It is hard to believe that this is the second to last issue of the year, and next month will be our Christmas issue. It seems like we just suddenly started racing towards Christmas.
We are so happy again to be featuring the Supreme Winner of the North Canterbury Wearable Arts on our cover. We love showcasing this event, and this year's was a great success for the team again. You can pop down and see the entries at the Oxford Gallery, so make sure you don't miss out.
The Oxford Community Trust recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, and while I might be biased as I work there, this is such an exciting achievement.
This time of year we are looking towards lots of eventsincluding Oxford & Districts Lions Family Fun Day, and the Oxford Community Trust's Christmas Wonderland. Oxford Promotions are also working on their Late Night Shopping event, which is a great way to get some of that Christmas shopping done and get into the festive spirit in the town. great day for the whole family.
If you would like to promote your event or business for Christmas, please don't hesitate to get in touchinfo@oxfordobserver.co.nz.
Have a great month.
Bruce & Emily.
PUBLISHER
Schnurrbart Design and Publishing Limited
EDITOR
Emily Chapman
ENQUIRIES
info@oxfordobserver.co.nz
0800 627 378 37
www.schnurrbartdesignandpublishing.co.nz
THE NEXT ISSUE - OUT DECEMBER 2024 ADVERTISING DEADLINE | NOVEMBER 20
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Photo by Kelly Pearce
Oxford Community Trust Celebrates 30 Years of Service to the Community
The Oxford Community Trust recently celebrated a remarkable milestone at their Annual General Meeting: 30 years of dedicated service to the community. Formed in 1994 under the umbrella of the then Waimakariri Community Development Trust, the Oxford Community Trust was established by a group of community-minded individuals who wanted to support local families and address the needs that they saw.
In its early days, the Trust operated from a building on Main Street, where the Indian Hut restaurant now is.
It offered access to essential services like counselling, legal advice, and an accountant. Jenny White, one of the founding members of the Trust, recalls, “People said that no one would walk through the door because it was on the Main Street, but this proved to be untrue.”
The Trust moved to a space next to the supermarket—now home to Ray White Real Estate—before finally settling at its current address at 37 Main Street.
A pivotal figure in the Trust’s journey has been Jo Ealam, who joined the organisation just a year after it was established. For nearly three decades, Jo’s commitment has been instrumental in transforming the Trust into the well-respected organisation it is today. Reflecting on her long-standing involvement, she shared, “The last 29 years have been extremely rewarding, seeing the Trust grow and support so many people.”
The Trust became an independent entity in 2000 and has since fostered partnerships with various community organisations to improve services and outcomes for people throughout the district. Oxford Area School Principal Mike Hart says " The Oxford Area School proudly values its partnership with the Oxford Community Trust. By providing essential advocacy, unwavering support, and a platform for exchanging innovative ideas, OCT serves as an invaluable partner, strengthening our community and enhancing the lives of those we collectively serve."
Today, the Trust has a dedicated team of staff who are supported by a network of volunteers who carry out essential roles, such as reception, medical transport, and driver mentoring.
Jenny White says, “I think it is absolutely amazing that the Trust is still operating and serving our community so well. It is something that the community needed then and needs more than ever today.”
As it enters its fourth decade, the Oxford Community Trust remains dedicated to its mission of responding to the needs of the community.
OXFORD PHARMACY
ChRiStMaS CoLoUrInG CoMpEtItIoN!
Come & collect your Christmas ornament to colour and be in to win! Prizes for ages 0-4, 5-10, and 10yrs +
All entries will be displayed at the Christmas grotto, with the winning ornaments taking centre place.
DECEMBER 11TH - 24TH
2PM-8PM WEEKDAYS | 10AM-8PM WEEKENDS
West Eyreton Smallbore Rifle Club Hosts Successful Fundraising Business House Competition
The West Eyreton Smallbore Rifle Club recently organised a three-week fundraising event, the Business House Competition. This event brought together local businesses and community organisations, each aiming to take home the top prize and raise funds for shooting gear for the juniors.
The competition included a range of activities over the three-week period, combining precision and skill in smallbore shooting, pistol shooting, and darts.
