The Woodpecker - December 2022-January 2023

Toot for Tucker – time to dig deep

This year North Canterbury food banks are looking forward to receiving a much-needed boost from Toot for Tucker.

Organiser Bev Wright says the volunteers are ready to go and now they need food, gifts, Christmas supplies and treats to collect when Toot for Tucker hits the streets of Rangiora, Oxford, Pegasus, Woodend, Amberley and Kaiapoi between 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday 6 December.

Food banks that have been busy supporting families struggling in the wake of Covid-19 and the continuing cost of living crisis are hoping for a much-needed boost to help them get through the Christmas period.

‘‘What we really need is food for the

food banks, not just for Christmas but for the months that come after it.

‘‘Times can get tough when people go back to work after Christmas and the kids go back to school.’’ When finances are tight, food is usually the first thing people cut back on, Bev says.

‘‘We are catering for the whole community and there’s always times when people find it a bit tough".

‘‘Budgets are pretty tough for many families. Even those on two incomes are struggling. Keeping your car on the road and insured, so you can do go work, means the only real flexibility in the budget for most people is food or Christmas presents.’’

Produced for the community, by the community

Tēnā koutou

Well here we are in December already and the final issue of The Woodpecker for 2022 and the first one for 2023, not sure how we got here so fast!

It’s great to bring you our BIGGEST BUMPER edition of 64 pages this issue, which is the largest edition so far. This means lots of additional advertisers, Christmas messages and lovely photos to share with you all. The largest issue previously was 60 pages which we’ve had twice during the middle of last year. Don’t forget we want to hear all about your community group or club and what you are doing, what your club or group members have achieved and share with us some lovely photos of your members.

We started the ‘Find Mr Woody’ a couple of years ago now and it’s been a huge success with only one month with no entrants to having seven entrants from November Woodpecker. It’s great to be able to share children’s photos with you all. Remember the little black Mr Woody Woodpecker is ‘hiding’ somewhere in the magazine waiting for you to find him.

On 30 November, The Woodpecker

Community Trust held their ‘Thankyou’ evening welcoming all their advertisers, community contributors, distributors and deliverers. A great evening was had by all with The Bunker, Pegasus hosting us this year due to increasing numbers attending. It was the Trustees’ pleasure to hold this evening to thank all our wonderful volunteers and thank all our supporters for their support over the year.

As I’ve often said, if you didn’t send me in your wonderful contributions there would be no Woodpecker. This leaves me to wish you all a great time over the summer, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year whatever you are doing and enjoy time with family and friends. Keep safe and see you next year.

Contact me via email if you’re interested or want to find out more.

The Woodpecker – ‘produced by the community for the community’

Ngā mihi nui Debs Taylor-Hayhurst

The Editor – Woodpecker debs.thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz

DISCLAIMER: All efforts are made to verify the correctness of information contained within this publication, however, The Woodpecker Community Trust accepts 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 The Woodpecker Community Trust or any of its providers.

Toot for Tucker - Cont'd from front page

Everything collected on the night will stay in North Canterbury. Toot for Tucker collections in Oxford

food collected in Rangiora and Woodend / Pegasus will go to the Rangiora Salvation Army. Donations in Kaiapoi will go to Kaiapoi Community Support’s food pantry and food collected in Amberley will stay in the area, but some of the smaller foodbanks in Waipara and Hawarden also get a top up.

There are no bags again this year, however Bev says donations of food, treats or gifts will be collected in any bag or box.

and Cust will go to the Oxford Community Trust’s food bank, while

Letter to Editor - Anastasia Marambos

I just wanted to say thank you so much for your work producing the Woodpecker! I love writing stories for it, and I love reading it. I love writing for the Woodpecker, and I think it has really inspired me to love writing more and to want to continue doing it.

Best regards Anastasia Marambos

If anyone misses their collection, they are welcome to drop it into Bev Wright at Property Brokers Rangiora, or to their local food bank. We will have about 500 people out on the night right across the Waimakariri townships, and in Amberley and Leithfield collecting, so please listen out for the Toots.

https://www.facebook.com/ tootfortuckernorthcanterbury

LIONS

CHRISTMAS CAKES

Support the Woodend Pegasus Lions by purchasing our famous traditional Christmas Fruit Cake. Cost $22 each, Ideal for gifts, raffles, or share with family and friends.

Contact Anne 03 313 6124

Can you find Mr Woody Woodpecker!

Mr Woody Woodpecker is hidden amongst one of The Woodpecker pages.

For fun, search for him and if you find him, please EMAIL the Editor on debs. thewoodpecker@outlook. co.nz with a high resolution photo of you pointing to the very page where Mr Woody Woodpecker is, along with your name, age and location, and your photo will go in next month’s Woodpecker.

DON’T FORGET: Send photo, name, age, and your location to enter!

Pegasus parkrun

Isn’t it amazing how quickly the end of year approaches? Here at Pegasus parkrun, we have been getting into the spirit of summer with whacky dress-ups events with heaps of fun and laughs on the course!

2022 has bought us many challenges, but it is always inspiring to see new parkrunners out on the course having fun every Saturday!

Here are a few interesting stats at the time of writing:

• We have had 38 events at Pegasus in 2022

• There were 2,692 finishes. That’s a whopping 13,460 kilometers run, walked, and jogged around Lake Pegasus this year!

• 457 volunteer roles were filled to make this happen

• We had 1 cancellation to extreme weather

• 8 events were cancelled because of COVID-19 Recently we had a parkwalking campaign where we encouraged walkers to join us at parkrun. There is a common misconception that you need to be an experienced / fast runner to do parkrun, when in fact parkrun is accessible to everyone at all skill and experience levels. Walking is a great way to get fit, and parkrun is good entry point for people who might have a goal of walking the 5K distance. Who knows, once the 5K walking goal has been reached the next goal might be to slow jog it.

The average finish time at Pegasus parkrun is 31 minutes - so you don’t

have to be quick. We have a tail walker who comes in last, and we have parkwalker volunteers who make walkers feel welcome. It doesn’t even matter what you wear. There are people in singlets and shirts, hoodies and gloves, t-shirts and gilets, puffer jackets and sweats and nobody cares. Everyone is doing something they love from the dads and grans pushing the buggies today to the dog walkers and runners with their pups and hounds, to the walkers, joggers, runners, and volunteers that make up parkrun. A wonderful symbiotic existence of enablers, regular participants and visitors.

In December of this year Pegasus parkrun will be celebrating its 300th event! This longevity is a testament to its support in the local community

here in Waimakariri. parkrun is a fabulous asset to the local area as it attracts many people to the area on a Saturday morning. It also helps us to keep fit and healthy, and of course it

is free and all inclusive. Usually parkruns happens on a Saturday, but we also have special events on Christmas Day (Sunday, 25 December) and New Year’s Day (Sunday 01 January). All events start with a run briefing at 7:55am; there is a First Timer Welcome at 7:50am where first timers can come along and ask questions.

Finally, thank-you to everyone who has supported, participated, and volunteered at parkrun this year.

And thank-you also to the residents of Pegasus who give us a wave when we run past!

Lions Club of Woodend Pegasus Report

president.woodendpegasus@ lionsclubs.org.nz

We recently assisted at the Annual USA Car Day held at Gladstone Park as Gate Marshalls. It was interesting seeing all models and makes across a wide range of years come in through the gate.

For over three decades, Lions clubs around the globe have been sponsoring a very special art contest in schools and youth groups. Creating Peace Posters gives children everywhere the chance to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity. We invited three schools in the district, Woodend, Tuahiwi, Kaiapoi Borough to enter this competition. The winning entry, Bride Johnson, from the Kaiapoi Borough School has been submitted to our District Governor, Hugh Curry, for entry in the full District 202e competition.

We hold a Dinner meeting on the third Thursday of each moth at The Good Home, Pegasus. This is mainly a social get together for the club members, however we welcome anyone to join us and find out about what we, as Lions, do. Just contact me as above.

We still have a few Lions Christmas Cakes left. Cost is $22 each Ideal for gifts, raffles, or share with family and friends.

