Ashburton Guardian, Thursday, January 5, 2023

Hinds national champions prepare for South Island title

Malcolm Hopwood

There are no better people than champions to organise a championship.

Jeanette and John Cuthbertson are champion dahlia growers who’ve won both the North Island and South Island titles.

Now Jeanette, as secretary of the National Dahlia Society, has

been given the task by the Canterbury and Ashburton dahlia circles to help organise the South Island show at Tinwald next month.

The Hinds couple’s bloom won the South Island National Dahlia Show champion of champions in 2008 and then followed it up by winning the North Island title 12 years later.

They have 1000 dahlias on their two hectare property and collectively spend 40 hours a week tending, pruning and growing.

Jeanette vividly remembers

winning the North Island title three years ago.

As secretary she was writing the certificates only to find their bloom was judged champion of champions.

“It was wonderful. It vindicated the time and effort we’ve put in,” she said.

Their bloom, entitled Embrace, “had colour, form, the stems were nice and straight and it was presented beautifully”.

Jeanette maintains there’s something special about dahlias. “They have no smell, they give the garden a lovely display and

they can last for months until the first frost,” she said.

Jeanette and John will enter their dahlias in about 30 classes, but won’t decide what flowers to pick until the week before.

Dahlias are in their first flush where the flowers are bigger and they have better form, shape and stems.

The second flush comes about March.

The South Island show will be held on February 18 and 19 at the Tinwald War Memorial Hall and will be open to the public on February 19.

Jeanette has organised 15 judges from Rotorua through to Invercargill to assess the flowers.

They include veteran grower, Graeme Gunn, from Ashburton.

She’s hoping conditions stay warm and dry and there no hail which would ruin her plants.

They also runs the trial grounds for the National Dahlia Society and look after 19 different dahlias for New Zealand and UK growers.

The Cuthbertsons been growing for 30 years. For Jeanette, it’s relaxation and having a beautiful garden.

The dahlia, Wanabe, could be entered by Jeanette Cuthbertson in the floral art category.

PHOTO MALCOLM HOPWOOD

Support for Rushtons; disappointment with Little

Malcolm Hopwood

The best thing Andrew Little can do, at the moment, is acknowledge the health sector is in crisis, claims National’s health spokesman.

Dr Shane Reti, in supporting the public recognition given to Ashburton’s Claire and Gerard Rushton, said Minister of Health, Little, could start to win back the trust of the health sector by confronting the issues.

“Acknowledging the health sec-

tor is in crisis would show he understands the significance of the situation,” Dr Reti said.

“Instead he’s intent on implementing his health reforms and has taken his eye off preventative measures such as encouraging Pharmac to make meningitis vaccines available to all young people.”

Dr Reti said Little should repurpose his reforms to fast-track the availability of vaccines for preventable infections such as meningitis.

He said Christchurch Hospital, where Mid Canterbury people go for a range of medical conditions, is “one of the ones” he worries about.

“It’s not a reflection on the staff, but it has huge work force and implementation problems. Staffing is severely stretched,” he said.

Dr Reti is “very pleased” the Rushtons have been recognised as the Ashburton Guardian’s Mid Cantabrians of the Year.

“They have a passion and belief in their mission to make meningitis vaccines freely available to all young people and their concern for New Zealand children,” he said.

“The award is well deserved.”

Dr Reti said the Rushtons give their time freely to front the Meningitis Foundation’s campaign, which saw them present a peti-

tion to parliament and address the health select committee last year.

However succeeding in their goal “is still to be achieved”, and Dr Reti isn’t getting that sense of commitment from Little.

“He has a lot of distractions from his health reforms and his recent measles catch-up programme was a terrible failure,” he said.

“While I will continue with my advocacy, I’m not optimistic he will achieve much this year.”

Dr Reti said that if National succeeded in becoming the government it would focus its attention on making vaccines available for preventable infec-

tions, however, to alter the present Government’s health reforms would take a minimum of six months

He is, at present, scoping his 2023 timetable and wants to be down in the Rangitata electorate in April this year.

In a Facebook message, Gerard Rushton said he’d like to thank “all our friends and family and the community for their support.”

The award comes on “the ninth anniversary of losing our beautiful Courtenay who gives us the strength to continue to work to ensure others don’t have to suffer the loss we have,” he said.

“This one is for you Courts.”

National’s spokesperson on health, Dr Shane Reti.

Throwing shade on policy request

Shade will receive greater consideration by the Ashburton District Council, but a specific policy was deemed a step too far.

The Cancer Society had requested the council look at introducing a comprehensive UV/Sun Protection Policy when the organisation submitted on the Parks, Active Recreation and Sports Strategy (PARS) consultation in May.

In response to the request, the council investigated the possible development of shade policy.

The strategy and policy department determined a policy was not necessary, only a move for the council “to mainstream shade initiatives at an operation-

al level, subject to approved budget, in future planning”.

That means the council will have a focus on shade provision in relevant council reports, identifying the need in planning stages and that it is included in budgets and work programmes.

The council’s Playgrounds Compliance and Safety Audit in August included an assessment on shade in playgrounds that noted overall, the council’s playgrounds, play spaces, and equipment have enough trees to provide shade, but identified some with poor shade provisions.

Rodriguez ‘wrapped his arms around a grieving nation’

during the attack. Even today former police, fire and civilians are still dying from the effect of the fumes.”

Hopwood

The Voice That Healed The Nation is the description the New York Times gave to an artist currently visiting family in Ashburton.

On 9/11, 21 years ago, Daniel Rodriguez was a New York policeman, based at ground zero during the terrorist attack on the city. He was working with the commanding officer co-ordinating the efforts of the emergency construction teams to supply equipment to first responders at the twin towers. Behind him a makeshift morgue had been established where bodies and body parts were being loaded on to freezing chambers.

“We didn’t know the attack was coming so our people didn’t have masks or oxygen equipment,” he said. “So many died from inhaling the toxic chemicals released

As well as being a serving officer, Daniel also had a further gift. He was the NYPD’s official soloist and was chosen to sing the American national anthem at the funerals of first responders who died. He recalls singing at more than 100 funerals and memorials.