A total of seven teams, each consisting of three members, competed:
• Ray White
• Oxford Fire Brigade
• Lifestyle Irrigation
• Cust Fire Brigade
• Goat Carers
• Oxford Area School
• Ealam Builders
Activities Across Three Weeks
Night 1: Smallbore Shooting
The competition kicked off with smallbore shooting on a rest, held at the Pearson Park Rifle Range.
Night 2: Pistol Shooting
The second night took things up a notch with pistol shooting, where competitors stood 10 meters from the target at the Pearson Park Range.
Night 3: Darts and Prize Giving
The final night brought teams together at the Oxford Club for an evening of darts, followed by a light supper and the muchanticipated prize giving.
After an impressive showing from all teams, the Oxford Fire Brigade took home first place. Cust Fire Brigade followed in second, with the Goat Carers finishing in third.
Team Standings
1. Oxford Fire Brigade - 1st Place
2. Cust Fire Brigade - 2nd Place
3. Goat Carers - 3rd Place
Individual Winners
Beyond team rankings, the event also recognised individual achievements across all three nights.
The standout performers were:
1. Craig Johns from Oxford Fire Brigade - 1st Place
2. Megan Lowen from Oxford Area School - 2nd Place
3. Andrew Hattrill from Lifestyle Irrigation - 3rd Place
In total, 24 certificates were awarded to celebrate the individual and team accomplishments across all events.
The Business House Competition was a resounding success, with participants suggesting the event be held annually. For next year, the Club plans to increase team sizes to four members, providing an even greater opportunity for local businesses and organisations to get involved.
All proceeds from the event are earmarked for purchasing additional shooting gear to support junior shooters.
The West Eyreton Smallbore Rifle Club has set its sights on forming a team from Oxford Area School to compete in the National Secondary Schools Indoor Smallbore Shooting Competition, held annually each August.
If your organisation would like to participate in future events and join in on the fun while supporting a good cause, contact Peter Boerlage at 027 452 3263.
Recipe of the month.
with Louize Juniper
CRISPY CHILLI RICE & GREENS SALAD with LEMON TAHINI DRESSING
Crispy Rice
2 cups cooked rice, cooled (I used jasmine rice and the absorption method)
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tbsp chilli crisp oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
Salad
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup edamame, shelled
3 spring onions, thinly sliced
1 bunch fresh mint, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 bunch thin asparagus (in season)
1 cup chopped raw cauliflower
1 cup salted peanuts, finely chopped (or toasted seeds)
¼ cup chopped parsley
Lemon Tahini Dressing
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice (this is 1-2 lemons)
3 tbsp tahini
1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp hot water
ground black pepper
METHOD
• Preheat oven to 200oC.
• Line 2 baking sheets with baking paper.
• Add cooked and cooled rice on to 1 of the baking sheets.
Toss well with the soy sauce, chilli crisp and sesame oil.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, tossing half way through.
• Prep asparagus, toss in olive oil, salt and pepper
• Remove from the oven once the rice is crispy and set aside.
Next, chop/slice all of the ingredients for the salad and add to a large bowl. Last, make the dressing.
Whisk to together all of the ingredients for the dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Pour dressing over the salad. Add the crispy rice last, toss and enjoy!
Maples – Canadian, Norway/Purple, Sugar, Japanese/Bloodgood Pleached Hornbeams, Italian Alder, English Beech, Ginkgo Dogwoods – Cherokee Sunset/Rainbow, Eddies White Wonder Flowering Ash, European Ash, Liquidambar, Emperess Tree Plane Trees, Oaks -English, Red and Scarlett, Linden Limes
END OF LINE NATIVES
AS SPRING BLOOMS, SO DOES YOUR OPPORTUNITY
With the upcoming season showcasing properties at their finest, there’s no better time to be considering selling your property.
Contact Mark or Karen today to secure your complimentary market appraisal and to discuss how they can assist you with your next move.
Client Focussed, Results Driven
Mark Terry 027 572 2559
Karen Hennessy 027 967 0186
SHOPPER’S
from the Presidents Desk with Oxford Club President Kyle Scott
Greetings and welcome to the November edition of From the President’s Desk.
