Ashburton Guardian, Saturday, November 26, 2022

stumbling Small block

Principal Ross Preece (pictured) is rapt that Ashburton College’s rebuild is finally starting to happen – after more than six years of planning. Block one is under way but escalating construction costs leaves the future of block three uncertain, though Preece isn’t bothered and is taking it one step at a time. FULL STORY, P2

College rebuild under way

Escalating construction costs leaves stage three uncertain

Principal Ross Preece is pleased to see progress in the first stage of Ashburton College’s $60m rebuild, but if it will reach stage three is an unknown.

It has been a long wait but foundations are being poured for the first new classroom block that will be ready for the start of 2024.

“It was at least three years in the planning to get it over the line, and then three-and-a-half years to plan and get consent so we are delighted to see something happening,” Preece said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was on campus in 2019 to announce the rebuild of the over 50-year-old college.

The plans were then finally signed off in March this year and construction started in September.

“We still don’t have a finalised master plan, or even a finalised plan for block two yet, but I am happy we are not waiting for it to be all finalised, we are just getting on with it,” Preece said.

It’s a three-stage rebuild with block one under way and block two still in the final design phase, but question marks now surround the future of block three.

“There is no certainty stage three will go ahead,” Preece said.

The college had vacant land which meant the building could start without disrupting current classrooms.

Block one will have 32 classroom spaces and be home to science, maths, and the Te Whare Manaaki special needs unit.

Once block 1 is completed around November 2023, the S block will be demolished over the

school holidays to make way for the new block two, also 32 classrooms, to be built in 2024.

Te Whare Wānanga will be relocated to a “more prominent” location next to the administration building he said.

With escalating construction costs, the future of block three is on hold for now, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, Preece said.

The technology subjects are alright with the delay, Preece said,

as the current ministry policy is for smaller spaces than the current spaces they have.

“All our workshops are 230sqm but the ministry says specialist classroom space is 112sqm.

“Our technology department is quite happy that for now stage three isn’t going ahead as they would much rather have the space.”

College could put in the larger technology room spaces from their own budgets, with a price tag of around $1.2m for the three spaces, Preece said.

It would be a major fundraising

effort but as block three remains up in the air it’s a decision to consider when the time comes, he said.

The rebuild will allow the college to accommodate up to 1600 students, with the roll currently at 1270.

Jonathan Leask

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Above – Ashburton College principal Ross Preece is pleased to see physical progress on the school’s $60m rebuild.

PHOTOS JONATHAN LEASK/LDR

Left – Ross Preece points out stage one of the college’s rebuild and you still can’t wipe that smile off his face.

A challenging first year

Leask

More than 100,000 people have visited Ōpuke Thermal Pool and Spa in its first year in business.

It has been a successful year despite several challenges, Ōpuke director James McKenzie said.

The $15 million facility was originally slated to open at the end of 2020, but Covid delays and supply chain issues meant it was delayed until November 2021.

McKenzie said it was “a challenging start to our first year of trading” due to the ongoing border closures and the Omicron wave arriving just after opening.

“Omicron had an immediate and unfavourable impact on visitation during February and March, and then a protracted impact on staffing, which we only started to get on top of towards the end of winter.

“Given these circumstances, we’re very pleased to end up just 10 per cent shy of our target visitation for the first year, and also achieve such high levels of service despite our initial staff issues.”

From April to October, patronage was “reassuringly consistent” with the pools booking out most weekends, he said, while they

Ōpuke

also introduced set capacities and session times to avoid overcrowding impacting the visitor experience.

In the first year, McKenzie said nearly 100,000 extra visitors have stopped off in Methven to visit the facility.

“Many have stayed for the night

Well earned award

and Spa received an early present on the eve of its first anniversary, collecting a gong at the 2022 New Zealand Architecture Awards.

They were winners in the commercial category where the judges said the “architectural

form and material selection reflect the approach to this site at the foothills of the Southern Alps”.

“A huge effort by many went into creating Ōpuke so this recognition is a highlight of what has been a pretty successful first year,” McKenzie said.

in local accommodation, headed out for dinner, shopped and tried out some of the many other great experiences on offer in our area.”

So far, Cantabrians have made up the bulk of the visitors, McKenzie said.

There has been a steady increase in people from further afield, including international visitors, he said as Christchurch airport continues to bring on more capacity.

Ōpuke received Government assistance of $7.5m loan funding from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF), which McKenzie said covered about 40 per cent of the total construction and establishment costs.

“We are paying interest on this facility and repayments are due

to commence in early 2025 but there is flexibility for us to start this earlier.”

Without the PGF money, McKenzie said it was unlikely that the project would have gone ahead and the site would still be a grassed paddock.

As a PGF project, it is achieving its mandate of stimulating the local economy, by attracting more visitors to the town – all-year round – and employment opportunities.

Ōpuke currently employs around 50 people McKenzie said, working across a range of casual, part-time and fulltime positions with the majority being from either Ashburton or Methven.

The facility aims to be carbon-neutral and has a solar field

of almost 500 solar thermal collectors occupying approximately a quarter of the site that serves as the primary pool water heating system.

“Our solar thermal heating system is the first of its kind in New Zealand and now a proven success – keeping the pools toasty warm, even on the shortest day of the year, which has been really neat to see,” McKenzie said.

Turning Methven into a tourism town all-year round

Methven has been a winter tourism destination since Mt Hutt opened in 1973.

The flow-on effect of Ōpuke means the tourism season has expanded with visitors coming allyear round, and local businesses are benefiting

One example is Ski Time with

owner-operators Peter and Susanne Wood deciding to stay open over the Christmas and New Year period for the first time in more than 35 years.

“Methven is not just a winter destination anymore,” Susanne said.

“With the Ōpuke hot pools, fan-

tastic restaurants, walks, mountain bike tracks and thriving village, people want to come here all-year round and that’s great for us all.”

The decision also came after a busy winter that had the town at capacity despite a worker shortage.

Like many other hospitality and accommodation providers in

Methven, Ski Time had to reduce their operating hours and room availability over winter due to a lack of staff from the border restrictions heading into winter made it difficult to recruit.

That didn’t stop swathes of tourists from hitting the town as Mt Hutt Skifield returned to pre-Covid

visitation numbers to be close to its record years of 2018 and 2019, and even stayed open until Labour weekend.

“This was one of the biggest, busiest, quickest, most exhausting, entertaining, satisfying and super successful winter seasons for Ski Time,” Peter said.

Dusk and evening sessions at the Ōpuke Thermal Pool and Spa have proved popular in its first year. Inset – Ōpuke Thermal Pool and Spa director James McKenzie. MAIN PHOTO HAZEL REDMOND

Thermal Pool

Jonathan

It’s time to celebrate 150th

Celebration time

Ashburton Borough School jubilee convenor Alison Driscoll says its 150th anniversary celebrations is an event for the whole district to be proud of.

The celebrations for Ashburton’s oldest school began last night with a social get-together at the Hotel Ashburton but today the formal events take place –and there’s much on offer. There would be speeches from principal Hilary Boyce and Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown to the 150 registered attendees. An anniversary cake will be cut, the school’s kapa haka group will perform, decade photos of past students will be taken, there would be school tours, an afternoon tea, and a celebratory dinner at night.

It would be a full-on day, which Driscoll felt was significant because milestones like this were “really important’’ and that everyone attending represented the school’s history, with the kapa haka group being its present and future.

“For the school, it’s a chance for former pupils to get a glimpse of their old school in the modern day and to remember and reflect on their own schooling,’’ Driscoll said.

“From the town’s perspective, the establishment of the school, coupled with the railway, led to the school’s rapid growth and establishment as a strong regional rural centre.’’

It was Ashburton’s first public school, opening in February 1872 after four years of planning and meetings involving many of the town’s pioneers. It began slowly, with four pupils at the start, 90

Hospice to benefit from motorshow

If it’s got wheels and is interesting, bring it along. That is the call being made by the organisers of Sunday’s Methven Motorshow.

The event, which is making a return after a year off due to Covid-19 restrictions is expected to draw in the crowds. Methven Lions spokesman Mac McElwain said the 2020 event had 130 cars on display, and he wanted to see more turn out this year.

“If we could have 200 cars this year that would be fantastic,” McElwain said.

The money raised on the day will be going towards the Mid Canterbury Hospice. “Anything north of $2500 would amazing. They do fantastic work in the community.”

within its first two years before the building of the railway, and bringing more families and children into the town, saw that roll balloon out to 476 by 1876.

“The rapid increase of the roll tells the story of a rapidly growing town. In fact, the school was opened six years before Ashburton became a borough,’’ said Driscoll, who also has a deep connection with the school, with

four generations’ involvement from her family.

“My grandfather was on the school committee in the 1940s, my father shifted to Borough when the Greenstreet School closed. Both myself and my husband John were pupils and also our four children. Our daughter Anna is the new entrant teacher at Borough now and also the staff board of trustees’ represent-

What: Ashburton Borough School’s 150th anniversary celebrations. When: From 1.30pm today for a formal welcome, including a kapa haka group performance, speeches from principal Hilary Boyce and Mayor Neil Brown, an afternoon tea, and a formal dinner at Hotel Ashburton tonight.

ative.’’ But today is certainly not about the Driscoll family and they would be the first to acknowledge that.

It’s also a celebration of more than just a school. It’s remembering a moment in time when Ashburton started to take shape.

Perhaps that’s why many of the registered guests mostly attended the school in the 1950s and 60s, with the three oldest attendees being new entrants in the 1930s, providing the school and Ashburton with a snapshot of a history that will be celebrated and recognised in style today.

Remembering history: Ashburton Borough School jubilee convenor Alison Driscoll (left) and teacher and fellow organiser Anna Hunter holding the original plans for a school classroom building and a headmaster’s house back in 1880. Today, Ashburton’s oldest school celebrates its 150th anniversary.

PHOTO DANIEL ALVEY

Daryl Holden

Much can be done to deter thieves

Last weekend there was a boat theft in Tinwald.

While we give out a lot of information about crime prevention in relation to homes and vehicles, I thought it was a good time to encourage people to be vigilant about keeping other possessions secure over the summer.

Police observations are that there are two quite distinctive types of thefts – those that have occurred out of opportunity and those that are planned.

Recreational gear out and about over the summer months gives opportunity for theft of valuable possessions such as bikes, boats and jetskis.

