15--year yearyear year--old from Glentunnel, has old from Glentunnel, has old made an impressive debut as the starting No 10 for made an impressive debut as the starting No 10 for an impressive debut the starting 10 for an impressive debut the starting 10 for Christchurch Boys Christchurch Boys Boys’ ’’ ’ High School's first XV rugby team. High School's first XV rugby team. High School's first XV rugby team. High School's first XV rugby team.
Despite being in year 11 and not expecting to secure a top position in his first season, he has started three matches this year, showcasing his skills and dedication. CBHS head coach Pete Chaplin praised Sonny-Bill's eagerness to improve, and if he continues to develop, he may join the ranks of legendary playerslikeAllBlacksAndrewMehrtensandDanCarter.
Sonny moved from Darfield High School to Boys High to further his rugby playing opportunities after playing rugby for Selwyn RugbyClubasajuniorandShe eldRugby’scombinedteam.
His parents Pete and Jodie McAndrew are proud of his achievementsandsay,“Sonnywasgivenanopportunitythat he decidedtotake,verydi erenttowhatheisusedtofromplaying
countryrugby.WeareproudhehasmadethefirstXV. Heisjust our boy, out there doing what he loves - playing rugby and makingnewmates.”
Brothers Gus and Jimmy Ferguson are making history by Gus Jimmy Ferguson are making by by by playing together for the St Bedes first XV. playing together for the St Bedes first
Thisisarareachievement inNewZealandschoolrugbyandhas been attributed to their family's strong rugby lineage and the hardworkoftheboys.
ParentsTomandRachelFergusonareproudoftheirboys. “It’sabout timereally,it’stakenthreegenerationsfor anyofthe Ferg’s to make it. It’s purely down to the boy’s hard work and dedication,”saysTom.
Until recently, the brothers had been playing all their rugby for She eldRugbyClub.
Continuedonpage8...
Sonny Sonny Sonny Sonny--Bill McAndrew,
Bill
Bill
Sonny-Bill McAndrew is following rugby opportunities at Christchurch Boys’ High.
Sheffield brothers Gus and Jimmy Ferguson both play for the St Bedes first XV rugby team.
DARFIELD SET TO GROW BUT AT WHAT COST?
A significant housing development project in Darfield, where a 158-hectare tract of farmland is to be transformed into residential areasandasupermarket,could potentially increase the town's populationby50%.
The Gillanders family, who have owned the land since 1865, has entered a joint venture with Darfield Estates after selling the land, which wasrezonedforresidentialuse by the Selwyn District Council in2023.
The development can accommodateover800homes, with plans for 450 homes on the northern part of the site, and an additional 400 homes planned for future development.
A site in the development has been earmarked in 2031, just six years away, for a new and bigger supermarket, however an operator has not yet been selected.
There is significant local demand for housing in Darfield, with buyers primarily from nearby towns and migrants from various regions, attracted by lower prices comparedtoRolleston.
The township’s population has increased from 2,700 in 2014 to an estimated 3,500 now,
with projections indicating furthergrowthtoover4,600in thenextdecade.
LOCALS CONCERNED ABO LOCALS CONCERNED ABO ABOUT UT UT LACK OF SERVICES SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR NEW AVAILABLE FOR NEW AVAILABLE FOR AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS
On social media, Darfield residents have voiced their opinions about the opening of newsubdivisionswhilethereis a lack of services already available in the township, in particular a long waiting list for new patients is already in placeatDarfield’sonlymedical centre. Others have concerns regarding the condition of roadswiththeincreasedtra c and lack of public transport while others lamented on losing the small-town environment they’ve come to love.
POVERTY ON THE RISE IN DARFIELD DARFIELD
Poverty is also a concern according to a recent article in the Press, where local foodbank operator Rose Craven stated her concerns over the increasing number of people coming to her for help with food and clothing. The Darfield Food Bank now has around 150 people on its list and the number is steadily
increasing. Lack of a ordable housing, health services and transportation to the city to access social services are big issuesforthosefacingpoverty. Pam Aldersley,co-ordinator for the Malvern Health and Community Wellbeing Trust, also spoke out about the dire living conditions faced by some patients, including those living in caravans or railway carriages without basic amenities, and the challenges they encounter, such as isolation and chronic health issues, which exacerbate their poverty.
