the
Obser ver
Inside
THIS MONTHS ISSUE
J U LY 2 0 2 2
Main Divide Hair Lounge Celebrates 10 Years Beauty News | Main Street Toilet Mural Update Countdown to Oxford Area Schools Jubilee plus
much more
July
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Welcome to the July issue of the Observer.
It's been a hard week or so for our family. Someone shot our lovely cat Stevie recently. Thanks to the amazing team at Vetlife Oxford he has survived, but it's pretty upsetting that in our neighbourhood someone would shoot a cat that is neutered, obviously a pet, and incredibly friendly and gentle. Keep an eye out there for your animals, and if you know anything about this kind of thing going on, it would be great if you could notify the Police. We have loved seeing all the lights round town over the last month - what a great event by OPAC to brighten up the town for winter. Check out some photos from the Winter Lights and Matariki Celebration on page 25. The next event on the agenda for the town is the Oxford Garage Sale trail - more info about this is on page 14. This is always a great event. A note on deliveries - with our distribution company closing, we are finding out areas that are not covered by Rural posties and not walkable in the town, that were being covered for us by Sharon. If you are not getting the Observer delivered any more, please let us know, and we will try and organise something for you.
OXFORD SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB MONTHLY MEETING IS BEING HELD AT THE OXFORD WORKING MENS CLUB ON WEDNESDAY 13th JULY AT 1.30pm. We would love to have you join us for an afternoon of entertainment, a chat and afternoon tea with new and old friends. No OWMC membership required to join. Come and see what we are all about and meet our friendly members.
Bruce & Emily.
C O V E R P H OTO C R E D I T
Tammy Pfahlert
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES P 0800 627 378 37
e info@oxfordobserver.co.nz w w w . s c h n u r r b a r t d e s i g n a n d p u b l i s h i n g .co.n z
THE AUGUST ISSUE
A D V E R T I S I N G D E A D L I N E | J U LY 2 0 T H
MALE, FEMALE, COUPLES ALL WELCOME. FOR MORE INFO CONTACT. Carol Lowrey on 03 3123019 or 027 272 7370 Jan Bonnett on 022 614 9625
“Makeup is my Art” Weddings, Special Events, School Formal, One on One makeup lessons 10 years experience Mobile in North Canterbury. Now based in Oxford
Art & Soul Makeup by Melissa www.artandsoulmakeup.co.nz melissa@artandsoulmakeup.co.nz 0273157265
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KAIAPOI ART EXPO
SATURDAY 16 & SUNDAY 17 JULY • 10AM TO 5PM RIVERVIEW LOUNGE, KAIAPOI CLUB, GOLD COIN ENTRY SHOWCASING WAIMAKARIRI PUBLIC ARTS TRUST
Come check out over 600 artworks from 130 artists all under one roof including painting, photography, ceramics, woodwork and more. PLUS for something a little different Have-A-Go yourself at weaving, painting, pottery and more on Saturday all at the Kaiapoi Club. www.kaiapoiartexpo.co.nz
PAK’N SAVE RANGIORA SCHOOL EXPO Ashgrove • Kaiapoi Borough • Kaiapoi High Kaiapoi North • Oxford Area • Rangiora Borough Rangiora New Life St Joseph’s Catholic, Rga St Patrick’s, Kaiapoi Swannanoa • Te Kura o Tuahiwi • Te Matauru Primary • Tihiraki North Loburn • West Eyreton Woodend
WHAT MY CLIENTS ARE SAYING
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CORCORAN FRENCH
- Sally
a c i s s e J MURPHY
03 313 6158 | 027 948 3000 jessica.murphy@harcourts.co.nz
Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd | Licensed Agent REAA 2008
We are excited to be stocking the SWEET ESCAPE range of luxury New Zealand made
SOAPS, BATH BOMBS, LIP BALMS AND BATH SALTS .
49B Main Street, Oxford Phone 312 4314 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm | Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm
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Beauty News The Power Of A Blow Wave We are so lucky to have our pick of talented hair and beauty professionals on our doorstep in Oxford. This month, I visited one of our local hairdressers to avail myself of her expertise. Three hours later, I walked out looking (or at least feeling) 5 years younger, thanks to a refreshing colour update and a stylish shorter haircut. If you need an emotional lift during mid-winter, I guarantee that a visit to the hair salon will raise your spirits. And here are three simple at-home shampoo tips to keep your hairdo looking fab between visits.
#1. Emulsify your shampoo. This is a great tip as it makes your shampoo go much further, which is good when you're on a budget. Rub the shampoo between the palms of your hands for a few seconds to emulsify the formula. It makes applying the shampoo all over your head and working into the roots far easier.
Colour Wow Security Shampoo 250ml $58.50 From Main Divide Hair Lounge www.maindividehairlounge.co.nz
#2. Wash twice.
Batiste Dry Shampoo & Volume 250ml $14 From Supermarkets & Pharmacies
It sounds too basic to mention. However, I only ever did one shampoo until I overheard a conversation that shampooing twice really made a massive difference. And it’s true. Think of the first shampoo as a pre-wash, removing product build-up and excess oil. The second shampoo can now adequately clean the hair, leaving it voluminous, bouncy and soft.
#3. Try dry shampoo. If you remember the 80s, you probably love a bit of volume in your hairdo. To achieve this, spray a little dry shampoo into the roots before bedtime and, if you have long hair, pile it up on top of your head with a scrunchie. You will be amazed at how fresh and BIG it is the next day when you take the scrunchie out. BEFORE
AFTER
Support your local hairdresser. A wash, conditioning treatment and a blow-dry are affordable ways to make you feel so much better when winter weather lowers your spirits, and you need a bit of a lift. Ask your hairdresser to show you a new way to style your hair at home. Our local hairdressers in Oxford are Main Divide Hair Lounge and The Sunroom for Hair. This article is courtesy of Stephanie Evans
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@cantyclinic
Act your Age? by Kerri Booth
Apparently there is a rule book on how to dress your age. I don’t know who the author is, but I do know that many women who I have done wardrobe consults with, seem to feel like they have to abide by the rules in this book. Skirt and dress levels are at a certain height once you reach a certain age apparently. Only the young can wear a mix of certain colours. What sort of career and where you live all have a part to play with adding rules too. So many rules! The fun police really get let loose. Nothing crushes creativity more than being squeezed into a box surrounded by rules that are doing their best to dictate who you should be. It’s seriously time to stop acting your age, and start dressing for your own set of rules. We all come with a set of rules that are developed by ourselves. Shutting off the outside noise, other people’s opinion and tuning into our own set of rules is where the magic happens. Don’t look at an item of clothing and think I’m too old/young/large/skinny to wear that. Evaluate it against your own set of rules. 1.
Do I like it? Does it instantly make me feel how I want to feel in it?
2.
Will it work with other items in my wardrobe?
3.
Can I create with it?
4.
Does it make me smile?
These are how your gut rules should sound. Notice how age, size, where you live and what you do aren’t a part of the gut rules. These things are addressed once the gut rules are ticked off. These are side matters which can be worked with and sorted. They are not the indicator of how you should dress. My recommendation is to get rid of all those can’t, shan’t, should rules. Don’t read from that rule book anymore. Create your own. Rules are meant to serve you. Not the other way around. Your wardrobe is your form of art and all the best artists bend the rules to serve their purpose. Go forth and create.
