Ashburton Guardian, Thursday, September 15, 2022

Market Day to go ahead

conditions on the event, mainly focused on protecting the new CBD green and paved areas.

The market will also coincide with the opening day of the annual week-long Bookarama at the Ashburton Sports Hall on Tancred Street.

“It’s too late to pull out now.”

Ashburton Market Day organiser, Carol Johns, is poised to still go ahead on what is now the oneoff public holiday on September 26 to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The decision on the one-off public holiday has come too late for Johns to change her plans after investing considerable time and resources into holding the event.

“At this stage, everything is so well underway and this [public holiday] has happened so quickly we are too far through now to call it off,” Johns said.

“It’s not out of any disrespect.”

The event needed council approval after the road closure request for the event met opposition from CBD retailers, mainly

citing further disruption after two years of Covid-19 restrictions and the CBD upgrade.

As it turns out, they will be closed now anyway.

The council approved the closure as long as Johns can submit adequate documentation by Friday.

The council has also placed

Johns has submitted her insurance and traffic management plan and was finalising the health and safety plan to be submitted by the Friday deadline.

She is also wading through a long list of conditions imposed on the event, mainly focused on protecting the recently upgrade CBD landscape.

Johns said she can understand the council restricting the use of the East Street green and the new pavers to limit the damage.

“Nobody wants to see the new CDB ruined.

“I’m trying to work through [the conditions] with them.”

The restrictions have raised questions as to why the council upgraded the area – including widening the space and narrowing the road – if it isn’t to be used.

At the hearing last week councillor Angus McKay highlighted that the council had consistently been told the pavers were “bulletproof” and the grass has been well laid, leaving him to question why the market couldn’t utilise the space.

The market day is taking place instead of the annual Boulevard Day, which has always been scheduled to coincide with South Canterbury Anniversary Day.

Now that it clashes with the one-off public holiday, the three South Canterbury councils will be voting on Tuesday on whether to move its Anniversary Day holiday.

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Ram raid a disappointing incident

Leigh Jenkins ON THE BEAT

First up I would like to express our disappointment at seeing a local business becoming victim to the trend of ram raid burglary.

It was concerning to see the offenders travel from out of the region to conduct such a destructive attack, that has left a business owner without the ability to trade and a building owner with extensive damage to repair.

Our staff responded promptly to this offence resulting in one offender put before the courts already.

Strong lines of enquiry are ongoing in relation to the remaining offenders.

Unfortunately, it has become a social media trend for youths to show off by committing this type of offence.

Drug raids

I would also like to thank the community for their continued support that led to us being able to conduct one of the biggest drug busts in Ashburton.

This operation took months of

evidence gathering to lead to the 29 search warrants, resulting in 18 arrests, 11 of which remain in custody which is significant.

I hope this sends a message to the community that police will action information supplied.

The secondary message I wish

to send is that local police are a part of the wider Canterbury Policing District. We have access to and will use a large resource base as was seen during this operation when it is required.

No town is immune to this kind of crime and Ashburton is no different.

The operation saw a large number of items seized including drugs with a likely street value in excess of $80,000, consisting of methamphetamine, cannabis, LSD, and other restricted drugs, just over $20,000 in cash, four firearms, a crossbow, seven imitation firearms, ammunition, and a number of other restricted weapons and prohibited firearms parts.

Police are reliant upon help from our local communities.

Information from the community is required to be effective in acting against the criminal element living amongst us.

Police welcome any piece of information in relation to criminal activity, no matter how small. It may be the piece of the

puzzle we need to build a case and take action.

Information can be passed to police via phone on 105, by presenting in person at the police station, online via the police website or alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www. crimestoppers-nz.org

On a side note, the information we released to local media early in the operation was part of the operation planning and did not have any negative effect upon the outcome.

It was important to make sure the public would not be scared at the sight of a large police presence, especially as deployment was anticipated around the time children were going to school.

Wherever I can, I will try and keep the community in the loop, but for some operations we rely on the element of surprise.

For this operation, the circumstances allowed some reassurance to be provided by way of an early heads-up.

Builders make urgent repairs to the rear of the Stirling Sports shop in Tancred Street following a ram raid early Monday morning.

PHOTO DANIEL ALVEY 12-09-22-DA-001

Jonathan Leask

Carol Johns: The Ashburton Market Day is going ahead; ‘It’s too late to pull out now’.

Excitement building

SHORT SHARP&

Stranger danger incident

A sneak peek inside Ashburton’s new library and civic building, Te Pātaka a kā Tuhituhi and Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka, has only increased the anticipation.

Chief executive Hamish Riach said the shapes are starting to take form after taking a tour of the construction site last week.

Riach said councillors have been visiting the site regularly to monitor progress, and with each visit the excitement builds as it takes shape.

“It feels like building your own house and waiting on completion to move in.”

The $56.75 million project remains on track for the revised completion of mid-2023.

Riach said the project is still on budget, but it’s very tight and there is a lot pressure due to ongoing supply chain issues.

There will be visible progress for the public soon with the building facade in production to go up in the next few weeks.

Once complete, the library will be a major upgrade, both in size and modernity, from the existing library on Havelock Street which is considered an earthquake risk.

Riach said that a library isn’t

all about books anymore and the new site will include a sound studio, wet and dry areas, big screen and event space.

The cafe will be more like an espresso bar, with the lease yet to be taken up, similar to Te Ara Atea, the Selwyn District’s library in Rolleston.

One unique aspect of the build is incorporating the Historic Pioneer Hall into the building.

The new three-storey building

will engulf the 106-year-old hall, which will become part of the children’s library.

It will be encapsulated by a large glass atrium spanning between the two main buildings and people walking between the main and secondary building will be able to look down on the space.

A time capsule is also to be placed in the new building.

The council received $20m

School to get speed restriction wish

limit past our school remains at 100kph,” Addison Griffiths said.

The students wanted to know why other schools have had speed reductions, but their road “remained a significant danger to the children who cross this daily”.

a lower speed limit under previous rules and guides, and getting approval from Waka Kotahi for a reduction,” he said.

Reduce the speed.

That’s what Longbeach School students told councillors needed to happen outside their rural Mid Canterbury school – and they’re likely to get their wish.

The student leaders told the councillors their principal, Neil Simons, had requested a speed reduction back in 2009 and the school was still waiting which was “not okay”.

“It’s now 2022 and the speed

Their presentation was soon followed by the Ashburton District Council revealing speed of its own by approving an interim speed management plan to go out for public consultation. It would focus on reductions around schools, including Longbeach School.

Roading manager Mark Chamberlain said as a category 2 rural school it was eligible for a 60kph variable speed limit.

“It hasn’t been enabled to have

“Longbeach, along with other rural schools, have actually got the ability to reduce the speed limit on those [roads] now.”

Chamberlain said the council had about $600,000 to install variable speed signs.

Chamberlain said the hope was to have the school changes in place for the start of the new school year.

Reducing speeds around schools is an important safety measure Chamberlain said, but it’s not where the fatalities happen.

“We are doing our schools and

everyone says, ‘schools, that’s great. That’s easy’, but that’s not where we are having our crashes and our fatalities.

“Our fatalities are on rural roads and rural intersections in particular, and yet they seem to be the ones we want to do the least work on and that’s part of the discussion we still have to have.”

A local mum has issued a warning after her 8-year-old son was approached by a stranger and told to “get in” his car. The incident took place at 8.30am on Monday, September 12 at the corner of Osborn Grove and Middle Road in Allenton with the suspect driving a white sedan with dents and scratches on it. “The man was described as wearing a black hat and possibly a mask or balaclava,” a police spokesperson said. Police ask anyone with information to contact 105 quoting file number 220912/8118.

Commemorative service

Prayers, readings and reflections will form the basis of today’s commemorative church service for Queen Elizabeth II at St Stephen’s Church, Ashburton, at midday. Rev Bob Dorans, priest at St Stephen’s, will provide one of the reflections, along with Steve Murray, a church deacon and Neil Brown, Mayor of Ashburton. All Mid Canterbury people are invited and can come and go during the hourlong service if they wish.

New minister

The new vicar at Ashburton’s St Stephen’s Anglican Church is looking forward to her role when she starts in November. She’s Rev Indrea Alexander, who’s currently vicar of Waimate and Marchwiel Parish in Timaru. The Bishop of Christchurch, Right Rev Peter Carrell, said among Rev Alexander’s strengths was her experience and skills in leadership. Alexander enjoys walking, cycling, board games, movies, folk and classical music, books companionship and creativity. “I use my life experience to minister to others and I seek to encourage and enable others to do so as well,” she said.

Students off to Tongariro

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Year 10 students from Mt Hutt College are going to the Hillary Outdoors centre in Tongariro. They will be participating in a variety of activities. They have been given a grant from the Methven Community Board and also the Sir Edmund Hillary Trust to help fund the trip, along with undertaking multiple fundraisers.

from the Government’s shovel-ready project scheme for the building.

Sitting Mayor Neil Brown and chief executive Hamish Riach check on progress at the new library and civic building, Te Pātaka a kā Tuhituhi and Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka. PHOTO LILI HAYDON

Jonathan Leask

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Jonathan Leask

Bringing plant back from brink

The team also completed DNA analysis in a long, com plex process to get to the point of awarding the plant a scientif ic name. So that makes it a spe cies now, rather than a sub-spe cies.

Dr Tom’s passion for prevention

Lili Haydon

A local woman has been part of a four-year journey helping en sure Wakanui’s very own native species lives on.

She’s Forest and Bird volun teer Val Clemens, who’s been working hard to help a Wakanui sub-species of the plant Cras pedia be saved from extinction.

The population got as low as four, then two plants died and the other two were not produc ing viable seeds, Clemens said.

Luckily, Dr Ilse Breitwiser, from Landcare Research in Lincoln, did some propagating “magic” and seedlings were produced.

Now named Craspedia di versicolor, it’s been known to botanists for over 20 years, but it’s been a four-year journey to ensure the species doesn’t dis appear completely.

The team’s been able to suc cessfully propagate seedlings, which are now growing in three locations – the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a private Mayfield reserve and the Harris Scientific Reserve.

“This project, to save this small plant from extinction, has succeeded because of close co-operation between scien tists, the landowner and the community,” Clemens said.

Eight years ago, Welling ton-based doctor Tom Mulhol land decided he’d had enough of being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff and wanted to teach New Zealanders about prevention.

While working in an emergen cy department, Mulholland real ised there were an overwhelm ing amount of patients visiting the hospital who had preventa ble illnesses but, for many, the damage had already been done.

Mulholland made it his mis sion in life to educate New Zea

landers about prevention by hopping in his converted old Chevy ambulance that his team have transformed into a popup medical clinic, and has since been helping New Zealanders all over the country, particularly those in isolated places.

“Farmers look after their stock and machinery before them selves,” he said.

