The Observer | November 2022 edition

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Inside

It seems unbelievable that this is our November issue.

The year is racing by, and we find ourselves starting our Christmas shopping. Although the 'C' word seems to be unwelcome still for many!

It is wonderful to see Christmas events coming back this year. The last few years' events have been significantly impacted by Covid and events were few and far between.

The Oxford Community Trust are bringing back the Christmas Wonderland, which is always a wonderful event, and is a fundraiser for the Trust.

Check out the ad on page 9.

Our local businesses are getting in their Christmas stock, so please consider supporting these businesses as you work through your Christmas shopping.

They all appreciate the support of locals and just think of the time and petrol you will save shopping locally!

This issue features some diverse local events, including the Big Day Out, the Oxford Club Annual Ploughing Match, and the Oxford School's 150th Jubilee.

A huge amount of work goes into these events,and it is great to see them being well supported by the community.

We hope you enjoy this issue, and thank you to you all once again for your support.

The Observer could not operate without the support of all of our advertisers, and we appreciate your business immensely. Thank you for reading, we love being able to showcase local events, people and businesses.

Partnership between Oxford Area School Oxford Ag shows importance of maths in the workplace

by Emily Chapman

Oxford Agricultural Services Ltd have entered into a partnership with Oxford Area School, under the Secondary School Employer Partnership to work with Year 9 &10’s, to show them the importance of mathematics for their future careers.

Secondary School Employer Partnerships is an award winning initiative by SmartNZ.

SmartNZ’s mission is ‘to empower youth and employers through real education to employment pathways.’ Students have a

Oxford Ag’s Business Manager, Jake Vargo says “I think young people need practical skills like English, Maths and Science every day. We need to help them with those life skills, which is the key driver for me wanting to be a part of this”. Jake says it also helps them as an employer in the district.

Students have both classroom work and a site visit per term where they work through maths problems in relation to the business. When we visited, students were being shown machinery and how it works, and then working out problems to do with sileage and baleage; eg. how much bulk sileage can be carted, and how many cows this can feed. This shows them how the maths they are learning will not be, as is often thought, useless in ‘the real world’. Baling-Cultivation Manager Dan Brooker says ” It's great seeing the young generation give it a go, in a supportive environment”.

Oxford Ag already have a great relationship with Oxford Area School through the Gateway Programme, so entering into this Partnership has worked well for both parties.

Oxford Area School Head of Department Mathematics, Tara Egerton says “It is the life aspect that is so important. This partnership gives kids an idea of jobs after they leave school. Not only that but jobs that are in this area, so that we can keep our kids in the district”.

New Look for World Famous Sheffield Pies

Oxford

Along with updating the counter/cabinets and café area, they have created storage areas for a smoother working process. Shane and Loretta would like to thank every who successfully helped them transform the areas.

WAGHORN BUILDERS came on board with their great communication, problem solving and excellent workmanship. Timeframes were tight, and they were able to bring in extra staff to make sure deadlines were met and the business was closed for as little time as possible.

MALCOLM’S PLUMBING will always go above and beyond, and helped with a lot of problem solving

RODDUS ELECTRICAL’S Rodney brought his extensive knowledge and ability to make things work.

EAST COAST KITCHENS were able to make the vision into reality with great design, excellent install and finishing.

6:30am -

THE STAFF were on board as well helping with the lifting of vinyl and painting, & have loved seeing the transformation.

Loretta says

“Our aim is to make people feel at home, and that they are welcome here”.

Pop in and have a coffee and a delicous pie, and check out their new look.

7:00am

4:00pm

Revolution Laundromat comes to town.

by Beka Hunt

If you have recently travelled along Oxford's Main Street, you may have noticed a new addition to the township- namely the Revolution Laundromat. The self-serve kiosk sits between the Oxford Butchery and the town noticeboards, boasting 3 individual machines; an 8kg washer, 18kg washer and an 18kg dryer.

Open 24/7, the laundry detergent is included in each wash, so customers don’t need to worry about providing their own. Fabric softener can also be purchased as an extra.