Contact Anne (03) 313 6124

The Annual Toot for Tucker is on the

Tuesday 6 December. Vehicles will be traveling through Woodend, Pegasus and surrounds from around 6:00pm Any non-perishable food donation is appreciated. Many thanks to those who have supported the club’s Annual Christmas Raffle It is very refreshing to see the support its raffle is receiving. We have a further three days selling tickets at New World Ravenswood on 2, 10, and 14 December. If shopping there keep an eye open for our table. Finally - The adjective for metal is metallic, but not so for iron, which is ironic.

President John

Lions Xmas Cakes

Support the Woodend Pegasus Lions by purchasing our famous traditional Christmas Fruit Cake. Cost $22 each, Ideal for gifts, raffles, or share with family and friends.

Contact Anne 03 313 6124

WOODEND VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

8 EDERS ROAD WOODEND WHAKARATONGA IWI

Serving our people

A FUN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT NIGHT

With Christmas not too far off, it seems funny that we want to write about Halloween, but we wanted to thank our Community for turning out to the Station on Halloween Night and embracing everything on offer that evening. It was wonderful to hear all your positive comments such as “a safe environment to take young children”, “my kids loved it and had so much fun” “..a fantastic event well done team”

COMMUNITY RISK

On another note, the recent Pegasus/Woodend Beach Fire which was started by fireworks and fuelled by strong winds meant it spread very quickly with the Woodend Beach Camp needing to be evacuated. It was very fortunate that there was no loss of life or property. Just a timely reminder to dispose of fireworks safely by soaking them in water before throwing them out.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL THE VOLUNTEERS AT WOODEND STATION

Finally, from the Woodend Volunteer Fire Brigade, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Please drive safely if you plan on going away, and take a break often during your trip .

Welcome to the final update of the Woodend Community Association for 2022.

Firstly, I would like to start with WHAT AN AMAZING COMMUNITY WE LIVE IN.

The support that was shown with the fires at Pegasus / Woodend Beach recently cemented why I love this community and North Canterbury so much.

How extremely lucky we are that no one was hurt, and no homes were lost. A MASSIVE thank you to all involved with getting the fire under control and to those who helped the people that had to evacuate their respective areas.

A timely reminder, as we come into the hot and dry weather season, to be aware of the current fire ban, safe practices and the environment.

Also, a heartfelt message of condolence to the Te Kohaka Tuhaitara trust for any damage to the great work they have put in for the coastal park.

Member introduction

This month I would like to introduce to you another member of the Woodend Community Association, and current Vice President, Andy Childs.

Andy has been extremely active with the Woodend Community this year with coordinating a very successful Keep New Zealand Beautiful campaign in Woodend and for being the motivation and drive for our new community garden.

Andy moved to Woodend from Kaiapoi in 1999 and was appointed onto the WCA committee in 2006 and has served on it ever since.

Some of the biggest achievements that Andy has been involved with during his time on the WCA committee are:

• pathway / cycle way to Woodend beach

• the painting of the murals of Woodend Beach on the shop walls beside what is now the war memorial area

• ‘Keep New Zealand Beautiful’ day in Woodend this year

• multiple ongoing meetings about the SH1 bypass and traffic issues and the beginning of Woodend’s community garden

• Andy’s dream for the garden began years ago, prior to him becoming involved with the Hope Trust community garden

The big vision for the community garden is to form a group of interested people and to add an additional garden nearby in the wider Woodend community. Also the community garden is an educational platform for people who want to start their own gardens but are not sure how, they can come along and learn the skills needed.

To become involved with the garden you can attend the upcoming open days which are advertised on ‘the community of Woodend’ Facebook page or by contacting Andy directly on 027 512 2681. Also if anyone has any

spare tools or plants they would like to donate, they would be put to very good use.

We really appreciate the time and effort you put into our community Andy, thank you for your massive contribution.

WCA Updates

Woodend

Beach playground and toilets

Preparations for the toilet rebuild have begun, however the plan and budget for the new playground will have to be reviewed. Doug from the WCA has asked for the importance of this to be elevated, but most likely this will happen in the New Year now.

Woodend-Kaiapoi Cycle way update

After some great lobbying by Doug and Shona Powell, the Waimakariri District Council have reviewed submissions and have altered the Kaiapoi-Woodend Cycle way as a Priority 1 project. This is fantastic news and a huge thank you goes out to Doug, Shona and everyone else that helped drive a review of this decision.

Being Priority 1 means the project is planned for completion within the next three years. Another great example of what we can do as a community when we rally behind each other and make the people working for us – work for us!

Reminders

Snap/send/solve

The WCA would also like to remind all Woodend residents about the Snap, Send Solve app for capturing things that need attention in the community. These can include a range of things like damage to roads or walkways, trees in public spaces that pose a

risk, streetlights that need repair etc. The App is available from the Apple App store or the Google Play store and is free to use. Many of our committee members are using the app and getting great responses and / or repairs in a timely fashion. We’d like to see a lot more up-take from the community as the more an incident is logged, the quicker the council or associated service agent, will action the resolution.

Food Pantry

A reminder that we still have a food pantry in Woodend. It is situated in the WASP car park just before the school on the main road. So, if you have spare fruit and vegetables etc. maybe from your own garden, you may wish to donate a few to our local community by putting them into the pantry. Or, if you need something, have a look from time to time.

The pantry is designed for things like fruit and veg, baked goods and tinned goods, so please no frozen, dairy, or past best before dated goods thanks.

End of year gathering

A reminder that we will have our usual end of year social gathering at the Woodend Tavern on the 8 December at 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome.

WCA contact information

If you have any concerns or suggestions for the community and do not know where to start, contact the WCA via email at woodend.community. association@gmail.com or call Mark Paterson on 027 534 9112.

For a small fee of $10 per household and $50 per business each year you can be part of improving our community and help the WCA continue

to deliver projects like the Jill Creamer trail, ANZAC memorial and seating, new staging at the Community Centre and more.

We are always looking for households and business memberships to help support our projects and to also offer suggestions on how we can allocate our funds.

You can find the membership forms at www.woodend.co.nz/join-households or www.woodend.co.nz/joinbusinesses

The WCA would like to thank PAWS Vets for their continual support as our Platinum sponsor.

The other businesses that have joined with WCA Business Memberships, who we would also like to thank for their support are:

• Woodend Landscape Supplies • Woodend Automotive • Canterbury Honda • Motivation Design • Teresa Findley • Ravenswood

• Menzshed NZ

Thanks for reading our December update.

The Woodend Community Association wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe summer ahead.

The Woodend Community Association (WCA) team

GraceBrook

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Pegasus in Spring

(Meet up with your crowd, grab a wine, pull a beer, then bellow out loud the lines writ down here!)

The thing about spring with its colourful bling, When everyone’s bouncy and those who can’t, sing; Where the lambs have a fling and the morning mists cling

To the edge of the wetlands and lake; We put back the clocks and loosen our chocks

For we’ve all of us new moves to make.

With fresh leaves on the trees, the birds and the bees Have a new sense of purpose and vigour; The season’s defined by the young of each kind

As we fin’ly escape winter’s rigour. And since spring has sprung those cyclists young Discover new beach tracks to race, Avoiding the dotterers, septuagenarian totterers

Who wobble all over the place. On overcast days above wistful greys Remind us of seasons long gone, And gardens in bloom leave plenty of room

For a bit of nostalgia and song. Then the mood’s rent asunder as rude bikies thunder, Our reverie thoroughly stuffed. I guess there are those who find, I suppose, Their purpose in life’s to disrupt. But still there are plenty, p’raps sixteen

in twenty, Whose community spirit is great, They greet ev’ry fellow wth a fullthroated bellow

Or a quiet reassuring: “Hi, mate.” Our neighbourhood sports a lot of good sorts, Like Snifty who keeps tall tales spinning, Since he tends to indulge he oft battles the bulge (I’m afraid ’tis the bulge that is winning.)

Young Merv is the man with a heck of a plan, He pulls ideas right out of mid-air. A whiz at philosophy (he can shove an apostrophe

Where more modest folk wouldn’t dare.)

And ev’ry day the steady flow Of littlies passing to and fro, Lost in worlds we’ll never know, Inspires this idling poet. Their happy, lively bonhomie Wrapped in dreams of ABC, Hides the even chance they’ll be Like me before they know it. Alas, there be dregs who like to throw eggs

At other folks’ windas and doors; Disrespectful to hens, this behaviour offends, And of course ’tis without any cause. But what to expect from social neglect, If you spoil ‘em you’re sure to breed

meanies.