VOLUNTEERS UNDER VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERSUNDER UNDER VOLUNTEERS UNDER PRESSURE AS TOWN GROWS PRESSURE AS TOWN GROWS
Mayor Sam Broughton said that Darfield relies on the goodwillofvolunteersbutalso admits that voluntary services will be put under pressure as the township grows and that volunteers alone may not be abletokeepupwiththeneeds of those in the community. He says he is urging the Government and Environment Canterbury to invest in Selwyn’s towns. He acknowledges that there are families in the Selwyn district who face hardships and are struggling to get by and requireadditionalsupport.
SELWYN RESISTS NATIONAL
DOWNTURN
Recent data from Informetric indicates that the Selwyn district is experiencing growth despite a national economic downturn, with increases in employment, tourism, consumer spending, new businesses, and building consents.
Selwyn District Council Chief Executive Sharon Mason says that the rapid growth from recent years may be slowing down, but that Selwyn’s economy remains strong. “The country is going through a di cult period with cost pressures on households and businesses, so we are really pleased to see that theSelwyn economy is proving to be
robust.”
Employment in Selwyn rose by 4.2%, contrasting with a national decrease of 0.9%.
Additionally, international visitor spending increased by 18%, significantly outpacing the national average of 7.7%.
The growth is partly driven by new arrivals with 323 new dwellings consented in the March quarter which representsa20%increaseplus the district's economy is further supported by rising agriculturalprices.
“Our new arrivals have a strong positive impact on the district’s economy as they bring new jobs, new money and contribute to a strong
pipelinefor localbuilders.Asa councilweareworkinghardto finetune our systems to make the building and consenting processes as smooth as possible,”saysMason.
While the Informetric data shows the robust nature of the Selwyn economy, it also predicts an additional boost fromtheruralsectorwithlamb and beef prices up 10% and 15% respectively, as well as recordhighdairyprices.
“It is terrific to see our farmers doing well, as Selwyn has historically been heavily dependent on their success, but it is encouraging to see that our district experiences growthacrossallsectors.”
HEALTH AND WELLBEING THEME FOR MATARIKI
Matariki in Malvern is fast approaching, and the team is busypreparingfortheirspecial annual event for the community to come together and celebrate Matariki (the MāoriNewYear).
Event spokesperson Kelly Maude says, “The mainthemes of Matariki are remembrance of those close to us who have passed during the last year; celebrating the present through sharing kai (food) and doing activities together; and lookingtothefuturepreparing fortheyearahead.”
Matariki in Malvern is a fully funded free event on Saturday, June 14, from 5pm to 8pm at Darfield Recreation Centre. It begins with a special mihi whakatau (welcome), followed by kapa haka performances from Ngā Puāwai O Tawera (a collective group across Malvern), and also the Darfield High School kapa haka group. This year, Malvern Ballet School will present a
collaborative piece with Ngā PuāwaioTawera.
“The event encourages di erentgroupstoexploreand learn from the kaupapa of Matariki and express this throughperformingarts.”
Once again, there will be art work from some of the local kura (schools) and preschools who will celebrate and share their learning about Matariki.
Thisyear’sfocuswhetū(star)is Matariki herself, the ‘mother’ of the cluster, who represents healthandwellbeing.
Kelly says a special part of the event is sitting together to share kai as a community with a hāngi. “We have hāngi cooked meat sourced by Blair from Darfield Village Meats, bread rolls by Darfield Bakery, and veges, salads, and fresh fruit from Johnny Fresh. This year, with the focus on health and wellbeing, there will also be homemade roasted tomato, andpumpkinsoupfromSimply JulesCatering.”
The event concludes with some hands-on activities including House of Bricks Lego and harakeke (flax) raranga (weaving), a scavenger hunt around the theme of the nine Matariki whetū, and beadmaking with Naomi Coleman from Purple Hearts of Hope.
Naomi raises money to create gift packages for the youth inpatientmentalhealthward. Matariki in Malvern is free to attend however a koha (donation) towards the cost of the kai would be greatly appreciated. Keep an eye out for updates on our Matariki in MalvernFacebookpage.
