Issue 1,135 Friday 17th May 2024

KIDNEY TRANSPLANT APPROVED

ByFiMaddison

A bright ‘hello’ and a cherry

‘I'm Harper’ bubbles out from three-year-old Harper Cromie as she sits at the table with her carer while receiving her lunch via a tube inserted through her nose and down into her stomach. In the background hovershermum,Emily.

Emily and Nic Cromie, from Glenroy area, are way beyond excited that Harper has been approved for a kidney transplant for July in Auckland. And it cannot come soon enough for her parents.

Harper has a rare inherited (congenital) nephrotic kidney disease and has spent most of her young life on a dialysis machine to keep her alive after her kidneys failed. She also lost her hearing aged three monthsbutmiraculouslygot itback18monthslater.

WeeklyNewspaper

♦ BusinessCards

♦ Photocopying

♦ Lamina ng

♦ Binding

♦ Typese ng

If you know of something newsworthy, we’d

While Harper doesn’t know life as being any different from when she was born, forherparentsithasbeena long road of learning and struggle.

“It’s been hard,” says Emily, “it doesn’t come naturally looking after a child with a serious illness. There’s nothing to prepare you for it; it’s something you're forced into as a parent.

There’s no right or wrong way of doing things, you learnasyougo.”

Emily says her life is different to what she imagined motherhood to be, everything is amplified.

Having a child who has unique needs means being aware and on guard while

still trying to give her daughteranormallife.

“It’s not fair to expect other parents to manage their children around Harper.”

Emily has had to work out the best way to manage Harper’s social life as safely as possible while not excluding her so she can learn,grow,andplay.

“Our days are filled with her care and feeding regime,” says Emily. Each night it

takes two people to hook Harper up to her dialysis machine. She spends 12 hours on the machine with approximately 10 litres of special fluid pumped through her body to filter waste and extra fluid from herblood.

Throughout the night, the

machine’s alarm goes off and Emily says each time sends a wave of pain through her body. “We haven’t had a full night’s sleep for so long. Exhaustion is our biggest areaofstruggle.”

Harper Cromie helps her mum, Emily, collect pinecones for the fire. A new lifesaving kidney for Harper in July will make a world of difference for this family.

OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC IN DARFIELD

Wendy Rushworth established Balanced Health Osteopathy in Darfield three years ago in the Malvern Business Hub and has been able to offer limited hours around her family commitments. She is thrilled to have Janelle Gouman join her at Balanced Health Osteopathy to provide a wider health service to the community.

IntroducingJanelleGouman. Janelle is passionate about promoting well-being. Her interest in health, as well as the impact of pain and disability, led her to explore osteopathy.

Janelle studied at Ara Institute of Canterbury, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Musculoskeletal Health followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Osteopathy.

In 2023 Janelle worked with a premiership football team which started her interest in acute injury management and optimizing physical performanceinathletes. Janelle has helped to advance athletes’ mobility and strength and support injuryprevention.

Janelle also has a special interest in women’s health. Supporting women with chronic menstrual pain as well as working with women through their pregnancies and postnatally. She says, “I enjoy journeying with patients through their recovery and helping them restore wellness so they can enjoythethingstheylove”.

Janelle’s personal interests

include the outdoors, hiking,mountain biking,and watersports. She enjoys landscape painting, fitness, and spending time with her familyandfriends. What is Osteopathy and how Osteopathy and how canithelpme? canithelpme? Osteopathy is a gentle and effective manual therapy that looks at the body, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional aspects that may be contributing to your symptoms. Treatment involves handson manual therapy to reduce tension, pain, and stress and improve function, mobility, and overall health

and well-being. Osteopaths can help with a variety of acute and long-term conditions, pains, and injuries.

Osteopathy is a registered health profession overseen by the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand which is established under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act).

Balanced Health Osteopathy is an ACC provider, meaning they can lodge your injury claim with ACC directly.

(Seeadvertisementonthis (Seeadvertisementonthis page). page).

KIDNEY TRANSPLANT APPROVED

...continuedfromfrontpage

The pressure on Emily and Nic as a couple is huge; it spills out into every area of their lives. Living on one income has been a struggle as Harper needs full time care. Nic had to give up his business after Harper was born but manages a nearby farm and has just built a crutchingtrailer. They could not survive without the help of a carer, a position that is not fully funded, and Emily says there is no other help available.

Receiving a new kidney, one that does not have the sabotaging gene, will not only change one bright little girl’s life and future but also

that ofher family.Emily says they will have a new-found freedom.

“Harper will have so much more energy and we will too.”

There will be challenges along the way as Harper learns to eat and learns to cope with a functioning kidney.

“And if she wants to jump into bed with us at night, that will be okay too,” says her mum, “we won’t care as we’ve missed out on all of thosethings.”

Harper has a Givealittle page; any donations will go towards transplant related costs, requirements to return home and specialists forthenextyear.

Wendy Rushworth (left) of Balanced Health Osteopathy welcomes Janelle Gouman to her clinic.

$5M FOR WATER INVESTIGATION

In itslong-termplan,Selwyn District Council (SDC) says it currently has five water sources where nitrate levels have reached half the maximum amounts allowed to still be safe. The SDC is proposing to investigate whether it can centralise some of the plains water to come from one low nitrate source. It says that having one source supplying these areas would also be cheaperinthelongrun.

A budget of $5.3 million has been set to “investigate the feasibility of this and do early design” over the next 10years.

In the meantime, Council says it will continue to look after Selwyn’s drinking waterwith regulartesting to make sure that none of the chemicals in it reach the maximum amount allowed under the Drinking Water Standards.

The SDC currently manages over 30 water supplies across the district from Arthur's Pass to Taumutu in thesouthernregion.

On the Environment Canterbury (Ecan) website it states that nitrate contamination in waterways is cause for concern for everyone in Canterbury and

that even with new rules in place nitrate contamination will continue to cause problems in spring -fed streams and lakes for some years yet. They urge anyone using a private well for drinking water to be awareoftherisk.

