Ashburton Guardian, Saturday, January 28, 2023

Sunflowers bringing smiles

Charlotte Mulder

A little kindness goes a long way.

Methven crop farmer, Andrew Currie, finds giving sunflowers to strangers just as rewarding as receiving them.

“There’s no better feeling than being the reason for someone’s smile, it’s something words can’t explain,” he said.

For no profit, Currie has been growing his sunflower paddock for the past 10 years, allowing strangers off the road to pick up a free bunch.

“We planted the sunflower patch on the roadside so it was accessible to everyone passing.”

Currie has found that planting half an acre of sunflower seeds every October pleases both the public and himself.

“As cliche as it sounds, I love doing my little bit to make the world a better place,” he said

It all started when one of Cur-

rie’s friends brought her kindergarten children to the field.

“It was like my mind clicked. The children were radiating so much joy by running around. That’s when I knew I had to grow them every year.”

Being born and bred in Methven, Currie has finally found his passion for growing seeds.

“I believe my enthusiasm for growing things helps others find their passions too,” he said.

By presenting these sunflowers to strangers, Currie has found it also shows how much potential a crop farm has.

“I want to make the public aware that crop farming is more rewarding than they think. You find all kinds of stuff in your paddocks.”

But he said it’s becoming harder and harder to find seasonal staff locally as no one is interested in cropping anymore.

Currie hopes to inspire young children who receive a sunflower to also take an interest in growing seeds.

“It’s such a rewarding business to be able to inspire others to find their passions.”

Church spire coming down for strengthening work

The spire at St Andrew’s Church in Havelock Street is coming down.

The church is undergoing strengthening to meet stringent earthquake standards and the tower at the front of the church needs reinforcement.

The trouble is the spire is immediately above it and, to strengthen

the tower, something’s got to give, said St Andrew’s minister, Eric Mattock.

“We don’t want people entering the church wearing crash helmets,” he said.

However, it won’t be removed for good. Rev Mattock said once work on the tower is completed,

the spire will rise to the top of St Andrew’s again.

“I’m sure our congregation will be inspired to see it return,” he quipped. “To meet Historic Places Trust’s classification, it needs to be hoisted back up.”

To remove the tower on February 1, Havelock Street, from

the Ashburton District Council’s administration building to Park Street will be closed to through traffic.

Traffic will be detoured using Baring Square West Road, Cameron and Park streets. Pedestrians will be directed to footpaths outside the work zone.

Rev Mattock is hoping strengthening work will be completed in time for Easter from April 8-10.

As St Andrew’s minister, he’s also been appointed interim moderator for the Plains Parish. His responsibilities include Methven, Mount Somers, Mayfield and Carew.

Crop farmer Andrew Currie displays what sunflowers look like before they are planted. PHOTOS CHARLOTTE MULDER

Charlotte Wilson found these sunflowers while driving to Methven with her grandmother.

Miss Jazzylicious: From competitor to judge

Winner of last year’s Miss Pinup NZ, Jasmine Aitken, is nervous and excited about a new national title.

Ruapuna-based Aitken, otherwise known as Miss Jazzylicious, will be returning to the Miss Pinup competition on February 11 in Auckland as this year’s judge.

“I’m very nervous, but of course excited to see what all the girls have in store for me,” she said.

“I can’t wait to help build their confidence even more.”

To prepare for this year’s competition, Aitken has been judging local competitions such as the Dunedin Darling Pinup pageant.

“It’s been nice to understand the pageant from a different perspective.”

On February 11 Aitken will be wearing her original Miss Pinup 2022 red velvet dress transformed by Emma Brockhurst into a Marilyn Monroe Hollywood glamour re-do.

Aitken has also hinted she will be on the lookout for competitors with authenticity and “a nat-

ural stage presence on the day”.

“I’m expecting to see a lot of rockabilly [-inspired looks] which is exciting.”

The pageant consists of many sections such as displaying unique retro outfits and performing different talents.

“Talent isn’t just the typical

dancing and singing, but random things such as a sewing demonstration or wrapping a Christmas present.

“The best acts we see on stage are the ones we don’t normally think of as talents.”

Aitken was the first in 10 years to bring the Miss Pinup title to

Rakaia dairy farm murder

the South Island.

Since winning, she has continued to encourage women of all ages and sizes to enter pageants so they too can grow as a person.

Aitken said “people have reached out to me asking how I’m able to wear bold dresses and bright colours in public. All I say

is to change your mindset and to not worry about pleasing everyone else.”

In the future, Aitken hopes to travel abroad to experience the Americas Tiki Oasis tropical festival, along with inspiring more of Ashburton’s entertainment community.

Morris-Bamber appeals conviction

By NZ Herald/Kurt Bayer

A chef found guilty of murdering his cousin’s husband while he slept in Rakaia is appealing his conviction.

Tony Grant Waldron, 29, was found dead at his Gardiners Road home on September 18, 2019, after failing to show up for 5.30am milking.

Waldron’s wife Alana Jane Bamber, 35, and her cousin, Joshua Morris-Bamber, 28, were found guilty of murder by a jury in October last year.

Now, Morris-Bamber is appealing against his conviction and sentence.

An appeal notice has been filed with the Court of Appeal, a spokeswoman for the appeal courts in Wellington confirmed on Thursday.

No hearing dates have yet been set.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum period of imprisonment

of 16 years.

At the trial at the High Court in Christchurch last year, the Crown described the story leading up to the murder as complex.

Bamber was furious with her estranged husband Waldron, claiming he had been unfaithful with one of her bridesmaids and alleging he had “beat the s***” out of her days before the killing.

On September 17, city hotel chef Morris-Bamber went drinking after work and then visited Bamber.

They chatted, the Crown said during the trial, for about 15 minutes.

Then, about 11pm, Morris-Bamber sent a Facebook message to Bamber, which was allegedly seen by a witness, and said: “What is Tony’s address? I need to get some anger out.”

The essential piece of evidence – that Morris-Bamber denies – was not able to

be retrieved because both offenders deleted content from their phones.

Morris-Bamber’s brother Isak Morris-Bamber also set off in the night to stop him from hurting Waldron, but after his partner begged him to not get involved, Isak returned home.

Bamber also told Isak to leave his brother to it, adding “better one life than two”.

Morris-Bamber drove for about 45 minutes south on SH1 to Waldron’s farm, with cellphone data and CCTV from NZTA cameras plotting his movements.

His car was captured passing a golf course going in the direction of Gardiners Road at 12.56am.

The same car is seen passing the same golf course again, heading back to Rakaia, at 1.04am.

With driving time, the Crown said Morris-Bamber had “at least four minutes” at

Waldron’s house, “ample time” to go inside and fatally assault him while he was sleeping.

A post-mortem examination suggests Waldron was struck by a solid weapon at least three times on the side of his head, ear and neck.

Waldron suffered a fractured skull – a 4cm x 2cm fragment of bone was dislodged – along with multiple cracks and a broken jaw.

Morris-Bamber left at speed, stopping briefly to hide “forensically important items” like the murder weapon and bloodied clothing that he would later move again. They were never found.

Justice Gerald Nation sentenced Morris-Bamber to life imprisonment with a minimum period of imprisonment of 16 years and sentenced Bamber to life imprisonment with a minimum period of imprisonment of 13 years.

Charlotte Mulder

Jasmine Aitken featuring in the UK magazine Bombshell.

PHOTO KIRSTY ROULSTON.

Rakaia business owner fuming over ‘surprise’ roadworks

morning after we had only been served the paperwork on Friday,” Collett said.

“There was no consultation before that at all.”

Rakaia business owners are up in arms at roadworks starting without consultation that will limit access for months, and potentially permanently.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency contractors have started installing the in-road scales in Rakaia as part of a split-site Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC), previously called weigh stations, just north of the Rakaia River.

Canterbury Motorcycles and Kawasaki Canterbury Ltd owner, Clint Collett had no idea the work was coming and was given short notice it was starting.

Waka Kotahi announced on January 12 that work on the project would be starting shortly and Collett said the first they knew about it was on January 13, with the road cones arriving on January 17.

“My blood was boiling when I saw them set up the road cones on Tuesday

Waka Kotahi’s director regional relationships, James Caygill, acknowledged “it would have been better to advise businesses earlier, however, the Christmas break made that not possible”.

Collett accepted roadworks were inevitable but is frustrated they do not allow for any access by northbound traffic.

“We haven’t even got access to our own site anymore, only from the southbound lane, so we have to drive right through Rakaia and turnaround by the bridge – which is a crash risk – and then pull into the forecourt [as there is no street parking].

“My business is a destination business so if people are coming to buy a motorbike they will come and do it, but for a convenience place like Harvey’s Bakehouse next door, it is going to kill their business.

“We don’t know how long it is going to take.”

Because of the placement of the scales, Collett believed the two busi-

nesses were also set to lose some or all of the roadside parking on the north side of SH1 across the road.

The Rakaia Community Association has started a petition to change the traffic management plan to restore access for the businesses and ensure parking is retained.

Collett questions the placement of the in-road scales as he believes they are not in the right place as trucks can turn off to the south, go around the block, and pull back onto SH1 and avoid being recorded.

“It’s right in the wrong spot for what they are trying to achieve.”

They could have shifted it 100m north closer to the Rakaia Bridge he said to ensure they capture all the traffic and wouldn’t have impacted businesses.

Heavy vehicle traffic increasing

charges.

However, a Waka Kotahi spokesperson said the particular system was unable to match up vehicles with possible overweight loads for potential prosecutions, given the higher bar required for accuracy.

The number of heavy vehicles crossing the Rakaia River Bridge is increasing.

Data obtained from Waka Kotahi’s current weigh-in-motion site, built in the road in 2015, shows a 17 per cent increase in the number of heavy vehicles from 2018 to 2022.

Originally the weigh-in-motion site was proposed to be used to collect data for all vehicles travelling over the Rakaia Bridge with a camera for automated number plate recognition to allow the identification of trucks that are overloaded, travelling over speed, or that have unpaid road user

What it has done is provide an accurate traffic flow count, differentiating heavy and light vehicles.

Heavy vehicles have a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 3500kg while light vehicles have a GVM of under 3500kg.

In 2018 the weighbridge recorded 694,622 heavy vehicles, which was 14 per cent of the total traffic flow – with 4,189,426 (86 per cent) light vehicles.

Last year heavy vehicles totalled 826,246 which was 16 per cent of the total with 4,368,218 light vehicles.

That equates to a 17 per cent increase in heavy traffic from 2018

to 2022 across the Rakaia Bridge but only a 2 per cent rise in the total traffic flow, with light traffic increasing by 4 per cent from 2018 to 2022.

With the Fairfield Freight Hub set to be constructed this year, the number of heavy vehicles will drop in future.

The site at Fairton will see an increase in containers moved via rail and is estimated to cause a reduction of around 40,000 truck movements per year.

The freight hub is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.

Jonathan Leask

Jonathan Leask

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Rakaia business owner Clint Collett is frustated with a lack of consultation his, and other businesses, on State Highway 1.

The number of heavy vehicles using the Rakaia bridge has risen by 17 per cent in four years.

roadworks

CVSC being built in a ‘dangerous place’

Jonathan Leask

An experienced roading industry adviser has aired frustration and concern that Waka Kotahi is proceeding with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC) situated between the two bridges north of Rakaia.

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand senior industry adviser Jim Crouchley, said the industry has no issues with a CVSC being built, the “issue for us is the location”.

“

We’ve been against this location from day one and we thought they had seen some sense,” Crouchley, a former general manager of Rural Transport, said.

“As an industry, there is nothing wrong with policing – it has to happen to get the cowboys out of the industry.

“But it’s being put in a dangerous place.”

Selwyn backing

By JONATHAN LEASK/LDR

The Selwyn District Council supports the new split site Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC).

Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown raised his concerns at the increased safety issues around retaining the southern site between the rail overbridge and the Rakaia River bridge, but the facilities are being built outside of his jurisdiction at the southern tip of the Selwyn District.

Selwyn District Council’s group manager development and growth, Tim Harris, said the council is pleased Waka Kotahi had addressed the concerns raised by key stakeholders on the original proposal to use a single southern site “which would have created additional vehicle turning movements and safety risks near the Rakaia Bridge”.

“The addition of a north bound CVSC site nearby, along with the original southern site, has addressed this,” Harris said.

Waka Kotahi obtained resource consent from the Selwyn council in December 2022 Harris said to alter its state highway designation and be able to include the second site.

