ISSU_Keeping On_Spring 2026

Keeping On THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY Vol 131: SPRING 2026

Greta heads into spring with the air full of possibilities, Page 2.

Phone (03) 366-0903, Fax: (03) 365-0639, Email: team@ageconcerncan.org.nz, www.ageconcerncan.org.nz Charities Commission Number: CCC29446

2

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Here we are at the beginning of September and spring is on the way.

However, there was a very white frost this morning to remind us all that winter is not done with us yet. Keep up your heating to ward off ills and chills and remember that you get the winter warmer payment each two weeks with your pension, use it wisely to keep your heat pump going or your heater. The days are lovely and sunny after the frost so make use of the warmth to dry your washing and find a sunny sheltered spot to sit. Remember that there are some great places to sit and enjoy the sun and watch the world go by as I have said in my previous columns in Keeping On I haven’t got an adventure to tell you about this time but I had a misadventure. I stepped down my doorstep in early July and ruptured the Achilles Tendon in my left leg.

The result is that I am now in a moon boot for eight weeks, I have done four, so four more to go. I have to keep the boot on 24/7. That means I must sleep and shower with it on.

For showering I have a large plastic bag which gets taped at the top so it keeps dry. I am allowed to walk with the boot but I have to use a walking frame for assistance. As you can imagine my activities are somewhat limited. Fortunately, it is my left leg that is affected, so with my automatic car I can still drive making sure I have the frame in the back of the car.

This is a good time of the year to remind ourselves to be aware of the signs of a stroke. This can happen at any time without warning. The signs to look for are abbreviated to FAST. This translates to Face drooping, Arm weakness and Speech difficulties and the T most importantly is Time to call 111 ambulance immediately and state clearly that you think someone is having a stroke. Be mindful of those around you.

Take care, keep warm until next time.

Trish Adams President

CONTENTS

Page 6, Mr and Mrs Pie by Adrienne Doyle

Page 9, Navigating the Fog

by Malcolm Crawshay

I have sat down to write this column a dozen times, and yet it’s over a week over deadline and I still haven’t finished it. I usually joyfully bang out my column in an hour or two, so this feels a bit strange. On reflection, it’s not that I have nothing to write about, but that there is too much competing for space in my brain. It’s noisy up there at the moment!

My job is very rewardng, but it’s also challenging at times. I feel very blessed to work with amazing people, and it’s my job to provide them the supportive environment from which they can thrive and enjoy the challenges of their own work.

Sometimes that looks like getting out of the way so people can just get on with things! There are always new ideas and new possibilities, and I’m caught between a sense of adventure and creativity, and the growing awareness that we can’t go down every road all at once, while still keeping on supporting our essential services that are already happening.

There’s a story that some of you may remember by DH Lawrence, called The Rocking-Horse Winner, where the old house of a boy and his spendthrift parents constantly whispers, “there must be more money, there must be more money”.

I think across the charitable sector at the moment, a few of us are hearing that whispering voice. At

Age Concern Canterbury, we’ve sheltered by our reserves from the coldest winds of government funding cutbacks, but times are tight, nonetheless. I’m aware that it’s been a long cold winter for so many people out in the community, who have struggled to keep themselves warm and fed due to rising costs. And the cost of living keeps going up, hurting children and hurting older people on fixed incomes.

I have to remind myself that at Age Concern Canterbury, we’re incredibly fortunate, because of three main factors: Our Board has carefully managed our reserves over long years, and these protect our ability to deliver services through times like these. Our staff are to a person talented and kind, and work harder than any employer would have any right to expect. The mood in the office is cheerful, even when the work is hard. And our volunteers (and we have so many wonderful volunteers) are a powerhouse of support for all sorts of people throughout Canterbury. We’re here to help; that’s our purpose.

So, I am heading into Spring after a long, cold Winter with a sense of relief and also a sense of challenge.

It’s a time for stamina, and boldness, and courage. There are green shoots everywhere, and blossoms, and we’ve survived another season. All over Canterbury, people are stepping outside, and meeting their friends, and family, and whānau, their neighbours and even perfect strangers. It’s warming up, thank goodness, and the air is full of possibilities.

Greta Bond Chief Executive

Keeping On OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY (INC)

Page 31, Birds at The Christchurch Art Gallery

Page 36, A Fairy in My Garden 20 Years Ago by June Peka

Page 4, Memories: Snakes and Crocodiles by Mike Crean Page 16, Welfare Guardians: Making Safe and Protective Decisions Page 23, From the IT Desk by Dave Callis Page 25, How Good Are Your Crossword Skills?

Page 30, Generosity, Concern and Support Page 32, Memoirs Workshop at Age Concern Canterbury Page 34, The McLarens of Rangiora by June Peka

Keeping On is distributed by Age Concern Canterbury to Christchurch Malls, Senior Citizen Clubs and Groups, Libraries, Medical Centres, Rest Homes, Hospitals and Institutions, Housing Complexes and Agencies working with older people and individuals. Keeping On is published quarterly in February, May, August and November each year. Written contributions for consideration can be emailed to the Editor at liz.sugrue@ageconcerncan.org.nz or contact Liz on (03)366-0903. The Keeping On Team: Liz Sugrue - Editor, Mike Crean - Journalist, June Peka - Journalist, Anna-Marie Hunter - Designer/Advertising Representative.

Keeping On is printed by Inkwise, Rolleston.

Age Concern Canterbury is very grateful for the support we receive from our advertisers. Without advertisements this publication could not survive. Some of our advertisements are the traditional type and others include advertorial (an advertisement that’s written in the form of editorial content). To be transparent to our readers each of these advertorial pieces is labelled with the symbol A. Views and opinions expressed in Keeping On are not necessarily those of the Editor of Age Concern Canterbury. Neither does publication of an advertisement imply endorsement by Age Concern Canterbury.

KEEPING ON ADVERTISERS Deadline for our November 2026 issue of Keeping On is Friday, 30th October 2026.

Please contact Anna-Marie on 03 331 7804.

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

3

So, what do you do for a living?

by Deirdre McGrath

I was at a meeting recently with people I didn’t know, and a man I was sitting beside asked me what I did for a living.

"I’m retired," I said.

He nodded politely, said "Oh, lovely," and turned to talk to someone else.

Conversation over.

It happens a lot. Once you say you are retired, people often assume you have stopped. Stopped working, stopped contributing, stopped being busy in any way that counts.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Retirement does not mean doing nothing; it means choosing what you do.

I’m beginning to understand that for most of my adult life, my worth has been measured by my job title. That seems to be true for many of us. It’s how we introduce ourselves, how we place each other in the world. The problem is that question leaves a lot of people out. Parents who work at home full time. People who cannot

work for health reasons. People between jobs and a growing number of us who have retired.

My week has never been empty, and now it is just as busy - it has just become unpaid.

Each week I spend time with some of my grandsons. I am making the most of the time they want to spend with their Nana, hopefully teaching them some life lessons and making memories with them.

Like many retirees I volunteer.

My current contribution is for Age Concern by making crosswords and writing articles for this magazine.

Mine is just a small contribution but throughout New Zealand you will find retired people running the charity shops, driving people to hospital appointments, weeding community gardens, organising library sales, and answering phones for community organisations.

Then there is the work no one sees.

The appointments, the exercise

class that helps keep me mobile, the cooking, the house maintenance, the phone calls to check on friends and family, the out-of-town visits to my other grandsons and the learning. In classes I have taken recently there were many of us over 60 learning things we never had time for. Languages, woodwork, pottery, history, not for a qualification just for the joy of it.

I am not saying this to sound busy or justify my time. I am saying it because I believe we talk about retirement all wrong. We talk about it as a long holiday, or worse, as a problem to be solved. Are retirees a burden? How will we afford them?

The language itself is revealing. We are either lounging or we are costing someone.

What if we talked about retirement as a career change? You move from paid work to chosen work. The skills are the same. Punctuality, patience, organisation, humour. Only the pay

structure has changed and frankly, the boss is nicer.

I understand why people ask, “What do you do for a living?” It is a familiar, well-meant habit, but it is also a narrow question. It assumes the most interesting thing about a person is how they earn money. For most of us, that was never true.

There are better questions.

What do you enjoy doing with your time?

What are you learning right now?

What keeps you busy these days?

Ask those and you will get a much better conversation than an old job title ever gave you. You might hear about the 72-year-old training for a marathon, the 68-year-old teaching herself to paint, the 80-year-old who drives his neighbour to bowls every Thursday without fail.

We are not doing nothing, we are doing everything we finally have time to do.

Aspire Canterbury - opening doors to greater independence Christchurch Girls’ Aspire Canterbury supports people with disabilities and their whānau to live independently, stay connected, and overcome everyday barriers.

While practical services such as the Total Mobility Scheme, mobility equipment, and disability information service remain at the heart of what we do, another important part of Aspire's work is helping people look ahead with confidence.

Earlier this month, we were proud to host Next Steps, the South Island's leading disability community expo. The event brought together disabled people, whānau, service providers, educators, employers, and community organisations from across the region, creating opportunities to connect, learn, and explore future possibilities.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Next Steps is seeing people discover options they may not have known existed. Whether it's finding pathways into employment, exploring education and training opportunities, learning about housing options, or connecting with community groups.

Access to the right information can open doors and create new opportunities.

The conversations and connections made at events like Next Steps reflect Aspire's wider mission. Every day, our team supports people to navigate the health and disability system, understand available funding and services, access affordable transport, and find practical solutions that help them participate fully in their communities.

Making Everyday Life Easier Need a little extra help to stay independent? Aspire Canterbury has been supporting older people and those with disabilities acrossInspiring Canterbury since 1982.

Mobility Aids & Daily Living Equipment – walkers, wheelchairs, and practical tools to make life easier.

Equipment Hire at affordable rates.

Free Disability Information & Advice to help you find the right supports.

Total Mobility Taxi Cards for discounted transport.

Find us at the Braintree Wellness Centre 70 Langdons Road, Papanui www.aspirecanterbury.org.nz info@aspirecanterbury.org.nz 0800 347 242

We know that independence looks different for everyone. For some, it may be travelling independently for the first time. For others, it could be maintaining independence at home, finding meaningful work, or building stronger social connections.

Whatever the goal, Aspire is committed to helping people identify the supports and resources that can help make it happen.

As we move through the year, our focus remains on removing barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring people across Canterbury can live with dignity, choice, and independence.

Visit www.aspirecanterbury.org. nz for more information or call (03) A 366 6189.

Need Advice? * Retirement villages * Asset protection * Wills & Trusts * Enduring powers of attorney * Property sales and purchases * Relationship property issues

High School Class of 1966 Reunion

Sunday, 13th September 2026 at the Richmond Club, 75 London Street.

11.00am to 3.00pm.

Lunch will be $42.00 per person Partners welcome.

For further information please email oga@cghs.school.nz

MOBILITY SCOOTERS SPECIALS

Ph: 366-5169 Home visits at no extra charge We are here to assist you in all legal matters

STEEL & CO

BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS 111 BEALEY AVENUE, CHRISTCHURCH

WHEELCHAIR SCOOTER SALES & SERVICE

Variety of new and used scooters, wheelchairs and walkers Contact: Gerald & Christine 28 Years of friendly service with a guarantee

Phone 383 1364 or 021 183 1177

4

Keeping On

AUGUST 2026

Memories: Snakes & Crocodiles “The richest bank of all is our memory bank. For years we deposited experiences there. Now we can withdraw them.

The interest accruing is our enjoyment.”

by Mike Crean

Snakes frighten me to death… well, nearly. I suffer when seeing a snake, even on TV. But one day in Australia my wife and I rented a car at Coolangatta and drove through hills in northern New South Wales to visit my sister and family at the pretty town of Armidale. The scenery for much of the way was one of sparse trees.

At last we met a sign announcing a short walk to a spot where you could see a magnificent vista.

I stopped the car and we walked the 100 metres track to see this splendid view. Then we started the return walk. Suddenly screams rang out. The screams were mine. A 1 metre-long snake was crossing the path just 15cm from me. My wife says it was only a small one and metres away from us. Numerically she might have been right; to me it

Christchurch Red Hatters Club No set meetings but the Club has ‘gatherings’ which include monthly events such as luncheons, dinners and an outing/activity. Contact: Iris Cousins on 021 0209 3598.

Christchurch Senior Citizens Cards section meets on Mondays, 12.15-3.00pm; Indoor Bowls section meets on Tuesday at 12.30-3.00pm; the Activities Group has outings for meals and social days, visits places of interest and go on bus trips.

Contact: Wayne on 355 6252 or 027 391 8038.

Club 55 Ten Pin Bowlers meet for fun, friendship, outings, exercise and a bit of team competition. Meet: Thursdays at 9.45am to approximately midday at Zone Bowling, Iverson Terrace, Christchurch. Contact: Beth on 388 2375 or 0272 610493.

Darfield Senior Citizens: Meet: 3rd Friday in Darfield (times vary).

Contact: Elizabeth May on 027 4183886.

Group Exercise Classes: Blue Brothers offering wellbeing and

was straight-up catastrophic.

Many Australians would have laughed at me. One decent Ozzie behind us declared the snake was “rather big and definitely poisonous”. It disappeared and we moved on - shaking.

Some years later my boss at The Press, Christchurch, asked me to take a trip offered by Australia’s Northern Territory to gain some publicity for Kiwis to choose holidays in the mighty Kakadu National Park.

I agreed to go but a shiver ran down my spine – would there be snakes?

What about crocodiles?

The first day was scary, in scorching heat. As we trekked we came to attractive ponds. Our party leader and four followers dived into each pond to cool down. Not me. I was still in fear of snakes and that soon we might meet crocodiles. However, as

temperatures rose, I surrendered and plunged into each of the last two ponds.

Nearing the final three-days’ trip we camped beside a larger pond. It was a beautiful spot, until the leader told us this was where much of the movie “Crocodile Dundee” was filmed. So, I didn’t dive in, or even approach. As for snakes, I had bulwarked my little tent each night.

In the final evening we had a ride in a boat on an inlet. Enjoyable at first - free from snakes. But gliding along we saw crocodiles lazing on the bank and scrutinising us. A couple slipped into the water. I slipped into terror. Then the boat turned and we chugged back to base.

Next day my Kakadu campaign ended. I piled into a car and was driven back to Darwin. On the way my driver suggested a short detour.

UPDATE FROM THE CLUBS

camaraderie to men living with cancer. Free exercise classes followed by a cuppa. Christchurch at Elevate Fitness, 4 Rolleston Avenue,8.15am,Tuesdays.

Rangiora: Mainpower Stadium, 289 Coldstream Road, 8.15am. on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday.

Rolleston: Selwyn Sports Centre, 70 Broadlands Drive, 2.00pm every Tues. Phone 0272027525 or email hello@bluebrothers.org.nz Kiwi-Fit Mall Walking: Northlands Mall every Tuesday and Thursday morning at the northern doors opened at 7.45am (near KiwiBank and The Warehouse). To enrol email northlands@kp.co.nz or go to the office (outside the Mall along from the BNZ) to collect a lanyard. Contact Karen Couch on 021 0690498 or email Karen.couch@xtra.co.nz.

Lincoln Area Senior Citizen Club Members have a trip to Moffatts Flowers in September then lunch and on 6th October entertainment is planned at the Lincoln Event Centre.

Meet: First Tuesday of the month at

1.30pm at the Lincoln Event Centre.

Contact: Evelyn 027 712 7195.

Papanui Rebus Club Meet: First Tuesday of the month at 10.00am at the Morrison Avenue Bowling Club, 30 Morrison Avenue, Papanui, Christchurch. Contact: Gillian on 03 352 6697 or Sian on 03 359 0057.

Pegasus Daylight Lodge No 450 is a Freemasons Lodge appealing to over 65-year-old Masons.

Meetings have minimal ceremonial content. Partners join for lunch and an activity/speaker. Meets: 3rd Wednesdays, 11.00am, Canterbury Freemasons Centre, 9 Shirley Road, Christchurch. Contact: The Secretary, pegasus450@xtra.co.nz or call Gerald 021 1704 179.

U3A Avon Otakaro: The University of the Third Age (U3A) is for older people keen to increase their knowledge. We offer members a place in their local community to come together to keep their minds active and to learn something new.

Our members enjoy access to expert guest speakers on a wide variety

“We have plenty of time to look at a most interesting sight on the way.

Would you like to see it?” he asked.

I nodded. Soon we reached a medium-sized lake with an earth bank at one end. Leaving the road we drove onto a track that ran along the bank. Halfway across we stopped.

The driver then explained that this lake, with water lapping the bank, contained the thickest concentration of snakes in the world. Immediately I imagined snakes wiggling out of the water, sneaking up under the car and probing ways inside through brake pedal gaps. I didn’t look. I couldn’t.

But now I wonder - was the driver just kidding? I pleaded we head for Darwin swiftly and he agreed.

Snakes? Crocodiles? A soft seat in a Boeing jet high above land was more to my liking.

of topics. Meetings are followed by afternoon tea and run from February to December each year. Regular newsletters are sent out. Come and join our friendly group in our comfortable Riccarton venue. Meet: Mondays, 1.30 to 2.30pm at the Rarakau Centre, 199 Clarence Street, Riccarton. Contact Lorraine Moody on 03 351 7052 or 021 074 4682.

Whareora Community House Monday: Walking Group, 10.00am.

Brisk walk and explore the area.

Tuesday: Knit & Natter, 10.00am to 12.00pm. Last Friday of the month Community lunch - finger food and garden table for a gold coin donation.

Meet: 8 Athelstan Street, Spreydon, Christchurch. Contact: Leanne on 03 337 2731.

MYWALKING GROUP: Active, happy walkers, 60+++ for singles only mixed walking group. Flat and hill walks, finish at a Cafe. Saturday and Sunday mornings for 1 to 2 hours.

New members welcome. Contact: Wendy on 027 752 9766 or www. mywalkinggroup.nz.

29 Shakespeare Road, Christchurch mobilityservices.co.nz

Phone 03 366 8815

$2995 Venture

Portable Power Chair Lightweight (just 15kg)

$3150 Road Runner

Portable/Foldable Scooter Lightweight (just 15kg)

$3950 Cruiser

Safe 4-wheel Mobility Scooter Exceptional value with free storage box

$4950 Urban Explorer

Our fun Urban Explorer Mobility Scooter With wind and rain protection

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

5

Bill Li decided to write a letter to himself at 70 Dear Bill...I keep thinking about something a resident told me, that it's bloody scary how fast the years go once you're older, and I've been trying to work out if I already feel an early version of that or if I'm perhaps just telling myself I do because it sounds like the kind of thing you're supposed to notice at 17. Either way I want to know when it actually started for you, and whether it was a specific point you could name looking back, or whether it happened so gradually you only realised once it had already changed.

I still feel younger than I am most of the time, like I am an imposter with

the same perspective I had when I was 14. I keep waiting for that to change, for some moment where I actually feel 17. I keep expecting to catch up to whatever age I actually am but I never quite do, and I feel like the distance to catch only widens. I want to know if that ever happens for you and if you're also still catching up.

I keep a journal most nights. Not all of it is worth keeping, most of it probably isn't, but I have this fear that if I stop I'll lose access to who I was at this age entirely. I'm just not sure I trust my memory to hold

all of it on its own with the specific way things felt rather than just the fact that they happened and with the flawed and silly ways I thought about the world. I want to know if you still vividly remember what it felt like to be 17 without needing any of this or whether the things I didn't write down are the ones you've lost, and what's left is just the outline of it, smoothed down by everything that came after it.

I don't think I've become who I thought I'd be yet, though I'm not sure I know who that was supposed to be either. I'd like to know which parts surprised you more when you

look back and the ways you ended up different or the ways you somehow didn't change at all despite everything that happened. If there's something you'd have done differently at my age I want to know what it is.

I don't know how to end this without it sounding like I'm asking you to reassure me and maybe I am. I think I'm trying to find out, from as far ahead as I can reach, whether all of this, with the worrying and the not knowing, ever amounts to anything or if in 50 years all of it would just become noise. Bill Li, 17.

Amberley Country Estate - Spacious and Unique Canterbury’s most spacious retirement village, Amberley Country Estate - just 35 minutes from Christchurch - is a retirement village like no other. Set on 37 acres with beautifully landscaped grounds and exceptionally well spread out two and three-bedroom villas, Amberley Country Estate looks and feels more like a subdivision than a typical retirement village.

A wide range of single level homes, from 94m² to 189m², means each street is unique and villas don’t all look the same. Some have shared,

cul-de-sac like settings, but, with rural people in mind, many homes have private driveways, double garages and spacious yards. Streets are beautifully landscaped with colourful plantings.

A 350m² Clubhouse features a pool table, bar, library, gym, spa pool, pétanque, croquet and a men’s shed.

A 1,350m² resort style Resident’s Centre, opening in 2027 will be the heart of the village, with a café, restaurant, games room, dance floor, library, gym, indoor pool and spa, men’s shed and bowling green.

