Ashburton Guardian, Thursday, August 19, 2021

uardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

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Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

Former Cera employees on trial in Christchurch High Court NZ Herald The trial of two former Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority employees with strong Ashburton links charged over an alleged fraud involving a government-funded waste-to-energy plant on the West Coast began on Monday.

Gerard Anthony Gallagher, 62, and Simon Carl Nikoloff, 57, were both working for the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) in 2017 when they were the subject of an investigation by the State Services Commission (SSC) into alleged private property deals.

The SCC referred the pair to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) as a result and they were later charged.

Gallagher was the general manager of Enterprise Ashburton (which became Grow Mid Canterbury) for three years, before he established Gallagher and Associates, worked as the Ashburton Guardian’s general manager, established the Success Academy and was chief executive for Laser Plumbing and Electrical.

Nikoloff also has Ashburton’s links through his work as a business advisor with Grow Mid Canterbury, a position he held for about three years.

The pair are facing a range of

Former Cera employees Gerard Gallagher and Simon Nikoloff on trial in the High Court Christchurch. allegations including using and disclosing information gained in their official position at Cera to gain indirectly or directly a commercial advancement for their

private company Project and Management Ltd. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges brought under the Crimes Act of corrupt use of offi-

PHOTO GEORGE HEARD/NZ HERALD

cial information.

Nikoloff is facing two charges of corrupt use of official information and Gallagher faces three.

The pair are also facing two

charges of attempted corrupt use of official information each.

The jury trial in the High Court in Christchurch is expected to last for four weeks.

Todd wants to surprise his parents with a medal Malcolm Hopwood Paralympic Mike Todd wants to bring a medal back in time for his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.

Todd, a Wheel Black, has been in Christchurch undergoing Covid-19 tests this week before he joins the New Zealand Paralympic team which will leave for Japan today.

“We’re not competing to make up numbers,” Todd said.

“We’re there to challenge and put down a marker for the Paris Olympics in three years’ time.”

The New Zealand team plays its first game against world champions, USA, on August 25 and is assured of four games before the semi-finals and finals.

The ultimate goal for Todd, who plays a defensive role for the Wheel Blacks, is to win a medal and bring it back in time for Tony and Christine’s 50th anniversary in Ashburton on September 18.

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Paralympic officials, medical team and media have already left for Tokyo and the Olympic village with the 64 athletes and support staff departing today.

Todd feels fine and is raring to go.

“My shoulder is a lot better, I’m confident in my body and I’m feeling really good,” he said.

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be held from August 24 to September 5, and will include 22 para sports on the event schedule and up to 4400 paralympians competing.

Ashburton Wheel Black Mike Todd.

PHOTO MALCOLM HOPWOOD

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Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

Delta fear new reality New Zealand in snap lockdown Guardian Reporters Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown has backed the government’s decision to move swiftly into Level 4 and said Mid Cantabrians needed to be wary.

“There’s people who would’ve been in Auckland or Coromandel and all over the country and people who have unknowingly got the virus and they will have travelled home in the past few days,” he said.

“We need to be vigilant and adhere to the restrictions.”

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the snap three-day lockdown on Tuesday night, triggering panic buying across the county including Ashburton.

Despite it only being for three days and the message to shop normally, many still made the dash to the supermarket, leaving staff to restock barren shelves on Tuesday night.

“She was pretty hectic, but we had actually planned for it,” New World Ashburton manager Jeremy Rooney told Hoops on Hokonui yesterday.

“We managed to get through it alright. Our checkout staff did an amazing job getting them all through. Big shout out to them.”

“No need to panic buy, just shop normal as they say.”

The snap alert Level 4 lockdown across New Zealand has been described by Hospitality New Zealand as devastating news for the hospitality sector.

Chief executive Julie White said it is yet another blow for sector businesses that have been hit hard by previous alert level changes over the past 17 months.

What you need to know: Lockdown 2.0

Shelves in Ashburton supermarkets were stripped bare by panic shoppers on Tuesday night prior to the country moving to Alert Level 4 for three days.

PHOTO MADDISON GOURLAY 170821-MG-003 “This will be another big blow for struggling businesses, though they’re not the only ones, and we know it’s necessary,” she said.

“Hospitality New Zealand met with our counterparts in Australia last week, so we know first-hand just how dire things are there as they deal with the Delta variant, and we want to avoid that. So there’s no alternative but to go into Level 4, however much that’s going to hurt.

“We were warned by the Government a Level 4 lockdown would give us the best chance of stopping community spread of Delta, and the consequences of not moving immediately are not worth thinking about.”

For many hospitality businesses the snap lockdown means produce will simply go

to waste, and doors will close.

“We are gutted and speechless,” The Somerset Grocer and the Millhouse owner Nicky Milmine said.

“We sympathise with all the other retailers, hospitality and small businesses. As this is such a hard time for us all.”

Co-owner Mark Milmine said that “unfortunately it is what it is”.

“We agree with the decision the government made and we just now have to keep our community safe.”

For the district’s major tourism operator, the lockdown puts a halt to what has been tracking as a record season on the slopes of Mt Hutt Ski Area.

However, its multi-million dollar new eight-seater lift will sit idle until Level 2 restrictions.

Mayor Brown said the lock-

New Zealand moved to Alert Level 4 lockdown at 11.59pm on Tuesday The lockdown is for seven days in Auckland and three days in the rest of the country Genomic testing shows the original case is linked to the Delta outbreak in New South Wales.

Six more community cases confirmed as of Wednesday, bringing the total to seven. The vaccination roll-out will resume at 8am Thursday. down was yet another setback for local businesses across the district.

“It’s just something else on top of other things that are going on.

“Three days is all we know at this stage, but better it’s three days than a week like Auckland.”

All eyes will be glued to the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s update on Friday to learn if the Level 4 restrictions will be extended.

Witness shocked by panic buying spree Heather Clucas witnessed first-hand panic buyers in a frenzy in Ashburton on Tuesday night.

Clucas, who lives in a rural community, only came into Ashburton for a weekly netball training on Tuesday night.

“We finished netball practice early and decided to watch the news at the pub and

heard the lockdown announcement,” she said.

Clucas decided to pick up some essential items from Countdown South Ashburton on her way home back to her rural property and said she was blown away by the level of panic buying.

“I am actually really surprised with the

panic that is going around,” she said. “It’s a bit worse than I expected to be honest.”

During the last Level 4 lockdown that happened in April last year, Clucas was living in Australia out in the “wop- wops” so knew she had to stock up on some essentials.

More comments, P12

NEWS 3 SHORT & SHARP Masks mandatory The government has made it mandatory to wear masks when people are visiting essential services, including supermarkets and petrol stations. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that from 11.50pm last night “it will be mandatory for everyone aged 12 and over to wear a mask when they are visiting any of the essential services that are currently open, including supermarkets, pharmacies and service stations”. “Simply put, at Level 4 if you are in a place that is allowed to be open to provide services to people, or transport, you must wear a mask.” Staff will also be required to wear a mask.

Community facilities Under Alert Level 4 restrictions the EA Networks Centre, Ashburton Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum, and community halls are closed while all public playgrounds will be closed and taped off.

Public toilets on main freight routes will be open and will have increased cleaning frequency but all other public toilets will be closed. The Ashburton District Council’s administration building on Baring Square West is closed but many council staff are working from home so that essential services can continue. Roading and water services/repairs will continue as normal.

Red rubbish and yellow recycling bins will be collected from the kerbside as normal, but glass recycling is suspended until further notice.

Nurses’ strike The New Zealand Nurses’ Organisation (NZNO) withdrew its strike action plans for today due to the nationwide lockdown.

NZNO industrial services manager, Glenda Alexander, said people’s health and wellbeing remained their number one priority. “Our issues are important, but it would not be safe or responsible for us to continue with a strike if the country is under lockdown.” She said they would continue to look at future strike action, but for now the health professionals had other priorities. “One of our main issues has been that staffing levels are unsafe across the health system. We think it is important that all rostered nursing staff are at work should the Covid situation escalate.”

Funerals on hold Funerals in Ashburton have been put on hold until the Level 4 lockdown is over.

Manager of Paterson’s Funeral Services, Barry Hayman, said four funerals have been put on hold and has tentatively rescheduled them for the days following the lockdown. Memory Funerals” Kate Webster said two funerals have been affected. One has been cancelled with a memorial service planned for a later date while a decision has yet to be made about the second.

4 NEWS

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Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

Got an event happening? Invite us along: editorial@theguardian.co.nz

The Ashburton Indian Multicultural Charitable Trust held their Ashburton Multicultural Night 2021. With a variety of performances from different cultures, it was a multicultural evening that had everyone dancing along and having a nice time. Reporter Maddison Gourlay caught some of the action.

Bright and colourful dresses all the way from Mexico graced the stage thanks to the Fiesta Mexican Dance Group. 140821-MG-005

Above – Ishita Singh performed multiple times throughout the night, with various dances and costumes. The young children in the audience were in awe of how Singh’s skirt twirled perfectly in this performance.

140821-MG-006 Left – Ishita Singh and Sheenal Maniu were among those that stood up and danced along to the performances.

140821-MG-003

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NEWS 5

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

COVID-19 ALERT

Stopping Delta means raising our game The Delta variant is highly infectious. Overseas we have seen how this has been spread from people simply walking past each other.

Stay home, within your bubble

Locations of interest

The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay home. That means avoiding interacting face-to-face with people who are outside your bubble, even if you know them.

Go to Covid19.govt.nz for up-to-date locations of interest. If you were at a location of interest in the time specified, please self-isolate immediately and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice about a test.

If you must leave home to get essentials, access medical care, or use public transport it is now mandatory to wear a face covering while accessing these services.

If you leave your home for exercise: • Stay local • Keep 2 metres apart It’s also recommended you wear a face covering while you are outside of your home.

It takes everyone to stop Delta Find out more at Covid19.govt.nz 19

ID-

V CO NZ COVID TRACER APP

Booked in for a vaccination this week?

You will be contacted directly if your booking needs to change. Otherwise, please ensure you go.

Again, you must wear a face covering when visiting a health care facility and follow the precautions in place. This helps protect you, your whānau and your community.

6

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

HOW THE GUARDIAN INFLUENCES READERS: GREAT CONTENT

More than 70% of readers love the Guardian’s uniqueness. They said local news from local writers makes the Guardian highly relevant

SHOPPING

Nearly 70% say they’re influenced about what to buy and where to shop because of what they read in the Guardian

SURVEY RESULTS: The Guardian is the go-to media organisation in Mid Canterbury and well ahead of its competition, including the Ashburton Courier. Three out of four readers said the Ashburton Guardian was their key source of news and information.

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Almost three out of four people keep an eye on real estate listings, even when they’re not in the property market

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What an hour and what a performance, with Mayfield’s Emma Dyke playing her part in New Zealand rowing’s finest hour at the Olympic Games.

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77% keep an eye on job vacancies, even when they’re not looking for a job

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Champions Happiness is – winning the Watters Cup. And that’s what the jubilant Celtic team managed, edging Southern in a Mid Canterbury club rugby classic on Saturday.

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Post-partum bodies should be celebrated no ma�er what stage they are at. I hope it brings mums joy, unity, freedom, hope and strength Jaime Mcloughlin

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This crack team of two make it their business to be on top of everything a landlord needs to know to make sure all the legal boxes are ticked so you can rest easy knowing it’s taken care of. Talk to Janene or Carey. Call 03 307 8317 today.

