Car fire closes state highway
EDUCATION
Methven Summer School as popular as ever
People attending the 39th Methven Summer School will know more about upholstery, art, cookery, golf and whisky tasting than when they first arrived.
The school at Mount Hutt College opened on Thursday with the bulk of the classes beginning today and tomorrow.
Co-chairperson, Sandy Redmond, said more than 200 people have booked to attend. “The 22 courses on offer have all been well supported,” she said.
One of the new courses proving popular is whisky tasting.
Methven ATM ‘unacceptable’
The alternative is to travel 30 minutes to Ashburton and take your money to BNZ in East Street, but even then staff decline to count it and direct users to their own ATM machine, McElwain said.
Methven people are irate about the town’s only ATM machine and their pleas seem to be falling on deaf ears.
BNZ closed its branch in Methven several years ago and left an ATM machine, directly on the street, with no protection for people either depositing or withdrawing money.
Mac McElwain, who uses the ATM machine for personal use and on behalf of organisations he belongs to, said “the machine is falling short of what any sensible person would call a reasonable level of service”.
“Methven people need somewhere safe to do their money transactions,” he said. “If they’re using the ATM machine for business or club purposes, they’re standing on the street handling large amounts of cash.”
In addition the machine is faulty and spits out notes it doesn’t recognise.
Di Callaghan, who banks on behalf of Methven Garden and Bowling Clubs, said it rejects $50 notes and, if you’re banking for other people, you lose track of the amount being deposited.
“There’s often discrepancies between what has been put in and what the ATM says has been deposited,” McElwain said.
An additional problem in Methven is there’s no ledge to count or check money before or after a transaction.
By April last year Methven people had had enough and wrote to BNZ Solutions Centre, recommending the ATM machine should be enclosed in a small lobby that users could access with their card.
They received a reply from a solutions centre banker, who recommended ATM’s support team could consider a lobby “or look into other ways to improve user security”.
Nine months later nothing has happened.
“For an outfit that calls itself the Bank of New Zealand, even if it’s Australian owned, I think that’s unacceptable behaviour,” McElwain said.
This week the Ashburton Guardian contacted BNZ and, after explaining the original letter, was told it would reply by the middle of the month.
“That’s corporate speak for not doing anything,” McElwain said.
But treasurer of Methven Lions, Ron Smith, has another idea. While banks are closing branches all over New Zealand, Methven is growing in size.
“The answer is to invite another bank to open up here,” he said.
For an out t that calls itself the Bank of New Zealand, even if it’s Australian owned, I think that’s unacceptable behaviour
Three Waters LTP workload ‘horrifying’
that with the law as it stands under the current Labour Government and “significant commentary from National politicians” of repealing the reform ahead of the election, the only way the council can prepare a long-term plan “is that we will actually have to prepare two”.
reform which will take the assets out of council hands on July 1, 2024.
Three Waters reform and a pending election is causing the “horrifying” scenario that councils will need to prepare two versions of the
Ashburton District Council chief executive Hamish Riach said the council will have to prepare two versions of its next LTP, which it starts work on next year, to cater for the possible election outcomes.
“One with water in and one with water out.”
He said it is a daunting task from a staff point of view, as creating an LTP is a significant undertaking anyway.
“To do two versions of it is a little bit horrifying but we can see no other way.”
The problem is the timing of the election most likely occurring after the council sign-off the LTP.
The Labour Government is moving forward with its Three Waters
With an election looming next year and National stating it will repeal the Three Waters reform if it comes into power, there is the potential that those Three Waters assets could remain in council hands.
Riach said that means the council will need an alternative LTP to lean on.
It will mean doubling the workload for a secondary LTP that may just gather dust.
“It’s going to create more work, perhaps unnecessarily, but it is what it is,” Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said.
“We can’t change that and we just have to abide by what we have to do.”
To do two versions of it is a little bit horrifying but we can see no other way– Hamish Riach (left)
Scouts by the 1000 in Mayfield
based around the Mayfield Domain and the wider area.
AlveyThe Mayfield population grew by nearly 1000 as a massive scouting event moved into town this week.
Ignite 23 is a 10-day event that bring youth from all over New Zealand, Australia and further afield.
Event director Wendy Eyles said it has been amazing to be able to welcome all the international scouts, as it’s been a long time in the planning with Covid travel restrictions looming over their heads.
“It has taken a lot of communication across a lot of parties to bring it all together.”
The event is split into two phases. Phase one is all about adventure where the scouts head out in units of up to 10 to participate in a wide range of activities across the South Island ranging from hiking trips, diving, kayaking, all the way to video production and photography, the choice was endless.
“The expeditions offer the venturers the ability to acquire a new skill or even a qualification right through to just chilling,” Eyles said.
Phase two finishes today and was all
To facilitate the scouts, the Mayfield Domain has been turned into a small village with everything the scouts could need onsite from catering areas, ablutions, medical facilities, all of which are bought in to cater for the 700 scouts and 250 support staff.
During phase two scouts have the opportunity to a range of activities on site which include archery, paintball, and escape room, Lego building and cooking, name an activity you’d probably find it at the camp.
As well as things to do on the Domain some locals came to the party to show off what the local area has to offer, with locals coming on board to show off of their farms.
“We had a local farmer come and see us and offer a tour of his farm, which was amazing, it was the quickest event to sell out.”
