the Obser ver
fromthe Publishers
Welcome to the September issue of the Observer.
While we are now officially in Spring, this issue has a decidedly winter focus. The recent snow was certainly enjoyed by many, although there would have been some new lambs shivering in the cold. We put a call out for snow photos around the district, and were inundated, much like we were with snow.
Thank you so much to everybody who sent their photos in, we had hundreds to sort through. We would have liked to put them all in, as there were so many beautiful scenes but of course couldn't use them all.
It was really lovely to get the responses as we had readers saying where they live when they sent in their photos.
Sometimes people don't realise how far the Observer goes, we cover a large portion of the district, and have readers all over, which is great for our advertisers.
Thank you for reading again, and engaging with us this month. We appreciate all of you..
See you in October!
Bruce & Emily.
PUBLISHER
Schnurrbart Design and Publishing Limited
EDITOR
Emily Chapman
ENQUIRIES
info@oxfordobserver.co.nz
0800 627 378 37
www.schnurrbartdesignandpublishing.co.nz
All efforts are made to verify the correctness of information contained within this publication.
However Schnurrbart Design and Publishing accept no liability for the correctness or accuracy of any information contained within these pages.
Any views, information or opinions expressed within this publication are not necessarily the opinions or views of Schnurrbart Design and Publishing or any of its providers.
Cover Photo Snow Day by The Finlaysons
-Flowering cherries - Golden Elm - Oaks - Eucalyptus -Maples – Japanese - Canadian - Norway - Empress Tree -Dogwoods – Cherokee varieties and Eddies White Wonder -Flowering and European Ash - Weeping Elm -Crabapples -Magnolias - Alders - Hornbeam -Conifers - Twiggy Shrubs Native clear-out – mixed grades available FRUIT TREES
Apple - Pear - Peach - Cherry - Quince - Prune - Plum
+ Citrus, Blueberries and Feijoas
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Please wear sturdy shoes Sorry no eftpos available. info@thegorgenursery.co.nz 479 Ashley Gorge Road,
The Networkers Oxford: SupportforLocalBusinesses
In challenging economic times, having a support system for business owners can make all the difference. For local business owners in Oxford, that support system comes in the form of The Networkers Oxford Group. This group meets every Monday morning at 9:30 am to chat over coffee, network, and offer each other advice and a sounding board.
The Networkers is a diverse collective of professionals from various industries, including mortgage advisers, real estate agents, insurance brokers, upholsterers, and charitable trusts. Each week, they gather to discuss successes, challenges, opportunities, referrals, and upcoming events. The meetings are structured so that members take turns presenting, allowing each group member to showcase their business for others to learn more about them.
Unanimously, members of The Networkers say the most important part to them is the personal connection they develop over time. While the group’s primary focus is on business, there is personal support as well. Facilitator Lorinda Harrington, who has been attending and leading groups approximately eight years, says “I love belonging to the group because I work on my own.
One of the things I enjoy most is the friendships you build with whoever is attending the meetings. People have the support of everyone in the group. I also have good confidence to refer others in the group, as I know they will do a really good job.” Emma Gillard, another member, shares a similar sentiment. “Lorinda approached me, and I found it was a way to meet other people and contacts. I have really enjoyed meeting everyone, people I wouldn’t have met before.”
For Kym Scown, The Networkers has been invaluable in extending her business’s reach. “Members become your eyes and ears out there,” says Scown. “Every six months, all of the groups get together. Really good connections are made there. It is about people and connections, sharing the highs and the lows.”
Jo Ealam, from Oxford Community Trust, appreciates the positivity and diversity the group brings. “It is nice to belong to such a positive group and meet with different people outside of the industry we are in,” she says.
For some, like Gina, the group provides much-needed human interaction, especially when working solo. “Working on my own, sometimes I only see my animals,” Gina says. Beyond the weekly meetings, The Networkers also have a philanthropic side, raising funds for various charities. Karla, who works for a local trust says“I get to share what the Trust I work for does in the community, and great connections have come from that.”
2 week free no obligation Visitors Trial
All local business owners welcome for a weekly coffee and catch up
Mark Scown, who has been with The Networkers for years, has seen firsthand the benefits of being part of such a community. “I made it a priority to invest in belonging to the groups. In fact, my wife Kym and I believe in the groups so much, we recently purchased the franchise for North Canterbury.
It has been huge for my business—I now know 100 people through the groups that we can link up with. We have become connectors, which is heartening.”
Another member of the group Jan says, “I wouldn’t have the jobs I have without this group. Support from the group has been important for me.”
