The Oxford Observer, February 2020 by oxfordobserver

the Oxford

Obser ver FEBRUARY

2020 Issue 97

50 years service

for Oxford firefighter

Fundraising for Australian firefighters

Something for everyone at the Swannanoa Country Fair

100th Anniversary Celebrations for

Oxford Hospital

Schnurrbart

Design & Publishing

February twenty Twenty Welcome to the February issue of the Oxford Observer. We were invited to be part of the presentation evening at the Oxford Fire Station for

,Brian Thompson, who has been a member for an impressive 50 years.

What a fantastic night, and what an achievement for Brian and his family. Oxford and the wider area are well served with dedicated volunteers in many areas and it is always great to see this recognised. The Swannanoa Country Fair is on again soon. Check out their ad on page 9. It really does promise to be an amazing day out for the whole family. We hope you are all enjoying this summer weather, we really are lucky to have the Ashley Gorge and the track around it at our doorstep. Enjoy the summer days. Remember there is a total fire ban in place now!

Bruce & Emily Chapman

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Larnii returns to Main Divide Larnii returns to Main Divide Hair Lounge after taking maternity leave and to spend time with her new born son Felix. Larnii will be working alternate Saturdays from March 14th 2020. If you would like to book an appointment with Larnii or one of the talented team at Main Divide call us now.

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Pack rafting

words by Shaz Davis - photo supplied

Rudimentary forms of rafts that pack down for easy transportation were in use as early as the 1800s. But packrafting, as we know it today, took off in the 1980s after a safety raft was used for the first time by an innovative adventure racer, inspiring companies to come up with smaller, lightweight boats for adventure and recreation. The idea is an inflatable raft and collapsible paddle that is light enough to add to your pack. This allows you to walk into more remote areas and paddle back down, or simply to explore the backcountry in a different way. Perhaps it’s the idea of a leisurely paddle versus a long walk beside a river, that appeals, or the additional areas it opens for exploration, but whatever the reason, packrafting has been quietly gaining a following, and New Zealand has rivers and trip options that compare favourably with the best in the world. Packrafts first came to my attention when I was following GodZone last year. Rafting was part of the course; it looked like hard work then, like everything in GodZone. Not long after that, I came across a tramping article where a couple took a two-person raft on a trip with their baby. Some sections they would float together. On more challenging water hubby would paddle with the gear, while wife and baby enjoyed a stroll along the trail. This suddenly sounded fun and do-able, and sent me down a research-all-about-packrafts rabbit hole. It wasn’t long before my head was swirling with new terms, like catching eddies, avoiding strainers, portaging rapids, and various grades of water and rapids which are thankfully logical (one for easiest and five for hardest). I discovered there were basic bucket rafts and fancier self-bailing rafts, and they came single or double-coated, and with or without skirts. I didn’t have a clue where to start. I signed up for a Packrafting 101 course with Blue Duck Packrafting, right on home ground on the Ashley River, in front of the holiday park, and I was hooked. I have always enjoyed the odd chance at recreational kayaking, and this seemed the perfect way to explore a love of paddling along with tramping. Armed with my new knowledge, I bought a secondhand raft that will handle grade 1 and 2 water.

The hidden gem of Waipara Valley

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A lack of paddling buddies means my excursions are limited to small park and play forays on the Ashley River, that are safe for me to do alone, but I have a plan for a deep immersion (hopefully not literally). I’ve signed up for a spot on a guided packrafting tour early in February. It’s a 150km five-day route on the Hollyford and Pike rivers; a route considered the Holy Grail of NZ packrafting. It also happens to be the route the family with the packraft, mentioned earlier, enjoyed. What their article didn’t mention perhaps quite explicitly as it could have, however, was that there were also rugged sections that have to be walked lugging the usual tramping gear, plus raft, paddle, helmet, flotation device and wetsuit. Hhmmm. Is it worth it? All going well I’ll let you know next month!

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Exploring different cultures The Waimakariri Migrants and Newcomers Group are excited to bring a new event series to help locals discover more about the diverse range of cultures that make up the District. These events will showcase six different countries through dance, music, exhibitions and film, throughout 2020. Ingrid Rammers from the Migrant and Newcomers Group says, “We want to give people an opportunity to learn more about the diverse cultures and ethnicities we have in our District. We hope that these events will help people have a better understanding of what it’s like to be a migrant, and the value that these diverse cultures add to our communities.” The first event is on Saturday 29 February, and the first country to be explored is the Philippines. The event will take place in the Rangiora Town Hall from 11am to 3pm. Participants will be able to enjoy traditional Filipino dance, music and food, and learn more about the country and its culture, through an exhibition and presentations. Participants will also have a chance to win a prize draw by completing a short quiz. The day finishes with a screening of the movie Seven Sundays; a movie that shows the ups and downs of a Filipino family trying to reunite and navigate their way through a number of changes in their family dynamics and relationships. The movie is rated PG with English subtitles. Booking is essential and you can do this through the Town Hall Cinema’s website https://www.townhallcinemas.co.nz/ or call into the theatre.

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HELEN KENNEDY - HOMEOPATH

Addressing the core of “dis-ease ”

After 7 years away from Christchurch, Helen Kennedy has moved back and set up her homeopathic practice in Rangiora. She says after spending time with family in Auckland, she felt a real pull to move back, and is loving her new base in Rangiora. Helen says a life changing experience with Homeopathy was why she was led to study, and become a practitioner herself. While living in Brisbane she studied at the Australian College of Natural Medicine, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor in Health Sciences in Homeopathy. Helen says the reason she loves Homeopathy is because it has not only changed her life, but she has seen it change many other people’s as well. Homeopathy looks at the whole person, and the experience of that person. It is not about purely treating an illness, but looks at the reasons behind it. A Homeopathic practitioner takes time to get to know the person to find out ‘where things went wrong’. Helen says “The important thing is getting the story of the person”. As well as running her own practice, Helen has been a lecturer for the last 6 and a half years, at the the College of Health and Homeopathy in Auckland, and also supervises students before they become graduates. She is also the Secretary of the New Zealand Council of Homeopaths.

Helen says Homeopathy can be beneficial for anyone, and she has seen it be very effective in helping people with... - Anxiety issues (known or unknown) - ADHD - Behavioural problems. - Birth trauma / post natal depression / perineum trauma / stitches - Bladder issues / cystitis. - Breastfeeding problems / mastitis / milk supply / drying up milk when want to cease breastfeeding. - Ear, nose and throat disorders - especially in children with repeated infections. - Coughs colds and flu’s, whooping cough, bronchitis, pneumonia. - Dental issues / abscesses, gum disease, painful teething either babies or adults, moving teeth. - Fears and anxiety disorders / depression / OCD. - Fertility issues, with 7 successful pregnancies and births. - Tendency to miscarry. - Glandular fever / chronic fatigue - Headaches / migraines / for all ages. - Hormonal issues, including acne associated with teenagers, morning sickness, polycystic ovarian syndrome. - Nerve pain – anywhere in the body - Panic attacks. - Post traumatic stress disorder / sleeplessness caused from it. - Septic conditions / wounds / boils. - Skin disorders, eczema, psoriasis, cracks, acne, rashes - Sleep issues – either too much or not enough / nightmares / Insomnia.

To contact Helen (m) 021 649 555 (e) homeopath.helen@gmail.com (w) www.homeopath-helen.weebly.com

Helen Kennedy

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B.H.Sc, RC Hom

Successful fundraiser for Australian Firefighters

by Emily Chapman - photos by Karen Casey

A fundraiser to benefit Australian Firefighters has raised over $6000.00 with further funds to come in from raffles. Organiser Amy Roberts of Cedar Heights Hair Salon in Cust, decided that she would open on a Sunday and do haircuts to raise funds, but she says the idea just took off. They ended up moving the event to the local Firestation, with two other hairdressers Emma Small and Wendy Withell from Cedar Heights, also offering their time, along with Donna Coster of The Sunroom for Hair and Beauty also getting involved. Amy says they lost count of how many haircuts they did, but they were flat out from 10-4.15 pm, with people queuing up the whole day. They left it up to people to choose how much they would pay for a haircut, and were blown away by how generous people were. Along with the haircuts they had a sausage sizzle and also have been running a raffle. Amy says that over 45 businesses donated goods and services to the raffle, ranging in value from $20-$400, including other hairdressers that were unable to take part on the day. Amy says support came from far and wide, including a group of motorcyclists who paid to go on a group ride, which Amy says was a real buzz to hear them roar into Cust. The event was extremely successful and Amy says the whole thing was â&#x20AC;&#x153;a real Buzzâ&#x20AC;?. She says â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a community we can stand together and make a differenceâ&#x20AC;?.

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Understanding ACC

Swannanoa Country Fair is back

ACC, another word that for many of us, if we’re self-employed, a small business owner and, especially farmers, conjures up a nightmare.

Make sure you mark March the 1st in your diary, because the Swannanoa Country Fair is back again.