The local community has been amazing with all the support and being understanding of us being here.”
To help give back to the community the scouts are painting two murals on the changing rooms of the community pool.
“It gives them opportunity to be involved in a community service project and give back,”
Eyles said the hardest part will come when the scouts have to say goodbye to one another.
“You often have to pull them apart to get them on the bus.”
Christmas lights raise thousands
An Ashburton resident who covered his property in Christmas lights and paraphernalia was overwhelmed by the response received.
Frank Sandys covered his Philip Street home in thousands of lights five years after he decided to sell the majority of his festive displays.
“It’s just been amazing, I never expected to see so many people.”
Sandys only decided to get into the festive lights spirit in November, so had to scramble to source and put up lights.
Ever the perfectionist, Sandys was still changing and adding to the display right up to Christmas Eve.
While not a compulsory call, Sandys was collecting donations for the Ashburton Fire Museum to help get one of the fire trucks that they use for rides up and running again.
All up he raised around $3000 which will go a long way to get the fire truck moving again.
“I was surprised to see how much money was being donated. One night I checked the box and there were two $100 notes in it,” Sandys said.
“The truck is in the workshop now being looked at, so now we’ve got the cash we can hope-
fully get it back up and running again.”
Despite Sandys being 71 he has no plans on giving up the Christmas lights anytime soon, as he’s already started planning the next display.
“Next time it will be completely different and I already have some changes in mind,” Sandys said.
“Watch this space.”
Local kids tackle Burty challenge
they’re at the library to carry out the challenge there.
They have to read a magazine or play a board game or arcade game from the coding club, the library runs.
They have until January 28 to finish the competition.
Ashburton has been called AshVegas and now Burty.
The Summer Burty Challenge, organised by the Ashburton District Council, requires children to carry out a number of activities at various places around Ashburton.
Two Middleton children are about halfway through the competition and have already completed activities at the art gallery, museum and open spaces around town. Now
Eliza Middleton, 10, says “completing the activities is fun and helps us work towards the goal”.
Phoebe Middleton, 7, said “there’s a lot of fun stuff we can do. I like doing the outer space activities at the museum”.
Once they’ve completed the challenge they receive a gift from EA Networks and then enter a draw to win a family visit to Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa in Methven.
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Canterbury.
Left – Simon McMillan with one of the two salmon he caught on the Rakaia River in December. The pacific salmon were biting much earlier than normal, exciting fishermen and Fish & Game officers alike.
and
20, are over the moon that the life-changing drug for cystic fibrosis sufferers, Trikafta, will be funded in New Zealand by Pharmac. The family was told that Trikafta will add another 27 years to Caitlin’s life.
RantorRave
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Have you observed the new Walnut Avenue/West Street traffic signals don’t give a right turn unless they have to?
That seems incredibly mean when a left turn at the intersection happens automatically.
It takes a vehicle travelling down Walnut to town to trigger a right-hand turn. Of course motorists must be in the correct lane to get the green arrow.
I know it’s the same throughout New Zealand and signals only give a green arrow to motorists turning right when there are enough cars to warrant it. That’s downright discriminatory and boffins will have a word to describe it.
It’s the kind of human rights issue that could attract politicians. Do New Zealanders want to keep left or are they ready for a right-hand turn?
It’s election year and, over Christmas and New Year, candidates will be enjoying more than a break. They’ll be planning strategies and visits.
Already National’s Dr Shane Reti told the Ashburton Guardian he’s planning a visit to the Rangitata electorate in April. It’s an important political seat for Labour to retain and National to win back.
More MPs visited Timaru and Ashburton in the latter half of last year than ventured here for years. There’s nothing like a swinging seat to attract attention.
Once New Zealanders return from holiday, candidates will be at it again. All this is very familiar to voters and election year, occurring after months of Covid disruption, will be enjoyable, refreshing and fun.
But there’s an important question for Rangitata voters. How well do they know their electorate? The answer is probably not well enough.
Rangitata is like a camel. It’s taken a committee to artificially create it. It has Timaru at one end, Rakaia at the other and bits of Waitaki thrown in. It’s a shambles and will stay that way until there’s further population growth in and around Christchurch to see the boundaries change.
While many people already have a good idea about their vote, will it be strategic and benefit the electorate?
You see many of us don’t know enough about Timaru, a traditional Labour seat, yet it’s South Canterbury voters who’ll influence the next result.
Most Ashburton people look to Christchurch for everything from a shopping trip, to entertainment at Orangetheory Stadium, for surgery or to receive specialised medical treatment.
Do we ever catch a plane from Timaru’s Richard Pearse Airport to Auckland to connect with the flight to Australia or further afield?
We don’t, and many of us don’t know Timaru either. It’s an urban bypass on the way to Dunedin or Wanaka. We’re connected by sport, agriculture, investment and education but not much else.
This year could be valuable in getting to know our electorate, so we can be better informed
when we vote.
I was born in Ashburton but, when I was six, my parents relocated to Timaru, and I completed my education there before moving north. I realised in August last year I’d never been back, but simply passed through. So I spent 24 hours driving the city, visiting my old schools and talking to friends who’d lived there all their lives.
They informed me about Timaru, what it offers and how it contributes to the electorate.
At the moment we are two communities apart and, if we’re to develop some political clout, we must start working and thinking together.
And that goes for Timaru as it looks towards us.