The first public event that followed 9/11 was Prayer for America, hosted by Oprah Winfrey, at Yankee Stadium. Daniel was invited to sing alongside artists such as Placido Domingo and Bette Midler. It was at the televised event that Domingo heard Daniel’s voice and asked him to audition.

It led to a new career. In addition to training with Domingo, he appeared as guest on a host of TV programmes singing Star Spangled Banner or God Bless America which was growing in popularity.

On successive nights he appeared on Larry King Live, Op-

rah herself, David Letterman, Jay Leno and others.

“It started the healing process for American people,” he said. “I travelled the US and overseas singing for presidents, at the opening of the Winter Olympics, the World’s Fair in Japan and at Madison Square Gardens for the New York Yankees.

While many wanted Daniel to sing the national anthem, his

reputation saw him quickly perform a full classical repertoire in recital and with symphony orchestras. A highlight was singing in every game at the World Series between the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamond Backs where President George Bush delivered the first pitch.

“He’d been working on it with his security guards at the White House,” Daniel said.

His concerts and recordings that followed saw him deliver a message of hope and patriotism. “We showed our resilience. We were going to defy the Taliban and weren’t going to hide in caves,” he said.

The New York Times called him The Voice That Healed the Nation and went on to declare “Daniel Rodriguez wrapped his arms around the grieving nation and dried its tears with his voice”.

A close family friend, Karino Nuvo, a Cuban singer with two Grammy nominations, suggested he should write his story.

It was during the 21st anniversary of 9/11, he started preparing the proposal for the book. He’s

written an outline, its topics and a summary of the chapters and submitted it before Christmas to publishing houses in the United States.

When he returns to his home base in California this month he’s hoping to get a response and a financial advance to complete the biography.

It will include reference to Daniel meeting his Kiwi wife, Marla Kavanaugh, whose parents live in Ashburton, and enjoying time off in New Zealand. “It’s such an amazing place and received international status over its stand on Covid issues,” he said.

“The book has become very therapeutic to me. I’ve been able to delve more deeply into my story about that day and year that I was part of. There’s been a lot to unpack.”

While in Ashburton Daniel has agreed to present one concert at Terrace Croft, with his wife Marla Kavanaugh, who recently starred at the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo and his mother-in-law, classical soprano, Kathi Craig, this Sunday, January 8 at 3pm.

Jonathan Leask

Malcolm

Daniel Rodriguez

Uncovering the stories that matter

One of those big stories in 2022 was in Mid Canterbury where the human impact of decisions around water infrastructure was brought into sharp relief in Ashburton by reporter Jonathan Leask’s excellent coverage.

He took up the cause of a couple and their three children, who were shut out of moving into their dream home due to high nitrate levels limiting the building of any more septic tanks.

It was a fine piece about the frustration of Ellie Stocker, her husband and children watching money go down the drain over wastewater consent issues and the costs to build increasing around them.

They were one of a group of prospective homeowners and developers stuck in consent limbo with Environment Canterbury’s new position on septic tanks in north-east Ashburton.

Elsewhere, Felix Desmarais in Rotorua exposed hitherto secret plans by the council to revoke the reserve status of seven council reserves, paving the way for new housing to be built on them, including social housing.

It became a major election issue with residents using the ballot to choose candidates opposed to the plan, which was

subsequently canned by the new council].

Steve Forbes covered the chaos created by understaffed and overstretched emergency departments, with a deep dive into the death of a patient who visited Middlemore Hospital. He was first with a story that found the ED was “an unsafe environment for both patients and staff”.

It was a year of climate change-induced severe weather, and LDR reporters produced numerous stories on how councils were coping, or not, when it came to putting back together what mother nature had torn apart.

Flooding this year continued to represent an existential threat to Westport after the devastating inundation seen last year as well. Brendon McMahon’s stories have reflected the reality on the ground, such as the predicament faced by residents] on Snodgrass Road who had been left out of a proposed flood protection scheme.

Nelson reporter Max Frethey has kept readers up to date as that city deals with its own cleanup after devastating downpours in August, which left the city with a repair bill of between $40 and $60 million], the biggest in its 160-year history.

The weather kept Marlborough’s Maia Hart busy this year as well in a region with communities still cut off or with limited access due to damage caused a year ago.

But it was her story on the resilience of elderly Lochmara Bay resident Monyeen Wedge that really captured readers’ attention. Living alone, she went three days without power and was forced to live off canned food.

The pandemic and the response of health authorities and councils continued to be an area of inquiry for LDR in 2022, and none more so than Moana Ellis in Whanganui.

While high vaccination rates amongst pākehā protected thousands from the worst affects of the Omicron wave, it was a battle for DHBs with Maori and Pacific Islanders, who already had a distrust of health authorities. Moana’s reporting ensured these communities were not forgotten.

In one of LDR’s most read stories of 2022, Alisha Evans uncovered the extent of bureaucratic over-reach in Tauranga when through traffic was discouraged on Links Ave with the help of a fine. A glitch led to infringements being issued to drivers living as far away as the South Island, who had never even visited the city.

Reporters have documented the good and the bad of people’s interactions with vulnerable ecosystems. North Canterbury’s David Hill shone a light on the wanton destruction of endangered nesting birds in the region’s braided riverbeds by 4WD enthusiasts.

The national roll-out of flexible median barriers, aka ‘cheesecutters’, caused consternation in Whakatāne where Diane McCarthy talked to police who said they would struggle to pass drivers on their way to emergencies and to farmers driving slow moving tractors worried about extra levels of road rage from slowed-up motorists.

The dire state of the country’s water infrastructure is magnified in places like Wairarapa, with its small ratepayer base and decades old pipes and sewage treatment. There was no better illustration of this than Emily Ireland’s reporting on Masterton’s use of its Better Off funding where it was pointed out a mum was using a council provided portaloo to potty train her toddler because sewage was backing up in the town system whenever there was heavy rain.

One of the biggest changes around council tables this year was the election of Māori

ward candidates, with half of all councils now having these. Northland’s Susan Botting has been first out of the blocks reporting on the new dynamics at play, starting with Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson’s ban on karakia to open meetings. The ban was hastily reversed, but led to the largest hikoi in Dargaville for some time.

As with all of LDR’s reporters, choosing just one stand-out story from the many fine pieces published throughout the year, is almost impossible.

