Ashburton Guardian, Saturday, June 5, 2021 by Ashburton Guardian

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Saturday, June 5, 2021

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WEEKEND

Tragedy rocks Ashburton

PHOTO CHRIS SKELTON/STUFF

The photo says it all. The remains of a van that collided with a truck on Cochranes Road in Ashburton yesterday, resulting in four deaths and more misery for a district that’s had a week from hell. STORY, P3 Lot 11

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2 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

Daughter indebted to chopper pilot, contractor By Adam Burns adam.b@theguardian.co.nz

A chopper pilot and his support crew saved the day for an elderly woman, stranded and unable to get to an urgent health appointment. Marilyn Crawford, 80, was left in a precarious situation on Tuesday, needing urgent treatment in Christchurch, but unable to get across the Ashburton Bridge. Earlier that morning, the Ashburton Bridge along State Highway 1 was closed, a casualty of the Canterbury floods which required urgent structural assessment and reinforcement. The closure not only split Ashburton town from Tinwald but effectively cut off access between the upper and lower South Island. “We had no alternate means, no alternate route and no other way of getting her there,” daughter Paule Crawford said. Multiple phone calls around the town eventually led her to Independent Helicopters’ Mark ‘Tweezers’ Read.

Paule Crawford returned to GDC this week to thank owner Greg Donaldson and office manager Diane Booth following the urgent helicopter transport of her mum Marilyn amid the Canterbury floods. PHOTO ADAM BURNS 030621-AB-5452 The Christchurch-based chopper pilot had been working in conjunction with Ashburton contracting firm Greg Donaldson

Contracting Ltd (GDC), based on the southern side of the bridge. “I had a conversation with the pilot and he said if you can get

your mum here before 1pm, we’ll transfer her over the river for you and she can get on her merry way to Christchurch,” Crawford said.

Although unwell and largely immobile, Crawford said her mum was up for the flight. “She said ‘yep I’m fair game, I’m getting to that appointment, come hell or high water’.” “We couldn’t afford a delayed meeting.” Getting Marilyn onto the helicopter was no easy task, but she was escorted onto the aircraft by a supportive group that included the pilot, GDC staff and Fire and Emergency NZ crew members from Timaru. “Greg Donaldson (GDC owner) was invaluable, being a big strong guy and just for making the yard available. “They were all awesome, they just went above and beyond.” It is understood that Donaldson and Read conducted about 20 transfers over the Ashburton River from the GDC yard to the Ashburton Airport that day. Marilyn was expected to be in Christchurch for the week. “She’s doing really good. “I just wanted to make sure that the people involved were thoroughly thanked.”

Best friend safe, but flood pain remains By Adam Burns adam.b@theguardian.co.nz

Dave Stewart and his family may have emerged from the floodwaters safe and well. But the heartache of a flooding catastrophe which ravaged the district has not subsided for the Greenstreet dairy farmer who was evacuated alongside wife Maree and son TJ on Sunday. The image of 10-year-old dog Max being guided onto a truck by a member of the New Zealand Defence Force during the evacuation circulated across national and international channels as news broke of the Canterbury region being lashed by a one-in-100-year rain event on Sunday. As Stewart, 67, surveyed the damage to the family’s 200ha farm yesterday, which he said was go-

ing to absorb significant time and costs, there was only one feeling that came to mind. “Soul destroying,” he said. The Ashburton River is currently running through the farm after a river stopbank was breached and one of the two family homes on the farm suffered flooding damage. None of the family’s stock succumbed to the flood with areas of land to be out of action for several months. Enclosed by both the North and South Branches of the Ashburton River, Greenstreet has been one of the worst affected areas of the flood. The Stewart family had been anticipating nasty weather on the Sunday and began the process of co-ordinating their cows. It was not long before farm vehicles were abandoned at the cow shed and Dave, Maree and son TJ

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were being hauled into an army truck along Hills Road. “I was struggling to get up there,” Stewart said. “And the guy said ‘here, give me the dog’ and he just totally relaxed in the army guy’s arms.” Driving away in the defence force vehicle and facing an uncertain outlook in terms of the family farm, Stewart remembers the experience as heartbreaking. “Me and [son] TJ were inconsolable,” he said. “We didn’t know what tomorrow was going to bring,” TJ said. There the canine was taken to a vet in Ashburton where he resided for two days as the Stewarts took care of proceedings at the farm. “He’s back home now, he’s a bit upset that he’s in a kennel and not inside by the fire,” Maree said. “It’s just the cats aren’t used to him.”

Greenstreet dairy farmer Dave Stewart and Max are safely back on the farm at Greenstreet, near Ashburton. PHOTO ADAM BURNS 040621-AB-5570

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Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

NEWS 3

In brief More rain There is a moderate chance of 60-100mm of rain forecast near the main divide over Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning which will mainly affect the alpine rivers (Waitaki, Rangitata, Rakaia, Waimakariri, Hurunui and Waiau), and may result in some increased flows.

Boil water Methven, Mt Somers, and MethvenSpringfield remain on a boil water notice due to poor water quality. The Ashburton Council lifted the shower/bathing ban on the Methven water supply on Thursday night, provided that residents take care not to ingest the water. The recently reinstalled water filters have improved water quality enough to make this possible. The council continues to refill the water tankers stationed in Methven, on Main Street by the public toilets, and Mt Somers, near the Fire Station/General Store, as needed. Four people died when a truck and a van collided at the intersection of Cochranes and Wakanui roads near Ashburton shortly before 10am on Friday. PHOTO CHRIS SKELTON

Four dead: Tragedy caps week from hell By Adam Burns adam.b@theguardian.co.nz

Additional reporting by STUFF Devastating and the last thing the district needed. An Ashburton woman comforted occupants of a van wreckage after it collided with a truck leaving four people dead yesterday. “All I did was stand there with my arms in the window to comfort the other two that were talking until the emergency services got there and got them out. “I just went to the van, and I could see that there were a few deceased,” she said. The local woman who requested anonymity is understood to have been one of the first at the scene of the crash on the corner of Cochranes and Wakanui roads. It caps off a week from hell for the Ashburton District and has started the long weekend off in tragic circumstances. Other residents on Wakanui Road reportedly heard a large bang at the time, to the point where one felt their house vibrate. The occupants of the van were all believed to have been from various spots around the North Island. Police said the collision occurred

Area Commander Inspector Dave Gaskin talks to media outside the Ashburton Police Station yesterday.

Avoid contact Residents are being urged to avoid contact with potentially contaminated floodwaters, particularly below the Wilkins Road wastewater treatment ponds outside Tinwald and also Lake Hood water. Wastewater is believed to have entered Carters Creek, which feeds Lake Hood. The lake is closed until further notice.

Floodwater damage Ashburton District Council building inspectors are available to conduct free inspections on any homes or businesses who have sustained floodwater damage. To arrange an inspection, contact the council on 03 307 7700.

Rural support Specialist response teams consisting of Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Rural Support personnel are continuing to visit farmers in affected areas today to assess and provide support. If you need support, please contact Ashburton Civil Defence on 03 307 7700

Citizenship

around 9.30am and cited a “moment of carelessness” as a factor. Aoraki area commander Inspector Dave Gaskin confirmed that three of the van occupants died at the scene before a fourth occupant later died after being transported to Ashburton Hospital. Two other van occupants were in a critical and serious condition respectively. The truck driver was injured but “not seriously” and was also receiving treatment at Ashburton Hospital.

Gaskin said there was no link between the crash and the recent flood events. “This is an absolute tragedy and a terrible start to Queen’s Birthday.” Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown said he was devastated when he heard the news yesterday. “It was just something that we didn’t need in the district on top of the week we already had,” he said. “I feel for the families of the people that were killed.”

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Ashburton District residents who had to forgo their planned Citizenship Ceremony on June 3 due to recent weather events are invited to attend the next planned ceremony in August. Despite the formal ceremony not going ahead, the Department of Internal Affairs will inform these residents that they still become New Zealand Citizens on the originally planned date. The Ashburton District Council will be sending out the official certificates to the new citizens and they will be invited to attend the next planned ceremony in August.

Riverflow During the flood event the Ashburton River flow rate peaked at 1448cm3, with its usual rate being around 10cm3. The Hinds River, at Poplar Road, peaked at 279.94cm3, with its usual rate of around 0.19cm3.

Burnett Street Ashburton Phone (03) 308 5269 | www.redmonds.co.nz

4 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

WORD ON THE STREET

What is your reaction to news that the government will spend $685 million to build a new bridge for walkers and cyclists in Auckland when Ashburton, and the South Island, is experiencing a bridge nightmare?

DIANE DOODY “We have a major transit route that needs work, the timing doesn’t look great.”

GATLIN SKANSIE “I think it’s cool, good for them. But after recent events the Ashburton Bridge is a bit more necessary.”

LEANNE WILLS “They weren’t to know our bridge would be damaged, unfortunate timing.”

LYNDA BLOOMFIELD “Good for Auckland, would be great to focus on the rural sector more.”

STEVE BRADSHAW “Political correctness gone mad.”

TANGI KIMLIA “I have never been to Auckland, so I don’t know the issues, but it is a big city so it’s expensive.”

‘Serious lack of judgement’

Ashburton frustration at Auckland’s new bridge news

Rodger Letham

Ashburton District Councillor Rodger Letham says the Government’s thumb’s-up for a $685 million new cycle and walkway bridge over the Auckland harbour is a “serious lack of judgement’’. “Not only is the amount of money an overkill for that project but it shows our Government doesn’t really understand what happens to the rest of the country south of the Bombay Hills,” Letham says, hinting at widespread dissatisfaction at the announcement from the Ashburton community crying out for bridging assistance. The Auckland development

comes at a time when the need for a second Ashburton bridge has been further highlighted by the devastating floods that hit the district in the past week, shutting down and comprising the transport industry through the South Island at the same time. Cr Letham said that showed how fragile and at risk the South Island’s transport infrastructure was. “After battling long and hard for many years to try and get a second bridge over the Ashburton River to ensure connectivity to the rest of the South Island,

I’m appalled to see that amount of money spent in that way,” he said. “It’s a serious lack of judgement.” Former Ashburton Mayor, Donna Favel believed it was now time for Mid Canterbury to lobby for a resilient roading network. She said for far too long, successive governments have allowed the case for a new Ashburton bridge to “be shunted down the list”. “We must seize the opportunity to get a fit-for-purpose existing bridge and an alternate route in

front of the decision makers,” she said. She said the decision was another example of New Zealand Transport Agency funding going where the voter base was. Favel said that while the Ashburton District Council had been advocating for local funding for the last 15 years, other priorities have jumped ahead. “Post-earthquake, funding has been allocated to Christchurch and Kaikoura and, because of migration, Selwyn and Waimakariri has also seen significant investment,” she said.

Facebook followers call for bridge protest Guardian Facebook followers have had enough. They’re riled up at the news the Government is forking out $685 million to build a new bridge for walkers and cyclists in Auckland when Ashburton, and the South Island, continues to live in a bridge nightmare, which was further highlighted by its closure and limited access because of the floods. A post about the Auckland bridge on the Guardian’s popular Facebook page had reached over 9000 people, with more than 230 comments, in just a few short hours. Here’s a selection of a comments, some of which are abridged. Anna-Rob Aitken: For the Prime Minister to offer $500,000 to assist farmers and others to help them clean up this mess is naive and today’s announcement’s timing is a major slap in the face to the Ashburton mayor and council, Mid Can-

tabrians and South Islanders as a whole, who rely on an unobstructed efficient main highway, every day. John Skevington: Just the response you expect from the bunch of fools running NZ at present. Anna Lovett: Well said, 500k = very very naive indeed. 500k is probably half of one farmer’s winter feed bill. Patricia Stephens: They get $685 million and Ashburton and Canterbury only got $500 thousand to help farmers, which won’t go far. Plus, we need the Ashburton bridge fixed as it is on main highway to north and south. Maybe we should go on an Ashburton bridge and protest. Margaret Lanyon: This is absolute BS. Oh my heart bleeds for Auckland’s problems. Hello, the South Island has multiple problems that need attention,

Just the response you expect from the bunch of fools running NZ at present. but we are the poor relatives of the North. Heather Weir: State Highway l at Ashburton is vital for the South Island. Just because the cyclists broke the law in their demonstration last week why spend the money there? Jill Quigley: Monkey see monkey do! Perhaps we need to follow suit and have our own protest down here? Trecia Thomas: Let’s all protest on the bridge stop all the traffic for a day. Heather Weir: Unless you are in

an area of Cindy voters, it won’t help Gill Reid: Really hard to understand when Ashburton needs another bridge so badly and even more so now. Lyndall Chisnall: Time to protest in Mid Canterbury. WE NEED ANOTHER BRIDGE. Auckland gets everything. If the floods had of happened up there, it would of been the end of the world. Shirley Ashton: It would cost a lot more to build a tunnel or a new bridge in Auckland. They must

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be hoping most people will bike to and from work in the future. Don’t give up hope for a new bridge in Ashburton. Ruth Crossen: After what we’ve been through with the Ashburton flooding and the 80-yearold bridge not in great condition. Yet Auckland get a new bridge. Yvonne Pender: Obviously cyclists are more important than the freight of the South Island and dealing with the broken Ashburton main highway bridge Glyn Taylor: Before you hate on all Aucklanders, try to consider that a huge number think this is a complete waste of money and way down any logical priority list. Kay Begg: Interesting that one of the cycleway campaigners was quoted as saying it was ridiculous and they only wanted a dedicated lane of existing bridge.

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

6 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

Roading network in ruin Blackford Rd & Double Hill Run Road – SH77 to end Lower Downs Road – Mayfield Klondyke Road to Blairs Road Upper Downs Road – Hinds Gorge Road to Upper Downs Road Extension Ashburton Gorge Road – Stour River Bridge to Hakatere Heron Road Forks Road – Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road to Thompsons Track Ashburton Staveley Road – Forks Road intersection to Methven Highway 77 Ashburton Staveley Road – Forks Road intersection Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road Maronan Valetta Road – Tinwald Westerfield Mayfield Road to Tramway Road Mayfield Valetta Road – Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road to Tramway Road Valetta Westerfield Road – Tinwald Westerfield Mayfield Road to Tramway Road

By Jonathan Leask jonathan.l@theguardian.co.nz

The full cost of repairs to the districts roading network will not be known for weeks but is easily estimated to be in the millions. The flooding has caused significant damage to the extent that 20 roads remain closed and three bridges are impassable, while the SH1 Ashburton River Bridge is open, but badly damaged. The Ashburton District Council has advised that traffic passing through the district should not use Thompsons Track for any part of the route due to impassable closures and significant pavement failures. Motorists using the Inland Scenic Route 72 should take extreme care between Waimarama Road and Ashburton Staveley Road due to significant pavement failures and excessive surface water. Authorities are also calling on drivers to respect the reduced speed restrictions in place signing these hazards on this route, and the speed limits in general with Mayfield and Methven residents concerned for saftey with drivers exceeding the 50km/h urban speed limits. The RDR Bridges on Pudding Hill Road, Forks Road, Ashburton Staveley Road, and Tramway Road are not rated for Heavy Vehicles and should not be used by heavy traffic (vehicles heavier

Mayfield Valetta Road/Thompsons Track is closed for flood repairs after being washed out by the South Branch of the Ashburton River. PHOTO SAM ANDERSON than 3.5 tonnes) passing through the district. The current route to Methven from Rakaia is along Rakaia Barrhill Methven Road, then onto Back Track, then Mt Hutt Station Road and then State Highway 77. Closed Roads River Road – Beach Road East to

Wakanui School Road Boundary Road – Grahams Road to the Ashburton River Thompsons Track – Jamiesons Road to Winchmore Lauriston Road Line Road - Winchmore Lauriston Road to Thompson Track Urrall Road – Line Road to Methven Chertsey Road

Methven Chertsey Road – Cainbrae Road to Lyndhurst Road Barkers Road – Holmes Road to Back Track Blands Road – State Highway 77 to Thompsons Track Thompsons Track – State Highway 77 to Tramway Road Tramway Road – Thompsons Track to Lochheads Road

Impassable Bridges Redcliffe Bridge – Double Hill Run Road Ballentynes Bridge – Lower Downs Road Stour River Bridge – Ashburton Gorge Road Impassable Sunshine Bridges (Unbridged shingle crossings over Hinds River) Hackthorne Road sunshine bridge Winslow Road sunshine bridge Boundary Road sunshine bridge.

