Ashburton Guardian, Saturday, September 3, 2022

Lawyer sounds warning over Bentley reward

Police assure rigorous checking of all leads

Swapping pine trees for solar panels

BY JONATHAN LEASK

Replacing forestry with solar power.

It’s just a suggestion at this stage, but the potential to replace some forestry blocks with solar farms is something the Ashburton District Council is going to investigate.

Police have played down fears a $100,000 reward for the cold case murder of Ashburton teenager Kirsty Bentley could result in a wrongful conviction.

Nationally-respected criminal defence barrister Annabel Cresswell has warned police to be careful when offering a cash reward for information or evidence leading to the identity and conviction of those responsible for Bentley’s murder.

Bentley was last seen walking her dog on the afternoon of December 31, 1998, and her body was found in the Rakaia Gorge more than two weeks later, a day before her 16th birthday.

It remains New Zealand’s most famous cold case murder, with Christchurch detective inspector Greg Murton overseeing an unsolved killing that has had police stumped for nearly a quarter of a century.

In July, he announced the reward offer but defence barrister Cresswell said that came with a risk because it could encourage someone to “make up something utterly untrue just to get the money’’.

She said that could result a wrongful conviction and “somebody innocent being put in prison”.

About 50 pieces of information related to the murder have apparently come forward since the reward was announced, but detective inspector Murton assured it would be thoroughly reviewed.

“… that information must go through a rigorous assessment process to determine its validity and whether it requires further investigation,’’ said Murton, who in 2014 became the third inspector to lead the case.

“Rewards are offered in cer-

CATCH KIRSTY’S KILLER

The story: Kirsty’s body was found 18 days after she disappeared while walking the family dog in Ashburton on New Year’s Eve 1998. It is New Zealand’s most famous cold case murder.

tain circumstances, with specific and stringent procedures in place.’’

A sizeable cash reward is not a new murder-solving ploy by New Zealand police.

In 2019, $100,000 was also offered for information about the notorious unsolved murder of Christchurch mother Angela Blackmoore.

She was 10 weeks pregnant when she was stabbed 39 times

If you have information: Contact the police via its 105 non-emergency number and reference Operation Kirsty. Or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

Reward: A $100,000 has been issued and would remain in place for six months. Immunity from prosecution may be considered for any accomplices should they come forward.

in her home in 1995, while her 2-year-old son Dillon slept in the next room.

A year later, after reward information came forward, an amateur contract killer was jailed for the horrific murder.

Detective inspector Murton admitted the Bentley reward offer was with one focus in mind.

“Our goal is, and has always been, to find out what happened to Kirsty and provide her loved

ones with a sense of closure,’’ he said.

Murton also acknowledged the impact the case still clearly had on the wider Ashburton District. “It’s clear to see, after all this time, there remains a high level of care and concern in the Ashburton community for Kirsty and her family,’’ he said. “We again urge anyone in Ashburton with information that may assist to come forward”.

Chief executive Hamish Riach said a preliminary conversation had taken place with the property and forestry departments after the topic was raised, and it was now “on our radar”.

No specific site has been identified, just the potential to switch from forestry to a solar farm as a renewable income stream. The council, which has 75 plantations of which 27 are small (2 hectares or less) gravel reserves, adopted a Climate Resilience Plan this month. That sets out the direction to implement its climate change policy and the plan included an objective to “investigate and implement opportunities for increasing sustainability”.

One of the actions was to assess council buildings and investigate the viability of solar panels.

The council’s new library and civic centre has provisions for future installation of solar panels because it was not deemed cost effective to include them from the outset, Riach said.

“There is a good example where we have already assessed a particular building, come to a view that it wasn’t the right thing to do at that time but didn’t want to close it off as an option down the track.

“There is provision there to put [solar] on should they be cost effective to do so in the future.”

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

THE SEAT you want to meet.

Daryl Holden

Christchurch detective inspector Greg Murton puts faith in Kirsty Bentley murder reward plan: “Rewards are offered in certain circumstances, with specific and stringent procedures in place.’’

What: Police are desperate for help to solve the longstanding murder of Ashburton teenager Kirsty Bentley.

We are getting a Rebel Sport

Another big box retailer is setting up shop in Ashburton, while an additional national chain store is moving across town.

The site of the former ATS building on Kermode Street will soon be home to Rebel Sport, while next door to it will be Briscoes Homeware, which is set to move from its existing Tancred Street site.

Both large format retail stores are owned by the Briscoe Group Limited and company founder, and managing director Rod Duke, said having them together came down to size and space.

Duke said the existing Briscoes store was “simply too small”, which was why they opted to relocate to a larger site rather than renovating a space that was no longer functional.

“The new store is going to be some 30 per cent bigger than the existing one,” Duke said.

“We thought it was important when we relocated in Ashburton that we also introduced Rebel Sport to that catchment.”

He said there has been ongoing interest and requests for Rebel Sport to come to town.

A Black and White Coffee Cartel café was also proposed, making it a real destination that would also create about 20 new jobs, he said.

“We will need a chunky number of folks for Rebel Sport, as we have none.

“As for Briscoes being 30 per cent larger, we will need 30 per cent more staff.”

There had initially been hopes to be open by Christmas, but it now won’t be ready until the second quarter of 2023 because of the goods supply chain issues impacting the building sector.

The Briscoes Group’s move continues the commercial sprawl hitting Ashburton, with the River Crossing Precinct by Countdown South closing in on opening by the end of the year.

That would feature big box retailer Kmart as the anchor tenant, with eatery and beverage joints Coffee Culture, Coupland’s, Joe’s Garage, St Pierre’s Sushi, Amigos Mexican Restaurant, and Sal’s

Pizza also part of the development.

Duke was aware of concerns around big box retailers setting up in Ashburton outside the CBD, but said it was near impossible to find a location in the heart of the town.

“It’s a question of whether you can get the right amount of land to put a building on it that you want and satisfy people with

sufficient carparks. “That’s really hard to get in a downtown area.”

He thought his company’s dual store development just outside the CBD, and perched in between other big box retailers, would be its own destination.

And the addition of Rebel Sport – “the dominant sporting goods brand in this country” – would also help keep shoppers in Ashburton.

Recline in

Construction of the new Briscoes Homeware and Rebel Sport stores is well under way on Kermode Street.

PHOTO JONATHAN LEASK/LDR

Jonathan Leask

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Restoration starts at St Andrew’s

An Ashburton landmark will be back in use by Easter next year.

Work has started to restore St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Park and Have lock Streets.

The church was forced to close five years ago when the govern ment applied more stringent standards to public buildings, following the Christchurch earth quake 12 years ago.

The sanctuar y and organ loft were seen to be the weakest part of the church, but minister, Eric Mattock, said parishioners decid ed it was a good opportunity to check out the entire structure.

The sale of the Presbyterian manse in Cameron Street and bequests from former church members, amounting to about $750,000, have enabled the strengthening work to go ahead.

Fencing has been erected around the building, pews have been removed and scaffolding is already installed inside to enable work to begin.

“Bradfords will repair the walls and strengthen the sanctuary and organ loft,” Mattock said.

“We’re hoping work will be completed and the church open by Easter 2023.”

“St Andrew’s has made a signif icant contribution to Ashburton over the years, and we’d like it to

again become a venue for wor ship and ordinances such as mar riages and funerals.”

He said the pews will be rein stated and it’ll be a joy to hear

the organ played again.

“We’ll continue to serve the community in whatever way we can,” Mattock said.

For the past five years church

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members have worshipped at the Sinclair Centre, and Mattock is hoping the social fellowship that enhanced the services there will continue once people are

back at St Andrew’s. Rev Mattock initially came to Ashburton as supply clergy, but was inducted as its minister for a two-year term in July this year.

Malcolm Hopwood

Fencing has been installed around St Andrew’s Church as restoration work begins inside.

Below – Rev Eric Mattock

Not up to standard

Playground safety

Ashburton Domain’s popular playground may have to be rebuilt because it’s been described as an ad hoc setup – and its raised wooden edging may be dangerous.

Park Central, the national playground compliance specialists, have completed an audit of the Ashburton District Council’s playgrounds and they’ve recommended the entire Ashburton Domain playground be “reviewed and an overall plan/design is put in place”.

The report states that various playground items and equipment “have been added into the play space in an ad hoc manner” and “the surfaces are scattered through the area without any cohesion”.

Its raised wooden edging was an accessibility issue, while the use of bark chip mulch was not

a modern children’s landing option.

The Ashburton District Council’s 30-year Ashburton Domain redevelopment, signed off in 2020, already lays out plans for an overhaul.

Do you have any issues with your favourite playground? Do you have safety concerns or accessibility issues, including at the Ashburton Domain?

Be part of the debate. Have your say.

Emailing: editor@theguardian. co.nz

plan processes, he said.

The audit would factor that planning into any changes, which could see the upgrade brought forward, he said.

vidual play assets at 28 district sites, excluding the Lake Clearwater playground, which was unable to be accessed due to bad weather at the time.

The council’s playground assets were valued at $4,001,800 and all equipment was measured against various standards depending on when it was installed, with 93 items being non-compliant.

There were 139 maintenance issues requiring attention at an estimated cost of $40,710, which Fabish said would be addressed this year.

He also said that improving accessibility in all playgrounds was a work in progress.

“Staff will implement changes when and where possible and in conjunction with other site works.”

There’s no timeframe or budget, because that would be part of the upcoming activity management plan and long-term

“Staff are in discussions with the playground inspector and designers,” council community services group manager, Steve Fabish, said.

“Possibly, but the overall priority status of general district-wide requirements in playgrounds shall influence the timeline.”

The Ashburton Domain was joined by nine other locations recommended for a full renewal, including the Methven, Rakaia, and Tinwald domains.

The report assessed 229 indi-

“Public

Reduced season at Rangi ‘makes sense’

open up from September 1 until May 1, reducing the operations to an eight-month season.