Levies are way too expensive and going up every year. And, like any other insurance, it always seems to be a bun fight at claim time.

Organisers say “There is a huge range of quality craft and trade stalls, school plant stall, a massive white elephant sale, plenty of games and rides for the children, delicious food and refreshments as well as all day entertainment, along with a live auction.

Then, when we do get a claim, it’s a lot less than we expected. Never enough!! I’ve often heard it best described by business owners as “just another government tax”. However, The Accident Compensation Commission, known to many of us as ACC, does work very well for most of us. As long as we understand it. Therein lies the problem. Many of us don’t, especially self-employed and small business owners. This is where things get a little clouded. This is a little complex to explain and may take more than just this issue. Bear with me and I’ll try and explain the best I can, but it’ll take a couple of issues to go through it. ACC was first formed to avoid private litigation in the case of an accident, where there is a loss to the victim, either by way of lost income due to an inability to work, (thereby earning an income), and medical expenses. The Government, through ACC, take liability in the case of accidental injury, and pay for those expenses through various levies. ACC compensate for the loss of income if we’re unable to work as a result of an accident. For the most part that’s very simple. ACC will pay the victim 80% of their gross income on a weekly basis after one week off work. And, it’s taxed under PAYE before being paid. So, as an employee being on salary or wages, that works very simply. You get 80% of what you’d have got if you were still working. Really easy. Not quite so for those of us who take what’s known as “drawings” from our business. This is not classed as income by either the IRD or ACC. Income is defined by the profit, (and in some cases losses), in our annual company returns, which is completed and furnished by our accountant. This taxable figure in many cases is actually often less than what we take in drawings. I’ll give you an example. Let’s say you take $1,000 a week in drawings. This money pays all your personal bills, rent (or mortgage), food on the table, a beer on a Friday night, etc... etc. That equates to about $50k a year. But, once your accountant has waved his magic wand, i.e. income less all your claimable expenses, you’ll find that your tax to pay based on is less that what you’ve taken out. You may have to pay tax, for example, on only $45k compared to the $50k you’ve taken out because of the claimable expenses. Now, lets relate that back to the ACC income compensation scenario. ACC work on a default system, unless otherwise told or other options are taken, and, there are options for those that take drawings. Your accountant, once complete and signed, submit your annual accounts to the IRD. The IRD then forward those accounts to ACC. ACC then bill you for levies based on that income. In the above example that would equate to levies based on income of $45k. So, if you have an accident and can’t work, you’ll expect ACC to compensate you for the loss of income. But, how much will you get? 80% of your income. Your taxed income. 80% 0f $45k. That’s $865 per week. And, it’s taxed. You’ll get approximately $570 per week. Not your usual $1,000!! There goes your beer on Friday night!! There are alternatives. However, it can be even more complex. I’ll tell you more in the next issue…

Afterall, this is what we do…

eight

A well known event that has been running for over 20 years, it is one of the largest fairs in the South Island, with something for everyone.

Waimak Young Farmers have a tractor and farm machinery display, along with sheep shearing. It will be a great day out with your family and friends.” The Fair is a fundraiser for the Swannanoa School and is a day when the whole community comes together, to directly benefit the students. Principal Brian Price says “Every year we try to purchase resources that are beyond the normal school budget. All the funds go directly back to help children’s achievement. The funds generated are used to help with school camps, Teacher aides, sporting equipment etc. In 2019 we purchased Science and Technology kits such as Robotics, 3D printer etc to help meet digital literacy curriculum requirements. We also created a hands on Maker Space for children to take apart and create things using hand tools!. This year along with helping with the usual resourcing, we are developing an interactive outdoor area including outdoor musical instruments, scented garden, amphitheatre and play equipment to promote curiosity and the Arts curriculum.” The fair has a new major sponsor this year. Fun HQ is an event management company with a wide range of inflatables, and they say being a major sponsor fits with their vision. Graham Moss of Fun HQ says “The Swannanoa Country Fair is all about the community. It showcases how a large volunteer team can work to put on a stand out event which people from all over Canterbury will travel to attend.” See the ad on opposite page and check out the website https://www.swannanoacountryfair.co.nz to see the big range of stallholders and entertainment.

PER ADULT

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The Oxford Rugby Football Club look forward to all current, new and returning players registering for the 2020 season. Exciting news that we are set to have an U15 and U18 teams at ORFC this year if we have enough players register, ensuring our young people can continue to play locally in their community, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be shy! A big thanks to all our local sponsors who help ensure we can provide quality Oxford gear for our players which is included in the subs. The new signs at either end of town advertising the latest home games are an asset to both the club and the Oxford community. The Oxford RFC has a proud history dating back to 1883.

REGISTRATION DAYS Wednesday 12th February - 3 to 5pm Friday 21st February - From 6pm BBQ & drinks! Crusaders vs Highlanders live!

Registration cost includes: Photo T-shirt Hoodie Socks mouthguard

Registration also available online at: https://www.sporty.co.nz/oxfordrugby/ orfcjab@gmail.com

Oxford LANDSAR

words & photos by Shaz Davis

The Oxford branch of LandSAR is one of 60 volunteer groups throughout New Zealand, that offer land-based search and rescue to people who are lost, missing or injured. Stephen Pooley, the training officer for Oxford LandSAR says, “Traditionally our group had a large number of hunters, but our membership has started to diversify nicely, and we have a variety of people and skills.” New members are always welcome. There aren’t any criteria you need to meet before joining, but you need to be reasonably fit, and to become competent in certain areas before you can go out on a rescue. “You can join from the age of 17 but can’t go on an operation until you’re 18 years old. There are a few hoops to jump through, with formal training courses and informal group training, like today. On average, it takes about 12 months before a new member would be ready to assist

with a rescue,” says Stephen. As far as time commitment goes, volunteers invest about one weekend, or one event a month, like the January river crossing training session. First up was practice with throw bags on dry land. A throw bag contains a rope in a stuff bag and is used for river rescues. The next task Stephen set was group river crossings, then group crossings with a stretcher or make-shift stretcher, followed by solo crossings. Maddi Keurntjes and Robert Gallagher are two newer members. They joined Oxford LandSAR about three months ago. They’ve done two Monday evening training sessions covering maps and navigation training and some stretcher training so far. Maddi says she joined to “up my own skill level and to give back to the community.” Robert hopes to use his skills and to give back, which he says is animportant part of being out in the mountains.

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Prue Fairbrass is definitely the shortest member, and she thinks the oldest too. She’s been with LandSAR for about 25 years. “I think it is something worthwhile. If something happened to me, I’d like to think there would be a group of people available to come to my rescue. It’s a great group, good companionship, and I like to do something for others and use the skills I have,” says Prue. LandSAR also operates in urban and semi-urban environments and welcomes a wider range of skills, such as medical training – so it is not just all about outdoor competence. They also have a fast response team, comprised of fitter, younger members for when a rapid response is needed, but outside of that you don’t have to be super fit. If you’d like to join the LandSAR volunteer team send an enquiry via www.landsar.org.nz or make contact via FaceBook, where you’ll find their page listed as LandSAR Oxford.

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100th Anniversary celebrations for Oxford Hospital

The Oxford Hospital is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Officially opened on 30th March 1920, it has gone through some changes to the building, but still retains the ethos and feeling of ‘a home away from home’.

born there, having relatives cared for, or having worked there. The Celebration event includes speakers, a presentation to the Hospital and an afternoon tea, followed by a Dinner Celebration at the Oxford Club.

The Friends of the Oxford Hospital and volunteers are organising a Celebration on the 29th of March. They are a long standing institution in Oxford, fundraising to support the Oxford Hospital. Their earliest records are from a meeting held in 1924. Jean Hawke is recorded as President, and at this particular meeting, the committee agreed to buy a garden seat and spend no more than 5 pounds.

If you would like to attend either the afternoon tea or the dinner celebration, please register by the 16th of March for the afternoon tea, or the 20th of March for the dinner, by phone, text or email to Linda - 027 412 4626, lindahuria@xtra.co.nz or Vivienne - 027 2424 082, viviennegarrett@outlook.com. Friends of Oxford Hospital are also running a Bingo evening at the Oxford Club on February 16th, starting at 6.30. Everyone is welcome to come along and support them.