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NEWS 7

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

Mayfield School pupils are grinning at the success of their breakfast club. It was all hands on deck to help Jayden Tate (left), but breakfast club members (from left) Naomi Dalangin, Jackson Hayman, Harriet Phillips and Kat King were happy to help.

PHOTO MADDISON GOURLAY 130821-MG-002

School breakfast club takes off place for all pupils to get breakfast before school and socialise.

The club has been running since the first week of term two with the initiative a continuation of Fonterra’s Milk in Schools.

The breakfast club was going to be run by staff, but senior students Jackson Hayman and Yori Franks decided to take it in their own hands and have expanded the initiative.

Maddison Gourlay Mayfield School has its own breakfast club.

It’s nothing to do with the 1985 cult classic film.

Mayfield’s breakfast club is a

After starting with just Weetbix and milk, Hayman brought the community on board to donate other breakfast foods for the children, as well as equipment.

Although the cereals are a hit among the students, toast is popular among the senior students with the toasters donated by families of the school.

Mayfield Service Centre own-

er, Alistair Thomas (aka Happy), regularly donates bread to the school for the toast, a local apiarist donates honey and Hayman has also convinced his granddad to donate other various spreads.

The expansion of the breakfast club has not only come from the variety of food, Hayman and Franks had to get more pupils in on a roster to help and have a “we are hiring” sign to get even

Ready for Stars In Your Eyes

more pupils on board.

Hayman and Franks are there every morning, greeting fellow school mates and preparing breakfast for anyone who wants it.

The staff, including principal Richard Kidd, are proud of what the breakfast club children have been doing and are excited seeing it grow and the continued support of the community.

Flick it

Nicki Kelley, Trevor Hurley, Deborah Roberts, and Sue Green are getting excited about the Ashburton County Lions bringing Stars In Your Eyes back to the district.

The third instalment, set to take place at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre on October 16, has gained sponsorship from Real Estate New Zealand Ashburton while the majority of funds raised from the event will go towards the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust, and some funding will go to local organisations.

Event promoter Linda Tayles said the rescue helicopter service was vital for the community.

Stars In Your Eyes plans to showcase local talent, with 12 finalists to be selected from video submissions. Entries are free and more information is available from the Event Centre or Nicki Kelley on 027 3028 025.

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Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

ASHBURTONDC.GOVT.NZ/NEWS 5 Baring Square West, Ashburton | PO Box 94, Ashburton, New Zealand 7740 | Telephone (03) 307 7700 | Website ashburtondc.govt.nz

Thursday, 19 August 2021 | ISSUE 42

Council services at Alert Level 4

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealand was moving to Level 4 effective midnight Tuesday, for three days, with only essential services able to operate.

Learn how the following Council services will be affected during this period: 1 Contacting Council Our customer service team is working from home, and are set up to take calls and emails to assist you with your enquiries.

2 Community facilities: EA Networks Centre, Ashburton Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum, and Community Halls are closed.

All public playgrounds will be closed and taped off.

Public toilets on main freight routes will be open (and where requested by essential services) and will have increased cleaning frequency. All other public toilets will be closed.

Council’s Administration building on Baring Square West is closed. Many of our staff are working from home so that essential services can continue.

3 Rates Payment Due Council is aware that rates are due on 20 August. Given the office is closed, you are encouraged to pay online (ashburtondc. govt.nz) if possible. For those who need to pay in person, further information will be provided shortly.

4 Water Our drinking water, storm water, stock water, and waste water services are being

delivered as normal.

5 Roads

Roading maintenance and repairs to keep the roads safe will continue.

6 Rubbish and recycling: We will continue to pick up your red rubbish bin and yellow recycling bin from the kerbside as per your normal collection days. Unfortunately, glass recycling is suspended until further notice. We ask that you store your empties at home in the meantime. We will let you know when this changes.

covid19.govt.nz 0800 358 5453

All Resource Recovery Parks will be closed to the public.

7 Regulatory services: Regulatory services such as building and resource consents remain operational, however there will be no physical inspections.

8 Council Meeting: The normal scheduled Council meeting of 18 August 2021 was held via Zoom and was live streamed on the Council’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Page.

The Council will continue to communicate with the community about any potential change to our services or activities. Follow our Facebook page (@AshburtonDC), visit the website (ashburtondc.govt.nz), and sign up to our free text/SMS alert service (by texting your postcode to 4196) to stay informed.

For additional information: www.health.govt.nz www.covid19.govt.nz

Mayor Neil Brown comments

Time to contain, stamp covid out Level 4. We've been here before.

Bugger, but let's get on with it.

The snap lockdown announced by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern might have caught some off guard, but the Delta variant is so much more infectious that the Government response had to be swift.

We have seen what has happened in Australia when the virus takes hold and now our mission in New Zealand is to contain and stamp out Covid-19 once again.

In alert level 4, schools are closed, businesses won't be open, restaurants and cafes will also be closed. However, supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations and dairies will still be open, but with this highly transmissable variant, we take no chances.

Wear your masks! Keep your distances, 1

Thursday, 19 August 2021 | ISSUE 42

wash your hands, get your bubbles sorted. This variant can pass between people just walking by each other.

Going hard and fast has worked for us before, so let's do this – but our health system cannot do this alone, so everyone needs to play their part.

Alert Level 4 is all about reducing human contact and the chance for the virus to spread, but if you do have to venture out for essential supplies,

The deadline for nominations for the 2021 Community Honours Awards is approaching and people are being encouraged to acknowledge the hard-working volunteers in their lives.

Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown said nominations close at 5 pm Friday (20 August) and any person or group wanting to submit should get in touch with his office.

The weather coming looks like it will be suitable for staying at home, which is fortunate. I can recommend a few Netflix shows and will be breaking out my baking tins (well, Judy's baking tins really).

We know this can be a stressful time, but we have been here before and we will get through it together. Be kind and be careful.

Community honours

remember to use your Covid tracer app.

Watch out for updates on Council’s website and hopefully we will be back to business as usual again soon.

“These awards are for individuals or groups that have worked selflessly for the benefit of others and helped make our district a more welcoming and vibrant space.” People can be nominated from four categories: the Mayor’s Award for Public Service, the Ashburton Medal, Civic Awards, and Honorary Citizens.

The awards ceremony will be on Friday 24 September. Any inquiries regarding the nominations for the Community Honours Awards please contact Carol McAtamney, phone 307 9645 or carol.mcatamney@adc.govt.nz ashburtondc.govt.nz/news

9

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

New civic building starts to emerge Ashburton District Council’s new Library and Civic Centre building has begun rising above its site boundary walls and local contractors are being praised for their contribution so far to the important community project.

The $56.75 million building is being constructed by Naylor Love Canterbury and Regional Director Graeme Earl said the foundations were nearly complete.

Road users and pedestrians are being asked to take extra care on Walnut Avenue now that work has begun on traffic lights at West Street/ SH1 and East Street.

“We’re about to pour the third-floor slab on the ground floor of the main building and then commence the erection of the super-structure, starting with the crosslaminated timber shear walls.”

This week (from August 16) people will be able to see two cranes starting to stand the panels, some of which will rise to a height of about 16 metres above ground level.

Mr Earl said one of the local contractors, Greg Donaldson Contracting (GDC), had impressed at the site and was recognised recently as contractor of the month. It is an award that spans all subcontractors working on all Naylor Love Canterbury projects.

GDC has been working on site since February.

“GDC undertook all the foundation excavations and are also installing all drainage and stormwater features.

Occasionally we’ve utilised their service detection team, hiab, and hydroexcavation units,” Mr Earl said.

“We’ve been impressed by their professionalism, their health and safety management system, and their positive attitude towards tasks. Their team is also friendly and collaborative.”

About 50 different subcontractors and suppliers are contributing to the library

and civic centre building.

“GDC has been doing excavation, backfill, and civil and drainage works. Ashburton Contracting Limited is providing all concrete for the project and we’re also sourcing some materials from local merchants as required.

“We emphasise to any subcontractors we engage that they should consider using local subcontractors and suppliers where possible,” Mr Earl said.

The completion of the project is expected by the end of 2022.

Three Waters reform RECOVERY

Contractor Fulton Hogan will be doing preliminary work in the next fortnight, including removing some trees along West Street/SH1 to improve visibility leading up to the traffic lights and locating underground services.

Speed restrictions will be in place for the length of the project and work areas fenced off. Safe pedestrian and cycle crossing points will be created nearby.

Traffic will be able to pass through the intersections for the majority of the work, with a stop/go system used as required.

The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2022.

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Meetings are held in the Council Chambers, 137 Havelock Street, (unless otherwise advised).

Ashburton Water Zone Committee Meeting, Tuesday 24 August, 1.00pm.

Council meeting Wednesday 1 September, 1.00pm. (live-streamed) Methven Community Board Monday 6 September, 10.30am, Mt Hutt Memorial Hall

Ongoing vulnerabilities in the Ashburton River will remain on Council’s radar despite the formal recovery period after May’s floods now over.

We expect to hear from Environment Canterbury soon about the reinstatement of the river’s flood protection and management for the future. These conversations will involve many and be of high interest to you all, so we will work alongside them to keep the community informed.

The first sod was turned this week in a complicated project that will see traffic lights replace two roundabouts either side of a new rail crossing.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

UPDATE

Formally exiting the recovery stage does not mean Council’s job is over, we will keep an eye on ongoing and emerging issues, and new risks and will continue to advocate and support the needs of our community.

Take care: Walnut Ave work under way

Ashburton District Council Mayor Neil Brown and Chief Executive Hamish Riach discuss the Government’s Three Waters reform, which could see the district’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater networks come under a South Island entity. Watch our video at ashburtondc.govt.nz/news

Future of Grove Street Park

T he

Save these dates for a chance to get offfarm:

Council has been asked to make this neighbourhood park at Tinwald available for road access to the proposed Ashbury Grove subdivision. What do you think?

SATURDAY 27

Friday 15 October - a comedy show, organised by Rural Support Trust.

ashburtondc.govt.nz/haveyoursay

Wednesday 3 November - boosting resilience, organised by Waitaha Health, Rural Support Trust and Ashburton District Council.

li g h ti

ng of A sh b u rto n’s

5.30pm to 9.30pm East Street, CBD

Submissions close at 5.00pm on Tuesday 7 September 2021.

ASHBURTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

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ASHBURTON MUSEUM

Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri 8.30am - 5pm, Thursday 9am - 5pm

Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm, Sat 10am - 1pm, Sun 1pm - 4pm

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COUNCIL OFFICE 5 Baring Square West

Tr

e

The flood had a serious impact on some and they still need help. To this end a fifth and final round of the Mayoral Relief Fund will be held and anyone who was affected by the flood that could do with some relief funding is encouraged to apply, details can be found ashburtondc.govt.nz/recovery

180 Havelock Street, Ashburton 7700

20 River Terrace

327 West Street

Thursday, 19 August 2021 | ISSUE 42

2

10

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

with Heather Chalmers

Sheep flock continues to fall Sheep numbers continue to fall in Canterbury, in line with the national trend, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ)’s annual stock number survey.

New Zealand’s sheep flock fell slightly by 0.8 per cent (199,000 head) to an estimated 25.83 million while beef cattle numbers rose 2.5 per cent to 3.98 million.

The decline in sheep numbers was across both breeding ewes, down 0.5 per cent to 16.48 million, and hoggets, which decreased 0.6 per cent to 8.61 million.

An increase in the number of beef cattle was driven largely by more rising two-year-old cattle, particularly in the North Island.