That was a decision made to balance the books and provide a level of service which was financially prudent.

Reducing the Rangitata Camping Ground season by four months “makes sense” according to some of its long-time users.

Robin Hall is in his 60s and has been camping near the banks of the Rangitata River most years since he was a teenager, and he’s happy to see that opportunity continue.

The campground had been a year-round operation, until the retirement of its caretakers meant it was closed in May while the Ashburton District Council made a plan for its future.

That plan would now see it

Hall believed the council had made “a sensible decision”.

“Closing it down over winter will keep the costs down,” Hall said.

“It means there is no more wasting money when no one is down there.”

Fellow camper Phil Nicholson, who has been taking his family there for eight years, also thought it was a good outcome.

“It makes sense as most of us long-timers are packed up and gone by March, and we start coming back from September.”

The council’s decision means Nicholson and the oth-

er long-timers can continue his summer tradition at what he said was “just a classic kiwi camping spot”.

“It’s just a great wee camping

Sewing Machine Expo

spot for the whole family and there is plenty to do,” Nicholson said.

“And it’s so close to Ashburton, 25 minutes and you’re there.”

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All are welcome, free to attend.

Seats will be limited, book your place today!

The sessions will be fun, relaxed and informative. Special offers in store over the expo week.

Phil Nicholson is pleased his family can continue their summer tradition at the “classic kiwi camping spot” at the Rangitata Camping ground.

Jonathan Leask

Jonathan Leask

Govt U-turn saved Kiwi heartache

An experienced Ashburton finan cial adviser hopes the Govern ment’s learned from its ill-consid ered plan to tax fees on KiwiSaver funds

He’s Kilworths’ Insurance and Investment director, Scott Kil worth, who’s been a financial ad viser for 34 years.

He’s also been giving advice on KiwiSaver since the scheme com menced in 2007.

Not surprisingly, he welcomed the news of the Government’s almost bizarre backdown on Wednesday of its plan to tax Ki wiSaver funds.

Kilworth’s message to the Gov ernment was simple – next time, consult the experts first before rushing into a major financial sav ings shift.

“As retirement is a permanent issue, it is generally unwise that any Government makes major changes without consulting the majority of interested parties that are involved with KiwiSaver,’’ Kil worth said.

The Government intended to have forced managed funds and KiwiSaver providers pay a flat 15 per cent GST on fees, which would have meant individual savers with balances of $100,000 could have lost about $20,000 over 25 years.

But as quickly as the plan was

announced, Prime Minister Ja cinda Ardern just as smartly con firmed a U-turn, which she said was as a result of feedback from fund managers.

No-one was probably more pleased locally than Kilworth,

whose family business has been operating in Ashburton since 1966.

“KiwiSaver is in important sav ings vehicle in many New Zea landers’ retirement planning.

“It is important that all New Zealanders have confidence in

KiwiSaver schemes.’’

Kilworth thought adoption of a KiwiSaver tax bill would have simply “disincentivised’’ existing scheme members to save and put off new prospective customers to join.

“Our major concern was that KiwiSaver members would be paying higher fees,’’ he said.

“That would mean over time a reduction in the amount they would have saved in their KiwiSaver.’’

Can you help?

Ashburton police need your help to identify these three individuals related to an in cident at New World around 9pm, Friday, August 19. Anyone who recognises these people are urged to email Constable Jack Thom son at Ashburton police on jack.thomson@police.govt. nz or call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Right move: Ashburton’s insurance and investment adviser, Scott Kilworth, was pleased the Government quickly came to its senses by backtracking on a plan to tax KiwiSaver.

PHOTO DARYL HOLDEN

Daryl Holden

PHOTOS CANTERBURY POLICE

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.

New Zealand has some of the most scenic rides in the world and great on-road skills are needed to get the most enjoyment from riding them.

Ride Forever can give all motorcyclists the skills to get the most out of every ride. Ride Forever onroad coaching is available nationally, with a range of courses available from beginners through to the most experienced motorcyclists.

Each course gives riders the skills and knowledge to get the most out of every ride.

Ride Forever trained motorcyclists are 27% less likely to crash and have a motorcycle-related injury, ACC evidence shows.

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.

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 compromised.

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Topp committed to candidacy despite health setbacks

“We are dealing with a bit of a walking problem and we are hopeful it’s not permanent damage and things will get better.”

Her other goal was “getting back on to the boards” and performing with Dame Jools as the Topp Twins once again.

Methven’s Dame Lynda Topp says she’s committed to her election candidacy campaign despite setbacks in her cancer treatment.

Dame Lynda, who was diagnosed with grade 3 invasive breast cancer in December 2021, is suffering from nerve damage in her feet, a side-effect of the treatment. But it won’t impact her local Government election hopes where she is running in the Western Ward of the Ashburton District Council against incumbents Liz McMillan and Rodger Letham for the two vacancies.

“Yes, I am (still standing),’’ she said.

“We (the twin sisters) are fighters and we plan to be around for a while.”

She said the community has been there for her and she plans to be there for them if elected.

“I’m not allowed to have any more chemo because that is the cause of the problem,” she said.

Dame Jools was diagnosed with breast cancer 16 years ago and, after having chemotherapy, went into remission but earlier this year discovered her cancer has metastasised, and started radiation therapy.

She said on Thursday that she was “feeling well and is still waiting on a scan to see if radiation has reduced the tumour in her rib cage”.

“The twins continue to smile and stay positive every day and would also like to acknowledge all the other women out there in New Zealand who are going through cancer treatment.”

Hear what the candidates have to say

THE CANDIDATES

What’s your priority for potholes? Do you support Three Waters? Are the rates too high?

Local government election candidates for the Ashburton District mayoralty, Environment Canterbury and the Ashburton Ward have the opportunity to answer all of that and more at a meet-the-candidates public event on September 11.

The Ashburton Citizens’ Association, in association with the Ashburton Guardian, are holding the session at the Ashburton Event Centre from 2pm.

Ashburton Citizens’ Association chairperson, Greer Ricketts, said the event would be important for Ashburton people to find out about the candidates and their views. That would allow them to make an informed judgement when it comes to voting.

“There are a lot of new candi-

Public meet the candidates session for the Ashburton District mayoralty, Environment Canterbury and the Ashburton ward representatives on the

When and where: Ashburton Event Centre on Sunday, September

How important is the meeting for voters?

“There are a lot of new candidates and it’s valuable for people to hear them so they can make up their own minds,” Ashburton Citizens Association chairperson, Greer

Not giving up: Methven’s Dame Lynda Topp (right), pictured with twin sister, Dame Jools, remains committed to her local Government election campaign despite setbacks in her cancer treatment.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Jonathan Leask

“Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air”

Malcolm Hopwood

DellaTammy

Greenpeace wants help for farmers

versify their practices by investing in making non-dairy products, with a start-up company using precision fermentation. That’s a form of synthetic biology and a technological process of producing complex organic molecules like proteins.

Greenpeace is petitioning the Government to help farmers financially transition to more sustainable practices.

Greenpeace lead agriculture campaigner, Christine Rose, said the petition was about building the case for public support, with 34,000 signatures already secured.

Greenpeace wants the Government to help farmers move away from synthetic fertiliser-based and imported feed products she believed had harmful affects on fresh water, animals, and the climate. Instead, she wants them to move towards regenerative farming as a part of the Covid-19 economic recovery package.

Regenerative farming refers to a loosely defined set of techniques, which tries to boost soil health and biodiversity while using less added fertiliser.

“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” Rose said.

Fonterra is already starting to di-

According to Rose, many countries have increased budgets and policies to support new farming initiatives. That’s why Greenpeace, the global environmental campaigning organisation, was asking for a billion dollars to help improve New Zealand’s farming practices.

Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury president, David Acland, said it was great to have investment into more agricultural research, but a subsidy for farmers was not the way to go.

Acland highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic and political crisis as a case to be wary of.

Last year, its president banned synthetic fertiliser and pesticide imports, forcing millions of farmers to go organic. Unfortunately that’s meant food production had dropped dramatically, Acland said.

“I’m not saying this would happen in New Zealand, but it is something to think about.”

Open recycling day

ways and prizes for participants.

Ashburton’s waste education guru and her colleagues are running workshops and tips for the public today.

Rethink educator Lesley Ottey will be front and centre at the Eco Educate business, next to the Ashburton Resource Recovery Park on Range Street, tomorrow from 10am-2pm.

There will be workshops on recycling, worm farming, composting and water usage – and with free soup thrown in, plus some givea-

Ottey said she wants people to go away feeling inspired, explaining that Eco Educate aimed to help people think differently about their waste by providing educational workshops that were interactive and easy to follow ideas.

Ottey aims to give people practical and affordable solutions to problems involving waste.

“It shouldn’t cost heaps (to manage your waste) because you are doing it wrong if it does.”

Her business, which helps more than 250 schools, preschools and high schools across Canterbury reduce their environmental impact, also works alongside the Waimaka-

riri and Ashburton District Councils. They also have the contract with the Ashburton council to collect residents’ home waste.

Ottey said the open day would give people a chance to see what they have done to improve the centre over the past year.

They would also get a better understanding of what they do for the community, she said.

Anyone heading along today should park on the road and wear enclosed shoes.

Greenpeace campaigner, Christine Rose, hoping to gain public support to make the Government help financially assist farmers adapt to better practices.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Lili Haydon

Lili

Haydon

Right – Ashburton’s Eco Educate team (from left) Anthea Moore, Tig the mascot, and Lesley Ottey sitting outside the

Enjoying life in NZ to the fullest

My name is Yumi Blake and I am from Japan.

I arrived in New Zealand in 1995, came directly to Methven with a bunch of fellow snowboard instructors and we came here to train at Mt Hutt.