Abby Sanford, of Revolution Group Limited, is a crucial member of the small team behind the laundry kiosk. The idea to distribute self service laundromats throughout New Zealand came after Abby bought a yacht with her partner Rohan, selling their house in the process. The pair then sailed from Spain to New Zealand, gaining a wealth of knowledge from the experience, and meeting business partner Gavin Morris.

Throughout their time in Europe, Abby and Rohan used similar machines and decided it was time for Kiwis to have access to the same services.

Thus, Revolution Group Limited was born. Now only eighteen months into operation, the company owns multiple Laundry kiosks in both New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, they provide juice machines (Sempa Juicers that produce fresh orange juice) to large retailers across the country.

Ultimately, Revolution aims to promote the area and bring value to the community. It provides an easy clothes washing solution for travellers, whilst being a helpful tool for locals. The kiosk's location was chosen with this in mind, so that any visitors can peruse the surrounding stores, pop into the Butchers or check out a cafe whilst their clothes are being washed and dried.

The dryer costs only $4 to run, whilst the 8kg wash is $8 and the 18kg wash is $12 an 18kg capacity being much larger than your typical family washing machine. The dryer can also hold 18kg, so is more than ready to take on a massive load of clothes. The Laundromat is a long term instalment, and should be around for a while. You can’t miss it on Main Street, and you don’t want to miss out on this experience - so might as well take it for a spin!

Don't over think it!

with Stylist - Kerri Booth

The season of summer events and Christmas parties is nearly upon us. The Southern Hemisphere has the joy of these two items wrapped up together.

Personally do think the Northern Hemisphere have it correct, and use Christmas to break up the winter blues, where as we gorge ourselves on a double whammy of summer and Christmas goodness.

Along my journey have seen the sparkleness of summer and Christmas actually bring a whole heap of overthinking and anxiety to the art of dressing in this climate. Myself included!!

Many times have stood before a mirror and thought ‘is that too much?’ ‘ Is that not enough?’ ‘ Am too blah?’ ‘Do stand out too much?’ Round and round the mulberry bush I go with these thoughts, and end up with 53947 items of clothing discarded around me on the floor.

If we sit in this place in our head, we will literally drive ourselves mad. It can result in throwing up your hands and saying ‘ right that's it! I AM NOT GOING’.

All the feelings that are linked to our insecurities come bubbling up to the top, and these are not like Christmas bubbles that we enjoy for a champagne breakfast!

So many of us want to get it ‘right’ with our outfits. The problem is that we give the power for getting it right, to everyone else. When the answer actually lies with us. Come back to your gut to answer this one.

What do you love?

What makes you smile?

How do certain things make you feel? How do you want to feel?

What items of clothing make you feel this way?

Think about these things before you have an event to go to. Not one hour before you are meant to leave!! Start hunting for those items that you always feel good in and give you answers to these questions.

Those key pieces that you can mix up with different accessories are worth their weight in gold.

The absolute key element to your outfit is YOU.

You are attending this event because they want you. Not because of what you are wearing, so wear items that you love.

Start having a wardrobe of items that reflect the person that you are. Trends and styles come and go, but you are the constant to your outfit so the trend must reflect you.

My advice for November is file that overthinking.

Honestly what is the absolute worst that can happen?

Wear that item that gives you that little smile.

Own the opportunity to dress how you want to.

Let this be the Christmas where you look back on photos and go ‘oh that’s right, loved that outfit’.

I can’t wait to see what you all come up with.

www.polkadotcom.co.nz

Sale for Mental Health Awareness Week

Christmas Wonderland returns to Oxford

by Emily Chapman by Emily Chapman

Local business owner Robyn Paget from Thea’s Boutique recently held a sale for Mental Health Awareness Week. Robyn says ‘I try to do something every year to raise funds and awareness in the community for mental health’. This year’s sale was again a great fundraiser for the community. The sale included all second hand clothing as Robyn is moving away from this in her business, and some new clothing from Thea’s.