Almost a quarter of the drinking water samples Greenpeace has tested for nitrate contamination in Canterbury recently were above the 5 mg/L level of contamination associated with reproductive risk in pregnant people. There were also studies that found high nitrate levels could be linkedtosomecancers.

Spokesperson Amanda Larsson says, “Emerging evidence has found that pregnant people drinking water with nitrate levels above 5 mg/L are at higher risk of preterm birth, and yet for many rural communities, this is the water coming out of their kitchentap.”

Greenpeace launched the ‘Know Your Nitrate’ map at the end of 2023, which uses both Greenpeace’s own testing results, as well as data from Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA),

Le$ers wri$en using a pseudonym, are unable to be published.

RecentCouncilConcernonReducedReporting TotheEditor:

Thanks to Councillor Grant Miller for exhibiting a muchneeded fiscal responsibility approach to reporting on capitalexpenditure.

The Mayor appears to be suggesting it is appropriate for staff to go over approved budget just to gain experience. That costplusview should concernall ratepayersgiventhe large capital investment programme andbegsthequestion why personnel assigned to control projects have little experience and presumably even less financial, contractual managementcapabilityoraccountability.

There are project control norms applied at every level of industry starting with rigorous scoping of a project, undertaking engineering, consenting and other investigations, feeding information into credible estimates and allowing for contingency sums based on areas of unknowns. Where the latter is proposed to be very large, halt the process until the risk and cost can be narrowed down.

Necessarily regular reporting arises from project implementation and those with accountability for implementing same. Councillors are and must be entitled on behalf of ratepayers to be supplied with regular updates on progress and a no surprises approach to cost escalation with Councillors having the final say on cost changes and why contingencies are deployed. It is not a matter of trust; it is the best way to deliver value for ratepayers.

GNS Science and local councils to make known drinking water nitrate data publicly available in map form.

The Know Your Nitrate map is designed to inform and warn the public of the potential health risks of nitrate in drinking water. It can give you some idea of what contamination levels might be in an area, but the organisation says people should get their watertested tobesure.

Toviewthismap,visit: Toviewthismap,visit: Toviewthismap,visit: Toviewthismap,visit: maps.greenpeace.org/maps/ maps.greenpeace.org/maps/ aotearoa/know aotearoa/know aotearoa/know aotearoa/know--your youryour your--nitrate. nitrate. nitrate.

Boiling or filters do not remove nitrate from the water. Nitrate in water comes mostly from farmers using synthetic nitrogen fertilisers on their farms.

The informa on and opinions published are not necessarily those of the Malvern News proprietor. The final approval of le$ers for print, rests with the editor. Le$ers to the Editor should be no more than 200 words in length.

Le$ers to the Editor won’t be considered for publica on without the writer’s name (given and surname) and area of residence (not address) also being printed.

WAIMAK BRIDGE UPDATE

Work on the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge is progressing steadily with the majority of the 47 new bridge deck panels now in place. While the work is progressing well, the crew is behind schedule due to bad weather and additional maintenance being required tothestructure.

While this work is carried out, the nightly bridge closures will continue until

sealing occurs, 7.30pm4.30am.

Once all the new bridge deckpanelsareinplace,the deck will need to be chip sealed. This work needs to be undertaken during the daytime when the temperatures are better suited to a successful outcome, as night time temperaturesaretoocold.

Sealing the bridge deck is scheduled to take place on Thursday 16 May between the hours of 12noon and 2pm. The bridge will be fully closed during this time.

Please notethat thiswork is

weather dependent and can only be undertaken in fine and dry conditions. Any changes will be further communicated.

Following sealing, the guardrail works, and scaffolding removal will be completed as daytime works. This will involve short 10-minute closures during the daytime from now until Friday 31 May. During this period, the bridge will be fully open at night.

Formoreupdates,visit Formoreupdates,visit Formoreupdates,visit Formoreupdates,visit selwyn.govt.nz/ selwyn.govt.nz/ waimakgorgebridge. waimakgorgebridge.

DON’T MISS THE MOTORHOME & CARAVAN SHOW

The NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show returns to Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch this Saturday 18 and Sunday 19,May.

The South Islands biggest outdoor lifestyle show is a two-day event containing over 100 different exhibitors, including over 20 that are brand new to thisshow.

Visit all your favourite motorhome & caravan brands, discover the latest innovations, new releases, and products, with unbeatable deals all weekend.

The outside space has more exhibitor sites, as well as the dedicated Accessories Marquee. The TrailLite Group Theatre will have our expertscovering a variety of

topics all weekend, from heating your motorhome to staying connected while on theroad.

Seven reasons not to miss Seven reasons not this show: this show: this show: this show:

1. You will find all of your favourite brands of motorhomes and caravans - in one place over two days

2. Receive an Eco Bag on arrival thanks to Selwyn from the Land for all your show goodies and a full show guide

3. Learn and be inspired from the experts in the TrailLite Group Theatre

4. Make a weekend of it at the Event Park &

Stay at Addington Raceway

5. Explore a 20% bigger show with over 20 brand new exhibitors

6. Visit more outside sites AND the dedicated Accessories Marquee

7. Only $16 for single entry tickets or $28 for a multi-day/ multiple entry pass

If you are dreaming of life on the road,then starthere. This show is guaranteed to be the best place for you to buy what you need, learn about where to go, and take advantage of the best prices.

Ticketstotheshowareon Ticketstotheshowareon salenowat salenowat salenowat salenowat nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz. nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz. Entrytotheshowisonly Entrytotheshowisonly Entrytotheshowisonly Entrytotheshowisonly $16forsingleentryoneday $16forsingleentryoneday ticketor$28foramulti ticketor$28foramulti ticketor$28foramulti-day/multipleentrypass. day/multipleentrypass. day/multipleentrypass. day/multipleentrypass. Thisyear, Thisyear, Thisyear, Thisyear, theshowticket theshowticket theshowticket theshowticket sales salessales sales attheshowentrywill attheshowentrywill becashless.Ifyouoptto becashless.Ifyouoptto purchaseyourticketsatthe purchaseyourticketsatthe purchaseyourticketsatthe purchaseyourticketsatthe ticketoffice,paymentcanbe ticketoffice,paymentcanbe ticketoffice,paymentcanbe ticketoffice,paymentcanbe madeviaEftposorPayWave madeviaEftposorPayWave only. only.only.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

An exciting new business has come to town.

