It’s showtime folks

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, October 27, 2022

NEWS 3 Showtime for town, country

Pat Deavoll

The fi rst Ashburton A&P Show in three years will take place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 and organisers are hoping for upward of 10,000 people to attend.

Show president Victor Schikker said it’s the fi rst show since Covid, back in 2019.

And how important is the Show to the region?

“Well it’s very important to Mid Canterbury,” Schikker said.

“It just one of those things that has been in the calendar for 145 years. I would like to think that people look forward to it and it’s a day out. But we are targeting town people to come in as well. Part of our mantra is connecting town and country.

“As much as we like to see farmers here inspecting the wares and displays, and enjoying some hospitality, we also like to see town people. And this year especially we would like to see different cultures come along,” he said.

“There are 3000 Filipinos living in Mid Canterbury and although we see some at local functions, we would like to see those who are involved in our community come along to the show.

“As far as entrants, we have 4200 exhibitor entries involved in the home industries, the horses, the dog trials, sheep, cattle, etc. All these make a tremendous display.” There are some entries on the day, like the shearing, Schikker said. Shearers like to just turn up – it depends on how they feel. They might be shearing elsewhere or wake up on the day and want to attend (or not). “Our shearing competition is part of a B grade circuit which is part of a national competition, so we would like to think that a reasonable number of shearers turn up – this might be 20 or 30.”

Schikker said the main committee had been holding a monthly meeting right throughout the year and each section had a sub-committee which met regularly. We want to see the fruition of our hard work and a good show come out of it, he said.

“We would like a crowd of 10,000 – that would be great.”

So get along and support the show – the most important event in Mid Canterbury’s calendar. The weather forecast is looking good, the grounds are being set up as we speak – it will be a great day out for both town and country.

Victor Schikker

• A&P SHOW PROGRAMME •

FRIDAY, OCT 28, 2022

8am Dog trials start 9am Outdoor markets open Trade sites open Sideshows commence operating 9.30am Wool judging 10am Home industries judging Grain & seed judging Pet Pavilion opens 1pm Home Industries pavilion opens

SATURDAY, OCT 29

MORNING PROGRAMME 8am Dog trials Horse events commence 8.30am Alpaca judging 9am South Island Seeds Pavilion Home Industries opens Sideshows commence operating Trade sites open Outdoor markets open House of Bricks in the Bayleys Shed Sheep judging Shearing commences Highland & national dancing commences Pet Pavilion Bayleys Shed 9.30am Donkey and mule judging 10am Goat & poultry judging, Bayleys Pavilion Crazy bikes free to children 11am Entertainment on stage provided by Ashburton’s Multi-Cultural Groups Shetland pony judging Balloon Man AFTERNOON PROGRAMME Noon Champion of champion ram & ewe hoggets Presentation of sheep & awards sheep pens 1pm Tiny Tots Show on stage Judging of pet parade in Robin Bruce Arena 1.50pm Address by president 2pm Grand parade led by Ashburton Highland Pipe Band 2.15pm Lolly scramble 3.30pm Shearing presentations 4pm Home industries presentations

Note: The Pavilion will be cleared of people after the presentations of trophies at 4pm and will reopen once the screens have been removed allowing for the removal of exhibits.

5.30pm Dog trial presentations

Business prodigy: Angus Laing, 6, at his roadside sunfl ower stall on Allison Street is now in his third sunfl ower season. PHOTO DANIEL ALVEY

Angus’ blooming fundraising plan

Daniel Alvey

A young Allenton entrepreneur is back again for another sunfl ower season.

He’s six-year-old Angus Laing, and his business At The Gate On Allison Street is growing almost as fast as his sunfl owers.

At a dollar a plant it’s hard to drive past a bargain like that, especially since half of all the profi t goes towards charity.

Last season he was able to donate more than $300 for St John. This time round the donation will be heading the way of Camp Courage.

Camp Courage organises camps for kids in New Zealand who have had a parent pass away. These camps are positive for children of all ages, and helps build connections with other children that are in a similar situation.