Organiser Vivienne Garrett says there are not many people in Oxford who have not had a connection with the hospital, whether it is being

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50 years Service

Brian Thompson of the Oxford Fire Brigade has reached an impressive milestone of 50 years service, or a double Gold Star.

words by Emily Chapman - photos Bruce Chapman

Brian joined the Fire Service on 11/11/1969 at the age of 18, and has been with the Oxford Brigade for all of those 50 years. In New Zealand only 209 double Gold Stars have ever been awarded, and it is the first time anyone has achieved this in the Oxford Brigade, and as Chief Fire Office Trevor Ealam says, he will be the only person in the Brigade to achieve this for a long time, as other members did not join at such a young age. Brian has served in different capacities including the role of Treasurer for 12 years, and was made Deputy Chief Fire Officer in 2002, a role that he still holds. Brian says what he loves about being part of the Brigade is serving the community, and the camaraderie with other members of the Brigade. A highlight for him was when the new station was built. He says “the morale among the Brigade lifted with the new station”. He also enjoys when they are able to get new gear, such as thermal imaging cameras. At a presentation dinner Brian received his award and was acknowledged for all the sacrifices he has made in this 50 years. He has attended an impressive number of callouts, trainings and in 11 of his 50 years he had 100% attendance. Trevor Ealam says, “Brian has also been at the forefront of organising golf tournaments, and euchre tournaments that have raised a significant amount of money for the brigade.” Brian’s wife, Dawn, was also acknowledged for the role she and the rest of their family have played, in supporting Brian to be able to give his time to the Brigade.

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A bird haven

words & photo by Cathy Dee

In a world where any news about the environment seems too terrible to comprehend, it is truly wonderful to find a couple so dedicated to life on earth, that they have turned over their entire farm (70 acres) to the birds and the bees. Anna and Grant Shaw from Cust, have dedicated their land to a project that started many years ago, with a bag of expired cat food. Not knowing what to do with it, Anna decided to damp it down and tip it out for the birds to eat. Grant chortles, “three or four blackbirds went nuts over them. Then they basically turned that cat food in to many more black birds”. The enjoyment of watching the birds feed and multiply, (at first by no doubt informing their friends of this new food source), was so great, they decided to put up some feeding stations, in order to attract other species of bird life, until their planting really got underway. Bell birds were initially lured in with a nectar mix. Anna uses a water bottle used for rabbits which has a drip feed. “The birds soon get used to it. We placed a small saucer of the nectar right under it so they got the hang of that, and they soon got the idea of sipping from the bottom of the feeder. We don’t like to leave the nectar mix in a saucer, as bees tend to come in to drink it and drown”. Now that some of the shrubs and trees are maturing and producing flowers and fruit, the birds have more feed on tap, and it is hoped that eventually the planting will take over, with only occasional top-ups from the feeders, as at present, the birds are fed twice a day, and restocking all the containers and feeders is quite an undertaking, as they all need to be kept clean. Some of the feeders are stocked with Wild Bird Seed Mix, with added crushed barley to keep the cost down. There are intricate metal fruit holders which double as garden sculpture, along with regular feeding stations. Anna makes her own brand of ‘suet mix’; “usually frozen fruit, banana, apple, kiwifruit, whatever I have. I then put it into the food processor and mix well with melted coconut oil. Once mixed I food process whichever grain I have ie, oats, barley, although I use mainly rice flour as it absorbs so well. I mix all this until it is hard to mix anymore and not oily. Then it goes into the coconut shells”.

I am. I am passionate about the environment and what is happening globally is simply devastating. It is up to every one of us to do something to help, in any way we can.” Care of the environment is everything to these two, and that includes the use of sprays. Anna shows me a huge container of an all-natural spray she uses for weed control. WeedX from Goulters vinegar products - https://www. naturalherbicide.co.nz. This she says, is incredible and works brilliantly. “The trick is to spray it at the hottest part of the day. By the afternoon, all your weeds will have died off. It is that fast and does no harm to the environment or to any animals who may be grazing it”. Bellbirds are common around the farm now, along with wax eyes, blackbirds, thrush and finches of varying types. It is truly a pleasure to be shown around the farm, with the work that has gone into creating habitat for water fowl, the planting of so many trees, and the genuine care and love for the environment and all who live in it.

She gave me one to try and well, you can see the result with our resident wax eyes. Anna and Grant looked into the sort of planting needed to attract not only birds, but also bees. She adds that they have become ‘greener’ as the years go by, having always appreciated nature. They didn’t start out as environmentally aware as they are now. Every year they aim to plant anything from 60 – 500 trees, and are now growing their own trees from seed, in biodegradable planter pots. As Anna believes all bird species are valuable, the tree planting includes such non-native species as Oaks, Sequoias, Canadian poplar, Shadbush – (Amelanchier) Portuguese Laurel, Grevilia, Crab apples and many types of beech and birch trees, along with natives such as Pittosporum, Flax, Kowhai, Totara and Mountain beech (Fuscospora cliffortioides), which Anna has found to be tougher than many other beech types. There is even a patch of grapevines specifically for the birds. “People around here call me ‘the mad bird lady’” laughs Anna, “I don’t mind, because

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All-natural vinegar-based weed control WEEDX is vinegar-based, fast acting and allows the soil PH levels to re-balance within 24hrs. Controls annual and perennial weeds, while still being safe for animals, people and the environment. Safe to use in the preparation of vegetable gardens. After four years of development, it has gained EPA approval, and is the first product of its kind marketed in New Zealand. Using WeedX gives you peace of mind because it is safe to use. For enquiries please email charlie@vinegarpower.co.nz

Or order online at www.naturalherbicide.co.nz | Goulter’s Vinegar - Ph 03 546 5174 sixteen

Get a step ahead ... on your track maintenance Reduce stone bruising, lameness and loss of income in your herd with Springfield Lime. Talk to your experienced team today about creating the ideal footing surface.

Can be collected directly from site or from the Castle Hill Quarry

0800 303 980 â&#x20AC;˘ www.palmerresources.co.nz

The Oxford Area Schools Vision Kāhui Whetā - Grow together Tātai Whetū - Learn together Rau Whetū - Shine together We have a solid foundation built on our school values of being responsible, respectful, positive and caring represented by the land. Our aim is to rise up to our vision represented by the stars (whetū). In order to reach the stars, we have identified our next steps represented by the mountains that connect the land to the stars.

Grow together

Goal: Our goal is to strengthen the connections between whānau/family and school. Initiative: Together we share our learning. Outcome: A stronger connection between whānau and school all the way through to year 13. We believe in having a shared understanding of learning between a student’s two main educational influencers - school and home. By strengthening this connection we believe we will see an improved transference of learning between school and beyond the school gates. With this piece of work, we will be looking at how to further support the sharing of learning and the application of it.

Learn together

Goal: Prepare us for the future. Initiative: Learning that sticks with us. Outcome: We have strengthened our competencies to be competent contributors to society. The future of work is changing - in fact, it has changed and will continue to evolve. Our work on this will be through a programme focussing on deep learning through the development of global competencies. The competencies are the skill sets we need to succeed and excel in today’s complex world.

Shine together

Goal: Ignite the spark of our success. Initiatives: Connecting us with role models and recognising our successes. Outcome: We can acknowledge our successes with confidence. We want to recognise all of a student’s successes and we want them to be proud. Role models can inspire our young people. The connection is stronger when the student can see themselves in that role model. This is where diversity is important. Mike Hart Principal - Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua - Oxford Area School

Oxford Area School Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Kāhui Whetū

Tātai Whetū

Rau Whetū

As a community, we align our learning and skills, showing how extraordinary we are.

2020 - 2022

Strategic Plan

Grow together Thriving • Connected Communities Goal

Learn together

Shine together

Pioneering • Collaborative Learning

Courage • Success • Pride

Strengthen the connection between our whānau and our school

Initiatives Together, we share our learning Outcomes A stronger connection between our whānau and our school, all the way through to year 13

Values

Kia whakaute Be Respectful

52 Bay Road Oxford

Goal

Prepare us for the future

Initiatives Learning that sticks with us Outcomes

Kia haepapa Be Responsible

We have strengthened our competencies to be positive contributors to society

Kia manaaki Be Caring

03 312 4197

Goal

Ignite the spark of our success

Initiatives

Connecting us with role models Recognising our successes

Outcomes We can acknowledge our successes with confidence

Kia manahau Be Positive

info@oxford.school.nz

Claudia Faulkner - Claudia Faulkner is our new Year 7/8 Homeroom teacher,

Kia ora, my name is Claudia Faulkner and I am really excited to be joining the Year 7/8 team at Oxford Area School this year. Prior to coming to Oxford, I have taught at Papanui High School and Lincoln High School as a Health and Physical Education teacher. My husband and I moved to a lifestyle block in Ohoka at the end of last year and are thoroughly enjoying the rural setting. In my spare time, I train and compete a team of 6 horses (unsuccessful racehorses) in Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping. For many years I have been involved at an organisational level within the Equestrian community, serving as the Eventing Canterbury Event Secretary and Canterbury Area Pony Club Secretary. I am very excited to join the O.A.S Year 7/8 cohort and inspiring the students to be the best they can be.

Hi my name is James Smith and I am looking forward to teaching Year 7/8 at OAS in 2020. I grew up in Australia and came to NZ in 2006. I spent 10 years working as a teacher in Australia, the UK, NZ and Africa before coming to Oxford to work with Youth with a Mission in Oxford 9 years ago. I also pioneered 24-7 YouthWork at OAS during this time. This year I returned to full time teaching again. I have 5 active boys and a beautiful baby girl called Genesis. I love getting out with my boys - swimming, playing sport and doing adventures. I also love travel and watching sport. I have been married to my wonderful wife - Carolyn, for 11 great years.

