Ashburton Guardian, Saturday, November 12, 2022

Becoming Dux is one thing but having your whole school performing in your honour was “overwhelming” for the high school leaver.

She’s Ella McSweeney, named Dux at the recent Mount Hutt College prizegiving, who couldn’t believe the full school reaction when she won the coveted prize.

“It was pretty overwhelming, for the whole school to do a haka for me. It was really cool,” said McSweeney, who was also a prefect this year.

She was certainly an academic standout, topping the chemistry, and maths with statistics, physical education, and food nutrition and health subjects.

McSweeney was also one of the students awarded the Rotary award, which recognised high achievement and significant contribution to the school community.

Even after that success, becoming Dux was still a “surprise” to her.

“While I knew I had a chance, it was still unexpected,” McSweeney said, adding that she loves sports and being active.

She has been involved with netball, touch rugby, basketball, swimming, and skiing at the college and was also the head of the sports committee. Now, she wants to turn that love into a career.

Next year, she will go to Ara in Christchurch to study a Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health, with the hope of one day being able to become an osteopath.

“I want to help people with their physical health.”

Flicking the switch, finally

Jonathan Leask

The new traffic lights at the Walnut Avenue intersections will be turned on next week.

The Walnut Avenue intersections upgrade will be officially opened on Friday – slightly ahead of schedule.

Work began on the $15 million project in August 2021 and had an 18-month timeline.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency had completed the intersection upgrades and lights installation, both at Walnut Avenue and State Highway 1, and Walnut Avenue and West Street, back in May.

Then KiwiRail had to upgrade the rail cross-

ing between the two intersections which is almost completed.

As there was a gap between the two Government organisations being on site, the project has been maligned in the community for the perceived prolonged timeframe.

The Ashburton District Council aired those frustrations, but both Waka Kotahi and KiwiRail maintained it was always scheduled for completion by the end of 2022.

They have now delivered the project on time and the temporary road cone roundabouts are soon to become just a memory.

Student success: Ella McSweeney was recently named Dux at the Mount Hutt College prizegiving.

PHOTO DANIEL ALVEY

Daniel Alvey

A truly magical Topp night

kept them shackled from getting on stage and performing over the past three-and-a-half years.

But they put all that behind them to make a triumphant return in front of family and friends and fans.

2000 people could be there on the night, but this way everyone else who wanted to see it will be able to do so.”

After 40 years of performing on stages all around the world you’d think nerves wouldn’t be a problem, but Methven’s Dame Lynda Topp admitted to there being more than just a few in Auckland this week.

The Kiwi icon joined her sister, Jools on stage for the first time in more than three years at the Auckland Civic Centre on Monday night in front of a sell-out crowd of 2000 people for a night of celebrations for the Topp Twins’ 40-year anniversary, alongside many of the biggest names in the entertainment industry in New Zealand.

Covid lockdowns and the well-publicised health battles with cancer for both sisters have

“It was a truly humbling night, from start to finish,” Dame Lynda said this week.

“To be back out on stage and performing was incredible, but we were both incredibly nervous.

It had been such a long time and you’re just never quite sure how things are going to go.

“But once we got into the swing of things again, it was fantastic – a truly magical night.”

In great news for supporters of the Topp Twins, Dame Lynda was also able to reveal publicly for the first time to the Ashburton Guardian that the event is set to be televised on free-to-air television in the future.

“There’s a lot of work being done behind the scenes to get that production together. Only

The night brought together many great performers from across the country, all charged with performing Topp Twins’ numbers.

of what was going on. We were ushered on in rehearsals to practise our bits and then taken away again. We even had our own onhand nurse to keep an eye on us.

“They’d asked us to bring out Camp Mother and Camp Leader costumes but took them off us and gave them to wardrobe – we

number, also Nga Iwi E and Holy Cow, but Dame Lynda said leading the entire audience and cast in Untouchable Girls was something special.

“We stood up the front and led it and I looked behind us at one point and there were 130 performers on stage with us.”

Making the night even more special was the fact the sisters’ mum, Jean, brother, Bruce and Lynda’s wife Donna were sitting in the crowd.

“At the end of the first act, we gave thanks to our mum, I broke down at that point, it was pretty emotional, having her there was special, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.”

Stars on the night included Anika Moa, Hollie Smith, Don McGlashan and even an appearance from comedians Chris Parker and Tom Sainsbury, who dressed and performed as Camp Mother and Camp Leader.

“We didn’t really know anything

were a bit worried because we hadn’t practised any of those routines. But to see Chris and Tom come out and do it, was very funny.”

The sisters performed a number of songs throughout the night – including a trademark yodelling

Back home in Methven this week, Dame Lynda said it was time to rest up for a while.

Both she and Jools are battling chest infections, but remain stoic in their battle against cancer and are determined to once again return to the stage in the future.

“We’re fighters.”

A Topp family, Lynda and Jools Topp (middle) pictured with their mum, Jean and brother Bruce in Auckland this week.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Matt Markham

To be back out on stage and performing was incredible, but we were both incredibly nervous. It had been such a long time and you’re just never quite sure how things are going to go.

“

We will remember them

Light Up the Night gets the green light

A belief that businesses will benefit had councillors approve a road closure of the Ashburton CBD.

The Ashburton District Council’s Light Up the Night Christmas event will go ahead as planned on December 2, after the road closure application was grant-

ed on Wednesday. The council’s economic development team applied for a temporary road closure of East Street (from Havelock Street to Moore Street and Burnett Street/Tancred Street), to hold the Light Up the Night ceremony that includes lighting the Christmas tree on East Street opposite the intersection with Burnett Street.

The one objection was placed by Gareth and Jamie Cadogan, who operate the Print Room night club and one ninety nine café within the CBD that are af-

fected by the closure.

They said the timing and location of the event “will directly affect our trade” and they have bookings for Christmas functions on the day.

The councillors disagreed, believing the event will bring people in to the town centre and boost business.

New councillor Tony Todd supported the closure.

“We need to look at the broader picture that this event is going to bring people into town anyway, and those in the hospitality

industry are all going to benefit from this event, so I think we should be approving it.”

Mayor Neil Brown said the event “is something we should be doing”.

“It’s a great event, and will bring people into town and businesses will do well out of it.”

Councillor Lynette Lovett said that after two years of disruption the community is looking for events.

“This is a great example for the town to come out, get together and start the festive season.”

The application was approved by majority.

The Ashburton Santa Parade has applied for a road closure for December 3, the day after Light Up the Night, which is being processed.

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Armistice Day, marking the end of World War One, is acknowledged at 11am, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. One hundred and four years on the Ashburton community gathered outside the Ashburton RSA yesterday in front of the Lone Pine, to remember when war officially ended between the Allied forces and the Central Powers. The lone pine in Ashburton is a Turkish red pine, grown from seed sourced from Gallipoli, where many Anzacs lost their lives. The original Lone Pine was the only tree left on the hills above where the Anzacs landed, after Turkish soldiers felled the rest of them for fortifications.

PHOTOS DANIEL ALVEY

Jonathan Leask

ARMISTICE DAY

John Bertrand Collectables Buying in Ashburton Wednesday 16 November

Once again the buyers from Wellington based company John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd are coming to Ashburton next Wednesday 16 November. Mr Tony Grant from the company says “This is a great time to bring along those unwanted items you’ve sorted out during the lockdown period and turn them into cash”. Particularly wanted by the buyers are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Old Coins and Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Old Collectables.

“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant.

“I’m sure everyone has unearthed something we want in the past few weeks and we would like to see it!

Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy to buy one item as we are buying 1,000 items”.

The buyers will be in convenient locations in Ashburton next Wednesday 16 November (see details below). As Tony Grant says “if you are in any doubt about any items you wish to sell, take them along for an instant appraisal”

Gold & Silver At Very High Prices

During these uncertain times we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is still at a high level so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers.

Tony Grant says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.

Interesting Small Collectables Wanted T

he buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting Ashburton next Wednesday 16 November, are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.

“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.

Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes

Early New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue. Mr Grant is in Ashburton next Wednesday 16 November on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One Pound

banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before.

Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant.

Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.

Collectors Need War Medals

Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars.

General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.

Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity

I n lockdown when you sorted out your drawers and cupboards you may have come across some old coins. You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice of Tony Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd is to bring them in to the venues and have them appraised. “We want to see any old foreign coin accumulations. We are quite happy to go through your coins on the spot and give you an idea what we can pay. You just never know what can turn up. We are also particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 10 times their face value” he said.

HISTORICAL MEDALS

Mr Anthony (Tony) W. Grant Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand Incorporated Director and Buyer John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd Author of the John Bertrand NZ Coin & Banknote Catalogue

Play it safe with fireworks

Ashburton’s fire chief Alan Burgess is re minding the public to continue being safe with fireworks going into a dry summer.

Burgess said with the sale of fireworks only being three days people tended to hold onto them to use throughout the summer months. For the firefighters up and down the country, that created some concern.

“We are expecting a pretty dry summer, which comes with fire bans, including fireworks,” Burgess said.

“So, if you are planning to let some off, check any local fire bans beforehand.”

While there were no major fireworks incidents across Guy Fawkes weekend in Mid Canterbury, a group in Ashburton did manage to set their own car alight.

“The fireworks caught the dash alight and cracked the windscreen,” Burgess said.

The fire crews, who attended the scene, were able to get some water on it quickly, so it didn’t do any further damage. Bur gess was unsure how the fireworks ended up in the car

Other than that incident, Burgess said people had listened to the fireworks’ safe ty advice, which he again stressed.

“Don’t do it close to buildings, or around any growth that could easily catch alight, and just be sensible.”

Longbeach School students had to act quickly to avoid the recent fireworks inci dent in Woodend, north of Christchurch.

The Longbeach School were camping

in the Woodend area near where evacua tions took place after two people started a large bushfire with fireworks near Pe gasus.

Longbeach School principal Neil Si mons said the 37 Year 5 and 6 students,

along with staff and parent helpers, chose to evacuate their camp at the Woodend Christian Camp and return home in the early hours of Thursday morning.

“The kids were really good and just got on with packing up, but there was never

any immediate danger.”

Simons said they always pre-planned for events like that but that was unusual.

“In 30 years of organising camps this is the first time we have ever had to evacu ate,” Simons said.

Take care out there

The roads in and around Mid Canterbury, especially the State Highway, can get very busy in the lead up to Christmas and the holiday season.

Police prevention and enforcement fo cus will continue to be on alert for the four behaviours we know cause the most harm to people on our roads – people driving without restraints, driving impaired (alco hol, drugs, and fatigue), driving distracted, and speeding.

Rural roads can present challenges for those not used to driving in that environ ment and can get busy at this time of the year, with rural contractors and agricultur al machinery moving around the county.

If you encounter a large tractor towing machinery, cyclists, stock on the road, or other hazards, please be patient. Everyone has the right to lawfully use our roadways.

If you are going to overtake other vehicles, please ensure the way is clear. Consider traffic coming out of side road intersections, signal your intentions and only pull out if you have enough time and space to pass safely.

Barrier incident

Earlier this week, a truck damaged one of the railway barriers on the intersection of Kermode Street and State Highway One, which caused some delays. Thank you for your patience while this

Janine Bowden ON THE BEAT

issue was resolved. Where possible, we try to get contractors to clear State Highway One as quickly as possible and we will provide updates relating to ongoing events likely to cause significant delays.

Updates about our roading system can be found on the Waka Kotahi journey planner website or the Canterbury Police Facebook page.

Recruiting

Aoraki police, which encompasses the Mid and South Canterbury area, will be conducting a recruitment seminar on Thursday, November 17 from 6pm until 7.30pm at the Caroline Bay programme room at 11 Te Weka Street, Timaru.

If you or anyone you know is interested, please RSVP by November 13 to: Saman tha.Stewart@police.govt.nz

Rural policing can be very rewarding and can involve doing a wide range of work on behalf of your community.

All recruitment related questions can be answered by visiting www.newcops.govt. nz

An aerial shot of the fire along Woodend Beach caused by fireworks. which led to 37 Longbeach School students being evacuated from their camp.

PHOTO GEORGE HEARD/NZME

Daniel Alvey

Severe storm’s silver linings

Mac McElwain said they had just completed a reseal of the shingle walkway along the cemetery edge only for it to be “completely wrecked”.

A storm has proved the catalyst for an extension of the Methven cemetery and an upgrade to the walkway.

It is just over a year since strong winds decimated the treeline at the cemetery and the area has been re-established including the section of the town’s popular walkway.

Methven Lions spokesman

“All the trees came down and the roots ripped up, so what we had laid 10 days earlier just disappeared,” he said.

The council cleared away the debris and the roots, a repair job estimated at around $70,000, enabling it to extend the cemetery area, future-proofing the site.