“I enjoy helping people,” Laing said.

This will be the third season for Laing’s sunfl owers having got the idea after a family member in Kaikōura gave him some seeds, which grew so many plants he decided to start selling them for some extra money.

All the work he does himself, from potting the plants to counting the profi t and making sure the stall remains well stocked.

Laing said potting all the plants is hard work, but it is worth it at the end of the day.

Mum Charlotte Riley said the community has been a great support to Laing.

“We had people donating just to give to charity.”

“It’s giving him good practice for life skills such as counting,” Riley said.

As well as sunfl owers the stall also has lemons, and other vegetables when available.

Sunfl ower stall

What: At the gate on

Allison Street Where: Allison Street Cost: Sunfl owers start at $1 per plant with a range of sizes available

BUSINESS INSURANCE

Protect Your Business

Qualified, experienced brokers who work for you to get more out of your insurer. You benefit from our NZbrokers membership, as we provide broader cover and policies to cover your whole business operation.

Locally Owned Local People Local Pride.

Phone: 03 3071990 | 73 Burnett St Ashburton

Team hit the ground running after Covid

Malcolm Hopwood

While Covid impacted negatively on many businesses throughout New Zealand, it was “the best thing that could happen” to Animation Research Ltd from Dunedin.

Its founder and managing director, Sir Ian Taylor, told an Advance Ashburton Community Foundation meeting, his company lost all its overseas sports contracts on one day, March 13, 2020.

The company handled animation for many of the world’s major sports including international cricket, golf, motor racing and the America’s Cup.

Covid 19 saw it reduced to zero income in 24 hours.

Despite no work, Sir Ian reassured his staff he’d keep them on until the end of the year.

“Everyone stayed. We didn’t lose anyone,” he said.

“I sent them home and told them to look after themselves.”

But he challenged the 40-members to do more one more thing.

“Before you leave, let’s think about how we hit the ground running when Covid is over,” he said.

The idea stayed with them and, within weeks, his head of technology, came back with a question and an answer. He asked what would happen when sport started up again but the borders remained closed?

That meant his team of graphic designers would be shut out of such events as golf tournaments and Formula One.

His second question was both a query and a challenge.

“Could we do it all from Dunedin?” he asked.

For the next six or seven weeks Sir Ian’s team sought to fi nd a solution and then created the world’s fi rst remote opportunity.

“We produced graphics for major sporting events 12,000 kilometres away,” Sir Ian said.

“We built a system that operates all the graphics for golf, baseball, NFL (gridiron) and other sports from our operation in Dunedin.”

“It had never been done before. It was a game-changer.”

Before Covid, Animation Research would’ve had a team operating around the world, now they do it from Sir Ian’s offi ce.

“From there we do the graphics for a golfi ng major in Florida and a T20 cricket match in Sydney,” he said.

“We turned a challenge into an opportunity.”

Sir Ian said the opportunity presented by Covid improved his business, increased his staff and reduced their carbon footprint around the world.

“I started it in 1990 when there was no internet, and now we’ve taken on the world and delivered our sport via the electronic highway from Dunedin,” he said.

Sir Ian Taylor addressed about 150 people at an Advance Ashburton Community Foundation meeting last week.

FOURTH GENERATION - FAMILY OWNED - YOUR LOCAL BAKERY

Same location since 1960.

Come and visit us to see

why our customers love us! Mon - Fri 5am-4pm & Sat 8am-2pm

Bella the actor with the most potential

Malcolm Hopwood

A Methven student has won the Actor with the Most Potential award at the National Young Performers’ Competition in Palmerston North at the weekend.

Bella Casey Solly, 15, was competing against the best young theatre students from around New Zealand in the 15 to 21 year age group competition. Her teacher, Jackie Heffernan, said Bella was up against full-time drama students and gave “a very strong performance”.

Bella was required to present a 15-minute continuous performance of poetry, prose and drama in front of adjudicator, Jonathan Hendry from Wellington.