In the few days left of our holiday it may be worth travelling south and getting a feel for our southern neighbour.
to make more money?
Do you want to increase your revenue and attract more customers quickly? en come talk to us about the rock star success that is the Guardian’s Facebook page. It’s got close to 16,000 followers, which is so far ahead of other media and marketing business wannabes in Ashburton, that it’s not even funny.
We know many Ashburton businesses are trying to promote their goods and services, and their image, on their own Facebook page, which is fantastic, but, honestly, too many are missing out on greater returns because their page follower numbers are just too low to have any impact. at’s where we come in. We’ve got the biggest audience reach (nearly 16,000 remember), plus we’re a highly regarded multi-platform marketing, sales and media business, which is recognised internationally.
at’s been proven by being accepted on to a Facebook international programme where we are working with global online sales and marketing experts.
Our aim? To help Ashburton businesses ourish and earn more money. In a way, we’re o ering another shop local campaign but this time it’s online. If that sounds like a bit of you, then get in touch. e biggest Facebook audience in Ashburton – and more money and success for your business – is just a click away.
Holden | Managing editor1 – Beaching it at Waikīkī. 2
Bird’s eye view across Waikīkī’s prime hotels. 3
4
Duke’s Market Lane. PHOTOS MIKE
Dole Whip at Dole Plantation. PHOTO
After a long break in free- ow travel, Kiwis are soaking up the Aloha spirit of Waikī kĪ, where the allure of swaying palms, warm ocean breezes and poolside cocktails set the stage on a sun-splashed escape.
On a recent swing through Honolulu, I set about reacquainting myself with Waikīkī’s unrivalled ring-side seats on the beach.
Bookmarked by the Sheraton Waikīkī and the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, this blue-ribbon strip of beachfront bliss is the ultimate dress-circle. Best in Show cocktail spot would still have to be the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian, the star-spangled hotel that made the drink globally famous.
They’ve been toasting sunsets and celebrating romance with Mai Tai’s at the Pink Palace since 1958.
Next door, on Waikīkī Beach’s premium strip, Duke’s Waikīkī at the Outrigger, is also fantastic.
Stacked with memorabilia of the surfing god, Duke Kahanamoku, this
place blends a proud history with conviviality, at reasonable prices.
It’s a top stop for pau hana (happy hour) drinks.
Steeped in tradition and old-school grace, unwinding with a sundowner at Moana Surfrider’s Beach Bar under the shady expanse of their century-old banyan tree is a must.
My fourth pick is one of the liveliest after-dark beachfront venues, where tropical fruity libations reign. Sedate by day, RumFire plays to a hip party crowd after dark.
Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and Diamond Head as you watch the sun slump into the sea. It’s a winning spot for inventive cocktails, comfort food and enchanting fire pits.
You’ll find RumFire at the Sheraton
Waikiki, just along from their knockout infinity edge pool.
Recommended cocktail? Order up a Fire Runner, a knock-out rumbased concoction including crème de banana, orange and pineapple juices, sweet sour and splash of grenadine.
Speaking of fire, torch-lighting remains a time-honoured tradition in Hawaiian culture burns bright into the night, around Waikīkī
Most hotels and resorts along the glitter strip will ignite their gas-lit torches at dusk, as will the Royal Hawaiian Center, International Marketplace and the Waikīkī Beach Walk, but the most spectacular ceremony takes place at the far end of Waikīkī at the adjoining Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound.
The torch lighting ceremony and
free hula show is an hour-long performance that bursts into life at 6pm, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. If you happen to be in town on a Friday, the weekly fireworks display is another exuberant spectacle to add to the check-list.
Fancy experiencing some trademark local tastes?
Start with a bowl of ahi poke. When Barack Obama’s in town, he binges on this stuff and arguably helped elevate its global popularity.
Poke typically consists of cubeshaped chunks of yellow-fin tuna mixed up with all sorts of seasonings like chilli, seaweed and sesame oil, layered on a bed of rice.
Next up, wrap your laughing gear around loco moco, a rice and hamburger patty positively drowned in brown gravy and topped with a fried egg.
It’s a staple Hawaiian plate lunch option.
What is a plate lunch? This is a go-to meal for Hawaiians that’s both cheap and filling, it’s served at roadside stands, drive-ins, and hole-inthe-wall restaurants.
It can include many different types of proteins but they’re always flanked by a macaroni salad and two scoops of white rice, making the Hawaiian
plate lunch a serious carb-loading event.
It originates from the late 19th century, when plantation workers would have a carb-heavy lunch prepared and packaged in bento boxes.
My favourite place for loco moco is Rainbow Drive-In, a Waikīkī institution that has been fawned over by locals for 60 years.
Follow it up, with a legendary strawberry slush float – or what we could call a spider.
You’ll find it on Kapahulu Ave, which is like Waikīkī’s back road, a world away from the bling bling of Kalakaua Ave. Arcing around the foot of Diamond Head, at the east end of Waikīkī, this easily-strollable street brims with Mom and Pop enterprises and over 40 small eateries. Ono Seafood is a great stop for mouth-watering fresh poke, while Leonard’s Bakery is a must for the oven-fresh malasadas. These sweet and airy balls of deep-fried dough, coated in sugar, were introduced to Hawai’i by Portuguese plantation workers in the late 1800s. They remain a signature treat in Hawai’i today.
