Ashburton’s top cop hopes those in the underworld now understand that they can’t and won’t get away with illegal activity in quieter regional towns.
Ashburton sub-area commander Senior Sergeant Leigh Jenkins emphasised that very point after the success of the unprecedented threeday gang and drug activity raids in his patch this week.
“Criminals think they can get away with their activity in a smaller town, but that’s not the case,” Jenkins said.
“The people of Ashburton can be reassured that thanks to the success of this operation, we have dealt a blow to organised crime and gang activity in our area.’’
Jenkins said the successful drugs bust, which saw 18 arrests made and 160 charges laid, was the biggest in
his area in more than 10 years. It was also possibly the biggest ever of its type in Ashburton, with items seized including more than $70,000 street worth of meth, cannabis, LSD and other restricted drugs. Nearly $20,000 in cash, two shotguns, a crossbow, seven imitation firearms, ammunition, and a number of other restricted weapons and prohibited firearms parts were also seized.
Also seized in what was named Operation Mastiff were a small number of power tools that were believed to have been stolen in a burglary in town.
Enlisting the help of police staff from Timaru and Christchurch was a key to its success, with more than 100 officers taking part.
“As this operation has shown, we can – and will – call on the resources of our district colleagues in Christchurch and Timaru to hold these people to account,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins also admitted that smaller communities like his were not exempt from serious drug and gang-related offending.
“Our staff do an awful lot of work in
order to identify, monitor, and prosecute those who create this serious harm in our communities,” he said.
“And it’s not just those who are personally involved in the drug world who are affected. This impacts families, friends, colleagues, as well as other members of our community who become victims of related offending such as burglaries.
“I’m confident that these arrests will go a long way to helping ensure our community is safe and feels safe,” Jenkins said.
Police said they rely on the public to help stamp out this offending, by supplying information to us to help form a picture of what’s happening in our communities.
“You may feel like the information you have is not significant. However, it could be the missing piece of the puzzle that Police need to put offenders before the court.”
Information can be passed to Police via 105 by phone on online, or alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org
Police have made 18 arrests, and laid 160 charges, from their three-day raid in Ashburton this week. Key arrests were:
* A 45-year-old man faces 67 charges, including 61 charges of offering to supply methamphetamine, and two charges of unlawful possession of a firearm.
* A 50-year-old man faces 26 charges of possession for supplying methamphetamine, and nine of possession of a Class C drug.
* A 28-year-old man faces nine charges, including six charges of supplying cannabis and one of conspiracy to deal methamphetamine.
* A 40-year-old man faces nine charges of conspiracy to deal methamphetamine.
* A 53-year-old man faces seven charges of possession of a Class A drug and one charge of breaching a protection order by being in possession of an imitation firearm.
Armed police swoop on another address in Ashburton as part of the biggest drugs bust and illegal gang activity crackdown in the district for over a decade.
Daniel Alvey
activity is happening, so they need to do the right thing and let the police know and stamp it out of our community.”
Ashburton’s mayor says mass gang arrests and the biggest local drug bust in over a decade won’t damage the community’s reputation as a safe place to live.
That’s the view of Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown in the fallout from the three-day police operation, which would have shaken many in the community after 18 people were arrested and 160 charges laid.
One man faces more than 60 charges alone of supplying methamphetamine in an operation that saw 29 search warrants executed.
Those arrested were all from Ashburton and mainly associated with the Mongrel Mob. Others had links to Mangu Kaha, Highway 61 and Headhunters gangs and most were due to appear in court in Ashburton or Christchurch this month.
The arrests and seized cash, goods and drugs, including LSD and cannabis, would have made
for grim reading for many members of the public in what has traditionally been a quiet regional town.
“These raids make it a safer community,’’ mayor Brown stressed.
“Crime is in every community and the police are doing their job
to keep our community safe.’’
But Brown was concerned to find out about the significant amount of gang activity in his community, highlighted by the number of arrests and charges laid.
“Having that number of people in town that they picked up
in one go, that is quite concerning, and the harm that it causes is quite alarming.”
Brown wanted to remind the community to always be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police to help weed out all crime.
“Someone must know that this
It took more than 100 police officers from Ashburton, Christchurch and Timaru, including an armed offenders’ squad, a specialist search group and dog units, to make what has been called a “huge blow” to the meth industry in the region.
The raids across the three days were part of Operation Cobalt, the national police campaign targeting organised crime and unlawful gang activity.
Some of the searches were carried out near Fairton School just north of Ashburton, but the pupils and staff were none the wiser and never in danger.
Fairton School principal Mike Hill also said they had no idea that residents with gang and drug connections lived in the small community, but he was happy to see them removed.
“If they keep to themselves, you never know they are there.
“They are in every community,” Hill said.
See editorial - gangs, drugs and innocence lost. Page 12.
Ashburton members of the public have been quick to thank the 100-plus police team, who believe they have put a major dent in illegal gang and drugs activity in the district.
Shanan Bailey suggested it was about time and that the 18 arrests and seizure of cash, drugs, firearms, and other goods would help Ashburton regain its safe, quiet reputation.
“It needed to be done!,’’ Bailey said on the Guardian’s Facebook page.
“And if the Police keep this up then Ashburton Police will become known for being tough on crime and we will regain our reputation for being a safe place as the low-lifes will go elsewhere.
The district needs a tougher stance. Thank you to all involved. You’re all amazing!’’
Brett Curwood echoed those thoughts: “Thank you, NZ police,’’ he said.
“We may not be able to stop the rise (in drug and gang activity), but this action will certainly stem the flow.’’
Vickie Walker said “good job NZ police!’’, while Hillary Tupe said they did an “awesome job’’.
Others, though, felt that Ashburton’s reputation perhaps hasn’t been as squeaky clean as many would have thought.
“I don’t think that this news will surprise too many people,’’ Sharon Eccleston van Rensburg said.
“The question is why the police have taken so long to do
something about it?’’
Tina Cox had a similar view:
“Not before time,’’ she said.
“It’s a well-known fact how bad Ashburton is for drugs.’’
Mere N Maria also suggested that Ashburton had “gone downhill from murders and drug busts. Never a dull moment in this town.’’
Juliet Howarth took a national view on the Ashburton sting, suggesting no town was immune from this sort of activity.
“This is going on all around the country, including rural areas,’’ she said.
“It’s illogical to believe that Ashburton is somehow better, especially when there’s population growth and changing demographics. New Zealand is so small. Nowhere is out of reach.’’
Daniel Alvey
Another day, another street, another drug raid by police. The Ashburton District was the scene of an unprecedented Police presence over three days this week.
“While the Queen’s death was expected, it’s still very sad. She was an iconic woman who did a lot of good for the world. As a child, I met Prince Philip who shook my hand in the rain. He told me I looked like a drowned rat. I said ‘okay’, but I still remember it 40plus years later.”
What stood out about the Queen to you?
“Her loyalty to her country and people.”
What will you always admire and remember her for?
“Her style and grace and particularly her fashion.”
GRAHAM GUNN
“It wasn’t unexpected, she was going downhill. She was a wonderful Queen. I hope Prince Charles follows in her footsteps. I was working for the borough council’s parks and reserves when she came in the 1980s and I helped beautify the domain for her visit.”
Velma wore an x-ray smock and Russell was in army uniform when the Queen and Duke visited Ashburton early in 1954.
They lined up with hundreds to welcome the royal couple at the Domain Oval, which was before the pair got married.
Velma, an Ashburton Hospital x-ray technician, joined nurses in the front line, while Russell, who was completing his compulsory military training, stood to attention. Both hoped to get a close-up peek and acknowledgment from the Queen and Duke
“(But) I don’t think the royals let on seeing me,” quipped Russell nearly 70 years later, suggesting that they probably did see him but didn’t want to make a fuss about it.
The Langdons remember it was a fine day, with the Queen addressing the crowd and speaking to the mayor and councillors.
She and the duke were driven around the domain in an opentop vehicle so the crowd could get a close-up view.
They then left for Longbeach Homestead where they stayed for a couple of nights as a break in their prolonged visit throughout New Zealand.
The Langdons, now both 91, will never forget that special memory of Queen Elizabeth II, who died overnight on Friday morning at her Scottish estate.
LOIS SPARROW
Malcolm Hopwood
Velma Langdon Russell Langdon
“It’s a very solemn moment in history, a sad day. I’ve followed her career. I’m looking forward to King Charles serving the Commonwealth like she did.”
Methven-based former New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games supremo Barry Maister will always have a personal “cardboard cathedral” memory of the Queen.
Maister, the former secretary general of the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games, was a member of the International Olympic Committee when he was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet her Majesty prior to the London Olympic Games in 2012.
“We were given a tour of the palace and then attended a reception,’’ Maister said.
“We all lined up and shook the Queen’s hand. There must have been about 100 of us, plus partners.
“She seemed genuinely keen to meet us. She then addressed us but stayed on and moved around talking to us all.”
But Maister remembers Queen Elizabeth II asking him where he was from.
“I said New Zealand and she asked what city?
“I said Christchurch.’’
And then the moment came that Maister would never forget about the Queen, who died aged 96 to end a 70year monarchy.
“She expressed concern about the earthquake and its aftermath.’’ Maister said.
“Then she said, ‘I do hope the idea of that horrible cardboard cathedral doesn’t take off’,” he said.
“I agreed with her.”
Maister, still coming to terms with the Queen’s death, said her loss was a “tragedy’’.
“Her service, loyalty and devotion was exemplary.”
“The Queen has done a wonderful job over the years. I’ve been interested in her life for many years. It’s a very sad day for people.”
“I felt pretty sad when I heard the news. For my whole life she’s been the Queen. She exemplified old-fashioned virtues of service to country and community and dedication to her family.”
Saddened Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown spoke for many, saying Queen Elizabeth II was “quite remarkable”.
The Queen died on Friday morning (NZ Time), leaving many Kiwis in shock and grieving the 96-year-old monarch, who reigned for 70 years.
Brown expressed condolences and sadness on behalf of the Ashburton District on her passing.
“Our thoughts are with the royal family through this difficult time and we wish to acknowledge the deep impact that Her Majesty has had on New Zealand throughout her long
and inspirational reign,” Brown said.
“She has devoted her life to serving Britain and the Commonwealth and has been a rock of stability during her long reign, for which she will be fondly remembered and respected.
“She was quite remarkable.”
As head of state, the Queen visited Ashburton in 1954 shortly after her coronation and in 1981.
Brown said he was planning on attending the official New Zealand service, which would happen after the Queen’s funeral in London in about 10 days.
A minute’s silence would also be observed at the next council meeting.
“The only Queen I’ve had,” a reflective Brown continued, adding that he thought Charles was up for the job as king.
“Longevity runs in the family,” Brown said.
King Charles III has become the oldest person in British history to be named monarch.
The 73-year-old former Prince of Wales was three when he became heir to the throne.
“It’s a sad day, like losing your grandmother. What a tremendous job she has done, even working the day before her death. It’s going to be a hard act for Charles to follow.”HELEN LOWE LISA MARTIN ROBYN MCCALLUM Barry Maister Left – The Queen greets Caren Ruck in Ashburton in 1981. She is holding Daniel. Below – Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown holds up the visitor book signed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on their visit here in 1981.
Our stormwater network does the essential job of collecting and carrying rainwater away from buildings and roads.
We’ve drafted a new bylaw to manage our stormwater infrastructure and help protect both the environment and public health. We’d like your feedback!
Visit ashburton.govt.nz/haveyoursay or scan the QR code to view the consultation documents and share your feedback by 5pm, Sunday 18 September 2022.
www.rideforever.co.nz
New Zealand has some of the most scenic rides in the world and great on-road skills are needed to get the most enjoyment from riding them.
Ride Forever can give all motorcyclists the skills to get the most out of every ride. Ride Forever onroad coaching is available nationally, with a range of courses available from beginners through to the most experienced motorcyclists.
Each course gives riders the skills and knowledge to get the most out of every ride.
Ride Forever trained motorcyclists are 27% less likely to crash and have a motorcycle-related injury, ACC evidence shows.
Urban Commuter is great for new riders and offers more control and confidence in urban situations.
The Bronze course is ideal for riders on their learner licence who are preparing for the restricted licence, and helps practise skills, increase confidence and better understand their bike’s capabilities.
The Silver course is designed for those who want to learn the skills to reach their full licences and is ideal for returning riders who have had a break from riding.
The Gold course is great for those experienced riders wanting to get the most out of their bike and hone their riding skills and techniques. Groups can determine their own course content for the day.
“The bill also gives us the abil ity to regulate where retail prem ises are.’’
Dr Verrall cited an example of how commuters, getting off a bus, were besieged by the num ber of tobacco-selling outlets.
Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall has New Zealand tobacco sales in her sights, sug gesting there’s “more regulations over the safety of a sandwich than a cigarette”.
Dr Verrall was in Ashburton to promote the Smokefree Environ ments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill that’s before Parliament.
The bill, which has passed its first reading, aims to cut the number of retail outlets, reduce the amount of nicotine allowed in smoked tobacco products and ensure it can’t be sold to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
Why? Because Dr Verrall said tobacco was a “deadly deregu lated product”.