Peter Schasching - Peter Schasching is our new Year 5/6 Teacher Hi my name is Peter Schasching. I grew up in Christchurch and have spent time enjoying life in Tasman, North Otago and Central Otago. I have Scottish roots in Central Otago and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m half Austrian! My Great Grandfather owned the pub in Naseby. I graduated from Christchurch College of Education and have taught from Years 4 to 8 over the last 16 years. My hobbies include wood-working, playing guitar, fishing and travel. My last trip aboard at the beginning of 2019 took me to Hokkaido in the north of Japan and Seoul in South Korea. I enjoy playing and coaching basketball and have recently completed a season with the Omarama Rams as their point guard. I am looking forward to working with the children, staff and families at Oxford Area School after a positive experience at Murchison Area School. Many children like to call me Mr. S and this has become my teacher name over the years. See you all very soon. Mr. S

Peter Thomson - Peter Thomson is our new Digital Technology Teacher Peter worked for many years as a classroom teacher, in New Zealand, and in England and South Korea. On returning to New Zealand, he started a new career in software development. After ten years in the industry, Peter leapt at the opportunity to work in education teaching digital technology. Peter currently also works as a part-time permanent tutor at Ara in digital design.

MEET THE NEW STAFF AT OXFORD AREA SCHOOL

James Smith - James Smith -is our new Year 7/8 Homeroom teacher

Reese Kean - Reese Kean - is our new English & Social Studies teacher I was born in the Caribbean and grew up in the USA with a passion for the outdoors. I followed this passion and family ties to NZ where I began a career in outdoor education both in NZ and Asia. The experiences I had during this time inspired me to return to university and complete my teacher education. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to embark on my new career teaching here in Oxford.

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

http://www.oxford.school.nz/

Line Dancing - fun for everyone

words & photos by Shaz Davis

It’s a great social environment, with both men and women, and it’s no longer just country-style dances. “It keeps you busy and fit,” says Jenny who dances four or five nights a week, and then attends socials on weekends, often travelling to events throughout the South Island and occasionally the North Island. Socials are held at different clubs throughout New Zealand, often with different dances learnt. However there are always some dances that are popular and everybody knows them.

Jenny Brookes is a multi-talented and busy lady. She’s a research technician at Lincoln University’s Bio-Protection Research Centre, runs cattle and sheep on her farm on Depot Road, and teaches linedancing in Oxford and Darfield. “I used to be a pig farmer,” says Jenny. After a split from her husband she decided to upskill. Her results in bio-protection were better than farming, so she now researches fungi in plants, farms insects and does soil and nest testing for the Kakapo Recovery project. Jenny was introduced to linedancing when her mother took her to a social about seven years ago. She joined a class in Oxford, found she picked it up very quickly and was hooked. It wasn’t long before Jenny was travelling to Christchurch for intermediate and advanced classes, which she still attends, so that she continues to grow and offer more to the people who join her classes. In her first year of dancing Jenny attended a week-long linedancing festival on Norfolk Island, where she won line dancer of the year, and she regularly travels to Australia for dance festivals and workshops. “Linedancing is very social, with all types of music. You don’t need a partner to take part, and you can listen to the music and forget all your problems for a while. Because you have to use your mind and your body, it is also very good for our memory and keeps the brain active.

Jenny started teaching classes in Darfield two years ago, and has been teaching in Oxford for almost a year. She says she gets a lot of satisfaction watching people persevere and the look of joy on people’s faces when they get a dance right. If you’re keen to give linedancing a go, you can sign up for the four-week introductory class for beginners in Oxford. It will be held at 6.30 pm, starting on Thursday 13 February, at the Oxford Working Men’s Club. After this class you will know enough to join the regular classes that run on Mondays from 5 – 8 pm in Oxford or from 6 – 9 pm in Darfield. Contact Jenny on 027 445 2285 or jennybrookes76@gmail.com to book or for more information.

LINE DANCING AT OXFORD

New 4 week ($25) absolute beginner course starting Thurs, 13th, 20th & 27th Feb 6.30-7.15 pm & Mon March 2nd 6.00pm No partner needed. Variety of music. Great way to socialize and keep fit. Ph Jenny to register interest

0274 452 285

ASHLEY INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD

Sawmill & Customised Timber Packaging | Selling Direct to the Public

8 Mill Road, Oxford | Hours: Mon to Thu 8am-5pm - Fri 8am - 4pm - Sat 8am - 12noon Timber Plywood MDF Posts Stakes & Pegs Bins Pallets Crates Sawdust Shredded Chip Timber Treatment Contract Milling

twenty

Phone 03 312 3341 Email admin@ais.co.nz

FEBRUARY SPECIALS 6m3 Truckload of Timber Offcuts $299.00 + GST (Delivered in the greater Oxford area)

Premium Bluegum Fully Seasoned (2 years)

1.8m3 Bin $150.00 + GST 6m3 Truckload $600.00 + GST (Delivered in the greater Oxford area)

Prices valid until 29 February 2020 or while stocks last

Please note - our Friday hours have changed We are now closing at 4pm

Website www.ashleyindustrial.co.nz

OXFORD CLUB

OXFORD CLUB EST - 1887

160 High Street Oxford | Phone 312 4411 | www.oxfordclub.co.nz Members, Guests and Aﬃliates welcome

BAR & BOTTLESTORE 11am - 10pm Sunday - Thursday 11am - 11pm Friday - Saturday

TAKEAWAYS

Sunday - Thursday 5:30pm - 8:00pm Friday & Saturday 5:30 - 9:00pm

OSCAR’S

Friday - Saturday - Sunday from 5:30pm

SHOW NIGHT

4th APRIL

The explosive band

D’n’D

performing Live at the Oxford Club

DON’t MISs OUt LIKE us on Facebook to keep updated on the latest events

BECOME A MEMBER ~

The OXFORD CLUB ~ YOUR SOCIAL HUB

If you are thinking about becoming a member, come on down and check us out. It’s easy to become a member, just sign up at the bar. Discounts for Juniors & Seniors

LOTS of sections to join – Cards, Claybirds, Darts, Fishing, Golf, Indoor Bowls, Outdoor Bowls, Pool, Racing, Travel & Vintage. twenty one

Raising a Dec 14

Dec 20 We take the young Sputnik outside for the first time after putting the cats into lockdown. He hops around in the grass before snuggling into my shirt. Time to bring him back inside.

One of our cats presents us with a very small ball of feathers which turn out to be a baby thrush. Bleeding profusely from somewhere in his abdomen, I did not expect him to make it to the morning so I wrapped him up in soft tissues and popped him into a box thinking I would be burying the poor little soul in the morning.

Dec 15 To my great surprise and delight, a live bird greeted me in the morning, so rather than digging a hole, I set about finding something to feed him. After carefully tweezing some *jellymeat into the gaping maw that is the mouth of a baby bird, I zoomed into town to get some Finch Mix. *Jellymeat is a good temporary substitute for baby birds however it can not be fed long term as it is too high in protein. Finch Mix is a mix of egg and breadcrumbs with the vitamins that birds need to survive.

Now that I am sure he will make it, I give him his first photoshoot. At this stage he can’t fly, rather sits there looking at me with an air of disgust.

Dec 19 Sputnik has made himself at home and likes to sit on my shoulder while I work. As he is a prodigious crapper I have to cover my shirt with tissues. He chirps away quietly to himself and enjoys a meal of mash every 20 mins or so.

We’ve been taking Sputnik outside for 20 mins or so every day – allowing him to bounce around in the grass and also encouraging him to sit in the branches of trees while the wind blows him about. His absolute favourite place to be is the vegetable garden. He could spend hours in there, pottering about, picking up stones and smacking them on the ground, hunting miniscule bugs and nestling down under a leaf in the rhubarb.

Dec 29 Today was a big day for Sputnik.

Dec 17 This was the day I realised that Sputnik was probably going to make it, but I wanted to be sure there was no infection, so off to the vet he went for a check. It is notoriously difficult to keep a baby bird alive after they have been attacked by a cat, as the resulting infection usually kills them. However in Sputnik’s case, the fact that he bled so much probably saved him by flushing out the infective agents. He did have a punctured air sack which I was instructed to keep an eye on.

Dec 27

Dec 18

My desk has a tropical fish tank with a filter that is like a mini waterfall. Sputnik hopped off my shoulder and on to the glass top of the fish tank where he stood and stared at the water coming out of the filter when all of a sudden he started drinking from it! This is the first time he has drunk any *water.  Suddenly he gets so excited by this that he dancing around trying to get in to the filter! I figure he might like a bath so run out to get him a large bowl of water. It doesn’t take him long before he hops straight in to this bowl and starts going berserk. Water is going everywhere and he is having the best time a thrush can have. I have to remove him and pat him dry as he is soaked to the skin. *It is vital to never try to give a bird water. They get enough from their food and you risk them inhaling it and killing them.

