More than 3,000 rugby fans gathered at KirweeRugbyClublastFridaytowitnessa thrilling pre-season clash between the CrusadersandtheBlues.
The event was a resounding success, thanks to the hard work of Kirwee Rugby Club members, who ensured the grounds were in top condition and the day ran smoothly.
Adding to the excitement, young fans had theuniqueopportunitytorunaroundwith Crusaders players and some attending All Blacksbeforekick-o
Watchingfirst-classrugbytalentatalocal club brought the game back to its grassroots, creating an unforgettable experience for spectators of all ages. Beyond the on-fieldaction, the event also served as a good old-fashioned country catch-up,wherefriendsandfamiliescame together to enjoy top-level rugby in a relaxedruralsetting.
Butt for Cancer Page 9
My Future Town Page 5
Tamaita Williams from the All Blacks and Crusaders team getting a selfie with Aunty Lyn at the Kirwee Rugby Grounds last Friday.
ANNABEL’S EDUCARE & 3 YR & 4 YR OLD KINDERGARTENS 12-16 South Tce,
• Educare Ph 318 7943
To the Editor:
Upon walking into the Malvern News last Friday at 8:30am, I remarked to Jan, "Man I wished I had a ticket to today's rugby game." Jan, then generously gifted me a ticket AND so off I went, my first live rugby game for years!
I arrived at 12.30pm - 3 hours early! I saw the Crusaders training with the children - boys, girls and players in bare feet, warming up, then a game. The hours just flew by. I encountered many from other parts of the country, and a French couple, an Argentinian
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. Le ers wri en using a pseudonym, are unable to be published.
school group. What an experience!! Folk asked me who was I supporting? I asked them who did they think from what I was wearing? They couldn't and so I smiled saying that I was impartial!! Anyway - I had such a grand old time. There was such a happy vibe going on. I moved around from spot to spot and encountered so many other folk.
The score was 14 - 14! The game has ended on a draw. I thought I would leave early as there would be a lot of traffic.
Unbeknown to me - the teams were playing 4 quarters of 20
minutes each!! Haha, so I actually left at half-time when they were all standing round on the field and I was thinking it all over. Now I know, why my new friends looked at me puzzled when I said "Yay a draw!" and said goodbye! I will never forget that day - hospitality, great vibe, families, children and adults were able to greet the players and have selfies taken. I am so proud that all these folk from all over the world were here in our own back-yard and were greeted with love!
A place for children to learn & have fun, in a safe & inspiring rural environment. Where children are nurtured, families are valued & life-long learning is encouraged.
The Sheffield Memorial Pool Working Group, a group of locals dedicated to saving our community swimming pool from permanent closure/ demolition. With a rich, 70+ year history within the Sheffield, Waddington and Springfield communities, the Sheffield Memorial Pool is deserving of our efforts to save it for future generationstoenjoy.
With the Waimakariri River in close proximity, along with a number of high country lakes, irrigation storage ponds and farm waterways, plus access to the beaches north of Christchurch less than an hour’s drive away, our rural community engages in a wide range of water based recreational activities where
water safety skills and an ability to assess risk and experience water in a safe environment during childhood is fundamental. The pool supports The Malvern Swim School along with Sheffield and Springfield schools to deliver quality water safety education for our kids to ensuretheirsafetyandsurvival inthewaterforlife.
The SheffieldMemorialPoolis not only a learn to swim facility for children but represents the community spirit of small town New Zealand, providing a rural facility for families to gather and socialise during the summermonths.
The Kowai Pass Reserve Trust is willing to act as the legal entity for the transfer of the Sheffield Pool into community ownership, as required in the current Selwyn District Council consultation on divesting the asset. They will serve in this capacity until such time as the Sheffield Memorial Pool Working Group can establish itself as a legal entity to assume ownership and management of the facility on behalf of the community. Our commitment is to ensure a smooth transition and safeguard the future of the
SheffieldPool.
The working group are under no illusions about the work and funds needed to restore this memorial pool to its former glory, given it has been left to age poorly in recent years and run the facility for the community to enjoy into the future. The working group is well supported by the community with numerous locals volunteering to help with fundraising and general workaroundthepool.
