Ashburton Guardian, Saturday, May 22, 2021 by Ashburton Guardian

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Saturday, May 22, 2021

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State of the district

The latest economic data shows a local economy in decline but one that retains some business confidence moving forward, however that may have been dealt a blow by the Government’s budget bypassing local business hopes. Full stories on P2-3

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

INFOMETRICS REPORT

Economy declining, but business confidence bubbling By Jonathan Leask jonathan.l@theguardian.co.nz

The Ashburton District economy has declined, but there are signs of business confidence as well as a surging property market, according to Infometrics’ latest quarterly economic report. Nation-wide lockdowns in June last year and decreased activity in both the December 2020 and March 2021 quarters have seen Ashburton’s economy decline 2.1 per cent. This is consistent with the national economy, which has experienced faltering growth in the March 2021 quarter in particular. Employment has declined to be down 1.4 per cent over the year to March 2021, led by decline in agriculture, manufacturing, and transport. This translated to a near-doubling (47.4 per cent) in the number of Jobseeker Support recipients, however, there are signs that the number of recipients is starting to ease, showing that the jobless are making their way back into employment. The unemployment rate is 3.2 per cent, up from 2.7 per cent in March 2020, below the national figure of 4.7 per cent. However, an increased dairy payout is forecast to yield an additional $91m for the district’s dairy farmers over the current season, which “should positively impact both farmers and their suppliers,” the report said. Infometrics suggests it may be behind commercial vehicles registrations being up 15.5 per cent, which appears “reflective of businesses being confident to invest in their future” in contrast to the national decline of 16.5 per cent. Renewed interest in the national housing market post-pandemic has been encouraged by low interest rates, driving the strongest price growth seen in Ashburton in over a decade. House values have increased 14.2 per cent over the past year to have the district’s average house value at $429,000, around half of the national average. While house values have grown, Ashburton District Council chief

Ashburton’s economy declined 2.1 per cent over the year to March 2021, according to Infometrics provisional GDP estimates. PHOTO ASHBURTON DISTRICT COUNCIL

information and consent applications for a number of months now, which is really keeping us on our toes,” Riach said. “Building consents take a number of weeks to process and sign off, which explains why the Economic Monitor does not yet reflect this growth in activity.

jumped up strongly, driven by consenting of the $42m library and civic centre. Ashburton’s population has picked up since the pandemic, with 1.4 per cent growth in health enrolments over the year to March 2021. While growth in population

Better global economic activity in the second half of the year means there are solid expectations for a more upbeat path ahead Hamish Riach executive Hamish Riach said the report does not reflect more building activity in the district, but building consent numbers typically have a lagged reporting time. “We have been experiencing a significant increase in requests for

“For instance, for the year to March 2021, we have issued consents totalling $123 million, which is $33 million more than for the same period the year before.” The report states that non-residential building consents have

tends to drive growth in consumer spending, the report shows Ashburton’s spending has dipped down 2.7 per cent. However, car registrations have been particularly strong in the district which does point to a de-

28-32 Moore St, Ashburton

gree of consumer confidence, the report said. Nationally, New Zealand’s economic recovery likely faltered slightly at the start of 2021, as the loss of international tourists over the usual “peak” season combined with Alert Level changes to keep activity lower the report said. Provisional estimates point to economic activity falling 0.3 per cent per annum in March 2021, following a surprisingly weak result in December, keeping the annual decline to 3.0 per cent per annum. More sluggish spending activity and a fall in the total number of hours worked reinforce this slightly weaker view. “Although 2021 is set to show volatile economic data, better global economic activity and a domestic vaccine roll out in the second half of the year means there are solid expectations for a more upbeat path ahead,” Infometrics said.

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Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

NEWS 3

Not a lot in budget for local business – Mayor By Adam Burns adam.b@theguardian.co.nz

Some good things, some important things. But if you are a business owner in Mid Canterbury, it is slim pickings as far as the Budget goes, says Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown. The contents of Grant Robertson’s budget, the first as a post-coalition government, continued to be absorbed in the regions yesterday, including Ashburton District. Businesses and middle-New Zealand have been observed as one of the biggest losers out of the latest fiscal plan unveiled on Thursday by the Finance Minister. Brown agreed that there was not a lot to offer for the business community. “Thinking about the Ashburton economy, there’s probably not a lot in there for businesses,” he said. “We’re (Ashburton District) more the opposite side of it, because we’re reasonably successful here with business and they’re thriving and feeding into the tax system for others to use it,” he said. “We need assistance on the other side, around employment and getting skilled people here.” Ashburton’s Retail Advisory Group spokesman Bob McDonald said it was disheartening. “After Covid and, for Ashburton in particular with the CBD development, it would’ve been nice to see something for businesses, but there’s nothing there,” he said. “There’s no light at the end of the tunnel.” Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce chief executive Leeann Watson said the budget was lopsided in favour of societal issues. “It feels like the Government has taken an either/or approach,” she said. “In order to focus on some of the significant issues we face in New Zealand, such as around child poverty, affordable housing

Above – Finance Minister Grant Robertson unveiled the latest Budget this week.

PHOTO RADIO NEW ZEALAND

Right – Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said we need help around employment and getting skilled people here. and, of course, climate change, we need to have a strong economy, which is underpinned by our business community. “So it is disappointing that the role of businesses have been largely overlooked in this Budget.” Benefit rises, funding for Maori housing and an increase to Pharmac’s budget were some of the key features of Robertson’s spending plan. Brown said a cash injection into the Green Investment Finance fund to support the uptake of low-carbon technologies could give greater clarity for the agricultural sector. Although economic stimulus for business had been largely

overlooked, Brown said addressing welfare issues such as child poverty was positive. Labour Party’s Rangitata MP Jo Luxton, in a Facebook post, said she was certain the increases to benefit amounts would make a difference. “I know it firsthand also – having been a solo mum on a benefit having to rely on food parcels and stretching every dollar,” she said. “Both my Ashburton and Timaru offices regularly hear from local constituents who are struggling on a benefit. “Whom are trying their very hardest with the money they receive, but still find themselves struggling with the basics.”

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

Support available in the neighbourhood By Maddison Gourlay maddison.g@theguardian.co.nz

Neighbourhood Support in Ashburton has had a freshen up for 2021. Sue Abel took on the role of District Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator for Mid Canterbury in January. “There is a lot to be done, but it’s quite exciting,” Abel said. Sticking with the roots of the organisation’s origin, Abel said she has a long term goal to reduce the number of burglaries and thefts in Mid Canterbury. Nationally, Neighbourhood Support is an agency that works with the New Zealand Police, and Abel said that she is lucky to also have

the support of Safer Communities. Abel said she is working alongside Safer Community’s Lesley Symmington to establish a campaign on burglary and theft. “Burglary and theft have currently been highlighted in Mid Canterbury as the major causes of concern,” Able said. “In my new role I am all about prevention and it appears that this is something that very much needs addressing throughout Mid Canterbury,” she said. Abel’s plan is to work within residential neighbourhoods as well as businesses and their neighbours, to create support systems. “It is said that the strength of a neighbourhood provides the backbone to a community. We need to

make [them] as resilient as we can,” she said. Abel admits that she would not have been able to focus on this part of the role if it wasn’t for the previous co-ordinator Christine Richards. “Christine is wholly responsible for setting up the system and getting the Ashburton Gets Ready database going and building the relationship with Civil Defence,” she said. Ashburton Gets Ready is a database which includes details of households, and what supplies and skills they have in case of an emergency. It is a Civil Defence and Neighbourhood Support initiative that has almost 5000 households registered.

Sue Abel with the new Neighbourhood Support signs that will be going up around Ashburton. PHOTO MADDISON GOURLAY

Love In A Fowlhouse lives again By Malcolm Hopwood

Garner Wayne.

It is 55 years since Garner Wayne’s chooks promised to lay eggs for him. The milestone can’t be ignored. In 1966 Garner and his Saddle Pals recorded Love In A Fowlhouse and thousands, if not millions, of people have imitated chook noises since then. They’ve done it singly, in groups, at massed festivals or at karaoke. Sometimes they’ve dressed for the occasion and often their cacophony of clucks has been choreographed. Ages range from chook chics to retired roosters. But what’s not been attempted is a flash mob performing the immortal line from the song. Remember it goes “Oh, won’t you be my wife? Buk, buk, buk, buk, buk, she replied.” It’s the “buk, buk” bit that a flash mob should perform. For those readers who don’t know the definition, a flash mob is a group of people

who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform for a brief time for the purpose of artistic expression, then quickly disperse.” Someone starts it off, then others join in. This is the sort of event that mayor, Neil Brown, in costume should lead off, joined by Variety Theatre, the Mid Canterbury and MSA Choirs, school chorales and the Savage Club. However, there needs to be further significance. I believe it should be the completion of East Street where the mayor leaps out from behind a lone excavator and leads the celebration. It’s the kind of event that will put Ashburton on the YouTube map internationally. Let’s do it. However there’s also a serious side to the song. In background information, we’re told Garner and his daughter, were out by his chook house in Tinwald and watched the rooster teaching school. The daughter was feeling sad about a boy in class and Garner explained chooks

had their problems too. He started making chicken noises for her and Love In A Fowlhouse was born. Within days “I’ll be yours and I’ll be true and I’ll lay lots of eggs for you. I’ll be yours for the rest of my life,” was written. While the words will hardly win the pullet-zer prize – my pun – Garner wanted to cheer her up with advice about how chooks like to lay a clutch, but rarely do so because we take them away. There’s something deeply disturbing and psychological about that. What is hugely important about his motivation is whether his daughter was cheered up and the boy at Tinwald School felt better. The song has real purpose if that happened. Family members have free range to tell me. Garner, who died 14 years ago, wrote more than 100 songs and recorded over 300 in all. I don’t have an eggs-act number. But it’s Love In The Fowlhouse that became his living legacy. I hope family members are still receiving royalties from his song and it’s not a poultry amount.

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Double pink celebration

In celebration of all things pink, Community House Mid Canterbury doubled up on breast cancer awareness and pink shirt day all in one. Community house tenant Delwynn Moylan said it was the perfect chance for all the community house operators and tenants to get to know each other a little better with introduction games and questions, as well as lots of pink food over a cup of tea or coffee. PHOTO MADDISON GOURLAY

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

Half a million COVID-19 vaccines administered Working together, we’ve provided half a million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to our most at-risk people, ahead of schedule. Thank you to everyone who has been vaccinated, and to our amazing health workers. This is the biggest challenge our health service has ever faced, and you’re each doing your bit to protect all of Aotearoa. The pace is picking up

Group 3 is getting underway

We did the first 100,000 doses in 49 days, and things picked up rapidly after that. It took about two weeks to reach the 200,000 mark, then 12 days to get to 300,000, just another eight days to hit 400,000 and another eight days to reach the half million mark.

We’re starting to vaccinate people in Group 3. This includes all people 65 and over, and people with disabilities and underlying health conditions. Different regions will start at different times.

Who’s had the vaccine? The rollout has focused on Groups 1 and 2. Group 1 is people working at the border and managed quarantine facilities, and the people they live with. Group 2 is high-risk frontline workers in health and aged residential care, people living in long-term residential care, and older Māori and Pacific people and those who care for them.

The stronger our immunity, the greater our possibilities. Covid19.govt.nz/vaccines

People in Group 3 will be contacted directly by their district health board or local health provider to let them know it’s their turn.

Group 4 will be starting from the end of July Vaccinations for the rest of New Zealand aged 16 and over (Group 4) will begin from late July.

Find out what group you are in at Covid19.govt.nz/myvaccine

6 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

Ashburton vaccinations progressing well By Maddison Gourlay maddison.g@theguardian.co.nz

New Zealand is currently in the process of vaccinating group two in the Covid vaccination roll-out scheme and there are three locations in Ashburton distributing the vaccine. Life Pharmacy Ashburton is one of those and it was no easy task to be involved in delivering the vaccination, but it was a collaborative effort to help vaccinate the community. After an expression of interest for the pharmacy to take part in the nationwide roll-out, they worked alongside the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB), Ashburton Hospital and Eastfield Health to collaborate on how to get the Pfizer vaccine distributed in Ashburton. “We were motivated by providing the service for the Ashburton community,” co-owner of Life Pharmacy Ashburton, Rachel Eaton, said. “We already had the staff who were qualified to deliver the flu and other vaccinations,” she said. Group two of the vaccination roll-out are the high-risk frontline healthcare workers, people who work or live in residential care, or cared for by family. But getting the vaccine into

the pharmacy to vaccinate for group two is not an easy task for Ashburton Life Pharmacy, Eaton said. “It’s logistically hard, we have to be very calculated in our ordering,” she said. Receiving the vaccine takes a lot of documentation and then more when it arrives in store. Arriving by courier through a temperature-controlled supply chain (cold chain), the vaccine is delivered with a security guard present. Each step of the transfer process is documented alongside inspecting every vial of the vaccine individually. Life Pharmacy Ashburton is currently administering an average of 60 vaccinations a day and Eaton said there “hasn’t been any wastage” of vials. Due to staffing and it being flu vaccine time, they are not looking to increase that number at this stage, Eaton said. “If people are getting these two vaccinations close together, they need to know that there needs to be a two-week gap between the flu and the Pfizer vaccination,” Eaton said. She said Life Pharmacy Ashburton has had no indication of a vaccination supply shortage in Canterbury. “It’s business as usual for us,” she said.

vation. There will also be awards for people’s choice in retail and future business leader, as well as a supreme award judged from the winners of the six excellence categories. Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown said Mid Canterbury has long been home to outstanding businesspeople and it is time to recognise their creativity, innovation and dedication. “Our district likes to punch above its weight and lead the way across a number of sectors, but sometimes we shy away from giving ourselves a well-earned pat

Writers comp Entries have opened for the Ashburton Writer Group short story competition. After a successful debut last year the competition has retained the adult category. Introduced to help keep adults occupied during lockdown, it proved so popular the organisers kept the catergory for people over the age of 16 (maximum length of 1500 words). The other age categories are under 11 (up to 400 words) and 12-15 years (500 words). The story must be original, and not previously published, and is an open topic competition. Prizes are book vouchers donated by Ashburton Paper Plus. Entry forms are available from raejohn@ xtra.co.nz, entries close July 9.

Digital workshop Two of Ashburton website developers and marketing professionals will be sharing the do’s and don’ts of digital marketing this month in an effort to help local event organisers promote their events. Ashleigh Rushton of Rushton Marketing and Sara Stephens from Pixel & Ink Creative Studio will be hosting a workshop across two evenings at the Hotel Ashburton on May 26 and 27. The Capability Development Workshop is being organised through the Ashburton District Council, with funding from the Mid Canterbury Regional Event Fund. The two-day workshop is $100 per person and runs from 5.30pm until 7.30pm on both days.

Street plaques Life Pharmacy Ashburton co-owner, Rachel Eaton, is happy to be helping the Ashburton public get their Covid vaccine. PHOTO MADDISON GOURLAY

Local excellence recognised in new awards Mid Canterbury’s leading businesses will have the chance to showcase their achievements next year as the Ashburton District Council launches a new business of the year awards. The council will celebrate excellence, innovation and business success in the region, and is inviting local businesses to begin preparing their nominations for when the awards open on August 1. Awards will be presented for excellence across six categories – primary industries, export, tourism, manufacturing, not-forprofit, and technology and inno-

In brief

on the back,” Brown said. “While there’s certainly something to be said of our community’s humble “get on with the job” attitude, council wants to recognise the business expertise and leadership that we know is out there helping to drive our economy. “These awards will be a wonderful way to acknowledge the hard work our business community puts in and I’m looking forward to seeing the nominees later this year.” Entrants will be judged by a panel consisting of five business representatives.

Businesses can enter themselves into the awards and are able to nominate for multiple categories. There is no cost to enter the business of the year awards and any business within the district is eligible, provided they have been operating for 12 months or more as of March 31. The nomination forms and criteria will be available on the council website until November 30 with the finalists to be announced in December. The Ashburton District Business of the Year Awards night will take place on February 18, 2022.

