Mayoral update

with Dan Gordon

I hope this column finds you all well as we head into the cooler months and with it all the colds, flu’s and ailments that winter brings.

It’s also a time to be mindful of the road conditions. If there’s frost on your windscreen or lawn there’s likely to be ice on the roads. Please drive carefully and keep safe.

Don’t forget also to check in on your neighbours and loved ones, particularly those who are vulnerable, isolated, or living alone. The much talked about ‘cost of living crisis’ has already hit many people hard and when you add to that the increased heating and fuel bills over winter it will mean some people will be doing it particularly tough.

Come check out hundreds of artworks from 130 local artists all under one roof including painting, photography, ceramics, woodwork and more.

PLUS on Saturday get involved in an interactive art display, watch the Blackwell’s Live Ice Sculpting event and then head to the Fire and Ice Market kicking off at 5pm. www.kaiapoiartexpo.co.nz

I want people to know they are not alone. We have a newly launched website called Next Steps which is a local directory that puts people in touch with support services, anonymously. When times are tough it’s hard to figure out your next step. But if you or someone you know needs help or support please check out www.nextsteps.org.nz/ or talk to family or friends.

As I’m sure many of you will have seen, Waimakariri District Council has appointed Jeff Millward as our new Chief Executive. Jeff has just shy of four decades of experience in the local government sector and most recently has been Acting Chief Executive at the Council.

We had some great candidates apply for the role but Jeff stood out as someone who is diligent, strategic, focused and has a strong and genuine connection to the District, its people, and our Council. He was the unanimous choice.

The Council and I are excited to have selected Jeff and are looking forward to working with him in his new role.

In May I visited Wellington with my Canterbury Mayoral Forum colleagues (Mayors of the nine other territorial authorities in Canterbury and the Chair of Environment Canterbury) where we were hosted by Hon Dr Megan Woods.

There we put the recently refreshed “Plan for Canterbury” before nine Government ministers. Top of the to-do list while at the Beehive was advocating for permanent co-investment in flood protection schemes for the region. Then immigration and skills policies that will work for Canterbury; greater collaboration on an integrated approach to transport funding, and supporting Canterbury’s continued economic development and emergency management.

These led to valuable discussions with Ministers around climate change adaptation, challenges for local and central government around transport funding and investment in science as well as research and innovation to address some of our environmental challenges.

As always, I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue they may want to discuss. Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021906437.

I’m here to help.

Rising temperatures will impact water quality in lakes and rivers

Releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere at our current rate will increase average temperatures in Waitaha/Canterbury by up to 3.5°C by 2090.

itstimecanterbury.co.nz

Rising temperatures

As greenhouse gases increase, so do temperatures – both here in Waitaha/Canterbury and around the world. Continuing to release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere at our current rate will mean that average temperatures in Waitaha/Canterbury could be up to 1.5°C warmer by 2040, and up to 3.5°C warmer by 2090.

Temperature increases are likely to be even greater in the mountains and high country where by 2090, if no action is taken, average spring and summer maximum temperatures could soar as much as 6°C higher than today's average.

Small temperature increases make a big difference.

With just a 0.5°C-1.5°C increase, we'll see impacts here in Waitaha/Canterbury, with many more hot and dry periods in spring and summer.

Rising temperatures trigger other changes too. Rainfall patterns and growing seasons shift, droughts and fires become more likely, and there will be less snow and fewer frosts.

Rising temperatures are the catalyst that leads to other major impacts of climate change: drought, fire, severe storms and changing rainfall patterns, and sea level rise.

If we all make a real effort to cut emissions, it's possible that we can limit warming in Waitaha/Canterbury beyond 2030. https://environmentcanterbury.sharepoint.com

The Oxford Club – Your Social Hub

Greetings from the Oxford Club, which has been a focal hub and integral part of Oxford and the wider community since 1887, some 136 years.

The Club has a second to none reputation for a relaxed friendly atmosphere for its members and guests. The Oxford Club is the Social Hub in Oxford and the wider district, and has an active social calendar of events and activities which will appeal to everybody young and old.

The Oxford Club plays a vital role also as part of the social fabric of Oxford and our wider community. The Club has supported and contributed to many organisations, community groups and sporting clubs over many years.

Unfortunately, the challenging and difficult times we live in have also affected the Oxford Club. This taken with the effects of Covid, have led to a decline in active membership and the Club’s revenue stream.

I believe that we all, that is Club members and our extended community, want to see our Club continue into the next millennium. This will benefit our children, grand and great grandchildren and the Oxford Community.

The Club has something for everyone, including twelve sections which cater for many interesting activities right across the spectrum. These include Cards, Classic Vehicles, Claybird Shooting, Darts, Fishing, Golf, Indoor and Outdoor Bowls, Pool, Racing, Travel, Vintage and Line Dancing is also being held at the Club.

We Need your help!

The Club needs all it’s members to use our Club on a regular basis and we would love to see new members joining our wonderful Club.

If you live in Oxford and the surrounding district “come on down” and become a member.

Joining the Club is easy, just pop into the Club and ask our friendly staff for an application form and fill it out and we will do the rest. Being a member of the Oxford Club has many benefits including reciprocal visiting at Clubs and RSA’s throughout New Zealand and Australia.

We also reward members with loyalty points on all purchases. The Club’s governance is carried out by an elected committee headed by new President Kyle Scott and ably assisted by new Vice President Lin Fagan, and Donna Hughes as the Club Manager. The Club Committee, Management and staff are actively looking at ways to make the Club and facilities an even more enjoyable member and visitor experience.

We would also like to hear from you, the people who use our Club, what you think will make our Club even better. Lastly, these days we can no longer take “things for granted”

– The Oxford Club is no different.

Support - Join the Oxford Club

Your Social Hub – Join the Oxford Club

Thank you for reading this article.

Best regards

Kyle Scott | Club President

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