THE RACE IS ON: NEW CONTENDER FOR MAYOR
Councillor Lydia Gliddon has put her hand up and is standingforMayor.
She says she believes Selwyn deserves leadership that listens, empowers, and delivers.
“I want to work alongside our community to strengthen trust and transparency in council decision-making — because when people are heard and processes are open, we all benefit.
Through my experience and engagement with residents,
I’ve seen that people want a council that communicates clearly, spends wisely, and valuespublicinput.Atpresent, many in our community—and even within council—are
finding it difficult to navigate the decision-making process. There’s a growing sense that things could be done better: thatdecision-makingshouldbe more transparent, more inclusive,andmoreefficient.”
Lydia cites a recent example regarding processes around the Long-Term Plan, Representation Review and Annual Plan that have left many feeling sidelined or unheard.
One key concern I hear time and time again is about rising costs. Families and businesses are under pressure, and they expect Council to take a responsible, disciplined approach to spending. Fiscal responsibility isn’t just about
cutting costs—it’s about making sure every dollar delivers real value, and that we invest in the right priorities. We need to refocus Council spending on core services and community outcomes—notbureaucracy.
“It'snot just about howmoney isspent,buthowdecisionsare made and who gets to shape them,” she says. “Good governancestartswithrespect, clarity, and a willingness to engageopenly.”
Selwyn is growing, and with that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility.
“We need leadership that ensures growth pays for growth, that councillors are supportedtodotheirjobs,and that community voices are at the centre of our future planning.”
As Mayor, Lydia Gliddon says she will focus on restoring trust, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and empowering councillors and the community to work together.
“So that Selwyn remains not only a great place to live, but a place where democracy and accountabilitythrive.”
Councillor Lydia Gliddon has put her hand up and is standing for Mayor.
EDUCARE
Opening Hours 7:30am - 5pm
ANNABEL’S EDUCARE & 3 YR & 4 YR OLD KINDERGARTENS 12-16 South Tce, Darfield
• Educare Ph 318 7943
• 3 Year Ph 318 7948
• 4 Year Ph 318 8843
PARENTS PARENTS PARENTS’ ’’ REMINDER REMINDER
Selwyn Parenting Week 2025, taking place from May 12-May 18, Will focus on"ParentingNow:Real Talk, Real Support," addressing modern parenting challenges such as technology overload and mental health. The event o ers a platform for parents to connect through honest discussions, expert sessions, and community resources, featuring keynote speakers like psychologist Nigel LattaandProfessorJuliaRucklidge, whowilldiscussmentalhealthand nutrition. The initiative aims to foster a supportive community for parents navigating contemporary issues, encouraging participation regardless of their parenting journey. Visit spn.org.nz for more details.
GOT BLOOD TO SPARE? GOT TO
NZ Blood Service is coming to Darfield Recreation and Community Centre on June 4 from 9amto2pm.Todonateyourblood, book online, via the app or by calling0800448325.
DISCOVER TIMEBANKING DISCOVER DISCOVERTIMEBANKING TIMEBANKING
Individuals are invited to an introductory event about Timebanking at Rolleston Community Centre on Thursday, May 10 from 10am to 11.15am. Timebanking allows people to exchange time and skills equally, fostering a connected community. Attendees can enjoy a relaxed morning tea, learn about Timebanking, hear member experiences, and discover ways to get involved, highlighting the positive impact this system has on the local community. To register, visitHumanitix.
POTHOLES POTHOLES POTHOLES POTHOLES -- SNAP, SEN SNAP, SNAP,SEN SEN SNAP, SEND & D D& & D & SOLVE SOLVESOLVE SOLVE
If you have noticed any large gaping potholes appearing on the road you travel on, don’t forget to use the Council’s app, Snap, Send
& Solve, to get them fixed as they can potentially cause accidents and/orseveredamagetoyourcar’s suspension.
COUNTRY CALENDAR COUNTRY COUNTRYCALENDAR CALENDAR CALENDAR
On Sunday, May 11 at 7pm, tune into TVNZ 1 and watch Hyundai Country Calendar featuring Quartz Hill. The episode titled Rock Solid isaboutaCanterburyHighCountry family which runs a diverse farming operation, including deer, a breed of lamb that is renowned foritstasteandtexture,andanew agri-tourismventure.