KERRI BOOTH STYLIST
P 021 059 0984 | E kerri@polkadotcom.co.nz | www.polkadotcom.co.nz five
Safe Driving
The people of Waimakariri Keeping youth safe on our Roads by Amy Riach
With the country setting its sights on a road toll of zero by 2050, road safety has been on the mind, and last month some of Oxford’s own met with Waimak MP Matt Doocey, and National Transport Minister Simeon Brown, to talk about what road safety in youth really looks like; “at a grassroots level”. Safe driving among teens is something of a passion for Waimakariri’s Youth MP Hillary Cooper, and her focus this year has been limiting the barriers which face rural youth striving to gain their licence, and fostering safe driving in our rural, open road community. She was joined by UDrive coordinator Julia Graham, and together they are working to keep our roads and our teenagers safe. For Hillary and Matt alike, it’s very clear that there exists a huge disparity between driving in the centre city, and driving on the backroads of Oxford; and both agree it’s something that needs to be reflected in the way that our community works to foster safe driving. Though in Christchurch most of the city road speeds peak at just 50kmh, for Oxford’s youth 100kmh gravel roads are very much the norm; and Matt adds that as a young man growing up in the city, he didn’t drive on the open road at all until he’d already held his licence for a few years, while Oxford kids can sit their restricted, “and could well be on the open road that same afternoon”. That proximity to high speed roads makes a huge difference, and to compound that, living out of town can make driving much more of a necessity. Julia acknowledges how much we rely on driving as transport, saying that “You just have to have your licence out here, you really do”. In order to travel to town, to play weekend sports, to grocery shop, or go out with friends, driving is essential. Hillary says that “It’s a huge part of our lives, and I think people forget that”. For most teens having a licence means having freedom, especially when you live 40 minutes from the nearest motorway, and it can make a huge difference to working families as well. Simeon agreeing that, “It can be a life changing thing, to get that piece of paper that says you can drive out on our roads”. Life changing may well be an apt description, but the process itself presents many barriers, and the system we are all guided by can be tedious and daunting. Simeon adds that, “I think it’s a good time to ask the question, is it still fit for purpose?” Though the licence system certainly won’t change overnight, it’s nice knowing there are locals doing their best to make it that much easier. In Oxford, UDrive is offered as a donation-run course, teaching safe driving on local roads, but also guiding young drivers through the restricted process. With a UDrive car available, young people who may not have a car to learn in, can still take lessons, and coordinator Julia Graham says “We are teaching safe driving, safe habits, and that’s really key”. Building those safe habits early is an idea that really resonated, and Simeon agrees that “We want good, safe drivers, and forming good habits early keeps drivers safe for a lifetime”. UDrive is run by licensed volunteer drivers, and Julia attests to the incredible value of that team, saying “They all care. They all have such patience. And it’s a very rewarding thing, to help someone get their licence”. Hillary went through the UDrive program herself, and she reflects on the value of a locally operated course, saying “I’m a rural person, I drive on shingle roads”, adding that it was a very different experience taking the Defensive Driving course in the middle of Christchurch. Though she rates the course highly, it was far less accessible, and also very costly. She also acknowledges that many people register purely to shorten the restricted licence period, and get to a full licence as quickly as possible. That too is how the course is often presented to young people, and was a big motivator for Hillary as well, who says “I think it was such an incredibly helpful experience for me. And yet I went into it purely to get the 6 months off my restricted”. Yet by the time she came out of it she had a very different outlook, telling Simeon that the course “definitely forces you to reflect on how you’re really driving on the roads”. But not everyone has the ability to take part in Defensive Driving. Hillary hopes to make all that key learning accessible to everyone, saying that, “There has to be a way we can incorporate that into the classroom”. Working with regional schools and with AA, Hillary is aiming to achieve just that. In July she will have the chance to speak at Parliament in Wellington and present her focus to all New Zealand’s Youth MP’s, who represent every region of our country. We all wish her the very best. It was very motivating to hear the way that her focus resonated with so many community minded people. I have little doubt that she will make a lasting impression, both at Parliament and here in our community. six
Main Divide Hair Lounge Celebrates 10 years by Beka Hunt
When Amie Burmaz-Nichol first opened the Main Divide Hair Lounge doors, her main goal was to reach the 3 year mark. “I knew that was the toughest phase for a small business and once I hit that goal, I knew it had the potential to go further." A potential that was clearly harnessed, as the Main Divide Hair Salon now celebrates its 10 year anniversary! It hasn’t been an easy road. The recent Covid 19 pandemic saw intense restrictions in hair salons across the country. Whilst it was a generally hard time, Amie says that, “with some remodelling, resilience and emotional support from loved ones we managed to stay in business- and it has been flat out ever since." Main Divide also caters towards all genders and ages, so is able to see a broad range of clientele. Amie has always been passionate about providing a comfortable and safe space for anyone to visit. Anyone is welcome. With 17 years of experience in hair, she designed the Lounge to reflect that philosophy. It comes as no surprise that her favourite part of the daily work is the people. Over the last 10 years, word of mouth has brought customers from all over, to be greeted by the incredible team. Amie is beyond grateful for her co-workers, saying “they are the kindest and most empathetic people I have ever met. They care so much about our clients and we all really look out for each other. I feel really privileged to have such a great team- past and present.” For a business that she started when she was only 24, it must be surreal to watch Main Divide become a main asset to the community. To celebrate reaching 10 years, there’s a huge promotion planned for clients and followers. Main Divide is incredibly active on social media, with Facebook, Instagram and its very own website, all dedicated to your hair care. You can visit the webpage at maindividehairlounge.co.nz, where you’ll find the best hair care products available. In terms of the future at Main Divide, the Salon is focussing on creating a life/work balance for its employees. “We are becoming a bit more boutique in how we operate- our hours, service wise, and with the products we offer.” This doesn’t mean any less love or passion behind their work. You don’t make it to 10 years without being good at what you do! Hopefully, as a community we’ll see our Main Street Salon prosper for many more years to come.
We are happy to have been part of the Oxford Community for 10 years! Thank you for your support. We look forward to the coming years. Amie..
maindividehairlounge
H A I R S A LO N
FOR MEN & WOMEN
03-312 3311 FOLLOW US
53A MAIN STREET OXFORD
CHECK OUT OUR HAIR & BEAUTY BRANDS
. INSTORE OR ONLINE
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Intensive winter grazing
SUPPORTING FARMERS WITH GOOD MANAGEMENT
This month we conducted a trial flyover in Canterbury – the first one ever for intensive winter grazing in our region. The trial will give us an understanding of current intensive winter grazing practices and any areas where help, support or advice might be needed. The trial took place in the Waimakariri district only, earlier this month. We did not film or take photographs. What we were looking for
What’s next?
We only looked at current intensive winter grazing practices. New legislation coming into effect in November this year was not part of this trial.
For more information visit ecan.govt.nz/flyovers or contact Environment Canterbury on 0800 324 636.
During the flyovers, Environment Canterbury staff looked at current intensive winter grazing and good management practices. They noted any areas where improvements are needed, such as where waterways are being impacted by stock or dirt.
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We will be getting in touch to offer help, support and education to help meet good management practice. We partnered with industry groups to define our approach for the flyover. They will also be available to support you throughout this process.