(If their brains were gunpowder instead of clam chowder, They still couldn’t wrinkle their beanies!)

With spring, gardeners start to nourish the heart

Of their own little floribund spots, Apart from that knutt who let out his mutt

To decorate other folks’ plots; A schoolboy delivering papers midmorning?

What sort of home-schooling is this? Don’t tell me this new education’s now spawning

A generation of near hit and miss.

Though a red sky at night is a farmer’s delight,

One evening it presaged a fire; While most of us slept the firefighters leapt

To prevent our becoming a pyre. The huge pall of smoke next day proved no joke

As it seeped in through windows and doors.

But one lady made tea for the brigade, Let’s give her a round of applause!

Yes, spring is the time for a frivolous rhyme,

Let everyone join in the chorus!

At night watch the stars, by day watch those cars, And remember that summer’s before us.

Poem by Robert Nimmo

WOODEND, PEGASUS, WAIKUKU: FREE EVENT !

The Waiora Links Community Trust is all about connecting and informing the residents of the Woodend, Pegasus and Waikuku area. We invite you to join us at our first combined event for ALL residents of ALL these areas (this includes the beach settlements and Ravenswood). There will be luck y prize draws and special guests. It’s full of fun and free of formality. FREE MORNING TEA!! More info below or to enquire about assistance with transport to the event , please email: waioralinks@gmail.com or phone Rhonda on 0274 310 803.

FREE

Christmas Community Cuppa

10.00am, Wednesday 14 December 2022

Woodend Community Centre, School Rd, Woodend Lucky Draw Prizes – Special Guest Mayor Dan Gordon Woodend School Kapa Haka group performance No need to book; just come along on the day. Please bring a small plate of food to share if you are able.

All Woodend, Pegasus and Waikuku residents welcome!

NOVEMBER COMMUNITY CUPPAS:

We were very privileged to have 2 guest speakers at Ronel’s Community Cuppa in November. Thank you to Ben from Pegasus Bay Vets who provided lots of information in answer to the many questions from Cuppa attendees. Huge thanks also to Greg Byrnes from Tūhaitara Coastal Park for finding the time to call in to the Cuppa at short notice and give an update on the fire.

Photo: Ben from Pegsus Bay Vets presents the winner of the lucky draw with a voucher for The Good Home Pegasus.

Ronel’s Community Cuppa and the Ravenswood Community Cuppa will be back in February 2023. Meanwhile, please join us for the Woodend, Pegasus and Waikuku Combined Christmas Community Cuppa at the Woodend Community Centre at 10am on Wed 14th December 2022.

WAIORA LINKS COMMUNITY TRUST 2022 IN REVIEW

Below: The Ravenswood Community Cuppa started in August

Above right: Justin from New World Ravenswood presents the Good Home Pegasus voucher to another lucky winner.

Left: Ronel’s Community Cuppa celebrated 5 years in July.

THANK YOU! HUGE THANKS to the many people that supported us and our events during 2022. That includes the Woodend Sefton Community Board, New World Ravenswood, The Good Home Pegasus, our many guest speakers and our precious volunteers

Thanks also go to all the lovely residents who come along to the Community Cuppas and make them so special. Let’s do it all again next year!!

To all the residents of the Woodend, Pegasus and Waikuku area, we wish you a very happy, healthy and rejuvenating Christmas and New Year.

We look forward to meeting many more of you in 2023.

Waiora Links Community Trust Email: waioralinks@gmail.com

FB: Waiora Links Community Trust

Above: MP Dan Rosewarne speaks at Ronel's Community Cuppa.

Coldstream Tennis Club

Woodpecker Deadline

The Woodpecker is published 11 months of the year from February to December inclusive (December covers January).

Each month the deadline is 25th of the month with a 5pm of deadline sent out to all contributors, advertisers and community contributors as a reminder.

To ensure your space please do send us in your contributions as early as possible where you can as we would hate for you to be disappointed and miss out. From this deadline date there is a tight turnaround to have the publication ready to go to the printers for them to deliver them to all our deliverers in time for a 1st of the month delivery to your doors. debs.thewoodpecker@outlook. co.nz

Thank you for supporting the Cancer Society this year, your generosity enables us to provide crucial services for cancer patients, whanau and carers. Wishing you a safe and happy festive season.

Volunteer delivery persons needed for the Woodpecker. Simple easy run with only 30 to deliver for Ravenswood. At Woodend we are looking for two deliverers for this area. Please contact Tyree on 027 902 5611

DECEMBER 2022 WAIMAKARIRI EVENTS

MARKETS

KAIAPOI FARMERS MARKET Morgan Williams Reserve, Charles St, Kaiapoi. Every Saturday, 10am–12pm.

OHOKA FARMERS MARKET Ohoka Domain, Mill Road, Ohoka. Every Friday, 9am–12.30pm.

OXFORD FARMERS MARKET Main St, Oxford. Every Sunday, 9am–12pm.

OXFORD CRAFT MARKET

Oxford Town Hall, Oxford. First Sunday of each month, 10am-2pm.

RANGIORA WELCOME MARKET Hope Centre, - 111 East Belt, Rangiora. Every Thursday, 3pm-7pm.

RANGIORA CHURCH STREET MARKET St John’s Anglican

Grounds & Hall, Cnr of Church and High Streets, Rangiora. First Saturday of each month, 9.30am-1pm.

NORTH CANTERBURY

Our office will close for the Christmas / New Year break on Tuesday, 20 December at 3.30pm and reopen on Monday 9 January 2023 at 9.30am. We’re all connected. That’s why the CAB service is so important. We act as a critical community hub, connecting people with the information and services they need.

We provide the warmth and welcome of a place where anyone can come to talk about, and get help with, any issue.

The CAB service includes in-depth interviewing of a client to identify what is happening for them or what information they seek, and to find out what they’ve done so far. The trained volunteer researches options specific to each client’s situation and then explains these to the client in a way that helps them understand and work out what they want to do next.

Our bureau has an extensive, reliable and accurate database of local and national information at our fingertips, which is updated regularly, along with pamphlets and booklets.

Language Support

If English isn’t your first language, we have an internal Language Support service to make it easier for clients to access the language skills of CAB volunteers across the country. Our intranet enables one of our volunteers to see others around the country who are available to assist a client

in another language. Currently, we are able to support more than 30 languages using this service.

Get in touch

Do come and see us. We’re trained to listen and to research. We’ll deal with anything that’s concerning you no matter how big or how small. We’re here to help.

Our opening hours are 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. You’ll find us at 209 High Street, Rangiora, or you can phone us on 03 313 8822 or 0800 367 222, or send us an email northcanterbury@cab.org.nz

Rangiora Church Street Market

Saturday 3 December 8.30am - 1pm. Cnr Church St and 353 High Street. New stalls on the Green behind the hall. Cafe, BBQ, books, clothing, crafts and car boot sales. This month’s market is supporting the Community Wellbeing North Canterbury Trust. Hosted by Anglican Parish of Rangiora.

Tūhaitara

Greetings from Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara rangers o te taiao.

We have recently been scorched by fire. While we have experienced the loss of native flora as old as 11 years, and fauna, we are optimistic about the potential for good long term. We have seen throughout the park after this incident, that native flora have been particularly resistant and resilient in the face of the fire, often with fire creeping towards our natively planted biota-nodes and skirting around them. It is evident that mats of pine needles under plantation pine forest made for good kindling as well as our native bracken fern which has speciated and adapted to fire stress

Coastal Park

in Australia. Their roots are deep and heat tolerant, so despite the fact that their fronds have been burned to smithereens, they will shoot back up in no time. Native planting efforts

and weed control by the ranger team, Deacon University and Conservation Volunteers have been well underway to beat woody weeds and grasses competing for newfound space and nutrients (see above). Watering of the plants was also a must, as a result of well and truly evaporated soils from the fire (see image right). New space once filled by introduced woody weeds has opened up and created opportunities for expansion

of regenerative native forest and ease of access. The ash covered ground will also benefit our new plantings by adding to the nutrient levels of the soil. We are hoping for some more

forward.