Regular happy hours, van excursions and other activities and events allow residents to be as social as they please.

For residents’ peace of mind, the village will have a modern hospital and medical centre with comprehensive care facilities.

Amberley’s villas have been built with energy efficiency in mind and feature ducted central-heating, deeper walls with thicker insulation, thermally-broken, argon-filled, double glazed windows and even industryleading insulated foundations, so the

home is cool/warm and comfortable year-round, with power bills that are extra low. Their quality and fitout is of an exceptionally high standard.

Each has its own patio, garden area (lawns and gardens are maintained by village staff) and garage.

With extra warm homes, villas that are larger than typical, low weekly fees and a layout that features beautiful streetscapes with distinctive yards, Amberley Country Estate will be a very special place A to live.

Discover Canterbury’s Most Spacious Retirement Village

Amberley Country Estate, just north of Christchurch, is uniquely designed for people who want space that feels more like home. Like a residential subdivision in look and feel, here you’ll find spacious yards with individually landscaped gardens, wide roads and luxurious, well spread out, generously-sized, north-facing, energy-efficient Villas, many with private yards. We also have social gatherings, group events, exercise classes and regular outings, complemented by our 350m2 Residents’ Clubhouse. A much larger resort-style Community Centre is under construction now and modern care facilities are planned as well. If you’re 65+ and seek an active independent lifestyle with laid-back country living, call today to find out more about a retirement village with space to live a life you’ll love. Visit our website or phone 0800 573 573 today, to find out more.

Special Deals for Unconditional Buyers on Selected Villas!

If you’re a Cash/Unconditional Buyer, right now, you can save up to $50,000 on Villas available for immediate occupancy. We have a superb range of 2 Bedroom, 1½ Bathroom, Double and Single Garage Villas (see below) from $589,000—$859,000. Call today!

Terms and CondiƟons Apply

RESERVED - UNDER CONTRACT -

RESERVED - UNDER CONTRACT -

RESERVED - UNDER CONTRACT -

10 Teviotview Place, Amberley ● www.amberleycountryestate.co.nz ● Call Free: 0800 573 573

6

Keeping On

AUGUST 2026

Mr and Mrs Pie and two youngsters

by Adrienne Doyle One morning early in November 2022, four magpies appeared at my front door – Mr and Mrs Pie and two youngsters. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I felt they might be hungry but, being totally unprepared, had nothing suitable. I knew that bread wasn’t good for them but managed to find some suitable scraps. They loitered around the door listening to my questions and weren’t in a hurry to fly off.

Why, I wondered? All I could think of was Mum. And then I knew she’d sent them to cheer me up.

My mother’s funeral had been in October three weeks earlier. With family and friends gone, and the hype over, I was feeling quite down and the reality of no more Mum had settled in. She was 94 and a quarter and we’d talked often.

At their home in Redwood, Mum and my father had been visited for a few years by a pair of friendly magpies. Dad had made a feeding tray on the clothesline, so their dog wouldn’t bother the birds. When someone shot the male magpie, my parents were very upset.

It is now 2026 and our Mr and Mrs Pie and the family still visit regularly.

I started researching magpies and some interesting facts emerged. * They were introduced to New Zealand (from Australia) in 1860, to control pests on pastoral land.

Redundant now, they’ve been replaced by chemical control. * They’re incredibly smart birds, believed to have the intelligence of a four-year-old human. * They have facial recognition and long memories. * They mate for life. * They can have a lifespan of 25-30 years * Singing means they’re happy in their territory * They recycle their nests I bought mincemeat, and from Mitre 10, Energy Pellets for Wild Birds, and

mealworms at $27 per 100 grams.

Ouch. I began feeding them at the front door but realised the back yard was safer and they accepted that.

They spend a lot of time with us, especially in summer, feeding, playing, singing and being nosey. In four years, Mr and Mrs Pie have raised 10 youngsters in batches or 2-3-2-3.

At the start of each breeding season, around July/August the young are forced to leave their parents, to establish their own territories.

Mr Pie is most handsome with a very white back. Females have grey backs and all adults have a silvergrey beak. Their young begin life with grey backs and black beaks. Mrs Pie is most friendly, approaching easily, but Mr Pie is more cautious. He’s very protective so feels he can’t get too friendly.

The young ones have given us a lot of pleasure. They sit on a chair back and tap on the window for attention.

I’ve seen them chase and catch and eat white butterflies. They regularly catch bugs in the garden. The grandkids have enjoyed naming the babies, and many friends, especially from overseas have taken hundreds of photographs.

We are sad that our area has lost a lot of trees to development. Magpies live in trees.

FOOTNOTE: I knew 40 years ago that I’d never be a real reporter. If a Lois Lane-type scoop had landed on my desk I’d have died of fright.

I just wanted to write stories about interesting people and their passions.

So, I was thrilled to meet Age Concern Canterbury volunteer Adrienne Doyle recently, and to spend an hour over a cup of tea, chatting about our mutual interest – magpies. Amazingly, Adrienne had even written her own story shared here. June Peka

Over 40 years in the antique business Steve Purcell is a licensed antiques dealer trading as Antiques International Limited, with over 40 years experience in the business.

Steve started frequenting antique shops and restoring antique furniture when he was 15 and developed a passion for Kauri furniture in particular. After “doing up” a number of pieces it soon became apparent that some would have to be sold to make room for more projects.

Developing associations with a number of dealers, it was a natural progression into general antiques, art and jewellery. In the ’80s the hobby became a business selling items at antiques fairs, on behalf in established shops and converting an old Bedford bus into a mobile antiques shop.

In the ’90s the first official shop “Circa 1900” was formed with a

Steve Purcell, licensed antique dealer.

partner in Merivale and a second shop in Riccarton called “Finders”.

With the dawn of the new millenium internet communication was now a well established medium for selling, opening the door to a world-wide customer base. “Circa 1900” was closed and the company Antiques A International was formed.

STEVE PURCELL ANTIQUES BUYING - SELLING - VALUATIONS - APPRAISALS - ESTATE ADVICE

BUYING NOW

Old jewellery and scrap gold * Old coins & banknotes * Old New Zealand items * Paintings and old prints * Old silver and pewter * Medals & badges * Collectables * Old China porcelain & pottery * Old watches & clocks

If you have any of the above items you wish to sell please contact today for a consultation or to arrange an appointment.

0800 4 BUYER - 0274 327 514 - 03 351 9139 stevepurcellantiques@gmail.com WWW.STEVEPURCELLANTIQUES.COM

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

7

Have Pancreatic Spring is nearly here - time to get out Cancer? Research and about with Driving Miss Daisy Needs Your Help! As the days grow longer and the stress of driving or parking.

have pancreaticc cancer? you can help move research forward

study open now learn how you or a loved one can help at: thepancreas project.com

If you have a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, WE NEED YOU. Right now, Kiwi researchers are working to test a better, quicker way to diagnose problems with how the pancreas works.

Currently, pancreatic problems are hard to diagnose, and there is no quick test.

The ASPERT research group (University of Otago, Christchurch, with team members worldwide) has developed a set of simple diagnostic questions. We hope these questions will help health professionals diagnose pancreatic problems faster (so treatment can be started sooner).

You'd help by filling out two short questionnaires and providing a stool (poo) sample.

The time commitment to you would be two hours or less, and your data is kept private. Personal and health information is a taonga (treasure) and will be treated accordingly.

There are no physical risks to taking part in our study as we are not asking you to try a new medicine or treatment... just answer questions and provide a sample of your poo.

If you'd like to help, or learn more, visit thepancreasproject.com.

You'll be able to register your interest at that website. If you do, a study coordinator will call or email you to explain more.

Also, participants can withdraw from the study at any time with no consequences.

Participants who complete the study will receive a $25 gift card koha (as well as our deepest appreciation for helping to move pancreatic cancer research forward). Our study is open until the end of 2027, so there is still time to get involved.

Thank you for your consideration in contributing to this valuable research project. We believe it has the potential to positively impact many lives - across Aotearoa New A Zealand and beyond.

Questions? Please contact us at: ASPERT_toolstudy@otago.ac.nz

first signs of spring appear, it's the perfect time to reconnect with friends and enjoy everything our local communities have to offer.

At Driving Miss Daisy, we know how important it is to stay active, independent, and socially connected.

Whether you're meeting friends for coffee, attending a community group, visiting family, or enjoying a scenic drive, our caring Companion Drivers are here to help you travel safely and comfortably.

Spring is the perfect season to rediscover the activities you love and enjoy the benefits of getting out, spending time with others, and enjoying a change of scenery.

Make the Most of the Warmer Months Driving Miss Daisy can help you: • Catch up with friends for coffee or lunch.

• Attend Probus, RSA, church, or community group meetings.

• Visit local gardens, markets, or garden centres.

• Get to medical, hairdresser, or shopping appointments without the

• Enjoy time with family and loved ones.

More Than Just a Ride Driving Miss Daisy is more than a transport service - we're your companion along the way.

Our friendly Companion Drivers provide a personalised, door-to-door service, helping you from your front door to your destination. Whether you need assistance with shopping, an appointment, or simply enjoy having company on your journey, we're here to make every trip easy and enjoyable.

For families, our service also provides peace of mind, knowing their loved one is travelling with someone who genuinely cares.

This spring, don't let transport stop you from enjoying the people, places, and activities that make life fulfilling.

Contact your local Driving Miss Daisy today to book your next outing and make the most of everything spring has to offer.

A We look forward to helping you stay active, connected, and independent!

Get out and about with Driving Miss Daisy

Keep your independence and freedom with our safe, reliable companion driving service.

We can drive and accompany you to: • Medical and other appointments

• Grocery shopping

• Deliveries - e.g. take home meals

• Airport drop-offs and pick-ups

• Companion outings

• Or even transporting your pet!

Total Mobility Scheme cards accepted in most Canterbury areas, and an ACC contracted supplier.

Bookings are essential - call today and make your next outing a pleasure!

North Canterbury Coast Ph: (03) 312 2936 Waimakariri West Ph: (03) 920 5975 Redwood/Burwood Ph: (03) 352 4596 Harewood Ph: (03) 358 9466 Riccarton Ph: (03) 323 6984 Selwyn Ph: (03) 347 1009

Ferrymead St Albans Cashmere Wigram Ashburton Timaru

www.drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

Ph: (03) 423 9500 Ph: (03) 423 9831 Ph: (03) 423 9778 Ph: (03) 325 7153 Ph: (03) 307 7237 Ph: (03) 683 1073

8

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

Grandees come from all walks of life

by Wendy Nutthall

Grandees come from all walks of life. Many look like they might be grandparents indeed, but senior age is not a requirement. Caralyn Way, a volunteer Grandee at St Albans Primary School in Westminster St, says she seems to fit in the mould with many others involved.

It’s 60 years since Caralyn was first recognised in our neighbourhood, (affectionately known as Napkin Alley in Wainoni) as the kind and capable mother of four boys, close in age.

When we met so did our little boys, my Dino and Caralyn’s Mark. Mark was soon joined by Matthew. When neighbours noticed a third bump we wondered if it might be a boy named Luke. Not quite, baby three was John; Luke came last.

Recently celebrating her latest special big-numbered birthday, those grown up lads paid tribute to “a devoted mum, who has always shared lots of love, warmth, and

Volunteer Grandee, Caralyn Way.

creativity and resilience”.

Lucky children at St Albans.

Caralyn doesn’t call them students or pupils; she knows everyone’s name, and collectively calls them her “kiddies”. Their regard is evident in the fuss she receives on arrival at her rostered morning, and in the beautiful A3–sized book the kiddies made for her last Christmas – her sixth year in service. She’ll carry on as long as she can, she says. “Some mornings when it’s cold and the arthritis is grumbling I

Beckley Coachlines offers unique and relaxing tours Travelling around New Zealand from Stewart Island to Lochmara, Napier and even Whangarei. Beckley Coachlines and Travel offers unique and relaxing style tours, specialising in the 50-plus age group.

Tour pricing includes coach travel, accommodation, breakfasts and evening meals. Most activities are also included – making budgeting for your trip super easy! Your experienced and friendly guides/ escorts know the business of touring, and are on-hand to make sure your tour goes as smoothly as possible.

You are able to do as much or as little as you like on the tours, meaning you get the holiday YOU want and need! Even better is your like-minded travelling companions, making new friends and connections is a really special part of these getaways. With lots of laughter and fun, you will head home with loads of special memories.

You can book together with a friend and share a room, or if you

are travelling solo, you may choose a single room or be paired up with another solo person (same gender).

Couples are very welcome as well; our tours cater to everyone!

We have recently introduced “Walking Tours” for the more active travellers who are fit and able to get out and enjoy some easy day walks around New Zealand.

If you have mobility concerns, feel free to call us for a chat. Each itinerary lists any specific mobility requirements, but in general our motto is if you can get on the bus – you can come on our tours, mobility aids welcome.

We would love to hear from you if you would like further information about a specific tour, or if you have any questions. You can also check out our website, www.beckleycoachlines. co.nz or Facebook page (Beckley Coachlines and Travel) to see more about what adventure we are off on next!

A

wish I didn’t have to go out, but when I get to school everything is good. We have a lovely time, and I always feel better for having been there.”

Caralyn says a grandees role is not quite the same as a teacher’s aide, but has a lot of similarities.

“My kiddies are all around six years old. They might not be quite up with their peers so we read, but it’s not all reading. We practise printing and writing skills; I’ve even been asked to help with colouring in. I don’t think their parents are neglectful, but times are very different. Often both parents are working and in many cases, especially with new immigrants, there aren’t grandparents to help with extras, like reading and writing.

Kiddies come to me singly, enjoying the one-on-one time, and the teacher is then able to spend more time furthering the class knowledge.”

Caralyn has some special insider knowledge which cements the relationship with her kiddies. Although she came from a home with both parents and plenty of books, she was a slow reader herself.

“I didn’t have a problem doing my homework with Mum, but Dad was very strict and gruff. If I made a mistake we had to start again. There was no enjoyment in it. Consequently I didn’t get books from the school library because I couldn’t finish them in the two weeks loan period.”

When two of Caralyn’s own lads had early problems, she knew patience and kindness were the answer. One in particular still acknowledges spelling problems now, but has written a book. Contact co-oordinator Wendy Nutthall at wendyn@xtra.co.nz for more information on the Grandees programme.

Osteoporosis across the world - how does NZ compare?

New Zealand's osteoporosis burden sits broadly in line with, though not markedly worse than, other developed nations. In 2025, New Zealanders aged 50 or older numbered 1.8 million, representing 35% of the total population, a share projected to reach 48% by 2075, meaning the at-risk population is set to grow substantially. Currently, more than 22,000 fragility fractures occur annually among New Zealanders aged 50 and over, with prevalence estimates based on international research suggesting up to 30% of postmenopausal women may have osteoporosis - a figure consistent with rates seen elsewhere in the developed world.

Different studies measure osteoporosis differently, which makes country comparisons tricky, but here's roughly how New Zealand stacks up.

Some countries have much higher reported rates than others - Japan and the US tend to come out highest, while the UK, Canada, and Australia tend to come out lowest. For example,

one study found about 1 in 4 people in Japan have it, compared to roughly 1 in 5 in the US, and only about 1 in 50 in Australia. Another study, using a more consistent method across countries, found similar patterns: women's rates ranged from about 9% in the UK up to 15% in France and Germany (and even higher, up to 38%, when including spine scans in places like Japan). The takeaway is that these numbers bounce around a lot depending on how researchers test for and define the condition - not necessarily because the disease itself is wildly different from country to country.

Overall, while direct like-for-like comparisons are complicated by differing screening rates, diagnostic thresholds, and self-report versus DXA-based methodologies, New Zealand's osteoporosis burden appears roughly average among developed nations, with an aging population poised to increase the disease's overall impact in coming decades.

Osteoporosis New Zealand Our vision is better bones and fewer fractures for New Zealanders.

Our mission is to make this happen by engagement with the public, health professionals, policymakers and the private sector, through programmes of awareness, advocacy and education, to prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis.

Phone 04 499 4862 or Email info@osteoporosis.org.nz Osteoporosis New Zealand, PO Box 688, Wellington 6140

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

9

Why was my journey so much harder than it needed to be?

by Malcolm Crawshay When I look back over my journals, I don’t just see Lewy Body Dementia gradually changing my brain.

I also see years of unnecessary suffering.

Much of it could probably have been avoided if there had been a practical guide like this one available from the very beginning, and if the people around me had understood what Lewy Body Dementia actually is.

This book is not about curing LBD. It is about living with it as well as possible.

Many of the biggest improvements in my quality of life came not from new medicines, but from understanding what was happening and changing the way I was treated.

Many people think dementia is a straight line that slowly gets worse every day.

Lewy Body Dementia often isn’t like that. It fluctuates. Some mornings my brain works surprisingly well. A few hours later it can crash completely.

Those fluctuations confuse families, friends, doctors, and even the person living with the disease.

Which Dementia?

Too often the diagnosis simply becomes: “Dementia.” But dementia is not a single disease. It is an umbrella term. The underlying cause matters enormously.

Treatment, medication safety, expected symptoms, and even emergency medical care can be very different depending on whether someone has: • Lewy Body Dementia • Alzheimer’s disease • Frontotemporal dementia • Vascular dementia A diagnosis of “dementia” alone often isn’t enough. The subtype matters.

Lewy Body Dementia fluctuates.

Testing someone during one of their best periods may produce very different results from testing them

during one of their worst.

A single cognitive assessment only measures how the brain is functioning at that moment. It does not necessarily capture the person’s typical day.

What does a cognitive test actually tell us?

Most cognitive tests answer one question “Is there evidence of cognitive impairment?”

They can suggest dementia. They may indicate which areas of thinking are affected. But by themselves they usually cannot definitively determine which dementia a person has.

That diagnosis comes from putting together many pieces: • the person’s history • fluctuations • hallucinations • sleep changes • movement problems • autonomic dysfunction • examination • brain imaging where appropriate • excluding other causes The diagnosis is like building a jigsaw puzzle, not ticking a single box.

FR ANCO DAL DIN 027 484 2739 03 355 6555 fdaldin@cowdy.co.nz Licensed Agent REAA 2008

DECLUTTERING CONSULTANT Thinking of downsizing? Want help sorting your possessions?

Make life easier and more enjoyable Neat Spaces Canterbury offers experienced in-your-home decluttering and home-organising services Contact Helen today Ph: 021 512 427 E: helen@neatspaces.co.nz FB: neatspacescanterbury www.neatspaces.co.nz

Why is Lewy Body Dementia so difficult to diagnose?

I believe Lewy Body Dementia is one of the most difficult dementias to recognise. Not because doctors lack skill but because the disease keeps changing. One appointment may show someone functioning quite well. The next appointment they may be profoundly impaired.

Symptoms overlap with Parkinson’s disease, depression, delirium, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disorders, and psychiatric illness.

Patients themselves often struggle to describe what is happening. The disease can hide in plain sight.

Today, experienced specialists can often diagnose Lewy Body Dementia during life by recognising the characteristic pattern of symptoms and, when appropriate, using supportive investigations.

No single questionnaire makes the diagnosis on its own, rather, the diagnosis comes from the whole clinical picture.

Medication can matter more than people realise One of the biggest lessons I learnt is that medication choices matter enormously. Some medicines that are perfectly reasonable for other people can dramatically worsen symptoms in someone with Lewy Body Dementia. Others may increase confusion, sedation, hallucinations, falls, or sensitivity to treatment.

That is one reason why knowing the specific dementia diagnosis is so important. Treating “dementia” without recognising it is Lewy Body Dementia can unintentionally make life much harder.

Stress is not harmless I also learnt that stress isn’t “just emotional.” For me, stress translated

directly into worsening brain function. * Arguments. * Forms. * Noise. * Hospital confusion. * Being misunderstood.

Trying to explain myself over and over again. Each one increased the load on an already damaged brain.

Reducing stress became just as important as many medications.

Why I wrote this book This is why I wrote Navigating the Fog, not because I believe I can cure Lewy Body Dementia, but because I believe people can live much better with it.

If patients, carers, families, doctors, nurses, ambulance crews, and hospitals understand how Lewy Body Dementia behaves from the very beginning, many unnecessary crises may be avoided.

My hope is simple. That someone else’s journey through Lewy Body Dementia will be easier than mine.

If this book helps even one person avoid the confusion, fear, unnecessary medication, avoidable stress, or misunderstandings that filled so much of my own journey, then every page has been worthwhile.

Free paper copies can be picked up up from Dementia Canterbury, 70 Langdons Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8053. Phone 03 379 2590.

You can read the free preview at www.homeofpoi.com/ntf-free.pdf.

The official printed paper version can also be purchased at www. homeofpoi.com/ntf.

Purchasing the printed copy helps support the continued distribution of free copies to people living with Lewy Body Dementia, carers, families, and medical professionals.