As does that heat-busting icon of Hawai’i, Shave Ice, universally adored and so soft, it’s like eating fresh flavoured snow, drowned in
rainbow-bright syrup. Like so many other iconic treats, Shave Ice also has a plantation past, with Japanese workers shaving blocks of ice to cool down from the heat of the day. Sweet-toothed aficionados cannot visit O’ahu without devouring a Dole Whip, which is not actually ice-cream, but a dairy-free soft serve pineapple sorbet.
It’s widely on-sale across Waikīkī, as it at Disney theme parks after they did a deal with Dole, but if you want to sample this heavenly treat at its birthplace, the Dole Plantation, be warned that a scoop of this stuff will set you back NZ$11.
It’s worth every lick!
Adjacent to the International Market Place on Kūhiō Ave, check out two recent arrivals to the shopping scene, Duke’s Lane Market and Kūhiō Ave Food Hall. A sure-bet gift for loved ones back home is a box of goodies from the Honolulu Cookie Company. Distinctively shaped like a pineapple, their shortbread cookies are available in a variety of flavours, from white chocolate ginger spice to mango macadamia.
I love how you’re always offered a free sample cookie, whenever you walk in one of their stores. Happy grazing!
What stood out: The Aloha spirit is alive and well. Such a warm and welcoming destination, as people flock back to the swanky beachfringed holiday hotspot. Good destination for: Family getaways and romantic holidays in luxury.
Signature treats:
Dole Whip, Shave Ice, Locomoco and free samples at the Honolulu Cookie Company.
Best free experiences:
At the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound. The torch lighting ceremony and free hula show is an hour-long performance that bursts into life at 6pm, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. If you happen to be in town on a Friday, the weekly fireworks display is another exuberant spectacle to add to the check-list.
Avery quiet New Year’s DAY
BY CONNOR LYSAGHTFrom 1903 to 1949, Ashburton was one of a small number of no-licence electorates in New Zealand, which meant that the sale of alcohol was forbidden.
This, combined with the choices of activities and prevalent pastimes of the period, meant that New Year’s Day, 1923 was about as far from raucous and rowdy as you could possibly get.
It was a subdued affair by today’s standards of course, but there was no lack of fun to be had for families, clubs, and sports teams around the district.
Parties and pastimes
New Year’s night for 1922-1923 was very peaceful in Ashburton. A good number of people took to the streets and saw the old year out, but very few people lingered.
The bells of St Stephen’s Anglican Church rang at midnight and a large quantity of fireworks were let off to mark the start of 1923, but that’s just about all the excitement that occurred that night.
According to the Ashburton Guardian, January 2, 1923, New Year’s Day was: “Except for the weather conditions, characteristic of those of many years past – quiet and uneventful.”
The weather was drizzly and cloudy, but the rain was not heavy enough to hinder any outdoor activity.
The Guardian described the events of the day as follows:
“Crowds left by the early trains for the Christchurch trots and for Timaru to the sports and attractions of Caroline Bay. Heavy rain was falling as the first trains reached Timaru, but it cleared very soon, and travellers by the express remarked at the Ashburton station that Timaru was the only bright spot between Dunedin and Ashburton.
Dozens of picnic parties had their headquarters in the Ashburton Domain, while motor cars and motor lorries conveyed other parties to favourite haunts along the coastline and to the [foothills].”
Fishermen lined the mouths of the Hakatere/Ashburton and Rangitata rivers, and at the first of these locations a children’s sports meeting was held. Ashburton played South Canterbury in a cricket match at the domain, and there was a tournament at the bowling green too. Tennis clubs around town were also “sparsely patronised”.
To illustrate the sorts of activities that were enjoyed during New Year’s and other holidays in Ashburton, we hope you appreciate the photographs on this page. How did you celebrate New Year’s Day? Did you do some of the things that Ashburtonians did a 100 years ago?
Above – A group of men relaxing, captioned “at fishing camp, Ashburton River”. No date.
PHOTO AM&HS COLLECTION, PHOTO REFERENCE 03.1985.0725.
Below – View of Ashburton Domain, February 1924.
PHOTO AM&HS COLLECTION, PHOTO REFERENCE 04.1998.0042.
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.
Following
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November 2022
At the end of each year, Guardian staff choose the best of the year’s photos to share with you all and reminisce.
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Below left – Cindy Meadows will continue in her role as Mid Canterbury netball coach.
Below right – Geoff Kelk congratulates Ricky May after the local victory of Woodbine Rocks at Methven’s Mt Harding Racecourse.
Above – Basketball was having a boom year in 2022.
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FinalWhistle
calling time on a week of sport
the field.
The World Cup-winning former All Blacks coach has been keeping a close eye on Ian Foster’s men, and believes the team needs to improve in the collisions department, an area in which Ireland excelled in their historic series win in New Zealand last year.
“You’re going to have to win all the collisions I think to be able to dominate and go through and win a World Cup,” Hansen said.
“Collisions are basically defensively when you’re making the tackle, but not only then but [also] when you’re carrying the ball. We’ve got to be able to create fast ball … we’ve got to start using our feet in collisions.
“It’s one of the things Ireland do very well. They win the collision when they carry and they get over the gain line.
ABs ‘can win the World Cup’
“They are hard to come hard at because they have you going backwards all the time.
“If we can do that then I think we’re as good as any team in the world and if not as good probably better than most.