Ngā mihi nui for all of your support on facebook recently and in the community.

rain to reduce fire risk and give some relief to plants in the area. We are still patrolling the park and putting out small remnant smoking patches. Already plants are starting to sprout new leaves and the park is getting glimpses of green again in some areas. Planting efforts have also been directed towards non-affected areas such as Pines Beach with planting of mākaka (salt marsh ribbonwood). We hope to make the best out of an unfortunate situation to enhance and expand our diverse habitats within the park. One step backwards, two steps

Remember to follow us on to keep up with events and what the rangers are up to in the park.

Facebook: Friends of Tūhaitara

Instagram: tuhaitara_coastal_park

Kaiapoi Toy Library

Kaiapoi Toy Library, 9 Cass Street

Kaiapoi, open 10.30-12.30

Saturdays. Access to a range of toys for a small annual fee, no toy rental charges. Check us out www. kaiapoitoylibrary.org

A BIG THANK YOU TO MANY

We want to take this opportunity to thank Canterbury Fire and Emergency, all the firefighters, pilots, and the many different agencies from around the district and beyond that helped fight the fire to keep our communities safe. It was great to see our community come together to support each other.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CANDIDATES

Congratulations to all the successful candidates who achieved election for the local bodies. The PRGI look forward to continuing our relationship with the Waimakariri District Council and Woodend Sefton Community board

We hope the Meet the Candidates sessions we held were valuable in making your decisions as a voter.

PEGASU RESIDENTS’

CHRISTMAS ON THE LAKE

The Pegasus Residents ’ 2022 Christmas by the Lake is on SUNDAY 04 DECEMBER, 1.00PM - 3.00PM.

This free, fun filled family event for Pegasus residents has live music, face painting for kids, bouncy castles and kids ice blocks - and a visit from Santa!

The event is held next to the retail area on Pegasus Main Street in the open green space by the lake.

Website: pegasusresidentsgroup.com

Things to remember:

- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water Please keep a very close eye on your children (we are next to the lake)

Please take your rubbish home with you.

Special thanks to our sponsors and supporters who have generously enabled us to bring this event to our community:

Facebook: Pegasus Residents’ Group Inc

PRGI COMMITTEE MEETINGS

We have moved our PRGI committee meetings to the first Thursday of the month. Our final meeting of the year is on Thursday 01 December.

PEGASUS COMMUNITY WATCH PATROL UPDATE

Thank you to the three residents who kindly put their hand up and joined as community watch volunteers - we very much appreciate your support.

Unfortunately, some current volunteers are retiring at the end of the year so it will still be necessary to reduce to the patrol to one shift per week next year (at this stage) unless we get more volunteers. Please volunteer or encourage someone you know to who might be interested . Learn about what is involved on our website.

THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS

The PRGI Committee wishes to thank all our members for their support. Our $15.00 annual subscription (per household) helps us be an active voice for our members and Pegasus residents, ensuring their interest and concerns are heard in decision making that affects our community.

We also want to recognise and thank all of our volunteers for their dedication and hard work this year: our Pegasus Community Centre volunteers, Community Watch Patrol

Website: pegasusresidentsgroup.com

volunteers, JP’s, and our many other supporters and helpers We couldn’t do it without you!

Thank you also to our committee members who are all volunteers as well and work hard on our residents behalf.

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The PRGI Committee wish you and your family a safe and very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS WEEKLY OPENING TIMES: Monday's 2 - 4pm, Wednesday's and Saturday's 10.00am - 12noon. Our Christmas/New Year opening hours will be advised on our Facebook page.

CHILDRENS BOOK TROLLEY : Big thank you to the AdviceKiwi Menzshed Pegasus Woodend for building us a trolley for children’s books and puzzles. It is located in the Infinity Foyer.

DECEMBER JP SESSIONS: Saturday 03 and 17 Dec, 10.30am 11.30am. See else what is on at the centre each month via our website: www.pegasusresidentsgroup.com

Facebook: Pegasus Residents’ Group Inc

Compass FM – Xmas message

Season’s greetings from all of us at Compass FM, North Canterbury’s community radio station. It has been a real pleasure to be associated with Debs TaylorHayhurst and the team at the Woodpecker publication during the year, and we are very keen to continue our relationship.

through 2023. May your holiday season be safe and fun and please make sure you tune into Compass FM during the summer break on 104.9FM or 103.7FM as we look forward to another successful and prosperous year, here in the best part of New Zealand, North Canterbury.

SAYGo - 2022

SAYGo (Steady as you go) Falls Prevention Exercise Class - 1.30pm Thursdays, Pegasus Community Centre, Pegasus Main St (by the Flat White Cafe).

All Welcome. $2 donation please. Simple activities, seated and standing, proven to improve balance, flexibility and strength. A fun social group; join us for a cuppa after class! We are currently running at full capacity at the moment - ask about our waiting list.

Community Foot Care Clinic

Held in Woodend monthly. Phone 021 022 49443 for an appointment.

Kids Bikes

I refurbish kids bikes and donate them to charity. Got one you don’t want? Please call or text Pete on 021 2021 827 and I’ll collect it.

Do you have a story to tell?

We would love to hear our readers’ stories.

If you have a story to tell why not share this with The Woodpecker readers.

Young or old, local or from afar. Personal story Funny story

Send us a photo too!

Details of all the ‘Found Mr Woody’ Entrants for November edition of The Woodpecker

TOP LEFT: Anki van der Merwe aged 9yrs from Pegasus found Mr Woody after going through the pages three times!!!! Good hiding spot! Sent in by Renet Van Der Merwe.

MIDDLE TOP LEFT: Lachlan Close aged 10yrs from Woodend sent in by Nathan and Nicky Close.

TOP RIGHT: Flynn Kuppens aged 6yrs from Woodend sent in by Johan and Sharyn Kuppens.

MIDDLE LEFT: Ava Lamont aged 7yrs from Rangiora found Mr Woody Woodpecker while at the Flat White in Pegasus sent in by Rebecca Simpson.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Here is my daughter Isabel McEwan aged 10 from Woodend. She was very excited at the idea of having her photo in The Woodpecker. December is also her birthday month (3rd December) sent in by mum Georgia McEwan

BOTTOM LEFT: Annie and Cora Visker – Annie Visker aged 10yrs and Cora Visker aged 6yrs from Woodend Beach sent in by mum Sarah Visker.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Grand-daughters Anika Aged 7 and Bailey aged 5 currently staying with us at Woodend Beach, first time looking for Mr Woody sent in by Deb Alleyne.

SEVEN children found Mr Woody last month!

Congratulations to all seven of the successful Mr Woody entrants for November

If you want to be in Februay issue of The Woodpecker, look out for Mr Woody Woodpecker!

Woodend Vet Clinic

Wishes Everyone a Safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

KEEP YOUR PET SAFE

Avoid heat stress: Don’t walk them in the heat of the day, or on hot pavements, and please never leave them unattended in cars, or without water on warm days.

Keep them safe around waterways: Check lawa.org.nz first to make sure there is no toxic algae where they are swimming.

Examine regularly for barley grass and foxtail awns which stick to fur and can pass easily through the skin. Check coats, foot pads and ears, clip fur as short as possible, brush and trim frequently.

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES

Woodend Vet Clinic will be closed on public holidays, Christmas and New Year. If you experience an emergency with your pet when we are closed, please call: 0800 EVH 111

EMERGENCY VET HOSPITAL

The after hours team are available throughout the festive season and are located at Rangiora Vet Centre, 181 Lehmans Road, Rangiora.

VACCINATIONS

Canine Cough (formally known as Kennel Cough) outbreaks during the last 2 summer periods, has prompted many local dog owners to have a booster vaccination given over December and January. As a result vet clinics will have a large number of dogs falling due for their boosters again over what can be a very busy period in the veterinary calendar.

If your pet (dog or cat) is boarded in a kennel or cattery while you are away on holiday, Remember it takes at least 10 days to respond fully to a vaccine, so it is important that you plan carefully for your pet’s “holiday”, and get them booked in well in advance of their kennel or cattery stay.

Please keep this in mind and book your cat or dog in for their vaccination early so you don’t miss out and put them at risk!