None more so than Tairāwhiti reporter Matthew Rosenberg. But no wrap of 2022 would be complete without mention of his story on bulldozer driver Hamish Pryde. The 65-year-old helped save Wairoa by negotiating already badly flooded paddocks and opening up a sand bar so the river could drain out to sea.

As Matthew said: “Not all heroes wear capes, some drive bulldozers”.

Frustration: The Stockers (from left), Poppy, Brad, Robbie, Dean, and Ellie, who had their dream Ashburton home hopes caught up in a septic tank and high nitrate council issue in one of the national stories of the year from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) team. Photo supplied.

This year was another huge one for Local Democracy Reporting, with our reporters at the forefront of uncovering some of the biggest stories in their regions.

September 2022

At the end of each year, Guardian staff choose the best of the year’s photos to share with you all and reminisce.

Right – The National Party announced James Meager as their candidate for the Rangitata electorate in the 2023 General Election.

Below left – Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown led Mid Canterbury’s chance to pay respects to the Queen following her passing earlier in the month.

Below right – Carol Johns had plenty of reasons to smile when her down-town market was given permission to go ahead, despite a number of hurdles along the way.

Ashburton

Real Estate advice in the Current Market?

Debbie Boon’s love of property and sales has cemented her place in the real estate sector for over a decade. Debbie promotes the Ashburton area as a great place to live, work and play.

Above – Ashburton’s annual Bookarama saw books and more flying off the shelves at record rates, with the profits going directly back into the community.

Left – More than 100 charges were laid in a massive police bust as part of Operation Cobalt. Police swarmed on Ashburton, visiting a number of properties of interest.

Left – Detective inspector Greg Murton – who took over the cold-case murder of Ashburton teen Kirsty Bentley, spoke of his belief that the person responsible for her death was either a local, or someone with good local knowledge.

October 2022

Left

Right

Below

Above – The excitement levels were palpable as the countdown began to the opening of Ashburton’s new Kmart store in the new-look River Crossing.

– Local singer/songwriter, Bella Casey-Solly was in the national spotlight when she made the finals of Take The Mic, a television talent show.

– Neil Brown was elected for a second term at the helm of the Ashburton District as mayor in the local government elections.

– Local truckie Bree Wilson was named Young Driver of the Year under the age of 35, showing that gender is certainly no barrier when it comes to driving trucks.

Above – Matt Williams delivered a great performance as Jesus when Jesus Christ Superstar opened to rave reviews at the Ashburton Event Centre.

RantorRave

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Did you blink when you drove through or departed Ashburton?

Probably not. It would have been a long blink.

Motorists were reduced to snail’s pace as they nose to tailed through West Street over the Christmas/New Year break.

There were thousands as they headed to Dunedin or Timaru or inland to Queenstown and Wanaka.

Those going north had Christchurch, Akaroa and the ferry crossings to the North Island in their sights.

It was great to see the post-Covid return of people as they felt confident enough to holiday at their favourite spots.

But did they stop in Ashburton? Not likely.

While our town offers some special attractions, they weren’t

visible as motorists crawled through. Few shops were open, Ashburton seemed asleep and welcoming signage was still in mothballs.

Frank Sinatra described New York as the “city that never sleeps”. If he was still alive he’d have a problem crooning about Ashburton.

What an opportunity we missed.

While most travellers were intent on getting to their destinations, there’d be others attracted here by billboards publicising what we had to offer.

It’s probably too late now as holidaymakers return home, but it gives us 12 months or less to ensure we don’t become ‘bypass Ashburton’ again.

We should also prepare for the advent of the second bridge when traffic will be redirected away from West Street. Do we become another Otaki, which started dying long before the bypass was completed, or prepare a development plan to attract that percentage of tourists to our commercial and cultural heart?

We have an outstanding museum and art gallery, a library that will shortly become the “living room of the community” and an upgraded East Street.

We could be the envy of provincial New Zealand, if only we’d tell them.

One of the keys to future

marketing is Baring Square East and West.

East has already been consulted on, and will be enjoyed by hundreds visiting the civic complex later this year.

The coat-hangers, resembling an X-ray of my lower intestine, still remain, a legacy of the town’s centenary in 1978.

But Baring Square West, across the railway line, has the potential for development.

With its imposing cenotaph, it has a focus for sacrifice and remembrance.

At the moment we dust off our patriotism on Anzac and Remembrance Days to stand proud with those who served in time of war and peace.

The challenge would be to create 24/7 relevance. By working with the RSA and Ministry of Defence; is there an inter-active,

living memorial that would be a drawcard and enhance established names etched in stone?

Attendances on Anzac Day, from all age groups, show the depth of feeling and identity we have for those men and women who sacrificed their lives during times of conflict.

And now a suggestion from left field.

I’ve always believed that, in temporary stands, established in shopping malls to sell glossy 2023 calendars, there should be one that commemorates our heritage and our global contribution in times of conflict and peacekeeping.

Magnify that many times over, locate it alongside West Street and you have a feature that pays tribute to the thousands of New Zealanders who have served our country in three centuries.

PlayPlanner

whatson@theguardian.co.nz

Every day

Mt Hutt Memorial Hall

10am, 160 Main Street, Methven. NZ Alpine and Agriculture Encounter, Art Gallery and Hall of Memories.

Ashburton Aviation Musuem 1-3pm, Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road.

Weekdays

Mid Canterbury Connector Provides low-cost return trips to Ashburton, Mondays to Fridays, any time between 9am and 4.30pm.

Ashburton Aviation Museum 1-3pm. Ashburton Airport, Seafield Road.

Mondays

Age Concern Ashburton Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am.

Ashburton Bridge Club 1.05pm, Bridge Club Rooms, 79 Alford Forest Road.

Ashburton Community Walking Group Mondays and Fridays at 10.30am. Walnut Avenue Pavilion.

Ashburton Pipe Band practice Pipe Band rooms, Every Monday, 7.30pm onwards.

MSA Dance Section

Monday 4.00pm to 6.00pm. All welcome at the MSA Havelock St.

Tuesdays

Ashburton Menz Shed 9am-2pm at 8 William Street.

Age Concern Ashburton

Steady as you Go Gentle Falls Prevention Exercises. All levels of ability are welcome. $2 per 1hr session.