As she has done in the past, Robyn is donating the funds to the Oxford Community Trust for them to use in their work in the community. She has stipulated that she would like it to be used to help older people, especially those suffering with dementia. Oxford Community Trust Manager Jo Ealam says, “It is always great when someone from the community partners with the Trust to fundraise with the work we do. The money raised by Robyn through her sale at Thea’s will be used for our work with older people in the community who are needing additional support. Thank you to Robyn and her team for your donation.’

Along with fundraising, Robyn has recently started a support group for people who have family members with Dementia. ‘The group is going extremely well’ says Robyn, and the group is able to offer support to each other, advice and help if anyone needs it. They meet regularly and their next meeting is an event for both the carers and the patients.

The get together is at Ashley Gorge on 8th Nov at 10am for a shared lunch. Please bring a shared plate of finger food.

If you need a ride please contact Robyn 027 687 7219. Anyone is welcome to join them for this event.

The Oxford Christmas Wonderland is returning for 2022. After having to make the difficult decision to cancel last year due to Covid restrictions, the Oxford Community Trust is thrilled to be able to bring back the very popular community event.

Oxford Community Trust Manager Jo Ealam says, ‘We are excited to be planning our Christmas Wonderland again.

We were disappointed to have to cancel last year, and we look forward to seeing everyone come through again this year, and to help the community to get into the Christmas spirit.”

The Wonderland is a fundraiser for the Trust, and funds raised are used in the work they carry out in the community. There will be something for everyone to enjoy young and old, and it is sure to delight.

Putting the Wonderland together is a huge job, and volunteers are always welcome. If you would like to get involved please contact the Trust on 312 3006 with your details, and someone will be in touch.

The Wonderland will be open at the GP Hall, Showgate Drive (behind the School) From the 17th-24th of December.

is $2.00

17TH

GP HALL Showgate Drive Oxford

back to the community via the work of the O xford Community Trust

Community Trust Oxford Social Services

Community Connect

We are going to be introducing a new programme in the community. This will be a service for people who would like someone to contact them on a regular basis, just to check in or for a chat.

If you would like to be involved as a volunteer, or if you would bene t from this service, please phone the Trust on 312 3006 or pop in and see us.

Shopper’s Bus - November Trips 8/11/22 - Rangiora & 22/11/22 - Northlands

Medical Transport

We have drivers available to drive you to your medical appointments in Christchurch, Rangiora or locally. $35.00 to Christchurch and $20.00 to Rangiora. Phone the Trust on 312 3006 or pop in to book your appointment.

Thank you to Linda McCarthy from PGG Wrightson Real Estate and the West Oxford Hotel for supporting the Trust with their meat ra es.

Thank you also to Robyn Paget and the Thea's team for their extremely generous donation from the proceeds of their recent sale.

Thank you to our fab 4 funders

Oxford Community Trust

Responsive to the physical, social, emotional,and financial needs of individuals, families and groups of people within the community of Oxford and Districts.

• Rata Foundation • COGS • Lottery Foundation • Waimakariri District Council

touch with Matt Doocey

MP FOR WAIMAKARIRI

My family and made the most of the recent school holidays to do a bit of exploring around North Canterbury. We are fortunate that we don’t have to travel far to enjoy beautiful surroundings, with beaches and rivers right on our doorstep. What can be better than getting out in nature with the family to relax and unwind.

I’ve met with a number of local farmers since Labour announced how they plan to price emissions, and it’s fair to say they are far from impressed. There is no precedent for what the Government is doing and it’s hugely disappointing for rural areas like Waimakariri. Losing one fifth of sheep and beef farming is too high a price to pay for individual farmers, and we will only shift the emissions problem overseas as jobs and production ramp up offshore.

Agriculture is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy and we must support our farmers, who are already leading the way globally in carbon efficiency.

Like Labour’s oil and gas ban which has led to New Zealand having to import record amounts of dirty Indonesian coal, if we shift primary production offshore to countries where farmers are less efficient we will only push up global emissions which is worse for the planet. Waimakariri is like the rest of the country, when our farmers do well, we all do well.

had a fascinating tour of a beautiful part of the electorate last month thanks to Steven Brown of Springbank Honey. We drove over the Lees Valley and checked out some of the incredible high-country views and learned a huge amount about the local area’s history and present challenges.