Summer is nearly with us, and at your Club we are preparing for the Festive Season and Christmas period. The Oxford Club can cater for your business or organisations Christmas Function, so please contact the Club office for further information.
Approximately 86% of our members have renewed their membership to date. For those of you who have still not renewed their membership we have a special offer. Renew your Oxford Club membership by the 1st of December, and not only will you keep your membership current, but your membership bonus points will be frozen until the 1st of December. After that date your points will expire, and you will need to go through the application process again to rejoin the Club.
Our ever-popular Christmas ham raffles will be here in the lead up to Christmas, plus Spin to Win with some super prizes. This is in addition to our membership cash draw and Wednesday night Jokers Wild with the chance to wind $500 cash. All the more reason to renew your Club membership before the 1st of December 2024.
The Oxford Club is the only truly rural Club in North Canterbury, and the Club is pursuing a more rural theme in the Main and Sports Bar with some wonderful Wool Press Bar Leaners which are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Wooden furniture will naturally add warmth and help create a rustic country feel and vibe, appealing to our valued members and guests.
A number of Club members have indicated a willingness to donate the cost of a Wooden Wool Press leaner to the Club. Their connection to the Club and donation of a leaner is acknowledged by adding a Wool Press stencil with the family or business name on two sides of the leaner. Please let me or the Club office know if you would like to donate a leaner to the Club, we would love to hear from you.
Please check and read our weekly bumper email which is published on a Thursday for all the latest events and happening at your Club – The Oxford Club. As always if you have any queries or questions relating to the Club, please feel free to contact me.
Looking forward to chatting to you at our Club very soon.
Best regards
Oxford Club President
Kyle Scott
OXFORD COURIERS
Personalised Door-to-Door Delivery Service That Puts Customers First
Oxford Couriers is not your average courier service. This family-run business specialises in a bespoke, door-to-door delivery model that makes things simple, convenient, and personal. No drop-off points or central depots—Oxford Couriers picks up and delivers directly to your door, wherever you are.
With two daily runs to Oxford, the team ensures flexibility and reliability for their customers. Additionally, a chiller van heads out to Oxford twice a week, accommodating clients with special transport needs for perishable goods. Through contracts with brands like Anchor and Bidfresh, the chiller van transports fresh dairy and vegetables, guaranteeing these products reach their destinations in perfect condition.
Oxford Couriers operates in multiple locations, serving routes that span from Lincoln, Southbridge, Ashburton, Christchurch, all the way up to Amberley, and of course Oxford. They even offer nationwide shipping through a partnership with PostHaste.
The company’s schedule runs from Monday to Friday, but the team goes the extra mile by working special occasions like Mother’s Day to ensure all deliveries arrive on time.
Lisa, who worked for Oxford Couriers for years before purchasing the business, embodies the heart and soul of the operation. “I’ve always liked driving, and I love meeting people—especially the people out here,” she says. “The views of the mountains on the way to Oxford are just beautiful.”
Graham shares a similar sentiment, adding, “I like that we’re helping people, saving them the time and money of traveling into the city.” His commitment to customers is echoed in Oxford Couriers’ customer friendly approach: they don’t charge rural or fuel surcharges and handle a wide range of deliveries without extra fees for dangerous goods.
From motor parts and kegs of beer to urgent student packages to boarding schools, Nurse Maude equipment, they handle it all— offering same-day delivery.
Lisa finds that the diverse nature of the job keeps it interesting.
“It’s different every day,” she says.
“The relationships with our clients keep us on the road.” The company prides itself on fostering long-term relationships with clients and tailoring services to meet each customer's specific needs.
This commitment to customer care is Oxford Couriers’ driving force.
When Graham isn’t helping deliver goods across Canterbury, you might find him behind the wheel of his other ride—a Ford Falcon GT FPV, racing at the drag strip. Drag racing is his passion, and as Lisa jokes, “The business is running to fund this hobby.”
As Oxford Couriers continues to grow, their community-driven approach and passion for service show no signs of slowing.