Back in Japan, I was a snowboarding instructor and taught for five seasons, I participated in the Snowboard Alpine Race in Japan about four times.

I fell in love with Mt Hutt and the nature surrounding it, and decided to call Methven home. Here is where I met my husband and where my kids grew up. Now my daughter is 22 and my son is 21.

During winter, I work as a snowboard instructor at Mt Hutt still and now I am also working at Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa as a lifeguard.

To keep myself busy, I also help at the Mid Canterbury Play-

centre and, during summer, I normally teach people how to swim and work as a lifeguard too.

I have made really good connections through the playcentre and my other workplaces here in town, Methven is a really lovely community.

One of the biggest challenges I faced in New Zealand was the language, I didn’t speak English when I arrived and communicating was very challenging, so I went to the Ashburton Learning Centre and gained lots of vocabulary, it helped me feel more confident.

cating was very challenging, so I

Over 10 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I received all the treatment and it went away, but five years later, it came back and had to do it all over again.

I am fine now, but it was a big challenge. I’m glad to be alive,

I am thankful for the chance I have to share with my family and appreciate life every day.

I love New Zealand because I am trying different things all the time, this makes life even more enjoyable.

Creativity unleashed

Wejust finished running our second set of sewing workshops where people learned how to use a sewing machine and unleashed their creativity.

In our first workshop we made a bag to carry all the sewing basics, the workshop was held by Carol Roman from Chile.

Carol is a fashion designer who started her own brand of sustainble clothing here in New Zealand, she specialises in fashion made out of recycled materials she found in op-shops.

She taught us how to “rescue” some useful zips, buttons and fabrics from going to landfield.

In the second workshop, our tutor was Anna Hipper from Austria, who learned how to sew when she was in high school and, since then, she hasn’t stopped creating beautiful garments.

Plowing ahead

She purchases colourful fabrics and makes clothes for her 11-month-old baby, Hannah, and for herself.

Our

10th group of Road Code students are well through their course and nearly ready to sit their learner’s licence.

We had a great road safety talk from the Ashburton police recently.

We heard all about RIDS – Restraints, Impairment, Distraction and Speed.

These are some of the things our police are looking for while patrolling the roads.

Most of it is common sense, but people don’t always follow these guidelines.

We heard about the Five Star Vehicle Safety Rating and got a chance to look up our vehicles on the website rightcar.govt.nz.

This was very interesting, you should check it out.

Thanks Sgt Burgerhout for keeping us safe on the road and showing us that our police are very helpful, friendly and not to be feared. They’re not like that in some of the countries our

students come from.

As the students progress through their learner’s tests we will be looking for more driving mentors. Have you considered volunteering? This is a great way to help a newcomer become independent.

It opens up a whole new world for them and for you. It’s very rewarding for the mentors to see their student grow into a safe, confident driver.

You will find your own driving improves too and it’s a great opportunity to learn about another culture.

If you would like to be part of this amazing programme, either as a student, driving mentor or to volunteer in other ways, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Wendy Hewitt on 027 611 3301 or wendy.hewitt@safer.org.nz

We are also on Facebook, just search for the Mid Canterbury Rural Driver Licensing Scheme.

The project was a skirt with different layers, in which each participant had to measure and cut their patterns.

These workshops are a great way to connect with people you probably wouldn’t have connected with before. They give the participants a starting point in common where they share tips and tricks, personal stories, refer people to other groups or activities and help one another with the patterns or mishaps with the sewing machine.

And for the tutors, the chance of teaching something they are really good at reassures and empowers them.

The price of the three sessions is $15, which goes to covering the venue hire.

The fabrics and other materials were purchased from op-shops around the district and we were able to purchase them thanks to the amazing support of our funders.

If you would like to find out more about these and other activities we plan, go to our Facebook page: Mid Canterbury Newcomers Network.

RantorRave

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The day that Britain stood still

Iremember it like it was yesterday, even though 25 years have passed since Diana, Princess of Wales, died tragically in a car crash outside a tunnel in Paris.

Her death on August 31, 1997, left the world in shock because, even after divorcing Prince Charles, and thus cutting formal Royal Family ties, the People’s Princess had continued to cap ture the hearts of millions and was rightly regarded as the most famous woman in the world.

The tragedy will always stick with me because I was in London at the time, working as a news correspondent for New Zealand’s Independent Newspapers Lim ited, the company that became Fairfax and now Stuff.

I’d got up early that morning in our Wimbledon flat, my girlfriend rushing around as she got ready to leave for her 5am nursing shift start at the nearby hospital.

I flicked on the television and there it was. News flashes about the death of the princess.

News that took time to register. It couldn’t be true? Could it? It could. And it was.

So, what to do? Remembering, that back in 1997 very few in Brit ain had the internet at home, so commenting and checking views on social media, or changing a profile picture in memory of Diana, wasn’t an option.

Instead, mourners went in person to pay their respects publicly at her home residence of Kensington Palace where Lady Di would never return.

I was one of them, my note book in hand because this was also work for me. The biggest sto ry of the year. One of the biggest stories of the century.

I was one of the first to arrive

outside Kensington Palace some time before dawn. Because news of Diana’s fatal car crash reached the UK in the middle of the night, I didn’t expect to see many there. How wrong was I.

Hundreds became thousands inside an hour. It was the same at Buckingham Palace, too.

The response in London and throughout Great Britain was spontaneous, overwhelming, and unprecedented. Mourners wept — and paid tribute. Strangers comforted each other in a rare outpouring of raw emotion. People were seen crying, wailing even, in sorrow.

Incredibly, as the grieving continued over the coming days, an estimated 10,000-15,000 tonnes of flowers were laid in Diana’s memory at Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace, where her body was taken upon arrival from Paris.

Candles, stuffed animals, flags, photographs, and personal notes

were also left. Those flowers and gifts reached 30 feet deep from palace gates.

It was a surreal, unexpected displays of public grief by the stereotypically stiff-upper-lipped Brits being something I’ll never forget.

People wanted to say goodbye, standing in line to sign books of condolence. At their peak, wait times lasted 12 hours. I kid you not because I joined one of those queues.

On the day of Princess Diana’s funeral, more than one million mourners lined the streets to watch the procession from St James’s Palace to Westminster Abbey, where, poignantly, Prince William would later marry Kate Middleton in 2011.

The funeral was equally as moving, six black horses carry ing Diana’s coffin by cortege to the ser vice as her sons, William and Harry, then aged 15 and 12, walked behind the casket, ac companied by their father Prince

Charles, grandfather Prince Phil ip, and Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer.

I remember the eerie silence, the horse hooves and the wheels of the carriage on shingle being the only noise I could remember.

Not even planes were heard because they’d been rerouted for the event.

As the coffin passed, quiet and polite chatter resumed while hundreds of thousands made their way to close-by Hyde Park where they gathered in the sun shine for the big-screen transmission of a funeral ceremony that stopped a nation, that stopped the world.

An estimated two billion view ers watched the event worldwide, making it one of the biggest tele vised events in history. That was probably no surprise. After all, it was a day, and a moment in time, that Britain stood still.

The People’s Princess making her mark in death as she did in life.

Daryl Holden

Govt takes further action with supermarkets

Aspart of our work to support households here in Mid Canterbury with the cost of living, we’re taking further action on supermarkets to make sure Kiwis are paying a fair price at the supermarket till.

We don’t think it’s acceptable that people have been paying a premium for the basics, while supermarkets earn $1 million a day in excess profits.

That’s why we’re moving forward with our plan to increase competition and fix the supermarket sector.

We’ve called on supermarkets to open up wholesale access for their competitors, at a fair price

RANGITATA MP Jo Luxton

– or the Government will do it for them through law. In fact, we’ve now finalised additional measures to unlock supermarkets’ stockroom doors for them, if we don’t see evidence of them brokering good-faith deals with competitors.

Right now, New Zealand has one of the most concentrated grocery retail sectors in the

world, and the high prices we’re facing are driven by the lack of competition in the sector. Opening up wholesale access will make it easier for new competitors and independent dairies to enter the grocery market.

Our new toolkit of measures includes powers for Government to step in and demand major grocery retailers provide wholesale supply at certain terms, including price and range.

It also sends a very strong message as to how serious our Government is about seeing more competition in the market, and making sure people in Ashburton and across the

country get a fair deal.

On top of this, we’re appointing a new Grocery Commissioner to be referee of the sector, as well as introducing a mandatory code of conduct, to keep supermarkets honest.

We’re progressing compulsory unit pricing on grocery products to make it easier for consumers to compare prices.

This follows the work we’ve already done to ban major supermarkets from blocking their competitors’ access to land to set up new stores.

Taking action on supermarkets is just one of the ways we’re supporting people in Mid Can-

terbury with the cost of living, which has been driven up by global factors.

We’ve put in place a new costof-living package, extended the fuel tax cut and reduced road user charges, boosted superannuation and main benefits, and lots more.

Jo Luxton is a Labour MP. The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of the Ashburton Guardian Co Ltd or any employee thereof

What makes a good candidate?

So you want to be a candidate and get elected. It doesn’t matter if it’s for our local school board of trustees, or our own council, or even government.

Representing others seems to be the thing to do at the mo ment. So what makes a good candidate?

Sometimes it’s easier to answer a question like that by stating the opposite. So for all of those hopefuls campaigning out there now, here is guide to what NOT to do if you get elected.

Make stuff up

Making stuff up has been an on again, off again whim of politicians such as the following examples.

Former MP Michael Laws awarded a contract to a polling company partly owned by his wife.

The poll was signed off by someone called Antoinette Beck. Reality was Antoinette didn’t exist and the signature came from a parliamentary secretary. Perhaps choosing the name of a beheaded Queen was not a smart move.

OUT OF SCHOOL

Colin Craig distributed a leaflet called Dirty Politics and Hidden Agendas that listed bad stuff said against him. In the leaflet was an interview from a Mr X blowing the whistle on what was going on. Turns out Colin Craig was Mr X and the whole interview was made up.