Along with prime agriculture and honey production, there are vast potential tourism opportunities in this hidden gem of Waimakariri, from hunting and hiking to rafting and biking.

Lastly, I’d like to thank all those who attended my Three Waters public meeting in Oxford recently. It was great to be able to bring in National’s local government spokesperson, Simon Watts, to engage with people across the district and hear their concerns. While there are aspects some people disagree on, there are very few out there who think handing over the reins of Three Waters to four mega entities will benefit Waimakariri ratepayers.

Matt Doocey

MP for Waimakariri

EVCharging Stations for Oxford

New EV charging stations have been installed at Pearson Park (in the carpark by the Farmer’s Market). The dual-socketed 22kw AC charging stations can deliver up to 120km of travel per hour of charging, depending on the vehicle make and model.

This type of charger is typically installed at locations where drivers will be parked for longer durations such as cafes, libraries, community facilities and retail areas.

The installations of the new charging stations are part of an ongoing agreement between the Waimakariri District Council and Meridian Energy Ltd to create publicly accessible EV charging stations on Council land.

The EV chargers are fully owned and operated by Meridian who also cover the full cost of the equipment and installation.

Council licenses access to the land in Council owned carparks.

Thinking of moving house?

1

1

Teriyaki Beef skewers with sesame garlic rice salad

by Louize Juniper

MARINADE

3

2

GARLIC SESAME RICE SALAD

Jasmine

Toasted

½

1

Kale

Sesame

Heat olive oil in a saucepan with a good fitting lid. Fry off garlic. Add rinsed rice and stir. Pour over 2 Cups water, bring to boil and then cover with lid. Turn heat down and simmer for 10 mins.

Remove from heat and leave to one side to steam for 5 mins.

After 5 mins turn rice out on to a tray lined with baking paper and sprinkle with the rice wine vinegar and fork it through with the toasted sesame seeds. Leave to cool

Meanwhile, mix the remaining oils and Rice wine vinegar in a large bowl. Tear the kale leaves into small bite sized pieces. Scrunch the kale in the dressing and leave to soften. Thread the steak on to bamboo skewers.

Heat a heavy based frying pan or griddle pan over a high heat. 0r use a BBQ Cook skewered steak for 5-8 mins turning often.

Any leftover marinade put in a saucepan with a couple of tablespoons of water and bring to boil and allow to reduce to create a thick syrupy sauce.

Thinly slice the radishes and add to the kale. Toss all together with the rice. Place the steak skewers on the rice salad and pour over the sticky marinade and serve.

Mike Hart

update

Congratulations to Paige Wakelin-Noble

Year 1-3 Athletics Day

by Rachel Campbell

Years 4-8 Athletics Day

Tuesday 18 October

Sun shining, lovely Oxford foothills as the back drop, and about 170 tamariki made it a great day for all to compete in the Oxford Area School Annual Athletics Day.

Kia ora koutou katoa,

Last month we marked the occasion of our 150 years of Oxford School. It was an opportunity to welcome back to school over 300 past pupils and staff. We would like to acknowledge each and every one of our alumni for their part in shaping the seamless tapestry of Oxford Schools dating back to 1872.

As a school, we know how important it is to understand the history, and the past, in order to understand the direction of the future. During the past term, our students have spent a great deal of time learning about this rich history, learning some of the names of the past, and learning what it was like to live in that time and what schools were like years ago.

The Jubilee was an event to be proud of and we acknowledge all those in our community that helped put it together. There are many to acknowledge.

We would like to personally thank the following:

To the Jubilee community led by Mary Chisnall, your time, commitment and effort made the Jubilee the success it was To Fresh Choice - thank you for your support for the Hangi The Oxford Food Together Team for the donation of vege for the Hangi.