“We’re a dangerous side when we get go-
we’d lost a series in New Zealand there was a lot of drama around it,” he said of the All Blacks’ home series defeat to Ireland.
“But the fact of the matter was that Ireland at the time were better than us.
“But we’ve improved a lot since then.
tournament for a while where they haven’t been the outright favourites.
“Both France and Ireland will be but neither of them have won one, so they will be under an enormous amount of pressure.
“It’s a tough draw they’ve got, but they aren’t the only ones with a tough draw.
“One of the top four teams in the world is going to get knocked out in the quarter-finals.
“France are playing at home and that will bring a lot of extra pressure to them.
ing forward. For us to be successful we just have to win the collisions and obviously the set-piece has to be rock-solid as well.”
While admitting the All Blacks weren’t at their best last year, Hansen said “the ship started to right itself”.
“Because it was the first time that it ever happened and the first time in a long time
“You look through the year and some changes were made to the All Blacks selection-wise and also coaching-wise.”
Hansen said he looks forward to the World Cup in France, which kicks off in September, where the All Blacks will be in unfamiliar territory.
“It will be the first time they go into a
“Ireland have got a bit of a monkey on their back and could start to be called chokers really because they haven’t gone past the quarter-finals in a World Cup, and they are way better than that.
“Then you’ve got South Africa, England, New Zealand and even Australia – if they get things right and don’t get too many injuries they’re going to be dangerous as well.
“It’s going to be a really good tournament.”
If we can do that then I think we’re as good as any team in the world and if not as good probably better than most
“
Success rolls on
Bowls has given a lot to Sandra Keith over the years, and equally, she’s given plenty back.
A former international player of the highest order, a well-respected and liked adversary on the greens but friend off it for many, she’s achieved a great deal.
But another New Zealand title in 2022 showed that despite the advancement of time, there’s no sign of slowing down for the former Black Jack, and that she’s still deserving of the tag of one of the best female bowlers in the country.
Her pairs success back in January of last year in Christchurch captured all the headlines.
Two Canterbury representative players who had played against each other more often than they’d played together combining to grab national glory on home soil.
And the fact that Bev Morel, who played with Keith, was 80 years old at the time of winning made it an even greater story.
The pair had made a pact six years earlier that if the cards fell their way and they both found themselves without a pairs partner, that they would play together.
It took a while, but it eventuated, and the rest, as they say became history.
“We had a pact six years ago, when I gave up playing for the Canterbury team,” said Morel.
“I told her ‘I’ve got one thing on my bucket list with bowls, I want to have a game of pairs with you Sandra’. So, we shook on it. “
“We have had other things on but finally [this year] we were both left without a player. I rang her up and she said, ‘Right Bev, we’re on’.”
From a Mid Canterbury perspective, the result was huge.
Keith is a dedicated part of the Allenton Bowling Club and they revelled in their
As another sporting year comes to an end there’s plenty to reflect on. From victories at club level right through to international and national success Mid Canterbury has again produced the goods. Matt Markham works through 10 of his favourite story subjects in no particular order from 2022.
clubmate’s success, celebrating every step of the way with her.
Keith and Morel were up against 2020 finalists Hendra and Bruce in the decider, and the pre-game pep talk was succinct.
“We just said ‘Let’s go out and do it, let’s do what we have been doing,” said Keith.
The match continued a pattern from
across the week, with Morel and Keith getting into a strong position and able to control the contest from there, despite a late fightback from Hendra and Bruce.
It was the fourth national title for the 80-year-old Morel, after securing fours success in 1995 and 2007 and a pairs trophy in 2018.
Keith also had three previous national successes on her resume (2012, singles; 2013, pairs; 2020, fours) and expressed similar sentiments about the significance of this triumph.
“It’s awesome to have won a title with her,” said Keith.
“Not many 80-year-olds win those.”
Jason’s return to the top
Not all that long ago, the prospect of Jason Laking riding at the races again seemed impossible.
Away from the game after weight struggles and in desperate need of a refresh, he took a break and reset – uncertain if there was actually a return on the horizon.
But return he did, and a slow and steady progression back to being one of the leading hoops in the South Island followed, each season a little bit better than the last, each season producing a little more of the skill and class everyone knew was there.
A link-up with the powerhouse Te Akau racing outfit and its then-trainer Jamie Richards paved the way for Laking to become a key figure in their South Island operation during the spring months for two years, but it was a trip to Wellington back in March last year that really put a rubber stamp on things.
With a big team of horses in and a slight lack of jockeys, Laking was asked to trek to Trentham to ride Belle En Rouge in the Group One New Zealand Oaks.
A little-fancied chance with some seriously talented stablemates around her, Laking couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
And a good thing he didn’t.
The Ashburton-based jockey produced a peach of a ride on the filly and they did best of anyone in the big race to win, and win in style.
Te Akau principal, David Ellis, heaped the praise on Laking postrace.
“I was so pleased for Jason, he’s done an incredible job for us when we’ve had horses stabled in the South Island,” he said.
“He’s a terrific person, a very good jockey and he deserved another Group One win, and I am thrilled it is in the tangerine.”
The win also broke a 20-year drought for Laking in Group One victories.
He’d last saluted in such a race back in 2002, when he rode The Jewel to victory in the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton.
But it’s the story of the jockey from Ashburton who travels to Christchurch on multiple occasions in the early hours of the morning each week to ride trackwork before returning to a full time job that captured the attention of everyone.