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

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8 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

Excuses, excuses . . . By Bernard Egan FROM THE BACK SEAT

Bernard Egan is a well known man around these parts and as a bit of a storyteller he endeavours to offer offer some light hearted yarns Through Tales From the Back Seat.

ecently some ministers of religion and members of congregations shared some of the excuses they’ve heard for skipping church on Sunday. Here are a few of them: I couldn’t get the lid off the peanut butter. The church is too close to drive and too far to walk. The pastor stays in the bible too much. Strange place to stay – does he not have a home to go to? My wife cooked bacon for breakfast and our whole family smelled like bacon. So that explains why fasting prior to church was practised in times gone by. The worship leader pulls up his pants too often. It’s distracting. Would probably be more distracting if he didn’t! Someone called me “brother” instead of using my real name. What’s worse this came from a young lady! After reading these, inspiration came maybe from on high and probably not divine to investigate other good excuses. Maybe the best excuse for late delivery of homework:

It’s only a day late, and if there is an infinite amount of time in the universe, then one divided by infinity is zero, so it’s actually on time. A prize for creativity should go to the student who said: I was out walking my dog when this UFO came down and the alien said, my ship runs on Year 11 homework. What could I do? I handed it over. Science students always have

the best excuses for non-delivery of work, since their assignments often include creating things. Top three: 1) My homework ate the dog. 2) Government agents took my homework as they think I may have discovered a cure for almost every ailment known to man. 3) I did my assignment on this new invisible paper I invented and now I can’t find it. The title of best excuse for

speeding could go to a Swiss man stopped by police on a highway in Canada. Why was he going so fast? Answer: Because of the absence of goats. There’s probably no answer to that. Now how about excuses for missing work: My girlfriend bit me in a bad place. In a bad place? Presumably

he’s referring to the kitchen. I rolled out of bed and knocked myself out so I missed my alarm. That one deserves a second thought. He clocked up a good one here. He missed the alarm but maybe not the bedside cabinet. My cat has hiccups and I can’t leave her. A paw excuse? Or maybe a purrfect one. It’s a secret. If I tell you, you’ll be in grave danger. Is someone losing the plot? My son’s pulling a sickie – why can’t I? Like son, like father? And just to finish – a good excuse for Mondayitis Simply phone the boss from home on a Monday morning and use this line from a British best excuses contest: I am caught in some kind of space-time continuum loop and I am re-living Sunday. As soon as I can reverse polarity I will be into work late, or maybe early. We’re not encouraging absenteeism but here’s a thought - this being in Saturday’s edition of the paper there’s time to practise it tomorrow, which come to think of it could also be an excuse for not going to church.

HELP US PLAN THE FUTURE OF THE ASHBURTON DISTRICT COMMUNITY TRANSPORT SERVICE Ashburton rural communities - what do you need from an affordable and reliable transport service to take you from a rural area to Ashburton Township and back? Please let us know your thoughts by filling out a short survey online at:

https://tinyurl.com/MCCommunityTransportSurvey

OR pick up a paper copy from Community House Mid Canterbury (44 Cass Street, Ashburton) OR call and we will post you a paper copy (03 308 1395 ext 225) Survey closes on Wednesday 30 June, 2021

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

COUNCIL BRIEF Week of 31 May 2021 | ISSUE 31

5 Baring Square West, Ashburton | PO Box 94, Ashburton, New Zealand 7740 | Telephone (03) 307 7700 | Website ashburtondc.govt.nz

Ashburton District Civil Defence Update Ashburton river bridge SH1

Ashburton Civil Defence continued with its Mid Canterbury response and recovery as the district entered day five of the flood weather response on Wednesday. Here are the latest updates:

Ashburton EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDE

ROADING Travel through the Ashburton District continued on Wednesday with a rural detour established and limited access over the SH1 Ashburton Bridge available until 11am. The bridge was closed for further testing and inspection. The alternate route was made available for all travellers trying to get through the Ashburton District, however, ONLY ESSENTIAL TRAVEL WAS ADVISED due to significant delays on this route as a result of increased traffic. Light and medium sized vehicles have been able to cross the Ashburton Bridge since Tuesday night, after Waka Kotahi: NZ Transport Agency conducted load tests and the bridge was closed on Wednesday again for further load testing. Heavy vehicles are being directed via SH77 to Methven and onto the Inland Scenic Route 72 to get through the district. All drivers using this route must obey advised speed limits and drive with care. The detour adds significant time to usual travel times, and drivers should expect delays. Council is encouraging people to avoid non-essential travel at this time. Receding waters are allowing contractors to assess road conditions and damage. Repairs are continuing on closed roads, and as more become safe to travel on, Council will update its roading map on their website (asburtondc.govt.nz). 1

Week of 31 May 2021 | ISSUE 31

SH1 Hinds Highway

EMERGENCY SERVICES Emergency services are continuing to provide support throughout the district. Anyone requiring emergency assistance should call 111, and for other support, contact Council / Ashburton Civil Defence on 03 307 7700.

Ashburton

Winslow Road Sunshine Bridge

EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDE

Need to report an issue or help?

For more information visit www.civildefence.govt.nz www.happens.nz

RURAL SUPPORT Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Rural Support are assisting Civil Defence to provide support for the district's farming community. Teams have begun visiting affected farms to assess stock feed needs and damage to farm infrastructure. Any rural property owners needing advice or support are urged to contact Ashburton Civil Defence on 03 307 7700.

For emergencies, please call 111 first to access applicable emergency services. Contact the Council on 03 307 7700 for urgent calls. If you are feeling anxious or need someone to talk to, free call or text 1737 for support.

Website: asburtondc.govt.nz For more information visit www.civildefence.govt.nz www.happens.nz

ashburtondc.govt.nz

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

11:15am

100%

BOIL WATER NOTICES AND CONTAMINATED WATER Boil water notices remain in place for Methven, Mt Somers and MethvenSpringfield. Water tankers are being refilled to ensure there is safe drinking water for Methven and Mt Somers. These tankers can be found on Main Street by the public toilets in Methven and near the Fire Station/General Store in Mt Somers. Residents are being urged to avoid contact with potentially contaminated floodwaters, particularly below the Wilkins Road wastewater treatment ponds outside Tinwald and also Lake Hood water. Wastewater is believed to have entered Carters Creek, which feeds Lake Hood. The lake is closed until further notice.

Pudding Hill Stream at Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road Thompsons Track between Ashburton Staveley Rd and Ashburton River Rd

Anyone who comes into contact with floodwaters should change out of any wet clothes and shoes and put them aside to be washed later. Wash skin that has come into contact with flood waters, and wash your hands as soon as you reasonably can – or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

FLOODWATER DAMAGE TO HOMES AND BUILDINGS Ashburton District Council building inspectors are available to conduct free inspections on any homes or businesses who have sustained floodwater damage. To arrange an inspection, contact the Council on 03 307 7700.

Taylors Stream

Thompsons Track at Tramway Rd

Hackthorne Rd Sunshine Bridge

SH1 Hinds

COUNCIL OFFICE |

Digbys Bridge Ashburotn Staveley Road

5 Baring Square West

Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm Thursday 9.00am - 5.00pm ashburtondc.govt.nz

EA NETWORKS CENTRE | Mon - Fri 6.00am - 9.00pm Sat & Sun 7.00am - 7.00pm

Dog Park

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ASHBURTON MUSEUM |

10am - 4pm daily. Closed Public Holidays.

327 West Street

Week of 31 May 2021 | ISSUE 31

12 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

Almost up in flames By Maddison Gourlay maddison.g@theguardian.co.nz

You all almost didn’t have your Ashburton Guardian paper today. That’s what every Guardian employee thought as they ran down the fire escape yesterday morning from the third floor of the Somerset House building. The fire alarm was activated when thick smoke emerged from an IT cabinet and down a hallway. Fortunately, what was described by Fire and Emergency as a small electrical fire

was contained quickly, although the wait during the whole process was longer than usual. One of the two appliances at the scene had to leave early to attend the multiple fatality crash on Cochrane Road about the same time. That meant a second appliance had to come from Methven before anyone could enter the building, as per FENZ regulations. Once the small electrical fire was out, and most of the smoke was cleared, and our IT needs were up and running, we got back to the task at hand – getting this paper to you.

A poppy on a street sign in Leeston.

Ashburton Guardian owner Bruce Bell (left) watching the volunteer fire brigade park up in front of Somerset House. PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

RSA backs poppy signs By Malcolm Hopwood

There’s a message going out in the RSA Bugle newsletter next month. In it, RSA manager, Merv Brenton, would ask members how many Ashburton district streets were named after servicemen and women from the two world wars. Brenton has supported a recent Ashburton Guardian editorial, encouraging the district council to attach a poppy to those street names that identify with the district’s service people from both wars. Brenton wasn’t aware of a list, but believed his members would know of such names. “I’m sure there must be streets that have a family connection to the wars,” he said. “Once I know, then I’ll support the inclusion of a poppy on their signage.” Brenton has seen Timaru streets adorned with a poppy and said it was eye catching.

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Poppy time What: What do you think about the idea to attach a poppy to street names that identify with the Ashburton district’s service people from both wars. Email your ideas to: editorial@theguardian.co.nz “It adds to the Anzac Day remembrance.” The Guardian editorial recommended that, once the street names had been collated, the Ashburton District Council should be approached and asked if a poppy be attached to the signage and a plaque at the entrance to the street. Brenton agreed, believing such an initiative would be a welcome addition by Anzac Day next year.

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

NEWS 13

Art in the abandoned By Maddison Gourlay maddison.g@theguardian.co.nz

Taking a page out of Leonardo Da Vinci’s book, John Wishart’s exhibition has landed at the Ashburton Art Gallery. Wishart took the Da Vinci quote “Art is never finished, only abandoned” literally. When he heard that quote he decided to create an exhibition of art out of the abandoned. The Murihiku-based artist spends many of his weekends out at the old Ocean Beach freezing works site and Oreti Beach spotting for abandoned objects. “The beach at the foot of the ramparts is strewn with debris of past lives,” Wishart said. His love for the natural and man-made debris as an art medium started during his time on the West Coast, and he came across what looked like an artifact. Insisting he found something of importance, he took it to the museum to get told by the curator that it wasn’t an artifact, and was just a rock that been worn away by nature’s elements – a process known as ventifaction. After the visit to the museum, Wishart was infatuated with finding the elements of nature that looked man-made and viceversa. “At some points in ventification you don’t know how to make the difference between natural or man-made, they are the same, but different,” he said. Wishart’s exhibition at the Ashburton Art Gallery is a mixture of the man-made and the natural findings which have washed up on shores. The exhibition will run until July 23.

John Wishart’s exhibition, abandoned works, is a mixture of the man-made and natural.

PHOTO MADDISON GOURLAY

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14 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

Flooding fall-out will be felt throughout winter By Jonathan Leask jonathan.l@theguardian.co.nz

Farmers are in the process of assessing damage and cleaning up the devastation of the flooding, but in the back of their minds there is a big challenge coming. Inverary Station worker Scott Paton and his partner Liv Thomson experienced first-hand the fall-out from the floods. Inverary Station is on the Ashburton Gorge Road out the back of Mt Somers and was hit by both the South Branch of the Ashburton and Hinds rivers during the flooding. Paton said they have kept in close contact with neighbouring farms, who have had similar destruction occur and they all know that “we are all battling this challenge together”. “Everywhere in Canterbury has been hit hard,” he said. “With winter just around the corner managing feed, stock, and repairs will make for a challenging future.” Regularly relying on weather forecasts, they said they were well prepared heading into last weekend. “We were actually expecting more snow, but higher temperatures meant it was more rain and we certainly didn’t expect it to reach such extreme levels.” They had made the preparations, moving stock to high ground and stocked up on supplies. Then the rains arrived, and kept on coming. “There was a point there where we were scratching our heads not really knowing what to do,” Thomson said. “We’ve been isolated at the farm after both bridges that allow access have been washed away, power cut out after the pole washed down river. “There was nothing really we could do except wait for the rain to stop and then assess the damage.” The south branch of the Ashburton River is usually around 250300m away from the house that Paton and Thomson live in.

Inverary Station worker Scott Paton (lower right) surveys the flooding from high ground. “[At the weekend] it came through our back porch and right up to the front door – about four inches high,” Thomson said. “We had water pouring out the bottom weather boards of the house, but luckily the inside wasn’t flooded.” On the Sunday morning they woke to dogs standing in water and no bare land between the bedroom window and the river. So they joined the stock in seek-

ing refuge from the deluge. “We packed a bag, moved whatever furniture we could off the ground and headed to the homestead and shepherds’ quarters on the farm which are on higher ground.” Then came the time to assess the damage. The stock were all safe, but two bridges had been washed away as well as our power mains. Trees, fences, tracks and laneways

were ruined and scattered all over the farm from the flood waters. “It’s not just the front paddocks near the Ashburton River either as out the back the South and North branches of the Hinds River flow through the farm,” Paton said. “There has been numerous fences and tracks washed away, making access out the back impassable by vehicle.” Access is a pressing issue, but the floods have caused an im-

PHOTO SUPPLIED

pending feed shortage – across the region ahead of winter. “Baleage that is well above flood bank has been washed away, some of it stuck in trees across the other side of the river, the rest is down in the plains somewhere. “Winter feed crops have also been flattened. “It’ll be the next few months heading into winter when feed deficits occur that will test out the farming systems,” he said.

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Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

TEST YOURSELF Test yourself with the Guardian’s quiz 1. What character does Andy Samberg star as in Brooklyn Nine-Nine? a) Charles Boyle b) Jake Peralta c) Terry Jeffords 2. In 1927, who became the first person selected as Time’s Man of the Year? a) Mahatma Gandhi b) Herbert Hoover c) Charles Lindbergh 3. A dazzle is a term used for a group of which animal? a) Zebras b) Snakes c) Horses 4. “Kayak” is derived from quyaq, meaning “canoe” in what language? a) Inuit b) French c) Arabic 5. Red Bull was originally founded in what country, before heading to Austria? a) Australia b) Switzerland c) Thailand 6. Where in the body is the pituitary gland found, responsible for controlling other hormone-secreting glands? a) Throat b) Liver c) Brain 7. Who narrated 2005’s feature-length documentary March of the Penguins? a) Stephen Fry a) Morgan Freeman c) David Attenborough 8. The Chainsmokers huge 2016 hit Closer featured what singer? a) Camila Cabello b) Halsey c) Selena Gomez

Receding river mouth

7 4 2 5 2 5 4 3 8

9 6

7 9 6 5 2 2 7 EASY SUDOKU

8 9 6 4 2 4 7

FRIDAY’S ANSWERS

3 8 1 9

1 8 3 6 9 4

1 2 8 3 7 5 2 3 4 1 7

1 5 9 4 3 6 7 2 8

2 4 7 8 1 5 6 9 3

3 8 6 9 2 7 5 4 1

5 3 1 6 8 9 2 7 4

9 2 8 1 7 4 3 6 5

6 7 4 2 5 3 1 8 9

4 1 2 5 6 8 9 3 7

7 9 5 3 4 2 8 1 6

8 6 3 7 9 1 4 5 2

Solutions for today in Friday’s Your Place page.

Answers: 1. b) Jake Peralta 2. c) Charles Lindbergh 3. a) Zebras 4. a) Inuit 5. c) Thailand 6. c) Brain 7. a) Morgan Freeman 8. b) Halsey

DAILY RECIPE

5 3 2 8 9 6 4 7 1 6 5 7cream 4 2 8 Chicken soup with9coconut 8 4 7 1 2 3 5 6 400ml can coconut cream 1 C salt reduced chicken or vegetable stock 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed with a roll- 3 7 8 2 5 1 6 9 ing pin but left whole 2cm piece fresh ginger, smashed with a 6 9 4 7 3 8 1 2 rolling pin 3 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced 1 2 5 6 4 9 8 3 500g Tegel Fresh Chicken Skinless Breast, sliced into thin strips 4 8 9 3 6 5 7 1 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges 200g small button mushrooms 1 large red chilli, deseeded and finely 7 5 1 9 8 2 3 4 chopped (add more if you like it hot) 2 6 3 4 1 7 9 5 ¼ C lime juice 2 T fish sauce 2 T chopped fresh coriander

■■ Place the coconut cream, stock, water, lemongrass, ginger and kaffir lime leaves into a large saucepan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. If desired strain the mixture and remove the lemon grass, kaffir lime and ginger. You can leave them in for the remaining cooking time, but remove before serving. ■■ To this fragrant broth, add the chicken,

Geoffrey Laird captured the scenes at the Ashburton River mouth on Monday morning (top) and again on Thursday (below) as the raging flood waters receded.

YOUR PLACE 15

tomatoes, mushrooms and chilli to the saucepan. Simmer for a further 10 minutes or until the chicken is just cooked. Add the lime juice and fish sauce. ■■ Ladle into bowls and garnish with the coriander. Recipe courtesy of Tegel Chicken

1 3 9 4 5 7 2 6 8

Write to us!

Call us!