WHAT’S ON IN SELWYN
Matariki signals the Māori New Year and is a me of celebra on and renewal. It begins with the mid-winter rising of the Matariki star cluster.
An Evening of Taonga Puoro with Ariana Tikao Friday 13 June, 6.30–7.30pm, Te Ara Ātea
Join Kāi Tahu musician and Arts Laureate Ariana Tikao for a special night of Taonga Puoro. Ariana will start the evening with an introduc on to these unique ancestral instruments of Aotearoa, demonstra ng their sounds. Then she will invite people to relax and be immersed in the mesmerising voices of her taonga, while she sings waiata and recites her moving poetry based on the stories of local pūrākau and places. A night not to be missed! All ages welcome. $10 library members, $20 non-members. Bookings required.
Mānawa?a a Matariki
Thursday 19 June, from 5pm
Rolleston Town Centre (green space behind Te Ara Ātea)
Join us for a magical evening celebra ng Matariki with your whānau! Enjoy stunning light displays, cap va ng kapa haka performances, live music, storytelling, and interac ve ac vi es. Celebrate the Māori New Year in a vibrant atmosphere filled with culture, connec on, and crea vity. All ages welcome. Free entry, drop-in.
Night Sky Experience
Friday 20 June, 7-10.30pm, Greenpark Memorial Community Centre
Celebrate the Māori New Year with an unforge5able evening under the stars! Enjoy a 60-minute stargazing tour led by experts from Christchurch Astro Tours. Discover the wonders of the night sky and learn about the stars, planets, and constella ons. 10+ years. $35 per person (plus booking fee). Bookings required.
Matariki CraDs
Monday 23 June, 3.30–4.30pm, Lincoln Event Centre Thursday 26 June, 3.30–4.30pm, West Melton Community and Recrea?on Centre
Pop down to your local community centre for some Matariki cra>ing fun! 4+ years. $5 per person. Bookings required.
Loopy Tunes
Saturday 28 June, 11–11.40am, Te Ara Ātea
Join musical duo Loopy Tunes, sisters Leah and Siu, for a session of interac ve bilingual music, stories and fun! They both love what they do and are looking forward to (once again) celebra ng Matariki with you! Whānau-friendly. Free to a5end. Bookings required.
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
Darfield office open: Mon & Thurs, 9 - 5pm or by appointment
DARFIELD ASHBURTON ROLLESTON CHRISTCHURCH
Conveyancing, Refinancing, Leasing & Property Transactions, Land Acquisitions, Boundary Adjustment & Subdivision, Insurance Law, Occupation Right Agreements, Estate & Succession Planning, including Enduring Powers of Attorney, Trusts & Wills.
YOUNG MP MOTIVATED TO HELP YOUTH
Rolleston Year 12 student Rolleston Year
Lucy Garner is passionate Lucy Garner is passionate Lucy Garner is passionate Lucy Garner is passionate about local issues that about local issues that about local issues that about local issues that impact on youth. impact on youth. She was recently selected as the Youth MP for Selwyn and says she applied to become a Youth MP to further develop her leadership skills and engage with the community more.
“Selwyn is growing rapidly,” says Lucy, “I want to hear youths' concerns and questions; being able to advocate for those around me isreallymotivating.”
Lucy has a strong interest in politics and says becoming a Youth MP allows her to experience parliamentary processes such as a general debate, question time and online information sessions withmembersofparliament. Lucy’s application process started earlier this year in February and involved sending a video about herself and the strengths she could bring to the role. She went through a seriesofinterviewswithNicola Grigg, MP for Selwyn, who chose Lucy from a high calibre fieldofcandidates.
Lucy’s Youth MP term runs from April 28 – August 29, 2025, and she will get to take part in a replication of parliamentaryprocessesinJuly with 143 Youth MPs from acrossNewZealand.
At these sessions she plans to raise concerns that youth in Selwynhaveexpressedtoher. During her tenure, she will
meet with students and leaderswithintheSelwynhigh schools, attend events with Nicolaandherteam,aswellas set up any community events thatshewouldliketohost.
“At the moment my main concernsforSelwynare:public transport (including school transportation), online safety and protection, accessible job experience/work courses for youth,”saysLucy.