The most recent analysis means that since 2000 the total number of sheep in New Zealand has declined by nearly 40 per cent – from 42.3 million to 25.8 million – and the number of beef cattle has decreased by 5 per cent – from 4.2 million to 4.0 million, B+LNZ Economic Service chief economist Andrew Burtt said.

Winter and spring 2020 conditions were difficult in some regions, particularly the South Island, leading to de-stocking of sheep prior to Christmas due to lack of feed.

Drought and dry conditions

New Zealand’s sheep flock has dipped to an estimated 25.83 million. along eastern parts of the country earlier this year led to tight feed conditions for many farmers.

Flooding in Canterbury at the end of May significantly impacted a number of farms with losses of feed on hand and a shortage of grazing options.

The clean-up from this flood event will last for many months for some farmers, Burtt said.

PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

In Canterbury and Marlborough, total sheep numbers were down 1.7 per cent to 5.73 million head, largely driven by a reduction in the number of ewes.

While livestock farms reduced sheep numbers, mixed cropping farms helped to limit the regional decline. Cropping farms reversed the 2020 trend towards wintering dairy stock and instead increased

hogget numbers in line with plentiful store lamb supply, rising lamb schedule prices and strong confidence in finishing margins.

In Canterbury, calf rearing was notably reduced and farmers indicated they were unlikely to return to previous rearing numbers, due to poor returns and mycoplasma bovis concerns.

This is likely to make four-day-

old dairy calves harder to sell in spring and reduce the future supply of dairy-beef finishing cattle.

While beef breeders saw this as positive for beef weaner prices, it remains a challenge for the dairy sector aiming to reduce bobby calves, Burtt said.

Nationally, the lamb crop is expected to be 1.6 per cent higher. The modest increase in lamb crop is based on ewe body condition and pregnancy scanning results at the time of surveying farmers and depends on favourable weather conditions in spring.

“Strong mutton prices have encouraged farmers to sell ewes and hoggets this season and in some areas climatic conditions have forced farmers’ hands. The outlook for beef prices is less certain and although overall beef cattle numbers were up at June 30, B+LNZ is forecasting a slight decrease in calves from sheep and beef farms this spring.”

Burtt said B+LNZ was closely monitoring the effect of sheep and beef farmland being converted to forestry.

“We expect there will be a turnoff of capital livestock as land set aside for afforestation is planted – a process that takes some time – and this will be reflected in future livestock decreases.”

Silver Fern Farms increase base-line premiums Silver Fern Farms has announced it will increase the base-line premiums from next season.

Reflecting the success of its market-led beef programmes, which since their inception over 10 years ago have delivered almost $30 million in additional value to farmer suppliers, chief executive Simon Limmer said it underpins the company’s absolute commitment to delivering

additional value to those that create it, and to tangibly connecting its farmers to international markets.

“Our approach with these programmes from the outset has been to make the market signals as clear as possible by rewarding farmers – via premiums – who meet the supply attributes and standards that global consumers demand,” Limmer said.

The almost $30 million in pre-

miums paid to farmers to date, which are paid above the standard beef operating price, have been shared among around 3000 farmers who have supplied into the Silver Fern Farms 100% Standard Prime Beef Programme and 100% Angus Beef Programme, and Silver Fern Farms Premier Selection Angus and Reserve Beef Programmes.

Silver Fern Farms is on track to process 24 per cent more beef

animals across its current four market-led programmes over the course of the 2020-21 season than the prior two years.

“The increase in premiums from next season reflects our confidence in ongoing growth in participation in our market-led beef programmes, as well as our confidence in continued demand based on the relationships we have fostered in-market.”

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To support the growth in its beef programmes, Silver Fern Farms has invested $17 million at its Pacific processing facility in Hawke’s Bay to give it greater capacity.

The company also continues to work on increasing its capacity to process more programme cattle in the South Island, most recently investing $3.5 million in the boning room of its Otago processing facility.

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PUZZLES 11

Puzzles and horoscopes

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

Cryptic crossword 1

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3

Simon Shuker’s Code Cracker

4

5

Your Stars

6

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Times by 10 any effort you were putting in. That’s about what you deliver on the regular, because when it comes to things you care about, going overboard seems like the most natural thing to do in the world.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): At the lower levels, there are penalties for going against the rules. It’s confusing to you, though, because it does seem that at the higher levels, the rules change entirely, if there are any at all.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): What to do with one another is a relational problem. However, the right timing and atmosphere will be conducive to an easy feeling and good communication, which will contribute greatly to success.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): Commitments aren’t made out of laziness, but bad habits are. Pleasure and inaction are easily repeated. You’ll decide to repeat the more difficult thing, and it’s a commitment that will stick.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): The amount of time and energy put into asserting control over an uncertain area of life is silly. There’s no guarantee that if you succeed, you’ll be secure. You can add hours to your life by accepting the uncertainty.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): The problem can be solved simply, by cutting out the unnecessary. The simplicity and lightness of working without all the bells and whistles is not only effective; it’s so pleasurable it may set the new standard.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): The pursuit of knowledge is beneficial, you’ll learn a ton of information, but it can also be an avoidance tactic because it’s less scary to read than to get in there and experience the thing.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): You’re focused on seeing a transaction start well and end well. This means prep work, showing up early, staying late, a wrap-up, and reflection to understand what worked and plan the next approach.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): You do the correct thing, the fun thing, add the extra charm, put your spin on it... because you never do know when you’re doing something that the other person will remember far into the future.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Talk to friends about what you’re afraid of. When you share your fear with someone who gets it, you go a long way toward relieving the sort of pressure that tends to blow fears out of proportion.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): You take responsibility for what happens to you, not because it’s all in your control but because it helps you to see where your points of leverage and control are so you can seize them when you can.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Your mind will churn out rationalisations but you recognise it’s a trick.

It’s human nature to avoid the vulnerability that comes from being wrong.

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ACROSS 1. Told one how to get there? (8) 7. First person to be impolite to one morally righteous (5) 8. Red limo perhaps lets it out (7) 9. They are run, and one is mistaken about them (7) 10. Seem astonished to get phosgene quietly at the end (4) 12. Ready to sail half trimaran to the Mediterranean (7) 14. It’s making things level before nightfall (7) 17. Are birds and animals shot for food so willing? (4) 18. Ellen soundly confused 7 Across with loot (7) 21. Get less wind in being misled (7) 22. Ingenuous of one, to be in the middle of the wheel (5) 23. Gathered fern might be in dire trouble (8) DOWN 1. Deigns to change the pattern (6) 2. Give one confidence about listeners? Certainly! (8) 3. Carbon has everything one can get on the telephone (4) 4. How far it goes from former canvas shelter (6) 5. Singular Scottish poet to commit to the flames? (4) 6. Was ribbing a steed for making it (6) 7. Leaving each other the dividing line created by comb (7) 11. Pin that turns sled around itself (7) 13. He looks for 18, putting a rude arm out (8) 14. Use energy half to expose the finish (6) 15. Do work on beds to get out of danger (6) 16. Could need old pennies and new ones to rely on (6) 19. Single number you make in wool, one is told (4) 20. Great source of information, the colliery! (4)

WordWheel

WordBuilder

WordBuilder O E L WordBuilder R S O E L R S

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

WordWheel 921

T Y I ?

Quick crossword 1

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F E

Insert the missing letter to complete an or anticlockwise. Previous solution: CLEANSER

eight-letter word reading clockwise Previous solution: CLEANSER

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15/2

ACROSS 1. Regretted (4) 3. Person’s ancestry (8) 9. Draw or pull in (7) 10. Less (5) 11. Carefully planned (5-7) 13. Faints (6) 15. Leisure walker (6) 17. Extremely loud (12) 20. Make amends (5) 21. Gleeful laugh (7) 22. State of being alone (8) 23. Weaponry (4)

Sudoku

21

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8 9. Twist 10.

7 Link 9 2 1 Across: 1. Clandestine 8. Scatter 11. Nervous 12. Dye 13. Fine 15. Omen 6 17. Cur819. Brigade 20. Scan 23. Untie 24. Supreme 25. Catastrophe 1 35. Interior 5 Down: 1. Castle 2. Again 3. Duty 4. Serene 6 14. Idiotic 8 16. Abrupt 6. Epitome 7. Latest 12. Decadent 17. Census 18. Sneeze 21. Cheap 22. Spur 8 5 9

DOWN 1. Examine again (8) 2. Additional (5) 4. Snare (6) 5. Swelling caused by injury (12) 6. Unfair treatment (3,4) 7. Nobleman (4) 8. Cope financially (4,4,4) 12. Advance (8) 14. Having a streak of luck (2,1,4) 16. Cut into thin pieces (6) 18. Bury (5) 19. Coastal indents (4)

7 8 9

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

2 7 5 9 4 7 1 2

3 2 1 9

4 9 8 3 6

5

7 6 3

1

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9 5 7 3 4 1 6 2 8

2 8 1 5 9 6 4 7 3

7 9 2 1 8 4 3 6 5

5 4 6 9 3 2 1 8 7

1 3 8 6 5 7 2 4 9

8 7 5 2 6 3 9 1 4

3 2 4 8 1 9 7 5 6

6 1 9 4 7 5 8 3 2

2

8 4 7 6 3 1 9 6 9

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4 6 3 7 2 8 5 9 1

6 9 4 8 2 7 5 3 1

3 5 2 6 1 4 8 9 7

8 1 7 9 5 3 2 4 6

5 2 9 3 7 1 4 6 8

1 8 6 4 9 5 7 2 3

4 7

Previous quick solution

Previous solution: est, pest, pet, pets, pew, pews, sept, set, sew, spew, step, stew, swept, wept, west, wet, wets

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

19

22

Previous cryptic solution

Across: 7. Miscellaneous 8. Compensates 12. Bottle 14. Region 16. Crisps 18. Petite 19. Threatening 23. Circumstances Down: 1. Disc 2. Scam 3. Sleeve 4. Kaiser 5. Beat 6. Fuss 9. Ostrich 10. Edition 11. Once5 12. 9 Buck413. Lap315.8Eve 7 21.

6 Inns 22. Grew 17. Shammy 18. Pretty 19. Twig 20. Rock

15 16

20

136

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.

How many words of three or more Good 7including Very Good 12 Excellent letters, plurals, can you 16 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.

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T 03 307 8317 T 03 307 8317 E ashburton.nz@raywhite.com E ashburton.nz@raywhite.com 96 Tancred96 Street, Tancred Ashburton Street, Ashburton 7700 7700 rwashburton.co.nz rwashburton.co.nz Real Estate Mid Canterbury Real EstateProperty Mid Canterbury Limited Licensed Property Limited Licensed REAA 2008 REAA 2008

1 2

12

RantorRave

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

Send your opinion to editor@theguardian.co.nz | PO Box 77 | facebook.com/ashguardian

OUR VIEW

Delta casts a long, scary shadow over NZ A

nd here we go again. It’s back. Level 4. National lockdown. Just like the good old days.

Okay, excuse me for trying to make light of the situation we again find ourselves in because there’s nothing funny about it.

But there is plenty of frustration and, for some, genuine fear and anxiety, especially those in and around Auckland and the Coromandel region where the lockdown-triggering positive case in question lives and has visited since last Thursday.

That dreaded pandemic news on Tuesday night broke our perfect stretch, a 170-day Covid-free run since the last community case and more than a year since the whole country was last in lockdown.

But it was a run that experts had warned us many times would inevitably end, even as most recently as last week.

February 28 had been our previous most recent case, but the more infectious and dangerous Delta variant had always cast a nasty shadow as cases and deaths continued to tally in deeply concerning numbers across the ditch in Sydney and wider New South Wales.