The Lions had to reinstate a new walkway path along the eastern edge of the cemetery which forms part of a loop track around the town that the Lions

spent the last year reshingling. What remained of the treeline has been transformed into a bund and the Lions also chipped in with a council-run planting day at the end of October.

“The whole thing has been a collaborative venture between Lions and the council,” McElwain said.

Around 2500 natives were planted on the newly created bund made from the rubble of the damaged tree extraction, while several Sequoiadendron giganteum (Wellingtonia) have been planted alongside the walkway.

A strip of native planting is

planned for the inside of the reinstated track to separate it from the cemetery.

McElwain said the council and Lions plan to install a new track linkage from the bridge to the domain, along the rodeo arena fence line, and plant a new coniferous hedge adjacent to it.

The Lions also launched a special clean-up project for the headstones in the cemetery last year

“Since that storm and the necessary thinning out of all the trees, it’s allowed a lot more light and wind through the cemetery itself, and with a bit of spray from us the effect on the headstones

has been extraordinary.”

A memorial seat that was recovered from under the fallen trees has been repositioned in a new location, and further seating is planned to be added once more planting is completed next winter when the council hopes to work with local schools.

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New planting has been completed on a bund made out of the debris from the former treeline in the Methven Cemetery alongside the reinstated Methven walkway track.

Jonathan Leask

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

The Methven Cemetery after the severe winds in September 2021. PHOTOS JONATHAN LEASK

The memorial seat that had been swallowed by the fallen trees has be reinstated in a new spot.

Snaparazzi

Got an event happening? Invite us along: editorial@theguardian.co.nz

Ready, set, go: Ashburton’s Athletics Club 26-strong junior team is probably still celebrating after winning the annual Arthur Cup event, heading off Waimate, Geraldine, Temuka and South Canterbury’s best in Geraldine. The Rose Shield is next on the calendar and another part of the build-up to the annual South Island Colgate Games in Timaru in January. The Colgate Games have been running for more than 40 years and it’s the biggest athletics event for tamariki in New Zealand, attracting hundreds of youngsters aged 7-14.

Olivia Easton full of focus in the girls’ 12 years long jump.

Right – Kipton Parks the boys’ 6-7 Discus

Left – Grace Estreich leads the way in the girls’ 11 years 100 metres.

Champions. Team Ashburton with the Arthur Cup.

Far right – Carter O’Brien in the boys’ 6-7 years discus.

Carina Lupse leaps high in the 12 years girls’ long jump.

Kalym Chalmers on the charge in the boys’ 14 years 1500 metres.

Ashlee Estreich runs hard in the girls’ 13 years 400 metres.

Louie Ross clears the bar in the boys’ 11 years high jump.

Brooke Edmond in the girls’ 10 years discus.

Year 11 Prize List 2022

Achievement Awards

Taymah Aiken-Wheeler Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Soraia Ali Panahi AshColl Way Award

Mere Apaipo Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Doreen Awaikera AshColl Way Award

Emori Balenaisa Level 1 Merit Award

Honor Bradford Level 1 Merit Award Ash Coll Way Award

Jay Brien Level 1 Merit Award

Lily Briggs Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Latham Brown Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Amelia Bruce AshColl Way Award

Tyson Butler AshColl Way Award

Lacey Campbell Level 1 Merit Award Ash Coll Way Award

Ella Clark-Powell Level 1 Merit Award

Briar Clark AshColl Way Award

Sir Aron Da-al Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Ken De Lara AshColl Way Award

Hector Diamante Level 1 Merit Award Ash Coll Way Award

Hannah Digby Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Tate Dryland Level 1 Merit Award

Jack Ellis AshColl Way Award

Genevieve Felton Level 1 Merit Award Ash Coll Way Award

Leigha Fletcher AshColl Way Award

Meg Ford Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Jasmine Galos Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Ashley Gee Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Sophie Gibson Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Ellie Glenn Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Bree Greer AshColl Way Award

Justine Iolama Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Victoria Irimana AshColl Way Award

Poppy Jemmett Level 1 Merit Award Ash Coll Way Award

Iela Mangubat Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Lucy Marshall Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Elyse McCallum Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Darcy McCully Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Jordy McGillen Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Liberty Mendez Level 1 Merit Award

Lilly Naughton AshColl Way Award

Talitha Nel Level 1 Merit Award

Tara Nevin-Smith AshColl Way Award

Daniel Nicoloiu AshColl Way Award

Patrizio Novello Level 1 Merit Award Ash Coll Way Award

Eunae Park AshColl Way Award

Lorraine Paterson Level 1 Merit Award Ash Coll Way Award

Tom Patterson AshColl Way Award

Meeah Pawsey AshColl Way Award

Tiffany Rodgers AshColl Way Award

Mahalia Scarlett Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Aili Sebastian AshColl Way Award

Emily Simons Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Sienna Skilling Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Kim Tangatakino AshColl Way Award

Gregory Taumaoe AshColl Way Award

Hannah Thickett Level 1 Merit Award

June Tilialo AshColl Way Award

Gabbie Tindall Level 1 Merit Award

Pippo Trinidad Level 1 Merit Award

Isla Watt Level 1 Merit Award

Madison Whyte AshColl Way Award

Emma Williams Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Paige Williams Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Coco Yee AshColl Way Award

Kotori Yokota AshColl Way Award

Academic and Special Awards

Paige Aitken Hospitality

Mihi Pai Trophy for receiving the most Mihi Pai Awards in Year 11 AshColl Way Award

Emily Annear Food and Nutrition (Mark and Shane Prendergast Memorial Prize) AshColl Way Award

Finn Brown Materials Technology: Fabrics (Joint Award) Level 1 Excellence Award

AshColl Way Award

Levi Browne Materials Technology: Building

Tamsin Cartney History (Judith Prosser Cup) (Joint Award) Top Scholar in Sci ence (Gordon Binsted Cup and Ashbur ton District Council Prize) Music Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Jesse Chapman Technology – Hard Materi als Metal (D R Gordon Cup)

Nicholas Collie Boardercross Trophy for Boardercross Champion

Zoe Cribb Music Performance Level 1 Excel lence Award AshColl Way Award

Zac Douglas Outdoor Education Physical Education (Joint Award) Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

E-J Elliott Rakiroa Trophy for the top per forming Year 11 Maori Student Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Maafala Faamausili Economics Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Holly-Jayne Feutz Physical Education (Joint Award) Girls Tennis Champion (ATS Cup)

Olivia Fox Drama Health Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Izzy Harris History (Judith Prosser Cup) (Joint Award) Top Scholar in English (Ashburton District Council Prize and Stapleton Cup) Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Luke Hay Accounting (Brophy Knight

Limited Prize) Digital Information Tech nology (Rosalie Begg Memorial Award and Heartland Technology Prize) Top Student Level 2 Mathematics (Ashburton District Council Prize) Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Rachel Hoekstra Materials Technology: Fabrics (Joint Award) Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Lorraine Huy Design and Visual Communi cation (Herbert Watts Cup) Level 1 Excel lence Award AshColl Way Award

Kayne Johnston Smitheram Trophy for Top Male Skier

Waimaria Large-Marsh Te Reo Maori Charlotte Livingstone Dance

Larrein Lumatac English as an Additional Language Level 1 Excellence Award Ash Coll Way Award

Jared Munn Achten Trophy for Service and Contribution to Technical Support in the College Auditorium

Jesse Nieman Japanese (Ton’s Thai Award) Level 1 Merit Award

Keisha Power Visual Art Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Ella Rickard Geography Top Scholar in Mathematics (Ashburton District Council Prize) Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Ruby Robinson Excellence in Level 1 Ac counting Online Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Richie Rushton Foundation Studies

Sara Sheppard Primary Industries Acade my Cup for Top Student in the Primary Industries Academy

Angel Spooner Girls’ Rugby Cup – For Ded ication to Girls’ Rugby The Top All-round Female Sportsperson (Cochrane Cup) AshColl Way Award

Liam Taylor German (German Embassy Prize)

Leah Thomas Technology – Hard Materials Wood (Lynns Trophy) Excellence in Lev el 2 Photography Online Top Student in Level 2 Photography Online Level 1 Excel lence Award AshColl Way Award

Madi Tourle Agriculture Science (Five Star Beef Prize and Young Farmers Trophy) A member of the Smallbore Rifle Shooting Team as the Team that brings the most credit to Ashburton College (Bevan Bain Trophy) Level 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Ripena Umaga Vaeila Sport and Exercise Performance Level 1 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Rose Vannini Senior Girls’ Cross Country Champion (Karen McKenzie Trophy) Lev el 1 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Sasha Williams Girls Rugby Trophy – Most Improved Back

Top Scholar in Year 11

Ashburton High School Centennial Trust Top Scholar Award

Olivia Fox

Citizenship Thistle Masonic Lodge Prize

Izzy Harris

Olivia Fox - Top Scholar in Year 11, Ashburton High School Centennial Trust Top Scholar Award

Deputy principal and MC Hannibal Ikahihifo welcoming all to the event.

Izzy Harris - Citizenship, Thistle Masonic Lodge Prize.

Jacob Wilson - Mihi Pai Trophy for receiving the most Mihi Pai Awards in Year 12 and AshColl Way Award.

Year 12 Prize List 2022

Achievement Awards

Rachelle Bernarte AshColl Way Award Zara Bull AshColl Way Award

Gianna Butler Citizenship Award for men toring students in reading Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Laura Cameron Level 2 Excellence Award

Riley Campbell Level 2 Merit Award

Cassie Chamberlain Achievement in Level 2 Photography Online AshColl Way Award

Mia Chambers Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Chrissie Cheesman AshColl Way Award

Tim Connelly-Whyte Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Oliver Davies Citizenship Award for mentor ing students in reading Jordis Double AshColl Way Award

Sophie Fine AshColl Way Award

Simone Forster Lobato de Faria Level 2 Merit Award

Eddie Galbraith Citizenship Award for men toring students in reading

Janelle Galos Citizenship Award for mentor ing students in reading Alyssa Gilbert Level 2 Merit Award

Fletcher Hobbs Materials Technology: Metal AshColl Way Award Oliver Hobbs Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Jordie Hurst AshColl Way Award

Laura Jensen Excellence in Level 2 Psycholo gy Online Level 2 Merit Award

Jack Jones Citizenship Award for mentor ing students in reading A member of the Smallbore Rifle Shooting Team as the Team that brings the most credit to Ash burton College (Bevan Bain Trophy) Ash Coll Way Award

Freshta Karimi AshColl Way Award

Jess Lamb AshColl Way Award Ruby Leverton Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Emma Lill Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Seth Lucido Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading

Molly McKenna Citizenship Award for men toring students in reading Level 2 Merit Award

Hayley McQuillan-Ross Level 2 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Sean McQuillan Citizenship Award for men toring students in reading

Jack Middleton Citizenship Award for men toring students in reading Level 2 Merit Award

John Montojo Citizenship Award for mentor ing students in reading

Mischa Moore AshColl Way Award

Tāne Moore A member of the Smallbore Rifle ShootingTeam as the Team that brings the most credit to Ashburton College (Bevan Bain Trophy)

Deborah Muchiri AshColl Way Award Delyna Nguyen AshColl Way Award Nuku Penisoni Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Grace Prendergast AshColl Way Award

Princess Pureza Citizenship Award for men toring students in reading Level 2 Merit

Award AshColl Way Award

Sunny Rana AshColl Way Award

Hershel Ranay Level 2 Merit Award

Tom Rosevear Citizenship Award for mentor ing students in reading

Harmony Shea Level 2 Merit Award

Orpah Sildo Level 2 Merit Award

Sama Sooialo AshColl Way Award

Jack Templeton Citizenship Award for men toring students in reading Level 2 Merit Award

Lloyd Tuhao AshColl Way Award

Sera Ula Level 2 Merit Award

Ethan van Dijk AshColl Way Award

Luis Varias Citizenship Award for mentor ing students in reading Level 2 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Joelle Watson Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Lily Williams Level 2 Merit Award

Alexia Wilson Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Award

Academic and Special Awards

Kaimana Acidera German (German Embassy Prize) Level 2 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Harvey Apolonio Dr Jim Benefield Trophy for the student that shows the most enthu siasm and appreciation for the Classical world AshColl Way Award

Ollie Bubb Physical Education (Joint Award) Boys’ Tennis Trophy for Boys’ Tennis Champion Level 2 Excellence Award Ash Coll Way Award

Lily Campbell Japanese (Ton’s Thai Award) AshColl Way Award

Andreea Ciora Accounting (Joint Award) Food and Nutrition (Herbert Watts Cup and Mid Canterbury Federation of Coun try Women’s Institute Prize) Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Angela Ciora Classics Law (Argyle Welsh Finnigan Prize) (Joint Award) Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading Level 2 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Emma Cochrane Contribution to Instrumen tal Music in the Senior School (KBB Music Prize) Music Performance Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Kyle Dickson Digital Information Technology (Heartland Technology Prize) Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Anna Ford General Mathematics (Ashburton District Council Prize) Tourism Level 2 Mer it Award AshColl Way Award

