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2 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

Mural brings Triangle to life By Adam Burns adam.b@theguardian.co.nz

An injection of life perhaps. The addition of a mural in Ashburton’s ever vibrant Triangle precinct has received the stamp of approval from local onlookers. The spray-painted mural on the side of the Juice Signs + Design building on Victoria Street is the handiwork of prolific Christchurch street artist Wongi Wilson. It is the continuation of an enchanting overhaul of the area following the opening of Triangle Espresso cafe across the road. The newly minted cafe was also bolstered by interior artwork from Wilson prior to opening. Juice Signs + Design owner Justin Skilling also owns a property on the corner of Victoria and Cass Streets which has also been spruced up dramatically, which comes alight after dark. He said the mural, which was completed last week, was proving to be an enticing talking point.

“It’s graffiti, but it’s not offensive. it’s original and it’s quality and no one else has it,” he said. “To get people to come to this area, it really needed to be done well.” Wilson’s work has become increasingly prominent in Christchurch’s CBD during the rebuild with certain pockets of the city now resembling cultural hubs like Brooklyn, New York. Skilling said the mural, featuring a woman’s head, was a bold image for the town. “You don’t expect to see something like that in this part of town or a picture like that on the wall,” he said. Juice Signs + Design’s owners said the feature had created some positive cheer for residents. The response had been unanimously positive based on the feedback received. Skilling said he hoped other creatively-minded people in the area would not hold back. “Don’t wait, do it,” he said. “Do your research and the thing I’ve learned is don’t be afraid to talk to people. “If you’re going to do it, do it well.”

Juice Signs + Design owner Justin Skilling fronts one of the latest attractions in Ashburton’s Triangle PHOTO ADAM BURNS 050321-AB-9941

Art awards paving the way for women By Adam Burns adam.b@theguardian.co.nz

Last year’s winner of the Zonta Ashburton Female Art Awards Janna van Hasselt was back in Ashburton this week, setting up for her Chromasill exhibition PHOTO ADAM BURNS 040321-AB-9934

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Local art insiders believe an Ashburton awards event offers a canvas for women artists that the rest of the country does not. The annual Zonta Ashburton Female Art Awards (ZAFAA) was set to host its fifth event last night until Covid Alert Level restrictions forced a postponement earlier in the week. The event has tentatively been pushed back to March 19. Raising the profile of female visual artists, it is the only exclusively female art awards in the entire country. Gallery spokeswoman Martine Tait said it was a highly significant feature of the local art calendar. “The women of Canterbury get an opportunity that the rest

of the country don’t. “It’s really important to give them a chance to step up.” Although the event had been put on ice for now, the gallery was hosting an exhibition from last year’s winner Janna van Hasselt, of Christchurch. Alongside the ZAFAA awards and another current exhibition from Christchurch’s Ina Johann, it was a notable time for women artists at the Ashburton Art Gallery. “I’m not sure that women have ever taken over the gallery like this,” Tait said. “It’s not unusual to have three exhibitions at the same time by men.” Van Hasselt added that women were highly under-represented in collections nationally. “I think that will change as we go through.” She remembers her Zonta ex-

perience last year as “a bit of a blur”. “It was a real shock,” she said. “You enter these awards but you never expect to win ... ever. “You’re just excited to be a finalist.” Her prize last year enabled her to augment her presentation significantly for her Chromasill exhibition. The exhibition which opened last night is described as “sprawling ceramic pieces of every hue intermingling on a high shelf just out of reach of the viewer’s itchy fingers”. The printmaker-turned-ceramist explained that the work was largely influenced by her “life as a mum”. “The chaos of a mother’s life but with the joy thrown in as well,” she said. “I love bright colours and that contrast.”

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

Ashburton Trust board chair Chris Robertson (left) shakes hands with the new owner of the Hotel Ashburton, Johny Singh.

NEWS 3

PHOTO ADAM BURNS 050321-AB-9960

Trust sells off hotel to tenant By Adam Burns adam.b@theguardian.co.nz

The brass tacks of business has been noted as a factor in the sale of the Flash Ash. The Ashburton Licensing Trust board confirmed the sale of the Hotel Ashburton premises and land to hotel owner Johny Singh this week, however a sale figure would not be disclosed. “Johny has been a wonderful tenant and is committed to the continuation of the community asset that is the Hotel Ashburton. “The board could not envisage a better purchaser.” Singh, who is based in Ashburton with his wife and two children, said his intention was for the site to continue to operate as a hotel. The trust accepted that there may be some mixed feelings among the community. “Our own analysis of this site is that its best use is what it is now,” board chair Chris Robertson said. He added that left-field options such as sub-dividing or converting the site into a resthome had been explored during the sale process. The trust pumped in a report-

The Hotel Ashburton has been one of the town’s most significant local assets. ed $1 million across an 18-month stretch between 2012 and 2014 on hotel refurbishments. More than half a million dollars had also been spent on building upgrades since the trust sold the

business in 2016, trust general manager Robert Reid said. The trust outlined some key considerations which led to the move to on-sell which had seemingly been on the cards for more

than a decade. Utilising a profitable hospitality trading model became less viable as the trust sought to confirm its long term future. “We committed to a new busi-

ness model which is one that is to endure and be fit for purpose for the next 100 years.” The Ashburton Trust sold the business to Peter Whittaker while retaining the site back in 2016 which followed similar transactions of the trust’s hospitality assets at the time. The hotel went into receivership only 14 months later. Singh later purchased the hotel business from liquidators PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Auckland in September 2018. Robertson confirmed that the purchase had been on the agenda prior to Covid. It marks the end of the trust’s association with the 54-room hotel which dates back half a century. The Hotel Ashburton was built by the trust and opened to the public back in 1971. The trust continues to own the Devon Tavern, however the direction the trust will take for the site remained unclear. Settlement is expected to be completed on March 15. No decisions had been made around reinvestment of the proceeds from the Hotel Ashburton’s sale.

4 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

Waitangi waita ‘a privilege’ By Maddison Gourlay maddison.g@theguardian.co.nz

Ashburton’s Lucy Clough will be broadcast across the United Kingdom singing with the New Zealand Youth Choir. Lucy is among 50 singers who are a part of the 2020-22 youth choir. The group was contacted by the British Broadcasting Channel, the BBC, to film them singing a waiata. So they were recorded by the BBC at Waitangi, on Waitangi Day. That recording will be broadcast on BBC One on Commonwealth Day with a member of the royal family introducing the group before the waiata is broadcast. “We were so excited to get the phone call,” Lucy said. Performing at Waitangi and for the BBC was an incredible experience for Lucy. “I struggle to find the words to describe it. “Waitangi was incredibly special and it was a privilege to sing there on the day. “For the BBC performance I was representing New Zealand on the international stage.” A lot of practise and a week straight of preparation for the group to sing six songs, and knowing she would not be alone on stage helped calm any of Lucy’s nerves. “I felt more excited than nervous.”

Waitangi was incredibly special and it was a privilege to sing there on the day

Ashburton’s Lucy Clough singing as part of the New Zealand Youth Choir at Waitangi as part of the Treaty Waitangi celebrations. PHOTO SUPPLIED

The honour of performing at Waitangi was not lost on her after she gained a deeper understanding about the Treaty of Waitangi at the University of Canterbury last year. “Learning about the Treaty of Waitangi through my studies last year gave me some background, but to be there was surreal.”

Singing has always been a part of Lucy’s life. She was part of the Ashburton College Phoenix Rising and Phoenix Chorus during her secondary school years. “I left high school knowing the New Zealand Youth Choir was going to be part of my future. “I find choir really rewarding.”

Lucy auditioned to be in the New Zealand Youth Choir for the 2017-2019 cycle, making it into the reserves. After attending a workshop for the youth choir reserves, Lucy realised that she wanted to be in the big leagues. Lucy said the workshop gave her the push she needed to au-

dition for the 2020 cycle of the New Zealand Youth Choir. She was given a three-year tenure position, which at this stage she plans to extend by auditioning again at the end of 2022. “It is such a privilege being part of something great,” Lucy said.

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

NEWS 5

Club is running out of By Malcolm Hopwood

ony Blain fears for the future of his club. Tony, who’s Great Chief of the Ashburton Savage Club, and fellow member, Russ Carter, sat down this week to discuss the future of an organisation that was first introduced to Mid Canterbury in 1912. More correctly, Tony is president of the Friendship and Entertainment Club, which the Savage Club morphed into three years ago. Whatever the name, both members are alarmed about dwindling membership. “We can’t see it lasting another couple of years. There’s no new blood,” Russ said. Tony, who’s 80, is one of the younger members. The club lost four stalwarts last year and hasn’t replaced them with anyone. “I’d love to keep it going. We’ve considered a membership drive or campaign, but I’m not sure how effective it would be,” he admits. Tony was introduced to the Savage Club by the late Russell Anstiss 10 years ago and has been an active member since then. Russ Carter’s history with “savagery” goes back 40 years. The club originated in 19th century England when theatre people, artists and musicians gathered in coffee houses. They decided to form their own club and the name Savage was suggested for want of a better name. He was a scandalous poet who lived 100 years earlier. The moniker has nothing to do with violence or savagery. Tony and Russ are adamant that members don’t dance around with spears and swords. However, in New Zealand,

Tony Blain was introduced to the Savage Club by the late Russell Anstiss 10 years ago. they adopted Maori names and, what they believed, were its customs. The head was the great chief and there were scalp hunters, warriors, wahines (wives) a Tohanga (master of ceremonies) and they raided other Savage clubs. Until recently, the council or executive would march in at the start of an evening in grass skirts, perform the haka and sing a Maori song. At their height, the Ashburton club boasted 200 members or more and evenings were spent entertaining. Members who joined were expected to sing, dance, perform, take part in skits and sketches or

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sing in the choir. It was an all-male affair. Women could establish their own allied club, The Wahines, but only if they were wives of Savage Club members. However, Carter was uncomfortable with some traditions and wanted to introduce change. “It was time to throw the male thing out the window,” he said. Despite resistance from some savages who, he said, “went sour”, Russ opened the club to women, firstly as associate members, then full members. “We now have about a dozen women who are either wives or new members,” he says proudly. But stalwarts were “dropping like flies” and the name, no mat-

Tony would hate to see the club fold and its clubrooms sold. The building started life as the Malvern Maternity Home where he was born in 1940. But he promises he won’t die in the attempt to preserve it. Tony would consider any suggestion, even including amalgamation with another likeminded organisation, but short term, he’s keen to welcome new people when the club holds its first concert on Tuesday, April 13, at 7.30pm. Russ is realistic. With membership down to less than 40, he wants to see the club flourish and grow to 100. If not, its colourful heritage in Ashburton will end in the next few years.

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ter how confusing its origins, was worrying Russ. “I introduced the new title, Friendship and Entertainment Club, and it was adopted in 2018,” he said. “That’s what we do. We’re friendly and we entertain.” Ashburton’s was one of the first name changes in New Zealand. The organisation is now the Ashburton Savage Club, trading as the Friendship and Entertainment Club, with headquarters at 62 Cox Street. However, in losing its distinctive title, it continued to lose members. They’ve gone to C&W, the Electronic Organ Club and ukulele groups in town.

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6 NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

Covid restrictions key to chairlift completion By Jonathan Leask jonathan.l@theguardian.co.nz

Installation of the towers for the new Norwest Express chairlift on Mt Hutt Skifield is now completed. PHOTO SUPPLIED

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The new Norwest Express chairlift on Mt Hutt Skifield is on track for the upcoming ski season. The construction should be operational by Mt Hutt’s proposed June 13 opening day, but Mt Hutt Ski Area manager James McKenzie said getting it signed off for use in time is the only concern. “The only fly in the ointment is getting our overseas commissioning team through managed isolation in time,” McKenzie said. “The MIQ (quarantine beds) slots get snapped up within hours of them becoming available and the way they are being released it’s a scramble and really hard for us to get people in when we want them. “We have critical worker visas for them, but that’s not enough we have to join the lottery to get a spot. “We don’t have these people with the skills in New Zealand to commission a high-speed detachable chairlift.” McKenzie said they would be applying for the emergency allocation slots at MIQ. “Other than the general public lottery the only other avenue we have is looking at something that is of national interest that could be categorised for an emergency slot.

“We have a window of about 10 days to apply for an emergency MIQ spot and the advice we have received is the best thing for us is to apply through that channel to get our critical workers from overseas. “As far as the build is concerned the lift will be built, but there is a lot of testing and commissioning to be done.” There is already two people working on the project that have passed through MIQ and third is due for release next week, McKenzie said, as the team doing the mechanical assembly – lift manufacturers Leitner Ropeways – get to work. The last concrete truck for the foundations came off the mountain at the end of February Mackenzie said and all of the towers are now erected. Progress will continue on the slopes while Mackenzie hopes to have a resolution getting the crew for the technical sign-off in the country sooner rather than later. The new high-speed 8-seater lift will cut the ride time from seven-minutes on the old quad chair down to two minutes, lifting the capacity to 3000 people per hour. McKenzie said it would also provide greater reliability and will be more robust in strong winds, reducing the number of closed days each year.

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NEWS 7

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

Blue office turns red meetings there. Having an office in Ashburton provides continuity for people to access their local MP she says. “My job is to listen to you and take your voice to Wellington. I want to have the reputation as an MP who represents everyone.” But if she’s moved her office north, she’s also relocated her home south. Jo and her family have bought a house in Timaru. She’s keeping the family property in Hinds and will use it as a Mid Canterbury base when she’s on electorate business here. Yesterday, Luxton visited Mt Somers constituents and met regenerative farmer, Duncan Humm, inspecting his sunflower crop.

By Malcolm Hopwood

The signage isn’t up, but Rangitata MP, Jo Luxton, has already moved into her Ashburton office. She now occupies the headquarters in Allenton, previously occupied by Andrew Falloon, who abruptly resigned last year. It’s not because she wants to crow about her success in last year’s general election, but the office was equipped with the right level of security and technology that’s needed for a provincial MP. The Labour Party took over the lease in December, but it was only this week that Luxton started holding her constitutional and stakeholder

Hot pools on schedule heating,” McKenzie said. “They actually heat the water directly, there is nothing electrical, they are thermal collectors and is the most efficient way of capturing the sun to heat water.” The shipment arrived from China in February with a team busy assembling the 500 flat-packed panels while a team is building the foundations. They have so far assembled 150 and attached those to the foundations in the solar field. “When people drive past the site now they can start to see what the solar field will look like. “We have only put the frames out at this stage and haven’t put any of the glass tubes in yet. “We restart assembling solar panels next Monday as our team have been mostly involved in getting all of our storage systems for the overnight water tanks up and

By Jonathan Leask jonathan.l@theguardian.co.nz

Methven’s Opuke Thermal Pools and Spa project is on schedule for opening in August. Opuke director James McKenzie said there is a lot of moving parts to the $15 million project and “on all fronts everything is going well”, with constructing progressing and staff recruitment under way. Construction of the adult pools have been completed and the fibreglass installation will begin on Monday. “We have tents over the pools to protect the fibreglass product from the elements while it goes in,” McKenzie said. The pools will be heated by solar thermal collectors. “There are 500 solar panels and we will generate a megawatt of

running which was completed on Friday. “It’s all coming together, so it’s quite exciting.” The rest of the build was also tracking along, McKenzie said. “Some of our supply chain has been impacted by Covid, but Bradfords Construction has been working hard to realign their programme to keep the August opening.” With the building on track, Mackenzie said there was also a focus now on the recruitment process. The general manager position was advertised in February and applications close on March 19. “We have already had a lot of interest from high quality applicants which is all we can hope for,” McKenzie said. More roles are to follow including a media and marketing co-ordinator, and guest experience manager later this month.

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

YOUR PLACE 11

TEST YOURSELF Test yourself with the Guardian’s quiz 1. The novel A.B.C Murders was written by which author? a) Virginia Woof b) Agatha Christie c) Daphne Du Maurier 2. What was the name of Sir Elton John’s first album? a) Empty Sky b) Elton John c) Tumbleweed Collection 3. What country won the first women’s rugby world cup? a) The United States b) New Zealand c) England 4. How many kilometres in a mile a) 1.6km b) 2.0km c) 2.4km 5. What day in March 2020 was Tiger Kind released on Netflix? a) 4th b) 16th c) 20th 6. How many metals are on the periodic table? a) 29 b) 57 c) 94 7. What instrument is Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concerto for? a) Violin b) Viola c) Harp 8. What year did Ernest Rutherford split the atom? a) 1896 b) 1917 c) 1922

Weekend

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Answers: 1. b) Agatha Christie 2. a) Empty Sky 3. a) The United States 4. a) 1.6km 5. c) 20th 6. c) 94 7. a) Violin 8. b) 1917

■■ Preheat oven to 180°C, spray 12 muffin pans with oil. ■■ In a medium sized saucepan, heat oil, add onions, broccoli and carrots. ■■ Stir-fry for 5 minutes, then add peas, and pepper to taste and cook a further 2 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.

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Solutions for today in Wednesday’s Your Place page.

2 7 5 6 1 3 6 4 8 9 5 2 1 3 9 8 4 7 DAILY RECIPE 8 6 3 7 2 9 4 1 2 5 3 8 Vege, rice and quinoa cakes 5 9 7 1 6 4 ■■ Whisk the eggs in a large bowl, 1 T canola oil fold in cheese, cooled quinoa and ½ onion, finely chopped 8 4 2 9 5 rice3 and vegetables. 1¼ C finely chopped broccoli 2 carrots, peeled and grated (ap- ■■ Spoon the mixture into the muffin 7using5the 6 4a spoon 8 to1 pans, back of prox 2 cups) push the mixture down. ½ C frozen peas ■■ Bake Freshly ground pepper to taste 9in preheated 2 1 oven 3 for712-156 minutes or until set and golden. 2 eggs 2 C grated edam cheese 2 C cooked rice and quinoa, cooled

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Leave to cool in the pan. ■■ Store cakes in a container in the fridge. ■■ Tip: Wrap and place in the lunch box next to an ice pack or cold food item. ■■ A blend of brown rice and quinoa was used. Alternatively, use all brown rice, or all quinoa, rather than a mix. Recipe courtesy of www.vegetables.co.nz

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12 WEEKEND FOCUS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

Jenny Thompson surveys the Mid Canterbury landscape and then paints what she sees. But sometimes she changes direction, especially when her garden became populated with large cabbages. This celebrated painter, tutor and Jaguar enthusiast, talks to Malcolm Hopwood about how she immortalised a burly brassica.

Jenny Thompson displays three of her paintings (from left) Winter’s Morning, Portrait Of A Daydreamer and Shades of Flax.

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

here’s a wonderful story about how Jenny Thompson painted a cabbage. Jenny, who for the past 14 years has tutored at the Ashburton Society of Arts, turned her artistic attention to a prize brassica in her backyard. Her neighbour had a surplus of plants which he claimed were flowers and offered some to Jenny. Imagining they would beautify her garden, she planted them but, months later, they turned from carnations into cabbages.