“During the application process, Waka Kotahi fully consulted with the council which resulted in conditions placed on them that include the upgrade of a local adjoining road, which will be used for site access, and to produce an operational management plan.”

The CVSC is now being built as a split-site facility, with a northbound site at Weavers Road (north of the Rakaia rail overbridge), and the southbound site on the opposite side of SH1 at North Rakaia Road (between the river bridge and the overhead rail bridge) that was the original proposed site back in 2019.

“I can accept the Weavers Road site, but don’t accept for one minute that’s a safe site between the two bridges,” Croucley said.

He has spoken to a former commercial vehicle investigation sergeant who described the location as a “death trap”.

Even with the proposed reduction to 80kph along the section of SH1, he said it doesn’t give a heavy vehicle enough room to safely pull out without hindering oncoming traffic coming over the overbridge.

Crouchley said they tested two trucks, one manual and one automatic, with trailers pulling out of North Rakaia Road onto SH1 heading south.

“The fastest one of them got to when they entered the concrete abutments of the bridge was 52kph, and the other was 46kph.

“That’s the speed when they reach the bridge but when they pull out of the side road they are going to be crawling up getting to that speed.”

He hasn’t seen the plans for the site and suggested even with slip lanes for

the trucks to turn off and on “they will take time to speed up and slow down”.

Waka Kotahi director regional relationships, James Caygill, said the sites will not include slip lanes They are proposed to include activated (electronic) speed signs, he said, which will reduce the speed limit to 60kph when a vehicle is exiting North Rakaia Road.

He said a safety audit concluded “there are no known issues at these intersections relative to the left turn in and left turn out manoeuvres”.

Concerns halted the original proposal at the North Rakaia Road site in 2019 and Caygill said a site south of the Rangitata River was “briefly considered, but was discounted due to the significant reduction in the number of heavy vehicles it would capture”.

“The most significant issue raised with the Rakaia site in talking to the freight industry and key stakeholders was the difficulty in turning right out of the site.

“Hence the decision was made to split the sites to make all turns left in and left out.”

If the issue is capturing all the vehicles, Crouchley said it is where the re-

cording devices are placed in the road that is important, not the site the vehicles then have to turn into but they may have decided to progress as they already bought the land.

Crouchley echoed Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown that the decision to proceed at the location between the two bridges contradicted Waka Kotahi’s road to zero campaign.

“A government agency touting a road to zero campaign to reduce deaths and serious accidents on the road and they go and set a facility like this up.

“Through no control of the industry, we are going to have trucks pulling out creating havoc and motorists will perceive that as the truckie’s fault – not that they are pulling out of a Government controlled facility,” he said.

50% off.

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand senior industry adviser Jim Crouchley (inset), says the trucking industry has no issues with a CVSC being built, but has major concerns about the location. PHOTO JONATHAN LEASK/LDR

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

consultation from Waka Kotahi around the current roadworks impacting access to

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Disappointed to be closing shop

making a successful business.

“It’s the only craft shop in Ashburton apart from Ashfords, but, for the past two months, I’ve been struggling to get three customers in a day.”

Ashburton businesswoman, Glenda Robinson, says she can’t run her shop on $100 a week.

The owner of Crafty Cow, Robinson has been struggling to keep her knitting product store open on East Street, but her rent is now overtaking her profit.

“After two years of debating whether to close the shop, I’ve finally caved in and am calling it quits before I go into debt,” she said.

Robinson has found there are many reasons why her business is coming to an end.

“Due to the age demographic, that crafts and knitting attracts, and the layout of Ashburton shops, I can’t keep it open anymore,” she said.

“Customers don’t want to make the effort to travel from one end of the town to the other

for shopping. It would be much easier if we were all together.”

If Ashburton shops continue to be spread, then many others will also be forced to close their doors, she said.

“Since the Ashburton District Council isn’t worried about pro-

moting tourism, people will continue to revert to Christchurch shops which are only an hour away.”

Ashburton has become “the drive through town”, Robinson said.

To resolve this issue, Robin-

son believes the council should build another footbridge that connects East Street with Harvey Norman so customers have easy access.

“I know it probably won’t help, but unless you are in the centre of town, there’s a low chance of

Robinson decided to move from New Plymouth to Ashburton six years ago in hopes of running a successful business.

“At the start, business was booming especially during the first Covid lockdown when everyone needed something to do.”

She also found the war in Ukraine brought further success when people began knitting garments to send to the war-torn countr y.

“Retirement homes were knitting all sorts of things for Ukrainian people, especially children.”

Unfortunately, the time has come to salvage as much money as she can.

Robinson has dedicated February to selling $30,000 worth of craft stock to the public.

“It’s just disappointing really, not something anyone hopes for,” she said.

Two singers shine to win scholarships

A pair of Ashburton singers are hoping to make headway in their musical careers following scholarship success.

Eddie Galbraith and Maria Lawn were awarded the scholarships from the Mid Canterbury Singing School following their recent two-night performances amongst nearly 100 singers ranging from as young as nine to 22. There are strict criteria to be considered for the scholarship, which has become a regular part of the singing school, including being involved in the school for a number of years and having the intention of sticking with a musical pathway in the future.

Both Lawn and Galbraith were surprised to receive the recognition when they were called to the stage to receive their scholarships

in front of families in the audience.

“I didn’t expect at all, it was a big surprise,” Galbraith said.

Both are entering their final year at Ashburton College and have not set their sights on any-

thing in particular, but they know it will be something to do with music

“I want to keep doing my singing lessons and just see where it leads,” Lawn said.

While Galbraith wants to keep

doing stage shows.

“To keep doing stage shows would be pretty cool, I’ll probably be doing stage shows for the rest of my life,” Galbraith said.

“My first show was Aladdin when I was little, and all I did was

ride a mouse across the stage, which was such a fun experience.”

Whatever they do in the future both praised the Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School musical director and singing coach Jo Castelow for her tutelage.

Ashburton young performers (from left) Eddie Galbraith and Maria Lawn were the scholarship winners of this year’s Mid Canterbury Summer School. PHOTOS DANIEL ALVEY

Charlotte Mulder

Glenda Robinson, enjoying her last moments after six years as Crafty Cow’s shop owner. PHOTO CHARLOTTE MULDER

Daniel Alvey

Are you missing something?

It’s amazing what people remove at the theatre.

Over the years Ashburton Event Centre has donated unclaimed clothing to the Salvation Army but, in the past six months, some valuable possessions have been left behind.

Event centre administrator, Gudrun Weber, has decided to lay them out in the foyer and hopes the array of clothing and jewellery will trigger people’s minds.

If no-one claims them, the property will be passed on to the Sallies, she said.

Among the unnamed possessions are an Allenton School jersey, Hampstead School hat, baby carriage, back pack, running shoes, drink bottles, glasses and jewellery.

“Some of the clothing is valuable and a cost for parents to replace,” Weber said.

Among the items is a bag of clothes from the summer school held at the event centre earlier this month.

Weber said it’s ironic that people ring about stuff the event centre doesn’t have, but rarely contact them about valuables they do possess.

Often people only realise they’ve lost a personal item weeks later and can’t remember where they were at the time they took it off. The t-shirt could be on display here, Weber said.

Arnst motivated to launch her third exhibition

James Hope, the exhibition focuses on the circle “using roundness as a compositional device. The circle has a lot of symbolism for artists,” he said.

When Robin Arnst was diagnosed with breast cancer at 40 and faced an uncertain future she reflected on all the things she hadn’t done in her life.

“I wanted to paint,” she said.

So while receiving radiation treatment at Christchurch Hospital, she studied painting under a visiting North Island artist.

Her health improved and 42 years later Robin has left a legacy of work around New Zealand and overseas. She’s exhibited in Ashburton and Methven, been guest artist at Waimate and Leeston and was shortlisted at the Molly Morpeth Canaday art competition in Whakatane

As well as painting she’s taught generations of young people to paint, either at her Wakanui Road home or the old Post Office.

Her exhibition, entitled In The Round, opened at the art gallery last night and will run until February 24.

According to art gallery curator,

While Robin has attempted many forms of art expression, she particularly favours abstract. “I like viewers to experience what they feel in my work rather than what I paint,” she said.

“Painting takes me away from everything. I get a buzz when it tells me what I want to do and then I follow on its journey.”

Eighteen of her works will be on display, created over her lifetime. “I work with the medium that suits the painting,” she explains. “With the exception of one, they’re all for sale and I’d like to encourage many of my former students to visit the exhibition.”

At 82, she’s as good as she can be and still has some goals to achieve.

When she lost Dick, her husband and soulmate, two years ago she slowed down but now she’s motivated again. “I’m nearly into full cry.”

“I want to share my knowledge with people at my home and still want to paint the fantastic skies we have.”

But Dick is never far from her thoughts. He sits beside her in the box by her bed.

“I tell him everything,” she said.

Ashburton Event Centre administrator, Gudrun Weber, lays out valuables left behind after an event.

Malcolm Hopwood

Ashburton Art Gallery curator, James Hope and guest artist, Robin Arnst, display one of 18 words in her exhibition which opened last night.

Malcolm Hopwood

RantorRave

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Bali conjures up bad memories

Bali. The Indonesian holiday hot spot and tourism playground enjoyed by thousands of Kiwis but it’s not the reason why it will always stick with me.

I’ve never been there but when Bali is mentioned, I can only think of bombings and one of the best schoolboy cricketers I’ve ever seen in Mark Parker from Timaru.

Parker was one of three New Zealanders killed in the terrorist Bali bombings in October 2002, when 202 people lost their lives. They were mostly visitors, including 88 from Australia, who died when two bombs tore apart tourist nightclubs.

Many others were seriously injured, hundreds suffering devastating burns and loss of limbs.

Ironically, Parker wasn’t inside either nightclub at the time of the blasts. He and some friends were on their way to dinner and stepped from a taxi onto the

Daryl Holden

street when they were caught in the middle of the two bombs. Parker was then one of the first transported to the local Kuta hospital where he died a short time later.

So why am I thinking about that now, a tick over 20 years later?

The whole horrific attack has been revisited in a four-part television drama series, Bali 2002, which continues on TVNZ 1 tomorrow night.

The series was created after consultation with those directly affected by the tragedy, including survivors who shared their real-life stories.

Those stories included a focus on British survivor Polly Miller, who went on to establish a burns charity. Another focus was Australian plastic surgeon and burns specialist Fiona Wood, who treated survivors flown back to Perth with ground-breaking spray-on skin technology.

Murray Parker and nephew of John Parker, a well-performed test player in the 1970s.

Part one was riveting watching but I could not help thinking of Mark and his family, who I knew well when I lived in Timaru in the 1990s. Back then, he emerged as a special schoolboy cricketer but perhaps he was destined to.

After all, he was the son of New Zealand international cricketer

But experts at the time said Mark had a real gift, being a tall elegant batsman and a natural timer of the ball. He captained New Zealand at under-20 level and was described by former test player and now national selector Gavin Larsen as being mega-talented. We never saw the best of young Parker on the first-class scene but perhaps that was still to come. He was destined to play for Wellington after his trip to Bali. It was a trip, of course, that will never be forgotten and will go

down in history for all the wrong and most destructive reasons imaginable. The Bali bombings, I’ll never forget them. RIP Mark Parker.

And one more thing . . .

What a blooming good idea.

That’s what Methven crop farmer Andrew Currie has delivered for everyone to enjoy with his sunflower giveaway, as highlighted on our front cover and page two story.

Currie has been growing his roadside sunflower paddock for the past 10 years, allowing strangers to pick up a free bunch. And why do it? Over to you, Andrew.

“As cliche as it sounds, I love doing my little bit to make the world a better place,” he said. Brilliant. Now who can top that act of kindness and community spirit? Let us know and we’ll share it with our readers.

It was a trip, of course, that will never be forgotten and will go down in history for all the wrong and most destructive reasons.

“

It’s war and geese

were frightened to come back around the front for days.

Happy New Year everyone, I’m hoping it was a good one!

Me, I was shifting to a new home on New Year’s Eve and it was quite an exciting prospect because my room has glass doors looking out over a pond with all different types of ducks floating around on it and four geese who amuse me daily. And there’s even a couple of blue herons and they are gorgeous.

The things I have learned about chickens, ducks and geese in the short time I’ve ceased to be a townie and become a country girl is quite mind-boggling.

First up, I have never seen so much duck doo-doo, more specifically goose poos. These honkin’ big grass-eating suckers leave giant pyramids of poo. I don’t need to watch where I’m walking, cause you just about need a front-end loader to move it.