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Editor, PO Box 77

03 307-7969

editor@ theguardian. co.nz

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16 OPINION

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

OUR VIEW

Our week from hell By Daryl Holden daryl.h@theguardian.co.nz

terrible human tragedy that has rocked our community to the core for the second time in a week. There’s no other way to describe yesterday’s horrific, heart-rending multiple fatalities after a van and truck collision on the outskirts of Ashburton on what is usually a picturesque, quiet rural intersection. Four dead and others badly injured are the distressing numbers. But in no way do they capture the unimaginable pain that avoidable accidents like this continue to cause. Everyone understands that a vehicle crash can change everything in an instant, leaving grieving family members and a reeling community. At just after 9.30am yesterday, on Cochranes Rd, near Wakanui Rd in Elgin, that’s exactly what took place on an otherwise innocuous intersection that, in the past 20 years, has had just one other car accident, which resulted in no injuries. The fact that the deceased in the van were apparently all visiting adults from the North Island was perhaps a slight reprieve for our district and tight-knit community because no local lives were lost in what has already been a week from hell. But lives were lost on one of our roads. For that, we should all feel some pain and sorrow because it happened in our back yard. It’s just another challenge to overcome for our district, which is only just starting to pick up the pieces from the one-in-100-year floods that in the past week has changed lives and destroyed roads, bridges, properties and farms, while also having nearly half of the town anxiously on evacuation standby for two nights. In hindsight, Ashburton may have actually dodged a bit of a bullet through that biblical-like downpour because if the stopbanks on the river near town had been breached then thousands of homes and people would have been at the mercy of the raging waters. Luckily, Mother Nature pulled on the handbrake in the nick of time. Sadly, no higher power was able to step in and intervene yesterday morning for those involved in the horrific collision. All that’s left now is to show support, pick up the pieces and, in time, learn from the tragedy. Because while every death is met with shock and sadness, unfortunately complacency around road safety seems to continue. MidSouth Canterbury area commander Inspector David Gaskin touched on that yesterday, admitting a “moment’s inattention’’ caused a devastating road accident of the like that Ashburton has never seen before. And Gaskin’s sage advice to all drivers should be etched on the mind of everyone this holiday weekend and always. Be careful, he said. Take your time, he said. “And remember, that tomorrow the sun will come up and make sure you get there and see it.’’

LETTERS EMAIL US/WRITE US editor@theguardian.co.nz

PO Box 77 We welcome your letters and emails, but:

■■ They should be of no more than 300 words. ■■ We reserve the right to edit or not publish. ■■ They must include your name. We will only publish under a nom de plume if a suitable case for anonymity is made clear. ■■ They must also include your address and phone number, which will not be published.

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Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

OPINION 17

A flood of emotions W

hat a week we have had as Mother Nature has reaffirmed she’s not negotiable. It’s all on her terms. The warnings were there late last week and like so many others I guess, I kinda played the whole thing down. But then the rains arrived and persisted and endured. And by Sunday morning the writing was on the wall. I picked up the phone to Phill Hooper, aka Hoops, and he groggily answered the phone. “There’s the prospect of a State of Emergency being declared and I reckon we should head in and be there to do whatever we can to get the messaging out.” “Go local.” He, of course, readily agreed and within a short time I was there to kick things off and was soon joined by the man himself who, over the next few days, performed the announcing version of several marathons. We all have lived it so we don’t need to recreate every little detail here, but while the water levels rose, threatened and in too many cases consumed people’s homes and livelihoods in rural outposts and towns, the very real threat of the Ashburton River busting its banks up Digbys Bridge way and

By Peter McQuarters PETE’S PERSPECTIVE

threatening an incredibly wide swathe of homes in Allenton and Netherby, became an anxious prospect for those in that vicinity. Conversations I had with people included how fortuitous it would be for the owners of those 50s, 60s era homes that appear to sit on more elevated foundations than many of their latter day counterparts. If in the event everything turned to custard, a few inches could mean the difference between devastating water ingress or a merciful getout-of-jail card. The way the council and the wider regional emergency response plan swung into action was terrific and the flow of information was outstanding. FENZ brought in extra crews from around the wider region and everything clicked. On Hokonui we encouraged everyone to sign up for the council‘s text alerts and the feedback about those has been excellent. Mayor Neil Brown made him-

Mother Nature may have wreaked all sorts of havoc on our district, but as per usual when the chips are down Mid Canterbury’s human spirit comes to the fore. self readily available to us and went to air frequently with the latest from ground zero. I don’t know how widely it is appreciated, but Mid Canterbury’s Hokonui is one of the last examples of real community radio left in NZ. We have a local breakfast show six days a week and a local

weekday afternoon show. I also pump out an afternoon show for Southland and South Otago as well, so there is a fair bit of smoke and mirrors going on in Somerset House on the first floor as both markets are served almost simultaneously. Being a small team and with an excellent upper management

at the NZME mothership in Auckland, we have the flexibility to do whatever is required in a situation such as we have seen this week. And with a strong newspaper in the Guardian coming out of the same building, we share a good relationship and a mutual respect between print and broadcast media in this town. It is a great position to be in for our respective companies and long may it continue. The kindnesses shown by strangers to those affected this week warms the heart and while we understand the long road ahead for many, despite the planned ditching of what most of us have considered a daggy positioning statement for our fine metropolis, this past week Ashburtonians, Mid Cantabrians from all quarters have indeed proven that when the chips are down we will indeed triumph again. Whatever it takes. Somewhat ironically. 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.

Laugh-off your comfort zone L

ast week my fella pointed out that work had been taking its toll on me this last year and I needed to laugh more. He then handed me a piece of paper with an address and a time. Baffled, on two accounts I looked at him: “I do laugh, I don’t think I have lost my sense of humour! And what’s this address for?” I confess, I was a bit indignant. “Laughter Yoga. “You have to go and try it out. “I suspect it will do you good.” I think this was his quirky way of saying I was surviving in my comfort zone. The Comfort Zone: is that space that we are deeply familiar with and may find ourselves a little too reluctant to leave it. It’s like a default setting, a habitual way of being that we don’t have to donate too much thinking or effort towards. It’s that safe place that’s cosy and warm. It’s that delightful zone of blissful ignorance. A place where we start to stagnate. A place where we park our potential and leave it to rot. It’s that slow drip of poison that gradually leads us to feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied … and perhaps too serious. Every atom in my body was screaming with dread. “Laughter Yoga! Seriously?” This is so far beyond my comfort zone, it may well be on Mars! “Very seriously.” Came the reply. Sunday rolls around, and clutching the address, I leave home a bundle of nerves.

By Sahera Laing LIFE COACH

The intention was to go, do and get out. Discretion and staying anonymous was my plan. I arrive and walk though the door and this lovely woman comes and introduces herself to me. Then stops … “Oh My God, you’re that Sahera … you write for the paper. “I love your column, it really gets me thinking. “It’s wonderful you’re here.” I express my thanks, completely aware, that my plan for being unseen was not happening. Then she screams “Mary-Anne! You won’t believe who’s here!” And there implodes my desire for discretion. Yes, my plans were being well and truly peed on from a great height! Before I knew it, I was being enthusiastically introduced to a group of ladies. They were delightfully friendly and before I knew it, we were into the one-hour class of silliness and giggles. The problem with comfort zones is that they transform into a cage, leaving us trapped within ourselves. We start taking control of things and lose sight of what it is to be relaxed and joyful. We find ourselves getting uptight and easily annoyed.

The comfort zone starts to become the place we are constantly stressed out maintaining. Kind of defeats the original objective, doesn’t it? The funny thing is, as soon as you step out of it, you will realise it wasn’t such a comfortable option after all and that stretch wasn’t as difficult as you had dramatically imagined. Stepping beyond what we consider our safety net is scary. I’m not going to kid you – Laughter Yoga would most definitely had been the last thing on my list of things to do to loosen up. Yet it can also be fun, exciting, stimulating, mind opening and so much more. And it was. I was stiff as a board and realised just how much I was holding myself and my work in this contained vessel called Sahera.

I met some lovely people who made me feel very welcome and got me laughing with them. Comfort zoning is where we overthink, procrastinate and scare ourselves out of life. We create disaster movies of what is beyond our zone, the failures and setbacks awaiting us. Rarely do we see the other stuff … you know, the good stuff that comes from growth: new opportunities, new learning, new discoveries, new strengths and possibly even, new friends. Eventually you notice how far you have stepped out of your comfort zone. And once you do, stepping back will no longer appear attractive. Things that once scared you won’t be that intimidating anymore. And that is what self-love is all about. It’s about forgiving yourself

when you mess up, and celebrating yourself for doing the extraordinary. When we step outside into the unknown territory we discover something we didn’t know about ourselves, or hadn’t noticed before. It alters our perception of the world. I hadn’t seen how serious I was getting, how work focused, and that class helped me let it go for a while. So yes … I’m going back. Sahera Laing is a mental fitness consultant, columnist and speaker. The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of the Ashburton Guardian Co Ltd or any employee thereof

18 WEEKEND FOCUS

A2Z

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

of devastating floods From raging waters, to roads wiped out, farms heavily hit and Ashburton residents on evacuation notice, the devastating floods that almost washed away our district affected us all. Malcolm Hopwood wraps it all up in his A to Z of the flood mayhem.

is for Ashburton. Over the past 140 years, Ashburton’s been punished by the elements. But the floods and wind returned in a one-in-a-100 storm this week which lashed the town and caused havoc inland. By the weekend, the town had recovered but damage to the district remains.

is for Connectivity. This was Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s favourite word when she visited on Tuesday. Connecting people to people in times of emergency was uppermost in her thoughts. While we all felt connected – bridges, fences, roading, farming and power lines weren’t.

E is for Evacuees. We know about 18 people were evacuated to Hakatere Marae, but there were many others who were fed, clothed and housed by people in the community, especially farmers and rural households looking after each other. Passing motorists were also accommodated and a Methven pub provided free B & B.

is for Groceries. Over the past few days groceries have flown off supermarket shelves in Ashburton and further south. Despite the mayor’s pleading to purchase only what “you have to”, there was panic buying. However, groceries came from an unexpected source. PM, Jacinda Ardern, arrived laden with goodies for Ashburton volunteers and the Allen family at Ashburton Forks.

is for Infrastructure. While most of Ashburton buildings stood up to the deluge, shops, houses and property in smaller centres such as Hinds, Mayfield and Mt Somers felt the brunt of the flooding. The main focus was on Ashburton’s elderly bridge and, while it’s now open for some vehicles, the queue of cars, trucks and big rigs crawling along West Street is testament to the need for a second route.

is for Bridges, as in the Ashburton Bridge. While it’s operational for light and medium-sized vehicles 24/7 and some heavier vehicles between 7am and 7pm, overweight vehicles must still take the inland route. Smaller but crucial inland bridges have been damaged or washed away entirely.

is for Damage. It was extensive throughout the Ashburton District and the repair bill will cost tens of millions of dollars, according to Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown. The Government has promised $100,000, which is described by neighbouring National MP Nicola Grigg as “a paltry amount”.

is for Flooding. It may have been heralded, but days of heavy rain caused widespread devastation in inland Mid Canterbury, created ponding around Ashburton and further delayed the beautification of the CBD. The torrents cut off Ashburton north and south, isolated Hinds, damaged the Ashburton Bridge and destroyed access bridges around the foothills.

is for Hospitality. There were many examples for local people extending a helping hand. Mid Canterbury is known for it. They came from the Salvation Army and Hakatere Marae and many other unsung heroes who offered food, a bed for the night and blankets and rugs for neighbours or evacuated families.

is for Jessep’s Bend. The bend, at the top of Racecourse Road, is the location of a crucial stopbank which, if it broke, thousands of properties and many hundreds of people would have been flooded and evacuated. Few people slept well on Sunday and Monday nights. Fortunately, Jessep’s Bend was bent but not broken.

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

is for Kris Faafoi. Faafoi, as Acting Emergency Management Minister, visited Ashburton twice to see the extent of the disaster himself. He visited Ashburton on Sunday, then returned with the PM on Tuesday morning to “see what had happened since then”. He’s held talks with the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Rural Support Trust to assess what’s needed to assist badly-affected communities.

is for Media. The media played a crucial role in keeping people informed. The Guardian team came together on Sunday and covered developments as they happened, talked to the PM and government ministers and reported the extent of the flooding event, both from Ashburton and the region. It’s what we’ve been doing for 140 years.

is for Overload. Rivers, farmland and low-lying areas were overloaded with water and debris at the height of the deluge. Aerial shots showed the extent of the flooding throughout Canterbury and especially in the Ashburton District. It’s taken days for the water to subside, leaving mud and slush in its wake. O is also for “O my God” as people awoke to the devastation.

WEEKEND FOCUS 19

is for Lake Hood. Residents at Lake Hood were isolated from Ashburton for more than a day when the bridge closed. The lake experienced contamination from the nearby wastewater plant and local people were asked to boil water and take health precautions. Relief was finally in sight when Lake Hood and Tinwald residents could cross the bridge again.

is for Neil Brown. Mayor Neil Brown had little sleep throughout the devastation. He was the central figure for help, advice and direction. He was Ashburton’s face on TV and remained accessible throughout the week for people who needed him and the media who sought comment. He travelled with the Prime Minster and directed the Ashburton District Council’s response. is for Prime Minister. While Jacinda Ardern was with Australian PM, Scott Morrison, in Queenstown at the weekend, her next priority was to visit Ashburton district. She choppered into Civil Defence headquarters, was briefed, held a media conference, viewed the district from the air and visited one of the farming families seriously affected. We await her response.

is for Quarry Road. The Quarry Road area of inland Mid Canterbury was without power at the height of the flooding with about 40 residents affected. EA Networks quickly had crews in areas where there was loss of power or an intermittent service. Most repairs were completed within 24 hours, but the company remains on high alert. Q is also for queues of vehicles.

is for Railway. The flooding has closed the Main South Line between Rolleston and Ashburton. KiwiRail says work is progressing to open this stretch by this weekend. But the line between Ashburton and Washdyke also remains closed as staff assess the repair bridges on the route. This work is major and it’s too early to announce a timetable for re-opening.

is for Stopbanks. They held, yes most of them held, and ECan will be pleased that work on reinforcing the riverbanks over the past 30 years has paid off. Ashburton people will be relieved there wasn’t widespread evacuation if the stopbank at Jessep’s Bend broke.

is for Traffic. Four days after the worst of the storm, the traffic remains congested north and south of Ashburton as vehicles snarl to a stop along West Street as they wait for their turn to cross Ashburton River. East Street is also congested as is Alford Forest Road and other contributing streets. The town is almost gridlocked. The flooding has a huge flow-on effect. Excuse the pun. T is also for Tinwald.

is for Water. Water, water everywhere and far too much to drink. But instead of coming out of a tap, it flowed across farmland, property, burst out of lakes and rivers and ponded in streets and driveways. It was muddy, freezing, often contaminated and flowed with a ferocity that took trees, crops, fences and sometimes stock with it.

is for Young People. Just as Mayfield’s Sam Johnson directed the student volunteer army during the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes, it was great to see volunteers from schools and universities offer their assistance to help our farming community in any way. Thank you for getting your hands dirty.

is for Victory. Have we reached that point in our recovery? No, not yet. Victory will only be achieved when the Government, through the NZTA, recognises the need for a second bridge, approves and fasttracks it and meets its share of the cost. Then we can raise the Churchillian V for Victory sign.

is for X Factor. The weather bomb was the X factor, nothing else matched it. Another X factor were the stopbanks that held and saved the worst of the flooding, but there were no X factors for farmers. All they can do is hope for extra resources to fix the roads, direct the water back into the rivers, ensure the power is on and pay for the extra feed that got washed away.

zz is for . It’s time to catch up on sleep over Queen’s Birthday. Sleeping patterns were interrupted many times this week as water attacked roofs, clogged spouting, dripped into rooms, dampened floors and devastated farms. Once the domestic clean-up is over, take a break, have a cold one and zzzz quietly in a chair. It’s been a milestone week. Zz

is for Umbrella. In a town that’s been so dry, umbrellas have become garden ornaments. Until this week, they were a sale item at Hello Banana. But, for three days they were essential as water deluged the community and drenched anyone who went outside. But umbrellas were no use to farmers as they wore Swanndri and Red Bands, attempting to save stock and reinstate fences.

20 WEEKEND FOCUS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

They travelled the wor It takes a brave traveller to say he’s visited the United States so many times, there’s nowhere else to see, but Ashburton’s Ivan McLellan, knows America, he’s travelled across it and visited more than 200 cities. His knowledge of Europe and Asia is equally extensive. His ability to travel follows a successful business career. Now that’s pretty good for a students who claims he was bottom of his class at Allenton School. Malcolm Hopwood reports.

Left – Ivan and Luda McLellan are about to put their first tiny home on the market. Below – These photos of their travels to China leap out at him.

shburton is the kind of place you come home to. Many people leave, pursue their careers, play their sport, succeed in business, experience unique lifestyles, live overseas, meet their life’s partner, share a beer with someone you’d never meet at the Ashburton Hotel and then return. Ivan McLellan is one of those. In his case it’s taken six decades to come back. In the years before returning in 2017, he travelled the world. From 1990 he became a fulltime tourist but, even before then, he’d visited 201 cities in the United States. He sold his Pukekohe business 21 years ago and, with the proceeds, he bought a round-theworld ticket and left. His journeying has taken him just about everywhere, but Europe holds a particular fascination. In 2004, Ivan’s life changed. He was admiring a photographic exhibition in Warsaw when he “bumped into an attractive blonde”. They spent time together and then Luda returned home to Rostov-on-Don in Russia. Ivan continued his travels but she stayed in his mind. He flew home, fixed the leak in his apartment, and bought a ticket to Crimea where Luda joined him. Within nine months they were married and started a lifetime journey that took them literally everywhere. Firstly, they purchased one of four motor homes and travelled from Amsterdam to China and back – 47,000 kilometres. “I loved driving, I drove everywhere.