And that’s why the Government

Daryl Holden moved far faster on Tuesday night than it had with previous cases over the past year. It rightly assumed that the new case had the Delta variant. It did what had to be done, including, and not surprisingly, with the total support of National leader Judith Collins.

We simply had no choice but to move into Level 4, especially with the ridiculously low number of people vaccinated at the moment.

Incredibly, at least 80 per cent of the New Zealand population still needs to be vaccinated. And that continues to be our biggest worry.

News tips Call 03 307-7969 After hours news tips jonathan.l@theguardian. co.nz Advertising Call 03 307-7976 sonia.g@theguardian.co.nz Classifieds Call 03 3077-900 classifieds@theguardian. co.nz Missed paper Call 0800 ASHBURTON 0800 274 287

MEDIA COUNCIL

The Jacinda and Ashley Show is back for another series.

Covid o’clock updates on the tele, radio and online at 1pm from the Prime Minister, Ashley Bloomfield and other key health leaders and ministers.

You will also know that only essential services, which are

simply had no choice but to move into “ We Level 4, especially with the ridiculously low

number of people vaccinated at the moment.

So, in the coming days the routine will return to one we should all know so well. There will be the

CONTACTS

tightly defined, will remain open while Level 4 is in place. And that includes us, the Ashburton

Guardian. Your paper. Your goto for updates, videos and the latest trusted information on our ever-popular Facebook page and our Ashburton App. That has again been instantly obvious, with thousands of readers following our posts and videos, capturing some crazy and unnecessary big shops by over-anxious locals at supermarkets around town.

And the Covid message, as always, will be the same. Stay safe.

Stay home.

Look out for each other and, as our PM has said over and over and over again, be kind, people.

It’s really not that hard.

This newspaper is subject to the New Zealand Media Council.

Complaints must first be directed in writing to editor@ theguardian.co.nz If unsatisfied, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council, PO Box 10879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143 or email info@presscouncil.org.nz Further detail and an online complaints form are available at www.mediacouncil. org.nz

LETTERS We welcome your letters and emails, but: No more than 100 words.

We reserve the right to edit or not publish.

Empty shelves tell a story of panic buying, greed Panic? What panic? Not in Ashburton, surely. Wrong.

Hundreds of Ashburton shoppers stormed supermarkets not long after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the country would be going into a snap threeday Covid lockdown on Tuesday night.

Videos posted of shopping at Ashburton New World and Ashburton Countdown South on the Ashburton Guardian Facebook page reached over 11,000 people and attracted numerous comments, mostly from people who were alarmed at what they had seen.

Some of those abridged comments were: Kirsty Mc: Before racing to shops, please check on your aged neighbours when you’re grabbing bread, milk, toilet paper.

Chuck in an extra item or two for them. Remember, three days for us is a breeze but 3 days to an elderly person home alone is a lifetime, and you won’t look so stupid and selfish at the checkout.

The empty shelves tell a sad story.

Donna Knight: Absolute nutters they are open the whole time we in lockdown, spear a thought for the staff that have to stay late so all you people can panic buy Lee Wilson: Big shout out to all the hard-working staff there Brogan Dyke: Look at you all

crowded in there. No social distancing. No masks. You’re the reason this will go on for longer.

Shop normal. Come on people, we’ve done this before.

Nichola Bradley: Absolute shocking behaviour as supermarkets will remain open. Stop the pan-

ic buying. Make do.

Brian Trusler: Panic buying at its best.

Brent Smith: Could be worse people. Look what’s happening in Kabul. We get a three-day holiday. They are clinging to aeroplanes to try and escape the chaos.

John Van Duinen: What’s going on?

Have people not learnt from last time? We don’t need to panic buy come on.

Peter Jill Stirling: Not a facemask in sight.

Karen Mary Digby: If it makes them feel better, leave them to it. This is just normal human reaction. Be kind.

Nigel Leary: Bit of a wake-up call to those who think they don’t want the vaccination. Soon you won’t be able to go to the supermarket without your double vaccination card.

Stefan Brook: Just as well we don’t have to start social distancing until tomorrow as the Delta variant doesn’t like Tuesdays.

Mike Bown: It’s a good way to stim-

Guardian coverage For the latest information, reaction and videos to the Covid lockdown, and how it could impact you, keep in touch with the Ashburton Guardian online through our Facebook page and via the Ashburton App. Because the Guardian provides an essential service for the Government, our paper will come out on Thursday and Saturday as normal. ulate an economy though.

Brenda Mobsby: Those poor shop staff. Be nice everyone.

Lyn Flanagan: It’s three days folks.

The world is not ending.

TAKING ISSUE 13

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

Dribbling on court and off Phill Hooper OFF THE AIR

I

f I ever needed a reminder that I’m getting a bit long in the tooth, it came in bucket loads on Saturday afternoon.

In a moment of weakness, I said “yes” to Roasty Douglas when he invited me to play in the Ash Coll Alumni versus the current Ash Coll boys’ team fundraiser game.

I only played a few games of Bee Ball for the College and was surprised to be lumped in with some of the local legends like Kerr, Coley and Templeton. I think I was just included in his mass text out for two reasons.

Reason one. Some free shout outs on the radio.

Reason two. It cost all the ‘players’ $20 while spectators only forked out $5, so I was another $20 into the pot.

I kind of thought I could hide somewhere on the bench and strategically look the other way whenever someone signalled for a sub.

Roasty had indicated that there were well over 20 old boys who had also said ‘yes’, so I thought hiding would be no problem.

What I didn’t figure on was the coach wandering down the bench saying “1,2,3,4,5 you’re the starting line-up”. Which for the record had an average age of 53.

“1,2,3,4,5 you’re on in 5 minutes”.

Bugger!

The week before I had overdone things a bit on the mountain bike and my back was giving me a bit of grief.

In hindsight this turned out to be a blessing in disguise as every time I went to move from an old man hobble into a lame looking canter, my back screamed “whoo back there sunshine”.

This helped me get through the game unscathed.

The same luck cannot be afforded to one the aforemen-

These local “legends” put their hands up to form a team to face the Ash Coll boys’ team in a fundraiser. Thankfully the injury rate wasn’t too high.

Right – Hoops’ warm up, a craft beer and a diclofenac. tioned legends, who hit the floor with a snapped Achilles. I saw it happen and knew it was bad when he looked behind him to see who had kicked him and noone was within cooey.

One of the other aforementioned legends took a knock to the bicep, which immediately ‘blew up’ to leave him with a Popeye and Bee Knees combo going on.

Ever since I saw the ‘snap’ I have been searching for an ‘out’ and then earlier this week it came when I was talking to a spectator who said it was “great

to watch, but could have done with a bit more atmosphere”.

“Loudspeakers, with music and some announcing during the game maybe.”

I have my out!

Till next week Hoo Roo Hoops, Basketball Hoops.

Phill Hooper is the breakfast host of Ashburton’s Hokonui radio station. The views expressed in this column are his and do not reflect the opinion of his employer or the Ashburton Guardian.

Prevention efforts need a shot in the arm H

ere we go again. The spectre of the Delta variant that has lurked for much of this year has appeared, and we have been plunged, once again, into a Level 4 lockdown.

With just 15 per cent of the New Zealand population vaccinated, one might argue this was always going to happen.

And while we all knuckle down, comply and get on with it for the greater good, serious questions need to be asked of the Government as to whether it has done everything humanely possible to prevent this from happening.

The answer, simply, is no it has not.

We do not have a triage system at the border, we bring people in from highly infectious nations, lump them all into a bus together, drive them into the middle of our most populous cities, and put them into a hotel to isolate together for two weeks.

Nicola Grigg SELWYN MP We are still the slowest in the OECD for the vaccine roll-out and 120th in the world.

This is not the ‘front of the queue’ we were promised and is simply not good enough considering the heightened risk from new variants.

The Government hasn’t ordered any Pfizer booster shots for next year, despite many other countries ordering hundreds of millions of doses.

Australia ramped up its vaccine programme in lockdown, but now that we are in lockdown, vaccinations have been paused for 48 hours.

How many tens of thousands of doses will that set us back by?

But it was with some fanfare that the Prime Minister last week announced a so-called reopening plan that would begin New Zealand’s inexorable – but slow – reconnection to the world.

Yes, it was good to hear that all eligible Kiwis will have the opportunity to receive the vaccine from September 1, but the woeful lack of delivery thus far leaves me in some doubt as to whether it will actually happen.

National has put forward a range of constructive suggestions for how to speed up the vaccine roll-out and we hope the Government considers them.

It’s not good enough for the Prime Minister to settle on just the offer of a vaccine to everyone by the end of the year.

We argue that we need an ambitious target based on sophisticated modelling.

A target would encourage uptake by mobilising the team

Your say Do you agree with the view of National’s Nicola Grigg?

Be part of the debate.

Have your say.

Tell us what you think in less than 200 words by emailing: editor@ theguardian.co.nz of five million to come together behind a common goal. It would focus the system on achieving that target and hold the Government to account for reaching it, or not reaching it.

We should also be looking to quickly roll out the vaccine to children aged 12 and above, as other countries are doing. Vacci-

nations in schools should occur before the school year ends, the Government should start the planning for this.

Alongside public health experts, we have been calling for months for the roll-out of rapid antigen testing and other innovative technologies at our border, but the Government is only just considering it now, with Delta already spreading in our communities.

Finally, the need to be getting on with purpose-built quarantine facilities seems blatantly obvious.

MIQ, in some form, will be with us for years particularly for passengers from high risk countries, and a purpose-built facility would be a worthwhile investment in the sake of the national interest.

- National’s Nicola Grigg grew up in Mt Somers and is currently the Selwyn MP

14 CLUB NEWS

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

Ashburton Combined Friendship Club

Our first speakers were the BNZ scam ladies, Tania and Phillipa. Scammers usually try to contact the target by email, phone, or Facebook.

Anyone scammed should contact their bank immediately.

Other advice included “hover” the mouse over the incoming email’s address and if it looks suspicious mark as spam and block the sender, check that websites show the safe site locked padlock symbol, check your bank account regularly (daily) for strange transactions, never save your bank passwords to your computer and if your computer is scammed get it professionally “cleaned” by a computer technician.

Our main speaker was Dr Dianne Young, who spent 15 years in Malawi working as a missionary doctor. Malawi, population about 18 million, is a landlocked country in Southwest Africa bordered on the East

by Lake Malawi. The population is young with a median age of 16 compared to 36 in NZ. The capital Lilongwe has a population of about 1.1 million.

Dr Young worked at the African Bible College medical centre community clinic. Some staff were Clinical Officers with 3 years of formal training and very strong practical skills in a narrower area of medicine. The clinic treated private patients whose fees helped subsidise the community patients. Malnutrition, HIV/AIDS and malaria are big challenges. Malaria can be treated if diagnosed early.

Malawi is a poor country, and Dr Young quoted numerous statistics to highlight the differences between NZ and Malawi.

Perhaps the most striking is that NZ has 317 doctors per 100,000 people while Malawi has 2. Maize is the staple food, the women hand strip the dried kernels from the cob and take them to the local maize mill for grinding. Meat, usually goat, is seldom available. Tobacco and tourism were economically important but are now in decline.

Meetings second Tuesday of month, Seniors Centre 206 Cameron St, 9.30am.

Visitors welcome. Phone Joe 0274 339 018. ashcomboclub@gmail.com

Ashburton Golf Club

What a weekend to be bashing a ball around the course.

