Ashburton Guardian, Saturday, September 17, 2022

The murder trial of Rakaia dairy farm worker Tony Waldron has taken an unusual twist in the high court in Christchurch. Alana Bamber, the wife of the slain farmer, said she was assaulted by Waldron four days before he was violently murdered in September 2019. Bamber and her cousin, Joshua Dylan MorrisBamber, were charged with murder but deny having any part in Waldron’s death.

Murder victim Tony Waldron

Murder accused Alana Bamber: Waldron “beat the s*** out of me in front of the kids”

Alumni fund to benefit students

A $78,000 fund to benefit Ashburton College and its students has been launched “to make a difference”.

That’s the Ashburton College Alumni Fund, inspired by the 60th anniversary of the college last year.

It also includes funding from the former Ashburton High School and it would be administered by Advance Ashburton to assist the lives of students with special aptitude and to contribute to the college’s success.

Ashburton College Alumni Fund chairperson, Peter Gluyas, knows how impactful it could be. He said he knew of students “who’ve given up their ambition not because of a lack of ability, but a lack of funds”.

The alumni fund “can and will make a difference to some people’s lives,” he said.

Advance Ashburton Community Foundation chairperson, Mary Ross, welcomed the $78,000 investment for her team to administer.

She invited guests at the launch to spread the word about the fund “as far and wide as possible.”

“It’s truly hoped over the years ahead (that) the fund, with ongoing support of ex-pupils and generous individuals, will blossom and provide great benefit to the education of our young people.

“We look forward to the day when it stands at $780,000.”

The Advance Ashburton Foundation has $15.1 million under management, with more millions promised in bequests. Since 2003, the foundation had distributed more than $6.4 million to the district.

Mayor Neil Brown, in thank-

ing “all those with the vision and drive to establish the fund”, recalled his years at Ashburton College when there were no cellphones or computers.

“We communicated the old-fashioned way, by talking,” he said.

Ashburton College principal, Ross Preece, said that the $78,000 fund would enhance the $60 million development of the brand new school and “students of the future will benefit from the good work of the alumni”.

Town welcome sign to be considered next year

was the popular choice.

With no budget for the project it has been paused until the next annual plan process when, if it is still deemed necessary by the incoming council, a budget can be identified.

The concepts were put to the councillors in an anonymous survey which had 13 responses from the 10 councillors, meaning some councillors voted more than once on the eight options.

Councillors liked the idea of an ‘Ashburton A’ welcoming people to the town but with no money set aside that vision will be up to the new council.

The Ashburton District Council started the process of looking at introducing welcome signs, but with no budget allocated to the project it will have to wait to be part of the next annual plan process.

Councillors had identified the entrance to Ashburton township has no signage to welcome people into the town which led to design consultants, McCarthy Limited, developing concepts for the councillors to look at preferred options – of which a giant A

“From existing budgets we were able to work on some design concepts and gather the thoughts back from council,” community services group manager Steve Fabish said.

The council had considered ideas around Ashburton’s branding last year, including discussions around replacing the maligned Whatever it Takes slogan, which hasn’t been used for years.

In September the council opted to discard the slogan but not adopt a new one despite plenty of public interest.

A year later, town signs have been considered.

“It is possible that a new council may think differently, but they may also want to build on the initial thinking,” Fabish said.

THE

you want to meet.

The ‘Ashburton A’ coming through as the most popular option.

The council report estimated, based on previous work by the sign maker that a sign at each end of town could cost up to $150,000 – $50,000 per sign, $20,000 for power supply, and $5000 for landscaping.

Deputy mayor Liz McMillan asked about the possibility of a local service club picking up the project, which Fabish said “has not been considered by staff at this early stage”.

A difference maker: All smiles at the announcement of a 78,000 fund to benefit Ashburton College and its students are (from left) Peter Gluyas, Neil Brown, head college students Jorja Roulston and Jack Brown, with Mary Ross and Ross Preece.

Malcolm Hopwood

Jonathan Leask

The eight suggesterd signs with the big A (top left) the front runner.

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Husband ‘beat the s*** out of me’ days before killing

Murder accused wife claims she was attacked

BY NZME

The wife of a slain Rakaia farmer phoned police, claiming she was the victim of a domestic assault four days before he was violently murdered.

But a friend of Alana Bamber, who denies having anything to do with the Rakaia dairy farm worker Tony Grant Waldron’s death, spoke of their surprise at seeing the allegedly battered wife the next day “walking and talking like there was nothing wrong with her”.

Bamber’s 111 call was played to a jury yesterday morning at the High Court in Christchurch where she claims Waldron “beat the s*** out of me in front of the kids”.

Waldron, 29, was found dead at his Gardiners Road, Rakaia, home, 45 minutes south of Christchurch, on September 18, 2019, after failing to show up for the 5.30am milking.

After a massive homicide investigation, Waldron’s wife Bamber, 35, and her cousin, Joshua Dylan Morris-Bamber, 28, were charged with murder.

They deny murdering Waldron or having any part in his death.

Morris-Bamber’s defence counsel Anne Stevens KC earlier said the Crown’s alleged four-minute window where he is supposed to have murdered Waldron in his sleep is “simply not credible”.

The court heard from parttime casual dairy farm worker Eilish Brook, who said Bamber had phoned her on Saturday, September 14, saying that Waldron had attacked her.

Bamber had been at a party the night before and arrived home in the early hours of the morning.

Someone later sent Waldron a video of Bamber at the party, which showed her allegedly flirting with another man, the court has heard.

He messaged her: “Don’t be there when I get home.”

But when he returned, she

was still there, and that’s when she alleges Waldron assaulted her in the laundry of their farm home. She claimed he punched her in the ribs and “threw her all around” the room.

On the recording, she is heard telling the call-taker that Waldron has a “personality disorder” where he “can’t have anyone thinking he’s not a nice guy”.

Rakaia senior constable Trevor Gurney was called out and spoke to the couple.

He found Waldron calm and co-operative, while describing the house as messy, with dirty dishes around the kitchen and washing lying around.

Bamber was complaining of stomach pain but ambulance staff couldn’t identify any physical injuries, Gurney said.

He issued a police safety order but allowed Waldron to stay at the farm property as Bamber indicated she would stay with family in Christchurch.

She was taken to hospital and phoned Brook, saying she had serious injuries, including concussion, separated ribs, and was p****** blood.

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Recline in

The friend – who described Bamber as erratic, aggressive, lazy, and “very dirty” and doubted her fears that Waldron was having an affair – advised her to

take photographs of her injuries for evidence “because it sounded bad”.

But when she saw Bamber the following day at a Christchurch

flat, she was “walking and talking like there was nothing wrong with her”, Brook said. The trial, before Justice Gerald Nation, continues.

Tony Grant Waldron was found dead on this Rakaia dairy farm.

Police investigate the murder scene on the Rakaia dairy farm.

Mayor and clergy reflect on the Queen’s passing

Time to have your say

The race is now officially on for the local body elections, and the result lies in the hands of the voters.

We will never again see a mon arch who represented us for 70 years or more, Ashburton May or, Neil Brown said at Thursday’s ser vice to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

“She was simply remarkable,” he said.

Mayor Brown was one of three speakers at the service, held at St Stephen’s Church, to commem orate the Queen, who died last week aged 96, and offer prayers for King Charles III.

Rev Steve Murray reflected on New Zealand in the 1950s when the Queen and Duke visited for the first time.

“New Zealand had a popula tion of two million and was going through a baby boom,” he said. “Sid Holland was Prime Minister with Keith Holyoake his deputy.

“Hillary climbed Everest and Godfrey Bowen broke the world record by shearing 456 ewes in nine hours.”

Murray commended the Queen and Duke for visiting 46 towns and cities and attended 110 functions. Three out of four Kiwis saw them during their na tional tour.

“Thank-you your majesty,” Rev Murray said.

Voting in Ashburton’s local elections officially opened yesterday with vot ing papers mailed to all en rolled voters by September 21. They must be returned by midday on October 8.

There are 23,124 people enrolled to vote in the dis trict, up from 21,865 in 2019.

The voter turnout in the 2019 elections in Ashburton was 55.06 per cent – 12,038 votes (excluding special votes) which was a slight improvement on the 53 per cent (11,585) in 2016.

According to Electionz. com data, Ashburton’s was at the higher end of vot er turnout in Canterbury where Mackenzie was the highest at 60.51 per cent, fol lowed by Hurunui (57.18%) with Selwyn (41.86%) and Christchurch City (41.1%) at the bottom.

Rev Bob Dorans, who was born in South West Scotland, led the service and talked about the Queen’s affection for Scotland.

“She had a deep and abiding love and had happy memories of Balmoral Castle,” he said.

The Queen carried out 430 engagements a year, and never showed any loss of interest.

“She was also utterly devoted to the Church of England,” Rev Dorans added. “I’ve known no monarch other than her.”

A number of speakers deliv ered prayers and Bible readings, including Rev Heather Stewart, Rev Helen Wallis, Rev Rosalind

Stewart and Kathi Craig.

The service, attended by about 80 people, ended with the Na tional Anthem, God Save the King.

As the clergy departed, led by cross carrier, Roger Paterson, piper Colin Bates played the lament, Nurse Edith Cavell.

With four councillors stepping down there will be at least four new faces at the Ashburton District Council table.

The results could see all but one incumbent return on October 8.

There is also the Methven Community Board, Braid ed Rivers Community Trust and Environment Canter bury elections.

Voting papers can be posted at any NZ Post post box, and the council is pro viding ballot boxes at the Ashburton Public Library, Methven iHub, and the council administration of fice.

If you haven’t enrolled or your voting papers don’t arrive by the middle of next week, special voting papers can be requested at the Ash burton District Council of fice during business hours.

Authorised by Rodger Letham. 7 Filey Place, Ashburton 7700.

Check out the candidate profiles on P17-24

Malcolm Hopwood

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown, his wife Judy and councillor Lynette Lovett attended the commemorative service. The mayor read Psalm 23 and reflected on the Queen’s life.

Rev Helen Wallis (left) led one of the prayers and is with Dr Diane Young, who attended the service.

Kathi Craig reads a scripture from John’s gospel.

We’ve turned the page on COVID

COVID-19 has impacted everyone in Aotearoa. We’ve all made sacrifices to get where we are today. But thanks to our hard mahi, we can now safely retire the COVID Protection Framework (traffic lights).

Haere tonu

We’re moving forwards

With cases low, access to anti-viral medicines and most of our population vaccinated, it is now safe to retire the traffic light system.

Protecting lives and livelihoods remains the goal of our COVID response. We can now do that and provide greater certainty for people, their whānau, and businesses at the same time.

Some things stay the same

We still need to do our part to protect our health system and slow the spread of COVID.

We’re required to keep doing two familiar things:

If you test positive, isolate for 7 days.

Mental health tools are available

COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. Effective mental health tools are available to help people recover from the impact of the pandemic.

Find them at Covid19.govt.nz/mentalhealth

Layers of protection still in place

There are measures still in place to keep us safe from the virus. Anti-viral medicines are available to those aged 65 and over, and Māori and Pacific Peoples aged 50 and over. This helps to protect at-risk people and communities, and help them get better, faster. There are systems in place to continue monitoring wastewater and the international COVID situation. Testing is available for international arrivals to keep track of any new variants entering the country.

This approach will keep us informed and safe, and you will be notified if there is anything to be aware of, or any action required.

New variants or case increases

Wear a mask when visiting health, disability and aged care facilities.

Everyone should also:

1. Stay up to date with their vaccinations.

2. Seek treatment if you or your whānau are unwell.

3. Wear a mask when visiting people who are at high-risk of getting seriously ill from COVID.

Some places, such as workplaces, special events, or marae may ask people to wear a mask as a condition of entry.

If there is a dangerous new variant or pressure on the health system, some requirements may be temporarily introduced to manage the impact of the virus. These are familiar to us and will always be temporary.

Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua

Taking our past learnings into the future

The past two and a half years have taught us a lot about COVID. But this virus is no longer the great unknown. We now have the tools to stay safe if we encounter any new variants in the future that put pressure on our health system.

Now that’s a real tractor

Nitty gritty tractor numbers

What: Fendt 724 Vario Cost: About $350,000, depending on options

Driving a tractor is like riding a bike. Sort of.

Thanks to tractor and farm machinery spe cialists, JJ Limited, I was able to put that the ory to practice when I got behind the Porsche 911 of tractors, a Fendt 724, at a demo and drive day in Lauriston.

The Fendt 724, with a listed retail price in the realm of $350,000, is some machine. And for those tractor-loving blokes and blokess es, who just want the big power details, it comes with a whopping 240 horsepower and 1072Nm of torque. Now, before we go any further, if you’ve got a friend who reckons you don’t need that kind of horsepower, then get rid of them. You don’t need that kind of nega tivity in your life. Just joking, of course.

Seriously, getting in this tractor, which is about three times the size of my road car, was a pretty daunting experience. But JJ Limited sales rep and former farmer, Nigel Robertson, soon had me up to speed with all the bells and whistles.

Now, I’m not saying farmers don’t work hard because they do, but this tractor driv ing thing seemed pretty easy. With all the electronics, GPS monitoring, and auto speed control, tractors like this baby can almost drive themselves.

And the Fendt is certainly a lot more com fortable than the last tractor I drove, which was some little thing many years ago that was so archaic that it was probably older than the newsroom’s silver fox Malcom Hopwood.

Horsepower: 240

Torque: 1072Nm

Size: 5.2m long, 2.5m wide and 3m tall

Unladen weight: 7980kg

The Fendt had everything you needed to be able to sit back and relax, including a heater, suspension seats to absorb the bumps, a ste reo tuned to the Rock FM, which is obviously the farmer’s radio station of choice. A young farmer maybe.

I’ve also driven around racetracks at about 200kph but in the fabulous Fendt, 12kph was plenty fast enough. Once moving, it was off to cultivate some of the paddocks they’d laid out.

Thanks to the technology, the tractor knows when it has a cultivator attached and adjusts the speed accordingly to how bumpy the field is.

After completing the drive, I asked Robert son if I could cut it as a tractor driver if this journalist thing didn’t work out.

“After a couple of days in the seat, I reckon you would have it,” he said.

So, at least I can tick another thing off my list of machines and vehicles to drive. To be honest, I just think the boss (Daryl Holden) was just glad I didn’t crash it.

Right – Monkey see monkey do: Guardian reporter come tractor driver now, gets a lesson on how to drive for the first time in six years, but this time in something much bigger.

PHOTO KAREN HALL

Daniel Alvey

for

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Choosing the right helmet

Let’s get this straight – open-face helmets are significantly less safe than others. That much should be obvious when 34.6% of head impacts in crashes are to the chin area.

This Motorcycle Awareness Month we’re asking all road users to look again for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists can be hard to see and one look before turning is not enough.

All road users need to look again to be sure the road is clear before turning.

Flip-front or system helmets suffer from a few related weaknesses versus a conventional full-face. One is that the chin bar lock doesn’t always keep the chin bar in place in a crash. If you look at the tests published by SHARP, you’ll see a percentage figure for flip-front helmets. It shows how often the chin bar stayed closed during their impact tests. The lowest figure is 17%, and several others only stayed closed 20% of the time.