You could easily say there are few who work harder and few with more dedication than Jason, and to see him excel and get his name up alongside some of the greats of the sport was a real highlight of 2022.
Organisers stand by indoor court decision
The 2021 US Open champion exited the event in tears on Thursday night, withdrawing early in the third set of her second round match with an ankle injury.
The match was one of several moved to indoor courts this week due to ongoing wet weather in Auckland.
Raducanu’s injury comes just 10 days out from the Australian Open, while she also had an injury-impacted 2022.
“To be stopped by a freak injury, rolling an ankle is pretty disappointing, in the first week [of the year] as well,” she said after the match.
“I thought I was playing some pretty decent tennis.
“The courts are incredibly slick, like very slippery, so to be honest it’s not a surprise that this happened to someone.”
Responding to the comments on Friday, Lamperin stood behind their call to play matches indoors at ASB Tennis Arena.
He said the courts were checked and cleared in conjunction with the tournament referee and WTA tournament supervisor.
“We are obviously very sorry about Emma’s injury.
“Every player works really hard in the off-season and that’s not what you expect when you play a tournament in week one.
“However injuries happens all the time and it could have happened on outdoor courts as well.
“We feel [sorry] about the situation but we also say these courts are fit to play.”
Lamperin said he was yet to speak with Raducanu, but would be trying to do so.
“First of all, I want to make sure she’s ok. This is my number one priority.
“I understand the frustration.
“It’s 10 days ahead of the Australian Open.
“She’s coming from a season with
a lot of injuries, so of course this is something which creates frustration.
“We will have a discussion, whether it’s with her or her management, that’s for sure, and we’ll take it from there.”
Rune out of Classic
Second seed Holger Rune has withdrawn from next week’s ASB Classic men’s tennis tournament in Auckland.
The Danish world number 11 has decided to stay in Australia to prepare for the Australian Open.
Rune picked up a minor injury in his first round loss in Adelaide earlier this week.
It means that Briton Cameron Norrie moves up to second seed behind Norwegian Casper Ruud.
Meanwhile American Ben Shelton has been granted a wildcard entry into the draw.
20 year old Shelton, the NCAA Champion, recently decided to give up his final year of college to turn professional.
He beat world number three Ruud at the Cincinnati Masters in August.
Joining him as a wildcard is Frenchman Hugo Humbert, the ASB Classic defending champion from 2020.
The remaining wildcard was earned by Wellington’s Kiranpal Pannu, who won the New Zealand play-off tournament.
The men’s tournament starts on Monday.
next week.
RightonTrack
Mid Canterbury’s horse and dog racing action
Thousands mourn passing of Sir Patrick Hogan
The thoroughbred world is mourning the death of Sir Patrick Hogan, who has passed away in Waikato Hospital after a period of ill health.
From humble beginnings and with a determination shared by his wife Justine, in 1976 Sir Patrick founded Cambridge Stud, a nursery that was to reshape the bloodstock industry and draw unprecedented international attention to New Zealand.
In a masterstroke that was to reap huge accolades and rewards for Cambridge Stud, Hogan selected Sir Tristram as his foundation stallion.
With just two wins from 17 starts, Sir Tristram had a modest race record, but his new owner’s implicit faith in the Irish-bred stallion’s bloodlines – franked by his own Irish heritage – set the platform that would see Cambridge Stud become the dominant force through subsequent decades.
Long-time associate Joe Walls, both a friend and business asso-
M6
ciate in his role as Chairman of New Zealand Bloodstock, spoke on behalf of many when describing Patrick Hogan’s contribution to New Zealand’s proud heritage.
“I have been fortunate enough to have known Patrick and Justine for more than 50 years and my association was more than just a client, salesman one. They have been amazing friends to both Wendy and myself,” Walls said.
“Two such great horses in Sir Tristram and his son Zabeel couldn’t have been placed in better hands.
“His dedication to the industry, his marketing skills, his flair and his professional fairness put the New Zealand industry and the national sales on the map internationally.”
Even as a boy growing up on the family farm where horses and cattle shared the paddocks, Hogan’s special talents shone through.
Ribbon-winning dairy calves provided the springboard to pa-
rading Fencourt Stud yearlings at the annual Trentham sales as a teenager, and once he had his own draft under the Cambridge Stud shingle, he brought a new standard to promotion and marketing.
What was to become a legion
Kumara gallops
Today at Kumara Raceway
1290X Shazza 55.0
84X30 Hello Mar y Lou S Woodsford 55.5
83009 Goodanya P Harris 57.5
of Cambridge Stud staff quickly learnt the Hogan way of impeccable personal presentation and the expectations of the man known respectfully as The Boss.
Not only did they follow his example of preparing and showing off stud graduates to their
best advantage, but so did rival breeders take note as the bar was continually raised through the influence of one man possessed with passion and vision par excellence.
“For me personally and for so many other people who were mentored by Patrick it’s a very sad day,” said Marcus Corban, whose association with Hogan spanned four decades in a career that grew to becoming Cambridge Stud general manager. “He was a great mentor and to me he was like a father; he was a perfectionist, a great thinker, he was passionate, so methodical with his matings and everything he did.
“When I think back on Patrick’s life and what he achieved, that also includes his rock, Mrs H (Lady Justine), who was with him from the very start. It’s a terribly sad time for the family.”