Countdown to the Jubilee Meet Oxford’s Career Driven Alumni by Amy Riach
For those of us at Oxford who are still desperately trying to narrow down that elusive career pathway, life after highs chool is looking to be exciting and daunting in equal measure. But for many of Oxford’s alumni, those career pathways are a whole lot more certain, and whether you one day pursue the arts like famous local Phillip Trusttum, or align yourself with medical study like Tanya Huria has, life after Oxford contains a whole world of opportunities. As our 150th anniversary grows closer, we are drawing more and more connections between the students of Oxford past and present, and some of Oxford’s career driven alumni have a few words of advice to offer the students of today. For Phillip Trusttum, finding your career is about finding your passion, and says that his artistic success stems from “the desire to paint, come what may”. That desire has fueled a career some 50 years long, and art was a love kindled here at Oxford, where he first became a student in 1952. Philip grew up drawing he tells me, found always with a crayon in his hand from a very young age, but it was Oxford where he first learned to paint; and Philip recalls that he and his mother would spend the mornings walking downtown to the north of Main St, where she first taught him to paint using watercolour. From there he moved on to oil paints, and when he graduated high school and enrolled in art school, Philip was free to experiment with different mediums and different techniques, eventually forming the abstract personal style that he is known for today. Philip studied at the UC School of Fine Arts, and he tells me that he was dedicating $800 pounds to his tuition. He goes on to add that “back then of course, a deposit was $1600 pounds. Art school was costing me half a house!” So instead of studying full time, Philip went to art school in the morning and to work at night, and his experience at Canturbury’s School of Fine Arts shaped his style greatly. There, he was taught by Rudolf Gopas, who was to prove a strong influence on a young Philip, and through him he became interested in expressionism. Then when he was in his 20’s, Philip was selected for an art show in London, saying “And that opened many doors, everything really took off from there”. Indeed Philip’s career really did take off, in the best of ways. With a highly impressive list of exhibitions to his name, and a huge reservoir of beautiful work, Philip Trusttum is a well known name in New Zealand’s artistic circles, and a name not unfamiliar internationally either. But not one to leave Oxford a footnote in his past, Philip is still making an impact here, remaining an active part of Oxford’s community. A proud patron of the Oxford Art Gallery, Philip has fond memories of Oxford that date back to his days at school, and he recalls many of his boyhood adventures here, telling me “We had a pretty full life!”. Already a budding artist, Philip was also a keen rugby player, and he was selected as a North Canterbury rep more than once; playing for the local side, as well as going out to the All Black games with his father and cheering from the sidelines. In fact Philip’s father was no stranger to the game either, having played with Thames valley, Waikato, against the Springboks in 1937. That game he scored the only try, and later turned to coaching in Oxford, where he led the local team. It is with great pride that Philip tells me his father became coach, in spite of the family’s recent arrival in town, saying that “Being a stranger in Oxford was never something that counted against you, because chances are 100 years ago your grandfather was settled here”. He adds that Oxford was a place “very free of snobbery”, and perhaps it was that small town welcome which drove Philip and his beloved wife to stay living locally. Though Philip has been on a few European trips in his time, to “whip the appetite and learn how things are done”, we are lucky to still call him one of our own. Philip’s artwork has been showcased throughout New Zealand and across international waters alike, and last year in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours, Philip was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to art. The artist has worked incredibly hard to refine his work and his career, and he tells me “you do need a little bit of luck, you need people to like your work”, before adding, “but really you have to desire to do something, it trumps everything else”. For some, that clearly defined passion is evident from the outset, but for most of us those passions and career goals are a little more fluid; and that’s okay too. Take Dr. Tania Huria of Otago University, who found her passion in medicine over arts, but still tells me that in her first year of tertiary study, “I started off not really knowing what I wanted to do”. For a while, Tania says “I was a professional student!”, and the accomplished Oxford graduate has a nursing degree, a Bachelor of Arts, and a subsequent Masters to her name, and she is still furthering her study, currently working towards completing her PhD; with a focus on systemic perspectives of chronic kidney disease. Working from Otago University, Tania is a Senior Lecturer, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, and Associate Dean Māori. She also has a clinical background in nursing, specialising in women’s health and Kaupapa Māori health services, and Tania is involved in a number of research projects with a focus on addressing Māori health inequities; including Educating for Equity, and Chronic Kidney Disease. Both plate and calendar are full, but Tania is loving every minute, and she offers a word of advice to any future Oxford graduates looking to make their own way into medicine, telling me that it is an incredibly worthwhile career, and saying “the reality is it does take a lot of hard work. But you can go absolutely anywhere with that training. You can do absolutely anything”.Tania is passionate about supporting the next generation of students and doctors, and she has been involved in medical education at Otago for 15 years; a career which has included the mentoring and support of undergraduate medical students, as Hauora Māori convener. Like Philip, Tania is deeply passionate about her work, and she acknowledges that studying medicine can be tough, but for all those Otago bound, that’s exactly what she’s there for. And she tells me that like anything, success in medicine takes effort, adding “But ultimately you’re really helping people, through all the joy and heartbreak”. Tania affirms the notion that it really does “take a village”, and the community support that she is fostering at Otago is the same support that she remembers of Oxford, which she says always had “That nice small school feel”. Friends and teachers alike feature in Tania’s best memories, and she recalls loving all the inter-school sport she played, and the school exchanges that were offered between Oxford and Casafest fellow Cheviot. In fact she played school sport with schoolmate Rochelle Welch and future hockey player Diana Te Awa, both close friends and fellow Oxford graduates, who now teach primary students and club hockey respectively. Tania tells me that she treasures fond memories of friends, and “Fond memories of my Oxford teachers!”, and now she is working to give the undergraduate students at Otago those same valued memories of their time at school. Her dedicated work in pastoral care and medical study is incredibly admirable, and as we begin to celebrate 150 years of Oxford Area School, we are also very lucky to be celebrating 150 years of Oxford students. If there is anyone in our community who would be interested in registering, the programme and registration can be found at the Jubilee website. All details will also be posted to the Facebook page Oxford Schools 150 Years Jubilee. Should you have any issues or questions, please contact the event coordinator Mary Chisnall at jubilee@oxford.school.nz or contact the school at 033124197 for inquiries. nine
Chocolate Lava Cake with
Caramel Oranges by Louize Juniper
MAKES 4 INDIVIDUAL CAKES USING 9.5CM RAMEKINS 100g Chocolate 70% cocoa 100g Butter 150g Soft Brown Sugar 3 Eggs ½ teasp Vanilla Essence 50g Plain Flour 3 Tablesp Cocoa
METHOD Oven 200C Prep ramekins. Grease with butter. In one of the ramekins put a couple of table spoons of cocoa, shake it around and then pop remaining cocoa in the next ramekin. Do this to coat inside all ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking tray. In a heat proof bowl, place chocolate and butter. Put bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Once Chocolate and butter melted remove from heat and mix well. Leave to cool for about 10 mins. Place Chocolate/butter mix into a large mixing bowl, add brown sugar and whisk this well. Add eggs one at a time whisking well after each egg. Add Vanilla and whisk well. Before adding flour remove 1 Tablesp of flour and replace it with 1 Tablesp Cocoa. Whisk into the chocolate mix. Pour even amounts into the four ramekins. The chocolate lava cakes can be cooked now or refrigerated for up to 12 hours before baking. Bake in oven for 15 mins, the cakes should be set on top and still wobbly. Remove from oven and leave to sit for a couple of minutes. To turn the Lava Cakes out, run a knife around the edge, place serving plate on top of cake and flip over. Remove Ramekin using a tea towel as it will be hot! Dust with icing sugar. Serve with the caramelized Oranges, Cream, or Vanilla ice cream.
CARAMLIZED ORANGES 4 Oranges 1/2 Cup Sugar With a sharp knife cut away the orange peel. Slice Orange not too thin. Place on baking paper. Put sugar into a heavy based pan and over a medium heat bring the sugar to boil and dissolve to form a caramel. Keep moving the saucepan around to keep the caramel even. Once a rich golden colour, pour over the oranges and leave to cool. Caramelized Oranges are a delicious addition to lots of dishes.
Enjoy! ten
AMERICAN CAR CLUB from 12.30pm Independence day cruise Come on down and check out the American Classic cars while they stop for lunch at the Club
OXFORD AREA SCHOOL BINGO FUNDRAISER 6.30pm
Fundraiser for NZ Area Schools Tournament ALL WELCOME
INDOOR BOWLS
FREE POOL THURSDAYS
Now on Monday’s from 2pm to 4pm New Members welcome – fun for all ages
Come on down and play Pool for free every Thursday
THE ABBA FLEETWOOD MAC SHOW $25PP Performed by D n D Show Band Doors open 7pm show starts 8pm - Tickets on sale at the Bar Prize for best 1970’s Dressed Male & Female
ALL BLACKS
LIVE & LOUD ON BIG SCREENS
AB’S V IRELAND
SATURDAY 2nd JULY 7.05PM SATURDAY 9th JULY 7.05PM SATURDAY 16th JULY 7.05PM
BINGO FUNDRAISER SUNDAY 7TH AUGUST 2.30pm-4.30pm
Cards Section Fundraising for National Singles - ALL WELCOME
160 HIGH STREET OXFORD | PHONE 312 4411 | WWW.OXFORDCLUB.CO.NZ OXFORD CLUB EST - 1887
BAR | BOTTLESTORE + GAMING ROOM OPEN FROM 11AM DAILY TAKEAWAYS SUNDAY - THURSDAY 5PM - 8:00PM | FRIDAY & SATURDAY 5PM - 9PM RESTAURANT THURSDAY DINNER FROM 5.30PM -9PM | FRIDAY & SATURDAY LUNCH 11AM - 2PM DINNER 5.30PM - 9PM SUNDAY BRUNCH 9AM - 2PM DINNER 5.30M - 9PM
JOIN TODAY FOR JUST $20* to enjoy all the benefits of being a member of the Oxford Club*10 if over 60yrs (valid until 31/8/22) FANTASTIC FACILITIES, REASONABLE PRICES AND GREAT COUNTRY HOSPITALITY Check out our website www.oxfordclub.co.nz subscribe to our newsletter and like our facebook page for more information on our live shows and upcoming events & promotions
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Welcome back to the West Oxford Hotel! by Emily Chapman
The Pub most recently known as Rustic Country has been sold and will be reopening on the 23rd of July renamed as The West Oxford Hotel. Owner operator Jodi Ramsay has made the move back to New Zealand after 12 years living in Australia to take on ownership of this historic landmark in Oxford. Her father Barrie Ramsay from Timaru will be running the hotel with her. The Commercial Hotel, as it was originally known was built in 1878 in just 1 month, and has stood the test of time. An engineer's report has confirmed that the building is structurally sound so no major building works will need to be carried out. First on the list is moving the bar back to the previous location and some cosmetic changes to make it a welcoming environment for patrons. Jodi has wanted to buy a business that she could take on and build up for the community. She is very people orientated, and wants to provide a place for community to gather. Her vision is that of a community hub, a venue for all ages that employs locals and supports other local businesses. While there are still many details to sort out, it is clear that what Jodi wants to make it is a good country pub, with great hearty pub food, country orientated events and live music. The sense of community is already evident in the project. Jodi’s sister and brother-in-law Craig & Lia Brown have been instrumental in helping get things moving while she was organising her move over to New Zealand. Many people have made offers of help to get things running. As Lia says “It really takes a village”. A grand opening will be on Saturday 23rd of July with a live band, happy hour and opening night prizes.