Plans for street plaques to underline Ashburton’s history is being explored by the Ashburton District Council. The formation of a working party, made up of representatives from council, Historic Places Mid Canterbury and Ashburton Museum and Historical Society Inc, was agreed to by members at this week’s council meeting. The matter was first proposed at a town centre sub-committee meeting in February 2020, but was put on the backburner due to Covid-19.

Fire season Mid Canterbury moved to an open fire season at midnight on Wednesday. The rest of Canterbury – Selwyn, Waimakariri, Hurunui and Christchurch City (including Banks Peninsula) – followed suit on Thursday. The Geraldine and Waimate Forest zones remain in a restricted fire season so this means a permit is required 365 days a year.

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Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

NEWS 7

REVIEW

Sassy, catchy and enjoyable By Malcolm Hopwood

Variety Theatre Ashburton was true to its name. It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll Baby, which opened its season last night, is true variety. It’s not a show, but a themed romp through some of the most memorable songs in the last 60 years. Because there’s no central core, the show depends on strong performances both from the soloists and ensemble, delivered seamlessly. Mostly, this was achieved by a talented company of performers. Under such headings as country classics, ones we sing to, one-hit wonders and inspirational, the company presented nearly 40 songs. To learn, sing, and dance them with quality production values was challenging. No-one faltered and, among the numbers, there was some fine cameos. Alice Cooper’s Only Women Bleed sung by Gavin Templeton was powerful, Mel Neumann’s I Honestly Love You and True Colours was sensitively sung, always in character, and I Am Woman, presented by Line Ferriman and Denesa Chan and the women’s chorus, was magnetic. While it’s sometimes unfair to identify artists in an ensemble show, I was impressed with Chris Woods’ vocal line in Everybody Hurts and You’re The Voice, Murran Carter-Bullar’s energy, Sarah Templeton’s passionate This Is Me from The Greatest Showman and Rocky Bull’s raw quality in the stellar Neil Diamond song, Sweet Caroline. The strength of a production is delivered

Sarah Templeton delivers This Is Me from The Greatest Showman, supported by a female ensemble. by artists who own the stage from the time they walk on to the moment they leave. There were none better than Denesa Chan and dancers, Jessie Thomson and Summah Ralston. It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll Baby takes a little time to groove. The flirtys, the first theme, was less than flirtatious and some clumsy comedy was a distraction in an otherwise convincing

Delilah. Act two connects and provides the breadth and depth of the show which balloons out at the end. Praise is due to writer, director, and performer Gavin Templeton, MD, Sarah Templeton and choreographer, Jessie Thomson. It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll Baby is sassy, catchy and an enjoyable night out.

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The facts What: It’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll Baby Where: Ashburton Trust Event Centre When: May 22, 25-29 at 7.30pm with a 2pm matinee on May 23.

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

NEWS 9

BACK SEAT

Showing signs of humour W

e’ve appreciated the fantastic feedback following our story about some American towns which have unusual names like Monkey’s Elbow. A town quite close to Monkey’s Elbow has significance for our own community. We’ll come back to that and some other interesting places we’ve heard about from readers in another column. But just now we’d like to make a detour to Indian Hills, a small community of around 1200 people which is in the State of Colorado, USA. How did we hear about Indian Hills and what did we hear about it?

By Bernard Egan FROM THE BACK SEAT

We were told about it by our motoring writer Roger Hart who in turn heard about Indian Hills from his friend Jon Early. Jon and Roger were flatmates in Dunedin many years ago and they have kept in touch, which is great because Jon is the purveyor of many great stories, some of which we can share, some probably not. Jon thought he should draw

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. the attention of his motoring writer friend to some regularly changing and often punny road signs which have made the Indian Hills Community Centre famous. It all started when a local with a great sense of humour installed a funny road sign as an April Fool’s Day prank.

So here are some pearls of wisdom which have appeared in Indian Hills since: “My fear of moving stairs is escalating.” “He said his relationship with whisky is on the rocks.” “In search of fresh vegetable puns. Please lettuce know.” “Despite the high cost of living

it remains popular.” “But the man who invented Velcro has died. RIP.” Q: “What is irony?” A: “The opposite of wrinkly!” “They are not making yardsticks anymore.” We’re really grateful to Jon Early for telling us about the funny punny signs at Indian Hills.

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

COUNCIL BRIEF Week of 17 May 2021 | ISSUE 29

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

Work progresses on Ashburton Sewer Relief project

Nearly one kilometre of new sewer pipe has been laid by Council contractors, of the planned 5.1-kilometre installation from the Ashburton Hakatere River to Bridge Street in Netherby in recent weeks. Following the milestone Ashburton River Crossing and Pump Station project completed in December 2020 the Ashburton Relief Sewer (ARS) project is making good progress into the Milton Road South and Wakanui Road areas.

“Some sections of the pipe installation have required digging down to an impressive 6.8 metres in the Milton South Road area,” said Infrastructure Services Group Manager Neil McCann. “The deeper levels of pipe installation require a range of engineering measures such as nine-metre tall sheet piles, steel supports, and excavation works, as well as solutions to enable working up to three metres below the water table,” he added. The sizable upgrade and eastern alignment of the sewer pipe is to support

the current and future growth of the Ashburton Township and to relieve the existing, busy sewer network.

after having been closed. Impacted areas due to road closures now affect users of Wakanui Road.

Council is working with individual residents to maintain open communication around access.

Further notices are to be expected in the next couple of months as the work approaches the intersection of Albert Street and Wakanui Road.

The Ashburton Hakatere River Trail remains open, however, access to it from Milton Road South is closed to cyclists and motorists. The intersection at Milton South Road and Wakanui Road has now reopened

The project is expected to be completed by March 2022. To stay informed of updates by visiting the ARS Project page on the Council’s website ashburtondc.govt.nz.

Property information survey now open as revaluations kick off Commercial, industrial and farming property owners in the Ashburton District are being invited to complete a brief property information survey, as independent company, Quotable Value (QV) begins rating revaluations for the district. QV, who is completing the revaluation on behalf of Ashburton District Council, has sent letters to these property owners with details about the survey, and responses are welcome until Friday 18 June. Council Business Support Group Manager, Paul Brake says information collected in the survey will be used to determine a property’s value as accurately as possible. “Urban property information is typically stored in Council records in the form of building or resource consents, but for farms or commercial and industrial properties, the breadth of improvements may not necessarily be captured in this way. That is why we need this information 1

Week of 17 May 2021 | ISSUE 29

to be submitted. “The online survey is a quick and easy way for QV to collect this data, and we encourage all property owners who receive this letter to please complete it on time,” he adds. Rating revaluations are carried out once every three years and are used to work out property rates in the district. The last Ashburton District revaluation was completed in 2018. All property owners in the district will be posted their new valuation from 1 October 2021 and will have until the end of October to lodge an objection. The revaluation will be effective from 1 July 2021 but will not be used for rating purposes until 1 July 2022. Eligible property owners who have not received their survey invitation or have misplaced it can contact QV on 0800 786 822 or email revalsurvey@qv.co.nz. ashburtondc.govt.nz

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

Tricks of the trade to be revealed at digital marketing workshop Two of Ashburton’s expert website developers and marketing professionals will be sharing the dos and don’ts of digital marketing this month in an effort to help local event organisers promote their events.

The Capability Development workshop is being organised through Ashburton District Council with funding from the Mid Canterbury Regional Event Fund. Council Community Services Group Manager, Steve Fabish says attendees stand to gain practical insights and advice for digital marketing, no matter their level of experience. “We’re very excited to have Ashleigh and Sara on board to lift the lid on digital marketing, as it’s such an integral part of

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Public Notice

RATING INFORMATION DATABASE

Ashleigh Rushton of Rushton Marketing and Sara Stephens from Pixel & Ink Creative Studio will be hosting a workshop across two evenings at the Hotel Ashburton on 26 and 27 May, and event organisers are being invited to secure their seat as soon as possible. Just nine spaces are available for the workshops, which will feature an introduction to the basics of social media and website digital marketing, as well as an in-depth review of how the two systems work best together.

the way business is done today. “Council wants to ensure our local event organisers have the information and guidance they need to really get their event out there and make it a success for our district, especially if they are wanting to grow the event and attract an even larger audience.” The two-day workshop is $100 per person and includes take-home workbooks and light refreshments. They will run from 5.30pm until 7.30pm on both days. Up to two people per event can register to attend.

Registrations are welcome via email at events@adc.govt.nz. Include your name, phone number, organisation and event name. About the presenters: Ashleigh Rushton is the director of Rushton Marketing, which was founded in 2014 to provide outsourced marketing expertise for small to medium business owners. Pixel & Ink Creative Studio is a website development agency based in Ashburton. Sara Stephens is the Creative Director, producing web designs for small businesses.

Hands-on with Head Pieces at the Museum

The Rating Information Database of the Ashburton District Council is now available for inspection on our website ashburtondc. govt.nz at any time. Any other queries regarding the Rating Information Database can be made by calling our office on (03) 307 7700, emailing info@ adc.govt.nz or visiting the Ashburton District Council at 5 Baring Square West, Ashburton during our office hours (Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m). The Rating Information Database contains information required by Council to set and assess rates on each rating unit within the Ashburton District. Details include the name and postal address of the owner of the rating unit, rating valuation, services available or connected to the rating unit, the legal description, and the area of the rating unit. This is as per Part 2 Section 27 and Section 28 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, and the Local Government (Rating) Amendment Act 2004. Hamish Riach Chief Executive

REQUEST FOR TENDER

Ashburton District Council is seeking tenders for 1 new tractor for the Open Spaces Division, with the following specifications: • 95-105hp • ab, with aircon and suspension • Soft Foot flotation tyres, TRS type turf tread - Front 500's, Rear 650's • Current availability for delivery by 30 June 2021 (availability if after 1 July 2021) • Local 24-hour servicing • Road registration Tender Opens: 20 May 2021 Tender Closes: 4.00 pm 29 May 2021 For further information or to apply, please contact us on 0274 382 542 or ian.soper@adc.govt.nz. Ian Soper Open Spaces Manager

JUNE MEETINGS Meetings are held in the Council Chambers, 137 Havelock Street, (unless otherwise advised).

Uniquely designed hand-made headpiece creations have been spotted leaving the Ashburton Museum with their proud creators as part of the Critters, Creatures and Curiosities exhibit running there from 16 April to 27 June.

Councils twisted florist wires around feathers, fabrics, and headbands to craft their own decorated ears, antlers, or antennae.

The Ashburton Youth Council took part in the activity as a team-building exercise a part of their monthly Youth Council meeting. They even invited members of Selwyn Youth Council to join in, proving to be a hit!

“It was tricky, but a good icebreaker,” he added.

With sewing kits at the ready, both Youth

ashburtondc.govt.nz

“The Youth Councillors made antlers, mouse ears, and even an alien-eye,” said Youth Council Chair Michael Baker.

Ashburton District Council Community Services Group Manager, Steve Fabish said the Ashburton Museum exhibitions are a great educational and enjoyable resource available to our community.

“With every exhibition, we have a familyfriendly learning activity that people can take home with them as a souvenir. We aim to provide a good half-day of entertainment for all ages,” he said. The Critters, Creatures and Curiosities exhibition features attention-grabbing, animal-made, or related items from traditional animal products to skulls and whale vertebrae. The exhibition is running now through 27 June 2021.

Council Meeting, Wednesday 2 June, 1.00pm (live-streamed) Biodiversity Advisory Group Meeting, Tuesday 8 June, 1.00pm Youth Council Meeting, Wednesday 9 June, 4.00pm Methven Community Board Meeting, Mt Hutt Memorial Hall Monday 14 June, 1.00pm Council Meeting, Wednesday 16 June, 1.00pm (live-streamed) Ashburton Water Zone Committee Meeting, Thursday 22 June, 1.00pm Council Activity Briefings, Wednesday 23 June, 9.30am (live-streamed) Audit & Risk Committee Meeting, Wednesday 23 June, 1.00pm (live-streamed) Extraordinary Council Meeting, Wednesday 30 June, 1.00pm (live-streamed)

Week of 17 May 2021 | ISSUE 29

12 WEEKEND FOCUS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

Chris Niles: ‘There was By Malcolm Hopwood

As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches Chris Niles remembers standing on the roof of the CNN building in New York watching the aftermath of the attack. “I saw the second tower fall in real time. We were scared.” It was one of a number of major events in the world that Chris, an international TV journalist, experienced and covered. Back home this week, Chris opens up her laptop and works for the United Nations from Ashburton.

here have been pivotal moments in Chris Niles’ life when she wanted to be a writer on the international stage. Chris, who began her career at 3ZE Ashburton in Tancred Street, remembers writing stories on foolscap while attending Fairlie School. Then there were two years in the mid1980s working for the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) in Melbourne when she realised “there was a big world out there”. Later, when she was sent to Prague by Reuters TV, she confronted violent confrontations as Czech people protested over the oppressive Communist rule. All impacted on her in different ways. But, if there was a starting place, it was writing novels on large sheets of paper. Chris was heavily influenced by Enid Blyton, a prolific writer of children’s stories. “My characters were similar to the Famous Five and they all had a dog,” she said. Being brought up as a child in rural South Canterbury, she had a lot of time on her hands and “developed an internal life”. Fairlie District High gave her a good grounding in reading and writing, and, from school, she left for Wellington Polytechnic to study journalism. It was a one-year course followed by rigorous training by the NZBC in pronouncing her vowels. She remembers the importance of emphasising the “e” in Wellington. Fortunately, there were no tricky Kiwi vowels in Ashburton where she was sent as the sole journalist in charge. Her job was to find the news, write the

Chris (left) and two colleagues receive security training before flying to Iraq. bulletin, and then read it. It was great training, and her career took her to Radio Caroline in Timaru where she met Pete McQuarters and John Dunne, then to Christchurch and

Wellington. “I always wanted to be a citizen of the world but, in New Zealand, you could afford not to take any notice,” Chris said. However, the Kiwi conscience was

You either survived and went home or you died

Chris Niles reads to two youngsters at a displacement camp in Northern Iraq.

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

WEEKEND FOCUS 13

a big world out there’

pricked when a hole in the ozone layer was detected which might have previewed our awareness of ecology. The SBS in Victoria was dedicated to Australia’s migrant community. “I talked to Armenians about genocide in their country and Pakistanis about the separation between their country and India,” she said. “I realised there was a big world out there.” Her world got bigger when she moved to London to work for Reuters. She was in Berlin just after the wall came down in 1989 and recalls the joy of both West and East Germany people being reunited and in Prague talking to protesters. “It was scary times. The police weren’t afraid of beating people up.” The world’s conflict and carnage stayed with Chris when she accepted a position with CNN in London and then New York. Her production task was to receive the satellite feeds and prepare TV news items. The world was a violent place and the news feeds disturbing. “We got the raw footage and I had to make it presentable for TV,” she said. She recalled the Rwanda genocide, seeing rivers clogged with human bodies and similar atrocities in the Balkans. CNN was starting to be like Fox News and, while Chris understood it was a business that had to make money, she was “finding it less and less satisfying”. But one memory stays with her, even if she’d rather not think about it. This year is the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and Chris recalled standing on the roof of CNN’s building on September 11, 2001, watching aircraft flying overhead and trying to make sense of what was happening. “I saw the second tower fall in real time. We were scared. There was a lot of anger around.” Chris’ producer sent her to Bellevue Hospital near the World Trade Centre to report on the injured, but no-one came. They were all dead. “You either survived and went home or you died,” she said. It is hard to believe Chris had any spare

Chris Niles, back home in Ashburton. time, but around the turn of the century she was also a successful novelist. She fulfilled the promise that began with Enid Blyton write-alikes and wrote six crime novels about a broadcaster set around the world. By 2004 she was freelancing and was then told about a CNN executive, Steve Cassidy, who was working for UNICEF. When they met, he told her UNICEF was looking for journalists to work on humanitarian issues. “I thought this is more worthwhile. This is me,” she said. Chris was engaged to write and produce stories for the UNICEF website. It meant travelling the world to such places as Kenya, Honduras, Haiti, Iraq and Ethiopia. “Kenya was an amazing place, but following the government election in 2010, there was tribal violence.