10

Keeping On

AUGUST 2026

A practical guide for moving to residential care For many people, remaining at home for as long as possible is the preferred option. However, there may come a time when care needs increase and residential care becomes necessary. This may be due to reduced mobility, increased care needs following a hospital stay, concerns about safety or wellbeing at home, or carer fatigue.

If you or a loved one are considering a higher level of care, the first step is to arrange a needs assessment.

A GP, hospital team, or other health professional can make a referral, or contact the Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination Association directly.

If the assessment confirms that residential care is required, the next step is determining how the cost will be funded. Care may be paid for privately, or eligible applicants can apply for Residential Care Subsidies (RCS) through Te Whatu Ora. RCS application forms are provided following the needs assessment and must be returned to the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) within 90 days of the requested subsidy start date.

Many families find the application process daunting because it requires detailed financial information, including bank accounts and investments, property ownership, trusts, estates, gifts, asset transfers or sales, and debts. Supporting documents such as bank statements,

property records, trust documents, and evidence of asset transactions must also be provided. If someone is applying under an enduring power of attorney or acting as a property manager, their identification documents will also be required.

Where financial arrangements are more complex, such as involving a family trust, it can be helpful to include a letter explaining the applicant's circumstances and financial position.

Once the application is submitted, MSD will assess the information and may request further documentation before making a decision. Applicants will then be notified of the outcome and advised of the next steps.

Supporting a loved one through the transition to residential care can be both emotional and overwhelming.

While legal advice is not required to apply for an RCS, many families find professional guidance helpful.

At Harmans, our specialist Senior Law team can assist by: · locating property ownership or disposal records. · reviewing and summarising trust documentation. · ensuring enduring powers of attorney are in place. · reviewing applications to help the process run as smoothly as possible.

If you would like assistance with a Residential Care Subsidy application, please contact our specialist Senior A Law team on 03 379 7835.

Protecting you through all stages of life Our friendly and experienced Seniors Law team offers specialised legal advice so you have peace of mind and feel confident when it comes to making decisions that are right for you and your family.

Our Seniors Law team can help with: Wills Trusts Funeral Trusts Occupation Right Agreements Enduring Powers of Attorney

Rest Home Subsidies Estate Planning Asset Protection Sale and Purchase of Property

We have two convenient locations one in the Central City, the other in Papanui by appointment. If you can’t get to us, we offer a home visit service where we can come to you.

Contact Victoria P (03) 379 7835 E victoria.agnew@harmans.co.nz P (03) 379 7835 Agnew E legal@harmans.co.nz A 79-81 Cashel Street, Central City, Christchurch 8011 www.harmans.co.nz

Godley Head Tramp We started out at half past nine, the weather then, well it was fine.

As we walked around the hillside track strong wind blowing. Clouds were black.

Pass rugged cliffs that stand undaunted, with caves and coves that may be haunted.

High above the choppy sea, 26 keen trampers and me.

At Godley Head ‘then down went we, searchlight area and tunnels to see.

The tunnels are an amazing sight, the height of man and dark as night.

Hollowed out right through the hill, when this decade is over, they ‘ll be there still!

They were used back when the war was on, to guard the entrance to Lyttelton.

We came back around past Boulder Bay; high seas bashed the rocks and sent up spray.

The rain was falling steady now, we got rather wet, we did and how!

Dripped down our necks and faces and we got wet in unmentionable places.

Although I was wet my feet were dry, I had my boots on, didn’t I. As we slushed back round the muddy track, we were a sight to see, Hats pulled down, coats tight round, mud up to our knees.

However, be it sun or rain, we know we’d do it all again.

For our country we all love to see, 26 keen trampers and me.

Pauline Watson

Selwyn Community Care

by Madhu Nath, Community Engagement Officer, Selwyn Central Community Care

At Selwyn Central Community Care, our mission is simple - to ensure that everyone in our community feels supported, connected, and valued.

We believe that a strong community is built on kindness, connection, and people looking out for one another.

Every day, our dedicated volunteers work alongside our team to ensure local people feel supported, valued, and never alone.

From providing transport to medical appointments and delivering Meals on Wheels, to offering companionship through home visits, community outings, and social programmes, we are committed to helping people maintain their independence and wellbeing. We help older adults, people recovering from illness or injury, and anyone who needs a helping hand to remain connected with their community and independent.

As a charitable organisation, we rely on the generosity of our volunteers,

supporters, local businesses, and community members to continue delivering these essential services.

Every act of kindness - whether volunteering your time, making a donation, or simply spreading the word - helps strengthen our community and enables us to continue making a positive difference across Selwyn.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who continues to support our work and helps make Selwyn a caring, connected, and inclusive place for all. One person, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.

For more information about our services, or how you can support Selwyn Central Community Care, please visit www.selwynccc.co.nz or contact Yvonne Lamond on 027 313 1122.

"Together, we care. Together, we connect. Together, we make a A difference."

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 11

School reunions: to go or not to go?

by Dyfed Williams To go or not to go, that is the question. I have been to several school reunions over the past 50 years – St Albans School 100th and 150th, Christchurch Boys’ 100th, Heaton Intermediate 25th, Teachers’ College centennial, several 1st XV reunions and most recently Fiordland College 50th Jubilee Reunion. I usually vacillate and prevaricate before deciding to go.

My next school reunion will be the Sesquicentennial Reunion of Christchurch Boys’ High and if I get there will turn 80 years in 2031 when the school turns 150 years.

Fiordland College’s 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary (1976 -2026), held during King’s Birthday Weekend in May 2026, took me back to the beginning of my teaching journey and to the wider journey of learning. It also led me to reflect on why we learn some things and not others.

Learning is a lifelong process, stretching from preschool to retirement and beyond, including the University of the Third Age, which provides learning opportunities for pensioners.

“Hello Mr Williams, do you remember me, Janet Vogel.”

“Yes, I do”, I replied to the tall striking looking woman. She was one of many memorable students in my first year of teaching in 1974 at Manapouri District High School. Manapouri Hydro Village where the school was located has disappeared under farmland. Then I ask the question men aren’t meant to ask women.

Alma Mater and staff of Manapouri District High formed a ‘choir’ to sing ‘Manapouri Stand Proud’ as a tribute to their former school at their 50th Reunion.

“How old are you, Janet?” The answer reveals that we were both pensioners, that feels strange.

The age gap between the 22-year-old teacher and the 16-year-old pupil wasn’t great.

Half a century is an adequate time to share some amazing achievements. Heather, who struggled academically, became a dialysis nurse and home schooled five children who became high achievers in a variety of careers. Sonia Manaena, whose dad Joe coached me rugby, reminded me that I had driven her 100 miles to Invercargill’s Kew Hospital when she broke her wrist. I didn’t remember, but identifying my green mini car was proof. Sonia in one of many inspiring speeches by former students and staff, reminded Murray Dawson, my former colleague, maths teacher and friend that he had asked her what her dream was. She replied to be

a world champion and achieved that as a world power lifting champion. She was awarded the gold in Invercargill after the Russian drug cheat who beat her was exposed and won the world title twice again, once in Russia and again in South Africa against some rather arrogant American competition. Teaching in this beautiful and isolated wilderness taught me a lot about the teaching and learning process.

Primary school had sad and happy memories.

The principal was a bully who strapped me on at least two occasions for misdemeanours that I wasn’t responsible for, and the culprits escaped punishment. However, I made heaps of friends there and Basil Shead, my favourite teacher identified on my standard 3 (year 6) report that I had skills as a storyteller.

The Christchurch Boys’ High Centennial dinner was memorable in 1981 as the night when our son was born. Old school chums suggested that he should be named Altiora Peto ‘Seek Higher Things’ Williams after the school motto. We stuck with Daniel.

Hopefully, I can do something to encourage the telling of Christchurch Boys’ High School Sesquicentennial stories, including how and why my grandmother Ethel Williams became the first life member of the CBHS Parent Teachers’ Association and why five generations of the Freeborn family sent their sons to CBHS.

Rangiora 20km Kaiapoi Kaiapo apo poi po oi

7 Waimakariri Wa Wai W aima a ma mak ak ka ari ar riri ri ri River Riiv Riv R ve ver err

Bo Bot B ot ot ttle tlle le Lake Lak La ak ke e Bottle For Fo F o orres est e s stt Forest

Groynes Th e G The Th Gr roy oyn o yn y nes es Christchurch Ch Chr C hrrist h ist is istchu stchu chu ch hurc rrch ch ch Airport A Ai Airpor Air irport ir po p por o t or

9.5 9 9. .5 5

Belfast Be Bel B el elfa ffas a as st st

2

7

Sup Supa upa pa pa Centre Cen Cent Ce C en ent nttrre e

7

12 12

The Th T h he e Palms Palm Pa lms s

Brighton B rig gh ght hton ht n Beach Be Bea B ea eac ch h

3.6 3.

3 .6 Northlands Nor No N or or th thl thl hland ands nd n ds

10 0

City Ciit y Cit Ci Centre Ce Cen C en ntre re re

Waimakariri River

Kaiapoi 7km

The Groynes

Christchurch Airport

9.5

2

Belfast

Bottle Lake Forest

7

Supa Centre

3.6

7

12

The Palms

Brighton Beach

Northlands

10

City Centre

12

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

When is the right time Look at what we’ve dug up to update your Will?

by Jessie Garland

Having a Will is a great first step in protecting the people you care about, but it is not a "set and forget" document. Life changes, and your Will should reflect your current circumstances, relationships, assets, and wishes.

Relationship changes are one of the main reasons to review your Will.

Marriage or entering a civil union can affect an existing Will, while separation may not automatically change it as you expect. This could leave someone included in your Will or in an important role when that is no longer your intention. If your spouse or partner dies, it is also worth checking that the people named in your Will are still the right choices.

Families change too. The arrival of children, grandchildren, or other loved ones may mean updating who is included, changing how your estate is shared, or making special provision for someone who needs

extra support.

Your financial situation may also change over time. Buying or selling a home, starting or selling a business, receiving an inheritance, or making significant investments can all affect your estate. It is important to ensure your Will still deals with those assets as you intend.

Your wishes may change as well.

An executor appointed years ago may no longer be the best fit. You may wish to add or remove beneficiaries, leave a gift to charity, or simply make your intentions clearer.

Think of your Will as a regular health check. It does not need constant attention, but reviewing it every few years, or after a major life event, helps ensure it remains up to date.

A little planning now can save your family significant stress later and give you confidence that your wishes A will be carried out as intended.

4-)6 0%; 2368,;33( ` /%-%43- ` 2); &6-+,832

Á nk Á ȳ

ÈÁ‫ي‬ áǣǼǼɀ 0ȇƳɖȸǣȇǕ ¨Ȓɯƺȸɀ Ȓǔ ɎɎȒȸȇƺɵ ƬƬɖȵƏɎǣȒȇ «ǣǕǝɎ ǕȸƺƺȅƺȇɎɀ

Look what we've dug up. Have a look at the photo to the right and see if you know what this bottle was used for/contained. This artefact was found by the Christchurch Archaelogical team and is one of hundreds of glimpses into our past that have been dug up at various sites around the city.

Here are some clues: * that it was found at the site of the Zetland Arms on Cashel Street. * the glass is unusually thick. * the shape is particular to the

Discover the ulimate electric trike: your freedom on three wheels!

Are you ready to embrace the open road with confidence and style? Our 3-Wheel Electric Trike is designed for those who refuse to let age slow them down. With a host of features tailored for comfort, safety, and performance, this trike is perfect for you and maybe a companion to enjoy the journey together.

Key Features * Adjustable Seating: Comfort is key! Our trike comes with adjustable seating which can accommodate two people. * Large Wheels for Stability: The robust large wheels provide excellent stability and control, making your ride safe on various terrains. * Power to Travel: Equipped with 2 x 500W motors, this trike delivers impressive power and acceleration, allowing you to travel further and faster. * Long-lasting Battery: 30Ah lithium battery ensures you have the range to explore without worrying about running out of power. Enjoy longer rides. * Safety First: Our Electric trike features hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping power, along with 2 hand brakes, lights, indicators, mirrors, and an alarm system to keep

you safe and secure. * Built-in storage: Rear bin and a glove box with bag hook can carry your essentials, making it perfect for errands or leisurely rides.

Why Choose Us Wired 2 Ride At Wired 2 Ride we pride ourselves on creating the best e-trikes and e-mobility solutions in New Zealand.

Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction means you can trust us to deliver a product that enhances your mobility and independence.

With our sister company trading since 1997 making talking products for the blind and distributors of Seiko and PKCELL Batteries in New Zealand, we have a proven track record. Let us help you on your next journey.

In addition there is: * free nationwide shipping. * 3 Year Warranty. * FREE Cover.

Don’t let age or health slow you down, live as fast as you want to!

No longer drive or ride a bike? Don’t stop or slow down. Experience the freedom and joy of riding our electric trikes.

Ready to ride? Try one, live a little!

Call me, Donald, on 022 510 4911. A

$500 Trade in on your old bike

IƏȅǣǼɵ ÁȸɖɀɎɀ ِ​ِ​ِƏȇƳ ƏǼǼ Ȓǔ ɵȒɖȸ ǔɖɎɖȸƺ ȵǼƏȇȇǣȇǕ ȇƺƺƳɀِ

Towards your new E Bike, y E Trike , or E Mobility For the month of July y

Rƺȸƺ ɯǣɎǝ ɵȒɖ ɎǝȸȒɖǕǝ ƺɮƺȸɵ ɀɎƏǕƺ Ȓǔ Ǽǣǔƺِ

contents of the bottle. * there are a lot of local examples in Christchurch as well as a few early ones imported from Britain in the 1850s and 1860s.

For the reveal see Page 15.

We donate all trade ins to Around Ag ain Cycles

• T5 Blue Trike • Stable • Long Distance • Adjustable Handle Stem Discount code at checkout: 500 D

[[[ TMIVPE[ GS R^

P: 022 510 4911 | www.wired2ride.nz

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 13

CONSIGN FOR AUCTION OR SELL FOR INSTANT CASH

WWW.HOUSEOFHUIA.CO.NZ

AUCTION WITH US OR

SELL TO US - INSTANT CASH With a proven track record of achieving exceptional prices, House of Huia wants to help you unlock the value in your treasured items. Whether you're looking to reach our extensive network of buyers through auction, or prefer the simplicity of a same-day cash settlement, we have an option to suit you.

Come and have a chat with one of our market specialists, or with William our auctioneer, a relaxed, no-obligation conversation to find out what your items are really worth. We're also delighted to visit you at home. We travel throughout the region, so give us a call and we'll arrange a time that works for you.

GOLD JEWELLERY - GOLD COINS - SCRAP GOLD - SILVER JEWELLERY - SILVER COINS

POCKET WATCHES - ROLEX’S WORKING/NOT - WRISTWATCHES - OMEGA & TUDOR - BANKNOTES

MEDALS & MILITARIA - SWORDS & BAYONETS - RETURN FOBS - UNIFORMS ETC

ART & SCULPTURE - WINE - HISTORICAL ITEMS - MĀORI ARTEFACTS - MOORCROFT, AMPHORA, CROWN LYNN - STERLING SILVER ITEMS Rita Angus, A. A. Deans, Paul Dibble, Ralph Hotere, Frances Hodgkins, Doris Lusk, Len Lye, Colin McCahon, Archibald Nicoll, Paul Olds, Margaret Stoddart, Garth Tapper, Sydney Lough Thompson, Petrus van der Velden — any and all original artwork.

From sterling silver napkin rings and bud vases to full cutlery sets, tea services, and cased silver.

These pieces hold real value. Call us today for a complimentary verbal appraisal and discover what your items could achieve in the current market.

CALL WILLIAM 022 091 9388

WE BUY GOLD & SILVER INFO@HOUSEOFHUIA.CO.NZ INFO@HOUSEOFHUIA CO NZ

VISIT US AT 27 LUNNS ROAD, MIDDLETON, CHRISTCHURCH 8024 — OR GIVE US A CALL AND WE’LL COME TO YOU

14

Keeping On

AUGUST 2026

Come and View NZ’s Best Range of Mobility Products at More Mobility!

COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE AND SKILLED, SUPPORTIVE STAFF.

Visit our showroom or call us for a FREE Home Demostration.

Ph: 0800 666 2222

113 Blenheim Rd | 0800-666-222 Open 9-5pm Monday to Friday & Saturday 9am-2pm www.moremobility.co.nz | christchurch@moremobility.co.nz

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 15

Look at what we’ve dug up: the reveal

by Jessie Garland The artefact on page 12, found by the Christchurch Archaelogical team, were glass fragments from a 'torpedo' bottle, sometimes referred to as a Hamilton patent bottle, used to contain soda water and other carbonated non-alcoholic drinks. The bottles are made from thick glass to help counter the pressure of the carbonated liquid and their shape is deliberate. These bottles are made to lay on their sides, so the liquid inside the bottle keeps the cork wet and in situ - if the cork was to dry out and shrink, the pressure of the carbonation was sometimes enough to dislodge the seal and spill the contents.

Much of the soda water available to the residents of nineteenth century

Christchurch was provided by local manufacturers, although the bottles themselves were made in Britain. The production of aerated water did not require a great deal of equipment and the local industry was formed by a series of small scale manufacturers, many of them family businesses.

Zest4Travel Lincoln officially becomes YOU Travel & Cruise Lincoln For many locals, Zest4Travel Lincoln has been the trusted team behind unforgettable holidays, cruises, family visits, and bucketlist adventures. Now, an exciting new chapter begins as Zest4Travel Lincoln has officially become YOU Travel & Cruise Lincoln.

While the name, branding, and location have changed, what matters most remains exactly the same – the friendly, experienced team that local travellers know and trust.

The move to YOU Travel & Cruise Lincoln also marks an exciting change for the business. Transitioning from an appointment-based travel agency to a welcoming storefront means customers can easily find the team; drop in for a chat; browse brochures; gather travel inspiration or sit down with a travel specialist to plan and book the holiday they deserve.

The message for you is simple: new brand, new location, same team.

Whether you're planning a cruise;

an overseas holiday; a family reunion, or a rail journey through spectacular scenery, the team remains dedicated to providing personalised advice and service every step of the way.

Importantly, if you have an existing booking with Zest4Travel, nothing changes. Your booking remains with the same travel specialist, and you can continue to contact the team on 0800 937 841 or by emailing your travel specialist directly.

With decades of combined travel experience, your Lincoln team continues to focus on taking the stress out of travel planning and helping clients travel with confidence.

The team would like to thank the Lincoln community and our loyal clients for your ongoing support and look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces to YOU Travel & Cruise Lincoln.

Please see the accompanying advertisement for the new location A and updated contact details.

OPENNOW! travel & cruise Lincoln Formerly known as Zest4Travel

Bottles were recycled and were often embossed with distinctive branding - some of which was derived from personal stories. Henry Mace used a dog as his logo, referencing an anecdote about a Newfoundland that once saved his life. John Robinson embossed his bottles with a bicycle, highlighting his previous career as a bicycle engineer.

The bottle shown here was found on the site of the Zetland Arms on Cashel Street, excavated by archaeologists in 2018.

The Zetland Arms was a hotel with a history going back to the early 1860s, originally known as Parker's Hotel. The torpedo soda bottles found during the excavations included soda water from local manufacturers, such as Thomas Raine (Cambridge Terrace West) and larger international companies, such as J. Schweppes and Co. of London.

It is not difficult to imagine that they were consumed by guests and/or staff at the Zetland Arms in the 1860s and 1870s before being discarded and eventually rediscovered some 150 years later."

(Source: Jessie Granger. Christchurch Archaeological Society.)

Mature Moves is about helping people If you are considering moving into a smaller home, perhaps a retirement village or residential care and you feel you could use some help Mature Moves could be your answer.

It is a Christchurch based company with local people helping older people to downsize and move when the need arises.

They understand that sometimes your family are not positioned to help as they might like to or have time restraints. True to their motto ‘to treat you like they treat their own families’, the team at Mature Moves can pack up, declutter and move all of your belongings and furniture to your new home.

Then they unpack and set up your new home to the very last detail, just the way you like it.

Decluttering can be a bit overwhelming. However, it is made much easier with some understanding help. Step-by-step you can have

things sorted and organised with minimal fuss and stress.

Along with this wonderful service, they can also organise selling things you no longer require, or if you desire gifting them to family or charities.

They can also clean homes inside and out, and complete the gardening to get houses ready for sale.

Mature Moves is about helping people. You let them know what help you need and they will set about showing you just what they can do to help you.

A visit and consultation is free of charge, with no obligation to use their services. However, if you feel they may be of assistance a quotation can be provided for your consideration.

You can phone Mature Moves on 0800 777 214 to talk about your move.

We are sure Mike and the team can help you to lighten the load and make A your move a smooth transition.

Are you thinking of moving?

Could you use some help?

IINSTORE NSTORE EEXCLUSIVE XCLUSIVE Make M ake an an international international b ooking by by booking 31 October October 2026 2026 31 and yyou ou ccould ould and w in $1000* $1000* o ff yyour our win off b ooking! booking!