Paige Wakelin-Noble was selected in the North Canterbury Under 13 A Girls team to play in the Mainland Tournament in Ashburton. Working with her team and coaches, Paige thrived on the challenges, and another opportunity to develop her skill level in basketball at this next level up.

On Monday, Paige was full of enthusiasm telling us all about this experience on the court and off the court. Her team played teams from all over the South Island and finished a creditable third. Proud of you, Paige, for your contribution to this team.

We were very lucky with the weather on Tuesday and it was fantastic to see all our tamariki giving the athletic codes a go. The students participated in long jump, high jump, shot put, discus and hurdles before lunch.After lunch, we held the sprints and the House hoop relay. The students had lots of fun and we saw lots of students challenging themselves and showing perseverance. The teachers were very proud of the way that everyone showed the school values and supported their peers.

Ka pai!

The Oxford Observatory for showing our alumni the stars, with Saturn managing to reveal itself from behind the clouds. All the Student Volunteers - the comments we received about your help were amazing.

To all the staff and students who put in such a lot of mahi to make all our guests feel welcome,

The Rugby Club; the Workingmen's Club; the Volunteer Fire Brigade for the help with our parking; Movable Feasts and the Oxford Craft market for the loan of the tables.

If we needed anything these organisations were there to support us. The help and generosity of our community made this event the success it was. Thank you.

Noho ora mai, nā Mike Hart Tumuaki | Principal Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School

The enthusiasm the tamariki brought to the events allowed for great participation and some close competition in the competitive events.

All tamariki participated in two sprints, long jump, high jump, tennis ball throw, foxtail throw, bean bag toss, discus, and shot put.

The Foxtail Throw proved to be a popular new event to try where they had to use an action similar to hammer throw.

'Giving it a go' was the slogan for the day and showing our term 4 OAS value focus - Kia manahau/ Be positive in many ways were shown throughout the day while all were being active and having fun.

Thank you to the teachers that ran the events.

Your willingness helped the day run smoothly for all involved. Special thanks to Euan Pulley for getting grandstands, tables, chairs, gazebo and big cones out before 7:15am!!!

Thanks to Ian Boulton, Nigel Dodge and Rico Shelley for helping put the gear away at the conclusion.

Great to see parents coming and going during the day.

We appreciate your support too.

A great day had by all.

Homestays required for Oxford Area School International Students

As New Zealand's borders open up to International students, we are looking for suitable host families in the Oxford township or on the school bus route. We are currently seeking homestays with horses for next year and beyond.

vetting is mandatory for anyone in the home over 18 and other conditions may apply

If you are interested or have any questions please contact: International Homestay Coordinator international@oxford.school.nz

The Past and the Present Meet Over Coffee, at the 150th Oxford Schools Jubilee

It has been a whole year of planning, months of committee meetings, and no less than 150 years in the making, but the Oxford Schools 150th Jubilee has arrived and was welcomed by a beautiful sunshine filled weekend. Oxford’s current staff were joined by teachers and principals of years and decades past, and past and present pupils exchanged greetings and stories, distinguishable only by age. On the Friday and Saturday of Labour Weekend, Oxford’s doors were officially open, and the Jubilee was in full swing well before the cake was cut.

The anniversary was officially opened on Friday morning by none other than Jeanette Wells, who came back to the school for her fourth Jubilee. Jeanette was still a student when the 75th Jubilee was commemorated in 1947, and she was part of the committee for the 100th and 125th anniversaries, now coming back to the reunion once again to ring the old school bell and open the Jubilee of 150. She finished her opening words with a declaration - “You kids have a great day!”.

She laughs as she says to the students of the ’30’s and ’40’s, “We were kids when we were here, and we’re still kids now coming back to school”. From there on in, the Jubilee became a whole school affair, and groups of student volunteers guided past students around a now very changed school; making tea, coffee, and conversation, and helping with every job going.

More than 200 guests arrived to celebrate the Jubilee, and after the bell was rung all of them gathered in the GP Hall for a Mihi Whakatau welcome, which featured the first ever iteration of Oxford’s full-school haka.

For weeks the whole school has been learning our Oxford haka, and together we performed it to all those assembled for the Jubilee, which made for a very special reception.