“We were fascinated by the people we met and the scenery,” he said. Luda recorded the visuals and Ivan wrote a newsletter every day. Forty books of their travel experiences fill a shelf of their Ashburton home. But New Zealand was always home. No matter the sights nor the people, nor the history and geography of the country, it was never as good as we have here, Ivan said. When asked for one distinctive memory, Ivan has hundreds. Finally, he opts for Skagen at the top of Denmark. “How pleasant it looked, how peaceful it was. It had structure and beauty,” he said. Luda preferred Germany. “By 2017, we’d done all of the US and there was nowhere else to travel so we decided it was time to stop,” Ivan said. “We decided prior to Covid-19 and it proved to be the right decision.” By then Ivan was in his early 80s, however, his passion for travel is unabated. “I still have the ambition to buy a 4WD motor home in England, drive it across Russia to Vladivostok, then ship it to Perth, drive across Australia and bring it home to New Zealand,” he said. He hasn’t settled on a date, just “sometime in the future”. However, Ivan had a life before travel.

He grew up in Ashburton in the 1940s, attended Hampstead and Allenton schools and left Ashburton Tech after a couple of years. “For some reason I couldn’t spell and understand English. “I still don’t know what a verb is,” he said. He claimed the notoriety of being bottom of the class in the year that Bruce Lane, a former Guardian employee, became dux. “I left to become an electricity worker for Russells, where Redmonds is today. “The business employed about 20 people and served Ashburton and the district. “Just about every tradesman started their work with them. “I worked in the shop and stayed there, learning everything about the business.” Compulsory Military Training interrupted his lifestyle and he left Mid Canterbury in the mid-1950s. “I was young, I came from a working-class family and never thought about a career,” he said. But it found him, not at the top, but the bottom. He became a shoe salesman working for Hannahs, firstly in Wanganui, then around New Zealand. “Selling shoes was a job I was good at. I still always look at people’s feet.” Footwear walked him into another profession. While at Hannahs in Dunedin, he learned the basics of candid

photography and, in his spare time, he worked for De Clifford Photography taking black and whites at parties, 21st birthdays and social functions. “I was good with people and was able to take good pics,” Ivan said. He continued his interest as a trainee manager at Farmers Trading Company in Auckland and was attracted by a rundown studio at Pukekohe. He put some money down, bought the studio and ran it from 1962 to 1975, when he engaged a manager. New Zealand was in black and white and so were the photos. Brides may have looked dazzling in all shades of the rainbow, but their wedding day was recorded in two tonal shades, one was black and the other white. Ivan was eager to learn and experiment and he’d risen through the ranks to become education chairman of the Professional Pho-

tographers’ Association. “I learned my craft through experience and rubbing shoulders with the best photographers in New Zealand,” he said. But he knew he had to expand his horizons. The United States beckoned and he visited there in 1971, the first of many educational journeys to the US. Ivan saw colour and came back with the thought that New Zealand brides would love the idea. Give it five years he thought, but it took three days. He shared the concept of colour photography with a bride-to-be and she wanted it then and there. That meant the following Saturday. “I took the photos and sent the negatives to an amateur laboratory. It worked,” he said. With one exception all his commissioned work was in colour from then on.

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

WEEKEND FOCUS 21

rld but came home to

A snap shot of an extraordinary life of travel captured on camera: Ivan McLellan’s celebration of different cultures, different worlds.

“I got an overdraft to open a colour processing lab in New Zealand and, through persuasion, received the right to sell studio colour labs to New Zealand.” Ivan returned to the United States many times attending colour processing schools and improving his skills. He also felt a compelling attraction to visit the world. His return tickets took him to Europe and Asia and, in the late 1980s, he mounted three exhibitions and toured them through New Zealand. The Face of China, the Face of The Silk Road and the Face of Turkey opened people’s eyes to what was beyond our shores just when our national carrier was extending its flights overseas. “I sold my business in 1990 with the thought of saving my marriage. “It didn’t work, but allowed me to travel. I regretted selling, I missed the adrenalin, but I was free to be a tourist,” he said.

He had enough money to last 10 years but his investments extended it to 17. Back in Christchurch, Ivan and Luda had a home on Scarborough Hill but they had no room for their motorhome. They cast around and Ashburton provided the right environment. “I finally returned home in 2015, after 60 years. “Luda had lived all her life in an apartment and now she had a garden. She loves gardening which I don’t, but I mow the lawns.” There’s room to park the motorhome and a tiny house which is Ivan’s latest project. He’s imported two 27sqm “tiny houses” from China. They’re prototypes and when he’s satisfied, he’ll sell. “The market is huge. I’ve advertised them on Trade Me and received 14,000 hits and lots of inquiries. “I’m going to start ordering in and selling them very soon,” he said.

The houses sleep six with a separate lounge, kitchen, shower and toilet and are being offered for $99,000. Ivan believes they’re better than a caravan, affordable, and can be transported to a location and installed there. “It’s a different way of living,” he said. At 86, Ivan could remain retired, but he said he “wants to stay active” and selling tiny houses is a way of funding the next big overseas trip to England, Europe and finally back home to Ashburton. When the world is safe, they’ll be travellers again.

22 TRAVEL

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

South Taranaki treasures

The gnarly, rusted wreck of the SS Gairloch, which ran aground on the reef in 1903.

urf Highway 45 is a ravishing 105km-long coastal route, stretching from New Plymouth to Hawera. I hit the road south, tootling through a necklace of sweet villages like Oakura, where the Lemonwood Eatery is a tempting pit-stop to fuel the tummy on fabulous vegan fare and recaffeinate. A short diversion down Timaru Road leads you to gnarly, rusted wreck of the SS Gairloch, which ran aground on the reef in 1903. Mercifully, no lives were lost. If you want to check out some great surf breaks, top spots

South of New Plymouth, the glittering sweep of the Surf Highway 45, offers a tantalising taste of the diverse scenic splendour endowing Taranaki – and its many characters, as Mike Yardley discovered. include Stent Road, the Kumara Patch and Fitzroy Beach. Just before arriving in Opunake, I stopped in Rahotu, where I had an appointment with Steve Manning, a local legend who is a wizardly leather craftsman. He is wizardly in every sense – he even

Steve Manning, an Opunake legend who is a wizardly leather craftsman.

looks like a wizard (he dressed up like Gandalf for me) and is a masterly storyteller. Steve kept me enthralled for several hours, sharing with me his epic craftwork, which has seen him routinely deployed for our biggest movie productions.

Steve has specialised as a leather artist on a dazzling roll-call of movies, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, Spartacus and The Last Samurai. Deployed in both the costume and props departments, he has designed and produced hundreds of boots, bags, saddles and costumes from scratch. His Rahotu main street workshop doubles as a glorified museum, laden with priceless movie memorabilia. While Steve regaled me with gripping anecdotes from working with some of Hollywood’s A-listers, locals would pop in with repair jobs or to commission him to design a custom piece. He does it all. Steve is planning to set up an on-site boutique backpackers’ business while also running leathercraft workshops. It’s a must stop in Rahotu. Speaking of the big screen, in the neighbouring gem of Opunake, Everybody’s Theatre is a sweetheart cinema, steeped in community pride. This century old theatre has been fully restored to its former glory, with an eclectic and heart-warming range of original restored seats and comfy sofas. Powered by volunteers, the theatre screens movies six times a week. En-route to Hawera, how could you not succumb to the yeasty

scent of a famous hot bread shop? Manaia is proudly home to Yarrows Bakery, which explains those colossal loaves of bread on the outskirts of town. Stocking up on some oven-warm goodies from the bakery shop, I burnt off the carbs hauling my way up the 215 steps of the imposing Hawera Water Tower. Constructed in 1914 to provide the town with a trusty water supply for fire-fighting purposes, a sudden quake several weeks later caused it to list 2.5 feet to the south. Thankfully, this was corrected by anchoring the tower with weights when the tanks were filled. However, it is still New Zealand’s ever so slightly Leaning Tower, leaning by 3 inches. Soaring to a height of 54 metres, when the red neon lights were fitted to the tower in 1932, it was billed as New Zealand’s tallest lighthouse. This cherished landmark still dwarfs Hawera and from the balcony, the horizon-wide views across the town and countryside are spectacular. Blending the scenic highlights with a heady dollop of history and culture, you’ll want to make tracks to Hawera’s Tawhiti Museum. Every history buff I know considers it the best private museum in the country. It is absolutely gob-stopping with life-size exhibits, scale models, intricate figurines, highly detailed dioramas and displays and the centre piece experience Whalers and Traders, vividly depicting the raw, blood-stained history of Taranaki in the time of European settlers and colonisers.

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

TRAVEL 23

Hawera is home to several show-stoppers, but if you are an Elvis fan then KD’s Elvis Presley Museum is a must-see. KD’s emporium of all things Elvis is absolutely gobsmacking. The ingenious powerhouse behind Tawhiti Museum is its owner and creator, Nigel Ogle, who’s been developing this magnificent heritage showcase over the past 35 years. Nigel describes the museum as “one big art project”. It’s got its own bush railway and it’s complemented by the truly wondrous Traders and Whalers attraction. Weta Workshops deployed their technical expertise to help construct the artificial underground caverns. The river boat ride through these caverns, clad in convincing lush bush and rocky coastal settings, glides you past compelling animated displays, graphically illustrating Taranaki life in the 1820s and 30s. Modelled on Disneyland’s iconic It’s a Small World attraction, this exhilarating tour de force at Tawhiti is compulsive. Another show-stopper to be found in Hawera is KD’s Elvis

Presley Museum. If you think Nigel Ogle’s creations have to be seen to be believed, KD’s emporium of all things Elvis is equally gobsmacking. Kevin Walsey has been a relentless collector of the King’s records and memorabilia since his childhood. It all began when he was 12 and was given what he now calls his “pride and joy” – an original EP of Heartbreak Hotel. The mega-fan has visited Graceland 17 times and has amassed what is considered by Elvis buffs as one of the greatest memorabilia-loaded museums in the world. Step inside his household garage and you’ll be awestruck by this glittering grotto to the music legend. Kevin remarked to me that people walk in, and they say, ‘God!’ And I say, ‘No, Elvis’.” Every single surface within the garage is awash in Elvis. He’s on the walls and ceiling, on mugs,

glasses, cufflinks, ties, books, album covers … you name it. A television belts out Elvis performances non-stop. There are over 10,000 objects within KD’s staggering collection. KD is a gifted raconteur with an infectious character, who regaled me with some enthralling stories about his collection and his life. As a high school student, he struck a pen pal relationship with a chap named Roy Lyon who lived in Memphis. Roy had no interest in Elvis but was starstruck by New Zealand and our greenery. Roy would send KD images of Elvis, out and about in Memphis. Kevin’s delightful wife, JJ, was also a joy to meet. She knew nothing about Elvis when she met Kevin. Elvis has not left the building in Hawera. Entry is by donation and by appointment. Prepare to be awestruck. www. taranaki.co.nz

A gem of Opunake, Everybody’s Theatre is a sweetheart cinema, steeped in community pride.

The Lemonwood Eatery is a tempting pit-stop to fuel the tummy on fabulous vegan fare and recaffeinate.

Tawhiti Museum Traders & Whalers boat ride.

Lighthouse and sunset mountain surf highway 45.

Manaia is the home of Yarrow’s Bakery and is hard to go past.

Nigel Ogle at Tawhiti Museum in the Body Shop.

Tawhiti Museum models.

24 NEWCOMERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

ENGAGING PASIFIKA

Focus on the front line On Friday, May 28, the Hakatere Multi Cultural Council teamed up with Le Va, and Auckland based national organisation, to run a full day workshop called Engaging Pasifika, a cultural competency training programme that is New Zealand’s Pacific cultural competency training programme focusing on better engagement between health workers and Pasifika people and their families. It has been developed primarily for mainstream health and disability workers employed at Ministry of Health funded services such DHBs, non-government organisations, and support services. The programme is appropriate for people at all levels including frontline workers, administrators, clinicians, managers and leaders. Participants learned about the concept of Le Va and its importance for Pasifika people as relational beings; to recognise how their own perspective, culture and values may be different from others; how cultural identity can impact on health and wellbeing of an individual; and gained an

increase in confidence in order to engage with Pasifika people. If health services connected culture and care for Pasifika people, we would see better access rates, earlier intervention from services, a reduction in ‘did not attend’ rates, more satisfaction with the quality of services and, ultimately, better health outcomes. Le Va’s purpose is to support Pasifika families and communities to unleash their full potential. They support and encourage this by carefully designing and developing evidence-based resources, tools, information, knowledge and support services for the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes, while recalling traditional values, and applying them safely, in a contemporary way. They are based in Auckland but travel to run their programmes. Since 2010, more than 6400 health and disability workers have completed Engaging Pasifika cultural competency training. A total of 900 Health and disability workers from 76 organisations completed Engaging Pasi-

fika programme at 32 workshops across the country and through a digital platform, Zoom, between July 2019 and June 2020. The workshop facilitators were: Ben Tameifuna, senior manager in Le Va for disability & public health, who joined the Le Va team in November 2014 and have worked in the health sector for more than 15 years. Before joining Le Va he was an Intensive Service Co-ordinator at Taikura Trust, for the intellectual disability/mental health stream. He facilitated holistic needs based assessments and co-ordinated appropriate supports for people with disabilities, many of them Pasifika families in the Auckland area. Ben’s passion is working with people, particularly moving towards positive outcomes for our Pacific people and communities. This is reflected in his role which is responsible for improving access to disability support services for Pasifika people and breaking down barriers around stigma in the Pasifika community. Ben is of Tongan descent and was born and raised in Auckland. His father, Ikamafana, hails

from Niua, though born and raised in Kolofo’ou Nuku’alofa. And Esther Faitala, Project manager, with experience in Pacific workforce development and delivering on Mental Health and Addiction workforce development-related projects at Le Va. Prior to joining Le Va in 2011, she was employed at Taranaki and Counties Manukau DHBs, engaging with schools encouraging Pasifika students uptake science subjects that will lead to a career in health. She also worked closely with Pacific trained nurses through the process of becoming New Zealand registered nurses. Esther is of Samoan descent from the villages of Satupa’itea and Apolima. Following the lockdown last year, they travelled throughout the South Island to run a series of workshops in different locations. Having participated in the workshop in Timaru I could see the benefits of such a workshop in our district and the potential of upskilling the staff of medical practices and healthcare providers, and approached Le Va with the suggestion of having such a

workshop in Ashburton. Initially planned for March 3rd, the workshop had to be postponed due to the Auckland lockdown earlier this year. It ended up being the last workshop Le Va ran during this fiscal year, and they are now working on the next version of the programme, including online training. The workshop was held at the Ashburton Hotel, with 35 people who participated in the workshop from medical clinics and healthcare services. Among others the entire frontline staff of the Moore St Medical Centre and all the GPs from the Tinwald medical centre have attended. One of the participants on the workshop: “It was a very important workshop, giving the health workers better tools of understanding the cultural boundaries in order to provide the patient with the best care.” I wish to thank Ben, Esther and Le Va for coming to Ashburton and helping upskill the local medical community. Adi Avnit, Hakatere Multi Cultural Council and migrant centre co-ordinator

Ashburton Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr Eid al-Fitr is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr was originated by the Islamic prophet Muhammad. According to certain traditions, these festivals were initiated in Medina after the migration of Muhammad from Mecca. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country. During the Eid celebration, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak”, which is Arabic for “Blessed Eid”. As it comes after a month of fasting, sweet dishes and foods are often prepared and consumed during the celebration. Muslims typically decorate their homes and are also encouraged to forgive each other and seek forgiveness. The Ashburton Muslim communi-

ty celebrated Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, May 15, in the Tinwald School Hall. Members of the community congregated and enjoyed ethnic food, conversations, and comradery. While most of the food was catered by MZ Indian Cuisine, some members brought food to share, and all children received a bag of sweets. The men took a break for prayer at noon. The event went very well and everyone enjoyed the gathering. Around 40 people participated, with some non-Muslims coming to support their Muslim friends. Mohamed Diab, AMAN (Ashburton Muslim Association Incorporated) president: “On behalf of our community, we appreciate and thank the Hakatere Multi Cultural Council for hosting and supporting the Muslim community on Eid Celebration.”