0800 873 599 | info@youtravellincoln.co.nz | Unit 10/12 Vernon Drive, Lincoln New Location. New Name. Same Team.

We can help you ....

Downsize Declutter Pack Up Relocate Unpack Storage

Setting up your new home Preparing your house for sale Cleaning: inside & out Rubbish removal/gardening Selling & gifting items Estate Clearance

Phone Mike on

0800 777 214 Mobile 021 0837 8251

Email: info@maturemoves.co.nz www.maturemoves.co.nz

16

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

Making safe and protective decisions for people when there is nobody else What happens when a person loses their capacity for decision making about their own care and welfare and there is no one in their lives to take on this responsibility? As families move around the world, people live longer, and dementia rates increase, sometimes there’s no-one available to help when a person becomes incapacitated and can no longer make decisions for themselves.

Someone like Bill: Bill has been living in an aged care facility for a number of years; he has outlived his wife and his only daughter lives overseas and has been estranged from Bill for many years. Over time he has shown significant changes in his cognition and has been recently assessed as having no capacity to make health and welfare decisions for himself.

When someone like Bill is assessed medically as no longer able to make health and welfare decisions and there are no family or friends available, or able, a welfare guardian can be appointed to step in.

A Welfare Guardian is a statutory role In Aotearoa, a welfare guardian is appointed by the family court to advocate for people who do not have legal capacity to make decisions for themselves. It is a statutory role.

Once appointed by the Family

Court, the Welfare Guardian is the only person legally able to make decisions about the day-to-day care and welfare of their assigned person. This can include decisions like moving into a rest home which may require a welfare guardian to be in place. Without a welfare guardian some people can be left in a legal limbo with no one legally able to make decisions for them.

Welfare Guardians are trained volunteers Welfare guardians are volunteers.

At Welfare Guardians Canterbury our welfare guardian volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Ideally they have had work experience caring for vulnerable people or have lived experience caring for family members with cognitive decline or complex needs. We provide ongoing training and support to our volunteers to become Welfare Guardians. This includes navigating the Family Court application process.

The people we care for at Welfare Guardians Canterbury range in age from their 20’s to over 90 years old.

They might be elderly with dementia, isolated and estranged from family; they might have complex mental health, addiction and behavioural issues. Sometimes they might have complex disabilities with elderly parents no longer able to support and advocate for them.

Once appointed there are a variety of ways Welfare Guardian volunteers can help the person they are assigned to - such as talking, going out for coffee, or going for a walk together.

The Welfare Guardian responds to what the person wants to do or can do. Most Welfare Guardians visit or have some contact each month.

The Welfare Guardians also build a positive relationship with staff at the care facility if the person is in residential care. They are also involved with medical decisions or reviews of care plans, and they are supported in this role by the trustees of the Welfare Guardians Canterbury.

Becoming a welfare guardian may be a volunteer position suited to you. If you are interested you can apply to be a Welfare Guardian through our website https://www. w e l f a r e g u a r d i a n s c a n t e r b u r y. n z / b e i n g - a - w e l f a r e guardian/, email to info@ welfareguardianscanterbury.nz or call on 020 4189 3045 for more information.

Referrals to our service People often manage with diminishing capacity until an event, such as a medical crisis, brings them to the attention of their doctor or a social worker. If a GP or social worker thinks a patient lacks the capacity to make medical decisions about their own health and welfare - and they have no-one else to help - they will

The annual SWELL programme, brought to you by Selwyn District Council, helps connect older residents with organisations, services and activities that support wellbeing, inclusion and active living within the community.

The SWELL Seniors' Lifestyle Expo will be held on Tuesday 13 October, from 9am to 2pm at the Lincoln Event Centre. Free to attend, the expo will features more than 70 exhibitors, showcasing a wide range of services, programmes and opportunities that

are available across Selwyn.

Discover local social groups and community activities, explore health and wellbeing services, and learn more about life planning, volunteering and travel opportunities.

Bring along family and friends and

refer them to us.

The referral is usually made via the website (https://www. welfareguardianscanterbury.nz/ making-a-referral/).

We assess the referral and aim to assign a volunteer Welfare Guardian with matching location, background, and experience. The Family Court then formally confirms that relationship for an initial three-year term.

A Registered Charity Welfare Guardians Canterbury is a registered charitable trust since 2019.

The Trust consists of a Coordinator, Board of Trustees and our volunteer Welfare Guardians.

Many ways to help We would not be able to operate without help from our supporters in the community. To meet growing demand, we now need to build a wider family of supporters who will help sustain and expand our services. Please consider how you might help (https:// www.welfareguardianscanterbury.nz/ ways-to-help/ ): * Small monthly donations via our Give-a-little page. * Applying to be a Welfare Guardian. * Recommending us for Corporate sponsorship. * Helping distribute flyers and connecting us with community groups.

Call 020 4189 3045 for more information.

SWELL Expo -Ageing well in Selwyn

FREE ENTRY

Live well. Stay connected.

Explore over 70 community clubs, organisations and wellbeing providers at Selwyn’s leading expo for older residents.

With live entertainment, interactive activities and expert guest speakers, this is a not-to-be-missed event!

Tuesday 13 October 9am-2pm Lincoln Event Centre

selwyn.govt.nz/swell

Over 70 exhibitors will showcase a range of services, programmes and opportunities available in Selwyn.

enjoy a day of live entertainment, guest speakers, coffee, food vendors and market stalls.

Following the expo, SWELL will continue with a two-week activity series offering something for everyone. From an informative nutrition talk and social pickleball sessions to low-impact exercise classes and guided walks, there are plenty of ways to stay active, connected and inspired.

To find out more and book activities, pick up a copy of the What's On in Selwyn brochure from any Selwyn Library or Selwyn District Council Community Centre, or visit www.

A selwyn.govt.nz/swell.

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 17

Welfare Guardians CANTERBURY

Skilled Volunteers needed We need more amazing volunteers to be Welfare Guardians.

Training and on-going support provided.

Find out more Email: info@welfareguardianscanterbury.nz Website: www.welfareguardianscanterbury.nz Phone: 020 4189 3045

Cafe Group Outings Social Cafe group picking up from Sumner-Redcliffs.

Age Concern Canterbury’s Social Outings are for people over 65 who live in their own home and would enjoy more company. You will need to be able to transfer independently on and off our van. Limited numbers.

Come and be part of a regular Cafe outings group.

Fortnightly outings to various Cafes on a Thursday morning.

We will pick you up between 9.00am and 10.00am and return you home by 12.00 midday. $5.00 donation.

You will need to pay for your own food and drink at the Cafe.

Contact Debbie on 331 7814 or 027 555 8077.

Hare to Help: we listen, we care, we deliver Hare to Help was created by Kirsten and Aaron to meet a real need: assisting people with deceased estate clearances, property clean outs, and storage unit removal when time, distance, or emotional weight makes it difficult. The name reflects their caring nature and hands-on approach. They provide full estate management services and handle everything from decluttering services to furniture disposal, vehicle removal and asset liquidation.

Hare To Help works exclusively across Canterbury and provides upfront quotes once there is enough

Kirsten and Aaron from Hare To Help

information about the job. Great care is taken with all belongings and discussion of disposal options, or valuation or resale of valuable items is always discussed before anything is removed.

Time frames and a plan of action for estate clearances are always provided. Hare To Help is proudly Kiwi owned and operated, and also Work and Income registered.

Hare To Help offers the following services: Estate Clearances: assist with estate pre-planning and provide full or partial estate clearances with care.

De-cluttering: help you to clear unwanted items and create space whether for sale, downsizing or peace of mind.

Furniture, vehicle and asset disposal: responsible removal and disposal of furniture, vehicles and other assets.

Valuables valuation and resale co-ordination: co-ordinate valuations and resale for items of value with clear communication.

Online purchase pick-up and delivery: reliable pick-up and delivery of online purchases across Canterbury.

Storage unit removals: quick, Professional clearing for storage units to reduce clutter and ongoing costs.

Kirsten and Aaron understand estate clearances and clean-outs are often emotional and sensitive and offer a caring, respectful and dependable service with clear communication throughout.

They take care of everything so you do not have to.

Call Kirsten or Aaron on 021 530 222 or email info@haretohelp.

A co.nz.

* Estate management/pre-planning/ clearances. * Assisting when family unavailable or living overseas. * Downsizing/de-cluttering to relocate or stay in own home. * Retirement Village transitioning/ departure proposal planning. * Home departure cleans. * Per client instruction donate, dispose, evaluate and auction. Organise shipping. * Co-ordinate with specialised valuers and professionals.

Contact us for a seamless transition to your next chapter in life.

AUGUST 2026 Keeping On The Older Persons’ Hub - supporting Selwyn’s older residents

18

The Selwyn District Council, in partnership with Age Concern Canterbury, continues to strengthen support for older residents through the Older Persons’ Hub at the Rolleston Community Centre.

Now in its second year of operation, the Hub is well established, with more than 200 residents accessing the service each week. People are using the Hub for a range of purposes, including seeking advice, accessing practical services, and connecting with others in their community. Key areas of enquiry include social connection, transport through the

Total Mobility Scheme, and home support services, reflecting the

priorities of older residents across Selwyn.

The Hub offers a variety of regular activities that promote wellbeing and connection. These include craft and embroidery groups, board games, and a popular falls prevention exercise class. A fortnightly café group and ongoing digital support sessions are also available. In addition, partner organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Dementia Canterbury, and the Cancer Society provide regular on-site support.

The Hub continues to evolve in response to community needs. A carers’ support group was introduced in May, providing a safe and supportive peer environment. Stroke Aotearoa is also delivering monthly

education sessions from June through to October. A recent Winter Wellness event provided practical information on managing cost-ofliving pressures and staying warm, in collaboration with Warmer Kiwi Homes.

As Selwyn continues to grow, the Older Persons Hub plays an important role as a trusted, local service, providing access to information, support, and opportunities for older residents to stay connected and engaged within their community.

The Older Persons’ Hub, Rolleston Community Centre, 94 Rolleston Drive, 7614. Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.00am 12.00pm.

The Home Health Monitoring Kit is a practical cardiac and respiratory monitoring bundle for use at home, in aged care, clinics, and healthcare settings.

This kit includes an upper-arm digital blood pressure monitor and a Bluetooth fingertip pulse oximeter, allowing users to check blood pressure, pulse rate, blood oxygen level, and perfusion index from one convenient bundle.

Designed for simple, regular checks, this kit is suitable for people who want an easy way to monitor key heart and oxygen readings at home or in a care environment.

What does this kit measure?

This Home Health Monitoring Kit can help measure: • Blood pressure - systolic and diastolic readings using an upperarm cuff.

• Pulse rate - heart beats per minute.

• SpO – blood oxygen saturation level.

• PI/Perfusion Index - an indication of blood flow strength at the finger.

The blood pressure monitor is

designed for upper-arm use and includes a large, easy-to-read display. The pulse oximeter clips onto the fingertip for quick oxygen and pulse checks.

Bluetooth Pulse Oximeter The fingertip pulse oximeter includes Bluetooth connectivity for convenient oxygen and pulse monitoring.

Easy-to-Read Displays Both devices are designed with clear digital screens, making readings easy to view and understand.

Suitable for Home & Healthcare Use Ideal for home users, carers, aged care, clinics, and healthcare professionals needing a practical monitoring solution.

Simple & Portable Design The kit is easy to use, compact, and practical for regular checks at home, in care.

Contact New Zealand Medical & Diagnostics Ltd, phone 0274 828 400 or email info@nzmdl.co.nz. https://nzmdl.co.nz/shop/bloodpressure/combo-kit/home-healthA monitoring-kit/

Enduring Power of Attorney: What are they, when do I need one, and how does changing one work?

Home health monitoring kit

by Alex Newman-Jacobs, Law Clerk

Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) are legal documents that appoint another person as your “attorney” to make those difficult decisions for you if injury or illness strikes and you cannot make those decisions for yourself. There are two types of EPAs: a) EPA for personal care and welfare, which covers decisions about where you live and how you will be cared for; and b) EPA for property, which concerns your property and finances.

You can appoint one attorney for both EPAs, or two different ones.

Your attorney can be anyone you trust, such as your partner, child, grandchild, or close friend.

Appointing an attorney is not a permanent decision. As long as you have mental capacity, you can change your attorney if your circumstances change or if you no longer believe that person is the right choice to act on your behalf.

Because your attorney may be required to make significant life decisions on your behalf, it is

important to choose someone you trust completely and who understands your wishes and preferences in difficult situations.

Changing an attorney is a straightforward process. First, you will need to send a written notice of cancellation to the person you no longer wish to act as your attorney.

Our friendly and capable Life Law team at Godfreys can assist you with preparing the notice of cancellation and completing new EPA forms.

Once the notice is sent, and the new EPAs are signed and witnessed, the newly appointed person becomes your attorney.

We understand that removing an attorney can be a difficult and challenging decision, particularly when your attorney is a family member. At Godfreys Law, we can guide you through this process with practical advice and support, helping to ensure the transition is handled as smoothly and sensitively as possible.

Godfreys Law. Real People. Real A Solutions.

Home Health Monitoring Kit REAL PEOPLE. REAL SOLUTIONS.

For expert planning and advice in your twilight years For expert planning and advice in your twilight years

T Teneille Bone Gina Dobson

Solicitor SooDolman Park Beth (03) 366 7469 Solicitor

(03) 366 7469

Bundle of 1 x digital upper-arm BP monitor, 1 x arm cuff and 1 x finger pulse oximeter.

$264.50 Phone 027 482 8400 Email info@nzmdl.co.nz www.nzmdl.co.nz/shop/blood-pressure/ combo-kit/home-health-monitoring-kit/

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 19

Christchurch’s aŅŸƋ eýüŅųÚ±ÆĬå 8ƚĹåų±Ĭ BŅĵå U)){Fc: e%F Fkc e88k %e X) 8±ĵĜĬƼ kƵĹåÚ ¼ kŞåų±ƋåÚ ĜĵŞĬå ųåĵ±ƋĜŅĹ ě cŅ 8ƚĹåų±Ĭ

cŅ 8ƚŸŸ 8±ųåƵåĬĬ ě åŸƋ ±Ĭƚå

ʱŞåĬ åųƴĜÏå ʱŞåĬ åųƴĜÏå ƵĜƋĘ ųåĵ±ƋĜŅĹ

$2,495.00 inc GST

$5,995.00 inc GST

$7,650.00 inc GST

FĹĜƋĜ±Ĭ ų±ĹŸüåų ƵĜƋĘĜĹ ĘųĜŸƋÏĘƚųÏĘ

{ųŅü域ĜŅűĬ åųƴĜÏå 8åå

{ųŅü域ĜŅűĬ åųƴĜÏå 8åå

aåÚĜϱĬ åüåųåå

FĹĜƋĜ±Ĭ ų±ĹŸüåų ƵĜƋĘĜĹ ĘųĜŸƋÏĘƚųÏĘ

FĹĜƋĜ±Ĭ ų±ĹŸüåų ƵĜƋĘĜĹ ĘųĜŸƋÏĘƚųÏĘ

%ų域ĜĹč

UĜƋ ŸåƋ ųåĵ±ƋĜŅĹ ±ŸĩåƋ

8Ĭ±Ƌ XĜÚ ŅŅÚåĹ 8ŅĜĬ ŅþĹ

c¬ a±Úå UĜƋě åƋ {ĬƼ ±ŸĩåƋ

aŅųƋƚ±ųƼ ±ųå

aŅųƋƚ±ųƼ ±ųå ě

ě ±ŸĘĜĹčØ %ų域ĜĹčØ ŅŅĬ ŅŅĵØ cŅ )ĵƱĬĵ

ų±ÚĜƋĜŅűĬ Ƌ±ĹÚ±ųÚ )ĵƱĬĵ

Ŏ BŅƚų ʱŞåĬ

Ŏ cŅƋĜÏå ĜĹ Ęå {ų域 ŠŎĂ XĜĹ埚

ĵ±ĬĬ 屟ŅűĬ ŅƚŧƚåƋ Ņü 8ĬŅƵåųŸ

Bå±ųŸå ŅĹ 8ƚĹåų±Ĭ %±Ƽ

IƚŸƋ 8ƚĹåų±ĬŸ åĬåÆų±ĹƋ

Ŏ BŅƚų ʱŞåĬ åųƴĜÏå

kÆƋ±ĜĹĜĹč ƋĘå %å±ƋĘ åųƋĜĀϱƋå

ƐLj ĜĵŞĬå åųƴĜÏå ĘååƋŸ eĂ ĜDŽå

IƚŸƋ 8ƚĹåų±ĬŸ åĬåÆų±ĹƋ

IƚŸƋ 8ƚĹåų±ĬŸ Ƌ±ĹÚ±ųÚ ųĹ

Ŏ BŅƚų åüųåŸĘĵåĹƋ XŅƚĹčå

ƐLj åųƴĜÏå ĘååƋŸØ eĉ 8ŅĬÚåÚ

XĜčĘƋ åüųåŸĘĵåĹƋŸ üŅų ƐLj {åŅŞĬå

aƚŸĜÏ ±Ƌ ʱŞåĬ

aåÚĜϱĬ åüåųåå 8åå

B±ĹÚ ĜåÚ ŅƚŧƚåƋ Ņü 屟ŅűĬ 8ĬŅƵåųŸ

eųų±ĹčĜĹč ƋĘå Ïųåĵ±ƋĜŅĹ ų±ĹŸüåų ƋŅ ųåĵ±ƋŅųĜƚĵ IƚŸƋ 8ƚĹåų±ĬŸ {ųåüåųųåÚ ųåĵ±ƋĜŅĹ 8ååŸ

Ƌ±ĹÚ±ųÚ ųåĵ±ƋĜŅĹ 8åå Ŏ %å±ƋĘ åųƋĜĀϱƋå kƋĘåų kŞƋĜŅĹŸ eƴ±ĜĬ±ÆĬå

IƚŸƋ 8ƚĹåų±ĬŸ Ƌ±ĹÚ±ųÚ ųĹ

aåÚĜϱĬ åüåųåå 8åå Ƌ±ĹÚ±ųÚ ųåĵ±ƋĜŅĹ 8åå Ŏ %å±ƋĘ åųƋĜĀϱƋå IƚŸƋ 8ƚĹåų±ĬŸ Ƌ±ĹÚ±ųÚ ųĹ

9

ĜåƵĜĹčŸ

9

±ŸĩåƋ Şčų±ÚåŸ

9

ųĹ åĬåÏƋĜŅĹŸ

9

ƚųĜ±Ĭ åųƴĜÏåŸ

9

åŞ±ƋųĜ±ƋĜŅĹ åųƴĜÏåŸ

8 )) Fc8k {e U e eFXe X) IƚŸƋ 8ƚĹåų±ĬŸ Ɛ x ƖĉƐ ĬåĹĘåĜĵ Ņ±ÚØ ĜÏϱųƋŅĹØ ĘųĜŸƋÏĘƚųÏĘ 0800 80 4663 ÏĘųĜŸƋÏĘƚųÏĘţģƚŸƋüƚĹåų±ĬŸţÏŅţĹDŽ ÏĘųĜŸƋÏĘƚųÏĘÄģƚŸƋüƚĹåų±ĬŸţÏŅţĹDŽ eųų±ĹčåĵåĹƋ ŅŅĵ È ĜåƵĜĹč ŅŅĵ È aŅųƋƚ±ųƼ

If death occurs outside of public hospital a GP Cremation Certificate Fee may apply.

All Caskets are of Just Funerals Standard Size | Costs advertised are for funerals conducted on standard business days during standard business hours.

Prices are Valid to 30 November 2026, unless an updated version is published.

20

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

Beer drinking in New Zealand - a cultural shock

by Harmony

I would like to share one funny saying with you that still makes me smile: “It took 100 thousand years for a monkey to turn into man, but only a few beers for man to turn back into monkey”.

One of the cultural shocks I have experienced after moving to New Zealand is about beer drinking. I was surprised because I learned in Taiwan that western people sip wine from a goblet very gently. Everyone keeps their voice down when they talk. The atmosphere around the scene is very quiet and polite. The whole picture in my mind probably comes from Hollywood movies.

Then I moved to New Zealand and my Hollywood dream fell out of its tree! It was the third year I had lived in New Zealand. There was one young Taiwanese man who stayed in New Zealand for a short-term English class. After a rugby game in the stadium which he went to, he told me he saw lots of beer cans spread on the road, lots of yelling like jungle

animals around him. We stared at each other with an unbelievable expression.

Then one day, at about 4pm, I walked past a pub and was shocked by the loud noise from inside. Lots of men and women were excitedly talking and toasting. Wow, they drank in public and not only at night, but during the daytime. I walked away, keeping my distance from the pub.

Honestly, at that time, I was both surprised and scared.

However, the noisy pub talking recalled my memory back to over 30 years ago. At that time, karaoke singing gatherings were very popular in Taiwan. It’s not enough at all to have only one round of gathering.