Maybe the interview in the sauna fogged his brain. Or was it the vapour trails?

Commit a crime

It seems obvious but not to some former MPs who thought it was alright to commit a crime and hope no one will notice. Do you remember when;

John Kirk, the son of for mer Prime Minister Norman Kirk, left New Zealand owing $280,000 in 1984.

He was arrested in the US, served time and sent back to New Zealand.

Try pulling the stunt of ‘do you know who I am’ with those cops John.

Then Dover Samuels resigned as he was being investigated for alleged sex crimes committed before he got into politics.

Following this, Graham Capill is convicted on paedophilia-re lated charges and serves six years in prison. He was a former leader of the Christian Heritage Party.

Of course who could forget ACT MP Donna Awatere Huata being convicted of fraud charges and then ACT party member David Garrett stole the identity of a dead infant in order to get a passport.

To finish off the trifecta, ACT Party leader John Banks is con victed of filing a false electoral return.

Later on he didn’t like the decision and got this conviction overturned.

Before that Banks had a cup of tea with John Key and somehow both did not notice a recorder left on the table.

Both Johns weren’t happy and had hissy fits at the press in general.

Be a National Party MP

But lets face it. The biggest stumbling block seems to be having anything to do with the National Party who instead of holding the Government to account, have decided to create press frenzies with dubious candidate choices such as these examples.

Jamie-Lee Ross attempted to expose Simon Bridges, but then had to admit he himself had extra marital affairs. He then decided he would start a new party teaming up with Billy Te Kahika.

Todd Barclay secretly recorded a staff member in his office. The Clutha-Southland MP denied this, but it was certainly all over when his workmate Bill English told the cops that Barclay told him he made the recordings. Smart move Todd.

Also keeping it south was Hamish Walker who leaked confidential Covid-19 patient details, supplied to him by ex-National Party president Michelle Boag.

Then local MP Andrew Fal loon resigned after sending porn images to women.

When asked how this could have happened, Andrew said he left his phone un-attended at a party and a mate did it.

But because the North Island always wants the last say, the latest National Party ‘what-notto-do’ comes from up ‘Norf.

Some privileged boarding school bully bashes a Year 9 stu dent and gets kicked out of said private school.

Chris Luxon initially is quoted as saying “we’re not talking about [a] criminal activity here”. Two hours later Simon Uffindell admits what he did was in fact a crime.

Mmmm, me not sure if the National Party understands what a code of conduct is?

So there you have it, a quick and simple guide to getting it right.

All the best for the elections and what could go wrong?

Peter Livingstone is the princi pal 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.

Peter Livingstone

From an early age Anna Thomas had two professions in mind.

In her conservative Ashburton upbringing, she was expected to grow up, get married and have children, but Anna was different.

“Much to my father’s amusement, I was never going to conform to that expectation,” she recalls with a smile.

Instead, after an early education at Allenton School and Ashburton College, she had her mind set on becoming a police officer.

“I was a pretty crack shot from an early age. Angie Dickinson from Police Woman was my hero followed by Charlie’s Angels,” Anna said.

“Dad (Rupert Thomas) and I would go to the Ashburton riverbed to practise shooting cans, when there were no OSH guidelines nor firearm licences needed.”

In the end Anna didn’t pursue the idea, but not because it was too dangerous. In the profession she chose, she took her life in her hands many times over, it was danger money either way.

Her babysitter, Felicity Clark, was a journalist with the Ashburton Guardian who moved on to broadcasting in New Zealand and around the world.

Felicity took Anna with her. “From the age of six, I have fond memories of watching her gather and read the news. I accompanied her on jobs and viewed radio and TV going to air,” she said.

Anna was addicted to the

airwaves. “Felicity introduced me to my first marae and opened my mind to so many possibilities. It was such an exciting and vibrant industry where no day was ever the same,” she said.

At college Anna loved creative

writing, listening to people’s stories and recording them herself. “Writing was a great way to express myself,” she said. But there was also a downside to her education which populated her school reports.

“Anna is easily distracted and is a chatterbox.” She “could achieve at a higher level if she put her mind to it”. They were probably qualities which pointed to her first job.

Teachers like Roderick Lons-

dale and Lynn McDonald helped Anna especially when her parents acrimoniously separated when she was in the fifth form. She moved to St Margaret’s College in Christchurch in her sixth form year and encountered the sort of teacher capable of delivering her future to the rubbish bin.

Anna was told she should save her parents’ money, quit school and get a job as a typist as she’d never amount to anything. But then her mentor, Clark, returned from overseas and suggested Anna apply for a job as a cadet with Radio Avon.

“I went for an interview, laid down a voice demo, wrote a story and the rest is history,” she said.

She may have failed University Entrance but, within a fortnight, she was interviewing the brightest and best. Among them was New Zealand’s new Prime Minister, David Lange, “and an angry little man called Robert Muldoon”.

“It was a baptism by fire and, through sheer determination and a lot of moral support, my broadcasting career began,” Anna said.

Reading and writing news for radio was all consuming, but there was a sense she was standing on the sideline, reporting what was happening, living someone else’s life. By 25 she was tired of covering the war in former Yugoslavia.

“I wanted to go there and see for myself. I’d always fancied the idea of being a foreign correspondent,” she said.

Anna left Radio NZ, flew to Serbia, a hot spot of the world,

By Malcolm Hopwood Anna Thomas received her inspiration from the Ashburton Guardian to become an outstanding writer, broadcaster and TV presenter. She’s never forgotten Mid Canterbury and the “privileged life” she enjoyed here.

Far left John Left –Chris pert Junior Right life story,

Above – The Fair Go duo for eight years, Kevin Milne and Anna Thomas.

and quickly realised she could become a casualty among the soldiers who fought the battles.

“At that time 72 foreign journalists had been killed in the war. I battled checkpoints, talked to young soldiers who didn’t know what they were fighting for, got held at gunpoint and decided I didn’t want to be another statistic,” she said.

Anna was heading to London, ready to approach the BBC for work when she received a call which changed the direction of her life. It was Fair Go, could she co-host the popular TV programme with Kevin Milne?

She accepted and now looks back on the magical eight years on Fair Go, righting wrongs, fighting for consumer rights and having a great deal of fun.

“We did our own research, wrote and directed our stories which meant lots of investigating, learning about the law, getting abused by people, being chased by vicious dogs and having the occasional chair thrown at you,” she said.

“In some ways I was fulfilling my desire to be a cop, with all the investigating we had to do.

Sometimes having a camera seemed more powerful than wearing a police uniform.”

Careers sometimes move in forward directions, others sideways, but Anna’s progressed in circles.

She’s given up being a foreign correspondent, but then her husband, Chris Powell, an army major and police officer, accepted a peacekeeping job in Bosnia.

Always up for an adventure, Anna and their 18-month-old daughter, Lily, went with him. “I did some reporting for TV and radio while I was there,” she said.

The family returned to New Zealand and, using her skills honed on Fair Go, radio and observing the conflict areas of the world, she became freelance.

As a TV director, radio and TV broadcaster, journalist and media advisor, she quickly attracted a portfolio of clients.

One of her most enjoyable roles has been working for Tourism New Zealand, filming the entire country in high definition, producing video content and hosting international journalists and celebrities in New Zealand.

“I am lucky enough to have travelled to every part of New Zealand several times over,” she said.

These days Anna has what is called a portfolio career with a range of clients working on a variety of projects.

She gives an example of what a crazy few days resembles in her life.

“A few weeks ago I spent a week jumping from fronting Country TV to hosting Afternoons on Radio New Zealand and completing the night with calls from Los Angeles studio executives about publicity for Amazon’s Lord of the Rings series, shot in New Zealand,” she said.

“It’s varied and exciting and never ever dull. I feel so blessed some days, if not a little exhausted.”

On reflection, Anna feels in-

credibly privileged to have spent 36 years telling, sharing, being part of people’s lives and being able to give a voice to those who haven’t the ability,

She’s covered murder trials, politics, council meetings, health reforms, visiting royalty and Hollywood celebrities. She’s also spent time working with Not For Profits and it’s something Anna and Chris would like to pursue together.

Her career has made her appreciate the “incredibly privileged life and upbringing she was given in Ashburton”.

She grew up hearing stories of hard work, tenacity and achievements from family members. Anna was extremely close to her father – her son, Rupert carries his name – and the decisions she made in her life, in part, honour his name.

“Basically I wanted to make him proud,” Anna said.

While Anna admits she was keen to leave Ashburton to travel and explore the big wide world, she believes Mid Canterbury resonates with something very special. She explains it with a wonderful Maori proverb.

He aha te mea 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.

That’s what resonates with Anna in her life, her motivation and her profession.

left – A seaside interview with Sir Kirwan, talking about his career.

– A family photo. Back, from left: Powell, Anna and Lily. Front: RuJunior and Rupert Thomas senior.

– Actress Joan Collins relays her story, men and marriages to Anna.

Above – Anna on top of the Skytower in Auckland takes photos of Indian cricketers. Her photo of Sachin Tendulkar appears in his book.

Top left – Anna Thomas, TV Host and producer, has interviewed some of the world’s most famous artists. Ed Sheeran is one of them.

Above – Anna and husband, Chris Powell, in full military uniform, enjoy a night out together.

sharp

You are very unlikely to mistake this dashingly handsome, all electric, Kia EV6 for anything else!

While technically classed as an SUV, those swooping aerodynamic lines mean it’s a great way to arrive anywhere in style, And do so with zero C02 emissions.

The EV-6 line-up

Currently there’s a choice of four models, all with the same body, two of whom meet the Clean Car rebate criteria. They the Air with a 58.0 kWh battery ,whose 125kW/350Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels. It has a stated range of up to 394km and costs $72,990 (plus ORCs), while the Air Long Range with a larger 77.4 kWh battery and 168kW/350Nm has a stated range of 528km costs $78,990 (plus ORCs).