Young Seb McMillan again showed that he is going to take some beating in this year’s intermediate champs. He topped the table in round three of the Brandon cup with a superb 39 points. He certainly is one to keep an eye on, great golfer and a smashing young fella. After three rounds of the Brandon Cup, a smashing older fella stood proud on the top of the podium. Greig Sparrow picked up the trophy with a combined score of 109, 1 shot clear of Jeff Hewitt and 2 clear of Gaby Jansen. Well done to everyone.

This Saturday we have round 5 of Club Champs qualifying. Have a look at the grade tables and see what you need to do to get into the top 16. Remember if you are not available for all of the rounds, plate as well, then let Matt know so he can take you out of the draw.

Last Sunday we had 2 big pennants games. In the scratch grade, I am not sure who is in which team but by all accounts. Blair snuck past Owen, Jeff beat Dave, Hoppy and Hamish battled out a draw and Terry overcame Craig well done boys.

Then in the big grudge match, it all started so good for the pups Dylan just got over Spud, Tom and late call in Davo had a great game for a half, so after the first 5 points were in the pups were 4:1 up. Then Bruce taught Young Blair the rabbit and tortoise fable, smashing him 4 up and Gaby trounced all over Jordy.

Then in the final fourball Captain for the day Tim absolutely snotted young Sean

Presentation of funds raised from the Big Smoke v Rural Folk event held earlier in the year.

7/6, and Perry talked young Jim into giving 3 metre putts and beat him 2 up.

When the dust had settled it was the Vision Insurance young pups 4 and the Brandon bulldogs 13. I am not really sure where captain Tom goes from here.

The next round is in two weeks and I don’t think half of his team will be out of surgery by then. Hopefully the mental scars will not be too deep.

Till next time good golfing.

Ashburton Lions

President Roger Paterson welcomed all to a well-attended meeting and introduced guests Roger Sutton, CEO of EA Networks; Jackie Heffernan and Phil Webb of the Big Little Theatre Company; Paul “Pup” Chamberlain of Lives Worth Living and David Ward representing the Rural Team.

Lists were circulated for the Lions Club of Ashburton Annual Charity Golf Tournament coming up in October (contact: David Robertson). Jeff King and Graham Smith made presentations of shares in the proceeds of the Big Smoke Rural Folk event to the Big Little Theatre Company and Lives Worth Living. Phil Webb from the Big Little Theatre Company commented on how successful the event was and said that the award would make a huge difference to young actors in the district.

Pup Chamberlain from Lives Worth Living spoke about how the award would make a big impact on getting the message out about suicide prevention and the importance of mental health in our community. Speaking in his capacity as District Leadership Co-ordinator, Garth Bateup encouraged interested members to put themselves forward for the Emerging Lions Leadership Institute program.

The program helps prepare Lions who have not already served as club president prepare for leadership, and most of the costs involved are met with the member only needing to pay incidental expenses.

Garth also presented a proposal, made

by Max Cawte and seconded by Lance Schubert, to make a club contribution of $5000 towards a new Paediatric Intensive Care Unit room at Starship Children’s Hospital (total room cost is $407K). The motion was carried.

George Brown announced that this year’s Good Sorts award has been made to Marion Brown, who amongst other areas of volunteer work is a long-standing champion of the Girl Guiding movement. She had sent him a heartfelt message of thanks which he read to the club.

Graham Edge gave an update about the club’s recent gift of a tennis ball machine to Mid Canterbury Tennis, which as a gesture of gratitude has extended an invitation to the club to attend a demonstration at the Tennis Centre in Oak Grove at 6pm on Friday August 13.

Our Three-Minute Speaker was Mike McNaulty, who gave a lively account of his

farming childhood (and saxaphone-playing father) at Eketāhuna near Masterton and his varied career, including his contribution to the process of eradication of bovine TB in New Zealand. With retirement firmly within his sights he and his wife are planning to return to the Wairarapa to be closer to their family.

This month’s guest speaker was Roger Sutton, CEO of EA Networks, who gave an engaging talk on the theme of relationships and trust.

Recounting his time at the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority he observed that you cannot make relationships in the middle of a crisis; you have to build them ahead so that you can call on them when the worst happens. ‘Who can you call at 4am?’ he said. He also spoke candidly about his experience with stress and the need to prioritise your own well-being under pressure.

Upcoming events include the Hororata Highland Games on November 6; any interested parties should contact Peter Kennard. Barney Parsons as Director of Annual Projects proposed that the proceeds from the Playhouse Raffle should be awarded to Riding For The Disabled, and David Robertson proposed that the proceeds of the Charity Golf Match should be divided between Hospice Mid Canterbury, the Christchurch Disc Golf Club Inc. (ringfenced for spending in Ashburton District) and the Ashburton Charitable Trust. Both motions were carried.

Tail Twisters duties were performed by Christine Milne and Lois Sparrow, much to the sorrow of any members who had the bad luck to attend sporting a beard.

Ashburton Musical Club

Our August 8 concert was held on a very chilly Sunday afternoon at the Sinclair Centre with two amazing Trios performing. The Chaperones who had travelled from North Canterbury played their trios – 6 hands one piano during the first half of the programme, and “At Violinos” piano Trio played during the second half of the concert. Both Trios were of a very high standard and greatly enjoyed by members and visitors who had travelled from Christchurch.

Although freezing outside, it was a warm atmosphere in the Hall as members of the Trios spoke about the pieces and the Composers, and why they chose the pieces they were performing.

The programmes were as follows: Chaperones – Margaret Maw, Jane Jarrett and Jillaine Wilso. Jesu Joy – Bach, Minuet & Trio from Symphony No. 40 – Mozart, Ballet from Petite Suite - Duet – Debussy – Margaret & Jillaine, Masquerade – Katachurian (arranged by Jillaine), Tarantella – Vivienne Sands (NZ Composer), Tangled Tango – Vivienne Sands, Regrets – Christopher Norton (NZ Olsen, My Fair Lady – Frederick Loewe (arranged by Jillaine).

“At Violinos” Piano Trio – Ruth Hall (Violin), Alan Bower (Cello) Deborah Sloper (Piano)Song of the Secret Garden – Rolf Lovland - Ruth and Deborah, Berceuse – Reinhold Gliere - Ruth & Alan, Barcarolle – Jacques Offenbach – Trio, Kashmiri Song – Amy Woodforde – Firden, Trio, Haydn Trio No 39 – Ruth, Alan & Deborah , Forget me Not – Allan Macbeth - Trio, Pizzicato Polka – Johann & Josef Strauss - Trio.

A delicious afternoon tea and a chat, concluded a lovely afternoon of music.

Blind And Low Vision NZ – Ashburton Community

The Ashburton Golf Club is a very busy place at the moment.

Recently we held our AGM at the Plains, our regular meeting place on the fourth Thursday of every month. Covid has still regulated our year somewhat.

Our membership stands at 80 with

around half of those coming regularly to the monthly meetings at The Plains.

All members can make good use of the guidance, equipment, new technology and support that BLVNZ offers and committee members help with. We have been able to hold seven full meetings with lunch and entertainment - we really appreciate the entertainers who give so freely of their time.

The weather as well as Covid played its part in outings this year, so The Plains was our BBQ venue and also the venue of our Christmas function. We were able to fit in the long standing afternoon given for the 59th time, by the Rotary Club of Ashburton, a really enjoyable concert and afternoon tea.

Due to changed circumstances, Tinwald Red Cross is no longer able to entertain us but we congratulate their group for the past 59 years of support, entertainment and delicious afternoon teas.

The two annual collections, Red Puppy Appeal in March and Blind Week in October, organised by Carol and Alan Hall along with Andrew McDonald, were supported by the people of Ashburton, collectors from other clubs and our own Committee; we thank you all.

This year there were frustrations because of incorrect bookings made by the Auckland head office.

Our organisation appreciates and thanks the support from Advance Ashburton, Ashburton Taxis, Methven Lions, Methven supporters Trudy Gordon and Colin Watson, MSA Club, Pakeke Lions, Rotary Club of Ashburton, The Plains’ Lorayne Oakley, Waireka Croquet Club and our private donors.

During the year we have received resignations from three of our long standing committee members: Betty Wilson (16years), Verna Hampton (14 years) and Mac Bruce (15 years). Their resignations were accepted with regret but understanding and much appreciation for all they have given. We have amounted a total of 241 volunteer years to the local Blind & Low Vision. Thank you all for the hard work and dedication that you put into BLVNZ. Locally we acknowledge those with years of service ending in a 0 or a 5. This year they are Marilyn Galletly for 5 years; and Joy Wilson for 20 years. The volunteer committee and additional volunteers, make a great team of caring people, dedicated to supporting the members.

Dennis Swaney, Chairman. Committee: Vice Chair Alan Hall, Secretary Eleanor Weir, Treasurer Carol Hall, Shirley Cant, Lynne Curd, Marilyn Galletly, Juliet Hayes, Janet McNally, Margaret Reddecliffe, Alison Shearer, Beverley Watkins and Joy Wilson.

Creative Fibre

The Co–Chairperson welcomed a large attendance – including 1 man with a loom. She then proceeded to query us on how much notice we had taken of the recent Olympic Games - some questions more tricky than others! The Almoner then asked a patient member to explain how she managed to become incapacitated while being a Good Samaritan to a newborn lamb!

Staveley Camp is fully booked but day visitors welcome – bring lunch and $5.

On Wednesday September 8 a member has offered to tutor ‘Wet Felting’. Those taking part to supply 2 towels to use in class. Everything else is supplied.

Next meeting is September 20.

Those members attending Nynke Piebenga’s workshop on weaving will be warping their looms. Craft Cluster is having a break until November because the venue is booked for the workshop in

October and members will be at Staveley in September. There is a Spin In at 56 Harland street Tinwald on August 30. As the Co–Chairperson is dog sitting, please be aware and keep her property secure – Thank you.

World Spin In Day is coming up soon.

Venue to be confirmed.

Show and Tell: A very well stocked table greeted the convenor who started with 2 baby jackets and hats, 2 children’s vests with hats, several teddy bears (gifts or for trauma) a hexagon ball (all knitted) woven runner and matching cushion, felted coin purse, a bag, and 2 teapots, a fur fabric rabbit family sewn, an Arran patterned adults jersey, another with a 3 colour triangle pattern, spun wool ready to knit, several knitted and crochet rugs and squares and knitted socks. In work in progress was a teapot cosy, baby singlet, home spun strip, peggy squares an adults jersey and more rugs and a shawl all knitted.

In other crafts was a needle tatted doily a crochet doily and some weaving on a table loom.

Mid Canterbury Ladies Friendship Club

President Julie Begg welcomed members to the August meeting held recently.

Birthdays and Anniversaries were celebrated. The sales table is proving to be very successful. A group are going to Jesus Christ Superstar early in September and are looking forward to that.

Mary Harrison told of the activities of the 206 Club, held on Friday mornings. It is for 50+ people and organised by Age Concern. They usually have exercises, a speaker, morning tea, topical discussion and sometimes a joke or two.

After morning tea Gwen Clucas had organised a Quiz with teams of five members. Subjects were New Zealand, General Knowledge and Current Affairs. There were some easy questions such as how many Medals did New Zealand win at the recent Olympic Games. Also, there were hard questions. Some examples – who is the next Governor General of NZ, who wrote Gone With the Wind and how many of Henry XIII wives were named Catherine?

If you know the answer to those questions, or even if you don’t you would be welcome to attend our meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of the month. For more information phone Julie 308-4254 or Rae 308-8927.

Thought for the Month: “Life can be understood backwards, but must be lived forward”.