If you’ve been wondering what is happening in the old PGG building, then you’re in for a treat.

The Flooring Group, a locally owned and family -run business, is opening its doors to the public on Monday 20, May, and you are invited to come along and check out what’s in stock and meet the owners, Kylie and James Lindsay.

The enterprising couple moved to Darfield two years ago with their young family, Carter and Scarlett.

“We moved down here from Auckland two years ago for a better life for us and our children and we found that here in Darfield and absolutely love it,” says Kylie. “We wanted to be rural enough so that we could have animals and a big vege garden, get the kids off screens, out of the city-type setting and out doing things more – but not so rural that we had to hike mountains to get to a supermarket!”

The Flooring Group is a brand-new business in Darfield supplying and installing most types of flooring for residential and commercial. James, a self-employed floor layer, always wanted his own shop. The business itself has been running for over three years, mostly contracting to the Flooring Centre and Carpet Plus as well as supplying smaller jobs.

“Life has got in the way previously,” says Kylie, “but now we’re finally able to do it.”

The couple works as a team. “James has been a flooring installer since he could learn to walk!

His uncle Keith was an installer; he taught James and they worked together until he retired and James continued.” James’ cousins

are all also in the industry.

Kylie left her job in the city to open their shop; she has a background of working in flooring shops both in administration and in sales. Last year Kylie obtained a Bachelor of Business degree in accounting.

“My dad is a tiler, so we’re really just a big family of flooring geeks!” she says.

James and Kylie are both creative people. They love the fact that there is so much you can do with flooring and just not know it. She says, “James and I use flooring on the walls, make different patterns and a house with a new lot of carpet can change the whole look instantly. And in a new build – I love the fact that when we turn up, it always looks like a building site but when we leave, it looks like a home and that is a really satisfying feeling.”

The Flooring Group is not a franchise so the couple is not restricted with what they can do or how much they have to sell something for.

“There’s no big corporate boss that you never get to meet. James and I will be working on every job. Especially James, he’ll be doing the installations himself until we get installers of our own, but we are fussy as to who we hire as we want them to take pride in their work like we do.”

Making sure people receive great customer service and have a great experience is important, especially as renovating and building homes can get stressful. “I want people to walk away thinking that choosing their flooring was fun and enjoyable and stress-free.”

The Flooring Group will have on offer a full

range of carpet (including wool, textured loop piles, normal cut pile, solution-dyed nylons, etc.), laminate, hardwood, vinyl planks, sheet vinyl, commercial vinyl, carpet tiles and other commercial floors, tiles and the company does floor prep too.

There are plans to include more of the family as the business grows but, in the meantime, it's about creating a great service with an impressive range of products and getting to know the wider community.

The Flooring Group offers free, in-home measure and quotes to everyone in Selwyn and will also travel to the West Coast when there is enough work.

TheFlooringGroupownersKylieandJames LindsaywiththeirchildrenCarterandScarlett.

LOCAL WEST MELTON ENTREPRENEUR HELPS KIWIS

West Melton digital entrepreneur James Graham has a passion to help other people and make sure they have the right tools to make informeddecisions.

James,whoworksasheadof analyticsforJadeSoftwarein Christchurch,developedand foundedtwonationwide prominentNewZealand websitesincluding realtor.co.nz realtor.co.nz and calculate.co.nz. calculate.co.nz. calculate.co.nz. calculate.co.nz.

These sites are free for New Zealanderstouse.

He says he wanted to make sure there were strong, accurate and free financial literacy tools so people could avoid making unfortunate choices.

“Having navigated the challenges of high-stress areas like finance and real estate myself, I identified a need for user-friendly platforms that simplify these sectors,”saysJames.

He says his journey into digital entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to make complex information accessible and useful for everyday New Zealanders. Each of his websites serves a specificneed.

The calculate.co.nz site is

designed to simplify financial calculations, featuring over 100 tools such as PAYE, KiwiSaver, GST, retirement, and mortgage calculators. His latest project realtor.co.nz focuses on the property transaction and real estate market, offering guidance for buying, selling, and building propertiesinNewZealand. Jamessaysapproximatelyone in ten New Zealanders use these platforms annually, demonstrating the significant impactandextensivereach of these resources. “They offer everything from simple calculators and guides to comprehensive analytics, all tailored to individual needs andavailableatnocosttothe user.”

James’ background includes developing a website for nursing exams that was accessed by over two million people annually, primarily in Asia, providing a free alternative for studying and passing the US NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination)exams.

“I also made headlines in 2022 for creating propertyprice.co.nz propertyprice.co.nz propertyprice.co.nz, a pivotal resource in the real estate sector.”

With the launch of realtor.co.nz, James aims to further empower New

Zealanders by enhancing their understanding and simplifyingthecomplexitiesof realestatetransactions.

The website provides a comprehensive end-to-end walkthrough for first-home buyers,sellers,orbuilders.

“My commitment to fostering industry transparency and empowering the public is at the core of all my endeavours.”

Ifyouneedhelpwithataxor mortgagecalculator,orif you'reconsideringpurchasing yourfirsthome,visit calculate.co.nzand realtor.co.nz.

Youcanalsogetintouchwith Jamesthrougheithersite.

AND THE WINNER IS...

The ‘Why my Mum is the The ‘Why my the Best’ Mother’s Day Draw Best’ Mother’s Day Draw Day Draw Day Draw goestoChloeJennings. goestoChloeJennings.

Here’s what Chloe had to sayabouthermum,Ruth.

“My name is Chloe, I'm 12 years old and I'd like to tell you why my Mum is the best Mum in the world,no,

in the universe. She is the most lovable, wise, warm, awesome, beautiful, strong, caring, gorgeous Mum there isandthe listgoeson.Most kids get embarrassed by their Mum, I could never, shewould do anything so that I'm safe and happy. When I see her smile, it lights up my whole day. She

is my best friend and I love hertothemoonandback. All I want is to make this Mother’s Day sospecial for her.”