“Tobacco kills half the people who use it,” she said.
“There are more regulations in New Zealand over the safety of a sandwich than a cigarette.
She estimated that about nine per cent of New Zealanders were smokers and claimed the bill would prevent young people and successive generations from ever taking up smoking.
Verrell, who’s also Minister for Covid-19 Response, told an Ashburton audience that the Government would announce changes to a variety of Covid set tings next week without giving anything away
“The Government needs to re flect on the changing risk.”
ACT leader David Seymour, who was also in Ashburton this week, suggested mask wearing should be scrapped immediate ly.
But Dr Verrall said the Govern ment would “keep those issues under review”.
“There’s lower risk at the mo ment but I don’t want to get ahead of the Government’s de cision.”
Before carrying out work on your property, it’s important to know the location of underground power cables
Unless you are certain of the location of underground cables,
should avoid doing any major digging around
until you’ve consulted
here
Right – Masked up and ready to go. From left: manager of Cancer Society NZ, Ashburton, Annie Bonifant, MP for Rangitata, Jo Luxton, Associate Minister of Health, Dr Ayesha Verrall and health promoter for Cancer Society of NZ, Ashburton, Mandy Casey. Malcolm Hopwood
Ashburton funeral celebrant Greer Ricketts says the council needs to urgently provide public toilets in urban east Ashburton, especially one at the Seafield cemetery.
Ricketts, who is also Ashburton Citizens’ Association chairperson, said it was only a matter of time before a mourner got caught short at a graveside ceremony because there was no nearby toilet.
The closest was near the Sexton’s Office block on distant cemetery grounds, but that was at least half a kilometre up the road from where funerals and burials now took place.
“I’ve known people embarrassed at the service,” Ricketts said.
Loved ones have so far been able to hang on, but she said the time would come when nature calls and a mourner would have nowhere to go.
She could direct them to a nearby bush or pause the graveside ceremony so they could drive to the Sexton’s Office toilet.
Ricketts said the toilet issue
wasn’t just confined to the cemetery, saying the only public convenience stop in east Ashburton was a bush.
She said the Ashburton Citizens’ Association had been requesting the Ashburton District Council for several years to build a toilet block somewhere in that part of town.
“People use Digby Park a lot, especially over spring and summer, and there are no public facilities,’’ she said. “I’ve seen them using the nearby bushes.
“There are none at Braebrook or other developments, and they’re needed. Spring and summer is when people engage in outdoor activities.”
Ricketts felt the east side was being discriminated against because there were toilets on the west side and in the heart of Ashburton, but none after that.
“The pecking order for public toilets is west Ashburton again, Tinwald, Methven, Hinds, Rakaia and then the east side,” Ricketts said.
The ACT Party will stand a candidate in the Rangitata electorate next year. ACT leader, David Seymour, confirmed in Ashburton this week the party will wait until early 2023 to select a local candidate. Seymour said it’s ACT’s intention to contest next year’s election with candidates in all electorates. “Our view is that Kiwis want to be left alone by the government so we are asking for their party vote to represent them,” he said.
Janet Glassey announced this week she is no longer standing in the Ashburton Ward in the upcoming local body elections. “Due to unforeseen health circumstances, I am no longer able to stand in the Ashburton ward,” Glassey said. Her withdrawal reduces the field in the Ashburton Ward to 11 candidates for the five vacancies. There is a meet the candidates event for the Ashburton Ward, mayoral and ECan candidates at the Ashburton Event Centre at 2pm on Sunday.
What: The 59th annual meeting for Ashburton agricultural supply and services co-operative, Ruralco.
When: Wednesday, November 23, Ashburton
Departing Ruralco chairperson
Jessie Chan is confident in the talent in the powerhouse Ashburton agricultural co-operative ahead of November’s board elections.
Chan has indicated she won’t be seeking re-election after three terms, which included becoming the first female board chairperson of a major New Zealand agribusiness co-operative when she took the Ruralco governance reins in 2020.
Chan, having recently been appointed as an independent director to the NZPork board, is one of two Ruralco directors up for re-election as per the co-operative’s three-year rotation rules. Tony Coltman is the other, but he has indicated he will seek re-election at the 59th annual general meeting in Ashburton on November 23.
Chan, who this year became a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to dairy and agriculture, said the high-performing Ruralco board
was a place where experienced directors could “thrive and help to shape the strategic direction of a growing business’’.
Ruralco, established in 1963, provides farmers with seed, fertiliser, fuel, energy and so much more.
Director voting: Nominations close on Wednesday, October 12 at 5.30pm.
Not seeking re-election: Chairperson Jessie Chan, who has recently been appointed an independent director to the NZPork board.
Chan on election importance: “This election process determines how all shareholders retain our control of their co-operative.’’
The loss of someone of Chan’s calibre would be felt, though the woman herself doesn’t seem to think so.
“We have plenty of people who have good governance and business experience, and I am confident we have the talent out there,” said Chan, who lives in Rakaia and who amongst a host of achievements received the Women in Governance Award for inspiring leadership last year and was named Dairy Woman of the Year in 2017.
She encouraged Ruralco shareholders to have their say at the elections through nomina-
tions and the voting process.
“As a co-operative, our shareholders own the business, which means it is their business and they need to have a say. This election process determines how all shareholders retain our control of their co-operative.”
The Ruralco board is made up of five farmer-elected directors, which included Chan, Coltman, Kate Acland, Andrew Barlass, Sir David Carter, and two independents in Sue Lindsay and Brent Wheeler.
Ruralco board nominations close on Wednesday, October 12 at 5.30pm.
Moving on: Ruralco board chairperson Jessie Chan won’t be seeking re-election in November’s annual meeting for the Ashburton agriculture co-operative. Ruralco AGM Daryl Holden Malcolm HopwoodNearly $100,000 has been handed out in Braided Rivers Community Trust grants in the 12 months to March 31, 2022.
Braided Rivers CEO, Rob Reid, said the annual grants benefit a wide range of community organisations.
He explains since Ashburton Licensing Trust restructured to create the Braided Rivers Community Trust in July, 2022, its focus is “clearly on the community and the funding we provide for them”.
Of the $97,552 allocated, the bulk (53 per cent) has gone to community projects with sport receiving 25 per cent, education 15 per cent and health, seven per cent.
“This reflects a huge trend towards community organisations and projects,” he said.
The Braided Rivers Community Trust meets monthly to consider and approve applications.
In the future Reid promises a substantial increase in grants. “For the last five years we’ve been working through a transition period with a change of focus from hospitality to property investment. This means we can more effectively support organisations from April 1 next year,” he said.
In its annual report, announced in the Ashburton Guardian today, the trust, which includes Somerset House, made a profit of $1.4 million.
“We’re happy with the annual result which took place in a challenging trading year, influenced by Covid and its impact on staff,” he said.
“It also reflects a change in our model which saw the establishment of Braided Rivers Community Trust last year.”
The trust has retained one hospitality venue, the Devon Tavern, which also recorded a positive financial result and contributed to the $1.4 million profit, Reid said.
“The scheme, which is free, helps to prevent isolation in rural communities, in particular for newcomers to Mid Canterbury,” she said.
More than 100 newcomers to rural Mid Canterbury have received restricted or full licences resulting from the Mid Canterbury Rural Driver licensing scheme.
“We encourage them to get a driver’s licence by offering tuition which includes a nine week road code course and providing driving mentors to prepare them for their restricted or full licence.”
The scheme is a partnership between the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust and Safer Mid Canterbury.
Take the money while resisting the source.
The Ashburton District Council plans to seek $4.2 million in the first tranche of the government’s Three Waters Better Off funding, but it remains committed to its opposition to the planned reform.
It’s a conflicting situation and councillors asked for clarification that accepting the funding was not Three Waters support.
Chief executive Hamish Riach said accepting the money didn’t detract from the council’s opposition to the reforms but the council will be required to continue to cooperate.
The council is proposing a clause in its application, ensuring any opposition to the reforms was not a cause for termination of the funding, but Riach was not confident the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) would accept it.
It’s not what the council plans to spend the money on, but the terms of the agreement will likely require further negotiation, he said.
What the council planned to spend the money on was questioned by councillor Stuart Wilson, who suggested it was a prime opportunity to solve some roading issues rather than a slush fund for “something extra that is not that important”.
He asked if a further $200,000 for the new library was “the most pressing need for $200,000 on the approval rating we have got for roads and footpaths”.
Riach said the council had to comply with the conditions set out by the DIA in which
the council can only seek funding for projects that are not in its long-term plan and it can’t be used for three waters projects.
The timing of the Fairfield Freight Hub meant it is not part of the LTP providing the opportunity to seek the council’s $2.3m loan funding contribution towards the $14m project – which is being led by the Wareing Group.
There are seven projects in total, including $150,000 to assist in the potential relocation of the South African War Memorial from Baring Square East over to Baring Square West.
The council is eligible for a total of $16.8m of Better Off funding, with $4.2m available now and the second payment of $12.6m earmarked for 2024 – after next year’s central government elections.
The council will also receive $437,000 of transition support funding to assist with the Three Waters transition work it is required to do.
The scheme, which received $5000 in the Braided Rivers Community Trust’s August grants, has another 30 people working towards achieving their driver’s licence.
Rural Licensing Co-ordinator, Wendy Hewitt, said “it’s awesome to have support from Braided Rivers.”
The $5000 will contribute towards her salary to run the programme.
Over the past five years 101 men and women have achieved their restricted on full licences.
“These people are now fully independent,” Hewitt said.
Other Braided Rivers Community Trust recipients are Mid Canterbury Tennis ($3500), Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Canterbury ($3000) and Clubs’ NZ South Island Women’s 4s Tournament ($1500).
Newcomer to Mid Canterbury, Ratu Tamanitoakula with Rural Licensing co-ordinator, Wendy Hewitt, passes his full licence.
Malcolm Hopwood
Malcolm Hopwood
Robert Reid
Jonathan Leask
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori language week, Septem ber 12-18, 2022) is a great opportunity to kōrero Māori, learn new kupu (words) and celebrate this wonderful reo.
The Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum’s Kā Huru Manu exhibi tion presents the traditional Ngāi Tahu place names of the Hakatere Ashburton region, some of which you may already be familiar with and use, and others which may be new to you. Some of these place names are known today thanks to Rāwiri Te Maire (1808-1899).
The following is an extract from the story of Rāwiri Te Maire written by the Ngāi Tahu Archive team and published in Tāngata Ngāi Tahu: People of Ngāi Tahu, Volume One.
Te Maire was a Ngāi Tahu rangatira (leader) who provided an extensive list of Māori place names to surveyor Thomas Broderick in 1898.
Without Rāwiri Te Maire’s mātauranga (knowledge), there are traditional Ngāi Tahu place names across Te Waipounamu and in the Hakatere Ashburton region that may have been lost forever.
Rāwiri Te Maire, familiarly known as ‘Old Davis’, was a ran gatira of considerable status and a staunch advocate for Ngāi Tahu during the mid to late 1800s.
A driving force behind Te Kerēme, he fought tirelessly for the land and resource rights of Ngāi Tahu to be recognised.
Te Maire retained a vast knowl edge of tikanga Māori, traditional ways of life, Ngāi Tahu history and many of the original Māori place names of Te Waipounamu (the South Island).
Te Maire is believed to have been born in 1808. He was one of three children born to Te Aohi kuraki and Kotihitiho, along with Pokiri and Te Whakaetieti, and spent his formative years in the
Wānaka and Hāwea region.
Te Maire settled at Waikouai ti, and married Merika Heikura on June 19, 1841. They had three children: Henare Toutou Te Maire, Kirituatini, and Tupai (Tupae) –also known as Reihana Te Maire.
Te Maire was the first of several rangatira to be baptised into the Wesleyan faith by the missionary James Watkin, the same pastor who had officiated at his marriage to Merika.
Watkin christened Te Maire ‘Rāwiri’ (David) on January 22, 1843.
“
Although Te Maire retained rights in the infamous Kemp block, he was one of twenty-five rangatira and heads of whānau who had not signed any deed, nor any of Mantell’s receipts.
Te Maire and many others brought a number of claims to the Native Land Court, questioning the alienation of Ngāi Tahu land and the inadequate reservations set aside for the people.
Having seen no result from their petition to the General Assem
Te Maire went forward and gave himself up. He called to the Maoris [sic] not to shoot and to both sides ‘Don’t fight’. He walked off under arrest of his own free will, no one handling him … [saying] he would go to jail to preserve peace.”
In 1862, Henare was em ployed to work on a station near Queenstown. While visiting his son, Te Maire passed on many of the local Māori place names of the Whakatipu wai-Māori (Lake Wakatipu) region; in turn, Henare passed these on to the historian James Herries Beattie.
In the 1890s, Te Maire described his childhood home and the sur rounding areas to Justice Freder ick Chapman. He recorded many histories and place names from Te Maire during their discussions, including 150 names of tūpuna aboard the Āraiteuru waka.