WEEKEND FOCUS 13

Jenny Thompson enjoys finding a quiet, out-of-town road when she, and other Jaguar enthusiasts, can “plant feet”. She had at least 20 invading her garden and decided to immortalise one of them. Out of humour she painted it. But it didn’t stay long in her private studio. Stilllife cabbages are never going to sell for millions at Sotherbys. She decided to swap it for a free dental consultation. Now it adorns a wall somewhere, stared at by people lying prone, about to have an impacted wisdom tooth removed. Fortunately, Jenny turned her attention to other subjects. As a painter, she’s a traditionalist, not an abstract artist. She studies the impressive Mid Canterbury landscape and records the images on canvas. “I’ve done hundreds of paintings, some for my own pleasure, some as a result of a commission, while others have been exhibited,” she said. When it comes to commissions, she treats them with caution. “I need to ensure I create what’s in a client’s mind. We could be pursuing two different angles.” She’s had experience of someone admiring her artwork, then saying it wasn’t what they wanted. On one occasion she obliged and started again, keeping the original masterpiece herself. Sometime later she offered it for sale and it fetched $100 more than the commissioning price. So much for people’s taste. Jenny started drawing at school. She had a talent which her teachers encouraged. But marriage intervened. She was engaged at 18 and married a week after her 20th birthday. It was an era when you left mum and dad, went on your honeymoon and then

set up house with your new partner. Petrol cost two and sixpence a gallon and pubs closed at 6pm. Jenny was happily married to Norm for 56 years until his untimely death. During that time, they bought a service station in McMurdo Street where cobwebs covered the petrol pump and relocated to the main south road. Norm ran the Caltex service station and workshop, Jenny ran the office. “We worked long hours. It was very satisfying and we achieved success through hard work,” she recalls. “We were the first to convert vehicles to LPG.” But you can’t take artistic flair out of a person for life. About 2007 she started tutoring at the Ashburton Society of Arts in pastel, water colour and acrylic painting. Today she takes three classes on Thursday morning, afternoon and evening, “The thrill is helping their endeavours and seeing their projects completed,” she said. “My role is to circulate, advise on aspects of their work, such as blending colour, using the right brush and subject matter. “I try to make the right suggestion at the right time.” Over the years Jenny has seen her students make great progress. With each piece, they’ve learned something new and applied it to their next creation. But Jenny teaches something else, it’s called relaxation. You don’t come to my classes to be stressed out, she warns. “I want art to be positive therapy for them. When they get lost in their work,

they’re able to park the issues that crowd their lives. Others use the classes to express their inner selves.” As her teaching increased, Jenny’s own output reduced. With Norm’s death, she’s focused her attention elsewhere. “I painted every evening, but my time is now spread on other activities. “It was tough losing your partner of 56 years, but I’ve learned to get on with life.” Her friends have supported her and there’s hardly a night when she’s home by herself. “I’m finding life enthralling because, through independence, I’ve discovered more of myself.” What has helped, is her love affair with Jaguars. She’s owned several and now drives a sleek Jaguar XK V8. She’s cruised the South Island and, on Sundays, she joins a circle of Jaguar owners. They go for a meal and then a “plant foot” drive. “We find a sealed road out of town and then plant our feet.” Jenny won’t admit what speeds they reach but she believes her Jaguar is capable of 150km/h and more. She also loves clothes, even admits to having a passion for them. When I asked about her wardrobe, it’s plural. Grieving for Norm and her son, who died tragically in a domestic accident, has never fully left her, but Jenny has learned to appreciate life and look to the future. Her recipe is stay healthy, enjoy life and try to achieve something worthwhile every day,” she said. Growing cabbages wouldn’t be one of them.

16 TRAVEL

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

Magnificent Murchison Maruia Falls provides a divine perspective on the waterworks. These falls were created as a result of the 1929 Murchison earthquake.

urchison certainly sits pretty in the Four Rivers plain, dishing up nature and adventure at every turn. Located at the confluence of five major valleys – Maruia, Mangles, Matiri, Buller and Matakitaki – the town was once the cultural and commercial hub of a community of industrious pioneers. There was gold in the rivers, timber on the hills, acres of farmable land and the freedom to use it all. Nowadays, outdoorsy tourism is the prime industry alongside agriculture, with wild brown trout fishing and white water sports two towering calling-cards here. Murchison happens to be home to the New Zealand Kayak School. But encircled by soaring mountainscapes, thickly enrobed in native forest it’s the hiking trails that commanded my attention, with a spoil of short and sweet walks to enrich your daily sightseeing.

Wedged between two national parks, it’s all about the outdoors in Murchison. To the right of town, Nelson Lakes National Park unfurls its bejewelled splendour, while the tapestried alpine grandeur of Kahurangi National Park rises up on its left, writes Mike Yardley. Adjacent to the Murchison camping ground, the Kahikatea Walk is a serene 20 minute loop track through a remnant of the lowland podocarp forest which once dominated the plains around Murchison. You’ll see kereru, tui and robins fluttering about the kahikatea and matai trees, which have a lush understory ferns. Also close to town, the Skyline Walk, which starts from the west bank of the Mataki-taki River, zig-zagging up the hillside through beech and podocarp forest. As the name would suggest, it’s all about the view once you ascend the bush line. A stunningly rangy view of two national parks

and the rivers that flow around Murchison, snaking across the landscape likes twisting silvered ribbons in the bright sunshine. Further afield, the super short track to Maruia Falls provides a divine perspective on the waterworks. These falls were created as a result of the 1929 Murchison earthquake. Nearby, the Six Mike Walk is a 90 minute return trail which starts and finishes at New Zealand’s oldest hydro station, looping through abandoned water races and beautiful forest. Northeast of Murchison, head up to the Kawatiri Junction and strike out on the Kawatiri Historic Railway Walk, which follows a short section of the

The Upper Buller Gorge, which is adorned with New Zealand’s longest swingbridge – and the longest south of the equator.

Golden valley views.

former railway track that ran between Nelson and Murchison. It includes crossing a gnarly old rail bridge and passing through a century-old eerie railway tunnel. Take a torch! My favourite Murch experience is the Upper Buller Gorge, which is adorned with New Zealand’s longest swingbridge – and the longest south of the equator. The Maori name for the river is Kawatiri, which fittingly translates as “deep and swift”. What better way is there to soak up the grandeur of the grumbling Buller Gorge and its stroppy splendour than to walk across that bridge’s ridiculously long span? Longer than a rugby field and as high as a six storey building, gaze down

at those gigantic boulders and that deep green churning water. Gephyrophobia is the fear of crossing bridges. I felt a twinge of gephyrophobia as I stepped out on this long swaying bridge, but the majesty of the views soon slayed my anxiety. The locals say the river is like a drunk and violent neighbour. Its mesmerising beauty belies its unpredictable turbulence, which is not to be trifled with. The Buller has the fastest flood flow of any New Zealand river and after you’ve traversed the swingbridge, there’s a fantastic loop walk that includes markers of how high the river can rise in a raging torrent. In flood it has surged as high as 12 metres.

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

Tatuku Bakery is right next door to the Murchison Museum and operates out of a caravan loaded with home-made goods and artisan pies.

TRAVEL 17

Hodgson’s Store was decimated by the earthquake, but was swiftly rebuilt, remaining a cherished mainstay in Murchison.

The view across the gorge.

Whether you want to raft or kayak it, or take a spin in a Buller Canyon Jet boat ride. The Buller River is a breathtaking body of water. Another powerful totem to nature’s might is the White Creek fault line, epicentre of the 1929 Murchison earthquake. You’ll walk right across the fault line on this loop track and readily see first-hand how the ground was thrust up by 4.5 metres, in an instant, when that 7.8 magnitude quake ruptured – the third deadliest in New Zealand’s history, after Napier and Christchurch. If you’re up for a four-hour guided tour of the backcountry with a difference, the Natural Flames Experience is a bit quirky. Tucked away deep in the bush on private land close to Murchison is a seepage of natural gas that has been burning non-stop for nearly a century, after a couple of curious framers set light to it, while out hunting. It’s been flickering beneath the fern leaves ever since, and is now used to cook pancakes and boil billy tea, as you do. And if you want to get up close with all that white water in the

Buller Gorge, there’s a stack of excursions, whether you want to raft or kayak it, or take a spin in a Buller Canyon Jet boat ride. It’s a breathtaking body of water. Murchison boasts some quirky mercantile delights and salivating pub fare at the Hampden Hotel. Check out the poignant displays showcasing the horror of the 1929 quake at the Murchison Museum. Tatuku Bakery is right next door, operating out of a caravan loaded with homemade goods and artisan pies. Hodgson’s general store is so old and authentic, it still has a ladder on wheels for reaching the upper shelves. This retail institution was decimated by the earthquake, but was swiftly rebuilt, remaining a cherished mainstay in Murch. Dust & Rust, which operates from the original commercial stable building, is full of quaint arty vintage collectibles and even the local op-shop’s eclectic offerings are definitely worth a

nosey, from old milk bottles to sets of antlers. Wasps and sand flies can be a pervasive menace during the sticky heights of summer. If you can defer your trip until late March, do. Finally, Lyell marks the southern trailhead of the storied Old Ghost Road walking and cycling trail. This long-forgotten gold miners’ road has been revived as a mountain biking and tramping trail – connecting the old dray road in the Lyell (Upper Buller Gorge) to the mighty Mokihinui River in the north, spilling out at Seddonville. The 85km-long Old Ghost Road traverses majestic native forest, open tussock tops, river flats and forgotten valleys. Remote and challenging, this is an epic wilderness adventure for fit, intrepid mountain bikers, navigating narrow trails with seriously steep drop-offs. Alternatively, you can walk it, which on average takes four to five days.

The picturesque Nelson Lakes.

The sheer beauty of the Buller Gorge.

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18 OPINION

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

OUR VIEW

Office goes from blue to red By Malcolm Hopwood

hoever’s decorating the electorate office in Allenton needs to be reminded the preferred shade of colour is red. Rangitata MP, Jo Luxton, has fulfilled an election promise and this week moved into her new Ashburton premises. It just happens to be ex-National MP, Andrew Falloon’s, old office, but Luxton doesn’t see it as taking advantage of his demise. The office came equipped with the right level of security, technology, location and size. It makes sense, but it doesn’t stop you smiling. What’s important is that she has an Ashburton base which means Mid Canterbury constituents have somewhere to go and someone to see. It’s difficult reassuring a convoluted electorate that she represents them all without having bricks and mortar in Ashburton. The office is a good start for Luxton as she goes about securing Rangitata over the next two and a half years. It’s going to be a challenge. However she was an industrious List MP and now needs to prove she’ll be effective in her role as electorate MP. There are problems such as the government’s freshwater regulations, finding a workforce to fill key vacancies and addressing the housing shortage. Luxton is aware of them and will be keen to seek positive outcomes. She’ll also want to be a worthwhile voice in the House. The political landscape has changed with Labour representatives making inroads in Nelson, Canterbury and Rangitata and winning the party vote. But the people making the decisions, with the exception of Megan Woods and Damien O’Connor, are in the North Island. Jo Luxton will be required to impress on them that Rangitata and its people matter and have issues that are as important as any other in New Zealand. A major attribute is relationships. No matter how hard she tries, Luxton won’t be able to satisfy every request and meet every delegation. The best she can hope for is to keep the lines of communication open and for people to realise she’s done her best on their behalf. There may be times when she’s a dissenting voice within her own party, fighting for an issue that’s intrinsically Mid Canterbury and not part of Labour policy. It’s on those occasions, we’ll know we have not just a good MP, but an outstanding one. She’s already said she wants to represent all of us, and that’ll be the time when she proves it.

YOUR VIEW What do you think? Join the conversation on Facebook, or send in your thoughts by letter or email.

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Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

OPINION 19

Living with consequences

ge gives you the confidence to make decisions without thinking, but youth gives you the confidence to get through any consequences that come with making a snap decision. Without hesitation I took up an offer to ride a V8 version of an electric scooter. This thing had more power output than the entire Waitaki hydro system. What could go wrong? I’m not new to riding them, in fact that morning I had ridden my own to work. The difference was I opened the power up without learning first that it takes some learning to get used to. Consequently I’m typing this mostly left-handed, as my right is in a cast, protecting the K wire inserted into my thumb that suffered an avulsion fracture. Best part about this is I’m probably going to be awake when said wire is pulled out. I’m also not sitting at a table

By Peter Livingstone OUT OF SCHOOL

due to the cast on my left leg that is holding in place the repair work done to my ankle. In medical terms I had an Open Reduction Internal Fixation for the fracture to my distal fibula – I broke a bone that needs plates and screws to help heal. Dang, that decision came back to bite me! But do I stop any activity that has a risk? Nope, no way and nadda. At times our daily routines become a rut, and a rut could also be seen as a grave without ends. My passion of riding a motorbike lifts my mental state out of the stress and routine that is my career.

Don’t get me wrong – there are many positives that I love about leading a school. During the weekend prior to my unplanned dismount from an electric vehicle (that made a Lime scooter look like a wheelchair with a flat tyre), I had completed the TT2000. The TT2000 is a long distance motorcycle rally, where the goal is to cover 2000kms in 48 hours while ticking off checkpoints. I did it, and planned it long before I began. I made many decisions about the best roads to take, food and fuel stops and where to sleep. I had completed it two years prior and was a lot more confident about how I could handle up to 14 hours on the Saturday, riding a motorbike. Then I made one decision without even thinking and took an electric scooter for a blast, and it was at first. Now I go through the consequences each time I try to sit

up to take painkillers, or try to use a zimmer frame on wheels to move about the house. One week down, five to go. I’m going to say I still have the youth to cope with the consequences. I know the recovery time is short compared to the time I will be without these plaster casts. I know I will once again drive and ride around this amazing country we have. What I think about is what would this be like if I was a lot older. I was born the year of the Wahine disaster in case you are wondering. I consider myself still pretty useful to society and with a lot of years left to experience all that life offers. But what if I was well past retirement and had a fall that resulted in these injuries, and was also without the support of a family because they had moved away? My gut tells me I would battle on, but I do wonder how I would cope mentally. Funny thing is,

it’s this forced time off work that has given me the time to think more about living with consequences. We all make quick decisions, we have faced consequences of our actions, and many times have heard the saying, ‘perhaps it’s time to slow down’. For me, the option of slowing down isn’t there. Now I’m more thinking, could I or my family cope if something goes wrong? My success at being able to ride 2000kms in 48 hours came down to planning. My success in coping with the frailty of the laters years in life will come down to the decisions I start making now. Ride safe, but keep riding. Peter Livingstone is the principal of Tinwald School. The views expressed in this column are his and do not represent the views of his school, the Ashburton Guardian or the Mid Canterbury Principals’ Association.

Responding swiftly and backing businesses W

ith Monday having just marked the first day of autumn, the year is in full swing – Parliament has resumed, students are settling into new classrooms and subjects and everyone is back to work. During the break and for months prior, we have enjoyed more freedoms for longer periods of time than nearly any other country in the world. And we haven’t taken for granted how special that has been. We’ve seen large and successful community events held in Mid Canterbury – Multi Cultural Bite, Waitangi commemorations at Haketere Marae, and I was lucky enough to attend and speak at the Great Plains Fly-in gala dinner recently also. Whilst we have been living relatively normal lives, other countries around the world are in lockdown, Covid-19 deaths

By Jo Luxton

LABOUR MP

continue to rise and health systems continue to be under pressure. As Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said recently, Covid-19 is raging outside our borders, and new more transmissible strains are emerging. Our Government and health officials are continually making improvements to strengthen our border while continuing to plan and prepare for managing any resurgence in the most effective way possible. Recent news of two community cases in Auckland, and a seven day increase in alert levels has left many of our team of five

million feeling uneasy. But we have done this before. We went hard and early, stayed home and saved lives – we put in the hard yards then and we can do the same now. I am feeling for different event organisers right now – those that have had to cancel or reschedule events due to the increase in alert levels, and those that are waiting to hear whether theirs can go ahead. I know that a huge amount of work and dedication goes into planning events for the community, and that the next week will be quite unsettling. A vital part of being able to respond swiftly when community cases occur is to be able to track our movements. Scanning in everywhere I go has become second nature. Please continue to scan in using the tracer app, and turn on Bluetooth.

You can find more information on how to do this at covid19. govt.nz. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home. The Government has recently introduced a new payment to support businesses. Employers can receive a $350 payment if their employees cannot work from home while awaiting a Covid-19 test result. Business has a key role to play in helping us to navigate this pandemic, and testing for the virus remains a critical ongoing element in our elimination strategy. We need people to take the test if they feel unwell and removing any barriers is important. The payment also covers household contacts who are staying at home in line with public health guidance, while waiting for a close contact to get

a test result. The payment is easy to apply for through the Ministry of Social Development, with a simple application criteria. It has been encouraging to see local businesses react swiftly to the increased alert levels. I acknowledge that movement in levels is unsettling and encourage the public to continue to support our local businesses, as you have been! Please remember, we have been here before. We know what we have to do to get through this. Jo Luxton is a Labour MP. The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of the Ashburton Guardian Co Ltd or any employee thereof.

20 NEWCOMERS’ NETWORK NEWSLETTER

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

A view from Tajikistan By Alison Cairns

t’s 2005 and I’m waiting outside an army checkpoint building in northeastern Tajikistan, near the border with Kyrgyzstan. We’ve stopped so the army can check that I (as the only non-Central Asian in the shared Jeep) have the appropriate permit to travel through the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. The permit is required mostly because my preferred itinerary happens to trace literally one of the busiest routes on the infamous “heroin highway” running from Afghanistan, through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, to Russia and Europe. I don’t have the permit. And I’m not that worried because: A couple of days ago I called a guy named Charlie who works for an NGO in Murghab, the closest town to the border crossing. Charlie told me I could just get the permit when I got to his town. It would’ve been useful to have more information re: the application process, but I was calling him on a satellite phone that cost like five US dollars a minute which seemed JUST ridiculous, so I’d decided I could figure out the details on arrival. The second reason I’m not worried is because I’m carrying not only a Russian phrasebook, but also a book setting out key phrases in several Central Asian languages including Dari, the most commonly spoken language in that part of Tajikistan. So not only do I have a good excuse, but I have a pretty good chance of being able to explain myself! The main building at the checkpoint is constructed from what could have been a leftover bit of oil pipeline. Our driver indicates that I should enter but he’ll be

staying outside. Inside, the pipe building is full of drunken soldiers and the head soldier is directly out of a cartoon. Towering above me, he has a massive square jawline, and when he smiles I see a row of top teeth made entirely from gold. Side note – I’m STILL not that worried because I have a perfectly good excuse and all I have to do is explain myself. Goldy (a nickname I keep to myself) leads me over to a notice written in Cyrillic script and posted high up on a wall. I spend some time pretending to read it, then nod and smile politely at him. He spends some time explaining things to me in Russian.