They’re here for Canterbury residents who value quality service, personal connections, and a courier that truly goes the distance—door to door.
Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School
Last month we held our annual North Canterbury Wearable Arts evening - one of the major fundraising events run by our PTA. It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all. One of our students Olivia Smith (Year 10) took out the Year 9-13 Category with her Phoenix entry.
Thanks to the wonderful PTA, volunteers, and sponsors who made this happen. I particularly want to mention Jane Anderson who has successfully run this event for many years.
During the holiday, several of our students experienced success in representing our kura. I would particularly like to highlight the following achievements:
Emma Shore (Year 13)
Emma participated in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Brass Band Course 2024, held in Nelson. Throughout the week, she was awarded Most Improved: Soprano Cornet.
Reuben Keats (Year 12)
Reuben won the pairs division at the South Island Secondary Schools 8-Ball Pool Championships and placed third in the singles division.
Abi Denley (Year 13)
Abi was one of eight talented secondary school students across New Zealand who have been awarded an Agri Futures scholarship to support her tertiary education.
Eden Murphy (Year 5)
Eden represented Oxford Area School and Canterbury at the National Trampoline Championships over the break.
Eden was placed second in the Synchronised Trampolining event in the female 10 years and under division.
Sheep milking trip for Year 11-13 Agriculture
Last month our students had an exciting opportunity to visit a sheep milking farm and cheese processing facility near Darfield. There was plenty of hands-on learning, including meeting newborn lambs and discovering the genetics behind the development of the farm’s stud flock. Students also had the chance to learn how to put on the milking cups and sampled some sheep milk and cheese products straight from the farm.
This trip complements the final work our students are doing for their NCEA standards in Agricultural and Horticultural Science:
Level 1: Understanding the factors that influence the purpose and location of primary production.
Level 2: Exploring how New Zealand’s commercial management practices affect livestock growth and development.
Level 3: Examining how the production process aligns with market requirements for primary products.
This real-world experience deepened the students' appreciation for the science and skills behind New Zealand’s agricultural industry.
Koru Games 2024!
In September 65 students, accompanied by 11 adults, participated in the annual Koru Games.
After months of fundraising and planning the Koru games group headed to Selwyn for 3 days of sporting competition. This year our group participated in badminton, basketball, football, korfball, lawn bowls, netball, table tennis, touch rugby, and volleyball.
We had lots of success this year, placing third in the Girls Table Tennis, 2nd in the Boys Badminton and 1st in the Mix Social Netball. Well done to all the students for your hard work leading up to the Koru Games and during the event itself. It was fantastic to see so many new friendships being formed, discovering a passion for new sports, and consistently demonstrating our school values!A big thank you to our wonderful parent helpers. We couldn't have done it without you, and your support and kindness were greatly appreciated!
Lastly, we are incredibly grateful to our amazing community for your support in our fundraising efforts. Your contributions have been invaluable and truly made a difference.
Mike Hart
Principal
Oxford Area School
North Canterbury Wearable Arts Show
2024
Amazing creativity on the stage at the North Canterbury Wearable Arts Show Designers had a fun evening parading their creative wearable art to a full house on Saturday 12 October.
Guest performers, North Canterbury School of Dance "kicked" off the evening with a stunning and energetic performance of "Fruit Ninjas", followed by the student entries with their Space and Open categories.
So much colour, creativity and work being seen in their creations.
Commencing the second half of the show, the Latin Fire Dance Academy members treated the audience to a freestyle Salsa dance routine.
Following this, the stunning adult entries kept the audience intrigued with their diverse interpretations of "Natural Fibres" and the Open category.
Student Supreme Award went to students from Breens Intermediate School with their "Bedlam Beast" and Sarah Maxwell took out the Adult Supreme Award with her beautifully crafted Manawatu te Taiao - Celebrating the Natural World.
The first placegetters will have their creations displayed in the Oxford Art Gallery from 24 October - 17 November, so go on down and see them up close.
Maths Design
The Year 12 Maths Class at OAS made designs in Desmos (an online Graphing Tool). Students had to choose part of Antoni Gaudi’s Architecture in Barcelona that they liked. They then recreated the picture (to scale) using Desmos and their knowledge of Graphs and Equations.