Another downside of flip-front or system helmets is that, even if the chin bar stays in place, the structural integrity of a two-piece helmet is a compromise versus a once-piece full-face. Finally, even though you’re not meant to, some people ride along with the chin piece up, as though it’s an open-face helmet.

So, a flip-front lid is better than an open-face, but the best design for protection is always full-face.

How the helmet should fit

How a helmet fits you can be as important as how it performs in tests. For a start, you must not be able to remove it without undoing the chin strap. To test for this, you try to roll the helmet forward off your head. The chin strap should adjust to fit closely under your chin without feeling like it’s strangling you.

Next come the closeness and comfort of the fit. The helmet should fit snugly and evenly all around your head, with no pinching or loose areas. Above all, the helmet must fit close enough that it won’t move around on your head, but not so it gives you a headache.

Buying a used helmet

Avoid buying a used helmet. Helmets should be replaced roughly every three to five years, mainly because the impact-absorbing lining and the inner liner will have deteriorated. And you’ll never know if a helmet has been dropped onto a hard surface, which can mean the shell is

A new era of school leadership

The newly announced head students at Mount Hutt College will focus on reducing bullying in the school as it heads into a new era of leadership.

Andy Armour, Madison Holgate, Juliet Campbell and Anna Tuamoheloa have been announced as the 2023 head students for the college, the first under the new leadership model.

The college moved away from gender roles of head boy and girl and deputy head boy and girl, opting to go with four head students that will all stand on the same level.

“The pressure will be on to deliver as we are the first to be head students for the school,” Campbell said.

A focus on bullying has been heightened recently not just in schools, but among MPs, and sports teams with no-one being immune, and the incoming head students have realistic goals for minimising bullying.

“Bullying is one of those issues that will always be part of school life, you can never fully get rid of it, and to say you can have a school that would never contain any bullying would be very far fetched,” Holgate said.

The college has already made

inroads with the deputy principal Kaylib Gorrie developing an app with which students can report incidents of bullying that can help schools identify bullying hotspots.

“We want to create a school environment in which people feel comfortable reporting bullying.”

While they are still in the early stages of planning they do have

some generic goals they would like to achieve.

“Maintaining the pride values of the school (passion, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence) and ensuring, as seniors,

they pass them down to the younger students,” Holgate said.

Ashburton College will announce their head students at the Year 12 prize-giving in early November.

The A Team: The newly announced head students of Mount Hutt College (from left) Andy Armour, Madison Holgate, Juliet Campbell and Anna Tuamoheloa (absent) are ready to take on the challenge of leading the college.

PHOTO DANIEL ALVEY

Daniel Alvey

DellaTammy

RantorRave

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Te reo Maori – it’s here, get used to it

Tereo Māori. There, that’s probably resulted in most of the usual editorial read ers turning the page or tossing the paper on to the couch.

Why? Because the mere mention of te reo Māori, and its increasingly widespread use in New Zealand, remains something of a touchy subject in many parts of the country, including in Mid Canterbury.

And that, no doubt, has prob ably especially been the case this week. Because as everyone should know, we’re at the end of Māori Language Week, which is a government-driven annual celebration that aims to inspire New Zealanders to speak the Māori language proudly.

Anyone switching on the tele to watch the 6pm news would have heard presenters reading a portion of the bulletin in our national language as part of the

Daryl Holden

Māori Language Week initiative, which I love. And why do I get such a kick out of it? Because te reo Māori is a beautiful language.

Alongside New Zealand Sign Language, it’s also an official language of our country. Eng lish, of course, is New Zealand’s de facto official language by virtue of the numbers who speak it.

But English is different. It’s not at risk. Nor does it need the protection afforded to te reo Māori and outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and even the United Nations’ Declaration on the

Rights of Indigenous People.

Te reo Māori became an official language of New Zealand in 1987 and it’s slowly but surely becoming normalised. The Government hopes to accelerate its use, having set a target of one million speakers of basic te reo by 2040, and 150,000 who are proficient.

That’s a lofty goal but why not aim high? After all, its status as an official language means New Zealand citizens have the right to conduct their dealings with government agencies in te reo.

It’s fast becoming a must-have in business, especially with the Māori economy a growing powerhouse. And many New Zealand agencies, including national and local government, and courts of law, also require their employees to have some degree of competence in te reo.

All of this, of course, probably

brings an element of fear and re sentment from those who think learning te reo is a fat waste of time. Listen closely and you’ll hear grumbles and groans, particularly from economical ly minded parents: “Why not teach our children Mandarin or something that’ll come in useful in their careers? What use is te reo Māori when New Zealand is the only country on the planet where it’s spoken?’’

Well, a couple of things to note. Education shouldn’t just be about pumping out mon ey-making robots with one view on life. Our school curriculums should be nurturing well-round ed New Zealanders, who understand our history and are able to make more informed decisions.

There are also scientifically proven cognitive benefits to learning a second language. But the big question is why the

increased use of te reo is even being debated in 2022? Would it not be like questioning whether Japanese should be spoken in Japan? And surely no other lan guage belongs in New Zealand more than te reo Māori.

Look at what happens in Europe where children in most countries there are taught to speak more than one language. In 1981, only 500,000 Welsh could speak their own lan guage. In 2000, the government introduced compulsory Welsh in schools up to the age of 16.

Today, more than 700,000 Welsh can speak their language. That revival’s an example of what can be achieved when the government and educational organisations recognise the value in preserving an indige nous language. It’s something we should take note of here. Nga mihi everyone.

Improvements, not new digs

Look,

I’m not anti-National, despite the tone of some of my weekend mutterings that have been printed.

I’m pro-improvement and if I just shut up for a minute and look for what the political parties want to do in terms of education, maybe I could find the improvement I seek.

Alas no. Well at least partially no from the right wing. The home of trickle-down economics that has benefited no-one in Northland or the West Coast, have not altered their approach to education.

They still have the same policy from more than two years ago which looks good on paper, but does not meet its own vision.

The golf-playing Nats spout that investment in education is the greatest investment they can make, and they want to prioritise lifting student achievement.

Great, that sounds like a clear vision of improvement. What does that investment look like?

National’s response is $4.8 billion in buildings. Yip that is a lot of your taxes to have nice classrooms, because we all know children achieve better because the roof doesnt leak.

What a load of crap. Learning has nothing to do with new buildings or impressive signs and entranceways in schools. If this was true, then all the new Christchurch schools built after

the quake would be leading the country in terms of learning –they don’t.

Now it may seem as I have contradicted myself when I said I was pro-improvement but then knock National’s plan to invest in buildings. The fact is that this so-called investment is mostly keeping up with roll growth, and refurbishing the current building stock. In other words business as usual.

To be fair, the Nats do mention some other ideas, but at a far lower cost level as in about $32 million a year for teacher aides. Small change compared to $4.8 billion.

Okay, enough picking on peo-

ple who can’t even front up with decent candidates. How about those on the looney Left. The Luddites and Labourites who have been taking our country in the wrong direction, according to the latest Taxpayers political poll.

Well, they have actually started and continued a quiet revolution that is extremely low cost compared to the golf ball bashers.

Our current minister kicked off a review of Tomorrow’s Schools back in 2017. It has cost around $3 million over the last five years. So what? That sounds like an expensive exercise that probably involved consultants.

Tattoos need meaning

Yesterday was Tattoo Story Day, and if you don’t have a tattoo, and are afraid to get one because you don’t like needles, I’ve got good news for you coming up.

I have a love-hate relationship with my tough stickers. I don’t like the birds that I have on my chest. They were the first tattoos I got, and although I waited until I was 20 to get them, because I thought I was all grown up and could make sensible decisions then, I didn’t!

The guy who did them, did it freehand and they didn’t turn out how I wanted. He was a bit scary though ,and I didn’t want to complain and it hurt like hell on the chest, so I was pretty happy when it was all finished.

I then came up with a wonderful idea to get a tat in every country I visited while on my OE. That started and finished in Southhampton with a pretty average kiwi on my arm. I think I’ll get that one covered up or removed when i win Lotto. I won’t be touching the ones on my chest as I’m way too chicken these days.

I have a couple that I got on the radio many years ago, and they also generate some happy memories.

My favourites are my kid’s names on my back. The oldest two I got in San Francisco, so that generates some nice mem-

ories as well, and Maddy’s name appeared between them a year ago.

The only thing I would say to anyone contemplating a tattoo is make sure it has some meaning behind it, don’t just get it for the sake of it. What you think is pretty cool today may not appear the same years down the track. A lot of people I know have tattoos that are in honour of loved ones who have passed and I reckon that’s awesome.

For those who would like one but don’t like the idea of the pain attached, some good news could be on its way. Scientists have developed a way for you to get a permanent tattoo without going under the needle. The new technology is in the form of a skin patch that has micro-needles smaller than grains of sand. While it still technically uses needles, these ones are microscopic and are said to be painless and bloodless. The micro-needles can be arranged into different designs, words, symbols, etc. — to create the ideal custom tattoo. And as a bonus, they can even be made to respond to environmental fac-

tors including light or temperature changes. Using skin patches is a quicker process, too. The patch is pressed onto the body — similar to how one would apply a temporary tattoo — and the micro-needles dissolve, leaving the ink to sink into the skin a few minutes later. They can even be self-administered — no tattoo shop required.

I can’t begin to imagine some of the tattoo screw-ups that we’re about to start seeing!

Till next week

Hoo Roo Phill Hooper

No regerts

Phill Hooper is the breakfast host of Ashburton’s Hokonui radio station. The views expressed in this column are his and do not reflect the opinion of his employer or the Ashburton Guardian.

Yes – it would have been costly, if you did nothing with the findings. Well, the minister and his office have actually been following up and putting in place recommended actions from the review. Will they make an improvement? The Tomorrow’s Schools review submitted to cabinet 25 nationwide actions grouped under five key objectives.

The new equity index is one, along with re-writing the national education priorities that come into force next year, and then there is the principal eligibility criteria.

This has been needed for awhile. Up until now, the only

requirement to be a principal is to be a registered teacher. That is too low if we want to have higher performing schools. I know of five schools locally over the past 10 years that have regretted appointing principals with not much more than having done some years in the classroom.

This has resulted in those schools either stalling, or worse needing intervention to shift on people who shouldn’t sit in the Big Kahuna’s chair. Current principals might be nervous about the introduction of criteria, but too bad. The job is not about you, it’s about doing better for the children in your school.

Under Labour the Tomorrow’s Schools review recommendations have been acted on. I know Labour aren’t the flavour of the month with many of you and it would be a long shot to see our current MP holding onto her seat, however, Labour have been making improvements to education.

Can National do the same –well actually if they were smart they would shelve some of their obsession with Charter Schools in order to get Act’s support, and simply continue the implementation of the review.

Now that would be an improvement.

Peter Livingstone is the principal of Tinwald School. The views expressed in this column are his and do not represent the views of his school, the Ashburton Guardian or the Mid Canterbury Principals’ Association.

Your Majesty, thanks for the memories

Thank

you, Queen Elizabeth may you rest in peace.

What an outpouring of grief there is for the late Queen, and it’s not over yet, as in London huge crowds queue to file past her casket paying their respects.

For most of us she is the only monarch we have known, and so her death is a deep and unfamiliar experience hugely personal, and it feels as though we have each have some personal experience of her life and times.

Her 70 years on the throne have been a remarkable achievement, a real act of responsibility, dedication and service. Most of us believe this to be a marvellous act of generosity and duty to her own, and to the world community.

It was with a stirring sense of appreciation, even wonder that we listened to recordings of her announcement at the age of twenty-one and ‘out of Africa’, when she made this pledge and commitment for ‘the term of her natural life’ as it has turned out, to Britain, the Empire/Commonwealth, even the world, of lasting duty and service.

Even Vladimir Putin was sincere and embracing, even tender in his warm appreciation of

her presence and influence on the world stage in his time over the years.

Royalty and leaders around the world have shown the appreciation of they, and their own people to the natural and gracious resilience and example she has demonstrated.

Finally, for many of us the saga of the Netflix’s TV journey of The Crown back in Covid lockdown times, would have set us up ‘with a bird’s-eye view’ and a somewhat ‘director’s cut’ version of royal life behind the manors, castle walls and moats.

However, the series to date has given us some insight into the pomp and circumstance and the games people play behind the palace walls, and in the dark places.

Your Majesty, you have done so well.

May you rest in peace and enjoy eternal life for ever.

Denis Nolan is the parish priest with the Catholic Pastoral Area of Mid Canterbury

Peter Livingstone

OUT

SCHOOL

Phill Hooper OFF THE AIR

Denis Nolan CHRISTIAN COMMENT

Departing Holt Street wharf in Brisbane, my 60 minute ferry ride whisked me across to Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island, an unpretentious bolt-hole for some blissedout island time.

Lassoed by vivid blue waters teeming with marine life, Moreton Island happens to be the third largest sand island in the world.

Consisting entirely of sand, apart from a small area of sandstone and rhyolite at Cape Moreton, this giant sand castle is surprisingly draped in verdant, steep-sloped forest and a wealth

of colourful flora. Ninety-six per cent of the island enjoys national park status.

It’s also home to the highest coastal sand dune in the world,

Blissed out Moreton Bay

Mount Tempest, which at 285 metres high, delivers unrivalled views across the glittering waters of Moreton Bay.

There’s all manner of historic

nuggets to admire on Moreton Island. You’ll definitely want to head to the bright red Cape Moreton Lighthouse, built by convicts in 1857 from local sandstone. During World War Two there were 900 troops stationed on the island.

Post-war, Tangalooma was first developed as a whaling station, finally closing in 1962. A brutal harpoon is on display, as a memorial to the grisly whaling days. You can join a whaling station talk and tour to learn about the history and operations of the station and how the island did a spectacular about-face, switching from exploiting these giant mammals to becoming one of Australia’s great homes to sustainable whale watching.

During migration season an estimated 36,000 humpback whales cruising from Antarctica to Queensland (and back again) between June and October. The resort guarantees you will see a whale on their cruise, with juveniles frequently breaching alongside the boat.

In 1963 the Tangalooma Whaling Station was sold to a syndicate of Gold Coast businessmen and since 1980, the resort has

been owned by the Osborne family, who are passionate about providing great-value island holidays, while pursuing their passionate commitment for supporting the wondrous natural environment.

I headed north up the vast sweep of white sand beach from the resort to the Tangalooma wrecks. Just offshore, 15 ships were sunk between the 1960s and 1980s to create a protected channel for boats to moor. This drowned fleet of retired steam-driven dredges and barges were scuttled on the edge of a sandbank to form a breakwater and safe anchorage for recreational boaties.

Jutting above the waterline, it absolutely looks like a maritime graveyard. But the real spin-off has been the fish life, with magnificent coral formations blooming around the wrecks, creating a giant aquarium for tropical fish – and best of all, wobbegong sharks.

Sticking with the wildlife, there’s a fabulous array of activities including pelican feeding. Every morning at 11am, wildlife rangers feed the Australian pelicans and tell you more about these majestic looking birds. Watch out for the cormorants and various other seabirds that gate-crash proceedings in the hope of a free feed. This all takes place from the Tangalooma jetty.

Ever since the installation of lights at the resort jetty in 1960, bottlenose dolphins have been cruising into the resort at twilight, hunting bait fish which were attracted by the lights. This gave birth to the enduring wild

Dining Moreton Bay style. What could be more relaxing than having a fine dining experience next to the shoreline.