Thank you to A Twisted Bunch for the Posy Box prize

James Graham from West Melton.

SCOOTER CHEERS FOR CANCER

You’re invited to line Old West Coast Road this Saturday to cheer on 250 scooter riders as they head off on their eight-to-ninehour Tranz Alpine Scooter Safari to Hokitika to raise funds for the Cancer Society. The Safari leaves the Christchurch Vintage Car Club on McLeans Island Road at 9am and travels towardsSheffield.

This year West Melton local Nicola Garlick is all geared up for her fourth Safari and this time she has disguised her trusty scooter as a snail.

“In the past I’ve dressed my scooter as a chicken and as Fred Flintstone,”says Nicola, whose parents both died of cancer.

Of the 250km ride, she says, “It’s nerve-racking,

exciting and the camaraderie when you’re on the ride is pretty cool. And you never know if you’ll make it up Porters Pass.”

Held in May each year, the ride that raises hundreds of dollars for cancer is not meant to be comfortable.

“It’s a long, slow, cold, horrible ride, reflective of the ups and downs that go withcancer.”

Nicola says some people ride in shirt sleeves, but she plans to be well dressed to brave the cold and will have a heat pad to help keep warm. This year her son is providing back up on his motorbike and the pair plan to ride back to West Melton together the following day.

The Safari is also an emotional time for many riders as they reflect during

Nicola Garlick is hoping her trusty ‘snail’ disguised scooter will make it up Porters Pass on the Tranz Alpine Scooter Safari this Saturday.

CAB ON AIR

CAB on Air is a short monthly programme brought to you byCitizensAdviceBureauChristchurch.

Join CAB at 12.30pm on the first Monday of every month onPlainsFM(96.9FM).

You can also listen to CAB on Air podcasts whenever it suitsyouandgetinformed.

Recent topics include Family violence; New initiatives at Christchurch City Libraries; Support for Legal Issues; What’s new at Citizens Advice Bureau; Parenting with Real Parents; Spotlight on Family Planning (now known as Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa); Justice of the Peace with Siale Faitotonu;andMentalhealthwithcoachFariyaNaseem.

CAB advocates for people's rights by addressing the root causes of their issues. On their website, Citizens Advice Bureau offers a helpful search feature. You can inquire about topics such as 'What discounts do energy providers offer?' Or ask it ‘What should I do if I find an abandoned supermarket shopping trolley?’ Or how about ‘How can I report illegal parking? Or ‘What can I do to stay safe when I travel overseas?’ Or ‘I think someone I know is harming themselves.WhatcanIdo?’

Feel free to ask any questions you may have at Feel free to ask any questions you may have at Feel to any questions you at Feel to any questions you at www.cab.org.nz. www.cab.org.nz.

their ride on why they’re doing it. “Everyone has a moment on the ride, and it hits you at different times,” says Nicola. “You might have a private cry behind your helmet or like last year when I had a big cry at the end. People around you are all going through similar emotions.”

The best thing about the Safari, says Nicola, is raising the money for cancer. “It’s important.”

As a teacher's aide, she also likes to inspire kids to do interesting, random stuff like dressing up her bike each year. “It’s letting them know it’s ok and adds a bit offuntotheadventure.”

Another West Melton group called Team Trek is also takingpart intheSafari with three scooters and five Starfleetpersonnel.

If you see the Scooter Safari on their travels, stop and give them a cheer. “It helps with the nerves,” says Nicola. “We’ll be in for a big day!”

Ifyouwouldliketodonate Ifyouwouldliketodonate tothecause,visit: tothecause,visit: scootersafari.org.nz/ nicola nicola--garlick. garlick. All funds raised go directly totheCancerSociety.

Providing you with quality advice for

Phone:

Email: ginny.gmi@gmail.com

Web: www.gmi.net.nz

MAKE THIS YEAR YOUR YEAR

ByGinnyNelson ByGinnyNelson GMIMortgageAdvisor. GMIMortgageAdvisor. GMIMortgageAdvisor. GMIMortgageAdvisor.

Toomanypeoplespend Toomanypeoplespend Toomanypeoplespend Toomanypeoplespend moneytheyhaven’tearned moneytheyhaven’tearned tobuythingstheydon’t tobuythingstheydon’t tobuythingstheydon’t tobuythingstheydon’t needtoimpresspeoplethey needtoimpresspeoplethey needtoimpresspeoplethey needtoimpresspeoplethey don’tlike! –WillRogers

If this is the year you want to buy your home, then you may need to make some simple adjustments in your day – skip the latte, make your lunch, bike or walk to work. You will be very surprised how the little

things add up to big savings that you can save on a weekly basis to show the bank that you can save and will be able to tackle a mortgage. Work out a budget based on owning a home –research the rates you will need to pay, the insurance you will need to have, and the maintenance you will need to do, and put all that money aside to test if you really do want to be a home owner. Itisn’teasybutthen nothingworthwhileeveris.

There will never be a better time to make the jump, but make sure you jump with your eyes wide open. Work your mortgage repayments out on a higher interest rate and you will be surprised how much you will save over the mortgage in interest and time, by paying the difference of the higher rate and actual rate on a monthlybasis.

Talk to your mortgage adviser about how you can makethis“YourYear”.

HELP TE HUANUI CELEBRATE MATARIKI THIS YEAR

Kieran Heenan kph@meareswilliams.co.nz

Anita Molloy-Roberts am@meareswilliams.co.nz

W: www.meareswilliams.co.nz

T: (03) 374 2547

Join Te Huanui as they learn about local history and current standing in the Malvern area from Friday, June 28 - Thursday, July 25 as they celebrate and acknowledge those who’ve come before us for Matariki. They are looking for artists, young and old, interested in celebrating and illustrating their Tūrangawaewae, “the places you, as a resident of the Malvern area stand, in any format of your choosing”.

Tūrangawaewae is one of the most well-known and powerful Māori concepts. Literally tūranga (standing

place), waewae (feet), it is often translated as ‘a place to stand’. Tūrangawaewae are places where we feel especially empowered and connected. They are our foundation, our place in the world,ourhome.