Pasifika students enjoying their STEM classes

Scheme a big winner Last month I mentioned that we provide transport for our students to get to class, because if you don’t have a drivers licence, how do you get there? Some of our students are bought in by their partners, if it fits in with their work schedule. Some employers bring their staff in, because they see the value in helping their employees gain their independence. Some of our students are converting a licence and can legally drive on their international licence, so they bring themselves in. And for the rest … we pick them up. We are so lucky to have the support of an awesome local business Pearsons Coachlines, who make their van available for us for the day. We are so grateful for this because we travel all over the district picking up mothers and children and then dropping them home again. A van makes the trip a social experience, giving our students an opportunity to get to know each other, as well as getting to know our beautiful district. When you are isolated on a farm and can’t drive, you don’t get the opportunity to see the countryside in which we live. Just another benefit of joining our programme. And not forgetting our amazing volunteers. We have two wonderful drivers who go out in cars to pick up the students whose location doesn’t suit the vans itinerary. So really, getting to class is not a problem at all.

We have completed the first road code course for the year and are busy working through the learners licence test. So far we have had a 100 per cent pass rate, which is something we are very proud of. We are looking to begin the next course in June. Space is still available for the June course so if you or someone you know would like to join us, please get in touch. Contact details are below. We are always keen to hear from people who would like to offer their services as a driving mentor. It’s a lot of fun, full of new experiences and getting to know people from another culture is so interesting. If you would like to be part of this amazing programme, either as a student, driving mentor or to volunteer in other ways, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Wendy Hewitt on 027 611 3301 or wendy.hewitt@safermidcanterbury.org.nz We are also on Facebook, just search for the Mid Canterbury Rural Driver Licensing Scheme. The Mid Canterbury Rural Driver Licensing Scheme is proudly sponsored by MPI, The Lotteries Commission, Advance Ashburton, The Ashburton District Council, The Ashburton Licensing Trust, COGs, Community Trust Mid & South Canterbury and The Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust. Wendy Hewitt Rural Licensing Co-ordinator

Immigration advice We would like to let you all know that Maria Jimenez from Jimenez Immigration has very kindly offered to provide a free immigration clinic with Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) at Community House, once a month, 12-2pm Friday. Usually the first Friday of the month, however we will start this month next week on June 11. As background, only licensed advisers (which Maria is) are allowed to give advice and information on immigration. CABs however have an exemption to also be allowed to give information and advice on immigration. To start it will be a drop-in clinic, no booking required. I realise the JP clinic is running at the same time, and it may be really advantageous to the clients as JPs will be on site to sign any documents they may need. Nga mihi Sarah Clifford, Co-ordinator, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Mid Canterbury

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields are the way of the future, and future employment sectors will require STEM skills. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators and industry leaders. Pacific people have been underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields for many years. The government is committed to making changes in this field. In 2015, Ministry for Pacific Peoples established the Toloa Programme, which takes a multi-faceted approach of raising awareness and providing workforce development opportunities. The Toloa funds aim to create opportunities to raise awareness and increase Pacific uptake of STEM subjects. The Toloa Community Fund support organisations and community groups to promote and deliver (STEM) activities to Pacific young people, through engaging key Pacific influencer groups including parents, families and community leaders. The Hakatere Multi Cultural Council, through the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ Toloa fund, has been supporting a new programme this school term to get years 5 & 6 Pasifika students excited about STEM topics. The programme has been running this school term (term 2) at the Netherby and Hampstead schools, thanks to the support of the schools’ principals, Peter Melrose (Hampstead) and Phil Wheeler (Netherby), who has been an avid supporter of the programme from its inception. Students learn physics and engineering through building catapults, science and chemistry through creating CO2 gas from baking soda and vinegar, the scientific method through bouncing soap bubbles and many more experiments and projects. The students in both schools have been bubbling with excitement following the classes. Getting children to become passionate about STEM just takes the right approach – after all, science is recognising how the world around us operates. It’s about creating a sense of wonder in regards to science and showing that engineering challenges can be fun. The students are also learning that everyone is a scientist. It’s just that most people don’t realise it. A scientist is someone who tackles a problem through scientific methods, and we all do! Adi Avnit, Hakatere Multi Cultural Council and migrant centre co-ordinator

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

Check your vehicle is fit for the

oad safety charity Brake is reminding drivers to keep road safety front of mind if they’re travelling this Queen’s Birthday weekend and to ensure both they and their vehicles are fit to drive, to help keep themselves and others safe. With roads expected to be busy and some rain forecast for parts of the weekend, the international road safety charity is urging drivers to check their vehicles and to take particular care in winter conditions and reduced daylight. As we head into winter there will be an increase in wet weather along with some colder temperatures overnight, which means a risk of slippery and icy roads in places, especially with many roads retaining some surface flooding and ice risk following last weekend’s rain event. Sunstrike is also a risk when the sun is already out. Brake’s key advice for drivers includes checking your vehicle before setting off; slowing down, putting your lights on and increasing your following distance where sunstrike, rain or icy roads may be a risk, and looking out for people on foot and bike who are harder to spot in wet weather and reduced light. The charity has a handy ABC of advice for winter driving:

Avoid driving in treacherous conditions

Always make sure your windscreen is clean and your windscreen Sunstrike can obscure your vision in seconds and wipers are clearing dirt and debri properly. mornings and afternoons when the sun is low in t

– Avoid driving in bad conditions like heavy rain, strong winds, ice and snow. – Delay your journey if possible or use alternative modes of transport.

Be prepared Make sure your vehicle is well maintained. Before setting off do a walk round check of your vehicle:

– Check your tyres have a tread depth of at least 3mm. Any less than that is particularly dangerous in wet weather and icy conditions. Also check tyre pressure and look for any cracks or bulges that may indicate a problem

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Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

Preparing your vehicle for Winter driving with Auto Super Shoppe

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road this winter

As temperatures plummet, this is the time to pay extra attention to your vehicle’s maintenance. Whether you’re heading away skiing or just driving down to your local supermarket, having your vehicle properly serviced and maintained is critical to get you to your destination safely. We have put together some handy tips to get your car road ready for the winter months ahead: Windscreen - Impaired vision significantly increases the risk of having a car crash. Insure you clean your screen and all interior glass properly. If your wiper blades are worn, ensure to get a new set of wipers.

intensifies on New Zealand roads can be treacherous, particularly in winter, the sky. when black ice can cause accidents.

with the tyre. – Check your lights are clean and are working. – Check oil and water levels, and that other fluids such as power steering, windscreen washer and brake fluid are well above minimum levels before setting off on a long journey. – Check wiper blades are in full working order and are clearing the windscreen. – Check forecasts and plan your route to avoid roads likely to be more risky, and allow plenty of time. Carry an emergency kit with a torch; cloths; food and drink; blanket; first-aid kit; warning triangle and high-visibility vest in case you get stuck. Always take a fully charged phone in case of emergencies, but don’t be tempted to use it when driving.

Careful and cautious driving If you do get caught out driving in treacherous conditions, you need to slow right down to increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front. In rain your stopping distance at least doubles, so keep at least a four-second gap between you and the car in front. In ice and snow your stopping distance can be at least 10 times as far. Keep a careful look-out for people on foot and bikes who may be harder to spot. Avoid harsh braking and acceleration, and carry

out manoeuvres slowly and with extra care. Brake is also reminding drivers about basic key messages like wearing your seatbelt, not using a mobile phone while driving and taking regular breaks on long journeys. Brake’s New Zealand director, Caroline Perry, said drivers should be cautious of the ABC’s from this weekend onwards. “We know many people will want to take the opportunity this long weekend to get away or visit family and friends. “We want everyone to enjoy the weekend and get to their destinations safely, so we’re reminding drivers that there are some key, simple things you can do to reduce risk on the road. “Beingpreparedandplanningyourjourney,staying focused and alert, and being patient with others on the road are all essential.” Fatigue is a big risk, she said, particularly on long journeys, “so we’re urging drivers to take regular breaks every two hours”. Ensuring everyone is wearing a seatbelt and keeping below speed limits is also vital in helping to reduce risk. “Winter weather and reduced daylight adds to the risks when out on the road, so it’s essential that you are prepared for the conditions, have checked your vehicle and avoid taking risks which could result in tragedy,” Perry said.

Ice is a big winter driving issue in the colder parts of New Zealand and black ice is hard to see on the roads.

Maintenance - Breaking down on a cold winter’s night isn’t ideal, so getting a pre-winter vehicle service can save you a breakdown headache as fluids can freeze in cold temperatures. Reduce the risk of your tyres losing traction on the road by checking that your tread is at least 1.5mm deep and that you have the correct pressure in all tyres.

Battery - During winter, your battery tends to be pushed to its limit, call in to see the team at Auto Super Shoppe Ashburton for a FREE battery test to ensure it doesn’t need replacing. We also recommend to keep a set of quality jumper cables in case of a breakdown. This could get you or someone else that’s not as prepared as you, out of trouble. Headlights and tail lights - The days are getting shorter at this time of year, so it’s essential to regularly walk around your car to check all of its lights are working and clean! It’s a good idea to check both indicators by turning your hazard lights on. Winter emergency kit - In case of an emergency or a breakdown, keep a supply kit in the boot containing a blanket, spare warm clothes, a torch (with batteries), a first aid kit, a highvisibility jacket, as well as some spare food and water. Visit the team at Auto Super Shoppes today to ensure your vehicle is safe for the roads this winter. With payment options available such as GenoaPay and AfterPay, we can help you get on the road faster. Call us today on 307 Advertising feature 2696.

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

HARNESS JEWELS

Diamonds and Emeralds high on Gerard’s agenda One of harness racing’s biggest days, the Harness Jewels are being held tomorrow in Cambridge. Local representation falls to just two horses trained in Mid Canterbury. Matt Markham caught up with Gerard O’Reilly to talk about the chances of Sweet Belle.

ust a little bit of luck, that’s all – Gerard O’Reilly’s not asking for much. Because that’s all the Rakaia horseman knows he needs if his star pacing filly Sweet Belle is to be competitive in the Three-Year-Old Diamond at tomorrow’s Harness Jewels in Cambridge. Let’s be clear here too, O’Reilly isn’t expecting that if Sweet Belle lobs a great trip over the flying mile that she’s just going to ping off the back of something and run away from them in the $100,000 event; instead he’s being a little more realistic. “It’s one of those situations where if you don’t get that little bit of luck, then you’re going to find yourself in a whole lot of trouble. “But if you can find a spot and get a good run, then you’re going to be right in amongst it when it comes to the business end,” he said. Deservedly, a lot of the attention around the third of nine races on the bumper programme tomorrow has focused in on favourite Bettor Twist and her greatest rival, La Rosa – but little consideration has been given to those in behind them. The opportunists, if you like, who will be sitting there ready to pounce if anything is to go wrong. And that’s where Sweet Belle slots in. Her third in the New Zealand Oaks a fortnight ago was evidence enough that when things fall into place, she’s as good as any of the more than half a dozen chasing three-year-old fillies in the land behind the two big guns. “I think she showed us in the Oaks that she deserves to be up there with the best of them and to get her shot this weekend; she was fantastic and kept fighting all the way to the line. “Often with those big races, especially ones like the Jewels, there’s an opportunity there for someone to sneak into the placings and cause a bit of an upset, and it would be nice to think it could be us this weekend that’s for sure.” Drawn barrier four from behind the mobile gate, O’Reilly is in two minds what to do when

Winter hours

Team Sweet Belle: Martin Hickman (left), Gerard O’Reilly, Bryan McGirr and Richard Ashworth. the green light flashes. He knows his best chance is to try and get to the running line (one out from the inside) and hope that things don’t change too much – but getting there will be the hard part with a torrent of early speed all around him. “She can leave the gate if I want her to – and maybe we will have to, but it’s pretty crucial that we can get down into that running line early and then take things from there. “I’m not sure what will happen, and it’s probably going to be something I decide right before we go, but there’s options there for us.” Irrelevant of what happens tomorrow though, the Sweet Belle ride so far, despite being very much still in its infancy, has been a great one for her connections. Richard Ashworth, Bryan McGirr, Martin Hickman and Stuart Ashworth were in the market for a cheap horse at a weanling sale a few years ago, and were

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday to Sunday 10am to 5pm

advised to have a look at Sweet Belle. They did and liked what they saw so purchased her for the minimal sum of $3500. Fourteen starts, four wins and four placings later, as well as a Group One placing and the quartet will join some of the industry’s elite in the owners’ celebrations of being a part of such a significant day on the harness racing calendar. Their success shows that you don’t always have to outlay the big money to find yourself a nice horse, and it’s a testament to their faith in their horses and the fun that they are having that they’ve turned down some big money offers for the daughter of Sweet Lou. It’s a big moment for O’Reilly too. With only a small but select team of horses in his care just out of Rakaia, having a horse good enough to qualify for the Jewels is another notch in the belt of his career.

But he’s no stranger to it, having produced Sparkling Delight to run a cracking third at the last Harness Jewels meeting to be held in Ashburton. “It’s a bit of a thrill to get one to the Jewels for sure; you sort of have it in the back of your mind throughout the season and hope that it works out. “And when it does, it’s great.” Sweet Belle travelled north two days after her promising Oaks third placing, and has settled in well at the property of Ross Paynter since she arrived with her trainer alongside her last Friday. “She didn’t travel that well down south, so I was a bit worried about getting her all the way up here, but she’s handled it really well and seems very bright. “I’m really happy with her, we just need that bit of luck now and we’ll be right.” O’Reilly gets his most important assignment out of the way early in the day, but his day isn’t

over until the last race. He combines with one of his biggest supporters as a driver for Geoff Dunn in two of the feature races of the day, the Three- and the Four-Year-Old Emeralds, with under-rated pacers The Falcon and Laver. And knowing the pressures of Jewels Day and the speed that horses usually produce on the day, he’s not writing either of them off, despite tricky barrier draws to negotiate. “They are both tough and they’ll thrive on a really strong mile, but it’s going to be tough for The Falcon from his draw, he’s in a bit of trouble drawn out wide. “Laver is the sort of horse though who could surprise a few people. “He’ll be flat at the 600-metre mark, but he’ll just keep coming at them; the harder they go in his race the better.”

Harness Jewels fields, selections and Opinion - P34

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Phone 308 3927 | Cell 027 434 4809 | Website: ashburtonapiaries.com 205 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

SPORT 31

RUGBY

Redemption time for Southern By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

Do-overs on the rugby paddock don’t come along that often, but Southern get one this week. And you just know they’ll be out to make the most of it. With a spot in the Combined Country Rugby final for 2021 up for grabs, there’s everything to play for. And redemption is right at the top of the list for the men from the southern side of this week’s troubled waters. Coaches Richard McLea and Jon Dampney won’t have had to ask their men to dive too far back in the memory banks to analyse what to expect when they meet Prebbleton today. There’s still a bit of pain and frustration there from when the two sides met in pool play and Prebbleton went back home victorious – handing the Southern side their only defeat for the season thus far. “It’s still there, we still remember it, for sure,” Dampney said earlier this week. “But I think that’s a good thing, we can use that to our advantage – we know what they are going to bring, and we can be better prepared to combat it, just like they will too.” If McLea and Dampney have been good in the coaching box this season, they’ve served an even greater purpose when it comes to having their side ready, focused, and full of understanding of what’s expected when it’s been most needed. On numerous occasions they outlaid an expectation and how they intend for it to be executed, and their side have run onto the paddock and delivered it. If it was the patient approach under the lights against Methven early in the season, or the determined focus on the set piece and the upfront and physical aspect of their game last week against Darfield, the Southern lads have been ready. And so, they’ll need to do that again today. Prebbleton are a formidable side. SEMI-FINAL TIME

What: Southern will host Prebbleton in the semi-final of the Combined Country Rugby competition today at Mayfield, kicking off at 2.00pm. All other Mid Canterbury senior teams get the weekend off before returning next Saturday.

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Logan Bonnington and Eric Duff will be key players for Southern today if they’re to beat Prebbleton in the Combined Country Rugby semi-finals. Seriously under-rated by other teams from the most northern parts on the other side of the Rakaia River, they’re a constant threat, and even when you think you have them on the ropes, you can never be too comfortable. Not that you need to tell Dampney that. “We know what to expect from Prebbleton, they’re a very good rugby side. “Our challenge is how do we do better than them in every aspect of the game. “It’s almost a search for perfection really. “But we’re good enough to do it, I know we are.”

The physical aspect of the game will come naturally. Southern boasts a side of enforcers and players who teammates can lift off. The experience of players like

players every time they step into the jersey. While physical, it’s been the flair of the Southern side this season that’s been most impressive. They’ve got a very strong back line, with plenty of power and finesse, and when given the opportunity they can cut an opposition defensive line in half. George Williams in the No.10 jersey has been a huge part of that. His ability to read a game and his steady head has been influential, and when there’s a player like Petero Tuwai sitting a couple

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It’s a really tight-knit unit, there’s plenty of respect for each other there and we all want to do well for each other Eric Duff, Scott Vessey and Will Mackenzie will be crucial to their success. But then again, that’s the same as you’d hope for from those

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of spots out, that kind of vision and forward thinking is pure gold. “It’s a really tight-knit unit, there’s plenty of respect for each other there and we all want to do well for each other. “I think that’s a big part of it all for us – it has been all season.” Excellent against Darfield last week, the game plan for today is the same. Focus on the things that you can control, and don’t get caught up in what’s going on around you. Do that and Southern will find themselves back competing for one of the greatest prizes in country rugby in New Zealand next Saturday. Don’t, and that particular outcome is pretty obvious.