How to support us. How to support us. How to support How to support Consultation is open now until 14 February for you to secure the future of the pool.
Please support us by making a submission at Sheffield Sheffield Memorial Pool | Your Say Memorial | Your Selwyn Selwyn
Please include the following lineinyoursubmission: I support the Sheffield I support the Sheffield I support the Sheffield I support the Sheffield Memorial Pool Working Memorial Pool Working Working Working GroupalongsideKowaiPass GroupalongsideKowaiPass ReserveTrustasthelegal ReserveTrustasthelegal entitytotakeoverthepool.
The funds held by Selwyn District Council to demolish the pool need to be redirected to the working group so they can repair the pool due to the lack of investment in the facilityoverrecentyears.
STEP BACK IN TIME
TERRACE
Terrace Station, Hororata, the historicproperty,oncehometo Sir John and Rose Hall, invites visitors to experience the first Antiques and Collectibles Market on Saturday 15 February 2025, from 9am to 3pm.
Nestled in rural Hororata, this market o ers a rare opportunity to discover remarkable antiques and collectible items within the stunning Terrace Station Heritage Garden. The venue, with towering trees, winding paths and extensive lawns, providestheperfectsettingfor thisspecialevent. Discover a wide array of treasures, including vintage jewellery, bone-handled cutlery, fine china, wrought iron pieces, tools, toys, books and more. Visitors can also bring their own antique items for a verbal appraisal, for a smalldonation. It is plannedfor a display from the Vintage Phonograph Society, featuring working gramophones and phonographsthatbringhistorytolife throughsound.
STATION
This event is a collaboration between the Terrace Station Charitable Trust and the Hororata Community Trust. John Foster, one of the event organisers, commented: "This event has been a long time in the making. It grew out of the Hororata Mechanical Swap Meet,sparkedbyrequestsfora unique event centred on antiques and collectibles. Hosting it in the beautiful Terrace Station gardens makes ittrulyspecial.Partneringwith the Hororata Community Trust has been invaluable, as their event management expertise adds great value to this collaboration."
Therearealready20stallsites booked, anyone wanting to come to the event is recommended to book their siteonlinenow.Foodanddrink will be available for purchase (cashonly).
Don’t miss this exciting first event—a perfect day out for treasure hunters, history enthusiasts, and garden lovers alike. Join us to celebrate heritage, community, and timelesscharm!
Findout more about the Findout more about event visit event eventvisit visit www.hororata.org.nz or see www.hororata.org.nz or see www.hororata.org.nz see www.hororata.org.nz see advertisement
NO TO BAGS BUT YES TO BASICS
This year’s Love Grace HandbagAppealisback. Last year’s appeal led to an amazing number of handbags being dropped into the MalvernNews.
Thisyearourlocalco-ordinator Marg says, “We don’t need bags, but we do need basic toiletries to fill the bags. These include toothpaste, toothbrushes, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and
deodorant.”
Extras items include wipes, tissues, plasters, soap, hand gel, lipbalm,cottonbuds,face cloths or sponges, torch, hair brushorcomb.
Luxury items include makeup, perfume, hairbands, hair clips, gloves, scarf, notebook, pen, playing cards, purse, sunglassesorjewellery. Items must be new and not Items must be new and not Items must new and not Items must new and not used. used.used.
Items can be dropped into a specially marked box at the Malvern News from February 5 toMarch8.
Please do not donate sharp items, pain killers, razors, alcohol, money, food, contraceptives, opened or damageditems.
The Love Grace Handbag Appeal is in memory of Grace Millane who was tragically murdered while travelling in New Zealand in December 2018. The filled bags are donated to women’s refuges who distribute them to women staying in their accommodation.
To findout more aboutthe findout aboutthe appeal, visit appeal, appeal,visit visit appeal, visit www.lovegrace.co.uk. www.lovegrace.co.uk. www.lovegrace.co.uk. www.lovegrace.co.uk.