In 1898 Te Maire, with the help of Henare and granddaughter Kiti Tau, gave an extensive list of Māori place names to surveyor Thomas Broderick; these extended from the Rakaia down to the Waitaki, and inland to Lake Wānaka and Te Manahuna (Mackenzie Basin).
bly for an inquiry into Kemp’s purchase, they warned Governor Lord Normanby that action would be unavoidable if their grievances were not heeded.
Predictably, they were ignored, and in the winter of 1877 a group of over one hundred people, led by the prophet Hipa Te Maiharoa, Horomona Pōhio and Rāwiri Te Maire, trekked 200 kilometres inland to Te Ao Mārama (Ōmāra ma) to establish a settlement to assert their ownership of the high country.
The land was cultivated, dwell ings erected, a school of learning established, and a large building constructed that held daily church services.
After complaints from the local runholders an eviction order was issued and an armed constab ulary, led by Inspector Andrew Thompson, arrived on August 11, 1879 to remove the protestors.
Te Maire was responsible for negotiating with the constabulary. After not responding to Inspector Thompson’s order to leave, Te Maire was arrested, handcuffed and led away under guard.
It is Te Maire who is credited with averting bloodshed. Accord ing to his son Henare, Te Maire “went forward and gave himself up. He called to the Maoris [sic] not to shoot and to both sides ‘Don’t fight’. He walked off under arrest of his own free will, no one handling him … [saying] he would go to jail to preserve peace.”
Te Maire was later released after Te Maiharoa agreed to lead the people off the land.
In the years following the pro test, Te Maire continued to assert the Ngāi Tahu land claim. He lamented the poor, drought-prone land known as ‘onekaha’ on which the people were forced to live in the wake of Kemp’s Deed, and the Pākehā disregard for rāhui (re stricted access to or use of certain areas or resources) and seasonal food gathering which would have ensured the sustainability of ma hinga kai.
In a critical speech before the 1891 Middle Island Native Land Claims Commission, Te Maire highlighted the inadequacy of the reserve lands and the destruc tion of resources no longer being carefully managed according to tikanga Māori:
The Europeans will not allow [us] to kill the woodhens now, as it is said they are useful to kill the young rabbits. The tuis and all other birds are gone, and the roots of the kauru and the fern have been destroyed by fire. The Waita ki and all the other rivers have im ported fish in them, consequently [we] are prevented from eeling or catching whitebait in season … in 1848 there was plenty of fish and other food, but after the land got settled the people gradually got
hemmed in and prevented from obtaining the food that was availa ble in former times.
To learn more about Rāwiri Te Maire and the lives and contribu tions of other Ngāi Tahu people associated with the Hakatere Ashburton District, please join us this Wednesday, September 14, at 6pm at the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum for a special talk from the Tāngata Ngāi Tahu: People of Ngāi Tahu authors and editors, Takerei Norton and Helen Brown.
To celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, the Gallery and Museum will be running a Mihi Mahi Toi activity where you can create your own mihi to add to our paper mihi chain.
All week we will also be giving out free te reo Māori flashcards with kupu (words) relating to ma hika kai in Hakatere Ashburton, which include illustrations de signed by talented local tamariki and rangatahi.
Kia Kaha te reo Māori!
Material for this page is co-ordinated by the Ashburton Museum and Art Gallery. Articles from other organisations are welcomed, as is any feedback on what appears.
Email: museum@adc.govt. nz
Mail: PO Box 94, Ashburton 7700
Phone: 307-7890
Copies of the photos on this page are available for purchase from the Ashburton Museum and Art Gallery.
Rāwiri Te Maire, c. 1860s. Alexander Turnbull Library, PA2-2605 Detail from a map of Māori place names based on information provided in 1898 by the well-known Ngāi Tahu leader Rāwiri Te Maire. Archives New Zealand, AAFV 997 62 G298.Call 03 307-7969
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Should we be excited?
Police reaction to one of the biggest drugs and gang raids in Ashburton this week suggests we should be and, on the face of it, that seems fair.
After all, 18 mostly gang mem bers arrests have been made, 160 charges laid, with $70,000 worth of drugs, $20,000 cash and multiple illegal firearms seized in an operation that has clearly dented Ashburton’s underworld.
“This should send a message that if you are involved in crim inal activity in Ashburton, we will hold you to account,” said Ashburton senior sergeant Leigh Jenkins, who helped oversee an operation involving more than 100 police and specialist crime teams, including an armed offenders’ squad to highlight the dangerous nature of the swoop.
Daryl HoldenIt was part of Operation Cobalt, which is a nationwide crackdown on illegal gang activity, as opposed to targeting individuals for simply wearing a patch.
So it’s a job well done at this stage, but is it worth celebrat ing? Or is it a very in-your-face reminder that Ashburton is perhaps not the safe town we all thought it was?
Is it disappointing to hear about the police raids to this extensive degree?
Who would have thought it would happen in Ashburton
may be the response from many.
ACT Party leader David Sey mour, who by coincidence was visiting Ashburton on the first day of the operation, summed it up perfectly when he said that communities such as ours have simply lost their innocence when police execute search warrants across town as part of a pre-planned and extensive operation.
And he’s right. But should we be surprised? Not at all, as I dis covered on a personal level after having been living in Ashburton for a just a few weeks last year.
That was when I spotted a Mongrel Mob gang member in an odd sort of way. He just seemed like a normal bloke when we were both picking up our fish and chips orders in Allenton.
We left the takeaway place at
the same time. He walked to his car, opened the boot and pulled out his patched jacket before putting it on. He gave me a look, said have a nice night and then he was off.
Mongrel Mob in Ashburton. Who would have thought?
Again, it should not be a surprise because nationally there has been radical change in the criminal world, which has probably resulted in Operation Cobalt taking shape.
It’s the arrival of Australian motorcycle gangs, such as the Comancheros, Mongols and Re bels, that appears to have upset the gang pecking order in New Zealand.
Nicknamed 501s, after the sec tion of the immigration law used to deport them on character grounds, law enforcement agen cies believe those new gangs
from across the ditch have had a disproportionate influence nationally. That’s because of their international connections, sophisticated counter-surveil lance tactics, and an aggressive approach to use of firearms.
Their supply of methamphet amine and other drugs is also a common factor
On a local front, it’s clearly great news that police are com ing down on gang activity in our district. It sends a very strong message that those who indulge in that sort of behaviour will be caught. They will be dealt with. Justice will take its course.
But in some ways the need for such a raid on the criminal world in our little town was also alarming.
Ashburton, like anywhere in the country, is clearly not im mune from such activity.
your opinion to editor@theguardian.co.nz PO Box 77 | facebook.com/ashguardianIlovethis idea!
A nursing home in Japan is “hiring” babies for a very important job – to keep its elderly residents’ company and make them smile. The salary? Nappies and milk formula.
New recruits at the facility in Kitakyushu must be under four years old, and parents must sign a contract stipulating that the babies and toddlers can show up for work “whenever they feel like it”.
They are allowed to take a break “when they feel hungry, sleepy or depending on their mood”, according to the contract. More than 30 babies have been signed up so far.
This is a win-win idea. How nice would it be for parents without family in town or babysitting options to be able to drop their child off for some downtime. The parents’ downtime would be the elderly residents up time I’m sure.
There’s almost a nice circle of life feel about this idea.
their smartphones all the time. Researchers from the University of Waterloo discovered that parents and caregivers who consume too much digital media for relaxation end up engaging in negative parenting practices, such as yelling at their kids and nagging.
God knows we can’t have parents yelling at their kids, next thing you know we’ll have kids that wouldn’t dream of ram-raiding and in extreme cases being respectful to others
Finally this week, I am by no means a royalist, but just after 5am on Friday when I heard the news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing I did take a few moments to reflect on her life.
Amonth
or two back we responded to the urge to take a few days’ break in one of our favourite haunts, Queenstown.
Sure, it’s a top-shelf destination which ticks a lot of boxes, but proving the old adage that you can’t please all the people all of the time, some unfathomably detest it.
Please read this next bit in a whiney voice.
“It’s too this, it’s too that.”
Really!!
Anyhoo, one thing became apparent very very quickly upon arrival.
The resort is critically short of workers. Everywhere, in windows and in lifts were notices proclaiming: “We Are Hiring. If you are looking for work or know someone who is, please let them know.”
Coincidentally, upon deciding to take breakfast and watch the sights at former TV weatherman Jim Hickey’s café at Queenstown Airport, we were gobsmacked at the activity.
It was “going off”, people everywhere. The whole terminal at Frankton was packed!
So the tourists were back in great numbers, but the hospo businesses were getting hammered because all were seemingly struggling to cope.
Some chose reduced hours to try and make things work. All, I deduced, were bringing manage-
PETE’S PERSPECTIVEment and owners onto the front line. Anyone with a pulse and a smile had a job.
In fact a correction here. So desperate were they, just a pulse would do.
We walked into one of our favourite eateries full of anticipation and immediately I thought, “oh jeepers . . . they’ve got young kids on the job”.
We were shown to a table, the place was busy busy busy, and were duly attended to by a very young man. Definitely school age, and with a number of school years still ahead I would have said.
He greeted us and took our orders. Very calmy, courteously and professionally and I began to think, “holy heck, this young fella is actually really on to it”.
In due course our meals arrived and they were exactly as we had ordered. There were probably four or five of a similar age helping out, and all went about their jobs in a really impressive manner.
It totally resonated, and I was left with a really positive feeling about it all.
Here, in a frantically busy en-
vironment, upended and wrung out by a global pandemic, these youngsters were literally saving the day.
They were focused, efficient, friendly and exceptional.
We consumed our meals and ordered the obligatory extra coffees, and all were whipped up and delivered with the same quiet efficiency.
Kids can get a bad rap these days for all sorts of reasons, but these young citizens were a first class example of how good young people can be. They stepped up and performed. Admirably.
I made sure of two things.
One: I thanked them personally for their brilliant service.
Two: I made sure their bosses knew exactly how good a job they’d done for us.
As we left with friends, it was the topic of conversation.
We not only left contented with full bellies, but with a warm positive feeling that we had just seen Kiwi kids perform at their best.
It was good for the soul.
Take a bow you young Queenstown hospitality superstars.
Broadcaster Peter Mac is Ashburton born and bred and the afternoon host on the Hokonui Radio Network.
The views expressed in this column are his and do not reflect the opinion of his employer or the Ashburton Guardian.
From warm fuzzies to scary but important news if you have a snorer at your place. Snorers could be at an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and even dementia, according to new research.
Scientists in Sweden say obstructive sleep apnoea, in which snoring is the main symptom, cuts off oxygen supply – fuelling tumours, blood clots and loss of brain cells. Maybe that jab in the ribs isn’t such a bad thing after all.
Now for some practise what you preach news. Too much screen time isn’t just a problem for kids, a new study finds parents also pick up several bad habits when they stare at
You have to say, she has been an absolute rock for that family, she always appeared to be the one true professional when others were crumbling around her.
And without her we wouldn’t have one of the great punk songs by the Sex Pistols.
Rest in peace Your Majesty, you have certainly deserved it.
Till next week
Hoo Roo
Phill Hooper
A ‘yelled at’ kid
Phill Hooper is the breakfast host of Ashburton’s Hokonui radio station. The views expressed in this column are his and do not reflect the opinion of his employer or the Ashburton Guardian.
Mattock of St Andrew’s recently wrote a great piece on unity in diversity in the church, reflecting different beliefs and their importance in emotion and practice in our churches.
It sparked good conversation among some of my congregation.
Our Presbyterian denomination has been struggling with this issue of different interpretations of the Bible, different theology and practice for the whole of my time in ministry.
Johanna Warren CHRISTIAN COMMENTYet in every congregation I have been part of there is a loyalty to God, to one another and to the practices of the congregation which held us together.
The deep desire of each of these
congregations is to be able to gather in fellowship and for worship in a familiar style and place.
Once people are known and loved the congregation makes room for individual quirks and differences. And yes, we also avoid conflict by often not talking about those matters on which we disagree.
Primarily because the central value is always that we belong together with a God who loves us unconditionally. This uncondi-
tional love opens us to a willingness to keep our boundaries porous and broad.
Many families are exactly like this. If this is the partner our child has chosen, we will love and understand them to the best of our ability, and we will do our best to trust them to love our son or daughter and fit into our family as best they can. It takes work, and hope, and a willingness to hold some things that are important a little more lightly.
It is not easy, but it is nurturing and builds family and community.
How I wish my denomination was a little better at this hopeful task in its public sphere, but O how glad I am that in church after church up and down the motu I know there are hopeful gardeners working with the Great Gardener.
Rev Johanna Warren is the minister at Hakatere Presbyterian Church Peter McQuarters Phill Hooper OFF THE AIR A nursing home in Japan is “hiring” babies for a very important job – to keep its elderly residents’ company.Casting
my eyes across the gleaming blue waters of Circular Quay as the sun spangled the Emerald City’s em blematic landmarks, Sydney was overtly strutting her sass and her stature, as one of the world’s most beautiful harbour cities.
Feeling in a celebratory mood, I was on-board one of the newer harbour cruise offerings, Cap tain Cook’s Mumm Champagne Harbour Bar cruise. Departing from Darling Harbour and from Circular Quay up to nine times a day, this is quite the step-up from the Captain Cook Coffee Cruise that was such a sightseeing staple for decades in Sydney.