Henry Goodes Foundation Studies Citizen ship Award for mentoring students in reading

Amelia Harris Chemistry (Ashburton District Council Prize and Greg Jones Cup) Fires tone Fairplay Trophy Excellence in Level 2 Psychology Online Top Student in Level 2 Psychology Online Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading Level 2 Ex cellence Award AshColl Way Award

Jessica Hayman Materials Technology: Fab rics Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Alice Homer Materials Technology: Wood Te Reo Maori (Joint Award) Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Lachie Jemmett Boys’ Squash Champion Trophy for Squash (Joint Award)

Alastair Kilgour Prime Minister’s Vocation al Excellence Award Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Maria Lawn Music Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading Paisley Tro phy for Contribution to Year 12 Music Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Mitchell Leath Glover Trophy for best aggre gate golf score Stewards Cup for the male showing the most Grit and Determination in Sport

Charlotte McKenzie NZ Cadets Ladies Chal lenge Cup – Senior Shooting Champion

L Clayton Trophy - Best Female Shooter

Most Elite Female Sportsperson in the Col lege - Senior Girls’ Sports Cup To Collect on behalf of the Smallbore Rifle Shooting Team the Bevan Bain Trophy as the team that brings the most credit to Ashburton College Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Seb McMillan Economics Ashburton College

Golf Challenge Trophy for Golf Level 2 Ex cellence Award AshColl Way Award

Laura Mihailescu Bogdan Drama (Jenny Smith Trophy) Citizenship Award for men toring students in reading Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Lyn Militante General Science (Alan West Cup) Business Studies Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Simon Moore Automotive Skills Ashburton Technical High School Old Pupils’ Associ ation Trades Scholarship

Mao Nishioka Health Law (Argyle Welsh Finnigan Prize) (Joint Award) Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading Level 2 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Hamish O’Reilly Materials Technology: Build ing Level 2 Merit Award

Sam Orr Accounting (Joint Award) Agricul ture Science (Five Star Beef Prize and BNZ Cup) Geography – R B Ching Prize and Trophy Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Olivia Pearce English (Mary Bovett Prize and Murrow Cup) (Joint Award) Level 2 Excel lence Award AshColl Way Award

Kaiwhaiki Peetitumango Te Reo Maori (Joint Award) Corbett Trophy for Dedication and Commitment to Tikanga Maori Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading

Jim Reyes Sport and Exercise Performance AshColl Way Award

Chloe Robinson Child Development (Joint Award) Girls’ Rugby Trophy – Most Im proved Forward Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading

Will Rollinson Top student in the Year 12 Ag riculture Horticulture Academy (Primary Industry Training Organisation Cup)

Chloe Rutledge Visual Art: Painting (Ash burton District Council Prize) Outdoor Ed ucation Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Sifala Sagaga History (Brian Edmondston Cup) Level 2 Merit Award

Lara Shierlaw Dance (Joint Award) Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Arlina Smith Design and Visual Communica tion Level 2 Merit Award

Sophie Smith Dance (Joint Award) Citi zenship Award for mentoring students in reading Level 2 Merit Award

Rose Stevens Child Development (Joint Award) Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading AshColl Way Award

Rere Strickland Hospitality English as an Ad ditional Language

Nicholas Stringer Gateway Award for excel lence in the workplace and application to Gateway study

Henry Thomas 1st XV Trophy for Service and Contribution to the Rugby Team

Jess Thomas Kirsty Trophy for cheerful par ticipation in Drama Level 2 Merit Award

Daniel Thompson Harmony Masonic Lodge Trophy and Scholarship for the Top Stu dent in the Trades Experience course

Mia Tilleyshort Visual Art: Photography Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Isabel Wall Visual Art: Creative Design Bi ology (Ashburton District Council Prize) Physics (Ashburton District Council Prize and Seagar Cup) Life Ashburton Pharmacy Prize for the Top Overall Student enrolled in three Sciences Rarakiroa Award for the Top Year 12 Maori Student Citizenship Award for mentoring students in reading Level 2 Excellence Award AshColl Way Award

Jacob Wilson Mihi Pai Trophy for receiving the most Mihi Pai Awards in Year 12 Ash Coll Way Award

Sarah Wilson Physical Education (Joint Award) Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

Laura Winchester English (Mary Bovett Prize and Murrow Cup) (Joint Award) Cit izenship Award for mentoring students in reading Level 2 Merit Award AshColl Way Award

The Top Student in Year 12 Dpi Academic Achievement Award Isabel Wall

Isabel Wall - Top Student in Year 12 DPI Academic Achievement Award

Members of the Smallbore Rifle Shooting Team as the Team that brings the most credit to Ash burton College (Bevan Bain Trophy) (from left) Charlotte McKenzie, Madi Tourle and Jack Jones

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LETTERS

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■ No more than 100 words.

■ We reserve the right to edit or not publish.

Fitting farewell to a great public servant

Afew pages on from this one, in today’s edition of the Guardian, we give a deserving acknowledgement to one of the more colourful and entertaining identities to have sat around the Ashburton District Council table.

But in the same breath, we also acknowledge a passionate, hard-working and dedicated councillor who has always held the priorities of his constituents and the wider community in the highest of regards.

Stuart Wilson won’t like the fanfare, or the fuss – but it’s re quired for his years of service to this district as a councillor.

He’s been a long-standing local government worker who hasn’t faltered in his beliefs, and always been more than willing to stand up and speak for them too.

A few years back when I first stepped into the role of editor of

the Guardian, I knew very little of Mr Wilson. But I quickly gained an appreciation for his way of approaching matters of great importance to this community.

He didn’t waver. He didn’t toe the line. If he didn’t like some thing, he damn well said it, and on more than just the odd occasion his thoughts mirrored what a lot of other people were thinking.

That’s rare in such a position. It’s almost like it’s expected that our councillors and elected members of whatever organisa tion will remain emotionless, and that’s to the detriment of the role.

A bit of colour goes a long way, and all of sudden makes some thing that could otherwise be a little more mundane, a lot more appealing to the wider commu nity who otherwise wouldn’t have been interested at all.

burton Guardian the next day.

A great man for a little bit of newspaper cannon fodder, that’s for sure.

But the humorous aspects were only just a small part of his con tribution. Stuart, during his time

He didn’t waver. He didn’t toe the line. If he didn’t like something, he said it and on more than the odd occasion his thoughts mirrored what a lot of people were thinking.

Stuart told me once that he used to head home from council meetings with a little trepidation.

He said he knew that almost from the moment he walked in the door his wife, Betty, was going to ask him about what he’d said in that day’s meeting that she was going to read about in the Ash

around the council table, was a fierce advocate for all things Mid Canterbury. He called a spade a spade and if he didn’t like an idea or suggestion, you soon found out.

What pleased me most earlier this year was to learn that after his years of service, that Stuart

was going out on his own terms. Hanging up the councillor name tag after a more than solid shift of serving our community. That’s exactly how he deserved it to be.

And another thing…

How wonderful is it at this time of the year to read and learn more about some of the future leaders of our community.

The Ashburton and Mount Hutt colleges’ end of year prize givings give a great insight into the incredible youngsters we have out there in our community and it’s also a great opportunity to recognise their achievements throughout the schooling year.

Each and every one of them should be proud of their achieve ments and know that they go forth into the big wide world with the Mid Canterbury community right behind them.

Matt Markham

Dishing the dirt on my bosses

me wonder when the storm’s going to hit.

What makes a good boss?

Fenwick

What makes a good boss?

Well, my current employer, Daryl Holden (Texas Poker) reckons it’s him and it’s quite difficult for me to comment on this.

He pays my wages and I sit near his office.

But, in the blink of an eye, I’m over my fear and ready to do an expose on present and ex-Guardian editors.

Unfortunately, there are some I cannot comment on, especially the one who was fired for upsetting some people in high places, or the one that was caught doing naughty things and was ushered quickly back to his country of birth.

There are three editors of the many that I have had to deal with who stand out for me.

Quick-thinking, rowdy Dutchman Coen Lammers taught me a huge amount:

Lesson 1) If you lose your temper, you’ve already lost the argument. People then focus on your behaviour and not the very valid point you wanted to make, dammit. I don’t always achieve the state of zen, but I try.

Lesson 2) Don’t accidentally get drunk and come back to work and try and finish Page 1. It just doesn’t work well and you

WILL get told off.

Lesson 3) No matter how good you think your page design is, you can always do it better. And he demonstrated this by standing behind me night after night and yelling quick-fire instructions at me to change a page around about five minutes from deadline.

Snappy-dressing and sharpas-a-tack Stu Oldham, whom we all adored:

Lesson 4) Never get in a lift with Stu. He does a creepy version of the Carlton dance while making the “inz, inz” noise if

you get trapped in that moving box with him.

Lesson 5) Never interrupt him on his way to his 3pm poo, which he would loudly announce to the newsroom.

Lesson 6) A sharp brain and quick tongue will get you out of trouble quicker and easier than a sharp stick. He is one of the funniest people I know. Ice-cold, cool as a cucumber Daryl Holden (current editor and jury’s still out on him):

Lesson 7) To me, a good boss is someone who can deal with conflict well. Mr Holden can

bring my explosive nature from a raging red 10 down to a calm-ish 1 in a matter of seconds. Now that’s a skill (one that irritates me immensely).

Lesson 8) This lesson is for Mr Holden) Telling me not to swear suddenly makes the F word so much more attractive.

Lesson 9) Note to self: Stop trying to push your editor to see at what point he pops. A: I probably won’t like the result and B: I haven’t seen him anything other than calm. But that’s even scarier because it makes

Generically, they need to be able to deal with conflict well, be fair and able to listen, but also able to take action. Most of all they need to have a great sense of humour, it’s certainly imperative when dealing with fiery, creative types like myself.

Sarcasm is the first, middle and last line of defence. To work with Mr Holden, you must have a quick and solid appreciation of the skill. Sarcasm used to be called the lowest form of wit. However, a recent scientific study seems to suggest that sarcasm promotes creativity for those on both the giving and receiving end of sarcastic exchanges.

So the advice from scientificamerican.com is instead of avoiding sarcasm completely in the office, use with care and in moderation, and trigger some creative sparks.

Dear Mr Holden: Take note of the “use with care” bit.

But in all honesty, every editor I’ve ever had has taught me something. It may not have been something I wanted to learn and it may not have been something I thought was useful at the time, but it’s made me a lot more versatile and skilled in my work life.

Note from editor: Lisa, your performance review has been brought forward to next week. Feel free to bring a support person.

Regards, Mr Holden.

Making childcare more affordable

For many working families here in Mid Canterbury, childcare is a big household cost. That’s why, as part of our Government’s work to support New Zealanders with the cost of living, we’re making childcare more affordable for low and middle income families.

The Prime Minister just recently announced that we’re significantly expanding childcare assistance, cutting costs for working parents and supporting more children into early education.

On top of this, we’re further boosting Working for Families and the Best Start payment, providing more support to help ease

the pressure.

Jo Luxton

RANGITATA MP

These changes will kick in from April 1 next year. The exact amount families will save on childcare costs will depend on the number of hours they work, the wages they are on, the number of hours of childcare per day, and the cost of their early childcare education centre.

For example, a Mid Canterbury family with two parents both

working 40 hours per week on $26 per hour with two children under five who will not have been eligible for childcare assistance, now will be eligible for $252 per week.

Childcare assistance has been neglected for more than a decade, since income thresholds were frozen by National in 2010. I’m really proud that the changes we’re making will see thousands of parents given back the choice to do what’s best for their family – I know what a difference this will make.

By reducing financial barriers and better supporting parents who want to enter work or further training, we’re also helping

fill labour shortages, which is good news for Ashburton families, local businesses and our economy.

These next steps build on the work that our Government has already done to ease cost of living pressures on New Zealanders in the face of global inflation, including our cost of living package, which includes the fuel tax cut and more.

We’re also taking action on supermarkets to make sure Kiwis are paying a fair price at the checkout, because we’re fed up with supermarkets earning $1 million a day in excess profits while people are paying a premium for the basics.

At a time when families are feeling the cost-of-living spike, our Government is investing in what matters most.

I’m really proud that we’re now taking the next step to make sure childcare is within reach for parents and that families here in Ashburton have more support to cover other costs.

Jo Luxton is a Labour MP. The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of the Ashburton Guardian Co Ltd or any employee thereof

As Christmas comes again

I’m mainly sharing the thoughts of an associate who wrote to me recently . . .