Methven has been his home for the past month, but his cru sade has had a bit of a setback after breaking his arm last week while snowboarding in Mid Can terbury’s backcountry.

“I have been coming to Meth ven and enjoying everything it has to offer for 40 years.”

Despite that, he’d managed to fit in a few workshops, and even ambo stops before coming a cropper.

He was supposed to be helping the medical centre as an on-call GP at the weekends, but “I went from doc to patient within three seconds”, he said with a chuckle.

Mulholland said he could not praise the Methven community enough for looking after him.

“(Methven Medical Centre) is one of the best practices around New Zealand.”

Mullholland, who been a doc tor for over 40 years, has teamed up with the Methven A&P Asso ciation to host a workshop on September 21 at the Mount Hutt Memorial Hall.

This is for locals to bring their family and staff members to hear useful tips to help keep them selves out of the emergency de partment.

This will be followed by a free dinner and cash bar.

Ashburton garage arson plan put on paper

A Christchurch woman wrote on a piece of paper the plan she de livered on to torch an Ashburton garage used by her gang member brother.

Hinemoa Moana Carroll, 34, admitted the charge of arson and another of breaching a tempo rary protection order when she appeared before Judge Jim Large in the Timaru District Court.

The protection order breach occurred on March 31, 2022,

when Carroll visited a property where her former partner and his children were staying.

Judge Large entered convic tions on both charges, with Car roll remanded on bail until De cember 14 for sentencing.

The court’s summary of facts, presented after the guilty pleas, said the Ashburton property was rented by the defendant’s moth er. But the external garage was used as a gathering place and a

games room by her brother, who was a member of the Mongrel Mob in Ashburton.

The court was told how Carroll drove from Christchurch to Ash burton on March 10, 2022, arriv ing around 4am.

“Prior to leaving Christchurch, the defendant wrote a plan on a piece of paper, detailing how she was going to burn down ‘the pad’,” the summary said.

“The plan included picking

her petrol container up from an associate’s house and then driv ing out to the victim’s property, parking around the corner, and scootering to the address.

“Once at the address, she planned to walk through a pad dock to get to the back of ‘the pad’, slide a window panel out using a butter knife then set fire to the building using a long match and petrol.”

Three people were sleeping in

the main dwelling on the prop erty, about 12 metres from the garage, when Carroll set fire to the garage. “They were woken by a passerby, who saw the garage on fire.”

The fire totally destroyed the garage and investigators estab lished “a flammable liquid was introduced to the garage on the inside eastern window”.

“The replacement cost of the garage was $47,975.48.”

Looking after farmers with a giggle

Farmstrong is hosting a series of comedy shows for Canterbury rural communities in support of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Farmstrong is a nationwide wellbeing programme for the rural community and ambassador, Sam Whitelock, is encour aging farmers to make the most of “a fun night out and a good laugh”.

It’s been a couple of challenging years for Canterbury farmers and Farmstrong com munications’ Nigel Beckford said these

shows were originally scheduled earlier in the year but postponed due to Covid.

“The shows also support Mental Health Awareness Week activities – the theme this year is reconnection after so much Covid disruption,” Beckford said.

Four of the country’s top comedians – Nick Rado, Tevita Manukia, Courtney Dawson and Tarun Mohanbhai – will be performing shows in Omihi, Sheffield and Methven.

The comedians will be performing Sat

urday, October 8, Methven – Mt Hutt Me morial Hall.

“The last few years have tested every one’s resilience,” Whitelock said. “Nights like this are a chance to celebrate getting through and support a good cause.

“So, grab your mates and neighbours and treat yourself to a fun night out.”

Last year, more than 15,000 farmers at tributed an improvement in their wellbe ing to their involvement in the Farmstrong programme.

Dr Tom Mulholland holding up one of the many books he’s written with his non-broken arm Healthy Thinking. How to turn life’s lemons into lemonade.

PHOTO LILI HAYDON

The Wakanui Craspedia, known as the Craspedia diversicolor, has been known to botanists for over 20 years, but it’s been on a four-year journey to ensure it doesn’t disappear from existence.

PHOTO VAL CLEMENS

Lili Haydon

Sam Whitelock (left) talking with Geoff Spark, an Oxford dairy farmer. Geoff’s taking his farm team along to one of the shows.

Feline blue

Winslow woman desperate to find her much loved cat

According to research, male cats can venture further from home than their female counterparts, and can travel up to 16 kilometres per day.

Stone’s dog, Lillie, is missing her partner in crime, and while she has another cat, Ruby, she said it wasn’t the same without Jasper.

A local woman is still searching for her cat after months of apparent sightings.

Jasper, a fluffy white male tabby crossed with a maine coon, went missing from Winslow on July 17.

Owner Angela Stone has been looking for him ever since, advertising in the Ashburton Guardian since her Jasper disappeared.

“He disappeared when we had all that wind. He came in for his breakfast and we never saw him again,” Stone said.

Stone has spent more than 100 hours desperately trying to relocate Jasper through checking neighbours’ properties and handing out flyers.

Stone said Jasper has been a therapy pet since uprooting her life to Mid Canterbury after the Christchurch earthquakes.

“

Stone is so desperate to get her moggy home that she even hired a pet clairvoyant from Wellington, who said Jasper was still alive.

“If anyone sees him dead or alive, I need to know,” Stone said.

Right – Ange Stone and her dog Lillie, who are missing a beloved member of the family, Jasper the cat. Jasper has been missing for eight weeks. Inset: Jasper the cat.

PHOTO LILI HAYDON

Lili Haydon

He disappeared when we had all that wind. He came in for his breakfast and we never saw him again.

COUNCIL BRIEF

Feedback on plan to lower speed around schools

The Council is proposing to lower speed limits around the district’s schools as one of three key principles in a new draft interim speed management plan, released this week for public feedback.

If the community supports the proposal, 30km/h permanent speed limits would be established outside 16 of the district’s urban schools, with 60km/h variable speed limits (applicable during school travel periods only) for five schools on rural roads.

The three Methven schools would also have lower speed limits, but would need to wait for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to develop a speed management plan, as they’re located on a state highway.

Council Infrastructure Services Group Manager Neil McCann said lowering speed limits outside schools had strong community support when the Council consulted on the topic in 2020, but was not able to proceed under the Ministry of Transport Rule in place at that time.

“Recent changes to government regulations and direction from Waka Kotahi means that once we confirm this draft plan with the community, we can get on with making these changes.”

A new Land Transport Rule (Setting of Speed Limits 2022) came into force in

May and allows territorial authorities to develop speed management plans for local roads.

The Council’s draft interim plan also proposes giving the Council the ability to lower speeds around the fringes of urban areas as they develop and lowering speeds in areas with a high number of active users, such as walkers and cyclists.

“Our new CBD is an example of a busy area with a 30km/h speed limit already in place which makes it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Mr McCann says that the draft interim plan will offer a more flexible approach that

better acknowledges the local conditions and the surrounding environment.

“Previously every change in the speed limit required public consultation before it could be implemented, but now we can intervene faster when changes in the local environment require it and the shift aligns with the adopted speed management plan.”

He said the Council would be getting in touch with schools and encouraging them to give feedback. Only last week, students from Longbeach School petitioned the Council for a lower speed limit outside their rural school.

New guard rails for Pudding Hill Rd bridge

Work has begun this week to install new guard rails on the Rangitata Diversion Race bridge on Pudding Hill Road, near Methven.

The $300,000 project is being undertaken by Fulton Hogan and should be finished by Christmas.

The existing wooden rails will be removed

ROADING ROUNDUP

and replaced with galvanised steel rails.

Council Infrastructure Services Group Manager Neil McCann said the new galvanised steel rails offered more protection and would help keep vehicles

Hamish Riach - Chief Executive

on the bridge in the event of a crash.

“People travelling on Pudding Hill Road over the next few months will find the bridge is down to one-lane while the work is done, but our contractors are working as quickly as they can.”

Walkers and cyclists using the Methven walkway will still have access to the track.

Officially marking the end of an era

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of an era for the Commonwealth, as we will surely not see another monarch reign for 70 years or more.

While the main event is taking place in the United Kingdom, half a world away, there have been discrete preparations in New Zealand towards this time. Our Council has been receiving advice from the Department of Internal Affairs and the Governor-General’s office on events to mark the Queen’s passing, acknowledge the change of head of state and allow Kiwis to mourn.

We have a book of condolences in the Ashburton Public Library for residents

to sign and remember Queen Elizabeth, and that book will be preserved here as a historical record. The library has been running a display with a Royal theme, and of course we will soon have a photograph of King Charles III in our chambers.

New Zealand will mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with a state memorial service and one-off public holiday on Monday 26 September. Mayor Neil Brown will attend the event in Wellington – it will be broadcast live and be a chance for all of us to celebrate her life and reign.

Our flags in Baring Square West will fly at half-mast until the end of the day of the New Zealand memorial service.

Some in the Ashburton district will have very special memories of her visits here in 1954 and 1981, and at Council we have the signatures of the Queen and Prince Philip in our visitor book from that last occasion.

For those who are interested, the Governor-General’s website has a host of information about official events, the Queen and her relationship with New Zealand and about the new King, who has visited New Zealand 10 times between 1970 and 2019.

Another era that is coming to an end is the three-year local government cycle. We are preparing to farewell and acknowledge the service of elected councillors Angus McKay, John Falloon,

“We have $600,000 in the budget for road signs and infrastructure improvements associated with the speed limits at schools. If the community supports this plan, we could have new limits around schools as soon as the first term of next year.”

Mr McCann expects the community will be passionate about the topic, with the last speed limit review receiving over 400 responses.

“Ultimately for speed limits to work well, they need to be understood and supported by the community.”

Submissions close on 16 October. Have your say at ashburtondc.govt.nz/speed

Diane Rawlinson and Stuart Wilson, who are all retiring, so there will be at least four new faces on the new council that will be formed after local body elections on 8 October.

Residents should receive their voting papers in the mail in the next few days and I urge you to do your due diligence on all the candidates, then vote and send the papers back in the envelope provided. It’s been good to see community groups organising meetthe-candidates events that provide an opportunity for voters to gather good intel.

Students from Longbeach School talked to Council recently about slowing the speed of vehicles outside their rural school.

Voting starts tomorrow in local elections

With voting packs for local elections arriving in mailboxes from tomorrow, all people need to remember is a simple three-step process: Vote, pack and post.

When your pack arrives, read the instructions carefully and complete your voting document. Pack it back into the supplied orange envelope and put it in the post before 4 October to ensure it arrives before the noon deadline on 8 October.

You can also return your completed voting documents to the orange ballot boxes at the Ashburton Public Library, Methven iHub or Ashburton District Council administration building right up until voting closes at noon on 8 October.

If you forgot to enrol or your voting papers haven’t arrived by the middle of next week, you may still be able to cast a special vote –

but this can only be done at the Ashburton District Council office during business hours.