Boarding the beautiful Sydney 2000 super-cruiser, on a sparkling sunny day, the 90 minute cruise is a sensory celebration, with premium reserve lounge seating on the sublime Ocean Deck and full-access to the open deck for 360 degree panoramas across the waterfront delights.
Treat yourself to some indul
gence, with a bottle of G. H. Mumm Grand Cordon Cham pagne and a generously sized tiered seafood platter to share, tumbling with prawns, oysters, ca lamari and smoked salmon blinis.
The on-board commentary serves up a spree of intrigu ing insights about the harbour environs, anecdotal shavings of history and unrivalled perspec tives of the glitzy harbourside suburbs cascading down to the water’s edge.
It’s such a winning way to ser enade your triumphant return to Sydney.
Great eats in Sydney? Riding the wave of Martin Place’s recent $170 million refresh, a slew of inviting new bars and diners are making a splash in the heart of the CBD, in cluding Sydney’s largest outdoor terrace watering hole, Cabana Bar.
This sexy slice of tropicana nes tled amid the tall towers instantly seduces. The expansive wrapa round terrace space spans over 100 metres, a fast new favourite for after-work drinks, and the entire complex has five designer spaces to explore.
Executive chef Brad Sloane is cranking out pub classics while
also leaning heavily into the ocean, with oysters, shrimps and squid being the hot-sellers. The beer-battered Barramundi Tacos with cabbage chipotle mayo and lime are delish!
Cocktail lovers, you’re in heav en. I plumped for one of their signatures, Tilley Wills, which is a mix of gin, elderflower liqueur, passionfruit and lime.
Just below Cabana, make a dinner reservation at AALIA and embark on a divine food odys sey into the Middle East. AALIA’s plush interiors and curvaceous warm woods push the boundaries
just as much as Egyptian chef Paul Farag’s inspired menu.
Bread aficionados will love AALIA’s ballooned Khorasan pita bread, made in-house and served piping hot, ready to be torn and dipped to your heart’s desire.
Beautifully burnished brown balls of this Persian bread line the counter of the open kitchen until sold out.
I loved the masgouf, an Ira qi char-grilled Murray Cod. It’s barbecued low and slow with a traditional masgouf glaze of garlic, turmeric, and tamarind, before being brushed with the juice of apples and pineapples to give it a sweet and sour flavour.
Push the boat out on the indul gence quotient and surrender to one of Sydney’s most celebrated High Teas. Radisson Blu Plaza’s signature High Tea is a sure-fire hit for happy bellies. Entering through the impressive sandstone façade and marble entrance off Pitt Street, this triangular land mark Beaux Arts building, was
By Mike Yardley Enjoy a fling with the Emerald City, savouring some of Sydney’s indulgent hospitality offerings, writes Mike Yardley. There’s only one place in the world that has the coat hanger and the nuns’ hats – it has to be Sydney. The heart-warming magic has returned to Sydney with Disney and Cameron Mackin tosh’s supercalifragilistic new production of Mary Poppins. This is what’s on offer on Captain Cook’s Mumm Champagne Harbour Bar cruise. Lap up a luxurious staybuilt in 1856 for publishers John Fairfax. It’s full of historic charm and contemporary comfort.
Starting off with a glass of prosec co, while we sorted out our tea preferences, a beautifully pre sented three-tiered china stand
soon graced our table, a tower of goodness, laden with sweet and savoury treats, along with the obligatory scone, clotted cream and jam. But you can’t beat those chicken curry puffs!
Theatre time? The heart-warm
ing magic has returned to Sydney with Disney and Cameron Mack intosh’s supercalifragilistic new production of Mary Poppins now on stage at Sydney Lyric Theatre.
An absolute classic that has been entertaining families for decades, hear all the favourite old songs as well as a few new ones, including Practically Perfect and Anything Can Happen.
If ever there was a show that transports you into a sense of childlike wonder, this is it. Endear ing performances, visually spectacular sets and technical trickery and stunts that one-up themselves at every turn, this is a well-oiled machine with a sprinkle of Disney fairydust.
There’s a whole lot more tricks packed into that deceptive carpet bag. And Stefanie Jones’ perfor mance of Mary is indeed practically perfect.
Where to stay? Perfectly poised on Sussex St, with a gun-barrel view across Darling Harbour, lap up a luxurious stay with a harbour view worth waking up for at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
Indulge and unwind in the ho tel’s bars and restaurants including, Zephyr sky bar which boasts panoramic views from the roof top, a high tea or seafood table at Sailmaker restaurant, the immer sive cocktail bar Jackalberry, and Dundee Arms – one of Sydney’s oldest surviving pubs for a cheeky beer, which is incorporated into the hotels’ precinct.
Above – The Hyatt Regency overlooking Darling Harbour.
Left – Cabana Bar’s outdoor bar.
Below – make a dinner reser vation at AALIA and embark on a divine food odyssey into the Middle East.
The author indulges in high tea at Radisson Blu Plaza.
A selection of the Cabana Bar bar eats.
stay with a harbour view worth waking up for at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
For more than 60 years Rae Magson has contributed to a lasting snapshot of Mid Canterbury life. She’s attended numerous meetings and faithfully written the recommendations and reports. Now, through the Ashburton Writers’ Group, she’s writing a report of her own life.
By Malcolm HopwoodWhen you read Ashburton Guardian’s club news on Thursday, you’ll recognise a familiar moniker.
It’s a name associated with numerous reports from many groups. It’s not the president or organiser or co-ordinator but someone almost as important.
No organisation can effectively exist without a scribe to prepare the minutes or write the bulletin.
The champion for Mid Canterbury has to be Rae Magson.
Her name appears alongside the Mid Canterbury Ladies Friendship Group, Ashburton Rotary Club bulletin, St David’s Church newsletter, Ashburton Writers’ Group and many others.
When asked to list how many organisations receive her secretarial assistance, she couldn’t remember. She had to write them down. In all there are 12 currently but, over the years, the number would have doubled or tripled.
Rae had become the eternal secretary even before she left Ashburton Technical College. She pursued a typing course but also loved English. By the time she left she was able to put them together and became a writer.
However, in her first job with Ashburton Borough Council, her writing was limited to correspondence and reports. She was a junior typist in the old brick building with the council on the bottom and the licensing trust on top.
Work was only interrupted when T. G. (Mac) McPherson, the borough engineer, came to wind up the town clock every month. While she enjoyed her secretarial work, reading Neville Shute’s A Town Like Alice or Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh was an after-hours pastime.
Another frequent visitor was Cliff Moody, general manager of the licensing trust and lead violinist with the local orchestra. In musical circles he was known as Yehudi Moody.
In 1962 Rae married Russell Anstiss who worked for Collins and Co. They both harboured the idea of owning a book shop but it didn’t happen for a few years.
“We were on our way to a wedding in Rakaia when Jack Pickford knocked on the door. He was retiring and his book shop on East Street was for sale,” Rae said. “We talked about it in the car and, by the time, we reached Rakaia we’d made up our minds.”
They moved into Pickfords, renamed it after Russell and then expanded when BNZ next door moved further up East Street.
“We became the foremost book shop in Ashburton. I was co-owner, working in the office and helping out in the shop when required,” she said. “I was part-time and used to take the accounts home where I could work and look after the children.”
“Owning the book shop and doing the secretarial work was the ultimate for me.”
But think again if Rae restricted her duties to their business. She became active in the community assisting Plunket mothers, Netherby kindergarten and girl guides and helped to establish the library at Netherby School.
“As soon as I joined a committee I was asked to be secretary,” she said.
By the mid-1980s, Rae’s life had moved in another direction. Rae and Russell parted company and she applied for a position with the Youth Learning Centre. It morphed into Aoraki Polytechnic in the old technical school building.
Yet again Rae was secretary/ receptionist, but she had the small library comprising course publications to look after.
“I was the face of Aoraki. It was the right job for me at the right time. I was dealing with both younger and older students,” she said.
But throughout her working life, she knew her creativity wasn’t being fulfilled. There was more to life than committee minutes and writing reports.
The answer came with the Ashburton Writers’ Group. She read their monthly reports in the Ashburton Guardian and was attracted to what they did.
“I eventually decided to join,” she said. Besides a letter or email to her penfriend, she’d attempted very little creative writing.
Suddenly she was writing. The group challenged their members with assignments, instant exercises and short stories.
“I wrote anything. I loved mysteries and here was a chance to write them. I discov-
ered I had a talent. I loved it and loved the atmosphere,” she said.
“My short stories came from my own experience. It was an outlet for my life’s troubles.”
When Aoraki scaled back, Rae left and did voluntary work for the Information Centre on East Street as receptionist/secretary and then demonstrated her secretarial skills with Safer Mid Canterbury.
The Information Centre, in its pre-em-
inent position, relocated and Aoraki downsized like a Jenny Craig dinner but it wasn’t because of Rae. Her secretarial duties burgeoned and she was constantly in demand.
Working for Safer Mid Canterbury she’s secretary for its core group, the Hakatere Multi-Cultural Council, Youth Health Centre, Neighbourhood Support, Youth Institute and Ashburton Rotary Club Charitable Trust.
Then there’s voluntary work such as the Museum and Historical Society, Clan Cameron Canterbury, Tinwald Domain and St David’s Church monthly newsletter.
When it comes to writing millions of words about Mid Canterbury, Rae would front the list.
A few thousand was spent on a special project that took months of organising about 20 years ago.
Rae discovered she was descended from
Vikings and wondered how many Magsons there were in the world.
She researched the family tree and discovered several hundred Magsons who’d descended from Eric the Red, Ivar the Boneless, Harald Hardrada, Leif Erikson, Abba and the like.
“Every time I saw a Magson name and address I wrote to them,” Rae said.
Through her efforts, about 60 Magsons gathered in Bradford, Yorkshire, in 2001, travelling from the US, Australia, England and New Zealand.
“I met a distant cousin, Barbara Magson Leck, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia,“ she said. “I had remarried and John and I and Barbara and George rented a car and travelled around the United Kingdom for over six days.”
Rae and Barbara email each other every day. “It’s great to know there’s another Rae Magson in the world,” she said.
Rae’s marriage to John lasted 25 years until his death three years ago. “It was very happy,” she said.
In recent weeks Rae has been very active as organiser of the annual Ashburton Writers’ Group short story competition.
She advertised the event, received the responses and sorted them ready for a group of members to sit at her table and reduce the 140 entries to about 20 in three categories.
“We read every story ourselves, compared them, marked them out of 10 and then prepared a short list for the judge,” she said. “At the end of the day we were shattered.”
It gave Rae an insight into what Ashburton people like to write about and read.
Top of the list are mysteries, then stories drenched in blood and monsters.
“Many woke up from a dream or nightmare to tell their stories,” she said.
Final judging took place last weekend and Rae has organised the announcement and presentation of prizes from Paper Plus next Friday.
At 81, she is fervent about writing in all its forms and wants to carry on.
She works in her office every morning, spending about 15 hours a week preparing the next million words.
On reflection she’s enjoyed her life but, if she had it over again, she’d add another passion to reading and writing. She’d like to be a librarian.
And, as a member of the Rotary Club that’s staging Bookarama, she might find a job looking after and issuing any books left over.
Left – Rae Magson has been a passionate reader since Enid Blyton days. Among her collection of books at home is one from Stephen King, a favourite author. Top – Debbie Carter (left) and Rae Magson sort out the entries for the 2020 Ashburton Writers’ Group short story competition. Above – Magsons, who descended from the Vikings, gather together in Bradford, Yorkshire, for a family reunion in 2001. (From left) Barbara Magson Leck (US), Andrea Moorhouse (nee Magson) UK, Alan and Wendy Magson UK, Rae Magson, NZ and Joan Pendleton (nee Magson) US.
Back in 2017 we shared a delightful story about Ashburtonian John Harper, who passed away recently.
While a boarder at Christ’s College, John, known to his school chums as Charlie, stumped up – an appropriate description for an extremely capable cricketer – around £6 to go shares with four classmates in a 1923 Model T Ford.
For boarders, Sundays provided free time, but limited to pushbike radius.
The friends wanted to go a bit further afield, hence the purchase of the car which became affectionately known as Annie.
One of the friends provided garaging so Annie could stay out of sight.
The famous five friends went on
many somewhat clandestine expedi tions, before the Model T blew a big end and was sold, producing a small profit.
Later John would go on to own a Morris 8 Sports “a great little car”, passed down to him via his three older siblings.
It was sold in 1954 when he bought a brand new two-door Morris Minor, the car he and his late wife Elizabeth took on their honeymoon.
Their next car was a later model four-door version, which was followed by a Vauxhall.
John Harper had many interesting pursuits and hobbies, including col lecting – and often reciting – fascinating ditties.
Maybe his exploits in Annie the
Model T prompted John to recount this one:
Henry Ford had a board
And a piece of tin
The board he sawed The tin he bent Cranked her up and away she went.