Sir Patrick Hogan, who was aged 83, is survived by his wife Lady Justine, daughters Erin and Nicola, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
M8
Montes De Oca (12) 55.0
35893 Twin Shot 56.5 16 30007 Kapalka 55.0 5 Phoenix Minerals $14,000 1810M Type:bm75 14:43 1 89890 Mondorani 60.5 2 18125 Its So Easy J D Laking (4) 57.5 3 00007 Wannabe ‘N’ Paris 57.0 4 00136 Bluey’s Chance 56.5 5 00072 Da Vinci Girl D I Montes De Oca (5) 55.5 6 00768 Hunter Villain Ms K Williams (1) 55.0 7 02014 Moiras Town T R Moseley (2) 54.5 8 21503 Spindleshanks Rohan Mudhoo (9) 54.0 9 25062 Zoey Satin Tayla Mitchell (6) 54.0 10 44258 Wannabe ‘N’ Vegas 54.0 11 05507 Plushenko G Shaw 54.0 6 Birchfield Coal Mines/Hynds Pipe Systems $14,000 1810M Type:mdn 15:18 1 24X22 Packing Tavi Ms K Williams (10) 58.5 2 X7923 Billy Lid J D Laking (15) 58.5 3 22704 Marching On Tavi K Chowdhoory (13) 58.5 4 9X2 Ninja R Connors T R Moseley (6) 58.5
Motukarara harness
Tomorrow at Motukara Raceway
5 32L69 Farah J Burrows K Mudhoo (7) 58.5 6 98970 Tawhirimatea P Harris 58.5 7 6 Old Navy K Myers 57.0 8 45842 Lady Telena A Balloo (3) 56.5 9 47521 Madison Rose 58.5 10 66332 Royal Khan 56.5 11 80330 Amaterasu Tayla Mitchell (9) 56.5 12 07X05 Kings Lady C K Kwo (17) 56.5 13 09684 Faye’s Warrior P Harris 56.5 14 3007 Steve Austin A Balloo (14) 58.5 15 54 Reggie Ruler 57.0 16 Tellemalie K Myers 58.5 17 09 Worth A Dollar 58.5 18 5X078 Heavenly Bouquet 56.5 7 Vernon & Vazey Truck Parts Kumara Gold Nuggets Nzd $30,000 1810M Type:open 15:53 1 10371 Camino Rocoso J D Laking (4) 61.0 2 11513 The Buffer K L Hannan (2) 60.0 3 4281X Hurr y Cane T R Moseley (3) 58.5 4 0X3x3 Bully Boy L Sutherland (9) 57.0
58.5
5 08911 Sweet Lilly Rohan Mudhoo (8) 58.0
6 09X54 Kristofferson J D Laking (5) 58.0
7 20335 Illusion K L Hannan (15) 57.0
8 30826 Red Sunday P Harris 57.0
9 X6864 Savvy Boy D I Montes De Oca (2) 57.0
10 14987 Arabia Tayla Mitchell (13) 55.5
11 43826 Castle On The Hill K Mudhoo (6) 55.0
12 60X60 Just A Promiss L Callaway (12) 54.0
13 05507 Plushenko 56.5
14 8X800 No Rigmarole T R Moseley (7) 54.0
15 03315 Dupug s 57.0
1. What colour medal did Eric Johnson bring home from the World Masters Games in 2017? a) Gold b) Silver c) Bronze 2. What year did Joyce Read win the Robilliard Trophy for services to hockey? a) 2016 b) 2017 c) 2018
3. Still with awards; what team picked up the T20 Trophy, the Pritchard Shield, the Muirhead Rosebowl and the Studholme Shield in 2017? a) Tech Sharks b) Coldstream c) Allenton
4. Who took out batting honours that year? a) Lyall Jemmett b) Ben Crequer c) Je Naish
5. In the first test against Bangladesh that year, how many runs did Tom Latham score in total? a) 3 b) 96 c) 193
6. In 2017 the Black Caps beat the Aussies 2-0 in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. Who was manof-the-match in the third ODI? a) Dean Brownlie b) Ross Taylor c) Trent Boult
7. Against India in their ODI series, the Black Caps won the first match. Who top scored for India with 121? a) Shikhar Dhawan b) MS Dhoni c) Virat Kohli
8. Who won the 2017 Halberg Supreme Award? a) Lisa Carrington b) Team New Zealand c) Tom Walsh
Making Storage Easier Since 2006
Storage Notice - No Contact
For the Attention of Mal Morunga and Teakatai Pokipoki, of Ashburton Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the above named persons is asked to bring this notice to their attention Please urgently make contact with the above company Please phone 03 3070 401 or 021 554 570 or email office@rainbowstorage.co.nz If no contact is made, goods will be deemed as abandoned and will be sold at Auction to recover debt. As per the Storage Agreement This a a 7 day notice from published date Yours faithfully Rainbow Storage Management Ph 03 3070 401
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
ADULT
ENTERTAINMENT
NEW Asian Lady – 36D Cup, Busty, Massage. Phone 0225323904. I’m-Outcall.
NEW Asian – Sweetie, Beautiful, Busty, 40DD, Friendly. Good Service and Good Massage. Phone 0210372083.