It took students’ a couple of weeks of class time, with some students using time outside of class too. Some of the designs above have over 150 equations! Most students did a fantastic job with their designs, and were really pleased with the outcomes.
•
North Canterbury Wearable Arts Show Celebrates Talent and Imagination
Words by Beka Hunt - Photos by Kelly Pearce
Last month, North Canterbury was given a taste of the wacky and wonderful in the form of the North Canterbury Wearable Arts show (NCWA). On the 12th, around 50 designs were showcased in the Rangiora Baptist Church Auditorium, 18 of those being in the adult category. The audience of 350 were also treated to two dance performances; North Canterbury School of Dance students presented an opening number, and the Latin Fire Dance Academy took care of intermission.
Jane Anderson, key coordinator, was thrilled as she watched everything go to plan. “It’s just wonderful to watch students, who have never been on a stage before, get up and perform,” she said. “You can watch them build their confidence from rehearsal to perfection on the night - they’re stars in their own right.”
This year, the Supreme Student Award was won by Breens Intermediate School students; Elodie Newsham-West, Chloe Fraher and Bryn Whiteside. Their creation was titled ‘Bedlam Beast', and captured the visage of a leering bedside demon. Three other schools also entered designs and benefitted when the date was pushed to later in the year, coinciding with the end of the school holidays.
The 2024 Supreme Adult Award was received by Sarah Maxwell, with ‘Manawatu te Taiao’ in the Natural Fiber category. A stunning weaved dress, Manawatu te Taiao was designed to celebrate the natural world. Sarah enjoyed the creative process and the opportunity to utilise her skills. She’s currently studying the art of weaving at Wānanga o Aotearoa, and entered the NCWA competition last year, placing second in the Kiwiana category. To her, the hours spent poring over the final design were well worth it. “Creating is so fun, and takes you away from the stress of the world when things are getting quite tough out there,” she said. “It takes me out of the drone of everyday life to another place, another platform.”
Having only competed in a wearable arts competition twice across 25 years, Sarah was incredibly pleased to win - although a little shy. She admits, “it’s taken a while for me to come out of my shell, but it was very inspiring, and motivating too.” Olivia Smith modelled Manawatu te Taiao on the night, stepping up at the last minute. Sarah is incredibly grateful for her help, saying she has real talent to command the stage at only 14 years old.
Now the night is over, Sarah can’t wait for next year. She hopes more people will enter, and that her design will inspire those who need that extra push to get involved. “If you’re a creative person, [wearable arts] ticks all the boxes. It can be hard, but you know the end result is worth it.” Sarah’s Manawatu te Taiao and other winners are being displayed in the Oxford Art Gallery until November the 17th.
Each year, the North Canterbury Wearable Arts show adds to its format to become something greater. For the 2024 season, this change came in the form of a website. Key dates, entry information, design inspiration, photos and tickets have all been collated at www.ncwa.nz. In preparation for the 2025 show, categories and entries will open by the end of this year. While this is a major fundraiser for Oxford Area School, NCWA is also a community event. It is an opportunity for individuals to showcase their wearable art creativity on a professional platform, in an uplifting environment. All are welcome.
The North Canterbury Wearable Arts Committee would like to thank its principal sponsor; McAlpines Mitre 10 Mega Rangiora. It also thanks its category sponsors; Black Beech Wine Bar in Oxford, the West Oxford Hotel, Misco Joinery and all other sponsors who make the event possibleincluding grants from ENC, Waimakariri District Council and Oxford Fresh Choice.
I hope all the families around the electorate enjoyed the school holidays and managed to spend some quality time together before the last term of the school year. It was good to see the kids back in summer uniform and looking forward to athletics, swimming and summer sports as we head into the last leg of the school year. Best wishes as always to teachers and staff across the Waimakariri for the busy term ahead.
I was very impressed by the 79 young people who received their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Gold Award at a ceremony I attended in Christchurch recently. The amount of work that goes into achieving this award cannot be underestimated – these dedicated young people have contributed to more than 12,000 hours of service to their communities. They have honed their fitness levels and developed new skills, as well as a fantastic work ethic which will no doubt set them up for future success.