Candidate profiles will be included with the packs, but are also available at voteashburton.nz, along with information about special voting.

Meet the candidates meetings have been organised by the Rakaia Community Association at 7.30pm on Thursday 22 September at the Rakaia Memorial Hall, and by Greypower at the Ashburton Seniors Centre on Monday 19 September, at 2pm.

Once voting starts, daily vote returns will be available from electionz.com. Preliminary results are expected somewhere around 1pm on 8 October.

The first meeting of the inaugural Council has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday 27 October, at 1.30pm, when councillors and Methven Community Board members will be sworn in.

Some public toilets to be locked at night

Council has begun closing some of its public toilets at night in an attempt to deter vandals that have been targeting facilities.

About twice a week over the past several months, staff cleaning the public toilets at Argyle Park and East Street have arrived to find graffiti on the walls of toilet cubicles, or soap dispensers ripped from their fittings and toilet paper strewn about.

A fire was deliberately lit in one cubicle at the Ashburton Domain playground.

Community Services Group Manager Steve Fabish said public toilets at Argyle Park, the Walnut Avenue sports pavilion, Ashburton Domain picnic ground and children’s playground were now being closed at night by Council’s security contractor. The toilets are unlocked again in the morning.

“The only public toilets open as usual are the ones near the domain entrance, which are well used by the travelling public, the

Rebates team hits the road

Our Customer Services team is heading to Methven and Rakaia early next month to talk rates rebates.

Council staff will be at the Mt Hutt Memorial Hall on Wednesday 5 October, from 10am until 12 noon; and at the Rakaia Library on Wednesday 12 October, from 10am until 12 noon. Residents can call Council on 307 7700 to book at appointment at Methven or Rakaia.

Many low income households are eligible for increased support to pay their council rates, especially with changes to the rates rebate scheme that took effect in July. The maximum annual rebate has increased from $665 to $700 and the abatement threshold has increased from $26,510 to $28,080 income.

COUNCIL OFFICE

5 Baring Square West

Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri 8.30am - 5pm

Thursday 9am - 5pm

PUBLIC NOTICES

KEEP NEW ZEALAND BEAUTIFUL

Litter-Free Ashburton is looking for volunteers to help this Saturday as part of Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week. The group is planning clean-ups at some local hot-spots and is looking for helpers between 10am and 1pm.

Volunteers should meet at the West Street carpark at 9.45am on Saturday 17 September. Rubbish bags and disposable gloves provided.

RUBBISH AND RECYCLING

KERBSIDE CALENDAR, BIN IT RIGHT BOOKLET

Need a note on your fridge to remind you whether it's glass or recycling day? Or some tips about how to reduce waste?

The East Street disabled access toilet will continue to be open during the night.

East Street disabled access toilet and a toilet block at the Ashburton cemetery.

“It’s a shame it has come to this, but we are working with police on ways to stop this repeated vandalism and locking some toilets overnight removes an opportunity to cause damage.”

He said the recent spate of vandalism to the public toilets was concerning.

“Residents end up paying for vandalism through their rates, so we have been forced to take what we hope is a temporary measure to close some of our public toilets at night.

“Sadly, many other councils around the country have been locking their public toilets at night because of vandalism. This is not the Ashburton way and we need your help.

“So we are asking residents to keep an eye out and report this sort of behaviour to the police if they see it happening.”

Mr Fabish said Council had security cameras in various locations and were supplying footage to police.

“These cameras don’t always capture the people doing the damage, so we are asking the community to help be our eyes and ears.”

If you see our public toilets being vandalised, please call police on 105.

Bringing te reo Māori to life

Te wiki o te reo Maori is a good time to revisit the two Māori names, gifted by Arowhenua, for the Council’s new library and civic building. The library will be known as Te Pātaka o kā Tuhituhi and the civic centre as Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka.

Te Pātaka o kā Tuhituhi means the storehouse of written publications, while Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka derives from an ancient matai tree that once stood at Alford Forest. Known as Hine Paaka, the tree was a significant landmark to Māori travelling through the district.

Council is also encouraging members of its communities to download a te reo Māori app designed for its staff so that more people can learn more about local Maori language and protocols during Māori language week.

The Tūwhana app came about after Council

ASHBURTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

180 Havelock Street, Ashburton 7700

Mon - Fri 9.00am - 8.00pm

Sat 10am - 1pm | Sun 1pm - 4pm

piloted a te reo Māori course for staff in 2019 to improve cultural competency. The app also features Tagalog (the primary language of the Philippines) and Samoan.

It is available free on both Apple and Android play stores.

EA NETWORKS CENTRE

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Mon - Fri 6am-9pm (pools 7pm, gym 8pm)

Sat & Sun 7am-7pm (pools 5pm, gym 6pm)

We've reprinted our Bin it Right booklet, which has everything you need to know about our solid waste and recycling programme. Call in to our Council office on Baring Square West and pick up a free booklet and/ or a kerbside collection calendar.

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

UPCOMING MEETINGS

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

Council Meeting - Wednesday 21 September, 1.00pm (live-streamed)

Council Activity BriefingsWednesday 28 September, 9.30am

Audit & Risk CommitteeWednesday 28 September, 1.30pm (live-streamed)

Council Hearings (Stormwater Bylaw) - Thursday 29 September, 9.00am (live-streamed)

DON'T GO STRAPLESS!

Remember to put your windstrap on whenever you put your wheelie bins out, no matter the weather! The strap helps keep lids shut on windy days, and when bins are blown or knocked over. They’re specially designed to be undone as the bin is picked up and emptied.

Haven't got a windstrap? Go to our website ashburtondc.govt.nz/services/ rubbish-and-recycling and request one.

327 West Street

10am - 4pm daily

ASHBURTON ART GALLERY & ASHBURTON MUSEUM

ELECTIONS

‘Don’t believe But no link to freedom group from council

and was standing candidates in local body elections.

Burgess’ only beef was around mandates.

“I don’t believe in the mandates,’’ she said.

Another Ashburton District Council candidate has expressed her disapproval of Government-enforced mandates, but she has no allegiance to a controversial freedom movement organisation.

She’s Brie Burgess, who is looking to bring a younger voice to the council table as one of five Ashburton ward councillors.

While Burgess said she holds an anti-mandate stance, it was wrong and incorrect that people should automatically align her to Voices For Freedom (VFF), which is an anti-vaccination anti-mandate group that nationally has said it wants to make the country “ungovernable”

“I adhered to them, and I believe the Government thought they did what was best for the country, but I personally don’t think someone should lose their job because they don’t want to stick a vaccine in their bodies.

“People have the choice to decide what goes into their bodies.”

Fellow Ashburton ward, and also a Braided Rivers Community Trust candidate, Shfire Sapphire, echoed a similar response at Sunday’s meet the candidate session.

Sapphire stated she was anti-mandate, pro-choice, and believed in “true democracy”.

“I follow VFF on social media, I also follow operation people and Chantelle Baker,” Sapphire said.

“I am very open about who I follow.’’

Baker is a prominent anti-mandate protester, who was recently booted from Facebook after allegedly sharing harmful disinformation to her platform.

“I want to hear all sides, look at the resources myself, and I’ll make my own decision on what I think,’’ Sapphire said.

Of Ashburton’s 21 council and mayoral candidates, only one candidate declared an affiliation or membership to a political party.

That was Richard Wilson, an Eastern ward candidate, who is a member of the National Oarty.

No candidates declared they were members of the VFF group, but Ashburton mayoral candidate Jeff Swindley has declined to comment in relation to his bid where he is standing against incumbent Neil Brown.

“I have no desire to enter into

contact with your publication,” Swindley said.

Earlier this year Swindley, frustrated by Covid-19 restrictions, had threatened to take the New Zealand Government to court for $5 million.

WorkSafe New Zealand confirmed his business, the Bald Barber, had been issued with a $4000 infringement notice on February 28 for not displaying a sign indicating if the business was operating under vaccination or non-vaccination rules.

A Worksafe spokesperson said that the infringement notice was then transferred to the Ministry of Justice after an extended period of non-payment.

In the meantime, Swindley re-established his Bald Barber business as a private society, where the customers became members by signing a contract.

Swindley’s wife, Mari, was an active participant in VFF online forums, discussing the changes to the

business to side-step the restrictions.

Members of the society were not required to comply with the Covid-19 restrictions that are associated with close contract services.

Worksafe said that was not the case.

“If the business is still operating under a regulated category, they must meet those requirements regardless of what they label themselves as,” the spokesperson said.

Mayor Brown listed his membership of the Rakaia Squash Club, which he said would be unlikely to create a conflict of interest.

Candidate affiliations – who’s on what?

Declaring potential conflicts of interest is required by successful candidates but knowing what these are beforehand provides an understanding of who and what

they each stand for.

While some affiliations may not be considered a conflict of interest for a successful candidate, understanding their affiliation

to organisations, clubs, or groups is something voters can often use to make decisions.

All the Ashburton District candidates

In the Ashburton Ward (5 council seats available):

were asked to provide a list of their affiliations and any organisation that could be perceived as a conflict of interest or of public interest.

Thelma Bell is with the Justices of the Peace New Zealand, Hakatere Multicultural Council, Multicultural Bite Trust, Ashburton New Life Church, and the Patients’ Advocacy Group – Eastfield Health Medical Centre.

Carolyn Cameron is a member of Ashburton Bridge Club, a member of Ashburton Service Level Alliance (pharmacy representative), a community representative on the Ashburton Ward Hekeao Hinds Water Enhancement Trust, and the president of the Ashburton Plains Rotary Club.

Russell Ellis is the president South Rakaia Bach Owners Association, a board member Safer Mid Canterbury, a member of the Ashburton MSA, and a member of the Wakanui Indoor Bowls Club and the Ashburton Indoor Bowls Asso-

Phill Hooper only listed three sporting groups – the Tinwald Golf Club, Mountain Bike Ashburton, and Phat Bastards Bike Club.

Jonathan Leask

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Leen Braam said he has no affiliations or conflict of interest to report.

Brie Burgess said she had “no a liations to advise of”.

Carol Johns believed she doesn’t “belong to any groups which could be considered a conflict”.

Shfire Sapphire said “I am not a liated with anyone”.

Bev Skates is a founding member of Litter-Free Ashburton Volunteers.

Hayden Tasker is a member of the Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club, Mid Canterbury Vintage Car Club, Mayfield Golf Club, Ashburton Aviation Museum, and is a life member of the Mayfield A&P Association.

Tony Todd is a member of the Rotary Club of Ashburton, chairman of Trott’s Community Garden, on the fundraising committee for Hospice Mid Canterbury, a member of Hampstead Rugby Club finance committee and a member Ashburton Golf Club.

Lynette Lovett’s list consisted of Federated Farmers, Ashburton County Lions, Civil Defence, Red Cross, Rural Women, and the Ashburton A&P Association.