We normally started from dinner at a restaurant, then passed on to a karaoke bar for the second round.

Some people might feel like lingering around and had the third round at another bar. We normally left the karaoke bar just before midnight.

At that time, I saw some drunk

people insist on driving by themselves, but their friends hid their car keys beforehand, so they argued on the roadsides; I heard men who were gentlemen in the daytime use dirty words at night; the police stopped the cars and checked the drivers’ alcohol level before midnight.

Therefore, I realised that when things come to beer drinking, there seems to be no big difference between the two cultures. An exciting atmosphere normally involves beer drinking in both cultures.

I am happy to know that these days, younger New Zealanders drink less than their parents did. People say, look, there are alcohol-free beers, Kombucha on tap and lots of coffee shops all over the city. Over 35 years ago, it was not like that at all. The socalled “six o’clock swill” has gone.

There is a new way to have fun in the city.

The soccer world cup 2026 has closed with the new champion Spain. I recall the scene when I was

in Brisbane CBD at the time. The yelling from the bars called me to step into a bar to see what happened inside. I saw people sitting around several tables watching several big TV screens showing the England vs Mexico game. I walked around inside, seeing the queue for ordering their food or drinks. I got a glimpse of Kombucha on tap. Then I left.

Nobody cared about me. This time, I did not escape or feel scared. I was really happy to see what it’s like.

My Taiwanese friend told me that when she recently dined out with her Kiwi husband, her husband spent 20 dollars on drinks and 5 dollars on a meal. She spent 20 dollars on getting a dish and 5 dollars for a cup of drink. Both of us burst into laughter.

I told her, yes, food and drink are embodying cultures. The ways of taking them also reflect the colours of different cultures. We are lucky.

We can get involved and know what it’s like by keeping a light-hearted attitude. I realised it in Brisbane.

Did you know about Christchurch City Council waste bins and sending parcels overseas CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL WASTE BINS Registration Numbers Locate and write down the registered numbers on the side of your Council-supplied wheelie bins.

The identification number is unique to your address and can be found on the side of your bin.

Lost, stolen or missing bins and replacements Contact the Council within 48 hours of your collection day either online or by calling 03 941 8999 or 0800 800 169 to report a lost, stolen or missing bin.

Once you have contacted the Council, check that a neighbour

hasn't taken your bin by mistake. The sticker on the side of the bin will show the right property address. If you find your bin, please let us know.

Your bin will be replaced on the next collection day. If there are any replacement costs, your bins will be replaced on the next collection day after payment has been received.

Replacement costs There is no charge for a replacement bin if the bin goes missing from the kerbside while out for collection and you report the bin missing within 48 hours of your collection day. If you report the missing bin more than 48 hours later, there will be a charge.

If your bin is stolen from private property, there will be a replacement charge. Bin size replacement cost (inc GST): 80 litre bin, $109.00; 140 litre bin, $120.00: 240 litre bin, $132.00.

SENDING PARCELS OVERSEAS New Zealand Post now require the customs declaration form to be completed on-line. While the digital form is now the preferred method, manual paper forms are still available for customers who are unable to complete the process online.

These paper forms may be kept

behind the counter to encourage customers to try the digital option first, but staff can provide them on request. If a PostShop ever runs out of manual forms, the team can still assist customers directly to ensure they are able to complete their declaration and send their parcel.

For your over-65 clients or anyone who may not have a device, data, or confidence using online tools, they can simply: * Request a manual customs form at the counter. * Ask the PostShop staff for assistance completing the declaration if needed.

Your local Labour MPs Megan Woods MP for Wigram

MP for Christchurch Central

Duncan Webb

Reuben Davidson

03 338 6347

03 366 5519

03 382 0288

/MeganWoodsWigram

/DuncanWebbLabour

MP for Christchurch East

/ReubenDavidsonLabour

Please get in touch if you need any assistance.

Authorised by Megan Woods MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Tracey McLellan

Dan Rosewarne

03 376 4512

0800 7273 6282

List MP based in Banks Peninsula

/TraceyMcLellanLabour

Labour List MP based in North Canterbury

/DanRosewarneWaimakariri

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 21

New Nurse Maude hospice opens following years of community support The first patients were admitted on Wednesday, 17th June to a remarkable new hospice built with support from community fundraising, creating a modern, purpose-built facility designed to support patients and families.

The new Nurse Maude Hospice, has been funded through the generosity of donors, hospice shops, charitable trusts, major gifts, bequests and reserves, representing years of community support for end-of-life care across Canterbury. It is the only one in Christchurch.

The opening also offers a moment to reflect on what hospice care means for the families who rely on it during some of life's most difficult times. Sarah Carr, whose husband Kevin "Chalky" Carr was cared for

by Nurse Maude before his death, can speak about the compassion shown to her family, the comfort and support they received, and the lasting relationships formed with staff, including Nurse Maude Director of Medicine Dr Julia Holyoake. Just six weeks after losing Chalky, Sarah's mother also came into Nurse Maude's care, deepening the family's connection with the service.

Chalky, remembered by many as the former All Blacks Logistics Manager and a Christchurch earthquake hero, dedicated much of his life to helping others. Together, Sarah and Chalky established the Chalky Carr Trust, which raised more than $500,000 to support people affected by cancer, with the backing of high-profile supporters including Sam Whitelock and Gemma McCaw. When the Trust was wound up, its remaining funds were gifted to Nurse Maude Hospice, helping ensure Chalky's legacy of generosity and service continues to support others.

Louise Zacest, Chief Executive of Nurse Maude, says the new hospice has been designed to provide specialist care for patients of all ages in a warm, familyfocused environment. Among its most distinctive features are purpose-built facilities for children and young people receiving palliative care, including age-appropriate bedrooms, personalised spaces, interactive technology that allows patients to stay connected with friends and family, and accommodation that enables families to remain close

Louise Zacest, CEO of Nurse Maude.

The new Nurse Maude Hospice in Christchurch opened in June 2026.

Maori tikanga has been emphasised throughout the building process.

One of the new bedrooms which includes a day bed for loved ones to stay overnight.

Left: Dr Sarah Carr and right, Dr Julia Holyoake, Director of Medicine, Nurse Maude.

and stay overnight.

“The facility also includes what are believed to be among the most advanced bariatric hospice facilities in New Zealand. Permanent ceiling hoists allow patients to be moved safely and comfortably without the need for multiple staff lifts or mobile

equipment, while specialised bathing facilities provide greater dignity and comfort for patients with complex needs,” Zacest says.

Landscaped gardens wrap around the hospice, creating accessible outdoor spaces where patients and whānau can enjoy

fresh air without leaving the site.

Every patient room opens directly onto the gardens, while a central courtyard provides a sheltered and peaceful gathering space.

Family connection has been central to the hospice design. Every patient room includes a day bed so loved ones can stay overnight, and dedicated whānau spaces provide cooking facilities, quiet areas and places for rest and reflection.

Zacest emphasised the importance of Māori tikanga in the building process. “The hospice has been developed in partnership with Te Taumata Tapu o Ngāi Tūāhuriri, embedding tikanga, wairua and whanaungatanga throughout both the building and model of care.

Māori design narratives, pou, symbolic pathways and traditional patterns representing protection, connection and life journeys have been incorporated throughout the facility, helping create an environment that is welcoming, culturally safe and grounded in A dignity.”

22

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On Vapour Trail

Luminous sky, pristine and pale, Dash of white, a vapour trail.

Silent jet at icy height Secretes a silken strand of light That splits the troposphere in two – A sterile slash, so stark and true.

The hasty plane soon shrinks from vision, Trail watchers now make a decision – Will it faint, will it fail, will this be the finish, Or will it linger a while and then diminish?

Streamline wanes, fades and spreads Like ashes cast on floral beds.

The trail at last dissolves in haze, Awed spectators relax their gaze.

Wisps of filament shredding in clouds Lurk unseen by dispersing crowds.

Bright flags aloft do fade, worn-torn, Refuting the glory of nation’s dawn.

Conquerors may strive in any field To brandish a golden cup or shield.

Prizes grow old, leaves tan and fall.

Rapiered vapours lose their call.

by Mike Crean

Walking alongside you Do you feel awkward when comforting a grieving friend? Or discouraged when conversations turn toward dying? Or overwhelmed by the financial realities of funeral planning? These are common concerns in my work as an end-of-life doula and palliative social worker.

Originating in Ancient Greece, doula means ‘person of service’.

An end-of-life doula offers holistic, compassionate support to individuals and those who love them, particularly during diagnosis, during the ageing and dying process, and when facing the deep realities of mortality. By creating a safe, and honest space in which difficult conversations can be held, I am guided by your priorities for living and dying well. Skilled in grief education and emotional support, family facilitation, advance care planning, funeral planning, and advocacy, I can walk alongside you and your medical team to be a steady, compassionate presence as you consider where, how, and who you wish to spend your precious time.

For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in life’s stages and transitions, particularly dying. My professional training in social work and palliative care, together with my personal experiences, have shown me the vital role of compassionate support at the end of life – and my gentle, considered approach honours death as part of the life cycle and grief as part of everyday life. Our experiences are always unique, and support is available in every season.

Please be in touch for a free initial chat or visit my website for further details.

From a client: “Liz was very helpful in providing resources on coping strategies, and dealing with grief, and offered her support and practical knowledge to the family. I found her to be approachable and sensitive to the situation and the needs of the family."

The Fifth Season: www. thefifthseason.co.nz End of Life Doulas: A www.eldaa.org.nz

Don’t Forget Me ‘Cos I’m Old There’s a tale to be told about growing old My body aches and my hands are cold As my memory fades I use mobility aids But I’m still young inside if the truth be told.

Back in the day when I was young And life’s experiences had just begun I gave little thought to the time I would age No thought at all to turning the page As life was busy, nothing left undone.

Life has aged me, at times I’m alone I sit and wait hoping to pick up the phone But very few calls, if any at all I’m forgotten, all too busy to call But I’m content now, it’s no use to moan.

Look after your elders, they’re getting old Take time, respect them, their stories are gold They’ve a wealth of knowledge to give away And if you’ve listened they won’t have to say Don’t forget me ‘cos I’m old.

by June Williams

The Team at KT Law are here to help with Enduring Powers of Attorney An enduring power of attorney (EPOA) allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, including if you become unable to make those decisions yourself. In New Zealand, there are two types: one covering your property and finances, and another covering your personal care and welfare.

Preparing EPOAs is important, but they should not simply be signed and forgotten. Relationships, health, finances and personal wishes can change. The person you appointed several years ago may no longer be the best person for the role, may have moved away, or may be unable or unwilling to act.

It is sensible to review your EPOAs whenever there is a significant change in your circumstances, such as the death or ill health of an attorney, a separation, a new

relationship, a move into retirement living, or a substantial change in your assets. Even without a major change, a regular review can provide reassurance that your arrangements remain suitable.

When reviewing your EPOAs, consider whether your chosen attorneys and successor attorneys are still appropriate, whether their contact details are current, and whether the instructions in the documents still reflect your wishes.

Reviewing your EPOAs while you are able to make and communicate decisions is usually straightforward.

Leaving matters until an urgent health event may create unnecessary difficulty, delay and expense for your family.

The team at KT Law is here to help you review these important A documents.

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 23

‘So long: South America’ - an epic Kiwi adventure Pat Barrett, a well-known outdoorsman and adventure writer, who contributed to an outdoor column in the Christchurch Press for over 20 years, and wrote the top selling guidebook Canterbury Foothills & Forests, has penned a new title - So Long: South America - An Epic Kiwi Adventure, a true adventure memoir from the era of authentic overland travel, which spans the length and breadth of this amazing continent.

“This book is an absorbing insight into what it was like to travel overland in a pre-digital age when everything you experienced was utterly selfreliant, seat-of-the-pants immersion in a foreign culture and environment, where anything could, and often did, go wrong at any moment. It is the quintessential South America, encompassing epic train travel across the Altiplano, mountaineering in the Andes, descending wild rivers by dug-out, and fighting off thieves

and marauding packs of wild dogs.

Not to mention forest fires, corrupt police, and drug dealers. It is a raw, dangerous, intense account of eight months on-the-go back-packing through the continent,” - Pat Barrett.

“On one of the beds is a large, battered suitcase. It is open. Inside are row upon row of neatly bound stacks of US$100 bills. There is a revolver lying on the bed. I halt; a stunned silence prevails. Bogota, Colombia.

Pat Barrett is no stranger to kiwi adventurers having authored and photographed seven tramping guidebooks, including bestseller Canterbury Foothills & Forests, hundreds of articles and features for numerous glossy travel and outdoor magazines, and newspapers with his descriptive style that puts the reader fully in the experience.

In May 1982 three young kiwi travellers set out to explore South America on their own terms with no knowledge of this wild and mysterious continent other than that gleaned from the travel ‘bible’ of the day – The South American Handbook. Their adventure occurred

in a time that has now been lost to the annals of travel history; a world with no internet, and no instant communication. They were on their own, and up for anything. Their wild journey encompasses Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, as well as Chile, Brazil, and Paraguay by foot, by bus, train, boat, and truck-back, living with the locals. Their goal? To explore this marvellous, challenging, mysterious, and immensely rewarding continent… and to stay alive. To survive. For a journey of survival in an often-hostile environment is what it ultimately became. Their story is unique, often raw, funny, breathtaking, and in every sense an endeavour in the best kiwi tradition. It is their story - So Long; South America.

Buy it now at selected bookshops or from the author’s website (http:// www.solongsouthamerica.com) Email sales@solongsouthamerica. com or phone 03 359 2087.

Author Pat Barrett is an active tramper and adventurer Pat Barrett is an active tramper and adventurer with an outdoor career spanning more than 50 years. He began his forays into the hills from Wellington in1972 and later led threeweek expeditions to the Southern Alps. In 1978 he moved south to Te Anau, and later Christchurch in 1979, and began exploring the South Island National Parks and mountains.

In 1982 he left for South America, with friends, for an extended time overseas. He travelled for nine months throughout Latin America, exploring, tramping, and climbing, before leaving for Europe and later

India, Nepal, South East Asia and Australia. In all nearly 2 years away.

This experience led to the concept of guided tramping/nature trips both in New Zealand and abroad.

Karavan Adventures Treks Ltd was inaugurated in 1985 with the first trip to Nepal and subsequently tours to Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, and Medjugorje in Bosnia, as well as throughout New Zealand.

These trips ranged from two to ten days in New Zealand to six-week expeditions in South America.

Pat has competed in three Coast to Coast events as well as the inaugural

Southern Traverse multi-sport event in 1991, together with numerous triathlons and mountain runs. Pat has been a regular contributor to NZ Wilderness magazine, as well as The Christchurch Press, Wellington Post, On Holiday, NZ Geographic, Kiwi Parent and Signature. He also photographs for several calendar and postcard publishers and district tourism councils.

He has written seven tramping guide books with his title, Canterbury Foothills & Forests becoming a top seller Pat lives in Christchurch.

Other Titles by Pat Barrett;

Wilderness Walks Lewis Pass (Lifestyle Publishing 2002), Canterbury Foothills & Forests (Shoal Bay Press 2002) True South: Tramping Experiences of the South Island Hinterland (Reed 2003) Westland Foothills & Forests (Shoal Bay Press 2004) Nelson Marlborough Foothills & Coastal Regions (Longacre Press 2007) Southern Lakes Tracks & Trails (Otago University Press 2012) Canterbury Foothills & Forests 2nd Edition (Canterbury University Press 2014).

From the IT desk “Back to the future”

by Dave Callis

It's a funny turn of events - the generation that grew up with a screen in its hand is now the one queuing up for record players, film cameras, and flip phones. After years of notifications, algorithms, and infinite scrolling, many younger people are deliberately going analogue - not out of nostalgia, but to quieten the “noise”. And if that sounds familiar, it's because it's the same appeal simple technology has always had for a lot of us.

It's not just a passing fad. Around the world, vinyl record sales have climbed for close to two decades straight; film cameras are back in demand, and simple flip phones are having a real moment as young people deliberately step back from

their smartphones to escape constant “pinging”. The appeal is simplicity; a device that does one thing, does it well, and doesn't demand your attention every few minutes.

Seniors have known this all along - and there's a good example of the same idea here in New Zealand right now. Many of you will have heard that old-style copper landlines are gradually being phased out around the country. If that affects you and you'd rather not deal with broadband or the internet at all, there's a straightforward alternative: a desk phone that looks and works exactly like your old one - same handset, same big buttons, same dial tone but doesn't need a landline cable to work. It's simple, familiar, and there's

nothing new to learn.

It's a good reminder that “oldfashioned” and “outdated” aren't the same thing. This kind of phone lets you carry on exactly as you always have, without being pushed towards a smartphone or a broadband plan you don't want. And you don't need to work out any of the details yourself – we are here to help.

Helpful Tips Not sure if your landline is changing?

Ask us, or your phone provider, and we can help you find out.

Considering a replacement phone?

Age Concern Canterbury can help you source one that's suited to you, with big buttons and clear sound, and get it set up so it just works.

No need to bundle anything else.

A replacement phone doesn't have to come with broadband or extra services you don't want.

Ask us for help. Phone Age Concern Canterbury on 366 0903 and book a Technology Support session - we're happy to walk through your options with you, at your pace.

Sometimes the newest way of doing things is really just the old way, quietly updated. Whether it's a record player or a familiar phone on the kitchen bench, the appeal is the same - technology that feels like it's on your side, not competing for your attention.

Let us know what tech topics you'd like help with next - we're here to make technology feel a little more approachable, one step at a time.

24

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

Canterbury hospital equipment amnesty Local Health NZ hospitals are asking Cantabrians to please return any unneeded HNZ-issued equipment so it can be cleaned, reissued and used by the next patient.

Essential equipment – including patient wheelchairs, walking frames, shower stools, toilet chairs, elbow crutches, and bed levers - are needed to help patients safely recover at home. With thousands of items on loan at one time, there are estimated to be several hundred ready to be returned.

“We make sure we have adequate amounts of equipment and buy more each year in anticipation of demand during our busiest times,” says Sandy Clemett, Health NZ Chief of Allied Health, Scientific and Technical, Canterbury and West Coast. “Yet we’re finding we are still loaning out more equipment than we have returned back to us.

“We understand people often forget to return items once they’ve finished using them, and some equipment is cumbersome and can’t be transported easily," she says. “Many of these items may be sitting unused in garages and spare rooms across the region after people recover, so we’re keen to see them returned and reused when they’re no longer needed."

Alpine and perennial nursery Sisters Sue and Kate started their alpine and perennial nursery Behind The Hedge in Rangiora 20 years ago. They are growing a wide range of perennials from imported seed not seen in other nurseries, they also grow alpine plants and unusual bulbs from around the globe.

We both started gardening from an early age and were encouraged by our gardening parents and grandparents. Our love of the unusual comes from our Mum, who was an amazing plantswoman, who created two amazing gardens full of colour and different foliage, not to mention 350 roses!

We would like to extend an invitation to all garden clubs and other groups to come for a visit to the nursery as well as Sue’s country garden in Rangiora. We are also happy to go and speak at any groups that would like to know more about bulbs and alpines and perennial plants.

We are both members of the Rangiora Garden Club and have held the positions of President for 8 years (Sue) and Secretary for 16 years (Kate). We are also members of the NZ Alpine Garden Society for the past 20 years and have been very involved with the NZAGS Botanical Expo held at the Lincoln Events Centre in September each year. We also participated in several Ellerslie Flower Shows while it was held in Christchurch.

We travel to fetes around the South Island, unfortunately not as many are held these days due to many of these Alpine Societies no longer being in existence.

Besides our love of plants, it is the people that we meet along the way that make it so enjoyable for us, many friendships have been made. When you are a gardener, you never stop learning and enjoy sharing treasured plants.

A

While staff are doing a great job phoning people who’ve been loaned items, this takes valuable time away from other important work.

"This is a friendly reminder to either drop an item back at one of four locations, or if you can’t return the equipment yourself, give us a call and we’ll help find a solution," says Sandy.

"By returning items, we can all help support our community, so another Cantabrian can have access to what they need when they leave hospital.”

Returns Please return your equipment as soon as you no longer need it.

You can drop it off at any of the following locations: Rangiora Health Hub at 161 Ashley Street, Rangiora - anytime.

Christchurch Hospital at 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch Central, Lower Ground Carpark, Waipapa Building - anytime.

Burwood Hospital at 300 Burwood Road, Burwood: Monday to Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm (Physical Medicine Building, Gate 3), After Hours at Main Reception, Gate 1.

Hospital Supply Department at 4 Rapide Way, Yaldhurst: Monday to Friday, 7:30am–5:00pm.

Enable NZ at 78 Hammersmith Drive, Wigram: Monday to Friday, 7.30am – 4.30pm.

If people aren’t unable to return the equipment themselves, they can call 03 364 0700 and we’ll work with them to find a solution.