The Networkers Oxford Group meets at 9:30 a.m. to accommodate members who need to drop off their children at school beforehand. The group welcomes a wide range of individuals, from seasoned business owners to newcomers looking to establish themselves.
For all involved, The Networkers offers more than just a chance to network—it provides a community where people can connect, share, and grow together.
Oxford -
Ohoka
Community Board update with Thomas Robson
Hi folks
It’s great to be heading into spring and the longer days are very welcome.
The Community Board has been busy with continued submissions on the District Plan, mainly in objection to plan change 31 in Ohoka. We have also spent a lot of time preparing our plan to oppose the Woodstock Quarry Land Fill Environment Court appeal.
It is clear that there is still a lot of opposition to the Landfill proposal as we had a good turn out to our information evening on July 29 and have since had plenty of correspondence from concerned community members.
If you were unable to attend our information evening, you can still register your opposition to the landfill by adding your name and details to the Community Boards register of opposition which will be presented to the Environment Court as part of our submission. Please email us your name, email address and physical address to – thomas.robson@ wmk.govt.nz For those that have entered their details we will be sending updates and any relevant information we receive.
The Ashley Gorge Advisory Group has started work on its wheel chair accessible track, with the goal that it will be finished in time for the busy summer season at the Gorge. The rest of the Reserve is looking really good, thanks to the hard work of the advisory group and volunteers.
The Oxford Community Trust are still working on a BMX track, and are planning to build a basic design track that can cater for most ages and skill levels. A concept plan is currently being prepared and they hope to engage locals to help with the construction and the supply of materials. If you would like to donate time, money or materials please contact the Trust – 03 312 3006 or our website contact form.
The Oxford Garage Sale trail was a success yet again, with good weather and a big turn out – thanks to Oxford Promotions for organising this event that brings so many people to our district.
Please remember to like our Facebook page to stay up to date with what the Community Board is doing.
Regards
North Canterbury Wearable Arts Show: A Night of Creativity and Entertainment
The North Canterbury Wearable Arts Committee is excitedly working towards the upcoming North Canterbury Wearable Arts Show, a fun filled night of extravaganza and creativity.
Saturday, 12 October the Rangiora Baptist Church Auditorium will be transformed into a vibrant showcase of design, colour, and innovation.
This year, the show is set to be bigger and better than ever, with an anticipated increase in entries. Audiences can look forward to an eclectic array of wearable art pieces, each a testament to the imagination and craftsmanship of their creators. From the quirky to the breathtakingly beautiful, the show promises to deliver a visual feast that will leave everyone in awe.
The show will also feature performances from local dance and theatre groups, adding to the entertainment of the event.
Whether you’re a lover of the arts or just looking for a unique night out, there’s something for everyone at the North Canterbury Wearable Arts Show.
Light snack food will be available, along with a selection of wine, beer, and soft drinks.
The committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to their major sponsors, whose generous support has made this event possible: McAlpines Mitre 10 Mega, ENC, Waimakariri District Council, Fresh Choice Oxford, Misco Joinery, the West Oxford Hotel, and Black Beech Wine Bar.
We are also grateful to those contributing to our prize pool, including Pak'nSave Rangiora, South Eyre Sunflowers, Orana Park, Willowbank, Flips & Tumbles, Adrenaline Forest, and Clip’n Climb. For those interested in attending, tickets are now on sale through www.humanitix.co.nz.
Don’t miss out on what promises to be a fantastic evening of wearable art and entertainment.
For any enquiries, please email northcanterburywearablearts@gmail.com.
Thomas Robson
Chair Oxford Ohoka Community Board
Rangiora Pottery Group to host Exhibition at Art on the Quay Kaiapoi
The Rangiora Pottery Group is excited to announce its upcoming exhibition at Kaiapoi Art on the Quay, opening on Thursday, 19th September.
The exhibition showcases the Club’s talented potters work and the wide range of pottery styles and techniques practiced within the group.
The group, founded in 1968, has grown significantly over the years, with a diverse membership hailing from various parts of Waimakariri, including Oxford, Kaiapoi, Amberley, and Rangiora. The members range in both age and experience, but are mostly amateur potters. The works on display will reflect this diversity, featuring everything from practical ware like cups and bowls, to more sculptural and decorative pieces.
In addition to the main exhibition, in which the members can enter anything, the group will also present a mini-exhibition with the theme "From the Mountains to the Sea." This year, the club is honoured to welcome Kate Fitzharris, a potter based near Dunedin, as the guest exhibitor. Kate will not only select the pieces for the exhibition but will also deliver a talk on her work at the Loburn Rugby Clubrooms on Sunday, 15th September at 10:30 AM. This talk is open to the public, with an entry fee of $10.