Rodger Letham is a member of the Rotary Club of Ashburton, the Ashburton Aviation Museum and the MSA Men’s Choir.

Rob Mackle: No response received

Liz McMillan is a board member of Mid Canterbury Rugby Union, the chair of the Kidzmethven committee and the Methven and Foothills Walking Festival group.

Keith Townshend: No response received

Lynda Topp is a volunteer firefighter with the Alford Forest brigade and is involved in Casting for Recovery, an organisation that takes women with breast cancer fly fishing.

Richard Wilson said he is a member of the New Zealand National Party, Federated Farmers and a trustee of the Hekeao Hinds Water Enhancement Trust, a director of MHV Irrigation, the director and chair of Rangitata Diversion Race Management LTD and a member of the Hinds Squash Club.

RantorRave

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VIEW

A day off to honour the Queen. Why?

It’s a historic moment in our history and one some will only ever bear witness to once in their lifetime, but a public holiday to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II is about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine.

Putting aside for a moment the obvious reasons why New Zealand businesses don’t need another public holiday to tango with their bottom line, the most defining reason should be that for so many in our country, it won’t mean anything.

We admire the royal family from afar and are encapsulated at times by their history and methodology and while for a moment we might have stopped and thought it was sad that the Queen has passed, that’s about as far as it will go.

And by the time the day actu ally comes for a national commemoration, it will mean even

less because, once again, the New Zealand government was beaten to the punch. Or perhaps, it’s yet again a case of us playing follow-the-leader.

Britain will commemorate Her Majesty’s life with a bank holiday, which is their term for a public holiday, on the day of her funeral – September 19.

Australia comes in on Thurs day, September 22 with their day of remembrance and honour while little old New Zealand will languish behind and offer a long weekend for Kiwis on Monday, September 26 – two-and-a-half weeks after her passing.

I say long weekend, because for

many here in New Zealand the thought of honouring someone who hails from an establishment will be too much to bear.

There’s so much resentment around this country right now for people in power, whether they be here or on the other side of the world that it doesn’t matter.

special for many people, but they could have been just as special if they were held on a Sunday af ternoon and didn’t force millions and millions of dollars to be lost from our recovering economy in the process.

And here, locally – in Mid Canterbury, just because the

And that’s not just Mid Canter bury either, it’s every rural area in New Zealand. A sector of our country that is so often neglected in the thoughts of those key de cision makers who hail from the big cities and don’t quite seem to grasp the idea that a working week for a huge part of our pop ulation isn’t just from Monday to Friday.

Either way, is it really needed?

Sure, the offer of some public services around the country will be accepted by many. More through curiosity than anything else, but for a large portion of New Zealand it won’t even regis ter a second thought.

Those public services will be

government issues the decree of a public holiday doesn’t mean the region stops.

Life carries on in such circum stances for so many of our population with work still to be done, stock still to be taken care of, and preparations still to be made for the coming summer.

What Queen Elizabeth II achieved in her lifetime for not only her own country, but also the Commonwealth is sig nificant, and her passing has brought about a great sorrow to so many people, many of whom have never even been in the same country as her.

But Kiwis who wish to mourn, will do so in their own way. It’s how we work.

We don’t need a special day that’s going to potentially do more hurt than good to make it happen.

Matt Markham

Little old New Zealand will languish behind and offer a long weekend for Kiwis on Monday, September 26 – twoand-a-half weeks after her passing.

Draft Interim Speed Management Plan

The way we deal with speed on New Zealand roads is changing.

We want your feedback on a new plan that proposes three key principles for how we approach speed management on Mid Canterbury roads.

1. Keeping our kids safe by lowering speed limits around all schools in the District.

2. Having the flexibility to lower speeds around the fringes of our towns as they grow and become more developed.

3. Lowering speeds in areas where we have a lot of active users, such as walkers and cyclists.

Draft Stormwater Bylaw

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!

Feedback closes 5pm, Sunday 18 September.

Feedback closes 5pm, Sunday 16 October.

Do not delay in viewing this beautiful four bedroom family property, located in a very quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Allenton.

The open plan kitchen, dining and living room as well as the separate lounge provides space for the whole family.

Enjoy the sun that streams into these living spaces. The master bedroom has an en suite and walk-in robe and doors that open out to the garden.

The other three bedrooms are all doubles and are serviced by a family bathroom and separate toilet. Ample storage throughout the home and a separate laundry.

Two heat pumps and a 'heat pad' in the living room for comfortable living.

There are two outdoor patio areas along with a gorgeous garden.

This property will not be on the market long!

111 Alford Forest Road, ALLENTON

A property with great attributes and is awaiting new owners to bring it to life.

This solid brick home with wooden joinery is set on a private back section and ticks all the boxes. It has a separate sunny lounge room and the original kitchen is open plan with the dining area. Three good sized double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and storage.

West Side Location 413

The bathroom has a shower and bath and there is a separate toilet.

Sit in the sun on the spacious covered veranda and

OPEN HOME

relax while your children or pets play in the large fully fenced yard.

The handy location is close to schools, shops and town.

There is plenty of room for your cars in the fully lockable four-car garage. Don't miss this opportunity!

Offers over: $465,000 Web ID AUW3438844

View: Saturday, 10.45am - 11.15am

60 Cross Street, ALLENTON

Enough room for everyone and a fabulous location. A modern kitchen with a new plumbed-in fridge. The lounge is a good size family space with a log burner for comfort.

There are three double bedrooms, master bedroom has an en suite.

There is also an office which is currently being used as a single bedroom, two bathrooms, three toilets and a rumpus room currently used as an extra living area.

This family home offers an in-ground swimming

pool with a barbecue area, the pool is well maintained by the vendors. Single car garage. The family have loved this home not only for the size but also the location.

Close to Allenton schools, Ashburton College and the Allenton Shopping Centre. Come view and see for yourself.

Offers Over: $675,000 Web ID AUW3374655

View: Saturday, 10am - 10.30am

Perfect Choice

1/51 Peter Street, ALLENTON

Don't delay viewing this gorgeous property in a superb location. Solid brick and low maintenance with open plan living area, two double bedrooms, both with built-in wardrobes, double car garage with storage room and laundry with easy access to the back gardens and clothesline. This one will tick all your boxes. Townhouses like this one are always sought after.

Deadline Sale: Closing 4pm September 28

(unless sold prior) Web ID AUE3416972

View: Saturday, 9.30am - 10am

OPEN HOME

78A Eton Street, HAMPSTEAD

This property offers extra space for vehicles and a campervan. Open plan kitchen/dining/ living area heated by a log burner or heat pump.

Well-appointed kitchen with lots of storage. Three double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes. Master bedroom with en suite. Positioned for the sun with solar panels, easy care gardens and a lovely patio area. Secure fencing for small children or pets. Don’t delay, call now to view this property.

By Negotiation Web ID AUE3398871

View: Saturday, 10.45am - 11.15am

First Home or Investment

24 Nixon Street, TINWALD

This weatherboard home is situated on the west side of Tinwald. It has an open plan kitchen, dining, lounge heated with a heat pump. Updated bathroom, two double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes plus a sunroom. Separate laundry and toilet, single lock-up garage and off-street parking.

Offers Over: $310,000 Web ID AUT3361101 View: Saturday, 12.30pm - 1pm

An Opportunity Not to Miss!

Solid Brick

This permanent material home is situated on a large tidy section of 814m2. It will appeal to many, whether it be a first home, a renovation project or an investment with subdivision potential.

22

Offers Over: $350,000 Web ID AUT3360992 View: Saturday, 12.30pm - 1pm

Brand New and Coming Soon

19A Baker Street, ALLENTON

Tucked away in a private rear section, this home will be brand new.

plan kitchen,

Riverside Industrial Estate

Handy Location and Available Now

21 River Terrace, ASHBURTON

Solid brick four bedroom home is ready and waiting for someone to come along and make it their own. Featuring a roomy living area with polished wooden floors, heated by a heat pump and a nightstore. The bedrooms have plenty of space with built-in wardrobes. Main bathroom has a shower and toilet plus a separate shower room. A single garage with internal access and good off-street parking.

Offers over: $415,000 Web ID AUW3378030

Spectacular Views

By Negotiation Web ID ALE3382672

bedrooms,

living

perfectly positioned for the sun and heated with a heat pump. There is a separate laundry as

walk through to the double garage.

will

with

One of the last remaining undeveloped sites in the Riverside Industrial Estate. Central location close to the town centre, will suit a variety of business uses. Fully fenced 2100m2 site providing street frontage of approx. 30 metres.

Three-bay pole shed with concrete floor, one bay lock-up with staffroom and toilet amenities. Could supplement the use of the site prior to future development. Some casual lease/tenancy income provides an offset to holding cost.

Price: $450,000 plus GST Web ID ACS3401118

137 Walnut Avenue, ALLENTON

Located close to Ashburton Intermediate School and Ashburton College. There

bedrooms with room

lounge heated

53 Robinson Street, ASHBURTON

24A Nixon Street, TINWALD

Situated on a private back section, perfect for an investment, first home buyers or people wanting to downsize. Two double bedrooms, built-in wardrobes, open plan living with breakfast bar and floor mounted heat pump. Spacious bathroom, separate laundry. Ranchsliders onto a sunny deck, off-street parking.

Street, TINWALD

62 Lake Hood Drive, HUNTINGDON Are you looking for a lifestyle property for your family? This 9,480m2 property offers space inside and out with a four-bay shed with power, two bays enclosed, ample room to use as a workshop and storage and several paddocks. The home offers open living, large log burner or heat pump, separate lounge and family size deck. Four bedrooms, all with built-in wardrobes, master with en suite. Double car garage with laundry area.

Altrusa Club

Last month we enjoyed an extra social night with a communal meal and talked about a wide variety of our own books that we have enjoyed.

Our annual Spring Raffle will continue to early October, with tickets sold at super markets and the Farmers Market.

The usual commitment to Books on Wheels and Meals on Wheels has been organised.

The Literacy Committee has a display in the Ashburton Library to celebrate the Altrusa International Literacy Day: Sep tember 8.

Our six-weekly Foot Clinic at the Oxford Street site of the Hakatere Parish had 34 clients, with 15 Altrusans helping.

Lucky clients appreciated the vintage car pick-up!

We have advertised our annual Health Bursary for 2023 in the Ashburton Guardian and Courier; Ashburton Col lege and Mt Hutt College, and Otago Polytechnic.

Our seamstresses will be making swim ming and washbags for Refugee Set tlement Support, and we are providing embroidery resources for them.

It is good to be meeting again as an ac tive Club.

Ashburton Golf Club

We had some magnificent matches in the club champs semi-finals and, we now have some wonderful finals to look forward to on Saturday week.

Blair Snowball set off in a hurry and was 3 up on Jeff Hewitt at the turn, but Jeff just kept on playing good golf and dragged Blair back and took him on the 17th.