WESTPAC RESCUE CHOPP WESTPAC CHOPP CHOPPER ER ER APPEAL
Alocal Darfieldladyis onthe hunt for any good condition secondhand books to assist with fundraising for the Westpac Rescue Chopper Appeal. She is mainly after fiction, children’s, or books suitable for teenagers. Pleasefeelfreetodrop o anybooks tothe MalvernNews o ce – open Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm.
To donate in other ways please visitchopperappeal.co.nz
EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR DARFIELD SANTA PARADE
The
Darfield Residents’ Association has kicked o preparations for a festive highlight — the Darfield Santa Parade, set to take place on Saturday, December 20. This special event will run alongside the Association’s much-loved annual Children’s Christmas Extravaganza at the DarfieldDomain.
Local businesses are invited to support the festivities by sponsoring and entering floats into the parade. Community groups and members of the public are also warmly encouraged to join in and createtheirownfloats.
With strong community involvement, the parade promises to be a memorable occasionforallages. Adding to the festive cheer, Santa’s Grotto will open in the weekleadinguptotheparade, o ering local children a magical Christmas experience they’ll never forget. And of course, the jolly man in red himself will be the star attractionoftheparade!
The Darfield Residents’ Association looks forward to bringing the community together to celebrate the seasonintrueDarfieldstyle.
SELWYN YOUTH WEEK
Getready,Selwyn,YouthWeek is just around the corner. The Selwyn Youth Council is bringing the excitement to Rolleston with a Youth Week Carnival that’s not to be missed.
Thecarnivalisbeingheldfrom 12-3pm on Saturday 24 May, at the Rolleston Town Centre and promises to be a celebration of the energy, creativity, and spirit of our localyoungpeople.
The event is being run as part of Youth Week, a nationwide festival of events organised by young New Zealanders that shines a spotlight on the voices and contributions of youth across Aotearoa. Youth Week was first marked in New Zealand in the late 1990s and has been gathering in momentum in the years since. The initiative aims to support rangatahitodesignanddeliver events with the 2025 theme being ‘Take Our Place – Whai Wāhitanga’.
Expect a packed schedule of live performances, games and activities, market stalls, and free food and drinks! Whether you're there to chill with mates, try something new, or just soak up the atmosphere, there’ll be something for everyone.
Got a talent to share? The Selwyn Youth Council is callingall youngperformers — singers, dancers, musicians, and entertainers— to takethe stage. This is your moment to shine and show your communitywhatyou’vegot!
Theeventisfreetoattendand open to all ages, so come along with your friends and whānau, and celebrate Youth Week in Selwyn. For more information, or to sign up to perform, check out the Selwyn Youth Council's social media pages.
ROLLESTON COLLEGE PRESENTS PERCY AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF MUSICAL
Be one of the first to experience this exciting new musical – The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical premiere. The evening show runs for three nights from May 14-16 at Rolleston College auditorium and the cast and crew can’t wait to bring the story to life fortheiraudiences.
Adapted from Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel by Joe Tracz,writerofBeMoreChill, and with an electrifying rock score by Rob Rokicki, The LightningThief:ThePercy JacksonMusicalistheperfect adventure for gods and mortalsalike.
When 16-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takesadramaticturnasheis plunged into a world much bigger thanhecouldpossibly
haveimagined. With newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want and a whole mythology textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his tail, Percymustlearnwhatitmeans tobeahero.
The future of the world hangs inthebalanceasPercyandhis friends embark on an epic
adventurethatwillhaveyou ontheedgeofyourseat.
Tickets are priced from $10$55 and are available from trybooking.com/nz/WNI. Programmes are available for purchase before the show and during intermission along with soft drinksandsnacks.
Rolleston College is excited to bring their highly anticipated production, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, to audiences in May.