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

ARCHERY

The art of hunting with a bow is a centuries-old method, one that’s stood the test of time. With the advancement of technology, the game has changed significantly and while still passionate about getting out into the hills, there’s a group of people around the country who treat it as a sport. Matt Markham spoke with one local competitor who will this weekend be in Blenheim competing at a national competition. Emma-Skye Lancaster might liken her chosen sport to others heading out onto the golf course for a round, but instead of keeping an eye and ear out for the odd errant golf ball, she’s looking out for stray arrows. You see, Emma’s a bowhunter. The 33-year-old, who incidentally celebrates her birthday today, has been competing in the sport for the past three years, and while she doesn’t walk around with a chip on her shoulder when it comes to her own talents, she is a dab hand when it comes to lining up a target, having won back-to-back Women’s Sighted Compound categories at the Canterbury Championships. And this weekend, Lancaster will be up in Blenheim, competing on the national stage as part of the New Zealand Bowhunting Society’s annual tournament – and she’s going with no fixed expectations on her performance. “It should be a really fun weekend. “I’m really looking forward to it. “But there’s no thoughts of winning or anything like that, I’m more up there to represent the women in our sport,” she said. Lancaster picked up the sport about three years ago, when her now ex-partner told her that if she was coming out hunting with him, she wasn’t using a gun. So, she picked up her first bow and hasn’t looked back since. “To be honest, I’m not as much into the actual hunting side of it as I am shooting at targets. “But if the opportunity is there, I’m always up for a bit of a walk around to see what I can get.” With her focus more on the target side of the sport, Lancaster has had to get a little creative when it comes to getting practise and her eye in, with it not quite as easy as just lining up a target in the back yard and firing away. “The arrows we use, they’re pretty dangerous – I remember finding one on my back lawn one day, it wasn’t mine – but I was freaked out about how it got there. “So, finding somewhere suitable to practise can be tough sometimes, but you generally find a way to make it happen.” Using a compound bow, which is a much more complex version of the original type

Emma Lancaster gets her eye in. of bow that most people will associate with, Lancaster has honed her skills over the past few years and really enjoys being able to put them to practice. “I guess it’s like playing golf for me – it’s a hobby, a bit of fun and a good chance to get out and socialise with other people who enjoy it, but it’s also really competitive, which adds to it as well.” This weekend’s competition will be a genuine test of those skills, with the event

being held over two days. Breaking away from the most likely mindset of heading out into the hills and hunting game, the annual tournament actually involves shooting at targets made of foam, with scoring conducted on targets hit. “There’s 28 targets and they’re all made out of foam, they’ll be made out to be animals of course. “But they’ll throw in some other challenges as well, things like a moving target where they’ll drag something along on a piece of string and things like that, so it’s a really good challenge.” With a strong emphasis on being dialled into what you’re doing every time you raise your bow, the sport can be quite tough mentally, with 100 per cent focus required all the time, but that’s something Lancaster really enjoys. “It’s a bit of a lonely sport in some sense. “This weekend for instance, I’ll be out there shooting and while there might be 15 women competing in the category I am, I might not be shooting alongside any of them. “So, it’s really about your own self-con-

trol, and not worrying about anything else other than what’s in front of you.” Finding a good head space is a big part of that, but Lancaster’s week hasn’t helped her preparation with a few issues. “I’ve had a bit of a fun week with a courier company. “I’ve had some custom arrows made for this weekend up in Auckland, and they haven’t arrived yet, and it sort of seems like they’ve lost them, but no one wants to admit to that. “So, I’ve spent a fair bit of time on the phone trying to sort that out, and I’m hoping that the company that makes them will be able to make some for me and bring them down, because there’s a few people that work there who are coming to Blenheim as well.” That in itself comes at a huge financial cost, with the custom-made arrows not coming cheap – but at the end of the day, it’s money Lancaster is happy to spend for the love of her sport. “You do it because you love it, for me winning and losing isn’t that important. “It’s something different to do with my life and I enjoy it, so why not?”

It’s really about your own selfcontrol, and not worrying about anything else other than what’s in front of you

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

SPORT 33

‘We will rebuild’ MOUNTAIN BIKING

By Maddison Gourlay maddison.g@theguardian.co.nz

A lot of hard work has gone down the river. Mountain Bike Ashburton had put a large amount of volunteer hours and money into creating a new part of their track only to be washed away by a “ridiculous flood”, president James Reid said. Mountain Bike Ashburton’s track was fully under water during the worst of the flooding, and as the water receded the true scale of the damage can be seen. “I have seen floods there before, but this was a lot worse than we hoped,” Reid said. The group finished their new track in February, making it the furthest location away from the river that they could to avoid flooding to the area. “That was probably the worst part, seeing that after everyone’s hard work. “It will be a lot of work to get it back to where it was,” he said. Reid said that in normal rainfall, the track

SPORTS RESULTS

■■ Golf

Ashburton 9 Holers

Last week, we played the Hotel Ashburton Hidden Holes on the back 9 holes while the irrigation was being installed on the front 9. The hidden holes were 11, 13, 14, 16 & 18 - total par 20. The winner was Don McLeod (nett 18) on countback from Muriel Morgan (nett 18). Third, was Andre van Rooyen on countback from Judith Kingsbury and Bruce Sim. All three scored nett 19. Smith & Church gobblers were won by Tong King and Gail Gutsell.

would not have suffered much damage if any at all, but due to the sheer volume of rainfall the river overflowed making the bike tracks resemble a canoe course. Reid said that the Ashburton District Council has been in touch with the group to check on how they are doing and co-ordinating a later date to talk about repairing the tracks. “I didn’t expect it so early on, but it was good to hear from them and see they are worried about community groups and getting in touch with them,” Reid said. Reid said that Mountain Bike Ashburton have been inundated with people contacting them offering help in the clean-up process. “Thanks to everyone in the community that has reached out, we really appreciate it,” he said. The group are expecting it to be several months before the tracks will be rideable again. “You can’t ride it, that’s why we have advised that the track is closed. People can try, but they won’t get far with all the silt on the track”. Some of the extensive damage to the bike track.

Next week, the first Thursday in June, winter start time begins - arrive by 9.45 for 10.00 tee off. 3rd June, Flowers @the Gate Stroke and 10th June, Sega Golf Ambrose.

Methven 9 Hole

28th May - 3rd Putting Mike Markillie 50-14-36, 15 putts, Adrienne Goodwin 58-23-35, 16 putts, Alister Goodwin 56-18-38, 16 putts, PGG Wrightson Best Player Mike Markillie, Methven Travel 2nd Shot No 6 Baden Sommerville.

Methven Ladies Golf

Wednesday 2nd June - LGU Senior: Tania Wilson 97-19-76. Bronze

A: Ruth Smith 94-21-73. Bronze B: Gail Limbrick 105-34-71, 2nd Sarah Maw, Gail Limbrick 37, Ruth Smith 36. Aqua Japanese Resturant Best Nett of the Day:Gail Limbrick 71. Mt Hutt Lodge Best Nett Of the Month of May: Gail Limbrick 62. Nearest the Pins: No 4 Open Primo Tania Wilson. No 6 Open Methven Foursquare Roz Grant. No 13 Open Methven Pharmacy Ruth Smith. No 17 Open & Br B Methven Travel Sandra Marr. No 14 Br B 2nd Shot Methven Supervalue Heather Santy.

Rakaia Ladies Golf

Wednesday June 2: LGU, Bryant Cup, 2nd Round Putting, Championship

Qualifying Round. Bev Sutherland 109-34-75, Sally Smith 26 putts, J. Watts Trophy: Bev Sutherland. 9 Holers - Stroke and Putting, Championship Qualifying: Judy Moore 51-16-35, 16 putts, Rakaia Hotel 2nd shot #3 Sally Smith, Rakaia Seed Cleaning 2nd shot #6 Bev Sutherland, V. Bell Nearest the Pin #8: Judy Moore, Chertsey Spraying 2nd shot #15 Freda Bierema, S. Quinn 2nd shot #17 Freda Bierema.

■■ Shooting

Indoor Target

Ashburton TS Assn v Christchurch Assn, at the Drayton Range in Christchurch,

Saturday May 29. Christchurch team: Rex Gardiner 190.5, Dean Gibbs 194.10, Ray McCaw 191.9, Russell Henshaw 190.3, Lyndsay Barnes 197.11, Nigel Farrell 196.11, S Whitcombe 195.10, A Farrell 191.3, Leonie Clayton 189.2, Mark Fleming 196.11, total 1929.73. Emergencies, Graham Kennedy 193.8, Adam Pottinger 187.7. Ashburton team: Greg Menzies 196.10, Martin Fleming 192.10, Brent Frame 194.5, John Fleming 195.12, Carl Nordqvist 188.6, Andrew Donaldson 193.3, Hamish Dalzell 196.5, Tim Greer 188.9, Robbie Hewitt 187.5, Wayne Tubb 173.2, total 1902.67. Emergencies, James Storey 176.2, Abby Calder 178.2.

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

OPINION

Will this be farewell to an old friend? By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

njoy the 2021 edition of the Harness Jewels, because it could well be the last time they’re held. At least in their current format. The impending change to the birthdates of standardbreds in New Zealand will force a rethink and a reshuffle of when, how and even if the Jewels are run in the future.

At this stage only one thing looks certain, and it’s that the traditional Queen’s Birthday weekend slot, to mark the end of the Group One calendar, will be no longer. The birthday decision gives harness racing officials a chance to rethink the concept and perhaps start from scratch. It’s something many will welcome, while for others it will be marked with a tinge of sadness. Especially here in Mid Canterbury.

their foresight and management, the discussions about the future of the day would have come at a much earlier time and space. I’ve always loved the Jewels. But then again, they were one of the driving forces behind me getting into journalism in the first place, so that’s unsurprising. But irrelevant of the location, the time of year, or the horses who were winning, it’s always been a special day. One only matched by the excitement that comes with the

The Jewels concept was born and raised on the idea of Ashburton being the spiritual home of the event. We successful hosted the first ever edition, and then a further five editions after that. Many hours of work from local identities, especially the late John Rollinson – who was instrumental in the inception of the Jewels – and equally, the late Fiona Stuart, who was the driving force behind the scenes, made the day what it is, and if it hadn’t been for

HARNESS JEWELS

Dunn camp confident By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading trainer Robert Dunn is confident that Mid Canterbury’s best chance of Harness Jewels success tomorrow can repay his faithful in the Two-Year-Old Ruby. Dunn trains the exciting young trotter Highgrove for local owners, Alan and Ian Neumann, Emma Hintz, Vinnie Neumann and Brent Clarke, and when on song the showy chestnut has swept all before him this season. But a bad gallop at his last start at Addington had those who had taken the short odds on offer for the gelding to claim Jewels success more than a little bit worried, but a relaxed Dunn seemed incredibly confident in his charge’s chances of doing it right this week. “He’s in a lot better head space than what he was last time we had him at the races,” Dunn said. “But then he’d want to be, of course.” “That last performance was really disappointing, but he got pretty wound up from the moment we got to the races, and we couldn’t get him to settle at all.” Once on the track, Highgrove

Locally owned hope Highgrove. had to side-step to avoid a galloping runner, and that was it for him, with the pre-race jitters building up and he rolled into a gallop and gave his rivals a huge head start. Patiently handled by John Dunn though he trotted into the race boldly at the 400 metre mark, but again galloped on the point of the home turn, taking no further part. “It’s not an excuse, but more of a reason as to why he might have galloped.

“If he can get it right, we know how good he is,” Dunn said. Drawn out wide tomorrow, there’s an opportunity to get Highgrove balanced and up on the gate nice and early in proceedings, and if he does trot, his stranglehold on the age group should continue with a winning performance. “He’s travelled up here really well and settled in beautifully; his work has been very good and we’re hopeful of a really big showing from him.”

M5 Harness Jewels

A $2.15 chance with the bookmakers in the $100,000 event, there’s plenty for the ownership group to get excited about too. The Neumann brothers also have two other horses engaged at the meeting. Trotter One Majic Kenny, who they race with Clarke, will contest the FourYear-Old Ruby, and Two-YearOld Diamond contender Dance Till Dawn is owned by the same ownership group as Highgrove, plus Stu Langdon and Jonathan Slack.

second Tuesday in November at Addington for New Zealand Trotting Cup Day. And so tomorrow, I’ll sit up in the stand at Cambridge and enjoy nine races which will have me on the edge of my seat, knowing that it’s probably going to be the last time I get the chance to do it, as I know it. It should be a great day of racing, with the best horses, drivers and trainers all on show. Here’s hoping for a few reasons for Mid Canterbury to stand up and cheer too.

Matt Markham’s Harness Jewels selections Race 1: 9 Amazing Dream, 6 Need You Now, 1 Pearl Harbour, Plutonium Lady Race 2: 7 Highgrove, 4 Mystic Max, 2 Mr Love, 8 Double Delight Race 3: 3 La Rosa, 8 Bettor Twist, 1 Off N Gone, 12 Lifes A Beach Race 4: 3 True Fantasy, 2 A Bettor You, 4 Montana Glory, 5 Suntan Race 5: 7 Five Wise Men, 2 Regal Attire, 6 Time Up The Hill, 3 Outamyway Race 6: 5 Akuta, 6 Cosmic Major, 11 You’re So Fine, 3 Franco Mac Race 7: 7 Shan Noble, 9 Krug, 1 BD Joe, 2 Pace N Pride Race 8: 7 Muscle Mountain, 11 Bolt For Brilliance, 5 Midnight Dash, 1 American Pride Race 9: 13 Copy That, 7 South Coast Arden, 5 Bad To The Bone, 11 Laver BEST BET: La Rosa (Race 3) VALUE: Shan Noble (Race 7)

Tomorrow at Cambridge Raceway

R1 WOODLANDS STUD 4YO DIAMOND $100,000 1609m 13:11 1 91226 Off N Gone 1609m 12:17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

48353 20261 48487 1101 75484 32662 17752 5803 32431 66572 27250 14176 4262

Pearl Harbour N P Williamson Z E Butcher Sarandon Mimi E Coco B D Butcher Dalness First T M Williams Tas Girl Bromac B N Orange Need You Now J R Dunn Down The Hatch D J Butcher Le Pole Dancer P J Davis Amazing Dream N C Rasmussen Classey Robin G D Smith Pay Me Speedy Plutonium Lady S J Ottley Rocknroll Mama R D Close

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Ahwel Mr Love Kowhai Sunset Mystic Max Quik Barbie Voronov Highgrove Double Delight American Muscle Ellaria Sand Emma Joy Faith In Manchester King City

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

24413 12152 25133 11214 64316 7151 12111 45692 11120 13327 12267 53744

T M Williams Shes No Lady Z E Butcher La Rosa S J Ottley G D O’Reilly Sweet Belle Commander Cathy J R Dunn Santa Maria A G Herlihy D J Butcher Cloudy Bay Bettor Twist N C Rasmussen Craig D Thornley Ruby Mach The Honey Queen J I Dickie Darling Me B D Butcher Lifes A Beach John Morrison Braeview Kelly B N Orange

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

36412 61115 42313 24293 24211 11111 13734 23536 86515 51018 169x1 23082

D P Ferguson Ben Hope M P Jones B N Orange M W White L S Chin J R Dunn A G Herlihy M J Wallis N C Rasmussen M A Teaz T W Mitchell M W McKendry

13643 21112 19235 72121 33312 19974 6581 23373 14176 245 13452 30602

Mark Purdon A Bettor You True Fantasy N C Rasmussen Montana Glory Z E Butcher J I Dickie Suntan Anna Love T M Williams Chevrons Bypass B N Orange Emmy J W Cox Dance Till Dawn J R Dunn R D Close Play Philly I’llavabubbles D P Ferguson A G Herlihy Mr Kaplan Kaching Kaching T A MacFarlane

R5 MITRE 10 3YO RUBY $100,000 1609m 14:05 R3 DUNSTAN HORSEFEEDS 3YO DIAMOND $100,000 1 15242 Salvo T M Williams

12 14111 13 144x1

87x6 13516 13575 4 64134 5 1211 6 12122 7 55418 8 47x47 9 11363 10 61776 11 31 12 12257

Sugar Apple A C Drake My Ultimate Chevron G D Smith Franco Mac J W Cox S D T Phelan Major Perry Mark Purdon Akuta Cosmic Major N C Rasmussen B N Orange Mr Ibiza Mercury Rising J P Stormont Montana D J Z E Butcher Arden’s Horizon D J Butcher You’re So Fine N P Williamson Classy Operator D P Ferguson

R7 IRT 3YO EMERALD $100,000 1609m 15:15 1 2 3 4

23241 14012 11911 94282

B D Joe Pace N Pride Alta Wiseguy Yorokobi

B D Butcher A G Herlihy T M Williams R D Close

Samhara N C Rasmussen Hot And Treacherous M W McKendry

R8 GARRARD’S HORSE HOUND 4YO RUBY $100,000 1609m 15:50 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