Check out their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thewestoxfordhotel for more updates.
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Calling all Bargain Hunters to Oxford Again the Great Oxford Garage Sale Trail is being organised and this year will be just as exciting for bargain hunters. If you love to fossick around at garage sales looking for a bargain or a special find, then it’s happening in Oxford on Sunday 7 August from 9am to 2pm.
Its on again!
There is normally about 40 sites registered around the town. Maps of the sites will be available at Pearson Park Oval (off Main Street/Bay Road/Dohrmans Road) from 9am to 11am and then by the Oxford Farmers Market until maps run out. A gold coin donation for the map to help with advertising would be appreciated. “Each year it has brought hundreds into our town and this year should be no different” says Ron from Oxford Promotions Action Committee (OPAC) who organise the event. As well as the Garage Sale Trail, after the bargain hunting there is plenty to do. Take the time to relax in a café, visit the Art Gallery or Museum or shop.
THE GORGE NURSERY {
Sunday 7 August 2022 9.00am to 2.00pm in and around the Oxford Township
An extravaganza of new, recycled, second hand, vintage, treasures, odds & ends PLUS local business sales tables
Venue Maps will be available on the day from 9am to 11am at Pearson Park Oval, off Dohrmans Road, off Bay Road, after 11am by the Oxford Farmers Market, or you can sign up to receive one by email at 9am on the day - greatoxfordgaragesale@gmail.com Facebook: Great Oxford Garage Sale Trail Coin donation appreciated for map
www.oxfordnewzealand.co.nz
JULY SPECIALS
}
Fruit Tr ees AVAILABLE FROM JULY
Plums, Peaches, Apricots, Apples, Pears, Nectarine Quince, Feijoa and Cherries. Order Now- email info@thegorgenursery.co.nz for an order form.
UP TO 50% OFF Exotics
Canadian Maples, Oaks, Broad leaved Limes, Ginkgo, Liquidambar, Hornbeam, Dogwoods & more…
Natives Grasses, flax, Ake Ake, Hebes, lacebark, Ribbonwood, Broadleaf, Beech trees, Manuka, Pittosporum, Lancewood & more… Plus 10% ofF selected new season’s trees
MON - FRI 9AM - 4PM
Please wear sturdy footwEAR Cash and internet banking | sorry no eftpos
479 Ashley Gorge road, Oxford fourteen
O P E N 7 D AY S 1 0 A M - 5 P M 5 3 M A I N S T R E E T, O X F O R D 03 312 3432
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OXFORD COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE | Update
We thought it would be a good time to give you a quick update on what’s happening at the Health Centre. We are very mindful that our clinical team has reduced in size and this is creating delays in being able to book appointments. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you; it is not our ideal but it is our reality. Please be assured we are doing our very best to try and rectify this situation, but as I am sure you will be aware there is a nationwide GP shortage – so it is fair to say this is challenging. If anyone has a spare doctor in the family – please feel free to put in a good word for us! We acknowledge that wait times are being pushed out for appointments; we have some suggestions on how we can work together to minimise disruption to your health care. For your routine appointments, book these appointments well before you need them – we would suggest contacting us at least 3 - 4 weeks before you need to be seen. Get in early and secure your future appointments now. Stay on top of your prescriptions and order them before you need them. Allow at least one week for completion of any WINZ documentation, medical certificates etc. If your normal health care professional is not available, consider using another member of our team. Our colleagues up and down the country are all experiencing these issues and we are very fortunate to have our Acute Clinic available which means that there are still opportunities to be triaged (assessed) and potentially seen on-the-day. – this is not a service that many other general practices have. When making appointments, please be kind to our reception team – we understand it is frustrating if you are not able to be seen as quickly as you would like but our receptionists are doing their very best with the limited options they have available to them. There are still certainly challenges ahead of us; as always we thank you for your support, tolerance and kindness. I would also like to acknowledge the dedicated team we have at Oxford Community Health Centre – it has been an incredibly stressful few years but each day they still rock up, with a smile and wanting to make a positive difference for our patients. Take care and stay well. The Team at Oxford Community Health Centre
(03) 312 4195 |
39 Park Avenue Oxford
|
FOR ANY MEDICAL EMERGENCY CALL 111 fifteen
Mike Hart Tumuaki | Principal Update Kia ora e te whānau - welcome family and friends of Oxford Area School. With a blink, we are already approaching the half way through the year. We continue to keep the 150th Jubilee of Oxford Schools in the forefront of our thinking and planning. During Term 3 our teachers will be planning and teaching exciting projects relating to the history and heritage of our school, filled with deep learning possibilities. It will be a real treat for past students and teachers to come along and see the learning and the history of our school that is captured. We plan to open the Jubilee with a Mihi Whakatau (a welcome) followed by a hangi. This is a great opportunity for us to welcome back onto the site all the past students and teachers in a way that is special to us here at Oxford Area School. We also have the goal to have our entire school perform our school haka as part of that welcome - it is important we reach for the stars with our goals! More information will be made available on this plan in the coming weeks.
School Council supports Aviva Well done to the seven Years 11-13 students who gave up a few hours of their own time to assist the School Council to support the recent Aviva collection. The collection buckets were heavily filled by the generosity of the public, with over $400 donated. Well done to the following students for giving service to this cause - Amy Riach, Ashleigh Lawler, Cailey Hollard, Wilani Joubert, Elise Whitwell, Bella Eginton-Abbott and Harriet Hall.
Blue Light PCT Competition by Amy Snell Year 7/8 Earlier in the year we attended the PCT, aka Police Competence Training Competition. It was a fun, team-building set of activities to test not only your physical and mental strength, but also testing your strategies and working things out with a team of people. This is how things are normally done being a Police Officer. Students and teams from all over the South Island come together to work with each other, test themselves, and compete with all the others. You were put into certain colour groups with other teams. These teams would be your competitors or even your peers. It was work with or against. Activities included learning about the medics + practicing CPR, dressing up as a police officer plus checking out the cars, trying to guess the right path over a “minefield” plus seeing how small you could get a mat whilst having your three other teammates stand on it without touching the ground for 10 seconds, testing your speed with a speed laser, testing your strategies by trying to get from one side to another by putting down plastic circles, and my favorite; the actual PCT fitness course. All activities were equally enjoyable. It was such a fun and testing experience. Everybody there seemed to be having a fun, good time. If you have a chance to do this yourself, I would 100% recommend doing this.
Combined Country High Schools Indoor Tournament
Oxford Area School teams had a successful day at the CCHS Indoor Tournament held in Rangiora on Wednesday 1 June. Three Oxford Area School basketball teams and five badminton teams competed against teams from Hurunui College and Rangiora New Life School. It was a great opportunity to get our students back into some inter-school sport. All of the students displayed the school values and it was an enjoyable day for all those involved.