Held at Methven All Saints Anglican Church Chapman St at 10.30am, starting February 7. Rakaia St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Bridge St at 1.00pm.

MSA Tai Chi

Classes at 11am. Cost $3 per session at the MSA on Havelock Street.

Justice of the Peace JP available for all signing services on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12pm-2pm. No appointment necessary. No fee. Community House, 44 Cass St.

RSA Indoor Bowls

Every Tuesday at 12.45. RSA in the Doris Linton Lounge. $2, followed by a cuppa & chat.

Pickleball Ashburton EA Networks Centre from 5-7pm. Paddles provided.

Mid Canterbury Badminton Club

Badminton Club night from 7-9pm. All abilities welcome at EA Networks Centre.

Waireka Croquet  Club

Draw 9.45am GC Handicap Singles. Ist Tuesday in the Month Handicap Singles 19 hoops. Draw 1.15pm. Singles Handicaps -0 5; 6-9; 10-16.

Wednesdays

Ashburton Menz Shed 9am-2pm at 8 William Street.

Ashburton Ladies Friendship Club 9.45am, Sinclair Centre. Speeches, morning tea, every fourth Wednesday of the month.

Wednesday Walk Group 9.30am. Meet Walnut Avenue on the west side of the Ashburton College Auditorium entrance.

Age Concern Ashburton Steady as you Go Gentle Falls Prevention Exercises. All levels of ability are welcome. $2 per 1hr session.

• Held at Allenton St David’s Church, Allens

Rd at 9.30am.

What’s on Where

Do you have an event for Play Planner? Email us with all the details to whatson@theguardian.co.nz.

Pickleball Ashburton

Every Wednesday from 9.30am - 11.30am at EA Networks Centre.

St Stephen’s Anglican Church Holy Communion at 10am on Park Street.

Age Concern Ashburton Programme for the elderly runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am.

Hip Hop for Seniors

10am-11am at the Ashburton Seniors Centre, 206 Cameron Street, Ashburton, $5.

Ashburton open coffee mornings

All are welcome at the Plunket rooms, 222 Cameron Street. 10.30am - 12 noon.

Thursdays

Ashburton Bridge Club

Every Thursday, 7.05pm, Bridge Club rooms, 79 Alford Forest Road.

Ashburton Menz Shed 9am-2pm at 8 William Street.

Age Concern Ashburton Ladies exercise class at 9.30am at Ashburton Seniors Centre at 206 Cameron Street.

Mid Canterbury Badminton Club 9.30am-11am at EA Networks Sports Centre.

MSA Tai Chi Classes at 11am. Cost $3 per session at the MSA on Havelock Street.

Age Concern Ashburton

Steady as you Go Gentle Falls Prevention Exercises. All levels of ability are welcome. $2 per 1hr session.

Ashburton St Stephen’s Church, Park Street at 1pm.

• Ashburton Buffalo Lodge Rooms, Cox Street at 1pm.

Fridays

Ashburton Community Walking Group Walking for about 30-40 minutes on Mondays and Fridays at 10.30am. Meet Walnut Avenue Pavilion.

St Stephen’s Anglican Church Seniors Coffee Club, 2nd and 4th of the month at 10.30am, St Stephen’s Parish Centre, Park St.

Ashburton Justice of the Peace JP available for all signing services from 12-2pm. No appointment necessary. No fee. Community House. 44 Cass Street.

Pickleball Ashburton EA Networks Centre from 6-8pm. Paddles provided.

Saturdays

Ashburton Farmers Market Saturday mornings, 9am-12.30pm, north end West Street car park. Plants, hot and cold food, vegetables.

Ashburton Aviation Museum Ashburton Airport from 10am - 3pm.

Ashburton Woodworkers Clubrooms at Plains Museum site 1pm-4pm.

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 10am, Weekly worship & Bible Study. 11am, Sabbath singing & Sermon.

At Grace Presbyterian Church building, 63 Princes St. Ashburton. All welcome!

Vintage Car Club

The museum and parts shed, 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald, will be open ONLY on the following Saturdays during the month of January, 2023 (times 10am to 12 noon):

January 14, 21, 28.

Waireka Croquet Club

AC Singles or Doubles. Draw 9.45 and 12.45, GC Draw 1.15 pm Doubles. New players welcome, mallets available.

Sundays

Ashburton Anglican Parish

Sunday - St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Park St, 10 am. Holy Communion

Sunday - St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Thomson St. 10 am. Holy Communion, 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Sunday January 1, 2023: 10am Combined Service at St Andrew’s. Service led by Rev. Eric Mattock. All welcome. Sinclair Centre, Park Street.

Grace Presbyterian Church 10am at 63 Princes Street.

Hakatere Presbyterian Parish We have several combined services in December/January and this is the service schedule –

Sunday January 8 – Combined service - 10am at 65 Oxford Street – led by Rev. Johanna Warren.

Sunday January 15 – joining in a Combined Service at 10am at Baring Square Methodist Church.

Sunday January 22 – Combined service - 10am at 65 Oxford Street – led by Rev. Johanna Warren.

Sunday January 29 – joining in a Combined Service at 10am at St Andrews, Park Street.

Each week from Sunday February 5 – Morning Worship at 10am. All welcome. 65 Oxford Street. St Paul’s Church, Mid Canterbury CCAANZ

Chertsey Community Hall, Chertsey Line Road, Chertsey, 10am Sunday. Communion 1st and 3rd Sundays. “Knowing Jesus and making Jesus known”.

Pickleball Ashburton

Sunday is organised competition day at EA Networks Stadium from 5-7pm. Prior registration through our facebook page is required. Some courts are available for social play.

Every Monday and Saturday

Allenton Assn Croquet Club

Venue Allenton Sports Club. Monday, Saturday. Start every week Monday September 19 until March 27 2023. Starting time 1.15pm.

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Methven Croquet Club

We play croquet every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1.30pm at the Methven Domain. All welcome to come along.

Every Tuesday and Friday

Methven Museum – Christmas Display 60 Main St, Methven. Open Tuesday and Friday 2-4pm. Believe it or not an orange was once a treat as were nuts. Many families could only afford these treats if they saved up all year. Come to the museum and see what gifts were given at Christmas of yesteryear, and what decorations were put up in the home. There are puzzles for the children to do and the history of Methven is on display. Admission is free but donations are welcome.