In the final he will face second seed Dave Morrison who just proved to be too consistent for Hoppy this time round.

The top two qualifiers now meet in the final and it should be a cracker to watch. I don’t think anyone will be brave enough to make a call on the victor, but whoever wins will certainly have earned it.

The ladies Silver Final is also sorted out with another two great semi-finals played. In a mirror of the mens semi, Jen Sheppard flew out of the blocks to win the first three holes against Sharon Bradford, but Sharon dug in for the grind and took out a great match on the 17th.

In the other semi we had a ding dong battle between Pauline Bell and Vicki Moore. They both took out a nearest the pin shot during the game, but in the end, Polly proved just a bit stronger and will face Sharon in another final.

Mens intermediates semi finals both went to the 18th.

Matt Tait and Paddy had a game for the ages, neither player was in the lead for longer than one hole and they headed down 17 all square then unfortunately Matt lost his ball off his second shot, somewhere left of the green so ended up with a bogey to Paddy’s par, then he also got an awful bounce on the 18th taking his ball into the bunker for anoth er bogey.

Paddy parred the last as well to win 2 up.

If Matt had got a couple of better bounc es, I reckon they would have still been playing now.

Paddy will face Chris Lovelock in the fi nal, Chris and Greig Sparrow had a great game, close all the way. Chris one up playing the last and lagged a wonderful 40-foot downhill putt to close out the game.

This will be a battle of the bionic hips, should be a great game.

RESULTS

■ Bridge

Ashburton Bridge Club

Monday Evening September 5, Indi vidual & Walker Trophies: N/S 1st Anne Gilbert & Cath King, 2nd Mervyn Jones & Bruce Leighton, 3rd Bernie Jopson & Averil Leckey. E/W 1st Ray Stevenson & David Fisher, 2nd Mary Buckland & Amanda Watson, 3rd Allison Lovelock & Bronwyn Oakley.

Tuesday Evening September 6, Ron Sutherland Trophy: 1st Trish Small & Jim Rooney, 2nd = Mary Buckland & Judith Edmond and David Sewell & Debbie Seddon-Sewell, 3rd Leigh Wackrow & Linda Baker, 4th Jan de Jong & Rose mary McLaughlin, 5th Rewa Kyle & Trish Downward, 6th Johnny Wright & Mar garet Shearer.

Wednesday Afternoon September 7,

Mitchell Lye will face Gaby Jansen in the Junior A, both had very strong semi fi nal wins and they will both fancy their chances of picking up the trophy.

Matt Fallaver is into the Junior B final but will have to wait to see who he fac es, and the only other ladies final sorted out at the time of writing is the Bronze 2 where two wonderful matchplayers in Heather Robertson and Lynne Small will slug it out.

We will look at all the games and the

Valetta Trophy: 1st Val Palmer & Ian Doel, 2nd Mary Buckland & Trish Small, 3rd Rosemary McLaughlin, 4th Kay Robb & Sue Rosevear, 5th Rewa Kyle & Trish Downward,6th = Margaret Shearer & John Irwin and Beth McIraith & Maree Moore.

Thursday Evening September 8 Party Night: Gold/Silver: N/S Raylene Phillips & Amanda Watson, E/W David Sewell & Bernie Jopson, Gold/Bronze: N/S Leigh Wackrow & Judy Jemmet, E/W Sue Rosevear & Cath King, Other: N/S Mike Holdaway & Martin Hickman, E/W Bev Turton & Ellenor Sullivan.

■ Golf Ashburton Golf Club

Ladies Golf – Saturday, September 10 & Tuesday, September 13.

Nett: Jeanette Montgomery – 61, Made leine Stoddart – 67, Leigh Wackrow – 67 on c/b. Nearest the Pins: No 4 Chevalier

plate finals in next week’s report. This Saturday we have a break from the champs and play the Captain versus President matchplay trophy.

Head down on Saturday pick your Gen eral that you want to hang your hat on and Matt will pair everyone up to play matchplay.

Talk around the club is that Captain Tom was shoulder tapping all the club champ finalists to play in his team on the prom ise of a bottle of beer after winning.

Farm Ltd – Marilyn Walker, No 8 Saman tha Rose Flowers – Daphne McDonnell, No 12 Lynn’s small Salon – Hilary Ward, No 14 Todd’s of Ashburton – Mary-Lou Watson, No 18 2nd Shot – Jeanette Montgomery.

Tinwald Golf Club

Tinwald Ladies – Tuesday, September 13 Stroke: Marion Oakley 69, Lynda Marsh 71. Nearest the Pin: No 2 (2nd Shot)

Murray Young Property Broker; Barb Cochrane, No 6 (2nd Shot) Sims Bakery; Maureen Colville, No 12 Mac & Maggie; Karen Young, 16 (2nd Shot) Outdoor Adventure; Sue Gutsell, Memory Funer al Longest Putt; Marion Oakley. 9 Hole – Stroke: Judith Smith 35, Lesley Glassey 40.

■ Shooting

Ashburton District Rifle Club

Whereas President Bruce has said that anyone who calls into Kelly’s on Friday evening will get a free Guinness to get them ready for the game. I know where my hat will be hung!

This is always a fun day and a wel come change from the pressure of club champs. Pop along and help out Bruce or Tom to bragging rights. That will do for now, see you around the course.

Good golfing.

September 11 - 600 yards at The Butts. TR, Gareth Miller 49.2, 50.5, 99.7, John Snowden 48.3, 49.6, 97.9, Martin Flem ing 48.7, 48.5, 96.12, Andrew Orr 45.3, 47.4, 92.7, Barry Brown 43.1, 48.3, 91.4, Brian Hawksby 43.0, 46.3, 89.3, Kevin Hooper 42.1, 44.2, 86.3, John Fleming 44.3, 41.0, 85.3, John Miller 39.1, 41.1, 80.2.

FTR, Liam Linwood 54.2, 54.2, 108.4, Brian Graystone 51.2, 56.3, 107.5, Mark Alexander 51.1, 53.2, 104.3, Coby Snowden 55.3, 48.0, 103.3. FO, Murray Cook 51.1, 56.2, 107.3, David Smith 52.2, 55.1, 107.3, Phil Nicol 51.1, 51.2, 102.3. FPR, Bob McDonald 53.0, 53.2, 106.2, Darral Bradley 51.0, 55.1, 106.1.

Ashburton Rifle Club, Willowby

Archie Maginness 100.10, 99.5, BR, Ella Ingold 100,9, 100.6, BR, Greg Menzies 99.8, 99.4, Taylah Geddes 88.2, Quynn

Ashburton Musical Club

A magical night of story and song was held at the Sinclair Centre on Saturday September 10.

Visiting artist Rebecca Nelson, Lieuten ant with the Royal NZ Navy band told of her musical journey with songs from each performance she had given, busk ing from the age of 12 to the honour and privilege of singing at centenary com memorations in Gallipoli, Passchendale and The Somme.

Rebecca was also invited by Prince Charles (now King Charles 111) to sing at a Naval Reunion and has sung the National anthems of many countries at various sporting grounds around the world.

Rebecca is also the co-founder of Te Kiwi Maia Charitable Trust, which pro vides rehabilitation, respite and recov ery to returned service personnel and first responders.

See www.tekiwimaia.co.nz

Rebecca sung a total of 20 songs – Tarakihi, Ave Maria, Poppies & Po hutukawa, Requium for A Soldier, We’ll Gather Lilacs, Hallelujah and many more, ending with We’ll Meet Again.

We were able to chat to Rebecca while having supper.

Some of the comments from the audi ence were - “Brilliant”, “Awesome”, “I was completely blown away”.

It was indeed a wonderful evening’s en tertainment by a woman who is a won derful ambassador to N.Z

Ashburton Toastmasters

Toastmaster of the day, David, intro duced the first speech agenda item, the special cultural share.

Jeff spoke about the culture of genera tions, specifically the generation known as generation X and the way of life for those growing up in the late 60s and 70s.

His personal accounts from childhood were interspersed with many observa tions from family and community life. These included warm milk issued at pri mary school, Guy Fawkes, petrol station sales and visits to school dental nurses (nicknamed the ‘murder house’ by chil dren).

Rebecca gave a humorous speech about ‘yesterself’ where she discussed “things that we worry about that don’t happen.”  One example Rebecca cited was that there was a higher chance of being hit on the head by a falling object than be ing bitten by a shark if one was to go swimming in the ocean.

The speech even explored the practice of referring to horoscopes for those that seek to know of their future.

Robin introduced Matt who the gave second main speech of the evening ti tled ‘No man is an island.”

Matt began with reciting a poem by John Donne. Matt spoke about his love of poetry and the role it played in his life as well as the meaning behind the poem.

The Table Topics session provided an opportunity for seven members to pres ent very short impromptu speeches making pleas to Noah to consider giving a place in his ark for nominated animals or insects.

An amusing session for all who took part, judging by the laughter through out.

The next meeting is scheduled for 14 September in the Doris Linton Lounge, Ashburton RSA starting at 7:30 pm.  Anyone wishing to build some speaking skills is most welcome to come along and visit us.

Geddes 94.2, Angus Geddes 66.0, Andie Geddes 86.1, Kinsey Storey 84.0, Abby Calder 95.2, Allan Mitchell 96.5, Garth Wright 95.5.

Mayfield Rifle Club

Peter Quigley 60, BR, Logan Wheeler 94.2, BR, Alex Quigley 85.0, BR, Brooke Wheeler 90.2, BR, Chloe Lovett 89.0, Lou Nalder 88.0, BR, Hamish Dalzell 97.3, Caroline Lovett 76.0, Carl Nord qvist 93.3, John Fleming 95.1, Martin Fleming 97.3.

■ Golf Tinwald Golf Club

Tinwald Women’s golf draw 20th Sep tember – Stroke. Report 9.30 for 10.00 start, Starters I. Divers J. Bruhns. Cards B. Cochrane, Roster convenor J. Bruhns.

Royal NZ Navy Lieutenant, Rebecca Nelson performed at the Sinclair Centre recently for the Ashburton Musical Club.

Locals included in nominations for Cup Week features

and Dayzee Dior, who debuted recently, for the 1000 Guineas as well as noted staying type Ver mont for the New Zealand Cup.

There’s a little bit of Mid Canter bury flair attached to the nomi nations for all the feature races in Christchurch as part of Cup Week this year.

The first round of nominations for the four features at Riccarton Park, the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, the Couplands Mile and the New Zealand Cup as well as the New Zealand Trotting Cup and Do minion Handicap at Addington have all been released in the past fortnight, with a Mid Canterbury runner featuring in each.

Ashburton Raceway thorough bred trainers Sarah and Matt Smith are setting their sights high for Riccarton, with a nomination in three of the four galloping fea tures.