Wheel locks and towbar locking devices can be useful to deter these opportunistic thefts in relation to boats, jetskis, horse floats and other towable valuable items. Please also ensure that bike racks, other vehicle-mounted storage devices and ute trays are locked down.

Items of value, such as bags, wallets, electrical devices, cash

and phones, should not be left in plain sight and lock up your vehicle and take the keys when you are not with it (this includes up your driveway and in the garage at night).

Ashburton Neighbourhood Support can provide advice around the importance of knowing your neighbours, locking your doors and shutting your windows if you’re out, clearing your mailbox if you are away, cutting back shrubs and bushes so people on your property can be observed.

Sensor lighting, home alarm systems and CCTV can be other deterrents.

Who and what number to call?

If something is happening now call 111, if it’s not urgent and does not require an immediate police response call 105.

111 is our emergency number, it is for an emergency response only.

You should call 111 when a crime is happening now and the offender/s are still there or have just left. If someone is in danger or badly injured, there is serious risk to life or property, or a public hazard such as a road blockage.

Our 105 non-emergency num-

ber is a convenient way to report things day or night to trained call takers. They will take your information and determine when and if police need to attend; for example, to conduct a crime scene examination in relation to a burglary or theft.

While the 105 number is the primary way to report non-urgent matters we still welcome anyone that wishes to speak to us in person to come into the police station.

SHORT SHARP &

New toilets

New public toilets are under construction at Awa Awa Rata Reserve. The reserve’s ageing toilet facility was not coping with the number of people wanting to use it and it is being replaced by an environmentallyfriendly dry vault toilet, with one single cubicle and one with wheelchair access. Another dry vault public toilet is being installed at Taylor’s Stream while other new toilets are planned for Mayfield and Rakaia Gorge.

Three Waters

The new Ashburton District Council has rea rmed its opposition to the Government’s Three Water reforms. They voted unanimously to retain its stance of opposition to the Three Waters reforms as they are currently proposed. It also rea rmed to continue its membership and support of the Communities for Local Democracy, a local government action group of councils.

School closure

Mid Canterbury secondary schools will close on Tuesday when PPTA Te Wehengarua members attend a paid union meeting. The meetings are happening across the country to discuss the Government’s o er for a new collective employment agreement and to decide the next steps should members endorse PPTA executive’s decision to reject the o er. Members want a cost of livingadjusted pay increase.

Help us keep our power n etwork sa fe

Before carrying out work on your property, it’s important to know the location of underground power cables and overhead lines.

Unless you are certain of the location of underground cables, you should avoid doing any major digging around your property until you’ve consulted a cable location contractor. We're here to help. Call EA Networks on 0800 430 460 for more advice.

Property owner’s underground cables EA Networks’ underground cables

Sergeant Janine Bowden is acting senior sergeant of Ashburton police

Janine Bowden ON THE BEAT

Ella’s passion leads to a national title

er roles or as part of the ensemble.

“I love it, it’s my passion and it’s all I’ve wanted to do since I was young.

Markham

From the age of five, all Ella Grace has wanted to do is dance.

She followed the traditional pathways of ballet and jazz from that young age, and it led to the 23-year-old taking her passion to a whole new level earlier this month when she became a national champion.

Grace teamed up with her Christchurchbased dance partner Natasha Frost to win the amateur Latin duet title at the New Zealand Latin Dance Championships in Auckland.

“It was a huge shock,” Grace said.

“We didn’t go up there expecting to win, the Auckland dancers are known as being the best in the business so to be up there in their region and win it, I couldn’t believe it.”

A member of the Latin Fire Dance Studio in Christchurch, where she also teaches musical theatre and jazz dance, Grace is building an impressive list of achievements on the dance floor.

She’s a two-time South Island champion and now national champion at the competitive level but is also a regular for Show Bizz Christchurch, performing either in lead danc-

“There’s a lot of work that goes into it, I’m up in Christchurch training with the team for about six hours each week, but also do my teaching work around that.

“And there’s a level of commitment away from training as well, a lot of conditioning work and keeping fit.”

Grace has juggled her training and practices for the national championship while also fulfilling the role of choreographer for the Methven Theatre Company current season which closes tonight at the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall.

As well as her success in Auckland, Grace and her team-mates also finished runners-up in the team event to cap a successful trip north.

Now she has her eye on an even bigger stage, as well as keeping a few records intact too.

“I’m looking at the World Championships in Brisbane next year, both as a member of the team and duo as well as an individual.

“The individual stuff is something I really want to work on. Worlds would be amazing because some of the best dancers in the world will be there competing.”

For now, though, it’s all about trying to encourage the next generation of national champions through her work as a dance teacher.

And given her success, you’d bank on Grace being able to deliver in that as well.

KELLY

CLAIRE BROWNLIE

KATE WARREN

Methven’s Ella Grace (right) and her dance partner Natasha Frost were crowned national champions at the New Zealand Latin Dance Championships earlier this month.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Matt

RantorRave

CONTACTS

News tips

Call 03 307-7969

After hours news tips malcolm.h@theguardian. co.nz

Advertising

Call 03 307-7976 sonia.g@theguardian.co.nz

Classifieds Call 03 3077-900 classifieds@theguardian. co.nz

Missed paper Call 03 3077-900

MEDIA COUNCIL

This newspaper is subject to the New Zealand Media Council.

■ Complaints must first be directed in writing to editor@ theguardian.co.nz

■ If unsatisfied, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council, PO Box 10879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143 or email info@presscouncil.org.nz

■ Further detail and an online complaints form are available at www.mediacouncil. org.nz

LETTERS

We welcome your letters and emails, but:

■ No more than 100 words.

■ We reserve the right to edit or not publish.

Anniversary not the only reason to celebrate Methven hot pools

Some believed it wouldn’t work while others didn’t want it to happen at all, but one year on from the opening of the Ōpuke Thermal Pool and Spa it’s clear the exciting tourism attraction is destined only for success.

What started out as a vision and a dream to bring something different to Mid Canterbury manifested into reality over a long period of time and while in parts it was a frustrating project for those involved, the rewards of that hard work are now being shown.

The Provincial Growth Fund played its part. A considerable boost to the coffers from it pushed the project from hopeful dreams to reality and ultimate-

ly finalised the decision to go ahead and get the complex off the ground. Given there was always a lot of negative press around the growth fund and its distribution it’s actually nice to see something positive come from its involvement in the pools.

Living in Methven, I see the direct result of the pools on the township, and indeed the greater Mid Canterbury region on a daily basis. Things are busier, there’s

more people about and the steady flow of visitors and locals making their way to the northern outskirts of town each day is a good refresher to the mind that there’s a thriving business just on the boundary edge.

After a few years of turmoil and no visitors, it’s good to see. Those people are staying, eating and playing in our accommodation and entertainment venues. Not just in Methven, but across the district.

They come into our sanctuary for events and elect to stay a little longer to go and enjoy themselves in the relaxing space, bringing good money into our own little economy and helping keep businesses who are trying to get back on their feet, afloat.

And we need that.

That statistics show an extra 100,000 people have come into the district in the past 12 months as a result of the pools is all the proof one needs and you’d like to imagine as more and more people decide to travel to New Zealand in the coming years that it’s a number which will continue to grow.

And so, with that, comes our next challenge.

To be ready for them. We don’t want flash in the pan visitors. We want long stayers.

So, there’s got to be plenty to do. The mountain during the colder months it obviously the biggest drawcard, but it shouldn’t just stop there.

The project out at the Staveley

Ice Skating rink is set to become another jewel in the crown and will only add another dimension to the ability for people to come and enjoy everything Mid Canterbury has to offer.

Marketing that to the wider country and indeed the world will be paramount.

Too long have we perhaps sat on our hands and let the people come to us. We’re guilty of expecting things to happen because there’s a wonderful ski field towering above us, a beautiful lake to enjoy or some of the best hiking and walking trails in the country within a 45-minute drive of pretty much anywhere.

It’s time to start championing our little slice of paradise and it’s time to start now.

Matt Markham

Listen up you Millennials, it’s not okay to cancel anyone

Ilove the younger generations, I see so much hope around how they operate. They are way less racist (and yep, I’m broadly generalising here and it’s all anecdotal) and way more accepting of differences in people, and hallelujah, they are the ones who will pull the Earth back from disaster, if such a thing is possible now.

But (here’s a little old-person bug-bear for you … WARNING: I’m about to rant) the arrogance of the younger generations, OMG the arrogance of people on social media.

While the young ’uns go around calling anything past the age of 40 a Boomer, many also think it’s okay to “cancel” people.

No Boomers (has anyone noticed how being called a Boomer has become an insult?), that does not mean they put hits out on people and have them assassinated.

In simple terms it’s to completely reject and stop supporting someone, especially because they have said something that offends them.

For example, if a celebrity shares an unpopular opinion on social media, they risk being “cancelled” and are completely

boycotted by fans.

It’s the power of social media in the form of group shaming.

Well here’s something that might offend you, you utter arrogant, anti-free speech Millennials and Gen Zs (and I’m ONLY talking about the ones engaging in cancel culture) . . . how dare you play God with people’s lives, their careers, because what

someone has said is against what you believe in?

At this rate we are fast heading into a fascist regime . . . no freedom of speech, no differing opinions, we must all be moronic sheep (sorry, Maaaaaaa) and follow the leader.

And who is the leader? Not someone by popular vote that’s for sure, more some pious

self-appointed twat with a God complex.

Jeeeezus, British actor, comedian and animal activist Ricky Jervais must be shaking in his boots on a daily because that man has no filter.

You don’t know what fascism is? Well, it’s a way of organising a society in which a government ruled by a dictator controls the lives of the people and in which people are not allowed to disagree with the government.

Aren’t we lucky we live in a world with freedom of speech, where democracy means we can stage a protest for days on end on the grounds of Parliament, rip up the lawns, burn stuff and cause destruction, and not get shot for it, or even many consequences at all.

Yes, throughout human history shunning and public humiliation have been used for social conformity, but the cancel culture is messy, loaded and can be misued so easily.

Take, for instance, the cancelling on social media of The Late Late Show host James Corden. He was, reportedly guilty of “abusive” behaviour towards wait staff in the Balthazar restaurant in New York City.