“Horrific crimes were committed where people were rounded up, ordered into a building and murdered,” Chris said. “In a refugee camp in Iran I was confronted by people who were displaced. “They’d had their home bombed and family killed. I could go home at the end of it, have a shower and a cold beer. “I felt guilty. I realised how privileged I was. My life was the result of where I was born.” But there was also a feeling of satisfaction. By telling their stories and highlighting their issues, she was able to challenge people and the world to do something about it. When her contract with UNICEF ended in 2017, Chris joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Her brief, based in New York and now Ashburton, is to look after the website and

write stories. At the moment, she’s publicising UNDP’s involvement in Covid-19 research. Back home for less than a week, she’s working New York hours. She goes to bed about 7pm and then starts work from 1-9am, or when her commitment for the day is over. “New Zealand is the envy of the world. They’ve coped with Covid-19 brilliantly,” she said. She makes the point that countries, that have addressed the pandemic better than others, such as Finland, South Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand, all have women leaders. After 35 years away, Chris is back in New Zealand for good. She wants to refresh herself about the country, spend more time with family, and, as for Ashburton, it’s “peaceful and quiet after 20 years in New York”.

14 WEEKEND FOCUS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

Gold medal was start of a When you think of Sebastian Coe, he has an equal in Mid Canterbury. Lord Coe was an Olympic Gold Medal winner, chairperson of the Organising Committee for the London Olympics and now chair of the British Olympic Association. Methven’s Barry Maister is also a Gold Medal winner, secretary/general of the NZ Olympic Association and, for 10 years, our delegate to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lucerne. It’s been a glittering career for this former rector of St Andrews College.

arry Maister remembers winning Olympic gold like it was yesterday. Tony Ineson belted in from a penalty corner and the New Zealand Olympic hockey team beat Australia 1-0 at Montreal in 1976. “It was a unique moment of exhilaration,” Maister said from his home in Methven. He was centre-forward that day, in an international career that extended from 1967 to 1980. “As finals went, it was a shocking game, but we were the better team and deserved to win,” he said. “We celebrated afterwards. We were a team of amateurs which no-one believed. “We built up an incredible momentum as we progressed through the tournament. “We had self-belief that we could win.” The squad still gets together for reunions, but it’s not the medal they talk about. “It’s the sense of humility and achievement,” he said. That sense of humility and achievement has been an essential part of Barry’s life that has seen many successes and honours over six decades. At first teaching played a key part. It’s not surprising that, after Christchurch Boys’ High and Teachers’ College, his biology degree took him into the classroom. His dad was a head teacher and education was in Barry’s DNA. “My father was the ultimate role model and a real teacher.” Barry taught at Boys’ High from 1972 to 1987, ending his time as deputy principal. There was a time clock in his system that told him not to linger. “I live my life in short stints,” he said. When the opportunity arose to be principal of Riccarton High School, he grabbed it. “I was moving up the scale and never regretted it. “I had eight fantastic years there. It was a small school that didn’t have a pretence. It was a happy place.” But his next challenge was a school that had earned a reputation for bullying. Barry received the hospital pass on his arrival at St Andrew’s and set out to address the problem. “The reputation was based around bullying in the boarding house, so I lived there for the first term. “Being there made a statement. However, you can’t run a school and a boarding establishment and I escaped after the first term,” he said. It was enough to address the problem. Traditional behaviours had gone unchecked, but the practice was stopped. On reflection the school shouldn’t have been characterised in that way, he said. But Barry had a greater challenge to confront. The school was flirting with co-education, but not embracing it fully.

Girls could attend St Andrew’s up to Year 4, and then from Year 12, but not in between. That made no sense to him. He was a liberated co-ed person and wanted girls to go through the school from start to finish. “I thought it would be our point of difference because there was no other private co-ed school in the South Island,” he said. Life is co-ed, he said, but there were a few entrenched former students who thought differently. Barry got his way and St Andrew’s benefited. “Co-ed was normal. Girls were more mature at that age and I enjoyed the interaction between girls and boys,” he said. He was rector from 1994 to 2001, but

then his time clock whispered he was ready for another challenge. “I’d been a principal for 14 years. It takes its toll. Being head of a private school is huge and never-ending.” Excelling in sport was never far from Barry’s mind. At St Andrew’s, the school’s hockey team won the Rankin Cup, the major prize for secondary school boys. The position of secretary/general of the New Zealand Olympic Committee was advertised. Barry was encouraged by a friend to apply. As an Olympian, he had risen to the pinnacle of sport, as an educator he’d reached the dizzy heights of education. The chairman of the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), John

Davies, an Olympic bronze middle-distance runner, wanted an educationalist. Barry ticked every box. “The values of the Olympic movement aligned with my values and what a good school should be about,” Barry said. “It’s being the best you can be.” He moved for the first time to the North Island, even if it was only to Wellington at the southern tip. There he developed a new culture. “Previously the NZOC had been a business. We weren’t a team and we didn’t look at the potential of Olympians in the world. “I developed the Olympic family again and saw the potential of members playing a role and telling their stories. “I saw the movement as being inspirational and motivating,” he said.

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

WEEKEND FOCUS 15

glittering Olympic career

Above – Barry Maister at home in Methven. PHOTO MALCOLM HOPWOOD Left – Barry Maister became a member of the IOC in 2010 and served on the body for eight years PHOTO SUPPLIED

As an Olympian he rose to the pinnacle of sport, as a teacher he reached the dizzy heights of education

The gold medal winning 1976 New Zealand men’s Olympic hockey team.

Barry Maister with GovernorGeneral Dame Patsy Reddy after his investiture as ONZM for services to sport and the community in 2020. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Barry also set up the Olympic Museum as an opportunity to educate people about the Olympic movement and its values. Sometimes it wasn’t easy. The NZOC was disfunctional, focusing only on selecting competitors to go to the Games at the exclusion of wider issues, especially education. To Barry, Peter Snell was his hero, but Davies was Snell’s companion, a heartbeat away from Olympic glory. “I was in the middle of the board and the management but survived.” Looking back, he facilitated the recognition of Olympians, giving them relevance in the New Zealand sporting field. Looking forward, Barry had developed an international perspective. He’d attended over a dozen summer

and winter Olympics and Youth Games and had been vice-president of Oceania’s Olympic Committee for eight years. It was only sensible that he should progress to become a member of the International Olympic Committee, based in Lucerne, Switzerland. Contracted by Sport New Zealand, Barry relinquished his position as secretary-general and became a member of the IOC. It required flying to Switzerland 34 times over 10 years to attend IOC meetings. “It was very, very special. I became part of the family of IOC members,” he said. “It opened doors in the world for New Zealand. I was able to connect with the head of every sports federation around the globe.” The New Zealand Government saw Barry had connections with powerful people around the world and he obliged by making key interventions. Although he modestly said he played a small part, people were influenced and decisions made that benefited our country. However, Barry was there as an IOC member and led the educational pro-

gramme for the committee. “My time was unique and so different. “Many in the room were sporting icons and we’ve become friends for life,” he said. His term ended in 2019 and he received an award from the IOC for services well done. As he trudged off the field, triumphant but exhausted in Montreal nearly 35 years earlier, he would never have guessed he’d play a pivotal part in the movement that administered the Olympics. You can take the boy out of rural New Zealand, but not rural New Zealand out of the boy. Barry was born and brought up in Rotherham, North Canterbury, and enjoyed the first years of his life in the milking and shearing sheds and sitting on tractors. “I loved the whole rural experience. We were free and safe. I’m still a closet farmer.” It wasn’t surprising that he returned to country living, firstly in Waikawa, near Picton, and then to Methven. The move to Picton coincided with his appointment to the IOC. He embraced the life and was quickly

PHOTO SUPPLIED

part of the community. Barry became founding chair of Picton Smart and Connected and chair of the Kaipupu Wildlife Sanctuary. In recent months he’s moved to Methven to be closer to his partner, Gillian Heald, but still retains property at Waikawa and Christchurch. He belongs to Methven Lions and is already part of their projects, but the Olympics still burns within him. He has an address entitled Behind The Rings about the Olympic movement, its importance and the way it can impact on people’s lives. Barry’s contribution to sport and education was recognised with an ONZM (Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit) in 2012 and a CNZM (Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit) in 2020. Reflecting on it, he said sport and education shapes who you are as a person. “It develops your thinking, the value of effort, learning and self-reflection. “Education is the most important thing in the world and the Olympics is the largest global peace movement on the planet.” Now that’s a speech worth listening to.

16 OPINION

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

OUR VIEW

Water meters make cents By Jonathan Leask jonathan.l@theguardian.co.nz

he Long-Term Plan process has raised a common misconception. It’s around water and how it is paid for. Councils do not charge for water. They charge for the infrastructure that delivers that water to and from your property. The water is free. Pipes, treatment plants, maintenance and renewals are not. I spotted a comment along the lines of “if it falls from the sky I’m not paying for it”. Water does fall from the sky, but it doesn’t fall directly down and out your tap when you need it. It has to be collected, processed, and delivered to your address. Water doesn’t magically turn up in your tap and once it’s used it doesn’t just disappear when you flush the toilet. It requires infrastructure. That is what the council is charging for. There is angst about the installation of water meters, although the council is scrapping its planned district-wide installation for a trial, and doesn’t intend to use them for charging purposes – yet. Like anything they come with an initial set-up cost but boast a lot of benefits. Bypassing the conspiracies, water meters are a simple case of the user-pays system. When you use water – as in make use of the infrastructure that delivers it to you – the meter records how much you use and charges accordingly. People who use more water pay more in charges, while properties with lower water use benefit from lower charges. The meters allow council to more accurately decide where and when renewals occur, and to pinpoint leaks rather than using what is a best guess system. Ultimately it will likely save ratepayers money as the council can defer unnecessary upgrades while the user-pays system has shown to cause a decrease in water usage. At the moment, a one-off charge means everyone pays the same, no matter the usage. It’s like having an all you eat buffet and while a person has one plate their neighbour can have 10 – for the same price. Meters provide parity. Use more, pay more. If that’s not for you, and you still believe that it falls from the sky and is free, find yourself a rain water tank – again this form of infrastructure is not free – and switch off the council’s pipes. Then rather than complaining to the council, you can debate your water usage with Mother Nature.

YOUR VIEW Town centre Ashburton District Council chief executive Hamish Riach responds to letter to the editor ‘Town Centre’ (Ashburton Guardian, May 19, 2021). The Ashburton CBD is undergoing a complete refurbishment of services, both above and below ground, and not just repairs being undertaken. This project has meant a complete replacement of all water, sewer, and stormwater pipelines and associated laterals pipework located in both roadways and footpaths in the CBD area. This underground work has to be carried out before any above ground work can

commence. A planned methodology is being followed to ensure each new service is installed in a timely fashion. This includes the connections to the relevant network before the above ground work can continue. As a result, multiple open worksites are present, with some sites not able to be completed until work has been finished elsewhere. It is impossible to undertake such significant works without adversely affecting footpaths, which also needs complete replacement. Unfortunately, the current disruption is unavoidable during a major upgrade project of

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.

this scale. While council does acknowledge that the CBD is not as accessible to users as normally would be expected, council has been committed to minimising the impact as much as possible. Considerations include: ■■ Providing frequent communication with affected businesses, ■■ Ensuring contractors provide as much safe pedestrian access to all businesses as possible, ■■ Designating mobility carparks on Tancred Street (and soon to be available on Burnett Street), ■■ And approving an additional $180,000 in funding to keep

CONTACTS News tips Call 03 307-7969 After hours news tips matt.m@theguardian.co.nz Advertising Call 03 307-7976 sonia.g@theguardian.co.nz Classifieds Call 03 3077-900 classifieds@theguardian.co.nz Missed paper Call 0800 ASHBURTON 0800 274 287

the four main intersections in the CBD mostly open during the upgrade period; these were initially programmed to be closed for four weeks and would have created more disruptions for businesses and visitors to the CBD. Council is pleased to see that the project has passed the 70 per cent completion mark. Council is also confident the new streetscape in the CBD will provide a significantly enhanced environment for many years to come for all those coming into the Ashburton CBD when the project is completed in November. Hamish Riach, Ashburton District Council Chief Executive

MEDIA COUNCIL This newspaper is subject to the New Zealand Media Council. ■■ Complaints must first be directed in writing to editor@theguardian.co.nz ■■ If unsatisfied, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council, PO Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143 or email info@presscouncil.org.nz ■■ Further detail and an online complaints form are available at www.mediacouncil.org.nz

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Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

OPINION 17

Going old skool By Peter McQuarters PETE’S PERSPECTIVE

orty Eight Years. Give or take. That’s the bit that happened in the middle as I returned to school over the weekend of the recent Ashburton College reunion and reflected on all that had happened since I walked out those very gates at the end of ’73. Actually, I think I ran at the time. School for me was a bit of a love/hate relationship and on obtaining the first opportunity for parole, I leapt at it. But I did go back for part of the reunion. Curiosity got the better of me. And cathartic it certainly was. Our group of maybe eight or ten, (maths was never a strength) was led around the campus on the Saturday morning tours by a very good senior student as we reacquainted ourselves with the educational spaces of our youth. At least the ones that existed when we were there. Being one of the originals that ‘broke-in’ the brand new school at the start of the second term in 1971, the first shock was that some of the now clearly ageing ancilliary structures were not even built until well after I had left. I went home and looked in the mirror. “Yes, you are an old bastard.” When I was there, there was no pool. It was a thing of the future and is now extinct. It’s been and it’s gone. I’ve outlasted a big concrete swimming pool. That’s some sort of achievement, I mused. Hang in there dear reader, there are positives to come. Academically I was no skyrocket, and certainly no sports jock. But thankfully the college allowed me to flourish in my own way. Being a bit entrepreneurial and with an interest in audio visual, I was put in charge of the AV equipment under Mr Childs. I loved it. We were blessed with not only a brand spanking new school, but new AV gear to go with it. We even had these clever machines that utilised a rela-

McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King and Pizza Hut. Great to see them acknowledged in the food technology classroom on the school reunion tour. tively recent invention. Cassette tapes. T6 appealed to me a lot. It was a tiered lecture theatre in T block with a projection room up the back. I used to borrow display lighting effects from my dad at Haywrights to set “the mood” and ran lunch-time short films obtainable then from the oil companies. The small door charge went into a fund for more school equipment.

was warm and sincere and he had simply wanted to meet the source of all this money that was pouring into the school’s coffers. The money for the school, hadn’t been the driver of the film sessions. It was just the thrill of putting on a show. But it was nice to see some real good come of it and I was fortunate to receive the Smallbone Award and the C H Andrews award for Initiative and Enterprise. I still cherish those.

Academically I was no skyrocket, and certainly no sports jock. But thankfully the college allowed me to flourish in my own way. After some time doing this, I remember being summonsed into the offices of the school’s accountant. I admit to being quite nervous. Was I in trouble? What’s the problem? As it turned out, the greeting from the accountant, a Mr Marshall, if I recall correctly,

Academically challenged, maybe. But I had carved my own niche. I mention this not as a trumpet blowing exercise, but to illustrate that if you are creative enough, even back in the early 1970s, you can find your own way. And I think that is important.

There can be a lot of pressures for students to conform to this, participate in that, but if your heart is in the right place, and your calling is genuine and well-intentioned elsewhere, does it really matter that PE is not your thing? Another fond memory was 1973 and an Audio Visual Expo I staged in A6, the then hall. Amongst all the latest domestic hi-fi gear, the highlight was to be a demonstration of colour television. The first in Ashburton. The year before it was to be introduced in 1974, the year of the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch. With great expectation the rep I had organised from Phillips set up the amazing K9 colour TV and hooked it up to a very large video tape machine. This was all ground-breaking stuff back then, in our black and white monochrome world. It ran gloriously for about three minutes until the tape jammed in its complex mechanism and that was that. School, I guess, is different things to different folks.

Because we are not all the same. Diversity seems to be accommodated even more so these days and the role of school in setting us up for the years that follow is certainly important. Whatever we make of it. Curiously though, how often do you hear of people who went on to achieve great things in life yet were pretty lack-lustre in the academic environment? Quite a lot actually. There is hope beyond those gates. For everyone. And my only disappointment on returning? T6 and A6 are now absolutely unrecognisable. Both repurposed from their original guise and consigned to history. But ahhhh, the memories live on. 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.