A sneak peak at one of the stalls that will be at the market.
RESIDENTS HAVE A SAY ON FUTURE OF MALVERN
“Rural land is about history, heritageandidentity.”
The above statement is just one of the many comments and suggestions that came from a group of Malvern residents at the ‘My Future Town’, Malvern Area Plan Workshop held last week in WestMeltonCommunityHall.
The workshop was facilitated by Council sta with the help of Malvern Ward councillors, and Darfield Community Board members. Around 50 people attended the session representing both rural and urbanareasacrosstheMalvern
district.
A spokesperson from Malvern Community Board says, “It was wonderfultoseehowengaged and passionate our Malvern communities are. The Board looks forward to further opportunities to engage with our local people and are committedtoensurethewants and needs of rural communities are heard and considered in the future planningofSelwyn.”
Fivequestionswereasked,and each person had an opportunity to have their say on each topic. At the end of
the one and a half-hour session, the responses from each question were summarised resulting in common threads coming through, such as wanting to protect the Malvern district from the over development of rural land and making sure rural townships are not developed beyond their capabilitiesandlimitations.
They were concerned that by allowing big housing developments, infrastructure and facilities such as roading, health and schooling were not being addressed or kept up to speed with the fast rate of growth. They wanted to see services that were already in place improved or upgraded before allowing more housing andpeopleintothedistrict. People did not want to see qualityfarmlandbeinggobbled up by urban development and proposed higher, a ordable, density housing for urban areas with smaller sections (particularlyinWestMelton). Others were concerned about
protecting the rural outlook and some wanted more green spaces that facilitated a merging and togetherness of urban and rural areas with a bu er between townships and farmland that also restricted sprawlingdevelopment. Transportation was also important with calls for better, widerroading,safecycletracks interlinking rural townships, along with suitable bus
timetables for communities andaraillinkbetweenDarfield andRolleston.
If you want to have your say, you can register for ‘My Future Town’, Malvern Area Plan WorkshopbeingheldatThirsty Acres in Kirwee on Monday, February10,2025.
I have a buyer looking for a property in Kirwee or the surrounding area, must be on a large section, if you are thinking of selling please call Min Cookson 027 249 5417.
Around 50 ratepayers from across the Malvern district turned up for the ‘My Future Town’, Malvern Area Plan Workshop in West Melton. Another workshop is planned to take place in Kirwee. Photo source: Malvern Community Board
Please contact us to make an appointment in Kate Warren Partner
Mobile: 027 384 3054
Email: kate.warren@tp.co.nz
Rolleston & Darfield: 03 317 9099
Christchurch: 03 374 9999
Darfield office open: Mon & Thurs, 9 - 5pm or by appointment
NEW BUSINESS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES
A+S Real Estate is the latest excitingnewbusinesstosetup in Darfield. However, the company’s owners Amy Jones andSharSimônarenotnewto theMalvernarea.
Amy and Shar say, “We love where we live, and we want ourclientstoloveittoo.”
They have over 18 years of combined real estate experience. The pair have honedtheirskillstoperfection, creating an agency that offers something truly unique – an exceptional personal touch withunparallelledlocalmarket knowledge.
A+SRealEstateaimstodeliver a bespoke service that’s only possible with a boutique agency, where the ethos is all about the client – their needs, theirgoalsandtheirjourney. Theteamofferslocalexpertise and their dedication to their client’sneedssetsthemapart.
“We offer a refined and modern approach to real estate to ensure you receive thehigheststandardofservice. We’re committed to offering a seamless professional experience that makes the process of buying and selling assmoothaspossible.”
When it comes to expertise and dedication to their client’s success, A+S Real Estate have their client’s best interests at heart.
“We can’t wait to help you achieveyourrealestategoals.”
RUGBY CLUB RUNS FOR CHARITY
Kirwee Rugby Football Club (KRFC) recently took part in raising funds for the Child CancerFoundationatTheLong Run event organised by the Crusaders in conjunction with theHeartFoundation.
Club member and organiser Dan Falconer says, “We’ve fundraised $3,000 – the day was a success with around $215,000 being raised for the ChildCancerFoundation.”