Fearing the communication is going nowhere, I take out the Central Asian phrasebook and point to a few key phrases. After quite a period of lively discussion (on the part of Goldy and the soldiers) and (on my part) polite nodding and smiling alternated with key phrases, I’m allowed to re-join the Jeep and we drive off into the night. In Murghab, the representative of the Department of the Interior Ministry is a lot less understanding and spends much of our meeting the next morning yelling at me and two Japanese travellers who have also arrived without the permit. I’m again listening politely, kind of glad I don’t understand everything she’s saying, but certainly getting the general gist, when she holds up her index finger and middle finger in parallel and draws them in a straight line across her throat. Several times. Finally, I feel genuine concern, so I use my phrasebook skills to request a translator and my friend Charlie from the expensive satellite phone calls eventually comes hurrying in. Another side note – Charlie was working for the Agency for Technical Co-operation and Development, or ACTED. That organisation’s current mission statement includes a commitment to “immediate humanitarian relief to support those in urgent need and protect people’s dignity, while co-creating longer term opportunities for sustainable growth”. In other words, that morning he had at least 80 more important things to attend to. Thanks to Charlie, after a brief stop in Murghab (one of the most wildly remote places I will ever visit) I’m allowed to continue to Khorog, capital of Gorno Badakshan, located just across the border from northeast Afghanistan. I’m assigned someone who I think of as a “case worker” and he keeps an eye on me while I wait to be interviewed by the Chief of the Department of the Interior Ministry in Gorno-Badakhshan. My case worker seems really friendly – sometimes I run into him while I’m out walking round the town and I wave and say “Hi”, and he and his mates all smile at

me and laugh. As we’re waiting outside the huge wood panelled doors of the chief’s office before my interview, I give my case worker a fake grimace and he chuckles. Looking back after all these years, I feel a couple of things about that interview with the chief: 1. It was quite successful and 2. Had it not been I might now be describing the inside of a Tajik jail. With my case worker acting as interpreter, the chief asked where I’m from, we had a nice digression into the geography of South East Asia and the Pacific, he queried what my family do (sheep and cropping farmers), what my job was (most recently at that point, aircraft finance lawyer), where I’d lived before coming there (Paris) and, crucially, why a nice young woman like me would want to travel through Gorno Badakshan by herself. That last one was tricky. Why does anyone travel? Why, at that point in my life, was I so driven to travel? Yes I wanted to visit the exotic places I’d dreamt of, prove to myself that I could backpack solo and have adventures. But it was also about seeing what would happen when I threw all known structure in my life to the wind. It was the intoxicating freedom and unpredictability – waking up each day without any certainty about how that day would end. It was living in a way that draws on all parts of myself – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual, and tests the limits of each. It was a weird sense of operating at maximum self-reliance while at the same time surrendering entirely to fate. I don’t remember how I answered the chief’s last question, but I believe my case worker was on my side and whatever I said, he must’ve made it sound good because after that I was free to leave Gorno Badakhshan. Recently, I got to thinking about how my sense of identity has shifted across time. When I was travelling in 2005, I took pride in my perceived “bravery”, in being someone who could roll with whatever life threw at her and handle it. I saw myself as

someone who did not get scared or freaked out. At least, not easily. I believed that to a certain extent I made my own luck, and I had this idea that my own confidence, optimism and self-belief created a kind of force-field that helped prevent bad things from happening to me. Uh-huh, oh yes, definitely needed to rethink all that! Because, of course, I wasn’t particularly brave. Certainly not compared to, say, refugees who migrate to New Zealand from a war-damaged country on the other side of the world. People who flee for their lives and arrive here with little to no English, unsure whether they will ever see family members again, not knowing how they will support themselves financially, and who get down to work and create a new life anyway. That’s bravery. As can be seen from the Badakhshan Incident, the 2005 version of me was somewhat irresponsible, but mostly I was just massively privileged. The reason I didn’t expect anything bad to happen to me was because nothing bad had ever really happened to me. I was a white, middle-class, educated woman travelling in countries ravaged by poverty. Obviously I did not think of myself as somehow superior, but for sure I expected the authorities in the countries I visited to believe what I told them and to give me the benefit of the doubt. I had no fears whatsoever of people treating me badly or suspecting me of bad behaviour based on the colour of my skin or how I looked. Last side note – I was always conscious of dressing modestly and never assumed that I could wear whatever I felt like and still be accepted as trustworthy and “honourable”. But that aside, I generally took for granted that the people I met in the places I travelled to would be positively disposed towards me and that I wouldn’t be subjected to prejudiced or unfair treatment. In 2021, with the benefit of some hindsight and (hopefully) maturity, I don’t believe I “made my own luck” on my backpacking trips nearly as much as I’d previously thought. I was just reaping the benefit of favourable circumstances that I’d no hand in creating. I wasn’t fully aware of the impact of those circumstances and I certainly wasn’t properly taking them into account. I feel somewhat embarrassed about the inconvenience I caused the Gorno Badakhshan officials all those years ago. The woman making the threatening throat gestures might have been at risk of losing her job. I interrupted the important work that Charlie was doing for his NGO. Now, I believe that feeling scared or freaked out is not necessarily bad or weak, and unbridled optimism certainly should be questioned sometimes. Yes, I still skew optimistic, but these days I try very hard not to let preconceived ideas of my own identity get in the way of a deeper, nuanced understanding of people and situations. Alison Cairns (from a speech given to the Ashburton Toastmasters’ Club in January, 2021) Photo taken by Ivan Radic

Ashburton Pacific Islands Festival 2021

n January 23, the first Mid Canterbury Pacifica Festival was held at the Hampstead Sports Grounds, to showcase performances and food from different Pacific cultural groups in one place. The festival was organised and run by Robert Tito and his support crew from Faalapotopotoga Samoa Ashburton. Robert worked tirelessly on the event and was the driving force behind its success. The event began with a welcome from Robert, moving onto an address from Mayor Neil Brown. The mayor touched on the importance of the day and how the Pacific culture plays a part in the community. With the formalities over Robert moved onto introducing the groups that would be putting on performances during the afternoon. As the day progressed, several fantastic cultural performances from the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji and Samoa took place. The

performers encouraged spectators to get involved with them and learn some of the traditional dance moves, which made for a great interactive experience for all. The performances were accompanied by either a band of their own, or traditional music played through the groups sound system which added to the festive atmosphere. After the performances, everyone was encouraged to sample the fantastic variety of traditional food stalls, whose dishes could be enjoyed in the shade of the trees. There was great local support for the event from ANZCO who supplied both meat products and their barbecue trailer for the event. It was great to see such strong support from local businesses. The Newcomers’ Network which is part of the Hakatere Multicultural Council were delighted to be involved in such a fantastic day, showcasing just one of the many cultural groups in our community.

If you are a newcomer to Mid Canterbury and would like to get in contact with us, we are happy to help. From connecting you to current groups or activities, providing support, or answering any questions you might have, head to the Migrants’ centre. Please do not hesitate to contact us and give our Facebook page (Mid Canterbury Newcomers’ Network) a like to keep up-to-date with events we will be running and supporting in the future. The first Ashburton Pacific Islands festival was a great success, enjoyed by all who attended. The event showcased the wonderful performances, costumes and food of several Pacific Island communities in one location. Thank you to all involved and we look forward to working with you in the future. Nicolee Ayton, Newcomers’ co-ordinator, Hakatere Multi Cultural Council

Wendy Hewitt, Rural Licensing Co-ordinator.

Back into top gear W

ell we are back into top gear now that the holiday is over. We are putting together another road code group and still have space for people who need to get their learners licence or to pass the theory test for their overseas conversion. If you, or someone you know needs to learn the road code, please get in touch. Our course runs for nine weeks on a Tuesday and is open to adults who live on farms or small rural towns in the Mid Canterbury district. The course is free and we can help with transport and child care if needed. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate school students and at the moment we have a waiting list for people who already have a learners licence and just need help to gain practical driving experience. Since the beginning of the year we have gained another two learners and five restricted / full licences and have another twelve tests booked over the next couple of months. Unfortunately, there is about a ten week wait for tests in Ashburton at the moment. We are really pleased to see our past participants moving into new jobs, joining new groups, undertak-

ing study and generally enjoying life and the freedom they get from having a drivers licence. It is so rewarding for all involved and we are grateful to have such generous sponsors who support us. It was really nice as I travelled home from work earlier in the week, to see one of our students on a lesson with her mentor. We met at an intersection and it was good to see how much they were enjoying the lesson. Early evening has been really nice for driving over summer but it won’t be long until Autumn hits us and then winter. Driving conditions will change, but one thing we learn, is to drive to the conditions. Practicing in all weathers helps us to be better drivers. If you would like to be part of this amazing programme, either as a student, driving mentor or to volunteer in other ways, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Wendy Hewitt on 027 611 3301 or wendy.hewitt@ safermidcanterbury.org.nz We are also on Facebook, just search for the Mid Canterbury Rural Driver Licensing Scheme. Wendy Hewitt, Rural Licensing Co-ordinator

22 HERITAGE

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

Bellbird Records – Radio Ashburton 1956-1958 By Peter Collins

bands on the Domain Oval. We cut quite a number of records for the participants from around Canterbury, but because of the high price of the record blanks they could not be produced cheaply, hence there was limited interest.

ho would have thought that a teenage hobby would become a historical mystery? The concept began in November 1956 when I was fifteen. That year I joined my now late brother John, who was 19 at the time, in the offices of the Ashburton Borough Council under Town Clerk Harry Childs. Not long after that, while acquainting myself with the building, I discovered in the attic of the old brick building an “Edison” cylinder dictation machine and cylinder playback machine, which recorded voice onto a wax cylinder for a typist to later play back and type from. Because I was musically inclined, this sparked my interest in the recorded sound of music and how it was achieved. Due to our musical interest, John and I were regular visitors to Naysmiths Music Store on East Street (Todds block) where my friend Norman Tate was the manager. Both John and I purchased many records from Naysmiths, and Norman jokingly suggested that we purchase a reel-to-reel tape recorder and record our own music from the radio or elsewhere, to save money.

The technical side

John (left) and Peter Collins (right) in 1998. Together, the brothers racked up over 80 years’ service with the Borough/District Council.

Radio Ashburton John decided to purchase an Australian Pyrox recorder, which gave excellent quality recordings at that time. This machine was later replaced with a British Ferrograph Commercial Recorder, which we believed came second-hand from the NZ Broadcasting Corporation. As our association with Norman grew we decided to start a “miniature radio station” by landline to nearby houses as a Sunday evening interest. Norman and his wife occupied the front flat of 75 Havelock Street, a Borough Council property, and our grandmother occupied the rear flat. Nana Sinclair gave us permission to use the laundry, a detached building at the rear of her flat, to establish what we believed to have been

Ashburton’s first radio station, although by landline - not transmitted. Our call sign was Radio Ashburton – The Voice of the Plains. With the assistance of John Bell, owner of the Guardian, we set up two turntables, a powerful amplifier, microphone switching device, and a valve radio that we could channel the NZBC news through when required, so listeners would not leave our broadcast. Before we could start we spent many weekend hours installing landlines around fences and into residences to the owners’ radios. Norman was a radio specialist and could carry out the radio connection competently. Broadcasting worked exceptionally well, with the neighbours outside our reach also

Above left – Restored disc cutter, purchased from Noel Waters and restored in 2018. Above right – Ferrograph reel-to-reel tape recorder that was used in the Bellbird studio, with some recording tape running on each reel.

wanting the service. Crossing roads was the problem with cable. Wally Gilligan, a council employee and friend of John offered to “drop a cable” in a water or sewer trench renewal before backfilling and sealing. Being cautious, this offer was not accepted and we contacted the Post and Telegraph Department to get their help. The P&T Department would supply a link to the other areas provided it went through the local telephone exchange and that we paid a monthly rental for telephone service, which was impossible for us as it was a hobby. John and myself desperately wanted to start transmitting the programme via AM frequency but were declined as all AM transmitting was government controlled – no private frequencies. Had our request been granted, Ashburton could have possibly had its first radio station as early as 1958. We continued on this restricted basis entertaining those within reach – with ‘Hit Parade’ (latest records courtesy of Naysmiths), “Cowboy Corner”, “Requests”, “Children’s Corner”, plays and musical shows. Looking for “different” material I contacted HiFi Records, a record producing company in Los Angeles who generously gave us a number of LPs, including artists such as Arthur Lyman, George Wright, and many more. John Bell was exceptionally good with material and had a 16” transcription disc player and provided discs of Australian and American shows.

We needed an opening theme for the 7pm start of each night’s programme and London’s Big Ben chimes ( the NZBC midnight closing theme) was our choice. John Bell contacted Noel Waters of Ashburton, who recorded off radio with his recorder and cut a disc of the Big Ben chimes for us. Incidentally, Noel Waters told us that he wished to dispose of an American Ampex disc recorder he had. John and I jumped at the chance, and this was the beginning of Bellbird Recordings.

Bellbird begins We wanted to use Noel Waters’ label Soundtrax but he wished to retain this name for his own tape recordings. Instead, Bellbird was chosen due to the clear birdcall sound of the bellbird. We approached Winston Corbett of Higgins Print, East Street, who selected the letter-type and found the round cutting tool that had been used for Soundtrax records’ labels. It was not our intention to be commercial producers of records, however. Basil Woodham, then conductor of the Ashburton Silver Band suggested that we record the forthcoming Provincial Brass Band contest to be held in October 1958. Norman again offered his assistance by providing a second tape recorder and his time as a backup in the event of an equipment failure. Norman also provided extended microphone cable, to allow us to record the quicksteps of the

Overall I would estimate that the Bellbird label would be on 100 or so discs throughout Canterbury, as recordings were made for the Highland Dancing students , choirs, comedy artists, instrumental groups, and dance bands to name a few. We made a lot of recordings for our radio station including the Goodnight Sweetheart number used by the NZBC for its midnight closing. Some minor issues arose with the Australian Performing Rights Association due to the music side and royalties, but because of our low volume this seemed to pass without problems. The Bellbird “studio” comprised of a 3m x 3m room without windows at 61 Cameron Street (our parents’ residence, Pat and Beryl), with a built-in desk, two turntables, a 20 watt amplifier, disc cutter, and a large wall-mounted speaker together with the Ferrograph recorder. A Reslo ribbon microphone was suspended from the ceiling. The walls were decorated with LP record covers which HMV Wellington donated when they knew we were setting up. The blank discs were produced by EMI England, and distributed by HMV recordings (NZ) Ltd, as were the sapphire tipped cutting styli. Due to lack of space, most of our tape recordings were made off-premises with only the final disc being made on-site. The 20 watt amplifier was a UK made Pamphonic and was required to boost the volume for the recordings. This amplifier became the first amplifier for Peter Collins and His Deaconnaires – our Rock ’n’ Roll group which started in 1959. The disc cutter became a derelict item in the back sheds of Temuka and Ashburton for many years, before being restored by myself in 2018.

CONTACT Material for this page is co-ordinated by the Ashburton Museum. Articles from other organisations are welcomed, as is any feedback on what appears. Email: museum@adc.govt.nz Mail: PO Box 94, Ashburton 7700 Phone: 307-7890 Copies of the photos on this page are available for purchase from the Ashburton Museum

Heading into Godzone WEEKEND SPORT

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

P25

matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

Shania Harrison-Lee Zealand Women’s Randle Team, New Zealand Junior Drew and New Zealand Junior Women’s Drew sides. Her grade results over the course of the competition placed her very highly in her grade, which features both men and women. Not to be outdone by her daughter, mum Nina was named Coach of the New Zealand Women’s Randle Team and

Kayne chases dream P27

By Matt Markham

Mention the word shooting, in a sporting term, and it’s almost a certainty these days that there’s an Ashburton athlete competing and succeeding at the highest level. At a national and international level, this district can boast to playing home to some of the best in the business, with huge levels of success across all parameters of the sport and some incredibly talented new names rising through the ranks as well. The modus operandi didn’t change at last week’s Target Shooting New Zealand Outdoor National Championships at McLean’s Island in Christchurch either, with, yet again, more success for shooters from within our region. Spearheaded by the incredible Shania Harrison-Lee, who was again at the top of the pile at the end of the competition, there was certainly plenty to smile about for the local contingent of three. Harrison-Lee was joined at the championships by the mother and daughter combination of Nina and Charlotte McKenzie, who produced equally as impressive results across the course of the championships. Charlotte was selected for the first time in the South Island Open Team, the New

Charlotte McKenzie Manager of the South Island Open team, as well as all of the New Zealand Junior teams. “Charlotte is in Year 11 at Ashburton College, and in her maiden outdoor shooting season,” Nina McKenzie said. “She has shown promise in indoor, and it was great to see this translate to the new challenge of outdoor shooting. “Her results were phenomenal for some-

one so young and looking exciting for the future.” Harrison-Lee continued her red-hot run of form of late by winning the A Grade competition – and was only just narrowly pipped for the overall aggregate. She picked up the Women’s Championship as well as the Junior Championship and was selected in the South Island Open Team, New Zealand Wakefield, New Zealand Slazenger, New Zealand Junior, New Zealand Junior Drew and New Zealand Junior Women’s Drew. She was also named captain of all of those teams, further underlining her standing in the sport. “Shania continued her outstanding form and was rewarded with excellent scores and multiple selections and captaincies. “She will be very happy with the scores achieved and her continuing build-up to possible selection for travelling international teams,” McKenzie added. McKenzie said that conditions over the course of the championship kept competitors on their toes with a little bit of everything including strong nor’west winds, a sandstorm, rain and even a mirage providing challenges. Organisers and competitors of the championship were pleased to be able to get through the competition while still in Alert Level 1 before the changes came in on Sunday morning.

24 SPORT

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

DREAMS DASHED EQUESTRIAN

By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

Local equestrian rider, Kimberley Bird spent most of Monday packing up her float in preparation for Horse of the Year, only to then turn around and unpack it all again on Tuesday. Bird, like so many from her sport around the country, was left feeling disappointed when news filtered through this week that the premier equestrian showcase had been cancelled due to the current Covid-19 alert levels. With over 1500 riders, 1900 horses and close to 45,000 spectators across the course of the event, there was no way organisers could manage to run the event under Alert Level 2, meaning a season’s worth of work for so many individuals, including Bird, was abruptly destroyed. “It’s one of those events you work towards, everything is about Horse of the Year – it’s the grand finale of the season, so to not be able to go is pretty gutting,” Bird said. “I feel pretty weird, even a few days on from the announcement. “I’m walking around trying to figure out what to do with myself to be honest, because so much thought and preparation has gone into being ready to go up there and do well.” Bird is one of New Zealand’s rising stars in the riding ranks, and now she’s having to push the disappointment to one side and start putting plans into place for next season and doing it all over again. “You work pretty hard to ensure that your horses are at their absolute peak for an event like this. “Making sure there’s enough left in the tank after a busy season, but now it’s like, what do you do?” The week would have been a big one for the Bird family with sister, Jaimee also heading north, taking two horses to compete alongside the two her sister was taking as well. Now though, it’s out into the paddock for both horses and rider.

“I’ve turned my horses out to give them a good break and I’ll head down to the family farm in Kurow to work for a while. “I’ve got a few young ones I need to work on so I’ll chip away on them, but the rest are having a good break.” After a few months of a new direction, it’ll be back to work though with the new season set to kick off in September, and Bird says she will be back into action and ready to do it all again. “It’ll come around pretty quick, thankfully – but I think it’s going to take a few weeks to get the head around not being able to compete at an event I’ve been going to for the past 10 years.” For local equestrian aficionado Annette Scott, the news was also gutting – but by her own admission, not at the same level as what it would have been had she still been a competitor. Scott’s been a regular at Horse of the Year for many years, wearing many different hats, from competitor right through to official, and is currently an FEI International Judge, so was looking forward to being based up there for the week enjoying everything the event has to offer. “I was jumping on a plane and heading up for the week and as I always do, looking forward to it,” she said. “It’s really disappointing for the competitors though, this isn’t just an event you get to rock up to without much notice, months of work go in. “From the start of the season, almost everything is aimed towards Horse of the Year – it’s the culmination of an entire season of hard work and dedication, so it’s a real shame for everyone involved.” A spokesperson for the event wrote on social media this week that the decision to cancel the event was not made lightly, and it was only reached after 48 hours of robust discussion around any possible ways to continue the event. There are no provisions in place for the event to be held at any later date this year, with plans already beginning towards the 2022 event in the wake of this week’s decision.