Netherby Women’s Institute

On a very cold afternoon 13 members turned up for our August meeting. Several were unwell so that explains the small attendance. The usual Aspirations, Minutes from the previous meeting etc. were attended to. The Motto “You will never get giddy doing good turns” was read by Bev Jackson. Thanks were extended to members and friends that delivered Meals on Wheels on August 2.

We will be participating with 2 teams in the Indoor Bowls competition on Friday August 20. Likewise some of us will attend the Mid Canterbury Half Yearly meeting at Wakanui on Friday September 10 as well as contributing to the display of W.I’S in the Museum at the end of September.

The Cancer Relay for Life on Saturday October 16 will see Netherby there as well.

To raise funds for this we intend to hold a Garage sale on Saturday September 18.

Any donations for this would be gratefully accepted – Phone Catherine on 7454 105.

Happy birthday was sung to Denise Clark, Sue Quinn, Barbara Danielson and Patsy Huggins and the Raffle was won by Patsy. Very few entries in the competitions with the Moylan Trophy won by Barbara Burst and the Northchurch by Catherine Thomas.

Roll Call was to bring your oldest cook book and tell us about it, and some interesting stories were told. The oldest a 1918 Mrs Beaton 2nd edition, which included 27 recipes for rabbit. Several Edmonds and Aunt Daisy books from various years were shown and the owners of these mentioned how useful the Handy Tips were.

One member told us that when she announced their engagement in 1960 Edmonds sent her a cookbook. Many were falling to bits, some had recipes from the papers pinned on to the pages and most of the recipes were hand written. Of course you knew where the favourite recipes were because they always had splashes on them.

Other books included a 1952 NZ Country W.I. and also the Netherby 40th anniversary book. Afternoon tea completed the meeting.

CLUB NEWS 15

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

MSA Outdoor Bowling Club

After a very successful season last year we as a club are busy preparing for more of the same in the fast-approaching bowling season.

We are fortunate to have the nucleus of the same committee with the addition of Russell Ward joining the team as assistant to Tony Inwood as green keeper.

At our Annual General meeting chaired

by President Linton Muir it was moved tha our subscriptions would remain at $100 for the coming season.

Over the winter a huge job of topping our green was undertaken with tremendous help from the whole bowling fraternity; your help was very much appreciated thank you all.

With the green out of commission for the start of the season we as a club appreciate the offer of the Ashburton Bowling Club for our members to use their facilities from the start of the season.

We will be running our first two scheduled Skip2ItFlooringXtra sponsored Triples at Ashburtons green and hopefully returning to Racecourse Road for November’s tournament.

Over the winter months our popular winter bowls program has been running on a Wednesday and Saturday with good numbers attending.

Last season’s champion colt Gus Hurrell has continued his good form indoors with two trophies played for he has his name on both.

Gus combined with Robin Petrie and

Dave Waller to win the Greenaway Trophy and teamed with Jim Rush to take out the Bruce Weir Trophy. Looks like Gus will be adding a trophy room to his home.

Winter bowling members will host Richmond WMC Bowlers this weekend for our annual Rosebowl challenge.

Ashburton Club & MSA are hosting the South Island Ladies Fours Championship Fours Tournament October 16-22 which will see 44 teams from all over the South Island compete; great for our town.

Will keep our members informed of opening day and any other events happening as this information come to hand.

Keep warm – and a reminder to anyone wanting to have a go at bowls you are most welcome at our club.

The MSA Bowling Club is gearing up for another big season on the greens.

RACING

Akuta likely out for season The new pin-up boy of pacing, Akuta, is likely to miss the rest of this year as one of the first major absentees caused by the new realignment of the racing season.

Akuta was breathtaking coming from last to obliterate his male juvenile rivals by 10 lengths at the Harness Jewels at Cambridge in June, a performance that has many anointing him as harness racing’s next superstar.

That star will almost certainly not be shining at Addington on New Zealand Cup, day though as Akuta is going to miss the Sires’ Stakes to be given time to prepare for a busier than usual 2022.

“He is a big horse, and with the seasons changing we didn’t want to rush him back for only one big race in the next few months,” says trainer Hayden Cullen.

“We are still firming up that decision but I am sure we will give him time so you won’t be seeing him in the Sires’ Stakes unless something changes.”

Akuta was as short as $1.40 to win that Sires’ Stakes before the market was suspended on Mon-

day, and when it re-opened there were huge changes as not only does Akuta look set to miss the Sires’ Stakes but second favourite Cosmic Major, the only horse to have beaten Akuta in five starts, will also not be in there as he suffered an injury that will put him out of the track action until next year.

That saw Willow Bay the new $4 favourite over Franco Indie at

Akuta first, daylight second. That’s how he rolls. $4.50 in a very open market.

Akuta is the first high-profile pacer to have his plans changed by the massive changes unfolding in harness racing that could see huge changes to the carnivals.

Harness Racing New Zealand have moved the official birthday of NZ-bred standardbred

(harness) horses to January 1 to bring it in line with Australia, and are now going through planning and workshops on what that will mean for the racing calendar but there is already one major change confirmed.

That is the new Harness Millions meeting at Alexandra Park on February 12 to highlight year-

ling sales week and it will now be Akuta’s first big target, a huge win for the inaugural meeting.

Because Akuta now turns three on January 1 all the Derbys and other group ones he will be eligible to race in will be next year, another reason his connections aren’t keen to rush him back.

The change of harness horse’s birth dates and the racing season might confuse those who actually care and they are made harder to understand by the fact the actual racing season can’t change because that would require a change of the Racing Act. So while the actual racing season will remain the same, HRNZ are realigning their racing season programming to start January 1 and run for the calendar year.

All the changes won’t really affect New Zealand Cup week, with the iconic open class pacing and trotting races to still go ahead, and as much as purists would love to see Akuta in the Sires’ Stakes his absence could convince more northern trainers to make the trip south.

Course to draw new blood to thoroughbred industry Like many primary industries, there has been a growing shortage of skilled labour in the thoroughbred industry, but the cavalry are coming.

Byerley Park’s Daniel Nakhle has long held ambitions of setting up an educational provider at his South Auckland property, and that dream will come to fruition next month.

Nakhle and former jockey Donavan Mansour have been working behind the scenes over the last 18 months to get a thoroughbred introductory course off the ground.

The culmination of their hard work has resulted in the launch of a new 19-week Level 2 course based at Byerley Park, which will offer students a fees-free pathway into the thoroughbred industry.

“We are going to start with a 19week programme that is targeted at people aged between 16 and 21, with little or no experience (in the thoroughbred industry),” Mansour said.

“It is a Level 2 NZQA course and it is aimed at getting people involved in and exposed to the (thoroughbred) industry. We have got funding for 14 students.”

Mansour said a major selling point of the course is that it is completely free, and students

Donavan Mansour’s own career was cut short by injury in 2019. have the opportunity to earn while they learn.

“Students will do work experience at places like Westbury Stud, Haunui Farm, and Cambridge Stud at Karaka, and also with local trainers Peter and Dawn Williams, Jenna Mahoney, and Danny Walker,” Mansour said.

“They will be paid for their work experience and the course is free, their uniforms are free, all of their course material is free, so there are no hidden costs.

“In the first four weeks there will be a lot of classroom and stable learning, but once they start work experience they can earn up

to $300 per week for the first four weeks and then $500-$600 until the end of the 19 weeks.

“The more experience they gain, the more earning potential they get. It has been awesome to get the support from the stud farms and stables around us.”

While there will be classroom based theory work, Mansour said the course will consist of a lot of practical work, with students gaining exposure to a variety of roles within the industry.

“They will be going on a lot of excursions,” Mansour said. “They will be going to the races every second week, and they will spend

time with a variety of people including camera operators, vets, float drivers, jockeys, and stewards.

“Every Wednesday is excursion day, so they will either go to the races or they could go to Dunstan Feeds for the day, for example, or spend time with a float driver.

“We just want to expose them to all the different avenues in the industry.”

The course will be run in association with Skill New Zealand, and Mansour said they have been invaluable in getting the course off the ground.

“Skill New Zealand is the education provider, we built the curriculum with them,” Mansour said.

“They have been a big asset in setting up the course and gaining the funding.”

Mansour is excited about the launch of the New Zealand Jockey Academy at Byerley Park in February next year, subject to NZQA approval. Having gone through the jockey academy system in South Africa, he believes it will be a great asset to thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.

“In February we are launching the jockey academy, which will be very similar to the way it is run in the British Racing School – they (apprentices) will live on cam-

pus,” Mansour said.

“Their nutrition, exercise, and overall health and well-being will be closely monitored as we are making them professional athletes. It will be a four year apprenticeship and we will be looking for about six apprentices.

“The difference will be that they are apprenticed to Byerley Park, so they will ride out for different trainers and they can go to Cambridge and ride down there, so they are not tied down to one employer.”

Mansour’s riding career was cut short after he suffered a broken pelvis in a fall in 2019 and he has envisioned starting a jockey academy since joining Nakhle at Byerley Park last year.

“I was lucky enough to come and work for Daniel and I pitched the idea (of a jockey academy) to him,” Mansour said. “I said I would love to run an academy like we have in South Africa as I think it gives an apprentice better opportunities to spread themselves.

“He said that he had tried to do something similar five years ago but couldn’t get it over the line.

“We put a business plan together and got a lot of support from Bruce Sharrock and NZTR. We have had a lot of meetings over the last 18 months.”

16 OPINION

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

All Blacks and a half-empty stadium

By Jamie Wall

T Mid Canterbury Netball’s Premier competition semi-finals have been postponed from tonight with a decision set to be made late in the week as to when they can be played. PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

Local sporting codes in limbo Alert level decisions critical to plans going forward Matt Markham Sporting organisations across the Mid Canterbury region were sent into overdrive on Tuesday night as a snap-lockdown put an end to some well laid plans for the lead into a busy sporting weekend.

For many it’s a case of playing the waiting game now to see what happens in terms of any alert level shifts in the coming days, or as to what a continuation of Alert Level 4 will mean for the coming weeks.

Mid Canterbury Netball made the immediate move to cancel tonight’s scheduled semi-finals of the Premier netball season and the hugely popular Year 1-2 programme being run after school on Thursday afternoons has also been placed on the backburner.

In a public-wide statement, Mid Canterbury Netball centre manager, Erin Tasker said decisions would be made in the coming days as to what happens next for the final stages of the season.

“What this all means for the overall picture, we are yet unsure,” she said.

“I will be talking with the board in the next couple of days and we will relay information to the netball community as we find out more and decisions are made.”

Like netball, Mid Canterbury Rugby also sits in a bit of a holding pattern until further information is released – but their key message is that there will be no community rugby this weekend.

Mid Canterbury rugby boss Ian Patterson spent most of yesterday morning in and out of meetings with rugby officials across the country talking through various options going forward, but like a lot of things around the country, the next steps are dependent on what unfolds in the coming days.

“There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge at this stage, you could make decisions now about when things could be moved to, but then you might need to turn around on Friday and change those decisions again,” he said.

The Mid Canterbury Heartland side was due to travel to Hamilton on Friday for their

The Mid Canterbury Rugby Heartland match scheduled for this weekend has been postponed.

PHOTO ADAM BURNS 140821-AB-5292

season-opener against Thames Valley – but all national rugby competitions for this weekend have been postponed.

What that means for the competitions going forward and for those particular matches is still be worked through at NZ Rugby headquarters.

Mid Canterbury Hockey has suspended all play at the NBS Turf up until Friday night and will make further decisions over the coming days about matches through the weekend and into next week.