Sometimes we all feel a little down

ometimes we all feel a little down. Winter cold, grey skies, losses, frustrations, financial and physical restrictions … life can wear us down. Depression, loneliness and anger are very real and far too prevalent in our society. As we grope for a slogan for Ashburton, and consider the new Long-Term Plan can we build a strength for combatting loneliness and aloneness. Can we prevent a pattern of feeling angry frustrated or despairing becoming a regular

By Johanna Warren CHRISTIAN COMMENT

reality for any person in our community? The other grey day, feeling a little ‘blah’, I went round the corner to the dairy. On the way home suddenly birds sang and I lifted my head to see our mountains, the

bright cloud-studded sky, the trees shedding their clothes and arrived home happy and bright. How many of you deliberately go to the domain, beach, walk the dog, ride your bike or take to the golf course or the hills to maintain your wellbeing? Today, three friends came for a cuppa and to talk about life, especially life in our church. One person went away with a little task to get stuck into, and I ended up feeling energised,

and even more importantly, that I belonged. What groups of friends do you connect with? Who energises your life? An old dog we once had used to go round about three times nose towards tail and settle into his watching, waiting, sleeping spot by the back door. That picture explains something of the feeling of connection, being valued, extending my life in positive ways, that I receive from doing things with friends; things as simple as a

walk or a coffee. As refugees and others migrate to Mid Canterbury, some with few New Zealand networks, can we widen our connections to include them? What organisations that provide support and encouragement for healthy happy living can we expand to meet the needs of the lonely or the alone, the sad or lost in our midst? Johanna Warren is the minister at Hakatere Presbyterian.

18 YOUR PLACE

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

TEST YOURSELF

Domain dash

Test yourself with the Guardian’s quiz 1. Alan Shephard played golf on the moon during what Apollo mission? a) Apollo 12 b) Apollo 14 c) Apollo 16 2. Before his presidency, George W. Bush served as the governor of what state? a) Tennessee b) North Carolina c) Texas 3. Which Game of Thrones cast member is the great-grandchild of Charles Dickens? a) John Brady b) Carcie Van Houten c) Harry Lloyd 4. Which of this countries has the bigger land mass? a) Samoa b) Tonga c) Fiji 5. Nyctophobia is an extreme irrational fear of what? a) Night or Darkness b) Opinions c) Being alone 6. Switzerland’s Roger Federer also has citizenship of which country? a) United Kingdom b) South Africa c) Australia 7. The spider from mars were what singers backing band in the 1970’s? a) Cher b) Elton John c) David Bowie 8. What is the green ingredient in maître d’hôtel butter? a) Parsley b) Chives c) Thyme Answers: 1. b) Apollo 14 2. c) Texas 3. c) Harry Lloyd 4. a) Samoa 5. a) Night or darkness 6. b) South Africa 7. c) David Bowie 8. a) Parsley

DAILY RECIPE

2 9

5 3 4 5 8 3 6 9

Ashburton Borough’s Brady Leadley on his way to winning the Year 4 boys’ race at the school’s cross-country race at the Ashburton Domain this week.

5 9 7

3 2 5 5 7 1 3 FRIDAY’S ANSWERS

EASY SUDOKU

4 1 9 3 8 6 5 7 9 8 4 1 6 4 7 5 3 9 5 9 4 7 1 5 2 3 2

2 9 4 3 8 5 7 6 1

6 1 7 2 4 9 8 3 5

5 3 8 1 6 7 4 9 2

7 4 3 8 2 6 1 5 9

9 2 6 5 7 1 3 8 4

8 5 1 9 3 4 2 7 6

4 7 2 6 9 8 5 1 3

1 8 9 4 5 3 6 2 7

3 6 5 7 1 2 9 4 8

Solutions for today in Wednesday’s Your Place page.

9 7 Pot au feu 6 2kg Tegel Mixed Chicken Portions 4 small parsnips or turnips 8 small potatoes 5 1 fennel bulb or leek, sliced 6 shallots, unpeeled 1 8 cloves garlic, unpeeled 4 sprigs rosemary 2 1 C white wine 1 C salt reduced chicken stock 8 12 baby carrots 4 ■■ Preheat oven to 180°C. ■■ Arrange the Tegel Mixed Chicken Portions 2kg in a single layer in a baking dish or cas3

3 2 6 5 8 7 4 1 1 8 4 2 9 3 6 5 1 the7chicken 8 with9salt2and 4serole5dish.3Season pepper. ■8 ■ Add4 the parsnips potatoes, 7 9or turnips, 3 1 2 fennel 6 or leek, shallots, garlic and rosemary. Pour 6the wine 3 and 2 chicken 4 stock 5 into 9 the7dish.8 ■■ Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Add baby carrots, cover with foil and cook 7the 9 8 6 1 5 3 4 for a further 20 minutes. Remove the foil further 20 minutes or until 5and 6cook 9for aare 3 2 browned 4 1and 7soft the vegetables lightly – the garlic and shallots will squeeze out of 9their1skins.5 7 6 2 8 3 ■■ Serve with green vegetables. Tegel Foods 4 6 5 9Ltd 2 7 1Recipe8courtesy Lucky Last – Make it yours! • 3 Bedrooms • Semi Rural Outlook • Sheltered Outdoor Seating

• Sunny & Warm • Full kitchen • Fabulous Amenities

Call Donna Coxshall (Facility Manager) today on 03 307 6140 Phone 03 307 6140 | 37 Carters Terrace Tinwald, Ashburton 7700 Www.terraceview.co.nz

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

HERITAGE 19

School times revisited By Connor Lysaght

mong the Ashburton Museum’s extensive archives are numerous oral history recordings and transcripts that hold valuable information about life in the Ashburton District from days gone by. These histories contain stories told by ordinary people – tales of their lives and all the ups and downs that came their way. An interesting topic that always comes up in oral history interviews is the subject’s experiences at school. More often than not, one’s school life tends to shape everything that comes afterwards. This is not by any fault of the student of course, as a traditional education was, and still is not for everyone. Out of sheer generosity, the interviewees whose memories are shared on this page have allowed public access and publication of their stories, so that we can all benefit from their knowledge and their experiences.

From grades to wages Frances Edna Hulme (nee Collins) recalled her school years in her 1997 oral history interview. Born in 1925, Frances attended Allenton School where she said that she excelled in mathematics, “was quite a bright pupil, and enjoyed all physical activities, drill, folk dancing, sports, basketball, rounders, etc.” In 1933 she went to Ashburton High School with the intention of following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a teacher. “Unfortunately, in my fifth form year, Dad found an opportunity for me to take a position in R Hannah & Co, a footwear shop. He considered it was a good opportunity and I would be able to travel around New Zealand and transfer to the city although he always reminded me I wasn’t allowed to leave home until I was twenty-one. That was a big blow and I truly cried because I had to leave school and my future was to be in the business world. As it hap-

Springburn School group, 6th decade 1926 – 1935, at the 75th jubilee in 1951. Melville Aldridge is second in from the left, sitting at front row. pened, this experience held me in good stead later on in life when I was a widow with a business to control.” Melville Arthur Aldridge, who was born in 1927, had a different experience. He was a pupil at Springburn School during the depression days, and said in his interview that he walked to school barefoot in all weather. In response to the interviewer enquiring about what it was like in the winter time, he said that “we took no notice of it”. When asked whether he enjoyed his schooling, he replied: “No I didn’t, cause I couldn’t learn, I couldn’t learn at all. I’ll tell you this, I’m not ashamed of it, but there you are, I was 14 and still in standard four … I was allowed to leave school at 14 and old Mr Bansgrove told me “there are only two ways at making money, one is

Frances Hulme with her grandchildren in 1996, at a Hulme family reunion. with your hands and the other is with your brains and if you choose your hands they have got to go 24 hours a day.” I’ve never forgotten that.” Melville went to work on a farm by Staveley among other jobs, and eventually he found a position with NZ Insulators where he worked until retirement age.

Children her own age

Mavis Atkinson in 1991, sitting at the edge of Devon Park.

Mavis Atkinson, born in 1913, took things into her own hands when she wound up in an unusual situation at Lynnford School. When she started at Lynnford, she had plenty of friends including the Dell girls who were her best friends. Her school experience was good there until she turned 12, when, in her own words, she “ran out of school mates”. “The older ones had left, the ones nearest to my age. May Dell had left, gone home to help her mum. What was left at Lynnford, were the little new pupils, five year olds, or five or six years, so before I left the teacher was giving me the job of hearing reading and spelling of these little ones. I wasn’t content with that.” Mavis went home to her mother and complained, pleading to let

her bike to Hinds School four miles away. Her mother was disapproving of the idea, but Mavis was determined: “I got on my bike and went. But I never got a letter in my hand from one school to another school. I just went without it. I never called into school to get it.” She ended up passing standard six with proficiency, owing to her natural talent with reading and writing, and she went on to do a year at the Technical School before returning home to help on the farm at sixteen.

School history preserved The Ashburton Museum looks after various archives and memorabilia from local schools, with some being on display as part of the museum’s permanent main exhibition. Archives held by the Ashburton Museum relating to Ashburton District schools include jubilee booklets, class photographs, and admittance registers – many of which having been digitally transcribed by volunteers. School-related objects in the Ashburton Museum’s collection include, but are not limited to, badges, uniforms, sportswear, stationery, commemorative ceram-

ics, and more. The Ashburton Museum even has foundation stones from now non-existent school buildings such as Ashburton High School. As always, the Ashburton Museum encourages anyone interested in local history, including schools, to contact us for any research queries. Also, if you or a loved one have information to share about school experiences from days-gone-by, feel free to get in touch.

CONTACT Material for this page is co-ordinated by the Ashburton Museum. Articles from other organisations are welcomed, as is any feedback on what appears. Email: museum@adc.govt.nz Mail: PO Box 94, Ashburton 7700 Phone: 307-7890 Copies of the photos on this page are available for purchase from the Ashburton Museum

20 PUZZLES Puzzles and horoscopes Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

Cryptic crossword 1

Simon Shuker’s Code Cracker 5

Your Stars

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Tired ways of thinking are cutting you off from a relationship’s potential to thrill you. And, anyway, you no longer need that pattern. You’ll hand it over like it was the cost of admission to a joyride. TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): The theme of the day is very much in keeping with the scales that are your birth symbol. And if you can balance your lower urges and higher instincts, then you are a master of balance indeed. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): Through strength, focus and controlled breath, you work through the easy parts, sail along with the fun parts and grind away at the tough parts until you accomplish what you set out to do. CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): It shouldn’t surprise you that people want to be around your energy, ideas and unique voice. You may need to make the first move because you’re the one with the energy and courage it takes to initiate. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): There will be those who mistake cynicism and being hard to please with sophistication and taste. Of course, the truly sophisticated and tasteful will tend to be inclusive, curious and optimistic. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): You could take the freeway, or stroll the breezeway, but you’ll forego those and any established “way” in favour of tramping through the wilderness of your soul to a destination known to none before you. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): Find where your interests overlap those of the others. It will be so much easier to fight for what you care about beside others who also care and are deeply invested in the outcome. SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): On this is a day of promise, you recognise there are already so many fulfilled promises that it seems almost greedy to want more. Then again, this is not just for you. You want more for everyone. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): The day feels about as fresh as your heart. Maybe a part of it still needs to heal, but don’t let that hold you back from showing up and radiating warmth which will only abet in the mending. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Knowing what’s weird about your life is the first step in knowing what’s funny about it, and therefore what’s relatable and perhaps even charming. So go on and delve into the weird parts. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Don’t wait for the day to send you an invitation to its opportunities. This is 2021, not 1821, and to the one who is willing to make brave attempts, the opportunities are practically limitless. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): You finished that year, did all you could, and, now, you’re done with it. You’re headed in with some interesting ideas – thoughts that lean toward ridiculous even.

ACROSS 2. Gun to fire by mistake if left inside (5) 5. Swelling may be result of minor collision (4) 7. Sort of nose one may cold-shoulder (4) 8. Sends Ark out when night is upon us (8) 9. An entrancing sound visitor may put his finger on (8) 11. Pawn the white Rhine wine (4) 12. Before the gun, it may come to the support of a sprinter (8,5) 15. Head-cover for chorus-leader getting the bird (4) 17. Euclidean study might go with my tree arrangement (8) 19. Told nine to change, not being disposed to activity (8) 21. Where literary Vicar would sound like an ass (4) 22. Figure worshipped by one with an incomplete puppet (4) 23. Like beach also found in Surrey, West and East (5) DOWN 1. Associate with somebody like Albert (7) 2. Tease one for being involved in chest expansion (3) 3. Newspaper had a box for the sweetmeat (5) 4. How to put lager up to keep sound out (7) 5. Bordeaux is noted initially for wine in store (3) 6. Notes are written in sound art form (5) 10. Dewy look in tenor or alto (5) 11. Create a fifty—fifty split (5) 13. Means of entering French artiste s first sketch (7) 14. Run Act I out and bring it (7) 16. Admitted one had a proprietor (5) 18. Note may have been played loudly time and time again (5) 20. A wiseacre removed top of 15 (3) 21. Horse that’s reddish brown may sound like a hound (3)

WordWheel

WordBuilder

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

WordWheel 883

C O S E

Quick crossword 1

Insert the missing letter to complete an

eight-letter word reading clockwise or Previous solution: CROTCHET

12 14

ACROSS 6. Plunderer (6) 7. Legendary (6) 10. Outlast (7) 11. Pseudonym (5) 12. Timbre (4) 13. Tricked (5) 16. Severe (5) 17. Glimpse (4) 20. Coral island (5) 21. Grave (7) 22. Compares (6) 23. Drink of the gods (6)

19 21

DOWN 1. Theoretical observer (3,2,3,4) 2. Satisfied (7) 3. Spiral (5) 4. Coped (7) 5. Undecorated (5) 8. Uneasiness (12) 9. Reclaim (9) 14. Wreath (7) 15. Rebels (7) 18. Stoppers (5) 19. Desiccated (5)

098

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 8including Very Good 11 Excellent letters, plurals, can you14make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. and, dag, dan, Previous There’s at solution: least one five-letter word. darg, darn, gad,11gar, grad, gran, Good 8 Verydrag, Good Excellent 14 grand, nag, nard, rad, rag, ran, rand, rang

Previous cryptic solution

Across: 1. Presupposing 8. Astonish 9. Eden 11. Inset 12. Officer 13. Gags 15. Udal 19. Observe 20. Asset 22. Dart 23. Sound off 24. Recommending Down: 2. Rites 3. Senate 4. Piston 5. Induced 6. General staff 7. Baking-powder 10. Ufo 14. Gastric516. Fry 7 17. Remote 18. Panned 21. Shorn2

1 4 9 8 4 3 6 Previous quick solution 4 8 3 2 Across: 1. Hole 8. Calculated 9. Labourer 10. Race 12. Hazard 14. Stains 15. Cirrus 17. See red 18. Meld 6 7 3 1 19. Irritate 21. Daredevils 22. Tiny Previous solution: and, dag, dan, 5 4 9 Down: 2. One at a time 3. Echo 4. Glared 5. Hubris1 darg, darn, drag, gad, gar, grad, gran, www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz 3 9 13. Abridges 8 4 5 6. Marriage 7. Edge 11. Connection grand, nag, nard, rad, rag, ran, rand, 16. Sniper 17. Sordid 18. Made 20. 22/5 rang 1 Test 2 1 3 6 7 5 PREVIOUS 8 2 SOLUTIONS 5 4 6 Sudoku Fill the grid so that every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. 9 8 7 4 6 3 5 9 2 7 8 1 1 2 8 3 51 67 9 4 5 9 7 5 1 9 1

anticlockwise.

S O

M ?