Every Thursday and Saturday Ashburton Toy Library

Open every Thursday and Saturday from

9.30am-12.30pm, plus every alternate Tuesday 3.30pm-5pm at 106 Victoria Street.

Every Wednesday, Saturday

Allenton Golf Croquet Club

Wednesdays & Saturdays. Start every week from Wednesday September 21 2022 until March 29 2023, starting time 9.45am.

Last Sunday of every month

Nor’Westers Muso’s Club

All are welcome, as is any style of music. 2pm - 6pm at Feeneys Lounge, Devon Tavern.

First Sunday of every month

Methven Market

At Methven Resort, from 9am to 1pm.

Third Monday of every month

The Ashburton Electronic Organ & Keyboard Club meets on the third Monday of every month (except December/January) at Seniors Centre, 206 Cameron Street at 7.30pm

Second Fri of every month

In Colour, art and craft club

Bring along your art and craft projects to share with others over morning tea once a month. 10.30am - 12 noon.

Second and fourth Friday of every month

St Stephen’s Anglican Church

Seniors Coffee Club 10.30am on Park Street.

Monthly

Ashburton Embroiderers’ Guild

Meet Seniors Centre, 206 Cameron Street

first Saturday of the month 10.30am-3.30pm, second Thursday of the month 1pm-3.30pm, third Tuesday of the month -9pm, and the fourth Thursday of the month 10.30am-3.30pm.

January events

Plains Railway

The Plains Railway Precinct is Open on Sunday January 8, from 11am-4pm. Vintage Railcar Rides operating, Popup Playground, browse through the Ashburton Fire Museum, Lynn Museum and Village. Vintage Machinery working displays, watch our Blacksmith crafting. Hot food & coffee available. Located in the Tinwald Domain, 62 Maronan Rd, Ashburton.

St David’s Union Church

Sunday January 8, 9.30am: St David’s Union Church. Worship Service led by Rev Helen Wallis. 48 Allens Road.

Tuesday January 10, 9.30am. St David’s Union Church. Walking Group meets outside church, 48 Allens Road.

Sunday January 15, 9.30am. St David’s Union Church. Worship Service led by Rev Jim Young. 48 Allens Road.

Tuesday January 17, 9.30am. St David’s Union Church. Walking Group meets outside church. 48 Allens Road.

Waireka Croquet Club

Philip Street. Tuesdays, Waireka Croquet Club GC Draw 9.45am and 1.15 Singles.

Vintage Car Club

The museum and parts shed, 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald, will be open ONLY on the following Saturdays during the month of January, 2023 (times 10am to 12 noon):

Shield champions

In terms of domination, those at Mid Canterbury tennis are quite possibly top of the pops.

The Browning Shield has become their own little slice of silverware for almost a decade, and the manner in which they continue to leave rivals behind them, it’s actually hard to see it changing.

And in 2022, not even the presence of Covid could impact on their bid to retain the coveted tennis title played for between Ellesmere, North Canterbury and Malvern.

A truncated version of the tournament was held in March, with squads across the regions severely impacted by illness and Covid, and as late as the Friday night before the tournament began Mid Canterbury were scrambling to fill their roster.

But they did, unlike Ellesmere, who withdrew at the 11th hour, meaning the Mid Canterbury side only needed to better both Malvern and North Canterbury to make it a perfect nine in the Browning Shield.

And that’s exactly what they did.

A big effort in the opening round against North Canterbury put them in the box seat, and when the turned around on the Sunday and dispatched Malvern the title was won.

The 2022 side featured some of Mid Canterbury Tennis’ biggest names, as well as a new age of players coming through the ranks. The team was; Cameron McCracken, Rhys Cromie, Jake Parsons, Conner Brosnahan, Riley Breen, Josh Gilbert, Lee Gilbert, Gareth Evans, Women: Tessa McCann, Ashleigh Leonard, Jess Aldridge, Mia Liu, Isabella Van Dooren, Jade Brosnahan, Jane Brosnahan, Dianna Leonard.

Winning one representative tennis tournament doesn’t make a season – but what

As another sporting year comes to an end there’s plenty to reflect on. From victories at club level right through to international and national success Mid Canterbury has again produced the goods. Matt Markham works through 10 of his favourite story subjects in no particular order from 2022.

the success in the Browning Shield has done over the past 10 years is allow the centre to give some of its young, up-andcoming and exciting talents a platform in which to grow their game and develop away from the usual rigours of Saturday

afternoon interclub.

What Mid Canterbury Tennis do in terms of their player development and pathways is exceptional, and those who have been around the traps for longer than they would care to admit are ready

and willing to stand on the sidelines to give a younger player a chance.

2023 will bring the prospect of the perfect 10 for Mid Canterbury and it would take a brave person to bet against them achieving it.

Rugby – and a very good cause – winner on the day

Sometimes it’s about more than just a game of rugby.

You can get caught up in all the hoopla of a national provincial rugby tournament like the Heartland Championship, but every now and then what actually happens on the paddock isn’t the most important thing.

Mid Canterbury Rugby showed that this year when they introduced a charity day and chose to lend their support to the Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa NZ.

There’s a close link there, of course, with union boss, Ged Rushton a key figure in the Meningitis Foundation.

What started as just an idea to open the gates and seek donations from patrons walking in the door quickly became more, with local business The Sock Co. coming on board and developing a special sock for the occasion.

Purple, and carrying the Meningitis Foundation logo, they were donated to the Union, with a number of extras produced to be auctioned or sold off.

Held on the day Mid Canterbury hosted neighbours South

Canterbury in a Hanan Shield match, the crowd numbers were large with more than $8000 raised from the day. A significant contribution of that came from the Heartland side itself, with players dipping into their own pockets and donating their match fees from the game.

The financial contribution was significant, but the exposure for the Meningitis Foundation through the match being televised was almost as important.

Rushton, along with his wife Claire, have been tireless advocates for better access to vaccinations for young New Zealanders and their plight in 2022 was a good one.

Most importantly in this particular event was that the Mid Canterbury Rugby community, who are so often the benefactors of support from across the region, led the way in playing their part in supporting a very worthwhile organisation who need every little bit of help they can get.