The Earth and GT-Line, both with the 77.4 kWh battery, 239kW/605Nm from dual electric motors and all-wheel-drive have stated ranges of approximately 506km and 484km respectively. Earth is priced at $94,990, while the GT-Line as driven and pictured, is $106,990 (both plus ORCs).

A 430kW/740Nm GT version, with 0-100kmh in 3.5 seconds capability arrives soon.

Performance to match the looks

With said combined output of 239kW and more so the maximum 605Nm of torque being immediately on hand, there’s strong, effortless, silent performance and overtaking capability. And that’s even in Eco of the selectable settings. Then in Sport it’s even more grin-provoking, with a 0-100kmh sprint in 5.2 seconds possible.

The quoted overall power usage is 18.0kWh/100km, which seems realistic and was noted at cruise and whilst resisting the temptation of Sport.

21.0kWh/100km was indicated after an 220km drive using the climate air, heated seats, and the excellent LED headlights.

The regenerative braking can be adjusted via the paddles to suit your preferences and/or the driving conditions.

On the Charge(r)

A necessity of course but easy to do. Especially at home and with the on board 11kW charger plugged into a 7.2-amp home AC wall box, which costs about $2500 to have installed. Doing this, charging from 10 per cent to 100 per cent

takes about seven hours. As well, if time’s not an issue, you can trickle charge up to 100 per cent with the supplied 3-pin cable. Connecting to a 50kW DC rapid point charges to 80 per cent in about 60 minutes. The battery also has an ultra-fast 400V and 800V charging capability, if you can find a very fast charger (they’re still a bit scarce) charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent takes about 18 minutes.

The EV6 is also a power source on wheels with separate plugs to charge another EV in need, plus two 3-pin plugs to run electrical appliances.

Hushed, quality within

The very comfortable heated and ventilated black suede seats with white highlights, together with the impressive dash display comprising of two 12.3-inch screens as well as the “floating” centre console add to the cabin’s classy ambiance.

Of course, there’s dual zone climate control, a head-up display, adaptive cruise as well as remote parking assist. I liked the multi-purpose touch buttons as well as the screen controls. They are all nicely laid out and very easy to use,

following a little practice or instruction (thanks Sarah G).

‘Gear’ selection is by way of a large circular dial on the console.

Then after appreciating while driving just how hushed the cabin is, should you want some noise there’s choices on hand, either by selecting one of a variety of created ‘engine’ sounds or enjoying the concert quality 14-speaker Meridian sound system.

The front and rear doors open wide for easy access, and there’s excellent space all round, both front and rear. Great views, although that to the rear is a little restricted. Never mind, the clear 360-degree camera guidelines on the large screen remedies that. And given the EV6’s length and width, also very handy when parking.

There’s seats-up luggage space of up to 490 litres, or 1300 litres with them folded. Plus, another 20 litres storage under the bonnet.

Handling – on the road

The nimble and responsive handling and impressive ride quality we experienced are the result of EV6’s benefitting from having both the nicely weighted, accurate steering and the suspension (complete with ZF frequency-selective shocks) being specifically ‘tuned’ for ANZAC driving conditions.

Accordingly, this, together with the all-wheel-drive surefootedness means, as well as being an engaging drive it’s very well set up for our diverse driving conditions.

question? Maybe Roger can help.

This six-figure Kia EV6 GT-Line is sharp to look at, sharp to drive and

passengers will be impressed by its plushness, refinement, and finish. As well, with sustainable motoring now to the fore, it can drive a significant

on

single

And then also

up to

FinalWhistle

Emotion charged season

Gina Woodhouse has led Celtic to a Premier netball title, helped Mid Canterbury to Hanan Shield success and will today step onto the court in the green and gold once again. But her comeback this year has been all largely because of one very special person.

Coach sends message

Croquet under way

Tom’s meteoric rise

Rookie set for Hammers debut

A couple of minutes here and there, that’s all Tom Middleton was expecting.

As a young buck thrust into the rigours of local senior rug by alongside some of the most experienced names in Mid Can terbury, the 20-year-old set the expectation bar for his first sea son rather low.

If he picked up some game time here or there he was happy, but never did he expect that he’d become a regular starter and given the responsibility with the kicking tee for his club side.

“Honestly, at the start, I was just happy to be a part of it all.

“Training and learning as much as I could off the South ern boys in the hope it would improve my game.

“If I got a few minutes, I’d have been happy – but for things to work out the way it did, I couldn’t have picked it.”

Middleton went from being the rookie in the side to the leading Mid Canterbury points scorer in the Combined Com petition, a feat he then backed up in the Watters Cup.

That caught the attention of the new Mid Canterbury Heartland coaches, and he was

named in their initial training squad which again, came as a bit of a shock.

“As a 20-year-old, I just fig ured my place would be in the Colts team and I was pretty hap py with that.

“So, to land up being select ed in the Heartland Squad was beyond anything I could have dreamed of to be fair. It’s all been pretty surreal.”

Getting to work with the squad and gaining a greater appreciation for all the inner workings of the step below pro fessional rugby has been an eye-opening experience for the rookie, but he’s gone into it with an open mind and a willingness to learn that’s impressed head coach, John Sherratt.

“One thing about Tom is that he’s a hard worker,” he said.

“He’s a good boy with a good head on his shoulders and he gives it everything he’s got when it comes to training.

“He deserves his chance to start this weekend and to show us what he’s got.”

Coming through the junior grades in Mid Canterbury and then plying his trade at school boy rugby, Middleton said run

ning out today in the green and gold in Ashburton is going to be quite the moment.

“I’m not sure exactly how it will feel, I’m pretty good at the moment but I’m guessing there will be a few nerves.

“But it’s also really excit ing, I’ve loved being a part of the mix so far, it’s a great group of players and I’m just looking forward to being able to do my bit to contribute.”

Middleton will start at full back, looking forward on a team of players who he’s giving a bit of age and experience to him.

If it’s daunting though, he’s not showing it.

In fact, he’s just intent on helping Mid Canterbury get back on track after two defeats to open the season.

“It hasn’t been an ideal start, no. But the vibe in the camp has been really good. The boys are pretty keen to get out there and put a performance together and get things moving.

“I’m just focused on what I’ve got to do. There’s not much point in worrying about any thing else. But I’m sure I’m go ing to enjoy it.”

Sherratt sets down the coach’s expectations

made to the starting line-up.

Nasi Manu will get his first start of the season on the side of the scrum, while Tyler Blackburn re turns to the mix after missing last week’s match.

The requirement is simple.

A victory, with a bonus point. Nothing more, nothing less.

That’s the message this week from Mid Canterbury head coach John Sherratt, as he looks to rally his troops up from the trench es of successive losses to open their Heartland Rugby campaign ahead of this afternoon’s clash with West Coast in Ashburton.

And Sherratt is right, today is potentially a season-defining moment.

Turning the existing four com petition points on the board into nine by early this evening will see the Hammers right in the hunt again, and most importantly give them a confidence-built platform from which to attack for the rest of the season.

“We know we can be better than what we have been for the past two weeks,” he said.

“Tuesday night was a pret

In the midfield, Isireli Masi wini comes into second-five with Quinn Ngawati and Waitangi Tu isuga each pushing out one spot.

Tom Middleton also slots into the starting line-up as well at full back for his Heartland debut.

“There’s a lot still be to shown and lot still to be achieved.

“We’re still working on our best gameday 23 a bit I think, just ensuring we’ve got everything covered – but today is a good op portunity for a few players to put their hand up and be counted.”

their best ability this afternoon.

“We want five competition points, I’ve said that to the boys and we need to go out there and do it.”

Today’s match kicks off at 2.30pm.

Mid Canterbury

ty open and honest discussion about what’s unfolded and what we need to expect from ourselves.

“Not just the players either, that includes me as coach.

“The boys have been frustrat ed, we’re training with real in tensity – but getting out into the game environment and allowing our rivals to stay in the match.

“Moments of really good stuff coupled with moments of really frustrating stuff.”

A line has been drawn under neath the past fortnight now, and it’s onwards and upwards within the camp ahead of today, with some key changes being

Nathan McCloy was to start a first-five this week, but a head knock during last week’s loss to East Coast has him sitting on the sidelines as per player protocols.

Tom Reekie comes off the bench and into the No.10 jersey with Elyh McKibbin brought onto the bench.

Sherratt was frank in his expec tations from today’s match, but just wants to see his side play to

1. Adam Williamson, 2. Mason Briant, 3. Hunter Stewart, 4. Henry McManus, 5. Logan Bonnington, 6. Nasi Mani, 7. Kaydis Hona, 8. Michael Hennings, 9. Tyler Blackburn, 10. Tom Reekie, 11. Raitube Vasurakuta, 12. Isireli Masiwini, 13. Quinn Ngawati, 14. Waitangi Tuisuga, 15 Tom Middleton. Reserves: Max Stapleton (Ben Bartlett), Harry Burgess, Osea Baisagale, Shepherd Mhembere, Mansa Samo, Angus McKenzie, Elyh McKibbin, George Hufanga.

Isireli Masiwini comes into the starting line-up for Mid Canterbury at sec ond-five in today’s game at the Ashburton Showgrounds.

Tom Middleton will make his Mid Canterbury Heartland debut today when they take on West Coast at the Ashburton Showgrounds.

PHOTO GRAHAM SHAW

Matt Markham

He burst onto the senior rugby scene at the start of the year making his debut for the Southern senior side. Now, Tom Middleton is a Hammer, and today gets his debut in Heartland Rugby. Matt Markham caught up with him to talk through quite the remarkable year.

With an angel’s wing on each shoulder

Celtic’s Gina Woodhouse made a triumphant return to premier netball this season, leading her side to Premier glory late last month. Matt Markham caught up with her this week to talk about the emotion-charged motivation behind the return, and juggling life as a busy mum.