Rolleston College principal Rachel Skelton says the school is very proud Lucy has been chosen. “She is a great young
Asked who her role model is, Lucysaysitisherolder brother, Thomas. “I really admire his ability to stay calm while juggling school, work, and sport; he doesn't hesitate to take an opportunity.” The siblings share many interests, one being the defence forces, where Thomas recently travelled up north and to Australiatocompletearmyand militarypoliceofficercourses.
CONGRATULATIONS GOES TO …
to complete a minimum of six months of activities in three sections: volunteering, skills, and physical recreation, and an adventurous journey.
Lucy Garner is Selwyn’s Youth MP.
… Angie Early, who recently received her Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. The Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Award is the second level of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. It requires participants
NOT JUST FOR RURAL
WOMEN WOMEN WOMEN WOMEN
Rural Women Darfield Dinner
Group - Dinner on Monday, June 16 at 6.30pm at Thirsty Acres in Kirwee with guest speaker Carol Geal from 360 Skin Studio. All women who are 'rural at heart' are welcome.
Email darfieldrwdg@gmail.com by Wednesday, June 11 to RSVP.
DOG HOOKED DOG DOGHOOKED HOOKED
Waddington and She eld dog owners are concerned about fish hooks being left on the ground around the water race along Waddington Road opposite the St John’s camp. A dog was recently ‘hooked’ by a stray fish hook while walking along the bank and had to have urgent surgery to have it removed from its lip and tongue. The owners were understandably distressed by theevent.
Fishing in the water race has been a long-time activity datingbacktotheearly1900s, however those hoping to catch
a fish or two should be aware of what they leave behind and takemorecareasbothanimals and families with small children frequently use the area. Parents and dog owners are urged to be vigilant when out walking by the water race between the bridges on WaddingtonRoad.
WOOLLY WONDER SUCCES WOOLLY WONDER SUCCES WONDER SUCCES WONDER SUCCESS SS S
An impressive $11,950 was raised by the Glentunnel School Home & School through its Woolly Wonder Fundraiser. The idea came from former Glentunnel student, Alex (Woody) Woodhouse of Kinsale Farm. Results of the prize winners can be found on the Glentunnel H&S and School Facebookpage.
DON DONDON DON’ ’’ ’T FORGET TO T FORGET TO FORGET TO T FORGET TO REGISTER REGISTER
The Local Body Elections for Waikirikiri Selwyn District are scheduled for October 11, 2025. Postal voting will be open from September 9 and closeatmiddayonOctober11.
FIREFIGHTERS RAISE FUNDS AND HOPE
Four volunteer FireBrigadesin the Malvern area – Coalgate, Darfield, West Melton and Burnham – took part in the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge last Saturday and between the brigades, firefighters raised just under
$19,000. The total money raised throughout New Zealandto dateisjust short of $2million. These vital funds supporttheworkofLeukaemia & Bood Cancer New Zealand, helping thousands of New Zealanderseachyear.
Nominations for candidates will be accepted from July 4 until August 1. Residents over the age of 18 are encouraged to ensure they are enrolled to vote and that their contact detailsareuptodate.Formore information on enrolling or updating details, visit the Electoral Commission website. CouncilChiefExecutiveSharon Masonencouragesanyonewho wants to make a di erence in the local community to participateintheelections.
Every year, over 30,000 animals come through SPCA’s doors needing urgent help. With no Government funding for the lifesaving working the organisation does once they arrive, they rely of your compassion. You can help by donating online at fillthebucket.spca.nz.
SELWYN REPRESENTATIV SELWYN SELWYNREPRESENTATIV REPRESENTATIV REPRESENTATIVE E E E
SOUGHT FOR CANTERBURY SOUGHT FOR CANTERBURY MUSEUM MUSEUM MUSEUM MUSEUM
The Selwyn District Council is seeking a new representative for the Canterbury Museum board, emphasizing the need for a candidate with strong financial skills, project management experience, and Governance expertise. Mayor Sam Broughton highlighted the financial challenges of the Museum's redevelopment and the council's commitment of nearly $1.6 million annually for the next four years. Applications for the board positionwillcloseonJune6.
Pictured are Coalgate Volunteer Fire Brigade firefighters Jason Stainger and Alicia Alvis who recently completed the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge in Auckland.