Jubilee guests were then invited to join the school for a hangi, which was ready at noon, and thanks to the wonderfully committed Euan Pulley, had been burning since 4:00 that morning.

After an early start, one deep hole in the football field, and a fire alarm which alerted Oxford’s fire trucks to the hangi flames at a frightfully early hour, by midday the hangi was very well received; and it was a very special meal which brought the people of Oxford past and present together.

After 3:00, when the current students had been let out by the new and now electric bell, past students and staff had the school to themselves, and the student and staff conversazione commenced. The student conversazione brought all Oxford’s former students together in one room, while the staff conversazione brought together current and former staff, and in both rooms the reminiscing filled the school with laughter.

The staff conversazione even featured an item, a musical skit dedicated to principals Carol Moffat, Bob Norrish, and Mike Hart, and loudly performed by six of our current and former teachers, including event coordinator Mary Chisnall.

Even once the afternoon finished up, guests and staff stayed to catch up, and a supper was hosted in the GP Hall that evening.

By 10:00, dinner was long gone but the hall was still full, and eventually tables of guests made their way to the Old West Pub to finish their conversation.

The formal dinner on Saturday lasted just as long, and it wasn’t until well after dark that the Jubilee ended.

Our oldest pupils had 90 years worth of stories to share, and it was conversation that filled the evening and shaped the Jubilee.

A huge thank you is extended to Mary Chisnall, the chief organiser and the brains behind the celebration, to her daughter Amanda Abel, who has played an invaluable role in pulling the event together, and to the members of the committee, who were there to run the Jubilee on the day, and have been planning for it all year.

The staff and student volunteers who helped with everything from serving, to moving tables, to making tea, were also greatly appreciated. Led with remarkable diligence by Mary, the Jubilee was a team effort, and just as the whole school celebrated together, the whole school lent a hand together.

It has been a privilege for Oxford Area School to host such a celebration of our 150th anniversary, and with another new build on the horizon, Oxford is marking a brand new chapter in the school's history.

At 95 years old, the oldest students of the Jubilee were Nessie Horgan and Ray Merhtens, and Saturday morning they joined youngest pupil Primrose Griffiths in cutting the cake and unveiling the Jubilee plaque. The cake was made by Nessie’s daughter and former Oxford teacher Barbara Thompson, and Nessie and Ray cut into the cake to ceremoniously begin the day, before 4, just turned 5 year old Primrose unveiled the 3rd of the beautiful Jubilee plaques.

The morning was filled with tea, coffee, and chocolate cake; and groups of junior students ran market day stalls, which they had been working on all term, and were quickly sold out. Decade photos were taken in the afternoon, and students from the 1930’s through to the 2000’s gathered to have their school photo taken, lining up from shortest to tallest - though not before everybody had stopped to talk to everybody else!

By the time everybody returned to enjoy dinner in the evening, the Jubilee was already well and truly a success, and it was wonderful to welcome so many guests into our school.

words by Amy Riach photo credits - Carrie from Event Team Photography band photo - Erin Sayer

Thankyou from the Oxford Schools Jubilee organisers.

It is very satisfying to say the Oxford Schools 150 Years Jubilee has been a wonderful success involving the school and the community, and providing our guests with an experience that won’t be easily forgotten. The many businesses in the community gave us spot prizes, which we used to inspire early registrations as well as having lucky spot seats at the formal dinner.

would especially like to mention the Sheffield Pie shop and Fresh Choice for supporting us with food, Oxford Club, the Rugby Club, Garden Club members, Querky Style, Office Max and the Oxford Observer who were very generous with their time and supplied products free of charge. This kind of community sponsorship allowed us to set very realistic fees for the event.

An added bonus, which we were able to promote, involved the Museum, Oxford Gallery, the Observatory, shopping and church services. Guests didn’t only get time to reminisce with friends, they also got time to explore the town they lived in some years earlier. One man shared in an email that he knew at 16 he would miss the old town.

Coming back to a warm welcome he knows he was right to feel that, and would move back in a heartbeat if that were possible.