(Source: Health NZ, Media Release, 14 August 2026).

Mobile massage therapy for seniors This massage healing service supports seniors with limited mobility through gentle in-room sessions, offered in the comfort and familiarity of their own space.

This work responds to the need for comfort, ease and relief for those who are less mobile. Drawing on my specialised skills as a massage therapist, Oncology massage training (OM) – for oncology & medically frail clients, feeling-based counsellor and aromatherapist, I am able to provide not only physical relief, but also mental and emotional support through the healing power of touch.

As a therapist, I am deeply aware of the need for support for those who are less mobile, as their bodies naturally store stress, anxiety or grief. Support in restoring a good flow of energy, physically and emotionally, makes such a tangible difference to their quality of life.

This gentle approach offers a beautiful way to help process emotions non-verbally, ease feelings of isolation through meaningful

human connection and bring a person back to a more integrated place of calm and wellbeing.

This form of gentle therapy is also safe and supportive for clients who are medically frail with conditions such as MS, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease, oncology, dementia, arthritis and more.

Regular sessions can make a meaningful contribution to the emotional, mental and physical wellbeing of seniors, helping them feel more comfortable, connected and at ease within themselves.

Supports and benefits: Physical discomfort, muscle pain, stiffness, tension, arthritis, low energy, emotional heaviness, withdrawal, stress, insomnia or simply the need for nurturing care, nourishment and human connection.

If you feel drawn to this service for yourself or a family member, you can get in touch with Valerie on 021 216 2708 to discuss how best I can meet your unique needs.

A www.in-essence.co.nz

)HHO EHƔHU QDWXUDOO\ FOR SENIORS

Gentle Support for Pain, Stiffness and Sleeplessness Are you living with arthritis, joint pain or struggling to get a good night’s sleep?

There are safe, natural ways to feel more comfortable, without adding more medications Discover how massage therapy with essential oils can help you: • Ease stiffness, joint & muscle pain • Calm inflammation • Move with greater ease • Maintain a good posture • Support recovery after surgery • Improve sleep and relaxation • Support your body as you age

Appointments available at our clinic or on-site (retirement villages), if mobility is limited

TO BOOK Contact Valerie

021 216 2708

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 25

jewellery robbery How good are your crossword skills? A by an elephant? ϭ

Ƶ

Ϯ

ϯ

ϰ

ϱ

ϲ

ϳ

ϴ ϵ

ϭϬ ϭϭ

ϭϮ

ϭϯ

ϭϰ ϭϱ

ϭϲ

ϭϳ

ϭϴ ϭϵ

ϮϬ

ϮϮ

Ϯϯ

Ϯϭ

Ϯϰ

Ϯϱ Ϯϲ

Ϯϳ Ϯϴ

Ϯϵ

Across 1. City split by the Danube (8), 5.

Māori word for mountain (6), 8. Yes, at a wedding (1,2), 9. The day before the holiday (3), 10. Chemical element.

Atomic Number 10 (4), 11. Referring to the character that names a book or movie (7), 12 and 5 down. Miley Cyrus alter ego (6,7), 15. Pushing into action by pestering (7), 16. “

___ better to have loved and lost…”

(3), 17. Setting for Shakespeare’s “Merchant” play (6), 19. A Spanish cheer (3), 20. Church announcement of a proposed marriage (5), 22.

Computer programme that allows user to interact with the system (9), 24. A unit of currency common in South America (4), 26. Cub Scout Leader (5), 28. A substance that bonds surfaces together (8), 29.

Cocktail made of whiskey and bitters (3,9).

Down 1. Moonlight Sonata composer (9), 2.

Substance used to change the colour of items (3), 3. Cornwall town famous for pirates (8), 4. Castle where the legendary King Arthur was said to be conceived (8), 5. See 12 across, 6.

Mountain Range in Russia (5), 7. Triweekly newspaper. The Ashburton _________ (8), 13. The genre of Edward Lear’s poetry (8), 14. A shade of colour (3), 18. Official country retreat of the US president (4,5), 19.

The city of “dreaming spires” (6), 21.

Country whose national animal is a mythical creature (8), 23. Roman statesman, orator and writer (6), 25.

Slowly in music (5), 27. Sail close to the wind (4), 28. A pompous fool (3).

See answers on Page 26.

Police hear about a jewel robbery by an elephant – so they interview the old man who claims to have witnessed it.

'You saw it?' asks the policeman.

'Yes,' says the old man.

'Tell us everything,' says the policeman.

'Well, this elephant came up to the jewellery shop, smashed the window, sucked all the jewellery up in his trunk and then ran away.'

'Was it an African or an Indian elephant?' asked the policeman.

'How should I know the difference?' says the old man.

'Well, African elephants have bigger ears than Indian elephants,' says the policeman.

'How on earth would I know?' says the old man. 'He was wearing a stocking over his head.'

(Source: Barry Cryer, www.theoldie. co.uk).

The Shoe Room, a true gem of Feet First Podiatry The Shoe Room continues to be one of the true gems of Feet First Podiatry, and this season we are excited to shine a spotlight on everything it has to offer.

More than just a place to purchase footwear, The Shoe Room has become a destination for people looking for comfort, support, style, and expert advice all under one roof. Our carefully curated range of footwear caters to a variety of foot health needs, whether you're managing everyday aches and pains, looking for extra support, or simply wanting a quality shoe that feels as

good as it looks.

We're also proud to offer a fantastic selection of footwear care essentials, including premium footwear care products, supportive XPand laces, socks, and accessories designed to help keep your feet comfortable and your shoes performing at their best.

These little additions can make a remarkable difference to both comfort and shoe longevity.

Adding even more value to our services is our Podiatry Satellite Clinic, which operates every Wednesday within The Shoe Room.

This convenient clinic allows clients

to access professional podiatry care in a welcoming retail environment, creating a seamless connection between treatment, footwear recommendations, and ongoing foot health management.

What makes The Shoe Room truly special is the expertise behind every recommendation. Our team understands that healthy feet play a vital role in maintaining mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Whether you're searching for your next pair of walking shoes, looking for solutions to ongoing foot concerns, or seeking advice on the best products

to support your lifestyle, we're here to help.

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to bringing our community the latest innovations in footwear and foot care, alongside the trusted professional service you've come to expect from Feet First Podiatry.

We invite you to visit The Shoe Room, explore what's new, and discover how the right footwear can make every step a little more comfortable.

Visit us at 15/27 Waterman Place, Ferrymead, Christchurch or call us A on 03 929 0927.

Sore Feet???

Step Into Comfort With Style

* General skin and nail care * Heel pain * Orthotics and shockwave therapy * Nail bracing * Cosmetic nail reconstruction * Just toenails ($55.00) * Low-level laser therapy

Discover footwear that looks great and feels even better.

Every style is carefully selected by a podiatrist to promote foot health, and our experienced team provides professional fittings to help you find your perfect pair.

SHOP NOW!

WWW.THESHOEROOM.CO.NZ 15/27 WATERMAN PLACE FERRYMEAD 03 929 0927

Phone 03 348 7910 or book online at www.feetfirst.co.nz Feet First Podiatry, Unit 2B, 355 Riccarton Road

26

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

Crossword answers Across 1. Budapest, 5. Maunga, 8. I do, 9. Eve, 10. Neon, 11. Titular, 12. Hannah, 15. Nudging, 16. Tis, 17. Venice, 19. Ole, 20. Banns, 22. Interface, 24. Peso, 26. Akela, 28. Adhesive, 29. Old Fashioned.

Down 1. Beethoven, 2. Dye, 3. Penzance, 4. Tintagel, 5. Montana, 6. Urals, 7. Guardian, 13. Nonsense, 14. Hue, 18. Camp David, 19. Oxford, 21.

Scotland, 23. Cicero, 25. Largo, 27. Luff, 28. Ass.

AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY IS LOOKING FOR

ENERGETIC AND RELIABLE GARDENERS TO MAINTAIN GARDENS Fit, keen, energetic, reliable, own lawn mower and a current driving licence.

Arthritis pain relief that works in minutes Florentine Gold All Natural Harmony Body and Joint Rub (topical lotion) is an amazing product with so many uses and benefits. You can purchase this online by visiting our website www.florentinegold.co.nz or email us at info@florentinegold.co.nz * Made with all natural mineral crystal salts and essential oils. * Excellent for sensitive skin - no harmful additives. * Contains Omega 3 and Omega 6. * Easy absorption, non greasy, biodegradable, ozone friendly. * Vegan and cruelty free certified.

The All Natural Harmony Body and Joint Rub is wonderful for all types of pain relief including peripheral neuropathy, sensory ataxia, gout, neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, headaches, migraines, pulled and strained muscles, tennis elbow and much more. It also gives relief to some skin conditions including acne, eczema and psoriasis. It is excellent for sore throats and toothache (for external use only), speedy recovery from migraine headaches, for the

relief of sunburn, and takes the itch from mosquito bites.

“With a dose of scepticism I tried the Body and Joint Rub for my damaged cervical spine and carpal tunnel and joint problems.

It freed up and alleviated the pain and increased mobility almost immediately. With Allodynia, a nerve condition, and head injury symptoms, I then tried it on my scalp and to my joy and surprise it stopped the nerve over stimulation.

I am now using it daily. Indebted to Florentine Gold for providing such a great product.” John S. Canterbury. 1st July 2022 IMPORTANT NOTICE The 200ml Body & Joint Rub costs $48.50. The 100ml costs $36.50.

Courier postage is included in these prices, however, the cost for rural delivery will increase to $7.00 (which must be paid separately into our bank account as our website does not allow for this cost). Thank you for your ongoing support FGNZ Ltd. A

All Natural Harmony Body & Joint Rub Great for all manner of joint and muscle stiffness, sprains and strains and dry flaky skin.

EXCELLENT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN Phone: 027 517 2347 Email: info@florentinegold.co.nz www.florentinegold.co.nz

Needed in North Canterbury: Mandeville, Ohoka, Cust, Swannanoa, Woodend and Kaiapoi.

Casual work only.

Payment is on an hourly rate.

An appropriate level of fitness is required.

For more information please phone Jemma/Deb on 366-0903

Haydn and Webster performances This September, Christchurch audiences are invited to witness a magnificent collision of classical grandeur and contemporary sacred music. On Saturday, 19 September 2026, the Christchurch City Choir presents Haydn & Webster at the Charles Luney Auditorium - a performance bridging the 19th and 21st centuries.

Esteemed American guest conductor and composer Richard Webster (Yale University) leads this transatlantic collaboration.

Having retired from Trinity Church, Boston in 2022, he now teaches at Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music and directs the new Bach in the City concert series in Chicago. He is a passionate runner, and has completed 49 marathons, including 22 Boston Marathons. The programme’s first half features a curated selection of his own sacred choral works composed over the last three decades. Wild and serene, with everything in between, these modern pieces will be accompanied by local organist Grant Bartley.

The concert’s centrepiece is Franz Joseph Haydn’s last major work, the

Harmoniemesse or “Wind Band Mass” of 1802. The writing displays some of his most daring harmonies and dazzling surprises. The three leading musical forces of the “Classical” era roughly 1750 to 1820 - were Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Imagine the thrilling Viennese musical scene in 1791, when all three were living and working in that city, just prior to Mozart’s death.

Bringing this challenging score to life is a true community effort, as the choir shares the stage with the talented young players of the Christchurch Youth Orchestra.

This intergenerational partnership ensures that classical music remains a vibrant, living tradition in our city.

Haydn & Webster is more than just a concert; it is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring human desire to find beauty in song. · When: Saturday, 19 September 2026, 7:30pm · Where: Charles Luney Auditorium Go to citychoir.co.nz to find out more or book tickets through Eventfinda. A

HAYDN & WEBSTER

Natural Harmony Body & Joint Rub is $48.50 for 200ml and $36.50 for 100ml and includes delivery. However, for rural deliveries the cost is $7.00 which must be paid directly into our bank account. You can purchase by visiting our website www.florentinegold.co.nz, by emailing us at info@florentinegold.co.nz or by phoning us on 0275172347.

TESTIMONIAL

“OMG This stuff is MAGIC! I have been suffering tremendous lower back pain for the last few days (nerve pinch I think?) In tears with the pain, can’t sleep, hurts to walk, hurts to sit. My husband handed me his bottle of Florentine Gold & I am a different person. I simply can’t believe how this stuff has turned my pain away by 99%. I can’t use the normal anti inflammatory drugs due to medication I am on. Florentine Gold you are a life saver. I will be ordering a second bottle tomorrow! Diane Stockley Te Aroha on Jan 26, 2024

The All Natural Harmony Body & Joint Rub would make a wonderful present for family and friends.

Celebrating timeless harmonies alongside fresh, modern sounds.

SATURDAY | 19 SEPT. 2026, 7:30pm CHARLES LUNEY AUDITORIUM Senior tickets: $47 + booking fee

citychoir.co.nz

Proudly supported by

Tickets are available via Eventfinda

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 27

Marcel, works tirelessly to help young people

by Mike Crean

The name Marcel Wilkinson may suggest the man is French.

Indeed, this Christchurch man does have some French heritage. Other forbears include Irish and Scottish.

But there is more, much more. Marcel is a positive, understanding Maori.

He works tirelessly to help young people deal with all sorts of welfare problems.

He is one of a family of 14, and spent his first 40 years in South Auckland. There he lived the type of life that many Maori did – and many Pakeha did not. This included lax interest in school, deep love for rugby, delicious dining on self-caught kai from shallow parts of the sea. He lived a sort of cohesion with Maori adolescents and got to know about behaviour under the law.

His experience with beaches taught Marcel a strong lesson. “In Auckland you would never go down to the beach to swim,” he says. Instead, he and other Maori boys went down to fish in the shallows to catch kai and bring it home for dinner. “In Auckland the beach was our supermarket – that’s true,” he says.

Marcel Wilkinson.

In Christchurch Marcel observed how people fared in life. He watched how they lived, studied and relaxed.

He recorded in his mind the way Pakeha “worked and won”. He watched the serious way they saved, made money and moved to more comfortable suburbs.

In his teenage years in Auckland Marcel trained in the flat metal industry. He then worked in the job, which mainly involved fitting panels in refrigerators at an Auckland

factory. Even there he identified the differences between Maori and Pakeha. As he put it, “I felt only Maori, everywhere in South Auckland”.

He shifted to Christchurch with his sister and her children in 1999. There he says he felt and adopted the freedom to be what he wanted to be.

He accepted the tighter privacy and individuality of Christchurch people and saw it as a change from the open relationships of Maori folk in Auckland.

In his years as an Aucklander he always looked up to his grandfather, a religious parson. So, an element of evangelism was always in Marcel’s mind. He attended a Youth for Christ Crusade, a Billy Graham type of Christian rally. This kindled a greater depth of thinking about life and God. “I changed my way to a better life. I turned my life around,” he says.

This led Marcel, as a Maori in Christchurch, with his own family by then, to take up work helping young people. These were mainly adolescents of all races and entangled in all sorts of difficulties. As a Christian

he joined the large Christchurch welfare institution, Te Ora Hou (“The New Life, The New Beginning”). This large complex takes up the space of the former Loreto School for boys, on Windermere Road in Papanui.

Staff members of Te Ora Hou number 35 to 40 welfare workers, counsellors and multi-taskers. Marcel is a senior member of the team.

He rates the chief executive as: “very clever, he should be holding a million-dollar job but chooses to work with Maori people”. It’s there that he works three days a week as one of a small group of elders/koumatua. The combined wisdom of these older men and their presence ensures progress with teenagers and adolescents.

Te Ora Hou staff members work to “turn lives around”. Marcel stands by this. He also says, the way to success is to show youths at risk that you care about each individual. He states, “everybody has some ability to help people.”

For more information about Te Ora Hou go to toho.org.nz

Volunteer in the comfort of your own home

Are you enrolled to vote in the Would you like to share your Requirements are: love of baking and entertaining? * suitable access for our van or General Election?

Could you open your home to a roadside parking, group of over 65’s once a month for morning or afternoon tea?

Age Concern Canterbury is looking for hosts in all suburban areas of Christchurch for our van groups of 6-10 older people. The group will be at your home for 45 minutes to 1 hour during which time they would require a hot drink and selection of around three food items.

The mornings and afternoons provide company and stimulation for our lonely older folk. For many this may be the only social contact they have in their week.

* easy access into your home for clients with sticks or walking frames, and * an area large enough to accommodate between 6-10 people.

Volunteering in the comfort of your own home may be the perfect volunteering opportunity for you, if you think so and would like further information or wish to discuss, please contact Robynn Walsh at Age Concern Canterbury on 027 279 1113 or 03 331 7801 or email robynn.walsh@ageconcerncan. org.nz

Come and enjoy social interaction with other seniors…

Donation/Koha requested to help cover costs

MONDAYS

9.00am Board Games 10.00am Morning Tea 10.30am Arts and Crafts 12.00noon BYO Lunch / Socialise 12.45pm Exercise Class 1.30pm Variety Hour 2.30pm Afternoon Tea

THURSDAYS

9.00am Board Games 9.30am Mass 10.00am Morning Tea 10.30am Board Games 12.00noon BYO Lunch / Socialise 12.30pm Housie (numbers limited) 2.15pm Afternoon Tea

0DU\ 3RWWHU &RPPXQLW\ &HQWUH 442 Durham Street North, St Albans, Christchurch 8014 Telephone 372 9224 Website www.lcmchristchurch.org.nz Email nzadmin@lcm.org.au

To vote in a general election you need to be enrolled by midnight, 13 days before Election Day. For the 2026 General Election this means you can't enrol or update your details after midnight, 25 October 2026.

You can check or update your enrolment details on elections.nz or call 0800 36 76 56 ‘Democracy’ from the Ancient Greek δῆμος (dêmos, “the people”) and κράτος (krátos, “power, rule”).

(Source:Democracy in NZ ).

28

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

Flu season predicted to have a long tail - it’s not too late to get vaccinated As influenza (flu) cases continue to circulate across New Zealand, health officials are reminding people that it is not too late to get vaccinated and that getting protection against the flu now can still prevent serious illness, reduce hospitalisations, and protect vulnerable whānau.

National Public Health Service’s Director of Prevention Immunisation, Nikki Canter-Burgoyne said that the flu doesn’t follow a strict timetable.

“While there is one more month of winter, the flu season in New Zealand often extends well into early spring.

“With people indoors during this cold weather we’re seeing significant transmission, and vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and the people around you. If you haven’t had your 2026 flu vaccine yet, now is the time.”

The flu vaccine takes around two weeks to build protection, but health experts emphasise that the benefits

extend well beyond the peak. With schools, workplaces, and winter gatherings continuing through August and September, vaccination can still prevent severe disease and reduce pressure on health services.

In addition to the predicted long tail of the flu season, we want to make sure that people know that flu vaccines are free for many New Zealanders, including those who are pregnant, people with certain medical conditions including serious mental health and those accessing addiction services, and everyone aged 65+.

New Zealand’s population is growing and ageing, and this shift has real implications for flu risk. Today, more than 850,000 New Zealanders are aged 65 and over, and this group is expanding faster than any other age band.

As our population increases, so does the number of people at higher risk of severe flu complications such as hospitalisation, pneumonia, and

prolonged recovery. That’s why it remains critically important that older New Zealanders protect themselves.

Flu vaccination is available, effective, and free for people aged 65+. With more older adults in our communities than ever before, ensuring strong uptake is essential to keeping whānau healthy and reducing pressure on hospitals. It is not too late, getting vaccinated now can still prevent serious illness.

Health New Zealand is urging anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to book an appointment with their GP, local pharmacy, hauora provider, or vaccination clinic.

“If you’ve been waiting for the flu season to ramp up don’t wait any longer, act now to get the protection you need, by getting vaccinated,” said Canter-Burgoyne.

To find a vaccination site near you, visit bookmyvaccine or contact your local GP or pharmacy. (Source: Health

As we approach Spring most of us can escape to the comfort of a warm home but still deal with bitterly cold days and nights. Yet for a growing number of people across our country, that comfort is out of reach.

Today, around 250 people known to the Christchurch Methodist Mission (CMM) are experiencing homelessness. They are sleeping in parks, under bridges, in garden sheds, or moving from couch to couch when a friend can offer a temporary refuge.

While recent reports have highlighted falling emergency housing numbers, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Homelessness has not disappeared. For many, it

has simply become less visible.

One of the most concerning trends is the growing number of older people seeking help. Rising rents are outpacing what many can afford on New Zealand Superannuation alone.

These are people who have worked hard, paid taxes, raised families, and contributed to their communities for decades. Yet some now face the frightening prospect of not being able to secure stable, affordable housing.

The demand for housing continues to exceed supply. In May, CMM helped house 25 people, more than one household every working day.

Yet new people seeking help are arriving at roughly twice that rate.

There are reasons for hope. CMM’s

Outreach Rapid Response team has supported 120 people in the past six months and helped 40 into housing.

Every person housed represents a life changed and a step toward greater stability and dignity.

