H L

Wind at 2000m: Light.

2:48am 8:52am 2:40am 8:41am

3:06pm 9:04pm 2:57pm 8:54pm

3:29am 9:36am 3:21am 9:24am

3:47pm 9:45pm 3:37pm 9:35pm

4:08am 4:25pm 10:17am 10:25pm 3:59am 4:15pm 10:05am 10:14pm

6:07am 9:17pm 6:08am 9:17pm 6:09am 9:16pm

Freezing level: Above 3000m.

For the very latest weather information, including Weather Warnings, visit metservice.com

Ashburton Airport 20.8 11.0 10.2 0.0 10.2 SE 26 2:04pm 6.2 90.4

26 MIN 13

7:21pm 3:19am 8:15pm 4:00am 9:04pm 4:49am

full Jan 18

last qtr Jan 26

new Feb 1

first qtr Feb 9

32

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, January 15, 2022

Garden Fete

Thursday 17 February 2022 10am - 4pm

Rakaia Gardens

Home of Sue & Ted Rollinson

282 Awaroa School Road, Dorie 11RD Rakaia (signposted off SH1)

Come join us for a great day 100+ stalls, live music, food and beautiful gardens to explore Gate tickets on the day $20 Presale tickets Adults $15 Children 5yrs+ $5 Pre-booked lunchbox $15 ATM and EFTPOS available onsite VACCINE PASS REQUIRED ON ENTRY Tickets now available:      

Eventfinda website www.eventfinda.co.nz St John Office and Shop, Tancred St, Ashburton Rakaia Four Square (cash only) Mayfield PGG Wrightson (cash only) Joosh, Geraldine Phone 03 3087132 to arrange an online payment – tickets will be posted (St John office: 241 Tancred St M - F, 9am - 12.30pm)

Raising funds for Mid Canterbury St John