Highlights from our guests were about the kids in the whole school Haka, the polite student volunteers who guided them around school or helped the man with the mobility scooter.

The cutting of the cake by Ray and Nessie, unveiling the plaque by Primrose and Amy, the delicious supper food, the entertainment provided, the speaker Geoff with his gunpowder science stories, the dinner food and beautifully decorated GP Hall, and of course, the chance to just sit over a cuppa, chat and browse through the photos of the past.

Thorough preparation, and a very supportive and efficient committee meant the two days went as planned.

Grateful thanks to all who were involved both school staff and students with Mike and the team that worked with Amanda and myself.

It truly was a most enjoyable and happy event for us all. (175th Jubilee will be in 2047!)

Mary Chisnall

Jubilee Coordinator

AC & EA Wakelin Firewood Contractors

Super Liquor Oxford

Queenette Dairy

Oxford Community Aquatic Centre

Oxford Garden Club

Oxford Craft Market

Oxford Community Men's Shed

Village Foods Oxford

Cottage Crafts Oxford

Linda McCartney - PGG Wrightson Real Estate - Darfield

to take this

Mayoral update with

Mayor

am truly honoured and humbled that you

continue

feel we have achieved some fantastic outcomes in the past term, and now is the time to focus on what the next three years will bring.

Government reforms, particularly around the Three Waters is going to be an ongoing issue. We know from the results of a survey sent to our residents last year, that 95% of respondents told us that they are opposed to the Government’s current proposal around Three Waters. In this term, I will continue to push strongly for a better outcome on this issue for all our ratepayers and residents.

Managing development and strong growth in Waimakariri will be another priority.

There is a need to plan ahead and invest in infrastructure and facilities. This includes roading improvements and addressing traffic congestion.

These are issues the Council is concerned about and are priorities in our long term planning.

would also like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by outgoing Oxford-Ohoka Ward Councillor Wendy Doody. Wendy has been a passionate supporter and advocate of the community on Council for many years, and she will be missed around the Council table.

had the honour of being asked to speak at the Oxford Area School and West Eyreton School’s 150 years celebrations in October.

Both schools have made significant contributions to this District over the past 150 years and are at the very centre of their communities. They have so much to be proud of, especially the enormous effort from so many to make the jubilees such a success.

It was wonderful that so many were able to travel from near and far to be part of the celebrations.

pride myself on making myself available at any time to anyone who wants to get in contact or meet with me.

am looking forward to continuing my “Drop In” sessions which hold across the District for anyone who wants the opportunity to share their views. If you have an issue you may want to discuss, or need assistance, email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021906437. I’m here to help.

Dan Gordon

The Oxford Club's Vintage Section hosts Ploughing Match

by Emily Chapman

The Oxford Club Vintage Section recently held their Annual Ploughing Match at Woodbine Farm, Coopers Creek Oxford. The Vintage Section has been operating since 1991.

The Ploughing Match in early October had 23 entries and there were some good successes for Oxford locals.

John & Sharon Chynoweth from Woodbine Farm, won the Vintage News Horses section.

The results for the Vintage Qualifying Section were – 1st Colin Boon, 2nd John Stalker and 3rd Peter Mehrtens.

Peter Mehrtens has been ploughing since 1987, and along with the other winners will be travelling to Milton in April 2023 to compete in Nationals. The number of local ploughmen has declined in recent years.

Peter says “There used to be 21 local ploughmen, now there are only 3.

This is because of the conversion of sheep, beef and arable farms to dairy farms”.

The event was sponsored by North Canterbury Ploughing Association, Oxford Club, Farmlands, Oxford Ag, D Weavers, Hunting & Fishing Rangiora, J&S Chynoweth & First Class Chaff.

Hundreds Flock to Oxford’s Big Day Out

A gorgeous sunny day greeted the hundreds of people who flocked to the Oxford A&P Showgrounds to enjoy the Oxford Lions Big Family Fun Day Out. From babies in strollers to grandparents, the smiles and laughter clearly showed that a fun time was had by all ages.