The majority of the team ran over45lapsofthe950mtrack
at Rugby Park – Sean Perrett ran 88 laps and placed 18th overall and Dan Falconer ran 91 laps and placed 13th overalloutof2,594runners. Crusaders’ team manager Aaron Webb, organiser of the Child Cancer fundraiser event, says,“Wedidover40,042laps, over double from the year
before in 2024. It was an amazingachievement.”
This year the challenge was to raise $250,000 for the event and Aaron says he was happy with how the donations were coming in. “All dollars go straight to Child Cancer and peoplecanstilldonateonline.”
A+S Real Estate’s owners, Amy Jones and Shar Simôn.
Assisting the dynamic duo is Executive Assistant Nicole Shadbolt.
The KRFC team included Dan Falconer, Sean Perrett, Liam O’Callaghan, Adam Dalley, Thomas Falconer, Nathan Simón, Sean Carston, Brad Cattermole, Tony Calder-Steele, Jonty Dalzell, Reuben Boyes, Matt Tait, and Isaac Shepard.
STUDENT EMPOWERS OTHERS
Darfield High School year 10 student, Mackenzie Rowlands, has been selected as a 2025 Forward Foundation Ambassador.
The Ambassador Programme aims to increase participation in girls’ sports through identifying aspirational young female leaders and enabling them to inspire those around themtoparticipateinsport.
Theaimofthefoundationisto find girls willing and passionate about kicking goals andhelpinggrowgirls’sportin NewZealand.
Ambassadors receive leadership and personal development opportunities, an environment to grow as a person and the chance to create meaningful changethroughourLeadership award levels, specifically designed for teenage girls activeinsportandrecreation. Makenzie was encouraged by Pip Deans, head of sport at Darfield High School, to apply totheprogramme.
Mackenzie says she is passionate about promoting sports among young women andwantstohelpthemsustain theirathleticinterests.
good ambassador promotes teamwork, inspires and motivates others, and recognizes individual strengths. They create a fun and positive atmosphere that encourages engagement and drive success for the entire community.”
She adds that she was really happy that she can now fulfil some of her goals and make a difference in sports for many other girls. “I want to help fill the gaps when young girls leavesportprematurely.”
Mackenzie also hopes to develop better communication skills so she can work with all members of the community, young and old, and build new friendshipsalongtheway.
“Another goal for me is to get
a girl's football team at Darfield High School running and for it to continue for years to come,” says Mackenzie. “I’m going to try to challenge myself by learning a new sport overthenexttwoyears.”
Mackenzie’s parents say “We are really proud that Mackenzie has the confidence to be a part of a group and is motivated and determined to make changes for women involvedinsports.”
With plenty of family and communitysupportbehindher, Mackenzie, clearly has that in sight.
“I believe that it is important that everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy what sport has to offer,” says Mackenzie.
“My sports experiences have highlightedthepositiveeffects on confidence and teamwork. This program will equip me to inspire the next generation in theirpursuits.”
Asked what attributes and skills were required to qualify, Mackenzie says, “A
JANUARY RAIN REPORT 2025
SPRINGFIELD SPRINGFIELD By Tom Innes. By Tom
Innes.
We received 84 mm of rain over January against an averageof76mmoverthelast 20years.Thisisaniceamount of rain for the time of year but the number conceals the fact thatwehavehadalotofdamp and humid weather with mostly small amounts of rain at a time. This means mildew and other problems in the garden, with farmers facing similar problems with crops. Despite the conditions we did have a bumper raspberry crop this year, so all is not lost. It
has also been great weather for growing grass, which is certainly not what we expected during the dry spell at the end of last year. It's good to see the water tanks full again and the fire risk back from where it was.
ANNAT ANNAT By Allan Hogg. By Allan
My total for the month was 65.50mm against a 35-year average of 64.50mm. I tipped out on eleven days, with my largest drop being 20mm on the26th.
For the record, my wettest
January was 258.25mm in 2002 andmy driest 3.50mm in 2020.