I feel pretty weird, I’m walking around trying to figure out what to do with myself to be honest, because so much thought and preparation has gone into being ready to go up there and do well. - Kimberley Bird.

WEEKEND SPORTS BOX WEEKEND SPORTS QUIZ 1. Who scored the opening try of the Crusaders victory over the Highlanders last week? a) b) c)

Dallas McLeod Codie Taylor Sevu Reece

2. The Technical cricket side go by what nickname? a) b) c)

Stags Steers Bulls

3. Who are the defending champions in Mid Canterbury Senior A Netball? a) b) c)

Celtic Methven Hampstead

4. Which Mid Canterbury cricket club can boast having once had Richie McCaw on their team sheet? a) b) c)

Coldstream Rakaia Lauriston

WHO AM I?

5. What par is a golf course with four par 3s, ten par 4s and four par fives? a) b) c)

Fancy a wee dollar or two on a game of sport, or on a horse running around? We’ve sorted one of each for you to try and boost your balance for the weekend. For book keeping reasons, we’ll invest $10 on each and keep a running tally as we go along.

68 70 72

SPORT: Crusaders to beat the Hurricanes by a 13+ margin at $1.83.

6. Who is the current captain of the White Ferns Cricket team? a) b) c)

Let’s be fair here, the Hurricanes were atrocious last weekend in the Super Rugby Aotearoa opener against the Blues.

Sophie Devine Amy Satterthwaite Amelia Kerr

The Crusaders however, despite a high penalty count, were as ruthless as we’ve come to expect. They will lock horns on Sunday in Christchurch and hopefully the locals will be spurred on by their faithful sitting in the stands.

7. Who won last year’s Gala Cup men’s singles? a) b) c)

Rhys Cromie Diego Quispe-Kim Jack Tiller

We’re predicting a bit of a blowout, and for that reason the $1.83 on offer for a 13+ victory looks really good shopping. RACING: #1 Miss Impression to win Race 5 at Cheviot tomorrow.

8. How many years of existence is the Celtic Rugby Club celebrating this year? a) b) c)

75 100 125

MAKE MONEY, MONEY…

Can you name this local former rugby player?

Local boy John Morrison has been kicking a few goals recently, and he gets a good chance to add to the tally tomorrow with Miss Impression at the Cheviot meeting at Addington. A good beginner, drawn one from the stand start and in excellent recent form, we’d expect a much deserved winning turn to come, and anything over the $3 mark for the victory is a very good price to have a play at.

Answers: Weekend Quiz: 1. b) Codie Taylor. 2. a) Stags. 3. c) Hampstead. 4. c) Lauriston. 5. c) 72. 6. a) Sophie Devine. 7. b) Diego Quispe-Kim. 8. c) 125. Who Am I? Tim Perry.

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

SPORT 25

FITNESS SUPREMO

Yesterday, Mid Canterbury’s Sommer O’Shea started an eight-and-a-half day journey that will push her to her absolute limits both mentally and physically. Before she jumped on a plane to head to Rotorua for GODZone chapter nine, Matt Markham caught up with the fitness fanatic.

ommer O’Shea is heading into the unknown, and just hoping she doesn’t get lost. By the time today’s edition of the Weekend Guardian hits the driveways, the Methven fitness fanatic will be well under way on her latest challenge, tackling the gruelling physical and mental challenge that is the multi-day, non-stop, expedition-style adventure race known as GODzone, which began yesterday. Competing in a team of four, O’Shea will be pushed to the absolute brink over 530km of the course during the next eight and a half days near Rotorua as she and her team make their way through up to a dozen stages, using disciplines such as navigation, trekking, mountain biking, kayak, canoe and also rafting, as well as any other surprises event organisers throw in. “We only get our course map the day before we start,” O’Shea said. “So, there could be anything on there and we could be asked to do anything. “It’s pretty exciting, but pretty daunting at the same time to be fair.” As she packed her bags late on Tuesday, the gym instructor was more than a little apprehensive about the mountain in front of her, but her competitive spirit and focused drive was willing her forward. “You know, you can prepare as much as you want for something, but until you are actually out there doing it, you don’t know how it’s going to impact on you. “When Level 2 was announced I thought it would be cancelled and I was really gutted, it’s been all I’ve focused on for the past few weeks and to think that it wasn’t going ahead was devastating.” O’Shea is competing alongside three men she hadn’t met until the prospect of competing in Godzone became a reality in October of last year. They came together through a mutual friend from university in Dunedin where O’Shea studied, who suggested that she would be an ideal candidate for their team. “It all sort of snowballed from there really. “We did a 24-hour challenge down in Roxburgh together so that was a good chance to get to know each other – but we get on well, which is probably good considering the amount of time we’re about to spend with each other.” A big part of competing in the event is having the logistical side of things down pat before starting out on the course. After receiving their course maps at the race briefing yesterday, the team will have spent most of last night discussing the

right way to approach the race, and how to ensure they get as far as possible on the journey. “The reality of this event is that about 50 per cent of those who compete don’t actually finish, so our plan is to break it down a bit and try and handle each stage as it comes as opposed to going out there and trying to blast our way through it. “We’ll take our time, look after ourselves and try not to blow out too early, and let that determine how far we get. “I’ve been told I’ll be hurting after the first couple of days, but hopefully we can work through those mental barriers and find a way to push on.” Teams are expected to continue through the course over both day and night, meeting up with their support crews at designated transition areas where they can prepare and change gear for the next leg of the race. O’Shea’s team, who are entered under the name The Brains Trust, have already discussed at length the need, especially early on in the race to ensure they’re getting at least three to four hours sleep a day to keep them ticking over. While training possibilities for such an event are minimal, especially at a time when the chance to compete globally is off the table, O’Shea is hoping the recent training efforts for the Coast to Coast where she, and team-mate Kim Turney, finished second in their category in the two-day event, will come in handy along the way. “I think some aspects of the preparation will help, but it is a completely different race when you look at it. “The Coast to Coast is over and done pretty quick, where we are looking at eight and a half days for Godzone.” Irrelevant of what happens out on the course, O’Shea is over the moon at the chance to compete in such an internationally recognised race. If they finish they’ll be ecstatic, but similarly if things don’t go to plan, they’ll be happy as long as they’ve given it everything they could. “We’re not going out there to win it, no way. We’re realistic in that sense, but we want to achieve and go as far as we possibly can and hopefully by being prepared to take things a little slower we get that chance. “Glenn Currie told me as I walked out his door the other night that it will be the toughest thing I’ve ever done, and when he said that it really hammered home to me what I’m about to do. “But I’m excited, really excited about it.”

The reality of this event is that about 50 per cent of those who compete don’t actually finish, so our plan is to break it down a bit and try and handle each stage as it comes as opposed to going out there and trying to blast our way through it.

Above – Sommer O’Shea began the challenging GODZone adventure race yesterday. Left – Adventure racing is nothing new to Sommer, pictured here middle right with team-mate Kim Turney after they placed second in the Coast to Coast last month.

26 SPORT

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

TENNIS

Cup aspirations remain By Matt Markham

Local tennis legend, Philip Crozier will line up in the Gala Cup today at age 73.

matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

Philip Crozier might not be able to remember exactly how many Gala Cup tennis events he’s played in, but with a laugh he can remember exactly how many he’s won. And today, the 73-year-old will take to the courts of the Ashburton Trust Tennis Centre for Mid Canterbury’s premier tennis showpiece once again, and as has been the case for quite some time, by his own admission, he’s confident of his chances. “All going well I’ll be making an appearance in the plate section,” he laughed. That Crozier is still out there competing at the highest level possible locally is a huge achievement in itself, especially when you take into account that also in the line-up today are Jake Parsons and Sam Watt aged just 14, almost 60 years his junior. But throughout his years on the tennis court, and there have been plenty, playing with and against the younger brigade has been part and parcel of the sport for Crozier, and he’s taken great satisfaction out of playing a role in and watching young players develop as they’ve progressed through the ranks. “I remember when I was playing interclub for Fairton one year,

there was myself and a team of younger players – all under the age of 15, I think – and I really pushed them into ensuring that they entered the Gala Cup. “I was playing number one for the team at the time, but Rhys Cromie came out and won the Gala Cup that year and he was part of our team, so it was safe to say I didn’t play No.1 again after that.” Cromie’s involvement in Crozier’s history with the Gala Cup is pertinent, because today he will shoot for an unparalleled 10th Gala Cup men’s singles title, a re-

cord unmatched in this district and one that looks set to remain for many years to come. And while hopeful rather than confident about his chances out on the court today, Crozier is still, as he has for so many years, just loving being able to get out and play a sport that has been so good to him for such a long time. And there’s no sign of slowing down either. “The game has changed a lot, that’s for sure. And the Gala Cup has changed too. I used to try and get my name on the board first to try and encourage entries be-

cause if players saw my name up there, they probably thought that I was a game they could win, so they entered. One thing Crozier was confident of was that come Sunday night after, hopefully, two big days of tennis that he’d be still feeling reasonably razor sharp – a tip of the hat, he said, to his involvement with harriers, which has kept him fit. “I used to walk on to the court wearing my harriers jacket, and I’d throw it on the fence and say to the young ones that I hope they were ready to go three sets,”

he laughed. As well as the singles, Crozier will also try his hand at the doubles, a title he’s won in the past, with Matt Bubb and like the singles, Crozier was comedic when it came to how the duo might fare. “We’ve got Neil McCann and Sam Bubb first up in the morning, so chances are that we’ll be gunning for the Plate there as well.” Competition begins this morning at 9am at the Ashburton Trust Tennis Centre, with finals play beginning tomorrow morning again at 9am.

CRICKET

Stags all ready for business By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

It’s business time in South Canterbury senior cricket and the Tech Stags are heading south to Timaru today ready to take care of business. To this point, the club’s maiden voyage into the South Canterbury cricket scene has been one of both trials and tribulations. They’ve shown oodles of promise, but at times have come up short when it’s really mattered. Today though, in the preliminary stages of the finals, they’ve got a chance to put it all together and really announce themselves for the future and senior team member Bevan Ravenscroft believes the recipe to success against Celtic, who they face, is actually quite simple. “We just need to put the foot to the floor from the start. Whether it’s with the bat, or whether it’s with the ball, it doesn’t matter, we just need to start well. “Every time we’ve played Celtic this season, we’ve been guilty of not getting going early in the match and by the time we’ve woken up to it all, things have been out of reach. “So, runs on the board, or early wickets are going to be vital. “I know we can beat them, I’ve

Tech Stags’ Bevan Ravenscroft is confident his side has what it takes to win their semi-final clash against Celtic today in Timaru. PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

got no doubt about it.” Celtic picked up a home semi-final today courtesy of a demolition job on Tech last week at the Ashburton Domain, but there’s a lot more riding on today’s match than what there was seven days ago.

Victory would equate to a return trip to Timaru tomorrow to play in the semi-final against the loser of the top of the table clash between Pleasant Point and Temuka – a situation that Ravenscroft wouldn’t mind his side finding themselves in.

“I’ve got no doubt that we can beat Temuka, we’ve done it before and I feel we’re good enough to compete with Pleasant Point too, we just need that opportunity. Irrelevant of results from either today or tomorrow, the Tech side will look back on the season not just as one of potential missed opportunities, but one where they grew collectively over the course of the season. “Shifting from red-ball cricket in whites to the white ball version in colours is actually quite a difference. “The game is different, the ball does different things, so it took us a while to adjust early on, I think. “And in the last few months we’ve been able to secure a much more solid nucleus of players which has helped too, so there’s plenty of positive signs there for us, I think.” Ravenscroft said that being able to rely on some of the experienced heads within the team had been a huge factor during the season and that he was hoping those same players would be ready and willing to lead from the front today when they walk out into the middle. Today’s match at the Celtic Sports Ground in Timaru gets under way at 12pm.

TECH STAGS LINE-UP The Tech Stags line-up to take on Celtic at the Celtic Sports Ground in Timaru today beginning at 12pm. Jason Morrison (capt) Des Kruger (vice captain) Callum Gallagher Harry Jones Bevan Ravenscroft Bevan Richan Richard Print Matt Tait Ryan Bell Alex Hooper Sam Clark

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

SPORT 27

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Chasing a dream – downhill By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

For most 13-year-olds, the thrill of jumping on your bike and going flat out down a hill as fast as you possible would be the highlight of why you love your sport, but for local downhill mountain bike rider, Kayne Johnston it’s a lot simpler. “For me, the highlight has been the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made,” the quietly spoken teen said. That’s not to say that the Ashburton College student doesn’t love making the most of every opportunity he gets to throw caution to the wind and fly down a mountainside either, he’s a big fan of that too.

“I just like going fast, that’s a pretty cool part of it all.” His enthusiasm for his sport is helped a long way by the fact he’s very good at what he does too. Just last weekend the youngster found his way onto the podium at the Mountain Bike New Zealand National Championships in the Under 15 men’s race, where he finished third. “I was pretty happy with that placing, I put a lot of it down to luck, but it was still a good race.” A younger version of Kayne was introduced to the sport of mountain biking about four years ago by his good friend and fellow competitor, Oli Nicholls, and pretty quickly he picked it up and there’s been no looking back. It’s a sport that’s taken him and his family around the country

competing, and Kayne said being able to do that while competing has been great fun, and he’s forged some strong friendships along the way. “I’ve been really lucky; I’ve got to know a lot of people from all over and we’ve become good friends, and we’ve been able to travel away to some pretty cool places to compete.” With the full support of the Mountain Bike Ashburton team behind them, the younger generation of riders around Mid Canterbury are getting a strong grounding in the sport – added to by the fact they’ve got a world class facility like the Mt Hutt Bike Park about half an hour away to train on. “It’s great being able to go up there and use that track, because

it’s a lot like many of the tracks we race at, and we get a lot of practice and help at the skills park in Ashburton too. “We’re really lucky to have Tabitha Armour there, who gets everything organised like the chocolate fish races we have and the training stuff.” Kayne also paid credit to his coach, internationally recognised rider Justin Leov, who he said he not only learns from, but is someone he idolises in the sport. “He’s done some pretty awesome things in the sport, and it’s really cool to be able to learn from him.” And of course, there’s Mum (Jocelyn) and Dad (Michael), who have the duty of getting Kayne everywhere to compete and train. “I couldn’t do it without them,

they are really supportive of me and everyone else too.” Jocelyn added that becoming a part of the mountain bike world had been enjoyable for them as well. “We’ve made some really great friends out of it, and been able to travel around to some pretty amazing places too.” With the national championships out of the way, Kayne and his peers are now firmly focused on next weekend’s South Island Secondary Schools’ Championships on a track that he knows well – Mt Hutt. “I’m really looking forward to it. “It’s cool to be going there with a bit of a home track advantage.” The championships begin at the Mt Hutt Bike Park next Friday.

TENNIS

Bubb ready to lead Country By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

If Sam Bubb has any reservations about being thrown into the deep end of Tennis Canterbury’s Premier competition today, the 19-year-old Ashburton lad is showing no signs of it. In fact, if anything, the young tennis star is champing at the bit at the opportunity to get out on the court, and hopefully lead Country Ashburton through the first stage of the knockout section of the season. He’s been given the elevation to No.1 spot in the team, a position he has filled at times during the season, thanks to regular top seed, Jack Tiller being unavailable due to a wedding. In normal circumstances losing your No.1 at the semi-final stage would be seen as a big problem, but there’s a golden egg in the background for Country Ashburton in that ahead of their match against Elmwood. The wedding Tiller is attending

Sam Bubb will step into the No.1 position today for Country Ashburton in their Tennis Canterbury Premier Men’s semi-final clash against Elmwood. just happens to be that of Elmwood’s regular No.1, Elliot Darling, meaning that his brother Lawrence, who usually plays No.2 in the side is out of action as well. “That makes things a little bit easier, that’s for sure,” Bubb laughed. After a few years plying his

trade in the A Grade competition here in Ashburton and playing in the Division One competition in Christchurch, Bubb said the chance to really challenge themselves in the Premier competition was welcomed. “It’s been really good, the difference in level of play in Premier

is huge. There’s really nowhere to hide because every player is so good, so it’s definitely helped with my own game, that’s for sure.” Country Ashburton’s return to the Premier scene on paper wasn’t expected to reach the heights it has in it’s first season back, but Bubb isn’t surprised that they’ve found themselves in the semi-finals, with a good shot at going further. “I remember at that start of the season, Peter Leonard had worked out that we could win a few games here and there if we played well, but as the season’s gone on we’ve become a really tight-knit team, and we just work really well together.” Bubb said that today’s challenge would be an interesting one for the Country Ashburton side, but he was really confident of a forward showing from the team on what could be the start of a really big few weeks. “I don’t think you can worry about it too much, it’s actually just a case of worrying about

what you can control and that’s your own game. “Go out there and do your own individual job and then be ready to step off the court and support the others, that’s the best you can do really. “It’d be a great result to win it and hopefully we can, especially seeing as it’s our first year back in the competition.” Tiller’s absence from the court today has seen Nathan McKenzie brought into the four to tackle Elmwood. McKenzie has featured in the side on a number of occasions this season, and performed very well each time he’s been asked to step in to play. Bubb and McKenzie will be joined by team regulars, Ben Smith and Cameron McCracken. Both Bubb and McCracken are in for a busy day, with both playing in the first two rounds of the Gala Cup men’s doubles this morning, before jumping in the car and dashing up to Wilding Park in Christchurch for the Premier match-up.

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

CRICKET

Numbers paint Allenton in good light for clash By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

Numbers are everything in cricket, and if Allenton can live up to the numbers then today’s penultimate round clash with Peninsula-Harbour should stack well in their favour. After getting things back on track last week with a comprehensive win over Weedons, the Allenton side will be out to try and run down their opponents, Peninsula Harbour, both out in the middle and on the standings table today. A win would see them elevated above their rivals and leave them in a good position heading into next week’s final round against Kaiapoi to push their way back into the top four. And if the numbers are anything to go by, then it’s going to come down to a few key individuals to lead the way and set the tone for the side on the Allenton wicket this afternoon. In the post-Christmas stage of the season a number of players from the squad have been putting together some tidy performances. On the batting side of the coin, captain Karmjeet Singh has been a pillar of strength scoring runs and steadying the ship when required. In six matches he’s scored 125 runs at an average of just over 20, but it’s been his experienced shoulders that have played the biggest of roles. Manpreet Haakla has also been in good nick. He’s scored 107 runs from four matches at an average of 26.7, often providing some sustenance in the middle order with his ability to score rapidly and boost a tally when required. If both Singh and Haakla can deliver up some more of the same this afternoon then Allenton should go a long way toward success. With the ball, it’s been opening-bowler, Mana Singh who’s done the most damage. He’s bowled 43 overs since Christmas, taking 10 wickets to see himself firmly ensconced near the top of the competition’s

Allenton will be hoping for plenty of high-fives when they take on Peninsula Harbour today at the Ashburton Domain. leading wicket-takers. Singh’s current bowling average sits at 18.1 which is tidy reading for a Canterbury Country Cricket competition. Like Singh, Jaideep Singh has been valuable. He’s only bowled 18 overs but has

claimed six wickets to give him one of the best averages of 10.8 of players who have played three or more matches in the post-Christmas rush. Allenton take the field at the Ashburton Domain today, beginning at 1pm.