SHEFFIELD GOES PINK FOR BREAST CANCER
On a sunny Sunday afternoon in the She eld Hall, amid a sea of pink, the community came together for the annual Pink Ribbon High Tea. Pink balloons, buntings, tablecloths and even a selection of pink food, made by volunteers, addedtotheatmospherealong with a range of merchandise and ra es available for purchase.
Inaidofraisingawarenessand fundraising for Breast Cancer
Providing Total Rural & Residential Property Management Solutions
NZ,theguestspeakerthisyear was Lee Stokes from Darfield, who shared her story and reminded everyone that early detectionsaveslives.
Afunafternoonwashadbyall, and everyone came away with knowledge about the importance of mammograms and self-awareness in role of early breast cancer detection andregularscreening.
Forty-three guests attended theafternoonandfundsraised
on the day came to over $1,170 with moreto be added to the total later in the month from Save the Hooter Owl and othermerchandisesales.
Handcraftedowlsareavailable from Darfield Pharmacy and a small range of goodies including handcrafted mug mats,keyrings,crochetedheart brooches and handmade cards are also available for purchase at the Malvern News o ce on SouthTerrace,Darfield.
Guest speaker Lee Stokes with event organiser Ann-Maree Ozanne.
SECOND SOURCE FOR HARTLEYS WATER SUPPLY SCHEME
The Selwyn District Council is working on a project to improve the Hartleys Water SupplySchemebyconstructing asecondsourceandupgrading the Water Treatment Plant (WTP)withasecondUVunit. On her Facebook page, Councillor Lydia Gliddon says, “Wehavesomerealchallenges withtheHororatawatersupply scheme due to rainfall events and to resolve these we are planning on resupplying the Hororata scheme from the Hartleys scheme in accordance withLongTermPlan.”
The Hartleys scheme has better water quality due to its upstream catchment and proximitytotheriverintake. Resupplying Hororata from Hartleys is more cost-e ective
and will increase reservoir storage within the Hartleys scheme, resolving many interruptions caused by deteriorating water quality during rainfall events. The project involves laying a trunk main from Hartleys WTP to Coalgate and upgrading reservoirs along the route to increase storage and pump capacity.
The first stage of works includes constructing the Whitecli s pump station and storage,alongwiththesecond source and UV upgrades at
Hartleys WTP. The next stages involveupgradesandpipework from Glentunnel to Coalgate andthentoHororata.
Lydia says that there will be some disruption during the pipe laying, but the outcome will be a more robust water supplywithfewerinterruptions duringadverseweather.
Councilsta areavailableto Councilsta areavailableto discusstheproject at at Residents Association Residents ResidentsAssociation Association Residents Association meetings meetings meetings meetings –– contact Lydia contact contactLydia Lydia contact Lydia throughher Facebookpage throughher Facebookpage throughher Facebookpage throughher Facebookpage or emailher at at CrLydia.Gliddon@selwyn.govt.nz.
HORORATA QUARRY CONTAMINANT PROPOSAL COULD AFFECT DRINKING WATER
Frews Contracting Ltd have applied to Environment Canterbury (ECan) to change their current Resource Consent CRC201182 to discharge contaminants to land from a managed fill facility. The quarry is located at the corner of Thwaites and Plantation Roads, Hororata and since 2023 it has received contaminated material for backfillingquarriedareas.
Frews propose to stop testing fill to be deposited in the quarry for aluminium, antimony, barium, manganese and selenium. They also propose to increase allowable contamination limits for a range of other metals, including chromium and mercury.
The application has been publicly notified by EnvironmentCanterburydueto concerns around potential leaching down through the quarry and contaminating groundwater and drinking bores. This is due to the contaminants being in an area of shallow soils, which are
highlypermeable.
ECan scientists are concerned if these changes are made there is a risk of groundwater contaminationasit istoosoon to see any changes in water quality. There are few, if any, ways to reverse contamination ifitreachesourgroundwater.
Allowing the quarry to receive greater levels of contaminants and reduced testing is of concerntoGoHororataandthe widerHororatacommunity. Current consented contaminant levelswere set to safeguard downgradient bores fromcontamination. Alongside long-term water monitoring, this is the only way to protect our groundwater and the people who rely on clean drinkingwater.
