News 4
Ashburton Guardian
Monday, November 30, 2015
www.guardianonline.co.nz
In brief
■ ASHBURTON DISTRICT COUNCIL
China trip opens trade door By Sue NewmaN
Sue.n@theguardian.co.nz
Business contacts were made during a recent trip to China that could open doors to a new, lucrative market for businesses in the Ashburton District, says Grow Mid Canterbury chief executive Rob Brawley. Speaking on a recent trip to Ashburton’s sister city Puyang in the Henan province and to Xianyang, home of Fineboon Dairy, Mr Brawley said it was very clear through the contacts made with the Puyang trade office that there
were business opportunities that could be explored and developed. “There were opportunities presented to us around agricultural exports, education, agricultural machinery, construction materials and a lot of other things, but the key thing is that there are many more opportunities there for us to explore,” he said. Puyang is only 30 years old and was built to develop oil and natural gas resources in the area. Its population is almost four million and it is known as the Shining City on the Plains of China.
“The Ashburton District is very important to Puyang, they’re really looking closely at our sister city relationship. There are an awful lot more opportunities there than we realised,” Mr Brawley said. The touring group, that included mayor Angus McKay, Willy Leferink representing Federated Farmers and business woman Geraldine Ling, signed several agreements with businesses and schools that would be developed in the future. Ms Ling has been recruiting
international students into New Zealand for five years and said the schools visited were all looking at opportunities for student and teacher exchanges, language training and at higher education opportunities off-shore. “This is a great opportunity for us all; it’s time to get ready, to work with schools to cater to this demand.” The Ashburton delegation also returned with a letter of intent between Ashburton and Xianyang that could see a sister city relationship forged.
Foothills homes on show for charity By RuBy HaRfield
ruby.h@theguardian.co.nz
Sunshine and crowds helped make the inaugural Methven and Foothills House and Garden Tour a hit on Saturday. The event, which featured 13 properties around Methven, was organised by the Methven Care Trust. Fundraising co-ordinator Sue van den Heuvel said they were pleased with the 300-stong crowd that came on the day. Everyone seemed to enjoy the houses, gardens and the weather, she said. “The feedback was excellent. “People were thrilled with the quality of the homes involved.” While she did not know how much money was raised, all proceeds would be going to Methven Care Trust for the development of a new aged care facility which will replace Methven House. Next year they would have the same number of houses to ensure people could see all of them and they hoped to have the same high standard of properties. One of the most popular attractions was Devonshire tea at one of the homes, Mrs van den Heuvel said. “It was just a lovely day for everyone involved.”
Damage confined Firefighters from Hinds and Rangitata attended a small grass fire on Maronan Ealing Road at 9.41pm on Saturday. Hinds Rural Fire Force Dave Kingsbury said he did not know how it started but it was between two fences and only 25m by 3m. There was minimal damage to the fencing and fire crews were only there for 30 minutes.
Lotto strikes twice Lotto say it’s rare for one of its stores to sell two winning First Division Lotto tickets on the same night - but it’s not unheard of. On Saturday night nine lucky Lotto players took home $111,111 - a share of $1 million - after winning First Division. Three of the winning tickets were sold in Auckland - one at Neal’s Superette, one at Drop In Superette & Lotto and one at the Countdown at Auckland Airport. Two were sold at the Pukekohe Countdown, and others were sold at: Fitzroy Lotto & Mags in New Plymouth, Paper Plus Stratford in Stratford, MyLotto in Canterbury and Paper Plus Gore in Gore.
Double scare Two woman were taken to hospital after their horses were spooked at the same time, throwing them to the ground. A rescue helicopter was called to the rural property near Oropi, south of Tauranga. A 51-year-old woman suffered lower back injuries and a 45-year-old suffered a fracture to her arm.
Late-night stabbing A man attacked and stabbed by a gang of three unknown assailants is recovering in hospital from the brutal late-night incident. A 27-year-old man was set upon near the Saloon Saloon Bar and Grill in Pukekohe, about 10.30pm Saturday. Police are looking into the violent assault that left blood stains on the pavement. - NZME
Lotto results
Visitors exploring a McDonald Street house during the Methven and Foothills House and Garden Tour. PHOTO JOSEPH JOHNSON 281115-JJ-08
PET
Official Lotto results for draw number 1494 drawn on Saturday. Winning numbers (in ascending order): 7, 13, 17, 19, 27, 29. Bonus number: 4. Powerball winning number: 4. Strike: 17, 19, 27, 13.
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