Mission accomplished. Actually, scratch that – not just accomplished. Demolished.

And as Gina Woodhouse sits back to reflect, perhaps later tonight after her final netball duty for the season, the 35-year-old can offer herself a toast, a bit of a nod to a job well done.

She’s returned to premier netball, led her side to an emphatic unbeaten season and title success and helped Mid Canterbury reclaim the Hanan Shield, all the while juggling life as a busy, farming mother of three.

And she’s done it all with the memory of a good friend, taken far too soon, riding on her shoulders all of the way.

Getting back onto the court after having her children; Harry, Jack and Olivia, was always on the cards for Woodhouse.

It was just a matter of when, not if.

year, the realisation was that there’s no guarantees in life and you need to make the most of every day.

“I think losing Rachel was a bit of a wake-up call for us all.

“It really made you realise that you never know how things are going to go or what’s just around the corner.

“And it was a real motivation for a lot of us to get back out on the court and playing while we still can.”

That motivation stuck with the group all year.

Winning wasn’t just about doing it for themselves, but it was also about honouring their dear friend.

And they couldn’t have done it any better.

Winning for Rachel and also for our coach, Ange, was right at the top of the pile, for sure

There was a group of former players, good friends all of them, thinking the same too.

But when they lost dear friend, Rachel Summerfield to illness at the start of this

Today’s action

Don’t forget, Mid Canterbury A is in action throughout today at the EA Networks Centre.

The side will play three matches against teams from South Canterbury, North Otago and also Selwyn in a salvaged representative day of play after the cancellation of the South Island Seniors competition which was set to be played this weekend.

Mid Canterbury kicks off their day against North Otago at 10am, before taking on South Canterbury at 1pm as they look to back up their Hanan Shield success. They’ll round out there day against the strong Selwyn side at 3.30pm.

All games are free for the public to attend and watch, with Covid guidelines to be followed in the EA Networks Centre, including the wearing of a mask if inside the stadium and not playing or part of the team coaching or management staff.

“At the start of the season, being unbeaten wasn’t a goal.

“Winning certainly was and winning for Rachel and also for our coach, Ange, was right at the top of the pile, for sure.

“But to do it in the manner in which we did was beyond our expectations.”

From week to week, Celtic went from strength to strength, and for a good portion of the season it wasn’t about whether or not they’d win, it was more about how much they would win by.

And while it might sound a little over-confident, the expectations the group placed on their own shoulders when they stepped onto the court was without doubt a leading factor in their domination.

“It’s funny, you go out there to play your best – but we’re all pretty competitive people and really want to push ourselves to be the best.

“I remember there being nights where we won by 20 goals and walking off the court and being really disappointed with the way that I’d played – that was just the bar we’d set and if we didn’t get there it was frustrating.”

The day of the final, late last month is now a blur in Woodhouse’s memory.

But that raw emotion and passion that she and her team exuded in those final few moments of the match against United will remain forever.

“I remember being quite emotional all day.

“There was a bit going on in the mind.

“But then, we were there playing, and it was all over pretty quickly.”

Woodhouse was a part of the last Celtic team to win the final back in 2018, so to mark her return, along with that of many others in the team, with another title success was special.

When she did come back at the start of the year, representative netball hadn’t really entered the mindset.

It was perhaps there quietly tucked away in the back of the mind, but not

something she was actively out to pursue.

But when the opportunity arose, a few discussions were had, and it was right into it.

“I don’t think enough players in Mid Canterbury give enough to the representative side of the game, but when it became a possibility,

“I had a chat to my husband Ben and decided to go for it.

“It comes right at one of the busiest times of the year for us with calving, but it’s only for a few weeks so it’s not a huge commitment of your time.

“And I’ve loved it.

“Being there for the Hanan Shield and winning it was an amazing feeling.”

Today, there’s an extra opportunity to slip into the green and gold dress too, with a revamped representative tournament following the cancellation of the South Island Seniors Championships, which were supposed to be held this week.

“It’s great Mid Canterbury Netball has got behind it and ensured there is at least something to be played.

“After the buzz of winning Hanan Shield the thought of not being able to play together again this year was pretty disappointing, so it’s awesome that we’re able to get back out there.”

With three games on the cards throughout today, Woodhouse knows the body is going to be hurting tomorrow, but that’s just another challenge she looks forward to conquering.

And given her record on the court this season, you just know she’ll succeed again.

Celtic skipper Gina Woodhouse, in action as her team takes out the 2022 Premier 1 title.

‘Run and gun’ style getting picked off

The All Blacks need more variation in their game given their ball-inhand “mentality” is being exploit ed by opposition teams, halfback Aaron Smith said.

Warming up for a big season ahead

The official season opening might not actually be until today, but the Waireka Croquet Club snuck in a little early fun this week as the prepare to kick-start their season this afternoon.

The club hosted a pre-season hitup on Thursday on their lawns. Celebrating the first day of spring, players from Allenton, Geraldine and Ashbury Timaru joined Waireka members for a big day out to get a head start on play for the year.

Visitors joined the local club as many lawns across Canterbury continue to remain unusable as they recover from the recent wet weather that’s been.

Play on Thursday started at 10am and ran through until 3am with plenty of fun had by all.

Today the club holds its official season opening, as well as an open day for anyone who might be interested in taking up the sport.

All the gear needed will be provided, and many of the club’s guns will be on hand to give tips and pointers in both Association Croquet and Golf Croquet.

The open day begins at 1.15pm at the club’s Philip Street venue.

■ Athletics

Run and Walk Ashburton

Run

Walkers

Stacey

Dave

dith Crozier 46:04; Marie Batty 48:25; Lori Rusbatch 50:58; Barbara Taylor 51:52; Karen Hodgson 57:43; David Wilkinson 71:23.

Runners: Senior Women 6km 1st place and winner on handicap all grades Ash lea Norris 26:55; Vet Women 6km: 1st place Tam Grant 31:37; Alison Conway 36:03; Kathryn Page 40:38.

Men 4km: Sam Lampe 18:04. Veteran Men 8km: 1st Place and winner on handicap Eamon Hooper 59:33. Men 65 and over

6km: 1st place Merv Gilbert 40:22; Mike

O’Callaghan 56:18. Girls U14 4km: 1st place Sophie Lampe 15:19; 2nd place Ca rina Lupse 22:36. Girls U10 2km: 1st place

Isabelle Lampe 10:52. Girls U10 6km: 1st place Addison Page 40:38. Boys U18 years 6km: 1st Place Kalym Chalmers 23:18. Boys U14 years 4km: 1st Place

Jack Hooper 21:14; Boys U14 2km Robbie Lampe 8:51. Thank you to our timekeepers Viv Strong, Debra Curtain, Janet Hood and Gordon Clinton, and Ian Broadbelt for laying out the course.

■ Golf

Ashburton Golf Club

Wednesday, August 31

Competition: Foote Eder Trophy (Com bined Stableford) Round 1#

Sega Golf Winner over the Field: Phil Crozier & Terry Molloy 73pts. second

Barry Jury & Kevin Smith 72pts. third Merv Green & Peter Walker 72pts.

Other good scores were: Brent MacGre gor & Paul Greer 71pts, Ray Suttie & Ken Borland 70pts, Murray Moorhead & Ivan Blain 70pts.

Twos: Richard McKernan, Peter Walk er, Brian Fauth & Ivan Blain. Phat Duck

Closest to the pin: Hole 14#: Peter Walk er. McKay & Donaldson E-Bike: Closest to the Pin Hole 8#: Richard McKernan.

Mayfield Golf Club

9 Hole Thursday, September 1. 8th Hand icap & Putting

Jill Ludemann 56-18-38 15 John Green slade 56-20-36 16 Eddie Graham 5614-42 19, Greg Sim Builders No 2: Eddie Graham Mayfield Transport No 5: Jill Ludemann, 9 Hole Championship 2022 : Ladies  Jill Ludemann b Tessa Gallagher Men John Milne b Robert Schikker. Mayfield Ladies Tuesday, August 30 Ja

net Moore Trophy – Best Nett, E Quaife Trophy – Putting.

Best Nett: Group 1: 1st Jan Clucas 9323-73, 2nd Anne Maree Blair 108-33-75, 3rd Christine Ross 92-17-75. Group 2: 1st Jillian Lake 109-36-73, 2nd Ruth Keeley 120-44-76, 3rd Judy Fielder 11-44-77.   Putting: 1st Christine Ross – 24, 2nd Sue Graham – 30, 3rd Marilyn Cross – 30, 4th Lal Mulligan - w30.

Methven Golf Club

Wednesday, August 31. Bronze A and Bronze B Open Championship. Jane Helmore Beat Sandra Marr.

African Stableford: Tania Wilson & Den nise Hood 59. Best Scores: Sharon Bur rell-Smith 97-26-71, Dennise Hood 10734-73, Heather Santy 103-29-74.

Nawab Indian Restaurant best Nett of the day: Sharon Burrell-Smith 71, Mt Hutt Lodge Best Nett for August: Sharon Bur rell-Smith 71.

With struggling New Zealand trying to avert another Rugby Championship defeat against Ar gentina in Hamilton today, Smith said his team needed to be pre pared to kick the ball away rather than constantly seek to run with it.

“I think variety is key, but the mentality from our boys is to want to be able to hold the ball, build pressure and use our attack,” he told reporters.

“As we see with the north hemi sphere teams and the teams so far in the Rugby Championship, they want to give us the ball.

“They don’t really want to play and they’re really attacking our breakdown.

“If you attack with the ball for long periods of time, you’re giving them opportunities and they’re taking them.”

Argentina needed only one try in their 25-18 win over the All Blacks in Christchurch, the visitors’ first win over the hosts in New Zealand, as they built pressure and knocked over penalties.