WordBuilder O L P WordBuilder S O O L P S O

3 5 1

Previous solution: CROTCHET

3 2

5 9 4 4

6 9 8 7 9 7 3 5 1 8 2

8 6 9 9

5 2 7

5 1 3

6 2

7 5 HARD

MEDIUM

8 9 2 5 1 6 4 7 3

2 5 8 1 6 9 7 4 3

1 9 4 2 5 35 8 6

5 9 8 7 1 4 8 6 7 36 4 9 9 2 1 1 5 16 4 7 2

4 6 5 92 8 7 3

7 2 3 8 3 5 8 9 3 1 9 13 6 7 42 5 6 9 4 52 5 8 1

6 2 4 8 77 3 9

9 8 6 1 3 4 2 5 7

4 3 1 2 5 7 6 9 8

6 5 9 7 1 8 3 2 4

2 4 8 3 6 9 7 1 5

8 6 2 9 7 5 1 4 3

7 2 5 8 9 6 4 3 1

1 7 3 5 4 2 9 8 6

3 9 4 6 8 1 5 7 2

5 1 7 4 2 3 8 6 9

5 4

A victory required WEEKEND SPORT

P26

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

Mayor to the rescue? P24

Les Leath has made an indelible mark on the sport of boxing in Ashburton.

P23

P22

P24

22 SPORT

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

NETBALL

Three vie for top spot

Promotion, relegation picture becomes clearer

By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

And then, just like that, four became three. The race to round one glory in Mid Canterbury’s Premier Netball became a little clearer on Thursday night with Methven dropping out of the hunt after a heavy defeat, but three teams, Hampstead, Celtic and United – who all won on Thursday night – still sit with a viable chance of taking bragging rights into the second round of the season in a few weeks. At the other end of the spectrum, Ashburton College A’s fourth defeat of the season puts them firmly in the relegation zone, and not even an upset win against Hampstead next week will be enough to stop them from spending a few weeks down in Premier 2 in the middle third of the competition season. But it was nearly an 11th-hour survival effort from the young College side, who yet again turned in another great performance, only to come up short against United in the opening match of the week’s round. Down by just one heading into the final quarter of the match, the College side dug deep, but a few tactical changes to the team on the floor for United proved to be the major turning point, as they controlled the final 10 minutes to win the game 27-22. It wasn’t a bad performance by United, but there will be some pretty heavy discussions about where things went wrong for them in a match which they should have made light work of. At times they looked guilty of trying to push a little too much, with passes going to empty space and some poor ball control. A lot of that can be credited to the College side, who defended resolutely and made plenty of strong chances for themselves on attack too, with good delivery into the circle from the mid-court. For United, defender Abi Lunn had a huge game. She was a constant threat on defence and on multiple occasions managed to force turnovers through her pressure. She worked in tandem with Sammy Holden in the first three quarters of the match before Holden moved to the shooting circle. That proved to be the master-stroke from coach Claire Tappin, with Holden finding her shooting range, from long-distance, quickly and turning a one-goal lead at the start of the quarter into a four-goal lead, rapidly putting the match back in United’s favour. There’ll be plenty of learnings for United, who now have to turn around and face Celtic in the first round with a win the only option if they’re to even dream of gaining round one glory. But in order for that to happen, they’ll need to win by a huge margin, or see HampSTANDINGS Premier 1

Team Hampstead United A Celtic Methven Southern AshColl A

Premier 2

Mt Somers Hampstead B Methven B Celtic B AshColl B United B

Premier 3

Southern B Methven Ash Coll 18 Ash Coll 10 Mt Somers B

P W L 4 3 1 4 3 1 4 3 1 4 2 2 4 1 3 4 0 4

B Pts 1 13 1 13 0 12 0 8 1 5 0 0

4 4 4 4 4 4

3 2 2 1 1 0

0 1 1 3 2 3

0 0 0 1 0 0

12 8 8 5 4 0

3 3 3 4 3

3 2 2 1 0

0 1 1 3 3

0 0 0 1 0

12 8 8 5 1

United’s Maddie Walker fires the ball into the shooting circle during her side’s win on Thursday night. stead fall to a College side with absolutely nothing to lose. Hampstead demonstrated their strength again on Thursday night with a dominant performance over Southern, winning 4627. And despite their small blip in the middle stage of the round where they fell to United, they’ve been devastating. With an advantage on the standings due to points differential over United – the Hampstead side now control their own destiny, and with the skill and experience in their side it would take a brave person to bet against them getting the job done next week. The only other side with a shot at the top spot is Celtic, who could hypothetically win the round if they can beat United next week, and Hampstead lose. They showed they are right on track though on Thursday night, with a strong performance against Methven in which they controlled the match and cleared out for a 35-23 victory. The Celtic ladies sit one point off the top spot on the standings, but can really push for some confidence heading into the second round if they can get on top of United next week. Meanwhile, Ashburton College A’s spot in Premier 1 will be taken by Mt Somers – barring a major disaster. They lead Premier 2 by four competition points and take on United B next week, who are yet to win again and face relegation into Premier 3. The Mt Somers girls picked up their fourth win on Thursday with a 27-36 victory over Celtic, and it looks unlikely with a huge points differential on the board that either Hampstead or Methven will be able to run them down.

Hampstead had a big win 49-18 over United on Thursday night, while Methven overcame Ashburton College B to win 2816. In Premier 3, Southern will need to win their final game next week against Mt Somers to gain a spot up in Premier 2 in the second round. They’re a game ahead of

PHOTO MATT MARKHAM 200521-MM-004

the second placed Methven side, but can’t afford to lose this week because if Methven win their points differential is significantly greater. Methven rolled Mt Somers 48-14, while in a battle of the schoolgirls, College U18A emerged victorious over College 10A 23-20 in a tight match-up.

College shooter, Taylah Burrowes takes the full pressure of defender Abi Lunn. PHOTO MATT MARKHAM 200521-MM-002

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

SPORT 23

BOXING

With a boxing career of more than 150 fights and with 131 wins next to his name, Les Leath has plenty of highlights to look back fondly on. But decades after his boxing career finished, the local legend of the ring enjoyed one of his greatest moments earlier this month. Matt Markham reports.

reatness is measured not in the amount of success you achieve, but in the legacy you leave. It is not suffice to just go out and be simply the best and rule the world, it’s an accolade spawned from years of hard work, dedication and passion for a chosen field. Each year the Mid Canterbury branch of Sport Canterbury awards someone for their greatness, acknowledging the indelible mark they’ve left on a sport here locally with the honoured Robilliard Trophy. And 2021’s recipient fits the bill of greatness with eloquent perfection. Because had it not been for the drive, determination and passion of Les Leath – the Mid Canterbury boxing scene, could have paved a very different path. But it didn’t, and that’s in large down to the efforts of Les Leath. A competitive boxer himself, but in later years a coach, committee man and volunteer, Les did it all, and boxing in Mid Canterbury is forever indebted to him for his dedication to it. And for Les, who enjoyed a stellar career in the ring, fighting on more than 150 occasions where he never once found himself having to get up off the canvas, being called onto stage at the Mid Canterbury Sports Awards earlier this month was, without doubt, an absolute highlight. “I was dumbfounded,” he laughed. “I was sitting at the table, it was the last trophy of the night and they read my name out, I actually couldn’t move; I was in a bit of shock. “I had no idea it was happening. “I knew nothing – but it was a true privilege to go up there and receive that award. “I’d say it’s the highlight of my career, a really special moment.” Having family members by his side and around the table to see him honoured made the moment even more special. Especially considering they played such a pivotal role in his life, not only as a

boxer, but also when he stepped out of the ring and took up coaching and fostering the young boxing talent of Mid Canterbury. Les hung up his boxing gloves at the age of 22, with a record that at the time was all but unparalleled and saw him ranked as one of the best – if not the best – in New Zealand. But with a young family at home, the pressures to be training constantly were too much, and in a true testament to his standing as a real family man, Les gave up competitive boxing. “I had a really young family at home, and I was having to train up to six times a week, so I was never home. “So, I had to make a decision. “I was at my peak – but family came first and so I decided it was time to make more time to be with them.”

The boxing game never left the family home though, with two of Les’ sons taking up the sport while he moved into a coaching role, firstly with the Ashburton Boxing Club and then later with his own Leath Boxing Gym, where he went on to foster several provincial and national champions. “Boxing has been very good to me over the years, I have had a lot of wonderful memories. “Being able to be ringside and be wherever the boys were fighting gave me a lot of happy times too.” While his success in the ring as a boxer came down to his undoubted skill and ability, Les also said there was one aspect that he gave the most credit to – fitness. It’s unsurprising that fitness would be at the top of the list either, considering that on any given day, while competing Les would bike from Dromore to Ashburton and then back again to get to and

I’d say it’s the highlight of my career, a really special moment. from work before jogging into town for training. “I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without being as fit as I was, and that’s the one piece of advice I’d give to anyone in any sport – 100 per cent of your winnings come down to fitness,” he told the crowd at the Sports Awards. While his involvement in the boxing ring is less these days, Les still takes an active interest in the sport both locally, nationally and internationally – tuning in to a lot of the televised fights on the screen. The major difference? Competitive boxers these days might head into the ring just once or twice a year. For Les Leath, he completed his 150 fights in the space of just half a decade. And if that’s not greatness, then who knows what is.

24 SPORT

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

RUGBY

Changing their own fortunes Their voices were still a little croaky matt.m@theguardian.co.nz from all the shouting, but when the Celtic women’s rugby team arrived to training this week a little sore in the throats, it was worth every last lozenge. It’s been a tough start to the season for the Celtic girls, four-straight losses, three of which came with big scorelines, but they’ve fronted up each week – stood tall and played to their own game plan. And then last Saturday, it all came together. In what will undoubtedly be regarded as one of the team’s greatest performances in their three or four years of playing in the Christchurch competition, they downed the Lincoln University side 74-5 to completely turn around their form and boost confidence levels ahead of a tough couple of weeks. “It was pretty amazing performance, the girls were all so rapt to get the win,” co-captain Georgia Lysaght said during the week. “We’ve been building throughout the season, it’s been tough, but we’ve kept improving a lot with each game too. “Some weeks we were showing up for only 40 minutes, then the next week it would be for 60, but we set the challenge for a full 80 minutes on Saturday and it worked.” And it really worked. The Celtic ladies ran in 12 tries in their demolition performance, which will act not only as a real boost in confidence, but a platform from which the side can now set expectations for the rest of the season. Judith Oguguo set the platform for the performance with three tries in the match, By Matt Markham

while both Ruby-Jane McLachlan and Ceri Jones grabbed doubles. Tayla Barnaby, Paris Gola, Piper Jones, Lysaght and Georgia Simpson-Higgins all grabbed one try each to make up the 12-try romp. Kelly Rotch had a superb day with the boot too, slotting seven conversions in her 14-point haul for the game. “It was a real team performance, everyone gave it their all which was fantastic,” Lysaght said. Built on a core group of players from previous years, the squad has welcomed new faces into the side this season, and the team unit is really forming as they go through each week. Lysaght said seeing the joy in the newcomers’ faces at the final whistle on Saturday was a real motivation for them. “They were stoked, there’s probably been times where it’s not really seemed worth it, but moments like that are really great for boosting everyone up.” After the euphoria of the first win of the season it was back to work this week for the side with two massive games ahead of them in the next week. They play Canterbury University today in what should be a really physical match, before taking on the powerhouse that is Christchurch in seven days. “They’ll both be really tough games, there’s no doubt about that. “We’re lucky though, all these teams understand that we are a really new side and they offer heaps of encouragement and support Above – Celtic’s Holly Macpherson on the charge. which is great too.” Today’s match kicks off at 2.45pm on the Left – Paris Gola looks to evade a Lincoln defender in her side’s impressive Ilam Fields. win on Saturday. PHOTOS HEATHER MACKENZIE

OPINION

When the Mayor seems your only hope By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

t a time when you are searching for leadership and guidance, your mayor should surely be a good option. Quick-thinking, logical and inspirational leaders. A mayor is the perfect foil for a time when the back is up against the wall. Or at least that’s what I thought. Last Saturday a group of local celebrities, and I use that term very loosely considering my own, and others’ involvement, gathered to take part in the annual wheelchair basketball match as a part of Wheels Week. Taking on the might of the Canterbury Wheelchair Basketball team and with memories of the absolute drubbing the last time we played them still fresh in the mind, to say there was concern about the impending doom around the bench would be an understatement. We’d assembled a good side; Peter Jacob brought the wheels aspect along as the Wheels Week committee member. The media hacks were represented by Julie McGrath, Mick

Jensen and myself while Rob Reid was there for the Ashburton Trust – although a painful looking hamstring injury, yes that’s right a hamstring injury while in a wheelchair, curtailed much of his appearance. Roger Paterson took on the role of coach, rule-explainer and then rule-breaker when he got onto the court, and Michael Clark provided the only basketball knowledge that any of us actually had, which was helpful. Mayor Brown was joined by his fellow councillor, Leen Braam. who came straight from the council chamber with his gardening gloves on in a combatant mode to the blisters that come with wheeling yourself around the basketball court. A strong team – a few basketball players, from the past in amongst us. Our hopes were no brighter than what I’d imagined they’d be. But this time it was different. We had the Mayor on our side, and he would lead us through the anxiety and wheel us into a positive mindset to charge ourselves to hunt down success, right? Wrong. In five words in the pre-match huddle, Mayor Brown sent hearts sinking.

Mayor Neil Brown, right where he liked to be, under the post for the easy conversion. PHOTO HEATHER MACKENZIE 150521-HM-0804 “I’ve never played basketball before,” he smiled. Cue the ensuing panic, that little sparkle of hope that was in our eyes gone – another demolition at the hands of these incred-

ible athletes incoming. But what makes a leader a good one is their ability to problem-solve quickly. And Brown problem-solved quickly.

After realising in the first few minutes of the game that turning a wheelchair around and chasing the ball down court was a fruitless task against such a talented side, Mayor Brown calmly slotted himself under the attacking goal and demanded, using mayoral privilege of course, that the ball was given to him. After 10 missed shots, he was away and with a newfound game plan which involved finding the Mayor and his councillor, Leen Braam under the post we started scoring points. Even this unfit, indoor bowls-playing roller managed to land a couple of baskets. Sure, we had a lot of help from the officials, who may or may not have given the ball back to us after a missed opportunity, but we kept in the match, all the while showing nothing but admiration for a team of athletes who are so good at their task that they made it look simplistic and easy. The score settled at 37-33 in favour of the Canterbury side, unsurprisingly – but our team of celebrities felt exactly like that as we rolled off the court having produced one of the greatest performances seen by the side in recent years. At least we’ll pretend that was the case.

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

SPORT 25

Newlands surge clear BASKETBALL

By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

Catch us if you can. That’s the message from Men’s A Grade basketball side Newlands, who surged to the top of the standings in the local competition on Wednesday night as they went three-from-three with a strong win over Wildlife. The form side of the competition through the early stages, Newlands now sit in a good position despite the relative earliness of the season as they appear to go from strength to strength. Despite that, they were made to work by Wildlife on Wednesday night – but managed to lead throughout the entire match to get the win on the board. Up by just five at the half-time break, they stepped it up a gear in the second half, led by another big-points haul from Nick Fechney, who grabbed 30 for the night, while Marc Juntilla added

Newlands have moved to the top of the standings in Men’s A Grade basketball. 16 and Marvin Agacer 13. For Wildlife, Emilian Guerra put in a huge shift for a round high total of 37 points, with Xa-

vier Bartlett also in on the action with 14 points of his own. With three wins, Newlands are now the only unbeaten team in

PHOTO MATT MARKHAM 050521-MM-004

the competition. Nipping at their heels though are both Checkers and Team Donkey, who squared off in the

second game on Wednesday, with the latter getting the win with a strong performance across the court, winning 80-68. All-square at the end of the first period, Donkey extended themselves in the second to find a seven-point lead going into the second half. But a comeback from Checkers saw the two sides locked at 52-all going into the final quarter. With it all on the line it was Team Donkey who led the charge in the final stages of the match, scoring an impressive 28 points to win the match. Cam Butler put on a masterclass to score 29 points for Team Donkey while Fotu Hala was in good form too with 23 points for the match. For Checkers, who suffered their first defeat of the season in the match, Fletcher Arnold again topped the score sheet with 32 points while Pip Johnston (14) and Matt Rae (12) both made valuable contributions.