Ifyouthoughtitwaschillylast month you were right, it was the first time since 2000 that themercuryhasnotmade30C atleastonce.
It was the third chilliest JanuaryIhaverecorded.
Mackenzie Rowlands, 2025 Forward Foundation Ambassador.
HELP DAWN MOVE HER BUTT FOR CANCER
Dawn Ballagh is putting her butt on the line – literally –for the Move Your Butt challenge to raise funds for BowelCancerNewZealand.
Shesays shewillbeexercising her way through a whopping 500km in 28 days and adds, “That’s five times the recommended amount, so my legsmayneverforgiveme.”
Dawn says the cause is personal. “I was diagnosed with bowel cancer less than four years ago, and now I’m determined to give back and raise awareness for this lifesavingorganisation.”
Dawn would love your support – whether it’s a few dollars, a lot of dollars, or just cheering her on while she hobbles throughFebruary.
“Every bit helps,” says Dawn. “You can donate at the link supplied and help make sure my efforts are worth the muscleaches.”
The Move Your Butt for Bowel Cancer challenge encourages Kiwis to walk 100km throughout February for the 100 Kiwis who die from bowel cancer every month. Donations will help support 3,000-plus Kiwis diagnosed with bowel
cancer each year. The charity receives no government funding and is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand and kills as
many Kiwis as breast and prostatecancercombined. Dawnsays,“Thanksforhelping me move my butt for a great cause!”
To support and donate to Dawn’s fundraising cause, visit bowelcancernz.grassrootz.com/ move-your-bu2-2025/dawn-ballagh
DARFIELD GARDEN CLUB REPORT
Our first gathering of the year saw a great turnout of members to the Kirwee Garden walks on Tuesday 28th January. A beautiful evening to wander round three gardens.
The first two gardens were in Thorndon Close - the first being the garden of Norma and Colin Craig. An expansive garden and lawn with many areas to explore. Established trees, a summer house, an orchard, an impressive bougainvillea, colourful gardens and a vegetable garden that drew much attention especially with the black tomatoes.
At the second garden the home of Karen and Lawrence Allen we were welcomed by gigantic red lilies growing at the gate. Another large lawned garden and established trees looking especially green after the recent rain. The border garden had lovely summer blooms of gladioli, dahlias, petunias, and cornflowers and even cacti and more treasures hidden amongst the plants. The hedged rose garden was a welcome place to wander and smell the roses.
The third garden was at our club member Margaret Seaton’s garden in Highfield Road.
A rural setting and a welcoming garden with beautiful trees that we knew and loved. The pin oak, the beech tree, the ginkgo, the magnolia, wonderful special hydrangeas and more.
Border gardens were scattered with roses, dahlias and perennials. We enjoyed Margaret’s well loved and cared for garden and we appreciated the lovely supper in her home.
Our next meeting is a visit to Lacebark Function Centre at Clarksville with its formal gardens and views. Meeting at Tussock Square, 12.30pm, $10 per person. New members are always welcome and we are looking forward to another full year along with a jubilee celebration.
Contact Ann Gibson on 318 8764.
Lee Stokes.
Dawn Ballagh is aiming to put her butt on the line for bowel cancer walking 500km over 28 days during February.
For all your small excava(on requirements
• Site & Garden Clearance
• Lawn Construc+on (Small & Large)
• Driveways
• Hole boring (200 – 600)
• Sheep & Ca2le Yard Clean Outs
• Shingle Supplies
Give Neil a call on 022 451 7207 or email neiljudith@xtra.co.nz Nothing’s a Problem!
APPLICATIONS INVITED TO VISIT CHINA AND JAPAN
An opportunity to travel to An opportunity to travel to to to to to Shandan andYubetsu. Shandan ShandanandYubetsu. andYubetsu. Shandan andYubetsu.
The Selwyn Sister Cities Committee and the Malvern Community Board are pleased to o er opportunities to explore Sister Cities in Shandan, Gansu Province in China and Yubetsu in Hokkaido,innorthernJapan.