The Rangiora Pottery Group is currently fundraising to expand its clubrooms at the Loburn Domain. The group has outgrown its current space due to an increase in membership, and the planned expansion will include essential upgrades such as a toilet and disabled access, making the facility more accessible.
To coincide with the exhibition, they are also holding a raffle, with tickets priced at $5 each. The raffle features 20 prizes, with the first prize being a load of firewood. The winners will be drawn on the exhibition’s opening night.
The Rangiora Pottery Group offers a welcoming and friendly environment for those interested in pottery. Classes are available at the clubrooms on Wednesday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings. These classes cater to both beginners and those with some experience, as the club requires new members to have some prior knowledge before joining.
In addition to regular classes, the club holds two weekly sessions: one on Tuesday from 10 AM to 3 PM, which includes a shared lunch, and another on Thursday evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM. The club also organises special workshops and events, such as raku, salt, and pit firing days.
The exhibition at Kaiapoi Art on the Quay will run from 19th September to 23rd October and will be open anytime the Kaiapoi Library is open. All exhibited items will be available for purchase through the Art on the Quay gallery. For more information or to purchase raffle tickets, you can contact the group at rangiorapotterypgroup@gmail.com or visit the Rangiora Pottery Group Facebook page.
Recipe of the month.
with Louize Juniper
ROASTED CHILLI CAULIFLOWER PASTA
I roasted up a whole cauliflower, and as there was too much for pasta for 4, it’s a useful ingredient to have in fridge to add to another dish. I also made a “Chilli Crisp” condiment which is a must to have in your fridge. The recipe for this is below too.
INGREDIENTS
1 cauliflower cut into florets
2 red onions
Olive oil
2 tsp crushed garlic
½ tsp chilli flakes (more if you want more heat)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 Tbs dried sage
Salt & ground pepper
150mls white wine
500ml cream
500g cooked pasta (I used Rigatoni, but you could use Penne or Fusilli)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish METHOD
• Pre heat oven at 200oC, and line a baking tray with baking paper.
• Cut cauliflower into large florets (if too small the cauli goes soggy) and put in large bowl.
• Mix garlic, chilli flakes, sage, smoked paprika, salt & pepper.
• Mix together with 1/4 cup olive oil, pour over the cauliflower and toss well.
• Place on lined baking sheet, leaving as much chilli oil back on bowl, place in oven and roast for 10 mins.
• Cut onions into wedges, toss in the same bowl as the cauliflower and if needed add another splash of olive oil.
• Roast on another baking paper lined baking sheet for 15-20 mins. The onion should look slightly charred.
• Have pasta cooked and put to one side.
• Pull apart the cauliflower florets into to fork size pieces
• Take a heavy based large frying pan or shallow saucepan, splash of olive oil and heat. Add the cauliflower, roasted red onion and bring to a sizzling heat. Pour over white wine and reduce by half, pour over cream and bring to a simmer.
• Add cooked pasta, and stir well so all pasta is coated
• Sprinkle over grated parmesan and chopped parsley, stir well and serve.
• Serve with extra Chilli Crisp on the side, recipe below.
CHILLI CRISP
1 Cup vegetable oil
1 star anise
1 cardamon pod
½ stick cinnamon
1 tbs coriander seeds
2 tsp black pepper corns
1 peel of orange zest
1 inch fresh ginger sliced
Place all the above ingredients in a saucepan with the oil. Bring oil to a heat, remove from heat and leave too steep for about an hour. Strain, retaining the oil, re heat.
In a heat proof bowl add the following:-
2 tbs sliced dried garlic, 2 tbs crispy dried shallots, 1 cup chilli flakes, 1 tbs sesame seeds, 1 tsp salt, fried shallots and garlic.
Pour over hot oil. Once cooled add 1tsp soy sauce and 1 Tbs black vinegar
Once cool, blitz in a nutra bullet or blender and pour into a jar and refrigerate.
What's on at the Oxford Club
We have had a very busy time at the Club in the last few weeks and I would like to say a big thank you to all members who have supported our 'cash draw'.
As you will understand it is nights like this that are essential for the ongoing success of our Club. We have another draw up and running, so see you on a Saturday night. It is also a reminder to members to swipe their membership card for all purchases at the Club, including the takeaway area, to receive your bonus points.
We have a lot of events planned in the coming months so do keep a look out for the Club advertisement in the Observer, and if you are a member be sure the office have your email address so you can receive the very informative 'What's on at the Club' that is sent out weekly.
Our Sections, both sport and leisure, are busy as usual and would always love to welcome new members.
Also well used are our children's corner and our Library.