ADDINGTON

John and Goose finally get their win By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

John Withell had been waiting a while for last Tuesday, almost four years in fact. It was back then that the smalltime horseman, who mixes training the odd standardbred in with growing spuds in Ashburton, thought he had a nice trotter in the making in Goose Healy, who was showing plenty of promise at workouts and trials around the district. But then disaster struck. A serious leg injury struck during a trial at Methven, and it was suggested that the gelding may never make it to the races. But Withell elected to give the horse a chance, and threw him out in the paddock. And on Tuesday, at Addington, when Goose Healy and driver Neil Burton unleashed with an

undeniable finishing burst to win the opening race on the card, Withell’s faith was finally rewarded. “It was a bit of a thrill, we’ve been waiting a long time for that one,” Withell said. While just getting Goose Healy back to the races was an achievement in itself, it proved a little bit easier than it did to get the now nine-year-old to actually win a race, with 28 previous starts on the board without a top-three placing before Tuesday’s victory. “We’ve had a bit to sort out with him, but I think we’re winning now – you just can’t push him early on in his races, you’ve got to let him find his feet and then he’s fine after that. “He’d been going pretty good races in his recent starts too. “He got held up by a galloper at the wrong time at Ashburton on Sunday and had run home really well at Rangiora the start before

Winner Goose Healy pictured with co-owner Denny Gordon (left), trainer John Withell and driver Neil Burton after winning at Addington during the week. that. “So, I was reasonably confident that if he did things right, he’d be a bit of a chance on Tuesday.” Punters didn’t agree though,

with Goose Healy as long as $61 on the fixed odds markets in the small field. And those odds would have been even longer when he gal-

Rangiora harness Tomorrow at Rangiora Raceway

R1 NZ AMATEUR DRIVERS CHAMPS HEAT 3 $8000 6 7 2000m 12:00

14404 16657 10x08 14630 80110 00x01 13549

Unfazed Classey Robin Off The Edge Luella Dalness First Refine Alexy

P Wallace C Negus J Kriechbaumer J Brownlee S Wigg F Phelan A Fitzgerald

7 58 8 8669 9 22 10 x2392 11 07x07

Republican Party Rosies Terror Beach Ball Ultimate Bird Smart Shadow

B Orange G O’Reilly R Holmes B Butt J Dunn

$8,000 2600m 15:01

1 62924 Jimmy Arma J Dunn 2 41036 Missmollygoodgolly L McCormick 3 74626 Razors Edge J Geddes 4 64255 Woodlea Diego J Morrison 5 x0040 Elo Louise K Cameron R6 LEVELHEAD INSULATION PASSING LANE TROT L Dobbs 6 89 Pocket Call $8000 2000m 14:10 7 30847 Sky Vale B Orange R4 ESSENCE MAGAZINE F&M MBL PACE $7500 1 4761 Kenny Keko J Dunn 8 18802 Terrier R Close 2000m 13:20 2 179x0 Muscle Bank G Smith 9 72184 Rockntommy Rulz M Williamson 1 32433 Luminite B Orange 3 10560 Rosie’s Son B Butt 10 54645 Queenofdance S Ottley 2 600x Rocknroll Diva J Dunn 4 40977 Sonoma Tyron G O’Reilly 11 00x60 Tom Martin S Tomlinson 3 446x Sporty Celine G O’Reilly 5 37 Listen Easy K Barron 12 52519 Taumata VC J Herbert 4 2384 Alene L O’Reilly M Jones 6 680x7 Kowhai Sundown 13 816x3 Overarm T Chmiel Sweet Chevron R Close R2 RANGIORA PINK TIE HIGH TEA TROT $7500 5 7 40056 Michelle S Ottley 14 33167 Loyalist R May K Cameron 6 8976 Camleigh Rose 2600m 12:25 8 46735 Bright Glow I Cameron 7 36324 Nikki Noto R May 1 68689 Myshout S Thornley R9 RANGIORA COMMITTEE & STEWARDS TROT 9 1368 Royal Del S Thornley 8 750x4 Mach’s Eliminator G Smith 2 8857 Muzz M Edmonds R7 STABLE TO STIRRUP TRUST MOBILE PACE NZD $8,000 2600m 15:26 9 84058 Stella’s Delight 1 786 Beyond The Horizon J Smith 3 55 Cheeky Monkey L O’Reilly $8000 2000m 14:36 10 35542 Sheezagoldengirl S Thornley 2 2943 Call This Fun R May 4 36406 Moment Of Kaos J Young-Grant 1 18602 Khal Drogo J Curtin 11 Pat Mach D White 3 867x2 Ali Lindenny J Dunn 5 0074x Moonlight Angel C Markham 2 18095 Hope For Love S Tomlinson 12 25276 Woodlea Beaver M Williamson 4 qx817 One Two Menny B Orange R May 6 25633 Jay Bee And Lou 3 7589 Times Are A Changin T Williams 13 0x7 Easy Mccartney J Curtin 5 5040 Tequila Sunset K Cameron 7 J Dunn Westar Milly 4 22630 Sense Of Occasion G Smith 14 358x See Me Now C Markham R Houghton 6 109 Take After Me 8 2 Tom Brady G Smith 5 x0000 Mister Mighty R Holmes B Orange 15 4 Zia Bromac 7 4x10x Zsahara S Tomlinson 9 80097 Westland Peak R Holmes 6 00x79 Bonnie Boy J Geddes 8 36284 Sods Law 10 65564 Bourbon On The Rocks J Versteeg R5 “THE DAWE CONTRACTING MOBILE” MOBILE 7 85800 Lilac Change S O’Reilly 9 11000 Sally Lindenny G O’Reilly R3 NZ AMATEUR DRIVERS CHAMPS HEAT 4 NZD PACE NZD $7,500 2000m 13:45 8 78590 Lydia B Orange 10 470x2 With Ice B Butt 1 6 Corfu Bromac M Edmonds $8000 2000m 12:50 9 x9487 Markham Eyre J Dunn 11 00x83 Make My Sundon T Williams 2 32627 Tide And Time K Cox 1 22630 Sense Of Occasion 10 90243 Artatac S Ottley Now 12 0x77x My Moment’s M Williamson 3 84058 Stella’s Delight L McCormick 2 58136 Honour Before Glory N Munro 11 50658 Reinimin Patron M Williamson 13 6657 Navara J Ford 4 0x004 Press Play C DeFilippi 3 79357 Four Starzzz Shiraz W Rich 12 40390 Lincoln Skipper K Newman 14 88291 Sundons Flyer J Young-Grant 5 73588 Unchanged Memory K Cameron 4 7650 Senorita Margarita C Wigg C Thornley R8 GJ GARDNER HOMES HANDICAP PACE NZD 15 70201 Red Harbour R Close 6 96 Scotlynn Surf 5 4469 Martin John A Edge

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

68855 8007 49005 59006 53087 82873 83034 62260 60207 79800 0900x

loped over the early stages, before catching back on and running over the top of his rivals to grab the win. Withell not only trains Goose Healy, but also shares in the ownership of the gelding with brother-in-law, Denny Gordon, Graeme Crum and the estate of the late Angus Cameron. The win wasn’t all smiles though with Goose Healy coming off the track favouring one leg a bit, but Withell is confident it’s nothing too serious and hoping the gelding will be back at the races soon. The win gave the Willowby-based horseman the eighth win of his training career and his second for the season with the other coming courtesy of Changeover Joe at Westport. The pair are joined by Another Round, The Duke Of York (2), Steam Machine (2) and Brave Talk as winners for Withell.

Pete’s Dash A Edge Flamboyant C Wigg Myrcella P Wallace Aveross Rustler J Brownlee Play By Ear J Kriechbaumer C Negus Ruby’s A Delight Auchtercairn F Phelan Wee Ring The Changes A Fitzgerald S Wigg Dreaminsover Honour Scroll B Wilmott Uno Mia W Rich

8 9 10 11 12

16 32530

Sioux Princess

S Ottley

R10 RANGIORA HRC RACING 29 AUGUST PACE NZD $8000 2000m 15:51

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

176x 71098 70909 x6441 68431 6 09x63 460x4 99x0x x2321 23331 29211

Arden’s Delight Immer Besser Jake Mossdale Mac Whole Lotta Rosie Stavros The Terror Deja Blue Terry No Time Like Now Daggy Lamb Anna Love Haiti Franco

T Williams G O’Reilly K Barron R May

B Orange T Chmiel R Close S Tomlinson L O’Reilly J Cox C Thornley

Matt Markham’s Rangiora Selections Race 1: Wee Ring The Changes, Ruby’s A Delight, Auchtercairn, Play By Ear Race 2: Jay Bee And Lou, Moment Of Kaos, Westar Milly Race 3: Luella, Unfazed, Martin John, Dalness First, Race 4: Alene, Nikki Noto, Pat Mach, Sporty Celine Race 5: Beach Ball, Tide And Time, Republican Party, Ultimate Bird Race 6: Sonoma Tyron, Bright Glow, Royal Del, Michelle Race 7: Khal Drogo, Sense Of Occasion, Artatc, Markham Eyre Race 8: Sky Vale, Missmollygoodgolly, Jimmy Arma, Overarm Race 9: With Ice, Sods Law, Call This Sun, My Moment’s Now Race 10: Anna Love, Terry, Arden’s Delight, Haiti Franco BEST BET: Khal Drogo (Race 7) VALUE: Alene (Race 4)

26 SPORT

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

RUGBY

Methven control their own fate By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

With fate completely in their own hands, Methven have just one goal today, and that’s win. There are only two local sides in with a chance at the top-flight stage of the Combined Country Rugby Competition, and it’s Methven who sit in the most perilous position, because winning is the only option today against Waihora. For country brothers Southern it’s a little more relaxed, but the same result will be being chased. They could still technically lose and make the top eight from the three pools, but the Southern approach – you can be certain – will be to win at all costs. Methven coach Simon Fleetwood hasn’t had to talk too much about what’s required this week at training, because his charges know what both is expected and needed from them in front of their home crowd today. Guilty at times of flattering to deceive, a complete performance will get them what they need – it’s just a case of going out there and doing it. “There’s not much need for inspiration, that’s for sure,” Fleetwood said. “We’ve got a job to do, and we just need to go out there and do it, it’s that simple.” In Waihora they face a bit of an unknown. The perennial underdogs of Ellesmere rugby, they showed what they’re capable of with a shock win over Prebbleton last week that pushed them into con-

Southern chase win for comfort levels tention. They’re in the same boat as Methven, they need to win to make the top-eight which sets up a classic match. “They’re a good side, every year and they’re obviously getting better. “We’ve got to try and expose a few of their weaknesses and get on top of them and really pile that pressure on them. “The boys are up for the challenge though – their training has been great this week.” After a comfortable win over Rolleston last week, Fleetwood is going back to the tried and true this week, with Tyler Blackburn and Nete Caucau returning to the backline, while Tim Lawn will slot in at first-five. They’ve lost Mitch Pannett from the front row, but gain some firepower in Osea Basigale, who comes into replace him to join Matt Groom in the propping department. Using their power players and leaning on their leadership group, Methven’s game plan will be simplistic, but for Fleetwood hopefully successful. He knows he’s got a side capable of going a long way in the competition, but he’s just got to keep working on how to unleash it to its fullest potential. “It’s all there, it’s just a case of it all falling into place. “We were better last week, we put the foot down a bit, but there’s still room for improvement yet, so hopefully we can lift

Methven’s Tiger Holmes has been a try-scoring machine this season, scoring five so far.

P O Wble Eif they R IcanNhead G over to Lincoln today and grab the win.

again this week and get the win on that we need. For Southern, they can make their wait for results from other matches a little more comforta-

The current leaders in Pool B, having lost just the one game, they’re the team everyone is trying to get over the top of. That will put the pressure on Richard McLea and Jon Dampney to set a high standard for their side today and with knockout rugby looming, building momentum is really key – as well as getting the result. Southern have been excellent at grinding other teams down this season, and in Lincoln they meet a side who will be prepared to throw everything at them – with a potential playoff spot still within their grasp as well. Meanwhile, Celtic – the other Mid Canterbury team in the pool – will be out to simply gain some forward momentum after a tough few weeks ahead of the remainder of the Combined Competition, and looking ahead to the Watters Cup. Coming off losses to Southern, Methven and Lincoln it doesn’t get any easier today with a trip to Prebbleton. They’ll be smarting after a shock defeat to Waihora last week and be out for blood as they look to get things back on track and lock up their spot in the top three too.

Residential Rural

Irrigation

Commercial

Southern’s George Williams has been in good form scoring 57 points this season.

PHONE 03 307 7500 service@plainspower.co.nz www.plainspower.co.nz

+ Mid Canterbury’s Local Electricity Company +

PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

Over in Pool A where Springston, Southbridge and Darfield have all secured their spots in the top eight, there’s a big local derby set to unfold today with Hampstead and Rakaia locking horns at the Hampstead All Sports Ground. Both sides have had disappointing campaigns thus far, but with the end of the competition in sight and the Watters Cup looming, getting that win on the board today will prove a huge boost in confidence and offer a mental advantage for later in the season. BY THE NUMBERS Overall Leading Points Scorers George Williams (Southern) 57 Petero Tuwai (Southern) 40 Nathan McCloy (Celtic) 37 26 Reuben Early (Methven) Tiger Holmes (Methven) 25 Leading Try Scorers Petero Tuwai (Southern) Tiger Holmes (Methven) Will Mackenzie (Southern) Raitube Vasurakuta (Celtic)

8 5 4 4

Golden Boot *Points solely from kicking George Williams (Southern) 52 Nathan McCloy (Celtic) 27 21 Reuben Early (Methven)

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

SPORT 27

SPORTS RESULTS

Results from round the fairways ■■ Golf

O’Duffy, No 17 Open Primo Gail Limbrick. No 14 Supervalue Sara Gallagher. Twos and nett Eagles: Gail Limbrick x 3. Ellen Kemp.

Ashburton Golf Club

Watson and Newton Trophy – May 15. Watson Cup winners: Paul Greer & Brian Fauth, Dave Fisher & Robert Pawsey, Kevin Smith & Barry Jury, Ron Carlson & Chris Lovelock. Newton Trophy Winners: Dylan Stoddart & Jordan Bird, Paul May & Ken Clucas, Tom Blacklow & Hamish Niles, Stephen Lee and Steve McCloy. Radius Care Winner over the field: Antony White +4, 2nd, Royce Jamieson +3 3rd, Terry Molloy +3. Other Good Scores: Bren MacGregor +3, Mitchell Stoddart +2, David Henson 0, Owen Miller 0, Jamie Stone 0, Jeff Williamson – 2.

Rakaia Golf Club

Rakaia Ladies Golf – Wednesday, May 19 Connelly Cup, Extra Medal: Freda Bierema 98-28-70, Teresa Booker 92-17-75, Bev Sutherland 109-33-76. 9 Holers Best Gross Cup: Judy Moore 56. Rakaia Hotel 2nd shot #3 Teresa Booker, Rakaia Seed Cleaning 2nd shot #6 Val Sisson, V.Bell Nearest the Pin #8: Jill Burrowes, Chertsey Spraying 2nd shot #15 Val Sisson, S. Quinn 2nd shot #17 Bev Sutherland.

Tinwald Golf Club

9 Hole

Harvey Bakehouse 9 Hole Winners 4BBB Nett: Jenny Matthews and Robynne Nicol, 32 Nett, Murial Morgan Elaine King 32 Nett, Sam Prince and Laurance Hanrahan 33 Nett.

The Methven Golf Course has it all in terms of challenges.

Ashburton Ladies

Saturday 8th and Tuesday May 11: Rnd 1 Sunmeade (Gross): Wendy Parr – 80 Rnd 1 H E Cook (Nett): Brenda Fechney – 69, Debbie McCaw – 73 on c/b. Nearest Pins: No 4 Gabites: Not Struck, No 8: Samantha Rose: Wendy Parr, No 12 Lynn’s small Salon: Mary-Lou Watson, No 14 Todds of Ashburton: Not Struck, No 18 2nd Shot: Maryanne Blair.

Ashburton 9 Hole Golfers

After a delayed start due to frost, the winner on May 13 of Sega Golf Putting with a score of 13 putts, was Chris Anderson. Runners-up, all with 15 putts, were Sam Prince, Oliver Prince, David Henson and Eric Weir. Chris Anderson and Oliver Prince both scored a gobble and Oliver also scored a two. On May 20 we will play a stableford: Netherby Pharmacy H. Smith Trophy Round 4 and on 27th, Ashburton Hotel Hidden Holes.