Recently the Selwyn district was hammered by wetweather,causingsevereflooding.Iwantto thank the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) volunteers, emergency service crews, and contractors who worked diligently to keep everyone safe – and want to acknowledge those whose homes and propertieshavebeendamaged.
The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, flew down to see the flooding and to talk to the team at the Emergency Operations Centre. He has now written to all local authorities asking them to clarify their decision-making processes to e ectively manage local waterways to prevent flooding ahead of - and during - significant weather events. He has also asked how they can improve decision making, and what additional regulatory levers they may need to dothat.
Meanwhile, it has been a busy week in parliament, and I wanted to take the opportunity to clarify the Government’s intent behindamendingtheEqualPayAct.
Firstly, despite the misinformation being spread by the Labour Party, the Government is absolutelycommittedtopayequityforwomen. The changes passed have simply clarified the process for raising and resolving pay equity claims and now provide a clear legal
framework to identify sex-based undervaluation inaworkplace.
The previous Act was not working as intended and the pay equity system had shifted away from its intended purpose, which is to address sex-based pay discrimination. There had been very broad claims being made where unrelated industries were being used as comparators, making it impossible to prove genuine discrimination – for example, the pay and working conditions of fisheries and corrections o cers have been repeatedly used in claims from administrative and clerical workforces, nursesandschoollibrarians.
Now,comparatorshavebeendefinedinlaw,and the threshold has been raised for workforces made up of at least 70 percent women for 10 years. This is because some workforces – such as teaching – have historically been maledominatedand,also,webelieve10yearsallows enough time for evidence of sex-based undervaluation to emerge. Most of the workforces that had been in the process of making a claim far exceeded the 70 percent threshold, so they will likely still be able to reraise their claims under the new rules. We fully expectnewlyraisedclaimstobesuccessful,and the Minister of Finance has been clear that moneyhasbeensetasidetofundthose.
SPORTSMANSHIP TROPHY WELL DESERVED
The Bangor Pony Club was recently awarded the Horse Mastership trophy at the Collier Trophy event, a Canterbury-wide pony club competition held at Roydvale PonyClub.
Bex Gri ths, head coach for the Bangor Pony Club, says, “This was a very proud moment for Bangor and the teamofriders.”
Run like a one-day event, each rider completes three phases throughout the day, dressage followed by cross country and ashowjumpinground.
The sought-after trophy is awarded to the team showing the most sportsmanship, concern for horse welfare, and for showing the most kindness and consideration to their horses, coaches, supporters, o cials,andeachother.
Canterbury pony clubs enter teams of four to six riders and the best four scores, one from
each level then the next best one, contribute to the team’s final overall score for the event.
Throughoutthedurationofthe
event,afewo cialsaretasked with watching over the horses and riders and awarding the Horse Mastership trophy at the conclusionoftheevent.
Bangor Pony Club members proudly pose with their Horse Mastership trophy. From left, Zarnah Kiesanowski, Millie Hamilton, Amelia Reveley-Wall, Issy Hamilton, Nova Williams and Ashley Mahuika.
MALVERN FARMERS DISTRICT CATCH-UP
It’s said that information is power, and one of the strengthsofFederatedFarmers is connecting and informing farming business operators through branch networks, meetingsandnewsletters.
Feds’ Malvern branch (Darfield, She eld, Hororata) chair
Peter Williams says a combined AGM with the federation’s North Canterbury Arable section on 10 June at 7.30pm in the Coalgate Tavern is another such opportunity.
“It’s a great chance for farmers in the district to enjoy acatchup, and we’ve arranged an interesting line-up of speakers,”saysPeter.
Ivan Lawrie from the Foundation for Arable
Research will provide a rundown on development of new crops, progress on NZgrownbrandingand increasing volumes of locally grown milling wheat, as well as an overview of the global arable scene.
It’s local body election year and former Environment Canterbury councillor Megan Hands, who is now the Federated Farmers Local Government Relations Manager, will speak about the big issues confronting councils andratepayers.
Feds recently put out a seven-point blueprint for ‘Restoring Confidence in Local Decision-Making’. It includes recommendations for greater use of uniform charges to
DARFIELD GARDEN CLUB REPORT
Darfield Garden Club recently met on May 20 at the Recreation Centre.