RUGBY

Pre-season games kick start season By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

Defending Watters Cup champions Methven begin their march towards a repeat today at the Methven Domain, while just down the road, Celtic will get a match under their belt, albeit in much different circumstances than they were expecting. Today was supposed to mark the annual Marist tournament which was to be held at the Celtic grounds on Keenan’s Road. But the current alert level status of New Zealand put an end to those plans and now just the one side, as opposed to six, will travel to Ashburton to take on the green machine. They’ll square off with the West Coast-based side of Greymouth in what will be a good opportunity for both sides to get some game time into the engines, ahead of what will be a busy season of rugby following on from last year’s shortened local competition and a lack of no Combined Competition. Originally, Celtic would have faced matches from teams from Oamaru, Timaru, and two from Christchurch as well as the Coasters in the popular annual tournament. The match will also kick start what will be a big year for the club, with their centenary set down for Easter weekend to mark 100 years of existence. Up the road in Methven, it’s also a big year with the club celebrating 125 years, and they’ll kick things off with a match against Geraldine in front of their faithful at the Methven Domain. It’s a good chance for both sides to try and blood new players, as well as get a true indication of the fitness levels of their sides. Incidentally, the two sides will face each other during Methven’s 125th celebrations on Saturday, May 8. Celtic’s game kicks off today at 1.30pm, while Methven will hit the field at 2.30. With only a month left until this year’s Combined Country Competition begins on Saturday, April 10 preparations are well under way for the season ahead.

OPINION

Women’s rugby is let down again By Hamish Bidwell

ell fancy that. Who could possibly have imagined that the women’s Rugby World Cup would get

bumped? I won’t be a hypocrite at this point. I will admit that I have expressed disquiet about global events such as the Olympic Games being staged, due to concerns about Covid-19. But, hell’s teeth, a 12-team women’s rugby tournament being held in the northern tip of New Zealand is hardly a threat to life as we know it. And yet player welfare is the reason being rolled out by World Rugby for the event’s postponement, much like we were told when this year’s women’s Six Nations competition was shelved. Why is it that women’s rugby is always the first to go? Is there something in the players’ physiology that makes them more vulnerable to coronavirus than the male teams? Player welfare? I’ll tell you what harms player welfare. Never getting to play harms people’s welfare. Being paid lip

service harms people’s welfare. Having to watch on as heaven and earth are moved to stage men’s rugby definitely harms people’s welfare. Let’s be fair dinkum about this. If these protocols were applied across the board, people would be disappointed, but they would understand. But Super Rugby Aotearoa is on right now and, as sure as night follows day, the All Blacks are going to play this year. Now some of their schedule is a bit fluid, given Covid flare-ups and the like, but the All Blacks will play. Put it this way, if this was their Rugby World Cup year would that tournament still be on? I’ve written about this stuff before. Not because I’m some devotee of female sport or out to create a stir or to grandstand in some way. I mention these things because I am interested in fairness. Female athletes routinely get an unfair go. They’re belittled and disregarded and abused and we never do anything to change it. Sure, we window dress. We put a Black Fern on the Super Rugby coverage to show

how enlightened we are and prove we have no gender bias. Really? Well, how about demanding the actual Black Ferns team play on TV, rather than just sticking a token one behind a microphone? New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and their media partners continually cloak themselves in the achievements of female players when it’s convenient. Heck, more than the odd politician does too. But when things get a little tough or something has to give, always the women who are expendable, just look at what happened to the Black Ferns’ eight tests last year. And that’s fine. Honestly it is. If the games don’t rate and it all costs a fortune and the standard is rubbish, then sweet. Come out and say so. But don’t pretend it’s about player welfare. Don’t laud the players and garland them with awards. If women’s sport is that irrelevant to you – if it’s always going to be treated as unnecessary and a luxury – then just be transparent about it. If I’m a Black Fern now, I’m filthy. But can I say so? Of course not. I’m on the NZR payroll and, no doubt,

told I’m fortunate to be so. Can I criticise the governing body? Can I say this is a joke? Can I take my ball and go and play elsewhere? No I can’t and, in some ways, that’s clever from NZR. If you limit – or even eliminate – dissenting voices, then those that do blow up on the Black Ferns’ behalf can be dismissed as cranks. Rugby is not in rude health. If it is to survive – let alone thrive – then it needs to appeal to a female audience. It needs mums to want their daughters to play it and it needs girls to see a pathway and a place for them. It’s not about presenting these people with the male game and saying ‘isn’t this great’. It’s about selling female players by actually staging meaningful games for them and treating them with respect. We’ve talked enough about all this stuff, we need actions now. All we get instead, though, is another postponement of a pinnacle event and more weasel words about why. Honestly, you wonder why the Black Ferns bother.

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

SPORT 29

HOCKEY

Major changes on the turf By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

Mid Canterbury Hockey is changing direction this season, in a hope to further strengthen the game at a local level for the future. The organisation announced this week a new structure for both the men’s and women’s competitions in the upcoming season, in a move that will see them break away from the South Canterbury competitions they’ve been involved with. The new structure will see two divisions created locally for both men’s and women’s teams, creating a new influx of consistent matches to the world class NBS Hockey Turf in the Ashburton Domain. “The establishment of a new structure is exciting for Mid Canterbury Hockey,” president, James Tavendale said. “Not only will Mid Canterbury’s best players be playing in Ashburton more often, but we also expect to see many other positive outcomes for hockey in Mid Canterbury.” As part of the change, the new look Division 1 women’s competition will be played on a Monday night while the men’s Division 1 action will take place on a Tuesday. Existing grades prior to the beginning of this season will remain largely unchanged with play on Friday night for the women and

Mid Canterbury to withdraw from South Canterbury senior competitions.

Sunday afternoon for the men. The competitions will be open to all players from Year 9 up and be renamed to Division 2. Tavendale stressed that Ashburton College will continue to participate in the Canterbury Hockey Secondary Schools’ competition. A rise in playing numbers in Mid Canterbury was one of the main reasons behind the need to sit down and look at the season structure and a rapid decline in the number of teams travelling to compete in the South Canterbury competitions was another.

“Playing numbers in Mid Canterbury have increased to around 650 participants over the last few years. “That’s the highest since we

played on grass. After the turf was installed numbers dropped to the mid 400s.” With only one senior men’s team and one senior women’s

Not only will Mid Canterbury’s best players be playing in Ashburton more often, but we also expect to see many other positive outcomes for hockey in Mid Canterbury.

team competing in South Canterbury, while numbers in the other local grades were strong, now was the time to act, Tavendale said. “Taking these, and other relevant factors into account the Mid Canterbury Hockey executive determined now was the right time to consider and now with the support of the clubs, introduce a new competition structure.” In addition to the longstanding traditional provincial tournaments, Mid Canterbury Hockey are now working on securing added representative ties as well as other opportunities to provide the region’s elite senior men’s and women’s players more games at a higher level. News of the change had been met with a largely positive response and Club Liaison Officer of Mid Canterbury Hockey Jen Muir said that most had seen the need to change. “Clubs have been a part of this process and want to see the new structure succeed,” she said. “Both sporting wise and socially this will create more opportunity and the cost of travelling will be greatly reduced.” Dates are yet to be finalised for the new competition, as are team numbers, but Tavendale expected the new competition to create greater interest in the local aspects of the sport.

GOLF

This week’s golf results from around the courses Ashburton Golf Club

Saturday 27 February The Radius Care winner over the field was John Ramsay with nett 64. Other winning scores: John Smith 66; Gaby Jansen, Jordan Bird, Paul Baird and Chris Scott 68; Jeff Williamson 69; Jason Overend and Robbie Bell 70; Dylan Stoddart, Paul Morrison, Ross Chatterton, Ian Rive, Blair Snowball, David Robertson and Al Jopson 71. Twos: Steve Richards (2), Charlie Alexander, Adrian Hopwood, Greig Sparrow, Brent Clarke, Dylan Stoddart, Paul Greer, Terry Molloy, Paul Morrison, Bevan Wilson, Ian Rive, Dennis Mably, Paul Baird and Kevin Smith. Nearest Pins: The 3 Stooges: Kay Fox; Docks Bar and Seafood Grill: Bevan Wilson; Value Plus Processing: Tufuga Sa; South Island Seeds: Ken Clucas; Property Brokers #6: Steve McCloy; Ton’s Thai Longest Putt #9: Al Jopson; Alluvial Restaurant Tinwald Spot Prize: John Power. Net Eagles Jackpot Hole: #2 Birdie Jackpot Hole #12 Nine Hole Results: In the 9 hole Stroke competition the Harvey Bakehouse winner of the day was Tonee Hurley with 34 Nett. Other winning scores: Hughie Murchie 35, Peter MacAulay 36 and Terry O’Reilly 36. Midlands Seeds Social Teams 26 February 2021 - Top Team: Hunters & Collectors – by lot 89 – Lou Soal, Dylan Stoddart, Vince Carr, Larry Watson. Men: Occasionally Available 89, Who’s Your Caddie 88, Trying 87. Women: Lynn’s Lassies 86.5. Mixed: Macas 89, Periwinkles 89. Top lady: Cheryl Yates 32. Top man: Josh Cochrane, Terry O’Reilly, Matty Stephenson 32 Nearest Pins: Columbus Coffee – Marylou Watson, Mac & Maggies – Peter Wright, Paul May Motor – Charlie Alexander, Gabites Ltd – Vince Carr. Twos: Marylou Watson, Charlie Alexander, Adrian Hopwood, Jono Hay

The Methven Golf Course has it all in terms of challenges.

Wednesday March 3: LGU Silver: Tania Wilson 89-19-70, Gayle O’Duffy 88-17-71 Bronze A: Sharryn Bree 98-24-74, Sharon Burrell-Smith 100-25-75 Bronze B: Sandra Marr 99-30-69, Bev Isherwood 100-29-71 1st Tuis: Sandra Marr 41, Tania Wilson 39. Aqua Japanese Resturant Best Nett of the Day: Sandra Marr 69. Nearest Pins: No 4 Open: Methven Pharmacy Sandra Marr. No 6 Open Methven Travel Gayle O’Duffy: No 13 Open Primo Café: Gayle O’Duffy. No 14 Sil & Br A Supervalue Jan Lane No 17 Open & Br B Methven Foursquare Denise Hood. Twos & Nett Eagles: Bev Isherwood. Gail Limbrick. Sandra Marr. Tania Wilson. Dennise Hood.

Ashburton Ladies

Rakaia Golf Club

Saturday February 27 & Round 1 Mackay Trophy Kay Fox – 37 Tuesday March 1 Coronation Cup, Biddy Newton Marilyn Walker – 71, Pam Feutz, Mary-Lou Watson – 72 on c/b Nearest Pins: No 4 Gabites: Sally Lemon, No 8: Vicki Moore, No 12 Lynn’s small Salon: Sally Lemon, No 14 Todds of Ashburton: Leigh Wackrow, No 18 2nd Shot: Heather Frampton. Twos: Marilyn Walker, Sally Lemon, Hilary Lovett, Alison Grant – No 4 Vicki Moore, Daphne McDonnell – No 8

Mayfield Golf Club

Mayfield Golf Club-9 Hole Division Stroke & 1st Stableford. Jill Ludemann 54-18-36 18, John Greenslade 57-19-38 16. Greg Sim Builders No 2: Jill Ludemann. Mayfield Transport No 5: Eddie Graham.

Methven Golf Club

Mens 27th February Senior: Frikki Greybie 76-9-67 40pts. Intermediate: Athol McAlpine 75-12-63 44pts.

Junior A: Paul Plimmer 89-17-72 35pts. Junior B: Mark Gazzard 88-25-63 44pts. Other Good Scores: 40 Grant Hargraves. 39 Marc Davis, Ron Hanna. 37 Phil Johnson, John McGettigan. 36 Gary Foy, Cruise Tare Eric Grimwade. Twos: John McGettigan, Frikki Greybie, Dayle Lucas, Rod Carson, Grant Hargraves, Gary Foy. Closest to Pins: Aqua Japanese #4 Frikkie Greybie. Hunters wine #6 Paddy Helmore, Ski Time #13 Ron Hanna. Brown Pub #14 Marc Davis. Green Parrot #17 Craig Middleton. Dubliner Best Nett: MrakGazzard 63 by lot. Methven Foursquare Second Best Nett: Athol McAlpine 63. Bar Voucher Best Gross: Grant Hargraves 72. 9 hole - 26/02/21 2nd Sue Bunt Slaver 1st Putting. Angela Simonett 57-21-36 13 Putts, Annette Maw 55-20-35 16 putts, Karen Currie 55-19-36 15, Mike Markillie 56-13-43 15 Putts, PGG Wrightson Best Player Angela Simonett, Methven Travel 2nd Shot Kevin Thompson.

Methven Ladies Golf Methven Ladies Golf

Results Rakaia Ladies Golf Wednesday 3 March LGU, 1st week of Ringers, 1st round Championship Qualifying: Freda Bierema 99-29-70, Mandy Hurst 105-29-76. J. Watts Trophy: Freda Bierema 9 Holers: Stroke and Putting, 1st round Sue Bunt, 1st round Championship Qualifying: Lillian O’Hanlon 55-22-33, 14 Putts. Railway Hotel 2nd shot #3: Judy Moore, Rakaia Seed Cleaning 2nd shot #6: Mandy Hurst, V. Bell Nearest the Pin #8: not struck, Chertsey Spraying 2nd shot #15: Freda Bierema.

Tinwald Golf Club

Twilight - Thursday February 25th - Par Leading scores in the par round played on Thursday with men off the yellow tees and women off the red. Men; -6; Ross Preece 4 up, Dave Quigley, Brian Rouse, Owen Miller, Wayne Mellish, Nigel Heney 2 up. 7-10; Mitch VanderKrogt, Ewan Gordon up, Pete Ranson, Vic Hylands 2 up. 11 Plus; Shaun Hurley 1 up, Greg Prendergast sq. Women; -14; Leen Bell 3 up, Neroli Davies

2 up. 15 Plus; Shirley Young 2 up. Nearest pin; # 2 Nigel Heney # 12 Tetua Tuakeu. Twos; Nigel Heney. Radio Hokonui Hacker; Tetua Tuakeu 7 down. Saturday February 27th - Stroke Leading scores in the 1st round of the Smitheram and Grant Trophies played on Saturday; -12; Randall Feutz 64, Paul Hefford 65, Pete Marshall 68 c/b. 13-18; Ross Preece 69, Kevin Bishop 71, Steve Mealings 72. 19-Plus; Will Morrison 69, Steve Kircher 72 c/b. Women; Christine Kinita 64, Bronwyn Flannery 67, Kellie Kenton 71. Nearest pin; Tinwald Liquorland # 2; Wayne Mellish. Gluyas Ford # 6; Gary Lee. The Fine Lion # 12; Christine Kinita. Ace Automotive # 16; Gordy Kenton. G & R Seeds 2nd shot # 11; Steve Mealings. Twos; Chris Bell, Cameron Miller, Paul Hefford, Christine Kinita. Net Eagle; # 8 Gary Lee

Tinwald Ladies Golf

2 March - Medal Silver: Christine Kinita 64, Bronze 1: Belinda Kirdry 72, Maree Moore 70. Stroke. Phyllis Smith 68, Karen Young 69, Maree Moore 70 c/b, Val Prendergast 70. Nearest the Pin: No 2 (2nd Shot) Murray Young Property Broker; Marion Oakley. No 6 (2nd Shot) Sims Bakery; Barb Cochrane. No 12 Mac & Maggie; Colleen Linney. No 16 (2nd Shot) Outdoor Adventure; Phyllis Smith. Memory Funeral Longest Putt; Pam McAndrew.

9 Hole - Stroke

Jeanette Early 36 c/b, Denise Morgan. Veterans Golf 1st March game - 3rd Round Heartland Championship played at Methven 1st T Watson 42, 2nd B McIsaac 40, 3rd J Cudworth and T Molloy 38 twos J McGettigan, N Jones and P Walker. Next game March 15th at Tinwald Golf Club.

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Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

OPINION

Time to clean up racing By Matt Markham matt.m@theguardian.co.nz

or an industry built on the foundations of good, honest, hard-working and dedicated people, the harness racing industry is doing a stand-up job of ruining that reputation at the moment. And I, like many in the sport and around the wider community, have about had enough of it. I’ve had enough of opening one of the country’s leading daily newspapers to see stories about idiots splashed across the front page of their news section, highlighting another wrongdoing that’s been uncovered. I’ve had enough of going to social settings and hearing from people how crooked and fixed harness racing is because they’ve read about the actions of these idiots. I’ve also had enough of watching a game that I grew up in being brought to its knees by the decisions of some, when the majority – and I stress the word majority here – are as described above; good, honest, hard-work-

Matt Markham ponders the recent negative situation in the harness racing world. PHOTO MATT MARKHAM

ing and dedicated people who would give their last dollar to see the industry successful and held in good light by the wider public. But the problem is, I don’t know how to fix it. In any walk of life you’re

always going to have people who are out to find the short cut, or something that’s going to give them that little bit of an extra edge over their rivals. You’re always going to have the bad eggs who tend to make

everyone else look bad too. The positive of it all, if you can see it that way, is that slowly but surely, one-by-one, these people who are trying to turn the game inside out are being uncovered and the only hope now is that they are dealt with appropriately. And that’s where new harness boss, Gary Woodham comes into the picture. I’ve had a bit to do with Gary over the past few months and I’m confident he’s the right man for the job that sits just around the corner. He’s already pledged to tidy the game up, and knowing that he doesn’t suffer fools and isn’t afraid of making a hard decision, I’m confident of a much brighter outlook. All anyone wants is a level playing field, and if we have to say goodbye to a few people for an extended period of time (the longer the better) then I’m all for it. What I don’t want to see is a slap on the hand with a wet bus ticket handed down and for no real lessons to be learnt. What recent events have highlighted though is that a large majority of the problems