Phone: 03 312 8387 or book online www.woodendvetclinic.co.nz 138 Main North Road, Woodend

WOODEND VET CLINIC

Proudly supporting

Welcome to Hurunui Farms. Timo and Jonna set up on Eders Road, Woodend, at the old Anchor building and turned it into a butchery to provide locals with quality grass-fed local meats from the rich pastures of the Hurunui. They wanted to keep quality, tasty meat onshore in NZ on our tables!

The animals are sourced from their Hawarden farm and local neighbours. You may know their Hurunui Omegga Eggs (pink box!) sold

in all local supermarkets.

Hurunui Farms has started selling meat boxes to locals to test the water and will expand South Island-wide. They have asked the butcher to prepare a special BBQ box for the holidays, with lots of BBQ meats to make life easier! From their special German Pork Sausages (recipes sourced from their old butcher in Germany!), to kebabs, patties, and steaks.

It’s easy SHOP www.hurunui-farms.nz

Hurunui Farms

Pegasus Bay School

Kia Ora koutou

What an amazing, successful term it has been for the tamariki at Te Kura ō Manga Kāwari! We have recently completed our

are selected. We had 50 students compete in the North Canterbury Zone Athletics.

At this event we had two students break records and several students move on to the Canterbury Primary Schools Athletics event at Nga Puna Wai.

A huge congratulations to these students!

Digi

Awards:

(Róisín Anglesey and Rachel Kelly)

Pegasus Bay School had a hugely successful night at this year’s Grow Waitaha Digital Awards. There were over 144 entries across Canterbury and

assessments for the year and are thrilled with the results. Maths No Problem and Structured Literacy have definitely made a difference in our children’s learning. While we will have a prize giving at the end of the year to celebrate learning success, there are some other amazing achievements that have happened over the term.

Athletics

Jen Loffhagen organised an amazing day of whole school athletics. Everyone has a go at all of the events from the 5-year-olds to 13-year-olds. From this day our competitive athletes

our kura won 7 prizes! This is the most in Canterbury.

The tamariki were invited to a special awards show to collect their awards. The night began with over 60 Y2/3 Waikuku and Rakahuri opening the show with their now world famous in Pegasus Bay song “Whitebait Waiata”.

The school then received the following awards: Sophia Paterson Y1 with a short film on her Matariki project with bee-bots, Mrs Róisín Anglesey Y2 with a digital Maramataka calendar, all the teachers in Rakahuri and Waikuku Y3

with their digital book of the Whitebait Waiata and Rachel Kelly Y7 with engaging writers with AR, Animation Creation and Taku Akomanga. The biggest win of the night went to Miss Emily Matthews with her overall award for her website Aroha ki te Ako. It was an amazing evening for our kura and it was great to see so many parents come and support their tamariki. Well done to everyone involved.

Lego League: Some of you may not know but for the past two terms a group of Y6-8 tamariki have given up their lunch times and a day in the holidays to work on the Lego League Season. That hard work paid off when

they competed in the South Island Lego League Competition at Breens Intermediate last week.

The tamariki presented their digital projects on the topic of sustainable power to a panel of judges. And then competed in the robot arena against other schools. The most important part of the day was the connections that children made, and it was great to make friends with other schools.

The team was awarded ‘The Breakthrough Award’

which gives them 2nd place. This is an amazing achievement for our school and coaches Rachel Kelly and Róisín Anglesey could not be prouder. Great job!

Have a wonderful Christmas / New Year break from all of us at Pegasus Bay School.

Ngā Mihi Di Murphy, Deputy Principal Te Kura ō Manga Kāwari

Woodend - Sefton Community Board

Merry Christmas from your Community Board

Andrew, Brent, Ian,

Rhonda

Pegasus/Ravenswood Roundabout Speed Limit Review

NZTA Proposal to reduce speed limit from 70 km/h to 60 km/h

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi have released an Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan on how it intends to manage speed limits. The only proposed change in Waimakariri is to reduce the speed limit on SH1 between north of Pegasus/Ravenswood roundabout to Woodend from 70 km/h to 60 km/h. The implementation timeframe is 2023 2024.

What do you think? Have your say until 5pm, Monday 12 December 2022. online https://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/what waka kotahi is doing/interim state highway speed management plan/have your say/ by form https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/Safety/docs/interim state highway speed management plan/ismp consultation form.pdf.

Contact us more information about the Board, and members contact details are at waimakariri.govt.nz/your council/council boards and committees/woodend-sefton-community-board Facebook: @WoodendSeftonCommunityBoard Email: shona.powell@wmk.govt.nz

Woodend Methodist Church

Unfortunately, we still do not have a definitive date as to when we will be back at Woodend having services. At present the painters are working in the kitchen area. Other members of the congregation are doing various jobs to bring the building up to an acceptable standard. Will be such a blessing to have new toilets, hot water and more space. Very exciting for the local congregation and Woodend / Pegasus community.

The end result will be a community building with various rooms available to hire for functions, meetings etc. The ability to slide doors and extend the hall space etc. There will be an official opening down the track in 2023.

It is fairly safe to assume that we will be at Woodend for the Christmas Play on 18 December 2022 at 9am

(to be confirmed).

It is hard to believe that Advent is here already and the most important celebration of Christmas is only a few weeks away.

Services to be held in the next couple of months: Sunday 18 December at 9am. A Christmas Play by members of the Trinity and Woodend congregation. Everyone invited.

Christmas Day service will be a shortened service to be held at 8.30am at Woodend.

From Sunday 1 January 2023 our services will be every Sunday at 9am. Any queries, you can contact the Rangiora Church Office Tuesday 10.00am to 1pm, Wednesday 9.45am to 1.45pm and Thursday 10am to 1pm. The Church phone number is 313 3448. Email address: rangioramethodist@ gmail.com

Woodend Tennis Club

New tennis season is here. Come and join us at: Wednesday evening social tennis. From beginners to competitive players.

Just come along and join in. Teams made up on the night. It’s good tennis, but also fun.

Most Wednesdays from 7pm (subject to weather), but with a break over Christmas and New Year. Great courts, and great lighting. Small fee for non-members. Where?

Our courts are next to Woodend Rugby at Gladstone Park (end of Gladstone Road). Easy access from either Woodend or Pegasus.

Contact details:

Jim - mobile 021 806 366 or landline 03 313 9405

Eric - mobile 021 292 7004

Looking forward to seeing you. Support your local club.

Can you find Mr Woody Woodpecker!

Mr Woody Woodpecker is hidden amongst one of The Woodpecker pages.

For fun, search for him and if you find him, please EMAIL the Editor on debs. thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz with a high resolution photo of you pointing to the very page where Mr Woody Woodpecker is, along with your name, age and location, and your photo will go in next month’s Woodpecker.

Community Contacts Page

If you would like your community group or club listed in our community contacts page, please would you contact the Editor providing the appropriate details. If you are listed, please check your details are up-to-date and correct.

Email our Editor Debs on debs. thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz

Email Debs on: debs.thewoodpecker@outlook. co.nz

Email our Editor Debs on debs. thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz Would you like your club or community group to be listed in Community Contacts? Thank you!

Email our Editor Debs on debs.thewoodpecker@outlook. co.nz

Woodend Indoor Bowling Club

This year our club celebrated not the end of our playing season but another 20 years as a club at the Five Stags Restaurant. I say another 20 years because the club was first formed back in 1956 when a group of interested persons got together to see if an Indoor Bowling club was viable and soon after the Woodend Indoor Bowling club was formed. The club soon earned its place among other clubs in the area finally obtaining its affiliation to the Canterbury Indoor Bowling Association which then allowed its’ members to participate in Town competitions and North Canterbury tournaments bringing success to its members, and for the next 33 years would produce champions for this little town ship. However, by 1989 the club’s membership had dwindled and a decision was made to put the club into recess. Would this be the end, No!

In 2002 another group of interested persons came together and the club was resurrected. At that

meeting, Pat Vaughan was present, who eventually became our first life member. As a club we had the honour of recogniSing all the work and dedication that Pat has given to the club and continues to do so to this day. Our president Andrew Petrie compared the night’s proceedings. He provided a colourful account of the club’s history. Another life membership was awarded to yet another outstanding member, Helen Power. Both these remarkable ladies have given so much to this club and the sport of indoor bowls overall, with their many years of dedication, commitment and experience. They are both fantastic role models to old and new members alike and had the honour of cutting the commemorative cake. (See photo) Long term bowler, Tony Watson presented a new trophy for our members to challenge for which, hopefully, will enable an even more competitive season next year.