Along with our readers, the Guard ian Motoring Team were delighted when John shared his story and now we offer John’s son Robert and family members our condolences.
The most powerful model in the 30-year history of the Type R brand, the all-new Civic Type R wasofficially released in Japan last week, before heading to other markets around the world over the com ing months.
The new Civic Type R embodies Honda’s chal lenging spirit and delivers the most rewarding driving experience in the hot hatch segment, combining potent dynamic performance with an all-new immersive cockpit experience and a sleek, muscular new design.
Now entering its sixth generation, the all-new and more powerful 2023 Civic Type R recently set a new production-car front-wheel drive track record at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, home to the Formu la 1 Honda Japanese Grand Prix, securing its legacy as the best performing Civic Type R ever.
Already a leader in ride, handling and steering performance, engineers conducted extensive de velopment in Japan and undertook rigorous testing at racetracks in Japan, North America and Europe to further improve Civic Type R’s chassis.
This included testing on Germany’s infamous Nürburgring, the world’s most challenging race track, helping make the all-new Civic Type R more responsive, more comfortable and more thrillingto-drive than ever before.
Under its new vented aluminium bonnet is an even more powerful version of Honda’s award-win ning K20C1 engine.
Power, torque and response are improved by a redesigned turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate and a new, more efficient exhaust system that features a straight through design and an active exhaust valve.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine now produces 235 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque – improvements of 7 kW and 20 Nm respec tively over the previous model.
Havelock Str, Ashburton
308 9109
Havelock Str,
308 9109
A larger grille opening, bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan improve engine cooling, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during extreme driving.
To further strengthen the driver’s connection with the car, the active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine.
The smooth and precise six-speed manual transmission is further improved for an even more intimate and rewarding connection with the driver.
A lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system ensures perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears, helping maintain stability on corner entry. The gearbox has also gained a high-rigidity lever and optimised shift gate pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gear change.
Now based on the all-new 11th-generation Civic hatch, the scalpel-sharp responses and famously addictive driving feel of Civic Type R have been increased even further by a significantly more rigid body structure, which supports both improved dynamics and refinement.
Honda Service Store Ashburton Right– The 1923 Model T Ford Annie, coowned by Andrew Anderson, CJ Harper, B. Goodwin, MHN Haggitt and MM Palm er, all of Jacob’s House, Christ’s College.When Jaguars were on the prowl and the Vintage Car Club staged a Daffodil Day Show and Shine recently, there were lots of classic vehicles to be seen. A great time for owners and spectators, and the Ashburton Cancer Society benefited to the tune of over $3000 from all that shining and showing.
Right – There’s a good reason why the E-Type
Jag still regularly wins ‘most beautiful car in the world’ awards.
Far right – An older Cat just resting quietly in the long grass.
Below – A cohort of Cats.
Below right – A Jaguar XJC from Geraldine on the prowl.
Above – Where the old meets the new. Left – Hayden Tasker and Percy Ralston both arrived on two-wheeled machines.
Right – Michael Hanham, the Mercury man! Below – A very special and rare Riley.
A venerable veteran.
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Because there is always more to learn, you’re seldom bored. The exception is the case in which circumstances disallow you to follow your curiosity. A restriction will lift – hooray!
TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): You’ll find yourself in a fascinating position. The next 48 hours are marked by boldness and unpredictability. Because no one, not even you, is sure how this will go, all eyes are on you.
GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): If you martyr yourself in the name of friendship, you’ll only end up resenting your friend. The best reason to make a sacrifice is for how it defines you to yourself.
CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): It’s hard to see the value of an opportunity on its face. You must go down the corridor in hopes it leads somewhere good. Even if you have to turn around and go back, your curiosity will be satisfied.
LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): You’ve a keen instinct for when to get in and out of things. If you’re in it, it’s because you want to be. To stick with something because of the sunken costs would be a prideful mistake.
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): It takes boldness and selfawareness, but if you ask for what you want, you’ll save yourself from countless hours of struggle and frustration. If they can’t do it, you’ll know quick. If they can... satisfaction!
LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): In today’s endeavour, you cannot have both perfection and practicality. Pick one. Hint: happiness is choosing options existing within the realm of possibility.
SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): There is a purpose behind your communication and behaviour, though not everyone will understand it. Spell it out and get the support you need.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Social scientists suggest most untrained people do not read emotional expressions as accurately as they think they can. It’s worth it for you to make special efforts to tune yourself into the feelings of others.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): When others don’t acknowledge the reality you are experiencing, question it. Maybe they are afraid. Maybe they are waiting for the leader. Say what’s on your mind; speak the truth you see.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): In the case of incompatible desires or mutually exclusive agendas, no amount of persuasion will alter the course. You know where you stand. What you encounter is not worth bending for.
301
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 18 Very Good 26 Excellent 32
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.
PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Efforts are rewarded, though not always by their reciprocation. An attempt to connect will result in something positive, regardless of whether the connection actually takes place.
Good 18 VeryGood 26 Excellent 32
Previous solution: are, ark, dare, dark, dear, drake, drek, ear, era, erk, kea, ked, rad, rake, raked, read, red
Previous solution: are, ark, dare, dark, dear, drake, drek, ear, era, erk, kea, ked, rad, rake, raked, read, red
ashburton.nz@raywhite.com
Tancred Street, Ashburton 7700
Simon Shuker’s
Tom Reekie’s decision to relocate himself to Mid Canterbury this year is paying dividends as he plays an integral role in the Mid Canterbury Heartland side. This year not as a loan player, but a fully-fledged local.
It’s a big decision to uproot your life from the big city and relocate to somewhere a lot smaller like Mid Canterbury, but it’s a case of so far so good for Tom Reekie.
After gaining an in sight into the workings of the Mid Canterbury rugby scene last year as a loan player in the Heartland Champion ship, the 27-year-old decided it was time to try something a bit different, shift ing to this region and joining the Methven Rugby Club.
“I’d been thinking about get ting out of the city for a while, and I spoke to Dale Palmer about it last year and he suggested that it might be worth it looking to come here.
“So, I spoke with my partner about it, and we decided to do it, and it’s been great so far.”
Reekie has linked up for work with local business Electraserve, and is enjoying a slightly quit
ter life away from the hustle and bustle of Christchurch, but has also seen a noted improvement in his own rugby game through the change as well.
“I think playing up in Christchurch I was a pretty young guy and didn’t really say an awful lot, but coming to Methven and being a part of their leadership team and then kind of the same with Mid Canterbury has made
the green and gold of Mid Canter bury.
Not as a loan player, but as a ful ly-fledged local.
He’s run the cutter in two of the side’s three games this season and really feels like the best is yet to come for the side as they progress through the Heartland Champi onship.
“The first few weeks were frus trating the way they played out, but I think that we showed what we’re capable of last week end which was good and a step in the right direction.
me a better player out on the pad dock.”
The talented first-five has looked right at home on the local scene but did admit to it taking a few weeks for him to adjust to a different style of rugby.
“There’s a bit of a difference there, up in Christchurch it’s a lot faster and it took me a while to adapt to that, but I’ve really en joyed it, every bit of it.”
With a Watters Cup winner’s medal for keeping after Methven’s success, Reekie’s focus now is on
“The boys are train ing really hard and putting in all the work and we’re really pumped for this weekend’s match and getting out there and giving it our best.”
Reekie again slots into the No.10 jersey today for the clash against North Otago, as he further builds what is becoming a strong combi nation alongside fellow Methven player Tyler Blackburn at half back.
And with Mid Canterbury now home, he’s keen on making sure he’s a part of the Hammers’ set-up for many years to come.
As they prepare for their biggest challenge of the year so far, the Mid Canterbury Heartland side are living by the belief that one victory doth not make a success ful season.
And while winning last week for the first time was nice, it’s been back to reality this week for the Hammers as they look to ward a challenge like few others in North Otago, this afternoon in Kurow.
Getting back to ground level has been just a small part of the preparation, with head coach John Sherratt keen to ensure that the momentum gained in a strong second half showing last week against West Coast isn’t completely lost.
But there’s got to be an element of realisation that it’s not always going to be like that as well.
“It’s been a different week to the last couple, that’s for sure,” he said.
“The win was a good boost, but it’s a different ball game this week with North Otago, and the boys are fully aware of that and ready for that challenge.”
In an effort to be as best pre pared as possible for the match, Sherratt has leaned heavily on an unlikely source of information this week.
With first-five, Nathan McCloy out after suffering a concussion he was enlisted with the task of gathering as much footage and information as possible on the old golds.
“Nathan has been like our own version of Schmidty (All Blacks coach, Joe Schmidt).
“We sent him out to source as much as he could and he’s come back with some great stuff for us, it’s been really helpful.”
One of the more notable as pects of last weekend’s victory was the continued development of Mid Canterbury combinations and understanding of each other out on the paddock – a key factor in their success according to their coach – and a large reason as to why they’ve gone with a largely unchanged starting line-up for this weekend.
“I think we’re really starting to see that.
“We’ve implemented a plan to work in threes, giving the ball car rier options off both shoulders, and it really played a part in us getting moving last week.
“But there’s a greater under standing between them all each time they play together, and we’ve seen that and rewarded it as such with this week’s starting team.”
Only two changes have been made from last week’s team.
Canadian import, Quinn Nga wati is out this week following the passing of his grandmother back in Canada, so Waitangi Tuisuga comes into the centre position with Tait Chisman slotting back in on the wing.
The only other change to the starting line-up from last week is Manasa Samo’s inclusion in the locking stocks alongside Logan Bonnington, after the big Fiji an impressed off the bench last week.
“Manasa brings a lot of expe rience and size to the forward pack, he’s a New Zealand Heart land rep and has a real presence about him.
“I’m really happy with our starting line-up this week.
“It’s about as close to our best side that we can get and I think it’s only going to get better too.”
Matches between North Ota go and Mid Canterbury over the years have a history of being rug ged, brutal and physical affairs, and there’s no illusions that this week is going to be any different.
Sherratt highlighted the Old
Golds’ willingness to play an ex pansive game of rugby and has charged his side this week with halting that momentum and do ing as much as they can to frus trate their rivals’ attack.
“We’ve got to stand up and be ready for what they’re going to throw at us.
“It’s another big step up for us, but I’ve got full belief in this side and am quietly confident we can go down there and really push them this weekend.”
Today’s match is being played at the Kurow Domain, with a 2.30pm kick-off.
1. Hunter Stewart, 2. Mason Briant, 3. Adam Williamson, 4. Manasa Samo, 5. Logan Bonnington, 6. Nasi Manu, 7. Kaydis Hona, 8. Michael Hennings, 9. Tyler Blackburn, 10. Tom Reekie, 11. Raitube Vasurakuta, 12. Isireli Masiwini, 13. Waitangi Tuisuga, 14. Tait Chisman, 15. Tom Middleton.
Reserves: Ben Bartlett, Ben Crawford, Osea Baisagale, Shepherd Mhembere, Henry McManus, Angus MacKenzie, Xavier Bartlett, George Hufanga.
Mid Canterbury coach John Sherratt. PHOTO SUPPLIED Tom Reekie is enjoying his time this year as a fully-fledged Mid Cantabrian. PHOTO MATT MARKHAM 250921-MM-012The boys are training really hard and putting in all the work and we’re really pumped for this weekend’s match
They were the feel-good story of the 2022 netball season in Mid Canterbury, but it’s hoped what Allenton achieved in their return to Premier netball is just a stepping stone for the future of the club.
After a number of years in the abyss, the club returned to the pinnacle of club netball in Mid Canterbury this sea son with no real expectations on their shoulders, other than to just get out and enjoy playing top-level local netball once more.
Under the watch of Allenton Netball Club legend, Mandy Verrall, the side pro duced a magic season which culminated in them winning the Premier 2 final, coming from behind in the final quarter to down Ashburton College A.
“It still feels pretty amazing,” Verrall said.
“Not just for the team, but for the club as well – to come back after losing all our senior players and being competitive on the court like that. It really showed the maturity and desire that the girls had to get back out there.”
There was a little bit of surprise in the side that they performed so well early in the season, finishing second behind a rampant Mt Somers in the first round of the year.
But that drew belief that perhaps greater things were in store, and from that moment it all became about reach ing the final at the end of the season.
“I was a little bit shocked that we fin ished second in round one, those early weeks were more about getting out there and seeing how we would stack up.
“But once we realised that we were in the mix, well I’m a competitive person and the girls are pretty competitive too, so getting to that final became the goal.”
Unbeaten through the championship round, winning all five of their matches
before the knockouts put the target firm ly on the back of the Allenton side, and an improving Ashburton College A team were nipping at their heels.
“We knew it was going to be a very good final, and it turned out exactly that way.”
Allenton went into the final quarter of the match down by six goals, but clawed their way back into contention and went on to win the game impressively.
That comeback pleased their coach immensely, even if she felt they shouldn’t have been in that position to start with.
“We really shouldn’t have let it get to that point, but that final quarter was very good and to be fair, if we hadn’t got the win, we still would have been over the moon just to have got that close, I think.
“We came a long way in a year.”