He should absolutely be called

out on that behaviour and the restaurant owner indeed did. He banned him from the restaurant and called him out on social media. According to news18. com the owner rescinded the ban after Corden called him and “apologised profusely” and all was forgiven.

If there was physical abuse then the police should’ve been called . . . but there wasn’t and the restaurant owner, in my opinion, did the right thing by banning him.

I would as well, I would never tolerate my staff being spoken to badly.

But nope, social media users were not so forgiving and the toxicity continued.

Businesses banned him, personal attacks were rampant … it’s quite unbelievable. The man has been bullied and harassed to within an inch of his life.

And why? Because he was rude to staff . . . well tell him not to be a dick and ban him, just like the restaurant owner did. Noone deserves that kind of mass cruelty . . . when’s it going to end, when someone commits suicide?

That pack mentality of group ostracism is potentially life-threatening. It can impact on mental health and not just on the cancel victim.

“It can cause bystanders to become plagued with fear, overcome with anxiety that people will turn on them if they fully express themselves.” - (www. psychologytoday.com).

Are we so fragile, so precious and delicate as a society that we can’t handle differing opinions? We can’t have a good old-fashioned debate with an exchange of opinions? Make a mistake? Hate solves NOTHING.

Absolutely, there are things being done by people that are unacceptable, but who decides that? The bored, frothing-at-themouth masses in social media land? Or should that be a court of law maybe?

It makes the bully the bullied. It makes the victims the perpetrators, it makes us a vile, judgemental and hypocritical society.

This so-called cancel culture is nothing short of toxic and unbecoming of younger generations, many of whom are doing such amazing things in the world.

All it is is an excuse to bully on social media, nothing more, nothing less.

Making the RMA simpler, faster, cheaper

We’re delivering a new resource management system that will better protect the environment while cutting red tape, lowering costs and shortening the time it takes to approve new homes and key infrastructure projects.

The current system under the RMA is long, complicated, costs too much and often, doesn’t protect our environment. It can be frustrating for everyoneenvironmentalists, developers,

Jo Luxton

RANGITATA MP

farmers, home builders and, our councils.

Despite best efforts, there is evidence resource consenting has become more costly, with council fees for notified

consents more than doubling between 2015 and 2019. At the same time the time to consent infrastructure projects increased by 150% between 2010 and 2019.

Successive governments have failed to deliver comprehensive resource management reform – we are getting it done. This reform is overdue.

Our reforms will make things faster and cheaper, and deliver better outcomes. On a conserv-

ative estimate costs to users will fall by 19% a year, or $149m, equal to more than $10 billion in cost savings over 30 years.

The new legislation is timely and necessary. The new proposed laws will create a system for land use regulation and environmental protection that will deliver better outcomes and improve the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.

These reforms will make the system more efficient and more

consistent, and better able to meet the challenges and opportunities faced today and in the future.

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

Lisa Fenwick MY FORKING LIFE

Let Milan teach you that first

First impressions of Milan aren’t always flattering.

Extensively bombed during World War Two, the central city skyline resembles an architectural lasagne of the venerable, the hastily built brutalist and glassand-steel skyscrapers.

But give this Italian powerhouse of finance and fashion a chance to reveal her finery and her personality, and you’ll be handsomely rewarded.

The obvious sightseeing contenders start with the cream-marbled Duomo, Milan Cathedral, which is not only the largest Gothic church on the planet, but the third largest cathedral, of any style, on Earth.

Lustily adorned with 135 spires and 3200 statues, it’s a heart-stirring masterpiece that first gave rise in the 14th century. If you

By Mike Yardley

have the stamina for a vertical climb, zip up to the roof for the panoramic views that stretch as far as Switzerland. On my recent swing through the city, the crowds on the piazza were out in force: the tourism renaissance has fully flowered in Milan.

To the left of the Duomo, enter the soaring archway of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, constructed to celebrate Italy’s unification

in 1861.

Taking 14 years to build, the innovative designer, Giuseppe Mengoni, tragically plummeted to his death just days before the mission was accomplished. (Locals believe that you can avoid Mengoni’s bad luck by rubbing your heel into the testicles of the mosaic bull on the floor.)

Arguably Europe’s most glamorous shopping centre and

shaped like a crucifix, it boasts designer boutiques, posh cafes and Milan’s most famous restaurant, Savini. Billed as the oldest shopping centre in the world, it is retail therapy, or window browsing, in excelsis.

Adjoining the far archway, check out Leonardo3 Museum, a hot new draw. There are more than 200 interactive 3D reconstructions of his inven-

tions and contraptions, from the perpetual motion machine and the mechanical dragonfly to the rapid-fire crossbow and the multi-cannon gunship.

But Leonardo Da Vinci’s fascination with flight and his assorted flying contraptions is what I loved the most. The museum also showcases a digital restoration of the Last Supper, so you can see what is missing because

of the flaky paint at Santa Maria della Grazie.

While soaking up the fashion houses in the Golden Quad, enjoy coffee and cake at Cafe Cova. Situated on Via Montenapoleone, where the pavement looks more like a catwalk due to the fine threads flaunted by the passers-by, the café has been in business since 1817 and was a second home to the A-list composers.

Order up an espresso and a slice of Cova Panettone, Verdi’s personal favourite – but you may want to stay standing at the bar. Sit down and you’ll pay three times more. Panettone, which originated in Milan, is particularly popular as a Christmas treat, sold year-round at Cova.

If you want to splash out in the style stakes, Hotel Principe di

Savoia should be your Milanese address. Entering this graceful space, savour the over-the-top marble foyer and polished oak, a time-honoured antidote to the overdose of designer hotels in Milan.

There is a neoclassical soul to this hotel, a hospitality temple. First opening its doors in 1896, the AC Milan football club was founded at the hotel about 20 years later.

By the 1930s, the Principe had become a tractor-beam for the glitterati, welcoming the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Eva Peron, Maria Callas and, more recently, George Clooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John and Luciano Pavarotti. His favourite dish was pasta with zucchini, tomatoes and ricotta. You’ll still find it on the menu today as Penne alla

Pavarotti.

One of Milan’s most adored treasures is also one of the most elusive: Da Vinci’s depiction of The Last Supper.

Miraculously surviving the allied bombings, the revered wall mural graces the refectory of Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Da Vinci’s evocative work was applied directly on to dry wall, which is the reason for its fragility, and the limited viewing time. The painstaking restoration carried out in recent years is cause for celebration, albeit in a hushed reverential kind of way.

I had to pick up my jaw from the floor as I gazed in awe at da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Bookings should be made two months in advance, to get your allotted 15 minutes of face-time

with the mural.

Milan would be a watery world to rival Venice, if the roading network didn’t conceal the labyrinth of streams and canals that lace the city.

You can still see vestiges of the watery medieval highway in the Navigli district, which beats to a very bohemian vibe and offers one of Milan’s best nightlife scenes, with enticing venues flanking the canal.

The Renaissance heralded in the marble-clad architectural flourishes to the Duomo, but it posed a huge logistical problem. How did they transport so many slabs of gut-busting Candoglia marble into the city from the Ossola Valley?

Da Vinci came to the rescue, with his canal lock design, that shipped the mountains of pure

What stood out: The autumn crowds in Milan were immense. It’s a busy European city, so be prepared to queue as you join the hordes of “revenge tourists”, postpandemic.

Good destination for: Fashionistas are in seventh heaven. You could spend days trawling the Fashion Quad. Architecture buffs are richly treated too, with Milan’s mighty Duomo and shopping galleria.

Best food: I love local street food. Luini makes amazing panzerotti – pillowy fried dough parcels stuffed with tomato and mozzarella. This hole-in-the wall shop has been a Milanese institution since the 1860s.

Best advice: Steer clear of the numerous ripoff ticket touts offering entrance tickets to the Last Supper, at exorbitant prices. You shouldn’t have to pay any more than 15 Euro. Book on the official website. www. cenacolovinciano.org Rating out of 10: 9

cream marble through the narrow streets, by raising water levels, one section at a time.

Apéritifs occur every day in the late afternoon to the early evening. For a few euros, you can get drink and food served buffet style.

These happy hours are common across all restaurants and are always popular.

Navigli has some of the best apéritifs, where people sit outside by the canals and enjoy their late afternoons in true relaxed Italian fashion.

New life has begun at

For about 12 years Chris Davison had an unused shearing shed on the family farm at Winslow without him knowing what to do with it.

It was too good to demolish but he couldn’t decide how it should be reinvented. He’d been using it to store car parts for three of his old Ford trucks, but he felt there had to be a better purpose.

Four years ago at the time of Chanelle, his daughter’s wedding, a germ of an idea came to him.

“I used my imagination to develop something unique,” he said. “I wanted a space where Nel [Chanelle] and I could retreat to after our day’s work.”

He knew about men’s sheds, but didn’t want to create a space where he felt obliged to continue working. Instead he wanted a distinctive shed that carried his identity and where the family could go and relax.

Chris had always been creative and he chose to build something that represented him and his life.

The fourth generation family farm had traditionally run 1500 border romney ewes, but when Chris introduced irrigation and changed to cropping, the shearing shed lay dormant.

So he decided to rip part of it apart. He took the grating out, walled off the pens and reduced the area to a bare shell. He then lined and papered the walls, added a kitchen and developed a corner where Granny Chalmers’ upright piano could sit.

The shell looked like any other –it lacked character – so Chris added what was different about himself. “I wanted the walls to be images from my motoring past,” he said.

Over the years he’d collected number plates from around New Zealand and overseas and instead of the latest fabric, he inserted the plates, into the walls, all 400 of them. He had them dating back from 1926 to the present day and many from American states he’d travelled through.

“I’ve visited most of the States during four visits to America and the plates are very collectable,” he said.

Without needing to change time zones, Arizona, New Jersey, Utah, Colorado and Virginia, feature on the walls and ceiling. To that, add posters, flags, beer cans, Holden signs and US car memorabilia, and Chris’ man’s shed started to take shape.

It wasn’t a huge cost because Chris had begun collecting years earlier from farm auctions, flea markets and garage sales around Ashburton.

But his man’s shed had to be comfortable, so chairs, a lounge suite, a four-metre-long matai bar top and bucket seats were installed. He added a big screen for movie nights and son, Scott, built a juke box in one corner.

“The music is my choice from the 1970s and ‘80s,” Chris said.