Last night was supposed to mark the final evening of Kwik Sticks grade, but it has been cancelled, as had the final round of Division 2 women’s hockey.

On the indoor bowling mats, all fixtures scheduled for this weekend locally have been postponed and the New Zealand Mixed Pairs and Fours event, which Ashburton had a team competing in, has also been postponed with an alternate date yet to be found.

Sunday’s Ashburton Trotting Club meeting – it’s first of the season – also hangs in the balance.

All meetings in all three codes across the country from Wednesday through to Friday have at this stage been cancelled – although some work is being done to potentially shift meetings to alternate dates, dependent on the Alert Level changes from the Government.

The Ashburton meeting features a strong card of action, but Alert Level 4 limits the amount of work that is able to be done with horses by trainers meaning some may miss key parts of their training build up to Sunday’s meeting.

he opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s indifference.

That was evident on Saturday night as while the All Blacks cruised to an all-time high score in a punishing Bledisloe Cup performance against the Wallabies, they did so in front of a not even half-full Eden Park, which now means you need to go way back to before the World Cup to find a game when they filled a stadium in New Zealand.

The All Blacks v Wallabies game was played in front of a not even half-full Eden Park.

First things first, the game itself was a massive improvement on the spluttering showing by both sides the week before, ironically in front of a much bigger crowd.

The Wallabies certainly looked capable of creating an upset win before literally throwing the game away and letting the All Blacks cut loose, scoring eight tries in the process.

But anyone who took even a casual glance at recent Bledisloe series would have seen that the second test has been horrific for the Wallabies over the last decade.

In that time the All Blacks have won 10 in a row with an average score of 3813, with Saturday being the third time they’ve cracked a half century.

But that should have been a reason why more people should have been at Eden Park, not less.

To be fair to the ones that did show up, the atmosphere was actually pretty decent considering the ground announcer was playing music that wasn’t 40 years old for a change, but still the sight of so many empty seats while the haka was being performed was jarring.

The official crowd number was given as a shade over 25,000, which again seemed pretty dubious to the media in attendance, but even then that’s still the smallest crowd for a Bledisloe Cup test since 1958, when the fixture was played at the Epsom Showgrounds while the northern grandstand at Eden Park was being built.

The official line from NZ Rugby was that the reason for the low turnout was

due to the Covid situation and only having a week and a half to market it, but that doesn’t stack up.

A then-underperforming Blues team managed to fill Eden Park just after the first lockdown finished, mainly because they saw the symbolic importance of doing so and pulled out all the stops to make it happen.

The meat-headed decision by some artless jobsworth at NZR to simply cut and paste the previous weekend’s game to this one, complete with $80 to $220 ticket prices and at the child-unfriendly time of 7.05pm, is where the issue lies.

But then again, this is an organisation that honestly believed that signing a deal with an oil company attempting to greenwash its image wouldn’t cause any problems, or that no one would spot the hilariously obvious double standard when they boasted of wearing new supposedly eco-friendly jerseys.

The All Blacks themselves made no effort during the week to help promote the test, only giving their usual perfunctory media spots (in fact, the only real intrigue created during the last week was by a beat up on a radio interview quote by Wallaby wing Andrew Kellaway).

This stood in stark contrast to the recent gold medal winning Black Ferns Sevens side. The enthusiasm and willingness to be good talent not only netted the women a huge amount of social media clout in the wake of their Olympic triumph, but also a spot on American TV when their victory haka was appreciated by Snoop Dogg and Kevin Hart.

After the game Ian Foster did address the lacklustre turnout, saying that “we live in interesting times” and that the crowd issue “isn’t really my problem”.

He’s definitely right in one sense, as that All Black performance he prepared certainly deserved a bigger crowd than saw it live and did a lot to help cement his job through to the next World Cup nonetheless.

But at the same time he should find it pretty problematic that his bosses have no intention of engaging with the people who are expected to pay to watch his product.

SPORTS RESULTS ■■ Bridge

■■ Shooting

Monday Evening August 9, B & C Ladder: N/S 1st Bev Blair & Mary Bruce, 2nd Ann Gilbert & Ruth Logan, 3rd Louise McCrea & Carol Efford.

E/W 1st Pauline Scott & Mervyn Jones, 2nd Janine Havis & Bernie Jopson, 3rd Pat Wise & Joyce Johnson.

Tuesday Evening August 10, Ron Sutherland Trophy: 1ST Mike Holes & Bill Kolkman, 2nd Sue Rosevear & David Sewell, 3rd Rewa Kyle & John Fechney, 4th Jason Vannini & Maree Moore, 5th Debbie Seddon-Sewell & Maryke Blignault, 6th Bev Turton & Jan McClelland.

Wednesday August 11, Valetta Trophy: N/S 1st Colin Clemens & Kate White, 2nd Kay Robb & Sue Rosevear, 3rd Pat Jordan & David Wilkinson. E/W 1st Johnny Wright & Judith Moore, 2nd Val Palmer & Ian Doel, 3rd Trish Small & Mary Buckland.

Thursday August 12, Eileen Willoughby Trophy: Sect A N/S 1st Kay Robb & John Fechney, 2nd David Sewell & Debbie Seddon-Sewell, 3rd = Rewa Kyle & Mary Buckland and Evelyne Taylor & Peter Wilson. E/W 1st Peter & Trish Downward, 2nd Sue Rosevear & Anne Reid, 3rd Trish & Maurice Small. Sect B 1st Mike Holmes & Jill Browne, 2nd Colin Clemens & Maryke Blignault, 3rd Maureen Kolkman & Lois Rose, 4th =Margaret Shearer & Wendy Parr, Ruth Logan & Sheila Lyons, Sue Smith & Eric Parr, 5th Pat Wise & Mary Bruce, 6th Dee Murdoch & Shirley Harris.

Ashburton District Rifle Club: August 15 at 600 yards: TR, John Snowden 48.4, 50.5, 98.9, Martin Fleming 48.3, 48.2, 96.5, + 48.4, Megan Snowden 49.2, 47.3, 96.5, John Miller 45.3, 45.2, 90.5, + 47.4, John Fleming 46.2, 44.2, 90.4, Allan White 50.5. FO, Mike Chui 59.3, 58.3, 117.6, Murray Cook 57.3, 59.1, 116.5. FTR, Coby Snowden 53.0, 55.1, 108.1, Brian Graystone 54.1, 51.2, 105.3, Mark Alexander 58.3.

FPR, David Smith 56.3, 59.5, 115.8, Darral Bradley 57.4, 58.4, 115.8.

Indoor 25 yards, 16 August: Ashburton Rifle Club, Greg Menzies 100.7, Taylah Geddes 88.1, Andie Geddes 89.0, Quynn Geddes 96.3, Corey Geddes 90.1, Leo Wildey 94.2, James Storey 91.1, Lachlan Storey 93.3, Kinsey Storey 86.1, Abby Calder 94.1, Allan Mitchell 94.2, 96.5, Garth Wright 85.1.

Mt Somers Rifle Club: Peyton Fews 79.0. Olivia Fews 89.2, 89.0, Zoey Reveley 83.0, 73.0, William Murphy 81.0, Henry Murphy 81.2, Archie Rooney 87.1, Eddie Millichamp 94.4, 95.3, Bree Greer 95.2, Tim Greer 94.4, 94.4, Stephen Millichamp 96.5, 94.2, Dave Millichamp 95.1, Wayne Tubb 88.1.

Mayfield Rifle Club: Brooke Wheeler 74.0, Megan Snowden 91.2, Logan Wheeler 88.1, Lillian Snowden 85.2, John Snowden 97.5, Martin Fleming 96.3, 98.7, John Fleming 99.5, Alan Wakelin 97.3, Carl Nordqvist 99.4.

Ashburton Bridge Club

Target Shooting

SPORT 17

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

NPC RUGBY

2021 NPC Tipping Competition Scoreboard

Round 3 DATE

GAME

VENUE

TIME

Due to Level 4 Covid-19 restrictions all rugby games have been cancelled.

9

8

17

August 21 Canterbury v Hawkes Bay Christchurch 2.05pm

Matt, Ashburton Guardian

9

7

16

Mike, Hanham Concrete

7

8

15

Mick, Bayleys

6

7

13

McLeod Real Estate

5

8

13

Scott, Gluyas Nissan

7

5

12

Paul, Placemakers

5

7

12

Grant, Grant Hood Contracting

4

6

10

Roimata, Malcolm Lovett Automotive

7

3

10

Waikato v Taranaki

Hamilton

4.35pm

Auckland v Bay of Plenty

Auckland

7.05pm

August 22 Northland v Otago

Pukekohe

2.05pm

Tasman v Counties

Nelson

2.05pm

Manawatu v Wellington

Palm. North

4.35pm

Bonus question: Mid Canterbury launch their Heartland campaign against Thames Valley on Saturday, and a stunning second-half comeback against Canterbury B last weekend showed their attacking wares. How many tries will they score?

0-1, 2-3, 4 or more

T ipping Competition

Round 1 Round 2 Total

Pat, Rockgas

August 20 North Harbour v Southland North Harbour 7.05pm

2021

TEAM

2021 rules Here’s how points will be awarded this year: Correct winning team Correctly picking a draw Correct bonus question

1 point 5 points 3 points

YOUR LOCAL HONDA HONDA SERVICE

PARTS & SERVICE CENTRE

YOUR LOCAL HONDA Roimata

• Concrete Water/Feed Troughs • Precast Panels • Pipes and Wingwalls • Water Tanks/ Effluent Tanks • Silage Pits • Concrete Bunkers • Weeping Walls • Cattle Stops

PARTS & SERVICE CENTRE STORE ASHBURTON Honda Honda Service Service Store Store Ashburton Ashburton

Mike

Dulcie

For any quote or inquires contact us on 03 308 4816 Or call into the yard at 205 Wilkins Rd, Tinwald, Ashburton 299 299 Havelock Havelock Str, Str,Ashburton Ashburton

4 tries or more

299 Havelock Str, Ashburton Ashburton 308 9109 03299 308Havelock 9109 Str, MALCOLM MALCOLM LOVETT LOVETT 03 03 03 308 308 9109 9109 hondaadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE LTD LTD hondaadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz hondaadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz hondaadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz

0-1 tries

www.hanhamconcrete.co.nz info@hanhamconcrete.co.nz

Local people, local knowledge Licensed REAA 2008

2-3 tries

03 308 0027

www.mcleodre.co.nz

The local service that delivers!

Scott

Pat

Paul

Whether it’s endless hot water, instant heat, or always cooking with gas, we’re here for you.

Call Pat today for reliable,

speedy delivery 2-3 tries

2-3 tries

Ph 03 308 4665 Cnr Walnut Avenue and McLean streets

www.rockgasmidcanterbury.co.nz

0-1 tries

Together we are building New Zealand 115 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton 7700, Ph (03) 308 9099

Honest. Trustworthy. Local.

Honest.

Honest. Trustworthy.

Trustworthy. Local.

Local.

Grant

Mick

Call me Call Call me me for all for all for all your your your real real real estate estate estate needs needs needs

Matt

Phone (03) 307-7904

MickHydes Hydes Mick Mick Hydes

027 437 437 9696 9696 027 027 437 9696 mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz mick.hydes@bayleys.co.nz

2-3 tries

2-3 tries

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS,

LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Talk to your local team at the Ashburton Guardian to promote your company in a feature

4 tries or more

18 CLASSIFIEDS

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

Inwards Goods Supervisor

Checkout Operators

NEW WORLD - Ashburton New World Ashburton are looking for an Inwards Goods Supervisor to lead our efficient Inwards Goods Team. In this role you will be accountable for managing the day-to-day running of the storeroom including unloading delivery trucks and vans, checking off deliveries and receipting goods into our computerized system, as well as general storeroom housekeeping.