“She was delighted when the judge told her she had a gift for comedy,” Heffernan said.

“We were there for the experience and to learn from others, but she acquitted herself well alongside the best.”

While Bella, a member of the Big Little Theatre Company, wasn’t placed in the fi nal three, she won the top award for her improvisation. Right – When she’s not singing or composing her own songs, Bella Casey Solly is a fi ne actress and last weekend she competed dramatically against the best at the National Young Performers’ Competition in Palmerston North.

Bands in the Park

The annual Bands in the Park is back on the agenda and ready to go on Sunday, October 30. Secretary of the Civic Music Council, Elaine Vallender, said Bands in the Park is an opportunity for local bands or music groups to perform in an outdoor setting. This year four bands, The Ashburton & District Pipe Band, Ashburton Silver Band, MSA Orchestra and the Ashburton Electronic Keyboard and Organ Club, will perform. Unlike previous years, the event will be held at Mania-o-roto Scout Park on Chalmers Avenue from 2pm. A donation will be taken up for the participating bands. Afternoon of song

Three Christchurch artists are presenting An Afternoon of Song at the Sinclair Centre on November 6 at 2pm. Katherine Doig, Jeremy Woodside and Alex Robinson, were meant to perform in June, but Covid intervened. Doig is a soprano, musician and historian, gaining fi rst class honours in both. She has a love of opera and has sung with the Canterbury Opera Chorus Soloist, Katherine Doig and the Freemasons Opera Chorus of NZ. Robinson, baritone, has sung with Southern Opera and appeared with his wife, Katherine Doig, in the 2020 Lazy Sunday concerts. Woodside, their accompanist, is also an organist, vocalist and composer. At present he’s assistant organist at Christchurch Cathedral.

Methven Rodeo a trouble-free, well run event

I’d like to congratulate everyone on a successful Methven Rodeo, we had very few issues from a policing standpoint.

The preparation proved key with event organisers, the local health board, Ashburton District Council, Methven hospitality providers, Methven liquor outlets and police all working together to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Police staff were rostered to cover the event from the wider Canterbury and South Canterbury area, who all enjoyed their day out in the Methven sun.

The crowd, both during the event and after the event, was well behaved as were the drivers of vehicles, many of whom

were breath-tested by traffi c staff in attendance.

Leigh Jenkins

ON THE BEAT

Diesel thefts

Something that I have noted is several diesel thefts from rural locations.

Diesel is currently a hot commodity due to the elevated price at the pump.

Some equipment is diffi cult to monitor due to isolation. One recommendation is to limit the amount of fuel contained within storage tanks.

I accept it is an inconvenience to refuel, but it will limit the losses should your property be targeted.

Please remain vigilant and note any suspicious activity, or registration plates of vehicles in the area, or around the irrigators and other diesel tanks.

New role

Finally, I am changing duties for a three-month period and will be relieving as the detective senior sergeant for the Aoraki policing area.

That role covers both the Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury areas and will encompass the period November 7, 2022 to February 3, 2023.

I was a member of the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) for 18 years prior to shifting to my current uniform role and look forward to the task.

In my absence I will leave you in the capable hands of long serving Ashburton staff member sergeant Janine Bowden.

VILLA FOR OCCUPATION

OPEN HOME TODAY

Thursday October 27, 1.30-2.30pm 89 Maple Lane, look for signs.

Consisting of two bedrooms, this 109 sqm villa has a sunny open plan living areas, two toilets, heat pump, office and single garage with internal access. Contact our resort manager, Tony Sands

COUNCIL BRIEF

ASHBURTONDC.GOVT.NZ/NEWS

5 Baring Square West, Ashburton | PO Box 94, Ashburton, New Zealand 7740 | Telephone (03) 307 7700 | Website ashburtondc.govt.nz Thursday, 27 October 2022 | ISSUE 102

Richard Wood: In his sporty element

EA Networks Centre’s new manager Richard Wood loves his job, and sometimes it takes an hour for him to make it to his desk after coming in the front door.