Malvern covers a vast geographic area and historically has a long and proud farming tradition.The area is growing and changing,asare ourpeople, TeHuanui would loveto see your Tūrangawaewae, the places you, as a resident of thearea,stand.

Te Huanui is also on the lookout for historical items that you’d be keen to share

with the community for the month. Perhaps you have a painting with historical significance, a collection of vintage toys from grandparents, memorabilia, or compiled family histories that you think should see thelightofdayagain.

Te Huanui Art Gallery is monitored24/7bycameras, has a new alarm installed and also holds insurance for items within the gallery –they will treasure your items asmuchasyoudo.

ContactTeHuanuiArt ContactTeHuanuiArt ContactTeHuanuiArt ContactTeHuanuiArt Galleryon033188702 Galleryon033188702 Galleryon033188702 Galleryon033188702 oremail,KatrinaEllison oremail,KatrinaEllison mcac.arts@gmail.com.

MUDFISH HABITAT PROTECTED

Following on from our story last week regarding the Department of Conservation (DOC), North Canterbury Fish and Game, Fonterra and SelwynlandownerJohnGrigg bandingtogetherto relocate a residual trout and eel population within Hororata’s Bealey Stream, as part of a wider project to protect the Nationally Critical Canterbury mudfish/kōwaro…..

…We unfortunatelyfailedto mentionthatalthoughSmithRoot designed the 3 kW electrical barrier system, and New Zealand-based Pattle Delamore Partners contributed the site civil engineering design of the barrier system, it is 100%

powered by solar electricity. A solar panel array,designed and installed by Frizzell Agricultural Electronics Ltd, from Kirwee, charges a battery bank that provides power to the electrical barrier. The battery bank stores enough power to operate in a deficit for long periods, eliminating the need for a backup power system. The barrier system is completely separate from mains electrical power. The Haldon Pastures electrical barrier is likely the world’s largest solar-powered, permanent electrical fish barrier.

Frizzell Agricultural Electronics also have the

contracttoensurethebarrier continues to function as it is should - the team are to be congratulated on a job well done, on budget, on time andworking.

Frizzell Ltd is a passionate innovative family run business. Leading in Solar Irrigation and Agricultural Electronics fields, father and son duo, Alastair and Nick, have designed and developed a huge range of products to meet industry needs. Starting from the largest Agricultural/ Horticultural needs through to your backyard, they have something for every customer to help simplify theirday.

NEWS IN BRIEF

ANEWWAYOFSHOPPING ANEWWAYOFSHOPPING ANEWWAYOFSHOPPING ANEWWAYOFSHOPPING Instead of writing down your shopping list you can use your Echo device and communicate your items to Alexa, an AI service provided on the device. Using your voice, you can easily create your shopping list – no more leaving the list behind so long as you

have your phone with you and the Alexa app downloaded. To find out how to use this clever device, visit hellotech.com/ guide/for/how-to-create-ashopping-list-on-alexa.

NEWBOARDCHAIR NEWBOARDCHAIR APPOINTED APPOINTED APPOINTED APPOINTED

Selwyn District Council Mayor Sam Broughton and

DavidWilsonCEOofCORDE Limited, are pleased to announce that Murray Harrington has been appointed as board chair effective Monday 1st July 2024. Murray succeeds Steve Grave who is retiring from the Board, after seven yearsintherole

GREYHOUND REHOMING

Erika Matterson and Shane Kendall manage Great Mates Kirwee at Adobe Kennels. Great Mates is a greyhound adoption programme for greyhounds that no longer race for several reasons or have retiredfromracing.

They also help trainers and owners to assess their dogs for them to rehome the dogs themselves. “We then track the dog and lodge it in our system once the dog isadopted.”

Great Mates is a nationwide rehoming programme fully funded by Greyhound Racing New Zealand, and ran by greyhound lovers such as trainers, handlers, and industry professionals. GreatMatesrehomesretired greyhounds from all over the country and helps put these beautiful dogs into homes with the help of RehomingAgencies.

“When a greyhound retires, the owner deregisters it from racing and it goes onto our waitlist,” says Erika. “Once the dog is at the top of the rehoming list, Great Mates kennels will reach out to the trainer, and wewillcallthedogin.Often the trainer will have pre desexed and had a dental procedure on the greyhound. If this has not happened, we make the appointment and take the dog to the vets. At Great Mates Kirwee we use the amazing Selwyn Rakaia Vet Services.”

The dog also receives a full health check and full vaccinations if needed. The next step is ‘assessing’ the greyhound. Erika says they then assess what other breedsthey like,and dislike, and whether the dog can live with a cat. “We also assess whether the dog can handle children, busy or crowded situations, and being left alone in a home. We then assign the dogs to one of the four agencies in New Zealand – Nightrave Greyhounds, Kiwikiwi Hounds, May Hounds, and GreyhoundsasPets.

Great Mates Kirwee is small rehoming kennel of 17. “We often have one or two fostersinourworkershouse at a time. We currently have a good handful of dogs available for adoption, whilst the other dogs are still awaiting more assessments.”

Greyhounds range in age when they come to the kennels. On average they range from about two years oldtosixyearsold.

Erika says greyhounds are the cats of the dog world. “They sleep for about 17 hours a day, they sunbathe, and don’t need a lot of exercise. It’s a common misconception that they need lots of exercise, when they only race for 17-30 seconds a week; they are notbuiltforendurance.”

Greyhounds are great with kids, old folk, and they make great therapy pets. They are also a very ancient breed. “To adopt a greyhound, families need to have a fully fenced property,” says Erika. “The rest is dependent on what dog a family is looking to adopt. The rehoming agenciestakespecial care in

findingtheperfectmatchfor thefamily.”

“YOUR

LOCAL VETS IN ROLLESTON”

Great Mates Kirwee keeps track of and helps prepare greyhounds for adoption. Pictured Shane Kendall with retired greyhound Garcia. (not available for adoption)

32 Metre Boom Widths -

EIGHT MILLION COUSINS

ByJackyLawson, ByJackyLawson, ByJackyLawson, ByJackyLawson, MalvernU3AMayMeeting MalvernU3AMayMeeting

The meeting on May 10was also the AGM and despite this we had an excellent turnoutforourspeaker. Frieda Looser once again informed and entertained us with her talk entitled, “Out of Africa with DNA and Human Migration and GlobalConnections”

called Pangea with one largeland mass.Thisstarted to break up about 200 million years ago and became the continents we recognise today. If we push the land masses back together, we see a completed jigsaw of Pangea.