If you are new to the area pop in. We are at 160 High Street and our staff are sure to give you a warm welcome and are happy to show you our facilities.
MADE YOUR OWN WILL.
Used a will kit? or Online will service?
Yes, it’s probably legally valid... Check your (signed) will now— before it’s too late.
You upload a copy, pay just $39 online, and we email to tell you whether it’s signed, witnessed, and worded the way the law requires.
Cheryl Simes Kiwilaw lawyer/director
021 701 838
https://kiwilaw.co.nz/wills
It’s that time of year again!
Hayfever is a term used to describe an allergy, which may be either seasonal, such as in spring when there is plenty of pollen or new plant growth which causes the allergy; or perennial, when you are allergic to dust, pet hair or other irritant substances. The severity and type of hayfever varies from person to person, but can make you miserable if not treated and the symptoms prevented.
When you have an allergy the body releases a substance called histamine, which is why the most common medicines used to treat allergies are called antihistamines. These block the effect of histamine and will prevent any more histamine release, which should prevent the allergy getting worse.
Other treatments often involve a nasal drop or spray. These include steroid based sprays, antihistamine sprays, saline rinses or sprays and decongestant drops or sprays. Eye drops are also available to help with itchy watery eyes.
A cough may occur from persistent nasal secretions running down and irritating the back of the throat. This is called post-nasal drip, and may also be helped by antihistamines, and should not be treated with medicines to stop coughing.
Talk to your community pharmacist about the right medicine to treat your hayfever, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as not all medications are recommended.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Would you be interested in volunteering as a medical driver to take people to their medical appointments in Christchurch or Rangiora? We have vehicles available for our volunteers to drive. If you would be interested in this, please get in touch with us on 312 3006.
OXBOX YOUTH
7th September - Op Shop Hopping 11-5pm $5 transport + shopping and food money.
21st September - Iceskating $25.00 transport and iceskating. To book contact Nicky on 022 171 8637 27th September - Carnival Night. Games Food and prizes at the Scout Den 5.30 - 8pm. $5.00
Events are for school years 7-13.
Thank you!
Thank you to the team at the Oxford Budget Boutique. Not only do they sell extremely reasonable clothing and goods to the community, but all profits raised go directly back to support members of the community. Recently they have assisted with school uniforms, and other urgent needs. When you support the Budget Boutique, this in turn helps the community and it is really appreciated.
Thank you to our fab 4 funders
• Rata Foundation • COGS • Lottery Foundation • Waimakariri District Council
Responsive to the physical, social, emotional,and financial needs of individuals, families and groups of people within the community of Oxford and Districts.
- 12.30pm
Oxford Area School Students win second prize at Young Enterprise Regional Awards
Hi there, our names are Alyssa and Lakin East and we are creating the Lions Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme Business, Smile Bears.
Together we are creating cuddly teddy bears with medical accessories mirroring common medical conditions in New Zealand. Our vision for Smile Bears is to provide emotional security and comfort for children through our bears, as well as driving positive change. We hope to bring out children’s creativity and imagination to role-play with a toy with the same condition as them. By designing bears that reflect medical conditions we aim to help children feel seen, understood, and empowered with confidence.
As a socially responsible business, we are dedicated to promoting normalization and build awareness of medical conditions like Type 1 Diabetes. To support this mission we will be donating 10% of our profit this year to Diabetes Youth Canterbury, which is an organization that arranges events for youth with type 1 diabetes, allowing people with the same condition to form friendships, and feel a sense of belonging.
Our business idea came about after April last year when our younger brother, Ashwyn, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. We took notice of the fact that there wasn't a single toy in New Zealand stores with an insulin pump or glucose sensor like Ashwyn has. Fast forward to today, we have made a range with 2 bears, the Bear with Diabetes and the Hearing Loss Bear, which we are currently perfecting, ready for our product release later on this term.
Recently we both were tasked with pitching our product and business to YES judges. From this we placed second in our region.
IS YOUR ORGANISATION ON TRACK?
Communicate your community organisation’s purpose well! This workshop will cover knowing your audience, content creation, what makes a successful news article and more!
Marketing 101 Workshop Friday 20 September, 9.30am – 3pm Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre
To register, visit bit.ly/HumanitixCommunityTeam or contact Aimee Claassens 03 311 8963 $20 per society (two participants) | Registration essential
Additionally, we recently attended Summit 24, a Youth Business Conference to extend our knowledge and establish valuable contacts.