PHOTO TOURISM QUEENSLAND

By Mike Yardley

Swap the urban bustle of Brisbane for a quick and easy island escape to Moreton Bay, writes Mike Yardley.

Poolside at Tangalooma.

PHOTO MIKE YARDLEY

dolphin feeding programme, which continues every night at sunset. Book a spot on the small-group programme, wade into the tranquil waters of Moreton Bay and the team of marine biologists will show you how to feed the dolphins, waiting patiently in the shallows.

Hold your herring like an ice-cream cone! It’s a graceful, indelible encounter.

Another banner Tangalooma experience is sand tobogganing. Backing the small settlement is Tangalooma desert and its mighty dunes. I took a safari tour to the desert, on a thrilling, bouncy 4WD bus tour, where getting there is half the fun. As a virgin to sand tobogganing, I found it utterly exhilarating, hurtling down the sandhill at 40km per hour, with just a flimsy wooden board to hold on to.

Forty kilometres per hour might not sound that fast, but trust me, when you are hurtling down a steep sand dune,

head first on your tummy – it is! There’s even a photographer standing by to capture your fun-filled or fearful face, as you blast by.

I ripped down the dune three times, although the hardest task was mustering the energy to keep mounting that 30-metre-high sand dune, to reach the launch pad. My calves paid the price for several days.

There aren’t too many places on Australia’s East Coast where you can watch the sunset over the water, but you can at Tangalooma.

After lapping up a fireball sunset, the languid waters rippled all pink and grey. After dark, with the sea turning midnight ink, the sky above Tangalooma was full of twinkle, far away from the city lights.

The chirpy, cheerful and outgoing staff are the cherry on top of a stress-free getaway to Tangalooma Resort. www. tangalooma.com

Get among a wide variety of fish on a snorkelling adventure.

PHOTO TOURISM QUEENSLAND

Another banner Tangalooma experience is sand tobogganing, hurtling down the sandhill at 40km per hour, with just a flimsy wooden board to hold on to.

PHOTO TANGALOOMA RESORT

Come twilight the bottlenose dolphins come in to be hand fed. An activity not to be missed.

PHOTO TOURISM QUEENSLAND

This brutal harpoon is on display, as a memorial to the grisly whaling days.

PHOTO MIKE YARDLEY

The Cape Moreton Lighthouse was built from local sandstone by convicts in 1857.

PHOTO TOURISM QUEENSLAND

Just offshore of Tangalooma, 15 ships were sunk between the 1960s and 1980s to create a protected channel for boats to moor.

PHOTO TOURISM QUEENSLAND

Third time lucky for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

It’s

packing-in day for Jesus Christ Superstar at the Ashburton Event Centre and general manager and director, Roger Farr, is elated.

He has reason to be excited. It’s the third time since March last year he’s attempted to present Superstar but, on two previous occasions, Covid got in the way and his attempts to stage the show were scrapped.

This time looks good. “Packing-in” is a theatrical expression meaning moving the staging into place and sorting out the lighting, sound and audio-visuals, ready for the cast to arrive.

“By the end of tomorrow we’ll have the set installed on stage and I can then focus on everything else,” Farr said. He only has a few days to get things right. “This weekend’s the time when everything I’ve planned, must happen,” he said.

But he’s jubilant. The show, one

of his favourites, looked at times like it would never be staged in Ashburton. Now it will open on October 1 and, with the Government relaxing restrictions, he has certainty the season will go ahead.

Superstar launched in London’s West End in 1972, but it took a few decades before the performance rights became available around the world. Roger caught up with it in Christchurch in the 1980s and was immediately captivated by the music.

“It was the first rock-opera I ever saw and I could follow the story through the songs and words,” he said.

Numbers like the title song, Could We Start Again and I Don’t Know How to Love Him stayed with him, even haunted him.

“I saw the storyline as just as relevant today,” he said. “It’s the whole thing of finding someone to look up to, someone who can take you on a journey through life.”

His own journey through life started 56 years ago. He was born in Ashburton and attended Allenton School and Ashburton College. His dad, Bruce, helped with constructing sets for the Ashburton Operatic Society and Roger, as a youngster, was drawn to theatre.

He was an orphan in Oliver, an Indian in Annie Get Your Gun and a T-Bird – a member of a teenage gang who attended Rydell High School – in Grease. While he liked the stage, he enjoyed the technical aspects of productions even more.

He helped Bruce with construction at first – “Dad was a fussy bugger but I learned his skills” – but when Robert Young was engaged as operatic society director, he moved to lighting.

“I was inspired by Robert. I came to see how lighting design was so important in portraying atmosphere,” he said. “A single light could influence a whole scene.”

Roger discovered that, by

playing with colours, he could enhance emotion on stage.

But theatre as a fulltime profession came much later in life for him. When he left college he worked for plumber, Arthur Cates and then, for five years, was workshop manager at an engineering firm.

The desire to manage his own business came with marriage and maturity. “Sally and I were partners in Riverland Interiors. We sold anything from lounge suites, occasional furniture, dining tables and chairs to drapery.”

In his spare time, he was drawn back to the magic of musicals. He was Mr Spotlight. He worked in the lighting box and swept the stage with colour, imagery and illumination.

“I learned the whole craft of theatre, from lighting plots to directing,” he said.

Roger was not content with just one aspect. His commitment

was to master everything. That included theatre management and a state-of-the-art venue.

As president of Ashburton Operatic, he was appointed to the Performing Arts Theatre Trust and chaired Project 101. The Regent Theatre, the home of performance in Ashburton, was at the end of its life and something new was urgently required.

“It was a dangerous building. The mortar had fallen out of the bricks. It would never have survived an earthquake,” he said.

“Together with Alan McQuarters and Noel Johnson, we saw the need for our own theatre.”

Project 101, which started at the end of last century, took 10 years and “a huge amount of fundraising” before it was shovel ready.

Roger recalls he started with a blank canvas and travelled around New Zealand studying theatres and talking to administrators. “We looked at operational aspects,

By Malcolm Hopwood

During the day Roger Farr is general manager of Ashburton Event Centre but at night his responsibility includes directing, plotting the lighting, designing the set, approving the costumes and co-ordinating 130 people for the theatre’s major production for 2022. Third time lucky it’s going to succeed.

Director and general manager, Roger Farr, has a sense of relief that Jesus Christ Superstar will really happen this year and won’t be threatened by red traffic lights or pandemics.

Farr and SUPERSTAR

ideas and what worked and what didn’t,” he said.

“I gathered together the best concepts of what I’d found and incorporated them into the design for our own theatre.”

In doing so he sought opinions from such groups as New Zealand Ballet to find out what they need-

“

appointed general manager on a 12-month contract.

“I enjoyed it and when they advertised the permanent position I applied and I’m still here,” he said. “It’s one of those industries that gets into the blood.”

Looking back on nearly 15 years of providing the best of local and

Rehearsals for the show started in June and it’s absolutely consumed me. I’m often awake at 3am thinking of the things that need to be done like co-ordinating 130 people, engaging them and not wasting their time

ed to perform in Ashburton and consulted the community about their desires.

When the Ashburton Event Centre opened in 2008, Roger’s career journey took another step. He was

national entertainment he can, Roger believes the venue has “achieved what we set out to do”.

“Our theatre has intimacy, every seat has a brilliant view of the stage and it’s just the right size,” he

added. “Even an audience of 200 looks big in the auditorium.”

But while the creative side is great, he admits the paper trail is laborious. And he wouldn’t like theatre to be plunged into darkness again with another pandemic.

With the 15th anniversary arising in 2023, Roger is already looking at options to celebrate the milestone. There’s something planned, but not confirmed, he said. Maintenance and upgrading equipment such as lighting, sound and audio-visual, will take a percentage of proceeds.

That centres Roger on the reality of box office. With the major production starting on October 1, the focus is on making a profit.

“We want to achieve a great show on stage with a good audience. We need them to keep the theatre viable so we can do those important things in the years to come,” he said.

That directs him to Jesus Christ Superstar, a show he’s directing, plotting the lighting, designing the set, imagining the costumes and running the theatre in his waking hours.

“Rehearsals for the show started in June and it’s absolutely consumed me,” he said. “I’m often awake at 3am thinking of the things that need to be done like co-ordinating 130 people, engaging them and not wasting their time.”

He’s directed the show before in Ashburton but this time round his ideas have changed, inspired by a visit he and Sally made to Greece. He visited an open-air colosseum and was stunned by its clear acoustics.

“It was spectacular and I saw how such an arena could be adapted for a Biblical production,” he said. He’s designed and built a model of a Greek amphitheatre and will set Superstar in the

framework, enhancing it with audio-visual scenes.

Into this colosseum will come the cast and chorus who’ll interpret and act out the New Testament story leading to Christ’s crucifixion.

Roger believes it will be a unique and, as far as possible, an authentic interpretation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit West End and Broadway show.

He talks with pride about an outstanding cast who’ve stayed with him through the rehearsals, disappointments and postponements and, this time, want to ensure it succeeds.

“I’ve poured 50 years of practice and experience into this. It’s a hell of an apprenticeship,” he said.

It’s nearly 40 years since Roger saw his first Jesus Christ Superstar and he’s determined to bring the impact of the 1980s’ show to Ashburton when it opens in a fortnight.

Above – Roger Farr shows off his model of a Greek amphi theatre, a colosseum that inspired him to anchor the Jesus Christ Superstar set.

Left – When he’s not Mr Director, Producer and everything else, Roger Farr is general manager of Ashburton Event Centre.

Right – Matt Williams auditioned for Jesus 18 months ago. Finally he has the opportunity to perform the most important role of his life.

Farewell Pukekohe

By Daniel Alvey

Afairytale finish. You couldn’t have wished for a better farewell for Pukekohe Park Raceway as the supercars championship held its final round at the venue.

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing confirmed they would not be renewing the track’s lease earlier this year, opting to expand the horse-racing facilities at the venue.

The closure, in April next year, will bring an end to 60 years of motorsport history at the track.

From the Friday morning, the atmosphere was already building with fans rolling through the gates in their thousands, even if it was just for practice.

As the weekend progressed, the atmosphere built until the final race on Sunday afternoon. The number of fans on the hill was even more packed in than the Bathurst 1000 endurance race across the ditch, the biggest event of the year.

It was standing room only as the cars rolled on to the grid for the final time to get the formalities under way. A haka, and national anthems for New Zealand and Australia felt more special than an All Blacks’ test. The “King of Pukekohe’’ Greg Murphy, a winner at Pukekohe nine times, was almost in tears in his commentator role as the showdown was set to take place.

At stake was the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy named after the Kiwi motorsport driver who died from cancer at the age of 35. The victor would also be the last driver to win around the track, which has been open since 1963.

In the end, it was all about Shane van Gisbergen, with SVG starting from eighth to take an emotional victory, carrying his fans on his back and drawing on his heroes to get the job done.

“A bit of you (Murphy), a bit of JR (Richards), a bit of the crowd,” van Gisbergen said when asked where he drew his inspiration for his charge through the field.

You could see how much it meant to him and that he didn’t care about the championship, which he is comfortably leading. It was all about winning it or binning it.

For the fans, car brand allegiance fell by the wayside with even Ford fans cheering van Gisbergen in his Holden as they celebrated one of the great drives and a fitting win for a Kiwi motorsport star.

So, while we said goodbye to Pukekohe, don’t write off seeing the New Zealand supercars round somewhere else. Where? That’s still unknown but wherever it is, it will be special. Just like Pukekohe.

Above – Standing room only: The final farewell to Pukekohe Park Raceway brought thousands of fans to the famous hill above the main straight, packing in tighter than the Bathurst 1000.

PHOTOS DANIEL ALVEY

Guardian petrolhead Daniel Alvey was on the ground as the New Zealand round of the Australian Supercars Championship bid farewell to Pukekohe Park Raceway.

Above – Sliding Out: James Courtney gave the fans a front row view of how four does not fit into one. Below – Muscle car madness: The Central Muscle Cars put on a show for the crowd with cars from a bygone era.

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS 2022

ASHBURTON DISTRICT

Mayoralty

Ihave

been an Ashburton citizen my entire life, with long family ties to the area.

My wife Judy and I have been married for 30 years and have been farming in Ashburton our entire lives. We have three adult children, with our eldest son taking over the family farming interests. We also have business interests throughout the district, and both of us have volunteered for different organisations over the years and continue to do so.

For the past three years I have had the honour of being the Ashburton Mayor, a role that has presented its challenges in these unprecedented times with a global pandemic, 1 in 200-year severe floods with the subsequent devastation, and major infrastructure issues that will have ongoing effects for our future.

My experience in local government has served me well to meet these challenges and has helped to put Ashburton on the national stage. I have championed Ashburton’s interests at the highest levels of government, to the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers, and have successfully help secure $20 million for our new Civic Building (keeping the costs to ratepayers down), successfully lobbied for economic relief after the May, 2021, floods, and have presented an alternative solution to the complete takeover of the Three Waters by a centralised agency to retain local control over our water.

Additionally, by working strategically with key Ministers, such as Hon. Michael Wood, I have lobbied for central government support for our second urban bridge and to reach agreement in finally relocating the railyards from our town centre to the Ashburton Business Estate.

At the present time, the business case for funding to make up the shortfall for the second urban bridge is being presented to Waka Kotahi (NZTA) who have agreed to prioritise this issue given the critical importance to keeping the South Island open during emergency events.

I am running for my second term as mayor so Ashburton District will have the most consistent, stable and positive leader it needs for its future, and to ensure the good work currently under way is seen to completion.

I want to see through the critical issues facing our community. A vote for me is a vote for a safe future.

Authorised by Neil Brown Mitcham Road, Ashburton

Bornat Rakaia and educated at Lauriston Primary and Timaru Boys High School.

From schooldays I farmed at Lauriston until eventually taking over the farm from my father in the early ’80s.

During that time, I was involved and held leadership positions in Young Farmers Club, Federated Farmers, Jaycees, Methven and Ashburton Lions, Lauriston School Committee and the Methven High School Board of Governors. I’m currently a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Ashburton.

In the late ’80s economic and climatic conditions forced a change of direction and I began what became a 33-year career in rural real estate with what was then Hastings McLeod Real Estate.

I believe that my past experiences give me a good understanding of the whole district and a good understanding of governance.

The future looks bright, but whoever the councillors are they will need clear critical thinking and be wary, watchful and focused to get the best outcome for our ratepayers.

Challenges that I see are:

1. Three Waters. This has not started well and the Govt has treated us shabbily.

2

. Reform of Local Govt Act.

3. Review of the Resource Management Act.

4. Upgrading of our rural water supplies.

These matters will take a lot of time and will need clear thinking and common sense while all the time maintaining the day to day running of the council.

I have enjoyed my first term as a Councillor but there are big things still to come which I would like to see completed.

WESTERN WARD

Lynda Topp

Iwasborn in the Waikato to dairy farming parents and at the age of 16 joined the territorial army and did my basic training at Burnham Military Camp.

Along with my twin sister I started my entertainment career as the Topp Twins in 1980s and, as they say, the rest is history.

I believe I have the necessary skills to offer.

Fairness, truth, transparency and inclusiveness of all the people who live in the area are important to me.