Then there were other furnishings he cherished as a collector. Strategically placed around the walls are suitcases, a typewriter, telephones and a fire extinguisher. About this time he realised he

By Malcolm Hopwood

wasn’t building a shed where they could opt out of the world, but something quite different.

“I’d designed and built a socialising shed for regular use by family and friends instead.”

It’s where he held his 60th birthday two years ago and fitted 80 people inside. The Christchurch Corvette Club, of which he’s a member, enjoyed Christmas there in 2020 and it’s become the regular headquarters for the Old Ghost Riders Mountain Biking Club.

“It’s a shed that reflects my life,” he said. “I’m a storyteller and this is my story.”

He’s glad people enjoy his taste and has furnished it so they can sit down and see something different every time.

“I have no timeframe to complete the shed. It will always be a work in progress,” Chris said. “Nel visits it regularly and tries to adorn it with her touch, but doesn’t succeed.”

While Chanelle’s wedding may have inspired him to build his dream, he knew he’d reached an age when his journey through life was about to change. There was an

important fork in the road ahead.

He’d started his working life as a mechanic at Smallbone’s but, when his father died young, Chris took over the farm in 1981.

He worked on the 120-year-old family property, raised a family and, influenced by economic times, changed from sheep to cropping.

But, by this year, he became frustrated with the rules and regulations of rural life and wanted to do something else. Motivated by the shed, he leased the 200 hectares and focused on his expansive yard.

While he dries grain for clients in purpose-built facilities, he can now pursue his passion. He’s been a quiet petrol head ever since he competed in the Winslow Flying Quarter Mile in an ex-Gluyas pickup truck that he converted into a hot rod.

He didn’t ever win although he watched Bert Munro fly the quarter on a motorcycle but, when the venue shifted to Chertsey, Chris and his ex-pick up finally achieved success.

He realised at the time that building cars was an art form. “The

excitement for me was driving something different from what anyone else had,” he reflected. Then family and farming intervened, but four succeeding decades didn’t quench his desire to return to his first love.

Earlier this year he altered his farm workshop to a restoration garage and he’s now working on classic cars such as Holdens, Valiants and Fords.

“I’m restoring a Holden ute followed by a 1972 Monaro coupe,” he said. “So far my reputation has extended to friends and through word of mouth.”

He’s also been collecting vehicles such as his 2010 Corvette, several Holdens and a purple 1966 Cadillac Coupe De Ville convertible.

“I’d reached an age when I wanted to do more than repeat my life,” he said.

“If you don’t do things now, you’ll reach the age of 70 and never accomplish them.”

“My age and life span also came into it. You never know when something will happen so you do it now.”

His socialising shed and resto-

ration business has made Chris very satisfied.

Now he has the focus to become a fulltime visionary.

“Life has become precious to me. I love being at Winslow and don’t want to move. Instead I’m changing direction and loving it.”

What started as four walls in Chris Davison’s shearing shed has ourished to become one of the great socialising sheds in Mid Canterbury, and possibly beyond.

It’s a shed that reflects my life. I’m “

Pride and joy. Chris Davison’s beautifully restored 1966 Cadillac Coupe De Ville.

60 for Chris Davison a storyteller and this is my story

Above – Chris Davison sits at the end of his impressive matai bar top.

Below – Chris Davison inspects a Holden on the hoist in his restoration workshop.

Below – Chris Davison has turned an unused shearing shed into his own personal retreat and a place where family and friends can socialise.

Left – One of the highly decorated walls of Chris Davison’s shed.

Far left – The jukebox that Scott Davison built. Chris’s son, Scott, built the jukebox for the family’s man shed.

Below – Granny Chalmers’ piano occupies one corner of the shed.

Ford Ranger V6 Sport

Mud, mud glorious mud was certainly the case for my earlier report after experiencing the impressive off-road capabilities of the latest 4x4 Ranger line-up.

This time it’s solely the Sport V6, mainly on SH1 to Kaikoura and back (but with a little bit of muddy stuff included) loaded up with three vintage blokes (including yours truly), with e-bikes on the back and towing a 4.5 metre Maxi-camper.

During which it also ticked all the other boxes with its everyday usability, refined on-road drive and effortless towing.

The 4x4 Ranger line-up

Starts from $56,490 through to $82,490 for the V6 Wildtrak. Today’s 3litre, V6 turbodiesel Sport is $77,490. (ORC’s or Clean Car Fees not included in these prices).

Plus, there’s the Raptor with its 3.0litre, 292kW/583Nm V6 Twin-Turbo petrol engine, special suspension and more at $92,990 (plus fees).

Talking the torque

The effortlessly smooth, quiet new 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel delivers its 184kW

at 3250rpm and an impressive 600Nm of torque from 1750 to 2250rpm.

With this wave of torque available right from idle, and the also very smooth 10-speed auto consistently keeping the engine in its sweetest spot, acceleration from a standing start is both instant and impressive and accompanied by an appealing but muted V6 soundtrack.

Adding to this is the excellent new fulltime four-wheel-drive system. The ‘4A’ mode of which continuously apportions power front and rear (mostly to the rear, but then to the front as needed) was ideal for all the driving we did with camper behind.

There’re six selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul (for heavy load/ tows), Slippery for on-road then Mud/ Ruts and Sand for off-road.

Cabin

Entering the rather SUV like cabin, both front and rear is easy courtesy of the big, wide opening doors, hand grips and side steps.

There’s abundant space and comfort for

all within. The seats are leather clad, and there’s heaps of adjustment for the driver’s. As well there’s the tilt and reach-adjustable steering column. No seat heating though.

The digital instrument display is dominated by the speedo with the strip rev-counter off to one side. There’s lots of info available including that from the quick responding, 10.1-inch infotainment centre touchscreen with the latest Sync 4A interface/multimedia system.

As well there’s still physical buttons if you prefer these.

Everything’s easy to use, although the smart looking ‘e-shift’ gear selector, when moving it to R takes a little getting used to.

Carrying stuff

The well-side/deck is wider than previously so now can take a Euro-sized pallet. It comes with a moulded liner, has a payload of 980kg, four tie-down points and lighting.

We liked the practical moulded steps immediately behind the rear wheels.

These allow you to get over the side without dropping the tailgate. The latter has spring assist, so very easy to lift.

The drive

This trip showed what a great mix of on-road performance and ride comfort there is to match the previously experienced off-road capabilities.

With its package of a revised front suspension with longer-travel springs, suitably quick for a ute (3.25 turns lockto-lock) steering, and new, four-leaf rear suspension with outboard shock-absorbers results in a most impressive and nicely controlled, comfortable ride in all circumstances. As well as having the ability to track precisely through even more challenging corners in a totally assured manner.

Towing

A towbar is part of the standard fitout. The maximum braked tow rating is 3500kg with a 350kg tow ball down load limit.

The side mirrors are large, you can reset the blind spot monitor via the touch screen and there’s trailer brake control.

The only problem was that the V6 towed the Maxi-camper just so easily one had to keep reminding oneself that it was behind! And ensure that the adaptive cruise was set!

Safety

There’s a comprehensive driver package of driver aid/safety including nine airbags and a 5-Star ANCAP rating.

Finale

While other utes, can, in some respects, feel compromised, this Ranger‘s very desirable combination of civility, driveability and versatility showed how just so well it’s set up for the Kiwi (and my) lifestyle.

PS The repeated comments such as “what a complete package” and ‘this is the best ride ever” from the occupant of the rear seat – forever Ford man, John ‘Robbie’ didn’t influence the above!

Letters may be handed in to the Ashburton Guardian Office, 3rd Floor, Somerset House, 161 Burnett Street or posted to: Santa’s Little Helpers, c/- PO Box 77, Ashburton 7740 and must reach us no later than 12 noon, Tuesday, December 6. Alternatively, email goodies@theguardian.co.nz

Ashburton retailers and businesses to give to families in Mid Canterbury who may not be as fortunate as others. To do this Father Christmas needs two helpers who will each spend half a day with him, on December 12 and 13, 2022, calling on our Christmas stores collecting gifts. Those gifts will be given to the local St Vincent De Paul, who will then distribute the gifts to families in Mid Canterbury. Our Santa’s Little Helpers will be photographed visiting local stores during the day with Santa and we will publish these photographs on Saturday, December 17, 2022, in the Ashburton Guardian. All children in the Ashburton District are invited to write a letter stating why they would like to be Santa’s Little Helper and why they would like to help us collect gifts for other families.

Max and the team at

wish you a Merry Christmas. We will be closed from the 23rd Dec & we will re-open on the 9th Jan, 2023.

So, who doesn’t want to be Santa’s Little Helper? I mean come on, he’s the big red guy right?

And arguably the most popular old dude in the world. So here are some pointers and rules around being THE BEST Santa’s Little Helper in the universe: ♥ MOST IMPORTANT: Must love Santa. ♥ You must be a child. Only children have the magic to be Santa’s Little Helper. ♥ You have to love presents. And

you can’t just love receiving presents, you have to enjoy giving them as well. ♥ You can’t really be on Santa’s naughty list. The elves get jealous when they see human children get ‘rewarded’ for being bratty. ♥ You must love to have fun, cause there’s nothing Santa loves better than children’s smiles! See, easy ... we’ll see you there!

FinalWhistle

calling time on a week of sport

Coast challenge returns

After two years of not being able to go ahead the Longbeach Coastal Challenge returns to the calendar tomorrow to continue its wonderful association with raising important funds for the community. FULL STORY: P23

Sa picked for Steven Adams Invitational

Steve Adams High School Invitational this year.

Riley Sa’s name continues to appear among some of the highest honours in basketball.

The talented Ashburton College student who is already a New Zealand age group representative and a member of the Canterbury Basketball set-up has yet again been called up for something special.

Sa, who competed recently in the Apples Tournament in Central Otago for the Mid Canterbury Senior Men’s side, was this week announced as having been invited to take part in the

Each year, New Zealand born basketball star Steven Adams invites 40 of New Zealand’s top prospects to the invitational. It’s a hands-on working camp where students learn about the processes and opportunities available to them.

The invitational is a fully-funded programme which covers chasing scholarships, on-court basketball skills with some of New Zealand’s best coaches and mentors, media management, personal profiling, character building, inspirational talks and personal growth and development.

This year’s invitational will be held at Mt Albert Grammar in Auckland from December 12 through to December 16.