This answers some fundamental questions, but it must be remembered that all knowledge is still a work inprogress.

One of the defining moments in recent times is the picture from space takenin1972bytheApollo 17 mission showing the earth and the present-day continents for the first time asawholeimage.

If we could have seen that view some 273 million years ago, we would have seen a super continent

The Big Bang Theory happened some 13.8 billion yearsagowiththeexplosion of a tiny dense fireball, this is as close as scientists can approximate, though how and why it happened is still an unsolved mystery. Then about 6 million years ago in the Rift Valley in Botswana in Africa the African Ape evolved into two distinct species, the chimpanzees andthe apesdeveloping the ability to walk upright, and the Botswana Delta became thebirthplaceofhumanity.

The heroine of this story is Lucy an ancestor of Homo Sapiens some 2.8-3.9

million years ago. The species had no language as we know it but vocalised like the chimpanzees and developed a sign language and became more vocal when warning of danger or good food sources. This species developed into Homo Habitus and then HomoErectus.

It was as late as 2007 when it was shown that all humans today come from the one source in Africa and all eight billion people on the planet carry the same mitochondrial DNA (female) and the Y Chromosome (male) so you all have eight millioncousins.

A fascinating subject and stillmuchmoretolearn!

Our June meeting will feature Simon Lewis with a talk called “The Night Sky”, with some wonderful night time photography. Do join us.

FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS ASHBURTON

The Festival of Choirs is taking to the stage on Thursday, May 30 at the AshburtonEventCentre.

•

•

The Mid Canterbury Choir organised the Festival of Choirs to support Mt Hutt College ChoirandRolleston College Vocal Group ‘Gelsomina’, who are both performing at the Big Sing Regional in Christchurch TownHallinearlyJune.

The concept for the Festival of Choirs, now in its second year, is to support school choirs entering the Big Sing Regional competition on June 6-7 at Christchurch Town Hall, by giving them the opportunity to learn aboutstaging,soundchecks and sing in the large space theEventCentreoffers.

Not only is this concert an opportunity for Mt Hutt, Rolleston, and Ashburton

Christian Schools (ACS) choirs to polish their repertoire,andshineintheir wider community, but also for the voices of our region to join together in celebration and song. Rolleston and ACS are entering the regional competition for the first time. Thisconcert will be an absolute treat for any lover ofchoralmusic. These three school choirs areablysupportedby:

• QuantumAcoustics(QA) YouthChoir(think barbershoponsteroids withupto40members) alongwithtwo barbershopquartetsfrom withinthechoir

• TheMidCanterbury Choir

The programme is rich andvaried with each choir performing two of their own

songs (QA will sing six songs) and joining together for two massed items– over 100voices.

This is a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy uplifting choral music right here in Ashburton.

Ticketsarenowonsale Ticketsarenowonsale Ticketsarenowonsale Ticketsarenowonsale onlineat onlineat asheventcentre.co.nz asheventcentre.co.nz asheventcentre.co.nz asheventcentre.co.nz orattheirticketingoffice. orattheirticketingoffice. orattheirticketingoffice. orattheirticketingoffice.

OPEN FIRE SEASON BACK

As of 8am Tuesday May 7, 2024, the Canterbury District, which includes Christchurch City, Banks Peninsula, Selwyn District, WaimakaririDistrict,Hurunui District and Kaikoura District, will return to an OpenFireSeason.

District Manager Dave Stackhouse says while the fire risk will continue to decrease as conditions continue to cool, people should still make sure any outdoor fire they light is well controlled and safe. Thisisparticularly important in the top of North Canterbury where conditionsaredry.

Below are some tips to help youbesafewhileburning.

Only burn on calm days and be mindful of smoke drifting across neighbouring propertiesandroadways. Burn no more than two small sizedburn pilesat any

time and make sure these have a 10-metre clearance from any combustibles like trees, shelterbelts, and structures. Create a five-metre fire break around the fire of green grass or bare earth. You should have a water

source nearby and monitor the fire until it is fully extinguished.

Formoreinformationon Formoreinformationon howtoburnsafelyplease howtoburnsafelyplease headtoourwebsite checkitsalright.nz

It’s a good idea to your local fire brigade and the public know you are having a fire. This helps reduce the number of false alarm calls that our firefighters go to. You can borrow a controlled burn sign from your local fire brigade, so that you can let the passing public know this is a safe and controlled fire.

HALKETT WAR MEMORIAL PROJECT

The War Memorial in the grounds of Halkett Presbyterian Church is a nationally registered War Memorial and a Selwyn District Council historic site.

It currently records the names of two Halkett residents who lost their

lives in World War I. Many more Halkett residents servedinbothWorldWars. There is plenty of room for the names of all of those Halkett residents who served in both WW I (25 names) and WW II (15 names) to be added on two

bronze plaques to the existing War Memorial. The addition of these plaques will mean the Memorial becomes a district War Memorial in an easily accessible place with a securefuture.

To cover the significant cost of this project, an opportunity exists for relatives or descendants of those who served, or for anyone who wishes to support the project, to either pledge $100 for one of the 40 names or simply donate.

For further details and a list of the names still requiring a pledge, contact Alastair Nicol on 03 318 1761 or emailnicolaj@xtra.co.nz.

No money will be needed until it is clear the project is fullyfunded.

Donations are being sought for two plaques to go on the Halkett War Memorial with name recognition of those who fought in World Wars I and II.

MALVERN RIFLE CLUB NEWS

ByMarkAlexander

It was a fine, but cool afternoon with a light, changeable wind when the Malvern Rifle Club's hosted the annual "Canterbury Champions of Champions" match held between the Malvern Rifle Club and Ashburton & Districts Rifle Club, where club champions and runners up from TR-A TR-B FTR F-Open and FPR compete for the title of Canterbury Champion in their class. Not all club representatives were able to attend.