52 Bay Road Oxford
03 312 4197
info@oxford.school.nz
Flash Fiction Writing Workshop
Social Science in 2022
by Jo West
by Justin Thompson
“Short fiction seems more targeted - hand grenades of ideas, if you will. When they work, they hit, they explode, and you never forget them.” Paolo Bacigalupi During the term, 18 of our senior writers had the opportunity to work with author and editor Anna Scaife who ran a Flash Fiction Writing Workshop at school. In two hours, Anna took our students through a variety of engaging writing tasks and allowed time for them to showcase their own writing produced during the session. We saw some highly original and entertaining pieces, as well as beautiful descriptive excerpts. Our students should feel very proud of their creativity and accomplishments at this workshop. Thank you to Anna for sharing her knowledge, and thank you to Mrs Gilpin for organising this opportunity. A few pieces from the workshop for you to read…
"WINTER" BY MORRIN KELLY (YEAR 11)
A big focus for the Social Science department in 2022 is the Aotearoa/New Zealand Histories Curriculum and making it localised and effective for our Akonga. In 2022 we are starting to focus on the Aotearoa/New Zealand Histories Curriculum and what it means across the whole of Oxford Area School. Mrs Mehrtens and I would be very keen to hear about Oxford's Local History. So if you have any expertise or knowledge in Local Oxford History and are interested in helping us develop a better understanding and knowledge for our students in the Local History of our region please get in contact with me through school. I am very interested in learning about the pre-European period here in Oxford and then the early days of Farming and preparing this area for the farming community we now live in. I look forward to sharing our learning with you later in the year and more of the student work our amazing Akonga are doing in Social Science.
Winter was never my favourite season, it was too cold. The air nipped at my hands, turning them pale and sore. I walked to my class, shivering like the fallen autumn leaves. I missed autumn, the soft colours and gentle warmth now gone until next year. I walk up the steps to the English classroom. Fingertips now red from the cold. I carefully place my hands on the door handle, the cool metal stinging against my hands. I walk inside. The overwhelming warmth engulfs me, filling my senses with relief. The class had already started with their writing. I sit down in my usual place in the class. By the window, with the perfect amount of sun shining through. I place down my bag and rummage for my book. It was large and awkward to carry, but it served its purpose well. I grab my small tin of pencils from my puffer jacket. I begin to write. The pen was blue, not my usual colour of choice but it was all I had today. I think back to my bedroom, where my trusted black pen lies upon my desk, its ink flowing beautifully, with every stroke was pure perfection. But this pen is plastic and cheap, its ink even more so. The disgusting blue bled into my pages, coating my pale hands like alien blood. I focus on getting the work done - speeches; my least favourite topic. Perhaps I would switch to a pencil, next class. That would be much easier to bear. Minutes fly past, as I pick up a flow in my writing, the pen so dissatisfying, flowing almost as beautiful as my favoured black one. The sun shines itself onto my back. “Perhaps”, I think, “winter is not as bad as I once thought.”
"SOCKS" BY ARIANA FROUD (YEAR 11) Socks always seem to disappear, don't they? They’re always wandering off to explore and have adventures. Why they like to hide out behind the dog food I will never know. I had a lovely pair of violet socks once, they had a good strong relationship with each other, proven by how close they always were, even in the washing pile. They were both huggers. And really warm. I often felt really bad if I took big steps while wearing them because I didn’t want to keep them apart. Most days I was pretty good at taking small steps but hey, nobody is perfect, and I love running. One time I just couldn’t help myself. Maybe that's why they left. It was me! I drove them apart! Darn it, I'm never good with relationships - apparently even with ones that aren’t my own. I tried real hard to get them back: putting out their favourite gum, favourite washing powder, playing songs that we loved to listen to together, leaving them hints and notes. But they never showed up. Sometimes things just don’t work out, ya know? So no, I didn’t “lose” my new pair of football socks coach….
"JEWELLERY" BY JORDAN GALWAY (YEAR 13) “Are you good at finding jewellery?” ”Yes” “Can you identify jewellery of worth?” ”Yes” Can you price jewellery accurately?” ”Depends on my cut” “What about your sales skills?” “I am here for the money” “Would you ever steal from my shop, and take the jewellery for yourself. “Um” said the robber...
R E G I S T R AT I O N I S N O W O P E N . This is the link to the Jubilee website where the programme and registration can be found. https://sites.google.com/oxford.school.nz/ oxford-schools-150-years/home Any issues please email the event coordinator Mary Chisnall at jubilee@oxford.school.nz or contact the school at 033124197.
Kua pai te mahi! Well done to all - fantastic writing!
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Main Street Toilet Mural to proceed
PROFESSIONAL
DOG TRAINER
General Obedience & Marker training.
Locals will be pleased to know that approval has finally been given to paint a mural on the frontage of the Oxford Main Street Toilets.
Currently 20 years’ experience with land Search and rescue as an assessor trainer for dogs.
“It has been a long drawn out process” says Shirley Farrell, Co-ordinator of the project between Oxford Promotions and Keep Oxford Beautiful Committee. The community has been asking for a mural to replace the hen and chicken and water themed mural that was first put on the toilets by the KOB committee members, a local artist Janice Elliot, and volunteers from the community.
Successfully trained 4 Search and Rescue Dogs.
The new design, by West Eyreton artist Mark Adams, which features the Oxford foothills, native birds and native trees found in the area, had to be approved by the Waimakariri Public Arts Trust, local IWI and the Oxford Ohoka Community Board. It had been hoped the mural could have been done before the weather turned rough, but it will now go ahead in the spring. “We are very lucky to have had Luke Waghorn, of Waghorn Builders, offer the free services of a painter to prepare and paint the exterior frontage so the artist has a clean canvas to paint on. Funds will come from the two committees.” Pictured in front of the toilets, with Dani Reilly, Chairperson of OPAC and Sandra Townsend of Keep Oxford Beautiful, is Beryl Cook (nee Hewson) originally from Oxford, and now Australia, who has given a generous donation to the project. It is hoped that other organisations/artists will follow suit and continue with murals on the other three walls to reflect our heritage, agriculture and our diversity.
All enquiries welcome. Happy to discuss your requirements for your Dog.
CALL RON ON 027 242 4907
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WITH A WINTER CRAFT Felt, Ribbon, Bows, Hair clips, Sewing supplies, Elastic, Flowers and more!
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fiona@wishcraft.co.nz
www.wishcraft.co.nz
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WishcraftNZ nineteen
Two-Day Celebration For West Eyreton School 150th Jubilee.
West Eyreton School is celebrating its 150th anniversary year with a two-day event in late October. The programme starts with the West Eyreton School Agricultural Extravaganza ‘Spring Special’, on Friday 28th October from 9am - 2pm.