SHORT SHARP &

College XI challenge

The Ashburton College 1st XI will look to finish the final week of the year on a high today when they travel to Christchurch to take on the St Bede’s College 3rd XI. Playing the Canterbury 1st XI Cup. The side’s match last weekend was rained off but they get a chance to maintain their standing as the second-best team in the competition this afternoon at St Bede’s College. The match begins at 10.30am.

Remaining unbeaten

The Country Mid Canterbury Division One tennis side will be out to keep their unbeaten status intact tomorrow when they step out in Tennis Canterbury Interclub. They’ll play at home in Ashburton from 9am against Te Kura Hagley who have just the one win from their four games. The Division Two side are also at home, hosting Waimairi at the Braided Rivers Community Trust Tennis Centre.

Busy greens ahead

Bowlers from around the district are in for a busy few days this weekend with plenty of bowls action to sink their teeth into. A number of players will be away in Malvern today to compete in the Country Men’s Quadrangular representative tournament before returning to Mid Canterbury tomorrow for the annual Todd Cup Fours at the Allenton Bowling Club. On Monday, the Bowman Cup Women’s Fours will be held at the Ashburton Bowling Club.

Local derby action cricket highlight

A hometown derby awaits cricket fans in South Canterbury’s senior cricket competition today with Mid Canterbury’s two sides set to do battle on the Ashburton Domain.

The Tech Stags and local bedfellows Allenton will lock horns on the Tech wicket next to the cricket nets this afternoon as the second round of the Tweedy Cup gets under way following a weekend off last week to accommodate representative duties for players.

And the two sides who are set to meet in the middle couldn’t come into the match in much more polarising positions.

The Stags are four from five for the season and looking good to push ahead in their defence of the title won earlier this year whereas Allenton are still on the hunt for their first win of the season after five defeats through the opening round.

But the two sides do have something in common this week.

They’re both coming into today with a defeat hanging over their heads from their last match.

The Stags were walloped and lost their unbeaten streak when they fell heavily to competition leaders Celtic a fortnight ago. Rolled for 35 they were no match for their Timaru rivals and despite missing a few key players would have hoped for a much better effort.

Allenton also fell to a heavy loss in their last match, losing to last year’s beaten finalists Pleasant Point by seven wickets. They’ll also be without their captain, Karmjeet Singh after he returned to India recently for a two-month visit home

His absence will mean the leadership in the side is left to the experienced players like Satwant Singh, Satveer Singh and Mana Singh who have all shown they’re capable of turning a match on its head in the past.

When the two sides met earlier in the season the Stags went on a run-scoring rampage.

Jason Morrison was devastating up the top of the innings scoring 125 but there were

a number of valuable contributions around him which led to a total of 329 from their 50 overs.

In reply, Allenton were rolled for under 100 with key players such as Matt Pawsey, Ryan Bell and a very-much in-form Harry Jones, who is coming in off a seven-wicket haul for Mid Canterbury last week, getting the job done with the ball in hand.

Allenton won’t be keen to let their rivals

compile a total again so what happens at the coin toss today will be critical in the overall outcome of the match.

It’s the start of a busy seven days for both sides with the season switching to the shorter format of the game next Thursday night for the opening round of the T20 competition where they will face each other once again at the domain.

Today’s match gets under way at 12 noon.

Right – Riley Sa is one of 40 high school basketballers from around the country to be selected to attend the Steven Adams High School Invitational next month. PHOTO SUPPLIED: APPLES BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Matt Markham

Allenton will be out to pull a rabbit out of the hat today when they take on fellow Mid Canterbury side Tech Stags at the Ashburton Domain.

PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

Matt Markham

Longbeach Coastal Challenge back again

Being able to once again positively impact on their community and the wider Mid Canterbury district has organisers of the annual Longbeach Coastal Challenge itching to get back into it tomorrow.

After two years of not being able to hold the popular event, it’s back in 2022 for the 15th instalment and ready to pick up where things were left off before Covid interrupted lives and put a halt to many major events on the calendar.

And while the numbers, at this stage, look set to fall short of some of the more recent editions, there’s still a real excitement for all involved as final preparations are made today ahead of the racing action tomorrow morning.

“I think that’s the most important thing of all, celebrating the fact we are back again,” event deputy chair and head of promotion, Rachael Rickard said.

Funds raised from the event, which over the 15 years of the event total close to $400,000 are pushed straight back into the community – with money raised divided evenly between Longbeach School and also the Hinds and Districts Lion Charitable Trust with the Lions then donating a portion of their funds to the Maia Health Foundation.

Founded, organised, hosted and run by volunteers from within the Longbeach area and the local Lions club, it’s a real team effort and one Rickard said couldn’t be achieved without complete buy-in from everyone involved.

“We’re very lucky, everyone is willing to put their hand up and do their bit to make it a success and it’s really heart-warming to see so much dedication to making it all happen.”

Over the years, the event has helped the school continue to operate but also played a key role in much larger projects too, like the helicopter pad at Christchurch Hospital.

“The fundraising side of things is far-reaching, it’s not just about us out here at Longbeach and it’s great that in someway we can help to give back to the community and even indirectly we’re helping foster future minds through the money that goes into the school.”

This week has been all about getting the course, which features some stunning scenery along the coastline, set up for the myriad of different races that all come to-

gether to form the overall event.

A tireless crew of workers have been busy constructing, mapping out and ensuring everything is ready and safe for all who step onto the course.

And so now, it’s just about getting the people out there.

“Entries have been solid, but we are looking down a bit on previous years which from a fundraising point of view is obviously disappointing.

“But we are also realistic with it too, there’s a lot happening in life at the moment and the announcement around the official cash rate this week is evidence of that. It’s harder for people to get out and do things now with the way things are financially.

“I also think there’s a bit of an element of everyone still being a bit hesitant about events being cancelled still.

“But we are happy with what we have, and there’s still time for more entries to come in too, we’ve got to take the approach that it’s just great to be able to hold it again.”

Rickard said as well as the racing action a number of food and refreshment stalls would be available throughout the day and everyone who competes in a race is awarded a commemorative medal at the completion of the course.

Longbeach Coastal Challenge – the sections and what’s involved

What is the Longbeach Coastal Challenge…

RUN – 21km, 12km, 5km

The 21km Off Road Run (Half Marathon) continues to grow the number of competitors. Competing for cash prize money in each category this event will be electronically timed by Active Timing and is an ideal way to stretch out the legs.

Ideal as an off-road training run along this beautiful coastline.

The 12km Recreational Run will suit all levels of fitness and is a wonderful way to get into running in a safe, off-road race through this spectacular scenery.

This event will also be timed.

A 5km run which does not cross the river is great for all ages and levels of fitness and will be timed. Mountain buggies and kids in backpacks/front packs are welcome on the 5km.

WALK – 12km, 5km

A 12km walk is available for those who want to enjoy the scenery along this spectacular event.

All fitness levels are catered for and the off-road track is well-maintained and enjoyable. This event will be electronically timed.

A 5km fun run/walk is the perfect out-

ing for you, your friends and family – buggies or prams can be taken at your own discretion. Please note this is an off-road event. This event is electronically timed.

BIKE – 35km, 23km, TEAM, 12km Family

Ride

The 35km Classic MTB event has great cash prize money for the first three home in each category as well as $500 up for grabs for the fastest overall male and female rider. Electronic timing will be used.

The 23km Recreational Ride will also be timed but is more relaxed and a great event for those new to cycling or who just

want to enjoy the ride and the challenge.

The Team Event has been amped up this year with the choice of the 35km track or the 23km track for teams up to four with the best three times counted towards the winning team.

The famous Longbeach Gate Trophy is the prize for the 23km event and a new trophy has been introduced in 2016 for the 35km Team event.

The 12km Family Ride is great way to get all of the family out and enjoying the atmosphere of this wonderful event in a safe, well organised environment.

The Family Ride will be timed.

Online entries through the Longbeach Coastal Challenge website close at midnight on Saturday for all of the categories but there would still be an opportunity to enter on the day, up to an hour before the action starts.

The Longbeach Coastal Challenge returns tomorrow after two years of forced cancellations due to Covid. PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

The slightly more relaxed walking options are always popular. PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

Matt Markham

Embattled club’s fight for survival continues

facilities and an ailing local horse population as its main reasons.

Today’s a big day for the Geraldine Trotting Club in more ways than just one.

The embattled club has its back up against the wall. Not from its own doing, but through an institutional suggestion that it no longer deser ves to hold race meetings at its Orari Racecourse venue.

Earmarked for closure, as it stands today’s meeting is the penultimate time the club will be able to race at home. Harness Racing New Zealand has elected to close the venue, citing sub-par

It’s a decision that’s caused even more fractures in an ailing faith in the people in charge of the harness racing industry currently. Because to the majority, Orari and the Geraldine club is a diamond in the rough. A little gem who’s contribution to the wider industry often goes unstated and, as it would seem given the decision, unappreciated by those in suits sitting up in head office

But perhaps there is a lifeline still dangling and every indication points towards the passionate group of volunteers who run the club aren’t going to let it go without a fight.

Today’s meeting is the club’s big day. More than 600 people will pack into the club’s corporate ar-

eas having pre-booked their spots months in advance.

Close to triple that again could be expected to come through the gates as general public or industry participants, be it trainers, drivers, horse attendants, owners and their families

Close to 260 nominations for the meeting were received. The national average would be not much more than 100, so the appeal from horse folk to race there is still strong. From that they’ve carded 12 massive races and as long as the weather plays its part it’s set to be a special day.

Big even fields are gold for the industry as they create more turnover than usual, and one could predict that if everything lines up today in excess of $1.3 million will be turned over on the meeting

through the TAB.

The kickbacks for the industry from that result are huge and by removing that opportunity each year there’s an element of cutting one’s nose off to spite their face about the decision.

I’m led to believe that a small delegation of representatives from Harness Racing New Zealand and its board will make the trek to Orari today to take in the action and get a feel for things

Let’s hope their visit is an eye-opening occasion and perhaps forces a rethink of the decision.

Yes, Orari is a little bit outdated, but it’s a true country race meeting – the kind this country was built on.

And to lose it would be a real shame for all involved.

Out to repeat the dose

By Matt Markham

Five years ago, a young John Morrison gained his first big break in the sulky when he drove Seaswift Joy to success in the Geraldine Cup at Orari.