And I’d always been a bit afraid of geese because people told me they could be vicious and my daughter was chased by one on a garden walk once. I wanted to help her, but I was too busy running for my life and laughing at the same time. But these geese boys just become very alert when you’re around. Thankfully they’ve not gone in for the hissing kill-shot yet.

The most fascinating thing about them is how protective they are of ALL the waterfowl on the two ponds.

I was looking out a window one day admiring some duck-

lings (pekin ducks are terrible parents) when I saw a hawk swooping towards them.

The geese immediately went into bodyguard mode and warded the hawk off. I had no idea they were protective towards other species, so it was quite something to watch.

Also, I think those young geese boys are top models. Sometimes

when I look at them, I have to do a double-take. It seems me making an appearance precipitates the odd synchronised pose. I feel like they’re taking the “pith” at times … and there’s no need for that. Like, y’know what I mean, that freeze game we used to play when we were kids.

Also, what I learned recently was that the three cute, fat-arsed

chickens are quite the savages and love meat. They will apparently tear up a mouse in quick fashion if given half a chance.

I don’t feel so bad now that my daughter’s very non-farmy wee fluffy decided to turn into a hunting dog when he saw the poor wee girls. All he got was a mouthful of feathers from their butts, but the poor clucking tarts

I discovered that these particular hens have a passion for peaches. So as each peach in the kitchen was getting old and uneaten, I was chucking it out the sliding door for the cluckers. But the ducks figured out there were treats around and came to check it out.

To my surprise I saw Faye (there’s also Fiona and Freda) decide to make a great escape. With a giant peach wedged in her beak she took off. Bum bouncing, she waddled off at a rapid pace, followed in quick succession by several ducks trying to snatch her treat. It was a hilarious sight.

And sometimes the girls are so mean to the ducks. Outnumbered the cluckers might be, but there’s no lacking in “bolshiness” that’s for sure.

That doesn’t stop me from spoiling them, but I might want to slow down on handing out peaches. I came close to slip-sliding on one of the biggest, runniest chicken poos I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting at the front door.

Editor’s note: I was going to respond with a witty duck pooping joke, but you would probably think it was pretty crappy. But, for educational purposes for Lisa and her one reader of this column (hi Libby Fenwick), here’s some fun duck pooping facts

Ducks poop three to four times more a day than chickens. The average adult male duck poops every 15 to 30 minutes, but ducklings poop even more, doing their business every 10 minutes. Ducks don’t require a specific place or time to do it, but I’ve read that it usually happens every hour at about poo-thirty.

Hey, we can all do better on the roads

Over the holiday break I had cause for a trip up the road to Christchurch.

No pressure, no hurry, I set off and once out of town settled in and checked my speed which was indicating spot on 100kph in the trusty Aurion.

I could have selected cruise control I guess and locked it in in the 17-yearold supercar.

But instead I elected to just keep a manual eye on it and enjoy the journey.

Here’s what happened.

Traffic began pretty quickly to pass me.

Not just some of it, all of it.

Except for the old white Toyota van which I was congratulating for his/her they/them/its patience.

As Dunsandel loomed in the distance and precisely as one was pondering was it patience or was the old white van perhaps at “full noise”, it to, thought “bugger this”, and joyfully left me in its wake.

After slowing for passing through the big “D’, as I edged toward 100kph again, I felt a bit like a geriatric on a special outing.

Hold on, . . . both of those are true. But I digress.

Here’s the thing.

Peter McQuarters

PETE’S PERSPECTIVE

Prior to the holiday break I recall the affirmation from on high that there would be strict enforcement of speed limits and this in reality meant the self-set tolerance we Kiwis have always considered fair would be reduced from 10kph down to a tight four.

No one seemed to care. No one gave a jot.

It’s New Zealand mate. Aotearoa. We make up our own rules., She’ll be right. No sweat, Sweet man. Relax. Chill. No drama.

Presumably the demographic of motorists that day which I’m picking to be typical of any day, would have covered all ages, all genders, locals, tourists, virtually anyone you can think of. And all had the same philosophy.

“You can stick your road rules where the sun don’t shine. I’m all right, Jack.”

Far from wanting to come off as some goody two shoes wowser, I’ll put my hand up and declare that I too have had an autograph from the road cops

on occasions through a lifetime.

And it’s easy just to let things slip a bit when everything seems to be cruising along nicely.

Until it doesn’t.

So what is the answer? You tell me.

But Houston, we have a problem. It’s a culture thing. That has to change.

On our open public roads, everyone is entitled to safely reach their destination.

As I’ve stated before, in years to come the problem will disappear. Cars will be operated by satellites and comply with every speed limit and spacial requirement via satellite technology.

Your input into where you go will be limited by “start here” and “enter destination”.

Human beings, fallible, rushed human beings will not be entrusted with piloting their own vehicles.

The privilege we enjoy today will seem to tomorrow’s generations like the Wild West.

So enjoy it while you can.

And you, me, all of us, need to SLOW DOWN.

Broadcaster Peter Mac is Ashburton born and bred and the afternoon host on the Hokonui Radio Network. The views expressed in this column are his and do not reflect the opinion of his employer or the Ashburton Guardian.

Vallenders on to their

After nearly 50 years in the district, it is time to move on for well-known faces Elaine and Glenn Vallender, who are planning their next challenge.

After 21 years, Elaine has stepped down from her role managing the Mid Canterbury St John team, as they plan to head north to Rolleston for their retirement, if you can call it that.

Elaine still wants to keep helping out in musical theatre and Glenn will continue helping out in the archives for museums.

“There’s a couple of museums in Christchurch that I may work for, Wigram Air Force Museum and Cotter Medical History Museum in Hillmorton,” Glenn said.

Early life

That’s what the Vallenders are up to now, but to find out how we got here, the clock must be wound back to 1975, when Elaine came to Ashburton for a teaching job at Ashburton College, with the girl from Tokomaru Bay, on the East Coast of the North Island, heading to Christchurch to do her teaching training.

Elaine had planned to “only stay for a few years” to get some experience at the college, but ended up staying much longer.

Music career

Throughout her 35 years at the college, Elaine did about every musical thing possible, from being the head of music to being a musical director of choirs, both in and out of school, and everything in between.

By year two of being in Ashburton, Elaine had performed in her first production for Variety Theatre Ashburton which would lead to a total of 25 shows either on stage or as the musical director. Elaine had always been interested in musical theatre having done two productions while at school.

“It was probably just one of those things I stuck with, don’t really know why.”

While in recent years she has stepped back from much of her roles, retiring from the college in 2010, she still enjoys seeing some of the kids she has taught appearing in things like the Mid Canterbury Summer School.

“I enjoy going to the shows and seeing how the kids I taught are getting on and seeing how they have developed their talent and skill.”

Elaine hopes she can carry on her musical theatre involvement while in Rolleston, helping out where she can with costuming and other responsibilities.

Along with Elaine, Glenn has also given a lot of time to the art of musical theatre doing over 50 shows backstage and working with Elaine to create the archives for the Ashburton Operatic Society and Variety Theatre Ashburton which helped earn both of them a life membership for the operatic society in 2021.

St John

Alongside her teaching career, Elaine has become most wellknown for her involvement at St John Ashburton, which she has been involved with for the last 21 years, 13 of which have been a fulltime job managing the community engagement, health shuttle and finances and fundraising.

by Daniel Alvey

and Glenn Vallender may be leaving Mid

“My parents were always volunteering, they were both scout leaders and dad was in search and rescue.

“So when I was growing up I joined the Girl Guides … 50 years later I’m still a ranger leader.”

When Elaine first joined St John she was doing a couple of hours

a week of volunteering while still teaching at the college. That grew to about 10 hours a week with Elaine going St John in the mornings and then classes in the afternoons. When a job came up to manage St John she applied, leaving the college behind.

“I was ready for a change and it

was a pretty full-on job especially around the time of the productions.”

While at St John Elaine and her team achieved a lot. One of those achievements was opening the St John op shop which is entering its sixth year of operation.

“The op shop was a big chal-

lenge to get set up and running, but it has proved a successful source of income.”

Another challenge Elaine took on was taking the three St John branches – Mayfield, Methven and Ashburton – and amalgamating them into St John Mid Canterbury.

“When I was doing the admin work for Ashburton and Methven I realised I was doing the same work twice.”

So over the course of two years, Elaine helped join the three branches together and so far it has proved successful.

While Elaine has stepped down from the role, she is still helping out in an advisory capacity during

Above – Elaine and Glenn Vallender are preparing to leave Ashburton in the near future.

PHOTO DANIEL ALVEY

Left – Elaine still likes to get on the piano from time to time.

PHOTO DANIEL ALVEY

Elaine

Canterbury, but the legacy they leave behind will be one that is remembered for years to come.

their next challenge

the change to ensure her replacement has everything needed to carry on.

From science to history

Glenn, who came to New Zealand from the Isle of Wight, on his journey as a science teacher has also taught in London and at Southland Boys’ High School. He joined Ashburton College in 1978, where he met a “young chick” on staff. He and Elaine married in 1981.

Once he got his PhD he opened up his educational research and surveying practice for six years, where he would get work from schools wanting to analyse certain

sections of their curriculum and conduct surveys on the school’s behalf.

Following that Glenn joined the Ashburton Museum and Historical Society where he is president. He also helps out with archives at the Ashburton Aviation Museum.

Glenn has written five or six books on science history along with other textbooks and contributions.

“I do the science history because someone needs to record what has happened, which I hope one day will be valued.”

Future plans

While they may be heading to

Rolleston, it wasn’t always the plan. “We always had a dream of having an inner city apartment where we could live and walk to the theatre, but the earthquake put paid to that.”

But now Rollesten has everything they need, except a Mitre 10, which is but a short trip up the motorway. Along with the big move they want to head overseas again, having travelled a lot before.

“We are hoping to get away again next year, we are good travellers.”

But for now, the Vallenders will be focusing on their next challenge.

Left – St John’s Sherry Wootton with Elaine Vallender at the 2022 major fundraising event, the St John Fete.

PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

Left below – Elaine and Glenn Vallender when they were given life membership to the Ashburton Operatic Society in 2021.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Below – Elaine and Glenn when she was promoted to an officer of the Order of St John in 2019.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Snaparazzi

Ashburton children were thrilled to be having their annual Wheel Day at the Tinwald War Memorial Hall. Charlotte Mulder went along to capture the action.

Sammy Wood, 10

Charlie Williams, 9 Thomas Perry ,6,

Hunter Gamble,7

Jerry,8, Martin Nogtar, 5 Simon Kleber, 10

Capri Johnson, 5 Kate Wood, 7

Oliver Williams, 9

There is a lot of action in Ashburton’s property market, with houses going up left, right and centre. See what Daniel Alvey and Malcolm Hopwood found out about our property market.

MAJOR LIFESTYLE VILLAGE CONFIRMED

Alifestyle village where residents can enjoy the capital gain of their property has been confirmed for Ashburton.

Work will begin early next year on developing 250 houses on the Strowan Fields site, on the corner of Trevors and Beach roads.

Managing director of Freedom Lifestyle Villages, Rudy van Het Wout, said people, 50 and over, can enjoy the financial appreciation of their homes if they decide to sell the right to occupy at any time in the future.

He said most traditional retirement operators don’t offer any capital gain and, if residents choose to sell, they receive the price they paid less up to 30 per cent that the operator keeps.

“So many residents are reluctant tenants when they can’t take their capital gain with them if they sell or wish to move to a new region,” he said.

“Our retirement model is more appropriate for a large number of New Zealanders who want an affordable home without the support services other operators provide.”

He explains his concept caters for people who are still active, work full or part-time and don’t want the care facilities associated with other retirement villages.

“If they want to move on they have complete freedom to sell privately, or through a real estate agent or our company,” he said. “The present system that other operators use is an outdated and often draconian model not applicable in the modern era.”

Freedom Lifestyle Villages is offering a range of properties that will be built

from 2024. They include 50-square metre, self-contained apartments, one, two or three-bedroom duplexes or three-bedroom stand-alone homes with double garages.

Prices range from $365,000 to $480,000 for a 100 square metre, stand-alone, two bedroom home.

“There are also 75 on-site motorhome parks for residents and their guests with wash-down facilities,” he said.

Van Het Wout said Freedom Lifestyle Villages is a 100 per cent New Zealand owned private company and he describes it as the “fastest selling single site retirement operator in this country”.

His company has completed three villages in Papamoa, Matamata and Cambridge and is developing sites in Rotorua and Christchurch.