This will be a memorable day bringing our past and present West Eyreton Community together, including visits from agricultural animals in the main arena and a number of demonstrations. In the school hall you'll find natural crafts - flower displays, scarecrows, decorated cakes and many more. In addition, our Friends of the School Committee are planning an array of displays, stalls, bouncy castles, crazy bikes, Agri Kids area and a delicious food alley on the West Eyreton Domain. Cheer up your winter with a bit of colour! Pop into Thea’s to brighten up your day with one of our gorgeous new pieces, perfect for winter. 55A MAIN STREET, OXFORD TUESDAY - SUNDAY 10AM - 4PM f
Fresh, real milk direct to you at the farm dispenser
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phone 027 6060 797 email imbrent50@gmail.com twenty
The following day, 29th October, is the official School Jubilee Celebrations, from 10am - 2pm. The day will begin at 10am with opportunities throughout the day to visit school learning spaces and find out what schooling in the 21st century looks and feels like. At 11am the school will officially acknowledge 150 years of schooling at West Eyreton with speeches, a tree planting and the cutting of the cake. This will be followed by photos and a relaxed picnic lunch in which guests reconnect with familiar faces. West Eyreton School opened in 1872 with 32 pupils and the first master was Dominie Brown. The school on the corner of North Eyre and School Roads had a colourful opening, organised by pioneering Eyrewell farmer, Marmaduke Dixon: "All the children of the East Eyreton and Cust schools and their parents, and a host of other visitors, were invited to take part in the ceremony and they were formed up into a great procession a mile from the school to which they marched carrying banners, flying flags and bunting, and singing hymns all the way." The West Eyreton original school building was replaced in 1935. This was later re-modelled and additional classrooms and buildings added. By the 1980s, when farming was going through tumultuous changes and the district population was dwindling, the school was close to becoming sole charge and as late as 2003, its future was still doubtful. In 2003, the new principal at the time, Mrs Jillian Gallagher, described a huge step forward for West Eyreton School’s future - a roll increase that led to the building of a fifth classroom and permanent teacher. “The school survived a very tenuous time as many rural schools in NZ were under threat from school mergers and West Eyreton wasn’t immune from closure or being merged with neighbouring schools by the Ministry of Education. The 2003 roll growth gave the school increased staffing and the subsequent building of a fifth classroom. The March Roll Return confirmed that our fifth teacher was a permanent position. In May, a fifth teacher was appointed to the permanent full time position. Building of the fifth classroom began in February with its completion in the third week of Term 2.” The school roll continued to grow and in 2005 the Ministry of Education approved a 10-year Development plan (2005 – 2015) for five more classrooms, an Information Learning Centre and a school hall. A steady increase in the district’s population saw the roll increase to 180 pupils by 2010. Now, as the school celebrates its 150th anniversary, the roll is just under 200.
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Oxford Community
OXFORD CLUB
Social Services
NEW SECTION
Trust
We are looking for a Co-ordinator/s to plan and execute our Christmas Wonderland with the help of the Trust and volunteers. This is a paid position. Please contact Jo at 312 3006. We have a couple of mobility scooters that are available to borrow on a short term basis. Please contact the Trust for more information.
CLASSIC CARS
Meeting Monday 18th July 7.30pm – Pool Room Calling on classic cars (and bike) enthusiasts to discuss the forming of a new section. Meet with like minded individuals that have an interest in classic vehicles, to socialise, network, participate in rides and tours. Email info@oxfordclub.co.nz to register your interest or phone Pete 0272269786
Thank you to everyone who has kindly donated vouchers, cash and their Winter Energy Payment to support people in our area. We are happy to see the Shoppers Bus up and running again. Tuesday July 19 10-2.30pm to Rangiora $7.00. Tuesday August 2nd 9.30-3.00 to Northlands $10.00. Phone the Trust to book your space. Thank you so much to the Oxford Men’s Shed and the Volunteer Fire Brigade for helping with our light display this year. We were thrilled with our 2nd place prize. Congratulations to everyone who participated.
ank You ers Fund To Our Fab 4
Your local residential, lifestyle and rural sales team! If 2022 is your time to move call Mark or Karen to utilise the experience and knowledge of your local agents!
Mark Terry 027 572 2559
Karen Hennessy 027 967 0186
Specialising in Australian Hardwood Oxford Community Trust
is responsive to the physical, social, emotional,and financial needs of individuals, families and groups of people within the community of Oxford and Districts.
37 Main Street, Oxford 03 312 3006
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Decking & Pergolas Landscaping Sleepers Hardwood Mantles Large Beams Milling to Order Re-sawing of Beams Firewood Supplies
03 312 4531 or 027 684 3981 twenty two
Oxford
SCOTTISH COUNTRY
Dance Club
BORED WITH WINTER!
Come & join us - Tuesdays 1.30pm. No partners needed. Fun & Exercise
for further information ph. Judith 03 312 4291
WAYNE’S CLEANING SERVICES
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Yoga
Fitness
Tai Chi
WEEKLY CLASSES IN OXFORD WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS - MONDAYS in Rangiora
FREE Tai Chi Class on Fri 29th July at 9.45am
Gabrielle 027 225 1646
info@taomotion.co.nz
GAIN
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FLEXIBILITY
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We invite you to our
ANNUAL TEA DANCE
On Saturday 13 August 2022 from 4pm – 8pm at the Oxford Town Hall, Corner Main & Burnett St, Oxford
ADMISSION:
Dancers $7.00 & a plate | Spectators $3.00 & a plate Plate Raffles $1.00 Because of low Club Members we are asking our guests to bring a plate. The Oxford Club will provide soup, savouries and dessert.
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ADDRESS 5601 West Coast Road RD 1 Springfield www.curlecontracting.co.nz twenty three
Mayoral update with
Dan Gordon
Certainly one of the highlights for me in the last little while was being asked to judge the Oxford Winter Lights Competition at which I was joined by local Councillors Wendy Doody and Niki Mealings. I am always blown away by the effort put in by so many people in the Oxford community to make that event such a success every year. The Council is proud to support Oxford Promotions in the brilliant work they are doing in the community. The way all of our communities came together and celebrated Matariki with a variety of festivities was really amazing. I am always so inspired by the dedicated volunteers and community groups who work tirelessly to organise these events. In other exciting news for Oxford, the much anticipated Main Street toilet mural has been signed off by the Oxford/Ohoka Community Board. As part of a refurbishment, the public toilets in Oxford were re-painted. As I am sure many of you will remember, these toilets once had a painted mural of a chicken at the female entrance and a rooster at the male entrance. It was agreed at the time that the original mural would not be reinstated by Council and instead an opportunity would be given to the community to undertake a mural in the future. Since this paintwork was completed, the Oxford Promotion and Action Committee and Keep Oxford Beautiful has been working to find a design for an appropriate mural which is relevant to the Oxford area. The jointly-led process called for potential designs from the local community. The artist’s brief included an attractive, colourful mural that included native fauna and bird life that was a reflection of the area. The proposed design has been approved by the Waimakariri Public Arts Trust. I’m sure this mural will create a great point of interest for locals and visitors to the township and I look forward to seeing it. Shirley Farrell deserves a special mention for her efforts in seeing this project through to completion. We now have a new List Member of Parliament following a Cabinet reshuffle in June. I would like to congratulate Dan Rosewarne in his new role as an MP. Dan lives in the Waimakariri District so this is great news for our community. We have excellent representation in Parliament with Matt Doocey MP and now also look forward to working with Dan. I wish him and his young family all the very best in his new role. As always, I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you may want to discuss. Email me at dan. gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021906437. I’m here to help.
In touch with
Matt Doocey MP FOR WAIMAKARIRI
It was great to host National’s Transport Spokesperson Simeon Brown in Oxford recently, where we met up with Youth MP Hillary Cooper and Julia Graham from U-Drive. The pair spoke about the challenges young people face in rural New Zealand, where public transport options are scarce, and distances to employment or social occasions often mean having to rely on parents to drive them around. Hillary is one of those young people who made good use of the U-Drive initiative in not only getting her license but taking defensive driving lessons in order to drive safely on gravel and open roads. She has been working hard to promote the programme among her peers through a project to get more young people driving safely in the district. Julia established U-Drive five years ago, and it is testament to her success that it is still very much in demand. It was good for Simeon to see the challenges faced in rural New Zealand, and hear about such great local initiatives to counter these challenges. As the Government continues to push through its Three Waters legislation, I spoke at the first reading of the Bill in Parliament recently, where I laid down a challenge to the select committee to visit every region in New Zealand to hear submissions. My role as local MP is to take the voices of Waimakariri to Parliament, and I spoke on behalf of the 95 per cent who oppose the Three Waters reform and want to opt out. The Government is bent on running everything out of Wellington, where the bureaucrats have no relationship with rural New Zealand. Lastly I would like to acknowledge all the volunteers in Oxford, having recently celebrated Volunteer Week 2022. Communities like Oxford rely heavily on the good will of volunteers who fill the gaps services in larger areas would cover. A big thank you to all those who give up their time to help others, it does not go unnoticed.