Dec 29 We are given the tiniest nestling sparrow. She is really just a huge mouth on top of a small ball. Having fallen out of her nest into a bale of hay there was not a lot of hope of her surviving. Into the box on a hot water bottle, wrapped up in tissues and a towel she went.

wild bird

words & photos by Cathy Dee

Dec 29

Jan 13

Spatz the sparrow is still with us.

Dec 29 Spatz has her first photo shoot and Sputnik takes on a chicken in a battle of the worm. Sputnik now has a new nickname – ‘The Worminator’.

Jan 4 Sputnik discovers the outdoor birdbath and we can’t get him out of it. He has such a great time that when he finally stops, he is shivering so much he looks like a kid at the swimming baths.

Jan 7 We purchase a very flash apartment for the birds. Sputnik is thrilled.

Jan 8 Spatz is finally big enough to share the apartment with Sputnik. The play *“who will feed me’ for a bit and then settle down together.  *Renamed The Great NZ Beak Off.

Jan 10 We catch the most amazing behaviour! Sputnik the Thrush, starts feeding Spatz the Sparrow!  Spatz also has her first taste of the great outdoors and Sputnik disappeared into the forest. We thought that would be it and he’d finally decided to leave it so it was a great thrill when he turned up for dinner and was happy to go back to the apartment for the night!

Jan 11

Sputnik is now flying around happily outdoors for a few hours a day. He returns to us, exhausted and hungry. It’s great to see him enjoying the wide outdoors and hopefully meeting up with some of his own kind.

Sputnik took off and this time did not come back. We have been expecting this though we will miss him.

Jan 14 I was outside eating breakfast on the deck when there was a swish of wings and I was dive bombed by none other than Sputnik himself! He landed on the roof and chirped at me. I suggested he hop down to the table if he wanted something to eat, which he did. He happily returned to the apartment where Spatz was beside herself with excitement.

Jan 15 We are now letting Sputnik out for two flights a day. He stays out for around 3 hours and returns each time. At the moment he seems happy to return to the apartment with little Spatz. Spatz meanwhile is enjoying her outings. She perches on spindly branches and hangs on for grim death as the wind buffets the branch about. She isn’t as friendly as Sputnik and we are keeping it that way in the hopes she will reintegrate with the sparrow community. In the mean time she will stay with us until that day comes.

Jan 16 Sputnik went for his morning flight at 7am. He returned at around 10.30am, calling to me from the roof of the house. I dutifully went out to greet him and offer him some meal worms after which he flew off again. He returned in about 10 minutes, gobbled down a few more meal worms and took off. Once more, about 20 minutes later he returned, this time actually flying inside to find me and sitting down to wait for me to pick him up and return him to the apartment. I know the day will come when he does not allow us to pick him up. He will stay outside. I hope he stays around the property, maybe even visiting us with a partner in tow. To this end, we have set up a feeding station which he can safely come back to. He will have to share it with the myriad of wax eyes and finches who have discovered it. I will forever be fascinated by these intelligent, beautiful little birds.

Support and enjoy your local Market

Every Sunday 9am - 12pm

Main Street, Oxford

EFT Ava POS ilabl e

FOOD ~ FUN &

GREAT PEOPLE + GREAT PEOPLE+ GREAT PEOPLE PEOPLE ++ GREAT GREAT PEOPLE SKILLS =+= GREAT GREAT SKILLS = GREAT SKILLS GREAT SKILLS = GREAT RESULTS! SKILLS = GREAT RESULTS! GREAT RESULTS! GREAT RESULTS! Earthworks Earthworks –– for for Commercial Commercial -GREAT RESULTS! Earthworksand for Commercial Residential lifestyle blocks Earthworks – –for Commercial - -

Residential blocks Earthworks and –and forlifestyle Commercial Residential lifestyle blocks Residential and lifestyle blocks

Residential and lifestyle blocks

AMBIENCE

You’ll Find it all at the Oxford Farmers Market

www.oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

HORSE RIDING

• Lessons and trekking

• Over 80 well-schooled horses available or BYO • Preparation for certificates • Dressage, Show Jumping & Cross Country • Weekend courses • School holiday courses • Full livery service available “We now offer Payment Plans through Ezypay that allow you to make small regular payments for your horse riding”

Kowhai Residential School of Riding Ltd 711 Island Road, Oxford Ph: 03 312 4309 www.kowhai.co.nz

✓ Driveways ✓ Site Preparation Preparation ✓ Driveways ✓ Site Entranceways Retaining Walls ✓ ✓ Site Driveways Preparation ✓ Entranceways ✓ Retaining Walls ✓ Driveways ✓ Driveways Site Preparation ✓ ✓ Site Preparation Asphalting Kerb & Channelling ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Entranceways Retaining Walls ✓ ✓ Asphalting Kerb & Channelling ✓ Entranceways ✓✓ Entranceways Retaining Walls ✓ Walls ✓ ✓ ✓ Retaining Sewer Soak ✓ Asphalting Kerb &Pits Channelling ✓ ✓ ✓ Sewer Soak Pits ✓ Asphalting Kerb & Channelling Asphalting Kerb & Channelling ✓ ✓ ✓✓ Sewer Soak everything from Farm Pits Tracks & Effluent ✓And everything from Farm Tracks & Effluent ✓ Sewer Soak Pits ✓ Sewer Soak Pits Finishes. ✓And Ponds to Construction & Interior And everything from Farm Tracks Effluent Ponds to Construction & Interior & Finishes. And everything Tracks &Finishes. Effluent 450 & 600from PostFarm Hole Augers And everything from Farm Tracks & Effluent Ponds to Construction & Interior Ponds & Interior Finishes. PondstotoConstruction Construction & Interior Finishes.

Quality First Quality First Quality First Ph 03 313-1670 Baydon 027First 405 9910 Quality Ph 03 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 Email : info@bayphil.co.nz Quality First Ph 03 Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 1734627 : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627 Ph 03 Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 : info@bayphil.co.nz 9910 1734627 Ph 03Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627

Email : info@bayphil.co.nz

1734627

CRAIG’S

Carpet Clean & Pest Control

• General/Family Dentistry • Facial Pain • Periodontal Therapy • Minor Oral Surgery • Oral Medicine Specialist • Oral Cancer Detection • Clinicians all New Zealand trained • Super Gold and Community Services Card Discounts Open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5.30 www.pagdental.com

PAG Silverstream Dental 4/42 Silverstream Boulevard Silverstream 03 925 8003 pagsilverstreamdental@gmail.com

UY Babysitting Childminder Mature Lady 021 152 9731

Bowen Therapy A Gentle therapy for every body and any age. Contact Johanna Lettink, registered practitioner for 20 years Ph. 312 1316 or 021 269 0371 www.bowtech.com

Chimney Sweep Winters Coming!! Rotary Brush Technology From $70 single story Book now before the rush 0800-SWEEP ME or 021-0277-1927

Spiders & Flies - Approved handler Also supplier of Enviroshield Insecticide

Free Quote Txt 027 363 6325

Ph 312 4772 Oxford

Leather & Fashion Handbags and wallets, possum/merino NZ gifts, jewellery, art and homewares. Route 72 Cafe Bar Emporium, Cust. Ph: 312 5595.

YOUR ONE STOP HARDWARE STORE

YES, IN OXFORD 100’s of products for the

Handyman or Handywoman Potting Mix, Yates Sprays, Yates Seeds, Seed Potatoes, & Products Garden Tools • LPG Reﬁlls Fencing Requirements • Power Tools Nuts, Bolts & Nails • Lawn Mower Parts

OPEN MON - FRID 7.00AM TIL 5.30PM SATURDAY 9.00AM TIL 1.00PM (Please Note: No LPG reﬁlls on Saturdays)

Oxford Butchery

Farm Fresh Flavour Fresh to your Plate

Retail Quality Meat & Smallgoods Award Winning Old Fashioned Dry-cured Bacon & Ham. From Paddock to Freezer - we can homekill & process your stock ready for the freezer. Bookings essential

Ph: 03 312 4521

82 HIGH STREET, OXFORD Email: admin@womersleys.co.nz

www.womersleys.co.nz

twenty four

Manuka Honey and other New Zealand-made skincare ranges for men and women. Homeopathic remedies for the whole family. Also Kings Seeds. Route 72 Cafe Bar Emporium, Cust. Ph: 312 5595. Email: route72@clear.net.nz.

Oxford Butchery Ltd 4th Generation Family Butchers

44 Main Street - Oxford

Ph 03 312 4205 | A/H : Ph Shane 03 312 4709 MPI APPROVED

Work Wanted "I'm looking for full time work in the Oxford/Cust area. I have extensive horticultural knowledge and experience, plus level one traffic management. Phone 0274-388-232. I also am available for private light gardening work in the area."