Freedom has chosen Ashburton because it’s a “classic regional town, well serviced with good shopping, medical facilities and recreational areas”.

Land Development and Civil Siteworks Done Right

30 years of local knowledge and experience makes us the right people to talk to when it comes to earthmoving and civil siteworks. We explore every angle of a project upfront to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. For us, being the best isn’t about getting a job done fastest, or cheapest. It’s about getting it Done Right.

Find out how we will get your project Done Right at tarbotton.co.nz

“Twenty per cent of Ashburton’s population will be over 60 in the next five years and we believe our lifestyle village will meet the need of the town’s population in the future,” he said.

“Making our 250 properties available for 430 people will free up existing housing stock as residents move into the village.”

While residents will arrange their own support services if required, Freedom will build a 600-sq m community centre which will provide a gymnasium, snooker room, dance and media facilities and library with outside barbecue facilities.

“It will be available to residents and

friends,” he said.

“We’ll also provide a village van that residents can operate themselves to go to town or beyond.”

Van Het Wout points out that residents are not obliged to contribute to the life of the village “but, when you live and interact

with like-minded people, your stress level drops”.

“It’s our intention to build a range of homes as show homes so we can show the market what we have to offer,” he said.

Freedom has the same accreditation as any other registered retirement village and residents’ rights and financial security is protected by the Retirement Villages Act, he said.

“The village will be secure with time-controlled gates and have two fulltime on-site managers to provide administration services,” he said.

It is scheduled for completion in 2027.

THE BEST INVESTMENT ON EARTH

The best investment on Earth is earth”

Global philanthropist Louis Glickman said that the best time to start investing in your land is yesterday.

At Survus we tell our clients it’s today.

In 2023, developing your own land remains a great way to realise your future financial security and Survus has over 65 years’ experience across three generations of making this easy for clients.

One example is the proposed development, Hanks Haven, ideally located on the fringe of Ashburton township, which is currently at design and pre-application stages.

Hank was a beloved family blue heeler/kelpie cross who delighted in roaming the open spaces in the owners’ previous development in Rolleston, now known as Hank’s Run.

This new residential subdivision will be home to families wanting to enjoy the country views and proximity to local amenities in a newly-created community.

Survus has helped the family to realise the dream of sharing their land with others with Hanks Run, and have been trusted again to create a legacy of joy and memories.

Hanks Haven will be a very special place and lots will be available for your own bespoke house design in the near future. To find out more, get in touch with the team by contacting them at

hankdevelopments@xtra.co.nz

If you have your own land for development, whether it’s in your backyard or part of your farm, now’s a great time to chat to the team at Survus.

They are able to help with showing you the best way to subdivide, to create an attractive layout for prospective buyers, ensuring each lot maximises the surrounding views and

access.

They can also help to develop a plan to present the development to interested parties, including access to their network of marketers and real estate agents to make the end to end process easy.

Survus makes subdividing your land simple and clear, and will lead you through each step of the process

from concept to certification. You can find some resources and chat to them online at www.survus.co.nz

or get in touch on

0508 787 887

Start 2023 with a call and check you are on the right track to realising your land’s potential.

New beginnings

Secure the dream now and lock in your slice of Ashburton’s most recent and exciting new subdivision with 4,000sqm plus sections.

Situated in Tinwald, Westview sections offer the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of country living with town amenities and entertainment right on your doorstep. Westview enjoys uninterrupted countryside and mountain vistas.

This area of Tinwald is rapidly progressing, with the nearby subdivision well-established with the construction of highquality homes. Making Westview your home promises an enviable lifestyle encompassing the best of town and country.

The region offers multiple outdoor activities, with skiing, golf (the Tinwald Golf Club is a mere 600m away), water sports, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking all easily accessible within a short distance. Less than ten minutes away is the popular Tinwald Domain and Lake Hood recreation areas. Entertaining kids of all ages in the weekend could not be simpler.

The Tinwald Shopping Centre is just one kilometre from Westview, offering groceries, service station, restaurants/bars and takeaways. The proximity of Ashburton town centre means

bayleys.co.nz/5516093

you can take advantage of the Arts Centre, EA Networks Sports Centre, museums and a multitude of shops, eateries, and entertainment venues. Christchurch and the International Airport is approximately an hour away.

Families on the lookout for schooling options will note Tinwald Primary School, Ashburton Borough School and Ashburton College are all nearby with excellent school bus services operating in the area. There is also a wide choice of early childhood centres within a short distance.

Take advantage of this excellent value for money, be it now or invest in the future.

CONVENIENT COUNTRY

Want the countryside lifestyle but still want the convenience of having a town close by? Think of Westview.

Bayleys agent Mike Preston said the subdivision has not just been

Tinwald has only a few blocks left for purchase. Unlike other subdivisions, where your neighbours are within touching distance, the one acre sections in Westview have plenty of space for the perfect family

Preston said.

“We have nine or 10 sections available, when the first stage hit the market they were very popular.”

The sections offer great views across the west plains

from Mt Peel all the way north past Mt Hutt and its views are across farmland not residential housing.”

Preston said the continued commercial investment in Ashburton has made buying now even more

MIKE PRESTON SIMON SHARPIN

Your Next Milestone

The Milestone Homes Mid Canterbury team are experts at creating the perfect oasis for you and your family. And that’s whether you’re looking to build your first home or establish your property for life.

Milestone Homes

Mid Canterbury owner/operators

Steve and Belinda

Pearce (pictured) have been in the building game for over 20 years, so you know you’ll be in safe hands as they guide you through your home build journey. They have land available in the new Strowan Fields and Ashbury Grove subdivisions in Ashburton and a series of proven house plans, meaning they have the perfect home design ready to show you. And that’s regardless of what stage of the home-buying journey you’re at.

So, call Steve and Belinda today to get your next Milestone underway.

Building has already begun on their new Show Home located in the Show Home Village on Strowan Ave!

They look forward to working with you to create the lifestyle you’re looking for and deserve.

INVESTING IN ASHBURTON

To make people want to buy in the area, you also need to make it enticing to live in and that’s what Ashburton is doing, with a massive amount of commercial investment.

First up is the recently finished River Crossing development by Tricroft Properties that has brought a range of new, popular brands to the district.

“The national brands we are bringing to town is just another really good drawcard for Mid Canterbury,’’ Tricroft Properties general manager Tony Gilbert said when the much-anticipated, town-altering Ashburton precinct started to take shape.

Another national brand that will be heading towards Ashburton is Rebel Sport which will align itself with a new building for Briscoes.

Both large format retail stores are owned by the Briscoe Group Limited and company founder and managing director, Rod Duke, told the Ashburton Guardian having them together came down to size and space.

Duke said the existing Briscoes store was “simply too small”, which was why they opted to relocate to a larger site rather than renovating a space that was no longer functional.

“We thought it was important when we relocated in Ashburton that we also introduced Rebel Sport to that catchment,” Duke had said previously.

Following the retail trend, local property developer Barry Redmond

is also repurposing some of his land, replacing some of the old buildings that are no longer up to standard and replacing them with some refreshed modern retail stores to encourage some brands into the CBD.

“The CBD needs a refresh and regeneration,’’ Redmond had previously said.

“It is the only way you’ll attract tenants to the town.”

Redmond said the new building would bring a fresh look, which would match the developments carried out by the council in the past

two years.

Just outside the CBD is the Triangle, with another local developer, Justin Skilling, hoping to make it into an entertainment precinct, with a cocktail and dessert bar from Formosa and Smoke BBQ restaurant due to

open in the coming months

Skilling told the Ashburton Guardian that the community was right behind the work he was doing, with people coming up to him every day saying how good the area was looking.

Top – Ashburton developer Barry Redmond’s vison for some new retail stores along East Street.

Above – The digital design of the new Rebel Sport and Briscoes stores.

PERSONAL TOUCH

If you want the personal touch for your next new build, Ashburton builder Matt Smith is a good option.

Smith has nearly 20 years on the tools having started in the construction industry when he was 18, and started his own company Matt Smith

Construction six years ago.

“Me and my wife train racehorses, so now I work for myself I’m able to plan my days around it, and if that means working a Saturday to make up for it, that’s what I’ve got to do,” Smith said.

Smith and his team strive to offer a personal touch to every job no matter the size or complexity, ensuring that the communication between client and builder is clear from start to finish.

“We’ll do a bit of everything. I prefer new builds, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do other stuff.”

While Smith does not have an inhouse designer, he is still able to help through the design process from start

to finish.

“I can do the whole build, I normally work in with Moore Architecture, so if you come and see me we can take you through the whole process.”

Smith loves doing new builds and has a lot of experience working in subdivisions, having previously worked on a range of subdivisions here in Ashburton and Methven.

“We are able to do anything a big company can do, but with more of a personal touch, so you work with me through the whole process,” Smith said.

For Smith, there is no stand-out build over his years of company ownership, as for him they are delivered to the same high standard.

While Smith doesn’t have any major expansion plans in the pipeline, happy with his team and where they are tracking, he did say he would like to take on more of Ashburton’s many new subdivision clients looking for a home built with passion and an eye for detail.

HIGH STANDARDS

If you’re after the complete painting and decorating package, head to Trudgeons Painting.

A three-generation family-owned business you can certainly say the Trudgeon name is well known in the community.

“My dad started in 1953, I took it over in 1983, and I’m preparing my son to take it over from me one day,”

Greg Trudgeon said.

There was never any question that Greg would follow in dad Jim’s footsteps racing home from school at the age of five to help his father in the yard.

To mark where the company has come from there is a small museum at Trudgeons of tools used in Jim’s day, including overalls, wallpaper trimmers and brushes.

Interior, exterior, paint, wallpaper,

and small plastering jobs, Greg and his team have you sorted.

As a client of Trudgeons you will feel valued and looked after, with any work done to a high standard, but still as efficiently as possible.

“We put a team of people on a painting job to ensure it is completed in a couple of days,” Greg said.

With plenty of experience in the decorating game, the team can also provide you with design advice, on what colour or wallpaper may suit you, with the knowledge to know what colour will work in each individual client’s job.

When they have a chance to put the paintbrush down the Trudgeons love their cars, with some of the workshop used to house a Ford Zodiac, a classic 57 Fairlane 500 and a classic Toyota Corolla.

Some of the fine work Matt Smith and his team have completed.

Second-generation painter and decorator, Greg Trudgeon, keeps a small museum in honour of business founder, his dad Jim.

CWS ALL ABOUT EXCELLENCE

When builder Cory Sinclair first got on the tools nearly a decade ago, he probably never thought he would one day be running his own construction firm.

But that’s exactly what he’s been able to achieve, heading out on his own in June, 2021, and forming CWS Construction with his wife Victoria who works on the accounting side of the business.

“I wanted to be my own boss and operate my own company which is working pretty well so far,” Sinclair said.

“Recently we have been doing a lot of work for dairy farmers, but with all the new subdivisions coming out we are excited to take on more residential new builds as we have a real passion for creating a dream home for our clients.”

Big or small, CWS can handle your build from homes to sheds, alterations and new builds – CWS will have you covered. “We may be a newer company but the team has plenty of experience under their belts.”

With CWS you can be assured that you will be looked after by Sinclair and his team who will be able to manage your build from start to finish.

“I’m still on the tools as well and on-site every day helping out to get the job done, and ensure good communication is maintained between us and the client.”

Along with the building side of the business, CWS has also begun offer-

ing concept plans to choose from.

Whether you have a small section or a bigger slice of dirt, there’s a wide range of plans that can easily be altered to suit your lifetstyle.

“We have a good range of plans that can be adapted to anyone’s needs.

“My goal for the business is to continue providing customers with a personalised service to create a home that they love, with attention to detail, great communication and excellent project management, while allowing us to grow our client base and become a known and trusted builder.”

Below – CWS Construction are not only house builders, they also spend their time building sheds as well.

Left – But when they do build houses they do a good job as shown by a new build in Oamaru.

Butler’s race to Christchurch

By Connor Lysaght

In a pervious Heritage page article from May last year, we looked at some of the exploits of Samuel Butler (1835-1902), who was one of very few 19th century New Zealand farmers to have actually written about and published the details of his experiences.

His literary debut, A First Year in Canterbury Settlement, was compiled from his letters, journal entries, and articles, and was published in London in 1863 with moderate success.

While he was not known for any particularly impressive farming activity, Butler’s unique character shone through in his writing, thereby securing his success as an author.

Leopold Acland, author of Early Canterbury Runs (1930) called Butler’s book “about the best account we have of early pastoral life in Canterbury”.