That Mid Canterbury unfortunately didn’t win was a shame, but they put up a huge fight against the defending and then subsequent season champions.

Purple socks prominent for the Mid Canterbury Hammers, as they faced South Canterbury in a Hanan Shield match.

The coveted Browning Shield, once more in Mid Canterbury’s possession.

Second Nuggets crown on the radar

Karen Parsons was only too happy to see a rival for her husband’s affections take his breath away on Tuesday.

The North Canterbury husbandand-wife training duo produced veteran stayer Camino Rocoso, in the hands of Ashburton jockey Jason Laking, for a dazzling win in Tuesday’s Greymouth Cup (2000m), a performance both described as “breathtaking”.

First and second in his previous two starts in the Greymouth Cup, Camino Rocoso’s win set up a title defence of Saturday’s Vernon & Vazey Truck Parts Kumara Gold Nuggets (1810m).

“When he got back where he did, I thought he’s going to muff it today but then he just took my breath away with that finish,” Karen Parsons said.

“He took John’s breath away too and that doesn’t happen very often.

“I couldn’t believe John’s reaction. He was just so proud of the horse.

“This horse and Jason Laking just love each other too.

“When he gets on him, they just jell. They’re just chummy.

“As he’s got older nothing has changed too much with him.

“He’s an easy horse but he does love Jason.”

Laking, who has ridden Camino Rocoso eight times for three wins and two placings, sticks with his mount in a bid to replicate their success in the Kumara feature last year.

“The Greymouth Cup is a race

that has always fitted into his programme well.

“He’s come through it well too,” Parsons said.

“There’s rain expected and that could set the cat amongst the pigeons because he doesn’t really like it wet.

“He always races better on a dry track.

“But it would be huge if he could win the Nuggets again. An old horse like him, it’s amazing to think what he’s still able to do.”

Camino Rocoso has raced at the Wellington Cup carnival for the past

four years but Parsons said no decision on whether he would head north again this year would be made until after the Nuggets.

The Parsons will have just one other runner at the meeting, El Tirador in the Alex Hayward/Noel Wafer POW Memorial 1810.

Massive day out for punters – with no horses

One of the most anticipated parties of the racing season will be held at Ellerslie this month without a horse in sight.

And the remote Karaka Million function for the Boy Get Paid’s racing fan base could prove an interesting test case for racing clubs holding “phantom” meetings at which there is no actual racing.

The Boys Get Paid have become one of the highlights of Karaka Million night, the fast and furious race meeting with only six races, but two of them worth $1 million every January.

It is the biggest annual get-together for the enormous group of like-minded fans of racing and socialising and has resulted in scenes resembling a well-be-

haved English Premier League football game, chanting and drinking included.

But with Ellerslie’s track closed for refurbishment at present, the Karaka Million meeting will this season be held at Pukekohe on January 21, and BGP founder Luke Kemeys said that provided too big a logistical challenge for their group.

“We really value looking after our members and guests, and we weren’t sure how to get everybody to Pukekohe and then back into the city, which is where many of our members want to be after the races,” says Kemeys.

“Some of the recent BGP functions at the Karaka Million have attracted up to 850 people and I also respect the fact it would be

hard to get the right sort of space for all of us at Pukekohe.”

So Kemeys and his BGP followers will instead still have their official function and run their huge-money Punters’ Club from the Cuvee Lawn function area at Ellerslie, even though the races will be held a 45-minute drive south.

Those attending will be able to socialise, bet and watch the races on the several big screens set up in the Cuvee, which usually hosts Ellerslie’s premier social package.

“It works for us in lots of ways. One is the lack of travel, both to and back from the races,” Kemeys said.

“We can still watch the races live, have a few beers if people want to do that, and then an hour

Reefton gallops

at Reefton Raceway

after the last, those who want to head to town, which is quite a few of our people, can do so easily.

“We know some people will want to go to Pukekohe, which

is great, and others have indicated they love the big functions at Ellerslie but they might wait for next year. But I’d say we will have between 200 and 250 people, maybe more, and they will have a blast.”

Away from the social side, Kemeys and his punting team think they could be in charge of a starting pool of somewhere between $600,000 and $700,000, as the popularity of their BGP Punters’ Club continues, buoyed by a recent huge result during New Zealand Cup week in Christchurch.

Punters can buy shares in the Punters’ Club via the TAB website and more than $220,000 has already been lodged into the account, with the final few days always the busiest.

Above – Ashburton jockey Jason Laking gets the best out of Camino Rocoso in the Greymouth Cup on Tuesday.

Luke Kemeys

Left – A number of hardy souls took to the mountains and then ran to a pub in the annual Peak to Pub multisport race.

Below left – Mayor Neil Brown and Braided Rivers Community Trust boss Rob Reid were two of a number of local celebs to take to the court in a delayed edition of the annual wheelchair basketball match.

Below right – One of the feel good stories of the 2022 netball season, Allenton returned to premier and made their mark by being Premier 2 champions for the year.

Above

Left

Below –

– The Mid Canterbury Heartland side welcomed a new face to the mix when John Vasurakuta, the brother of noted player Raitube, joined them mid-season.

– Leo O’Reilly was one of a number of locals to get a win on the board when grass track racing resumed for the season at Methven. He piloted the evergreen Jerry Garcia to success.

Celtic leader, Gina Woodhouse spoke of the team’s motivation to succeed on the court during the year following the loss of one of their dear friends, Rachel Summerfield.

Left –Allenton lawn bowler, Mat Basset put his name on the Lowry Cup singles for the second time in his career.

Below left – A group of local boxers trekked to Whanganui to try their talents against the best of their peers in the New Zealand Amateur boxing championships.

Below right – The crowds flocked and the bulls bucked at the annual Methven Rodeo which returned to the social calendar.

Above

Left – Mid Canterbury’s bid to become Lochore Cup champions fell short when they lost to a passionate East Coast in Ruatoria.

Below –

– Old hand Jason Morrison kickstarted the cricket season in fine style with a century in the opening week of the competition against fellow Mid Canterbury side, Allenton.