This is important time to personally connect with some of his 100 staff or with regular swimmers, gym-goers and others using the four-court stadium. Their unfiltered feedback is a constant reminder that the aquatic and recreation centre is the heart of a vibrant community where people are tending their physical, mental and social health. Richard has always been passionate about sport. He was a sporty kid who went to Ashburton Borough School, Ashburton Intermediate and Ashburton College, then studied coaching, exercise and sport management at the New Zealand Institute of Sport. He was a high level competitive water skier and pursued the sport in the United States before returning to Ashburton and becoming a personal trainer, working with high performance athletes, those wanting to get fit or lose weight and people recovering from serious injury or accident. He started out as the sports facility assistant manager in 2014 when the EA Networks Centre first opened, and is now relishing the opportunity to take charge of the $35m complex. The centre caters for a range of swimmers and a wide range of sports, from basketball and badminton to walking netball and futsal; it also offers a modern gym and special classes for people recovering from illness or injury, or after having a baby, and runs school holiday programmes and adventure time for toddlers. Richard said the growing range of programmes aimed to match community interest and demand, which had changed because of covid. “The pandemic has changed our perspective on wellbeing and we know that feeling connected and being physically as well as socially active is so important. Our team here has both energy and experience, and I’m lucky that they are also invested in building on their relationships in the community.” Community Services Group Manager Steve Fabish said it was great to see Richard progress in the organisation to become manager of the facility. “We really value his knowledge of both the centre and the people who visit and work in it. He knows how our community ticks and is proud to be a part of it. It’s also great for others in the sport and recreation industry to see the pathways available to management level.” An important project that Richard is currently working on is a utilisation study to look at the EA Networks Centre, council’s swimming pools and some of the district’s green sports fields to see how they are used. Mr Fabish said the study’s findings would inform development at the EA Networks Centre in the future. “There are some interesting recreation trends emerging post-covid and we see this as an opportunity to refresh what we do. “This is a community facility and one of our strengths is that we have great partners to work with, such as Sport Canterbury and Mid Canterbury Netball. Working on the Play, Active Recreation and Sport Strategy recently reinforced that those strong relationships with our user groups are so vital.”

Richard Wood is enjoying being at the helm of the EA Networks Centre.

Celebrating the works of Ngaio McKee

Join us at the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum this Sunday 30 October to celebrate the opening of a new solo exhibition by local artist Ngaio McKee.

This free public event starts at 2pm and all are welcome. Ashburton artist Ngaio McKee has maintained a creative practice since the mid-1970s, and is a versatile artist with a love of local landscapes and floral studies. She works across a variety of media, such as pastel, acrylic, oil, and especially watercolour, in which she excels. This exhibition presents a selection of works from throughout Ngaio’s artistic career, many of which are treasured pieces on loan from the homes of family and friends. Together, they demonstrate that she is an artist who finds immense satisfaction in the act of capturing a scene’s beauty through colour and light.

Neil Brown - Mayor Business rolls on, with a budget on horizon

This is a week devoted very much to tradition and process.