InJune,ifyouareselectedasa delegate, you can join other delegations from Selwyn and explore the legacy of Rewi Alley in Selwyn’s Sister City in Shandan in Gansu Province in northwest China. Shandan borders the Gobi Desert and is ontheancientSilkRoute.
fishing, including scallop production.
This is an excellent opportunity to experience local culture, history, language and food in both Shandan and Yubetsu and stay in local homesin Yubetsu.Theseareas are o the main tourist routes meaning you will really get to experience what it is like to liveintheselargelyruralareas inAsia.
You can join the delegation to both areas or pick one. Private travel before or after the
o cialvisitsispossible. All international and internal airfares and insurance will needtobepaidforatyourown cost. In Gansu province, delegates will pay for hotels and tourist activities. In Yubetsu, there will be some costs to assist their local Council.
Applications close on close on 3 March. For more For more information andto fillout an information andto fillout an andto fillout andto fillout application form, email application form, Selwynsistercities@gmail.com. Selwynsistercities@gmail.com. Selwynsistercities@gmail.com. Selwynsistercities@gmail.com.
•
Rewi Alley was born in Springfield and spent 60 years inChinaworkingalongsidethe rural poor to develop schools and cooperatives. Gansu Province’s plan includes visits to Dunhuang in the Gobi Desert, Magao Buddhist caves, Zhangye Geological Park, Shandan, Lanzhou on the Yellow River and the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
The visit to Shandan will be followed by a visit to Yubetsu in northern Hokkaido which is a Sister City of the Malvern Community Board. Yubetsu is the food basket of Japan. It is an agricultural hub for dairying,flowerproductionand
PURCHASE TICKETS EARLY
Getting in early for tickets to this year’s South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) meansticketholderscouldwin twice, not only having access to the South Island’s premier agricultural event but also the opportunitytowinaprizepack worthover$1000.
The highly anticipated event returns to Kirwee from March 26 to 28 and promises to showcase the latest in agricultural technology, equipment and expertise on a site bigger and better than everbefore.
Early bird ticket purchasers who place their order from February 1 to 28 will automaticallygointhedrawto win a prize pack worth $1000 from some of the event’s gold sponsors. These include products from RD Petroleum, Think Water Canterbury and ITMDarfield.
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a chance to unwind and enjoy a welldeservedbreakoverChristmas.
I spent some quality time with friends and family, and now that I’ve settled back into work, I wanted to share a few updateswithyou.
It’snosecretthatlifehasbeen tough for many Kiwis. Rising pricesandhigherinterestrates have put a strain on families, businesses, and communitiesbutwe’reworkinghardtohelp easethesepressures.
Last week the Prime Minister delivered a clear message for 2025: this will be the year of growth. We are committed to taking action to end the culture of “no” and making it easier for New Zealanders to get ahead. This means fasttracking projects, reforming the RMA, simplifying health and safety laws, enabling responsible mining, and cutting red tape for our farmers so they can grow their businesses. These changes are
all about promoting growth, investment,andopportunity.
Over the past year, we’ve delivered relief where it counts. Wages are now growingfasterthanprices,and interest rates are starting to come down. For those with a mortgage, this means savings ofaround$200everyfortnight on a $500,000 loan. Tax relief has also been rolled out, allowingKiwistokeepmoreof theirhard-earnedmoney.
We’re also focused on creating new opportunities. Last week, we launched Invest New Zealand, a new initiative to attractinvestment,createjobs, and boost industries like banking, technology, and energy. We’ve also relaxed visitor visa requirements, making it easier for tourists to work remotely while exploring New Zealand. These are just some of the ways we’re working to make New Zealand a place where people can thrive - whether you’re raising afamily,runningabusiness,or
TOWN HIGHWAY FLOODING AN ISSUE
buildingyourfuture.
We’re also laser focussed on supporting farmers so we’re continuing our work to get government agencies to use NZ-wool products where possible. State housing provider, Kāinga Ora, will now re-open its carpet tender to allow wool carpet suppliers to bid.Selwynishometosomeof our best food and fibre producers sothis is greatnews for them. I’m looking forward to seeing the value of wool improveinthenearfuture!