So keep an eye out for the upcoming release of our products. Find us on Tiktok at https://www.tiktok.com/@smile.bears6 or jump on our website at https://smilebears.company.site/
Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School
Last month we were lucky enough to host our annual Future Farmers contest. In its 10th year we continue to see an excellent partnership with industry experts working alongside our 'future' farmers. This year's competition saw Charlie Price take out the senior competition and Will Glassford take out the junior prize (new addition to the event). Events like this need volunteers and the generosity of our community and we can't thank them enough. Huge thanks to Jodi Glassford and Joseph Burston (and team) for hosting the event and congratulations to all the competitors. Last month, we also were treated to a concert with "The Referrals," our amazing staff/student band, performing during Friday's break. It's always heartwarming to see our teachers and staff sharing their passion for music with our students. The concert was so entertaining and brought so much joy to everyone. It's wonderful to see such talent and camaraderie among our school community. Looking forward to more fantastic performances in the future! The band features: Jesse Moore on drums; Philippe McMurdo on lead guitar and vocals; Richard Hines on acoustic guitar and vocals; Rich Halliwell on bass and vocals; Gabriel Austin - Year 12 on keyboard; Emma Shore - Year 13 on Cornet, Sax and Bass; Rachel Tyson on vocals; Mike Tungal on vocals; Katie Readings - Year 13 on vocals and Tyler Blomfield - Year 13 on sound. They shared covers from a variety of artists: Foo Fighters, Cold Play, Crowded House, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Green Day, Bo Diddley, Wild Cherry, Paul Weller and Bob Dylan.
Mike Hart
Tumuaki ~ Principal Oxford Area School Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua
Future Farmers Contest 2024
In August we held our 10th Annual Future Farmers Contest.
The sun was shining and it was perfect conditions for our 15 students to spend the day competing in various Agricultural modules. Over the day the students rotated around the modules displaying their agricultural knowledge and practical skills.
This year the Junior Future Farmer (Years 9-10) was introduced and was able to run alongside the Senior (Years 11-13). The modules were: budgeting, seed and weed, water moisture testing, tractor skills, first aid, job interview, calf rearing, dairy shed maintenance, fencing, riparian planting and farming quiz.
Our seniors then bravely took the stage at the Town Hall to present a speech and answer various rounds of questions to showcase their farming knowledge.
Prizes were awarded to:
Senior Future Farmer
1st - Charlie Price, 2nd - Abi Denley
3rd - Abby Taylor.
Best Effort went to Sam Mercer.
Junior Future Farmer
1st - Will Glassford
2nd - Gus Johnstone
3rd - Taylor Roberts
Best Effort went to Paige Wakelin Noble.
This day would not be able to go ahead without the continued support and sponsorship of Farmlands and Oxford Ag.
Special mention and a huge thank you to our Module supervisors: Ben (WIL), Tyler (Westpac), Hamish (Hyrdo Agri Services) Phil and Steve (Oxford Ag), Nigel (Farmlands), Mike (St Johns), Darryn, Annette, Michelle and Geoff.
A huge congratulations to all who competed in the day.
Snowskills Camp
On the 7-9th of August some of our outdoor Ed-ers headed to Broken River to learn some valuable snow skills.
Broken River is not for the faint-hearted skiers, there are plenty of steps leading up to the ski field (known has the stairway to heaven). We took to sideling the ski field to learn how to walk in snow, how to read the terrain and follow each other to make walking in snow in steep terrain slightly less strenuous.
On the second day we made snow caves to house one while it snowed all day! This was a lot of shovelling snow, digging out a cave and smoothing it off. Snow caves need to have a smooth arched roof on the inside to reduce getting water drops on you while sleeping. We had to make sure our caves were compacted well too, to ensure they did not collapse.
On the last day we walked up Temple Basin to do some self-rescue techniques with ice axes and some search and rescue techniques with our avalanche transceivers.
Here are some students reflections on the trip: "Up on alpine camp there were lots of long walks to start the day but views and snowfall made it all worth it. It was enjoyable to learn random alpine skills that could possibly help save others or myself in the future. We explored Broken River and Temple Basin. I honestly look back and realize I quite enjoyed this camp and it was a really fun experience. Thank you to teachers, instructors and parents who allowed us to go on this trip" - Abi Rei "2 weeks ago my ABM class went on a snow-caving camp at Broken River. On the first day, we went up Broken River and learnt some skills on how to walk through deeper snow on the side of a mountain and how to walk up and down the mountain in the snow without slipping. On the second day, we went back up to Broken River to learn how to build a snow cave from a mound of snow with only a shovel. For making the snow cave shelter we were in groups of 4. On the third day we went for a walk up Temple Basin to do some ice walking but the snow wasn't good enough to do it so we learnt some skills so that if we accidentally slip and start sliding down the mountain we can try to stop the slide". - Sam Mercer
Strum, Strike and Blow Music Festival
This is a fantastic music event for Canterbury, with over 1200 students participating on the recorder, ukulele or glockenspiel/marimba. This year we took 11 students to the festival. We had been preparing for over a term learning chords and tunes on the ukuleles. Some students hadn't played the ukulele before so a lot of fun learning took place. It was great evening playing with so many other students in the Wolfbrook Arena.