Today, the full council will be sworn in at its inaugural meeting. All elected members including the Methven Community Board, Councillors and myself, will be required to declare that we will do our best to perform the duties of office. Cr Leen Braam will be absent, but will make his declaration at the 8 December meeting. Chief Executive Hamish Riach will then run through the legislation we need to be aware of, from the Local Government Act, to the Crimes Act, Public Records Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act. The Local Government Act spells out our purpose and powers, which in a nutshell is to enable democratic local decision-making and promote the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of our community, now and for the future. The Chief Executive will also talk about standing orders and a code of conduct for councillors. Our standing orders are contained in a rather imposing 81-page document, but they’re really important, as they ensure the orderly conduct of our meetings. There’s no pop-quiz on the matter, but we’re all expected to know meeting procedure and behaviour, which ultimately comes down to common-sense and showing respect around the table. At the inaugural meeting I will also appoint a deputy mayor and once again I’m recommending Cr Liz McMillan, who has so ably filled the role in the past three years. We’ll then appoint councillors to a host of other committees, organisations and decision-making bodies. Many people may be surprised to learn that in total there are 65 committees, groups, organisations and meetings that councillors are required to attend in addition to regular council business. Examples include the Ashburton Airport Authority, the road safety co-ordinating committee, the local Seniors Centre, the Mayfield Reserve Board and the Lower Hinds river rating group. We’ll also discuss the pay for elected members, which has already been independently set by the national Remuneration Authority, and adopt a schedule for meetings and workshops until the end of the year. Too early to be talking Christmas? Definitely not, as it’s crucial to ensure all those services you might take for granted (turning on the tap, flushing the toilet and driving your car on a road) continue over the holidays. So, one of the first reports we’ll receive as your newlyelected council will look at how Council services will be provided over the Christmas period. There is some meaty work for the councillors on the near horizon too, as Council staff have begun the Annual Plan 2023-24 process and are looking at budgets and the projects they want to accomplish during the next financial year. Councillors’ first get-together in 2023 will be a budget workshop and we’re looking forward to discussing these topics with our residents further in the New Year. The business of Council rolls on!

Domain loses golden elm to wind damage

Open Spaces staff are planning the removal of a mature Golden Elm from the Ashburton Domain, after its trunk split during high winds and efforts to save it failed.

Community Services Group Manager Steve Fabish said the elm could be well over 100 years old, and possibly an original planting in the 37ha domain. “We’re disappointed we couldn’t save this tree, but our arborists have carefully assessed it and it needs to come out. They’ve taken some branches off already to make it safe and it is likely to be removed towards the end of November, after the nearby tulip garden has passed its best.” The elm has two trunks that have grown together and during high winds earlier this month, staff found a 15cm gap had developed. The tree was taped off and some branches removed so a full evaluation of the tree’s structure could be safely made. Mr Fabish said the split likely developed over time and was made worse because of the high winds and extra weight on the branches as sap travelled to emerging flowers. “This tree would have caused a lot of damage in the surrounding area if it had come down, not to mention it would have been a danger to domain users if allowed to remain.” Earlier this month consultant arborists also began a project to assess all trees in the domain – each tree is being officially identified, its location mapped by GPS and its growth and condition assessed. A golden elm in the Ashburton Domain needs to be removed after its trunk split in high winds.

“We’re doing everything from the little maples to the large Wellingtonias and one of the comments we have already had back from the assessors is that we have a number of trees that are over mature. “That means they are coming to the end of their natural life and more susceptible to the elements. Trees are living things and become fragile in their twilight years, but that is part of the cycle. “We will create a longterm plan to replace these trees, as that keeps with our philosophy of continuous planting … one tree out, one tree in.” The domain celebrated 150 years in 2014 and is based on an English/European theme, with many of the original trees imported. Some have already been replaced. Mr Fabish said the general feel of the domain would not change as over-mature trees were replaced over time, though the odd new species would be introduced as appropriate. “Trees are like livestock and sometimes you also get dead or diseased stock. A good example of that was on Oak Grove, where a line of badly decaying Malus Trilobata (Lebanese crabapple) was removed and some new trees put in. The art of managing trees means that your plans don’t often see a result for 30 or 40 years so you have to be able to visualise well, and these trees on Oak Grove will provide great shade and colour in the future. “Because our trees grow in such public areas, we always try to communicate any major work to residents as widely as possible as part of our health and safety obligations.”

Meet Robbie and our new councillors at the show

An exercise machine that simulates cross-country skiing and a robot called Robbie will be among attractions in the Ashburton District Council’s marquee at the Ashburton A&P Show on Friday and Saturday.