The match is shot over 10 counting shots at 300, 500 and 600 yards with shooters from each grade shootingatthesametime.

TR-A was a very tight competition with Ashburton's John Snowden shot clean (150 from the possible 150) dropping only seven centres, beating

Martin Fleming by one point with Daniel Alexander one pointfurtherbehind.

In TR-B Malvern's Samantha Riddle showed Barry Brown a clean pair of crocs dropping only one point overthethreeranges.

In FTR, Malvern's Charlie Ledbrook started with a 60/60 at 300 yards and maintained his lead over Mark Alexander and Brian Graystone. In FPR F-Open, Malvern's Ran Bao was the only competitor as was Ashburton's Murray Cook. Congratulations to all the champions, John, Sam, Charlie, Ran and Murray. Damon, Athol and Mike did not compete in the Champion of Champions Match.

Visitorsarewelcometothe Visitorsarewelcometothe Visitorsarewelcometothe Visitorsarewelcometothe range;formoreinformation range;formoreinformation range;formoreinformation range;formoreinformation visittheMalvernRifleClub visittheMalvernRifleClub Facebookpage: Facebookpage: MalvernRifleClub. MalvernRifleClub. MalvernRifleClub. MalvernRifleClub.

COURTENAY TENNIS CLUB

Courtenay Tennis Club had asuccessfulseasonwithfive teams in the Twilight competition. The Club has two astro courts and two hard courts,and before next season will have a new volley board, which will be great for the juniors and

seniors.

PresidentsGrade: PresidentsGrade: PresidentsGrade: PresidentsGrade: Courtenay East - 1st place Courtenay Jets - 4th place CourtenayRobots-7th.

Juniors: Juniors: Division2-1stPlace Division3-4thPlace Division4-1stPlace.

17May 6pm FridayNightRugby

Courtenay Tennis Club is celebrating at the Thirsty Acres, Kirwee, on May 24. Everyone is welcome to come along. Phone Becs on 027 722 5635.

DarfieldRugbyClub

18May 10am PrestonDownsCommunityPlantingDay PrestonDownsReserve

18May DarfieldRugbyClubDay DarfieldRugby

18/19May MotorhomeandCaravanShow WolfbrookArena

20May 1pm MalvernNews-EditorialDeadline

20May TheFlooringGroupOpening

20May 7:30pm GlentunnelMuseumAGM GlentunnelMuseum

21May 10am MalvernNews-AdvertisingDeadline

21May 7:30pm DHSJubileeCommitteeMeeting DHSSchoolStaffRoom

22May 11:30-12:30WeeklyJusticeofthePeaceService DarfieldLibrary

23May 7:30pm CaféHopeMeeting StAmbroseHall,Sheffield

24May 7pm MalvernHockeyClubSocialNight KirweeRugbyClub

25May SelwynRugbyClubDay GlentunnelDomain

27May 12:30pmWinterHousie DarfieldBowlingClub

3June WinterFeedCompetitionEntriesClose

4/5June WinterFeedCompetitionJudging

6June WinterFeedCompetitionFarmVisits

6June 7pm WinterFeedCompetitionMealandPrizegiving CoalgateTavern

8June 9:30am KirweeBowlingClubAGM KirweeBowlingClubhouse

25June 7pm AreYouReadyForAnEmergency TaweraHall,Springfield

7July 1pm WatercolourWorkshopPart1 FarmhouseGallery

14July 1pm WatercolourWorkshopPart2 FarmhouseGallery

28July 1pm WatercolourWorkshopTreesandLandscapes FarmhouseGallery

11Aug 1pm WatercolourWorkshopImpressionisticFlowers FarmhouseGallery

25Aug 1pm WatercolourWorkshopDramaticSkies FarmhouseGallery

8Sept 1pm WatercolourWorkshopVibrantStillLife FarmhouseGallery

18-19Oct SheffieldContributingSchool75thJubilee SheffieldSchool

S

GREENDALE GOLF GREENDALE GOLF

Results

Roulston. + S Johnstone. =69.

W Watson. + G Gifkins. =69.

#

Monday 20th May 2024 - 7:30pm

Committee

HORORATA GOLF HORORATA GOLF GOLF GOLF

Results

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CARRS CARRS CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $80 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and leaveamessage.

ACCOUNTANTS

ARE AREARE ARE you wasting your valuable time trying to keep up with accounts? Call us now for hassle-freeaccounting, taxand businessadvice -righton your doorstep. Sterling Accountants @ Malvern Business Hub, AnnMaree 0212150981.

Cleaning. Thorough job, good price, quick drying. Highly recommended. Phone/ text Robert anytime on 0272999599. CARPET/WINDOWS

CHIM CHIMCHIM CHIM Chim. We'll sweep your log-burners flue, check the firebricks, baffles, air-tubes and controls. We're experts oncoal-ranges,alsosweeping anysized open fire. We quote and undertake repairs, flue extensions and install bird netting. Please phone us on 021939113.

DRIVEWAYS

LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE, farm tracks, yards and dairy lanes our speciality. Screened rottenrock, it’s local and lasts better. Phone Springfield Quarryon3184132.

BIRCHFIELD

Firewood

Dry, shed stored, naEve wood and kindling.

Free delivery to Darfield township for orders over 3 cube. Coal

20kg bags or 500kg bulk bags.

Landscape Supplies

Phone 03 975 4502 417 Creyke Rd, Darfield.

R K FIREWOOD

Supplying wood for this Season!

Old Man Pine, Bluegum, Macrocarpa, Oregon.

TRY THE HOT MIX! ECposavailable.

All top quality, clean wood. Ph Rini027 451 7300

HOLDEN HOLDEN HOLDEN Captiva LX Diesel Turbo 2010, 187,000Kms. 7seats. Leather interior. WOF to 03/25. Rego till 24/7/24. RUC till 190,000kms. Serviced, New tyres. Overall good condition. Occasional fault with ECU causing temporary engine stall. Always starts up again. AdvisedthatanewECU would fix it. No time to repair car now. Need itgone.I need the space. Hence cheap price $6,500. Call 03 318 3194 or text02108470155.