OXFORD CLUB OPEN DAY SUNDAY 29TH MARCH 11AM – 3PM The Oxford Club has been an integral part of the community since 1887. Not only is it a Social Hub for all members, but it also financially supports local clubs and community groups. The club is located at 160 High Street and provides various entertainment throughout year with bands, tribute shows, quizzes and game shows. There are weekly membership draws and raffles and boasts meeting rooms, function areas, Oscars Restaurant, takeaways, open plan bars, courtesy vans and many sections to suit all ages from Cards, Claybirds, Darts, Golf, Indoor and Outdoor Bowls, Pool, Travel and Vintage, so there is something here for everyone! All will be on display on the Open Day with information on activities and upcoming events. Everyone is welcome at the open day with hay cart rides, bouncy castle, treasure hunts, lolly scramble, face painting for the kids as well as an appearance from Oscar the Little Owl, music, classic cars and motorcycles, sausage sizzle and refreshments. Discounted membership will be on offer on the day for all new members, as well as going into a draw to get your membership for free! So come on down with family and friends to find out the benefits and activities the club has to offer. We look forward to seeing you all at the Oxford Club – Your Social Hub

Open Day at the Oxford Club

Fresh, real milk direct to you at the farm dispenser

WASTE WATER SERVICING & SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

Real Milk from our happy, free-range, grass fed cows.

• Septic & Waste Water Servicing • Grease Trap Servicing • Water Tank Cleaning • Drain Unblocking • Culvert Clearing • Vacuum Trucks • CCTV Inspections

Self Service

OPEN 7 DAYS 7am - 9pm 56 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford

24 HOUR 7 DAY RESPONSE

0800 HYDROVAC

2km off the Main Street

Phone 027 630 2230 Real milk. For a naturally better life. www.facebook.com/CavanFarmFreshMilk

Need a Pre-school ?

03 366 9187

CANTERBURY OWNED & OPERATED

www.hydrovac.co.nz

Oxford Early Learning Centre Monday to Friday 8.30am - 3.30pm

4Nursery for 6 months onwards 4Interactive area for 2-3 year olds 4School readiness classroom for 4-6 year olds 4Great teacher/child ratios with passionate staff 4Community focused team supporting our families/whanau for over 29 years

166 High Street | Ph: 03 312 4757 (Behind Baptist Church)

oxfordearlylearning@xtra.co.nz twenty five

Celebrations at Karadean

Karadean Residents and Staff had a wonderful Christmas Party. Some dressed up and joined in the fun. Santa delivered gifts to our Residents. We also had a visit from a Christmas Sheep. Halloween was celebrated with some of our Residents and Staff dressing up in crazy outfits. We also celebrated World Sepsis Day by having a Pink Day - Bevan even coloured his hair Pink!

Tax Returns Payroll GST Returns Annual Accounts Rental Returns

WAYNE’S CLEANING SERVICES

We Strive To Be The Best ~ Canterbury Owned & Operated •Domestic & Commercial Weekly Cleaning •Builder’s Cleans •Rental & Moving House Cleans •Walls, Ceilings and Ovens •Domestic & Commercial Windows

Jeanette Graves Sharon Stewart

021 853 769 027 241 6345

www.smallbusinesssolutions.co.nz info@smallbusinesssolutions.co.nz

Ph: Wayne 021 0227 0006 Email: waynescleaningservices@xtra.co.nz

Local &

THEBROKER.co.nz

The

Annie Smith Licensee Salesperson M 027 202 8155 E annie.smith@raywhite.com Licensed (REAA 2008)

Community Resource Standing in Your Corner twenty six

ONE - STOP SHOP

for your Real Estate Needs. 50 Main Street, Oxford T 03 424 1414

Lorinda Harrington Registered Financial Advisor M 027 242 3211 E Lorinda@thebroker.co.nz THEBROKER.co.nz

Free Service Specialising in 1st Home buyers

Oxford

Community Trust POSITIONS AVAILABLE Oscar Holiday Programme Co-ordinator We are looking for an energetic, fun person to run our Holiday Programme. We run 2 weeks during every school holidays. You will be responsible for all aspects of the programme, from planning the day to day programme, to supervising staff and volunteers, ensuring training is up to date and liaising with parents. The hours are 40 hours while the programme is running plus 20 contracted planning hours during the term.

Recreation Youth Work

10 hours approximately.

We are looking for a dynamic Youth Recreation worker to support the youth of Oxford. We require someone to run an event most weekends (Friday evening, or Saturday) to cater for our youth, ranging in years 5-8 and years 7-13. The successful candidate will work with the youth to plan events that they want to participate in, and also help to organise. They will work alongside our schools in lunchtime to promote healthy recreation, and plan and run 1 larger term event. They will attend monthly meetings and have involvement with Waimakariri Youth focused agencies.

Community Support Work 6 hours approx. We are looking for someone that has some social work background, and would be interested to be part of the Oxford Community Trust work. This would be a variety of work supporting our Manager, and will involve working with agencies in the Waimakariri such as Waimakariri Migrants and Newcomers, Violence Free North Canterbury.

PROVIDING INTEGRATED VETERINARY SERVICES

Integrated Functional Veterinary Diagnostics and Medicine TCVM (Acupuncture, Herbs, Food Therapy/Nutrition) ABM (Manual hands on therapy, rehabilitative programmes for horses) Reiki

For all the above positions please call or email the Manager, Jo Ealam on 312 3006 or jo@oxfordtrust.co.nz. Jo is happy to discuss any of these positions. We are a supportive and community friendly work place. These positions may be able to be combined to suit if appropriate.

OXFORD

SHUTTLE SERVICE

& AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Phone: 312 1360

Mob:021 254 5261 E m a i l : r. j . e d w a r d s @ x t r a . c o . n z

Let us take the stress out of your travel We offer: â&#x20AC;˘ airport transfers - early morning/late evening 24/7 â&#x20AC;˘ door to door pick up & drop off service â&#x20AC;˘ seating for up to 7 passengers â&#x20AC;˘ the cheapest rates in North Canterbury

We are: â&#x20AC;˘ locally owned & operated â&#x20AC;˘ an ACC Accredited Provider â&#x20AC;˘ NZ Transport Agency CertiďŹ ed

Bach Flower Remedies and Homeopathy

Lillian Bonner ~ DVM CVA ABMgrad.dip. RMT 021 951 059

Experienced Chartered Accountant available to visit you for a stress-free service. Competitive rates.

Troy Cameron

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chartered Accountant

Ph: 021 122 1960

Email: troy@atcaccounting.nz

for a free no obligation consultation. A Bit Different than the Average Accountant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ready for Anything!

Time + Travel + Mileage + Convenience = Best Rates in North Canterbury

â&#x20AC;&#x153;cheaper than taking your own carâ&#x20AC;?

LillianBonnerDVM@gmail.com

Lillian Bonner DVM Balanced Beings Integrated & Functional Veterinary Medicine

2185788

Visit www.atcaccounting.nz twenty seven

Second hand

Style with Kerri Booth

Does this sound familiar? You go into your wardrobe and think ‘Right! Im going to try something different today.’ You play around with items, and come up with an outfit that you really like, but it’s totally out of your comfort zone. You think ‘I’ve nailed this, and I’m going to rock it today’. After doing last minute jobs ,you glance in the mirror as you head on your way out the door. All of a sudden your head is flooded with thoughts of ’What on earth was I thinking!! I look ridiculous” Back into the wardrobe you go, and off comes the outfit and back on go the jeans and your favourite top, which is slouchy and black, and you had to pull it out of the washing pile because you wore it yesterday. You don’t necessary like what you are wearing, but it is comfy and most of all doesn’t draw attention. It could be fair to say that we have all been there. Change is hard. Often when I think about all the exciting good things that have happened in my life, it has been scary and nerve wracking at the same time. The month of January can be inspiring to encourage change and new goals. This then leads to the month of February which actually is when the grind and reality kick in, and all of a sudden you find that old habits are sneaking back in. My advice when asked about this topic, is to start small. You don’t have to throw yourself in the deep end if you don’t want to. Of course the best way to start with purchases that are out of your comfort zone, is to op shop! I often think the best answer is to op shop. A price that is affordable, sustainable shopping, and so much choice. It’s a win/win. My other piece of advice is take compliments as a bonus. Just because no one said anything, it doesn’t mean that people hate what you are wearing. It’s really not a good idea to rate your outfit on how many comments you get from other people. Take it upon yourself to actually compliment your own self, even if it’s only to be proud that you tried something new. As always, if you feel completely overwhelmed, then make contact with me and we can put a plan in place. Remember that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results. Let February be your month of change.

Arts in Oxford Gallery News Extinction is Forever is a mixed media exhibition featuring NZ's endangered birds with tapestries, paintings, drawings and digital work by Marilyn Rea-Menzies.