“Well, only six weeks or so until Christmas and again we can ask, where has this year gone? We are living in difficult times and there is much to concern us with the Ukrainian/Russian war continuing, the dramas and extremes associated with politics in various countries, the global impact of the past three years with Covid and the food and resouce shortages etc etc . . . our ecological disasters, the

Denis Nolan CHRISTIAN COMMENT

list goes on and on.

So, we come back to our day-today trials – what encourages us? What creates hope? What brings love, joy and peace? What sort of things do we do to make this world a better place? Live in a

better socially related neighbourhood, or community?

Yes, there has to be some action, some going out to others. It’s all a bit sad if we hide ourselves away, each of us has gifts and talents that can create a better space around us.

We appreciate those whom we know who have chosen not to isolate themselves or become comfortable with their own groups perhaps even cliques etc,which can create distance and isolate people further.

We are all capable of living this way and to be open to the stranger or the person we don’t know.

A simple positive note, comment, affirmation can go along way to helping people feel good about themselves and their life.

As the Christmas season comes closer and the time honoured ‘reason for the season’ for me, is the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, cared for and loved by his mother Mary and foster father Joseph.

The angels who announced this to the shepherds in the fields

sang of peace on earth and joy to people of good will.

I think that last phrase, people of good will, is foundational. That’s part of the call of each of us to stem the tide of cynicism, selfishness, individualism, and loneliness for others.”

We are more than we think or believe of ourselves . . . thank God.

Denis Nolan is the Parish Priest of the St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Pastoral area of Mid Canterbury.

Lisa

Hope is passionate about investing in others

My name is Hope River, I love mysticism, art, human rights activism, and condiments.

I was born in the United Kingdom to a British mother and a Rwandan father, and I am a first generation Black British. I spent most of my childhood living around Yorkshire.

When I graduated from university, I decided to go backpacking around Australia on a working holiday visa to discover what direction I wanted to take my life.

After a year, and from the advice of a friend, I decided to travel to Aotearoa New Zealand on a 23-month working holiday visa. I have now been here four years and will soon be a permanent resident.

I came to Aotearoa New Zealand alone, however, I did have a close friend already living here.

My family lives throughout the United Kingdom and central Africa.

I currently work at the local art gallery as a programmes and education co-ordinator.

I chose this job because my educational background is in Fine Arts and teaching. In addition, I am passionate about investing my time and energy in projects which invest in others.

Working at the gallery allows me to be both creative and engaged in positive community projects.

I like that Hakatere Ashburton is a peaceful town close to Christchurch. Living here has given me an environment where I can channel my energy into personal projects, such as my art practice and study of international relations.

Work has been my main form of connecting with others and forming friendships.

I feel like the formation of my most meaningful relationship has been with Mercedes Walkham.

This year we have closely collaborated on the group Kōwhai Mums

which has become a fantastic hub for fellow migrants and newcomers and mums in general, to the district to connect.

Hakatere Ashburton is predominately white, and this is a challenge I continue to face. Most of the people I interact with are lovely, however, most people haven’t experienced or understand things from the perspective of a black woman.

Sadly, I have experienced racism whilst living here and my main defence mechanism has been to remind myself that racism isn’t a phenomenon unique to living here – it happens everywhere.

I occasionally miss my home country. I haven’t been back in over five years and sometimes feel depressed when I miss family and holidays like Christmas, summer festivals, or most recent historical events such as the Queen’s death.

My biggest practical goals whilst in Aotearoa New Zealand are to re-engage in my art practice; pursue non-government organisation work, and support low socio-economic youth. My biggest holistic goal is to just be.

Before moving to Hakatere Ashburton, I was forever reaching some elusive goal, but now I’m entering a state of contentment with what is.

A message to the readers: I think the world is a very scary place now, and no matter who you are or what you do, we are living in a state of hyper-normalisation and pretending everything is fine when it isn’t.

If you are experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness, or depression, please don’t keep it to yourself – share the load with others because they are likely feeling the same.

I think the more people become open and more expressive of their feelings, the better chance we have at coping with what the world throws at us.

West African peanut stew (vegan)

Peanuts, crushed or whole Dash of hot sauce (sriracha, hot sauce or red pep per flakes), optional Grain of choice (rice, quinoa or couscous), option al

METHOD

■ Sauté:  In a large pot, heat oil or water over medium heat, add the onion, garlic, ginger, and chilli peppers and sauté for 5 minutes stirring fre quently.

■ Boil and simmer:  Add the sweet potatoes, jackfruit, tomatoes, spices and liquids, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork tender.

■ Add final ingredients: Turn off the pot and stir in the peanut butter, and finish with the spinach and lemon juice. So the soup will thicken upon cooling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

■ Serve in individual bowls with an optional grain of choice and garnish with cilantro and peanuts. Soup pairs wonderfully with naan bread for soak ing and dipping!

Hope River is of British and Rawandan descent.

A Guatemalan perspective

Time is rushing and November is already here. It is one of my favourite months in New Zealand and Guatemala. In New Zealand, because the weather starts to get warmer, there are still lots of flowers around and social activities become more frequent.

In Guatemala, it used to be one of my favourites because even though it starts to get colder (24.2°C in the city), November is officially the beginning of the festive season.

We start the celebrations with the day of the death or Dia de Muertos or Dia de Todos Los Santos, this celebration involves lots of food and family around to remember the people, pets, friends and whānau who have left this realm to accompany us from a different one.

One of the most common dishes is fiambre, which consists of a big colourful salad-like dish with a mix of vegetables, meats, cheeses and pickled relishes.

Normally the recipes are passed down from generation to generation, but if you don’t have the time, you can also buy it from “a friend of a friend”. It takes several days to prepare and requires a big workforce, who will likely be paid with fiambre.

For dessert, you would normally have sweets made with pumpkin, and a variety of fruit from the region cooked with unrefined whole cane sugar, cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, ginger, orange juice and zest.

These dishes are only made for this festivity and people living abroad miss them dearly.

Another popular activity is the Fes-

tival of Giant Kites. This is celebrated annually on the first and second of November.

Hundreds of people from all over the world gather in cemeteries to witness communities flying enormous kites that have been hand-made by local Mayan artists. Some of these kites can be more than 12 metres in diameter and they are made out of bamboo, fabrics and tissue paper. The designs are always better than the previous year and artists get to express their creativity by representing textiles, writing poems, drawing portraits, animals and nahuales (personal guardian spirit, who normally resides in an animal).

The tradition goes back to pre-Colombian times when kites were seen as the link between the living and the dead. Now, the festival is also seen as a great tourist attraction and kites are used to share messages of harmony and fellowship with the spectators and the communities while remembering their loved ones.

After this celebration, the planning for the Christmas dinner starts to happen, and will likely involve a party or get-together with friends or family.

The discussions will be around who will be in charge of what, and if there will be tamales or turkey. If tamales are the way to go, some logistics need to be taken into consideration (aka another series of excuses to get together and have a good time).

Once all that is sorted, the Advent wreath tradition and the “posadas” start, but that is another story.

Needing more driving mentors

As we move into spring and daylight saving there becomes a little extra time available for driver training.

Which is perfect now that we have another group with learner’s licences ready to hit the road.

This means we are on the lookout for more driving mentors, so we are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to join us as a volunteer driving mentor.

Getting a licence in New Zealand can be a daunting prospect for anyone, especially for a newcom er for whom English is a second language

A big part of what we do is supporting and guiding our clients through the process of booking the test.

This can include visits to the AA office for the learner’s licence, booking the practical test online through the NZTA website and accompanying them to their test at VTNZ if the mentor isn’t able to do so.

All great practical support that means so much to them.

This programme really is a team effort.

From our volunteers, road code tutors and driving instructors, to our sponsors and students, we couldn’t do it without you.

We are grateful to Waka Kotahi who have come on board as a new funder.

Did you know revenue from the sale of personalised number plates goes to funding community pro grammes like ours?

Thanks to those who have per sonalised number plates, it’s good to know who in the community benefits from your purchase.

And thanks to COGs and the Lion Foundation for their ongoing support for another year.

It’s great that our sponsors see value in what we are doing, and see the difference their contri bution makes to the lives of our newcomers.

We encourage the public to continue to support community organisations who fund us, and to continue buying personalised plates, because we can’t run our programme without our sponsors.

If you would like to be part of this amazing programme, either as a student, driving mentor or to volunteer in other ways, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Wendy Hewitt on 027 611 3301 or wendy.hewitt@ safer.org.nz

We are also on Facebook, just search for the Mid Canterbury Rural Driver Licensing Scheme.

Left – Just some of many grateful people the driving scheme has helped obtain their precious driving licences

Councillor Wilson hangs

Stuart Wilson has a little red book detailing his council tenure covering every meeting over the 12 years.

He used it like a diary to document the details and his thoughts on every big decision and who voted on what over his 12 years at the council table.

“It is just my own record of what we did.

“There’s nothing personal in there or any names of staff, just council business.”

Stuart’s book has now had its last entry and he is settling into life after the council. It could be quite easy to picture him, the avid roading campaigner, wandering the district with a wheelbarrow of hot mix in tow fixing potholes.

He is a man of his word though and is leaving council business behind him, but will be keeping an eye on the progress of a few unfinished projects.

Stuart attended the opening meeting of the new term, where for the first time in 12 years he wasn’t at the table but was in the public gallery to watch the new Councillor Wilson, his son Richard, being sworn in as a new councillor.

“I miss it. I’ll miss the council for sure.

“You miss the relationships with the fellow councillors and the staff.

“It becomes a big part of your life.”

Stepping down from council at the ripe age of 81 means he can now enjoy his retirement.

After three weeks off the job, his lawn couldn’t be in better shape, and there isn’t a weed to be seen in the gardens.

He has run out of things to do around the house, but he’s keeping himself busy enough not to drive his wife Betty too crazy, and she is adjusting to having him at home more.

“It would be very easy to sit around and do nothing,” he said.

But Stuart isn’t the type to sit still for too long.

“I’ve got the two boys with farms at Hinds, I won’t be milking cows or anything like that, but I can go out and give them a hand.”

He has no plans to take on any major project, but has been invited to join the Mid Canterbury Historical Society.

World travel isn’t high on his priority list but “going around the North Island” is and clocking up some kilometres in his Morris Eight Sport.

From Kirwee to Hinds, to Tinwald Stuart was born in Kirwee where his parents farmed before they shifted to Hinds in 1945.

He went to Lynnford School for three years before it closed in 1949, as he was

By Jonathan Leask

one of only six pupils, and went to Hinds School.

He then attended Timaru Boys’ High School and after gaining his School Certificate returned to the farm to help his father.

He then married Betty in 1964.

“My father bought one of the railway houses at Windermere, picked it up on the

truck and put it on the farm.

“We were only there for a year and in 1965 we shifted up to Hinds Arundel Road and were there until seven years ago so we didn’t quite make 50 years on the farm.”

Getting to the council table

Stuart was always interested in politics and it was after he joined the Hinds Lions in 1984 that was the start of his political journey.

“I was encouraged to go a little bit further in Lions and I wasn’t sure, but a friend of mine was an office holder in Federated Farmers and asked me to come along and become junior vice president.

He worked his way up to president and then past president which exposed him to the workings of local government.

“You submitted to the council on annual plans and long-term plans and you thought ‘blight it, they wouldn’t listen’.”

He recalls attending a public meeting in Hinds where then councillor Ken Lowe, “an ardent Methven councillor”, was speaking about spending money on something in Methven, when Stuart decided to pipe up.

“I said ‘Methven, they’re a pack of parasites up there on the district’ and boy did that get a reaction.”

It’s a comment that may not have helped when he then stood for election in 2007, as the old ward system had him at the mercy of the Methven voters and he was unsuccessful.

Under the new ward system in the 2010 elections, when the current eastern and western ward split, he was elected to the council. Four terms later he decided it was time to step aside while he was still at the top of his game.

“It wasn’t because I wasn’t enjoying it or I wasn’t keeping up.

“It was just time.”

Councillor Wilson tell it like it is

As a councillor, Stuart was a straight shooter, often firing a sharp-ended question, strongly worded statement, or infamously calling for a point of order.

He was unapologetically honest in his opinions, direct in his approach, and almost unwavering in his convictions.

Stuart could be persuaded by a strong

argument, but he was never afraid to call a spade a spade and question “why on earth” someone would say it’s a shovel.

“People can be swayed by an argument of course.

“Sometimes you think that for the betterment of the district my opinion might be better this way or that way.”

But that’s the kind of person needed at the council table, he said.

“Not someone who shares an opinion in the tearoom and is then a yes man at the meeting that doesn’t stick to their guns.