Samuel Butler at Mesopotamia by Peter Bromley Maling (1960) summarises Butler’s early activities at Mesopotamia Station, which lies just outside our district, from 1860 to 1864.

In our previous article, we used Maling’s book to discuss the events leading up to when Butler settled at Mesopotamia Station, including the ravenous scramble for “waste lands” south of the Hakatere/Ashburton River by European settlers in the 1850s, and the difficulties Butler and his companions faced in building a V-shaped hut at their Forest Creek encampment.

For the context surrounding Butler’s acquisition of Run No. 242 (part of Mesopotamia Station), we will refer to his original text, A First Year in Canterbury Settlement, as well as Early Canterbury Runs (1930) by Leopold Acland.

Personal space invader

In March or May 1858, Run No. 242, which was comprised of 10,000 acres of land, was acquired by Messrs. E. Owen and J. Carter. This land was far superior to the location of Samuel Butler’s original hut at Forest Creek,

which Butler realised wasn’t safe for livestock, so in September 1860 he bought Run No. 242 from Owen and Carter, who had not yet started their sheep station.

From that point, Butler was the proud occupier of 10,000 acres of land, which was far more productive than Forest Creek.

However, his new neighbour John Henry Caton was about to cause a major problem for Butler, which would result in a hard-fought battle for freehold land ownership of the future Mesopotamia Station.

After taking over the sheep run of a man named Phillips, which was adjacent to Butler’s claim, Caton somehow made the mistake of building his hut on Butler’s country.

The situation that followed this blunder is described in great detail by Samuel Butler in his book, although at the time he chose not to refer to John Caton by his real name, instead calling him “G - -” to preserve his anonymity.

The following is in Butler’s own words:

“His hut was placed where

it was now of no use to him whatever, but on the very site on which I had myself intended to build. It is beyond all possibility of doubt upon my run; but G - - is a very difficult man to deal with, and I have had a hard task to get rid of him. To allow him to remain where he was was not to be thought of: but I was perfectly ready to pay him for his hut (such as it is) and his yard.

“Knowing him to be at P - -’s, I set the men to their contract, and went down next day to see him and to offer him any compensation for the loss of his hut which a third party might arrange.

“I could do nothing with him; he threatened fiercely and would hear no reason. My only remedy was to go down to Christ Church at once and buy the freehold of the site from the Government.”

The race

Being certain that Caton had not already purchased the freehold land from the Government, Butler set off from Mesopotamia on horseback, his destination being the Land Office in Christchurch. When he reached

the Hakatere/Ashburton River, Butler was unable to progress as the current was too strong, so he camped and waited until the next morning. After setting off again at daybreak, and having rode on for a short distance, he noticed something surprising: “I had not gone far when, happening to turn round, I saw a man on horseback about a quarter of a mile behind me. I knew at once that this was G - - , and letting him come up with me, we rode for some miles together, each of us of course well aware of the other’s intentions, but too polite to squabble about them when squabbling was no manner of use.

“It was then early on the Wednesday morning, and the board sat on the following day. A book is kept at the Land Office called the application book, in which anyone who has business with the board enters his name, and his case is attended to in the order in which his name stands. The race between G - - and myself was as to who should first get his name down in this book, and secure the ownership of the hut by purchasing the freehold of twenty acres round it.”

From that point, for the next hundred miles both men took different paths, stopped at different houses along the way, and Samuel Butler even had to substitute his exhausted horse for a borrowed one, but eventually both men made it to Christchurch.

Caton’s mistake

Upon reaching the Land Office and opening the application book, Samuel Butler was disappointed to see that John Henry Caton’s name was already written inside.

However, Caton had written his name before the office’s opening hours, which was not allowed. Butler therefore planned to write his name in the book after the office officially opened at 10am, and he would oppose Caton’s application as having been entered unduly. But then, Butler noticed something else:

“Running my eye through

the list of names, to my great surprise I saw my own among them. It had been entered by my solicitor, on another matter of business, the previous day, but it stood below G - -’s.

“G - -’s name, then, had clearly been inserted unfairly, out of due order. The whole thing was made clear to the Commissioners of the Waste Lands, and I need not say that I effected my purchase without difficulty.

“A few weeks afterwards, allowing him for his hut and yard, I bought G - - out entirely. I will now return to the Rangitata.”

After this drawn-out and complicated affair, according to Leopold Acland, Samuel Butler celebrated his victory over Caton in a very strange and amusing manner:

“Butler, after his 100-mile ride and a consultation with W. H. Wynn Williams, his solicitor, dashed into Wynn Williams’ sitting room behind the office, sat down at a piano which was there, and worked off his excitement by playing Bach fugues for the next two hours.”

Finally, now that Samuel Butler officially had his sheep station, he set about building and improving upon it, and named it Mesopotamia.

CONTACT

Material for this page is coordinated by the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum. 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 from the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum.

Mesopotamia station about 1870, from a photograph by E. P. Sealy. (The Early Canterbury Runs, by L. G. D. Acland, p.64-65 plates.)

Portrait of Samuel Butler, c. 1902. Ref: 1/2-005016-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22814633

Map detail, showing the location of Mesopotamia Station. (Acland, p. 33.)

Gilded pastimes in Newport, Rhode Island

From its origins as a shipbuilding port to its place today as America’s yachting capital, Newport is bonded to the ocean. Even those sumptuous mansions from the late 19th century were purposely built to maximize the sweeping sea views. With a wealth of signature sights and experiences, Newport’s treasury of attractions anchors its bragging rights as a star-powered destination in New England. Get your fill of mansion-snooping, by heading to Bellevue Ave, where dozens of these dizzying residences are

As a hard-core fan of Julian Fellowes’ acclaimed period drama, The Gilded Age, Mike Yardley jaunted to Newport, Rhode Island, where so much of the TV show is shot on-location inside its extravagantly palatial mansions.

By Mike Yardley

strung along the leafy avenue like an architectural beauty contest. You could spend days touring these properties, but with limited

time, I plumped for two Gilded Age mansions that feature prominently in the TV show.

First up, The Breakers, built by

America’s pre-eminent architect for one of the richest families in the world.

Cornelius Vanderbilt and his wife spared no expense in building what would become – just as they intended – the definitive showpiece of Newport Gilded Age mansions.

Architect Richard Morris Hunt designed the 70-room Italian Renaissance-style “cottage” for the commanding cliff-top setting to which the Vanderbilts and their staff decamped from their New York mansion each summer.

Classical Roman influences are seen in the exterior columns and arches. The breathtaking central Great Hall, with its 50-foot-high ceiling, was inspired by the openair courtyards of Italy but exudes the grandeur of the Gilded Age.

It’s instantly recognisable from the TV show.

The exquisite tile mosaics in the billiard room and double loggia were hand-set by European artisans. The music room was constructed by Allard & Sons in France then disassembled and shipped to the United States for reassembly inside the house.

As you do. The Breakers décor includes the finest materials in the world, including Baccarat crystal

for the chandeliers in the dining room and platinum leaf in the morning room.

The mansion is so overwhelming in its grandeur that it’s easy to miss the fine details of its decoration, from the finely carved wood to the stucco flourishes, lavished on almost every available surface.

The Breakers has entertained presidents, royalty and guests from across the world for more than 125 years and today is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year.

It is the flagship of the Newport mansions and emblematic of the City-by-the-Sea.

I also headed to The Elms, which isn’t quite as ostentatious as The Breakers, but projects restrained opulence, with clean lines and a bright, airy feel.

The stairway in the foyer is supported on marble columns and rimmed by a scrolled iron railing.

Built to house the collections of a Philadelphia coal magnate and his wife, The Elms was modelled after an 18th-century French chateau but featured the latest technology of the Gilded Age. It houses an outstanding collection of paintings, statuary and tapestries, and its landscape features formal gardens, terraces, pavilions

Harbourside in Newport.

PHOTO DISCOVER NEWPORT

Gilded Age mansions from above.

PHOTO DISCOVER NEWPORT

and fountains.

Also topping the mansion tick-list is Marble House, built by William Vanderbilt as a 39th birthday present for his wife Alva Vanderbilt.

Designed by Richard Morris Hunt shortly before he did The Breakers, Marble House was built in 1892, a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport’s subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the explosion of showy opulence.

The ballroom was inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles and is almost completely encrusted in gold.

The TV production was actually shooting inside Marble House when I was in Newport before Christmas, with Season Two of The Gilded Age set to drop this year. Also closed for filming while I was in town, Chateau-sur-Mer.

Epitomising High Victorian architecture, this was the most palatial residence in Newport until the appearance of the Gilded Age Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s.

(Fun fact – the term Gilded Age was coined by Mark Twain.)

Many of these historic trophy homes are now owned by the Preservation Society, who are sterling guardians of these high society treasures, opening them up to the world. www.newportmansions.org

Needless to say, Newport is home to its fair share of celebrities, who don’t swing open their doors for house visits, including Jay Leno, Judge Judy, Taylor Swift and Larry Ellison. He bought the mega-mansion, Seacliff, on Bellevue Ave, three years ago.

Draped with Victorian-style

street lamps, Bellevue Ave evokes an unmistakable sense of living history.

Some of the best views of the Newport mansions, including Seacliff, can be savoured for free along the stupendous Cliff Walk.

This enchanting 5km-long trail has all the elements: panoramic ocean views, crashing waves, sea breeze and superb perspectives on those Gilded Age mansions, like The Breakers, Rosecliff (where Harry Houdini would be hired for entertainment) and Marble House.

You’ll see the highly ornate Chinese teahouse that Alva Vanderbilt added to the grounds of Marble House. She would often host tea parties there, to raise funds for the campaign to give women the right to vote.

What better way to the self-described Sailing Capital of the World than by taking a sailing tour of Newport Harbour and Narragansett Bay? On a 75-minute narrated sailing tour, you’ll see Newport’s famous mansions, on the world’s largest fleet of the America’s Cup 12-metre yachts, available for scheduled cruises and private charters.

The Sailing Museum does a great job chronicling the history of the America’s Cup. It’s also home to the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, established 30 years ago, to honour individuals for their outstanding achievements related to the America’s Cup.

More than 90 legendary America’s Cup sailors have been inducted into the Hall, including plenty of Kiwis.

The last New Zealander to be inducted into the Hall was PJ Montgomery, in 2021.

Good destination for: Mansion-snooping.

Fans of The Gilded Age and architecture buffs will just drool over Newport’s real estate.

Hidden Gem: Newport’s sporting heritage isn’t confined to sailing. It’s home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum and you can even play on the grass courts that played host to the forerunner to the US Open.

Best time to go: You’ll definitely want to avoid the crowd crush of the American summer. Spring and autumn are best. Best way to get there: Just two hours’ drive south of Boston, add Newport into a scenic New England road-trip.

Rating out of 10: 8.

America’s Cup Charters.

PHOTO DISCOVER NEWPORT Front entrance to The Breakers.

PHOTO MIKE YARDLEY

Sights on The Cliff Walk.

PHOTO DISCOVER NEWPORT Mansions on the Cliff Walk.

PHOTO MIKE YARDLEY

Inside the Breakers.

PHOTO VISIT RHODE ISLAND

Chateau-Sur-Mer exterior.

PHOTO DISCOVER NEWPORT

DriveThru

All things motoring and otherwise with Bernard Egan

A bit of family history

When Craig Begg waved to us from the back seat of his dad’s 1937 Chevrolet during the Vintage Car Club’s New Year’s Day Run we thought that’s unusual.

Not unusual to see Craig giving a friendly wave, but unusual from that position.

Craig is usually up front navigating for Trevor.

Then we realised Trevor wasn’t driving.

Even more unusual!

Something strange going on here we thought to ourselves.

Trevor explains.

“My youngest son Tony who was home for the holidays drove the car, I navigated and Craig sat in the back with my cousin Kevyn Begg.”

The car, purchased new by Emily Begg, went out of the family but Trevor managed to get it back.

Trevor and Kevyn are grandsons of Emily, she is Craig and Tony’s great grandmother.

So a great grandson was driving and a grandson navigating with a grandson and great grandson in the back.

Quite an historical occasion within the Begg family.

It was the first time Tony had driven the car.

The Chevrolet is now 86 years old and the total ages of the occupants that day was 248.

Community Fun Day

Mystery still a mystery

When we shared this image on New Year’s Eve we though readers may wonder who this interesting and intriguing little character is and more to the point what connection he has with motoring.

We promised to explain.

Well we can, and we can’t.

We think he was an ornament on a Mitchell car.