While the win and a title to hold onto for the off season was nice, the benefits it could potentially have for the Allenton club as a whole is by far the most impor tant aspect, as the old adage of success breeding success suggests.
While it might not correlate to an influx of teams next year from the club, it does offer something for younger players to strive towards in the future – a real selling point for players looking for a progressive and passionate club to join.
“I think it should have a really strong impact, at least I hope it does.
“We’re a great wee club, and have shown what we can do when we’ve got the numbers.”
And who knows, by the time the Pre mier netball season rolls around in 2023, there’s a 50-50 chance that Allenton, 12 months after realigning with premier netball, could find themselves in Premier 1 for the first round of the year.
An epic comeback, that might just keep getting better.
At the start of 2022, the Allenton A senior netball team didn’t even exist. But come the end of the premier netball season, they’d marked their return with a championship title in Mid Canterbury Netball’s Premier 2 grade. Matt Markham caught up with head coach, Mandy Verrall to talk about what it meant to her, the team and the Allenton Netball Club.Left – Allenton goal attack Kirsten Clarke was a key figure in her team’s Pre mier 2 final victory. Right – The Al lenton Senior A Netball side, who claimed glory in their comeback year in Mid Canterbury Premier Net ball by winning the Premier 2 Grade.
on, so he’ll be out to guide his team to success.
Nic Andrew will be out to lead the Mid Canterbury charge at a New Zealand Indoor Bowls Super Weekend event today in Welling ton.
A relative newcomer to the sport, Andrew will take part in the Junior 1-5-year singles national final this weekend, chasing down national glory in a strong field of players.
A new addition to the playing calendar in the sport in recent years, the tournament gives new players a pathway to shoot for higher honours.
In order to qualify, a player must first win their zone playoff, which in Andrew’s case meant taking on players from Can terbury, South Canterbury and North Otago which he did suc cessfully earlier this year.
His bid for a national title of ficially began last night, but will carry on into today with seven games in total against players from Tauranga, Nelson, North Taranaki, Hutt Valley, Counties, Bush Ruahine and Southland.
Andrew isn’t the only local face in Wellington this weekend either
book their spot at the national final.
It’s one New Zealand title that the highly decorated Thomas hasn’t been able to get his hands
They kick off their bid this af ternoon taking on teams from Golden Bay-Motueka, Otago, North Taranaki, Waikato, Coun ties, Manawatu and North Wel lington.
Meanwhile, the local indoor bowling season drew closer to its end on Thursday night with the Aggregate Shield competed for at the McNally Street Stadium.
The annual interclub title for each season, six sides competed for bragging rights with each club putting forward six players.
In a tight-encounter, Rakaia emerged victorious with 13 com petition points, just ahead of Wil lowby who finished second with the Ashburton MSA third on 10 points.
Playing triples, pairs and sin gles, Rakaia picked up six-and-ahalf wins from their nine matches across the night.
Their side was Simon and Julie Thomas, Colin Gilbert, Heath er Dodds, Jeremy Markham and Matt Markham.
A week earlier the annual IHC Fours fundraising tournament was also held with the Methven quartet of Martin Nordqvist, Jeff Nowell, Louise Mason and Kyle Inch winning out over the field.
A total of $223 was raised for the local IHC from the event.
Mayfield Ladies – Tuesday, September 6 – LGU, 5th Skibo, 6th Sta bleford 21-29 Helen Rapsey 99-26-73. 30+ Cate Hogan-Wright 114-45-69. Sta bleford Points: Cate Hogan-Wright 39, Ruth Keeley 38, Helen Rapsey 35. Val Fleming 2nd shot No 2: Jacquie Murdoch, Sims Bakery 2nd Shot No 11: Cate Hogan-Wright. N/P: Ross Brothers no 5, N/S: Memory Fu nerals no 14, N/S. Player of the Day: Cate Hogan-Wright.
Methven Ladies Wednesday, September 7 Championship Matches. Silver & Br A Open Championship: Angela Mowbray beat Ellen Kemp, Robyn Maw beat Ruth Smith. Br A & Br B Open Championship: Jane Helmore beat Bev Isherwood, Sharon Burrell-Smith beat Wendy Wareing. Stroke: Robyn Maw 92-21-71. Stableford: Becky Hood 39. Nawab Indian Restaurant Best Nett of the Day:-Robyn Maw 71. Near est the Pins: No 4 Open & Br B 2nd Shot Primo Sandra Marr. No 6 Open Methven Foursquare Angela Mowbray. No 13 Open Methven Pharmacy Angela Mowbray. No 17 Open Methven Travel Jane Hel
Dust off that old tennis racquet, find the good comfy shoes and get down to the Braided Rivers Community Trust Ashburton Tennis Centre tomorrow.
This year’s tennis season kicks off with a bang this weekend as Mid Canterbury Tennis hosts an open day to celebrate all things tennis, while looking to potentially bring some new names and new faces into the sphere of the sport locally.
A fun day out, offering a little bit of something for everyone – irrelevant of age or experience – tomorrow’s event, which begins at 1pm and runs through until 4pm, is about showing what Mid Canterbury Tennis is all about.
“It’s for everyone, whether they’re picking up a racquet for the first time, or they’ve played a lot – we want to see as many faces down there as we possible can,” Mid Canterbury Tennis centre manager, Jack Tiller said.
“We’re looking forward to turning it on with a little bit of everything, for everyone and having a whole heap of fun while we do it.”
With a strong interclub setup, plus the addition of Hot Shots for the youngsters and both Sunset Doubles and Twilight Tennis throughout the season, the opportunities are end less, and tomorrow’s event is about showing that to anyone who might be keen.
Those who attend will be able to
sign up for lessons, or even join a so cial competition for the year if they wish, with information on everything available throughout the day.
A number of different activities will
be open for people to partake in, and gear will be provided if needed.
The day costs nothing to be a part of, with a free sausage sizzle and plen ty of fun to be had.
2 shot Supervalue Nola Hydes. Twos & Nett Eagles: Robyn Maw
2. Heather Santy., Becky Hood x4.
Shot) Murray
Sims Bakery;
Young.
Mid Canterbury Tennis are opening the gates tomorrow and inviting everyone to come down and see what the sport has to offer locally. PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN Matt Markham Matt Markham with Simon Thomas, Grant Wil son, Julie Thomas and Raewyn Robin also vying for national glory in the New Zealand Mixed Fours. The quartet won their way through the local competition in Ashburton, before going on to take down the same regions An drew did at the zone qualifier to Nic Andrew is in Wellington this weekend looking for national success in the New Zealand Junior 1-5 year singles. PHOTO HEATHER MACKENZIE 260621-HM-3592
Mid Canterbury’s leading har ness racing stable is taking an other step forward this weekend, as strike-rate trainer Brent White joins in partnership with his son Tim.
All of the stable’s horses offi cially changed into the training of the partnership yesterday, with the first two runners from the new combination set to debut tomorrow during the return to grass track racing at Methven.
For Brent, the decision was the right step forward as they really ramp up their operation out of the Ashburton Raceway.
“Realistically, nothing changes.
“It’s just that Tim’s name is now on the horses as well, and he gets credit for all the work he’s doing.
“He’s been an integral part of it all since I moved up to Ashbur ton. Even when he was working fulltime job, he’d still come and do a few hours in the morning to help me out.”
With a team of just over two dozen horses in work currently and more to come in from the paddock in the coming weeks and months, it’s all systems go down the back straight at the racecourse with the acquisition of a second barn to come in the near future as well.
“We’ve really ramped things up a bit in recent times, and with the Cup horses about to step out in the near future it was the right time to do it, so we hit the ground running as we build toward Cup Week.”
Those Cup horses look set to
give Tim the perfect introduction to life as a harness racing trainer with both Cranbourne and new acquisition, Got You Covered set to step out in public for the first time this campaign on Tuesday at the workouts.
It’s a privilege that isn’t lost on the young horseman either.
“I’m in a very lucky position to be able to come into a partner ship and have those horses in my name,” Tim said. “It’s a privilege, but also a challenge and one I’m really looking forward to.
“We’ve got a great team of
horses here at the moment and a lot more to come too, so there’s plenty to get excited about.”
With a big number of hors es in work, both Tim and Brent said they were lucky to have built a good team of people around them including noted drivers Kimberly Butt and also New Zea land’s leading junior driver, Sarah O’Reilly who are working for the barn.
“We’re in a fortunate position to have them both,” Brent said.
“Kimberly joined us back in February and she’s been a huge
asset since the day she started, and Sarah is obviously riding the crest of a wave at the moment too.”
The four fulltime staff are joined by a host of helpers to turn up during the week to do jog teams, clean boxes and offer gen eral assistance where needed.
With the official stuff all signed, sealed and delivered, the two Whites are looking forward to kicking things off tomorrow at Methven, where they have both Kolhi Trouble and Majestic Rol lon stepping out from the barn.
“They’re both in a good place at the moment, and in their re spective races you’d like to think they were both good chances of getting some of the action.”
And while the current racing team is good, two winners came from the barn last week, the re turn of Cranbourne and Got You Covered is what’s really driving the pair at the moment.
“It’s an exciting time of the year, and to have two horses who we can potentially take on the path towards the Cup makes it even more exciting,” Tim said.
Super Stuart
Race 11: Accento, Sister’s Delight, He’s Tough, Franco Stefan
BEST BET: Michael Caine (Race 3)
VALUE: Ted’s Legacy (Race 7)
Ashburton trainer, Brent White (left) announced this week he was going into training partnership with son, Tim. PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN Matt MarkhamHe’s been an integral part of it all since I moved up to Ashburton. Even when he was working fulltime job, he’d still come and do a few hours in the morning to help me out
“
1. Celtic cleaned up in Premier Netball this year, but in 2016 they lost the final. Who to?
a) Methven b) College A
c) Southern
2. What year did the Hampstead hockey girls win the Veitch Trophy, the Mary Smith Trophy, the England McRae Trophy and the McLay Cup?
a) 2014 b) 2015 c) 2016
3. Jock Ross made it to the All Blacks from little old Mid Canterbury. How many caps did he have for his home province?
a) 158 b) 119 c) 102
4. In 1983 Kiwi tennis player Chris Lewis made to the Wimbledon final. Who beat him?
a) Kevin Curren
b) Ivan Lendl
c) John McEnroe
5. The Black Caps led Australia 1-0 heading into their second ODI in 2017; who won that match?
a) Black Caps
b) Neither team c) Australia
6. Norm Berryman only played once for the All Blacks. What year?
a) 1995 b) 1998 c) 2001
7. Early in his career, Chris Cairns was nicknamed BA. What did it stand for?
a) Batting Average b) Bad Attitude c) Big Apple
8. Murray Halberg never won the NZ Sportsman of the Year. True of false?
a) True b) False
Answers:1.a)Methven,2. b)2015,3.a)158,4.c)John McEnroe.5.b)Neither(match abandoned,vefihoursafter therainhadstopped),6.b) 1998,7.b)BadAttitude,8.a) False;hewonitin1958.
Exercise your grey cells with our weekly sports crossword and quiz SPORTS QUIZ
A trough affects the North Island during the weekend while a ridge of high pressure covers the South Island. A northerly flow develops over New Zealand on Sunday ahead of an approaching low pressure system. This complex low system then swiftly passes across the country on Monday, followed by west to southwest flow on Tuesday.
Saturday: Morning low cloud
fog, then fine
Cloud returning
winds, then
from midday.
Saturday: Morning low cloud and fog, and areas
frost, then fine breaks developing. Cloud returning in the evening. Light winds, then northeasterlies from around midday.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy. Northeasterlies.
Monday: Partly cloudy, with showers developing later in
Light winds then late southerlies.
Christchurch
Sunday: Mostly
Saturday Mountain weather hazards: None issued. Fine, apart from areas of morning cloud and frosts.
Wind at 1000m: Light, then NE 35 km/h developing north of Arthur’s Pass in the evening.
Wind at 2000m: Light, then NE 40 km/h developing north of Arthur’s Pass in the evening.
Freezing level: Around 1900m.
Sunday Mountain weather hazard: Wind Chill. Mainly fine.
Wind at 1000m: NE 30 km/h turning NW 30 km/h later.
Wind at 2000m: NE 40 km/h turning NW 40 km/h later.
Freezing level: 1900m.