“Even if it’s (a vote) 8 to 1, you may as well lose saying what you think and that’s what

Stuart Wilson is a straight shooter that rarely missed his target in his 12 years as an Ashburton District Councillor. Now he has stepped aside from politics, he is settling into civilian life and reflects on his long service

with Local Democracy Reporter Jonathan Leask.

Stuart Wilson challenged the notion of co-governance in the Three Waters Reforms, catching the ire and a response from Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta in October 2021, prompting Wiilson to feature in this work by Guardian cartoonist Moreu.

Even if it’s (a vote) 8 to 1, you may as well lose saying what you think and that’s what makes democracy work.

“

Stuart Wilson perusing his little red book that details the big decions and who made them during his 12 years on the Ashburton District Council.

hangs up his guns

makes democracy work.”

He said he learnt early on that a councillor should avoid at all costs to abstain from a decision.

“If you sit on the fence, what’s the point of you being there?”

He wasn’t afraid to ask the question or say what he thought – even if got him in hot water occasionally, because that’s the role of an elected councillor, he said.

When Stuart flicked his microphone on, staff would bristle in their seat in case they were in his sights.

It could be a short, sharp serve, a pointed question, or seeking clarity.

Earlier this year a KiwiRail manager was left startled after he bore the brunt of one such tirade, with Stuart telling him of his incompetence over the prolonged timeframes completing the Walnut Avenue upgrade.

He said councillors need to ask questions to know how the cogs move to ensure they have things moving in the right direction, that’s why there are no stupid questions but there can be stupid answers.

Stuart would speak his mind, straight to the point and then sit back in his chair to hear an answer, but never one to let an unacceptable excuse slide by, and then listen to the other councillors’ views.

He said he was always conscious of only speaking when it was necessary.

“Experienced councillors can have too much to say.

“When I first got on, there was a group of very experienced councillors and they always had an opinion on every single thing.

“It took a brave new councillor to contradict them at times.

“In the last term, I had to be conscious I didn’t use my opinion to influence everybody else.”

Road warrior

He was at his best when it came to roading.

Stuart was driven to improve the district’s roads, continually campaigning for better outcomes, more funding and answers from contractors.

“I tried really hard on our roading net-

the increasing use of Te Reo.

In his valedictory speech, he admitted the only blight on his council tenure was the condition of the roads.

But it’s safe to say they would be in a worse state without Stuart’s dogged determination for better outcomes.

Determination and dedication were keys to Stuart’s 12-year stint but that’s how he reckons it should be anyway. He is a firm believer that being a councillor is about dedicating yourself to serving the community.

That’s why you can count the number of meetings he missed in 12 years on one hand.

“I might have missed one as I had a funeral to go to.”

He was there to do the job to the best of his ability.

“I wasn’t there to personally achieve anything, just do the job as best I could.

“The opportunities in a democracy are so great, making decisions on behalf of everybody.”

He did all the reading and attended every full council meeting and committee meeting he could so that when it came time to make a decision he had all the information.

“If you are going to go on council you have to be prepared to give it your best.”

It’s a big commitment and no-one could question Stuart Wilson’s commitment to the role.

The straight shooter with his community always on his mind.

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Stuart and his wife Betty - who is adjusting to having him around more after he spent 12 years dedicated to the role of representing the community.

DriveThru

Got a car question? Maybe Roger can help. subs@theguardian.co.nz

While there’s now another couple of also-Chinese EVs snapping at their wheels, these updated and refreshed MG ZS EV’s (there’s now two versions) currently retain the ‘most affordable new EV’ title.

Both the entry level Excite and the Essence as driven, benefit from a comprehensive makeover, both outside and in. This includes a new, more efficient electric motor and 50kW high-voltage battery with enhanced management electronics. The stated range is now up to 320km.

Their drive away pricing is $49,990 and $53,990 respectively.

The financial pluses

Both meet the criteria for the full Clean Car rebate of $8625, and are currently

exempt for Road User Charges (RUCs).

Then, when compared to a petrol vehicle, they can be recharged at home for the equivalent of approximately 40 cents a litre (depending on your electricity supplier).

The look

They’ve a nice clean, but suitably stylish look with the grille-less coloured front (that conceals the charging port) and the aero styled 17-inch wheels proclaiming their EV status. The Essence has a panoramic sunroof.

They sit on a new platform and are just a little larger than before.

Within

There’s easy access to the quite high sitting, comfortable synthetic leather-clad seats. While there’s no reach adjust for the steering, the driver’s seat has power adjustment so it’s easy to get set up. Both front seats are heated.

Even for EV novices, it’s also very easy to interact with all the controls. These include the new 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, with its 360-degree views and sat/nav. There’s Apple and Android phone connectivity, wireless phone charging and a six-speaker surround sound system. The adaptive cruise controls are on a stalk, but easy to locate and use.

Good space all about in the rear seats as well, but best for two rather than three adults. The luggage space is 359 litres, and accessed via the manually opened tailgate. There’s an inflation kit rather than a spare wheel.

The power

The new electric motor produces

130kW and 280Nm of instant torque. It’s powered by an also new, 50.3kWh battery with improved thermal and chemical stability.

The result is a very smooth power delivery with the ability to now swish, (when in Sport mode) from standstill to 100kmh now in just over 7.5 seconds, then follow on with quick and safe overtaking.

You just press the start button (remember there’s just sounds of silence from the electric motor) select D or R with the rotary ‘gear’ selector, a light foot on the accelerator and you are away.

As for any EV, particularly with the outof-town battery range, depends on just how, where and when you are driving it.

With these new systems stated driving efficiency of 17.1kW/h/100km and range of up to 320 km, I was comfortable, on leaving home with the battery at 100 per cent to do a return trip to Christchurch.

Sport mode obviously uses most battery power and Eco the least. I preferred Normal about town, where the ZS is easy to park, then Eco once at open road cruise.

Charging

The ZS’s system includes an integrated 6.6kW charger. Using the supplied 3-pin cable you can trickle charge at home, but most owners will install a 7kW, fixed wall charger.

With MG’s own ChargeHub system (which costs about $2100 plus installation), a full charge can happen overnight.

Connecting to a 50kW DC rapid charger can charge the battery from almost zero to 80 per cent in about 50 minutes.

Regeneration

With this battery charge function

(there’s three selectable levels), while retardation occurs as soon as you take your foot from the accelerator, you still need to use the brake pedal for a full stop.

This system, especially in the stop-go traffic, shows why EVs are so well suited to around town/city stuff.

Ride/handling

The suspension has been upgraded and delivers a refined, absorbent ride with bumps and ruts being now well dealt with.

Through corners it’s set up to be a safe and predictable drive, with the traction/ stability control systems and 215/55 R17 Michelins playing their parts very well, although you do notice the steering’s self-centring effect.

Safety

The Essence has a comprehensive of active driver safety aids/safety package, including blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert.

A repeat of the previous model’s 5-star ANCAP rating is expected/awaited.

This latest, improved in all respects MG ZS, with its easy liveability continues to hold its own in the EV value for money and warranty stakes. It’s easy to drive, practical, quiet and excels about town with its frugal power consumption. And of course, zero emissions! Long road trips will still need forward planning and probably patience with fast-charge station waits/charge times.

Adele Musson, who travelled to the recent Armstrong Siddeley gathering in Ashburton with her parents and grandfather in the family Sapphire 234, which her great grandfather

rally.

The beginnings of Hato Hone St John Ambulance locally

By Glenn Vallender

Hato Hone St John is very important to communities across the countr y. The association, whose new te reo Māori name is the literal translation of St John, provides crucial ambulance services, first aid training, and other forms of support.

Many of us probably take these things for granted, but how did Hato Hone St John get started?

The St John Ambulance Association, as it was once known, was formally estab lished in 1885 in Christchurch, but a note published in the Ashburton Guard ian on January 22, 1891 indicates that an ‘ambulance class’ was not formed until six years later.

The note states that members of the Fire Brigade decided that a meeting should be held after their drill session to consider the “formation of an ambu lance class”.

It was not until June 1895 that a St John Ambulance Association was established in Ashburton, with the first committee meeting being held on September 24, 1895.

The first annual general meeting of the Association was held on June 16, 1896 at the residence of a Mrs Dodds. Mr H A McKay was the chairperson, and

it was he who gathered the materials from Christchurch such as bandages and anatomical charts to be used for the first

ambulance class ‘lectures’ (not classes!).

In the late 19th century, ‘medical and anatomically related’ lectures had to be gender split; in 1895, lectures for females were set for 2pm on Saturday, June 8, and 8.00pm on Monday 10 June for males!

The life of Dr Leahy

The first lecture for over 60 women was held in the Whakanui Road Board Hall with Dr Leahy as the lecturer.

Dr Leahy had an amazing life and his biography by well-known author and local doctor Dr Maurice Otley, which is held in the museum, is well worth a read.

He was born in 1852 in Newcastle, County Limerick, Ireland where his father was the Crown solicitor.

Dr Leahy was educated in Dublin and was the youngest student to qualify at the age of 23.

According to Maurice Otley, he was in fected with smallpox when “walking the wards” and it was recommended that he took a long sea voyage to New Zealand, which is where he began his medical practice in Dunedin.

In 1882, Dr Leahy bought Dr Mur doch’s practice here in Ashburton, where he practised for 16 years.

In 1886 he broke a leg (ouch) while out on a hunt as “master of the hunt”.

Dr Leahy died on September 26, 1898 in Dunedin, at the young age of 46.

He was so well known and respected that all the churches’ bells in Ashburton tolled 46 times to commemorate his life.

Dr Leahy, alongside a Dr Tweed, at tended that initial Fire Brigade meeting in 1891, and he was instrumental in establishing the formation of first aid classes. This in turn led ultimately to the independent establishment of the St John Ambulance Association.

We have a lot to thank Dr Leahy for.

As for the introduction of ambulances in Ashburton, the St John Ambulance Society, as it was then known, purchased a patient carriage or “hand ambulance stretcher” in July 1895.

It was not until 1900 that the society, based on a suggestion by Mr H A McKay, purchased a horse drawn carriage (wag gon).

As this was a new and novel way of transporting patients, one doctor of the time said that he was surprised “to see that a patient was actually still alive when arriving at the hospital”.

CONTACT

Material for this page is co-ordinated by the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum. Articles from other organisations are welcomed, as is any feedback on what appears.

Email: museum@ adc.govt.nz Mail: PO Box 94, Ashburton 7700 Phone: 307-7890

Copies of the photos on this page are available from the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum.

Image of local dignitaries around 1900-1902 showing Mr and Mrs McKay (white dress and bowler hat in the centre) looking on at a bowling club function. AM&HS Collection, archive reference 04.1994.0214.1.

Dr Leahy, from The History of Medicine in the Ashburton County, New Zealand from 1855 to 1955 by Dr. Maurice Otley. AM&HS Collection, archive reference 04.1994.0214.

Flannery,

College 1st XI right in contention

against

1st XI, with a 90run victory.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though.

A strong start to the season has the Ashburton College 1st XI cricket side already looking to push for higher honours in the Canterbury 1st XI Cup.

Four rounds of the competition have been completed already over the past month, with the Ashburton side picking up three wins from those four matches to put themselves right in conten tion.

And with just three rounds re maining before the end of year break, including a match yester day, there’s a lot riding on how the College side finishes.

The team opened their account last month a 131 run victory over Shirley Boys 1st XV.

Batting first they posted 229 all out from just under 40 overs with opening batsmen, Devon Flan nery leading the charge with 92, alongside valuable contributions from Lachie Jemmett 30 and Hamish O’Reilly 31.

The Shirley side has no answer in reply as they were rolled for 98 inside 30 overs, with Jack Middle ton doing all the damage on his way to 4-18 off seven overs.

The second round, on the Ash burton College wicket, saw an other big victory and again it was

Flannery who was on top of his game.

Scores aren’t available for the match, but the Mid Canterbury senior representative posted a double-century in the match as AshColl raced to 401 after batting first.

Their rivals, Christchurch Boys High School, were always in trou

ble with such a total to chase and were eventually rolled for 175.

Then things went a little pearshaped for a week.

Playing against Sydenham’s 1st XI the Ashburton side managed to restrict their hosts to 195/9 off their 50 overs.

It was a team effort with the ball, with eight of the side’s play

Mo’unga keen to face ‘favourite 10’

First-five Richie Mo’unga said New Zealand are prepared to face a tough Scotland side in Sunday morning’s test at Mur rayfield, where he could line up against his “favourite” number 10 Finn Russell.

Russell had been axed from the Scotland squad by coach Gregor Townsend in the latest instalment of their frosty rela tionship, but was recalled fol lowing an injury to Adam Hast ings in Saturday’s win over Fiji.

Mo’unga and Russell were competitors in club rugby in Christchurch in 2013 and the Scot made a good impression in New Zealand.