Water, roading, tourism, climate change and fair and reasonable rates will be high on my agenda, as well as the needs of business owners and farming communities

I love living in Methven, we have an amazing community and an awesome adventure playground waiting for us to enjoy.

Let me be your new cowgirl for the Western Ward.

WESTERN WARD

Iamexcited to stand again to represent you as a Western Ward councillor. I have the following qualities to continue in this role.

I have experience – Served for nine years on the Methven Community board and two terms as Western Ward councillor, including a term as deputy mayor. Knowledge of long-term plan process, budgets and policies.

I listen – By being out and about every day learning more about our district. I’m easily contactable and make myself available for community events.

I am informed – Keeping across proposed changes to local government including Three Waters, RMA and future of local government, as well as local roading, drinking water and flooding issues.

I am connected – In past two terms I have joined meetings connecting me with the district; Methven and Mayfield reserve and hall boards, Mt Somers Citizens’ Association, Safer Mid Canterbury board, road safety and regional landfill to name a few. Also attend school, service club and sporting celebrations.

I am community minded – Have been a resident of Methven for over 20 years, mother of two teenage students, and involved in many community projects including chairing the committee to build the Methven Skatepark and chairing the Walking Festival group.

Authorised by Rodger Letham

7 Filey Place, Ashburton

Authorised by Lynda Topp twinyodel@gmail.com

Authorised by Liz McMillan liz4westernward@gmail.com

WESTERN WARD

Rodger Letham

Liz McMillan

Neil Brown

Advertising feature

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS

ASHBURTON DISTRICT Advertising feature

ASHBURTON

Ihave

lived in Ashburton for over 30 years.

I enjoy volunteering wherever I can, while juggling my family and work responsibilities. It is my pleasure to support many local organisations, such as Multi Cultural Bite, Patients Advocacy Group, Hakatere Multi Cultural Council to name a few.

I facilitated the Covid Mass Vaccination for migrant communities in our district. I am involved in schools, value our church family and recently started work in an aged-care facility.

I enjoy seeing newcomers to the district being integrated into the community. It is a pleasure to see them benefiting from their hard work. As the only Filipino Justice of the Peace in Mid Canterbury it is another opportunity for me to serve and help our community.

I would be proud to be the connection between the locals and the migrants, blending together, integrating together, becoming one community. We have a lot to learn from each other and it’s healthy for us to keep on doing so for future generations.

I have attained university qualifications both in the Philippines and New Zealand. I know full well the struggles involved in getting employment and having your overseas qualification recognised.

During my term at the council, I was proud to be an ambassador both for migrants and the Ashburton District. I was the first (and to date the only) Philippine-born councillor to be a member of Local Government NZ.

After my previous experience as a councillor, I feel I still have much to offer. I believe in diverse representation and equal opportunity. It’s time to get back and contribute to the development of our district. When making decisions around the council table, I consider all sides of the story and the impact it will have on the community and the people of the district.

As the Maori proverb says: He aha te mea nui o te ao What is the most important thing in the world?

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata

It is the people, it is the people, it is the people

Authorised by Thelma Bell thelma.bell63@gmail.com

Ithas been a privilege to be a councillor for the last six years and immensely satisfying to see the finished CBD redevelopment, Civic Centre progress and the final business case regarding the 2nd bridge project.

Born in the Netherlands, the family values of honesty, loyalty and respect for others were instilled in me at an early age and continue to guide me.

Mid Canterbury became our home in 1982, and Lianne and I have enjoyed raising a family here and being a part of many community groups. Sports, church, theatre and music continue to enrich our lives and those of our children and grandchildren.

Being a self-employed landscape designer requires vision, the ability to listen and interpret, clear thinking and problem-solving skills. These qualities and skills have helped me be an e ective, independent councillor.

Community governance roles with Ashburton College, Tinwald School and the Tinwald Reserves Board, combined with two terms as councillor helped develop strategic thinking and leadership skills and increase my community knowledge.

Your vote for me will be for commitment, honesty, inclusiveness, integrity, openness and common-sense. I bring no agendas or a liations, just a determination to do my best for the district.

Brie Burgess

Withroots in the Ashburton District dating back four generations – through Staveley, Methven and Ashburton – it is my privilege to run for councillor of the Ashburton Ward.

I would describe myself as a passionate individual with the integrity to ask the hard questions needed to overcome the challenges presented in o ce.

Over the years I have spent most of my working life in the hospitality industry, in various roles from server to manager. I have gained a versatile skillset that grants me the ability to process information quickly and e ciently, while identifying the positive and negative outcomes. This has led me to develop out-of-the-box thinking to ensure the most beneficial result is found.

I am opposed the Three Waters reforms and I believe it’s time to step back to basics and focus our attention on the infrastructure of our district. With fit-for-purpose water and wastewater systems and hard wearing roading with repairs that will stand the test of time. To achieve this, we need a strong team adopting a common-sense mentality to assist with making practical budget decisions.

I hope to be the driving force behind decisions based on what the ratepayers have indicated the district needs and keeping wasteful spending to a minimum.

I will bring a fresh approach to local government with my strong will and tenacious attitude, helping to shape the bright future of the Ashburton District.

Itwould be a privilege for me to be re-elected to work for the people of Ashburton.

Over the past three years I have responded to many requests and I have supported our community to the best of my abilities. I grew up in the farming community of Ei elton, and attended secondary school in Ashburton and work and live in town.

I have strong connections to the area. My mother lives here, my sister teaches locally and my brother still farms at Ei elton — this is my home town.

I am married to John and we have two adult daughters.

Council is ultimately a team e ort. I am standing for re-election because I believe my local knowledge and governance experience can make a valuable contribution to our district.

Living and working in Ashburton has given me a great opportunity to speak to many people of their hopes and aspirations for our town, and also their insights as to how we can improve and develop in the future. I continue to want to be part of a council to make those ambitions possible.

If re-elected, I will safeguard ratepayers’ return on their rates by supporting careful, accountable and transparent expenditure.

My priorities will be the core business of council of developing and maintaining infrastructure services to our district, including roading, footpaths, and drinking and waste waters.

I support local council as the best way to achieve quality and robust management of water infrastructure into the future.

Council also has a key role as a steward of facilities such as our parks, library and museum, and I will continue to champion these community assets.

My background in business means I am interested in ensuring the CBD is fit for purpose and an interesting place to visit.

Healthcare is another of my passions; centralisation of the health system makes it more important than ever that local voices are heard if we are to maintain access to quality healthcare.

First and foremost, Ashburton is our town. Let’s keep moving forward and make it an even better place to live.

Authorised by Leen Braam

119 Maronan Road RD 8 Ashburton

Authorised by Brie Burgess, briannonburgess@hotmail.com

Authorised by Carolyn Cameron, 67 Harrison Street Ashburton

ASHBURTON WARD

Carolyn Cameron

ASHBURTON WARD

Thelma Bell

ASHBURTON WARD

Leen Braam

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS 2022

ASHBURTON DISTRICT

ASHBURTON WARD

Ibrought

my business knowledge, community leadership and enthusiasm to the Ashburton District Council table in 2013 and served as your councillor through to 2019.

For the last 18 months of that time I was chairperson of the finance and business support committee.

With six years’ experience of council process and protocols my enthusiasm for serving Ashburton is undiminished.

I have a long association with the Ashburton area and I am passionate about our district and everything that is a part of it. I went to school here and raised my family here. I have had the opportunity to live and work in several areas of our country, but my love for this district draws me back.

The four wellbeings (social, environmental, economic, cultural) are now legislated into our council’s decision-making. These are really important to me and will be central to my input.

I know our town’s 12 per cent rate rise this year will hit some households hard. I have a consistent record of voting to contain spending while ensuring the best outcomes for our community.

I bring a common-sense attitude that benefits residents and know this must be the basis of all decisions made by council.

If successful I will be resigning from my employment to throw myself fulltime into the role of being your councillor.

I look forward to again working hard to ensure the best outcomes for all residents of the Ashburton District through the next three years and beyond.

IloveNew Zealand and want the future to present our community with a plethora of opportunities.

I oppose mandates as people have lost their careers, businesses and homes.

I’m pro-choice, your body is your business.

I believe in true democracy, where everyone’s opinions are just as important as the next.

Censorship is morally wrong. Let’s bring our differences together and find common ground.

If elected for this role I will listen to the people and bring the desired results.

I support our current council with their opposition to the Three Waters reform.

I’ll make all grants well known to the public, and implement more strategies to hasten the building consents, to meet the high demands of our growing society.

I’ll make road maintenance a priority, and encourage many businesses to invest in our town.

I will try and cut the cost of council contracts in the 10-year plan.

I offer full transparency and take responsibility for every decision I make.

I support our farmers and business owners.

I believe that if the government wants to implement something they must let the people vote.

Our land, our people, our future. This is your Aotearoa!

Iam

Bev Skates and I want to be your representative for the Ashburton Ward.

Having had a professional background in education, I am a strong advocate for council to listen to the voice of the community.

I am committed to helping further improve Ashburton to enable it to be a more vibrant and progressive place, not only for our locals, but for the wider community.

I started Litter-Free Ashburton Volunteers group four years ago and as part of this group our volunteers regularly collect large amounts of rubbish left around different areas.

I will listen to the voice of the community, working on further development of good sporting facilities and activities for all age groups. I want to make sure that our green spaces continue to be protected and well maintained along with our roading network for future generations.

I am a team player and I will do my part to make sure that we GET THE BASICS RIGHT with CAREFUL and WISE spending, so that Ashburton is a place to be proud of and for everyone to enjoy, one that provides opportunities across all age groups and a place where we all feel safe and respected.

Regards, Bev Skates

Greetings

folks.

Recently I have been asked by quite a few people why I don’t have advertising scattered about the town.

The answer is pretty straight forward.

I have been brought up to be humble.

Self promotion is the opposite of that and I’m quite uncomfortable with it to be fair.

However, I thought I should participate in this article and talk about me ... reluctantly.

I’m 49, a born and bred Mid Canterbury lad.

My primary education was in Ruapuna and I went to secondary school in Ashburton.

I have dedicated my working life to agriculture.

Kicked off as a farm worker and been contracting up to the present day.

It would be an accurate statement to say I have be brought up with local government.

I have always been interested in what’s going on within local council.

Service to the community is important to me and something I like doing.

I have very strong rural connections but I have lived in Ashburton for quite a long time. This gives me a balanced perspective on what’s going on around the district.

I reckon this will put me in a strong position to make good decisions that will hopefully benefit future generations.

I like Roman stuff ... roads, bridges, plumbing and water, ect.

All those things are really useful eh?

They all need to be looked after and improved if possible I reckon.

I think all the people of Mid Canterbury are in this exciting journey together.

The town folks need the rural folks.

The rural folks need the town folks.

All those folks deserve good governance, even if there is the occasional plonker amongst them.

I would like to have a voice in council and I can’t do it without your help.

I’m humbly asking you for your vote so I can get amongst it and see if we do some good for this fantastic place we are bloody lucky to call home.

Cheers, Hayden.

Authorised by Russell Ellis RussellEllis.Ashburton@gmail.com

Authorised by Shfire Sapphire, 021 681 989

Authorised by Hayden Tasker haydentasker1@xtra.co.nz

ASHBURTON WARD

Bev Skates

Authorised by Bev Skates bev.skates1@gmail.com

ASHBURTON WARD

Shfire Sapphire

ASHBURTON WARD

Hayden Tasker

Russell Ellis

Advertising feature

ELECTIONS

ASHBURTON DISTRICT

ASHBURTON WARD

Fashion retailer (retired) after 54 years in the fashion industry.

Iwish to play a positive role in encouraging and attracting further development of business, sporting and tourist attractions to our district.

I have a true passion to continue to make our district a great place to visit and play. I am empathetic and have good communication skills.

Community involvement

• Past member, president and senator of Ashburton Jaycee.

• Member of Rotary Club of Ashburton, past president and Paul Harris Fellow.

• Was a board member of the Ashburton Licensing Trust for 30 years, the last 12 as president. Life member of NZLTA.

• I am presently involved with Hospice Mid Canterbury in a fundraising role and the Hospice retail shop.

• I am also chairman of Trott’s Community Garden Charitable Trust.

So, briefly, a few bullet points:

• We need long-term protection of our hard-won community assets eg, 3 Waters, EA Networks.

• Support the promotion of the fourlane motorway to Christchurch. When it comes to safety on our roads, NZTA have a duty of care to ensure the best option and safest option is agreed to. Ruling out because of cost is not an option.

• Ensuring tourist attractions in our district are positively promoted.

• Continue development of Lake Hood and associated recreational opportunities.

VOTE TONY TODD

Having a vision moving forward to enhance and grow our District. Am passionate in making your place a better place to live in Together we can do this.

MID CANTERBURY VOTER GUIDE 2022

VOTING IN LOCAL ELECTIONS

This year’s local elections will be held by postal vote.

Voting papers and information about the candidates will arrive in mailboxes from September 16, 2022

» Once you receive your voting papers, read instructions, complete your voting document, and post it back in the orange envelope provided no later than Tuesday, October 4 (to ensure it arrives back before the deadline).

» 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 closing.

Voting closes at noon on Saturday, October 8 – voteashburton.nz

EASTERN WARD

My

place of residence is within the Eastern Ward

I am seeking my third term on council.

I have the ability, energy and will work together for the best outcome for the Ashburton District to grow and excel to be a desirable place to live, work and play.

I’m proud to be living on our family farm that has seen five generations in the Eiffelton District. This background has given me a good grounding on the agricultural industry and rural communities.

My interests and volunteering are, County Lions, Civil Defence, Red Cross, Rural Women and past president of the Ashburton A&P Association.

I do not believe in Government centralisation. I believe in local voices for local people which is the cornerstone of our community.

I look forward to being part of the future council to continue with the ongoing projects and developments.

I’m here for all Ashburton people and a positive future.

Your Rural Voice working for both Town and Country

EASTERN WARD

Iama 54-year-old father of four married to Melissa.

I am a farmer who has lived in the eastern ward for my entire life, attending Hinds School, Ashburton College, then Lincoln University (BCom ag).

After two years loan appraising with Rural Bank, I came home to farm in partnership with my father and brother. In 1997 we split to farm in our own rights.

I then converted from mixed cropping to dairy in 2009.

I love farming and the vibrant community centred around it. With my background I bring a sound local knowledge of the issues facing Mid Canterbury residents.

My off-farm interests include, MHV irrigation and chairman of the Rangitata Diversion Race.

Being involved has given me an understanding of water and environmental issues faced by our eastern ward.

The continuing vibrancy of Rakaia, Hinds and all the other settlements in our ward is something I am passionate about.

I will be a voice around council for our community.

I am not afraid to express my opinion but can also see the merits in others’ views, however, I will always advocate for what is right.

Having strong councillors is essential as we face the uncertainties of 3 waters and local government restructuring. I have the skills to advocate for all our district.