Wingatui gallops Today at Wingatui Raceway

R1 White Robe Lodge Mdn $10,000 1600m 11:55

10 77950 Show Park

1 x2576 El Gladiador M E Gestain (9) (A4) 59.5 2 93315 Rock Sensation Chowdhoory (17) (A1) 59.5 3 63245 Zabay C A Campbell (10) (A1) 59 1 Fireglow K Chowdhoory (5) (A1) 57 4 5224 Hee’s Our Secret J R Lowry (1) 59 2 Doringo C W Johnson (9) 57 5 60313 Jewel Of Patch C R Barnes (11) 58.5 3 98x Vector M E Gestain (8) (A4) 57 6 93210 Ricky Baker R D Beeharry (4) 57 4 3 Emanon T R Moseley (3) 55 7 58439 Never Quitz C W Johnson (15) 56.5 5 44 Durban Way Ms K Williams (1) 55 8 98636 Final Savings A Comignaghi (7) 56.5 6 73x0 Lucybelle Rohan Mudhoo (4) (A2) 55 9 45418 Seriously T R Moseley (14) 56.5 7 Sorrento A Comignaghi (2) 55 10 55x17 Blackbook R Cuneen (13) 55.5 8 7x Fah Sai C R Barnes (6) 55 11 90311 Robina Joy Ms K Williams (5) 55 9 Pickens C A Campbell (7) (A1) 55 R7 Rugby & Racing Day-6/6 (Bm65) $22,500 1200m 12 33313 Cannoli W Papier (2) (A4) 54.5 10 Reenvest A Balloo (10) 55 15:24 13 6489 Magic Condor 54 R2 Otago Daily Times Mdn $10,000 1600m 12:25 R5 Webb Farry Lawyers (Bm74) $27,500 2200m 14:10 1 75122 Benaud W Papier (18) (A4) 60 14 9x535 Johnnie Redmond L Callaway (12) 54 2 58323 Selfie T R Moseley (14) 59.5 1 9x00x Country Boy C A Campbell (6) (A1) 58.5 1 83560 Scaglioni T Jonker (9) 59 15 56173 Amazon Goddess 55 3 10 Gary J R Lowry (7) 58.5 2 Lockraar A Comignaghi (5) 58 2 46041 Are You Cereal Ms K Williams (2) 58 16 21242 Our Echo 55.5 4 72622 Louis Luck D R Bothamley (6) 58.5 3 Raise The Nipper T R Moseley (2) 58 3 12877 Fishermans Blues D Bothamley (17) 57.5 17 1346x Rivaldo 55 C W Johnson (15) 58 5 x9973 Kerany 4 72035 It’s Gucci C K Kwo (3) (A2) 56.5 4 94510 Our Boy Ritchie C K Kwo (18) (A2) 57.5 6 63x01 Madam Sequoia C K Kwo (17) (A2) 58 R9 Nzb Insurance Stakes $50,000 1400m 16:35 5 28563 Lugano’s Ace Rohan Mudhoo (9) (A2) 56.5 5 4110x Hot Tap A Comignaghi (7) 57 7 6x417 Sham On Toast L Callaway (10) 58 1 63x11 Showemhowitsdone T Moseley (8) 56.5 6 3 Kamenna C W Johnson (4) 56.5 6 45609 Baby Menaka G A Jogoo (14) 56 8 35x2x Ohio Showgirl K Chowdhoory (8) (A1) 57.5 2 11226 The Gift J R Lowry (5) 56.5 7 45844 Izzy Houdini K Mudhoo (1) 56.5 7 1428 The Mole C W Johnson (12) 56 9 0182x Diamond 57 3 61421 Kitty Cugat Ms K Williams (1) 56.5 8 7x357 Perceive C R Barnes (11) 56.5 8 13300 Point Score K Mudhoo (8) 56 10 55761 The Selection K Mudhoo (11) 57 4 11 Larpower C K Kwo (11) 56.5 9 53597 Regal Girl J R Lowry (7) 56.5 9 24142 Zakunda K Chowdhoory (1) (A1) 56 11 32250 Walkthisswey B M Murray (9) 56.5 5 41440 Ocean Point C R Barnes (3) 56.5 10 9x08 Aye Bee Haitch R Cuneen (10) 56.5 10 1016 Super Tap S Toolooa (10) (A3) 55.5 12 160 Giveherago C A Campbell (3) (A1) 56.5 6 21901 Sweet Hunter C A Campbell (10) 56.5 11 0x09 So You Reign Ms K Williams (8) 56.5 11 5010 Aquattack A Balloo (13) 54 7 6x475 Choux In G A Jogoo (7) 56.5 12 18353 Belindabella Rohan Mudhoo (6) (A2) 54 13 73344 Glory Chance A Comignaghi (1) 56.5 R3 Speight’s Hcp $32,500 1600m 13:00 56 14 23149 Phyllite C R Barnes (4) 8 1 Fettercairn R Cuneen (9) 56.5 13 2022 Larippa C R Barnes (5) 54 1 12218 Gallant Boy R D Beeharry (6) (A3) 62 15 15x97 La Tardigrada R Mudhoo (12) (A2) 55.5 9 46938 Lovebug K Chowdhoory (12) 56.5 14 67737 Pure Class R D Beeharry (11) (A3) 54 2 53615 Kilowatt Rohan Mudhoo (4) (A2) 56.5 16 63069 Our Rosette 56 10 x2178 Sooo Dusty C W Johnson (4) 56.5 15 40938 Beam Me Up Scotty 56 3 99745 Picture Me Rollin C R Barnes (9) 54 17 2x706 Plutonium 57.5 11 0x224 Adannaya A Comignaghi (6) 56.5 16 64888 King Of The Dance 55.5 4 32841 Beneficial C K Kwo (10) (A2) 54 18 87503 Touchabeel 55 12 8 Royal Wings D R Bothamley (2) 56.5 17 08x83 Dough Boy T R Moseley (3) 54 5 18812 Ritani T R Moseley (1) 54 19 26092 Noah 56.5 18 7206 Monash 54 R10 Property Brokers Dunedin-Bm65 NZD $22,500 6 62467 Whale Song A Comignaghi (7) 54 20 70604 Deceptio Visus 56.5 19 x8000 Ruakiwi Blaze 54 1600m 17:15 7 19336 Goodanya K Chowdhoory (3) (A1) 54 20 4408 Firoden 54 R8 Alleviate Admin-Acc Admin-Bm74 $27,500 1400m 1 44656 Just Tickety Boo C K Kwo (6) (A2) 60 8 56173 Amazon Goddess A Balloo (8) 54 2 48722 Monkey Shoulder G A Jogoo (2) 60 15:59 9 4408 Firoden C A Campbell (5) (A1) 54 R6 Kb Contractors Hcp $32,500 1200m 14:48

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

60234 070x0 69778 59302 74420 5704 0x046 35940 58095 x8x90 60x7

Poppa J R Lowry (11) 58.5 Heinback Erebus D Bothamley (7) 58.5 Marmaduke K Chowdhoory (8) (A1) 58.5 Verdigris C R Barnes (4) 56.5 Vague G A Jogoo (1) 56.5 Prowler C A Campbell (10) 56.5 Nevets T R Moseley (3) 56.5 Western Girl C W Johnson (2) 56.5 Ocean’s Seven T Jonker (6) 56.5 Bella Eve L Callaway (9) 56.5 Winter Gold A Comignaghi (5) 56.5

lie with a younger nucleus of horse people, and without knowing the full details of each individual, you’d easily suggest that there are some underlying issues there that are forcing their hands. That’s not an excuse, but more of a potential explanation, and it does lend itself to one having to wonder about the support these people are getting when they first come into the game and through those first few primitive years of their career when they are most vulnerable, and susceptible to trying to do something they shouldn’t. It’s an area that needs immediate attention, and Harness Racing New Zealand need to act swiftly to get some parameters in place that allow positive support and encouragement for all stakeholders. Just signing off a licence and letting someone be is no longer acceptable. If the game needs cleaned up, then it needs to start from the top with good communication, good education and great leadership. Only then can things start to move forward positively.

R4 Loveracing.Nz Hcp $22,500 820m 13:35

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

62942 17105 36203 0x111 2727x 36841 71130 311x1 66424 74860

Enzo’s Lad S Toolooa (3) (A3) 62 Johnny Jones M E Gestain (4) (A4) 58.5 Rocanto R D Beeharry (9) (A3) 57.5 Live Drama A Comignaghi (1) 54.5 Gold’nguru C A Campbell (8) (A1) 54 King Cougar Rohan Mudhoo (2) (A2) 54 Meara Mary W Papier (10) (A4) 54 Spring Blossom C R Barnes (5) 54 Tellyawhat Ms K Williams (6) 54 Riverfalls B M Murray (7) 54

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21242 1346x 33453 50x09 85x21 94222 045x6 83708 55670 43133 13785 X00x1 25735 7206 5x046 70x60 10060 10090

Our Echo A Balloo (16) 60 Rivaldo 59.5 Vee Twelve M E Gestain (7) (A4) 59.5 St Andre K Chowdhoory (19) (A1) 59 Exchange J R Lowry (17) 58.5 Shock Prospect Ms K Williams (9) 58 Jack Be Quick A Comignaghi (4) 58 58 Shanzino T R Moseley (15) Cabernet C A Campbell (13) (A1) 57 57 Direct Flight C R Barnes (20) Secret Sound C W Johnson (12) 57 Southern Vogue R Beeharry (5) (A3) 56.5 Milano 57.5 Monash 57 Blue Eyed Susie 55 Jojo Roxx 54 Battlinaway B M Murray (10) 56 Miradello 54

Matt Markham’s Wingatui Selections Race 1: Western Girl, Poppa, Verdigris, Prowler Race 2: Kamenna, Lockraar, Lugano’s Ace, Izzy Houdini Race 3: Beneficial, Kilowatt, Gallant Boy, Whale Song Race 4: Fire Glow, Sorrento, Doringo, Emanon Race 5: Larippa, Zakunda, Hot Tap, Are You Cereal Race 6: Spring Blossom, Live Drama, Enzo’s Lad, Johnny Jones Race 7: Ohio Showgirl, Our Rosette, Touchabeel, Benaud Race 8: Blackbook, El Gladiator, Rock Sensation, Robina Joy Race 9: Kitty Cugat, Showemhowitsdone, The Gift, Larpower Race 10: Secret Sound, Monkey Shoulder, Our Echo, Shock Prospect BEST: Fire Glow (Race 4) VALUE: Spring Blossom (Race 6)

Cheviot harness Today at Addington Raceway

R1 CHARLES WIFFEN & MT BEAUTIFUL WINES TROT $8000 2600m 12:20 1 470x0 Trixton Time Sarah O’Reilly 2 5 Love Rose J R Dunn 3 00x0 Cheeky Monkey C Mcdowell John Morrison 4 9279 Riley Moment 5 0 Muzz M P Edmonds 6 9 Galway Girl Craig D Thornley 7 5 Preacher’s Daughter G D Smith R D Close 8 9 Gift Card 9 0x90x Brandy And Dry Scott Iremonger 10 x0x94 Kd Hawk C J Defilippi 11 65x93 Venus Tyron 12 40466 He’s A Cassanova R T May 13 60297 Bourbon On The Rocks J P Versteeg 14 834 Majestic Whisper M J Williamson R2 RURAL LIVESTOCK MOBILE PACE $8,000 2600m 12:45 1 502 Haiti Franco Craig D Thornley 2 0x857 The Artful Dodger M J Williamson T M Williams 3 x5866 Cheapcheap 4 Cali Franco R T May 5 20 Done Deal J R Dunn 6 60x09 Ruby’s A Delight J W Cox 7 50500 It’s A Shawthing Joseph Gray C J Defilippi 8 94x06 Fine By Me 9 65907 Tyke L F O’Reilly 10 895x6 Maximilian Korbyn Newman G D O’Reilly 11 90087 Taliesin R3 GH BUILDERS LTD (FILLIES & MARES) MOBILE PACE $8,000 1980m 13:10

1 50229 With Grace J R Dunn 2 6255x Taumata Vc C J Defilippi G D O’Reilly 3 4 Fascinate 4 X4402 Lifes A Beach John Morrison 5 2 De La Ranta S J Ottley 6 2x2 Hattie T M Williams J W Cox 7 3 See Me Now 8 6763 Seventh Heaven R D Close 9 Belmont Diva Craig D Thornley R4 JACKIE ORR MEMORIAL HANDICAP TROT $9500 2600m 13:37 1 6723 Boyz Invasion M G Heenan 2 75246 Phoebe Onyx J W Cox 3 4400 Girls Let Loose G D O’Reilly 4 37665 Prince Teka K G Cameron 5 008x8 Andoverlov J R Dunn 6 x7x45 Chloe Rose Sarah O’Reilly T M Mcmillan 7 92001 Steel Dust 8 22384 Zsa Zoe Sheree Tomlinson 9 6326 Overzealous P J Davis 10 5x431 Midnight Dash Ben Hope R5 GLEN MCNABB EARTHMOVING & ENGINEERING PACE $8500 2600m 14:05 1 7q222 Miss Impression John Morrison 2 20360 Jeremy Wells Tom Bamford 3 63763 Caesar’s Quest Laura Mckay 4 150 Not Really Blonde Olivia Thornley 5 2163 Hittheroadjack Ben Hope 6 29012 Makasar Boy Gemma Thornley Jordan Simpson 7 42904 Rake 8 468 Mongolian Conqueror Sheree Tomlinson

9 6x638 The Conqueror Sam Thornley 10 53100 Ashes To Ashes Korbyn Newman 11 2322x Bettor Believe It Sarah O’Reilly 12 2104 Tas Girl Bromac Ellie Barron 13 38707 Terrier Mark Hurrell R6 DOWNBYTHESEASIDE LEONARD MEMORIAL STAKES $25,000 2000m 14:30 1 52 Woodlea Beaver M J Williamson 2 Bull Speed Ahead J R Dunn John Morrison 3 4 Mary Austin 4 23 Anna Love R T May 5 4807x Back Page News 6 14 Play Philly R D Close 7 Sweet Spirit T M Williams 8 A Bettor You 9 Suntan J W Cox R7 CHEVIOT BUSINESSES CHEVIOT CUP $13,000 2600m 14:55 1 15087 Buckskin G D O’Reilly 2 1114 Last Of The Mohicans R T May Sheree Tomlinson 3 35123 Ivana Legacy D J White 4 332 Kiss The Girls 5 5493 Homebush Lad Ben Hope 6 58847 Invaluable Sarah O’Reilly R D Close 7 x000x Spot On 8 4511x Zambia T M Williams 9 75321 Mogul 10 6218 Deus Ex M J Williamson R8 CHEVIOT CONCRETE & AMURI READY MIX TROT $8,500 2600m 15:20 1 773x1 Salvo G D Smith

2 68020 Arran Chief A W Faulks 3 41770 Greenbank Betty T M Williams 4 74926 Full Of Hope R D Close 5 32144 Aldebaran Floss C J Defilippi 6 210x7 Sugarinspice P J Davis T S Chmiel 7 80000 Unique Rose 8 30880 Smudgee P T Borcoskie 9 96408 Foreigner G W Hunt 10 46477 Tehoro Dazzle G D O’Reilly Craig D Thornley 11 97100 Illegal Alien Sam Thornley 12 81675 Royal Pride 13 46006 Show Me The Gray J W Cox 14 90988 Mikemaro J F Curtin 15 6x138 Alluring Tyron R L Houghton 16 58238 Take After Me 17 694 Michelle S J Ottley 18 52000 Isla Elsie J R Dunn R9 CHEVIOT LICENCING TRUST MOBILE PACE $8,500 1980m 15:50 1 7708 Honour Scroll Gemma Thornley 2 490x6 Fancy R T May J W Cox 3 17 Am I Dreaming T M Williams 4 413x8 Lady Matara 5 90639 Silk J F Curtin 6 1722 Rocknroll Mama G D Smith S J Ottley 7 11x Sky Vale 8 4919x Annie Richter T S Chmiel 9 6x15x Storm R D Close 10 14551 Sweet Belle G D O’Reilly Ben Hope 11 5683 Luella 12 182 Passion And Power J R Dunn

R10 MORGAN SHEARING MOBILE PACE $8500 2600m 16:15 1 41626 Rocknsnap T M Williams 2 22533 Idealindreams M J Williamson R T May 3 x70x4 Louis Litt 4 909 Lincoln Skipper Gemma Thornley 5 90x56 Bettor Beontoit S J Ottley 6 22465 Reflectionsofmylife John Morrison J W Cox 7 19820 Dhaulagiri J R Dunn 8 30016 Better Fly 9 6011 Archman Korbyn Newman 10 24153 Smooth Debate R D Close 11 4155 Didjaseemyshadow T S Chmiel 12 1x0x0 Franco Hoffman J F Curtin

Matt Markham’s Cheviot Selections Race 1: Galway Girl, Riley Moment, Gift Card, Love Rose Race 2: Haiti Franco, Cheapcheap, Done Deal, Tyke Race 3: Hattie, See Me Now, With Grace, De La Renta Race 4: Midnight Dash, Girls Let Loose, Phoebe Onyx, Steel Dust Race 5: Miss Impression, Ashes To Ashes, Tas Girl Bromac, Bettor Believe It Race 6: A Bettor You, Bull Speed Head, Suntan, Play Philly Race 7: Last Of Mohicans, Deus Ex, Kiss The Girls, Zambia Race 8: Aldebaran Floss, Isla Elsie, Full Of Hope, Royal Pride Race 9: Passion And Power, Sweet Belle, Rocknroll Mama, Storm Race 10: Louis Litt, Idealindreams, Rocknsnap, Better Fly BEST: Miss Impression (Race 5) VALUE: Passion And Power (Race 9)

Puzzles and horoscopes Cryptic crossword 1

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

Simon Shuker’s Code Cracker

Your Stars

8 9

10 11

12 13 15

23 24

25 26

ACROSS 1. Sort of map that’s of assistance to the poor (6) 8. In one iota, is to supply a supporting beam (5) 9. Quack cure most run out of (7) 11. Go canvassing as does port, in a way (8) 12. Be back in the groove and able to disprove it (5) 15. Funeral attendant hired to dampen sound of musical instrument (4) 16. Get more mature, for instance, with a setback (3) 17. At one time the unit took Conservative leader in (4) 19. Pocket-bottle to request after having flown own is missing (5) 21. Wing crosswise to nave where parents change at end of Lent (8) 24. A Marx brother has no comeback for such a weapon (7) 25. Make reparation for a wrong note (5) 26. Sort of embroidery that sounds merciless (6) DOWN 2. In the First Lady it’s all right to bring it to mind (5) 3. Ride and turn around if one is found where he shouldn’t be (8) 4. Private war family head is due to break up (4) 5. Junior leader in crossing along the coast of Norway (5) 6. Smite about fifty swordsman will take in hand (4) 7. Takes a shot over where the bus pulls up (4) 10. Systematic account of GM written out with 24 (9) 12. Frolic home for an easy win (4) 13. Everybody turning up in a wood will fall in a heap (8) 14. Orchestral player’s position with a job in the office (4) 18. Flower almost goes backwards when afloat (5) 20. Reproductive body leading scientist will gaze closely at (5) 21. It may carry glasses and some sundry articles put up (4) 22. I’m all right, even if running wild (4) 23. Powder hidden in a secret alcove (4)

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anti-clockwise.

WordWheel 851

E S T T

Quick crossword 1

WordWheel

E C

6 7

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or Previous solution: PUBLICAN anticlockwise. Previous solution: PUBLICAN

11 12

WordBuilder WordBuilder

H C I P T WordBuilder H C I P T

066

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word. Good Very Good How 7many words 9ofExcellent three or12more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s atsolution: least one five-letter deli, den, word. die, diel, Previous din, dine, eld, end, idle, led,12 lei, lend, Good 7 Very Goodide, 9 Excellent lid, lie, lied, lien, line, lined, nide, nil

S ?

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Saying “no” will be more important than saying “yes.” This “no” will clarify the sacrifice you’re willing to make in order to have what you want and be who you aspire to being. TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): You’re used to people thinking you’re amazing at something because you are. You’re also afraid that if they knew you were bad at other things, it would detract from your reputation. That’s the part you’re wrong about. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): You have a strong desire to learn, and it only gets stronger when you have an excellent teacher, an enticing model and an exceptional method. All will be made available to you. CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): It’s wonderful to get your way immediately, but even more wonderful to get your way eventually, as the anticipation makes winning all the sweeter and gives you the sense that you’ve earned the reward. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): You don’t know what’s in another person’s mind. However, if they keep showing up for you, then that’s a good indication that you figure strongly in their thoughts. This is an honour you won’t take for granted. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): The newborn baby doesn’t cry out of weakness; the opposite is true. The crying announces life in all its glorious pain. Whatever emotion you feel, accept and embody it as the natural gift it is. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): You have to ask what’s in it for you. When you know you’re getting what you want from an exchange, it will be easier for you to commit to delivering wholeheartedly. SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): Whether you signed up for it or not, you’re a role model. It’s not always fun knowing that people are watching and likely to copy what you do, but it does inspire you to make the best choices you can. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): You’re always happier when you have outlets for your creativity. This time, you won’t have to go looking because the project finds you. Tonight, you’ll be rewarded for what you did ages ago. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Thoughts can be a kind of worship. To think of a thing is to pay homage to it. Repeated thoughts are veneration. If you are “worshiping” something accidentally, you’ll be empowered to change that. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): People have different reactions to your curiosity. Some are flattered and want to be known and understood. Others are threatened, likely because they have something to hide. Take their skittishness as a warning sign. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Your influence is more potent than you realise. If you aim for the kindest way to direct others, you won’t regret it. People really want to impress you and are wounded by anything less than your favour.