“In the last few years he’s been my favourite 10 in the world,” Mo’unga told reporters when asked about Russell.

“We knew when he arrived (in New Zealand) that the sky was the limit for him in terms of what he could do back then.

“To see him grow as a player, and the confidence he has, and the flair he has, that separates him from any other 10.

“He can play all types of games – his kicking, his running, his passing.

“We go way back. To see him since then be come the player he is now is awesome, and he’s a top bloke as well.”

New Zealand breezed to an eight-try 55-23 vic tory over Wales in Cardiff last weekend and are looking to end a difficult season on a high with a clean sweep of their autumn internationals, which includes a November 19 meeting with England.

“There are a lot of things to work on, there were things I or the team could have done better, but when the team puts in a performance like that, I think you are happy all round,” Mo’unga said.

“We know the challenge ahead and how tough this (Scotland) team is, and how important it is to reset and look at the new opportunities ahead, but also the challenges of what we’re going to do during the week, so we’re best prepared for them.”

ers taking a wicket each.

A horror start with the bat, los ing three quick wickets, put the side on the back foot and they couldn’t recover as Sydenham ripped through the batting line to roll Ashburton for 97.

Normal transmission resumed again last week though, back on the Ashburton College wicket

Batting first, Ashburton man aged to sneak their way through to 140 before they were all out in the 32nd over.

Seven members of the bat ting line-up failed to reach dou ble-figures, but a 49 from Flan nery at the top of the order as well as a valuable 22 from Fletcher Hobbs before Tom Rosevear put the head down for 19 at the tail gave them a total to defend.

It turned out to be more than enough runs in the bank though, as vice-captain Lachie Jemmett went to work with the ball and ripped through the Rangiora bat ting line-up.

He ended the day with 5-13 from his six overs, while Middle ton was again in on the action with 3-13 from his six, and Hobbs backed up his effort with the bat by taking 2-8.

The side were set to play again yesterday, where they were due to travel to Christchurch to take on Christ’s College Development XI at Hagley Park.

The Christ’s team went into the match as the only undefeat ed team in the competition with four wins from their four match es.

Ashburton College sat second behind them as the only team to have won three games.

Locals pillage South Canterbury spoils

dine and United from Christchurch in the two-day event, which saw nine hours of play conducted each day to find a winner.

After a busy weekend involving 15 matches of croquet over the course of two days, two Ashburton players have walked off the lawns in South Canterbury victorious.

A large number of players con verged at the West End Croquet Club in Timaru last weekend for the Croquet South Canterbury Handicap doubles tournament, in cluding six teams from the Waireka Croquet Club in Ashburton.

They were joined by teams from Aorangi, West End, Ashbury, Geral

And it was an Ashburton pair ing who took home the choco lates, with David Galvin and Geoff Beaumont picking up the major prize for the weekend with 10 wins from their 15 matches – which was enough to see them crowned champions.

Other local players also per formed very well were Bev Blair and Pauline Scott who picked up eight wins, Audrey Leath and Heather Kaye with sevens wins, the same as Joyce and John Davis, while Colin Lamb and Jenny Ad ams picked up four wins for the weekend.

David Galvin and Geoff Beaumont with their spoils from the recent Croquet South Canterbury Handicap Doubles.

Rangiora High School Cricket Club’s

Lachie Jemmett was in devastating form with the ball last weekend for the Ashburton College 1st XI, claiming five wickets from his six overs. PHOTO DOUG BOVETT

Matt Markham

Matt Markham

Richie Mo’unga is well aware of the threat Finn Russell brings.

Arthur Cup remains in Ashburton’s care

Ashburton’s young athletes have again proved they are the best on the Canterbury Plains by bringing home the prestigious Arthur Cup for the second year in a row.

Twenty-six of Mid Canterbury’s

aspiring youngsters travelled to Temuka last weekend to compete in the annual event at Opihi College, with the Ashburton Athletics Club running away as dominant victors over their four rival clubs.

Club spokesperson Kylie Edmond said they were over the moon to get their hands back on the cup.

“Our athletes had a fabulous day, giving everything a go, trying

hard and supporting one another,” she said.

“They’ve done the club proud with some great results all round.”

In the final wash-up, which saw athletes competing in a multitude of different disciplines and events, Ashburton closed off with

375 points, well ahead of South Canterbury who were second with 274. Temuka were third on 235, Geraldine fourth with 102 and Waimate fifth with 31.

The event was a good hit-out for the Rose Shield, which will be held at the Geraldine Domain later this month and another stepping-stone towards the Colgate Games, which is the pinnacle for

young athletes around the country.

“This year Timaru is hosting the Colgate Games so it’s a great opportunity for our local children to get involved.”

Edmond said any young aspiring athletes out in the community who might have wanted to have a go or look at joining the club were more than welcome.

They hold club nights every Wednesday at the Ashburton Domain Oval from 5.30pm.

Tried and true for Black Ferns

RNZ

The Black Ferns have made just one injury-enforced change to the team for tonight’s Rugby World Cup final against England at Eden Park with 2017 World Cup winner Charmaine McMenamin replacing Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, who sustained a thumb injury in the semi-final victory.

The team features six players who took part in the 2017 World Cup Final against the same opposition, with McMenamin joined by Sarah Hirini, Kendra Cocksedge, Portia Woodman, Theresa Fitzpatrick and Stacey Fluhler in lining up for consecutive finals.

Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith said he and assistants Wes Clarke and Whitney Hansen were pleased to name a settled team.

“Throughout this whole campaign selection has been incredibly difficult.

“We are pretty happy with the continuity in this line-up and only the one change this week.

“Charmaine comes into the team and she’s already had some good minutes on the field during the World Cup, and obviously brings that experience from 2017 as well,” said Smith.

Not shying away from the task at hand, Smith said this weekend will be as tough as they come.

“It is going to be a massive challenge.

“We are playing against possibly one of the greatest teams in the history of rugby, they’ve won 30 tests in a row, which is remarkable, and it’s going to take a huge effort.

“The support for the team has been amazing, but that also brings its own challenges.

“We have to show that we can cope with those challenges and focus on playing the rugby that we love,” said Smith.

This will be the 30th test between the teams, having first met in 1997, the Black Ferns have won 18, drawn one and lost 10.

It will be the fourth time the

teams have met in a Rugby World Cup Final, most recently the Black Ferns coming from behind to win 41-32 in Ireland in 2017.

There have only been three tests between the nations since the last World Cup, the Black Ferns

winning in San Diego in 2019 –England’s last defeat before going on a 30-match winning streak, including two wins over the Black Ferns last year.

Meanwhile England will be without fullback Helena Rowland and prop Hannah Botterman due to injuries. Botterman sustained a knee injury in training last week and Rowland picked up a foot injury in Saturday’s 26-19 semi-final win over Canada that extended England’s record winning run to 30 matches.

Winger Abby Dow capped her injury comeback by scoring two tries in that victory and will line up in the back three with the returning Ellie Kildunne and Lydia Thompson.

Holly Aitchison also returns while Claudia MacDonald and Tatyana Heard drop to the bench.

Phillipa Love (24), Georgia Ponsonby (12), Amy Rule (11), Maiakawanakaukani Roos (13), Chelsea Bremner (11), Alana Bremner (12), Sarah Hirini (16), Charmaine McMenamin (30), Kendra Cocksedge (67), Ruahei Demant (25) - co-captain, Portia Woodman (24), Theresa Fitzpatrick (17), Stacey Fluhler (24), Ruby Tui (9), Renee Holmes (9), Luka Connor (13), Krystal Murray (8), Santo Taumata (6), Joanah NganWoo (16), Kennedy Simon (12) - co-captain, Ariana Bayler (7), Hazel Tubic (21), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (20), Unavailable due to injury: Liana Mikaele-Tu’u.

Matt Markham

Black Ferns

They’ve done the club proud with some great results all round “

Members of the Ashburton Athletics Club with the Arthur Cup which they retained in Temuka last weekend.

Alana Bremner

Great for our community

For the past 16 years the Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge, a partnership between the Longbeach School and Hinds and District Lions, has been a mainstay of the Mid Canterbury events calendar. The event attracts competitive athletes, weekend warriors, recreational runners and enthusiastic children and families. To date the event has raised over $375,000 –all of which has been donated to the community.

By Rachael Rickard

The Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge has steadily grown over the years.

In 2007 the event began with just a mountain bike race and 259 competitors.

Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, peaking at just under 1500 at the ten-year anniversary.

The 2020 (2021 was cancelled due to Covid) event was the third year in a row numbers have been around a similar level and the committee is satisfied, especially given the abundance of events competing for entries.

Chairman Bruce Kell said “the committee is always looking for new ways to attract people to the course, so we’ve welcomed e-bikes to the course, distance runners with the 21km half marathon and teams to compete for the mountain bike trophies. With the resurgence of mountain bikers, especially in our youth, this year we’re challenging school teams to get together and take on the teams’ events!”

The Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge is organised and run by volunteers with all proceeds returned to the community.

The event has become one of the main sources of funds for the Hinds and District Lions Club.

Lions’ member and Past Chairman Garry Brown said: “The support and participation we get from our members and their partners is outstanding.

“Our members have got a lot of en-

joyment and satisfaction from the club’s principal role of track preparation, over the years the event has been running.

“This is ongoing with most of the work done in the spring – which can be challenging given the variable weather conditions we strike year on year.

“It’s great to be down on the coast putting our thinking caps on to overcome any of the multitude of issues that may arise.”

Locals are charmed by this event and return year after year.

The course itself offers fantastic scenery, with endless views of the Pacific Ocean, challenging sections along the stony coastline and a track which keeps participants fully engaged. There is lots of fun and adventure had by all.

The unique partnership between school and service club; landowners, sponsors

The fact box

What: Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge

When: Last Sunday in November since 2007

Next event: Sunday November 27, 2022

Fundraising: Over $375,000

Total entries to date: c 12,000

# of volunteers/event: over 100 each year

Events: Mountain Bike – 35km, 23km or 12km; E-bike – 23km; Off-road run – 21km, 12km, 5km; Walk – 12km, 5km; Teams race for 35km and 23km mountain bike.

Enter online at www.

longbeachcoastalchallenge.com

and competitors make the Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge a special event, and 2022 will be significant as the event marks its 15th running.

Online entries are open, and planning is well under way and the continued support from sponsors ensures the committee can keep operational costs as low as possible.

The course will again start and finish at the historic Longbeach Estate and the great support from landowners and their families is paramount to the success of this event.

Enough thanks cannot be given to the farmers who literally throw open their gates and allow access to their paddocks, laneways, and boundaries.

This year tracks will be similar to previous years, and will continue to give competitors unprecedented access to historical farmland and amazing coastline.

This is a once-a-year opportunity is not to be missed, and to celebrate the significance, all finishers will receive a 15th anniversary medal.

The committee invite you to come walk, run or mountain bike the track on Sunday November 27, 2022.

Motivated by personal achievement or a service to the community the Ruralco Longbeach Coastal Challenge continues to bring out the best in our people, for the good of our community.

Haven’t competed in this event yet? Then come and make 2022 your year and be charmed by this fantastic event.

There is an event for everyone, register online today!

Ballers make their mark at Apples tournament

They worked their way through the tournament and managed to finish up fourth overall in the standings from nine teams, outdoing their ranking of eight before the tour nament started.

Frustration as Black Caps’ title chance slips

RNZ

New Zealand skipper Kane William son was frustrated by his team’s subpar performance as their Twenty20 World Cup dream ended with defeat to Pakistan in their semi-final.

The loss means Black Caps will re turn home without a trophy from a fifth straight white-ball World Cup, despite reaching at least the semi-fi nals in all of them.

Williamson felt New Zealand’s total of 152-4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground had been a winning position, but Pa kistan had 105 runs on the board be fore they lost their first batsman, and romped to a seven-wicket win.

“The journey in this tournament has been a lot of good, but it’s just frustrating not put out a better per formance today,” he told reporters.

“If you get beaten playing your best cricket, then you certainly have to ac cept that.

“Today was a little bit disappoint ing. There were some good bits but we thought we had a defendable total if we were to be on our game.”

New Zealand were bidding to reach a second successive T20 World Cup final after their loss to Australia in Abu Dhabi last year, which came af ter successive defeats in the finals of the 2015 and 2019 World Cups in the one-day format.

Asked about again failing to get his hands on any silverware, Williamson reverted to his focus on performance.

“You’re always looking at the per formance, and we’ve played in a number of different finals and put out really good performances, proba bly good enough to win,” he said.

“And then we’ve got met by a side that’s played a little bit better or about equal.

“The frustrating part of this today is we weren’t quite on top of our game.

“We fought hard and we showed some good characteristics, and at titudes we want to see, but, yeah, it wasn’t to be.