R6 McMILLAN EQUINE FEEDS 2YO EMERALD $100,000 1609m 14:40

R4 HARDWOOD BREEDING SYNDICATE 2YO DI- 1 2 R2 MONTANA FOOD EVENTS 2YO RUBY $100,000 AMOND $100,000 1609m 13:38 3 1 67083 Miki Montana S D T Phelan 1609m 12:44 1 21q 2 73 3 46916 4 q121 5 q5 6 554 7 14110 8 11 9 327 10 22335 11 180 12 632 13 743

Regal Attire N C Rasmussen B N Orange Outamyway Mufasa Metro T W Mitchell Leaf Stride Brad Williamson Time Up The Hill K M Barron Five Wise Men J R Dunn Jasinova L S Chin Son Of Patrick S D T Phelan D P Ferguson Gaz Man Maui D D McCormick Paramount Princess Mexicana J I Dickie

31621 52735 64556 27214 16412 62051 x1211 25147 30465 23223 13221 31832 x9101

American Pride N C Rasmussen J P Stormont Kelvinz Luck Rain Mist And Muscle T W Mitchell D J Butcher Liaison Midnight Dash T M Williams Kiwitrix N P Williamson Muscle Mountain Ben Hope One Majic Kenny J R Dunn Majestic Harry M A Teaz J I Dickie The Big Bird Bolt For Brilliance A G Herlihy S J Ottley Andoverlov Ultimate Stride Brad Williamson

R9 CIVTEC 4YO EMERALD $100,000 1609m 16:21

Natalie Rasmussen will be in the sulky behind South Coast Arden in the getout stakes at the Harness Jewels. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

55255 13612 x1141 97235 11112 32044 20011

Raven Banner Z E Butcher G D O’Reilly The Falcon Shan Noble Mark Purdon Got You Covered J R Dunn B N Orange Krug American Dealer D J Butcher Ragazzo Mach N P Williamson

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

19975 33771 19x36 54345 11224 22241 58511 31583 13431 72213 26235 51473 11112

New York Minute A L Harrison D J Butcher Kango Tommy Lincoln B N Orange Steel The Show J R Dunn Bad To The Bone Z E Butcher Italian Lad Mark Purdon South Coast Arden N C Rasmussen Christianshavtime A G Herlihy Pembrook Playboy N P Williamson Mighty Looee Korbyn Newman Laver G D O’Reilly Pull The Other Leg Luke Whittaker M W McKendry Copy That

Puzzles and horoscopes Cryptic crossword 1

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

Simon Shuker’s Code Cracker

Your Stars

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): What happens all of the sudden is exciting for several reasons, the foremost being that you don’t have time to think. Your animal self takes over, and you do what you were designed to do. TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): When the student is ready, the master appears. You feel ready, and yet there is still a piece you haven’t committed to yet. You’ll read it, work it or do whatever needs doing. Then your teacher will arrive. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): Make a decision and stick with it for three days. There is no such thing as a perfect choice. You don’t know who is watching your bravery, but later, this will be significant. CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): Add heat or time and you’ll notice that the reduction of things is unique to the object. Some things become more concentrated, some less, the universal principal being that everything changes. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): They love you, but they don’t know how to show you. This is a bittersweet theme that you can make all sweet by telling them what you want and need and making it easy for them to give it to you. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Asking for help when you need it isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the picture of effectiveness. Strength is the result of a wilful force up against a worthy adversary. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): Different forums have different structures. Sports favour the one with the most points. In the forum you’re navigating today, charm wins, so you have the hometeam advantage. SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): There are so few people who are actually funny. You discount the gift because you were born with it. You won’t discount it today. Your humour helps people, and you’ll share it. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): You don’t need to reinvent the wheel here. Figure out what you did right back there, and just do more of that. What’s harder is taking the time to be with yourself, recognise and note it. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Your people are coming out of the woodwork. When you think about it, that is a slightly creepy concept, and yet it is the most fitting image. You’re an organic creature calling to the same. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): You thought you had the time to work things out, and maybe you misjudged that. It’s a common problem. Things can be worked out. Just know that everything you do is being counted. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Test it. Go there. Something is going to happen – something uncomfortable, maybe even painful for a moment. But what if this is your one and only life? Whatcha got?

8 10

12 13 14

19 21

ACROSS 1. Prudent PM orders the circus, etc (11) 7. The way one speaks of it in cod version (7) 9. Feel a change of vowel is needed to feed the flames (4) 11. Is in the lab, turning to herb used for pesto (5) 12. Fiddle about while he throws for a living (6) 14. Expected future copper is vet in disguise (11) 18. With age, soften a rhyme for the cowardly (6) 20. Closer to the heart at home, getting near a loss (5) 22. One is invited to find her in a three-card trick (4) 23. Vindicates Georgia with seven manoeuvres (7) 24. Where delinquents were sent to mend ways of a Conservative (11) DOWN 2. Tooth, Sir, used to bend coin (7) 3. I claim ownership of the pit (4) 4. Crumb starts to corrode the loaf outside (5) 5. Change of abode with bricks dried in the sun (5) 6. A clergyman may be one to keep accounts (5) 8. Illinois one left, making u-turn that wasn’t really there (8) 10. Bring about the tin cover is required for (8) 13. You and I find Tory leader only moderately conservative (3) 15. It pickles, given a mixture with the right (7) 16. There’s little in manuscript that turned up with everything (5) 17. Get an understanding of Greek with a snake (5) 19. Take accommodation with a group of Freemasons (5) 21. Something soothing used in herbal medicine (4)

WordWheel

WordBuilder

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

WordWheel 889

S C Quick crossword 1

T U

O C ? O

Insert the missing letter to complete an

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

13 14

ACROSS 1. Prepared (7) 5. Grin (5) 8. Something unpleasant which has to be done (9,4) 9. Doze off (3) 10. Practises (9) 12. Sceptics (6) 13. Sees (6) 15. Take back (9) 16. Fuss (3) 18. State of happiness which ignores reality (5,8) 20. Brushed (5) 21. Wiped out (7)

Previous solution: RIGOROUS

DOWN 1. Physical or verbal dispute (3-2) 2. Clumsy and/or unlucky (8-5) 3. Teaches (9) 4. Fatalities (6) 5. Bashful (3) 6. Inquiry (13) 7. Joins up (7) 11. Helper (9) 12. Water bottles (7) 14. Vandalise (6) 17. Not hidden (5) 19. Harden (3)

PUZZLES 35

WordBuilder A L S WordBuilder T Y A L S T Y

104

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word. How many words of three or more Good 7including Very Good 11 Excellent letters, plurals, can you13make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words Previous solution: abed, are are, bad, beginning with a capital allowed. bade, bar, bared, bead, bear, There’s at bard, least bare, one five-letter word. beard, bed, bra, brad, brae, bread, bred, Good 7 Very Good 11 Excellent 13 dab, dare, dear, deb, debar, drab, ear, era, rad, read, red

Previous cryptic solution

Across: 1. Succeed 5. Float 8. Amnesia 9. Swing 10. Barn dance 12. Net 13. Charm 17. Aim 19. Reconcile 21. Limit 22. Cracker 24. Paced 25. Entreat Down: 1. Shabby 2. Central 3. Ens 4. Drain 5. Fisherman 5 7 15.8Wallop 2 6. Onion 7. Tights 11. Decorated 14. Trickle 1 6 16. Ferret 18. Mimic 20. Cache423.7Art9

1 7 3 2 10. 1 Miser 7 Across: 1. Sore 3. Precedes 9. Answers 11. Discourteous 13. Nobody615. 8 Assets 17. Indisputable 4 Previous solution: abed, are, bad, 20. Wound 21. Amongst 22. Tethered 23. Used bade, bar, bard, bare, bared, bead, bear, 7 8 3 Down: 1. Standing 2. Risks 4. Rosary45. Compensation beard, bed, bra, brad, brae, bread, bred, www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz 9 6 3 6. Dispute 7. Sure 8. Second fiddle 12. Assented dab, dare, dear, deb, debar, drab, ear, 14. Banquet 16. Opiate 18. Bogus 19. Swot era, rad, read, red 5/6 8 7 6 5 8 5 5 2 1 4 PREVIOUS 3 SOLUTIONS 6 Sudoku Fill the grid so that every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. 12 64 5 7 8 37 9 2 4 5 7 9 2 61 6 3 8 75 4 3 9 4 6 3 6 1 5 4 1 17 46 6 3 29 8 89 5 3 2 1 5 1 8 5 9 3 4 6 4 8 776 9 6 8 7 3 9 2 5 4 1 93 1 4 5 6 76 8 3 2 7 6 7 2 5 3 5 2 1 7 5 8 9 6 4 4 2 4 1 28 7 9 6 5 3 8 4 5 7 8 3 5 2 7

6 3 7 2 2 7

4 9

8 6 3 7 2 1 5 8 4

6 2 8

4 1

Previous quick solution3

1 3

HARD

MEDIUM

3 6 9 1 4 7 5 2 8

7 5 3 6 2 1 4 9 8

7 6

7 1 3 5 9 2 8 4 6

8 9 2 5 7 4 3 6 1

6 3 4 2 9 1 5 7 8

7 5 1 3 8 6 4 9 2

9 2 8 6 5 3 1 4 7

1 4 7 9 2 8 6 3 5

3 6 5 4 1 7 8 2 9

5 1 6 7 4 2 9 8 3

2 8 3 1 6 9 7 5 4

4 7 9 8 3 5 2 1 6

1 7 3 9 8 5 2 6

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

HEAT PUMPS KEEP YOUR HOME THE PERFECT TEMPERATURE ALL YEAR ROUND

HEAT PUMPS

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

electriCOOL Ltd Phone Paul Crequer, your local authorised Daikin dealer for a free quote on all domestic and commercial systems phone 0274 362 362 or 308 4573.

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

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

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

To deal with Dirty Tiles and Grout CALL GROUTPRO WE HELP YOU KEEP ON TOP OF YOUR SHOWER AND TILE MAINTENANCE TM

enovating? Thinking of r

• Tile shower makeovers • Professional tile and grout cleaning • Re-colouring existing grout

• Sealing and repairing/replacing tiles/grout • Replacing mouldy and tired silicon

WE MAKE IT EASY WITH OUR THREE SIMPLE STEPS ...

WE TRANSFORM TILES/GROUT IN BATHROOMS, KITCHENS, SHOWERS, BALCONIES, CONSERVATORIES AND ANY TILED AREA Contact GroutPro Brett Muir for a quote and an upfront honest discussion.

027 746 7632

www.groutpro.co.nz

Solar is the undisputed leaders in the RVs, Caravan, Motorhomes, 5 Wheelers, Boats and Yacht, market. With 30+ years’ experience, thousands of happy customers, and a friendly can-do attitude.

Come see us in Riverside Business Estate 4 McGregor Lane Ashburton 03 307 4777 - 027 442 3103 ashsolarpower@xtra.co.nz ashsolarpower.com

Ash Solar Power

TALBOT SECURITY GROUP Locksmith Services • • • •

Car Keys House Keys Electronic Car Remote keys Locks

E - operations@talbotsecurity.co.nz P - 03 307 2409 anytime 24/7

Mobile Mower servicing • Rotary Mowers • Ride-on Mowers • Water Blasters • Small Motor Repairs

• Reel Mowers • Chainsaws • Rotary Hoes • Generators

Stan Keeley, Owner

Ph 307 0002 - Mobile 021 88 34 36

CLASSIFIEDS 37

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

SITUATIONS VACANT

Electricity Ashburton Shareholders Committee

PRACTICE NURSE VACANCY FIXED-TERM MATERNITY LEAVE COVER

EXPERIENCED ENGINEER We are looking for an Experienced Engineer to help with Manufacturing truck bodies and fertiliser spreaders. Please apply with cover letter and CV to: Engineering Repairs (2012) Ltd 14 Watson Street, Ashburton engrep@xtra.co.nz or phone 03 308 1506

Due to one of our practice nurses going on maternity leave, there is an opportunity for a practice nurse to join our professional, enthusiastic and friendly team, from mid-August 2021 to early March 2022. The position is for approximately 30 hours per week, over four days.

Ashburton District Council is looking to appoint a person to represent Council’s interests on the Electricity Ashburton Shareholders Committee.

Mid Canterbury based and operating mainly in Ashburton. FCANZ Fencing Contractor. We specialise in rural, lifestyle and equine fencing. We are looking for a fencer to join us on a casual basis. You will need to be fit, hardworking, reliable and honest. Be able to listen, able to follow instructions and learn new skills Work and follow best practices Fencing is a physically demanding job and you will be working outside. Pay rate will be relevant to experience.

Postal applications can be addressed to: Jim Henderson People and Capability Advisor Ashburton District Council PO Box 94 Ashburton

Call the Guardian today for your situations vacant advertising requirements.

Contact Martin Hyde on 027 602 61111 or info@mcfencing.co.nz

307 7900

Weekend Services MEDICAL SERVICES

IN EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PHONE 111. 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.

DUTY DOCTORS Three Rivers Health, Allens Road, Ashburton, will be the duty practice for Saturday and Sunday until 8am Monday. To make an appointment call your regular GP. Tinwald Medical Centre, Archibald Street, Ashburton, will be the duty practice for Monday until 8am Tuesday. To make an appointment call your regular GP. 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 Area

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. 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

www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/careers

Engineering Repairs 2012 Ltd FRONT OF HOUSE Trevor is retiring and we are looking for a new ‘Trevor’ for our busy environment. A jack of all trades, must have mechanical/ engineering background. The role is fulltime and includes: • Purchasing and stock management • Telephones • Accurate with figures • Steel & parts sales • Receiving and dispatching orders • Meeting sales reps Some training will be given. Please apply to Colin or Matt engrep@xtra.co.nz

UAL N N A ERAL GEN Rakaia ANZAC

St Andrews Presbyterian Church Hall

We Help Save Lives

All are welcome

20 + GST

4cm 1 column

To advertise in

AGM

phone Classifieds

03 307 7900

Information Centre

HELPLINE SERVICES 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,

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.

Tuesday, March 29 at 7.30pm

Call us free on (0800 787 797). Lines open 10am - 10pm seven days. Wises Pharmacy, Countdown Complex, East Street, will be open from 9am - 1pm Saturday, from 10am - 1pm Lifeline Sunday. Toll-free: 0800 353 353. Countdown Pharmacy, Ashburton South, 2 East Street, OMMUNITY ERVICES open from 9am - 8pm daily.

Pharmacies

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.

MOTORING

Annual General Meeting

Business Area: Residential Area:

Emergency Dentist

All Welcome Rev. David Bayne Ph 307 7355

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

DIAL 111 in the event of a Medical or Accident Emergency Alcohol Drug Help Line

Please contact directly for hours.

63 Princes Street

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 7am - 6pm; Saturday 7.30am - 5pm; Sunday 8.30am 12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz

nurses who are trained to assess health problems and offer outside of these hours leave a message. advice over the phone. The service is free and confidential.

Ashburton Rest Homes

10:30 am Worship Every Sunday

HIRE

Applications close Wednesday, 9 June 2021.

Emma Jaillet-Godin, Business Manager Rakaia Medical Centre, 30 Elizabeth Avenue, Rakaia, 7710 or via email to: emma@rakaiamedical.co.nz

Looking for a new person to join your business?

“Transforming Lives through Gospel Power”

For more information on what’s required or to submit your application, please visit the Council’s website at www.ashburtondc.govt.nz

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your C.V. with covering letter to:

Applications close Friday, June 18, 2021.

CHURCH SERVICES

This is an opportunity to show your commitment to our district by using your expertise in one or more of the following fields; contracting, governance, finance or strategic planning.

Do you have what we are looking for?  Comprehensive practice nurse experience in venepuncture, cytology, cervical screening examinations, immunisations and vaccinations  Knowledge of MedTech Evolution  PRIME qualified is an advantage, however not a must  Ability to build strong rapport with team members  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

If you would like any further information, please call the Medical Centre on 03 303 5002 and ask to speak to Emma.

FIRST, time Asian, beautiful, sexy, size 8, 40DD, hot body. Amazing massage. Phone 022 624 2931.

Expressions of interest are being sought from people who have the necessary skills to join this Committee. You’ll be an active member of our community who can demonstrate an understanding of the electricity distribution and fibre network.

We are looking for someone with a strong emphasis on good teamwork and flexibility. We are a well-established and forward-looking medical Centre with approximately 2700 patients. We place a strong emphasis on providing personalised, high quality care for our patients.

Applicants for this position would have:  A current annual practicing certificate  A membership of NZNO or other professional body  NZ residency or a valid NZ work permit

CASUAL FENCING POSITION

FIRST time Asian, beautiful, sexy, size 8, 40DD, hot body. Amazing massage. Phone 022 624 2931.

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.