Matt Doocey MP for Waimakariri
Rangiora Office Level 1, Conway Building, 188 High Street 03 310 7468 waimakariri@parliament.govt.nz Kaiapoi Office 137 Williams Street, Kaiapoi 03 327 0514 kaiapoi@parliament.govt.nz Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by M Doocey, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
twenty four
Council update with
Wendy Doody
Hello and welcome to the newcomers to Oxford a great time to enjoy Oxford’s Winter Lights and Matariki celebrations. I would like to dedicate my column to the community members who made the week's celebrations possible. Congratulations to Oxford Promotions for putting together this community event along with the businesses of Oxford and the Oxford Community Trust. What a pleasure to see the township lit up with fantastic display of lights from both businesses and private individuals. You have made Oxford very inviting to see during these dark cold evenings. 19 June – starting with a free Children’s themed movie at the Town Hall and organised by the OB&I League. 21 June - I had the pleasure to attend the children’s story telling and puppet show at the Oxford Library put on by Jason Clements and the Library team. How the parents got their children to sleep after that full on 1 ½ hour show I do not know. 23 June - Rolling forward (excuse the pun) the Roller Disco on Thursday Night. What a success this event was seeing families enjoying time together rolling around the GP Hall mostly anti clockwise. Mayor Dan, Cr Niki Mealings and myself went around Oxford looking at the lights. A lot of effort by individuals to decorate their buildings and gardens to make this event so successful and giving pleasure to many. Children’s Craft making at the Town Hall was a great success with children going home with their own hand made crafts celebrating Matariki. Dan and I made an Origami Star which I will treasure and proudly put it up with my Christmas house decorations. Mayor Dan made his decision on the winning displays for Businesses and private homes and announced the winners on Friday afternoon after the Children’s Craft’s event. Sunday Market and celebrating Matariki Event. This week’s events have been put together with a large number of volunteers who gave their time to make the Oxford Winter Lights and Matariki a successful event so on behalf of the community Thank you very much. A North Canterbury couple mentioned to me that when returning home from the West Coast they were delighted to see the spectacular light display as they travelled through Oxford late at night. With your help this event will be bigger and better than ever next year. Kind Regards Wendy
Celebration highlights
RESIDENTIAL WINNERS: 1st - 20 Main Street 2nd - 153 High Street 3rd - 9 Matai Place
BUSINESS WINNERS:
PEOPLES CHOICE WINNERS:
•Best Residential Display - 20 Main Street
1st - Black Beech Wine & Pizza Bar 2nd - Oxford Community Trust 3rd - Oxford Pharmacy
•Best Business Display - Black Beech Wine & Pizza Bar
twenty five
OXFORD DISTRICT
UNION PARISH
VALPY FARRIER SERVICES
Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community
For all your horse shoeing and trimming needs. PH: 020 4111 2569
UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN) PARISH SERVICES FOR JULY 2022
ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAYS AT 9.30AM IN THE OXFORD UNION CHURCH, 85 MAIN ST.
CHIMNEY SWEEP
Sunday 3rd July - Communion Service.
Winters Coming!! Rotary Brush Technology From $70 single story. Book now before the rush 0800-SWEEP ME or 021-0277-1927
Sunday 10th July - Service.
Sunday 17th July - Service. Salvation Army Service at 6.00pm. Sunday 24th July - Service. Sunday 31st July - Service.
ALL WELCOME
Breakfast and lunch, gourmet and delicious. Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 3pm, coffee to 4 pm.
UNION PARISH MINISTER: REV. JULIA DE GROOT PH : 022 567 9914 EMAIL : jewelsdg@gmail.com PARISH CLERK: KEN WALKER Ph: 03 312 1464
ROUTE 72 CAFE BAR EMPORIUM, CUST.
For Beautifully Handcrafted Books Tessa Warburton BOOKBINDER • Restoration • Repair • Private Tuition
Route 72 Emporium, something with a difference for everyone. 1697 Cust Road, Cust.
Phone: 03 312 4399/027 419 6311 Email: tessawarburton@gmail.com
BOWEN THERAPY
St Peter Chanel Catholic Parish Sacred Heart Church, Oxford
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
ENQUIRIES: Waimakariri Parish Ph: 03 313 6285
REGULAR SUNDAY MASS: 8.30am EVENING MASS Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm
Small Prayer & Reflection Groups Held every 2nd Tuesday at 1.30pm Oxford Church Centre
ALL WELCOME | Call Josie 022 089 8331
Yoga ~ Oxford A 75 minute class offering a mix of classical yoga with a taste of tantra. Discover awareness of breath, body & mind. Create space with slow/flow movement. Invite interception and awaken to your unique vibration. When: WEDNESDAY 9.30am & 7.00PM $80 per term. $110 per term for ‘energy’ membership (incl. moon ceremonies) $15 casual class. To book Text Cindy on 0212969819 or email maitriyoganz@gmail.com
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.’ twenty six
CALF REARER NEEDED Will be assisting another person. No experience needed just enthusiasm. Phone 021547828
dipl. NSF , CCNM/NZSE, RMT-MNZ
Marina Vermaat 64 High Street Oxford 7430
03 312 4731
027 311 1140
Hours: 8am-11am & 4pm-6pm Phone: 03 312 5744 Mob: 027 457 4431 Email: Theresa@coolcats.nz “Time spent with cats is never wasted” 1891 South Eyre Rd
“Turning thy face towards God, brings healing to the body, the mind and the soul” Abdu’l-Baha’. Bahai.org.nz
www.coolcats.nz
Angel Cats Boarding Cattery & Pet Supplies (ukmax on Trade Me)
52 Church Street, Oxford
Phone 312 1452 & 0210 424367 Email: angelcats@xtra.co.nz
www.angelcats.biz
Online Will $69
Kiwilaw – www.kiwilaw.co.nz
‘Just do it!’
Police
St John
Fire Rescue
with
with
update
update
Mitch Alatalo
Mel Brooker
with
Hi all. Firstly I must say what a great turn out with the Winter Lights Festival and Matariki celebrations in general. It’s great to see everyone in the town getting involved. I love driving the streets looking at all the lights and the effort everyone has gone to. It gives me a great feeling to be a part of the town. I must apologise for the lack of effort on our behalf. I will try a little harder next year.
May has been another busy month for us on the ambulance. We have attended over 185 jobs this year. Between 1st April-21st May 22 there were 1,116 incidents in the Waimakariri district and 777 were transported to a treatment centre. Chest pain and breathing problems made up 22%, Oxford FRU responded to jobs in Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Darfield and of course Oxford with a total of over 36 jobs.
It’s been a changeable time with the weather. Rain and freezing cold one day. Then beautiful sun the next. Please be vigilant out there on the roads. I am getting reports that there is some ice on the roads, and with the grit trucks starting to lay the grit, don’t become complacent either. For those who have experienced it, grit can be just as bad as ice sometimes. So slow down and drive to the conditions please.
At this time of the year it is important to watch out for icy areas when driving and walking on the footpaths.
There has been an increase in burglaries and suspicious people and cars in the area. Please keep an eye out on your own property and your neighbours. if you see anything that looks out of place, let us know via the Rural outlook App. It is a great tool, familiarise yourself with it and start reporting. Last but not least, school holidays will be upon us in no time, which means more foot traffic on our road. Keep an eye out for our little people, and slow down at pedestrian crossings. Enjoy. Stay safe. Feel safe.
I am concerned about people having a hesitancy to call an ambulance (especially our elderly). During winter there is a worry of the elderly having a fall and spending a night on the cold bathroom floor. Please call us if you need us. Now is a perfect time to think about a medical alarm for any person who is living alone. St John medical alarms are the only ones connected directly to St John. You push your button it goes directly to St John. They call you back on the phone, and if you don’t answer the Ambulance is dispatched. We are always looking for new people to join our great team. If you would like to learn more please ring the station on 03 312 3516 leave your name and number and our recruiting officer will be in touch.
update
Trevor Ealam
The Brigade received five calls for the month of May. One call to assist the Cust Brigade at a private fire alarm activation which was a false alarm. In our area we attended a controlled rubbish fire which the smoke it created caused concern for neighbouring properties. On our arrival the fire had burnt down and no action was required by the Brigade. One to a private smoke alarm activation which was caused by steam from a shower, one to a caravan fire which was totally destroyed and one to a large container of paraffin oil on fire which proved to quite difficult to extinguish. This brings our total calls for the year to thirty one This months message is; With the colder months ahead of us we all like to get close to the fire or heater to get warm. Remember to keep a metre from the heater. BE TOASTY, NOT TOAST. Stay safe.