International Update
We are excited to share that Oxford Area School has been hosting students from Japan and Germany. The students have enjoyed the more relaxed school environment, the beautiful scenery around Oxford, the huge night sky and the opportunity to meet New Zealanders and stay in our homes.
Are you interested in hosting a student in 2025? Would you like to learn more? Please contact Mary our International Homestay Coordinator homestay@oxford.school.nz
www.facebook.com/oxfordarea
Learning Partnerships in Years 7 & 8
During this first half of the year we have had many community guests share their experiences and knowledge with us in Years 7 and 8. Through our brain inquiry, we invited our local doctor Richard, to share his thoughts around concussion and brain injury. Our local RTLB Silvia and our school Learning Support Co-ordinator spoke about emotional regulation, autism and also about busting myths around different aspects on neurodiversity.
Lesley Ottey got us excited about recycling and caring for our environment.
Lastly, Justin Thompson has shared his knowledge of the History of the Olympics.
We enjoy our time building partnerships with our buddy classes too.
We are always on the look out for people in our community who may be able to share their expertise with us as we grow together. Please let us know if you can help.
http://www.oxford.school.nz/
Oxford Football Club celebrates successful season
by Beka Hunt
It’s been a landmark year for Oxford Football Club (OFC) who celebrated their 20th Anniversary. The season is now drawing to a close, and the club has plenty of reasons to be proud; for the first time, an Oxford team was able to compete in Mainland Football's Division One league Competition. Oxford players also welcomed new goal posts in Pearson Park, thanks to the Aotearoa Gaming Trust.
With the rocky 2023 season behind them, the club was excited to enter 12 junior teams. President, Keith Gilby, says the younger players developed well through the season, as winning wasn’t made into their focal point. “Our main focus is about encouraging kids to develop the confidence to take part and have fun.
As a rural club, we’re more focused on participation, and getting kids out there playing the sport.” With this attitude in place, over 120 children were able to play for free. Next, the club hopes to develop a local sport opportunity for families who find cost, time and travel to be significant barriers.
This was also the first season that the club had enough players to form two senior teams. At Mainland Football's request, ‘Oxford FC’ skipped Division 2 in favour of Division 1. Player Coach, Jeroen Dunnink, says the teams’ expectations were modest after the move, so they aimed for a top five finish. “It was about halfway through the season that we realised we might have a shot,” Jeroen said, “because we were unbeaten at that stage”.
Oxford FC eventually finished with fourteen wins, one loss and three draws, making them Division 1 Champions in their first season at the level- their fifth title in three years.
Jeroen credits the success to a diverse team, where multiple nationalities united over a common thread. He says the players brought a wealth of knowledge and experience, and were able to combine those skills on the pitch. This year was Jeroen's first coaching gig, proudly leading the team in the Chatham, English and Whero Charity Cup competitions. Again, Oxford FC caused major upsets, beating a Southern League team (among others) on the way to two Cup Quarter Final stage matches.
The OFC Reserve team also played well for their debut season. With a mix of social and more competitive players, they settled well into Division 7 and retained a mid-table finish in each of the competition phases. They also competed in the Koru Care Kakariki Charity Cup, gaining third place with a 2 goal win over Prebbleton. Oxford Football Club now has the opportunity to join the New World Championship Division, a gateway to Mainland Football’s top tier Premiership and Southern League competitions.
Keith hopes that the culture, success and growing reputation of Oxford FC will continue to attract new players, ultimately creating the opportunity for more senior teams.
“We would love to enter two high division competitive teams and a social team into Mainland Football’s 2025 season” he said.
Until then, football fans can relax before the inaugural summer five aside competition begins at Pearson Park.
The Malvern Farmers Vet Club Charitable Trust (MFVCCT) would like to invite individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for grants from our organisation.
The MFVCCT purpose is to advance the welfare of our rural community and the individuals connected to the community.
This involves distributing grants that meet the following criteria:
• The strengthening of charitable community and voluntary organisations involved in the relief of poverty.
• The advancement of education.
• The provision of financial support for specific community projects that advance charitable purposes.
• The strengthening of charitable community and voluntary organisations.
• The provision of financial and other support in anticipation of or in response to emergencies or adverse events.
• The enhancement and retention of essential services that advance charitable purposes.