Current Exhibition 1 February -15 March 2020 Marilyn Rea-Menzies Extinction is Forever Artist Talk Sun 2 Feb 2-3pm. Free

In Touch

with Matt Doocey MP for Waimakariri

February 2020 I’m inviting all our residents to come out and back Woodend by showing our support for a Woodend Bypass at my “Rally for Woodend” on Sunday, 9 February at 12.30pm at Owen Stalker Park in Woodend. While the government is currently reviewing its roading priorities, we need to make sure our voices are heard. With vehicle numbers on State Highway 1 in the Woodend area increasing 20% over the last three years, the Woodend community is calling on Government to prioritise the Woodend Bypass. I believe daily traffic counts this year in Woodend will hit 20,000 vehicle movements a day.

Extinction is Forever – Kokako. Tapestry

Art for kids Starting Soon Afterschool Art Classes (YA Club)

Series 1: For kids pre-school (with parent) up to 12 yrs old with Leisa Aumua trained teacher & artist.

It’s just not safe with children expected to run the gauntlet to get to school every day, and the elderly having to cross a state highway to get to public transport. Woodend residents are fired up and they want to send Government a clear message that this project needs to be given the green light now. The idea for a rally came out of my public meeting on SH1 safety issues last year, and it’s going to be a family-friendly event with speeches, music and a barbeque.

5 week block starts 5 March Thursdays 4 - 5.30pm. $30 per child or $22 with com. services or gold card Bookings are essential as numbers are limited

I encourage our Oxford residents to show their support for the Woodend community and bring yourselves, your family and your friends. We need as big a crowd as possible. Keeping on a roading theme, Oxford commuters will be very happy with the news that they only have six months to wait until the opening of the Northern Corridor into Christchurch. I helped turned the sod for this project with then Minister of Transport Simon Bridges, as one of National’s Roads of National Significance and it’s great to see it come to fruition. Oxford residents can look forward to shorter journeys!

Check out our gift shop with new, original items made by NZ artists.

Volunteers Needed Can you spare 3 hours? You will learn about projects, sales and will help artists in Canterbury & NZ. Please contact the Gallery

OPEN HOURS

Tues -Thu 11am - 2pm Fri -Sun 10am - 4pm Closed Mon & Public Holidays

ARTS IN OXFORD

Funded by Parlimentary Services and authorised by Matt Doocey, Level 1 Conway Lane, Rangiora

Matt Doocey

MP for Waimakariri Kaiapoi • 156B Williams St 03 327 0514 • kaiapoi@parliament.govt.nz Rangiora • Level 1 Conway Lane 03 310 7468 • waimakariri@parliament.govt.nz mattdoocey.co.nz MattDoocey.Waimakariri

. Art Gallery . Gift Shop . Workshops

Kerri Booth 021 059 0984

twenty eight

A non- profit Charitable trust run by volunteers, Supported by : Rata Foundation and Waimakariri District Council

72 Main Street | Oxford | 03 312 1639 www.artsinoxford.com

Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Matt Doocey, 156B Williams St, Kaiapoi.

EMERGENCY SERVICES Here for Life

with Oxford Constable

with Oxford St John Station Manager

with Oxford Chief Fire Officer

Well one month into it, and there has not been any shortage of work.

Wow – I cannot believe we are in February already! This year is just flying by!

Hopefully the days will be getting warmer, which means the area will be getting even drier. I know this is not my area of expertise, but be vigilant, and if you see smoke, report it. I know I would let someone know sooner rather than later.

From Jan 1st – Dec 31st 2019 Oxford had 512 ambulance call outs for the area. That’s a busy year for our team.

In December the Brigade was called seventeen times, which was the busiest month we have had for some time. The Brigade was asked to assist the Cust Brigade five times, three to vegetation fires, one to a private smoke alarm activation caused by burnt food, the other was to a log fire which exploded causing burns to the owner. We also assisted the Sheffield Brigade at a vegetation fire. In our area we attended three high wind incidents securing roofing iron etc, two motor vehicle accidents where the occupants were very lucky they only received minor injuries, two vegetation fires, one barbecue fire, one private smoke alarm activation, one to assist St John, and one car fire.

Mitch Alatalo

I am concerned with the amount of vehicle thefts, car break-ins and burglaries. We can not be everywhere to deter, so we need your help to deter those would be offenders. Make sure you lock your doors and windows. Don’t leave items of value in plain view while your vehicle is parked on the street, and please report everything. I would rather know than not know, or hear about it via social media. If we don’t know then we can not put the resources into the right places. Now that hunting season is in full swing, I would like to remind you that safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you are out there with your dogs and knife, or a firearm, be aware of your surroundings, and everyone and everything that is around you.

Emma Corr

This year our main focus, (next to responding to our community emergencies), we are going to be out and about recruiting for more volunteers; everyday people like all of our team. We have a huge array of life experience in our team, many of which had no medical or emergency training prior to joining St John. We are planning to hold some community events, so watch this space! First aid is at the heart of St John. In addition to our ambulance service, St John provide first aid courses, kits and supplies. St John also have AEDs and smartphone applications. To find the best up-to-date first aid information, tips, quizzes, videos and online training courses visit: https://www.stjohn.org.nz/First-Aid/

Have fun and enjoy our great region. We have so much choice right on our doorstep.

Have you thought about giving back to your community? If you have, the team at Oxford Ambulance Station are continually recruiting.

Last but not least, just a reminder to watch your speed when driving around the area. We do not live on a race track.

Please call Oxford Station on 033123516 and leave a message – or email the station manager at emma.corr@stjohn.org.nz.

We have had numerous complaints in relation to speed through the fords. Please be mindful of your speed, and your fellow road users.

The ambulance station in Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day – if you require emergency assistance please call 111.

Trevor Ealam

This brings our total calls for the year 2019 to one hundred and two. Well up on last year’s total Once again I ask that people think about what they are doing during our dry season. We have already had four instances where machinery has set fire to vegetation. We don’t want to experience a similar situation as what Australia are dealing with now.

Thanks again for reading. Be safe. Feel safe.

POLICE - FIRE - AMBULANCE - DIAL 111

St Peter Chanel Catholic Parish Sacred Heart Church, Oxford

ENQUIRIES: Waimakariri Parish Ph: 03 313 6285

REGULAR SUNDAY MASS: 8.30am

Sunday Service & Children’s Church

10AM

166 High Street SENIOR PASTORS Greg & Joy Morris ASSOCIATE PASTORS Iain & Beth Froud CHILDRENS PASTOR Tamar Hylands

Phone 03 312 4499

www.oxfordbaptistchurch.org.nz email: ofﬁce@oxfordbaptist.org.nz

YOUTH GROUP

Years 9 to 13 at 7.30pm on Fridays at the Auditorium.

ICONZ ADVENTURE FOR BOYS & GIRLS Years 4 to 6 Girls Monday night: 6.30pm - 8pm Years 4 to 6 Boys Tuesday night: 6.30pm - 8pm Years 7 to 9 Girls Monday night 6.30pm - 8pm Years 7 to 9 Boys Wednesday 6.30pm - 8pm

EVENING MASS Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm

Small Prayer & Reflection Groups Held every 2nd Monday at 7.30pm Oxford Church Centre

ALL WELCOME | Call Josie 022 089 8331

OXFORD DISTRICT

dipl. NSF , CCNM/NZSE, RMT-MNZ

Marina Vermaat 64 High Street Oxford 7430

03 312 4731

027 311 1140

UNION PARISH

Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN) PARISH SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY 2020 ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAYS AT THE OXFORD UNION CHURCH, 85 MAIN STREET, OXFORD

FEB 2nd - Communion Service at 9.30am FEB 9th - Service at 9.30am FEB 16th - Service at 9.30am Salvation Army Service at 6.00pm FEB 23rd - Service at 9.30am

ALL WELCOME UNION PARISH MINISTER: REV. LAURENCE ENNOR PH: 03 357 4475 (Home) or 027 233 4687 (Mob) PARISH CLERK: MRS ANNE CROFT Ph: 03 312 5513

For Beautifully Handcrafted Books Tessa Warburton

Angel Cats Boarding Cattery & Pet Supplies (ukmax on Trade Me)

52 Church Street, Oxford

Phone 312 1452 & 0210 424367 Email: angelcats@xtra.co.nz

MUSIC & MOVEMENT (0 TO 5YRS)

BOOKBINDER • Restoration • Repair • Private Tuition

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

Phone: 03 312 4399/027 419 6311 Email: tessawarburton@gmail.com

Hours: 8am-11am & 4pm-6pm

STATIONHOUSE CAFE

Phone: 03 312 5744 Mob: 027 457 4431 Email: Theresa@coolcats.nz “Time spent with cats is never wasted” 1891 South Eyre Rd

Mondays 10am - Open Sessions for all ages

Open Monday - Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm for ages 6 months to 5yrs.

BODY & SOUL, CLOTHING & CHRIST Tuesdays at the Oxford Baptist Church, 10.15am - 12.00pm & 12.30pm - 2.30pm.