More information and a list of relative documents can be found at ecan.govt.nz/data/ consent-search// consentdetails/CRC252944/ crc252944.
FrewsContracting FrewsContracting Limited. Limited. Submissionsclose Submissionsclose Submissionsclose Submissionsclose at 5pm onFriday,May16. at 5pm onFriday,May16. at 5pm onFriday,May16. at 5pm onFriday,May16.
SCHOOL BUS FUNDING REVIEW PUTS
OUR CHILDREN AT RISK
A letter written by Councillor Lydia Gliddon to the Associate Minister of Education, Hon. David Seymour MP, outlines her concerns regarding the recent funding review of schoolbusfunding.
Councillor Gliddon says she has heard from families who are “deeply troubled” by the increased risks and di culties theirchildrennowmustfacein getting to and from school safely.
She states that rural communities already face unique transportation challenges,andtheremovalor reduction of school bus services exacerbates these issues.Shebelievesthecurrent funding model and assessment criteria for bus routes are outdated and don’t reflect the
realitiesofrurallife.
She believes children’s safety is at risk especially with pick up points at busy intersections or on roads with high-speed limits.
Other concerns Councillor Gliddon highlights include the distance children and parents need to travel to catch a bus, and children having to stand on buses while traveling at speedsupto90km/h.
She urges the Ministry of Educationtoreviewthecriteria used to assess school bus routes and engage with rural communities to develop a more appropriate and fair system. She wants to see the Ministry support more collaboration with primary and high schools in delivering bus services to help optimise
transport resources, reduce costs, and ensure better coverage for students across allagegroups.
Councillor Gliddon says when transport options are reduced or removed, it creates a barrier to education and leads to increased absenteeism, particularly for families who may not have the means to transport their children themselves.
“Investing in safe and accessible school transport is an investment in the future of our children and the sustainability if our rural communities. Reliable school transportisthereforenotjusta matter of safety, but of educational equity and opportunity.”
FARMING FAMILIES BURDENED BY FUNDING REVIEW
For a local rural family based between Kirwee and Darfield, the bus funding review shows a serious misunderstanding of rural life and the challenges facedbyfamilies.
Motherofthree,TraceyPerkins believes the distances to bus collection points are often impractical, especially in rural areas where roads may be unsafe. For instance, some children are required to walk to the bus stop that involves crossing a busy state highway with no sidewalks, making it dangerous.
She also believes the situation has worsened since a petition forschoolbusseatbelts.
“We’ve somehow devolved to a point where children are not even guaranteed a seat – let aloneaseatbelt,”saysTracey.
Increased travel distances now burden farm families, who depend on the promise of a bus close to home, making agricultural jobs less appealing. Parents, especially thoseindairyfarming,struggle with the timing of bus pickups and drop-o s, a ecting their workschedules.
“Our farm location, rural but not an unmanageable town/ city commute for partners employed o -farm, has o ered a good balance for our farm sta particularly with the promise of a school bus to the gate,” says Tracy. “We can no longer o er this. We cannot even o er that the bus stop is within a safe walkable distance. Everyone knows that attracting and retaining employees for agricultural rolesisn’t easy,howmuchless attractive have we made our roles with this idea that students need to be driven to andfrombusstopswithinwork hours? This has already impactedourrecruitment.”
She says that for dairy farming parents,whoarelikelytobein the milking shed at both pickup and drop-o times,
drivingchildrentobusstopsat intersections is a logistical nightmare.
“New and considerably extended travel distances for young students have impacted on parents’ decision to usethe schoolbusesat all,whichthen a ects work schedules even further. This calving season willbeparticularlychallenging fordairyingfamilies.”
Despite these issues, there are no plans for better bus shelters, safe walkways, or alternative funding models, highlighting disconnect from the needs of rural communities.
“These issues are glaringly obvious.Onecannotsimplycut fundingandturnablindeyeto the rural communities that it impacts,”saysTracey.
AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
From a classroom challenge to a published Selwyn author, Peter Adolph's journey began with a group of intermediateaged boys who were reluctant readers and writers.