He is engraved with these words of wisdom:

The rule of the road is a paradox quite.

For if you go right you go wrong.

And if you go left you go right.

Mitchell cars were built in Racine, Wisconsin, from 1903 to 1923 by a company which, like many early car makers, had previously

produced wagons, bicycles and motorcycles.

The company offered a range of body styles powered variously by 4, 6 and V8 motors.

Mitchell cars had an excellent reputation for quality and endurance.

The Mitchell introduced in 1920 had a sloping radiator configuration and was given the epithet of “drunken Mitchell”.

This styling mistake hurt sales and unfortunately the company became bankrupt.

The Mitchell factory was sold to Nash Motors.

This delightful little character was probably on a 1915 model which means he is about 108 years old and he’s not showing his age.

On Sunday, February 12 there will be an opportunity to enjoy amazing cars, raffle prizes and a barbecue at VTNZ Ashburton with all proceeds going to the Cancer Society.

Usually piloted by Trevor Begg with son Craig riding shotgun, this 1937 Chevrolet is a familiar sight around Ashburton. But with Trevor’s youngest son Tony (above) being home visiting family at the time of the Vintage Car Club’s New Year’s Day Run, he was rewarded by being given steering duties.

FinalWhistle

calling time on a week of sport

Time for a shootout

Nineteen golfers will line up at the Ashburton Golf Club tomorrow for the annual Property Brokers Shootout. All the form has been done and predictions are made.

FULL STORY: P28

We need

Shootout 2023: Form Guide

The Property Brokers Shootout at the Ashburton Golf Club, which will be held tomorrow, has become one of the great sporting events on the local calendar. This year marks the 13th edition of the event in which players gather points throughout competition with the hopes of making it into the final 19. From the starting line-up of 70 players who signed up to take part, here’s Paddy Bradford’s light-hearted take on how the form rates ahead of tomorrow.

19.

This lovely filly gets a trot because of a couple of scratchings but she is not one to stand on ceremony. Has run in the great race a few times before, but not for a couple of years and she ran very well. Likely to deck her sulky out like Queen Boudica, so watch out for the swords on the wheel hubs – you will be cut off by the ankles. Definite Top 6.

18. Tim Newton

This rampant stallion will be out to cause mayhem, before, during and after the race. A well-known fence jumper in his younger days who has settled down to the flat life. News from the top, is that the lady owner is looking to sell. My thoughts? She will have to give change back from a fiver and a trip to the pet food factory. Out in 6.

17.

This mule has run in the big race a few times now, but never really bothered the scorers. Then again, every race needs a few sacrificial donkeys to fall early, allowing the real racers time to find their hooves. He has promised me that this time will be different. Is he ready? Yep, ready to roll over! Out in 3.

16.

What can’t this galloper do? He has won, just about, everything he has entered recently, and I believe he will be very short odds to win again. He doesn’t make many mistakes, just plots and schemes his game plan. If he survives the first fence, he will go very deep. Top 6.

15.

This thoroughbred ran last year and ran very well, making quite a few punters take notice. Has been running consistently all season and will be better for last year’s outing. Will give it a good nudge and clear the early fences easy but a couple of stumbles around the turn will cost him. Out in 9.

14.

A race virgin, this donkey is a bit of an unknown. He has put quite a few good races together recently. Runs on the track more than most. I am hearing that this is one to watch, but it has been 10 years since a virgin took the prize. My thoughts: you have to lose one to win one. We may have found our first faller.

This old stayer just keeps on keeping on, as cool as a frozen cucumber. He could knock over the first fence or take out the whole race, you would not see a change in his demeanour. He will be strongly backed by those in the know. My only worry is that he forgets what day the race is and sleeps in. Could be his year, Top 2.

12. Alan White

Through the week he pulls the plough down on the farm then at the weekend he slips his harness and runs freely around the track. He went through a form downturn late last year and he couldn’t have hit a cow’s backside with a shovel, lots of work on the practice track, however, has paid dividends. Will start a bit nervous but could be a dark horse. Out in first 9.

This young mustang, presented and kitted out by Coin Save, has caused quite a stir around the track over the last couple of years. Has somehow managed to keep the handicapper at bay. He possesses the ability and skill to match the big gunners and has a good cool temperament. Top 6.

9. Ken Clucas

What can we say about this wonky donkey? He is a legend around the Brandon track, always seems to run better in individual races, when he gets rid of the dead weight hanging around his neck. Can his concentration last for 6 hours solid, nah! He will see a butterfly on the first tee, run off, chasing it, giggling to himself and we won’t see him all day. Out early.

8. Oliver Davidson

This stable has been searching for a strong male presence for years now. A

would back against him being in the final

4. What else can we say? Out in 5.

6. Craig Bain

This big brash bronco is the lowest handicapper. He ran in last year’s race and caused quite a stir. We had a few ooohs and aaahs emanating from the spectators and the other runners, especially the fillies. Has he got the tools for the job? Nah! Out before the turn.

5. Ryan Stoddart

A dazzling young buck carrying the weight of the stable on his broad shoulders. He is, by far, the best prospect to come out of the Stoddart yard. When it comes to the Stoddart gene pool, this beast is swimming in the deep end while the others are splashing about with water wings on, in the lazy river. Top 6.

4. David Rush

Here we have the unluckiest trotter doing the rounds. Not really a trotter, if I’m honest, more of a jackass. If something can go wrong for this poor diddum then it will. Grass laying the wrong way, the wind will change direction, sun gets in his eyes or it’s just too noisy. He just can’t catch a break. Will run in blinkers, shades, slippers and earmuffs. Top 6.

Only the third springbok to appear in the great race. Neither of the first two scared the field and I can’t really see the trend being bucked. The handicapper seems to be his close friend. I think he will make many fans on this visit. Shame it’s going to be such a fleeting one. Fighting with John to see who falls first.

2.

11.

This form trotter is the only double winner of the great race and started overwhelming favourite last year, with lots of big money on him to make a treble. Unfortunately, sand trouble on fence four cost him dearly. Handicapper has sliced and diced him. The quick pace of the race early on may leave him out of breath again. If he can keep up, he will go OK, Top 6.

couple of young fillies have shown promise in junior races, but now, at long last we have a big strong stud horse that we can hang our hats on. This new young beast with the flowing mane is the real deal. Out in 4!

7. Tom Blacklow

What can anyone say about this young colt? A legend in the making. Old head, young shoulders, a great mix of experience and exuberance. Shows a wonderful ability to lead from the front. Only an idiot

This young stud is looking to get the great Fallaver stable name back up into the top echelons after brother Brad’s horror show at the first last year. Can young Matt do any better? Well he certainly can’t do any worse! Could well go deep into the final 4. My thoughts? One of the first 4 to Fallaver!

1. Hilary Lovett

Top qualifier: This lovely young filly out of the Blondini stable has only had a couple of runs in the big race before. In her first run some 10 years ago she bounced onto the stage and announced herself to the world with an absolutely amazing triumph. Can she roll back the years and do it again? I’m not sure the old wardrobe malfunction ruse will work quite as well against some of these hardened warriors. Top 4.

Sheryl Reid

Shane Beaven

Chris Lovelock

Rob Coyle

John Ramsey

13. Tufuga Sa

Bruce Day

10. Blair Snowball

3. Henry Lawrence

Matt Fallaver

Ryan Stoddart will, apparently, carry the weight of the Stoddart family name on his shoulders.

PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

Old head, young shoulders, a great mix of experience and exuberance - Ashburton Golf Club’s Club Captain, Tom Blacklow.

PHOTO MATT MARKHAM 221222-MM-004

One last Hawke Cup hurrah

ward to set the tempo at the start of the innings with the bat and both will feel like they could have produced more at times so far this season.

A playoff spot in the zone final of the Hawke Cup might be a bridge too far for Mid Canterbury this weekend, but there’s an opportunity to end the season on a high when they trek into North Otago.

A heavy defeat to Southland a fortnight ago put paid to any real chance of sneaking into a playoff spot with only an outright victory this weekend – and a bit of luck in the other match between South Canterbury and Southland – giving them any hope of somehow creeping in the back door.

It’s seemingly impossible, but it won’t stop Mid Canterbury from trying for the unthinkable.

Coach Bevan Ravenscroft has rewarded those who have been loyal to the side once again with minimal changes from the team that faced Southland.

Young Lachie Jemmett comes into the mix after a good showing of form at the Under 17 Men’s Nationals for Canterbury where he contributed with both bat and ball and Shaun Stagg makes his first appearance of the season –adding some extra spice to the pace bowling attack for the challenge.

Angus Jemmett and Devon Flannery will again be looked to-

It’s been a tough time for the Mid Canterbury batsmen through this Hawke Cup. Flannery leads the way in runs scored with 105 at an average of 26.2, while only Des Kruger (21.5) and Will Southby (23.5) have averages better than 20 for at least three innings out in the middle.

So, someone is due to score big and they’ll be hoping Oamaru’s Centennial Park is the place to make it happen.

On the bowling front, there’s been a number who have stood up and carried a big workload.

Harry Jones is the leading Mid Canterbury wicket-taker with eight wickets, incidentally they all came in the match against South Canterbury at the start of the season.

Satwant Singh has been the pick of the group, he’s taken six wickets and conceded just 77 from his 29 overs of bowling – so will be looked upon favourably to produce the goods again this weekend.

With good weather on the cards, two full days of play look possible and Mid Canterbury will get the chance to end their season on the right note.

Play begins at 10.30am both today and tomorrow with live-scoring available on the New Zealand Cricket website.

Black Caps just can’t do without Boult

Age, yes it may weary them – but a Black Caps side without Tim Southee and Trent Boult?

No thanks.

If we’ve learned anything this week, following an at times, embarrassing, three-nil whitewash at the hand of India, it’s that there’s still plenty of life in the old dogs yet and without them our pace-bowling attack is severely lacking.

And it makes a mocker y of suggestions by some of the game’s talking heads that in a World Cup year that the Black Caps can do without Boult, who was this week named in the ICC ODI team of the year.

The reality is, we really can’t.

The king of swing in New Zealand bowling for a long time now still has it in him to tear through the best batting line-ups in the world and with his confidence and success generally the same comes from Southee.

One just isn’t the same without the other.

A free agent right now, Boult’s future is up in the air.

But New Zealand Cricket should be doing everything within their power to ensure he’s on the plane to the World Cup and spear-heading the Black Caps attack as they look to avenge that devastating

final loss to England at the last one.

If he isn’t, then it’s hard to see New Zealand playing a major role in the tournament.

Southee was rested for the India matches, but his absence was duly noted among a line-up of relatively fresh seam bowlers who struggled to withstand the powerful India way of approaching batting.

There are strong options in the spin-attack and Lachie Ferguson offers the genuine speed as a second-change bowler that can trouble an attack, but Boult and Southee must be the two men to lead that charge from the outset.

Perhaps though, given the record over the past four or five years, we’re expecting

too much.

Is this the New Zealand Cricket transitional phase that we knew was coming – the one where we’re not that good, but there’s enough promise there for the future that we can be optimistic.

World Cup years shouldn’t be about transition. That’s what the years in between are for.

Our best, need to be there and they need to be firing on all cylinders.

Conway, Williamson and co. are capable of getting the job done with the bat in any circumstance on any given occasion – but without the support of a bowling attack that can spark fear in the eye of any batter, we’re in serious trouble.

SHORT SHARP & Entries opening

Get the bike out and get ready, Mountain Bike Ashburton’s four-hour and six-hour mountain bike race is just around the corner. Run in conjunction with Ronald McDonald House this year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 15 with entries set to open in the coming weeks. This year a fourhour race has been added in addition to the traditional six-hour option and there’s an e-bike category in the four-hour event as well. More information can be found on the Mountain Bike Ashburton website and Facebook page.

Women in rugby

A women in rugby information night will be held on Wednesday, February 8 giving potential players and those interested in learning more an opportunity to hear from some of the game’s leaders. The night is open to all players new and current, mothers of players, coaches, managers and spectators. The evening begins at 6pm and will run through to 7.30pm. Contact Kirsty at Mid Canterbury Rugby to register.

Cocksedge confirmed

Black Fern and World Cup winner, Kendra Cocksedge will be the special guest at this year’s Mid Canterbury Rugby JAB fundraising dinner. Held on Friday, April 21 at the Hotel Ashburton the evening is the main fundraising event for the year for junior rugby in the region. Tables are available for purchase with a number of auction items up for grabs during the evening as well.