TWELVE BASKETS FOODBANK

We offer Food parcels for individuals and families who are going through a difﬁcult time. We are always here to help anyone in need..

‘FOOD TOGETHER’ Fruit & Vege Co-op Tuesdays at Oxford Baptist Church. 10.15am - 12.00pm Tuesday Community Lunch. 12.00pm - 1.00pm Fresh Produce Weekly

“Dining with a view” Lunch, brunch, morning or afternoon tea

Moana, Lake Brunner Ph: 03 738 0158

www.coolcats.nz

Schnurrbart

Creative

Online Will $69

Kiwilaw – www.kiwilaw.co.nz

‘Just do it!’

Probate application

- $690* including GST & High Court fee Kiwilaw – www.kiwilaw.co.nz

Cheryl Simes

021 701 838 / 03 312 1508 Oxford Local - Nationwide Service ‘Just because a lawyer holds the will, it doesn’t mean they hold the purse strings. Check their fees ﬁrst.’ thirty

www.angelcats.biz

Creating custom built design & print packages to suit you

Business Cards Brochures & Booklets Signs Labels Logos Flyers & Leaflets large format posters Ad Design Menu’s Display cards Stickers Print & Bind

from initial concept to finished product

CALL now

027 77 333 24 or 0800 627 378 37

Community Directory Agape Dance Academy Beautiful ballet, Joyful Jazz & Contemporary and Tap Dance for 3yrs to Adult in Oxford. Free first trial class email agapedanceacademy@gmail.com Facebook : Agape Dance Academy NZ ph. Miss Belinda 021 049 1315 Cake Decorating Fondant Modeling Club Learn the art of cake decorating - any experience welcome

Ph Patsy 021 022 01656

Cust Bowling Club Club days Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 1.30pm. Come along and have a go, ph: 312 5892. Cust | Oxford St John Cadet Group and Ambulance Supporters Scheme Committee, ph: 3125839 or 3125538. Cust Toy Library Indoor and outdoor toys to borrow. Open Sat 10-11.30am & Mon 9.30-10.30am at Cust

Community Centre.

Cust - West Eyreton Play Centre behind the Cust Community Centre, Mill Road, Cust Open Tues - Wed - Thurs Mornings Phone 03 312 5654 for more information Darfield Line Dancers Every Wednesday - 6:00pm - 8:30pm $7 per night Darfield Rec Centre. All levels - Two left feet OK. Great fun. Contact Jenny 03 312 4896 or 0274 452 285 JP Signing Centre Oxford Library every Thursday. If you have any documents that need to be signed by a JP, there is a JP signing Centre at the Oxford Library every Thursday 11am until 1pm.Free session. Appointment not necessary. Just call in. Oxford Promotions

Line Dancing at Oxford Pearson Park Pavilion Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 am Beginners & Improvers, Oxford Club Monday evening 5-8 pm All levels, no partners needed Variety of music, First timers please ring first. ph Jenny 0274 452 285 or 03 3124 896 Monday Cafe Come along for a chat and morning tea at the St James-on-the-Cust hall every 4th Monday 10-11.30am. All ages welcome, ph Sandra on 03 310 2074. New To Oxford? Join us for coffee/tea and a chat at Cafe 51 on Main Street,10am every 1st and 3rd

Monday of the month.

Oxford Alpine Taekwondo Classes - Mondays & Wednesdays Oxford GP Hall Cubs: 5:00pm - 5:30pm Early Class : 5:00pm – 6:00pm Late Class : 6:00pm – 7:30pm Phone Matt 027 432 4249 or email info@OxfordTaekwondo.club First three classes are free. Oxford Bird Rescue Raptor rehabilitation specialists at 77 Sales Road , Oxford ph: 021 292 7861 Oxford Community Gardens Meets every Thursday 10am beside the Men’s Shed, Pearson Park. All welcome, ph: 312 1536. Oxford Community Men’s Shed The Oval, Pearson Park. Tuesday 7pm - 9pm Men and Women, Thursday 10am - 12.30 Men only, Thursday 7pm - 9pm Men only, Saturday 10am - 2pm Oxford Cycle Group Meets at Oxford Farmers Market carpark every Monday morning at 9.30, for a casual ride about 1 1/2 hours, then coffee. Ph Mary on 03 313 3259.

the oxford

Observer Meets Third Monday of each Month February-November 7pm at Oxford Club Meeting Room New members welcome to help promote the Oxford area Oxford & Districts Lions Club Inc.

Meet 4th Thursday of every month Enquiries toSecretary - 03 312 5351

Oxford Museum Open every Sunday:11am-4pm, Friday: 1-3.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday: 1-3.30pm. Main St, Oxford. Oxford Play Centre “Whānua tupu ngātahi - families growing together” 102A Main Street, Oxford, phone 0278087284 Open Times Tuesday-Friday 9am-12pm. Closed in the school holidays. Follow us on Facebook @ Oxford Play Centre Oxford Dogs Walking Group Meets 9.30am Mondays at the big tree parking area beside the Service Centre. Contact Lee Leonard on 312 1536. Oxford Senior Citizens Meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month 1:30pm at the OWMC. PH Carol on 3123019 Oxford Squash Club Have Fun! Get Fit! For all ages, casual or competition. Club nights Wednesdays, 6pm, ph: Shelley 0279201738 Oxford Women’s Forum Meets on the first Thursday of every second month, March-Nov with meal and guest speakers, ph: Margaret on 03 312 4478. Scottish Country Dancing Great exercise. No partners required. Tuesdays, ph: Judi on 312 4291.

Waimakariri Bridge Club Meets every Thursday 7.15pm at the Waimakariri Golf Club rooms. Yummy Mummy’s Oxford A group that helps families with new babies with meals/baking. Volunteers always appreciated, ph: Amanda on 027 490 7052. Oxford Craft Market 1st Sunday of every month except January

10m - 2pm Oxford Town Hall Cust Craft Group Meets every 1st & 3rd Tuesday 10am-2pm at the Cust Community Centre. New members always welcome. for details phone Beth 03 312 3191 or phone /text Ricki 021 264 6536

Schnurrbart

Design & Publishing

Trade

Directory RON EALAM BUILDER for all your Building

requirements

the Plastic Welding

New Homes Additions & Alterations Farm Buildings Concrete Laying Painting & Paper hanging Experienced Builder

SPECIALISTS

027 242 4907

Automotive Plastic repairs Fibreglass repairs Car Bumpers - Headlights Interior Trims & Modiﬁcations Motorbike Fairing - Kids Toys Campervans Anything Plastic

021 1805 103 | james@ncpw.nz | www.ncpw.co.nz

Brian Norton

Craftsman Builder - Over 25 Years Experience Ph 021 880037 or 03 312 4911 AH Architectural & Residential Builds - Farm Buildings - Own Build at 184 High Street

Come and talk to the real experts

• Sales, servicing and repair of all major brands of computers • • Networking, etc. for home, farm and business • • Drop into our workshop or call us for a home/site visit • We won’t bafﬂe you with science, just plain simple honest advice 216 High Street, Rangiora

Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm, Sat 10am-2pm

Email: rangiora@ipc.co.nz

Ph: 03 313 4567

www.ipc.co.nz

Gavin Newick GN Plumbing and Drainage Ltd Plumbing:

Sewer & Stormwater:

• New Builds • Maintenance • Alterations • Dripping Taps • Hot Water Cylinder Replacements

• New Installations • Repairs • Alterations • Septic Tanks • Blocked Drains • Water Blasting

. Insurance Repairs .

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS

CRAFTSMAN PLUMBER & DRAINLAYER

CALL TODAY... After Hours:

03 312 1785

Maintenance Plumbing • New Housing • Bathroom Alterations Logﬁres • Hot Water Cylinders • Spouting & Flashings Pump Replacement & Repair

F O R A L L YO U R L I Q U I D WA S T E R E M O VA L REQUIREMENTS

Aaron McCartney • Free Ph: 0508 44EVER • Ph: 03 310 2137

Ph: 03 312 4476 Mob: 027 4969 256

Fast, Friendly Service, All Work Guaranteed

A/H: 027 3669 091 • Email: plumber_27@yahoo.co.nz

www.4everplumbing.co.nz

Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Dairy Sumps, Blocked Drains Maintenance Reports Email: speechly@xtra.co.nz

For Needs Forall allyour yourElectrical Electrical Wiring Needs New NewHousing Housing&&Alterations Alterations Sheds, Sheds,Barns Barns&&Farm Farm Maintenance Maintenance Lights, Lights,Plugs Plugs&& Spas Spas Phones Phones 027243 2436696 6696 027 FreeQuotes Quotes Free 3124990 4990 CompetitiveRates Rates Competitive 312

thirty two

High Country Canvas Specialists in Canvas Manufacturing

New Work & Repairs Welcome. Don’t Pack & Store It All Away Get your Repairs Done Now & avoid the Spring Rush! Darrin Lord 03 312 5025 or 027 238 1624

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