Determined to change their mindset, he introduced creative writing sessions and shared his own stories. Slowly, their resistance faded, and the boys' interest in writing grew. When they requested one of his stories to be published, Petertookitseriously,marking the start of his career as a children'sauthor.
Since then, Peter has written and published 22 illustrated children's books, most of them humorous. "I initially wrote for upper primary level but have lately delved into writing for little people," he says. He enjoys turning ideas into engaging books for kids, realizing humor's e ectiveness infosteringaloveforreading.
Peter'sideasstemfromvarious sources: family interactions, observations, personal experiences, nature, history, and social issues. The time to complete a book varies; simpler junior books might take a few weeks, while more complexplotstakelonger.
A rewarding highlight came when BLENNZ (Blind and Low Vision Network of New Zealand) reached out to adapt his books for visually impaired children. Though highly visual, his books' rhyme and rhythm made them suitable for Braille andenlargedprint,afactPeter isproudof.
Peterhasexpandedhiswriting to other genres, working on short stories for teenagers, teaching anecdotes, and his firstnovel.
From a hesitant start in a classroom of reluctant writers to a growing collection of published works, Peter
Adolph’s journey as an author has been an adventure he never expected – but one he wouldn’ttradeforanything. Peter’sbookscanbe foundatlocallibraries orcontactPeterat: childrenslit.pedpub@gmail.com.
Peter Adolph’s most recent illustrated children’s book “A Giraffe in the Bath”, is beautifully illustrated by Richard Gunther. Packed with rhymes and humour, it’s a delightful read for young children and a perfect book for parents and grandparents to share.
TOP TIPS FOR SETTING GOALS
Setting goals can be exciting and give us a sense of purpose, but it’s equally as important to put our wellbeing first if we need to. Regardless of whether you’ve decided to set a goal this year or not, know that it was the right decision for you.
1. Understand who Understand who who who’ ’’ ’s in your s in your s your s your support network support –– the the people who can cheer you people who can cheer you people can cheer you people can cheer you on, and back you up if on, and back you up if on, and you if on, and you if things feel challenging. things feel challenging. challenging. challenging. This could include your whānau, friends, or partner. Your support network might di er depending on what your goals are. For example, if you set a goal to learn te reo Māori, you might have a friend who speaks it who can back you up.
2. What went well for you in What well for you in 2024, and which areas of 2024, and which areas of and which of and which of your wellbeing would you your wellbeing would you wellbeing you wellbeing you like to strengthen? like to strengthen? like to like to To help you reflect, you might draw inspiration from Te Whare Tapa Whā, a health model designed by Sir Mason Durie. Achieving good wellbeing or mauri ora means each of these aspects need to be balanced in our lives. Which aspects are strong for
you, and which aspects could you build on during the year?
3. Make sure you Make sure you Make sure Make sure you’ ’’ ’re being re being re realistic and kind to realistic and kind to realistic realistic yourself about how much yourself about how much yourself about how much yourself about how much you can achieve. you achieve. Think about setting a maximum of three goals for the year so you can really put your energy into them. Or you could set goals in smaller chunks – set one goal one month and decide the following month whether you’d like to continue with the goal, discard it, or take on something new. When it comes to our wellbeing, making small but sustainable changes can have the biggest impact over time.
4. When setting your goals, When setting your goals, When setting your goals, When setting your goals, consider how one goal consider how goal might help achieve another. might help another. For example, if your goals are to strengthen your taha tinana/physical wellbeing and taha whānau/whānau wellbeing, you could achieve both by going for a walk with your whānau once a week. Combining your goals can help make the most of your time and reduce any pressure you may feel around achieving them.
5. Remember to have fun with Remember to have fun with to have to have your goals! your goals! goals! goals! If your goals are causing you stress you might not want to stick with them. Say your goal is to move your body, but you don’t like hitting the gym - you could swim in the sea, join a sports club, or find a dance class instead. Finding joy in your goals might also mean bringing in your loved ones to help you or rewarding yourself when you hit goal milestones.