Umpires needed

Mid Canterbury Netball is on the hunt for more umpires to join the roster for the upcoming season in 2023. The backbone of the sport, the umpiring role in netball is one with huge potential for growth and possibility. Those interested in running the side of the court this season can register on the Mid Canterbury Netball website.

With eight wickets next to his name for the season, Harry Jones will be out to add to the tally this weekend in Oamaru when Mid Canterbury take on North Otago in cricket’s Hawke Cup.

PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

Trent Boult must return to the Black Caps’ one-day side if they are to have any chance

at

the Cricket World Cup.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Matt Markham

Matt Markham

Ryan Bell, Des Kruger, Will Southby, Ben Innes, Matt Tait, Harry Jones, Devon Flannery, Satwant Singh, Angus Jemmett, Lachie Jemmett, Shaun Stagg. Coach: Bevan Ravenscroft, Scorer: Mike Southby.

Mid Canterbury XI

Robinson trio primed Morrison out to rule on Mt Harding grass

Matt Markham

Sheer weight in numbers makes local lad John Morrison the man to follow at Methven tomorrow.

The Ashburton Racecourse based horseman has drives in nine of the ten races on the Mt Harding track tomorrow afternoon, including a team of his – and partner Nicole Harris’ own horses which number four.

Included in that quartet is the exciting Jimmyray who will contest the day’s feature handicap pace, looking to make it three wins on end. He hasn’t raced since winning impressively at Omakau shortly into the new year but did trek out to Methven a fortnight ago for a very quiet workout in which he ran to the line strongly.

Tomorrow is another test for the up and coming pacer, but everything about him suggests he’s a horse with a huge future in front of him and will win plenty more races.

Morrison’s other runners from his own barn include trotter Phoebe K and pacer Kingsdown Atom – both of whom, with

luck could feature strongly.

Harris lines up B Smart who is compiling a tidy record after joining the stable late last year.

Drawn barrier one early in the day there’s a chance of a sweet trip in transit and the opportunity to go two places better than the third at Ashburton earlier this month. While his team is strong, one of Morrison’s other better chances of the day could come in the first race with the Dean Taylor

Methven harness

Tomorrow at Mt Harding Raceway

Riccarton gallops

trained Mighty Logan.

Fresh up from a spell, but having had two solid workouts on the Methven track over the past two weeks, the promising trotter looks primed to break maiden status in this campaign and could, with manners, make that happen in the day’s opener tomorrow.

Other chances for the in-form horseman include Champagneandwine, Takemybreathaway and Harry Belafonte.

Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson will have numbers on his side as he prepares for Saturday’s Listed Speight’s Timaru Stakes (1400m) on his home track.

Robinson will produce the trio of Avaquinella, Live Drama and Khimar War, the first time he has had three runners in a stakes race.

“This has been their target all the way through, since cup week, and the 1400m is perfect for them now,” Robinson said.

“I’m pretty happy with all three. I’m not saying any are over the line but they are all really well. They are all working well and they’re at 100 percent for this, so I’m sure they’ll run well.”

Avaquinella heads the Robinson team as a $4.80 second favourite for the race behind the Mark Walker-trained Perfect Scenario at $4.20, with Live Drama at $10 and Khimar War at $15.

Proisir five-year-old mare Avaquinella won a 1400m open handicap at Riccarton during New Zealand Cup week in November before resuming with a fast-finishing fourth in the Listed Timaru Cup (1600m) last start.

“She’s going terrific. I thought her Timaru Cup run was outstanding really,” Robinson said.

“Back to 1400m, which is her pet distance at this stage, and she’s on the lightweight of 53 kilos so she’s got to be hard to beat.

Neither Live Drama and Khimar War, who ran the quinella in last year’s Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton, fired in the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day but Robinson has already ruled a line through the race.

Mighty Logan, Premium Player, Connies President, Brianna

Race 2: Kilauea, James Cagney, Harry Belafonte, Secret Cocktail

Race 3: Michael Caine, Beaudiene Quick Step, B Smart, Penny Weight

Race 4: Manzini, Takemybreathaway, Times Are A Changin, King Arthur

Race 5: Anna’s Boy, Call This Fun, Phoebe K, Rachmaninov

Race 6: Pink Panther Pounce, Theresa Love, Aiming For Glory, Tiger Taylor

Race 7: Get Back, Rocknallovertheworld, Maybe, Songbird

Race 8: Jimmyray, Taurus, Asian Elvis, Star Magic Race 9: Tu Tangata, Vertigo, Trot To Chevron, Test The Boundaries

Race 10: Sister’s Delight, Kingsdown Atom, Franco Cornel, Arizonawildcat

BEST BET: Jimmyray (Race 8)

VALUE: Sister’s Delight (Race 10)

John Morrison has a strong book of drives at Methven tomorrow. PHOTO SUPPLIED

WeeklyWorkout

Sports word No 1 41

Across

1 Record Black Caps wickettaker in one-day internationals {7)

5 Member NZ Super rugby’s 50-tries club (5)

8 NZ keeper-batsman made Test debut v England 1986 (5)

9 All Black World Cup-winning brothers 1987 (7)

10 All Whites striker plays for English club Newcastle (4)

12 Black Caps allrounder scored then-world record ODI century v West Indies 2014 (8)

16 Kiwi mare completed historic 2001 CaulfieldMelbourne cups double (8)

17 Hall of Fame Silver Ferns netball coach (4)

19 Kiwi world heavyweigh t boxing title contender 2000 (3)

20 All Black halfback made 2022 Test debut v Ireland (8)

22 Dual World Cup-winning All Black midfielder (4)

24 Fitness exercise (3)

25 All Blacks’ 2013 World Rugby Player of Year (4)

27 Wallabies Hall of Fame fiveeighth (4)

28 Tennis statistic (3)

29 Motorsport event, abbrev (2)

30 Hurricanes/Highlanders ABs midfielder 2009 -12 (7)

31 Hawke’s Bay ABs lock/ flanker brothers 2009/-18 (5)

Down

2 Black Caps batting hero 2015 World Cup semi-final stunner v South Africa (7)

3 Kiwi Australian Open men’s singles finalist 1973, Parun (4)

4 Otago ABs prop 1955 -60

made Test debut at 20 (5)

5 Crusaders All Black winger emerged 2019 (5)

6 Two-time Melbourne Cupwinning jockey,Johnny – (5)

7 Belgian Aussie Open tennis women’s champion 2004 (5)

11 Stalwart supporter (7)

12 Australian Open tennis centre court, Rod Laver – (5)

13 Japan’s 2006 Merlbourne Cup winner, Blues (5)

14 Crusaders All Black lock 2012-17 (6)

15 Major white-ball cricket match, abbrev (3)

18 Major international news service (7)

20 Perth-based Super rugby franchise, Western (5)

21 Kiwi shot put/discus Hall of Famer, Young (3)

23 Record-breaking Irish rugby flyhalf 2000 -13 (5)

24 World Cup-winning All Black winger 2011 (4)

26 Aussie rules competition, abbrev (3)

27 Banned performanceenhancing drug, abbrev (3)

29 Black Caps coach, initials (2)

Solution No 140

SPORTS QUIZ

1. What was John Kirwan’s job before he was selected to play rugby for Auckland?

a) Newspaper delivery boy

b) Apprentice butcher

c) Milk delivery boy

2. In snooker, the yellow ball is worth how many points?

a) 2

b) 3

c) 4

3. In what event did Darcy Hadfield win NZ’s first Olympic medal?

a) Athletics

b) Boxing

c) Rowing

4. Which Premier League team plays their home matches at London Stadium?

a) West Ham

b) Arsenal

c) Chelsea

5. Which Black Caps player did the late Shane Warne imitate by limping?

a) Chris Cairns

b) Shane Bond

c) Darryl Tuffey

6. What organised sport has the highest participation rate in New Zealand?

a) Golf

b) Rugby

c) Football

7. In American Football, a touchdown is worth how many points?

a) Five

b) Six

c) Seven

8. Steven Adams is currently playing for which US NBA team?

a) Oklahoma City Thunder

b) New Orleans Pelicans

c) Memphis Grizzlies

Grizzlies

Selection of previous pu zzles available as printable PDFs Email: peter@sportswordcentral.com

23 Record-breaking Irish rugby flyhalf 2000 -13 (5)

Exercise your grey cells with our weekly sports crossword and quiz

© Copyright Peter Thomson 2023

Puzzles and horoscopes

Cryptic crossword

Simon Shuker’s Code-Cracker

Your Stars

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Your brain isn't the only smart thing. Your stomach is wise because it is unencumbered by thought. It knows what agrees with you and what doesn't. Direct questions to your stomach and accept its simple answer.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Avoid obsessing over one thing that is not going as you wish. One branch is not the whole tree. Without one branch, the tree and the roots keep doing their thing. Tend to what is essential and all is well.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): Your offer to the world may come in the form of physical goods, an interaction or simply an energy. Before you make your bid, double-check to make sure you have the resources to deliver.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): Sleep is the simple fix that goes overlooked. You're well aware that proper rest can resolve all kinds of problems, but it's easy to forget this when you're tired. One good night just might fix all.

ACROSS

1. What's thrown like a dance initiated by grasshopper (7,4)

8. Brick one in at the middle if not fully grown (8)

9. It is half prefixed to a suburban property (4)

10. One hasn't enough money for this sort of drink (5)

13. After hesitation, leave therefore (4)

16. Face the reverse when table is prepared (4)

17. It is a shame it has replaced the contents of play (4)

18. Consultant in agony having had bad tuna (4)

20. Fall finally appears in the ninth month that was dormant (5)

24. Talk familiarly to a moggy in France (4)

25. In accommodation payment, a hand-out smells! (8)

26. One is in touch in writing, one agrees (11)

DOWN

2. It is inclined to be a swindle (4)

3. Get cold – cold and 24, perhaps (5)

4. One thing wrong with dread is that it has no beginning (5)

5. Church division is apparent in the festival (5)

6. Ice-man is all wrong: it's a bad match (11)

7. They hate women toying around with sulphur in failure (11)

11. Writer is so upset about what play does first (5)

12. After an absence, certain to change in a moment (5)

14. Scoff at this form of transport (4)

15. Put one's name to something like Archer (4)

19. He teaches one to sound disapproving at gold (5)

21. Looks lecherously at fish? It's up to the Royal Society! (5)

22. Picture of what has been stolen in the post office (5)

23. Post three ways delayed, to begin with (4)

Quick crossword

WordWheel

R E T T O L I ?

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

ACROSS

1. Water (8)

7. Approximately (L) (5)

8. Banker (9)

9. Criticise (colloq) (3)

10. Grade (4)

11. Peek (6)

13. Declaration (13)

15. Talk nonsense (6)

16. Heroic (4)

18. Make a mistake (3)

20. Story tellers (9)

21. Reason (5)

22. Walkers (8)

DOWN 1. Deduce (5)

2. Meet (3,4)

3. Firearms (4)

4. Process of experimentation (5-3-5)

5. Investigate (5)

6. Biggest (7)

7. Friends (7)

12. Bring together (7)

13. Power (7)

14. Blow

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): You have remarkable powers of empathy. Your sensitivity allows you to give just the right thing. You may even have the healing touch. Don't compromise your boundaries, though. Make sure your needs are met too.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): From the earthworm to the highflying bird, every creature has a purpose. Even when you don't know what it is, you're still serving the purpose. The earthworm and bird don't worry about that, and neither should you.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): Venting can be an addicting habit. It may discharge negativity to air feelings but it's also possible to create negativity through engaging in too much complaint. Avoid this by being sure to listen more than you talk.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): You chose your arena even though you knew it was going to be a hard place to play. There's a lot you must do just to stay in the game; it's worth it to you, though. If this were easy, everyone would do it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Like a tree bending in the wind, you will go to great lengths and compromise to make things work. You will be repaid for your emotional flexibility with a relationship that continues to grow.

WordBuilder T E I S B

WordBuilder

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): It's hard to tell if your strategy is working, but don't let that stop you. There will be complications; assume the best and inch forward. Better to hang on through discomfort than to quit when you're almost there!

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Emotional warmth is a gift you never seem to run out of. You cast everyone in a flattering light. They feel good. Your receptivity and acceptance are gold.

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word.

WordBuilder T E I S B

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word.

Previous solution: ale, elf, elk, fake, fale, flak, flake, flea, kale, kea, kef, lake, lea, leaf, leak, lek

Previous solution: ale, elf, elk, fake, fale, flak, flake, flea, kale, kea, kef, lake, lea, leaf, leak, lek

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Things seem mysterious or even impossible until you figure out how they work. Even the knottiest situation unravels when you know which string to cut. All is illuminated when you know which switch to flip.