Monday:
3:00am 3:31pm
3:50am 4:19pm 10:02am 10:28pm
2:54am 3:24pm
9:09am 9:41pm
3:15pm
8:54am 9:23pm
3:49am 4:16pm 10:04am 10:32pm
9:10am 9:39pm 3:34am 4:03pm 9:46am 10:12pm
4:50pm 10:37am 11:02pm 4:43am 5:07pm 10:56am 11:23pm 4:40am 5:06pm 10:53am 11:18pm
6:17pm 6:41am 6:18pm 6:40am 6:20pm
6:57am 7:05pm 7:21am 8:18pm 7:43am
For the year ended 31 March 2022
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
GROUP GROUP PARENT PARENT 2022 2021 2022 2021
$ $ $ $
Revenue 2,121,139 2,238,538 1,294,409 1,468,409
Cost of Sales (252,081) (299,659) (252,081) (299,659)
Gross Profit 1,869,058 1,938,879 1,042,328 1,168,750
Other Revenue 224,768 581,488 347,690 639,335
Fair Value Movement in Investment Properties 884,477 (43,483) 125,461 (35,214)
Less Expenses (1,270,372) (1,294,419) (1,048,445) (1,089,112)
Less Finance Cost - Interest (62,437) (130,185) (375) (89)
Gain/(Loss) on Disposal (8,797) (1,794,965) (8,797) (1,794,965)
Operating Surplus before Tax and Donations 1,636,697 (742,685) 457,862 (1,111,295)
Income Tax (Expense)/Credit — — —
Operating Surplus before Donations 1,636,697 (742,685) 457,862 (1,111,295)
Less Grants (97,552) (99,451) (97,552) (99,451)
Net Profit/(Loss) for the period 1,539,145 (842,136) 360,310 (1,210,746)
Other Comprehensive Income (96,000) 339,786 (96,000) 339,786
Total Comprehensive Income 1,443,145 (502,350) 264,310 (870,960)
AS AT 31 MARCH 2022
GROUP GROUP PARENT PARENT 2022 2021 2022 2021 $ $ $ $
Current Assets 2,101,412 5,168,582 2,256,460 4,945,343
Non-Current Assets 22,551,714 19,875,534 14,024,606 11,049,415
Total Assets 24,653,126 25,044,116 16,281,066 15,994,758
Current Liabilities 464,603 439,227 258,258 238,186
Non Current Liabilities 1,344,011 3,203,522 9,899 7,973
Total Liabilities 1,808,614 3,642,749 268,157 246,159
Net Assets 22,844,512 21,401,367 16,012,909 15,748,599
Total Equity 22,844,512 21,401,367 16,012,909 15,748,599
This year was in many ways a significant step forward for us as an organisation. Firstly, we completed the three year process of reconstituting as a community trust and secondly and in some ways more importantly we completed a full year operating under our new investment structure without any major structural changes and had it not been for the downward impact on international stock markets at the end of the year we would have reported a profit within our long term expectations. While the year had its ups and downs our new business structure performed well and risk was mitigated as intended. We now look forward to a more stable and profitable future operating as the Braided Rivers Community Trust which will in turn generate significantly greater returns to our community. Like most businesses we struck challenges as a result of covid although they were much reduced on the previous year. Our tenants play an important role in the financial strength of both the BRCT and group and we continue to focus on our long term relationships with tenants. We continued to work on implementing our investment strategy and through this year we increased our regular investment into our managed portfolio with Jarden. With the bigger and more ‘lumpy’ transactions behind us we look forward to a steadily improving financial position which will in turn support community organisations in Mid Canterbury.
In July 2021 we completed the process to become a Community Trust and undertook a process of communicating this within our community. We believe that the Community Trust concept is a much better fit for us and our current operations. We have adopted our new brand and are now known as the Braided Rivers Community Trust.
Covid -19
The nature of Covid-19 has changed and in the last financial year had a significantly lesser impact on revenue but did have a much greater impact on costs and our ability to operate effectively. Covid-19 continues to throw up challenges but we have developed a level of resilience through experience and planning, this along with the diversification built up in our new operating model has reduced risk and left us less exposed to adverse trading conditions.
The financial year ended 31 March 2022 started well and financial performance was strong as we bedded down our new operating strategy where we operate more as a landlord and continue to work on diversifying our investment policy for the benefit of our community. We are now far enough through our transition that our actual and underlying performance are largely similar. We have and will see movement in investment returns and property valuations
on an annual basis but when averaged over multi year periods these results will smoothen out and we fully expect these to fall within or exceed our $500k to $700k expected range. In this year we reported a profit of $364k before granting despite an unrealised loss on our investment portfolio of $190k over the January to February 2022 period. We are comfortable with our long term strategy and positive about the returns we are generating for our community.
A qualified audit report has been received on our financial statements for the year ended March 2022. This is the direct result of the valuation of the Hotel Ashburton at March 2020 and the loss on sale recorded as a result of this which was deemed by our auditors to have an impact on the comparability of our financial statements. The Balance sheet as at 31 March 2021 and transactions since are not in question.
We continue to own and operate the Devon Tavern, this is the only remaining site which we operate ourselves. This site continues to perform well and generate strong financial results while servicing an important segment of our community. The Devon Tavern closed for 2 weeks due to Covid restrictions in August 2021 and this coupled with constant operating restrictions made it hard to get the Devon operating effectively although as restrictions eased late in the year turnover and profitability improved. The key challenge we were left facing was the pressure placed on our staff who were left enforcing government restrictions, we appreciate their efforts and hard work over this time.
While we saw a dip at the end of this financial year, the strong results reported earlier in the year more than offset the losses. In line with our investment strategy we have continued to invest further funds in our managed portfolio with Jarden. Ongoing work has continued this year to diversify our investment profile in line with our investment policy, coming up to 4 years since inception we are now seeing some clear wins as our financial models starts to resemble the finished product. At March 2022 we had just over $3.5m invested in this fund and we are continuing to contribute $100k per month.
Financial performance across our rental properties has remained positive driven through strong occupancy as the result of strong long term tenants and our positive relationships with them which assist in creating a strong long term partnership. In prior years we invested heavily in our properties to ensure they were well maintained and would require little further investment, this has been successful as these properties require very little R&M spend and become subject to more thorough preventative maintenance plans. The impact of Covid-19 on our tenants continued to be difficult although improving through last year. We offered lesser rental relief to our
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
GROUP GROUP PARENT PARENT 2022 2021 2022 2021 $ $ $ $
Net Flow from Operating Activities 663,769 471,571 170,125 25,216
Net Flow From Investing Activities (2,023,600) 3,831,035 (3,422,616) 3,839,304
Net Flow From Financing Activities (2,003,570) (472,742) —
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash held (3,363,401) 3,829,864 (3,252,491) 3,864,520
Add Opening Cash Brought Forward 4,660,117 830,253 4,483,108 618,588
Ending Cash Carried Forward 1,296,716 4,660,117 1,230,617 4,483,108
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
PARENT
Retained Revaluation Total Earnings Reserve Equity $ $ $
Balance at 31 March 2020 16,619,559 — 16,619,559
Total Comprehensive Income (1,210,746) (1,210,746)
Other Comprehensive Income 339,786 339,786
Balance at 31 March 2021 15,408,813 339,786 15,748,599
Total Comprehensive Income 360,310 — 360,310
Other Comprehensive Income — (96,000) (96,000)
Balance at 31 March 2022 15,769,123 243,786 16,012,909
GROUP
Retained Revaluation Total Earnings Reserve Equity
$ $ $
Balance at 31 March 2020 21,903,717 — 21,903,717
Total Comprehensive Income (842,136) — (842,136)
Other Comprehensive Income 339,786 339,786
Balance at 31 March 2021 21,061,581 339,786 21,401,367
Total Comprehensive Income 1,539,145 — 1,539,145
Other Comprehensive Income — (96,000) (96,000)
Balance at 31 March 2022 22,600,726 243,786 22,844,512
tenants this year, in most cases this was limited to 2 weeks rent and opex. We were pleased to be in a position to support our tenants and happy to be able to do so. Our tenants are one of our biggest assets and one we don’t take for granted.
We are committed to working with other local funders and community organisations to generate the best outcomes for our community. By working together we can share information and expertise while at the same time taking advantage of synergies and cost savings. As a Community Trust we believe we can fill needs gaps in the community that other organisations through their approved purposes and constitutions are unable to fill.
Somerset House is owned within the Somerset Charitable group. Through this year we have seen significant improvements in long term prospects through the introduction of new tenants and the renewal of existing leases. We have focused on leveraging the relationships with tenants to shore up our long term future and to fill unoccupied space which in turn maximises the funds available to our community.
Our association with the Lion Foundation continues to play a key role within our community. We have a positive ongoing relationship with the Lion Foundation which enables grants to community organisations and initiatives of around $1.5m annually through our local Regional Grants Committee. BRCT’s granting policy has continued to drive distributions to community organisations and initiatives at a more sustainable level while allowing us to reinvest in our business. We have now implemented a granting policy and account for Somerset Ashburton Ltd which will allow us to further increase charitable support to our community.
Thank You If I might conclude, we are proud of what we have achieved since we began our overhaul of the Trust’s structure in early 2016. We have completed the ‘heavy lifting’ and are now building on the work undertaken over the last 3 board terms. The key for us now is to stay the course and maximise opportunities to grow funding for local community organisations. The changes ahead for our Community Trust are ones of planned evolution, not revolution. We build on the work of previous boards and the decisions they made to move to the Community Trust landlord model. I see no reason whatsoever to move from that model and it is about staying the course in turbulent waters. In doing so we will build resiliency and it will be around for the next 100 years.
Chris Robertson Chairman Braided Rivers Community TrustFor the Year ended 31st March 2022
These are the summary consolidated financial statements of the Braided Rivers Community Trust for the year ended 31 March 2022.
The specific disclosures included in these summary financial statements have been extracted from the full annual financial statements dated 31 March 2022. The full annual statements dated 18 August 2022 have been prepared in accordance with the New Zealand Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards Reduced Disclosure Regime (NZ IFRS RDR). This summary financial report cannot be expected to provide as complete an understanding as provided by the full financial report of the income statement, balance sheet and cash flows of the Trust.
A qualified audit opinion has been received on the full financial report for the year ended 31 March 2022. This summary financial report has been examined by our auditor for consistency with the full financial statements. These summary financial statements were approved for issue by the Board members on 18 August 2022.
These are the summary consolidated financial statements of Braided Rivers Community Trust and the Somerset Ashburton Trust Group, these are for profit entities. The summary consolidated financial statements comply with FRS-43: Summary Financial Statements and are presented in New Zealand currency, rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
The full consolidated financial statements, upon which these summary financial statements are based, have been prepared to comply with the New Zealand equivalents to the International Financial Reporting Standards Reduced Disclosure Regime (NZ IFRS RDR) and NZ GAAP as deemed appropriate for profit orientated entities.
A full set of the annual accounts, including President’s Report can be obtained from the Braided Rivers Community Trust Head Office, Level 2, Somerset House, 161 Burnett Street, Ashburton, or download from www.braidedriverscommunitytrust.co.nz
In 2015 the Ashburton Licensing Trust board began looking at options to reinvent the trust and to ensure its viability into the future including making sure it could always distribute funds to support community groups and worthwhile causes well into the future. In early 2016 this involved entering into a consultation process which ultimately resulted in a decision to exit the operation of most of the trust’s business units and become a landlord at these sites.
April 2016 Somerset Grocer sold
May 2016 Speights Alehouse sold
November 2016 Hotel Ashburton sold September 2017 Tinwald Tavern sold
The Devon Tavern was the one hospitality business unit which was retained. This site is still owned and operated by Braided Rivers Community Trust and managed by Nicky Box.
In August 2018 the Ashburton Licensing Trust board passed a resolution that ALT be converted to a community trust. The name Braided Rivers Community Trust was chosen. The Community Trust model is a much better fit and better reflects our role and place in the community. On 12 July 2021 under order in Council the Ashburton Licensing Trust’s undertaking was 100% vested in the Braided Rivers Community Trust. During this time we worked on creating new Investment and Granting polices for the Trust. The graph below shows clearly the positive impact seen on group equity over the past 15 years, group equity has climbed and debt reduced suring up the long term future of this organisation to enable future growth in equity and granting at an intergenerational level.
$
1st Ashburton Boys Brigade 900
Allenton Bowling Club 300
Ashburton Bridge Club 6,000
Ashburton Civic Music Council 500
Ashburton College 10,000
Ashburton County Scottish Society Pipe Band 2,000
Ashburton District Neighbourhood Support 1,146
Ashburton Methodist Parish 5,000
Ashburton Operatic Society 5,000
Ashburton Performing Arts Theatre Trust 5,000
Ashburton Town Watch Society 9,500
Ashburton Youth Café Charitable Trust 2,000
Ashburton Youth Council 326
Canterbury Waterski Association 2,000
Community House Mid Canterbury 3,000
Connecting Mid Canterbury Charitable Trust 5,000
Hakatere Multicultural Council 1,000
Kai For Kids 4,500
Lions Club of Ashburton County 2,500
Mid Canterbury Bowling Greens Association 300
Mid Canterbury Childrens Trust (refunded) -2,500
Mid Canterbury Emergency Relief Charitable Trust 3,000
Mid Canterbury Hockey Inc. 2,500
Mid Canterbury Netball 3,000
Mid Canterbury Tennis 5,412
Mid Canterbury Tennis Charitable Trust 5,500
Multiple Scerosis & Parkinsons Canterbury 2,000
Phoenix Preschool 4,432
Plains Ladies Friendship Club 1,100
Plains Museum Trust 500
Salvation Army 1,033
SI Ladies 4’s Bowling 2,500
Target Shooting Mid Canterbury 2,703
Wheelchair Basketball 400
Total 97,552
Somerset House is owned by Somerset Ashburton Ltd which is a charitable subsidiary of the Braided Rivers Community Trust Group.