As both local MP and Minister for Youth, when I meet young people like this I am always excited to think about all the possibilities for positive change for New Zealand’s future. Another example of a determined and hard-working young person is Issie Mullen-Winiata, a student from Kaiapoi High School, who is petitioning Parliament for changes to KiwiSaver requirements for youth. Issie first approached me on a school visit to Parliament to raise the issue that KiwiSaver for young employees was not mandatory, something that had not been brought to my attention before.
I made some enquiries, and realised Issie was right. I think she has a very valid argument and I wholeheartedly support her in campaigning for change. If a young person is responsible enough to have a job then they ought to be afforded the opportunity to start saving for their retirement through KiwiSaver contributions from their employer. If you would like to support Issie in her endeavours to even the playing field for young people and give them the chance to start saving for their retirement you can find the petition on the Parliament petitions website.
Lastly, for families with younger children in early childhood education I am keen to remind you about the Government’s new FamilyBoost initiative, the new childcare payment designed to provide additional financial support to families with young children aged 5 and under who attend licensed early childhood centres.
My offices would be happy to provide assistance with the application process, so if any families are unsure about their eligibility or need help navigating the registration process, please get in touch.
Matt Doocey
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
Authorised by M Doocey,
Mayoral Update with Dan Gordon
It was wonderful to celebrate all of the fantastic volunteers in our community at our recent Waimakariri District Community Service Awards.
We awarded nine Community Service Awards, two Youth Awards, four Environment Awards, a Business Award and a Mayoral Award for exceptional service.
It was fantastic to be able to present an award to Anna White. Anna was acknowledged for her services to the Arts in the district especially for her work at the Oxford Gallery. Anna keeps everything ticking over smoothly at the gallery through her exceptional organisational skills, her passion and her dedication. I’m sure you will all agree her award was well and truly deserved.
It was also an honour to present an award to Doug Nicholl who has been volunteering in our District for more than 20 years. Doug was also the chair of the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board for six years. He has done a tremendous job advocating for his community and it was great to acknowledge his service.
I attended the recent Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony for North Canterbury Hato Hone St John. This year’s event was hosted by The Amuri Area Committee. I was honoured to be asked to speak along with Hurunui Mayor Marie Black. There are hundreds of hours that go into being involved with St John, the trainings, both through courses and on the job, the incredible highs and of course the devastating lows. We are so well served by the excellent care of those on call and the multi vehicle fleet is important to the North Canterbury region, where many of those requiring St John are in rural and often hard to access areas. So, it was wonderful that we had the opportunity to give thanks and acknowledge all that St John does in our community.
I also had the opportunity to catch up with Clarkville School which recently celebrated its150th Jubilee. I want to congratulate Principal Kris Barrow, the teachers, board of trustees, organising committee, pupils, parents and the wider school community on this huge milestone. You are all doing a fantastic job of upholding the proud history of the school.
I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you might want to discuss.
Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021 906 437. I’m here to help.
Dan.
Rangiora
Oxford - Ohoka Community Board update with Thomas Robson
Hi folks
It’s great to see that so many of you have signed the petition in opposition to the Woodstock Quarry landfill proposal. This level of opposition reinforces the position of the Community Board in submitting against the proposal and being an interested party in the Environment Court appeal. The applicant has proposed a time line for preparing and releasing new information on the proposal, and the Community Board will be responding to this by the end of November.
We have no intention of participating in mediation until we have all the new information to consider. If you wish to add your name to the petition they are available in most local businesses. More information about the Environment Court can be found on their website, or you can contact one of your local Community Board members whose contact details can be found on the Council website.
The Community Board also continues to work in opposition to the proposed District Plan Change 31 in Ohoka with input from a storm water expert and a traffic expert in preparation for the resumption of the District Plan Hearings. It was disappointing to see it included in the Government’s fast track consenting process, but hopefully the Ministry for the Environment will take into consideration the Community’s views on this proposal and the significant issues in regards to stormwater, traffic and congestion.