Ashburton Weather

Saturday: Morning cloud breaking to a fine day. Easterlies developing in the afternoon, dying out in the evening.

Ash Solar Power

Sunday: Morning cloud then fine. Northeasterlies, easing in the evening.

Monday: Partly cloudy, with a few afternoon or evening showers. Southerlies.

Canterbury Plains

Saturday: Morning cloud with isolated showers about the foothills, clearing to fine in the afternoon. Easterlies developing in the afternoon, dying out in the evening.

Sunday: Partly cloudy. Possible isolated showers in the afternoon and evening near the foothills. Northeasterlies, easing in the evening.

Monday: Partly cloudy, with showers in the afternoon and evening. Light winds, becoming southeasterlies for a time in the afternoon and evening.

Around The Region

Canterbury High Country Readings to 4pm

Friday Midnight Saturday

Saturday Mountain weather hazard: Wind Chill. Cloudy with isolated morning showers, becoming fine in the afternoon.

Wind at 1000m: E 35 km/h at times.

Wind at 2000m: E 40 km/h N of Mt Hutt, light elsewhere. NE 50 km/h in the N from afternoon, NE 30 km/h developing elsewhere. Freezing level: Above 3000m.

Sunday Mountain weather hazards: None issued. Showers developing about and north of Lake Coleridge from afternoon, fine further south.

Wind at 1000m: Light. NW 30 km/h developing in the evening.

Wind at 2000m: NE 30 km/h turning NW 30 km/h in the afternoon, rising to

SITUATIONS VACANT Secretary/Treasurer

We seek to employ a secretary/treasurer for our vibrant golf club on a part-time Employment Agreement for 20 hours per week.

1. The key attributes we seek in a successful applicant, are:

a. a team player;

b. a collaborative worker by nature;

c. a positive and friendly outlook;

d. excellent self and time-management skills.

2. Experience in the following areas is essential:

a. Basic accounting and computer systems including payroll, GST and Microsoft Office;

b. Health and Safety systems; and

c. Bar experience and managers licence preferable

3. We offer a flexible work environment, including the ability to work from home on some occasions, a stunning view out of your office, and a supportive Management Board and Club. Occasional weekend work is involved.

4. A copy of the job description can be obtained by emailing ashburtongolf@gmail.com

5. Applications close at 5pm on 17 February 2023 and can be emailed to ashburtongolf@gmail.com

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

ASIAN Pity, Busty, Sexy, Friendly, Good Massage. Phone Jessie 0211107034.

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 8.30am12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz

SITUATIONS WANTED

MATURE , Honest, Reliable

Lady available for Housework. Phone 021776121.

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.

SPECIALISED SERVICES

FIRE Extinguisher sales and servicing. On farm contractors – trucks/ tractors/balers/combines/ cars/boats/caravans etc. Phone Mack at Doors and More on 0273960361.

SITUATIONS VACANT SITUATIONS VACANT

Vacancy: Teacher Aide

CHECKOUT OPERATORS

New World Ashburton

Permanent - Full Time/Part Time Positions Available

We are seeking customer focused individuals to join our Checkout team.

You should possess ability and enthusiasm, as you will play an important role within our overall team.

You will be:

• Able to work under pressure

• Self-motivated

• Presented to a high level

• An excellent customer service provider with good communication skills

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that our customers are provided with service to a high standard

• Creating a friendly and helpful environment for customers and staff alike

• Dealing with cash and customer transactions, ensuring accuracy at all times

• Working within Food Safety and Health and Safety requirements

These positions will include a mix of day, evening and weekend shifts. Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Please apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter to: vacancies.ashburton@newworld-si.co.nz

Applications close on 12th February 2023.

TRADES ERVICES

MR Green ( Lawn and Garden Services) for all your Ride on and Rotary mowing, spraying, fertilising, garden and section tidy ups - Call Pat Prendergast 0274445314

TRADES,

WEEKEND SERVICES

MEDICAL SERVICES

IN EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PHONE 111.

DUTY DOCTORS

For all other medical assistance outside of normal hours please phone your general practice team, 24/7, to speak with a health professional who will give you free health advice on what to do or where to go if you need urgent care.

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

Please bring your Community Services

Card. All non-New Zealanders should bring their passport with them, New Zealanders should bring some form of ID.

Methven & Rakaia areas

For weekend and emergency

services please phone Methven Medical Centre on 302 8105 or Rakaia Medical Centre on 303 5002 for details on how to access the after-hours service each weekend.

Pharmacies

Wises Pharmacy, Countdown Complex, East Street, will be open from 9am - 1pm Saturday, from 10am1pm Sunday. Shut on public holidays.

Ashburton Rest Homes

Please contact directly for hours.

Emergency dentist

If you do not have or cannot contact your regular dentist, please phone 027 683 0679 for the name of the rostered weekend dentist in Christchurch. Hours 9am - 5pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Part-time, Fixed-term for the 2023 school year. 20 hours per week, with the possibility of additional hours (as required). To commence as soon as possible in Term 1, 2023

The role requires someone who: Is able to work with low level learners and neurodiverse students.

Has an understanding of differentiation between curriculum levels to support the teacher with their lesson plan; has the confidence to enforce school policy and class expectations.

Patience and understanding are essential to this role as it involves working with a team to provide student support that enhances student learning and wellbeing. Other desirable qualities are being responsive to needs, ability to build relationships and be able to use their initiative.

The successful applicant will have to undergo the police vetting procedure. Experience working in a secondary school would be an advantage. Interested candidates should send their CV and application form to college@mthutt.school.nz.

Applications close 3:00pm Friday the 10 February 2023.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Utilities Service Person

Ashburton Contracting Ltd is looking for a Utilities Service Person to work in our ACL Water Department. If you are a methodical problem solver with a can-do attitude, then this could be the position for you. This role is focused around maintenance repair work to the water reticulation and full training is available for the right person.

The right person should be:

• Physically fit and willing to manually dig in conjunction with machine operation/plumbing and drain laying activities

• Have a high level of focus on safety and delivering high quality work

• Be able to show initiative and an ability to follow instructions

• Be prepared to be rostered on Call

• Successful applicants must be comfortable with technology (tablet, computer data entry).

Desirable Qualifications

• Class 2 licence, W, T, R, D

• Working towards or have a National Certificate in Utilities Maintenance L4

Applicants for this position must have at least NZ Residency

Please send applications, including current CV to: Email: aaron.gairns@ashcon.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

Positions available now:

- Field Staff

- Labourers

Help Save Lives

- Administrator - Agricultural Mechanic ... and more

Full-time, Part-time, or Contract

Apply online: W. agstaff.co.nz P. 0800 247 8233

Please respect any COVID-19 restrictions or requirements

HELPLINE SERVICESCOMMUNITY SERVICES

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.

Art Gallery

327 West Street, Ashburton, phone 308 1133.

Open daily: 10am – 4pm.

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.

SITUATIONS VACANT SITUATIONS VACANT

BAKERY

ASSISTANT/FINISHER Ashburton New World

Like early starts?

Enjoy your afternoons off?

Then this position is a fantastic opportunity for you, as we require a motivated, positive and self-starting team player who would enjoy the challenges of supermarket retailing. As an integral member of the team, reporting to the Bakery Manager, you will play a significant part in the values and culture of this business.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Ensuring the Bakery department provides a superior level of customer service.

• Presenting product to a high standard.

• The ability to adhere to Food Safety and Health & Safety policies

Key competencies required for this position are:

• Delivering a superior customer experience.

• Being an excellent communicator who develops relationships and fosters teamwork.

• Having an engaging and positive manner. We offer great working conditions, a supportive management structure, and personal and professional development opportunities, Funeral Cover (after 12 months employment) and an attractive hourly rate. Days and hours of work will be Sunday to Thursday 5.00am - 1.30pm. Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Please apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter to: vacancies.ashburton@newworld-si.co.nz

Applications close on 12th February 2023.

JOB VACANCY

We are looking for a part time Receptionist from March 2023, to work a combination of weekday, weekend clinics ( Winter season) and relieving work.

The Medical Receptionist is a pivotal person in the Medical Centre environment, as they are the first point of contact with patients and visitors. They also co-ordinate the services and have a major role to play in prioritising work flows and managing patient expectations.

Previous Reception experience would be an advantage, however this is not a necessity.

MUST BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND

For more information or if interested please email: Ellen Kemp at desk@methvenmedical.co.nz

Applications close 28/02/2023

WORK AND TRAVEL IN AUSTRALIA!

Work the seed cleaning season in Australia from February to August and then spend the next few months travelling!

ASSISTANT MANAGER/SUPERVISOR

PLANT OPERATORS

Naracoorte SA

South Pacific Seeds Pty Ltd is an Australian owned vegetable seed multiplication and seed sales company with sites across Australia.

Due to continued growth within our business, we are looking to recruit for our new modern seed processing & export facility in Naracoorte.

We have vacancies for:

– Assistant Manager/Supervisor

– Plant Operators

Key attributes of the individual should include:

• Experience in seed or grain cleaning including the operation of screen cleaners, gravity tables and indents etc

• Honest, reliable & physically fit

• Demonstrated competence in numeracy & literacy

• Basic computer skills

• Will have/required to attain forklift licence

• Driver’s licence

• NZ or AU citizenship

These positions offer an interesting and varied role with long-term career options available for candidates that may be interested in extending their time in Australia. If you are interested to discuss further please contact Paul Dickie at pdickie@spseed.com.au or mobile +61(0)429682972.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains Charitable Trust ‘CAR BOOT SALE’

Sunday 5th February 2023 10 am – 1 pm monthly West St. Car Park, Ashburton Sellers register by TXT name and email address to 027 231 7285 email:secretary@plainsrotary.org.nz

FUNERAL FURNISHERS MASTER

MONUMENTAL MASON

E.B. CARTER LTD

For all your memorial requirements

New headstones and designs Renovations, Additional inscriptions, Cleaning and Concrete work Carried out by qualified tradesmen.

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

DEATHS

Canterbury owned, locally operated

Patersons Funeral Services and Ashburton Crematorium Ltd

Office and Chapel Corner East & Cox Streets, Ashburton Ph 307 7433

DEATHS

GORMAN, Doreen

Harramena (nee Barrett) –

On January 26, 2023 peacefully at Lady Wigram Village with family at her side; aged 85 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Patrick, much loved mother and mother-in-law of Sharon and Paul Cunningham, Maree and Brian Fletcher, Kathryn and John Ferguson, Lynette and John Parker, Jo and Ian Snowball. Dearly loved gran of Simon and Emily, Amber and Javier; Jason, Megan and Jamie, Nicole and Steven, Brent and Jane, Amy and Daniel; Michael, Jacob and Beth; Daniel and Liv, Karl and Steph, and Blair. Loved great-gran of her twelve greatgrandchildren. R.I.P. Special thanks to the staff at Lady Wigram for their wonderful care of Doreen. Messages to the Gorman family, c/o PO Box 111-01, Christchurch 8443. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, 106 Main South Road, Sockburn, Christchurch, on MONDAY, January 30 at 11am, followed by interment in the Yaldhurst Cemetery.

DEATHS

GREENAWAY, Viola

Anne (nee Dunford)

–

On January 20, 2023, at Ashburton, aged 80 years. Dearly loved wife of John. Loved mother and mother-in-law of the late Sharon, and Al, and David and Tracey. Loved grandmother of Reuben. Loved sister of Iris Taylor. Messages to the Greenaway family, PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. Donations to the Cancer Society in memory of Vie may be made on line at bit.ly/vagreenaway 2001. At Vie’s request a private family service has been held.

GREYGOOSE, Ronald

Thomas (Ron) –

On January 26, 2023. Peacefully at Ashburton Hospital, after a short illness. In his 90th year. Dearly loved husband of the late Lina, much loved father of Julian Kershaw, and dear friend of the late Rhonda. Messages to Ron’s family, PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. At Ron’s request a private cremation has been held.

We Help Save Lives

McCORMICK, John

Jennings –

On Monday, January 23, 2023, Passed away peacefully with family at his bedside, at Wellington Hospital in his 95th year. Dearly loved husband of (the late) Mavis Rose. Much loved father to Peter, Christine and Alan Carlyon, Rosemary and Keith Deverall and Lyndajane and Manu Poletti. Also loved grandad and great-grandad of his 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. In keeping with John's wishes a private farewell has already been held in Waikanae.