Charity day at the Mid Canterbury Rugby Union this year saw the senior side wearing specially designed purple socks in recognition of the Meningitis Foundation who were recipients of funds raised during the day.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): You don't have to accept what's there. Much of life is negotiable If you're unhappy with the terms you're dealt, do some writing about it. You will gain a better understanding of things on paper.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Getting over fear is as simple as deciding there is something more important at stake and letting that purpose pull you through. The more important thing may be the knowledge that you're not easily stopped.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21): Rather than following a plan, this is a good day for playing it by ear. There's no point in creating a bunch of rules; everyone will do what comes naturally regardless of whether it's technically within the agreement.

CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22): You are aware every interaction is coloured by history. You may be a small part of someone's day, but you feel a responsibility to make a difference, contributing an energy that will be carried forward to positive effect.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): Speeding may get you there faster, but it's riskier. Also, it prevents you seeing the features and details along the way. Furthermore, a slower pace allows you to take stock of your position and adjust your course as needed.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Be sure to question everything. It's not that anyone is deliberately lying to you; it's just that every scenario holds so much potential for interpretation. Getting more answers will help you interpret the situation better.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 23): The settings you are seen in have a significant impact on how you are perceived. Atmospheric associations will follow you into new settings. Knowing this, where should you meet? Use environment to your advantage.

SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 21): You didn't cause the problem and are not obligated to fix it. You're in a prime position to make a positive impact. Should you be inclined to take the initiative, there are many who would follow and assist you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Before attempting to make yourself happy you will consider a conundrum. Though people are usually happiest when they are healthiest, our appetites often do not correspond with what's good for us.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): It's inevitable the pace of the world will not always match your own. Ultimately you see this as an opportunity to learn new ways to relax and get in sync with others, a skill that contributes to your success.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Despite everything going on in your life, if you're expected to be somewhere you show up strong and on time. Reliability is a testament to your character and your excellent organisational system.

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word.

Good 8 Very Good 11 Excellent 14

How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the five letters, using each letter only once? No words beginning with a capital are allowed. There’s at least one five-letter word.

Previous solution: ego, erg, ergo, foe, fog, for, fore, forge, fro, froe, frog, goer, gofer, gore, ogre, ore, orf, orfe, ref, roe

WordBuilder 7 38 17 23 84 1 6 3 4 79 85 54 1 4 1 9 2 6 98 15 3 915276438 843951726 627384951 286519374 791423685 534768192 478192563 369845217 152637849

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): You'll take charge of something that is technically not your job because the one in charge seems uncertain. Your impulse to lead will be appreciated and followed.

73 5 87 5826 8195 2 8547 4251 19 2 97 2874 613 95 5962 384 71 3417 958 26 6 7 2 8 1 9 5 4 3 9546 231 87 1385 472 69 4 2 5 1 7 6 9 3 8 7139 846 52 8693 527 14

981 3 37869 3 498 62 83 3 14 6 1267 9 86 74 9871 653 42 5124 378 69 4638 297 15 2 5 4 9 7 3 1 8 6 6712 489 53 8396 514 27 7 4 5 3 8 2 6 9 1 1267 945 38 3985 162 74

ADULT

NEW Asian Lady – 36D Cup, Busty, Massage. Phone 0225323904. I’m-Outcall.

NEW Asian – Sweetie, Beautiful, Busty, 40DD, Friendly. Good Service and Good Massage. Phone 0210372083.

HIRE

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 7.00am – 5.30pm; Saturday 7.30am - 5pm; Sunday 8.30am12.30pm - Phone 308 8061. www.ashburtonuhire.co.nz

MOTORING

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

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

Complete Local Care Since 1982

We help save lives every day through the research and development of improved diagnosis, better prediction and treatment of heart disease in our hospital and community. Find out how you can help by visiting: www.otago.ac.nz/chchheart A University of Otago Centre of Research Excellence We Help Save Lives Guardian Situations Vacant 307 7900

Ashburton Weather

Thursday: Occasional rain clearing around midday to cloudy periods. Northeasterlies.

DEATHS

NICOL, Kevin John –Passed away peacefully on December 31, 2022, at Terrace View Retirement Village, aged 74 years, surrounded by family. Beloved husband and soulmate of Glenys for 51 years and dearly loved and deeply respected dad of Katrina (Hokitika), Robert and Ben, Leighton and Kylie (all of Ashburton). Cherished and loved Grandad of Rhys, Zana, Reid, Willa and Fletcher , and Poppy (the Granddog). Messages of support for the Nicol family, c/o Terrace View, 37 Carters Terrace, Tinwald 7700. A private cremation will be held, followed by a Memorial service at later date.

Icons – Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School

Icons – Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School

Friday 13th and

Saturday 14th January 7-30pm

All Tickets $25 (fees apply)

Celebrating iconic Music and Stars, proudly supported by Hokonui, this is a show full of talent and a great way to start off the new year. Musical Director Jo Castelow is joined by Scholarship alumni Greta Casey-Solly to bring you fabulous music.

The Commitments VS The Blues Brothers

The Commitments VS The Blues

Friday: Mainly fine with northeasterlies at first. Rain developing later in the day with a fresh southerly change.

DEATHS

Tribute Show – Capitol City

Saturday 25th February 8pm

27 Midnight

Canterbury Plains

Thursday: A period of morning rain, then cloudy periods. Isolated showers south of Ashburton from afternoon. Northeasterlies.

All Tickets $55 (fees apply)

Join us as we transport you back to 1991 with a tribute show to THE COMMITIMENTS and then strap yourself into the Blues mobile with Jake and Elwood Blues as they get the band back together and wind the clock back to 1980.

Friday: Mainly fine at first with northerlies. Scattered showers developing inland from midday, turning to widespread rain later in the day with a fresh southerly change.

Around The Region

Christchurch Darfield Lake Coleridge Methven Rakaia Timaru

24 17 23 16

Canterbury High Country Readings to 4pm

Tutus On Tour – Royal NZ Ballet

Friday

27 14 27 13 26 13

11

Mountain weather hazards: Rain, Wind Chill. Mainly fine at first. Scattered showers developing from midday, some possibly heavy, turning to widespread rain in the evening.

Tutus On Tour – Royal NZ Ballet

Saturday 11th March 7pm

Tickets Adults from $35 / Senior from $29.70 / Child from $20 (fees apply)

Wind at 1000m: NW 45 km/h, becoming light in the morning. S 40 km/h developing in the evening.