CHURCH SERVICES
SITUATIONS VACANT
Positions available now: - Field Staff - Labourers - Administrator - Agricultural Mechanic ... and more
Full-time, Part-time, or Contract Apply online: W. agstaff.co.nz P. 0800 247 8233
“Transforming Lives through Gospel Power” Service starts at 10:00am 63 Princess Street All Welcome Rev. David Bayne Ph 307 7355
“Transforming Lives through Gospel Power” Easter Sunday Service 63 Princes Street 10.30am You are Welcome Rev. David Bayne Ph 307 7355
FOR SALE
FIREWOOD for sale: Green Bluegum $250 for 3.6 m³. Green Old Man Pine $220 for 3.6 m³. Phone Shane James Firewood. 0276113334.
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
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
TRADES, SERVICES
WEEKEND 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.
WANTED
GENUINE private cash buyer, wanting Falcons, Holdens, Valiants or any pre 1995 vehicles suitable for preservation. Phone 021 02914847 or 03 615 7930
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.
A cold front travels north over the eastern South Island then the lower North Island during the weekend, while a ridge of high pressure builds to the south. The ridge persists over the South Island through Monday, then slowly shifts to the east on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the slow moving front sits over central New Zealand and brings rain for some parts and an easterly flow for the North Island on Sunday and Monday.
DEATHS DEATHS
TAYLOR, Geoffrey Stephen –
Passed suddenly doing what he loved, surrounded by family and friends on January 4, 2023, in his 81st year. Dearly loved husband of Shona and much loved Dad of Melany and Jamie Gordon, Bryce and Susie (USA) and Andrew and Jill (Western Australia). Adored and loved Grandad of Kaitlin, and Angus Gordon; and Chloe, Leah, and Jade Taylor. Loved son of the late Frank and Mary Taylor, loved and cherished brother of the late Kevin Taylor, Claire and the late Geoff Elliot, Mary and Barry Hawkins, and brother-in-law of Merle Banks. Adored and fun uncle of all his nieces and nephews. Grateful thanks to all of the emergency staff and friends who assisted with Geoff. In memory of Geoff, donations to the Hinds Volunteer Fire Brigade would be appreciated and may be made at the service.
Messages to: The Taylor family, c/- PO Box 6035, Ashburton 7742. A service to farewell Geoff will be held at the Hinds Community Centre, 20 Rogers Street, Hinds on THURSDAY, January 12, 2023 commencing at 1.30pm followed by private cremation.
THOMPSON, Lawrence
Gavin –Passed away at Ashburton on January 4, 2023. Aged 68. Now at Peace. Treasured husband and soulmate of Gay, loved Dad of Travis and partner Sarah, and the late Cole. Adored Grandad of Elsie. Much loved son of the late Gavin and the late Dorothy Thompson. A loved brother and brother-in-law of Anthea and Barry McLauchlan, Patty and Ray Vercoe and Helen and Roger Carter. Much loved uncle, great-uncle and friend of many. Lawrence will be so sadly missed.
Messages to the Thompson family, c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. In Lieu of flowers, donations to Prostate Cancer would be appreciated and may be made online at bit.ly/lgthompson0401. A celebration of Lawrence’s life is to be held at the Hinds Community Centre, 20 Rogers Street, Hinds, on WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2023, commencing at 2pm.
THOMPSON, Lawrence Gavin –At Ashburton on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Dearly loved Brotherin-law of Margaret and the late Ken Donaldson and uncle and great-uncle of Carol, Wayne and Karen, Maddi and Ben, Olivia, Sally and Meg. Fun times with you will never be forgotten.
THOMPSON, Lawrence Gavin –Deepest sympathy. Will miss Lawrence with his cheeky grin. Love from Frank and the late Barbara Fletcher and all the Fletcher family.
Saturday
Mountain weather hazard: Wind Chill.
Morning rain then a few showers.
Wind at 1000m: SE 30 km/h about and N of Lake Tekapo, light further S.
Wind at 2000m: SE 30 km/h about and N of
Lake Tekapo, light further S.
Freezing level: Above 3000m.
Sunday
Mountain weather hazards: None issued.
Isolated early showers then fine breaks.
Wind at 1000m: SE 30 km/h N of Lake Tekapo, light further S.
Wind at 2000m: SE 30 km/h turning NE 30 km/h in the evening.
Freezing level: Above 3000m.
H 5:07am 5:18pm L 11:13am 11:26pm
H 5:02am 5:19pm L 11:18am 11:31pm
4:51am 5:02pm L 10:57am 11:10pm
5:46am 5:57pm 11:54am
5:44am 6:03pm 11:59am
5:30am 5:41pm 11:38am 11:52pm
6:24am 6:37pm 12:08am 12:34pm
6:25am 6:46pm 12:13am 12:40pm
6:08am 6:21pm 12:18pm
5:57am 9:20pm 5:58am 9:20pm 6:00am 9:20pm 9:54pm 5:31am 10:31pm 6:29am 11:02pm 7:32am
THE MUSICAL EVENT OF SUMMER
With A Song In My Heart
Featuring international tenor, Daniel Rodriguez (America’s Beloved Tenor), Marla Kavanaugh (Carnegie Hall star), Kathi Craig (former Mobil Song Quest winner) and talented local artists.
Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 3-5pm.
Terrace Croft Reception Venue, 22 Laings Road, Tinwald.
Adults $40 Students/Children $20 Family $100, 2X2 Tickets available from iTicket, Regent Cinema, and Terrace Croft (cash only on the day)