Ultimately, homelessness will not be solved by statistics alone. It will be solved when everyone has a safe place to call home. Through initiatives like Doors to Dignity (www.doorstodignity.nz) and the upcoming Big Sleepout South (www. bigsleepoutsouth.nz), CMM is calling on our community to turn awareness into action and ensure that dignity, safety, and housing are within reach A for all.

NZ Te Whatu Ora, 12 August 2026 ).

A safe place to call home

Staying Safe Course Dates 2026 Staying Safe, Refresher Driver Courses are a free NZTA and Age Concern Canterbury delivered course for older drivers, helping participants update their road code knowledge, understand how ageing can affect driving, and build confidence behind the wheel.

Upcoming course locations for 2026 include the venues listed below:

8 September, Rangiora Bex Abel Retirement Village 10 September, Avonhead St Christophers, 244 Avonhead Rd 16 September, Burwood St Pauls Lutheran Church, 130 Burwood Road 21 September, Westport Age Concern Canterbury, 111 Palmerston Street 23 September, New Brighton All Saints Church, 305 New Brighton Road 2 October, Ashburton Ashburton Seniors Centre 7 October, Papanui Braintree Wellness Centre, Langdons Road 14 October, Heathcote Heathcote Community Centre, Bridle Path Road 23 October, St Albans St Albans Community Centre, 1049 Colombo Street

For additional course locations or more information, contact Charlie Hudson at chudson@ ageconcerncan.org.nz or phone 03 331 7808.

Modern living.

Timeless care.

For over 60 years, we’ve provided professional, compassionate care in a serene setting.

When it’s time to transition from living at home into a more comprehensive support environment, WesleyCare is the right choice. We offer a range of affordable options, from rest home and hospital level care through to respite and palliative care. Our experienced staff build genuine relationships with residents, and our purpose-built facilities provide all the comforts of a warm, modern home.

www.wesleycare.nz 91 Harewood Road, Papanui Call WesleyCare Manager Donna Coxshall on 03 375 1189 to arrange a visit

TRANSITION

NAVIGATORS ADVANCED LIFESTYLE PLANNERS

Considering moving?

Feeling overwhelmed thinking about your options?

Let Transition Navigators enhance your wellbeing as we support you by finding your most appropriate living place Discuss your Life Stage Plan with Robyn 0800 487 267 robyn.j@transitionnavigators.co.nz www.transitionnavigators.co.nz

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 29

The Christchurch Liedertafel Male Voice Choir present 3 concerts a year

by Lindsay J. Strang, Secretary The Christchurch Liedertafel Male Voice Choir

The Christchurch Liedertafel Male Voice Choir has recently performed it’s 584th concert in the St Andrew’s College Chapel. The choir is proud of its long history.

The name Liedertafel is German for singing round a table which is how it started and since 1885 the choir members have continued to present concerts to the people of Christchurch. Two world wars and the spread of covid have failed to significantly impede the choir’s motivation. Yes, two concerts were cancelled in 2020, due to the covid lock-down but our members then came back with renewed vigor to enjoy the activity of combined singing.

It is well-known that singing in a choir provides holistic benefits by combining aerobic breathing with neuro-chemical release, and the social connection. Singing is a natural stress reliever. It improves lung capacity, and generates endorphins.

In addition there is a build up of a sense of community that reduces loneliness and anxiety.

We sing 4 parts: tenor I and II, baritone and bass. Rehearsals are timed for each Monday (6.45pm to 9.00pm) in the Scottish Society Hall.

AGE CONCERN CANTERBURY IS LOOKING FOR

ENERGETIC AND RELIABLE CLEANERS Cleaners required in North Canterbury: Mandeville, Ohoka, Cust, Swannanoa, Woodend and Kaiapoi to clean houses for older adults living in the community.

Casual work only. Payment is on an hourly rate.

Drivers licence and an appropriate level of fitness is required.

For more information please phone Jemma or Deb at Age Concern Canterbury on 366-0903.

The people behind the programme

by Margaret Taylor

There is a Summer break through December and January.

We present 3 concerts per year (May, August and November currently in St Andrew’s College Chapel. If any males out there would like to sing with us we welcome new members. Or if you would like to be in our regular audience then by joining our subscriber base it ensures that you do not miss out on any of these concerts.

Find out more at Liedertafel Male Voice Choir through our website (liedertafel.nz) or contact Lindsay J. Strang on 027 457 4519 or email: ljstrangnz@gmail.com.

Improve your

Pick theTick

Strength &Balance

J o i n a n a c c re d ite d class near you Visit www.livestronger.org.nz or phone Sport Canterbury on 022 495 8470

One of the pleasures of putting together the Canterbury WEA programme is getting to know our tutors.

They're not just knowledgeable in their subject - they're curious, creative people who continue to learn, make, perform and contribute to our community.

Take Ildica Boyd, who teaches Zentangle®, a mindful approach to creating beautiful patterns one deliberate stroke at a time. I was lucky enough to be a student in one of Ildica's classes and quickly discovered that Zentangle isn't really about being artistic at all. It's about slowing down, paying attention and enjoying the creative process. Ildica has a wonderful ability to make even the most hesitant beginner feel that they can create something beautiful.

When she's not teaching at the WEA, you'll often find Ildica helping transform Christchurch's utility cabinets into works of art. Through a partnership with Christchurch City Council and companies such as Chorus, Enable and One NZ, these once ordinary boxes have become colourful public artworks that brighten neighbourhoods and, interestingly, are far less likely to be vandalised.

She's not the only tutor with an interesting story. Our Tai Chi tutor

Geraldine paddles waka in Lyttelton Harbour. Our Printmaking tutor Diane is also a fencing instructor. Our Astronomy tutor Erik referees martial arts competitions. Our crochet and knitting tutor Kazuko performs with a local folk dancing group, while our singing and ukulele tutor Deen directs the Global Voices Choir and is currently recording an album with his rock band.

It's one of the things I love about the WEA. Our tutors don't just teach - they're people with rich interests, generous spirits and a genuine enthusiasm for sharing what they know.

If you're looking for something new to explore this spring, we'd love to welcome you. Find details about us and all our course and workshop offerings at www.cwea.org.nz, call us on 03 3660285 or pick up a brochure at our door 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch or from your local A library.

30

Keeping On

AUGUST 2026

Generosity, concern and support is much appreciated Support for Age Concern Canterbury has a real impact on those most in need. One of our generous members, Sandra, donates money to us each month.

She was inspired to help even more after she read in The New Zealand Herald a story about a man who had his power cut off and was eating cold food out of cans. Sandra contacted us to make enquiries about the story and wanted to help. We were able to let her know that Age Concern Canterbury’s Community Connectors had helped organise to get his power back on and gave him some food and blankets etc. Our donor was delighted and in response donated $100 to us to enable us to stock up our pantry.

The photo shows some of the groceries we were able to purchase with Sandra’s generosity. Donations such as these enable us to offer

Please help us fill our pantry

Peter Gwynne, Liaison Officer, Aimee Le Cren, Social Worker and Justine Martin, Elder Abuse Clinician at Age Concern Canterbury display the much appreciated food supplies.

immediate aid in cicumstances like the above. Thank you so much Sandra for your concern, support and generosity.

Age Concern Canterbury’s Health Team and Community Connectors are frequently called on to support members of our community who find themselves unable to access food or basic necessities for various reasons.

Age Concern Canterbury supports these clients with access to long term solutions but in the short term we make sure that they have the basics to get by for a few days.

Age Concern Canterbury is asking for donations to restock supplies. Basics like tinned goods, tea, coffee, cereal, pasta, biscuits and soup. Any donations are much appreciated. Monetary

donations specifically for this cause will be gratefully received.

Keeping your retirement finances on track

Retirement is a time to enjoy the your career, foreign pensions are The household job nobody wants lifestyle you've worked hard for. But generally taxable in New Zealand.

Got to admit it - we never thought we’d write a story about wheelie bins. But after a chat with the folks at Bin Blaster, a family-run outfit here in Christchurch, we’ve changed our tune.

You know the smell. Meat trays, food scraps, the odd nappy, all sitting in the sun for a week. By the time collection day rolls around, the flies have found it and nobody wants to go near it with a hose, least of all on a cold morning.

That’s the gap Bin Blaster has quietly filled. Their little trucks carry their own water and cleaning gear, so there’s no need to lift a finger, use your own tap, or wrestle with a hose on the driveway. You simply put your bin out as usual on collection day. After the council truck’s been through, Bin Blaster comes along behind it and gives your bin a proper going-over, washed inside and out, sanitised, and deodorised - fresh and ready to go in.

It’s not just about the smell, either.

Wheelie Bins harbour real nasties like E. coli, salmonella, the sort of thing you’d rather not have near the back door. And rather than tipping dirty bin water down the drain, where it can end up harming our waterways, Bin Blaster captures and treats it properly. Good for you, good for the neighbourhood, good for the rivers and the estuary too.

Plans start from a one-off clean right up to monthly visits, so you can pick whatever suits you and there’s no scrubbing, no hosing, no hassle.

Spaces are limited in some areas, so if this sounds like something your household could use, it’s worth getting in early.

Please be aware we are currently only servicing the Christchurch City Council areas - more areas to be announced next year.

Find out more or book online at binblaster.co.nz. or call and ask for A Mike on 027 286 5125.

while your working life may have slowed down, your finances can become more complex.

You might have investments, a rental property, KiwiSaver, overseas pensions or a mix of income sources.

Taking a fresh look every now and then can help make sure everything is still working the way you want it to.

"Many people think retirement means their financial planning is done. In reality, a regular review can help you make the most of what you've built and pick up anything that may need attention," says Vas Khrapov, Owner/Director of SBA Burnside and SBA Papanui.

Even small changes can make a difference.

Reviewing your investments, checking you're paying the right amount of tax, or looking at how a rental property is performing can help keep your retirement finances on track.

Foreign pensions If you worked overseas during

local

!

#

However, new or returning residents may qualify for a four-year temporary tax exemption on certain foreign income, including some foreign superannuation lump sums.

Making your investments work harder The way your investments are structured can affect how much tax you pay. It's also worth checking your Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR) is correct.

Reviewing your rental property A review of your rental property's expenses, ownership structure and overall returns can help you decide whether it's still meeting your retirement goals.

If you'd like to make sure your retirement finances are on track, get in touch with Vas for a free, noobligation chat.

Get in touch: Vas Khrapov, mobile 027 504 6154, email vasily.

A khrapov@sba.co.nz

!

!

"

Get a free 30-minute consultation

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 31

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER? Look at the difference you could make in an older person’s life: “I look forward to my afternoon trips - seeing my van friends makes me happy.” Joan, 92.

“It’s great - lots of laughs and different venues and the Age Concern volunteers are lovely.” Brian, 81.

We are looking for Van Drivers and Assistants for our well-loved Social Outings mornings and afternoons.

No special licence required - just enthusiasm and a caring nature.

You’ll be part of a fun team of volunteers and our friendly Age Concern Canterbury Team.

For more information contact Robynn on 03 331 7801 or 027 279 113 or Debbie on 03 331 7814 or 027 555 8077.

Eatl8r - experience you can taste, care you can trust For many people, having good food on hand is not just about convenience - it’s about independence, wellbeing, and peace of mind. For over 20 years, Eatl8r has been doing exactly that for Cantabrians, delivering honest, nourishing meals made the way food should be.

Eatl8r is a family-owned and operated business, built from the ground up here in Christchurch.

Long before home-delivered meals became widely available, Eatl8r was already preparing fresh, balanced meals for people who wanted reliable food without compromise. That experience matters, and it shows in every meal we send out.

Each week, customers can choose from 10 different main meals, with the menu changing every week to provide genuine variety. In addition to main meals, Eatl8r also offers a range of soups and desserts, allowing customers to build a selection that suits their tastes and needs.

Each meal is designed individually, with its own combination of

vegetables chosen to suit the flavour, nutrition, and balance of the plate.

It might sound simple, but it makes a real difference to enjoyment and long-term nutrition. Meals don’t all look or taste the same - and that variety is something many customers truly value.

Meals are prepared using fresh ingredients, with sensible portions and familiar flavours. The focus is on food that feels comforting, satisfying and dependable - the kind of meals you can rely on week after week.

Over the years, Eatl8r has helped set the standard for fresh meal delivery in Canterbury, and continues to do so today by staying true to its values rather than following trends.

Many customers have been ordering with Eatl8r for years, some even decades - a trust that is earned and never taken for granted.

Eatl8r delivers throughout Christchurch and the wider South Island. Eatl8r isn’t about gimmicks.

It’s about experience, quality, and A food you can depend on.

This is from the Uxbridge English Dictionary, when panellists are asked to submit definitions for well-known words, such as infantry - a baby oak.

My favourite is “Diagnostic - a Welshman who's unsure if God exists.” Barry Cryer.

(Source: www.theoldie.co.uk)

Be swept into a world of birds Be swept into a world of birds at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū’s new exhibition Bird Land: Te Kāhui Manu.

From flightless forest dwellers to extinct giants, the Gallery’s newest exhibition explores Aotearoa New Zealand’s remarkable birdlife through 200 works spanning historical and contemporary art.

Curator Ken Hall says birds offer an unique way into both art and the natural world.

“Birds have an extraordinary ability to engage people. They connect art, conservation and everyday experience in a way that few other subjects can.

“One of the pleasures of this exhibition is that it offers something for everyone. Visitors can simply enjoy the beauty, variety and richness of the works, but they’ll also discover stories about our environment, our history, and the changing relationships between people and birds.

“The exhibition brings together artists from across generations and practices, including Ralph Hotere, Fred Graham, Tanya Ashken, Colin McCahon, Bill Hammond, Fiona Pardington, Eileen Mayo, Robin White, Ray Ching, Shane Cotton, Michael Parekōwhai, Neke Moa, Conor Clarke and Bridget Reweti.

“Through painting, sculpture, photography and customary practice, these artists reveal the many ways birds have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand’s artistic imagination as subjects of close observation, symbols of identity, expressions of whakapapa and reminders of our

Robert Laurie The Poa. From the bird which was brought from New Zealand by Capt. Cook in his late voyage round the world 1776. Colour mezzotint.

Collection of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

changing relationship with the natural world.

"Rather than arranging the exhibition chronologically, we've grouped works by species and environment, so moving through the Gallery becomes a journey through the landscapes and birdlife of Aotearoa.

"This exhibition has been a long time in the making. For many years we've recognised that birds provide a fascinating lens through which to explore New Zealand art, and the timing now feels exactly right,” says Mr Hall.

Bird Land: Te Kāhui Manu is open from 15 August 2026 to 8 A February 2027.

Fresh, chef-prepared meals Ready when you are Locally made, fresh meals delivered to your door throughout Christchurch & South Island wide

eatl8r.co.nz | 03 420 0722

15 August – 8 February Free entry

Conor Clarke Tirohanga Manu (detail) 2025. Photograph. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased 2025

32

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

best way to find yourself is to Memoirs Workshop “The lose yourself in service to others.”

Ghandi

How to stay warm and burn smoke free Experienced writer, Mary Duff, is running a second memoirs workshop.

Age Concern Canterbury’s first memoirs workshop facilitated by experienced writer Mary Duff, has been a great success.

“It gets you motivated.” Judy.

“Don’t be afraid even if you have never done anything like this before.” Kathleen.

“Remember that this doesn’t have to be your whole life story, you can just write a short observation of a memory or recall an event that meant something to you. It can be a collection of essays documenting your entire life.” Phillipa

Our second workshop will run from Friday, 2nd October to Friday, 20th November from 9.30am to 11.00am.

The eight-week course costs $50.00 which is payable on registration.

This is aimed at beginner writers, not published or experienced writers.

It is not a course with set work but rather Mary is there as your guide, sharing tips and techniques to boost enthusiasm and get the ink flowing.

If you would like to register for this course please call 03 366 0903 before 22nd September. Limited spaces available.

Spring into Music concert Music Canterbury is proud to present the annual Spring into Music community concert event on Sunday 13th September between 11.00am to 3.00pm in the Great Hall at the Arts Centre.

This is a non ticketed and free community event that will showcase the talented musicians and choirs that contribute to the vibrancy of the performing arts scene in Christchurch.

There will be performances from the Addington Brass Band, Leidertafel Male Voice choir, intermediate and adult wind ensembles from the School of Music, Canterbury Japanese choir, CSM Concert band, together with piano and instrumental soloists and ensemble winners from the Institute of Registered Music

Teachers annual competitions to be held shortly.

The Spring into Music event provides some of the best of our young, and not so young, musicians and singers a chance to perform in one of the finest heritage venues that Christchurch has to offer.

Make a day of it and visit the Arts Centre, call in and listen to these fine performers, grab a coffee at one of the Arts Centre cafes, enjoy time browsing in the wonderful boutique and retail shops and perhaps pick up a treat or make a start on your Christmas shopping.

Come along. We would love to see you. This is what community is all A about.

Using your wood burner efficiently can help you get more heat from your fire, use less wood and reduce your heating costs. It also helps reduce chimney smoke, creating cleaner air for you and your community.

Here are some top three tips to help you stay warmer for cheaper and burn smoke-free this winter.

Burn good, dry wood Good quality, dry wood will get and keep your fire roaring. However, not all woods are equal. Some burn hotter and produce less smoke.

Plantation pine, Douglas fir and blue gum are the best locally available timbers, while old man pine can be smoky, and is best suited for kindling or mixed with other woods.

A great way to get your firewood is to buy from a Trusted Good Wood Merchant. Environment Canterbury audits these firewood sellers regularly to ensure they’re selling good, dry wood; moisture testing is part of the audit process. You can find a list of local suppliers at warmercheaper. co.nz.

Check your burning technique Using good wood burning technique can make a big difference to how warm your home feels and how much smoke it produces.

Many of us were taught to build a fire in a pyramid shape, with kindling on the bottom and big logs on the top.

But the upside-down method, also known as the Swiss method, works the other way around. Larger logs on the bottom, with kindling on top.

This method can help your fire burner hotter, last longer and produce less smoke.

Keep your burner well maintained A well-maintained wood burner works more efficiently, keeps your home warmer and helps reduce smoke.

Make sure your wood burner is serviced and your flue or chimney is cleaned regularly. Avoid burning treated timber, driftwood or rubbish, as these can clog your chimney and increase air pollution.

A build up of chimney soot can also be a fire risk; the kind of fire you don’t want. It can also reduce your burner’s efficiency.

You can find a handy burner maintenance list at warmercheaper. co.nz.

Financial assistance We know it’s a tough time for many households. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for financial assistance towards the cost of a new heat pump or ultra-low emission burner, or insulation upgrades. Support may be available through the government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme or Environment Canterbury’s subsidy scheme. If you have any questions, phone the Environment Canterbury advisory team on 0800 324 636. A

Burn smoke-free for a warmer home Choose plantation pine, Douglas fir or blue gum.

Avoid old man pine.

Source your wood from a Trusted Good Wood Merchant.

Check your burner is in good condition and your chimney is swept.

For more tips visit

warmercheaper.co.nz

CPR13656/26

Sunday, 13th September 2026

Tips to burn smoke-free for a more efficient nt fire and a warmer home:

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 33

Busy ‘doing life’ at the top of the South

by Colin Smith

It's now June 2026, and I realise I've been busy "doing life" to the extent of not writing anything for Keeping On from here at Te Tau Ihu, Top of the South.

Doing life for me has had me living a lot of life's variations: sad, tragic and at the same time, happy and positive. Life is Forest Gump's box of chocolates. Open it up, and you'll never know who, or what will pop out.

Over the last few years, I've been busy coming to terms with the fact that two of my kids, Paki and Jess, have died, plus my two dogs. Then out of the blue, (maybe that should be black), I got a call from my mate's sister, the mate Clark, I worked with in the Forest Service forty years ago, and we've been tramping cobbers ever since. His sister asked if I could come and stay in Clark's house to look after things, and te kuri. Clark was cast, sitting in a chair in a care home, unable to move or speak.

Whew, we all thought stroke, but it turned out to be a massive brain tumor.

We've all just spent a hideous fifteen months, watching Clark slowly slide off into oblivion, then to top it all off, I had to get Clark's dog put to sleep. Enough of that side of life, it's too bloody painful.

Let's have something more positive.

In some previous issues, I've written about the ongoing destruction of alcoholism in my family. I'm one, sober, of five siblings, four of us having inherited an addictive thirst for John Barleycorn's seductive elixir, booze. Two of my sisters never managed to rid themselves of the Barleycorn charm and have since died. My brother is dying as I write this. He was a commercial pilot, but wouldn't leave the booze alone, and now he has alcohol induced dementia. My daughter, Jess died of alcohol induced organ failure.

You'll be saying, "Where's the positive stuff?" Well, in a couple of previous issues of Keeping On, I was giving a running update on the progress or egress of my

alcoholic son, Mike, Jess’s bro.