15 16

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz 6/3

20 21

Sudoku

ACROSS 1. Necessities (10) 7. Wipe out (5) 8. Congested (7) 10. Old-fashioned (8) 11. Jewels (4) 13. Peak (6) 15. Debacle (6) 17. Evening (4) 18. Flummoxed (3,2,3) 21. One who accepts the truth (7) 22. Untethered (5) 23. Impotently (10)

DOWN 1. Precise (5) 2. Hurry up! (4,2,2) 3. Scratched (6) 4. False god (4) 5. Boarders (7) 6. Think again (10) 9. Out of place (10) 12. Marvels (8) 14. Error (7) 16. Cheerful (6) 19. Tale (5) 20. Hobble (4)

Previous solution: deli, den, die, diel, din, dine, eld, end, ide, idle, led, lei, lend, lid, lie, lied, lien, line, lined, nide, nil

7 2 4 1 9 3 2 5 1 4 8 4 7 6 3 8 4 2 3 5 6 4 2 8 2 9 2 9 3

Previous cryptic solution

Across: 1. Microscopic 8. Overdraw 9. Ogre 10. Wedge 13. Hour 16. Step 17. Helm 18. Rend 20. Oddly 24. Tone 25. Ignorant 26. Hell-raising 7 Down: 2. Idea 3. Ridge 4. Slang 5. Pooch 6. Commiserate 6 14. Obey 15. Mean 8 2 7. Recriminate 11. Dingo 12. 5 Edged 19. Dwell 21. Dogma 22. Looks 23. Yawn 2 7 6 9

Previous quick solution 1

3 6

4 5

2 4 7

6 9

5 9 2 7 8 4 4 2

1 3

8 3

2 5 HARD

3 6 2 8 1 5 9 4 7

7 2 4 9 4 7 8 1 PREVIOUS SOLUTIONS 4 5 2 7 4 9 5 2 1 3 8 6 57 631 4 3 89 2 9 7 6 9 5 34 41 8 3 2 27 7 1 7 8 3 5 2 4 6 9 8 6 3 3 9 6 8 1 4 7 2 5 23 5 4 9 7 6 8 1 3 1 6 9 54 6 3 8 41 1 7 2 3 6 8 5 1 4 3 9 7 2 8 2 9 2 3 6 8 7 1 5 4

EASY

9 1 2 6 8 7 3 5 4

Across: 7. Sanctimonious 8. Et cetera 9. Edgy 10. Youths 6 19. Pawn 1 7 12. Option 14. Kin 15. Usable 17. Gained 7 8 21. Eternity 23. General strike Down: 1. Cautious 2. Accept 3. Dire 4. For a2song 5. Divert 9 5 6 6. Rung 11. Skeletal 13. Overtake 16. Banned 18. Ignore 5 1 20. Anew 22. Easy

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

PUZZLES 31

6 2 4 7 8 9 3 1 5

7 9 5 3 6 1 4 2 8

8 3 1 4 2 5 9 6 7

1 5 9 6 7 4 8 3 2

2 7 3 9 1 8 5 4 6

4 8 6 5 3 2 7 9 1

3 6 8 1 4 7 2 5 9

9 4 7 2 5 6 1 8 3

5 1 2 8 9 3 6 7 4

32 CLASSIFIEDS

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

EVENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO COVID RESTRICTIONS

Daily Diary

Stallholders will have locally-grown fresh produce. North end of West Street Car Park. 9am-3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSEUM. Static displays with collections of up to 30 aircraft and memorabilia. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road.

10am - 12pm ASHBURTON VINTAGE CAR CLUB. Museum and parts shed open. 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald. 10am-4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY.

Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, 160 Main Street Methven. 10.30am-3.30pm ASHBURTON EMBROIDERERS GUILD. Come and enjoy some stitching and friendship. Ashburton Seniors Centre. Cameron Street.

SUNDAY, MARCH 7

ASHBURTON METHODIST CHURCH. Service led by Rev Heather Kennedy, The Chapel at Paterson’s, cnr Cox and East streets. 10.00am HAKATERE PRESBYTERIAN PARISH. Morning worship and communion at Oxford Street led by Rev Johanna Warren. All welcome. 65 Oxford Street. 10am ST ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Morning worship led by Rev Eric

Mattock, all welcome. COVID protocols will be in place. Sinclair Centre, Park Street. 10am ST ANDREW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Holy Communion, Thomson Street. 10am ASHBURTON BAPTIST CHURCH. Morning worship, all welcome, 67 Cass Street, Ashburton. 10am ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. All age and Holy Communion. Park Street.

10am - 4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY, Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, 160 Main Street Methven. 1pm - 3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSUEM. Static displays, collection of aircraft and memorabilia on display. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road. 5pm ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Evensong, Park Street.

MONDAY, MARCH 8

ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, 160 Main Street Methven. 10.30am ASHBURTON COMMUNITY WALKING GROUP. Walking for about 30-40 minutes on Mondays and Fridays. Meet Walnut Avenue Pavilion. 1pm - 3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSEUM. Static displays, collection of aircraft

and memorabilia on display. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road. 1pm - 4.30pm THE MID CANTERBURY LINEDANCERS. 1pm-2.15pm, weekly beginners learn to line dance, following on to easy intermediate. 2.30pm-3.30pm and intermediate level from 3.30pm4.30pm. Instructor Annette Fyfe 0274813131. Tinwald Hall, Graham Street. 1.15pm

RSA INDOOR BOWLS. Weekly Social Indoor Bowls held at the RSA Linton lounge. Cox Street. 6pm ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Circuit training in the hall, 48 Allens Road, Allenton. 7pm - 9.30pm R AND R LINEDANCING ASHBURTON. Upper Improvers/intermediate weekly line dance classes. Balmoral Hall, 240 Cameron Street.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Enquiries to 308 6817. 10am - 4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, 160 Main Street Methven. 10.30am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON. Steady As You Go. Fall prevention programme. Contact 308 6817. Held at All Saints Anglican Church, Chapman Street, Methven. 12pm - 2pm ASHBURTON JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

(Signing Centre). JP available for all signing services on Tuesdays and Fridays. No appointment necessary. No fee. Community House, 44 Cass Street. 1pm AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON. Steady As You Go. Fall prevention programme. Contact 308 6817. Held at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Bridge Street, Rakaia. 1pm - 2.30pm R AND R LINEDANCING ASHBURTON. Weekly beginner/improved line dance classes. MSA Social Hall, Havelock Street.

1pm - 3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSUEM. Static displays, collection of aircraft and memorabilia on display. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road. 3pm-4.30pm R AND R LINEDANCING ASHBURTON. Weekly Intermediate line dance classes. MSA Social hall, Havelock Street. 5.45pm (registration) - 6pm start. RUN AND WALK ASHBURTON. Summer series. Run or walk 1, 3 or 5km, adults $2, children free. Everyone welcome. Meet Ashburton Domain, Walnut Avenue.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6

9am-12pm ASHBURTON CRAFT MARKET. Stallholders will have lovely gifts, plants, woodwork and more. West Street Car Park. 9am-12.30pm ASHBURTON FARMERS’ MARKET.

8am ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Holy Communion, Park Street. 8am ASHBURTON STROLLERS CLUB. Lake Alexandrina, Tekapo. Phone Jenny 308 6862. Meet Ashburton Courthouse, Baring Square West. 9.30am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Worship service and communion, 48 Allens Road, Allenton. 9.30am

6am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Circuit training in the hall, 48 Allens Road, Allenton. 10am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON, 206 CLUB. Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Enquiries to 308 6817. 10am - 4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE

TUESDAY, MARCH 9

9.30am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Walking group meets outside church. 48 Allens Road, Allenton. 9.30am - 10.30am MID CANTERBURY NETBALL. Walking netball $2 A GAME. E A Networks Centre, River Terrace. 10am MSA TAI CHI. Cost $3 per session, classes start this week, MSA, Havelock Street. 10am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON, 206 CLUB. Programme for the elderly runs

Weekend Services MEDICAL SERVICES

IN EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PHONE 111. For all other medical assistance outside of normal hours, please phone your General Practice team, 24/7, to speak with a health professional who will give you free health advice on what to do or where to go if you need urgent care. If you don’t have a regular General Practice, call any GP team 24/7 for free telephone health advice.

DUTY DOCTORS Moore Street Medical Centre, 254 Moore Street, Ashburton, will be the duty practice for Saturday until 8am Sunday. To make an appointment call your regular GP. Three Rivers Health, Allens Road, Ashburton, will be the duty practice for Sunday until 8am Monday. To make an appointment call your regular GP. Please bring your Community Services Card. All non New Zealanders should bring their passport with them, New Zealanders should bring some form of ID.

Methven & Rakaia Area

For weekend and emergency services please phone Methven Medical Centre on 302 8105 or Rakaia Medical Centre on 303 5002 for details on how to access the after-hours service each weekend. Healthline is a free health advice service. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free number to call is 0800 611 116. Healthline is staffed by registered

Alcohol Drug Help Line

Call us free on (0800 787 797). Lines open 10am - 10pm seven days. Wises Pharmacy, Countdown Complex, East Street, will be open from 9am - 1pm Saturday, from 10am - 1pm Lifeline Sunday. Toll-free: 0800 353 353. Countdown Pharmacy, Ashburton South, 2 East Street, open from 9am - 8pm daily. OMMUNITY ERVICES

Pharmacies

Please contact directly for hours.

Emergency Dentist

Art Gallery

327 West Street, Ashburton, phone 308 1133. Open daily: 10am – 4pm.

If you do not have or cannot contact your regular dentist, please phone 027 683 0679 for the name of the rostered weekend dentist in Christchurch. Hours 9am - 5pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Ashburton Museum

HELPLINE SERVICES

Havelock Street. Ph 308 7192. Saturday: 10am - 1pm. Sunday: 1pm - 4pm.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Call 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) or visit www.aa.org.nz for more information.

Mental Health - Call free on 0800 222 955. Ask for the Crisis Team.

Safe Care - 24hr Rape and Sexual Assault Crisis

Support. Phone 03 364 8791

Victims Support Group

24hr - Freephone 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846). Direct dials to a volunteer. Ashburton Office - 307 8409 week-days, 9am - 2pm,

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

6am ST DAVID’S UNION CHURCH. Circuit training in hall, 48 Allen’s Road, Allenton. 8am ASHBURTON STROLLERS CLUB. Quail Island. Phone Jenny 308 6862. Meet Ashburton Courthouse, Baring Square West. 9am-3pm ASHBURTON AVIATION MUSUEM. Static displays, collection of aircraft and memorabilia on display. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road. 9.30am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON. Steady As You Go. Fall prevention programme. Contact 308 6817. Held at St David’s Union Church, 48 Allens Road, Allenton. 10am ST STEPHEN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH. Holy Communion, Park Street. 10am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON Hip Hop for Seniors. Phone 308 6817. Seniors Centre, Cameron Street. 10am AGE CONCERN ASHBURTON, 206 CLUB. Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Enquiries to 308 6817. 10am - 4pm NZ ALPINE AND AGRICULTURE ENCOUNTER AND THE ART GALLERY. Open for viewing. Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, 160 Main Street Methven.

BUSINESS NOTICES

ANTIQUE BUYERS In your area next Monday 8th March

Gold Jewellery, scrap gold Pocket watches, wrist watches Old bank notes & old coins Military & other medals Sterling silver, Ivory, old pens Paintings & Maori artifacts Clocks, Fun Ho & tin toys

ph 0800 00 24 25

Eric Jackson Antique Buyers, PO Box 665, Picton

DIAL 111 in the event of a Medical or Accident Emergency

nurses who are trained to assess health problems and offer outside of these hours leave a message. advice over the phone. The service is free and confidential.

Ashburton Rest Homes

2021

327 West Street, Ashburton, phone 307 7890. Open daily: 10am – 4pm.

Ashburton Public Library

EA Networks Centre - Pools

20 River Terrace - phone 03 308 4020. WEEKEND HOURS: Sat and Sun 7am - 7pm. Public holidays 10am - 5pm.

Ashburton Operations Centre ASHBURTON MAIL CENTRE STANDARD POST: Mon - Fri 5pm POST DELIVERY CENTRES Allenton & Tinwald: Mon - Fri 5pm Methven & Rakaia: Mon - Fri 2pm

ASHBURTON’S STREET RECEIVERS Business Area: Mon - Fri 5pm Residential Area: Mon - Fri 5pm

Information Centre

Methven - Saturday and public holidays 10am until 2.30pm. Phone 302 8955 or isite@midcanterburynz.com

ANIMAL SERVICES Dog, Stock & Noise Control

Ashburton District Council 03 307 7700 - 24hr service.

Animal Welfare Centre

All enquiries - phone 308 4432 or 027 3329286.

Veterinarians

ASHBURTON VETS - Ph 0276 838 000, 149 Cameron Street, Ashburton: Duty vet: Ben Hallenstein. Full emergency service all weekend. VET ENT RIVERSIDE - Ph 03 308 2321, 1 Smallbone Drive, Ashburton. Saturday clinic: 9am - 12 noon. Weekend 24-hour emergencies. VETLIFE ASHBURTON - Ph 03 307 5195, Cnr East Street and Seafield Road, Ashburton. Saturday clinic: 9am - 12 noon. Weekend 24-hour emergencies. CANTERBURY VETS - Ph 03 307 0686, West Street Clinic, West Street, Ashburton. Saturday clinic: 9am - 12 noon. Weekend emergencies: Cody Wong. Vet Ent and Vet Life operate a joint after-hours SMALL animal emergency service. To use this service please phone your vet as usual.

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT Service Coordinator Ashburton Permanent Part-time (25 hours per CCS Disability Action’s vision is to see every disabled person included in the life of their family and community. We have been working with disabled people and their families since 1935 and are now at the forefront of service provision, advocacy and information sharing in the disability sector New Zealand-wide. Our people are professional, innovative, dedicated and knowledgeable. We hold ourselves to the highest possible ethical and professional standards and are known for our partnership approach to support. To be appointed the successful candidate will have: • An understanding of working with Families, Youth and Adult and the ways to support people to continue to grow and develop • Working knowledge of the Social Model of Disability, including person directed planning and community development practices. • A strong commitment to providing quality support and outcomes to disabled people and their families. • A willingness to be flexible and seek opportunities to work in innovative ways • Be a person that looks for opportunities to develop and maintain community connections and networks with a focus on supporting the community towards greater inclusion for all people • Have experience working with people with disabilities would be a distinct advantage. CCS Disability Action builds our work around three core documents; UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the NZ Disability Strategy. We work within a Human Rights framework and are committed to equal opportunity in all our employment policies and procedures. We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. This position offers you flexibility in how you manage the role and we openly encourage people with lived experience of disability to apply How to apply: Contact our Business Support team (03) 365 5661 or email Southern. Recruitment@ccsDisabilityAction.org. nz or drop into the local office at 44 Cass St, Ashburton for a job description and application form. Application closing date: 5.00pm, Friday 19th March 2021.

Gateway Vets has a vacancy for an accounts manager The role includes accounts receiveable, accounts payable, IRD commitments, including PAYE/GST/ Income tax, Payroll, cashflow budgets and general administration. Gateway Vets is a dynamic, growing business with a strong workplace culture and an excellent employer reputation. The work is varied and the environment is exciting. If you want a job where you are valued and what you do counts, please contact Phil Skinner, phil@gatewayvets, 03 693-9060.

FOR SALE FIREWOOD, Dry shed stored old man pine $290 per 3m³, Larch Oregon hot mix $300 per 3m³, Macrocarpa $330 per 3m³, Delivered. Cheaper prices for larger loads. Please phone Jimmy on 0274414073.

Flexible Part Time Merchandiser required for immediate start. Must have full drivers licence. Job requires lifting no more than 20kg so a certain level of fitness is required. Previous experience not necessary as full training will be given. Must have excellent customer service skills. Police Check will be done Apply to Merchandiser: Box 1234 C/- Ashburton Guardian P O Box 77, Ashburton , 7740

SITUATIONS VACANT FARM HAND

WANTED

We are seeking a farm hand for our cropping, store lambs, and dairy grazing farm near Mayfield, 27km from Ashburton. The role will include mainly sheep and some tractor work. Mechanical know-how is required. Must be able to work unsupervised and weekend work will be required during peak times. May suit exfarmer. Starting ASAP. Apply with 2 references. Accommodation not available. Contact Martin 027 431-3444, or email flemingmapcb@farmside. co.nz

GARDENING PEA Straw clean, no spray, $5 per bale off paddock, $6 per bale delivered. 175 Fords Road. Phone 0275 319 103.

THREE RIVERS HEALTH PRACTICE NURSE We invite expressions of interest to join the team at Three Rivers Health. We work from modern purpose-built premises in Allenton and provide a supportive and collegial team environment. We encourage personal development and like to have a laugh along the way. Our focus is patient centric, and we are working towards a Health Care Home model of care. This position is for a full or part-time nurse looking for a new challenge or a return to practice nursing. As mentioned above, we provide a supportive environment for our team members to pursue further education (if desired) and personal development that fits with your individual needs and lifestyle. This may be a particular area of interest or a desire to work towards nurse prescriber or nurse practitioner qualifications. If you are interested in discussing this opportunity, please email Annette Norton at annette.norton@threerivershealth.co.nz or our business manager Chris McAuslin at chris.mcauslin@threerivershealth.co.nz Either Annette or Chris will be happy to answer any questions or arrange a time to discuss further (either by phone or face to face).

Youth Support Position Safer Mid Canterbury provides a range of child, youth, adult and family services across the Ashburton District. We are a non-profit organisation that has been operating as a charitable trust for more than 25 years, providing free and confidential services that focus on a healthier, stronger and safer community for all. Due to our current staff member moving into a new role internally we now have a vacancy for our youth support position.  Are you committed to supporting young people to reach their potential?  Do you have experience in supporting young people individually and in group environments?  Do you have experience in developing, overseeing and assessing personal client plans?  Do you have an understanding of the needs of young people and how to address these?  Do you have a knowledge of and commitment to strength based processes? If you can answer yes to these questions we would love to hear from you. This position is full time 40 hours per week working with young people aged 12 to 18 years. It provides the candidate with the opportunity to make a real and significant difference to the lives of vulnerable young people across our district. In return we offer a family friendly, professional and flexible work environment. To apply for this position please go to the careers page of our website to download an application form and to view the position description. Please follow all instructions on the application form. Please call us on 03 308 1395 or email Jenny.rae@safermidcanterbury. org.nz if you require further information. www.safermidcanterbury.org.nz Applications close Friday, March 19, 2021

Guardian

Situations Vacant

307 7900

SITUATIONS VACANT

TANCRED STREET DISPENSARY PHARMACY OPPORTUNITY Tancred Street Dispensary is looking for a Dispensary Technician. Consideration would be given to a Technician currently training or to a person considering a Pharmacy position. This position is full-time – Monday to Friday We are located within the Eastfield Health building on Tancred Street. Please send a one page CV to smwise@xtra.co.nz by the 12th of March, confidentiality is assured. Steve Wise Tancred Street Dispensary 135 Tancred Street, Ashburton

Looking for the ideal part-time driving job? We need school bus drivers! Driving a school bus is very rewarding and allows you plenty of time to follow other pursuits in between daily trips. We currently have vacancies within our company for School Bus Drivers in the Ashburton area. Assistance may be available for suitable applicants to obtain the required licences. For further enquiries to:

CLASSIFIEDS 33

information,

please

direct

The Manager Pearsons Coachlines Ltd 403 West Street Ashburton Email: pearsonsashburton@xtra.co.nz Phone: (03) 308 2992 or 021 344 647 Website: www.pearsonscoachlines.co.nz

PART TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT (15 hours per week approx) Experience not required as full training provided for the right person. Will be trained in varying roles. Must have excellent communication skills and a mature outlook. To apply please email your CV and current passport sized photo to burnettstreetdental@gmail.com Closing date 5pm Friday 12th March 2020.