The Ashley Gorge Reserve is looking great, with the new wheelchair assessable track having been installed. This track will be an asset for the whole area with this reserve attracting large numbers of visitors, and the walking tracks being the second most used walking tracks in Canterbury.
Oxford Promotions have been working on an internal review of how it operates and is looking for volunteers to be involved in some of the events that they run during the year, such as the Garage Sale Trail, and the Christmas Carols. If you would like to get involved you can message them on their facebook page or contact them via their website.
This is my final column for the year, so I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support and input to the Community Board, and to wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas.
Pet Blessing Ceremony at St Andrew's Anglican Church, Oxford
Regards
Thomas Robson
Chair Oxford Ohoka Community Board
Waimakariri Community Service Awards
The Community Service Awards in the Waimakariri District have a rich history spanning 32 years. They recognise the invaluable contributions of individuals who selflessly work behind the scenes to help make this District a great place to be.
Every year, dedicated locals contribute an astounding 1.5 million hours of volunteering to the Waimakariri District. These volunteers are the unsung heroes who diligently work to improve the community, often without seeking any recognition for their efforts.
Mayor Dan Gordon and Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson champion these remarkable individuals, as they see the immense impact of voluntary work on the District.
Mayor Dan Gordon says often the recipients are shocked when he contacts them to say they have been nominated.
“It’s just the nature of these exceptional volunteers. “They do what that they do without ever seeking thanks and acknowledgment.
“That is why Deputy Mayor Neville and I enjoy these awards so much. “We personally meet each of the recipients and get the opportunity to thank them and then share their story and achievements with the District. It’s a great privilege.”
The Community Service Awards recipients have collectively volunteered hundreds of hours to the Waimakariri District.
This year truly exceptional service was recognised with a Mayoral Award to Neill Price.
Neil has given many years of service to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Kaiapoi Borough and Waimakariri councils, being the Kaiapoi and Canterbury District RSA President, receiving a QSM for services to the community, and much more
It is also the third year the community's young contributors have been recognised with the Youth Service Award, which was presented to two worthy recipients this year.
This award was introduced by Mayor Dan Gordon in 2022 and is a collaborative effort between the Council and the Youth Council. It is designed to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions made by young people In the Waimakariri District.
Mayor Dan Gordon says it’s wonderful to see the depth of inspiring young people in the Waimakariri District.
“It highlights the importance of encouraging and supporting the next generation of community leaders and volunteers.”
For a second time the awards have included Environmental Award recipients, which come through from the Waimakariri Water Zone Committee. The recipients were:
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS
Bev Shepherd-Wright
Bev has given generously of her time to community over the years especially as a previous District Councillor and with Toot for Tucker.
Jen Cunningham
Jen does an incredible job of advocating for new mums and pre and post maternity care at the Rangiora Health Hub. She also does a great job of coordinating meals on wheels.
Warwick Kirwan
Warwick has been recognised for his incredible service to Hato Hone St John.
Ian Lennie
Ian has given generously of his time to a number of organisations in the Woodend and Pegasus communities.
Doug Nicholl
Doug has been a strong advocate for the community over his many years as chair of the Ohoka Drainage Advisory Group and The Oxford-Ohoka Community Board.
Anna White
Anna has been acknowledged for her services to Art especially the Oxford Art Gallery.
John Woolcott
John has given many years of service to the community as a Master of Ceremonies and promoting the businesses and clubs of Kaiapoi.
Ronel Stephens
Famous for Ronel’s Community Cuppa. Ronel has also been the driving for behind the Pegasus Community Centre and many other community initiatives.
Les Cherry
Les has made a huge contribution to his community he’s been president and secretary of the Eyreton Hall Committee over many years, and a very talented piper in the McAlpines North Canterbury Pipe Band. He continues to play the bag pipes at many community events.
YOUTH AWARDS - Jackson Lewis and Ryan Beardsmore.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS
Youth Environment Award / Ruby Gill-Clifford West Eyreton School
Group Environment Award Ashley- Rakahuri River Care Group
Individual Environment Award Judith Roper Lindsay Individual Environment Award Miles and Gillian Giller
BUSINESS AWARD
Robin and Vicki Brown for their 30 years as owner/operators of Rangiora New World.