South Africa, who have long employed a kicking game to great effect, beat New Zealand in the Rugby Championship opener in Mbombela, though lost their next clash at Ellis Park.

Smith said there were honest conversations with first five Richie Mo’unga about being aligned in their game plan.

“Because teams at the moment are going 2-3 phases and just kick ing it, because that’s their tactic, and they try to punish us at the breakdown and that’s what the Ar gies did,” he said.

“Argentina weren’t trying to win the game, they were just trying not to lose it.

“They used their defence for that and we played into their hands.

“Variation, that was something we looked at hard in the review and we can still use our kicking game, use the ball to pressure teams and obviously turn them around.”

Twos and Nett Eagles: Angela Mowbray. Becky Hood. Sharon Burrell-Smith.

Nearest the Pins: No 4 Open Methven Foursquare Angela Mowbray. No 6 Open 7 Br B 2nd Shot Methven Pharmacy Lee McLintock. No 13 Open Methven Travel Sharon Burrell-Smith. No 17 Open Primo Robyn Maw. No 14 Silver & Br A Robyn Maw.

Rakaia Golf Club

Rakaia Ladies Wednesday, August 21 –LGU Bryant Cup Sandra Quinn 98-24-74, Fiona Rushton 114-37-77.

9 Holers Stroke Round: Judy Moore 5315-38. Rakaia Hotel 2nd shot #3 Sandra Quinn. Rakaia Seed Cleaning 2nd shot #6 Sally Smith.

Nearest the Pin #8 - In memory of Val Bell Sally Smith. Chertsey Spraying 2nd shot #15 Teresa Booker. S. Quinn 2nd shot #17 Fiona Rushton.

Gaylene Smith of Waireka plans her next move while Chrissy O’Sullivan (Geraldine) and Ann Richards of Waireka watch on at the pre-season hit out on Thursday.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

RightonTrack

Field of stars on breeding alone

Matt Markham

Breeding counts for everything in racing, and one particular race at Ashburton tomorrow is littered with some of the best you’ll see.

A low-key two-year-old trot at the end of winter usually doesn’t draw much attention, but the harness racing industry is look ing on intently at the make-up of tomorrow’s two-year-old trot at the Ashburton Trotting Club meeting.

It’s a plethora of top-class breeding, with some exciting youngsters hailing from some of the best trotting families in New Zealand.

Eight horse over the 1700m, with a potential future star to be found.

One does stand head and shoulders about them all though, hailing from perhaps the greatest trotting mare we’ve seen in these parts, One Over Kenny.

Her son, One Over Da Line, appears to have inherited plenty of the family breeding and could

not have been more impressive winning his most recent trial a fortnight ago.

Trained by Robert and Jenna Dunn, the son of Majestic Son is in the right production line, with the stable well noted for their ability to produce a trotter who is ready to win.

Trotting maestro, Paul Nairn holds the strongest hand.

He’s got four of eight runners.

A true master of his trade, Nairn is never without a good horse in his care and based on tri al and workout form leading into tomorrow, he’s got more than one right now.

All of his quartet have shown

Ashburton harness Tomorrow at Ashburton Raceway

at least a modicum of ability in their public runs. And like the rest of the field, they don’t lack for breeding.

The Ivy League, who will be driven by Blair Orange, is out of the brilliant race mare Habibti Ivy who won nine of her 21 starts,

picking up close to $200,000 in stakes.

Confessional (Colin De Filippi) hails from Habibti Ivy’s half-sis ter, Habibti – a multiple Group One winner who was a dominant force for a number of years.

High Noon (Jim Curtin) adds an international flavour as the progeny of Canadian mare, Sum mer Solstice – but she herself hails from one of New Zealand’s greatest families, that of the mighty Sundon, and Nairn’s final chance, Tectonic (Sarah O’Reilly) is from his very good race mare Day Of Reckoning.

Bob Butt finds himself in the unusual position of taking a young horse to the races while it’s dam is still in action from his stable.

Gold Bullion is a son of Butt’s very good trotting mare, Gold Chain, who took a break away from racing due to injury and had a foal.

Both are raced by their trainer’s grandparents, legendary racing identities, Robin and Jackie Butt.

Tomorrow’s 10-race card gets under way at 12.30pm with a host of local chances racing through out the day and searching for home ground success.

Riccarton gallops

Today at Riccarton Raceway

BEST BET: Irish

VALUE: Cage Phyta (Race

Master trotting trainer, Paul Nairn will line up four of the eight starters in the two-year-old trot tomorrow at the Ashburton Trotting Club’s meeting.

Mid Canterbury’s horse and dog racing action

racing

WeeklyWorkout

1. Premier League champions, Manchester City beat which side 6-0 earlier this week?

a) Bournemouth b) Nottingham Forest c) Barnsley

2. Who is captain of the Argentina side for this weekend’s test match?

a) Pablo Matera b) Marcos Kremer c) Julian Montoya

3. Joseph Parker will step into the ring this month against Joe Joyce, who is from where?

a) Britain b) America c) Australia

4. The All Blacks currently hold which world rugby ranking? a) 3 b) 4 c) 5

5. Who scored Mid Canterbury’s fourth try last week against East Coast?

a) Raitube Vasurakuta b) Nasi Manu c) Nathan McCloy

6. Celtic claimed victory in the Mid Canterbury Netball Premier competition for the first time since when?

a) 2018 b) 2019 c) 2020

7. Colin de Grandehomme played how many test matches for the Black Caps?

a) 29 b) 31 c) 33

8. Mel Puckett has been playing her Farah Palmer Cup rugby for which region this season?

a) Canterbury b) Tasman c) Auckland

Answers:1.b)Nottingham Forest,2.c)JulianMontoya,3.a)Britain,4.c)5. b)NasiManu,6.a)2018,7. a)29,8.c)Auckland.

SPORTS QUIZ

Puzzles and horoscopes

Cryptic crossword

Your StarsSimon Shuker’s Code-Cracker

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Get excited about what you want without worrying about the price tag. There’s a certain flexibility factor built into the cost of things. There are arrangements to be had and deals to be made.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): You keep returning to someone. This is about more than the utility of the relationship. There is a deeper need being fulfilled than can be seen on the surface – a trigger to reliable satisfaction.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): There are those who need to be first. Let them. First is sometimes the power position, but more often not. True power grows when you settle in wherever you happen to be and work from there.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): Your contribution is vital to the mission. The most important move now is to understand what everyone else is giving so you can cater your gift accordingly.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): Your surroundings bleed into your imagination, which animates your behaviours, which contribute to your surroundings. Use this circle of influence. Put yourself in a beautiful location, or beautify the location you’re in.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Although you’re not trying to say anything new or point to any profound truth of the scene that no one else is seeing, these things will occur naturally and silently when you bring the whole of you into attendance.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): It’s OK to get weird and messy. Your best friends and most ardent supporters are those who are unfazed by the wildness because they’re confident in their abilities to handle the grittiness of life.

struggle to turn

way

T-top

consumed energy

strenuously made off, the rest being in confusion

one was victorious with the head at the centre

final significance has idea of changing upper-class

man, too,

put out like this (3,2,4)

Gets through on the blower, only to get engaged signs

Kim Miller

WordBuilder

R T

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): The degree to which you are willing to step outside the expectations of your people is the degree to which you will fascinate them. This is about bravely doing what you want.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Musing is an activity, and so are: thinking, dreaming and scheming. The luckiest and most restorative thing you can do now is spend a block of time on absolutely no activity – not even thinking.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): A problem having to do with money, responsibility or children will be alleviated. Since these are also the topics which cause couples to argue, the solution also injects peace into a relationship.

I

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 R T WI

Good 6 Very Good 10 Excellent 12

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.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): The group agrees, and maybe that’s not good. Too many “yes” people make for a bland experience. Invite a rebel into the mix, and then brace yourself for the ride.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): These periods of rest between events are essential to your well-being. Recovery isn’t a lazy transition; it’s a real and necessary part of health. Respect the work being done under the surface of life.

Previous cryptic solution

Good 6 VeryGood 10 Excellent 12

Previous solution: ate, awe, eat, eta, kea, take, taw, tea, teak, tweak, wake, weak, weak, weka, wet, weta

Previous solution: ate, awe, eat, eta, kea, take, taw, tea, teak, tweak, wake, weak, weak, weka, wet, weta

Previous quick solution

HARD

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

SCVCC Annual Swap Meet

Winchester Domain SH1, September 10, gates open 7.30am.

All makes car Display Something for everyone.

Sites –Michelle Munro Ph 03 6864824

Or Email scvccswapmeet@ hotmail.com

NO DOGS ALLOWED.

ACCOMMODATION, RENTAL

FOR Rent – Hinds Township, 3 Bedroom House. $350 per week. No Cats or Dogs. Phone Wendy 0275230354

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

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

CHURCH SERVICES

Enrolment Scheme Notice

To avoid overcrowding, or the likelihood of overcrowding, the Lauriston School Board has implemented an enrolment scheme that has been developed by the Secretary for Education.

Under this scheme, students will be enrolled if they live within the home zone described on the Education Counts Website at: www.educationcounts.govt.nz and searching ‘Lauriston School’

The enrolment of out-of-zone students is governed by the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020.

The enrolment scheme, which includes a precise description of the home zone, may be viewed at the school office where copies of the scheme are also available. The board invites applications from parents who wish to enrol their children at Lauriston School for next year – 16 September 2022 to 16 September 2023

If you have previously completed pre-enrolment there is no further action required.

The deadline for receipt of applications for out-of-zone places is 15 September 2022. (This includes students applying to be treated as in-zone students under transition provisions.)

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

In-store Sales consultant NZ Bed Company - Ashburton

An exciting new business to Ashburton is now open and has created a brilliant opportunity to the local workforce.

NZ Bed Company stocks premium beds and accessories that we are extremely proud of.