All profits earned from this building will be returned to community organisations in the Mid Canterbury area.
It is currently home to 16 tenants across
• RMF Silva
• Ashburton
•
• Tiffany McRae Barrister
In early 2010 the then Ashburton Licensing Trust entered into a partnership with Lion Foundation. This lead to the Lion Foundation taking over all of the administration and compliance work associated with running gaming machines at ALT sites. It was key to ALT was to ensure that all funds generated from Lion Foundation machines would stay in the Mid Canterbury area and that local people would be involved in decision making. In the year ended 31 March 2022 over $1.5m was granted through our partnership with Lion Foundation. The Regional Grants Committee is made up of the 6 Braided Rivers Community Trust Trustees as well as our mayor, Neil Brown and 2 other appointed individuals, these are currently Fleur Thompsett and Jane Kelly. We have recently appointed a 10th person to the committee to represent youth in our community, this representative is Jack Jones.
A Guardian of assets for the
benefit of theCurrent Braided Rivers Community Trust board in order L-R: Robert Harnett - Deputy, Chris Robertson - Chair, Chantelle Quinn, Kieran Breakwell, Roger Paterson, Tim Silva and Rob Reid - CEO
Wakanui School is likely to have 8 places for Out of Zone enrolments in 2023 for New Entrants and 2 places in each of Years 2, 3 and 4.
Application enquiries can be made by emailing the school office at office@wakanui.school.nz whereby you will be forwarded the appropriate documents to be returned by the 23 September 2022 deadline.
All In Zone applications should also be made by this date to assist in determining the exact number of Out of Zone places.
If Out of Zone applications exceed the number of places, a ballot will be required. This will take place on 30 September 2022.
Wakanui School operates a Cohort Entry Policy. There will be 8 entry points for new entrants who have had their 5th birthday:
30 January 06 March 24 April 29 May 17 July 21 August 09 October 13 November
For enquiries regarding either the Enrolment Scheme or Cohort Entry, please contact the school office Ph 302 3899.
Due to an increased workload we require a Painter decorator for immediate start.
Contact Richard 027 626 0784 or email mccreapaintersashburton@gmail.com
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.
Are you looking for an inspiring job where you can make a real difference?
Advance Ashburton Community Foundation (AACF) is a charitable trust founded to benefit the Ashburton region. Our aim is to make positive and real change for the people and projects in our community by connecting generous people who care with causes that matter. Since its establishment, the Foundation has distributed $6.4 million to our community.
We have an exciting opportunity for a new Executive Officer to lead the organisation’s growth and enhance the work we are doing throughout Mid Canterbury.
In this role, you will provide leadership and management to our small team of staff and volunteers and work closely with the Board of Trustees to realise AACF’s vision of a dynamic and responsive charitable organisation.
Reporting to the Board Chair, this 35 hoursper-week role, based in Ashburton, will:
• Build and nurture relationships with current and potential donors
• Build and nurture relationships with existing, and identify future, worthy recipients and causes in our community
• Actively promote AACF to our community
The successful applicant must have a genuine interest in charitable giving and the Ashburton region, be a strong leader and communicator, able to build strategic relationships with the community and display a high level of integrity.
If you are passionate about making a real difference to our community please send your CV and cover letter to:
The Ashburton Guardian is an award-winning multimedia business, built on the success of being one of New Zealand’s oldest remaining independent newspapers.
We’re well past pension age, clocking up 143 years in operation already, so we’re as local as you get. But now we’re after a go-getter journalist to help take us to the next level.
We want someone capable of writing lively stories for our online platforms and our newspaper, which is produced three times a week.
We’d love it if you were also comfortable with video storytelling, taking photos and social media.
We want someone who works hard, loves what they do but who also knows how to have a bit of fun.
You’ll be joining an organisation on a high, with the Ashburton Guardian having recently been named Community Newspaper of the Year runner-up and a finalist in the best editorial campaign at the Voyager Media Awards.
We’ve got an open mind about the ideal candidate and their level of experience so anyone from junior to senior should get in touch if they think they have what it takes. For the right candidate, there may be some flexibility around location.
Expressions of interest should be sent to Ashburton Guardian managing editor Daryl Holden.
E: daryl.h@theguardian.co.nz Closing date Sunday, September 18, 2022
HIRE GENERAL hire. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, concrete breakers, trailers, and more. All your DIY / party hire, call and see Ashburton U-Hire. 588 East Street.
PUPS For Sale – 5 Beautiful Black Labrador/Retriever Puppies. Mum - Curly Coat Retriever and Dad – Black Labrador. Great Family Dogs $800 ono. Phone Shelley 0270847558 or Bob 021525347.
The Chair
Advance Ashburton Community Foundation chair@advanceashburton.org.nz
Applications close September 26
A position description and application form are on our website: www.advanceashburton.org.nz
IN EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PHONE 111.
For all other medical assistance outside of normal hours please phone your general practice team, 24/7, to speak with a health professional who will give you free health advice on what to do or where to go if you need urgent care.
If you don’t have a regular general practice, call any GP team 24/7 for free telephone health advice.
Please bring your Community Services Card. All non-New Zealanders should bring their passport with them, New Zealanders should bring some form of ID.
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.
Wises Pharmacy, Countdown Complex, East Street, will be open from 9am - 1pm Saturday, from 10am1pm Sunday.
Ashburton Rest Homes
Please contact directly for hours.
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.
For soon-toarrive new families:
1 x 3 bedroom
1x 2 bedroom
Contact Nicolee at the Refugee Settlement
Support Service
E: nicolee. ayton@safer. org.nz
M: 027 236 1114
LOCKSMITH/Door repairs. Keys/Locks, sliding and bifold door roller repairs. Mobile service. Call Nigel at Doors and More. Ph 027 516 7104
Open Monday-Friday 7.00am – 5.30pm; Saturday 7.30am - 5pm; Sunday 8.30am12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz
PAINTER – CM Decorating. For all your Roof Spraying and Water Blasting. Phone Corey 0221697614
FOR SALE
FIREWOOD for sale: Green Old Man Pine $200 and Green Bluegum $240 for 3.6 m³. Phone Shane James Firewood. 0276113334.
GREY Fabric Lounge Suite, Large Expandable Round Table and 4 Chairs and Two Wooden Wall Units. Phone 3088258.
FIRE Extinguisher sales and servicing. On farm contractors – trucks/ tractors/balers/combines/ cars/boats/caravans etc.
Phone Mack at Doors and More on 0273960361.
ASHBURTON Friendship & Entertainment Club Afternoon Concert, Sunday 11th September, 2pm at Ashburton Savage Club, 62 Cox Street, Ashburton. Doors open at 1.30pm. Public Welcome. Gold coin entry for Non Members.
WANTED
GENUINE private cash buyer, wanting Falcons, Holdens, Valiants or any pre-1990 vehicles suitable for preservation. Phone 021 0291 4847 or 03 615 7930.
LAMB Grazing wanted for the spring, top money for top feed. Phone Mitch 0273131320
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.
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
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 emergency vet.
MR Green (Lawn and Garden Services) for all your Ride on and Rotary mowing, spraying, fertilising, garden and section tidy ups - Call Pat Prendergast 0274445314ACL are looking for a Water Maintenance Superstar to join our team.
One of our long-term servicemen has decided to hang up his boots after 10 years of faultless service with his retirement imminent as of the Christmas break 2022. We are now actively advertising and searching to find their replacement.
The team wishes to fill this role as soon as possible, therefore giving us the ability to have an extended transition period where the new employee can be trained by the best.
The role is based at the Ocean Farm tertiary wastewater treatment site – this is the end of the treatment process where the final effluent is irrigated to land.
This position would suit someone who is physically fit and able to undertake routine inspections, repairs and cleaning of sprinklers – we have about 1400 of them. If you love working outdoors and can work unsupervised, ACL Water want to hear from you.
A typical day would see you travel to site and undertake checks of the irrigation system and the farmlands where the pop-up sprinklers are located.
We are interested in someone with a can-do attitude and hands-on experience of sprinkler repair or plumbing type works – this position includes a fair content of manual labour. The position is sole charge, meaning you will work alone for most of the time – reporting directly to the Treatment Plant operators, they will provide direction and monitor performance of the facility.
Travelling around the farm is on an ATV and we use a Lone Worker Protocol including being equipped with an EPIRB (emergency locator beacon). This role may suit a variety of applicants that have reliable work ethics, practical hands-on skills and sound communication. Some computer skills maybe of an advantage, but ACL will provide full training to a suitable applicant.
If this role sounds like you, don’t hesitate to give the ACL Water Manager (Aaron Gairns 027 284 1117) a call or apply directly online.
This unique 25 hour per week caretaker/camping ground management role will see you providing a quality service for our return and new guests from September through to the end of April. This campground includes 24 powered sites, a large number of non-powered sites, a kitchen/laundry/toilet block. The role includes reception administration, cleaning duties and mowing the grass and minor maintenance tasks.
To find out more about this vacancy and what the Ashburton District Council has to offer you - visit our website.
Applications close on Sunday, 18 September 2022.
www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/careers
IN MEMORIAM OAKLEY, Beverley Eleanor –23-12-1934 – 11-9-2017
Passed away Five years ago.
Loving Memories of you, today and always. Forever in our Hearts, Always in our thoughts.
Your loving family, Husband Murray, Sons Allan, Warren, David, and Peter, their wives, partners and families.
RATTRAY, Celia Elizabeth 19/04/1955 - 12/09/2018
The years go by but the love for you stays strong.
You will never be forgotten. Always in our hearts.
David and Carmen; Michael, Ashlee, Beau and Jett; Sam, Shannon and Oliver.
WHITING, Ronald James –16-05-1936 – 10-09-2002
Can’t believe it’s been 20 years since we lost our amazing Dad.
We miss the Sunday Roasts and your White Towelling Hat.
Miss you and Mum so much.
Love you to the Moon and Back.
From Kaye, Symon and Brimstone; Sharron, Mark and Dylan; Carolyn, Paul, Simon, Samantha and Sophie.
“A Celebration of Ron’s Life”, who passed away on September 8, 2021, will be held at the Hotel Ashburton, Racecourse Road, on SATURDAY, September 17, commencing at 2pm. All welcome. For anyone wishing to view the service online go to www.patersonsfuneralservic es.co.nz ‘Funeral Notices’ and click on Ron’s notice for the link.
CROSS, Marilyn May –Colin, Stuart, Nigel, Janelle and families wish to sincerely thank everyone who have supported us with visits, flowers, food, cards, phone calls and attending Marilyn's funeral. Marilyn was a much loved wife, mother, motherin-law and Nana. Please accept this as a personal thank you and acknowledgement.
GEERING, Geoffrey John (Geoff) –Susan, Philippa, Joanne and families wish to thank everyone for the cards, flowers and messages of sympathy and to those who attended Dads farewell.
Please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude.
GRIEVE, Joyce Doreen –Joyce’s family wish to express their sincerest gratitude for all the love and support they have received; we greatly appreciate all whom attended Joyce’s service and wish to thank all those who supported us by sending flowers, baking, and messages in all forms of communication. A big thank you to the staff at Methven House for their expert love and care during Joyce’s stay there.
“She asked for so little, but gave so much”
Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement from Joyce’s family.
WILTSHIRE, Pamela Ann (Pam) –Chris, Carly, Wayne and Quinn; Ben, Zander and Madoc would sincerely like to thank everyone for their love, support and expressions of sympathy following the loss of a much loved wife, friend, mother, mother-in-law and Grandma.
We thank you for the love and friendship shown to us in this difficult time, expressed to us in so many different ways, including cards, floral tributes, and visits.
A wife, a mother, a grandma too This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us love and how to fight
You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find
And in your heart, you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one way or another
Not just as wife not just as mother.
For all of us you gave your best
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep
Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep.
HUGHES, David Alexander (Dave) –
On September 9, 2022, peacefully, with his family, at Radius Millstream, Ashburton, aged 83 years. Dearly loved husband of Yvonne for 56 years. Much loved father of Malcolm, Leora, Rachael, and Greg, and loved Pop to Sam, Shyan, Harper, Bonnie, and Olive. Messages to the Hughes family, PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A special thank you to the staff at Radius for their care of David. A service to remember Dave will be held in Our Chapel, cnr East & Cox Streets, Ashburton on TUESDAY, September 13, commencing at 1.30pm, followed by cremation at the Ashburton Crematorium.
As it is impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude.
Canterbury owned, locally operated
Office and Chapel Corner East & Cox Streets, Ashburton Ph 307 7433 Patersons Funeral Services and Ashburton Crematorium Ltd
We are a family-owned Asparagus business, located on Ashburton’s town boundary.
We are looking for fit, energetic, and reliable people to join us. Our season runs from the start of October to early December 2022.
Positions we have available are:
• Asparagus Harvesters (Pickers) We have new harvest buggies to help make your job easier and competitive wages (piece-rate)
• Packhouse Team Shifts start at 8.45am – 2.30pm. Working in a team environment earning a competitive wage.
Come join our small family team.
Please make sure you are eligible to work in New Zealand.
Apply to admin@myfarmfresh.co.nz
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