Fast-forward to today and a lot has happened for the Mid Cantabrian since then and he’ll be out to repeat the dose.

That cup win was one of the major stepping stones on the road to success for the now highly successful horseman and winning features at country meetings like the one today at Orari are a real highlight.

His charge this year is the talented Franco Marek. A promising pacer with a huge future in front of him and it’s Morrison’s job to get the gelding past the post first later this afternoon.

A winner of four of his seven career starts, Franco Marek is still very much in the infancy of his racing career, but Morrison likes everything he’s seen and felt from him so far.

“He’s bigger and stronger than last time in,” he said.

“He has probably got a few things to learn but the ability is definitely there. He feels like he has sharpened up a lot more, so he is going to be a horse to follow.”

Fifteen horses will contest the $25,000 feature and there’s plenty of local interest in the race.

Gerard O’Reilly will drive Franco Marek’s stablemate, Copperhead Rose in the race and he too looks a good each-way prospect.

John Hay lines up his talented gelding Just Wondering who has looked on song in recent trials and Brent and Tim White have Got You Covered engaged as well.

He was excellent during Cup Week, running two big races where he finished seventh on both occasions.

Me The Gray Race 8: Bettor Believe It, Onedin Miki, All By Myself, Champagneandwine Race 9: Mighthavtime, Classey Robin, Apatchofgold, Ava Adore

Race 10: Franco Marek, Anything Goes, Cyrus, Copperhead Rose Race 11: Shandon Bells, Prince Ranier, Vertigo, Boyz Invasion

Race 12: Anna Love, Seabrooke, Millwood Indie, Anna Love BEST BET: Mighthavtime (Race 9)

VALUE: Shandon Bells (Race 11)

Harness Racing New Zealand have proposed to cease using the Orari Racecourse as a venue from the middle of next year meaning the Geraldine Trotting Club

change in mindset. The first of them today. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Matt Markham

Sports word No 1 32

Across

SPORTS QUIZ

1

“Reborn” All Black first-five made two-try Twickenham Test debut 1967 (6)

4 Newly-crowned world champion Black Ferns’ fullback (6)

7 All Blacks coach 1979-80, Watson (4)

9 Led record 1998 ABs romp v England in first Test as captain (7)

11 Dashing Kiwis rugby league winger 1977-86 (5)

12 Major jumps event, abbrev (2)

13 Black Caps wicketkeeper 1990-2002 (6)

14 Long-serving England flyhalf 1985-97 (6)

16 All Black prop, Laulala (4)

18 Comeback – (5)

20 Black Caps Test opener 2016-20 (5)

22 Olympics body, abbrev (3)

23 Otago ABs prop 1955-60 (5)

25 NZ-born England rugby captain 2016-18 (7)

27 “Pinetree” Meads’ initials (2)

28 All Black halfback figured three World Cups 1999 -2007 (8) 31 England fullback flattened by Jonah Lomu juggernaut 1995 World Cup (4) 33 Lawn bowls term (3) 34 Irish football legend (4)

35 Former Black Cap served as 2011 Rugby World Cup chief (7)

Down

1 All Blacks captain 1972 -73 northern tour (11)

2 Long-time leading NZ amateur golfer, McDougall (3) 3 Captained All Whites to 2010

football World Cup (6)

4 NZ’s 1960 Melbourne Cup winner, Jinx (2)

1. Which former All Black was this week announced as part of the Blues’ women’s coaching set up? a) John Kirwan b) Carlos Spencer c) Doug Howlett

2. Which side caused a major upset during the early stages of the FIFA World Cup by beating Germany? a) Saudi Arabia b) Costa Rica c) Japan

3. Who was the Black Caps’ leading runscorer in the washed out final T20 match at McLean Park? a) Devon Conway b) Glen Phillips c) Finn Allen 4. Steve Williams will pick up the caddy bag again next week, but for whom? a) Ryan Fox b) Adam Scott c) Cameron Smith

5. Which of the Tennis Grand Slams is played on clay? a) Australian Open b) French Open c) US Open

Tennis term (3)

30

Prized fishing catch, blue (3)

26 Moana Pasifika’s foundation Super rugby coach, Mauger (5) Solution No 131

29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 M A I T L A N D L O V E E R R O I R A R N O L D W I L S O N D T I D L L I S A N T N E R J E S S E B E I M E E M C C R A C K E N E N D C E H I T B U L E S L I E S A L M O N A I L I E R Y A R Y A N K R O N F E L D E D A A I R E N A T A L H E W S O N

6. Which sport is associated with the Cresta Run? a) Athletics b) Bobsleigh c) Kayaking 7. On a traditional dart board, which number is immediately left of 20? a) 9 b) 7 c) 5 8. The Florida Panthers play which sport? a) Ice Hockey b) American Football c) Baseball

Answers: 1. b) Carlos Spencer, 2. c) Japan, 3. a) Devon Conway, 4. b) Adam Scott, 5. b) French Open, 6. b) Bobsleigh, 7. c) 5, 8. a) Ice Hockey.

Sid Scales: Ashburton’s doodler down south

By Connor Lysaght

There are very few forms of art that can entertain or at least engage any person, regardless of their age, status, or personal opinions.

There is one medium however that can claim to hold this power: cartoons.

Whether they are silly, political, opinionated, or a mixture of the three, adults and children alike all enjoy, or at least can be engaged by, cartoons.

A child might not understand a political cartoon, but they can enjoy the funny pictures nonetheless, and children can always ask an adult if they are curious about the meaning of such a cartoon.

Conversely, many adults still adore funny and silly comic strips; you’re never too old for a good chuckle.

Ashburton has been the birthplace and home of many famous athletes, politicians, performers, and artists – cartoonists included.

Sydney Ernest Scales OBE was an Ashburton-born cartoonist, who worked for the Otago Daily Times from 1951 until his retirement in 1981.

His cartoons dealt with a great number of topics including everything from geopolitics and economics to trifles such as local pothole problems, and his lack of understanding of cricket terminology.

‘Sid’ Scales’ knack for illustrated humour wasn’t his only defining quality: bravery and cunning were two of his largest attributes, as stories of his exploits during the Second World War tell us.

The Goldfish Club

The following accounts of Sid Scales’ life come from two main sources, those being a transcript of an interview with Sid Scales in 1992 (Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, OHInt-0454/1), and information from his Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira’s Online Cenotaph entry.

Sydney Ernest Scales was born on July 17, 1916 in Ashburton. Before the war, he worked for the Timaru Herald as a reporter, and he had cartoons published in the Timaru Herald from 1934-1938, as well as in the Christchurch Press and

Star.

He began training to become a pilot in 1938, eventually joining the RNZAF in 1940, with whom he saw active service during World War Two around Singapore and Malaya flying Catalina seaplanes.

According to a biographical excerpt from his Online Cenotaph record, Sid Scales joined the ‘Goldfish Club’, a global association of people who have escaped an aircraft by parachuting into the water, or whose aircraft crashed in the water.

It’s really not the kind of club you’d intend to join on purpose, but if you were to survive such a horrific ordeal, you’d be glad to count yourself among the Goldfish Club.

On Christmas Day 1941, Sid was serving as 2nd pilot on an aircraft that was on the hunt for a Japanese convoy in the

Gulf of Siam. After a combat engagement with a Japanese aircraft, the plane Sid was aboard caught fire, and the crew had to perform a stall landing on the sea.

The plane exploded shortly before the life dinghy could be floated, and the plane’s captain, navigator, and Sid were blown out of the aircraft without their lifejackets.

The crew spent 9 hours in the water, and 10 hours in a dinghy. It’s worth noting that Sid’s recollection is not entirely clear here, as it’s stated that a friendly plane saw the crew and dropped two dinghies in the water, but they may have gotten the first one to float too after the plane exploded.

The crew were eventually picked up out of the rough seas and taken back in a submarine to the Seletar Airbase in Singapore.

A real ‘starving artist’

When Singapore was overrun by Japanese forces, he flew to Java to continue fighting. When Java was occupied there was nowhere left to run, and Sid became a prisoner-of-war under the Japanese on Java, where he languished for three-anda-half years in a prison camp.

Sid and his fellow prisoners were severely malnourished, many caught malaria, and conditions grew worse as time went on.

On one occasion, Sid and his fellow inmates tried to escape from the camp. They designed and began building a boat, with the intention of sailing to Australia, but the Japanese caught wind of their plan and waited for the escapees to become weak with dysentery before recapturing them.

According to information sourced from a past exhibition of Sid’s work at the Hocken Library, and A Cartoon History of New Zealand by Ian F. Grant, Sid passed the time during his imprisonment by contributing to an in-camp newspaper called Mark Time.

Some of his camp caricatures, or ‘Campicatures’, were saved by returning prisoners-of-war at the end of World War Two and found their way to the Imperial War Museum in London.

Copies of some of Sid Scales’ POW

camp cartoons are held at the Alexander Turnbull Library, as part of a collection of papers from the New Zealand Action Committee, Ex-Japanese War Victims (EJOS Inc).

A dedicated cartoonist

After World War Two, Sid studied art at the Canterbury School of Art in 1945, and then in 1947 he went to the Central School of Art in London.

On his return to New Zealand, he worked as a commercial artist for a short time, before he stepped into his most famous role: cartoonist for the Otago Daily Times.

Sid wore the cartoonists’ crown for an impressive 30-year reign, until 1981. His beloved cartoons were compiled into almanac booklets.

As an ex-prisoner-of-war, you can imagine that having endured so much during the War, he would have feared nobody when it came to his jokes and punchlines, especially those at the expense of politicians.

Sid Scales was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1983 for his long and notable service as a cartoonist.

He died in Motueka on March 7, 2003.

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.

Sid Scales’ drawings of fellow students at Wigram 5A course, 1941 (Archive reference 05.2012.0348.)

Cartoon by Sid Scales for the Otago Daily Times, 11 December 1952. From compilation booklet Sid Scales Sketches 1953 (Archive reference 07.2022.0075.2.)

Sydney Ernest Scales during the Second World War. Online Cenotaph, Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira kindly provided by Sydney Scales

Stare things out as one stops stooping (11)

Not bound to alter the coins in one’s pocket (5,6)

Being invulnerable, the printer may make it a trial run (5)

Was out in front, for instance returning to attached strip (5)

Don’t include honour? It follows! (4)

To provide an autograph may be an omen (4)

Cheerless divisional leader at the back of the army (5)

Authoritatively declare right to be a monarch (5)

The angle of a strip of wood around the

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.