They’ve nominated unraced colt Sauvage for the 2000 Guin eas on the first day of the carnival

Sauvage was bred by industry icon Kevin Hickman from his black-type winning mare Smit ten Kitten, by exciting stallion, Time Test. He’s trialled one for the Smith barn, placing third.

Dayzee Dior also hails from Hickman breed, and has shown some promise in her jump out performances before finishing eighth on debut.

Vermont hasn’t been seen since September of last year, but did win two in a row over distance in spring, showing promise over the longer trips.

Last start Winter Cup winner, Lord Darci features in the nom inations for the 18th running of the Couplands Mile, which this year boasts a $250,000 stake.

The Bevan and Robyn Wil son-trained galloper shot to star dom with his dour effort to win the Winter Cup last month, and has fashioned a good racing re cord, having won four races from

his 13 starts, amassing more than $113,000 in stake earnings along the way.

Meanwhile, at Addington three Mid Canterbury-trained pacers have been nominated for the

New Zealand Trotting Cup on the second Tuesday in November. The new training partnership of Brent and Tim White have two thirds of them with Cranbourne and Got You Covered.

Both began their official prepa rations with a trial on Tuesday at Ashburton, with Cranbourne looking big and strong in the run to the line to win the heat while Got You Covered made up plen ty of ground late in an equally as strong effort.

The surprise nomination among the Cup contenders is the Warren Stapleton-trained If yousayso.

The son of three-time Cup winner Terror To Love has only raced once in the past 18 months, finishing fourth behind Heza Sport at Addington back in March.

Up and coming trotter Maui is the only Mid Canterbuy-trained trotter to hold a nomination for the Dominion Handicap.

The David McCormick-trained son of Peak is back in work after a brief spell following his produc tive winter on the track.

He raced seven times during June and July winning twice, placing third on two occasions and was fourth in the other three appearances.

Ashburton galloper Lord Darci features in the nominations for the $250,000 Couplands Mile at Riccarton during Cup Week. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Matt Markham

Locals feature at Badminton SI champs

Age group rep rugby takes centre stage

Matt Markham

Age group representative rugby took the spotlight in Mid Canter bury on the weekend while the big kids were away playing in Kurow.

Three Mid Canterbury agegroup rep sides were in action across the weekend, with the Un der 18 and Under 16 sides playing matches at home on Saturday af ternoon while the Under 15 team took part in a tournament held in Methven across both days.

The Under 18 side took on a strong Ellesmere side in their clash at the showgrounds, losing out 28-45 in a high-scoring affair, while the Under 16 team began their official tournament with a tough loss to Canterbury Metro Red 10-31.

In Methven, the Under 15 side took home region advantage into their tournament, which actually began a week earlier when they

beat Ellesmere 41-29. With four games across the two days, the competition was fierce between the five competing regions, with Mid Canterbury joined by teams from Ellesmere, West Coast, Bull er, South Canterbury and North Otago.

The Mid Canterbury lads started their weekend with intent, taking it to North Otago to notch up a big 51-12 victory. They carried that momentum into the second half of their afternoon match on Satur day to lead South Canterbury 5-0 at the break, but their rivals came back at them and they lost the match 20-29.

On Sunday morning they faced off with a determined West Coast side who proved too strong win ning 31-10 against the green and golds, but they managed to finish their campaign on a high with a dominant 50-7 win over Buller.

The Under 18 and Under 16 sides are back in action this week end with the Under 18 team head ing to Sheffield to take on West Coast while the Under 16 team will take on North Otago.

National glory on the line

the challenge of Canterbury, Nel son, Marlborough, West Coast and Golden Bay Motueka in Nelson last year.

They’ve waited 12 months longer than they thought they’d have to, but a group of Ashburton indoor bowlers will try and hunt down national interprovincial success this weekend in Hamilton.

The Welch Trophy is the pin nacle of representative competi tions in the sport and Ashburton will look to claim glory for the first time this weekend as they take on five other regions for the illustri ous title.

This particular event was to be held in 2021, culminating that year’s representative season – but Covid got in the way and the tour nament was postponed until this weekend.

In order to qualify to compete, a region must first win its zone play-off of the Paterson Trophy, with Mid Canterbury seeing off

The team of eight plus a re serve and a manager travel north tomorrow and will begin play tomorrow night at the Waikato Indoor Bowls home stadium in Hamilton across five sessions of play, finishing on Sunday morn ing.

The eight players who take to the mats will play five games of fours, pairs and singles over the

Welch Trophy team

weekend – one against each of the other competing regions.

Points are accumulated for wins and draws with the winning region the one with the highest competition score at the end of the weekend.

The Ashburton team boasts a strong line-up – spearheaded by recently successful New Zealand representatives, Simon Thomas and Michael Lawson.

Also featured in the line up are current South Island team mem bers, Grant Wilson, Mat Bassett and Jeremy Markham.

Thomas and Lawson will com bine with Markham and Colin Gilbert in one fours team while Wilson and Bassett team up with Julie Thomas and Murray Bassett in the other.

Ashburton is joined at the event this year by Southland, Auckland, Waikato, Hutt Valley and North Taranaki.

They begin their bid for glory tomorrow night with fours match es against Southland and home town hopefuls, Waikato.

Mat Bassett will be a key figure for Ashburton this weekend if they’re to claim national representative glory in the Welch Trophy.

Ashburton badminton players have showed their talent on the South Island stage with strong performances at the South Island Badminton Tournament last weekend. The third instalment of the event was organised and held by the Aorangi Badminton Social Club at the Southern Trust Events Centre on Saturday in Timaru, with players from around the mainland travelling to take part and compete for glory. All counted 28 teams competed across the tournament which has grown in stature from its humble beginnings three years ago. The event was split into a number of categories, with Ashburton players featuring in the overall results. Gian Aterado and King DeVara were the winners in the silver division, while Sai Samyuktha and Zoe Cribb finished runner-up in the women’s division which has six teams entered. They are pictured above with Timaru Mayor, Nigel Bowen.

PHOTO AORANGI BADMINTON SOCIAL CLUB

Mid Canterbury Under 18, Under 16 and Under 15 representative sides were in action over the weekend.

PHOTO GRAHAM’S PHOTOS

Matt Markham

Simon Thomas, Michael Lawson, Jeremy Markham, Colin Gilbert, Grant Wilson, Mat Bassett, Julie Thomas, Murray Bassett.

Reserve: Matt Markham. Manager: Geoff Laird.

Cashing Out: Club rugby’s time finally arrives

After a torrid year on and off the field, last week would have felt pretty good for NZ Rugby.

The All Blacks put on their most All Black-like performance of the year in Hamilton, then on Tuesday came the long-awaited news of the distribution of funds to rugby clubs around the country.

This was the carrot that the Silver Lake deal was sold on to the average rugby fan – that this wasn’t just about an offshore consortium buying a chunk of the All Black brand, at least not without dipping into their pockets to cover the costs of everything else propping that brand up.

So, it’s pretty notable that the first really official Silver Lake transaction was to show that, for at least this once, the money actually trickled down to where it would do the most good.

$7.5 million of funding, divvied up from $10,000 to $40,000 lump sum payments, will be distributed to over 450 community rugby clubs by the end of next month.

It’s also notable that the news of the new New Zealand Rugby Commercial board’s makeup came hot on the heels of the announcement.

The NZRC is in charge of commercial goals, plans and targets for the bulk of the Silver Lake money, however there have been grumblings about its predictably introverted nature from at least a couple of voices in high places.

But that is a story for another day.

For many at grassroots level, this cash injection can’t come a moment too soon. Club rugby has long been the go-to topic for anyone wanting to point out the inherent flaws in the way the game is run, having been seemingly left behind by a professional set up that doesn’t need it as a pathway for player development anymore.

While that isn’t entirely true, NZR Head of Community Rugby Steve Lancaster admitted that “our

Midnight Thursday

club network is really challenged”.

While those payments might seem like a drop in the (Silver) lake, Lancaster believes that if it is spent in the right way, it will make a difference. That’s why NZR have made a few not-so-subtle directives into what the money shouldn’t be spent on.

“It’s not paying players, not paying support staff around teams, and trips as well because it’s just a risk with trips that the money gets spent and no one ever benefits beyond that,” said Lancaster.

So, what it’s really about is increasing participation, especially in pain point areas like retaining school leavers.

“I wouldn’t shy away from that at all.

“We are very focused on these funds being applied to growing the role of rugby in its communities.”

But given that auditing is going to be left up to provincial unions, making sure

that happens might be a little bit tougher than it appears.

Anecdotes of financial discrepancies in club sport are nothing new, so it will be a challenge for people like Tanya Dearns, CEO of the Mid Canterbury RU.

“We’ve had open dialogue and transparent conversations with our clubs over the past few months, knowing this was down the track,” the former Silver Fern said.

“It’s about communication and sharing those open lines that they share with us what their long-term vision is. And we want to make sure that they let us know, as a small Heartland union, that we are providing them with the support that they need to get to where they need to.”

Her counterpart Carl Moon at Waikato RFU is optimistic that clubs will spend the the way intended.

“The clubs are as invested in this sport and its future as we are. It’s not hard to motivate a club to do the right thing, because they already want to,” Moon said.

Which is all well

and good, but the end result of this for many clubs in varying states of financial health won’t be known for a while.

Saying that elite player development funding is off the cards isn’t particularly beneficial to either a Waikato or a Mid Canterbury because that is still very much where their representative teams source their players.

However, with a little bit of a push in the right direction and some incentive, clubs have shown over the last couple of years that they are more than capable of showcasing something that is not only a compelling way of keeping school leavers in the game, but also can be a pretty decent bit of content as well.

The third National Under 85kg Club Cup final took place as a curtain raiser to the All Blacks v Pumas test, with two very much self-organised teams playing live on TV.

It is worth noting that the success of the Under 85kg grade probably isn’t an easily replicated blueprint for other areas.

Lancaster would like to see funds used by clubs to enhance facilities for female players, as well as making clubs more than just a place to watch footy and sink jugs.

“The last few years have been really tough, so we see this as the first step in making our system more robust,” says Lancaster, who hastened to add that overall provincial union funding was increasing too, as part of “a complex mix of investment”.

But Dearns did acknowledge that some clubs are still in trouble no matter what.

“There’s never enough money,” she laughs.

“I can only speak for my union .... but there will be clubs around the country for which this will provide some real financial stability going forward.”

Which is probably why Lancaster and NZR have left it up to Dearns, Moon and the rest of the unions to take such a handson approach to what is going to be a very interesting time for the grassroots game.

“They know their clubs. They have the ability to engage with them directly and deeply.”

Thursday: Fine with

Canterbury Plains

Thursday: Fine with

Friday:

MAX

Friday: Fine with early frosts, then cloud spreading north through the morning. Southwesterlies, dying out in the evening.

Saturday: Fine. Light winds.