Qualified Carpenter We are looking for an experienced qualified tradesman to join our team. We build new homes, alterations and light commercial in the Mid Canterbury area. Applications or enquires to be emailed in confidence to office@jkfhomes.co.nz

PLANTS, PRODUCE

HIRE

SMITHFIELD Flowers, 211 Smithfield Road. $5 bunches of chrysanthemums for sale. Many colours and varieties. Beautiful long lasting flowers.

GENERAL hire. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, concrete breakers, trailers, and more. All your DIY / party hire, call and see Ashburton U-Hire. 588 East Street. Open Monday-Friday 7am - 6pm; Saturday 7.30am LIVESTOCK, PETS - 5pm; Sunday 8.30am 2TH Poll Dorset Rams for 12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. sale. Please phone 021 www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz 888 626 or 027 2299 761.

SITUATIONS VACANT

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT STUNNING, mature lady in Ashburton now. No texts. Please phone 021 0275 9055.

Methven Area Caretaker Reporting to our Open Spaces Supervisor, this autonomous position will see you take responsibility for ensuring our public conveniences in the Methven area and the Inland Scenic Route are of a high standard for residents and visitors alike. Ideally, you’ll have previous cleaning, gardening or handy person experience and you will know when to communicate any issues or items for maintenance beyond your ability up the chain. A can do attitude, attention to detail and pride in your work are the key elements you will require to fulfil the duties of the role. To find out more about this vacancy and what the Ashburton District Council has to offer you go to our website.

TWO Asian lady special, excellent services. In/out calls. Phone 022 572 5823.

MOTORING WHEEL alignments at great prices. Maximise the life of your tyres with an alignment from Neumanns Tyre Services Ltd, 197 Wills Street. Phone 308 6737.

PUBLIC NOTICES Ashburton Rock ‘N’ Roll Club AGM Thursday March 11, 2021, 7pm Venue Americar Hot Rod Club Maronan Road

CHURCH SERVICES

Applications close Wednesday, 10 March 2021. “Transforming Lives through Gospel Power”

www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/careers SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

LABOUR FOR HIRE Painting, gardening, tractor work, or whatever you require. I will get the job done. Trevor James. Ph: 027 601 4644.

Qualified Painter required to join our busy firm.

10:30 am Worship Every Sunday 63 Princes Street

All Welcome Rev. David Bayne Ph 307 7355

Guardian Motoring

Contact Richard 027 626 0784 or email mccreapaintersashburton@gmail.com

307 7900

Trades & Services To place a Trades & Services ad, call 307-7900 or email classifieds@theguardian.co.nz

HEAT PUMPS KEEP YOUR HOME THE PERFECT TEMPERATURE ALL YEAR ROUND

HEAT PUMPS

electriCOOL Ltd Phone Paul Crequer, your local authorised Daikin dealer for a free quote on all domestic and commercial systems phone 0274 362 362 or 308 4573.

Let’s start the conversation call 0800 764 846 455 West Street, Ashburton Email: ashburton@smith-sons.co.nz or visit: smithandsons.co.nz

TALBOT SECURITY GROUP

enovating? r f o g in k in h T

Locksmith Services TM

• • • •

WE MAKE IT EASY WITH OUR THREE SIMPLE STEPS ...

Car Keys House Keys Electronic Car Remote keys Locks

E - operations@talbotsecurity.co.nz P - 03 307 2409 anytime 24/7

Keeping your property protected with a security camera system from Masterguard  Residential  Security

 New Builds  Commerical

 P.V. Solar

 Industrial

 Ventilation

 Test & Tagging

   

Heat Pumps Lights & Plugs

Protect your biggest asset with a home security camera package from Masterguard Call me today for a free, no obligation quote

Switchboards Air conditioning

149 Kermode Street, Ashburton 03 308 2621/022 676 2966 www.aoteaelectricashburtonltd.co.nz

Lifestyle

Hartley Curd phone 0800 788 393 or 021 328 301 57 Dobson Street, Ashburton.

CALL GROUTPRO FOR AN HONEST DISCUSSION ABOUT YOUR GROUT AND TILE AFTERCARE

To deal with Dirty Tiles and Grout CALL GROUTPRO WE HELP YOU KEEP ON TOP OF YOUR SHOWER AND TILE MAINTENANCE

• Tile shower makeovers • Professional tile and grout cleaning • Re-colouring existing grout

• Sealing and repairing/replacing tiles/grout • Replacing mouldy and tired silicon

WE TRANSFORM TILES/GROUT IN BATHROOMS, KITCHENS, SHOWERS, BALCONIES, CONSERVATORIES AND ANY TILED AREA

CONNECTIONS

Contact GroutPro Brett Muir for a quote and an upfront honest discussion.

027 746 7632

www.groutpro.co.nz

TALBOT SECURITY GROUP Home and Business Solutions We service and repair all makes and models of sewing machines and overlockers Open 7 Days | P 03 307 6277 | Main South Road, Tinwald | www.anniesquilts.co.nz

100% locally owned and operated

• • • • •

Alarm Installation and servicing Alarm Monitoring Alarm response and patrols Data cable and networking CCTV installs

A - 62c Dobson Street, Ashburton E - operations@talbotsecurity.co.nz P - 03 307 2409 anytime 24/7

Saturday, March 6, 2021 Ashburton Guardian

Please note all late death notices or notices sent outside ordinary office hours must be emailed to: deathnotices@ theguardian.co.nz to ensure publication. To place a notice during office hours please contact us on 03 307 7900 for more information. Any queries please contact 0800 ASHBURTON (0800-274-287)

Your opportunity to tell Mid Canterbury of your next event or meeting Daily Events is a FREE DAILY LISTING of MID CANTERBURY EVENTS to be held in the immediate future by non-commercial organisations. To arrange for events to be published in Daily Events, clip this form, fill in the applicable details and hand in to our LEVEL 3 office on Burnett Street or post to: Ashburton Guardian, P.O. Box 77, Ashburton 7740, midday Thursday week prior to publishing. CONDITIONS: 1. Telephoned information NOT accepted. 2. Forms MUST be signed by an authorised representative of the organisation concerned. 3. A separate form MUST be submitted for each future event and may be lodged with the Guardian as far in advance as desired. For example: A club which meets monthly may submit, say, 12 separate forms simultaneously – one pertaining to each meeting scheduled over the following 12 months. 4. The organisation acknowledges that no responsibility for errors or omissions will be accepted by the Guardian Company.

IN MEMORIAM

FAMILY NOTICES 35

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS DEATHS

WHITE, Angus Neil (Neil) – Karen and Roger, Alan and Felicity, Susan (Sue) and Jeremy and families would like to sincerely thank everyone for their love and support following the death In Loving Memory of of our beloved father, fatherMelva Irene Dynes in-law, grandfather and great grandfather and loved March 8th 2020 husband of the late Melva (Reddecliffe). Special Softly the leaves of thanks to Princes Court staff memory fall, and Dr Avnit. Thank you for gently we gather and all who attended Neil’s treasure them all. farewell and to those who Unseen, unheard, you sent messages, baking and are always near, so missed, so loved, so very flowers. Your support has been very much appreciated. dear. Please accept this as a No longer in our lives personal acknowledgement to share from our family. but in our hearts you are always there.

DEATHS

MONTGOMERY, Lorraine Dorothy – Passed away peacefully on March 2, 2021 at Ashburton Hospital, in her 91st year. Loved wife of the late Kelvin for 68 years. Loved mother, mother-in-law and friend of Karen and Danny Crequer, Leanne Chisnall and Barb Sheard. Loved Gran of Nicola and Carl, Philippa and Shannon; Kelly and Nigel, Simon and Lyndall. Loved great Gran of Taylor, Travis; Edwin, Asher and Indie. Messages to the Montgomery family c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. Special thanks to the staff at Terrace View for their loving care of Lorraine. At Lorraine’s request a private family service has been held.

You gave us many things in life, gifts both great and small, but most of all you gave us love, the greatest gift of all. We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain. To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again.

DEATHS

BURROWES, Nancy Eunice (Nan) – On March 2, 2021, at Summerset in Wigram, Christchurch. Aged 94 years. Dearly beloved wife of the late Jim Burrowes. Much loved mother and mother-inlaw of Sue and the late Ivan Burrowes, Jeanette and Wayne, Alister, Lynda and Graeme, Polly and the late Gigi, and Beverley and Michael. Much loved nana of Simon and Sara, Jay, Lisa and Glen, Melissa, Karly, Philippa and James, Sam and Tessa, Cara, Nadav, the late Eitan and Maya, Oliver, Frances, Ashley and Henry, and great nana of all of her great grandchildren. “A hard working and loving woman who will be sadly missed. Your memory lives on with us all”. Messages to the Burrowes Family, c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. A celebration of Nan’s life will be held in our Chapel, corner East & Cox streets, Ashburton, on THURSDAY March 11, commencing at 2pm. Followed by interment at the Ashburton New Lawn Cemetery.

Shirley, Sandra and Family.

Canterbury owned, locally operated

FUNERAL

Patersons Funeral Services FURNISHERS MASTER and Ashburton MONUMENTAL MASON Crematorium Ltd Office and Chapel Corner East & Cox Streets, Ashburton

Ph 307 7433

E.B. CARTER LTD For all your memorial requirements New headstones and designs Renovations, Additional inscriptions, Cleaning and Concrete work Carried out by qualified tradesmen.

620 East Street Ashburton Phone 308 5369 or 0274 357 974 ebcarter@xtra.co.nz NZMMMA Member

FUNERALS

PREARRANGE YOUR WISHES

Guardian ASHBUR TON

Our ne ws, online, all the time

FOR PEACE OF MIND

18-22 Moore Street, Ashburton 0800 263 6679 | 027 637 1229 www.memoryfunerals.nz

Jo Metcalf

Ashburton Weather

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Northwesterly winds.

Midnight Saturday

Canterbury Plains

MAX

22 MIN 9

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Possible early morning rain, and a shower or two south of Ashburton after midday, possibly thundery with hail. Northwesterly winds. Sunday: Mainly fine in the morning with a possible shower, then showers from afternoon. Northwesterlies changing southwesterly in the morning. Monday: Showers clearing in the morning and becoming fine. Southwesterlies gradually dying out.

A broad area of low pressure over the Tasman Sea is moving gradually eastwards. An associated front over the South Island should move onto the North Island this morning and then become slow moving this afternoon. A southwest flow eases as a ridge moves onto New Zealand from late Sunday and remains through Tuesday. A frontal system approaches Fiordland late Tuesday then moves up the South Island on Wednesday.

Around The Region Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Sunday: Fine in the morning, then showers from afternoon. Northwesterlies changing southwesterly in the morning. MAX 19 MIN

Canterbury High Country

Saturday: Rain about the divide, heavy at times. Partly cloudy further east with one or two showers possible. Snow to 1700m. Wind at 1000m: Gale northwesterly 70 km/h, easing to 55 km/h in the afternoon. Wind at 2000m: Gale northwesterly 80 km/h, easing to 60 km/h in the afternoon south of Lake Coleridge. Freezing level: Around 2000m. Sunday: Mainly fine in the morning apart from a possible shower, then showers from afternoon, falling as snow above 1800m. Wind at 1000m: Northwesterly 50 km/h, turning southwesterly 40 km/h in the morning. Wind at 2000m: Northwesterly 60 km/h, turning southwesterly 40 km/h in the morning. Freezing level: 2000m, gradually rising to 2400m. Monday: Isolated showers clearing in the morning and fine spells developing. Southerlies easing.

24 10 20 9 19 8 21 10 18 8 17 7 17 6 17 5 17 6 SUN PROTECTION ALERT 18 8 18 6 17 6 20 10 18 8 16 9 PROTECTION REQUIRED : 40 : 45 22 8 20 6 18 7 Seek shade, reapply sunscreen 10 am – 4 pm For the very latest weather information, including Weather Warnings, visit metservice.com © Copyright Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited 2021 Compiled by Christchurch Darfield Lake Coleridge Methven Rakaia Timaru

Monday: Showers clearing early and becoming fine. Southwesterlies gradually dying out. MAX

Readings to 4pm Friday Temp °C Maximum Minimum Grass min 24hr Rain mm Month to date Wind km/h Strongest gust Sun hrs on Thu Month to date

Ashburton Airport 25.3 5.5 0.4 1.2 1.8 N 56 2:08pm 2.5 19.5

Methven 20.3 12.0 – – – – – – –

Christchurch Timaru Airport Airport 23.0 21.3 3.6 4.4 -0.7 – 1.0 0.0 1.8 0.6 NE 44 S 20 1:54pm 3:05pm 3.6 – 17.6 –

Tides, Sun and Moon Saturday

18 MIN 7

Sunday

Monday

Ashburton H 10:53am 11:22pm 11:57am 12:26am 12:58pm Mouth L 4:32am 5:02pm 5:41am 6:06pm 6:46am 7:06pm Rakaia Mouth Rangitata Mouth

H 10:41am L 4:28am H 10:37am L 4:16am

11:10pm 4:53pm 11:06pm 4:46pm

11:39am 12:10am 12:37pm 5:29am 5:51pm 6:30am 6:50pm 11:41am 12:10am 12:42pm 5:25am 5:50pm 6:30am 6:50pm

Data provided by NIWA

7:16am 8:12pm 7:17am 8:10pm 7:18am 8:09pm – 3:13pm 12:16am 4:22pm 1:07am 5:22pm

last qtr Mar 6

new Mar 13

first qtr Mar 22

full Mar 29

Ashburton Guardian Saturday, March 6, 2021

191 Burnett St, Ashburton 308 6173 • realestatenewzealand.net.nz

view any of our properties from the comfort of your home in 3D...because you can!

RESIDENTIAL

LIFESTYLE

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

3D VIRTUAL REALITY TOURS Trevor Hurley Real Estate Ltd LREAA 2008 - MREINZ

56 Spaxton St, Methven • Large open plan kitchen, dining, lounge • Underfloor heating/tiles throughout • Three bathrooms, includes two ensuites • Large walk in wardrobe • Outdoor entertaining • Plenty of storage • Double garage and easy care section. • All offers considered after 2pm, 9 March 2021 Offers Over $649,000 Open Sat 6 March 1.15 - 1.45pm

• 50 Wellington St • Tidy family home close to Hampstead School • Open plan kitchen, dining & lounge with good indoor/outdoor flow • Conservatory/sunroom • Modern bathroom • Outdoor entertainment • Spacious bedrooms • Extra room by kitchen Offers Over $349,000 Open Sat 6 March 10.00 - 10.30am First Home Buyers From 10% Deposit $342pw (Conditions apply)

ID:E715

95a Michael St, Rakaia Situated on the eastside of the Rakaia township close to all amenities, is this very low maintenance home. Built approx. 2010; the home has 3 bedrooms with storage, open plan living, double glazing, decks to front and rear and a double garage. Enquiries Over $339,000 Open Sat 6 March 10.30 - 11.00am First Home Buyers From 10% Deposit $293pw (Conditions apply)

First Home Buyers From 10% Deposit $260pw (Conditions apply)

ID:W708 Perfect Westside Starter • Beautifully maintained home close to Argyle Park • Some refurbishments including double glazing • Newly painted roof • Insulated top & bottom ID:R084 $PBN BIR $310,000 - $360,000 3 1 1

ID:E716

First Home Buyers From 10% Deposit $251pw (Conditions apply)

ID:T308

First Home Buyers From 10% Deposit $306pw (Conditions apply)

ID:W716 What A Great Opportunity! • Quality built home situated very close to the Domain • Three bedrooms plus fourth bedroom/office. • Large living, dining and kitchen areas. • Two shower rooms • Large garage/workshop area ID:H115 Offers Over $500,000 4 2 2

Investment Gem Or Smart Starter! ID:T313 • Fantastic investment opportunity • Fully insulated & compliant log burner + heat pump • Ample garaging, plenty of parking and storage with a drive thru single garage, carport plus a tandem garage. • Good sized 658m² section, fully fenced at the rear Offers Over $335,000 3 1 4

45 Tucker Street • Allenton location, close to shopping & schools • Warm and sunny, heatpump & HRV • Indoor/outdoor flow to large entertaining area • Fully fenced, perfect for family & pets • Carport and off street parking • Added bonus of a sleepout/mancave Offers Over $429,000 Open Sat 6 March 12.00 - 12.30pm 3

55 Archibald Street Pure potential here with this four bedroom Villa situated close to all amenities. Open plan living with heatpump and a new logburner installed 2017. Large single garage plus plenty of off street parking. Woodshed and garden shed. Insulated in ceiling. Potential to subdivide on this 1308m² section. Offers Over $300,000

44/1236 River Rd, Hakatere • This sunny bach has had extensive renovations and is ready for new owners. • Become a member of the Hakatere Hutholders Society and enjoy weekends away relaxing. Offers considered after 2pm, 16 March 2021 (unless sold prior) $PBN BIR $119,000 - $159,000 Open Sat 6 March 11.00 - 11.30am 2

ID:M107

ID:E713 You Will Love The Location! • Situated within the Avenues • A spacious property, great first home or investment. • Potential for the astute buyer to add value. • Single garage plus wood shed.

10 Mona Square • Situated in Mona Square opposite the park • Four bedroom home in need of a bit of TLC • Loads of potential here with great returns on this investment property • Single garage All offers considered after 2pm, 8 March 2021 Offers Over $249,000 Open Sat 6 March 11.00 - 11.30am First Home Buyers From 10% Deposit $233pw (Conditions apply)

Exceptionally Priced Rare Historic Home • 16 rooms • 3 bathrooms/5 toilets • 7 separate living areas, 8 bedrooms • Surrounding patio upstairs • Unique central staircase • Open plan kitchen & dining • Large entertainment deck • 1700m2 (subject to survey) Offers Over $580,000

ID:W714

ID:OXF1

Proud supporters of the Heart Foundation of New Zealand! We donate from every property sold!

Manager/Sales Consultant Trevor Hurley 0275 435 799

Sales Consultant Manu Otene 022 308 6885

Sales Consultant - Lincoln Linda Cuthbertson 0274087965

Sales Consultant Stephen Watson 027 433 9695

Sales Consultant Julie Srhoy 021 354 885

Sales Consultant Deborah Roberts 0210 752 180

Sales Consultant - Geraldine Ruth Jones 027 299 2589