“You play a number of tourna ments, you want to win some, but you finish the tournament and you just start focusing on the next one.”

While overall success may have eluded them, both Mid Can terbury basketball sides who travelled to Central Otago last weekend for the annual Apples Basketball Tournament came away with plenty of gains both individually and collectively for the region – both finishing in the top four for the weekend.

Basketball Mid Canterbury was represented at the tourna ment by two teams, including the Senior Women’s side which made a return to representative basketball after a long absence from the court.

The three-day tournament, which is a popular event on the South Island basketball scene sees many of the best basket ballers taking to the court for the weekend in a relaxed, but serious tournament created to highlight the sport.

Just getting back onto the court in itself was a big achieve ment for the women’s side, but they made their mark on the tournament as well, winning a

couple of games and showing plenty of promise for the future.

The weekend culminated in two tournament teams be ing named from everyone who stepped out during the week end and Mid Canterbury could lay claim to having two players selected in that side.

Noted players, Tessa Morrison and Sophie Adams both gained selection into the tournament team – further highlighting Mid Canterbury’s standing of pro ducing great ballers.

The men’s team were in good form, looking to back up their third placing from last year, and they worked themselves into a position to repeat it, tak ing on Rip City in the third and fourth playoff on Sunday after noon.

They won their first game of the weekend against Eastern comfortably and then their next to advance through to the playoff, where they were unsuc cessful in their bid, finishing in fourth place.

Now 32 and more than 12 years into his international career, Williamson said he would be having a good think about how much he would feature for New Zealand in the future.

“I certainly love playing in all the formats but there’s a lot of cricket so that needs to be managed a little bit,” he said.

“It’s a changing landscape with players all round the world.

“After these sorts of events you sit down to reflect and look at what’s coming up.”

New Zealand will play India in a white ball series starting next week.

Mid Canterbury’s Riley Sa during last weekend’s Apples Basketball Tour nament in Central Otago.

PHOTO APPLES BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Matt Markham

Local quartet chase Group One glory

Locals on form early Matt Markham

The locals dominated the early stages of the card at the annual Ashburton Trotting Club Cup Week meeting on Thursday, including a training dou ble for Laurence Hanrahan.

They’ve enjoyed plenty of suc cess already, but a group of Ash burton mates will be hoping to usurp them all when they head up to Riccarton today with a runner engaged in the Group One 1000 Guineas.

Simon Adlam and Willie Mur ney, along with Neville and Phil Prendergast, all share in the ownership of Guineas contend er O’Riordan in the $400,000 fea ture this afternoon – continuing a wonderful association they’ve had with the filly’s family.

They raced her dam, Sham rox, from the then Ashburton stable of Danny Champion and enjoyed great success with her, and it’s continued in the breed ing barn with a number of win ners, and a little success in the sales ring as well.

Shamrox only had 15 starts at the races, but compiled a tidy record along the way and fea tured in a number of big races, including the Couplands Baker ies Mile, where she finished fifth in 2010.

“We’ve had a lot of luck with her, she won four races for us and was placed at black type level,” Adlam said.

She’s since left five foals; Scoo by, Cead Mile Failte, Glorious Dream and Green Delight along with O’Riordan, and all five have been winners.

The quartet, along with Jock Cockburn, still own the mare and continue to breed from her – but unfortunately lost a foal from her recently when it was just a few days old.

But in O’Riordan they’ve got another strong future brood mare on the books as well.

A winner and twice placed from four career starts from the Johno Benner and Hollie Wyn yard stable in Otaki, the daugh ter of Proisir comes into today’s event a $31 chance with book makers, but the connections aren’t reading too much into that.

“She’s only ever really raced on heavy tracks, but Johno has always said she’s crying out for firmer ground.

“We got a video of her earli er this week having a light run around at Riccarton and she looks nice and bright and ready to go.”

The group will head up the road today to Riccarton to be on hand to cheer their charge home too, hopefully returning with a little more weight in the back pockets than when they go up.

“It’s a big day, and just to have a runner in a race like this is a huge thrill, we wouldn’t miss it.”

Lisa Allpress will ride the filly for the ownership group.

They won’t be the only locals hoping to pick up some of the spoils on the big day either, with a host of Mid Canterbury chances featuring throughout the day.

Daniel Stackhouse will be out to continue his strong start to a week-long working holiday

back home, after he picked up two winners in his return to New Zealand riding on Wednes day.

Having his first rides in his home country for 10 years, he saluted with exciting galloper Netti Spaghetti early in the day and then produced a cool and calm ride on the John Wheel er-trained Oso Savvy later in the day

He’ll ride in two of today’s fea ture races, picking up the mount on the Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong-trained Blue Sol itaire in the Guineas and then Jack Knows Best for former top South Island jockey, Lance Rob inson in the New Zealand Cup late in the day.

The strike-rate trainer produced both Janarty and Woodbine Rocks to win on his home track, albeit in com pletely different circumstances, with the latter warmly supported by the punters and the former a long-priced winner at better than 30-to-one.

Woodbine Rocks set the ball roll ing early in the programme with an aggressive drive from Gerard O’Reilly netting a positive result as the gelding led for most of the last lap to win im pressively. He finished a length and a quarter clear of his brother Leo, on his own runner Creed, setting up a family quinella that plenty of punters got their hands on.

Ricky May was on board Janarty for Hanrahan, continuing a long associa tion of success for the pair as a trainer and driver combination. An acquisi tion into the stable following the re tirement of Steve Lock earlier in the year, Janarty stalked the speed over the 1700m mobile and came home too strongly to win nicely.

O’Reilly wasn’t done for the day either, producing another great front-running drive to claim the fea ture event of the day, the two-yearold trotting fillies Classique with Show No Fear for Darryn Simpson.

The filly was bred locally by Mi chelle Baird.

Not to be outdone by his brother, Leo O’Reilly made sure his name was on the scoresheet as well early in the day, winning with Flo Motion.

The Rakaia horseman found the lead with the Chris McDowell-trained runner and kept the rest of the field on their toes throughout before dig ging deep to win by a narrow margin.

The win edged O’Reilly to 470 ca reer driving wins.

Race 10: Treybon, Yamuna, Pride Of Aspen, Navalha

Race 11: Brookbourne, Beaudz Well, Aljay, Leaderboard

Race 12: The Bold Look, Just Maybe, Image Of You, Van Diesel

BEST BET: Shezzacatch (Race 6) VALUE: Treybon (Race 10)

Willie Murney (left), Simon Adlam, Phil Prendergast and Neville Prendergast with the Tavistock colt they sold for $200,000 back in 2017. Today, the colt’s half-sister O’Riordan will line up in the 1000 Guineas for the quartet.

Matt Markham

old was Kane Williamson when he led the NZ Under-19 side in the 2008 World Cup?

16

17

18

What is Williamson’s middle name?

Stuart

Steve c) Simon

How many test centuries has Williamson scored?

19

24 c) 27

How many times has Williamson won NZ Sportsman of the Year title?

None b) 2 c) 4

How many Women’s Rugby World Cup titles have the Black Ferns won?

3 b) 4 c) 5 6. How many years did Farah Palmer captain the Black Ferns? a) 3 b) 5 c) 8

Who did the Black Ferns beat in the first World Cup final, in 1998?

United States b) France c) England

Will the Black Ferns beat England in tonight s night’s final?

Of course they will.

Hampstead home ticks all the boxes

and balances the mix between family living and the entertainer’s delight.

“It came up well, really happy with it,” McCrea said.

the keys over at the end.”

The builder behind one of this year’s award-winning homes prides himself on being completely hands-on throughout every house he builds.

He’s Dave McCrea, owner of Dave McCrea Building, which recently won a regional silver awarded for a new home up to $500,000 in the Mid and South Canterbury Registered Master Builders’ House of the Year.

The rural Hampstead property is a 270sqm four-bedroom home,

While this property won the award, McCrea prides himself in delivering that high standard all of the time.

“Every house is built to the same

His company tackles a wide range of builds, both new homes and heritage restorations, with one notable project that sticks in Dave’s mind.

That was his own home, a 117-year-old heritage building, which McCrea and his team managed to restore without losing any of its century-plus character.

And McCrea, who has been a builder for 38 years and owner-operator for 17, wouldn’t swap his builder’s tool belt for anything else.

standard, whether big or small.”

McCrea offers a true personal experience, being engaged right from day one and seeing it through to completion.

“I’m the person you’ll meet first, and I’ll be the one to hand

“I can’t imagine doing something else,’’ said McCrea, whose father was a painter and decorator, a business that had now been passed onto his brother.

“I still love it and all the challenges that come with it.”

Top tradesman: Life long builder Dave McCrea prides himself in being able to deliver high quality builds, both big and small.

PHOTO DANIEL ALVEY

Daniel Alvey

I’m the person you’ll meet rst, and I’ll be the one to hand the keys over at the end

“

Cryptic

Your Stars

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Disappointment is a powerful emotion that can drastically alter the plot, changing what people decide to go for. A past disappointment fuels a grand plan that feels something like revenge without the ill-intent.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): You’ll be drawn to new work. It’s scary because you’re not sure you can do it. Begin in private so there is no pressure from outside eyes and no expectations.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): You’re getting better by doing. The practice improves you more than any teacher, method or affiliation could. There’s no mindset that will matter more than the repetition of a correct move.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): You’ll add a skill or tool to your arsenal. Friends inspire, and you’ll experiment with their methods. Something they are doing will work for you; you just have to figure out which part that is.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): Shortcuts aren’t always lazy. Sometimes, they are just smart. Look for a way of getting things done that’s also an efficient use of time. Ask for the abbreviated directions or the condensed version of a story.

18.

20.

22.

23.

24.

With iron in fact changing, it will have a bearing (6)

Article on ring with reason to be about religious study (11)

WordBuilder

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): You’re serious about someday performing at the highest level, though your approach is more constant than straightfaced. The highest level is often marked by humour and ease.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): A charismatic person has you looking into previously unconsidered options. But before you plunk down for a fresh solution, make sure there’s actually a problem there to be solved.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): Work with a team. The results will be better, the job will be more fun and the energy expended will seem negligible because it will be offset by the pleasure of company.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Give yourself whatever is required for your development. You need space, nourishment and a light to grow toward. Anyone who is crowding you or demanding things too early is no help. Avoid them!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): You’re interested in what will make a stronger person of you. You are most satisfied by elite challenges. You already feel equipped to deal with trials, but you want to reign supreme over them.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Control what you can, take charge of your environment and command yourself. This is the way to accomplishment, and the reason all complaining is unnecessary and uninteresting to you.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): You’re charitable, generous and yet still a discerning giver. You want to contribute to those who really need what you have and will put it to direct use.

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.

road, rod, rode, roe, roed.

WordBuilder 43 85 9 8 2 5 6 3 4 8 32 1 9 81 6 5 2 4 7 48 79 5 247381569 386952417 89 3 78 19 1 72 6 1 4 3 6 4 38 1 9 7 52 64 5 8 6 829653741 537841962 6 74 3 2 59 436 386 1 6 27 8 615 45 7 74 98 9261 745 38 8132 659 47 4579 381 62 7 3 8 6 4 9 2 5 1 5427 813 96 6913 527 84 2 6 9 8 1 3 4 7 5 3845 276 19 1754 968 23 2 67 35 64 3 48 763 52 91 637 714 17 98 38 7 8421 953 67 7352 861 49 1693 478 52 4 7 8 9 6 1 5 2 3 5234 786 91 6915 324 78 9 5 7 8 1 4 2 3 6 2167 539 84 3846 297 15 Across: 1. Pasture 5. Sprat 8. Leaders 9. Rigid 10. Caparison 12. Tar 13. Pedal 17. Lob 19. Expedited 21. Gorse 22. Penance 24. Theft 25. Situate Down: 1. Palace 2. Swamped 3. Use 4. Esses 5. Strangled 6. Right 7. Tudors 11. Represent 14. Petunia 15. Flight 16. Adhere 18. Borne 20. Popes 23. Net ACROSS 1. Record different prey: can show something wrong (11) 7. Knocking? Press the bell and make a very quiet entry (7) 9. It is pink and topless, and not written in the test (4) 11. Hold a piece of jewellery

Simon Shuker’s Code-Cracker

SITUATIONS VACANT

People & Culture Manager

Looking for an incredible opportunity in making a difference, love the enjoyment of enriching people’s lives through promoting organisational values and culture, then this position is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skill base with a large family owned business while leading and embracing our new direction of HR support.