Good 8 VeryGood 12 Excellent 16

Previous solution: ops, opt, opts, ors, orts, port, ports, post, pot, pots, pro, pros, rot, rots, sop, sort, sot, sport, spot, stop, strop, top, tops, tor, tors

Stars

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Does it seem like your loved ones think of you as a genie in their service? They’ll make requests; resist fulfilling these orders in a way that seems magic and immediate, or they’ll just keep asking.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): When you feel yourself competing, something may be off. This may not be the right group for you. Those who truly appreciate what you bring to the table won’t ask you to compete for your spot.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): You’ll be in a position to plan a meeting, party, vacation or project. Make it easy on yourself. The two factors to get right are the location and the invite list. The fewer people involved, the better.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): To contrive for self-advantage is the folly of children. The individual is usually best served within a thriving group. You’ll work toward making the group great and be lifted along with it.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): All the birds in the flock will fly accordingly; not so in the human flock. Not everyone in the group feels like they belong there. When they begin an activity, it will take a minute to get in sync. Be patient.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): You are not materialistic, though you like nice things. The reason you want to improve your environment is so people will feel more comfortable in it. People are always more important than things.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): The most valuable books in the store are sometimes sealed in packages so only the buyer can look inside. Being the wondrous mystery you are, you’ll apply the principle to good effect.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): The unknown is scary, but once it is known, it won’t be the least bit frightening. So hope for the best and step forward just like hundreds have done before you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Everything you build will start with a foundation and this takes time to get right. Positioning is everything. Consider the light. Try it a few different ways. Take time and get this decision right.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): When the action is rewarding in and of itself, you don’t have to worry about making the commitment. Volunteering is safe now. You’re not likely to obligate yourself into anything unexpected.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): You have the best kind of creativity right now. It doesn’t have to do with singing, painting or dancing now; it’s really just an attitude you bring to everything you do.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): It’s a theme that will come up at least three times today: There’s more than meets the eye. People will surprise you, work will challenge you and ordinary errands will delight you.

CLEARING SALE

638 CHERTSEY KYLE ROAD, RD7, ASHBURTON

FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2022

COMMENCING 1PM

Due to the sale of the property, we have been favoured by our long-standing client to hold a clearing sale of all their plant and agricultural equipment.

& Est MK McArthur

All major items are listed below and some will be sold in hybrid sale with bidr®. Items can be viewed on Agonline, PGG Wrightson Mid/South Canterbury facebook page.

All items to be sold in conjunction with bidr can also be viewed on bidr along with the terms and conditions of sale. All serious online purchasers are to be registered online before 3pm, 1 December 2022. If you wish to register after this, please call one of the agents in charge.

Bidr Items

This part of sale to commence 2.30pm.

2012 Case IH AFX8010 Header, 25ft Front & Trailer (2900hrs engine, 2175 threshing). 2012

Case IH Puma 165 Tractor (3737hrs) AFS 500

GPS Autosteer, Cab Suspension. 2005 Case MXM

135 Tractor (5071 hrs). 1987 856 International

2nd Tractor, Pearson Loader with Bucket (6202 hrs). Case Grass Seed Front 4.5m with Draper Pickup. 6M Simba Horsch 6DC Air Seeder. 2014 3M Fieldmaster Mower Mulcher with Spare Blades. 2021 Honda TRX420 4 Wheel Motorbike (165 hrs 1620km). 8.3M Proforge Cambridge Roller (2017) with Leveler. 770 Pottinger 6 Disc Mower (2005). 2016 Farm Chief 6M Disc with Roller Packer. Clough 30ft Trailing Maxitil. Farm King 1262 Auger with Swing Hopper 62ft. Farm King 836 Auger 40ft. 7 Furrow Reversible Vogel & Noot Plough. Te Pari Racewell 3 Way Drafter with Monitor. Header Front Side Knife. Rata Sitrex Side Rake (13 reel). Grain Trailer 2 axle 9 Tonne with Drying Floor. Grain Trailer Single Axle 6 tonne. 1992 Mitsubishi Delica Truck 220,000km Flat Deck. 1993 Ford Trader Tip Deck Truck 306,000km.

On Farm Auction only

Header Front Lifters, Garden Rotary Hoe, Levelling Bar, 2000L Diesel Tank, Buck Rake 3M, Tractor 3PL Back Weights, Bag Lifter Pearson Loader, 3.5M Subsoiler, Silage Grab, 2M Back Blade, 3 Leaf Harrows & Bar, 1000L Pods, Direct Drill Harrows, Concrete Mixer (Electric Motor), 200L Portable Diesel Tank & Electric Pump, Submersible Water pump, Motorbike Trailers, Rata 3PL Quick Hitch, Petrol Motor Water Blaster, Honda XR125 2 Wheel Motorbike, Drying Fan on Trailer, 3.5 Tonne Armstrong Oat Seed, 3 Tonne RGT Barley Seed, Kerrick Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner, Stihl Portable Battery Blower, Single Axle Car Trailers, Husqvarna 460 Chainsaw, Electric Sewing Machine, Donalds Electric Crank Wool Press, Sheep Jetter & Portable Pump, plus numerous Farm Sundries.

Signposted from SH 1 Chertsey. Sale will be conducted purchase price plus 15% GST. Terms are Cash or EFTPOS on Day of Sale unless you have a PGG Wrightson Ltd account. Rakaia Lions Club will be operating a food caravan.

Applications Officer - Roading

This position provides task diversity and requires strong organisation skills. You will be responsible to perform onsite inspections, while also efficiently and accurately managing customer applications or information requests.

To find out more about this vacancy and what the Ashburton District Council has to offer you – go to our website.

Applications close on Sunday, 4 December 2022.

www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/careers

Finance & Business support

Providing

• Finance, Administration & Governance support

• Opportunity to grow your career

• Ashburton, New Zealand

Who are we?

Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation Limited (BCI) is a farmer focused co-operative who own and operate irrigation, electricity generation and stock water infrastructure capable of delivering water to circa 30,000 ha between the Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers on the East Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. Utilising over 240km of pipeline and 40+ pump stations, we deliver sustainable, reliable water to a vast array of farming and commercial operations throughout Mid Canterbury.

Who are we looking for?

BCI have recently expanded its Operational, Financial and Administrative support to several local Irrigation Schemes including an Environmental business. This vacancy has opened due to a valued employee retirement, who will provide a timely handover.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the role will include the day-today Finance & Administrative support for BCI and the Acton schemes. The role encompasses payroll, accounts payable and receivable, Governance support, budgeting, forecasting and monthly reporting to the Board. This would suit someone looking to build their Finance or Administration career. Having solid technology exposure, especially around an ERP and an advanced Microsoft user is an advantage.

The company has a customer focused, one team culture and breathes the co-operative, community spirit.

What can we offer you?

• Industry leading salary

• Mobile phone plus plan

• Balance of working from home & the office

• A supportive environment

• Ongoing training & development

What will you bring to BCI?

• Attention to detail

• Proficient computer skills with an ability and willingness to learn

• Planning for deadlines. Needs ability to focus

• Solid communication both written and oral

• Relationship building with a wide range of people

• Teamwork, ownership, share learnings

• Analytical and problem-solving skills

• Self-reliant and persistent attitude to problem solving

For further information on BCI, please visit our website www.bciwater.co.nz

Please email careers@bciwater.co.nz for a position description or with any confidential enquiries. Applications close Friday 02 December 2022. All applications will be acknowledged with an email.

SITUATIONS VACANT

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

NEW Asian – Sweetie, Beautiful, Busty, 40DD, Friendly. Good Service and Good Massage. Phone 0210372083.

HIRE

Tinwald School – Ashburton

Position 1: Fixed Term Teacher

Due to an increase in our five-year-old enrolments we require an experienced teacher to start up a parallel New Entrant class for the year. You will work within our New Entrant to Year 2 syndicate.

U4, decile 6. Roll 261. We are seeking a passionate, classroom teacher with proven New Entrant classroom experience.

The successful applicant will demonstrate effective literacy and numeracy teaching strategies, reflective practice and knowledge of five-year-olds and of the PACT tool would be an advantage.

Applications close 3pm, December 2. Application packs available from; principal@tinwald.school.nz or the school website; tinwaldschool.weebly.com Application by email only.

SITUATIONS VACANT

GENERAL hire. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, concrete breakers, trailers, and more. All your DIY / party hire, call and see Ashburton U-Hire. 588 East Street. Open Monday-Friday 7.00am – 5.30pm; Saturday 7.30am - 5pm; Sunday 8.30am12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz

MOTORING

WHEEL alignments at great prices. Maximise the life of your tyres with an alignment from Neumanns Tyre Services Ltd, 197 Wills Street. Phone 308 6737.

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

CA&IM

WEEKEND SERVICES

IN EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY

PHONE 111.

DUTY DOCTORS

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

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

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

Methven & Rakaia areas

For weekend and emergency

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

Pharmacies

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

Ashburton Rest Homes

Please contact directly for hours.

Emergency dentist

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

Healthline is a free health advice service. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free number to call is 0800 611 116.

Healthline is staffed by registered nurses who are trained to assess health problems and offer advice over the phone. The service is free and confidential.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Call 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) or visit www.aa.org.nz for more information.

Mental Health - Call free on 0800 222 955. Ask for the Crisis Team.

Safe Care - 24hr Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis Support. Phone 03 364 8791

Victims Support Group

24hr - Freephone 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846). Direct dials to a volunteer.

Ashburton Office - 307 8409 week-days, 9am - 2pm, outside of these hours leave a message.

Alcohol Drug Help Line

Call us free on (0800 787 797). Lines open 10am - 10pm seven days.

Art Gallery

327 West Street, Ashburton, phone 308 1133.

Open daily: 10am – 4pm.

Ashburton Museum

327 West Street, Ashburton, phone 307 7890. Open daily: 10am – 4pm.

Ashburton Public Library Havelock Street. Ph 308 7192. Saturday: 10am - 1pm. Sunday: 1pm - 4pm.

EA Networks Centre - Pools 20 River Terrace - phone 03 308 4020. WEEKEND HOURS: Sat and Sun 7am - 7pm. Public holidays 10am - 5pm.