Emergency Services update
Oxford Police with
Mitch Alatalo
It has been yet another busy month in the Oxford and surrounding areas. I hate to say it, but the holiday season is fast approaching which means plenty of entertaining. If you are drinking, be safe and sensible about it, and nominate a sober driver.
I must say I enjoy the holiday season with small communities coming together and enjoying each other's company. This is a great time of the year to get to know your neighbours, if you haven’t already. I know there will be a lot of people going away on holiday, so let your family, friends and neighbours know so they can keep an eye out on your property while you are away. Which brings me to my next subject, yes Christmas is fast approaching and there is an increase in packages being sent via the mail. I am already hearing of an increase in mail thefts in and around the area so please be aware of any packages that are being sent to you, and be vigilant when checking your mail. If you do see anything or anyone out of the ordinary, please let someone know. Finally, the roads always seem to be busy so take care out there, it's not a race. Leave your phone in your bag or somewhere you can't use it, and please stop at the stop sign. It is not just your life you could be saving, but your mates or your family.
Thanks again for reading. Be safe. Feel safe.
Oxford St John with
Mel Brooker
Wow - where has the year gone? It is less than two months until Christmas.
The ambulance has been reasonably busy with over two hundred jobs completed thus far for 2024. With summer on our doorstep, this is the time of the year when we attend barbecues and other functions, and this a time of the year when people are more likely to choke on their food. Often they are embarrassed and move away from others, and go behind a building or another room away from support and help. The Waimakariri Area Committee are on the lookout for a new treasurer. If you, or someone you know are a retired accountant or even a current accountant, and would like to volunteer your time for an amazing organisation giving back to your community, please don’t be shy. Get in touch with me via the Oxford Station. It’s a busy time of the year with the Giant Plant Sale happening on 17th November, the same day as the Lion's Big day Out, where there will be a joint demonstration run by your local Fire and St John. The Lion's Santa parade is on 15th December. We will be concentrating on another volunteer drive at the beginning of next year, so if you would like to give back to your community in an extremely positive way, please be in touch via the number below.
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.
Oxford Fire Rescue
with Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ealam
September was another busy month for the Brigade with thirteen calls.
Seven calls were to vegetation fires. Six of the calls we attended were either slash or rubbish fires that had been set alight during a prohibited fire season, the other was a smouldering mulch pile.
There were two commercial fire alarm activations, one maliciously activated and the other a faulty alarm.
Two motor vehicle crashes where one person fell off a motor bike and received multiple injuries and the other was a utility vehicle versus power pole and the sole occupant of the vehicle unfortunately died at the scene. One motor vehicle fire and one call to investigate smoke in an area which we were unable to locate.
This brings our total calls for the year to eighty one.
The Brigade have recently bought a new Mitsubishi Ute as a Operations Support Vehicle and are looking for donations to finish the fit out. If anyone is interested in donating or learn how you can assist please email, curt.ward@fireandemergency.nz or call 0277023711.
This months message is;
If you are planning to have a rubbish or slash burn first go to the the FENZ Web Sight: Checkitsalright.nz this will tell you you if you can burn in the area you are in or need a permit, or alternatively ring the FENZ Communication Centre on 03 341 0266. Also it is good to let neighbouring property owners know of your intention to burn and check the projected weather forecast.
It’s time for the birds to nest, so keep checking under the bonnets of all vehicles especially those that are stored in open sheds or outside.
5th
New Line dance course starting in Oxford, 4th November.
Normally $10 a night, this course is for 6 weeks, $50 upfront, starting Monday November 4th at 5.30 pm. Dancing to a variety of music-not just country. Suitable for any age, both men & women Exercise, socialising, and travel all in one package.
To book your spot, contact Instructor, Jenny Brookes Cell; 0274 452 285 or email; Jennybrookes76@gmail.com
Club Monday’s 6 - 8:30pm. New beginners class starts at 5.30pm. First timers please contact first. Instructor: Jenny Brookes 0274 452 285 jennybrookes76@gmail.com Line Dancing at Oxford
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