Authorised by Lynette Lovett, Seaview Lovett Farm, RD4, Ashburton

Tony Todd

Authorised by Tony Todd, 62 Winter Street Ashburton

Richard David Wilson

VOTE WILSON FOR SOUND, RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING

Authorised by Richard David Wilson 596 Hinds Arundel Road RD5, Ashburton

Lynette Lovett

feature

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS 2022

ASHBURTON DISTRICT

BRAIDED RIVERS COMMUNITY TRUST

Kieran Breakwell

BRAIDED RIVERS COMMUNITY TRUST

BRAIDED RIVERS COMMUNITY TRUST Chantelle Quinn

Born,

raised and educated in Ashburton, I have lived and worked here my entire life. I am enthusiastic about continuing to offer my skills for the benefit of the community.

At 21 years old I started my first business, which over 15 years with the loyal support of local people, was a successful and thriving business.

I sold this business in order to focus on my other entities in the residential, commercial and agricultural sectors locally. Over the past three years I have been involved in property development in Rakaia and Ashburton among other investment sectors.

I understand what it takes for a business to grow and succeed and have enjoyed being part of a prosperous and growing Ashburton business community.

I was first elected to the Ashburton Trust Board in 2016 (now known as Braided Rivers Community Trust) and have completed two three-year terms.

I have found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience.

I am proud of what has been achieved by the current board and hope to continue to contribute to the future success of the trust with community support for re-election. It has been a satisfying experience helping local clubs and organisations obtain funding for their projects and look forward to being able to do so in the future.

I am proud of our community and I have the enthusiasm and drive required for this important position. My business management, decision making and leadership ability contribute to the balance of skills around the trust table.

It would be a privilege to be elected with your vote and support.

Myprincipal place of residence is within the Braided Rivers Community Trust area.

I am a true local, having been raised in Mid Canterbury, and I am well known in the community where I live with my wife and three adult children.

I’m a registered valuer and real estate/property manager, and roles have included managing real estate and stock and station aspects at the Ashburton District Council property division. I have also worked for Wrightson’s, Farmlands and Property Brokers.

I played an integral part (in the development) of many Ashburton District subdivisions, like Coniston, Riverside industrial and Nursery Drive. The St Vincent De Paul rebuild, racecourse developments and subdivisions in other parts of the South Island.

I believe mine is the perfect background to be able to make an invaluable contribution to the BRCT where post-earthquake building matters have occurred.

It’s been a privilege to serve on the BRCT and to be involved in delivering faithfully maintained assets and cash to community groups in our district.

Authorised by Kieran Breakwell

10 Torbay Ave, RD4 Ashburton 7774

Authorised by Robert Harnett r.harnett@xtra.co.nz

being elected in 2019, I’m proud to have been part of the transformation from Ashburton Licensing Trust to Braided Rivers Community Trust.

Since

In that time I have been thrilled to be part of the team which has given continued support to our local community through numerous grants. Highlights have been being able to help Kai for Kids, Ashburton Youth Cafe, and Riding for the Disabled.

We have such amazing volunteers and groups which make Ashburton a fabulous town. I’m proud to live here and be part of its growth.

As a local business owner and mum to an Ashburton College teenager, I will continue to apply my decisionmaking through a lens which considers what is best for our next generation.

I’m standing for re-election to continue that great work the trust can offer.

I grew up here, so now, as an adult, I am now honoured to have the chance to give back.

Ithas been a privilege to be part of our Braided Rivers Community Trust board and to lead the board as the chairperson for the past three years.

We have a proactive, talented board that debates matters in a considered and open way, and which is able to reach consensus decisions.

We have a community trust that is quietly growing in stature and significance within our community. It has a 100-year vision to be a fund that can do “good” in our community, in a friendly and considered way.

It can, and will, only improve our already outstanding community.

I am pleased to offer myself for reelection for a final three-year term.

I would like to complete the trust’s embedding into the fabric of our community.

I see that involving improved synergies with other community funders so that all areas of need in our community can be reached, big or small, new or old.

I have lived in Ashburton since 1984, and, together with my wife Margaret, raised and educated three children via Ashburton College.

I am a co-owner of RMF Silva Lawyers.

I truly believe that Mid Canterbury is a place where kids and things grow well.

I thank you for your consideration of my candidacy.

Authorised by Chantelle Quin chantelle@ twentyfourcatering.co.nz

BRAIDED RIVERS COMMUNITY TRUST

Chris Robertson

Authorised by Chris Robertson Level 3, Somerset House, 161 Burnett Street, Ashburton

Robert Harnett

Advertising feature

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS 2022

ASHBURTON DISTRICT

BRAIDED RIVERS COMMUNITY TRUST

Gerard Rushton

Asolid

local Mid Cantabrian, married with four children, having farmed at Anama, we moved into Ashburton in 2011.

Owning and developing my own businesses and with my extensive community involvement I have developed a diverse range of skills to offer to the wider community through the Braided Rivers Community Trust.

I have been chairman on the Mid Canterbury Rugby Union (MCRU) board since 2015 and have overseen sports administration and governance locally for 39 years.

Nationally I have served New Zealand Rugby (NZR) on the appointments and remuneration committee and as a Heartland representative.

I am the current chairperson for Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa NZ. I was also a national delegate on the NZ Groundspread Council.

Having developed substantial governance and fiscal experience from these roles and with my strong connections to the wider Ashburton community, I offer my business, governance and leadership skills to ensure the legacy and stewardship passed on by the Ashburton Licensing Trust to the Braided Rivers Community Trust continues to develop and support our local community.

Being well known across both the urban and rural sectors, these strong connections give me the ability to appreciate the needs and requirements of the vast number of organisations and groups we have in our region.

I recognise the support the Braided Rivers trust provides to our community and I would be proud to continue to help to deliver this great asset we have and to serve the Ashburton District in this role.

BRAIDED RIVERS COMMUNITY TRUST

IloveNew Zealand, and want the future to present our community with a plethora of opportunities.

I oppose mandates as people have lost their careers, businesses and homes.

I’m pro-choice, your body is your business.

I believe in true democracy, where everyone’s opinions are just as important as the next.

Censorship is morally wrong. Let’s bring our differences together and find common ground.

If elected for this role I will listen to the people and bring the desired results.

I support our current council with their opposition to the 3 waters reform.

I’ll make all grants well known to the public.

I offer full transparency and take responsibility for every decision I make.

I support our farmers and business owners.

I believe that if the government wants to implement something they must let the people vote.

Our land, our people, our future. This is your Aotearoa!

BRAIDED RIVERS COMMUNITY TRUST

Iama partner at RMF Silva. I specialise in property, agribusiness, commercial law and succession.

Apart from five years in London, I have lived in Mid Canterbury since 1996. I am married to Rachel with twin boys, aged 12, and live on a lifestyle farm on the outskirts of Ashburton.

I joined the Braided Rivers Community Trust (then called Ashburton Trust) in 2017 and the experience has been immensely enjoyable.

My entry coincided with extensive strategic planning and policy formulation for the trust.

The over-riding goal is to ensure that the trust supports our community for generations to come.

We need to ensure that the trust is in a position to consistently grant to the community without eroding the trust’s capital.

I believe I can continue to add value from my experience as a lawyer and from other governance roles.

There is still much to be done to ensure that our 100-year vision for the trust becomes a reality.

Outside of work, I love the highcountry, in particular, hunting, fly fishing and adventuring with my family.

MID CANTERBURY

VOTER GUIDE

VOTING IN LOCAL ELECTIONS

This year’s local elections will be held by postal vote.

Voting papers and information about the candidates will arrive in mailboxes from September 16, 2022

» Once you receive your voting papers, read instructions, complete your voting document, and post it back in the orange envelope provided no later than Tuesday, October 4 (to ensure it arrives back before the deadline).

» 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 closing.

Voting closes at noon on Saturday, October 8 – voteashburton.nz

Authorised by G Rushton, 201 Smithfield Road, Ashburton

Authorised by Shfire Sapphire, 021 681 989

Tim Silva

Authorised by Timothy Michael Silva, Level 3, Somerset House, 161 Burnett Street, Ashburton

Shfire Sapphire

LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS 2022

ASHBURTON DISTRICT

MID CANTERBURY VOTER GUIDE 2022

VOTING IN LOCAL ELECTIONS

This year’s local elections will be held by postal vote.

Voting papers and information about the candidates will arrive in mailboxes from September 16, 2022

» Once you receive your voting papers, read instructions, complete your voting document, and post it back in the orange envelope provided no later than Tuesday, October 4 (to ensure it arrives back before the deadline).

» 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 closing.

Voting closes at noon on Saturday, October 8 – voteashburton.nz

ECAN MID-CANTERBURY/ OPAKIHI REGIONAL CONSTITUENCY

Ithas been a privilege to represent Mid Canterbury, Ashburton and Selwyn Districts for the past six years.

I am a father, farmer and paramedic first and a politician second. I know the challenges that we and the environment face and the requirement for balanced decision making.

Three of my standout achievements this term include instigating the public transport reduced fare trial, the removal of fare zones in Selwyn and getting the Selwyn and Ashburton river catchments firmly onto our agenda following the 2021 floods.

Another big piece of work that I am leading as the chair of Finance and Risk is how we better develop business cases for our work, prioritise our expenditure to ensure value of outcomes and reduce the rate burden.

Our biggest challenges in the coming term will be giving effect to the torrent of policy and rule changes coming at us from Central Government.

One in particular how we rewrite through co-design with Ngai Tahu our environmental planning rules to meet the Governments new requirements under the National Policy Statement on Freshwater.

These changes are going to override a lot of local community wishes and aspirations.

It is critical that you the wider community get as early a say in these matters because our statutory responsibilities sit with you the ratepayers and community.

Therefore my experience counts as we navigate this, I seek your ongoing support as an advocate for Mid Canterbury.

ECAN MID-CANTERBURY/ OPAKIHI REGIONAL CONSTITUENCY

Dr Peter Trolove

Iamstanding for election as an ECan councillor on the single issue of freshwater.

Section 30 of the RMA requires ECan to maintain or enhance Canterbury’s freshwater quantity, quality, ecosystems, and coastal waters. ECan is not meeting this obligation, in my view.

I have been monitoring the rising nitrate pollution of Canterbury’s lowland groundwater fed rivers and streams for the past three years.

My monitoring finds widespread levels of nitrate pollution in surface and groundwater that approach or exceed the maximum allowable value (MAV) for drinking water.

Levels above the MAV of 11.3 mg/L NO3-N are considered lethal to babies 0-6 months. Epidemiological evidence suggests that pregnant women who drink water above 5.0 mg/L have an increased risk of premature babies and shortened gestation. Other studies find an increased risk of bowel cancer from 0.87 mg/L.

Aquatic life begins to show adverse effects above 0.6 mg/L NO3-N.

Levels from 3.0 to 6.5 mg/L are lethal to trout eggs and fry.

ECan has been an “irrigation council” for the past 10 years, thanks to commissioners appointed by the government for this purpose.

I am a registered veterinarian (1974) with an MBA and a degree in Fish Health.

These qualifications, together with my local knowledge as a farm vet, lifelong angler, and past farmer, give me a broad appreciation of economic issues to be balanced against the environmental and public health concerns that Ecan must address.

This is why I want your support.

Dr Peter Trolove

I’velived and farmed at Akaunui, southeast of Ashburton, since graduating from Lincoln College.

I bring local leadership with a sound knowledge of the Canterbury region, but particularly the Ashburton and Selwyn districts, having fished and boated most of the rivers, and tramped, skied, bicycled and climbed most of the back country.

I have a long history of serving my community in a variety of roles, including leading environmental stewardship initiatives across the region and on my own land. I have supported seed funding for catchment collectives to work with landowners to further this.

As a councillor I’ve been leading reviews of our flood protection and river management and how we fund these, with particular consideration of the additional threat climate change brings.

It is my strong opinion that dollars spent on preventing flood damage is much better than cleaning up after events.

I’ve brought governance skills, pragmatism and common sense to the council.

I’m led by science and facts rather than political rhetoric and advocate for a frugal and accountable regime when spending your ratepayers’ money.

However, I acknowledge there is still much to be done in improving our biodiversity and freshwater values, building on the huge amount of work already under way.

I was a member of the ministerial advisory group that helped design the First National Policy Statement for Freshwater that set the requirement to improve our water quality. This is a long game and Environment Canterbury has led NZ in implementing plans to further this important work.

Implementing the new NPSFW to set us on the path to further protect and improve water quality while maintaining social and economic benefits will take careful leadership and common sense.

Having served one term on council I think I can offer that common sense and leadership.

Authorised by John Sunckell jsunck@xtra.co.nz

Authorised by Peter Trolove trolovep@gmail.com

Authorised by Ian Mackenzie ian.mackenzie@akaunuifarms.co.nz

ECAN MID-CANTERBURY/ OPAKIHI REGIONAL CONSTITUENCY

Ian Mackenzie

John Sunckell

DriveThru

Got a car question? Maybe Roger can help.

MG for the masses

As the entry point into NZ’s new car market this MG3 Core with a Driveaway price of $19,490 is affordable to own, easy to drive and has the bonus of a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assistance.

The Core is backed up by the slightly more expensive Excite $22,490 version, which adds some exterior styling mods including smarter looking, larger 16-inch alloys in place of the Core’s 15-inch ones.

There’s also a six speaker Yamaha sound system and some synthetic leather within the cabin.

What’s included with the Driveaway pricing?

Exactly what it says, with nothing more to pay. It includes ORCs, 12 months rego, seven years of WOF checks and the seven-year warranty/roadside assistance.

This is transferable from one owner to the next.

Clean Car Rebate

There’s no rebate nor anything to pay.

Looks/size

Pride of place on the grille of this contemporary looking, four-metre long, four-door hatch, which will accommodate four adults comfortably, is the large MG badge.

Plus, there’s more than satisfactory luggage space of 307 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats occupied, or 1081 litres with them folded.

Cabin

There’s a light and airy feel to the cabin, thanks partially to the tartan finishing of the seats.

As well as looking good, the front seats proved suitably comfortable for excursions to and about Christchurch.

With both the driver and front passenger sitting quite high, the view to the outside world was appreciated.

The dash has a traditional analogue speedo and rev-counter, while the colour touch screen has both a straightforward menu and display.

Other controls are clearly marked, so

MG3 Core

Driveaway Pricing: $19,990. Excite is $22,490 (both zero rated for Clean Car Fees).

Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol–82kW @ 6000rpm and 150Nm of torque @ 4500rpm.

Transmission: 4-speed auto, front-wheeldrive.

Quoted Combined Fuel Use: 6.7L/100km.

Safety: Six air bags - driver assist/safety technology packages. No current ANCAP rating.

Size: 4055mm long, 1729mm wide, 1504mm high, 2655mm wheelbase.

Turning circle: 10.6 metres.

Tows:200kg.

Warranty/Service Plan: 7-year unlimited km warranty, and roadside assistance.

easy to figure out and use, including the left-hand stalk for the indicators

There’s manual air-con and basic (not active) cruise-control.

It all feels durable, well put together and there for the long haul.

Under the bonnet

It’s key in the ignition start for the 1.5-litre non-turbo, direct injection, variable valve timed petrol four, which produces 82kW @6000rpm and 150Nm @ 4500rpm.

That translates to enthusiastic pickup about town, and the ability to cruise along easily at 100kmh at 2500rpm on typically flat Canterbury terrain.

During such driving, the fact that the auto has only four ratios is pretty much un-noticed.

The Sport mode makes things a little keener, and will most likely be used for hill work.

Normal however was fine for most occasions.