Finally, I’m looking for a Youth MP to represent Selwyn in 2025. Youth Parliament is a fantastic opportunity to experience what it’s like to be an MP, learn about how our democracy works, and speak upabouttheissuesthatmatter most to you - so if you’re a student aged 16–18 with a passion for making a difference, this is your chance to step up and represent our community at next year’s YouthParliament.
Toapply,senda shortvideoor aone-pagedocumentoutlining whoyouare,whyyou’dmakea great Youth MP, and the issue (s) that matter most to you. Applications close on 28 February2025.
Asalways, myofficeishereto support you. We’re open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, so feel free to drop in or get in touch if you need assistance. I look forward to hearingfromyou!
The Darfield Residents Association (DRA) has asked Waka Kotahi to take urgent action regarding the ongoing flooding on the corner of Mathias Rd and SH73, outside the Tyre Centre.
DRA Chairman Harvey Polglase says “It’s ridiculous and third world to have the main highway flooded after any reasonable rainfall to the extent that vehicles cannot use their lane. Nothing seems to be happening to resolve the issue, and we have asked Waka Kotahi to address it as a priority before someone is hurt.”
OTIPUA CHALLENGE TEST LIMITS
Mark Beattie of She eld received a medal and prize after competing and winning the Men’s 24-hour Otipua ChallengeultraraceinTimaru. He completed 30 laps of the
circuitequivalent to 189 km, a personal best for a 24-hour event.
Mark started the event at 6pm on the Saturday night and finished the last four laps in
the driving rain at 5:30pm, Sunday.
The Otipua Challenge is a time-limited trail run on a 6 km course around the Otipua Wetlands. The event starts from Redruth Park and the course is mostly smooth and flat with a small hill that stretches for 40 metres in the middle. Competitors came from Canterbury, Dunedin and Timaru.
Organiser Paul Forbes said contestantscouldrun,walkor crawlsolongastheycoulddo so within a six, 12 or 24-hour time limit. Contestants could stop for short breaks to rest, eat and drink to retain their stamina.
HORORATA GOLF
Darfield High School Rural College, in conjunction with Lincoln University, is offering subjects from the Regional Diploma in Agriculture as night classes in 2025. YoucancompletetheDiplomaintwoyears,orselect individualsubjectsforaCertificateofProficiency.
Semester One starts on Monday 17 February Papers offered are: PLSC 025R Pastures and Crops COMP 024R Computing and Communication Classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm.
For further information, contact Rex Smith 021 075 7145 or rs@darfield.school.nz
ENTRIES CLOSE: 28th February - showday.online (No late entries accepted)
Some Trade & Art/Cra3 sites are s ll available. E: secretary@oxfordapshow.co.nz W: oxfordapshow.co.nz
GROW GROW your business with NZ Life Coaching NZ. Helping with Business Improvement and Career Development. Unlock your potential and transform your life. Contact KieronMcGhie0212768311, www.newlifecoachingnz.com or send an email to newlifecoachingnz@gmail.com
CARRS CARRS CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $80 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and leaveamessage.
ARE ARE your accounts taking up valuable time you’d rather spend growing your business or with your family? Let the team at Sterling Accountants handle your accounting and tax compliance—right here on your doorstep. Call AnnMaree at Malvern Business Hub:0212150981.
NEED NEEDNEED NEED carpet? Go local! Very competitive pricing, seldom beaten. 30 years servicing this area. In home sample service, also repairs and installations. Please ph Alan Roberts0212272080.
CHIM CHIMCHIM CHIM Chim. We'll sweep your log-burners flue, check the firebricks, baffles, air-tubes and controls. We're experts on coal-ranges, also sweeping anysizedopenfire.Wequote and undertake repairs, flue extensions and install bird netting. Please phone us on 021939113.
LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE, farm tracks, yards and dairy lanes our speciality. Screened rottenrock, it’s local and lasts better. Phone Springfield Quarryon3184132.