A trough weakens over the North Island, while a ridge affects the South Island. A weak front brushes the south of the country from Thursday night and into Friday. A cold southwest flow eases on Friday as a ridge of high pressure develops over the country, remaining through the weekend. Northerlies pick up over the South Island on Sunday as the next front approaches Fiordland from the west.

Around The Region

Christchurch

Canterbury High Country Readings to 4pm

Thursday

Mountain weather hazard: Wind Chill.

Fine.

Wind at 1000m: Light.

Wind at 2000m: Mainly light, but NW 40 km/h for a while before dawn.

Freezing level: 1200m, rising to 1600m in the morning

Friday

Mountain weather hazard: Wind Chill. Fine and frosty to start, areas of cloud developing from afternoon.

Wind at 1000m: SW 35 km/h, becoming light by midday.

Wind at 2000m: SW 45 km/h, becoming light by midday.

Freezing level: 1300m at first, rising to 1800m.

Wednesday

Sun and Moon

7:17am 7:40pm

1:00am 1:26pm

7:20am 7:43pm

1:03am 1:28pm

7:01am 7:24pm

12:44am 1:10pm

8:11am 8:34pm 1:53am 2:20pm

7:57am 8:22pm 1:37am 2:04pm

8:13am 8:38pm 1:53am 2:20pm 8:55am 9:22pm 2:31am 3:02pm 9:01am 9:26pm 2:43am 3:15pm 9:11am 9:38pm 2:47am 3:18pm

6:34am 6:23pm 6:32am 6:24pm 6:30am 6:25pm

11:49pm 8:50am – 9:18am 12:56am 9:50am

The Silver Lake investment deal has surprisingly eventuated in a trickle down of funds to provincial rugby unions, but the question remains how will they use it, writes Jamie Wall.

Mid Canterbury Rugby boss Tanya Dearns

PlayPlanner

whatson@theguardian.co.nz

Every day

Mt Hutt Memorial Hall

10am, 160 Main Street, Methven. NZ Alpine and Agriculture Encounter, Art Gallery and Hall of Memories.

Ashburton Aviation Musuem 1-3pm, Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road.

Weekdays

Mid Canterbury Connector Provides low-cost return trips to Ashburton, Mondays to Fridays, any time between 9am and 4.30pm.

Ashburton Aviation Museum 1-3pm. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road.

Wednesdays

Ashburton Strollers Club Meeting at courthouse 8.30am.

Ashburton Menz Shed 9am-2pm at 8 William Street.

Ashburton Ladies Friendship Club 9.45am, Sinclair Centre. Speeches, morning tea, every fourth Wednesday of the month.

Wednesday Walk Group 9.30am. Meet on Walnut Avenue on the west side of the Ashburton College Auditorium entrance.

Age Concern Ashburton Steady as you Go Gentle Falls Prevention Exercises. All levels of ability are welcome. $2 per 1hr session.

• Held at Allenton St David’s Church, Allens Rd at 9.30am.

• Held at Ashburton Buffalo Lodge Rooms, Cox St at 10.30am.

Held at Ashburton Buffalo Lodge Rooms, Cox St at 1.30pm.

• Held at Staveley Community Hall at 2pm.

Pickleball Ashburton

Every Wednesday from 9.30am - 11.30am at EA Networks Centre.

St Stephen’s Anglican Church Holy Communion at 10am on Park Street.

Age Concern Ashburton Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am.

Hip Hop for Seniors 10am-11am at the Ashburton Seniors Centre, 206 Cameron Street, Ashburton, $5.

Waireka Croquet Club Euchre, 1.30pm, Philip Street, Ashburton.

Ashburton open coffee mornings All are welcome at the Plunket rooms, 222 Cameron Street. 10.30am - 12 noon.

MSA Tai Chi Class is at 10.30am. Cost $3 per session at the MSA on Havelock Street.

Ashburton Woodworkers Clubrooms at Plains Museum site 1pm - 4pm.

Device Drop-In Sessions

Free Device Help Sessions at the Ashburton Public Library every Wednesday between 2pm and 4pm.

Art Addicts

Art Addicts (AA) is the Ashburton Art Gallery’s weekly art space for kids. Donations appreciated. 3 - 4.30pm.

Mid Canterbury Linedancers

Weekly beginner class 6.30pm-7.30pm, easy intermediate & intermediate 7.30pm-9pm at the Tinwald Memorial Hall.

Ashburton Silver Band Practice at the Bandrooms, Cameron Street, 7.30-9.30pm.

Thursdays

Ashburton Menz Shed 9am-2pm at 8 William Street.

Age Concern Ashburton Ladies exercise class at 9.30am at Ashburton Seniors Centre at 206 Cameron Street.

Park Street Line Dancers

What’s on Where

Do you have an event for Play Planner? Email us with all the details to whatson@theguardian.co.nz.

9.30am - 11am at St Stephen’s Parish Centre.

Mid Canterbury Badminton Club 9.30am-11am at EA Networks Sports Centre.

MSA Tai Chi Classes at 10.30am. Cost $3 per session at the MSA on Havelock Street.

Age Concern Ashburton Steady as you Go Gentle Falls Prevention Exercises. All levels of ability are welcome. $2 per 1hr session.

• Tinwald Holy Spirit Church, Thomson Street at 11am.

Ashburton St Stephen’s Church, Park Street at 1pm.

Ashburton Buffalo Lodge Rooms, Cox Street at 1pm.

Waireka Croquet Club Mahjong, 1pm, club rooms, Phillip Street.

Ashburton MSA Petanque Club From 1.30pm at 115 Racecourse Road.

Fridays

Age Concern Senior Social Group (50+). Speaker, quiz, morning tea, exercises. All welcome. Friday’s, 10am.

Ashburton Community Walking Group Walking for about 30-40 minutes on Mondays and Fridays at 10.30am. Meet Walnut Avenue Pavilion.

St Stephen’s Anglican Church Seniors Coffee Club, 2nd and 4th of the month at 10.30am, St Stephen’s Parish Centre, Park St.

Ashburton Justice of the Peace JP available for all signing services from 12-2pm. No appointment necessary. No fee. Community House. 44 Cass Street. Pickleball Ashburton EA Networks Centre from 6-8pm. Paddles provided.

Saturdays

Ashburton’s Winter Market North end of West Street carpark, from 9am.

Ashburton MSA Petanque Club Social play from 1.30pm at 115 Racecourse Road, Ashburton

Ashburton Aviation Museum Ashburton Airport from 10am - 3pm.

Ashburton Woodworkers Clubrooms at Plains Museum site 1pm-4pm.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church

• 10am, Weekly worship & Bible Study.

• 11am, Sabbath singing & Sermon. At Grace Presbyterian Church building, 63 Princes St. Ashburton. All welcome!

Vintage Car Club

86 Maronan Road, Tinwald

The Museum and Parts Shed will be OPEN on Saturdays during the month of September, Time: 10.00am to 12 noon.

Sundays

Ashburton Strollers Club Meeting at courthouse 8.30am.

Ashburton Anglican Parish Sunday - St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Park St, 10 am. Holy Communion

Sunday - St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Thomson St. 10 am. Holy Communion, 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church 10am Morning Worship. Service led by Rev. Eric Mattock. All welcome. Sinclair Centre, Park Street.

Grace Presbyterian Church 10am at 63 Princes Street.

Hakatere Presbyterian Parish Morning Worship at 10am, Rev. Johanna Warren.

• 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 65 Oxford Street 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 127 Thomson Street Tinwald Pickleball Ashburton Sunday is organised competition day at

EA Networks Stadium from 3-5pm. Prior registration through our facebook page is required. Some courts are available for social play.

Every Monday and Saturday

Allenton Assn Croquet Club

Venue Allenton Sports Club. Monday, Saturday. Start every week Monday September 19 until March 27 2023. Starting time 1.15pm.

Every Tuesday and Friday

Methven Museum

60 Main St. Open Tuesday and Friday 2-4pm Does Dalgetys or Wright, Stephenson & Co or Pyne Gould Guinness ring a bell? Our current display is Farm Supplier Stores of Methven & districts (history since the early 1900s). Come in and learn how the stores evolved and fill out your name if you worked at any of them. Admission is free but donations are welcome

Every Thursday and Saturday

Ashburton Toy Library

Open every Thursday and Saturday from 9.30am-12.30pm, plus every alternate Tuesday 3.30pm-5pm at 106 Victoria Street.

Every Wednesday, Saturday

Allenton Golf Croquet Club

Wednesdays & Saturdays. Start every week from Wednesday September 21 2022 until March 29 2023, starting time 9.45am.

Last Sunday of every month

Nor’Westers Muso’s Club

All are welcome, as is any style of music. 2pm - 6pm at Feeneys Lounge, Devon Tavern.

First Sunday of every month

Methven Market

At Methven Resort, from 9am to 1pm.

Third Monday of every month

The Ashburton Electronic Organ & Keyboard Club meets on the third Monday of every month (except December/January) at Seniors Centre, 206 Cameron Street at 7.30pm

Second Fri of every month

In Colour, art and craft club Bring along your art and craft projects to share with others over morning tea once a month. 10.30am - 12 noon.

Second and fourth Friday of every month

St Stephen’s Anglican Church Seniors Coffee Club 10.30am on Park Street.

Monthly

Ashburton Embroiderers’ Guild

Meet Seniors Centre, 206 Cameron Street first Saturday of the month 10.30am-3.30pm, second Thursday of the month 1pm-3.30pm, third Tuesday of the month -9pm, and the fourth Thursday of the month 10.30am-3.30pm.

September events

St David’s Union Church Friday September 16, 6.00am. St David’s Union Church. Women’s Circuit Training. 48 Allens Road.

Sunday September 18, 9.30am, St David’s Union Church. Worship Service led by Pastor Paul Eden, 8 Allens Road.

Monday September 19, 6.00am, St David’s Union Church. Women’s Circuit Training. 48 Allens Road.

Tuesday September 20, 9.30am. St David’s Union Church. Walking Group meets outside church. 48 Allens Road.

Wednesday September 21, 6.00am. St David’s Union Church. Women’s Circuit Training, 48 Allens Road.

Wednesday September 21, 9.30am. St David’s Union Church. Steady As You Go Exercise Group, 48 Allens Road.

Wednesday September 21, 11.30am. St David’s Union Church. Midweek Service & lunch. 48 Allens Road.

Wednesday September 21, 5.30pm. St David’s Union Church. Youth Group. 48 Allens Road.

Thursday September 22, 10.00am. St David’s Union Church. Fit Kidz for pre-schoolers and caregivers. 48 Allens Road.

Friday, September 23, 6.00am. St David’s Union Church. Women’s Circuit Training. 48 Allens Road.

Ashburton Horticultural Society

Monthly meeting on Friday September 16 at 2pm, Domain Pavilion, Walnut Avenue. Our meetings are held on third Friday each month.

No meetings June, July and December.