Source: The Mental Health Source: The Mental Health Source: The Health Source: The Health Foundation of New Zealand Foundation of New Zealand Foundation Zealand Foundation Zealand
GREENDALE CRICKET PRIZEGIVING
Greendale Cricket President, Murray Shipley presenting the Greendale Cricket Club fielding trophy to Tobi Moore at the recent prizegiving.
The other trophies were awarded to: Greendale Cricketer of the Year - Sean Carston Batter of the Year - Tig Dalley Bowler of the Year - Oskar Trafford.
team
the
OXFORD FITNESS CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW STUDIO
Recently the Oxford Fitness Centre o cially opened its new studio with a community celebration featuring guest speakers, afternoon tea from theOxfordWorkingmen’sClub, and tours of the upgraded facilitiesandequipment.
Councillor and Oxford Health and Fitness Centre Trust chairman Tim Fulton welcomed Waimakariri Mayor DanGordon,fellowcouncillors, North Canterbury Sport and Recreation Trust (NCSRT) leaders, Active Health representatives,gym members, andthepublic.
Mayor Gordon praised the projectasashiningexampleof community and council collaboration, acknowledging NCSRT’s leadership and Tim Fulton’sdedicatedoversight. Special recognition was given to long-time community supporters Colin and Kathy Bush for their role in both the
originalgymbuildandthenew extension. Builder Lawrence Muldoon was also thanked for his patience and commitment throughout the complex project.
NCSRT Chair Don Robertson highlighted the six-year journey to the studio’s completion, thanking volunteers and the Oxford Workingmen’s Club for their contributions. Active Health’s Jackie Barb expressed excitement about expanding their physiotherapy services
intoOxford.
The event concluded with Mayor Gordon cutting the ribbonandceremoniallylifting asetofdumbbellstomarkthe occasion.
To celebrate, Oxford Fitness Centreiso eringtwoweeksof free classes from May 5–16— no membership required.
Classes include ARMA, Yoga, BoxFit,andSilverFitness.
Learn more on their Learn on their Facebook page or at Facebook page or at Facebook page at Facebook page at sportstrust.org.nz/oxford sportstrust.org.nz/oxford sportstrust.org.nz/oxford sportstrust.org.nz/oxford-fitness fitness fitness fitness--centre. centre. centre. centre.
KIRWEE SENIORS WIN MALVERN MID-WEEK SENIOR GRADE
From left, Councillor Tim Fulton, Mayor Dan Gordon and NCSRT CEO Michael Sharpe (North Canterbury Sport and Recreation Trust).
The Kirwee Senior team won the Malvern mid-week Senior Netball competition for the third year in a row. This competition, which is played indoors at West Melton, started in March and comprised of teams from Kirwee, Darfield, Sheffield/Springfield and West Melton.
Back row: Jan Thomas (Coach), Natalia Rietveld, Gemma Smith, Amy Rock (Captain), Rosie Smith, Amanda Clarkson.
Front row: Bronnie Smith, Ella Hunt, Sam Bailey and Holly Moore. Absent: Alyssa Clarkson. The Malvern Centre has just started its Saturday competition for the Social, Years 7 & 8 and 5 & 6 grades. Year 1 - 4 learn skills and drills on a Monday afternoon.
SITUATIONS VACANT
FENCING FENCING position available locally and also station work. Full time. Experience preferred but not essential. Good wages and valued team. Phone021640748.
EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED stockman looking for work. Tractor driving experience. GST registered. Pleasephone0225747805.
SCRAP METAL
WANTED! WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery. Specialising in farm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please phoneeither0276950480or alternatively0800030712.
SHEEP SHEARING
TRANSPORT
SELWYN SELWYN SELWYN Shuttles provide safe and reliable transport for young and old, near and far. Call or txt Brad 021 776 968.
WANTED
TOOLS TOOLS wanted - mechanics, engineering, wood working etc. Garage, shed, barn clearances, deceased estates etc. Please phone Rob on 033425885. DEAD DEAD cars - we buy dead cars, end of life cars, scrap cars, old farm vehicles. Cash paid. Pleasephone0274848121. WINDOW
WINDOW REPAIRS
TRADES
TRADES