We are big on Health & Safety at Ashburton New World, so we are looking for someone who is proactive and who shares in this passion, given the high risk environment that is “Inwards Goods” What we need from you: • A current OSH and F Endorsed Forklift License • Experience using a forklift • Experience using SAP or other computer management inventory systems • Comfortable managing a busy storeroom with team, merchandisers, drivers and other visitors that use the storeroom • Being reasonably fit and strong, as much of the work involves lifting, moving on and off vehicles and standing for long periods What you get from us: • Ongoing training and mentoring • Career development opportunities • Great company culture and work environment This is a full time 45 hour position, working Monday to Friday from 5.00am – 2.30pm, with some flexibility for extra hours only when required. We are looking for an individual who thrives on a challenge, is forward thinking, clearly driven and excels in a united culture.

Full Time & Part Time Shifts Available Applications are invited from exceptional people to join the team at our Checkout.

Key responsibilities for these positions include: • Ensuring our customers are provided with service to a high standard • Creating a friendly and helpful environment for customers and staff alike • Working within Food Safety and Health and Safety requirements • You will be physically fit and have excellent presentation.

Positions will include one late night and one weekend shift. Full training will be provided.

To apply, please complete an application form which is available at customer services or email: donalda.hartley@newworld-si.co.nz closing date will be 24th August, 2021.

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT

Please apply in writing – including a cover letter and current CV to: donalda.hartley@newworld-si.co.nz Permanent Bar Staff Required at the Ashburton RSA

Applications close: 24th August 2021 (Applications may close if the ideal person is found earlier that the date stated).

WAREHOUSE / ASSEMBLER /INWARDS GOODS CM Trailer Parts – an ALKO Company are seeking a reliable, physically fit, team player to join our busy distribution warehouse team, based in Ashburton.

Dairy/Frozens 2IC

The focus of this role is assembly of trailer axle beams & braking components for our busy custom trailer axle build service and assembly of other trailer related products. This work will need to be carried out to a high standard in a timely manner.

NEW WORLD – Ashburton Owing to an internal promotion, an opportunity has arisen for a reliable and enthusiastic person to take the next step in their career.

Assisting with inwards goods receipt. This includes loading & unloading freight trucks with a forklift, moving goods throughout the warehouse following our strict Health & Safety policies.

This will involve supporting the Dairy/Frozens Manager by managing staff, being responsible for achieving KPIs and assisting in the day to day running of the Dairy/Frozens department.

Our ideal candidate: • Has previous experience in automotive assembly / service • Is reliable & committed • Takes pride in their work • Can follow instructions • Has a current forklift endorsement & certificate (though not essential as onsite training available) • Has a good understanding of Health & Safety requirements • Has good numerical / written skills

The successful candidate will have: •

Excellent customer service skills

•

Great time management and strong communication skills

•

A good level of fitness

•

No problem working in a cold environment

This position will be Tuesday to Saturday – 43.5 hours.

Previous experience in a retail environment would be an advantage, but ongoing training will be provided – including the opportunity to undertake industry specific training in nationally recognised qualifications.

If you are really passionate about a career in the retail food sector, please apply in the strictest confidence, including a current CV and covering letter to: donalda.hartley@newworld-si.co.nz Applications close 24th August 2021

What you get: • We offer a great team environment • Position is Monday – Friday • Wage negotiable based on experience

Applications to: barbara@cm.net.nz attn: Barbara Adam CM trailer Parts, P O Box 124, ASHBURTON 7740

Subscribe now www.guardianonline.co.nz or Phone (03) 307-7904 Email circulation@theguardian.co.nz Text 021 271 3399

Guardian

Applications close on the 31st August 2021.

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT A new Asian, pretty,sexy, busty, friendly, good service.

Phone Tanya 0211003539.

CHUBBY, busty Asian lady.

Excellent massage service.

Please phone 022 1395 223.

LOVELY lady for genuine callers only.

Please phone 021 0275 9055.

50th Jubilee Celebrations St David’s Union Parish, Allenton Saturday 21st August, 6pm, Dinner.

HIRE

But the rest of the world is at your fingertips …

Further details please email the Ashburton RSA office at rsaoffice@xtra.co.nz

CHURCH SERVICES

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Applications close Friday 20 August.

You may be stuck inside,

Duty Managers Licence and experience would be an advantage but training could be given to a suitable applicant.

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 - 5pm; Sunday 8.30am 12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz

Guardian Classifieds

Sunday 22nd, 9:30am, Celebration service.

A warm invitation to ex parishioners and friends.

Church Office ph. 3085174

GRAZING GRAZING wanted All feed types considered.

Call Steve 027 3216 060.

Call the Guardian for all your classified MOTORING WHEEL alignments requirements. great prices. Maximise

ASHBURTON

307 7900

at the life of your tyres with an alignment from Neumanns Tyre Services Ltd, 197 Wills Street. Phone 308 6737.

FAMILY NOTICES 19

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

View Family Notices on the Ashburton App now You can download the Ashburton App onto your smartphone or

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.

1

Visit the App Store for iPhone or Play Store for Android.

App Store

Play Store

The Ashburton App

2

Click GET to Download

3

Icon will appear on your home screen

4

Click Family Notices

5

Click Funerals

6 Funerals

Late death notices 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 Any queries please contact 0800 ASHBURTON (0800-274-287)

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FUNERAL FURNISHERS MASTER MONUMENTAL MASON

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 Ph/Fax 308 5369 or 0274 357 974 ebcarter@xtra.co.nz NZMMMA Member

We are the only Mid Canterbury funeral home providing local, caring and dignified cremations.

.

ERB URY

WEEK

END LIFE IN

307 7900 for more information

MELLISH, Heather – Peacefully at Ashburton Hospital on August 15th, 2021. Messages to, the Mellish Family, c/- PO Box 6035, Ashburton 7742. The service to celebrate Heather’s life that was planned for FRIDAY, August 20, has now been cancelled due to COVID restrictions. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be advised.

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Book your real estate advertising with our experienced sales team

DEATHS SMALL, Frederick James (Jim) – Unexpectedly at home on Monday August 16, 2021 aged 87 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Nita, much admired father to Greg, Brendon, Leonie and father-in-law to John. A loving Ganga to Juliet and James. Much loved brother, uncle, and brother-in-law to all the Small, Orr, Prendergast and Kennelly families. A true gentleman and a friend to all who crossed his path. Our lives are richer for having known him. In lieu of flowers, donations to St Vincent De Paul would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to Jim Small's family c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. Due to the current Covid Level 4 restrictions funeral details will advised at a later date.

ASHBUR TON

LINE

1879

Wanting to sell your home?

DEATHS HOWDEN, June Josephine – Passed away on Monday August 16, 2021, aged 82 years.

Peacefully at Ashburton Hospital. Much loved wife of the late Allen.

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Sharlene and Ian, Jo-ann, Andrew and Sharon, David and Jacqui, Ian and Stacey, and Benjamin. Much loved Grandmum of all her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. They were her world! Thanks to the caring staff at Princes Court and Ashburton Hospital.

Messages to the Howden family c/- PO Box 472, Ashburton 7740. Due to the current Covid Level 4 restrictions funeral details will advised at a later date.

THE OVEN

For your local news, community events and places to visit.

Complete Local Care

Buying or selling a vehicle?

Ph 03 307 to subs 7900 cribe !

Since 1982

ASHBURTON

@AshGuardian

www.facebook.com/ashguardian

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Call the Guardian today for your motoring advertising requirements.

307 7900

Ashburton Weather

Thursday: A fine day with morning frosts, then high cloud in the evening. Light winds.

MAX

Midnight Thursday

Canterbury Plains

15 MIN 3

Thursday: A fine day with morning frosts, then high cloud from evening. Light winds.

Friday: Partly cloudy. Isolated early morning showers with a fresh southwesterly change, then winds dying out.

Saturday: Fine. Morning frosts. Northeasterlies developing.

A disturbed southwest flow covers the country today, while a ridge recedes to the north of the country. A front moves onto southern New Zealand from early afternoon and moves up the country tomorrow, followed by a ridge of high pressure during Saturday.

This ridge becomes confined to the North Island on Sunday as northwesterlies develop over the South Island ahead of another approaching front.

Around The Region Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Friday: Partly cloudy. A possible early morning shower with a fresh southwesterly change, then winds dying out.

MAX 10 MIN

Canterbury High Country

Thursday Mountain weather hazards: Wind, Wind Chill.

Fine with increasing high cloud. But cloudy about the divide with scattered rain.

Wind at 1000m: W 50 km/h, rising to gale 80 km/h early afternoon. Wind at 2000m: W gale 65 km/h, rising to severe gale 90 km/h by midday S of Mt Hutt, spreading northwards through the afternoon.

Freezing level: 1100m, rising to around 1500m by evening.

Friday Mountain weather hazard: Wind Chill.

Cloudy periods with isolated showers in the morning, lingering about the Hurunui District in the afternoon then clearing.

Wind at 1000m: SW 45 km/h, becoming light in the morning.

Wind at 2000m: SW 60 km/h, easing to 40 km/h in the morning and becoming light in the afternoon.

Freezing level: Lowering to 900m.

14 3 10 1 13 4 13 4 8 1 13 5 10 1 8 -1 11 3 13 2 8 -1 13 4 13 6 9 4 13 7 15 1 11 -1 13 2 For the very latest weather information, including Weather Warnings, visit metservice.com © Copyright Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited 2021 Christchurch Darfield Lake Coleridge Methven Rakaia Timaru

0

Compiled by

Saturday: Fine. Morning frosts.

Northeasterlies developing.

MAX

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

Ashburton Airport 11.7 2.3 -2.2 0.0 40.8 NE 24 3:05pm 5.7 78.9

Methven 9.8 2.8 – – – – – – –

Christchurch Timaru Airport Airport 11.3 13.2 4.8 1.0 2.0 – 1.6 0.0 71.6 26.4 SW 37 E 24 1:17pm 3:24pm 5.6 – 72.5 –

Tides, Sun and Moon Thursday

14 MIN 4

Friday

Saturday

Ashburton H 12:28am 1:00pm 1:24am 1:57pm 2:18am 2:50pm Mouth L 6:38am 7:17pm 7:32am 8:09pm 8:25am 8:59pm Rakaia Mouth Rangitata Mouth

H 12:13am L 6:25am H 12:12am L 6:22am

12:49pm 7:08pm 12:44pm 7:01pm

1:11am 7:23am 1:08am 7:16am

1:47pm 8:03pm 1:41pm 7:53pm

2:08am 8:20am 2:02am 8:09am

2:41pm 8:57pm 2:34pm 8:43pm

7:21am 5:53pm 7:19am 5:55pm 7:18am 5:56pm 1:43pm 5:05am 2:50pm 6:03am 4:03pm 6:51am

full Aug 22

last qtr Aug 30

new Sep 7

first qtr Sep 14

20

Ashburton Guardian Thursday, August 19, 2021

FinalWhistle The Guardian’s sport wrap

calling time on a week of sport

Stuck in limbo . . .

Sporting codes around Mid Canterbury are currently lying in a state of wait. Decisions over the coming days around any change to alert levels will determine when they can plan to get action back onto the sporting fields and courts.

Full Story P16