Ashburton Operations Centre ASHBURTON MAIL CENTRE STANDARD POST: Mon - Fri 5pm POST DELIVERY CENTRES Allenton & Tinwald: Mon - Fri 5pm Methven & Rakaia: Mon - Fri 2pm ASHBURTON’S STREET RECEIVERS

Mon - Fri 5pm Mon - Fri 5pm

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

ASHBURTON VETS - Ph 0276 838 000, 149 Cameron Street, Ashburton: Duty vet: Ben Hallenstein. Full emergency service all weekend. VET ENT RIVERSIDE - Ph 03 308 2321, 1 Smallbone Drive, Ashburton. Saturday clinic: 9am - 12 noon. Weekend 24-hour emergencies. VETLIFE ASHBURTON - Ph 03 307 5195, Cnr East Street and Seafield Road, Ashburton. Saturday clinic: 9am - 12 noon. Weekend 24-hour emergencies. CANTERBURY VETS - Ph 03 307 0686, West Street Clinic, West Street, Ashburton. Saturday clinic: 9am - 12 noon. Weekend emergencies: Jonathan Christian. Vet Ent and Vet Life operate a joint after-hours SMALL animal emergency service. To use this service please phone your vet as usual.

38 CLASSIFIEDS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

SITUATIONS VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICES

WELL, WELL, WELL Pure, Clean, Drinking Water. No Limit on Amount No Chemicals, No Deep Pumping

Got The Acting Bug? Looking for locals for regular paid roleplay sessions with medical students at Ashburton Hospital.

For all your classified requirements.

Phone the Guardian 307 7900

Please contact Janine Knowles janine@outstandingperformance.co.nz www.outstandingperformance.co.nz

Call Pete Donald 0272217492 Master Water Diviner Jim Collins 021991141 Aquifer Locations.co.nz

Daily Diary SATURDAY, JUNE 5 7.30am RUN AND WALK ASHBURTON. Meet outside frontrunner, Moore Street, runners and walkers, all fitness levels

2021 stalls, different weeks. North end of West Street car park Ashburton. 9am-3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSEUM. Static displays with collections of up to

welcome. Coffee and chat at Columbus Cafe afterwards. 9am WINTER FARMERS MARKET. Support our hardy stall holders at the mini market each Saturday, different

30 aircraft and memorabilia. Ashburton Airport. Seafield Road. 10am-12pm ASHBURTON VINTAGE CAR CLUB. Museum and parts shed open. 86 Maronan Road. Tinwald.

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 6

ASHBURTON METHODIST CHURCH. Service led by Rev heather Kennedy. The Chapel at Paterson’s. 530 East Street (Cnr). 10am HAKATERE PRESBYTERIAN PARISH. Morning worship at Oxford Street, led by Rev Silvia Purdie, all welcome. 65 Oxford Street. 10am

ST ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Morning worship led by Rev Jim Young, all welcome. Sinclair Centre. Park Street. 10am ST ANDREW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Holy Communion. Thomson Street. Services are only held on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. 10am

ASHBURTON BAPTIST CHURCH. Morning worship, all welcome. 67 Cass Street. Ashburton. 10am ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. All Age and Holy Communion. Park Street. 10am-4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY.

Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall.160 Main Street, Methven. 1pm-3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSEUM. Static displays, collection of aircraft and memorabilia on display. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road. 5pm ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Taize Service. Park Street.

MONDAY, JUNE 7

Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Enquiries to 308 6817. 10am-4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY. Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, 160 Main Street Methven. 10.30am ASHBURTON COMMUNITY WALKING

GROUP. Walking for about 30-40 minutes on Mondays and Fridays. Meet Walnut Avenue Pavilion. 1pm WAIREKA CROQUET CLUB. Mahjong, counting. Waireka Clubrooms. Philip Street. 1pm-3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSUEM.

Static displays, collection of aircraft and memorabilia on display. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road. 1pm-4.30pm THE MID CANTERBURY LINE DANCERS. 1pm-2.15pm, weekly beginners learn to line dance, following on to easy intermediate. 2.30pm-3.30pm and intermediate level from 3.30pm4.30pm. Instructor Annette Fyfe

0274813131. Tinwald Hall, Graham St. 6pm ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Circuit training in the hall, 48 Allens Road, Allenton. 7pm-9.30pm R AND R LINEDANCING ASHBURTON. Upper Improvers/intermediate weekly line dance classes. Balmoral Hall, 240 Cameron Street.

TUESDAY, JUNE 8

10am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON, 206 CLUB. Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Enquiries to 308 6817. 10am-4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY. Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall. 160 Main Street Methven. 10.30am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON. Steady As You Go. Fall prevention programme. Contact 308 6817. Held at

All Saints Anglican Church. Chapman Street, Methven. 12pm-2pm ASHBURTON JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. (Signing Centre). JP available for all signing services on Tuesdays and Fridays. No appointment necessary. No fee. Community House, 44 Cass Street. 1pm AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON. Steady As You Go. Fall prevention programme. Contact 308 6817. Held at St Andrews Presbyterian Church. Bridge

Street, Rakaia. 1pm ASHBURTON MSA PETANQUE CLUB. Competition and social play, all welcome. 115 Racecourse Road. 1pm-2.30pm R AND R LINEDANCING ASHBURTON. Weekly beginner/improved line dance classes. MSA Social Hall. Havelock Street. 1pm-3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSUEM. Static displays, collection of aircraft and memorabilia on display. Ashburton Airport. Seafield Road.

1.15pm R.S.A. INDOOR BOWLS. Weekly social indoor bowls at the RSA Linton Lounge. Cox Street. 3pm-4.30pm R AND R LINEDANCING ASHBURTON. Weekly Intermediate line dance classes. MSA Social hall. Havelock Street. 7pm-9pm MID CANTERBURY BADMINTON CLUB. Badminton Club night. All abilities welcome. EA Networks Centre. River Terrace.

8am ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Holy Communion. Park Street. 9.30am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Worship led by Rev henry Mbambo. 48 Allens Road. Allenton. 9.30am

Queen’s Birthday is a public holiday, some events may be cancelled. 6am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Circuit training in the hall. 48 Allens Road, Allenton. 10am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON, 206 CLUB.

9.30am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Walking group meets outside church. 48 Allens Road, Allenton. 9.30am-11.30am MID CANTERBURY BADMINTON CLUB. Badminton, daytime section, all abilities welcome. EA Networks Centre. 10am MSA TAI CHI. Cost $3 per session, classes start this week, MSA, Havelock Street.

Ashburton Weather

Saturday: Cloud increasing. Brisk northeasterlies.

Midnight Saturday

Canterbury Plains

MAX

16 MIN 7

Saturday: Cloud increasing. Northeasterlies, fresh along the coast from afternoon. Sunday: Occasional rain spreading north during the morning and afternoon with a southwest change, easing in the evening. Monday: Cloudy with rain, more persistent in the north, easing by evening. Light winds.

A ridge over the North Island moves off to the east as a front moves onto the southwest of the South Island preceded by a moist northerly flow. A complex, stationary frontal system lies across much of the country on Sunday through until Tuesday, while a deep low also develops and remains stationary north of the North Island on Monday and Tuesday. A ridge of high pressure builds over the lower South Island on Monday and Tuesday.

Around The Region Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Sunday: Occasional rain developing in the morning with a southwest change, easing in the evening. MAX

Canterbury High Country

14 MIN 5

Saturday: Cloud increasing. Rain developing about the divide in the morning, heavy from afternoon, and scattered falls spreading further E. Wind at 1000m: NW rising to severe gale 100 km/h by afternoon, then easing to gale 70 km/h in the S late evening. Wind at 2000m: NW rising to severe gale 120 km/h by afternoon. Freezing level: Rising to 2600m early. Sunday: Periods of rain, persistent and heavier about the divide, gradually easing from afternoon. Snow to 1700m in the south at first. Wind at 1000m: NW gale 70 km/h, easing to 30 km/h north of Porters Pass early afternoon and dying out further south. Wind at 2000m: NW easing to gale 75 km/h in the morning, and to 35 km/h by evening. Freezing level: 2400m in the N, lowering to 1800m in the south early morning.

16 10 15 7 12 5 15 9 13 7 10 6 14 6 12 4 11 3 15 8 12 5 10 4 Monday: Cloudy with rain, primarily north of the 14 9 11 4 10 3 Mackenzie District, easing by evening. Snow possible 15 6 12 4 11 3 to 1500m. Light winds. For the very latest weather information, including Weather Warnings, visit metservice.com © Copyright Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited 2021 Compiled by Christchurch Darfield Lake Coleridge Methven Rakaia Timaru

Monday: Cloudy with rain, easing by evening. Light winds. MAX

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

Ashburton Airport 16.4 1.7 -2.5 0.0 6.2 NE 17 1:46pm 8.7 19.1

Methven 16.7 6.5 – – – – – – –

Christchurch Timaru Airport Airport 14.3 14.5 1.9 -0.5 -1.6 – 0.2 0.0 3.6 0.0 NE 19 NW 11 3:39pm 12:10am 8.7 – 20.5 –

Tides, Sun and Moon Saturday

11 MIN 4

Sunday

Monday

Ashburton H 12:04am 12:28pm 12:52am 1:14pm 1:35am 1:57pm Mouth L 6:17am 6:38pm 6:59am 7:23pm 7:39am 8:06pm Rakaia Mouth Rangitata Mouth

H 12:17pm 12:39am 1:06pm L 6:04am 6:31pm 6:50am 7:20pm H 12:12pm 12:36am 12:58pm L 6:01am 6:22pm 6:43am 7:07pm

1:26am 7:35am 1:19am 7:23am

1:53pm 8:07pm 1:41pm 7:50pm

7:58am 5:05pm 7:59am 5:05pm 7:59am 5:04pm 2:23am 2:37pm 3:26am 2:57pm 4:27am 3:18pm

new Jun 10

first qtr Jun 18

full Jun 25

last qtr Jul 2

Saturday, June 5, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

IN MEMORIAM

Your opportunity to tell Mid Canterbury of your next event or meeting Daily Events is a FREE DAILY LISTING of MID CANTERBURY EVENTS to be held in the immediate future by non-commercial organisations. To arrange for events to be published in Daily Events, clip this form, fill in the applicable details and hand in to our LEVEL 3 office on Burnett Street or post to: Ashburton Guardian, P.O. Box 77, Ashburton 7740, midday Thursday week prior to publishing. CONDITIONS: 1. Telephoned information NOT accepted. 2. Forms MUST be signed by an authorised representative of the organisation concerned. 3. A separate form MUST be submitted for each future event and may be lodged with the Guardian as far in advance as desired. For example: A club which meets monthly may submit, say, 12 separate forms simultaneously – one pertaining to each meeting scheduled over the following 12 months. 4. The organisation acknowledges that no responsibility for errors or omissions will be accepted by the Guardian Company.

Guardian ASHBUR TON

Our ne ws , online, all the time

For just $10!* Book your birthday greeting, including a photo, for just $10! Ten words only.* (Under 12 children’s birthday greetings remain FREE) *Terms and conditions apply.

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

CHALMERS, Margaret – We love you and miss you always. Love, Ray, Linda, Heather, Neville and Andrea, and family.

In loving memory of a special husband WEDERELL, William Paul (Spook) – Passed away June 8, 2019. The day you left and gained your wings my heart just broke in two. I wish you could have stayed with me but Heaven needed you. You left me with the memories and I love you dearly stillNo matter how much time goes by you know I always will. You were a very special person with kindness in your heart and the love we had together grows stronger now we're apart. I know I cannot bring you back although I wish it everyday but a piece of me went with you the day you went away. Love your Darling.

DEATHS

McCONNACHIE, Phillip David – On May 30, 2021 passed away suddenly at Agnes Water, Australia, aged 55 years. Beloved husband and soul mate of Annie (Queensland). The late Jane (Grootelaar) McConnachie. Dearly loved son of Margaret and Kevin (deceased). Loved brother and brotherin-law of Ann and Mark Smith. Loved uncle of Glenn and Ainsley and Mellory Smith and great uncle to Indiana, Madison and Teddy. Much loved nephew and cousin of the Muir and Scott clans. Messages to the Smith Family, 10A Magnolia Drive, Ashburton 7700. A service for Phil was held in Australia. "Always look on the bright side of life . . ."

SCANNELL, Gerard Michael – Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Adored Dad of Beth and Bradley; Luke and Gabrielle. Much loved grandad of Lachlan and friend of Jaxon. Special thanks to the staff at Terrace View Rest Home, Tinwald and Dr Penny Holdaway for their amazing care. Messages for Gerard's family may be sent to Scannell family c/- 186 Talbot Street, Geraldine 7930. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ashburton St John would be appreciated and may be left in the box provided. The celebration of Gerard's life will be held on WEDNESDAY, June 9, at Geraldine Funeral Services, 186 Talbot Street, Geraldine, at 1.30pm.

Monty Python

McGUIRE, John – On May 30, 2021. Dearly loved brother and brother-inlaw of Carol and Ken, Peter and Suzie, Keith and Hirangi, Gary and Lynda, Debbie, Wayne, Shane, Bevan and Stacey and families. John will be dearly missed but forever in our hearts. SCOTT, Donal Thomas (Don) – On Friday June 4, 2021. McGUIRE, John (TC) – Peacefully in Ashburton To our dear friend, camping Hospital, aged 91. Dearly buddy and so much more. loved husband of the late You will be missed by us all. Merle. Much adored dad of Forever in our hearts young Doreen and Ross Todd, TC. Peter and Alison, Stephen, Love Jo, John, Haylee, the Keith and Aaron. A very late Jamie and Luka. xx treasured grandad of 13 and great grandad of 19. “He will be forever WEDERELL, William Paul – MEMORIAL SERVICES remembered fondly.” Passed away June 8, 2019. MORRIS, Elizabeth (Betty) Messages to the Scott family A special smile Agnes (nee MacColl) – c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton A special face On Tuesday 7 April, 2020, 7740. Funeral details to And in our hearts peacefully at Highfield follow. A special place Lifecare. Much loved wife of No words we speak the late John. Dearly loved Can ever say mother and mother-in-law of How much we miss you Allan and Sunantha Morris, everyday. Shirley and Gary Hawke, Love always Stacey, Tyler, loved Gran of Michael and Riley, Peter and Robert. Kate; and Richard, also a great-grandmother of Flynn. Special friend of Barbara and family. A memorial service to DEATHS celebrate Betty's life will be held at Betts Funeral Services Chapel, 33 North Street, Timaru on WEDERELL, William SATURDAY, June 12, at Paul – 11am. Grandad, although you can’t be Canterbury owned, with me, locally operated We’re truly not apart, Patersons Until the final breath I take, You’ll be living in my heart. Funeral Services Love James. and Ashburton ********************************* Crematorium Ltd WEDERELL, William Paul – Office and Chapel Goodbyes are not forever. Corner East & Cox Goodbyes are not the end. Streets, Ashburton They simply mean I’ll miss you, Until we meet again. Love Erin and Andrew

Guardian Classifieds

Call the Guardian Ph 307 7433 for all your classified requirements.

FAMILY NOTICES 39

Grooves – Presented by Primarily Dance Trust

Wednesday 9th June 7pm Tickets Adults $38 / Child or Student $32 (fees apply) Grooves is an electric mix of classical ballet, jazz in pointe shoes and contemporary dance set to thee Rock Music you love. Performed by six of Aotearoa New Zealand’s best professional dancers Grooves has everything from traditional tutus to sequins.

Soldier’s Tale

Fri 18th Jun, 7.30pm Adults $30/Child or Student $15 (fees apply) Composed in 1918, The Soldier’s Tale’s first tour was cut short by the Spanish flu but it has remained a perennially popular work ever since. Written “to be read, played and danced”, The Soldier’s Tale tells the story of the titular soldier who makes a deal with the devil: in exchange for the soldier’s magic violin, the devil will grant his every wish.

Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic

Sat 19th Jun, 8pm Adult $61.15/Group 6+ $56.15/Child 13 & Under $ 36.85 Immerse yourself in the spectacle, grandeur and energy of the world’s greatest rock band with Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic, celebrating the legacy of Queen and Freddie Mercury. Showtime Australia proudly introduces Dominic Warren performing lead vocals, guitar and piano live on stage in Freddie’s original key, and with all the wit, charm and bravado of the legend himself. Australian Richard Baker takes on the famous guitar riffs of Brian May, Michael Dickens conjures Roger Taylor on drums and Andre van der Merwe is John Deacon on bass guitar. Get ready for a night of non-stop rock anthems!

The Boss - Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show

Guardian Motoring 307 7900

307 7900

FUNERALS

Thursday 15th July 7-30pm Adults $65 / Group 6+ $55 each / Senior or Student $55

YOUR ONLY LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED

FUNERAL FURNISHERS MASTER MONUMENTAL MASON

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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 Phone 308 5369 or 0274 357 974 ebcarter@xtra.co.nz NZMMMA Member

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BOX-OFFICE HOURS: Mon to Fri – 9am to 5pm TICKET OFFICE 03 307 2010 211A WILLS ST, ASHBURTON, 7700 www.ateventcentre.co.nz

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, June 5, 2021

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