MORTGAGE BROKER

ARE ARE ARE ARE you inneedofa refinance, first home loan, buying a new home, investment property or a property development? I deal with all the lenders, and I can get you the best deal to suit you. I have 30+ years of lending experience, and I am local. I can come to you. Alan Lover Loan Market 027 2516644. I bring the banks toyou.

GRAZING WANTED

FOR FOR FOR FOR Ewes. 10-50Ha. Darfield/ Kirwee/Sheffield. Only requirementsSoundboundary and water Supply. Phone 0274361389.

UDI UDI UDI Painting & Decorating. For all painting & decorating services! Fully qualified. Interior & exterior painting & plastering. Wallpapering & roof painting. Quality Services. Free quotes. Please Ph.UdiAale0210742075.

NATIVE NATIVE NATIVE plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Phone Annie 027 370 2067.

ROOF MAINTENANCE

ROOF ROOFROOF & house maintenance. All aspects covered including spouting, mortar, tiles, reroofing, roof painting, moss, mould & silicone sealing. Generalrepairs.Pleasephone 03 347 6702 or 021 030 2835.

ROOM TO RENT

SINGLE SINGLE lockable rooms in Darfield Hostel. Internet, Sky TV. $180pw. Please phone 0274791431.

SITUATION VACANT

MOBILE MOBILE SHEEP SHEEP SHEEP SHEEP

SHEARING SHEARING SHEARING SHEARING

• Drenching

• Foot Trimming • Crutching

$7 per small bale. Medium squares pea straw also available! Phone now for free delivery.

• Hugh Wright Sheffield - 021 565 550

• Les Clement Darfield - 027 318 1165

• Andrew Brooker Kirwee - 027 432 6176

• Stu Lill Kirwee - 03 347 6770

• Anthony Dalzell Coalgate - 027 240 6501

GENERAL

garden maintenance in Darfield area. Domestic hedge trimming, pruning, edging, lawns and water blasting. Please phone Kane 0274676613.

EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED stockman looking for work. Tractor driving experience. GST registered. Please phone 022 574 7805.

Weekend and/or Weekdays ShiCs available at Springfield Challenge as a Customer Service RepresentaEve. May suit someone who wants some extra income. This is an exci)ng role with opportuni)es.

PAINTING/DECORATING

Contact Dave on 021 142 0567 or email: pearsondavid106@gmail.com PAINTING/DECORATING

Come join our amazing team if you have the following aLributes:

 Excellent )me management  Mul) Taskings with ini)a)ve

 Work well under pressure.

 Team player

Please phone Sue on 027 5015 774 for more informaEon.

Scale A Teacher

Permanent Part Eme, FTTE 0.5 (principal release) Starts Term 2 2024, or by negoEaEon

We seek an innova)ve and vibrant teacher to join our wonderful rural school. We are situated 45 minutes West of Christchurch at the foothills to the Alps. With amazing outdoor pursuits at our doorstep and a great community feel, this could be just the job for you!

We seek a teacher who is able to build quality rela)onships with students and someone who:

• Contributes to all aspects of life at a rural school

• Works effec)vely both collabora)vely and independently

• Passionate about taking the learning outdoors

• Comfortable u)lizing digital technologies to effec)vely enhance learning

• Is happy to work across all levels, with the posi)on being primarily with Year 1-3.

• Experience teaching Structured Literacy

Please make clear in your applica)on your skills, strengths and passions.

ApplicaEons close on Friday 24th May at 5pm. For enquiries and an applica)on pack please contact: office@springfield.school.nz

Springfield School / Te Pou Tī Kōuka

TRADES

WANTED! WANTED! WANTED! WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery. Specialising in farm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please phone either 027695 0480or alternatively0800030712.

WANTED TO BUY

DEAD DEAD cars - we buy dead cars, end of life cars, scrap cars, old farm vehicles. Cash paid. Pleasephone0274848121.

TOOLS TOOLS wanted - mechanics, engineering, wood working etc. Garage, shed, barn clearances, deceased estates etc. Please phone Rob on 033425885.

Friendly, reliable experienced. Darfield & Surrounding areas. Ph: 027 316 9968 West Melton area

Protective films. Fade UV block. Heat Glare control. Privacy. Safety/Security. Frosted films. Free online quotes. Ph 0800 368 468. info@tintawindow.co.nz www.tintawindow.co.nz

TRADES

TRADES

• Septic Tank Cleaning

• Jetting Unit for Blocked Drains

• Camera Investigations

TRAILERS

TRAILERS for hire at Kirwee Challenge. Variety of options, half or full day hire. Phone 03 318 1847.

TRADES

Darfield based with over 43 years of local knowledge and experience

RURAL PLUMBING SERVICES LTD

Simon O’Connell • Certifying Plumber M: 021 048 4799

E: simon@rpsltd.co.nz

Darfield based, working Canterbury wide. AllMaintenance,HotWaterCylinders,Logburners, Spouting,RainwaterHarvest,Wetbacks,Pumps, Alterations(newandexisting)

CARPENTER CARPENTER available for all renovations and repairs. Phone Grant 021 167 1718 anytime.

KITCHENS KITCHENS KITCHENS KITCHENS - new or renovate existing with new doors and bench tops, wardrobes, laundries, vanities made to size. Built-in bookcases and wallunits,melamineortimber desks, buffets, tables or any furniture. Great prices and advice. Please phone Lex 0274393926or3490150.

UPHOLSTERER-Recoverlounge suites, dining chairs, squabs etc. Free quotes. Based in Weedons. Please phone 039804979.

•

At a girl’s college dormitory, dates were permitted only on Saturday night.

One young man showed up on a Tuesday evening, explaining to an older woman in the lobby of the dorm that it was imperative he see a certain young lady immediately.

“I want to surprise her. You see, I’m her brother.”

“Oh, she’ll be surprised all right,” said the woman. “But not more than I am! I’m her mother!”

I’m not saying I’m getting old, I’m just saying that dinner time and bedtime are getting extremely close together.