The ‘ski erg’ is usually found inside the gym at EA Networks Centre, but facility staff are bringing it outdoors and encouraging people to test their fitness and have a go. It’s designed to mimic the movements required for cross-country skiing and there will be prizes for the best or perhaps, most hilarious performances. Council’s building team is also bringing Robbie the robot along. Robbie is deployed to undertake underfloor inspections and see into places that humans just can’t fit. He uses thermal imaging to send back important information to his minder and will be showing off in the marquee. The team from Eco Educate will be on hand both days to discuss recycling and sustainable living – with plenty of great practical advice and ideas for minimising waste. On Saturday, library staff will be hosting an area for the younger attendees with lego play and colouring in. A family pass to the Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa will also be up for grabs. Members of the Economic Development team and the youth council are asking people to take part in a five-minute survey about living in Mid Canterbury. Questions will be about what people think makes our district a great place to live, work and play and those who take part will go into the prize draw. Our district’s newly-elected councillors will also be at the marquee at various times, so drop by for a chat with the people who will be representing you over the next three years. Council staff will be using tablets to show off the free Tūwhana app, which can help residents learn more about Maori, Filipino and Samoan languages and cultures. They have also helped ethnic leaders create a Cultures of Our District display in the show president’s tent, so don’t forget to check out that exhibit too.

COUNCIL OFFICE 5 Baring Square West Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri 8.30am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm ASHBURTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 180 Havelock Street, Ashburton 7700 Mon - Fri 9.00am - 8.00pm Sat 10am - 1pm | Sun 1pm - 4pm

TRIENNIAL MEETINGS

Rakaia Reserve Board - Monday 31 October, 7.30pm at Rakaia Bowling Club Ruapuna Reserve Board - Tuesday 1 November, 7pm at Ruapuna Hall Mt Somers Reserve Board - Tuesday 8 November, 7.30pm at Mt Somers Hall (supper room) Tinwald Memorial Hall Board - Wednesday 9 November, 7pm at Tinwald Hall Methven Reserve Board - Wednesday 23 November, 7pm at Methven Rugby Club

FLUSH YOUR TAPS

Some plumbing fittings have the potential for small traces of metals to accumulate in water that has been in the fitting for several hours. Although the health risk is small, the Ministry of Health recommends you run a mugful of water through your drinking water tap each morning before use to remove any metals that may have dissolved from plumbing fittings. We recommend this simple precaution for all households, including those on public and private water supplies. NEIL McCANN Group Manager Infrastructure Services

EA NETWORKS CENTRE 20 River Terrace Mon - Fri 6am-9pm (pools 7pm, gym 8pm) Sat & Sun 7am-7pm (pools 5pm, gym 6pm)

PUBLIC NOTICES

ROAD CLOSURE

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is hereby given that for the purpose of Mission Mt Somers, the following road will be closed to ordinary vehicular traffic (with the exception of emergency vehicles) for the period indicated below. Road to be closed: • SYMES ROAD Period of Closure: From 5am until 5pm on SATURDAY, 29 October 2022. It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person otherwise than under authority of an authorised permit to use the roads for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

NEIL McCANN Group Manager Infrastructure Services

ALCOHOL OFF LICENCE NOTICE OF HEARING

The Ashburton District Licensing Committee will hold a public hearing to consider an application by KD Kumar Investments Limited for an off licence under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. Date: Friday 4 November Venue: Council Chambers Time: 10am Committee members: Robin Kilworth (commissioner), Greg Clapp (member) and Tracy McIlraith (member). Any person who claims an interest in the proceedings must: • Advise the committee of the grounds of that interest (if not already notified) • Advise if they intend to make submissions or give evidence at the hearing • Provide four copies of typed statements of the evidence and submissions to be tendered. All parties are required to provide all documents that will be produced as evidence to the licensing committee by close of business on Thursday 27 October. Documents must also be provided to all other parties within the same timeframe. RICK CATCHPOWLE Secretary, District Licensing Committee

VOTE FOR OUR BANDED

DOTTEREL

BY 31 OCT

ASHBURTON ART GALLERY & ASHBURTON MUSEUM 327 West Street 10am - 4pm daily, late night Wed to 7pm