To apply for grants or for more information on the application process please visit: mfvc.org.nz.
For any enquiries please email mfvcinfo@gmail.com.
All applications to be received by the 30th September 2024.
Hello there,
Welcome to the September edition of From the President’s Desk.
As I write this article the last of the snowfall from two days ago is starting to melt, with a cheerful bright sunny clear day outside the temperatures are still cold and another bracing frost is forecast.
To help you beat our winter chills we have recommissioned our Canterbury made log fire which has not been operational for some time. Members have been asking about the log fire for a while and we have listened. It’s all part of helping to create a warmer more inviting atmosphere and environment for you our members and guests, at the Oxford Club.
The Oxford Club Executive Committee, Management and staff have appreciated the outstanding support from our members for the current membership draw. Thank you one and all and in response to your support we will commence a new Saturday Membership draw immediately after the current draw terminates.
Don’t forget to renew your Club Membership which is due by the 31st of August 2024. The new cards featuring a stunning Oxford Sunset scene will be available to uplift from the bar at the end of August. If you would like your card posted we are happy to help, however there is a $5.00 administration fee.
That’s all for now, thanks again for your support and looking forward to seeing you at our Club, the Oxford Club very soon.
Best regards
Kyle Scott
Oxford Club President
September events at Black Beech Wine and Pizza Bar.
14th September - Karaoke. Book your table. 18th September - Wine Tasting, Step into Spring 6.30pm - limited seats available, buy your tickets now.
Courtesy Coach is operating within 10km radius of Oxford Township. Please call to book.
Client Focussed, Results Driven w
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.
Mark Terry 027 572 2559
Karen Hennessy 027 967 0186
It was very exciting, after hearing forecasts of snow to low levels, to see it actually eventuate across the Waimakariri recently. I am sure there were plenty of happy kids like mine out there playing all afternoon and it was lovely to see all the stunning photos posted online from around Oxford – it looked like a picture postcard!
It was a privilege as Minister for Tourism and Hospitality to announce the Regional Events Promotion Fund, which is part of the Government’s 100-point economic plan.
As MP for Waimakariri the announcement was particularly exciting, with four local events around the electorate set to receive a funding boost. This will attract more visitors to the region, in particular domestic tourists from around the country.
Local events benefitting from this funding are the Muddy Good Run in Mandeville, the OxMan triathlon at Eyrewell, the Canterbury Half Marathon in Pegasus, and the Bridge to Bridge mountain bike event between the Waimakariri Gorge bridge and the State Highway One bridge.
I know many of you have participated in one or more of these events. They already attract good local and domestic visitor numbers and have proven themselves as well-organised and popular events on the sporting calendar, so I look forward to seeing their success continue to grow with this funding.
This investment will enhance visitation to the region throughout the year, particularly outside the peak summer season, which in turn will contribute to a more sustainable tourism and hospitality sector across North Canterbury and nationwide.
I’d like to thank the Oxford Dementia Support Group for hosting me for morning tea. We had a thorough discussion about how dementia care could be better supported in Waimakariri and I am hopeful that the upcoming health select committee inquiry into aged care provision will lead to improved access to respite beds and easier navigation of the services available.
Lastly, a big thank you to the Oxford Men’s Group for inviting me to join them for a chat and a beer at one of their regular meets at the West Hotel. We had a good discussion about a wide range of issues which was a lot of fun. It’s always valuable for me to hear from the community about how they think the Government is tracking and what they would like to see addressed.
Judging from the feedback in the pub I think it’s fair to say we are doing a pretty good job – and I am sure these guys would have told me in no uncertain terms if they didn’t agree with the direction we are heading.
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.
Mayoral Update with Dan Gordon
I had the privilege of laying a wreath and speaking at the Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations held at Rangiora RSA recently. I know from meeting a number of returned servicemen and women, that every veteran has a defining memory of their time at war a particular firefight, a near miss, a comrade killed in action.
The Tet Offensive has largely been regarded as a turning point in the Vietnam War, when it started to become apparent that America was not going to get a victory, and the anti-Vietnam war rhetoric amped up. This is in my opinion one of the greatest tragedies of the war. Where politics and bureaucracy took precedence over people. When our veterans returned home, they did not receive the welcome they deserved. It’s a shame we still carry as a nation. However, Veterans Day was about honouring and remembering.
Ensuring that those stories of bravery and camaraderie are not only properly acknowledged, but that they live on for our future generations. We reflected on the service of more than 3,000 New Zealand military personnel, and 300 civilian medical and aid workers who served in Vietnam from 1964 to 1972. We also honoured the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who returned home with wounds, both visible and hidden, and those who lost their lives later due to war-related health issues. It was a wonderful and moving event.