Woodend Garden Club

Rose Show Results 2022

October Outing

Instead of a meeting in October, we visited five members gardens. Three in Rangiora (Brenda Batchelors, Jeannie Robinson and Pat Harringtons) and two in Woodend (Val Cottons and Barb Sullivans). All were absolutely stunning! One smaller, two on standard size sections and two on large blocks. Members brought their own picnics and enjoyed them in the park like surroundings at Val Cottons. The group then moved onto Pegasus, walked around the lake and finished the afternoon with coffee and cake at a local café.

Geraldine Fete

The Club hired a 50-seater bus on 3 November and went to the Fete. What fun! We are lucky to have the fabulous Shirley Rogers and Glenis Everts as our outing planners. The Geraldine Humdinger gin was flowing and there was plenty of space under the bus for purchases. Many members brought friends or family on the trip.

Annual Rose Show

The Clubs annual Rose Show was held on 21 November in the Hall. Sections included roses, cut flowers, vegetables, decorative arrangements, baking and preserves. Invited judges score the entries and points are allocated for 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Once judging is finished, the public are welcome to view the works. As always, afternoon tea follows and a lot of chatting!

Winner Rose Section - Pam Mason Winner Cut Flowers - Maureen Day Winner Decorative Open - Helen Power Winner Decorative Int - Pam Mason Winner Decorative Novice - Maureen Day

Winner Vegetables - Chris Sutherland Winner Cookery/Preserves - Heather Reeves

Overall Winner awarded Rose Bowl Trophy -Chris Sutherland

Xmas Meeting

We will be having a catered two course Xmas Lunch for the December meeting. There will be great prizes for best Xmas dress and special Christmas raffles.

January Meeting

The venue is yet to be confirmed, but the Club will be having an informal picnic on 16 January. All welcome. Should you be interested in joining us please make contact. New members are very welcome.

President - Helen Power - 03 313 5749

Secretary - Chris Sutherland – 027 455 5708

Treasurer - Glenis Everts - 03 930 8240

COMMUNITY CONTACTS

CANCER SOCIETY NORTH CANTERBURY

143 Percival Street, Rangiora 0800 226 695 northcanty@cancercwc.org.nz FB: https://www.facebook.com/ CancerSocietyNC

GLADSTONE PARK ADVISORY GROUP

Chairperson, Mark Paterson 312 7439 Kaiapoi & Pegasus Croquet Club Captain: Adrienne Lamb 921 2895

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

Rachel Emmitt 021 203 6085 Available outside work hours

KAIAPOI TOY LIBRARY

9 Cass Street, Kaiapoi 10.30-12.30 Saturdays www.kaiapoitoylibrary.org

LOLLIPOPS PRESCHOOL PEGASUS 943 4935 cm.pegasus@ledu.co.nz lollipopseducare.co.nz/location/pegasus

MENZSHED PEGASUS & WOODEND COMMUNITY TRUST

Clive Jones 027 245 5770 John Burns 021 347 805 menzshedpegasuswoodend@gmail.com

MUSIC AND PLAY Meaghan 027 392 6409

NORTH CANTERBURY WOODCRAFT CLUB Merv Laws 021 237 7105 Noel Graham, President 027 240 8112

PEGASUS BROWNIES pegasusbrownies@gmail.com

PEGASUS COMMUNITY CENTRE Bookings and enquiries contact: Waimakiriri District Council Freephone: 0800 965 468 www.waimakariri.govt.nz

PEGASUS COMMUNITY CENTRE TEAM Email: pcc@pegasusresidentsgroup.com

PEGASUS MONDAY MORNING WALKING GROUP

Christine Johnston 021 179 7330

PEGASUS RESIDENTS GROUP INC prgi@pegasusresidentsgroup.com www.pegasusresidentsgroup.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/

50 The Woodpecker December 2022 - January 2023

PegasusResidentsGroupInc

PEGASUS WOODEND WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Helen Power 313 5749 Pam Cleeve 03 3138120 / 021 170 9895

RANGIORA BRIDGE CLUB www.rangiorabridgeclub.co.nz rangiorabridge@xtra.co.nz 03 313 7941

RADIO SAILING CLUB

Ian McGregor 027 595 9000 Paul Johnson 021 295 2587

ST BARNABAS ANGLICAN CHURCH

Men’s Group: Andrew 021 073 5730 Women’s Group: Amy 021 234 4253 Hall Hire: Elizabeth 313 4612

THE ASHLEY LODGE

Norme Shore - Secretary theashleylodge28@gmail.com http://www.ashley28.net.nz The Lions Club of Woodend-Pegasus President John Canton 310 8157 Secretary Anne Attenborough 313 6124 Youth Centre Brian Attenborough 313 6124

TIMEBANK WAIMAKARIRI

Email: tbwaimakariri@gmail.com 021 0265 4071 Website: waimakariri.timebanks.org Facebook: facebook.com/ timebankwaimakariri

TOY LIBRARY rangioratoylibrary@gmail.com TUAHIWI COMMUNITY PRE-SCHOOL 313 2141 tuahiwipreschool@xtra.co.nz https://www.facebook.com/tuahiwi. preschool www.tuahiwicommunitypreschool

WAIKUKU BEACH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB

Danelle Asher wbslsc@wbslsc.com

WAIORA LINKS COMMUNITY TRUST Woodend, Pegasus, Waikuku waioralinks@gmail.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/ Waioralinks

WOODEND BADMINTON CLUB Paul Henderson 0274 925 936

WOODEND BOWLING CLUB

President Gill Beale 310 6612 Secretary Sheryl Atkins 021 225 5778

WOODEND BOYS’ CLUB John Harris 313 7832

WOODEND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

INC

President Mark Paterson Secretary Kris Stacey kris@stacey.kiwi.nz

WOODEND COMMUNITY GARDEN Co-ordinator: Andy Childs 027 512 2681 andyandsuechilds@xtra.co.nz

WOODEND FLOWER SHOW

President Shirley Wheeler 03 327 3414 Secretary Helen Power 313 5749 Treasurer Pam Cleeve 313 8120

WOODEND FRIENDSHIP CLUB

President John Fortster 327 3681 Secretary Jo Reid 03 310 6164

WOODEND GARDEN CLUB

President Helen Power 03 313 5749 Secretary Chris Sutherland 0274 555 708 Treasurer Glenis Everts 03 930 8240

WOODEND GOLDEN OLDIES RUGBY & NETBALL President Tony Hurley 312 7311

WOODEND GYM CLUB Simone Templeton 027 514 8363

WOODEND INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

Club President Andrew Petrie 022 592 8389 Club Captain Rex Macauley 313 3627 or 021 126 3344

WOODEND JUNIOR CRICKET Amy Hallmark woodend.cricket@gmail. com

CONTACTS

WOODEND METHODIST CHURCH

Minister: Darryn Hickling 022 675 7391 minister.rangioramethodist@gmail.com

WOODEND NETBALL CLUB

President Caitlin Loose 027 787 5365 Secretary Vicki Attrill 021 244 1881 Woodendnetballclub@gmail.com WOODEND PLAY CENTRE 027 353 2131 woodend@playcentre.org.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/ woodendplaycenter

WOODEND PRESCHOOL / NURSERY

Jen Hall 312 7654 office@woodendpreschool.co.nz www.woodendpreschool.co.nz

WOODEND RUGBY CLUB

Senior Club Captain,Nick Boyd 027 296 5511 Junior Club Captain, Michelle Tocker 021 267 1429

WOODEND SEFTON COMMUNITY BOARD Chairperson Shona Powell, 021 0231 6152 shona.powell@wmk.govt.nz Deputy Chair Mark Paterson, 027 534 9112 mark.paterson@wmk.govt.nz

WOODEND SENIOR CRICKET CLUB Robert Davey 021 762 963 WOODEND TENNIS CLUB Jim Bucknell 313 9405

WOODEND VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE Chief Fire Officer Lew Grant 021 1311 780 lewsandra@xtra.co.nz www.fireandemergency.nz

WOODEND / WAIKUKU PLUNKET Clare Hewett 312 2640

The team here at PMC want to say thank you to all our patients and the wider community for your ongoing support and understanding in the rapidly changing times over this year. We wish you all a wonderful relaxing Christmas and safe New Year continue to look after one another, thanks again for your patience and kindness we have experienced in 2022. ☺

WHAT IS A HEALTH COACH? Hi I'm Molly, the health coach at PMC!