To begin the Royal NZ Ballet’s 70th birthday year Tutus On Tour 2023 looks affectionately back at the RNZB’s early days. Patricia Barker has carefully curated a collection of works new and old that the dancers can’t wait to perform for you in this one-show-only performance.

12 ThursdayFridaySaturday H 3:26am 3:42pm L 9:33am 9:44pm

Wind at 2000m: NW 45 km/h, becoming light in the morning. S 30 km/h developing in the evening.

For the very latest weather information, including Weather Warnings, visit metservice.com

and

H 3:34am 3:51pm L 9:48am 10:02pm

David Strassman In The Chocolate Diet

Thursday

ThursdayFridaySaturday 18 11 6 10 6 9 6 10 6 8 15 12

Freezing level: About 3500m.

Friday

Mountain weather hazards: Rain, Wind Chill. Mainly fine at first. Scattered showers developing from midday, some possibly heavy, turning to widespread rain in the evening.

Wind at 1000m: NW 45 km/h, becoming light in the morning. S 40 km/h developing in the evening.

Wind at 2000m: NW 45 km/h, becoming light in the morning. S 30 km/h developing in the evening.

Freezing level: Above 3000m.

L

H

–

0.0 0.0 ––SE 22 12:14pm Tue

24.7 14.4 13.1 0.0 0.0 11.8 36.8 E 33 3:50pm 22.4 10.6 –22.7 16.6 15.4 0.0 0.0 10.9 34.6 NE 56 3:30pm 21.9 13.6

3:34am 3:51pm

change. Saturday: Rain with southeasterlies. cloudy from Scattered turning to southerly MIN 16 MAX 27 MIN 12 MAX 17 MIN 10 ThursdayFridaySaturday H

8:14pm 3:55am 9:09pm 4:38am 9:54pm 5:31am full Jan 7 last qtr Jan 15 new Jan 22 first qtr Jan 29

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

David Strassman In The Chocolate Diet

Thursday 16th March 7pm

Tickets VIP $99 / A Reserve $79 / B

Reserve $69 (fees apply)

David Strassman returns to our stage in his uproarious comedy with the one and only Ted E Bare and the evil Chuck Wood in his new show The Chocolate Diet. David’s show is bound to be a truly remarkable performance. If you are 12 – 15 years of age you can come along with an adult, however, if you are under 12 years of age you are unable to attend. MA Rated.

TICKET OFFICE 03 307 2010

211A WILLS ST, ASHBURTON, 7700

www.ateventcentre.co.nz

24.7 14.4 13.1 0.0 0.0 11.8 36.8 E 33 3:50pm Tue SUN PROTECTION ALERT Data provided by NIWA PROTECTION REQUIRED Even on cloudy days – 9:10 5:55 ampm A high to the east of the country is blocking movement of weather systems over Aotearoa, as a low pressure system lingers over the Tasman Sea. A warm moist northeasterly flow, with embedded fronts, is covering Aotearoa New Zealand between these two systems. A cold front with a strong southerly change moves up southern and eastern areas of the South Island late Friday and early Saturday. Canterbury High Country Readings to 4pm including Weather Warnings, visit metservice.com Temp °C Maximum Minimum Grass min 24hr Rain mm Month to date Wind km/h Strongest gust Sun hrs on Month to date Tides, Sun and Moon Ashburton Mouth Rakaia Mouth Rangitata Mouth Ashburton Airport MethvenChristchurch Airport Timaru Airport ––––––Tide data sourced from MetOcean Solutions Friday: Mainly fine with northeasterlies at first. Rain developing later in the day with a fresh

ENTERTAINMENT

FinalWhistle

calling time on a week of sport

New challenger for Auld Mug

A fifth challenger has emerged for the 37th America’s Cup, with an entry from France joining the bid to dethrone Team New Zealand in Barcelona.

Having already had their entry accepted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, K-Challenge Racing have formally launched their bid for the Auld Mug, representing Societe Nautique de Saint-Tropez.

Outside of announcing their arrival on the scene, there has been little other information about the French challenge, who have only chosen to formally confirm their arrival now after spending some time quietly working on their bid.

They will be run by chief executive Stephane Kandler, who is no stranger to the Cup scene having led the French challenge in Valencia in 2007, and Bruno Dubois, who has a wealth of ex-

perience in the sailing arena.

“Bruno and I are very excited to join the other challengers.

“We have been working behind the scenes for almost a year now and we are going to announce great things by the end of this month,” Kandler said.

Grant Dalton, chief executive of AC37 Event Limited, welcomed the challenge for the event in Barcelona – which now has two more potential challengers than the 36th edition of the Cup in Auckland.

“It is great to have the French now back in the America’s Cup as the fifth challenger, and one that

will no doubt bring a lot of typical character and flair to what is lining up to be a stunning event in Barcelona.

“France is such a prominent sailing nation but despite this, it is not a small undertaking to get an America’s Cup team up and running so I congratulate Stephane, Bruno and the Societe nautique de Saint-Tropez who have been working away tirelessly to get to this point.”

While the team are yet to reveal their crew, it is expected there will be some crossover in talent between the America’s Cup challenge and the French SailGP

team, particularly given Dubois’ role as the French SailGP team manager.

There has been plenty of crossover in talent between the America’s Cup and SailGP since the start of the latter’s 2021-22 season.

That influx in a shared talent pool is exemplified by the New Zealand entry which features Peter Burling, Blair Tuke, Josh Junior, Andy Maloney and Louis Sinclair, all members of Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup success in Auckland in 2021.

The France SailGP team have been a member of the series since its inception in 2019, with helmsman Quentin Delapierre having been at the wheel since midway through the 2021-22 campaign.

The French SailGP squad features two sailors with experience in the America’s Cup, Olivier Herledant and Matthieu Vandame.

The challengers

Ineos Britannia (Royal Yacht Squadron)Challenger of Record

American Magic (New York Yacht Club)

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (Circolo della Vela Sicilia)

Alinghi Red Bull Racing (Societe Nautique de Geneve)

K-Challenge Racing (Societe Nautique de Saint-Tropez)

They will no doubt bring a lot of typical character and flair to what is lining up to be a stunning event in Barcelona

“