I also attended the Oxford A&P Show AGM. I spoke about how A&P shows are more than just events; they are a testament to our history, our values, and our way of life as New Zealander’s and especially as Cantabrians. They represent a unique blend of competition, community, and celebration.
The role of A&P shows has evolved over the years. In an age where digital platforms and modern technologies offer new ways for breeders to sell and promote their stock, shows have had to evolve but the essence of what these shows represent remains unchanged. They are still the place to see new sights, gain new experiences and have that social connection that is so crucial, especially for farmers and those living in isolated rural communities. The AGM was a great opportunity to reflect on the past show and the past year and plan for the future. We celebrated the breeders, the farmers, the volunteers, and the supporters who have made these shows what they are.
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.
Brittany Johnston
Amy Fisher
Alana Cameron
Els Coster
Tracey Leaity
Andrea Kewish
Andrea Jordan
Joan Ferreira
Rachel Thornton
Sarah Smith
Nessah Pearl
Sally Audsley
Kath Tousain
Loren Gemmel
Dani Reilly
Karl West
Karla Guerin
Beth Norgate
Pam Skurr
Kat MG
Ria Hartley
Tobie Harding
Jodie Ramsay
by Amber Chun
Oxford Gallery, known for showcasing a diverse range of artworks and hosting workshops, artist forums and community gatherings, is currently displaying a unique exhibition Rocks, Pottery, Paint by two local artists June Inch and Celia Wilson.
Running until the 29th of September, the exhibition features paintings by Celia and pottery by June.
What makes it particularly special is that all the paints and glazes used have been crafted by the artists themselves, using a process that highlights their deep connection to the natural world. The paint-making process involves grinding rocks into fine powder, then mixing this powder with a binder and water to create vibrant, natural pigments. This dedication to craftsmanship and the environment is evident in each piece on display.
June Inch and Celia Wilson have worked alongside each other since the Gallery’s inception in 2010. Both have been involved as volunteers, contributing to the promotion of art within the community. Though they have worked on exhibitions with other groups in the past, this marks their first joint exhibition, that brings their individual talents together in a celebration of nature and art.
June Inch’s artistic journey began in Cust, where she developed an early interest in pottery. Her childhood experiments with clay laid the foundation for a lifelong passion, which she later expanded by exploring the local clay varieties found in Whitecliffs. The pottery pieces in the exhibition have not been shown before, and are a testament to her enduring love for the medium and her skilful manipulation of natural materials.
Celia Wilson recalls making paint that she found in a ditch when she was living in Auckland on the edge of the Hunua ranges.
Celia says “When I moved to Canterbury I used locally sourced materials to connect with the environment’.
Her works, some dating back to 2008, are rich in texture and colour, providing a visual narrative of her journey through the world of natural pigments.
In addition to the exhibition, Oxford Gallery recently hosted a paint making workshop led by Celia.
This exhibition at Oxford Gallery’s offers more than just visuals, but an opportunity to learn about the processes behind the creations. For those who are yet to see it, there is still time to experience the show of these intricate artworks.
Emergency Services update
Oxford St John
with Mel Brooker
With August almost over it is nice to see the sun coming up a bit earlier, and the days getting a little longer with spring just around the corner.
We have been steady on the Oxford First Response with 14 accident and 28 medical call outs. A total of 42 for the last two months. This takes the total for the year to date to 176. We are well back on call outs to date compared to past years, but this is possibly due to not going over the Waimakariri river so much as this has been covered by another ambulance. There are also more ambulances on in Christchurch and Rangiora.
Our four new First Responders are all qualified now, and out attending jobs on a regular basis so please be patient with them as they become more confident.
Oxford St John is still looking for new recruits to join our team, being available to support our community on our ambulance as a volunteer is very rewarding. We are a mixed bunch who have created a great team 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 fit and well.
Oxford Fire Rescue
with Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ealam
In July the brigade received eleven calls. One call was to assist the Cust Brigade with a vegetation fire. In our area the Brigade attended three motor vehicle crashes, two were without injury and in the other, one person received moderate injuries. There were two chimney fires, one paddock fire caused by a slash burn, one smoke logged house caused by the log fire door being left open, one to help rescue a dog that was locked in a car, one to a private alarm activation which was activated by the alarm agent and one to what was thought to be a house fire which ended up being a false alarm. This brings our total calls for the year to fifty seven. This months message is; Another reminder that emergency service vehicles will need about four metres by four metres to gain access to properties should the need arise, also please make sure your properties are numbered correctly and the numbers are clearly visible.
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