I support patients to make improvements to their health and wellbeing whether it be improving sleep, stress, weight, motivation, eating habits, isolation... just about anything that has an impact on your wellbeing. I understand that change takes time, so I am able to see you regularly to help make that change. There is no cost to see me and appointments are usually 30 minutes long. I work at PMC on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Please call reception to book an appointment with me.

MEDICATIONS OVER CHRISTMAS PERIOD wow its nearly the festive season again. Please check your medications to ensure you have enough of a supply over the Christmas and New Year break. Don’t leave it to the last minute as we can get busy the week leading up to Christmas day. Call us for a repeat prescription or review appointment with your doctor. Repeat prescriptions incur a fee. We are closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

WALKING FOR WELLBEING – join Molly and Cara every Friday at 11am for a 45min walk around Pegasus. Meet outside medical centre, all people and fitness abilities welcome to come for a “walk and talk” ☺ bring a friend….

PRACTICE PLUS (afterhours extended care) we are now able to offer you and your whanau afterhours virtual GP consultations; weekdays 5pm 10pm and weekends/public holidays 8am 8pm. This service is provided by Practice Plus not Pegasus Medical Centre doctors. Pre-payment is required prior to booking (this is not a subsidised service). Click the link on our website to find more information.

KEEPING US ALL WELL- We do require everyone coming into the practice to wear a mask as per the government’s directive. For peace of mind, you may wish to wait in your vehicle that is absolutely fine. Please just call us on your arrival with your details of vehicle. We will continue to screen patients and operate a “streaming” process again this is for your protection, as well as our staff. This means you may be required to be seen differently i.e., in vehicle, in outside or inside treatment rooms should you have cold/flu/covid symptoms

In a medical emergency, and if acutely unwell don’t hesitate to dial 111. 52 Pegasus Main Street, Pegasus Town Ph 03 920 4060 www.pegasusmedicalcentre.co.nz

St Barnabas Church

It has been another unsettled year, due to war, natural disasters and COVID, among other things. It has been encouraging and inspiring to see both adults and young folk continuing to attend our church services and activities.

Our Ministry Team Leader, Stephen Dunne, had been with us for a whole year on 30 October. As well as being an interactive and inspiring preacher, he has an active involvement in all our church activities. We are very blessed to have him in our church.

On the subject of our activities, a group of our young people attended the Deeper camp at the beginning of November, along with young folk from the rest of the Anglican diocese. The theme of the workshops in camp was ‘to help (then) grow in love for Jesus and each other’. It was a joyful and uplifting experience.

The Tribe youth group has already finished for the year, on 12 November. Their final meeting, held in St Barnabas’ church hall, was as ever, filled with fun, laughter and learning. The young people are already looking forward to The Tribe starting up again next year!

The other activities and groups will

be winding up in December. These include a Young Adults Games Night on 8 December, a Merry and Bright Christmas Craft Night on 14 December, and a Christmas Quiz Night on 18 December. And the Music and Play preschoolers have their Christmas Special on December 14 (for Wednesday group) and 16 (for Friday group.) The Christmas breakup is always a special event for the children, so don’t miss out!

The groups may be winding down, but the build-up to Christmas is just beginning. On 27 November, we had the first of our atmospheric Advent services, one of which will be a Carol Service. (Advent services take place on Sundays at normal time – 9.30am for the traditional service, 4.30pm for the contemporary service.) Then there is a major highlight on Christmas Eve, when we meet at the church at 11.15pm to share mince pies and mulled wine, before attending the Christmas Eve candlelit service. And of course there is the 9.30am Christmas Day service, when we celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth. We would love you to join us at any – or all – of these services.

Here’s wishing you all the joy and peace of the Christmas season!

IN NORTH CANTERBURY

For up-to-date market knowledge and better than expected results when you sell your home, give me a call today.

Lions Club of Woodend Pegasus

Fundraising for local community projects as a volunteer. Support club activities but having fun and friendship. New members are very welcome.

Dinner meetings on 3rd Thursday each month (own cost). For more details contact Brian on 027 958 8888.

Kaiapoi Community Patrol

We are now recruiting volunteers for Camera Operation and Patrolling. Full training given. If interested, please contact Owen 027 442 4436. All volunteers are required to be vetted by police.

Kaiapoi Community Garden Volunteer days

Wednesday 10am – 12pm and the last Saturday of every month 10-12pm, as we are now on our summer hours.

Come and join the Community Garden and learn about organic produce, composting skills and find likeminded people to share your love of gardening. For more information follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KaiapoiCommunity-Garden

Dear Community Readers

We have had a busy term and with only three and a half weeks to go, end of year events are already on the horizon.

Woodend School now has a community garden initiated by the Woodend Community Association. This is a great initiative, and the students are excited to be involved with this as well. For any community minded gardeners if you wish to be involved, please contact Andy Childs on 027 512 2681 or email andyandsuechilds@xtra. co.nz

Jump Jam Teams

Over show weekend Woodend School was lucky enough to take 25 students and 7 adults to

Tauranga for Jump Jam Nationals. This trip was an amazing experience for our two teams. Both of which worked as a team, displayed positivity, manners and an awesome sense of fun! The year 5 and 6 team did not place in Tauranga. However, they were told their category was the highest quality jump jam the judges had ever seen. The girls were so proud of this. Our year 7 and 8 team did so well

and placed 2nd in their category. This was well deserved and such a fantastic achievement from these girls. Both teams were in the top ‘Ultimate’ category, so knew before they attended that they were in the top 7 teams in the country, for their

age. Thank you to our amazing sponsors who got us there, the parent helpers, traveling parents, parents at home, siblings, teachers and coaches. The trip wouldn’t have been the same without all of these people supporting and helping with so many jobs and responsibilities

Massive thanks to our sponsors for making this event possible. We held a Whare Manu day last week for all our students. This was funded by our awesome PSA team.

Our students worked together in their Whare Manu groups, our seniors helping and modelling to our juniors. It was great seeing all the smiles as students completed the Inflatarun.

Our school roll continues to grow, and we ask any new families to the area who may have students due to start next year to please register their enrolments online on our website www.woodend. school.nz This will help enormously

with our planning for 2023.

As this will be the last article before we break up for the year, we wish all families and community members a restful and wonderful Christmas break.

Nga mihi nui Woodend School

Young

Santa Claus A True Story as told by Anastasia Marambos

Back in 300 A.D., when the Roman empire was the most powerful political force in the word, a boy called Nicholas grew up in Asia Minor. Since he was an only child, he inherited everything his parents had – which was a lot. It was enough for him to live for the rest of his life in luxury and pleasure, and he would never have to be depressed by finding himself ‘a year older and not at all richer’, as Scrooge would say, since every year he would have been immeasurably rich. And if he’d invested, then he’d have immeasurable riches plus more money. He’d always be rich. Where he lived, there were hundreds of ways to have fun spending money. And Nicholas’ wealth diminished rapidly, although he was as careful with his own personal purchases as old Ebenezer Scrooge. For one day three young women, sentenced to be sold into slavery because of their father’s poverty, found three bags of gold by the fireplace. And one day, a poor widow with several children found her shoe full of coins. Such occurrences multiplied, and the benefactor’s name was not altogether a secret. He was known for his generosity, and he was made a bishop. Yet he was in for trouble. For being a Christian was illegal, and being a Christian bishop was very illegal indeed. The penalty wasn’t a fine – it was death, or life in prison. Maybe this is why he later became so popular –he wasn’t just a cheerful elderly man, but he was someone who would do the right thing regardless of general opinion. From when he died until the present day he has been honoured

in hundreds of homes, and dozens of Church buildings are named after him. When he died, people vied for his relics, and he was honoured with the title ‘Santa,’ meaning ‘Saint,’ or ‘Holy’. It became a tradition for children to leave their shoes by the fireplace, in the hope of finding treats there the next day. Sometimes this was done on Christmas Eve, but it was also done on the day set aside specifically to remember him – 6 December. Over the centuries, legends have been mingled with history, and so the historical Nicholas became modern-day Santa Claus.

Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year!

We have had a challenging year with covid-19 but in addition local government has been challenged with the proposed Three Waters Reform. Future for Local Government and Resource Management changes, ALL remove local say and control of community assets. Whilst some change is inevitable I continue to work to protect YOUR rights and to ensure a local voice.

Clothing Alterations & Repairs

Do you have a busted zip or pants that are too long? Or maybe a dress or skirt that needs an alteration? Call or text Paula 027 627 7212.

Philip Redmond QSM

Waimakariri District Councillor | Kaiapoi Woodend Ward

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Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy new Year!

This Month with Harry

Last month we ended on Bikini atoll being shown the experiments to get rid of the caesium, the by-product of the H bomb.

Millions of gallons of sea water had been pumped trying to get rid of it with little success. Just prior to our visit they found that applying potassium pushed the caesium down. Vast quantities of potash fertilisers were being spread and crops of vegetables, especially tomatoes were grown. In turn the fruit harvested was checked to see if the caesium was still present. We weren’t allowed to touch anything as everything was still ‘fizzing’ a bit.

The hole where the H bomb had been detonated was a truly unforgettable sight. An island of four acres in the centre was completely vapourised leaving a pit about 2 kilometres across. Captured battleships loaded with goats to serve as ‘guinea pigs’ simply rose into the air and sank.

On our return to Majuro we stopped off at Kwajalien atoll, a huge American base with the biggest lagoon in the world. This lagoon is used as a target site for missiles being fired from California. Two interesting things about Kwajalien is the wreck of the German battleship, ‘Gnesenau’ on the reef and the continuous presence of a Russian fishing boat. Apparently, the crew radio up the Americans and congratulate them every time a missile arrives successfully. The ‘Gnesenau’ was being towed to Bikini for the big bomb test but chickened out by breaking the tow rope.

In the late 1970s I entered local politics when I was nominated for the Ashley-

Eyre advisory board. This was the forerunner of the present community board. The only difference between then and now we didn’t receive $7,000 + annually for our monthly meetings and whatever else. I stayed with the group until the advent of the present community board becoming a member of the Coastal Drainage advisory. In the year 2000 I received a council award for services to the millennium projects and in 2008 a citation for services to the community.

I have been a member of the local Lions club for many years. I simply like the concept of Lions, the camaraderie, the banter, the fund-raising activities and the pleasure of seeing the monies raised helping our community. Over the years many thousands of dollars have been raised and distributed locally. Projects include roadside plantings, school and outward-bound sponsorships etc and more lately the war memorial.

Sadly however our membership has dwindled due to natural attrition, and we would love some new members to come into the fold. I can assure you it is a lot of fun.

Inheriting some old family papers on my return from the O.E. I discovered that my great-great grandfather had probably patronised the pub in Beaconsfield. So had I. This revelation led to an interest in family history, and I became one of the founder members of the Canterbury genealogy society. There were about 25 of us meeting monthly in a room in Cranmer Square. On my maternal side my great great grandparents, William and Sarah

Judson, arrived in Woodend in 1860. Delving into the past also produced old photos and I began collecting and copying anything pertaining to early Woodend. To date I have about 900 of them and these are being copied at the Rangiora Museum at present. It is intended that these will be kept as a separate Woodend display. In those early days we genealogists were encouraged to collect oral histories as the old people had a habit of dying. As I had a bent for local Maori history, I spent a bit of time interviewing some of the older folks. Pani Manawatu, Tom Huria, Mars Reuben, Johno Crofts and others contributed to three exercise books on the Maori past.

In July 1994, I wrote a facetious letter to the ‘Woodpecker’ regarding the naming of the streets in Woodend. In light of the decree of the council in 1975 that the streets in Woodend be named after early settlers, it was ridiculous that we ended up with a Lacy Gates, Simon and Somerset. I could go on and relate to some of the inconsequential in our latest subdivisions. As a result I was invited to put my money where my mouth was and tell a little of Woodend’s’ history. So began a monthly contribution to this fair publication.

Mostly history but occasionally some of the other. As a Lions project at the millennium we gathered some of the contributions and with the help of Jim Claydon of Rangiora print we put together a book. Titled ‘At the end of the Bush, Woodend’ there are but a few of these left at $25 a copy –contact a Lion.

In the early 90s I was approached by a lady, a widow bringing up a couple of

boys on her own. She asked if I would reinstate Scouts as her lads had no male influence whatsoever. Sorry too busy, too old, to cantankerous, been there, done that. However this played on my mind a bit.

1997 was the Lions year of the youth and as a project I suggested starting a boy’s club. At that time girls were well catered for with guides and brownies. Nothing for boys. The idea was to get it going, based on the old scouting themes with an accent on the great outdoors, and hand it to the community with Lions support. And of course lots of fun. We started with 25 guys but within a year this had increased to 30 with a waiting list. Camps were held at Macintoshes beach and expeditions to my hut high on the slopes of the northern Kaikouras. When this property was sold, we built another at Waiau. Here we learnt to light a fire, cook a meal, make a bivouac and sometimes sleep in it, and bushcraft in general.

We went hunting deer and pigs and when the weather was good, we would go to the highest point or the farm, make a tussock bed and sleep under the stars.

Sadly over the last four years membership has dwindled. Covid and losing a leg hasn’t helped. As the U.K. Girl Guiding reported in 2011 “Children are less adventurous than before. The blame for this is the internet, television and overprotective parents”. So endeth the story of my life so far--back to a bit of history etc next year. Have a Merry Xmas and scandalous new year.

John Harris

Mayor Dan Gordon Update

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you for the kind condolences that we received after the recent and sudden passing of my mother Liz. Although it has been a very difficult time, my family and I have found comfort in your kind words, calls, messages, and cards. I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you.

I would also like to say a big thank you to all the fantastic firefighters from around the Waimakariri District and the Canterbury region for their work in containing the recent Pegasus fire.

I know it was a very worrying time for many of the residents in the Pegasus and Woodend area and a tragedy that need not have occurred.

While I personally love fireworks, I believe they should be limited to public displays where we can all enjoy the spectaculars, in a safe and controlled way. All too often now fireworks are responsible for harm to people, pets, and property.

There is also the financial cost when things go wrong. The bill for the Pegasus fire is already in excess of $1 million.

The Christmas season is fast approaching, and it is my favourite time of the year.

I love the Christmas parades, markets, Christmas Tree Festival and the latenight shopping. It is wonderful to

see the many events on offer in our district.

I am incredibly proud of some of the great things we have achieved as a Council and as a district. We have made our views very clear about the proposed Three Waters reform and we will continue to oppose this.

We have welcomed new members to our Council and farewelled some familiar faces. We know there are a number of big issues coming up for our sector, including Resource Management Act (RMA) reform, the Future for Local Government report and of course Three Waters.

I am looking forward to 2023 and continuing to build on the successes of 2022.

But for now, I am also looking forward to spending Christmas with my family and friends, taking some time out over the New Year period and enjoying summer in our district.

I wish you and your families a safe and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year holiday period.

I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you may want to discuss. Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021 906 437. I’m here to help.

A key part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring programme involves organising fun events for our matches, the most recent being a cupcake and rock decorating extravaganza!

Kindly sponsored by The Sugar Room, local baker Sam volunteered her expertise to teach our rangatahi and their Mentors all the tricks of her trade. Many masterpieces were made and so much fun was had!

If you or your business would like to help organise or support our next match event, we’d love to hear from you; reach us on 03 310 7004 or northcanterbury@bbbs.nz

Merry Christmas Meri Kirihimete

Enjoy the festive season with your family.

It’s gift time again at PAWS Vets! Pick up a free toy with selected bags of Royal Canin and Hills pet food (while stocks last), so don’t forget to stock up for the holiday season.

As always we will have a local vet available, for our clients, during the statutory holidays and we will be open as usual in-between.

Please be careful around the holiday season to keep those extra Christmas hazards out of the reach of our furry family such as mince pies, fatty foods tasty small toys and many more. Take care and enjoy.

CONTACTS:

PHONE: 03 312 2669

EMAIL: pawsvets@gmail.com

ADDRESS: 71 Main North Road, Woodend (between vegetable and coffee shops)

HOURS: 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday 8.30am - 6.30pm Wednesdays