Handles neatly

Direct steering and a small turning circle make town/city driving a breeze.

Then, while it’s unlikely you’ll be buying this MG because of its handling characteristics; its rather well sorted suspension means quite impressive roadholding and cornering abilities.

Indeed, it can even feel a little playful, and the ride, although on the firmer side is suitably compliant.

Tongue in cheek, one may suggest it could even possibly show some of the MGs from their

original source (British-owned until 2006) a thing or two in the handling department.

The tyres can be noisy on coarse chip.

Safety

While complete with six airbags, along with the electronic stability programme and anti-lock, emergency assist and corner braking control, there’s no current ANCAP assessment.

This unpretentious MG3 looks good, drives well, costs little and is warrantied to the max. Plus of course you get the bonus of the MG badging!

New pony a Dark Horse

ord once again sounds a wakeup call for sports car lovers around the world with the introduction of the all-new Ford Mustang.

The seventh generation is the most exhilarating and visceral yet, from its fighter jet-inspired digital cockpit to advanced turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines to its edgier yet still timeless exterior design.

“Investing in another generation of Mustang is a big statement at a time when many of our competitors are exiting the business of internal combustion vehicles,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company. “Ford, however, is turbocharging its ICE growth plan, adding connected technology, opinionated derivatives, and hybrid options to our most profitable and popular cars – all in the Ford Blue family – on top of investing $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026.”

The new Mustang adds another chapter to an icon, delivering the looks, sound and appeal of the archetypal sports coupe.

Whether convertible or coupe, V8 or turbocharged 4-cylinder, manual or automatic, Mustang has options for multiple prices and performance levels.

With the introduction of the seventh-generation Mustang, Ford Australia will add an exciting new special edition nameplate to the Mustang stable, Dark Horse.

Dark Horse is a street and track-capable performance Mustang with striking visual cues and all of the capability sports car lovers expect.

With sinister looks and a specially modified 5.0-litre V8, Dark Horse will set a new benchmark for Australian street and track performance.

A completely rethought interior

Behind the chiselled exterior silhouette of the seventh-generation Mustang lies the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date.

The fighter jet-inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be quickly customised to show the information the driver wants or needs to see.

Based on the same Unreal Engine 3D software technology found in modern video games, Mustang’s digital instrument cluster can be customised to display different animated designs and new drive-mode dependent instrument clusters.

Beyond the screen, an all-new race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel provides more space when getting seated inside and while performing a heel-toe downshift during spirited driving in manual Mustangs.

Outside the vehicle, animated welcome lighting greets drivers as they approach, while Mustang’s splash screens come to life while entering the vehicle.

The available B&O3 sound system is optimised for Mustang’s interior, contributing toward the visceral

experience of Mustang ownership for sharing the ultimate driving playlist through Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, both of which are fully compatible with Ford’s SYNC 41 system.

Edgier design, timeless Mustang cues, plus more customisation

The seventh generation adds modern chiseled looks to its heritage-inspired design, which sets out to appeal to the broadest Mustang customer mindset yet.

Its low, horizontal brow across the front of Mustang’s signature three-section hood aligns with LED headlamps to create an aggressive front end, influenced by the original 1960s design.

Its sleek roofline, broad sprinting stance and shortened rear overhang are also true to the authentic proportions of the first generation, while the widened rear haunches point to the power over the wheels in true Mustang style.

Mustang Convertible continues its drop-top legacy offering maximum openair freedom.

A simple, one-touch activation with a single-handle centre latch opens and closes the fully lined and insulated fabric roof. The compact roof design

and independent rear suspension also contribute toward generous luggage space.

Mustang’s most advanced and athletic engines ever

The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the experience that makes drivers want to get in the driver’s seat and hit the road.

The all-new Mustang delivers an even more exciting drive experience with new and advanced engine technologies.

It starts with Mustang GT, powered by an advanced, 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine.

The fourth-generation 5.0-litre is set to deliver the most naturally aspirated horsepower of any Mustang GT.

“This is the most athletic and confidence-inspiring Mustang EcoBoost and GT to drive yet,” said Ed Krenz, Mustang chief engineer.

Ford has saved the manual transmission for a new generation and the 5.0-litre V8 continues to offer a six-speed manual transmission for customers who want an uncompromised connection to eight-cylinder power.

Customers who desire Mustang’s fun-to-drive feeling with fuel efficiency benefits can opt for the EcoBoost model, powered by an updated, four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-litre powertrain.

The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instills in its drivers is amplified when they take control of how the car behaves.

On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the driver can quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings through six available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time.

Suzuki’s raised the adventure bar yet again with a more diversified Suzuki V-STROM 1050 platform that includes – for the first time

– a ground-breaking flagship model dedicated to maximising off-road performance with a 21-inch front wheel, switchable ABS and a special gravel trac tion control mode.

The two new-generation models are the V-STROM 1050RR and the harder-edged V-STROM 1050RJ.

With its 19-inch (front) and 17-inch cast-aluminium wheels and height-ad justable seat and screen, the V-STROM 1050RR is aimed at the adventure-touring segment by maximising comfort and performance over long distances, while the ‘tougher’ V-STROM 1050RJ goes further with a set of distinctive features

aimed specifically at enhancing off-road capability.

In addition to the 21-inch front wirespoked wheel, gravel traction control mode and the means to switch off ABS at the rear, the V-STROM 1050RJ further differentiates itself from the V-STROM 1050RR with a longer wheelbase, wider han dlebars, steel footpegs, less aggressive steering geometry, a stronger drive chain, solid-mount seat, aluminium engine protection, new front fender and a stan dard-equipment protection bar.

The V-STROM 1050RJ also has longer suspension travel and more ground clear

ance than its sibling, as well as a smoke sports windscreen for maximum visibility.

The Gravel mode retards ignition tim ing to allow slip when riding on unsealed surfaces, promoting not only greater confidence but also ratcheting up the enjoyment factor.

The trac tion control can also be switched off, which is the same function available on the V-STROM 1050RR.

Standard seat heights are 855mm (V-STROM 1050RR) and 880mm (V-STROM 1050RJ).

Universal V-STROM 1050 family features include a new bi-directional

VelociRaptor

quickshifter and five-inch TFT screen, updated cruise control, a slightly stiffer twist action on the ride-by-wire electron ic throttle for a more natural feel, and revised ratios for first and sixth gears.

There’s also vertically stacked LED lighting and USB/12V charging portals.

Other electronics employed on the V-STROM 1050s under the Suzuki Intelli gent Ride System umbrella are the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), Suzuki Easy Start System, Low RPM Assist, Combined Brake System and Hill Hold Control.

The duo is powered by Suzuki’s venerable 1037cc 90-degree V-twin (79kW/100Nm) carried over from the outgoing V-STROM 1050XT, but now with hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves to help reduce combustion chamber tem peratures.

Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has transformed the lat est third-generation Ford F-150 into an immensely capable, go-anywhere, sixwheel drive beast – the Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6.

The modifications and enhancements go far beyond simply adding a third pair of wheels.

The Hennessey engineers equipped the new truck with sophisticated Fox suspension and dual locking rear axles – adding an impressive 50 percent more tractive grip – to ensure the VelociRaptor dominates on- and off-road.

The truck’s uprated, turbocharged powertrain produces 558 bhp and 672 lb-ft of torque, which guarantees that the VelociRaptor’s grunt matches its significant size.

Based on the latest third-generation Ford F-150 Raptor, the imposing Hennessey cre ation is significantly longer than the stock Raptor. Hennessey has also raised the VelociRaptor to be several inches taller than standard through a combination of a three-inch lift, upgraded Hennessey 20-inch wheels and capable 37-inch off-road tires.

Priced from $399,950 – inclusive of the base Ford F-150 Raptor – the VelociRaptor 6x6 features uprated Fox suspension, locking rear axles, new front and rear bumpers, LED lights and a custom-made eightfoot load bed.

Hennessey’s engineers boosted the performance of Ford’s twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine with en hanced air induction, high-capacity intercooler with blow-off valve, and an upgraded engine-manage ment system.

a ground-breaking flagship model dedicated to maximising off-road performance “

Spring delights from the past

By Connor Lysaght

Despite a dicey start weatherwise, it’s officially spring! The daffodils are out, the sun is shining (when it wants to) and hayfever sufferers across the district are silently cursing the season.

Rather than babbling on about the season, using interesting anecdotes to create a narrative of spring in our district, let’s just look at some pretty pictures instead.

After all, isn’t the best thing about spring being able to admire nature as the trees, bushes and flowers blossom?

The images on this page were acquired by the museum in 2019, and are part of the Ashburton Museum & Historical Society collection.

They were scanned from 35mm slides, and depict scenes around our town, mainly our parks, in the early 1960s.

If you remember Ashburton in the 60s, then be sure to look out for similarities and changes in these colourful, lively photos.

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

Email: museum@adc.govt.nz Mail: PO Box 94, Ashburton 7700

Phone: 307-7890

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

Baring Square West (Photo reference 06.2019.0114, 2 of 32).

East Street (Photo reference 06.2019.0114, 7 of 32).

John Grigg statue in Baring Square East (Photo reference 06.2019.0114, 8 of 32).

Old domain bridge and duck pond (Photo reference 06.2019.0114, 29 of 32).

The

FinalWhistle

calling time on a week of sport

King Country; be warned

in arms

When Mid Canterbury run out onto the Ashburton Showgrounds today to take on King Country in the Heartland Championship, there will be two, not one Vasurakutas on the paddock. Try-scoring machine Raitube will be joined by his brother, John, who makes his debut in the green and gold. FULL STORY: P31

Blindside

STARS OF THE WEEK

We were a bit lucky when Tom chose to call Mid Canterbury home. A talented first-five who was outstanding last week against North Otago in helping seal that golden point win. There’s a long and auspicious future in the green and gold if he wants it.

Ready, set, roll

Bowling clubs around Mid Canterbury are set to get a whole lot busier this month as the warmer weather brings about the start of the outdoor bowling season in the Mid Canterbury area.

Some clubs, such as the Ashburton

3

THINGS TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND

Rugby

Obviously, the Mid Canterbury v King Country match today at the Ashburton Showgrounds. With it all still on the line, look for a big and bold Hammers to really put it to their visitors. Kick-off, 2.30pm.

Petanque

Ever wanted to have a go? The Ashburton MSA Petanque Club on Racecourse Road is the place for you, then. Head along, they’ll sort you out with the gear and help you on your way to becoming the next local champion. From 1pm this afternoon.

Golf

It’s Club Championship time around the region and things are starting to get to the nitty gritty stage. That promises for some great golfing action and while you can’t get out and follow most of it around, there’s nothing wrong with perching up and watching the action go by.

MSA Outdoor Bowling Section, held their official opening day for the new season last weekend, while others kick into gear this weekend or next.

With a busy season on the greens ahead, there’s no wasting time getting right into the life of competition bowls either, with the first Friday Triples held

A full green of teams (16) will step out on the Racecourse Road green for the annual Peters Cup Open Fours tournament, which begins at 9am and runs throughout the day.

A belated star of the week. Dedicated to the core to netball in this region, especially the Allenton club, and to get their Premier side back into the mix and winning titles this year was a huge achievement that shouldn’t be understated.

Stars of the future Future

champions are born on the sporting fields each week around New Zealand, and we want to help highlight some of Mid Canterbury future stars early.

Throughout the summer it’s our intention to dedicate space each week to highlighting the young performers on the sporting fields

around the region.

They might not score the most goals, or hit the most runs – but they show up each week and give it their all.

Nominate your future star by emailing a picture and a small description including their name, age and which club they play for to editorial@theguardian.co.nz

Phill Hooper

Tinny bugger. Anyone who plays golf dreams of seeing their tee-shot fall in the hole. Few get to realise that dream. Not our friend Phill though, no he’s just gone and done it for the second time in his golfing career. If that’s what you call it.

Mandy Verrall

Mid Canterbury’s leading sports writer Matt Markham

yesterday at the MSA Green before they hold the first major tournament of the year tomorrow.

Tom Reekie

Ringing the changes

but family comes first obviously.

“Luckily, John has been around for a few weeks now and we were able to get all the paperwork tidied up this week, and he’s now in the squad.

A familiar last name and a recognis able player to followers of the South land Stags feature in the starting line-up for Mid Canterbury today as they look to continue their run of form against King Country at the Ashburton Showgrounds.

As the injury-ravaged Hammers look to make it three wins on the bounce, head coach John Sherratt and his associates have also had to juggle the need to get as many new players onto the paddock as possi ble this week due to NZ Rugby laws around player eligibility for the fi nals.

In order to play in the finals, a play er must have played for their side by the completion of this week’s round, meaning anyone who joins a squad from next week for any reason will be ineligible should their side make either the Meads or Lochore Cup.

“It’s a bit of silver lining for us in some ways this week,” Sherratt said.

“We’ve got a number of players out or carrying injuries so it’s a good op portunity to get some other players past the eligibility clause should we need to call on them later in the sea son.”

For one original player of this year’s squad, there is no chance of a return this season.

Quinn Ngawati has returned to Canada following the passing of his grandmother and won’t return this year leaving an opportunity for a new overseas player to be brought into the mix.

Luckily, there’s been one training and hanging around with the squad for the past six weeks.

His name is Jonetani (John) Vas urakuta – yes, the brother of winger and try-scoring machine, Raitube.

The younger of the brothers is far from a flash in the pan player either.

He’s been over in America playing in their MLR competition, and was a former member of the Crusader Knights development programme in Christchurch, from his time at Timaru Boys’ High School where he attended on a scholarship.

“It’s a real shame to lose Quinn,

“He’s a real talent, there’s a lot of potential in him for the future which is exciting.”

The other player brought into the squad this week and slotting straight into the starting line-up is former Southland Stags player, Mike Molloy.

The talented midfielder/winger has plied his trade this year at the Christchurch Football Club, where Sherratt is coach of their division one side.

He comes in to replace Waitangi Tuisuga, who is out for a few weeks with a meniscus injury.

“I put the call into Mike and asked if he’d help us out.

“I know him, he knows me, and I trust him, and I think he’ll slot in very well. He’s a different style of player to both Quinn and Waitangi, but he’ll complement those around him well.”

The pair are part of a number of changes to the side which beat North Otago in golden point last week.

Tom Middleton is out for the re mainder of the season with an AC in jury, so George Hufanga comes back into the starting line-up at fullback, with Nathan McCloy returning from concussion to slide onto the bench.

In the forwards, Shepherd Mhem bere gets a starting spot on the side of the scrum, replacing Nasi Manu who has a quad injury, for which they are awaiting ultrasound results.

Henry McManus comes back into the starting line-up with Mana sa Samo headed to the bench, and young Ben Bartlett gets a start at hooker with Mason Briant being rested after a busy few weeks.

On the bench, Max Stapleton and Mitch Pannett get a call-up into the gameday 23 to join Ben Crawford as front-row reserves, while Harry Bon ifant gets the same.

“This week it’s about consistency for me, a full 80 minutes.

“Especially when we haven’t got the ball. It’s about the work we do then that will make the rest of it all happen.

“The message has been firm, this week that we can’t afford compla cency.”

Today’s match kicks off at 2.30pm.