Ashburton County Veterans Golf

Ashburton County Veterans Golf played

Saturday May 15 - Stroke Grade winners in the medal and 1st championship qualifier played on Saturday: -12; Daz Young 70, Paul Hefford, Randall Feutz, Alex Roa 74. 13-18; Neal Jones 70, Nick Wilson 71, Craig Meyrick 73. 19 Plus; Will Morrison 71, Kerry Whiting 73, Wayne Ross, Graeme Hortin 74. Women: Elizabeth Collins 73, Christine Kinita 75, Barb MacGregor 76. Nearest the pin: Tinwald Liquorland #2; Mike Sandrey. Gluyas Ford #6; Trevor Taylor. The Fine Lion # 12; Lyndon Moore. Ace Automotive #16; Neal Jones. G & R Seeds 2nd shot #11; Dave King. Two’s; Gordy Kenton, Dave Alan, Randall Feutz. Net Eagles; #18 Steve Anderson.

on May 17 at Mayfield 2021: 0-19 1st B Jury 80, 2nd = T Newton, B Macgregor and D Fisher 84 20-27 1st B Collins 93, 2nd C Whiting 94, J McArthur 96 Junior 1st G McEvoy 102, 2nd = B Winchester, M Clark and J Corneilus 108 Twos A Dixon, C Whiting and J McArthur.

Mayfield Golf Club

Saturday May 15, 2021 Winners pairs of the first round of Four ball: Gordon Duthie and Bill Scott, Kerry Read and Mark Scharder, Steve King and Colin Bryant, Andrew Lake and Grant Early, Murray Keir and Ian Beach, Jeff McNeilly and Neil Fox. Winners of the Stableford Round: Wayne Blair, David Morrow, Logan Tasker all on 34. Nearest the pins: No 2: Aon Insurance – Wayne Vessy, No 11: John McAullfie Bayleys – Arthur Grigg, No 5: Campbell Contracting – Steve King, No 14: ANZ Bank – Steve King, No 9 and 18: Ruralco second

shot – Jeff McNeilly. Twos: Andrew Lake, Pete McLaughlin, Steve King. Kallara Texel Player of the Day: Wayne Blair 80-6-74 on count back.

9 Holes

Best Nett: John Milne 53-19-34 Tessa Gallagher 55-21-34 Bernie Morrison 5723-34. Gre Sim Builders No2: Jill Ludemann Mayfield Transport No 5 John Greenslade.

Methven Golf Club

Mens Results May 15. Senior: Matt Duncan 78-9-69. Intermediate: Eric Grimwade 82-14-68. Junior A: Paul Middleton 86-17-69 Junior B: Gavin Santy 101-25-76. Other good scores: 70 Dayle Lucas, Stuart Wilson. 71 Ben Rutter, Barry Begg. 72 Rod Carson. 73 Greg Overall, Alister Maxwell. Twos: Gavin Santy, Paul Middleton, Phil Johnson, Ben Rutter, Eric Grimwade. Closest to the Pins: Aqua Japanese #4

Frank Sandys. Hunters wine #6 Paddy Helmore, Ski Time #13 Gavin Santy. Brown Pub #14 Steve Schwass. Green Parrot #17 Phil Johnson. Dubliner Best Nett: ric Grimwade 68. Methven Foursquare Second Best Nett: Matt Duncan 69 by lot . Bar Voucher Best Gross: Dayle Lucas 75. Next Week: Finals of the Duff and Middleton trophys.

Methven Ladies Golf

By Matt Markham

SQUASH

matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

Steve Leckie added his name to the list of winners on the Midlands Squash tour this season with a win in the Ray McBeth tournament at Celtic last weekend, while Brooke Cornish-Madden grabbed her first win of the season too. The hugely successful tournament was held over Friday and Saturday of last week, with 48 entries received across the five divisions for the tournament – a full house, with Collegiate’s courts used for some of the early play on Saturday morning. Leckie made the most of the absence of an in-form Lee Barker to claim the Men’s Mixed Open title beating local lad John McDonnell in the final in a one and two seed finish. Cornish-Madden was crowned Women’s Open winner without having to play

Celtic tourney a winner

Tinwald Ladies Golf

Results Wednesday May 19 - 2nd Waddington Plate. Gail Limbrick 99-37-62, Sharon Burrell-Smith 98-25-73, Ellen Kemp 93-2073. 2nd Margaret Lilley Putting, Ellen Kemp 28, Ruth Smith 31. Aqua Japanese Restaurant Best Nett of the day:- Gail Limbrick 62. Nearest the Pins: No 4 Open & Bronze B Methven Foursquare Gail Limbrick, No 6 Open Methven Pharmacy Sharon Burrell-Smith. No 13 Open Methven Travel Gayle

May 18 – Medal. Silver: Elizabeth Collins 73, Bonze 1: Barb MacGregor 76, Bronze 2: Karen Young 72. Stroke: Karen Young 72, Di Bell 79. Nearest the Pin: No 2 (2nd Shot) Murray Young Property Broker; Lesley Glassey. No 6 (2nd Shot) Sims Bakery; Phylis Smith. No 12 Mac & Maggie; Di Bell. No 16 (2nd Shot) Outdoor Adventure; Di Bell. Memory Funeral Longest Putt; Sue Gutsell. 9 Hole – Putting: Nancy Costin 16, Lesley Glassey 17.

a final due to Karlie McQueen, who also competed in the Mixed Open, having to forfeit due to injury. In Women’s A, Rosie Gibbs emerged at the top of the pack, beating Kelly Wing, with Amy Muckle in third, while the Men’s A title went to Tom Wing ahead of Lance Tiffen and Stephen Brown. In the Men’s B competition there was a minor upset, with the division’s bottom seed, Neil Keenan, emerging victorious over Riley Broker, with Greg Marshall third. Zak Bell beat off all challenges to win the Men’s C title ahead of Jordy Hooper and Dan McCloy. A number of players will be out to make their way down to Timaru this weekend for the annual Timaru Open which began last night and runs through all of today. The Rakaia Open on June 11 and 12 is the next Mid Canterbury leg on the Midlands Squash tour, with entries for the hugely popular tournament filling up fast.

Left – Mitchell Fergus in action in the Ray McBeth Celtic Squash Open last weekend. PHOTO HEATHER MACKENZIE 150521-HM-0535

Ashburton Weather

Saturday: Fine. Morning frosts possible. Light winds.

Midnight Saturday

Canterbury Plains

MAX

13 MIN 3

Saturday: Fine with early frosts in the south, but morning and evening cloud north of the Rakaia River. Light winds. Sunday: Fine with early frosts, but areas of morning and evening cloud. Light winds. Monday: Cloudy. Morning rain, becoming isolated. Southerlies, dying out by evening.

A front weakens away over central New Zealand on Saturday, while a ridge covers the rest of the country. A deep low remains stationary to the northeast of New Zealand through to Tuesday, bringing strong southeasterly winds and areas of rain across the North Island and upper South Island. A weak cold front moves onto the lower South Island late Sunday, dissipating as it moves up the South Island on Monday.

Around The Region Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Sunday: Fine, apart from morning and evening cloud. Light winds. MAX

Canterbury High Country

14 MIN 5

Saturday: Fine with early frost, but areas of morning low cloud or fog. Wind at 1000m: Light. Wind at 2000m: Southwest 30 km/h dying out in the morning. Freezing level: 2400m, gradually rising to 3000m. Sunday: Fine with early frosts, but areas of low cloud or fog morning and evening. Wind at 1000m: Light. Southerly 35 km/h developing in the evening. Wind at 2000m: Light. Southeast 30 km/h developing in the evening. Freezing level: 3000m, lowering to 1700m in the evening.

14 4 14 5 12 4 13 3 13 5 10 3 11 0 13 2 8 0 12 2 13 4 9 2 Monday: Cloudy with scattered rain developing from morning, mainly north of the Mackenzie District. Snow 12 3 13 5 9 5 possibly lowering to 800m later in the day. South to 14 0 13 3 11 3 southeasterlies. 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 morning rain. Southerlies, dying out by evening. MAX

Readings to 4pm Friday

Ashburton Airport Temp °C Maximum 14.4 Minimum 2.4 Grass min -2.2 24hr Rain mm 0.0 18.2 Month to date SW 61 Wind km/h Strongest gust 11:54am Sun hrs on Thu 9.2 128.9 Month to date

Methven 17.1 7.6 – – – – – – –

Christchurch Timaru Airport Airport 18.5 11.9 2.3 0.7 -0.5 – 0.2 0.0 19.2 3.6 S 61 S 65 2:00pm 10:59am 9.0 – 123.2 –

Tides, Sun and Moon Saturday

Sunday

Ashburton H 11:56am 12:23am 12:46pm Mouth L 5:51am 6:10pm 6:38am 7:02pm Rakaia Mouth Rangitata Mouth

11 MIN 3

Monday 1:15am 1:39pm 7:26am 7:54pm

H 11:46am 12:10am 12:39pm 1:03am 1:33pm L 5:36am 6:00pm 6:25am 6:54pm 7:16am 7:51pm H 11:40am 12:07am 12:30pm 12:59am 1:23pm L 5:35am 5:54pm 6:22am 6:46pm 7:10am 7:38pm 7:46am 5:13pm

7:47am 5:12pm

7:48am 5:12pm

2:59pm 1:50am 3:24pm 3:05am 3:50pm 4:22am

full May 26

last qtr Jun 2

new Jun 10

first qtr Jun 18

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

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

HEAT PUMPS KEEP YOUR HOME THE PERFECT TEMPERATURE ALL YEAR ROUND

HEAT PUMPS

electriCOOL Ltd

enovating? r f o g in k in h T WE MAKE IT EASY WITH OUR THREE SIMPLE STEPS ...

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.

TALBOT SECURITY GROUP

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.

Locksmith Services

Come see us in Riverside Business Estate

• • • •

4 McGregor Lane Ashburton 03 307 4777 - 027 442 3103 ashsolarpower@xtra.co.nz ashsolarpower.com

Car Keys House Keys Electronic Car Remote keys Locks

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

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

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

 Residential  Security

 New Builds  Commerical

 P.V. Solar  Ventilation

 Industrial  Test & Tagging

   

Heat Pumps Lights & Plugs Switchboards Air conditioning

149 Kermode Street, Ashburton 03 308 2621/022 676 2966 www.aoteaelectricashburtonltd.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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

CLASSIFIEDS 29

Daily Diary SATURDAY, MAY 22 7.30am RUN AND WALK ASHBURTON. Meet outside frontrunner, Moore Street, runners and walkers, all fitness levels

SUNDAY, MAY 23 8am ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Holy Communion. Park Street. 9.30am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Worship led by Heather Kennedy. 48 Allens Road. Allenton.

MONDAY, MAY 24 6am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Circuit training in the hall. 48 Allens Road, Allenton. 10am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON, 206 CLUB. Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Enquiries to 308

TUESDAY, MAY 25 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. 10am

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26

6am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Circuit training in hall. 48 Allen’s Road. Allenton. 9.30am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON. Steady As You Go. Fall prevention programme. Contact 308 6817. Held at St David’s Union Church. 48 Allens Road, Allenton. 9.30am

2021

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

different weeks. North end of West Street carpark Ashburton. 9am-3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSEUM. Static displays with collections of up to

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

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

9.30am 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 Thomson Street, Tinwald led by Rev Johanna Warren. 127 Thomson Street. Tinwald.

10am ST ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Morning worship led by Rev Eric Mattock, 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. 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.

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 3.30pm-4.30pm. Instructor Annette Fyfe 0274813131. Tinwald Hall, Graham Street.

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.

AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON, 206 CLUB. Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Enquiries to 308 6817. 10am U3A ASHBURTON. For lifelong learning, with Prof Haxby Abbott, Osteoarthritis research. Members free, casual entry $10 per person. Ashburton Trust Event Centre. Wills Street. 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.

ASHBURTON LADIES FRIENDSHIP CLUB. Speeches morning tea also luncheon. Sinclair Centre. Park Street. 9.30am-11.30am PICKLEBALL ASHBURTON. Come and have fun every Wednesday. Equipment supplied. EA Network Stadium. River Terrace. 10am ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Holy Communion. Park Street. 10am

AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON. Hip Hop for Seniors. Phone 308 6817. Seniors Centre. Cameron Street. 10am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON. 206 CLUB. Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Enquiries to 308 6817. 10.30am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON. Steady As You Go. Fall prevention programme. Contact 308 6817. Held at

Buffalo Lodge Hall. Cox Street. 10.45am MSA TAI CHI. Seated classes, $3. Classes start this week. MSA Havelock Street. 1.30pm WAIREKA CROQUET CLUB. Euchre and afternoon tea. all welcome. Waireka Croquet Club, the domain. Philip Street. 1.30pm AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON.

Steady As You Go. Fall prevention programme. Contact 308 6817. Held at Buffalo Lodge Hall. Cox Street. 3pm ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Children’s after school programme. 48 Allens Road. 6.30pm-9pm THE MID CANTERBURY LINEDANCERS. 6.30pm-7.30pm weekly beginners. 7.30pm9pm easy intermediate level. 0274 813131. Tinwald Hall. Graham Street.

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 until 8am Sunday. To make an appointment call your regular GP. Three Rivers Health, Allens Road, Ashburton, will be the duty practice for Sunday until 8am Monday. 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

DIAL 111 in the event of a Medical or Accident Emergency

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.

Business Area: Residential Area:

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.

Information Centre

Alcohol Drug Help Line

Pharmacies

Ashburton Rest Homes Please contact directly for hours.

Emergency Dentist

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

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,

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: Aly Mirza. Vet Ent and Vet Life operate a joint after-hours SMALL animal emergency service. To use this service please phone your vet as usual.

30 CLASSIFIEDS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

SITUATIONS VACANT

Finance Manager Inwards Goods Full time Mitre 10 MEGA Ashburton has a vacancy for a person in their Inwards Goods department. This position is full time, (40 hours) with a Tuesday – Saturday roster. The role will include computerised entry of stock and other Inwards Goods duties. For the right candidate this position has potential to grow. The successful applicant will need the following skills: • •

• • • • • •

Must be Physically fit Current Forklift licence would be an advantage or ability to get one is preferred Be motivated and work at a fast pace To be Computer literate Attention to detail and accuracy is essential to this role Able to follow instructions Reliable Ability to work in a team.

If you think you are the person we are looking for: Please email your c.v. and covering letter to: HR.ashburton@mitre10.co.nz

We are a mid-Canterbury based farmer co-operative, our nationwide network delivering transparent savings with real value to meet the needs of NZ farming businesses and support the rural communities our farmers live and work in. We are obsessed with agriculture, and experts in our field. Due to our ongoing diversification and expansion, we are now looking to increase our capacity within the finance team. As our CA qualified Finance Manager, you will be supported by the Group CFO and lead our finance team. There will be some opportunity to work remotely but expect to spend the majority of your time working in our Ashburton based head office, as well as with each of the Business Unit Managers to assist them with maintaining efficiency and profitability. Working within a co-op requires both a customer centric and highly commercial approach, ensuring that our shareholder needs are always met. Your ongoing success in this area will enable us to maintain our competitive pricing model, while continuing to pay the annual rebates our shareholders have come to expect. Competencies required to be successful include: • Experience working in a multi-faceted, commercial environment • Successful history of change leadership, coaching and mentoring • Continuous improvement focus To enquire about this role in strict confidence or to request a position description, please phone Deb Francis from AgRecruit on 021 224 5000. Otherwise, send your covering letter and CV to us via apply@agrecruit.co.nz by 5pm Thursday 3 June.

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

Wanted Painter / Plasterer Must be experienced Full time good rates

Re-opening Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9am-5pm plus 3 late nights Phone Sue for an appointment

03 308 5284

Please phone Greg 027 433 2259 or 03 308 8432 Conﬁdentiality assured

ASIAN, new to town, special, stunning, tall and slim, very pretty, size 8, 40DD, excellent service, no rush and great massage. Phone 021 153 3929.

GRAZING GRAZING Block wanted 5-20 acres approx. Long term preferred but will look at short term options. Please contact Bess 027 342 8412. GRAZING Wanted for store lambs. Phone Steve 027 321 6060.