The above position has become available within our store; we are looking for a strong, motivated, positive team player who would enjoy the challenges of supermarket retailing, but can also add their own flare to our most important asset, “Our People”

While our values and culture are first and foremost, we are looking for someone that can continue to evolve our people strategy while maintaining our “One Team” approach to business, this combined with the development of a communication platform that enables first class interactions across all areas of the store.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Manage the talent acquisition / recruitment selection process

• Provide effective HR support to Management Team and staff members

• Develop staff retention strategies in alignment with Manager / Owner

• Provide and support Managers with both training and performance / development review reporting.

• Develop alongside management a professional career development and succession programme.

• Delivery of Excellent Customer Service

Key competencies required for this position are:

• Qualification in Human Resource Management or similar

• Experience in HR Management in a medium-sized business

• Sound knowledge of New Zealand employment and immigration related legislation and standards

• Solid computer skills including the ability to use spreadsheets

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

• The ability to influence others through positive team engagement

• Having an engaging and positive manner.

We offer great working conditions, a supportive management structure, personal and professional development opportunities, Days and hours of work will be discussed during the interview process but may be tailored to suit individual situations.

If this sounds like you then please apply now including your CV and covering letter to our Store Manager dave.mackenzie@newworld-si.co.nz

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand to be considered

Closing date 18th November 2022

Office Assistant

Ashburton New World is a 100% locally owned and operated business and we are currently seeking an honest, reliable and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Office Assistant. This is a 30 hour a week position, to be worked over the following days;

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 7.5 hours per day

Reporting to our Administration Manager, as part of our team you will be responsible for ensuring:

• Instore ticketing is up to date and accurate

• Cashier tracking

• All Office Administration critical tasks are completed to the highest standard

• That you provide an exceptional level of service to both internal and external suppliers

• PAYE backup

• Clearing incoming payments and applying them to the relevant customer account.

• Creating and processing outgoing invoices

• Running customer statements

• Invoice allocation and credit matching.

• Account reconciliations

To be successful you will need to be:

• Honest and reliable

• Computer literate with basic numeracy skills

• SAP knowledge would be an advantage, however training will be provided

• Previous experience in an Office environment would be preferred.

This is a position that will allow you to grow your skillset, while also enabling you to work in a fast moving business where no two days are the same. We offer great working conditions, a supportive management structure, as well as personal and professional development opportunities. Hours will be discussed during the interview process but will include early starts, week on, week off.

We welcome your application, including relevant CV and cover letter to vacancies.ashburton@newworld-si.co.nz

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Apprentice Mechanic

ACL Is looking for a motivated, dynamic individual to join our workshop team.

We are willing to offer the right person an apprenticeship to be completed in our modern and fully equipped workshop.

You will be supported and guided by fully qualified diesel Mechanics who have a combined knowledge of over 100 years in the industry, and they are willing to pass on that knowledge to someone who is excited and interested in this type of trade.

Attributes:

• Completed pre-apprenticeship training – preferred not essential

• Good communication skills

• Are motivated to achieve set goals

• Good literacy and numerical skills

• Take pride in yourself and your work

• Willing to listen and learn

• Class 1 restricted upwards preferable

As our Apprentice Mechanic ACL will provide you with an excellent working environment, you will gain factory Isuzu and Scania support and we will encourage you to continue with training and provide opportunities for this, so you become confident in performing the tasks required of your position.

Please apply to:

Mike Johnston - Workshop Manager with a cover letter & CV mike.johnston@ashcon.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

•

Utilities Service Person

Ashburton Contracting Ltd is looking for a Utilities Service Person to work in our ACL Water Department.

If you are a methodical problem solver with a can-do attitude, then this could be the position for you. This role is focused around maintenance repair work to the water reticulation and full training is available for the right person.

The right person should be:

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

• Have a high level

•

• Working towards or have a National Certificate in

Positions available now: - Field Staff - Labourers - Administrator - Agricultural Mechanic ... and more Full-time, Part-time, or Contract

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

SITUATIONS WANTED

ARE you looking to outsource some of your Admin work. Mature woman, experienced in many business software systems. Is wanting approx. 10 hours per week working from home, office in Central Ashburton. If interested contact Joanne 0221622013.

AVAILABLE for Housework. Mature, Honest and Reliable Lady. Days and Times are Flexible. Please Phone 021776121.

Inwards Goods

(Full time)

This position is full time (40 hours) with a Tuesday – Saturday roster.

The role involves checking and receipting in orders along with operating a Forklift. The successful applicant will need the following skills:

Forklift licence preferred or able to get one

Basic computer skills

are important to everyone and among the most well-read aspects of our newspaper.

Position to commence Term 1, 2023

We seek an enthusiastic person to lead and grow the international dimension of our school.

A person who can use their passion for international education and global competency, and their excellent interpersonal and communication skills, to lead the redevelopment of the school’s international programme alongside our staff and community.

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has experience relevant to the international student market and/or global competency education, or the willingness and capability to develop this.

• Is willing to travel within New Zealand and overseas to develop relationships and promote the school.

• Can plan strategically and implement effectively using good organisational skills and the ability to manage quickly developing situations.

• Has the skills and empathy to provide a high degree of pastoral care and support.

• Genuinely enjoys connecting with both local and international students, families and communities.

Mount Hutt College, and the Methven township, lie at the base of Mt Hutt Ski Area.

Our wider environment provides a multitude of options for outdoor enthusiasts, including the new Ōpuke Thermal Resort and Spa, and is a haven for those seeking to become part of a family-oriented and tight-knit community.

Application packs, including the Job Description are available by contacting college@mthutt.school.nz

Applications close at 12:00pm on Friday, November 18.

Applications should be sent to college@mthutt.school.nz.

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

Reliable

Be able to work in a team environment

Physically fit and able to lift

Be able to work in a team environment If you have these skills please send your covering letter and c.v. to: HR.Ashburton@mitre10.co.nz

Applications close on Thursday 17th November 2022.

LOCK SHOP ASSISTANT

We are looking at taking on a new Lock Shop assistant to work in our busy retail shop at 519 East Street Ashburton.

We are looking for somebody to advance and learn the different areas of our business including but not limited to:

• Dealing with customers and giving advice on both security products and locksmithing services.

• Cutting keys and learning how to re-pin padlocks and locks in general.

• Selling fire extinguishers in-store.

This job will require a full NZ driver’s licence and a great attitude.

Ability to learn is key in this role.

If this sounds like you, then send an email to info@talbotsecurity.co.nz

We require a cover letter explaining why you want to work for us together with an updated CV.

you would like a family notice published, be that for a death, a memorial, or an acknowledgment, then please note the following:

Mitre 10 MEGA Ashburton has a vacancy for an Inwards Goods team member.

Mount Hutt College International Director

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that Landcare Services Ltd will be undertaking Aquatic Weed Control in and around the waterways of Lake Hood during the periods 16th – 30th November 2022. Control method will be the discharge of Diquat into the waterway. Signage will be in place during application periods for the waterways treated. The treated area should not be bathed in or used for drinking for 72 hours after application. Please keep dogs out of the waterway during this period.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Lower Rangitata River Southern Black-Backed Gull Control Operation November 2022

As part of the Lower Rangitata River Restoration Project, High Country Contracting are planning to undertake a targeted control operation of the Karoro (Southern Black-back Gull) within the lower reaches of the Rangitata River on behalf of Te Kete Tipuranga O Hurirapa Limited.

The Rangitata River is ecologically diverse and provides ideal nesting habitat for bird species which rely on braided river systems for their success and thus species survival. The aim of this operation is to reduce populations of Southern Black-Backed Gulls to assist in the recovery of threatened species which include black-fronted tern, black-billed gull, banded dotterel and wrybill.

The operation will likely take place in mid to late November in which a series of pre-feeding will take place in the days prior to the control operation where an avian specific toxin will be applied to a hand laid bait.

Warning signs will be erected at entrances to the operational area prior to the control. These signs will provide all relevant information surrounding the toxin being used.

The pesticide used in this operation is poisonous to humans and domestic animals.

Always remember: DO NOT touch any bait.

WATCH CHILDREN at all times.

DO NOT BRING DOGS into this area.

DO NOT EAT animals from this area.

DO NOT touch Sandwich baits.

HIRE GENERAL

U-Hire. 588

Monday-Friday 7.00am – 5.30pm; Saturday 7.30am - 5pm; Sunday 8.30am12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz

How to send family notices

Observe these rules whenever you see warning signs for pesticides. For

ANDERSON, Pamela Hazel 7/3/36 – 5/10/22. Pamela passed away peacefully on October 5, at Terrace View Retirement Village, Ashburton. She was the much loved wife of the late Keith and mother of Fiona. Loved sister of the late Trevor, Ray and Caroline Cattermole, sisterin-law of Margaret and Marilyn and loved Aunt of Suzanne, Paul, Leanne and Amanda. At Pam and Keith’s request a small private interment of ashes will be held on November 18, in Ashburton.

WINCHESTER, Edward Charles –

Information required: Please provide your full name and phone contact details.

ALLENTON RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB (INC)

ALLENTON RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB (INC)

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

WILL BE HELD AT THE CLUBROOMS ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021, at 10am

WILL BE HELD AT THE CLUBROOMS ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2022, at 10am

--- Business ---

--- Business ---

• Presidents Report

• Presidents Report

• Team Reports

• Team Reports

• Financial Report

• Financial Report

alignments at great prices. Maximise the life of your tyres with an

alignment

DEVEREUX, Irene - Loved Mum of Tony, Eugene, Kathryn, Michelle, Stephen, Vivienne, Bernadine and Monique; A year on since our mother departed us, and Saturday November 19, we will be celebrating a Mass at the Church of the Holy Name, Sealy Street Ashburton, at 1pm, for all those who could not attend last year for obvious reasons. Father Nolan will be blessing the headstone following the Mass, and we will be having an informal gathering at Nobles 600 for relatives and friends who wish to join us from around 3pm.

On November 4, 2022. Peacefully at Terrace View Retirement Village, Ashburton, aged 45 years. Loving partner of Joanne. Much loved Dad of Georgia, Laura, and Ruben. Dearly loved son of Ron and Pam and brother of Miles, James, and the late Randall, loved uncle of his nephew. Messages to the Winchester family, PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. At Edward’s request a private family service has been held. A celebration of Edward’s life will be held at a later date.

• Election of Officers & Committee

• Election of Officers & Committee

• Setting Subscriptions and Fees for coming year

• Setting Subscriptions and Fees for coming year

• General Business SecretaryAlister Glassey Email: aglassey@xtra.co.nz Phone: 021 0275 7869

Canterbury

Saturday

High Country

Friday Midnight Saturday

Mountain weather hazards: Thunderstorm, Wind Chill.

Rain, clearing south of Mt Hutt early morning and fine spells developing. Showers developing everywhere in the afternoon, some heavy and possibly thundery north of Mt Hutt. Wind at 1000m: E 30 km/h, dying out; W 30 km/h developing in the north in the afternoon. Wind at 2000m: N 50 km/h, turning SW 35 km/h from afternoon. Freezing level: 3000m, lowering during the 2800m afternoon and evening.

A front clears the North Island early Saturday leaving a low across central New Zealand. The low clears eastward on Sunday as a front moves onto the South Island. Strong or gale northerlies develop in the far south ahead of another front approaching the country from the Tasman Sea on Monday, while a ridge builds over the rest of the country. The front moves onto the lower South Island on Tuesday.

Christchurch

18.4 4.1 1.5 0.6 0.0 5.0 92.5

15.8 2.4 17.6 3.2 -1.5 0.2 0.0 3.7 93.7

NE 52 2:33pm

19 10 19 10

Mountain weather hazards: Thunderstorm, Wind Chill.

Tides, Sun and Moon Ashburton Mouth Rakaia Mouth Rangitata Mouth Ashburton Airport MethvenChristchurch Airport Timaru Airport

H 7:20am 7:37pm L 1:02am 1:32pm 7:53am 8:14pm 1:34am 2:04pm

8:09am 8:30pm 1:50am 2:20pm 8:44am 9:10pm 2:23am 2:55pm

8:09am 8:33pm 1:51am 2:21pm

9:00am 9:26pm 2:39am 3:11pm 5:59am 8:36pm 5:58am 8:37pm 5:57am 8:38pm SaturdaySundayMonday 20 10 20 10 20 7 18 9

17 10 16 9 17 9 16 7

Isolated showers, becoming widespread and possibly thundery about the foothills for a time afternoon/ evening. Wind at 1000m: Light.

8:01am 12:30am 8:50am 1:19am 9:47am 22 10 21 10 20 9 19 10

–20 8 21 11

16 9 15 10

Wind at 2000m: W 30 km/h, becoming light evening. Freezing level: About 2700m, lowering 2000m in the south through the afternoon and evening.

NE 65 3:04pm SUN PROTECTION ALERT Data provided by NIWA PROTECTION REQUIRED Even on cloudy days 9:25 5:00 ampm