Information Centre Methven - Saturday and public holidays 10am until 2.30pm. Phone 302 8955 or isite@ midcanterburynz.com

ANIMAL SERVICES

Dog, Stock & Noise Control

Ashburton District Council 03 307 7700 - 24hr service.

Animal Welfare Centre

All enquiries - phone 308 4432 or 027 3329286.

Veterinarians

WEEKEND EMERGENCIES

Please call your usual vet to be transferred to the

Guardian Classifieds 307 7900

ANNIVERSARIES

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Betty and Nelson King Married 57 Years, 27 November, 1965. Church of Christ, Ashburton. Lots of Love Michelle and Family.

IN

MEMORIAM

DEATHS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

SHARPLIN, Dawn Lynley

ALEXANDER, Tayla Bray –

In loving memory of our beautiful Niece Tayla who we lost 3 years ago on 27th November. Loved and remembered always. Debbie and Trevor, Chrystal and Tiffany.

Family notices are important to everyone and among the most well-read aspects of our newspaper. If you would like a family notice published, be that for a death, a memorial, or an acknowledgment, then please note the following:

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

In loving memory of our beautiful Grandaughter Tayla, who passed away 27th November, 3 years ago. In our hearts you’ll always stay. Loved and remembered every day. From your loving Grandparents Neil and Pauline.

REVELEY, Suzanne Mary (nee Santy) –18/8/1962 – 26/11/2012

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

Unseen unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. Forever be in our hearts. Jonathan, Ben, Todd, Matt and Families and the late Pauline Palmer.

Lesley –Big sister Patricia, Husband Neil and Sons Daniel and Nigel and families wish to sincerely thank their many friends for their support for us in the sad passing of Dawn. Thank you for the cards, messages, baking and flowers. We are truly grateful. Thank you also to Terrace View Lifecare Ltd for your care of Dawn. Also thanks to Memory Funerals for your guidance and professional service. Please accept this as a personal thank you and acknowledgement from our family.

EARLY, Sarah Lee (nee Hormann) –Sadly we announce that Sarah passed away on November 23, 2022 surrounded by her loving family, aged 55 years. Adored wife and soulmate of Martin. Devoted and precious mother of Jacob, and Sam. Special thanks to the wonderful caring staff at Nurse Maude Hospice. In memory of Sarah, donations to Nurse Maude Hospice would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to: The Early Family, c/- PO Box 6035, Ashburton 7742. A service to celebrate Sarah’s life will be held at Trott’s Garden, 371 Racecourse Road, Ashburton on TUESDAY, November 29, 2022 commencing at 11am. Followed by Interment at the Ruapuna Cemetery.

EARLY, Sarah Lee –On November 23, 2022. Treasured daughter of Barbara and the late Peter Hormann. Dearly loved sister and sister-in-law of Karen, Richard, and Zyrene. Adored aunty of Morgan, Stella, Jon, and Anna. Gone too soon. We will miss you so much.

We Help Save

FUNERAL FURNISHERS MASTER MONUMENTAL MASON E.B. CARTER LTD For all your memorial requirements New headstones and designs Renovations, Additional inscriptions, Cleaning and Concrete work Carried out by qualified tradesmen. 620 East Street Ashburton Ph/Fax 308 5369 or 0274 357 974 ebcarter@xtra.co.nz NZMMMA Member Call the Guardian for all your classified requirements. 307 7900 MISSED PAPER? We promise it was accidental, but if your paper hasn’t arrived by your morning breakfast, in the first instance, please phone us on 03 307 7900 and follow the voice prompts: • Press 1 for ‘Circulation’ • Press 1 again for ‘Missed Papers’ You will then be connected to our amazing delivery team, please leave a clear and detailed message. It’s vital we hear your DELIVERY ADDRESS and we will aim to get a paper redelivered by lunchtime. Samelocation 1960, why customers us Mon 8am-2pm5am-4pm 123 Main South Road, Ashburton Ph 03 308 5774 FOURTH GENERATION FAMILY OWNED YOUR LOCAL BAKERY Your Trusted Guardian – Proudly serving Mid Canterbury since 1879 uardian ASHBURTON bravest The Blossom Tanya Dearns was probably cheering louder than anyone when the All Blacks played Japan on Saturday, but wasn’t for the team in black. Dearns, the Mid Canterbury rugby boss and former Silver Ferns netballer, was barracking for her boy Warner, who scored try for Japan’s Brave Blossoms. UARDIAN WEEKEND OCT 2022 G HOME & GARDEN EVEN NG O 2 - M Voluntary charity Society Register mitre10.co.nz/garden talks supersized US P12-15 Talk about high-flying kea making its mark. Meet Kelly the Kea and find out how this soft toy is part a plan develop a ground-breaking stratospheric aircraft. READ MORE ONE SMALL STEP FOR KEA-KIND Protect Livelihood RURAL FARM INSURANCE 3071990 experienced who you out insurer. from NZbrokersmembership, broader cover businessoperation. Your Trusted Guardian – Proudly serving Mid Canterbury since 1879 uardian ASHBURTON Thursday,November 2022 Your Weekend Countdown VILLA OCCUPATION Contact resort Tony www.lochlearesort.co.nztony@lochlearesort.co.nz Naan left Ashburton restaurant’s Mohammed Khursheed Jahangir’s frustration is clear. His Asian restaurant, Miyabi Top in Town, has been shut for the past three weeks because four chefs have left after they exploited loophole the Government’s skilled worker residency visa programme. And now his popular Ashburton business could collapse for good. Asian chef crisis CR HOOPS’ BALANCING ACT P2 IN TOPTHECOP SPOT P4 Read more and check out the job opportunities, P3 READ MORE UARDIAN WEEKEND NOV 2022 $3.20 G He’s 86 an inspiration us Meet Ashburton’s Merv Grewar, who’s making a name for himself in indoor rowing and cycling in his octogenarian class. And he’s doing so with a very personaldrivingmotivation him. It’s no foroar-deal Merv INSIDE Guardian Our news, online, all the time. Your opportunity to tell Mid Canterbury of your next event or meeting Daily Events is a FREE DAILY LISTING of MID CANTERBURY EVENTS to be held in the immediate future by non-commercial organisations. To arrange for events to be published in Daily Events, clip this form, fill in the applicable details and hand in to our LEVEL 3 office on Burnett Street or post to: Ashburton Guardian, P.O. Box 77, Ashburton 7740, 5 (five) working days prior to the first publication. CONDITIONS: 1. Telephoned information NOT accepted. 2. Forms MUST be signed by an authorised representative of the organisation concerned. 3. A separate form MUST be submitted for each future event and may be lodged with the Guardian as far in advance as desired. For example: A club which meets monthly may submit, say, 12 separate forms simultaneously – one pertaining to each meeting scheduled over the following 12 months. 4. The organisation acknowledges that no responsibility for errors or omissions will be accepted by the Guardian Company.

Find out how you can

help save

Honest. Trustworthy. Local. WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

A University of Otago Centre of Research Excellence

EARLY, Sarah Lee –Died surrounded by her loving family on November 23, 2022. Precious daughter-in-law of Amuri and the late Norman Early. Loved sister-in-law of Carolynn and Murray Donald, the late David, Kathryn and Robert Schikker. Fondly remembered Aunt of Leigh, Matthew, Laura, Ella, Lucy, Flynn, and Ben.

Call me for all your real estate needs Mick Hydes 027 437 9696 mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz

Honest. Trustworthy. Local. WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Call me for all your real estate needs Mick Hydes 027 437 9696 mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz

Honest. Trustworthy. Local. Canterbury owned, locally operated Office and Chapel Corner East & Cox Streets, Ashburton Ph 307 7433

Tasman Sea. Call me for all your real estate needs Mick Hydes 027 437 9696 mick.hydes@ mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz

Patersons Funeral Services and Ashburton Crematorium Ltd

PREARRANGE YOUR WISHES FOR PEACE OF MIND Jo Metcalf WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Saturday:

Saturday

Sunday: Mostly cloudy. Rain easing to isolated showers in the afternoon and clearing in the evening. Southeasterlies, dying out in the evening.

Mountain weather hazards: Snow, Wind Chill. Cloudy. Isolated showers midday, becoming widespread and possibly heavy south of Tekapo in the afternoon. Snow possible to 1000m in the south.

15.1 3.0 –

E 30 12:52pm Thu FAMILY NOTICES 31 Ashburton Guardian Saturday, November 26, 2022 FUNERALS 18-22 Moore Street, Ashburton 0800 263 6679 | 027 637 1229 www.memoryfunerals.nz

Monday:

Wind at 1000m: NW 50 km/h, but 30 km/h in the S. Easing to 30 km/h in the N in the afternoon, and dying out elsewhere.

Wind at 2000m: NW 60 km/h, easing to 40 km/h in the morning, and dying out in the S in the evening. Freezing level: About 1900m, 1100m in the south at night.

Sunday

Mountain weather hazards: Snow, Wind Chill. Mostly cloudy. Rain easing to isolated showers in the afternoon. Snow possible to 1400m.

Wind at 1000m: Light.

SE 31 1:58pm

17.7 5.1 1.2 95.8 6.0 6.8 183.3

H 6:07am 6:28pm L 12:24pm

6:11am 6:33pm L 12:29pm

7:04am 7:27pm 12:45am 1:21pm

7:07am 7:32pm 12:47am 1:24pm

6:48am 7:11pm 12:29am 1:05pm

SW 56 11:56pm SUN PROTECTION ALERT Data provided by NIWA PROTECTION REQUIRED Even on cloudy days – 9:20 5:20 ampm

8:03am 8:31pm 1:44am 2:20pm

8:04am 8:31pm 1:42am 2:20pm

7:47am 8:15pm 1:28am 2:04pm

20.1 5.8 –64.6 1.2 ––A southwest flow over the country, tends northwest as a complex trough moves over the South Island from the Tasman Sea. The broad, complex trough with associated fronts continues to affect New Zealand on Sunday. A narrow ridge moves onto the South Island late Sunday then spreads onto the North Island on Monday. The ridge moves to the east early Tuesday as another complex trough approaches the country from the

5:47am 8:54pm 5:46am 8:55pm 5:46am 8:57pm

7:06am 11:51pm 8:10am – 9:26am 12:48am

Monday: Fine. Northeasterlies.