Handbags & Gladrags 2022 September 23, 7pm, at the MSA. Mystery handbag auction, silent auction, raffles, music by Luke Glendining. Tickets $30pp (tables of 6) includes glass of bubbles and anti-pasto platter. Tickets from Safer Mid Canterbury, 44 Cass Street, annaarrowsmith@hotmail.co.nz Proceeds to local White Ribbon & CanBead.

Creative Fibre

Monday September 19, 9.30am; Venue Plains Museum. Contact Bev Bennett 308-4262.

Ashburton Travel Club

Wednesday September 21, 7.30pm. Meeting – Speaker Janet Fisher, Germany. St David’s Church, Allens Road.

The Plains Railway Precinct: Sunday September 18, open from 11am-4pm.

Steam Train & miniature Train Rides operating, Ashburton Fire Museum, Lynn Museum & Ashburton Woodworkers Open. Hot food available, Pop-up playground & more. 62 Maronan Road, Tinwald.

Weaving Group

September 17, 10am-2pm, Upstairs, Ashfords.

Waireka Croquet Club

Philip Street. Tuesdays Waireka Croquet Club GC Draw 9.45am and 1.15 Singles.

October events

Plants 4 U @ Rakaia Saturday October 1, 9.00am -1.00pm. St Andrew’s Presbterian Church Hall. By the two big trees, Main Road. A big bonanza of plants of many varieties. omething for all gardeners, lots of bargains. Plenty of advice and encouragement  given to new gardeners. Cash only sale, tally up and pay at the door. BIG SELL OUT after 12.00 noon. All inside, no worries about the weather. Plains Presbyterian project, supporting the Rakaia Community. Contact; dottsknights@gmail.com

Fair and Garage Sale

St David’s Union Church, Allens Road, Allenton. Saturday October 8, 9am-12noon. Baking, preserves, jams, pickles, walnuts, plants , white elephant stall, garage sale. Morning tea, BBQ, children’s games and more. Craft Cluster

Monday, October 3, 10am, Plains Museum.

Creative Fibre

Monday, October 17, 10am. Plains Museum.

Weavers Group

October 15, 10am. Ashfords Mill House (upstairs).

Ashburton Travel Club

Wednesday October 19, 7.30pm. Meeting; speaker Alison Shearer. St David’s Church, Allens Road.

Please note:

Send all details to whatson@ theguardian.co.nz

IMPORTANT: If you’re running a regular event, we only need to hear from you when you have CHANGES to this regular event.

can take off at end of Lent (6)

It’s not right when lacerated (4)

Find that the record is finished (8)

How ‘spot’ billiard ball may cannon is not quite colourless (3-5)

Besides the Spanish, some extremists (4)

Once round the track in reverse, chum (3)

Interwoven and shut up about it: that’s to the point (9)

Threats can seem misplaced (7)

Feature about right Norwegian (5)

Pictures silver in semi-uprising (6)

A bit of dressmaking that may harness one to work (4)

Get the point of an instrument in old Japanese coin (7)

Bruno’s rarely given up, and shows incendiary’s crime (5)

In a drug four may show position at which body wheels (5)

Dismiss about fifty for not being diligent (5)

Provide vehicle with the wrong fuel, but be cautious (7)

Source of distress showing people in the wrong, legally (7)

Drink for the

C A S UA ?

Kim Miller

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): You will do what you’re compelled to do. Your inner drive remains undaunted by external threat and unimpressed by rewards from the outside. The endeavour is the prize.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Spiritual interests and physical health are closely aligned, and any work you do to improve one sector will favourably affect the other. You feel generous when you feel healthy.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): Baffling behaviour sets up a mystery you will continue to follow until you crack it. You will not give up until you comprehend the motive behind the action and can influence further action.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): You’ll come across the right teacher who is an excellent match for your style of learning. A school or structured training will be well worth the investment.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): From your guiding luminary –the sun – you learn that when you stay a respectful distance from the object of your affection, this person will gravitate toward and orbit around you.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): You feel connected with someone by an invisible bond. You are a person of action, so it’s not enough to acknowledge a feeling. To feel complete, you must do something about it.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): You will follow your specific plan to establish a new habit. Unsurprisingly, magic will drop into this otherwise completely practical situation, which often happens in your serendipitous life.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): Your empathic powers disallow you to ignore the feelings of those around you; though there are some you might consider leaving unserved. Avoid giving good effort to a narcissistic agenda.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): The planning stage is crucial to your experiences. Not only does it make things go better, but making the plan will be a pleasure in and of itself. Don’t skip it!

WordBuilder

WordBuilder H A C LE

WordBuilder

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): There’s a quiet comfort in the way some people go out of their way to make you feel special. Should it really be such a rarity? How can you get more of this in your life?

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): You don’t lack motivation; though the details of a successful process are not as clear to you as they must be. For you to follow through. Take it slowly, step by step, making sure you understand each move.

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.

H A C

LE

Good 7 VeryGood 9 Excellent 11

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.

Previous solution: bed, ben, bend, bod, bode, bond, bone, boned, deb, den, dob, dobe, doe, don, done, ebon, end, eon, neb, nob, nod, node, ode, one

Good 7 VeryGood 9 Excellent 11

Previous solution: bed, ben, bend, bod, bode, bond, bone, boned, deb, den, dob, dobe, doe, don, done, ebon, end, eon, neb, nob, nod, node, ode, one

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): You have plenty to give today and will be in a generous mode. It’s not selfish to know what you want in exchange; in fact, it will make the transaction more satisfying for everyone.

Previous cryptic solution

Previous quick solution

Meet Kim Miller, owner of Ray White Mid Canterbury for one year. Sales specialist for 12 years, a Mum of two for 23 years and living her best life for 52 years. Kim’s positive and professional approach is infectious, and along with her talented team, Kim is always getting the best results for her clients.

Simon

Change to Lending Interest Rates

NBS has increased its variable rate by 0.30% p.a. to 7.25% p.a.

This change affects loans with variable rates, overdrafts and flexi loans. For existing NBS clients, this change will come into effect on 17th October 2022.

With this increase, you may find your payments will change. Please check with your local NBS branch if you are currently on a variable rate.

Talk to us if you’d like to consider moving to one of our fixed rate loans.

For more information about our interest rates, visit nbs.co.nz/about/interest-rates-and-fees

nbs.co.nz

0800 101 700

NBS is not a registered bank

SITUATIONS VACANT

Heartland Bank

We are looking for a new Banking consultant to join our Retail team based in Ashburton.

Is this your next role?

You’ll be an excellent communicator who is passionate about providing exceptional service over the phone and online - making sure our customers have the best experience possible. You’ll provide customers with a radically different customer experience - making sure that they are well informed, feeling happy and valued.

Is this you?

You’re a real people person - always keen to help and chat to people. You’ll have an engaging, positive and clear phone manner and can build strong relationships quickly with our customers. You’re looking to commit for the long haul somewhere you’re valued, respected and have the opportunity to take the time with our customers - adding a real human touch!

You’re a pro with:

• Customer service experience

• An interest in the financial services industry

• Great customer services skills

Apply now via the Heartland Careers website: www.heartland.co.nz/ about-us/careers

PUBLIC NOTICES For soon-toarrive new families:

IN ASHBURTON

DEATHS

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

BANKS, Johnathon (Johnny) –Johnny passed away suddenly in Christchurch Hospital, on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Son of the late Francie and Donald Banks of Carew and stepson of Christine. Cherished husband of Trudie and incredible father of Alexis, Lincoln, and Millah. Dearly loved brother and brother-inlaw of Nichola and Ben Robertson, Megan Banks and Ben Firman. Hamish and Leeanne Banks, Nikki McDougall and Rob Maskiell. Loved nephew of the late Barbara, Bryan Donaldson, Ross and Eung Donaldson and Kevin and Glenda Donaldson. Cousin to Craig, Matthew, James, Brentton, Caitlin, Alex, Connor, Blair and Ellen.

October 1st 7-30pm/ 2nd 2pm / 4th-8th 7-30pm

Adults $69 / Senior $59 / Student $49 / Group 6+ $55pp (fees apply)

Come and see the global phenomenon that has wowed audiences and is now celebrating its 52nd anniversary. The cast of around 60, including an orchestra and the experienced production team, will create a true rock opera atmosphere.

Tina – Simply The Best

Birthday Greetings

Aaron Bradley Happy 7th Birthday Aaron Hope you have a great day. Love from Mum, Dad, Ben and Jamie xx

Birthday Greetings are free for those aged 12 and under only. Free birthday greetings must be received at least two working days before date of insertion otherwise there is no guarantee that it will appear on the day requested. Photos will be available at our level 3 office for collection after notice has appeared in the paper.

CORBETT, Thomas Frederick –

The best friend and beloved Uncle Tom of Philip. The adventures and journeys were many, varied, and always exciting, but sadly they have come to an end too soon. Life will not be the same, you will be greatly missed.

ROWNEY, Gilroy John –

On September 11, 2022, peacefully at home, aged 74 years. Loved husband of the late Rhonda, devoted stepfather and friend of Michael Schout, cherished grandad of Sam and Callum, and Heidi and Tyler, treasured great-grandfather of Polly, loved son of the late Alma Lochhead. “Dearly loved” Messages may be addressed to The Family of the late Gilroy Rowney, c/PO Box 39001, Christchurch 8545. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canterbury SPCA would be appreciated, and may be made online at https://www.spca.nz/centre/c hristchurch-centre. A Celebration of Gilroy’s life will be held in our Westpark Chapel, 467 Wairakei Road, Burnside, on TUESDAY, September 20, at 10am. Private cremation thereafter.

Thursday 13th October 8pm

Adult $61.30 / Group 6+ $56.30 / Child $36 (fees apply)

What’s Love Got To Do With It? A lot if you love Tina Turner. Come along and experience this electrifying concert that is nothing short of a full stage production brimming with Tina hits from the ’60s to the ’90s. Featuring the powerful raspy vocals of Caroline Borole.

Swan Lake – Royal Czech Ballet

Wednesday 2nd November 7-30pm

Tickets starting from $65 (fees apply)

The Royal Czech Ballet will visit New Zealand for the first time with Swan Lake, the most loved ballet of them all. Odette is under a spell where she is a swan by day then turns into a woman at night. Featuring elite dancers from European countries of France, Italy, Moldova and Ukraine.

The World Of Musicals

The World of Musicals

Monday 12th December 7-30pm

Tickets from $59.90 (fees apply)

Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, We Will Rock You plus many more of your favourite songs are performed by the talented cast of World of Musicals. This stirring musical concert will leave you spellbound from the opening song to the final medley of classics.

Mon to Fri – 9am to 5pm

03 307

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

Jesus Christ Super Star

FinalWhistle

calling time on a week of sport

sports

Simon Thomas will be out to lead the Ashburton indoor bowls Welch Trophy team to national representative glory this weekend in Hamilton.