We are looking for a person with a passion for providing professional advice and friendly service. Full training will be given. Hours will be flexible to the right person, initially up to 30 hours per week with the possibility of extended hours developing in the future.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves helping customers beyond just selling beds. if you have flare for home décor and can create a vision and unique bedroom solution that will delight our customers this could be the perfect role for you.

If this sounds like you then please apply now via our email to dean@nzbeds. co.nz or pop into our store to have a chat.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in NZ to be considered.

Closing Date September 16th, 2022.

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS WANTED

“Transforming Lives through Gospel Power”

Easter Sunday Service 63 Princes Street 10.30am

“Transforming Lives through Gospel Power” Service starts at 10:00am 63 Princess Street

You are Welcome Rev. David Bayne Ph 307 7355

All Welcome Rev. David Bayne Ph 307 7355

FOR SALE

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

GRAZING

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

HIRE

GENERAL hire. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, concrete breakers, trailers, and more. All your DIY / party hire, call and see Ashburton

STILL MISSING

MISSING very fluffy male Tabby and White Cat named Jasper, from Winslow, since July 17.

Could have travelled a long way. Has been sighted in Boundary Fords Road area.

Please phone or text if seen 021 049-0790 or 307-7474

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.

SPECIALISED

Baker –NEW WORLD Ashburton

Like early starts? Enjoy your afternoons off? Then this position is a fantastic opportunity for you as we require a motivated, positive and self-starting team player who would enjoy the challenges of supermarket retailing.

As an integral member of the team, reporting to the Bakery Manager, you will play a significant part in the values and culture of this business.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Ensuring the Bakery department provides a superior level of customer service.

• Presenting product to a high standard.

• The ability to adhere to Food Safety and Health & Safety policies

Key competencies required for this position are:

• Delivering a superior customer experience.

• Being an excellent communicator who develops relationships and fosters teamwork.

• Having an engaging and positive manner.

We offer great working conditions, a supportive management structure, personal and professional development opportunities, Funeral Cover (after 12 months employment) and an attractive hourly rate.

A weekend shift will be required for this position. Days and hours of work will be discussed during the interview process but may be tailored to suit individual situations.

If this sounds like you then please apply now via our dave.mackenzie@newworld-si.co.nz or pop into store to have a chat.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand to be considered

Closing date: 9th September 2022

2023 Health Studies Bursary

Altrusa International of Ashburton Inc.

Invites applications for this bursary valued at $1000

For full criteria and an application form please email kbegg@xtra.co.nz

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

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

WANTED

GENUINE private cash buyer, wanting Falcons, Holdens, Valients or any pre 1990 vehicles suitable for preservation. Phone 021 02914847 or 03 615 7930

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

LOST, FOUND

Tough times can happen to anyone…

Darren was a self-employed painter until Covid halted his business and his landlord sold his home. Darren, his partner Miriana, and their children were suddenly homeless.

There was a light in the darkness…

Transitional housing, budgeting advice, and food support provided the wind beneath Darren’s wings to help him back on to his feet in a time of need.

Winter brings rising cost pressures for everyone, and we are seeing more people accessing our services for the first time.

Your kind gifts will warm hearts of people like Darren and Miriana this winter.

DONATE

WinterAppeal

Classifieds 307 7900

WEEKEND SERVICES

IN EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PHONE 111.

DUTY DOCTORS

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

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

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

Methven & Rakaia areas

For weekend and emergency

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

Pharmacies

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

Ashburton Rest Homes

Please contact directly for hours.

Emergency dentist

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

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

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

Alcoholics Anonymous

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

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

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

Victims Support Group

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

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

Alcohol Drug Help Line

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

Art Gallery

327 West Street, Ashburton, phone 308 1133. Open daily: 10am – 4pm.

Ashburton Museum

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

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

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

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

ANIMAL SERVICES

Dog, Stock & Noise Control Ashburton District Council 03 307 7700 - 24hr service.

Animal Welfare Centre All enquiries - phone 308 4432 or 027 3329286.

Veterinarians WEEKEND EMERGENCIES

Please call your usual vet to be transferred to the emergency vet.

Army

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

How to send family notices

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.

ANNIVERSARIES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

DEATHS

BRADLEY, Clinton Wayne (Wayne) –

On August 30, 2022, peacefully at Ashburton Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, aged 77 years.

HARRISON, Alan and Diana (nee Keating) –Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary September 4, 1982 Congratulations and Best Wishes Love from the Family.

WELLMAN, John Richard –Heather, Tracy, Richard and families wish to thank everyone for their support, visits, phone calls, cards, flowers and food. It was very much appreciated. “Always remembered, never forgotten.”

WYLIE, John –Peter, Lynette, Andrew and families wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown following the sad loss of John. For those who attended the service, phoned, sent floral tributes, cards and messages of condolences we are truly grateful. Thanks to all at Terrace View for the kindness and respect shown to John. He lived his last six years enjoying Village life and participating fully in the activities arranged. A special Thank You to the staff of Ashburton Hospital AAU for their care and compassion. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude.

Dearly loved partner of the late Yvonne Hawke. Much loved father and father-in-law of Robert and Donna, Christopher and Wendy, Aaron and Tracey, and Nicola. Loved stepfather and friend of Michael and Heidi Hawke, and Theresa and Craig Roulston, and treasured Grandad of Adam; Lily, and Alex; Rhiannon; Macie; Jorja, and Sam.

Messages to the Hawke and Bradley families, PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. At Wayne’s request a private cremation has been held.

HARPER, Charles John (John) J.P. –Retired on August 24, 2022. Dearly loved husband of the late Elizabeth. Loved father of the late Paul, Robert and the late Janet. Loved fatherin-law of Christine. Loving Grandpa of his six grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. Messages to the Harper family, PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. In lieu of flowers, donations to Save the Children would be appreciated and may be made online at bit.ly/cjharper2408. John’s funeral will be held at St Stephens Anglican Church, Park Street, Ashburton on TUESDAY, September 6, commencing at 2pm, followed by a private interment.

ESKER, Graham Bruce (Grayway / Wildman) –Slipped away with Heather by his side at Christchurch Hospital on August 31, 2022, aged 70 years. Soulmate and devoted husband of Heather, adored and empowering Dad of Jay, Aliesha, and Hayden, much loved Grandad of Aura, Elijah, Titan, and Caesar. A respected friend to many. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ashburton St John Ambulance would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to: The Esker Family, c/- PO Box 6035, Ashburton 7742.

HARPER, Charles John (CJ) –

On August 24, 2022 at Coldstream Lifecare, Ashburton. Dearly loved brother-in-law of David and Elizabeth Horrell and devoted uncle of Sonia and Rob Millard (Blenheim), and Simon and Jutia Horrell (Brisbane), and a loved great-uncle. “Will be greatly missed.”

Weather

Midnight Saturday

A series of fronts are crossing New Zealand during the day. An unsettled southwesterly flow lies over New Zealand on Sunday. A deep low then arrives over the upper North Island from the subtropics on Monday, then gradually moves to the east of the North Island on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a ridge builds over the South Island on Monday and Tuesday.

Canterbury Plains

Mick Hydes 027 437 9696 mick.hydes@ mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz

Mick Hydes 027 437 9696 mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz

Mick Hydes 027 437 9696 mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz

Saturday: Partly cloudy. A possible shower from late afternoon. W changing fresh S for a while in the evening.

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Light rain before dawn south of the Rangitata River. A possible shower from late afternoon as westerlies change fresh southerly.

Sunday: Fine. Westerlies.

Monday: Becoming mostly cloudy with isolated showers in the morning. Snow to 400m from evening. Light winds, becoming southerlies for a time in the afternoon and evening.

Around The Region

Christchurch Darfield Lake Coleridge Methven Rakaia Timaru

A service to celebrate Graham’s life will be held at the Hotel Ashburton, Racecourse Road, Ashburton on TUESDAY, September 6, commencing at 1.30pm followed by private cremation.

Sunday: Fine. Southwesterlies.

Monday: Partly cloudy, with showers developing later in the day. Southerlies.

Canterbury High Country Readings to 4pm

Saturday

Mountain weather hazards: Snow, Wind, Wind Chill.

Periods of rain about the divide, snow lowering to 1200m. Partly cloudy with isolated showers through the day in the east.

Wind at 1000m: NW rising to gale 80 km/h in the morning, easing to 45 km/h in the evening.

Wind at 2000m: NW rising to severe gale 95 km/h in the morning, easing to 45 km/h in the evening.

Freezing level: 2000m at first, gradually lowering to 1000m by evening.

Sunday

Mountain weather hazards: Wind, Wind Chill.

Partly cloudy.

Wind at 1000m: W gale 80 km/h. Wind at 2000m: SW gale 70 km/h. Freezing level: About 1200m.

Friday

Sun and Moon

H 8:49am 9:18pm

9:50am 10:20pm 3:30am 4:07pm

10:52am 11:21pm 4:32am 5:14pm

8:49am 9:12pm

2:31am 3:03pm

8:33am 9:02pm

L 2:31am 3:02pm 9:34am 10:04pm 3:14am 3:51pm 9:43am 10:08pm 3:24am 4:02pm

2:15am 2:46pm

10:40am 11:05pm 4:19am 5:02pm

10:36am 11:05pm 4:16am 4:58pm

6:56am 6:10pm 6:54am 6:11pm 6:52am 6:12pm

10:04am 12:34am 10:42am 1:51am 11:32am 3:05am

Canterbury owned, locally operated Office and Chapel Corner East & Cox Streets, Ashburton Ph 307 7433 Patersons Funeral Services and Ashburton Crematorium Ltd

FOWKE, Claire Margaret –Neil, Barbara, Alison, Rodney and family would like to express their appreciation of the cards, flowers, kind expressions of sympathy and for the attendance at mums farewell. Your support at this sad time was very much appreciated.