Matt Markham

Hunter Stewart, 2. Ben Bartlett, 3. Adam Williamson, 4. Henry McManus, 5. Logan Bonnington, 6. Shepherd Mhembere,

Kaydis Hona, 8. Michael Hennings,

Tyler Blackburn,

Tom Reekie, 11. Raitube Vasurakuta,

Isireli Masiwini, 13. Michael Molloy, 14. John Vasurakuta,

George Hufanga.

Max Stapleton, Mitch Pannett, Ben Crawford, Manasa Samo, Harry Bonifant, Angus MacKenzie, Nathan McCloy, Xavier Bartlett.

Canterbury

Right – Jonetani (John) Vasurakuta joins his brother, blockbusting ball-runner Raitube, at practice as the Mid Canterbury Hammers prepare for their clash with King Country today.

Mid Canterbury

Refreshing return to All Blacks success

piece of controversy inside the final 90 seconds, it was a test match for the ages.

Who said a Thursday night test match wouldn’t work?

If anything, the most bizarrely scheduled All Blacks test match in recent history will end up going down as one of the greatest of all times, with few remembering in 20, 30 or 40 years that it was even a midweek test match.

Victory, it’s oh so sweet.

Defeat would have been a bit sour, and I’d imagine there’s still an aftertaste lurking in the mouths of Wallabies’ supporters almost 48 hours later, but you can’t deny how good and entertaining Thursday night’s match was.

Even before the most obvious

Brutal defence leading to head knocks and mistakes, ugly defence leading to another Australian rugby player becoming public enemy No.1 with All Blacks fans, and some good old-fashioned class with ball in hand, from both sides.

It’s as the Bledisloe Cup should be.

Unpredictable, gripping, frustrating but most of all entertaining as two great sides throw everything including the kitchen sink at each other for 80 minutes.

But then, as though we’d reached the crescendo before actually finding out what might unfold, the final five minutes happened.

From Nic White’s long-range penalty to take the lead right through to his best impersonation of a spoilt little two-year-old

who had his favourite toy taken off him.

It was more entertaining than I can ever remember a test match.

Winning obviously plays a large part in forming that opinion.

If Foley hadn’t decided to try

and complete the day’s Wordle before kicking the ball for touch, I doubt I’d even be writing anything.

But I am, we won, and after the past few months of All Blacks twists and turns it feels good. Were we perfect?

Far from it.

Have we still got the mix right on the paddock, the bench and the coaching table?

Maybe not.

But we showed a fortitude that’s been missing.

A willingness to once again go for the jugular (refer to Sam Whitelock’s decision to kick for the corner instead of seal the draw) and we managed to somehow get ourselves out of a tricky situation that a few months ago, we had no idea how to handle.

The Bledisloe Cup is locked away for another 12 months.

There’s a lead to defend in the Rugby Championship and now, all of a sudden, life in the All Blacks bubble seems a lot brighter.

It certainly made Friday a lot easier to deal with than if the other scenario had played out.

Bring on Eden Park and a return bout for the ages.

‘Dog act’ slammed

Australian lock Darcy Swain has been slammed for appearing to deliberately tar get the leg of Quinn Tupaea during the All Blacks’ controversial 39-37 victory over the Wallabies.

In the 35th minute of the clash, Swain dived with force into Tupaea’s knee as the All Blacks midfielder was engaged over the ball in a ruck.

Tupaea went down in pain and faces a risk of serious injury after his left knee buckled inwards.

A Bledisloe classic

Breathtaking.

That’s the best word you could use to describe the All Blacks’ thrilling 39-37 win over the Wallabies at Marvel Stadi um in Melbourne on Thursday night –although it’s fair to say the Aussies might have some far less printable ones after the way it finished.

And it so easily could have been the other way around.

It was looking like the All Blacks almost found another, somehow more painful way to drop a test match in 2022, giving up a 31-13 lead they’d built in the first hour.

It was earned the hard way too, with the All Blacks taking it to the Wallabies in the first 10 minutes of each half.

Individual brilliance from Richie Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett and Will Jor dan turned the tide into a far more fa miliar-looking scoreline for New Zealand fans

But while it seemed like Ian Foster’s team had turned a corner, it soon be came apparent that Dave Rennie’s simi larly inconsistent Wallabies had followed right behind them.

Bernard Foley wound the clock back to his 2015 World Cup form after being brought back in from the wilderness.

Pete Samu, Rob Leota and Rob Vale tini took it upon themselves to punish the All Blacks’ drop in intensity, with the former Crusader Samu scoring the try

that levelled the scores. By that point, the 53,000-strong crowd was either cheering or staring in disbelief.

Melbourne’s huge New Zealand com munity turned out in force, so it felt as though the support for each side was equal. It also helped that Melbourne certainly knows how to put on an event, with the two-decade-old Marvel stand ing as an almost cruel glimpse at what would have happened if Auckland had actually built a waterfront stadium.

But really, this game is only really go ing to be remembered for one thing:

Mathieu Raynal’s call at the end to award a scrum to the All Blacks after Foley, who had played such a heroic role, dithered and dithered and died.

At the post-match press conference, it was fair to say that there were very differ ent views on the dramatic finish.

Rennie did his best to be diplomat ic about it, but couldn’t help but throw out a jab at Raynal by saying that rugby “needs refs with a feel for the game”.

Meanwhile Foster might be the only guy in the world who would say that it was “clear cut” and seemed rather prickly about the whole thing. It certainly would be interesting to have seen how both coaches would have reacted if things had been around the other way.

Or if it had happened in a World Cup final.

Foster did bring up a pretty fair point

though – that there should be some seri ous questions asked about Andrew Kel laway’s first try and the circumstances around it seemingly getting referred to the TMO for what looked like a forward pass, only for it to be confirmed when Foley ignored Raynal and knocked over the conversion.

There are other talking points, like Darcy Swain’s shot on Quinn Tupaea that may well see the midfielder out for the rest of the season. Then the All Blacks’ inability to cash in on a two-man ad vantage. Jordie Barrett finally getting a chance in the midfield and what that means for next weekend.

Plus the fact that while the All Blacks can spend another night drinking out of the Bledisloe Cup, someone should re ally be buying Foley a beer for his ill-ad vised attempt at time-wasting.

This was, again, another imperfect All Black win in a wildly inconsistent season. While back-to-back victories have finally been achieved, the difference between both is stark – just the solitary penalty goal conceded in Hamilton and then 24 haemorrhaged in the last 15 minutes in Melbourne.

You have to hand it to them, though. They were down and out after the fu rious Aussie fightback and still found a way to get the job done That, really, might be the most positive sign of all.

He was helped off the field by medical staff and was later seen in a knee brace. The incident sparked fears of a potentially longterm injury.

Television match official Ben White house reviewed the incident before referee Mathieu Raynal decided that Swain de served a yellow card.

“That is your responsibility to not put yourself in a reckless position which can se riously injure the player,” Raynal told Swain after reviewing the footage. “You cannot target the lower legs, it’s dangerous so it’s a yellow card.”

The Wallabies were reduced to 13 players after Tom Wright was also sent to the bin shortly before for cynical play.

Fans and pundits took to social media to criticise Swain’s act, with many saying he should’ve seen red.

Former All Blacks first-five Lima Sopoaga was one of many calling for a lengthy ban for Swain: “Hope there is a lengthy ban for rubbish like this.”

Former England No 10 Andy Goode de scribed the foul play as “shocking”, while also adding that Swain should’ve been red carded.

Matt Markham

Bernard Foley has a chat with ref Mathieu Raynal after THAT decision. Unsur prisingly, Dane Coles is hanging around to offer his two cents worth.

Darcy Swain diving into Tupaea’s legs.

Celebration time for the All Blacks in Melbourne on Thursday night.

Let the features fun begin

Matt Markham

Things really start to heat up on the racing calendar this week as the late spring features rapidly approach.

There’s a big taste test of what’s to come at Riccarton today with some key lead-up races to Cup Week features on the card, and some serious horseflesh in action too.

Leading stable Te Akau have been making it look easy since they set up camp here last month for the spring; they took two to the races on Wednesday and walked away with two winners, and their team today is equally as imposing.

On the local front, look out for the Sarah and Matt Smith team today.

There’s plenty of them. The small, strike-rate barn will

line up potentially five runners at the meeting.

Doris Dior, a promising daugh ter of Darci Brahma, will line up in the last of the day, which inci dentally just happens to be one of the most even fields of the day as well.

The five-year-old mare will shoot for three wins on end, and looks a royal chance if she can run up to her recent form once more.

The Smith combo also have chances with the talented Ver

mont who begins a New Zea land Cup path at the meeting as well as the talented Thistle, who would be worth more than a cur sory glance during the middle of the day.

In that same race they have Dioradelle, but a scratching is re quired to make the field there.

The fifth of their runners in the 1000 Guineas is Dayzee Dior. She’s having her second race-day start against a red-hot field of fil lies in the feature, the Canterbury

Riccarton gallops

Today at Riccarton Raceway

Belle Stakes for the three-yearold lasses.

To win would be a huge achievement in such a high-qual ity field. but as they press toward other races on the calendar it’s going to be a great opportunity for Matt and Sarah to get a line on exactly where they went.

Keep an eye in that race on the exciting Miss Take.

She won by a cricket pitch on debut last month on the synthetic track for the Queen of Riccarton, Terri Rae, and is held in very high regard. A majority share in her was recently purchased by the owner of last year’s Melbourne Cup winner, Verry Elegant.

Jason Laking is going to be a busy boy at the meeting with a solid book of rides throughout the day, including the pickup steer on the Ashburton-trained Chandler for Amanda Higgins.

Bevan and Robyn Wilson have two runners engaged as well in Darci Rogue and Decision Time.

Then it’s off to Oamaru on Sun day ….

The Hannon Memorial is such a great race and has been for so many years.

I’ve got great memories of lin ing up at the fence to see the best of the best battle it out for early supremacy in the race to the New Zealand Trotting Cup, and to morrow should be no different.

Mark Purdon and Hayden Cul len line up their boom up-andcoming pacer Akuta in the fea ture, and he’s something special.

But he’s also only a three-yearold, taking on the Cup horses – so it’s a big ask.

His chances tomorrow came with a warning from Purdon, who will also do the driving.

“He can win because he is very well, but I am not really expecting him to,” Purdon said.

“He will definitely improve with one run and probably two, so I’d be happy to see him run a place as long as he goes well.”

With good manners and race fitness on his side, Alta Wiseguy should be the one to beat in this year’s edition.

Vermont in action.

WeeklyWorkout

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Wallaby earned their 50th cap for Australia on Thursday night?

a) Pete Samu

b) Marika Koroibete

c) James Slipper

2. Anthony Joshua this week accepted a challenge from which boxer?

a) Oleksandr Usyk

b) Tyson Fury

c) Deontay Wilder

3. Four weeks into the Heartland Championship, who is Mid Canterbury’s leading points scorer?

a) Nathan McCloy

b) Raitube Vasurakuta

c) Tom Reekie

4. Motorsport legend, Hayden Paddon will compete where this weekend in an EV vehicle?

a) Bottle Lake Forest

b) Ashley Forest

c) Peel Forest

5. Rauhei Demant and who will co-captain the Black Ferns at the Rugby World Cup?

a) Sarah Hirini

b) Kendra Cocksedge

c) Kennedy Simon

6. Which Australian cricketer has this week said he’s ready to talk about captaincy of his national side?

a) David Warner

b) Steve Smith

c) Pat Cummins

7. The Men’s side lost to Fiji, but who beat the Black Ferns Sevens in the semi-final of the Rugby Sevens World Cup?

a) England b) Fiji c) Australia

8. Liverpool saw off the challenge of Ajax in Champions League action this week. Where are Ajax from?

a) Germany b) Portugal c) The Netherlands Answers:1.b)MarikaKoroibete,2.b)TysonFury,3. c)TomReekie,4.b)Ashley Forest,5.c)KennedySimon, 6.a)DavidWarner,7.c)Australia,8.c)TheNetherlands

Exercise your grey cells with our weekly sports crossword and quiz

Puzzles and horoscopes

Cryptic crossword

weary, got

Your StarsSimon Shuker’s Code-Cracker

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): A project drags on. As arduous as this seems right now, it’s important to get to the end and finish with a bang. You may have to reach deep to drum up enthusiasm for the last leg of the journey.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Your adaptive nature gives you a competitive advantage now as the game changes before your very eyes. The way it worked in the past is not the way it works now. The future will bring more changes.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): New situations heighten your senses. You’ll notice what others who have grown used to the situation cannot see. Let the strangeness wear off before you decide whether – and how – a thing fits into your life.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): You prefer decisions to limbo, action to inertia and resolution to mystery... and yet today offers exceptions to challenge your bias. Limbo can buy time; inertia allows for recovery; and so lovely is the mystery.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): You feel your work is unfinished, but if you don’t show it now, the chance may not come again. Keep in mind how incompletion invites collaboration, which will add energy to the endeavour.

the

(7)

bed in Paris, but no light is shed on it (5)

Winter not started, month back in gravity being a peace maker (11)

About sound of coins being rattled (5)

Taking care with high explosive with five from tail of 13 (7)

Resentment of one joining the Sappers (3)

Projecting part of the edifice, a vestry (5)

Haggard woman finishes chores with ease (3)

US city in carton without a top stone (4)

Chiefly, they are priests (8)

Garment of brown one doesn’t quite face up to at first (6)

With difficulty take the Occident right inside (5)

Father saved South Africa quitting, and prepared the way (5)

10 with lens adjustment gets puffed up (7)

Breaks off relations with acrobatic movement (6)

There’s no cause to have used mill

brought from

bidden

moke,

distant place seems unlikely

get

Kim Miller

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): You’ll never know the sweetness of your attention. The questions you ask aren’t meant to flatter people. Even if you accidentally brush up against sore subjects, people are complimented by your interest.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): You tell yourself what to do; then you may not feel so inclined. This is the human condition. It is superhuman to nudge, trick or encourage yourself into compliance with your own good intentions.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): Energy vampires avoid confident people and narcissists dodge the self-assured. Your strong sense of self-worth is repellent to any who would take advantage of you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Between the public and private self is a gap, the size of which varies from person to person. It’s a red flag if the gap is a chasm, and a good sign if the gap is small enough to bridge with a hop.

WordBuilder

WordBuilder E T L MO

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Desire clouds vision. Awareness is strongest when you don’t want or need anything from the situation. Neutrality allows you to see the truth of interpersonal dynamics.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): The empathy you offer others costs you nothing and gives them more than money can buy. Take it further with action and a system of accountability.

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.

WordBuilder E T L MO

Good 7 Very Good 10 Excellent 13

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Opportunities cannot present themselves; they need hosts. Prospects come in the form of people who need and want things. To seize opportunity is to serve people.

Previous cryptic solution

Good 7 VeryGood 10 Excellent 13

Previous solution: ace, ache, ale, alec, cel, cha, chela, each, hale, heal, lac, lace, lah, lea, leach, lech

Previous solution: ace, ache, ale, alec, cel, cha, chela, each, hale, heal, lac, lace, lah, lea, leach, lech

Previous

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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

BUSINESS WANTED/SELL

CATERING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY . . .

Owner retiring

Asburton’s long established, well regarded and highly popular catering business ALL FED UP is looking for the district’s next catering star.