At 10:30am
Steve & Patience Pona Ph: 022 642 5805 17 North Terrace, Darfield
BIRCHFIELD
Firewood
Dry, shed stored, naGve 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.
Supplying wood for this season!
Mitchell Bros are a family owned and operated Sawmill based in Darfield.
We have a full-time position available for a person to join our Processing Team
Key requirements:
• Good level of physical fitness
• Willingness to be trained and upskill
• Punctual
• Hard working and reliable
• Good communication skills
• Health and Safety conscious.
FOR SALE
HUNTAWAY HUNTAWAY HUNTAWAY HUNTAWAY pups. 7x Male/ Female 8 weeks old. Loving / Life homes wanted. Phone 0274399318.
TINY HOME, TINY HOME, TINY TINY not needed.
7.800x3.700 set up. Toilet, Shower, Kitchenette on steel beam floor. Wheels for placement. Land available 0.8422 Hectares. Phone 027 4399318.KowaiBush.
Malvern Lions have PEA STRAW AVAILABLE
$7 per small bale, delivered. Medium squares pea straw also available! Phone now for delivery.
• Hugh Wright Sheffield - 021 565 550
• Les Clement Darfield - 027 318 1165
• Andrew Brooker Kirwee - 027 432 6176
• Stu Lill
Kirwee - 021 147 3173
• Anthony Dalzell Coalgate - 027 240 6501
• Don Adams Greendale - 0212170970
GARDENING
GENERAL GENERAL GENERAL garden maintenance in Darfield area. Domestic hedge trimming, pruning, edging, lawns and water blasting. Please phone Kane 0274676613.
Painting & Decorating
MORTGAGE ADVISOR
ARE AREyouinneedofarefinance, firsthomeloan,buyinganew home,investmentpropertyor a property development? I deal with all the lenders, and Icangetyouthebestdealto suityou.I have30+yearsof lending experience, and I am local. I can come to you. Alan Lover Loan Market 027 2516644. I bring the bankstoyou.
PLANTS FOR SALE
NATIVE NATIVE plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Phone Annie 027 370 2067.
& Decorating
ROOM TO RENT
SINGLE SINGLE SINGLE SINGLE lockable rooms in Darfield Hostel. Internet, Sky TV. $190pw. Please phone 027 479 1431.
A Storeman and groundsman position has become available with Johnston Imports, located in the Kirwee area. 15 to 20 hours per week. Healthy remuneration. Some lifting involved, Practical skills are essential. Please email for further details matt@ji.net.nz
If you would like to discuss the position, please contact Scott Mitchell on 027 555 8217
TRADES
TRADES
TENANCY
RURAL RURALRURAL RURAL Tenancy Inspections. Also providing Total Rural and Residential Property Management Solutions. Please phone Rebecca 027 313 2270 or email rebecca@ruraltenancy.co.nz
TRANSPORT
SELWYN SELWYN SELWYN Shuttles provide safe and reliable transport for young and old, near and far. Call or txt Brad 021776968.
WANTED
AMMUNITION AMMUNITION AMMUNITION AMMUNITION and reloading equipment. Powder projectiles, presses etc. Any caliber rifle / shotgun. Anything hunting related. Cash buyer. Please contact Rob033425885.
TRADES
• Septic Tank Cleaning • Jetting Unit for Blocked
TRADES
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. Pleasephone Lex027 4393926or3490150.
WANT WANT WANT WANTItWelded-Mobilewelder can come to you. All types of welding done. Help support small new business. Phone 02102890736.
Darfield based with over 43 years of local knowledge and experience
Darfield based, working Canterbury wide. AllMaintenance,HotWaterCylinders,Logburners, Spouting,RainwaterHarvest,Wetbacks,Pumps, Alterations(newandexisting)
A man having lunch at a Chinese restaurant no+ced that the table had been set with forks, not chops+cks. He asked why. The waiter said, "Chops+cks are provided only on request."
"But," the man countered, "if you gave your patrons chops+cks, you wouldn't have to pay someone to wash all the forks."
"True," the waiter shot back, "but we'd have to hire two more people to sweep the floor."