Event Coordinator Lyndsay Fletcher says the day was everything the Lions could have hoped for. “Seeing family and friends meeting to enjoy activities with their children, share a picnic and just be outdoors and active was brilliant. It helps build a real sense of community and fellowship, which is what Lions is all about.”

By subsidising the event and charging only $5 for a children’s wristband for all activities, the Oxford & District Lions Club aims to make it easy for all families to take part without the costs being extravagant.

There was a wide range of activities and displays on offer, from gumboot throwing, to kapa haka and the Rangiora Pipe Band. The car accident demonstration by fire brigade and ambulance staff was particularly entertaining, with young Leos playing the role of accident victims.

Lyndsay is also grateful to all the local groups who made this day possible “So many people and groups contributed their time and resources to make this day happen for the community. We live in a truly wonderful place.” The success of the day ensures that the Lions will be able to hold the event again in October 2023.

Our sawmill and manufacturing plant has expanded and requires two full-time positions in our sawmilling and timber packaging, manufacturing team.

The position requires :

• Reliability, punctuality and self motivation

• A high level of physical fitness

• The ability to work as part of a team

• Attention to detail and accuracy

Timber industry experience is advantageous but not essential as full training will be provided.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Pre-employment medical and drug testing will be required.

If you believe you possess the right skills and attitude for this position please email your cv and covering letter to admin@ais.co.nz, or contact Amy or Leith on 03 312 3341.

Ashley Industrial Services Ltd 8 Mill Road, Oxford

It has been yet another busy month in Oxford and surrounding areas. The holiday season is fast approaching, which means entertaining, and attending the varied and numerous community events. If you are going to drink, be safe and sensible about it, and nominate a sober driver.

We have already seen far too many accidents where alcohol is involved.

Something that upsets me, and I am sure all of you as well, is the damage that keeps occurring around the township, in Oxford, Cust, and the wider area.

Windows are being broken, graffiti on the buildings and signposts, the list goes on. If you see something or someone doing something they should not be, please tell us. We live in such a beautiful area, and to see all of the damage around the place frustrates us to say the least.

Can we please all together stamp this problem out before it becomes any worse. I know it is a taboo word for this time of year but, yes Christmas is fast approaching, and there is an increase on packages being sent via the mail.

Just a friendly reminder to be vigilant when checking your mail. If you do see anything or anyone out of the ordinary, please let someone know.

On that note, be safe out there, and hopefully the weather will play the game soon and settle down.

Thanks again for reading. Be safe. Feel safe.

We have had another steady month with jobs taking us to Glentunnel, Kaiapoi, and everywhere between.

Our team is working extremely hard trying to keep the ambulance on the road every night between 1800 hours and 0600. With such a small team we are doing up to 36 hours a week.

I want to thank our team for all you do in helping to keep our community have access to medical help between these hours, as well as during the day when we are available to respond.

It was again great to be able to show the public what we can do, at an accident scene, with the demonstration at the Big Day Out. It was nice to see so many people come by to say hello at our recruiting stand. It is also lovely to have people show interest in becoming a volunteer.

Remember to check your rapid number is clear for an emergency vehicle to see. We have a great team of volunteers that could always do with new members. Please call the station on 03 312 3516 leave your name and number, and our recruiting officer will be in touch.

The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require emergency assistance please call 111. Stay well and safe.

September is the quietest month the

have had in a very

One call was to a private smoke alarm activation which was a false alarm, and the other was to a tractor which was totally destroyed by fire. This brings our total calls for the year to sixty one.

THIS MONTH'S MESSAGE IS;

It’s the time of year the birds are nesting. It’s time to check your tractors, other machinery, cars and Utes for bird nests, before start up. Look especially in the engine area if they are stored in open sheds or outside.

It doesn’t take long for the birds to start storing the straw etc on the engines. This can happen even while you are away from the machine having lunch. So to save yourselves a lot of grief keep checking.

Police update with Mitch Alatalo

Fire Rescue update with Trevor Ealam

St John update with Mel Brooker