Mike has been busy over the last twenty years, trying to drink himself into an inevitable oblivion. He has come close to succeeding in following his sister. Anyway, neither Mike nor I have a religious bone in our bodies, but we do believe in miracles. "Mike has stopped drinking!" Whew! A positive life emerges from Barleycorn's dregs.

I asked Mike, "What has brought about this change?" He's not sure, but long may it continue.

As I've written in previous issues, Mike was living in what I called his "Riverside apartment" That was a sleeping bag under a tree on a bank of Nelson's Maitai River.

A couple of years ago, Mike went off to a rehab in Auckland. After being there for two weeks, his thirst got the better of him and so he returned to his riverside apartment. He said he loved it there but got sick of having to wear his raincoat to bed every time it rained.

Maybe it was that, plus promptings from his AOD worker. Either way,

he went off to another rehab in Christchurch and returned, minus his twenty-year thirst. Maybe there is a god after all.

I remember saying to Mike once how 'Even though we don't have a god in our lives, (not one we know of, anyway), I can see how an alcoholic's drinking can be seen as a misguided, unconscious, spiritual search"Barleycorn's bottled spirit!

Mike is a very talented and creative woodcarver and often talks of te wairua of the piece he carves. I said to him "Along with the wairua, there's a very powerful, rich spiritual emotion in your work that is nourishing a spiritual hunger deep within you."

No amount of the Barleycorns' false promise can do this.

If this article raises any concerns, please call the Alcohol Drug Helpline for free on 0800 787 797 or contact Odyssey House which runs a free alcohol and other drugs support programme called Sixty Five ALIVE03 741 3072.

Enviro Master: committed to achieving perfect climate control of your space Enviro Master is proud to be a supplier to the Government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes programme giving eligible home owners a 90% grant towards the cost of the supply and installation of a new heat pump up to $3,450 including GST. Customers are eligible if they have a Community Services Card, SuperGold Combo Card or live in a low-income area as determined by deciles 9-10 on the New Zealand Deprivation Index. Their home must also have been built before 2008 and have no fixed heating in a living area, such as an existing operational heat pump or fireplace. Insulation must be to standard and there are grants to assist with this also.

Enviro Master has been in business since 2002 and has gained a reputation for unbiased advice and

providing solutions tailored to each situation. This could be for heating, air-conditioning or a balance of both.

A full assessment process that looks at environmental conditions as well as users’ requirements is backed up by a wide range of heat pump brands. Topping it off are friendly, professional staff who always take the time to show customers how to operate their new heat pump for maximum long-term efficiency. At Enviro Master, we’re committed to helping you find the most efficient and effective air conditioning and heating solutions in Christchurch.

Let us help you achieve the perfect climate control for your space.

For a free assessment, call Enviro Master on 366-0525 or visit www. enviromaster.co.nz.

Our showroom is open weekdays from 8.00am to 4.30pm at 41A

Shakespeare Christchurch.

Road,

Waltham, A

Spring Summer Specials Specials

• Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Specialists • Approved installer, supplier and service agent

Faulty electric blankets kill ... have you had yours checked?

90% 80%

* MegaTest will inspect your blanket and do a full 3-point check to ensure safety. * AS/NZS 3760 Insulation Test. * Thermographic image inspection.

Thermal imaging allows us to visually identify hot spots or breakages to give you complete peace of mind.

NZ-69812_398804

41A Shakespeare Road Ph 366 0525 | www.enviromaster.co.nz Phone today for your FREE consultation and quote!

34

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

The McLarens of Rangiora

by June Peka

The McLarens of Rangiora – that’s Norma and Tom – have been in the same spot for 66 years but they don’t let the grass grow under their feet, literally or figuratively. Norma’s real grass, the green stuff out front of the house is immaculately coiffed, edges snipped, with not a broadleaf in sight.

A grass grub would not dare show it’s hide there. Norma explains there’s not much colour in “her” garden at this time of the year, but there must be a hundred hues of green among the shrubs and trees in the tilled and weedless earth which surrounds “her”

lawn. She tells me she took advantage of some unseasonally mild weather recently and “knocked it into shape a bit”. I don’t believe it’s ever been any other way.

Tom’s patch is out back of this generous quarter acre – away from passers-by. Tom doesn’t grow grass at all – you can’t eat that, he tells me.

Tom’s is a semi wild but bountiful oldstyle productive garden which keeps them in potatoes all year round. Fed with Tom’s home-made compost and tilled by his Heath Robinson plough, there is room in his patch for silver

Leaky water works - incontinence There are many myths about incontinence, for instance some people believe incontinence is an inevitable consequence of ageing or if you drink less it will improve.

Neither of these beliefs is helpful.

Some facts about your Water Works The bladder: · is an expandable muscular bag, once full, it contracts to force urine out. · holds 300-400mls during the day and up to 800mls overnight. · empties 5-7 times a day. · is irritated by caffeine, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, some fizzy drinks and medications, including diuretics. · pelvic floor and urethra sphincter muscles stop leakage. · we need 6-8 glasses of fluid a day. · bladder and urethra infection and inflammation cause pain, discomfort and urgency. · we train our bladder to empty before it’s full.

There are two types of incontinence Stress incontinence occurs when pressure is on the bladder from coughing, sneezing, jumping, lifting, pushing, laughing and pulling. The main cause is weak pelvic floor and

urethra sphincter muscles.

Urgency incontinence is the sudden need to ‘go’, e.g when opening the front door you get the urge. It happens because the bladder has been trained to empty before it’s full. Typically small amounts of urine are passed frequently -10 plus times a day.

To prevent or fix incontinence strengthen your pelvic floor and urethra sphincter muscles by: · sitting comfortably with feet and knees apart. · leaning forward at the hips with back straight. · finding your pelvic floor – imagine you’re stopping yourself from urinating or farting. · tightening your pelvic floor three times a day, squeezing and lifting inside, on the out breath, hold for 3 -10 seconds, rest 5-10 seconds, repeat 5-10 times.

Still struggling, contact: ·your Doctor to rule out inflammation, infection or drug irritation. · Nurse Maude Continence Service. · Also, the Therapy Professionals Physiotherapist to improve your pelvic floor and urethra strength.

Ph: 03 3775280. Email: admin@ tpl.nzwww.therapyprofessionals.

A co.nz

beet the size of elephants ears, leeks, fruit trees and bushes. And there’s compost bins, poles, frames, sticks, wires, machinery and piled up weeds waiting to be mulched for compost – but no grass.

Not long back from Great Barrier Island and soon to set off for another week in Hanmer, Norma and Tom make light work of their combined 176 years. Despite the bouts of illness which do pop up in the later years they live by the adage “use it or lose it”. Neither of them spend much time lounging about the well kept home they built in the 60s – when there was no water on the property, and no permission to pipe into the council water supply on the other side of West Belt. Norma goes to the gym most mornings, Tom cycles and always has a project on the go. For years he’s made films – the most recent The History of New Zealand Farmers’ Co-

op. Both tech-savvy, together they’re involved with the Museum and the library where they help preserve the district’s history in all forms, but most recently in the compiling and voicing of video material.

They do not claim to be the custodians of such history, but with around 160 of those combined years in the same community, they could.

Tom was just 18 months old when he came to live on West Belt. He points out the large gum tree up the street, where he started life on his parents’ small holding. Grandparents and other family were close by where the young Tom lent a hand, and with lots of experience helping to keep old farm vehicles alive in the war years, he went on to take up a mechanics apprenticeship at the Farmers Coop in Rangiora. Thirty years later he re-trained to become a paramedic, before retiring at 70. (Contd..Pg 35)

Natural arthritis and circulation booster Used under feet and hands, the Aircycle exerciser is a simple way to relieve joint pain, increase circulation, reduce swollen ankles and cramps, help restless legs, strengthen muscles, and improve balance and mobility. It also aids in the prevention of blood clots when sitting for long periods.

Aircycle provides gentle exercise without weight-bearing or strenuous activity. It’s simple to use, soft on feet and hands and easily deflated for carrying in a pocket or purse.

Use it from the comfort of your chair while sitting – reading, having coffee, watching TV or travelling.

A woman from Te Horo invented this simple device to help relieve her husband’s severe arthritic pain and swollen ankles. His arthritis carers were so impressed with the relief and increased joint mobility he experienced they asked her to make more for other sufferers.

Gay from Rotorua says, "Aircycle is better than the information says.

The pain in my knees has gone and, although I use a walker, I don’t need it around the house anymore. I can move more freely and have much less pain in both my hands and feet.

My feet are warmer too and now I don’t need bed socks which I’ve worn for years."

Sam from Oraki wrote, “I’ve suffered for years with sciatica. It’s gone completely when I use the Aircycle.”

Mrs Cooksley from Wellington advised, “I’m diabetic and had an ulcer on my leg which wouldn’t heal.

After 7 weeks using my Aircycle it was gone! My Doctor is recommending it to other patients. The pumping motion is addictive and comforting. I use it while knitting.”

Includes lifetime warranty and listed with Medsafe. A wonderful gift for yourself or loved ones!

A Please see advert below.

IS AGEING, DISABILITY, INJURY OR ILLNESS MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT? Therapy Professionals Ltd’s physio, speech language, music and occupational therapists and dietitians can make life easier.

We can help.

We come to you.

For more information contact: Telephone: (03) 377 5280 Fax: (03) 377 5281 admin@tpl.nz www.therapyprofessionals.co.nz

* Arthritic and joint pain * Diabetic foot care * Travelling (DVT) * Swollen ankles * Cramps & restless legs * Cold/aching hands & feet * Sciatica * Stroke Rehabilitation * Parkinsons & MS * Strenthening muscles

$56.90 including postage View and order at www.aircyle.co.nz, Diabetes Christchurch, Aspire Canterbury or your nearest Disability Centre or phone Sue in Levin on 0800 141415.

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On 35

writers of engaging memoirs Continued from Page 34.

Norma aged 15 and living in nearby Christchurch, was eagerly looking forward to training as a teacher, when one day her father announced the family was moving to Rangiora and he’d arranged a clerical position for her to start immediately.

There was not much point in becoming a teacher he said, as she’d probably just get trained up and would then get married and have to resign. As miffed as she was, Norma’s attention was taken by the apprentice mechanic she could see from her office window.

When he, blushing, tapped on it and asked if she’d like to go to the pictures, Norma’s workmates sniggered. The young couple married four years later.

“We brought up three boys - and even the dog was a boy - so I’ve had to make a stand at times,” she says, laughing.

Norma, Tom and I realised we had a previous acquaintance when we attended story-writing classes with Grant Hindin Miller at Canterbury University some years ago. As a result, the McLarens both went on

to publish memoirs. Norma says Tom’s is more popular because it’s rude and funny, and I pick up they’ve discussed that before. Now out of print, Tom’s “The Life and Times of a Rangiora Kid”, is in hot demand at the local library – well worth the time on the waiting list. Tom’s grandmother who washed his mouth out with soap whenever he swore or blasphemed, might turn in her grave, but Mac and I haven’t laughed so much for ages.

We wonder if Tom has committed it to celluloid. Roll over Charlie Chaplin.

Norma’s “Scorpio Years” is a delight too. Growing up with words like “beaut, grouse, whacko, jolly good and super” there are no references to farting horses, piss-pots or boils on a pig’s arse, but neither is her story sugar-candied. Norma tells us about life as it was. It’s another must-read for the community-minded.

She writes in her foreword, “Tom and I think it’s really important to get your story written, once you are gone it’s too late – nobody can ask you anything! Please start, even if you think you can’t do it. We wish we could ask our long departed relatives things.”

TRADES DIRECTORY Looking for a reliable plumber? * Quality service you can trust. * Family owned and operated. * Master Plumbers.

Phone 03 385 2250

TOTAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS Locks, keys, automotive, remotes, access control, CCTV camera & alarm systems, safes, 24/7 emergency service.

Free Quotes Sydenham & Hornby Stores

03www.rossgalt.co.nz 365 0298 BLOCKED DRAINS??

WATERBLASTING??

Competitive Prices

Looking for a cut, blow wave or perm in your home?

Ph: Chrystal on 021 1443314

CANTERBURY WATERBLAST LTD ANYTIME - (03) 365-7960

SAFETECH INSTALLATIONS LTD access and mobility solutions

Specialising in handrails, bathroom renovations, ramps and regraded steps.

Contact Patrick for a free assessment and quote.

Patrick Fitzgibbon

Ph: 021 508 211 Email: patfitzg@xtra.co.nz

The McLarens of Rangiora.

Welcome Spring with a warmer, healthier home New Zealand's weather is famously unpredictable, particularly during the transition from winter to spring.

While the days begin to warm, chilly mornings, cool evenings, and damp weather can linger for weeks. Good insulation helps keep your home warm, dry, and comfortable through every change in the forecast.

Quality ceiling and underfloor insulation helps your home maintain a more consistent temperature throughout the changing seasons.

During the cooler months, it slows the loss of heat, reducing the need to keep your heater running. As the days begin to warm, insulation also helps reduce unwanted heat entering your home, keeping it comfortable all year round.

Insulation also plays an important role in reducing moisture and condensation. Damp homes are more likely to develop mould, which can contribute to respiratory illnesses and other health concerns. By helping your home stay warmer and drier, insulation creates a healthier living

environment for you and your family.

Making your home warmer and healthier may be more affordable than you think. Community Energy Action (CEA), a local charitable trust, offers free insulation assessments for eligible homeowners throughout Canterbury and the West Coast.

Depending on your eligibility, subsidies can cover 50% to 100% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation. Support may also be available for energy-efficient heat pumps where funding criteria are met.

As the days begin to warm, it's easy to forget how cold and damp winter can be. Spring is the ideal time to prepare your home for the seasons ahead, so you're ready before the next cold snap arrives. Quality insulation provides lasting comfort, helps create a healthier indoor environment, and can reduce heating costs year after year.

To find out more or book a free assessment, call CEA on 0800 438 A 9276 or visit www.cea.co.nz.

36

AUGUST 2026

Keeping On

My two cents

by June Peka

A fairy in my garden twenty years ago Nearly 20 years ago I wrote about a fairy in my garden. With the help of a big 747 she’d flown in from Australia to spread her magic dust in our vegie garden. Within days I was moved to write: There came a young lady from Perth named Ebony Bird at birth.

Indoors she’s Bin Laden But out in the garden She’s a child of old mother earth.

It was summer. With a handle like Ebony June Marigold Bird, and strong green genes on both sides she took to the great NZ outdoors in St Albans with a passion. At 18 months her vocabulary was expansive. Over the next seven weeks it grew to include “bees, garden (pronounced dargen) compost, peaches, beans, tomatoes, caterpillars, grapes” and much more.

While she scoffed mulberries I taught her their Latin name (morus alba) to bedazzle her Dad on his arrival some weeks later. Like her nutty grandparents before her, she frolicked

naked around the Mulberry Tree.

When she didn’t feel like a shower she’d repose beneath it, with the hose in the old tin bath, surrounded by floating nasturtiums and scented tobacco flowers. Other days the bath became a snug cubby to have lunch in, fully clothed.

She admired the dargen’s edging of stones painted by her older cousins on a previous visit, and we promised

Making do. Thrifty thinking, part two Most people who have commented on last issue’s column about thrift and making do, have made suggestions too. It’s not escaped me that they’re all of a similar age ( this is a publication for oldies, after all) who grew up with parents who’d lived through times of scarcity. One noticeable exception came from a young mum of one who volunteered that when she noticed fewer dishes than normal after dinner, they’d wash and dry by hand rather than run the full cycle of the dishwasher. I congratulated her on that clever frugal thinking and wondered if she’d considered doing that daily? Even more extreme, had she thought about boiling the electric jug, rather than running the hot water from the tank across to the kitchen?

Their power bill was not too bad she explained, as they were lucky to have a log fire. And no, she’d not thought to put a pot of water on the fire top for those dishes, but what a great idea!

Making savings in hard times is about thinking smart. Most savings can be made by small and simple economies. After looking at your electricity output, the area where cost can be most contained is around the grocery shopping. It’s obvious that if you regularly throw out food you’re buying too much. All food you throw out has been paid for. You might just as well toss your cash in the trash.

Keep a note book about your family’s tastes and appetites. If once in a while you find you’ve underestimated it

won’t harm them to top up on weetbix and milk. Become obsessive. Make it a goal to never throw away what you’ve paid for. You can extend that to items such as paper towels and cleaning cloths. You’ll always have old linen to recycle for the purpose.

My brother in the far north reminded me how our grandfather, who built his house in 1917, would inspect the iron roof yearly for leaks. He and the boys would smother any slight sign of weakness with paint-soaked linen or pyjama material, adding another couple of coats for good measure.

When the house was moved from Lower Hutt to Levin in 1984 it still had it’s original roof, and the wide hall carpet turned sides to middle. Pop would have turned in his grave to see the house next door, with its sevenyear-old iron roof and carpet, shower with dome, and leadlights, fall to the bulldozer, nothing recycled. He’d grown up having bread and butter, OR bread and jam. And during the petrol shortages of the great depression and WW11, had put his car up on blocks, and grown vegetables.

Having coffee with old friends today we laughed as we licked our fingers and dabbed at crumbs on our plates.

We pocketed the unused tomato sauce pouches and paper napkins.

We’re not struggling on the pension – probably because we’ve always lived with the notion that a penny saved is a penny earned.

she could do the same next time she came. At first a little shy when her Dad arrived, she eventually took his big hand and led him down to the mulberry tree. I followed, holding my breath in anticipation as she pointed, thought for 20 seconds, and said “bugger, forgetted”.

Recently for my eightieth birthday and her upcoming twenty-first she came for another seven weeks. We scoffed feijoas, ten each at a go, in the garden, by piercing them with a finger nail, breaking them open and sucking the good stuff out, she muddled mocktails for after-dinner each night, with feijoas and lemons.

Sometimes lychees and mandarins and grapes too. We spent 10 minutes a day building compost heaps and putting the garden to bed for winter.

We gathered and slashed smelly seaweed from the beach at Purau and horse poo from Marshland Rd We carted pea straw and sawdust, and cadged extra green waste from

vegie shops. We coffee’ed out every afternoon as a reward. We took turns at cooking and dish washing. We stayed up till midnight every night to do Wordle and Connections, and she re-introduced me to the Bennetts and Mr Darcy and other classics. And Sylvia Plath. We undercoated stones to paint up for small people to find in secret places. I tried her vape gadget and didn’t like it. She made and regularly wrote in a journal, adding at least a hundred words in te reo. She has a gift for vowel pronunciation.

She bought a pair of walking boots and went bush bashing with Poppa, revelling in our amazing bush. As she left she told us she’d be back to stay one day, and would look for a job in conservation, or Forest and Bird. Of course we were thrilled, but the best words of all came by text after she’d been home a few days. “Nan, can you run the compost making thing past me again? Tell me what to start it with, and how the layers work?”

You win some, you lose some Meeting a tall, dark and handsome young West Coaster in the cardiac ward last year was such a serendipitous happening. We’ve since become good friends with Jay and his wife Sue. I don’t know how we came to be talking about brawn on that scary first night in a quiet dark beeping hospital, but within minutes I’d promised him our vintage meat press, unused for years. Since then we’ve caught up at regular hospital check-up dates and shared many home-cooked lunches, steak and kidney pudding, home-baked bread and preserves, and enjoyed dinners out when they stay a night. I recently casseroled the venison steak they brought us last visit, and next night turned it into patties, adding mashed potato and onion, rolled in egg and dipped into bargain priced panko bread crumbs from one of those short dated grocery stores. I think we almost died in the scramble to get to the cold water tap. Our mouths were afire. Had we two cooks both added pepper? We had. But not THAT much! Close inspection of the panko packet revealed, amongst the Asian printing, a tiny graphic of three peppers. One was red, the others blank. CAVEAT EMPTOR. A man I know very well took his wagon for a warrant of fitness and was rejected because of condensation in one tail light. He was quoted a fix-it price of $232.00 labour and $850 for two tail light units. Wondering if he might find a less pricey alternative

he checked online to find he could buy one unit for under $400. But wait, following the repair process on another thread he was advised to clear the condensation by way of a hair dryer. That process cost nothing, took a few minutes and the wagon passed it’s warrant, at the same place, the next day.

Same man, with his wife, bought a small rental property in 2020. They have a very careful tenant who has needed to contact them five times about blockages in the sewer pipes.

After spending more than $2000 on the problem, the owners finally obtained video showing the pipe had been pierced by an Enable cable back in 2015. The previous owner had died, but neighbours confirmed she’d had numerous issues too.

Enable has decided to reimburse the home-owners for four out of the five invoices but not the first, because there was not enough detail provided. That blockage could have been caused by the tenant, Enable postures, Entitled twits targeted the couple again very recently, stealing both number plates from their ageing Landrover. Time, petrol, replacement plates and theft proof screws are all part of the cost and inconvenience that old folk don’t need. But, thanks to the most helpful Lisa at the AA in Shirley, who had looked after their 80 year licence renewals just a few weeks back, that was a doddle too.