Buying or selling a property? Call the Guardian today for your real estate advertising requirements. 307 7900 REAL ESTATE

Library Assistant Fixed Term, 12 Months In this role you will be responsible for circulation duties including book issues, returns, renewals and shelving, processing memberships, assisting with reference enquiries and covering and repairing books. You’ll be conscientious, friendly and efficient with the ability to effectively communicate with people of all ages. Having a broad knowledge and interest in books will be beneficial in this role. For more information about the role or to apply online visit the Council website. Applications close Monday, 31 May 2021.

www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/careers

149 KERMODE STREET, ASHBURTON – Modernised four-bedroom home – Separate bathroom, two toilets – Large shed with three rooms, two with carpet and ranch sliders – 1012m2 section with great off-street parking – Close to CBD, schools and shops •

Enquiries over $490,000 •

For viewing phone Chris 027 445 5927 www.trademe.co.nz ID# HFH388

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 PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Joint Committee will be held on Friday 28 May 2021 commencing at 1.00pm at Peppers Clearwater Resort, Clearwater Avenue, Christchurch.

Applications close on Tuesday 1st June 2021.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

EXPERIENCED ENGINEER

PUBLIC NOTICES Land Transfer Act Notice The owners of land adjoining the bank of the Ashburton River North Branch in the District of Ashburton have applied to me to bring part of the dry bed of the Ashburton River North Branch under the provisions of section 172(1)(a) of the Land Transfer Act 2017 and issue a Record of Title for it in their name. Land registration district: Canterbury Application number: 11957048.2 Applicant: Ashburton Riverside Development Limited c/- Affleck O’Meara Limited, Level 2, 45 Camp Street, Queenstown 9300 Land applied for: 1.1943 Ha more or less shown as Lot 1 DP 546930, being part of the former bed of Ashburton River North Branch adjoining Rural Section 36406 comprised in Record of Title CB32A/979 in the District of Ashburton. I hereby give notice of my intention to bring the land applied for under the provisions of the Land Transfer Act 2017 and issue a record of title for it in the name of the applicant unless a caveat forbidding the same is lodged on or before 19 July 2021. Dated at the Christchurch Office of Land Information New Zealand this 21st day of May 2021. C. Clews for Registrar General of Land

Guardian Classifieds

Members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting, and copies of the agenda will be available at the meeting. The agenda will be also available online at https://www.ecan.govt.nz/meetings/ two days prior to the meeting.

Upcoming Biosecurity Advisory Group meeting Canterbury’s four Biosecurity Advisory Groups meet quarterly to discuss regional biosecurity matters. The groups are a sounding board for issues arising within the community and provide direct advice to Environment Canterbury’s biosecurity programme. Meetings are open to the public, with time set aside for public input. The next Central Group meeting is being held on 25 May 2021 between 3.00pm – 6.00pm. Location: Ashburton Oval Pavilion, located in the Ashburton Domain. Access is via the footbridge at the end of Park Lane, Ashburton. You can find more information by visiting www.ecan.govt.nz/biosecuritychampions or by phoning us on 0800 324 636. Please contact Environment Canterbury with any queries:

0800 324 636

FOR SALE

Dry bluegum firewood for sale

HIRE GENERAL hire. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, concrete breakers, trailers, and more. All your DIY / party hire, call and see Ashburton U-Hire. 588 East Street. Open Monday-Friday 7am - 6pm; Saturday 7.30am - 5pm; Sunday 8.30am 12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz

3.6 m2 $450 delivered within 30km of town boundary. Smaller loads by negotiation. MOTORING Phone Dave FORD FALCON 1980027 492 0875 1998 wanted, looking for

a daily driver or project, FIREWOOD. Dry Bluegum, unregistered is fine. Good $350 per Cord. Delivered $$ paid. Please phone Ashburton. Please 021 108 1637. (evenings). phone 0210639242. WHEEL alignments at PINE Logs for sale, 25 great prices. Maximise the ton, $1400 delivered, and life of your tyres with an green macrocarpa, split and alignment from Neumanns delivered, 3.6m³. Please Tyre Services Ltd, 197 Wills phone 027 611 3334. Street. Phone 308 6737.

307 7900

Saturday, May 22, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DEATHS LEADLEY, Stuart Robinson – On May 21, 2021. Finally at peace after a courageous battle at the Ashburton Hospital, aged 74 years. Dearly loved partner of Liz. Loved father of Tania, Julia, Robyn, Duncan, and Daniel. Ex-husband and long time friend of Judith. Special grandfather, uncle, brother, father-in-law, friend and mentor. Special thanks to Jane and the Palliative Care Team, Mary Gluyas and the Ashburton Hospital staff, St John Ambulance staff and the Home Help Team. In lieu of flowers donations to St John would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to the Leadley Family, 125B Racecourse Road, Ashburton 7740. A service for Stuart will be held at The Hotel Ashburton, Racecourse Road, Ashburton on THURSDAY, May 27 commencing at 1pm.

STRATFORD, Steven Kenneth, (Steve) – 24-08-59 – 06-03-21 Sue, Nicholas, Amber and extended families, wish to thank everyone for their lovely messages, cards, floral tributes, baking, phone calls and visits following the sudden passing of Steve. I would like to thank the Twizel Police, NZ Police Dive Squad, Search and Rescue, M.S.A. Golf Ladies for the catering, and Tania Hollings. Thankyou to Carol Gunn for a lovely service, Paterson's Funeral Services and Lynda at Paterson's. To Ross Donaldson for the loan of your holiday home in Tekapo, the Guard of Honour by M.S.A. Golf Section, Temuka friends and also thankyou to the Ashburton Event Centre, especially Casey. To all my special friends, you have been a tower of strength to us, especially those who travelled so far to be with us. Lastly a very big thankyou to my sister Carolyn for all your help. Please accept our LEADLEY, Stuart gratitude for all you have Robinson – done since March 6th. Peacefully at Ashburton Hospital on May 21, 2021. Loved son of the late Roland and Greta Leadley (Elgin). Much loved and respected BIRTHS brother, brother-in-law and HURST – friend of Betty and the late Nathan and Sonya (nee Stewart Watson, the late Smith), are delighted to Colin and Audrey, Norman announce the arrival, on May and Jean, Alison and Jim 12, of Madison Lynn Mary Lawton, Ngaire and John Hurst. A wee sister for proud Brown, twin of Ken and Fen siblings Lottie and Hugo. A (all of Ashburton), and massive thankyou to Dorothy and Dennis Sloan Michelle Dolan-Scott, the (Christchurch). Loved uncle team at NICU and our and mentor of his nieces and support network. nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. "Treasured memories of a special man” GREETINGS

A year can make a big difference in the lives of those in need. With your support, we are able to wrap an array of services around them. Your donation has the ability to change lives. A year ago, Asina and Richard were living in their car. Now, they have their own home, stable jobs, and can invite all of their friends, like Rasool, around for dinner. A year ago, Rasool was living on the streets. Now he has a place of his own, where he can wake up and make coffee. Whilst this year the virus seems under control, the devastating social and financial effects are still with us. There are New Zealanders who are still struggling. Please open your heart and help make a difference—by making a donation.

salvationarmy.org.nz/redshield

ELYH JOHN McKIBBIN

We Help Save Lives We help save lives every day through the research and development of improved diagnosis, better prediction and treatment of heart disease in our hospital and community.

Happy 21st Birthday on Monday Love Dad.

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

LEADLEY, Stuart Robinson – On May 21, 2021. Purposeful, durable, well regarded, and valued brother of Ken. You’ve been who you are, you’ve said what you felt; that’s been your authentic self! We may not have always seen eye to eye; but we have always been twins. There’s been times we’re parallel of mind and thought, but over the years not really even very close; but today seems kind of very empty. Along the way until today, there’s been countless blessings of life well lived, some tensions, disappointments, illness too. But now you’ve made it to a fertile richer paddock of saintly rule; and maybe someday you’ll be at the gate to reunite and greet me as a mate!

DEATHS

YOUNG, Garfield William Tarr (Garth) – On May 20, 2021. Passed away peacefully at Rosebank Lifecare, aged 93 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Olive. Much loved father and father-in-law of Dave and Leann, Margaret and Graeme Moore (Queensland), and Barry and Lily. Loved Pop of Russ and Anna, Tiffany and Daniel Walker (Queensland), and Liam. Great Pop of Amelia, and Georgia Walker, and Cullen, and Eliza Young. Messages to the Young family c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A special thank you to the amazing staff at Rosebank and the District Nursing team for their loving care and support of Garth. At Garth’s request a private cremation has been held.

KERMODE, Ngaire Jean – On May 21, 2021 at Ashburton, aged 91 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Ivan. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Sharon Macintyre, and the late Ian, and Alison. Loved Nana of Claire, Brian, and Andy and much loved Super Gran of Estella. Messages to the Kermode Family, c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A special thank you to the District Nurses, St John and Ward 1, Ashburton Hospital for their loving care. Donations to the Ashburton St John would be appreciated and can be left at the service. A service to celebrate Ngaire’s life will be held in Our Chapel, corner East & Cox streets, Ashburton on WEDNESDAY, May 26, commencing at 2pm. Followed by a private cremation at Ashburton Crematorium.

DEATHS NELSON, Frances Mary – On May 20, 2021, passed away peacefully at Ashburton, aged 84 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Brian. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Wendy and Richard Thomson, Noel and Jenny, and Keith. Loved Nan of Caroline, and Natalie; Samuel, and Michael; Matthew, Jamie, and Liam, and great Nan of Peyton, Adalyn, Ella, and Nathan. Messages to the Nelson Family, c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A special thank you to the staff at Rosebank for their loving care of Frances. A service to celebrate Frances’ life will be held at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Elizabeth Avenue, Rakaia on TUESDAY May 25, commencing at 10.30am, followed by interment at the Rakaia Cemetery.

KERMODE, Ngaire Jean – Dearly loved daughter of the late Cecil and Eva Walkham. Loved sister and sister-in-law of the late Raymond, the late Murray, and Jill Walkham. Beloved aunt of all her nieces and nephews.

WHITE, Bruce Douglas – On May 20, 2021. Passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side, aged 79 years. Dearly loved partner of Noeline and husband of the late Kathy. Much loved father and father-in-law of Kim and Richard Begg, and Robert White. Adored Grandad of Mikayla, and Matthew. Messages to the White family c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton, 7740. Bruce will be at home for family and friends to visit until his service. A service to celebrate Bruce’s life will be held at Our Chapel, cnr East & Cox streets, Ashburton on TUESDAY, May 25, commencing at 1.30pm. Followed by interment at the Ashburton New Lawn Cemetery.

MASTER MONUMENTAL MASON 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

FUNERALS

YOUR ONLY LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED

It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Baby

21st - 29th May Tickets (fees apply*) Adults $59 | Senior/ Student $49 Group 6+ $5 off per ticket \ Tuesday Treat $10 off per ticket Following the successes of Just the Boyz, Not Just the Boyz and Just the Boyz are Back Variety Theatre Ashburton brings you it’s only Rock ‘n’ Roll Baby featuring many of your favourite songs from decades gone by like Sugar Sugar, You’re the Voice, Wagon Wheel, Sweet Caroline, plus many more. Directed by Gavin Templeton, Musical Director Sarah Templeton and Choreography from Jessie Thomson joined by a cast of talented local performers It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll will leave you wanting more Baby.

The Sweet Caroline Tour – A Tribute to Neil Diamond

Thursday 3rd June 7-30pm Tickets Adults $61.15 Group 6+ $56.15 Under 13 years $36.85 (fees apply) Putting the well loved classics back on stage and in the spotlight, Showtime Australia brings you a world class international band in a concert produced especially for theatre. Featuring Sweet Caroline, Cherry Cherry, Red Red Wine Forever In Blue Jeans plus many more of your all-time favourites.

Grooves – Presented by Primarily Dance Trust

Wednesday 9th June 7pm Tickets Adults $38 / Child or Student $32 (fees apply)

FUNERAL FURNISHERS E.B. CARTER LTD

FAMILY NOTICES 31

DEATHS

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.

Venice Qin Canterbury owned, locally operated

Patersons Funeral Services and Ashburton Crematorium Ltd Office and Chapel Corner East & Cox Streets, Ashburton

Ph 307 7433

Thursday 10th June 7pm All tickets $20 (fees apply) This 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Auckland is coming to wow our stage. With a newly released selffunded single “Queen of the Night” which was produced by Laughton Kora and mixed by Tiki Taane, Venice is excited to bring you her power pop concert.

BOX-OFFICE HOURS: Mon to Fri – 9am to 5pm TICKET OFFICE 03 307 2010 Jo Metcalf

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

211A WILLS ST, ASHBURTON, 7700 www.ateventcentre.co.nz

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, May 22, 2021

Advertising Feature

A GREAT PLACE TO WORK AND THRIVE Having a reputation for not only delivering outstanding services, ACL is also a dynamic environment for its employees. On conversing with them you will find the passion and pride shine through brightly. The common thread of working at ACL is versatility, that brings people from diverse backgrounds together. Emma, a Training Coordinator, Health & Safety Administrator and Receptionist, loves her daily tasks as she gets to work on a variety of things, with different people. She is really enjoying an initiative that she runs, called ‘WorkWell’, for which they have received Bronze and Silver accreditation and aiming for gold in 2021.

“It is a team-oriented environment, and we all have fun, but get the work done. Because that is what you want when you’re working together most of the time.” Born and raised in Ashburton, Emma joined ACL 5 years ago, which she says is one of the best decisions she has made. As a working mother, she finds immense freedom in the flexible work hours. Different ages and experiences, a supportive environment, and one where no two days are the same, are what makes ACL a great place for Steve, a Traffic Controller, who has been there for 9.5 years. Based in Ashburton for 28 years, wisdom and experience are his biggest qualifications. He enjoys being mobile, and outdoors and the job lets him do just that.

“It’s a great feeling to reap the rewards of work; when you drive past a job that’s completed within the community and you had something to do with it!” Providing growth opportunity is at the core of ACL. Alex, a Mechanical Apprentice in the workshop is currently in his eighth month as a Diesel Mechanic

through MITO. Having joined straight out of school, he loves the exposure. Just last week he was at a Scania training program, learning about diagnostics, and new technologies.

“We all get along and there is a lot of opportunity to learn and develop oneself. Everyone is happy to answer questions, share ideas and show you the way.” Originally from Ashburton, his perception of ACL was that of a large local company with a variety of divisions, which is what drew him. Gurbhej, known as ‘Gru,’ is the Trainee for Water Treatment plants and a technician. Originally from India and having been with ACL since 2017, he has found the senior management to be helpful, supportive, and honest from day one.

“There are so many opportunities to grow and change. I started as a laborer fixing leaks in the water team! I love working around the district and my job takes me to all different sorts of places, looking after all the treatment plants.” Having earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and diploma in Utilities and Maintenance / Water Treatment, Gru is currently studying further. ACL has received fantastic feedback for being involved in and giving back to the community, instilling a sense of belongingness in their employees.

Joel, an Equipment Operator has been with ACL since the beginning of 2021. He loves working with machinery every day, creating new things, and operating the loaders and diggers on site. With large scale projects and the variety of work, it is evident how Joel, who is originally from Philippines, really enjoys working and living in Ashburton.

“It’s a well- known name within the Ashburton community. ACL has a good reputation and people know it when I say that that is where I work. “ Allan, an Asphalt Plant, and Yard Operator, has been with ACL for 3 years, and finds the work to be stress -free. An upholsterer by trade, and having worked in irrigation previously, Allan appreciates the environment.

“I really enjoy working in the outdoors and sunshine.” Having lived in Ashburton for most part, Allan is happy to have a job that he enjoys and be close to home.

ASHBURTON CONTRACTING LTD Employing more than 150 people, and pouring money back into the local economy through employment and sponsorship, ACL is a business focused on quality and success, but there’s a strong community aspect to everything they do and they’re proud to be a part of the Mid Canterbury landscape and to offer a level of work that’s of the highest order.

CALL TODAY 308 4039

1 Range Street, Ashburton / RURAL / LIFESTYLE / CIVIL / WORKSHOP / www.ashcon.co.nz