The Annual Public Meeting of the Braided Rivers Community Trust will be held at Feeney’s Function room, Devon Tavern, on Thursday, 22nd September, at 5.30pm

AGENDA

1. Welcome

2. Apologies

3. Confirmation of minutes from meeting held 28th October 2021

4. Presentation of 2021/22 Annual Report of the Braided Rivers Community Trust Consolidated Group

5. General Business

Owner Dan Lysaght’s retirement means a great opportunity to put your own stamp on a good, honest, value for money tradition that has provided literally hundreds of weddings, company work do’s, family occasions, service club functions and general catering services to multiple generations over the past 20 plus years (around Canterbury area).

The business would suit a person who is a self starter, well organised and enjoys creating catering solutions for all situations.

With the festive season fast approaching, now is a splendid time to pursue this opportunity.

Included is stock, plant and equipment, website, and kitchen lease at Creek Road (if required), forward bookings, and assisting the purchaser towards a smooth transition, to set them on their way.

Expressions of interest to:

Dan Lysaght ALL FED UP

Robert Reid CEO

ASHBURTON SOCIETY OF ARTS INC.

SPRING SHOW

Short Street Studio

Opening Sunday, 18th September, 11am-4pm.

Guest Ruth Killoran and 17 members showing a variety of quality works

Open at weekends 11am-4pm and other days when the signs are out until Sunday, October 9.

Enquiries – 03 308 4533

Email: danlysaght747@gmail.com

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

THERE’S Hope. Would suit Older Gentleman. The New Me. Please Phone 02102759055.

GRAZING

LAMB Grazing wanted for the spring, top money for top feed. Phone Mitch 0273131320

LOST, FOUND

LOST - Ashburton Township, Ladies Diamond Sapphire Ring, Sentimental Value, Reward Paid. Please Phone 0274330114.

FOR SALE

FIREWOOD for sale: Green Old Man Pine $200 and Green Bluegum $240 for 3.6 m³. Phone Shane James Firewood. 0276113334.

GREY Fabric Lounge Suite, Large Expandable Round Table and 4 Chairs and Two Wooden Wall Units. Phone 3088258.

MOTORING

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

HIRE

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

SPECIALISED SERVICES

FIRE Extinguisher sales and servicing. On farm contractors – trucks/ tractors/balers/combines/ cars/boats/caravans etc. Phone Mack at Doors and More on 0273960361.

PUBLIC NOTICES For soon-toarrive new families:

1 x 3 bedroom 1x 2 bedroom

Contact Nicolee at the Refugee Settlement Support Service E: nicolee.

MEETINGS, EVENTS

Ashburton Railway & Preservation Society Inc

AGM Tuesday, 20 September 7pm In the on-site Function Room 62 Maronan Road Tinwald, Ashburton

*Proposed Constitution Changes

SITUATIONS WANTED

EXPERIENCED Carer, Qualified Cook, have Experience in Housekeeping. Available to come to your Home. References Available. Please Contact Christine 0272180668.

TRADES, SERVICES LOCKSMITH/Door repairs. Keys/Locks, sliding and bifold door roller repairs. Mobile service. Call Nigel at Doors and More. Ph 027 516 7104

For all

classified requirements.

M: 027 236 1114

ART Exhibition Commences Sunday Sept 18 – Oct 9th, 11am-4pm, Ashburton Society of Arts Spring Show 53 Short Street Studio. Guest – Ruth Killoran and 17 Members Exhibiting a great variety of work, Open weekends and when signs are out. Enquiries to Ngaio 03 3084533

PAINTER – CM Decorating. For all your Roof Spraying and Water Blasting. Phone Corey 0221697614

TRADES, SERVICES

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

SITUATIONS VACANT

the Guardian 307 7900

WANTED GENUINE private cash buyer, wanting Falcons, Holdens, Valiants or any pre-1990 vehicles suitable for preservation. Phone 021 0291 4847 or 03 615 7930.

Painter Decorator

Due to an increased workload we require a Painter decorator for immediate start. Contact Richard 027 626 0784 or email mccreapaintersashburton@gmail.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

Heartland Bank

Want to join the Heartland team?

We are looking for a Banking Consultant here in Ashburton

A bit about the role:

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 are resilient and adaptable, great at building relationships with your clients and internal teams, you’ll thrive in our growing and evolving organisation.

Advance Ashburton Community Foundation Executive Officer

Are you looking for an inspiring job where you can make a real difference?

Advance Ashburton Community Foundation (AACF) is a charitable trust founded to benefit the Ashburton region. Our aim is to make positive and real change for the people and projects in our community by connecting generous people who care with causes that matter. Since its establishment, the Foundation has distributed $6.4 million to our community.

We have an exciting opportunity for a new Executive Officer to lead the organisation’s growth and enhance the work we are doing throughout Mid Canterbury.

In this role, you will provide leadership and management to our small team of staff and volunteers and work closely with the Board of Trustees to realise AACF’s vision of a dynamic and responsive charitable organisation.

Reporting to the Board Chair, this 35 hoursper-week role, based in Ashburton, will:

• Build and nurture relationships with current and potential donors

Harvest & Farm Driver

Woodbury Downs Ltd is based at Wakanui, Ashburton.

Harvest & Farm Driver (with machinery assistance).

Role with our harvest team and dairy farms.

Must have telehandler & dairy farm machinery experience.

Heavy traffic licences are desirable.

Ability to work any day, working on team rosters. Immediate start, fulltime.

For further details please contact the acting HR manager:

Nina McKenzie 027 566 6682

nina@canterburydriedfoods.co.nz

• Build and nurture relationships with existing, and identify future, worthy recipients and causes in our community

• Actively promote AACF to our community

The successful applicant must have a genuine interest in charitable giving and the Ashburton region, be a strong leader and communicator, able to build strategic relationships with the community and display a high level of integrity.

If you are passionate about making a real difference to our community please send your CV and cover letter to:

The Chair

Advance Ashburton Community Foundation chair@advanceashburton.org.nz

Applications close September 26

A position description and application form are on our website: www.advanceashburton.org.nz

WEEKEND SERVICES

IN EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PHONE 111.

DUTY DOCTORS

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

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

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

Methven & Rakaia areas

For weekend and emergency

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

Pharmacies

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

Ashburton Rest Homes

Please contact directly for hours.

Emergency dentist

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

2IC machine operator

We are searching for a motivated and enthusiastic person to be second-in-charge of operations at our Methven seed cleaning business.

While prior seed cleaning experience would be a distinct advantage, the right attitude and ability to learn quickly is essential.

As a family-owned business, we enjoy a close relationship with our farmer-clients and a positive working environment where your thoughts and ideas count.

The position of 2IC is varied and challenging and would suit a practical and motivated person looking to further their career by taking on a position with responsibility and autonomy.

For more information please phone

John McCaw 0274 140 157

john@mccawseeds.co.nz

Please respect any COVID-19 restrictions or requirements

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

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

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

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

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

Victims Support Group 24hr - Freephone 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846).

Direct dials to a volunteer.

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

Alcohol Drug Help Line

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

Art Gallery

327 West Street, Ashburton, phone 308 1133. Open daily: 10am – 4pm.

Ashburton Museum

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

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

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

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

ANIMAL SERVICES

Dog, Stock & Noise Control

Ashburton District Council 03 307 7700 - 24hr service.

Animal Welfare Centre

All enquiries - phone 308 4432 or 027 3329286.

Veterinarians

WEEKEND EMERGENCIES

Please call your usual vet to be transferred to the emergency vet.

SITUATIONS VACANT

We help save lives every day through the research and development of improved diagnosis, better prediction and treatment of heart disease in our hospital and community.

Find out how you can help by visiting: www.otago. ac.nz/chchheart We Help Save Lives

NOT

Forms MUST be signed

concerned.

SITUATIONS VACANT

JOURNALIST

The Ashburton Guardian is an award-winning multimedia business, built on the success of being one of New Zealand’s oldest remaining independent newspapers.

We’re well past pension age, clocking up 143 years in operation already, so we’re as local as you get. But now we’re after a go-getter journalist to help take us to the next level.

We want someone capable of writing lively stories for our online platforms and our newspaper, which is produced three times a week.

We’d love it if you were also comfortable with video storytelling, taking photos and social media.

We want someone who works hard, loves what they do but who also knows how to have a bit of fun.

You’ll be joining an organisation on a high, with the Ashburton Guardian having recently been named Community Newspaper of the Year runner-up and a finalist in the best editorial campaign at the Voyager Media Awards.

We’ve got an open mind about the ideal candidate and their level of experience so anyone from junior to senior should get in touch if they think they have what it takes.

For the right candidate, there may be some flexibility around location.

Expressions of interest should be sent to Ashburton Guardian managing editor Daryl Holden.

E: daryl.h@theguardian.co.nz

Closing date Sunday, September 18, 2022

Weather

Midnight Saturday

FAMILY NOTICES

3. A separate form MUST be submitted for each future event and may be lodged with the Guardian as far in advance as desired. For example: A club which meets monthly may submit, say, 12 separate forms simultaneously – one pertaining to each meeting scheduled over the following 12 months.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

DEATHS

A ridge of high pressure remains over the North Island while a northerly flow strengthens over the South Island on Sunday as a front approaches Fiordland from the west. The front crosses the country on Monday and becomes slow moving over the North Island on Tuesday, while a low affects the South Island.

On This Day

17 September, 2018: A cold front moved over the South Island bringing heavy rain and snow, particularly to Central Otago and parts of Southland.

How to send family notices

4. The organisation acknowledges that no responsibility for errors or omissions will be accepted by the Guardian Company.

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

Email all notices (not just for deaths) to: deathnotices@theguardian.co.nz

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

MURDOCH, Hilda Annie –Hilda’s family would like to thank everyone for the love and support they have received. We greatly appreciate the visits, flowers, food, cards, messages and attending Hilda’s funeral.

Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement from Hilda’s family.

A Special lady who always gave of herself.

IN MEMORIAM

GIBSON, Edith Lois (Lois) –

On September 15, 2022, suddenly at Ashburton Hospital, aged 78 years. Much loved sister and sisterin-law of Audrey and Graham Box, and Clare and the late Jim Rabbidge. Treasured aunty of all her nieces and nephews and special friend of Jenette Jane Storrier. Messages to Lois’ family, PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A service to celebrate Lois’ life will be held at St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Park Street, Ashburton on WEDNESDAY, September 21, commencing at 1.30pm, followed by cremation at the Ashburton Crematorium.

For all your classified requirements.

Phone the Guardian 307 7900

Honest. Trustworthy.

Honest. Trustworthy. Local.

Honest. Trustworthy. Local.

Call me for all your real estate needs

Saturday: Fine with morning frost. Light winds.

Canterbury Plains

Saturday: Fine with morning frost. Light winds.

Sunday: Mainly fine. Areas of frost and coastal low cloud in the morning. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.

Monday: High cloud with spots of rain. Fresh northeasterlies, easing in the evening.

Around The Region

Christchurch

MUCKLE, Ivan –17 September, 2018.

MUCKLE, Ivan –17 September, 2018.

NISBET, Elizabeth (Liz) –

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

We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, to walk with us throughout our lives. Until we meet again.

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

We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain, to walk with us throughout our lives. Until we meet again.

Mick Hydes 027 437 9696 mick.hydes@ mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz

WHALAN

WHALAN

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT

THE REA ACT

OF

Metcalf

Sunday: Mainly fine. Areas of frost and possible low cloud in the morning. NE developing in the morning.

Saturday

Mountain weather hazards: None issued.

Mainly fine, some high cloud.

Wind at 1000m: Light.

Wind at 2000m: Light.

Freezing level: 1800m.

Sunday

Mountain weather hazards: None issued.

Fine with increasing high cloud.

Wind at 1000m: NW 30 km/h developing in the afternoon.

Wind at 2000m: NW 45 km/h developing in the afternoon.

Freezing level: Rising to 2500m.

Always remembered and forever loved.

Always remembered and forever loved.

Sandra, Craig, Angela, Grace, and Lachie.

Sandra, Craig, Angela, Grace, and Lachie.

On September 13, 2022. Beloved soul mate and wife of Bert, much loved mother of Kerron and Darrell, and Dawn, and loved grandmother of Cara and James. Messages to the Nisbet family, PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A celebration of Liz’s life will be held in the Chertsey Hall, St Paul’s Church, 39 Chertsey Line Road, Ashburton on MONDAY, September 19, commencing at 3pm, followed by cremation at the Ashburton Crematorium.

BANKS, Allan Keith (Sandy) –Passed away two years ago today on September 17, 2020.

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die”

Always remembered with love. Lynda

On September 13, 2022, at home aged 87. Loved wife of the late Noel (Hororata), much loved mother of Julie & David, Wayne & Gabriele, Nana of Ryan & Lucy, Tayla & Jordan, Lucas and Sara. Loved sister of the late Thelma & late Frank Hawkins and the late Gordon & Freda Johnston. As was Mary’s wish a private service will be held. Messages to 33 Reighton Drive, Ashburton, or daveandjulieh@ gmail.com. At peace and with Noel again after 41 years.

Monday: High cloud. Fresh northeasterlies, easing in the evening.

Friday

Tides, Sun and Moon

9:11am 9:38pm

10:07am 10:35pm 3:44am 4:20pm

qtr

11:01am 11:28pm 4:40am 5:20pm

18

9:01am 9:26pm

2:43am 3:15pm

8:55am 9:22pm

2:31am 3:02pm

9:51am 10:18pm 3:34am 4:11pm

2:47am 3:18pm 9:51am 10:19pm 3:28am 4:04pm

10:43am 11:09pm 4:26am 5:05pm

10:45am 11:12pm 4:24am 5:04pm

6:30am 6:25pm 6:29am 6:26pm 6:27am 6:27pm

12:56am 9:50am 1:59am 10:30am 2:56am 11:18am

first

ROTHWELL, Eileen Mary (Mary) née Johnston –

why our local water crisis is urgent

PURPOSE: PROTECTING AND SOURCING ARTESIAN WATER SOURCES FOR THE HEALTH OF HUMANITY

IT IS ELECTION SEASON AND TIME TO GET BACK TO BASICS WITH WATER.

• Taking water from rivers and streams is not acceptable. We have water sources available to support and supplement the needs of agriculture. We need to develop it. “Good planning does not cost, it pays.”

• We have water sources in abundance to service our essential agriculture industry. Providing clean, pure water for farming.

• Drinking water - Our drinking water has gone from good to poor over the past ten years, with E.coli and Nitrates increasing.

• The engineering solution will be an expensive, multi-million dollar water plant that taxpayers will fund. However, a natural solution at a fraction of the cost is available.

• Demand cost/benefit analysis by your Council and or Government going forward. It could give you better quality water at a fraction of the cost of the proposed water filtration system with expensive repair and maintenance costs plus filter Replacements. You have clean water available.

• Rivers and Wetlands - It is disrespectful for us to take water from rivers and wetlands. Irrigation water that is 100% pure and clean is available for irrigation on our farming fields, and gravity feeds into our aquifers. Clean, green, farming. At Aquifer Locations Ltd., we work on locating new water sources 24/7.

• Going into the Election season, we urge you to vote wisely for candidates who support a natural healthy drinking water policy.

• We should demand this essential element from the society we live in and for the health of the environment and the people of The Ashburton District.