The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require emergency assistance please call 111. Take care out there. Keep safe and stay positive.
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES DIAL 111 twenty seven
THE BUSINES Visit our collaborative co-working office. Casual, permanent desks and meeting room for hire. Book online!
Level 1, 210 High Street, Rangiora
HORSE RIDING
* Semi-private lessons available Monday to Thursday * Horse riding courses every weekend * School Holiday courses. * Horse treks departing 2pm daily * Complete beginners to advanced riders welcome KOWHAI RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL OF RIDING LTD
www.nichesharedspace.co.nz
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Oxford Screen Hire On Farm Gravel Screening
711 Island Rd OXFORD Ph 3124309 or 0211619964 www.kowhai.co.nz
Gavin Newick
Schnurrbart
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
CRAFTSMAN PLUMBER & DRAINLAYER
CALL TODAY... Design & Publishing
. Insurance Repairs .
Phone Roy 022 043 7834 - Email royhill517@yahoo.co.nz
After Hours:
03 312 1785
Lorinda Harrington
Independant Registered Financial Advisor
M 027 242 3211 E Lorinda@thebroker.co.nz
THEBROKER.co.nz Free Service - for all your mortgage requirements
4 Trash 2016 LTD
Rubbish Collection Services General household rubbish collection servicing Oxford ,Rangiora, Kaiapoi and surrounding rural areas We are a local business who appreciate local support twenty eight
Large 240 litre wheelie bins Multiple Collection options Weekly - Fortnightly - 4 weekly 6 weekly - 8 weekly - Casual phone or email for a quote
Graham & Kim
T : 03 312 4788 E : 4trash@xtra.co.nz
www.4trash.co.nz
S D I R E C TO RY WE OFFER:
Call me today to discuss all your hedge & tree trimming needs...
Nick McDonald Ph: 027 206 1149 or 3125 313
• Shelterbelt & Hedge Tree Trimming • Large Farms, Orchards, & Lifestyle Blocks • Locally Owned & Operated • Servicing North Canterbury • Full Insurance Cover • Comprehensive Health & Safety Systems • Power Line Clearance Operator
NEED A PLUMBER
THOMSON AND SON P L U M B I N G LT D
CALL US NOW FOR FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE GET YOUR PROBLEMS SORTED OUT QUICK SMART - ON TIME!!
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
Bach Flower Remedies and Homeopathy
Lillian Bonner ~ DVM CVA ABMgrad.dip. RMT 021 951 059
LillianBonnerDVM@gmail.com
L O C A L FA M I LY P LU M B I N G B U S I N E S S P H O N E N OW F O R A F R E E Q U OT E
Lillian Bonner DVM Balanced Beings Integrated & Functional Veterinary Medicine
One stop shop for your home and property maintenance.
Al - Mows starts giving you your life back. Don’t know where to start or how to do it?
Gardens & Lawns doing their own thing - not your thing?
Property and / or House Maintenance falling behind?
No time for life on a lifestyle block?
CALL IN THE EXPERT No job too big or small - Regular maintenance or one off work.
Call Al Today!
0212 499 495 |
ajdavies62@gmail.com
Serving the North Canterbury Area
“Totally Dependable”
Phone: 0800 63 63 00
T 03 312 1280 | M 021 898 380 | E thomsonandsonplumbing@gmail.com
S H E LT E R B E LT T R I M M I N G LT D • Experienced Operator • Power Line Clearance • SiteWise Certified
Email: hedgework@yahoo.com Ph: 027 474 3088
Rural - Dairy New Housing Heating & Ventilation Service & Maintenance Commercial Refrigeration Solar Hotwater and PV twenty nine
THE BUSINES Sales, servicing and repair of all major brands. Drop into the shop or call us to arrange a home or business visit. Open Mon-Fri am--pm Durham Street, Rangiora mm rangiora@ipc.co.nz www.ipc.co.nz
ANIMAL FEED chickens, sheep, pigs, goats & horses
GARDENING TOOLS & SUPPLIES weed killer , fertilliser
NUTS, BOLTS, CATCHES & LATCHES Pop in to your local Hardware store…. you’ll be surprised what’s available instore!
YOUR ONE STOP HARDWARE STORE 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
82 High Street, Oxford
p - 03 312 4521
HOURS Mon – Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm e - admin@womersleys.co.nz www.womersleys.co.nz
Ph: 03 312 4476 Mob: 027 4969 256 Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Dairy Sumps, Blocked Drains Maintenance Reports Email: speechly@xtra.co.nz
WAIMAK 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
THE JOINER
For all your Solid timber Joinery needs
Owner + operator of a small local workshop
Call Brent on 027 6060 797 email imbrent50@gmail.com thirty
HOMEKILL
Family Business
PROCESSING OF BEEF, SHEEP, PIGS, WILD GAME & SMALL GOODS
Bookings are essential
We can arrange to have your animals home killed - Sheep dropoff available
Jason & Julie Ph: 03 312 6227 Email: info@waimakhomekill.co.nz
www.waimakhomekill.co.nz
S D I R E C TO RY NEED GLASS?
We can help! Visit our website or give us a call! Retrofit Double Glazing
Frameless Showers Repairs & More
Pet doors Splashbacks Mirrors
Locally owned and operated 03 318 3003 | admin@hunterglass.co.nz | www.hunterglass.co.nz
RON EALAM BUILDER for all your Building ding
Roy Hill Contracting
requirements r
Phone Roy 022 043 7834
Email royhill517@yahoo.co.nz
New Homes Additions & Alterations Farm Buildings Concrete Laying Painting & Paper hanging Experienced Builder
027 242 4907
Earth Moving • • • • • • • •
Irrigation Dams Water Races / Cleaning Roads / Farm lanes Cow Lanes Building Foundations Subdivisions Land Clearing Pipe Laying / Tree Ripping
Silage & Agriculture • • • •
Silage Harvesting Claas 8m mower with groupers 56 cubic metre loader wagon 12 tonne Hyundai loader with buck rake • 9m heavy roller • Cultivation • Seed Drilling
Plant Hire • 6m giant disc • 5 Tonne tow behind vibrating roller • Road Sweeper • 2 x Tow behind 25 cubic yard scoops
FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS
Maintenance Plumbing • New Housing • Bathroom Alterations Logfires • Hot Water Cylinders • Spouting & Flashings Pump Replacement & Repair
Fast, Friendly Service, All Work Guaranteed
Aaron McCartney • Free Ph: 0508 44EVER • Ph: 03 310 2137 A/H: 027 3669 091 • Email: plumber_27@yahoo.co.nz
www.4everplumbing.co.nz
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 Tax Returns Payroll GST Returns Annual Accounts Rental Returns
Summerfield Fencing Ltd We Specialise in superior fencing craftmanship which adds long term value to your property investment. Fencing in the greater Canterbury area. Free Estimates
ALL STOCK FENCING – POST DRIVING YARDS – POST AND RAIL FENCING FARM – SUBDIVISION LIFESTYLE BLOCKS - RESIDENTIAL
NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL Steve is available to help with your Planning and Design
Jeanette Graves Sharon Stewart
021 853 769 027 241 6345
www.smallbusinesssolutions.co.nz info@smallbusinesssolutions.co.nz
SUMMERFIELD FENCING LTD
PHONE: 03 312 4747 MOBILE : 027 312 4747
www.summerfieldfencing.co.nz summerfieldfencing@xtra.co.nz
thirty one
PROVIDING INNOVATIVE AND CUSTOMER FOCUSED
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES
CULTIVATION & DRILLING
BALING HAY & BALEAGE
BULK SILAGE
TRANSPORT
We take care of all your groundwork needs from ploughing to precision drilling
We’ve got a bale size and shape to suit your needs
We’ve got the gear to get the job done once and done right
We can cart anything from bulk to bales you name it
at Oxford Ag we go the extra mile to do the job once. FOR ANY ENQUIRIES CONTACT BALING - CULTIVATION MANAGER DAN BROOKER
SILAGE MANAGER
ACCOUNT MANAGER
027 756 3743 DAVE KNOWLES 021 275 2432
TRANSPORT MANAGER STEVE MACAULAY 021 825 552
YARD 106 HAREWOOD ROAD OXFORD
ADAM GREEN
027 374 6357