A discussion was held regarding the upcoming 80th Garden Club celebration. A luncheon is to be held at the Kirwee Bowling Club with more details to follow.
The guest speaker was Donna Bundy a retired army officer originally from USA and now living in Leeston. She worked as a food safety officer and has travelled the world. One place she visited in her line of work was Antarctica. She talked about the many aspects of her job and gave us an insight of what life is like in Antarctica and what protection is being done.
Donna showed us snapshots of what she did there and was an extremely interesting speaker.
Denise Reynolds was the lucky number winner.
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 17 June 1.30pm at the Darfield Recreation Centre.
The AGM will be followed by our guest speaker Juliet Nicholas an acclaimed New Zealand garden photographer. New members are always welcome, contact the secretary at ann.gibson@xtra.co.nz. Lee Stokes.
Lawrie, General Business Operations Manager for Foundation for Arable Research.
cover council costs, more funding from road users (and less from ratepayers) for local road and bridge renewal/ maintenance, and that Crown land should not be exempt fromratesliability.
Lynda Murchison, the Deputy Commission for Crown Lands, andLydiaGliddenfrom Selwyn District Council will also speakatthemeeting.
There’s no shortage of issues for Federated Farmers’ government advocacy and policyteamsatpresent.
Sustained pressure from the Federation saw the Government bring in restrictions on those convertingproductivefarmland intopinesastheychasecarbon income. Feds advocacy also helped spark the select committee inquiry into competition in the banking sector, and the rural sector isn’t the only one expecting a robust set of recommendations fromthosehearings.
“So,there’splentytodiscussat the combined AGM and we’re looking forward to seeing a strong turnout of Malvern farmers,”saysPeter.
PLOUGHING
CULTIVATION
DRILLING
Ivan
RUGBY STARS IN THE MAKING
Continuedfromfrontpage…
SELECTED FOR TRAINING SQUAD
Ultimate Frisbee player and Darfield High School student
Also doing well on the rugby
Also doing well on the rugby Also well on Also well on scene are local players who local players have been selected for the have been selected for the Selwyn Schools first XV Selwyn Schools first XV Selwyn Schools first Selwyn Schools first squad squad.
Darfield High School: Reid
McKinnon, Jake Cleland (who also played for the She eld Rugby Club last season) and Lucas Tapa-Wither (West Melton Rugby Football Club — WMRFC).
Rolleston College: Finlay
Pithie, Patrick Halligan, Brooklyn Dalgety (Captain),
Mason Cole, Ryder Allin (all fromWMRFC).
Lincoln High School: Rhys Gilmore(WMRFC).
The Selwyn Schools Combined teamhaveplayedwelloverthe last two weeks, beating St Bedes 18-12 and Christ College35-33.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 14 when the Selwyn Schools will come up against Sonny-Bill and his Christchurch Boys High teammates at Darfield High Schoolat2:45pm.
Rachel McKenzie has been selected for the New Zealand Under 20 National Training Squad. Out of the 39 girls selected,Rachelistheonlygirl selectedfromtheSouthIsland.
The squad will train over four training camps between now and January, developing their physical,technical,tacticaland mentalskills.
New Zealand Ultimate also hoped to host the 2025 TransTasman U20 Test Series, pitting the NZ U20 teams against their Australian counterparts in October later thisyear.
After the selection/training campinJanuary2026,thefinal New Zealand Under 20 teams will be selected to compete at the 2026 World Junior UltimateChampionshipstaking placeJunethatyearatavenue stilltobeconfirmed.
NewZealandUltimatesaysthe National Training Squad represents the best young players in New Zealand as identified at the NZ Secondary School Championships and NZ
Youth Ultimate Championships held over the summer. “We congratulate them on their recognition and wish them wellintheirdevelopment.”
Rachel’s parents, Mark and Georgia are tremendously proud of Rachel. Her determination to make the
National U20 Squad is admirable.
“Thankfully we have space for her to practice at home which she does a lot of in her spare time. She definitely deserves her place in the squad,” says Georgia
Lucas Tapa-Wither recently received his cap (50 games) for Selwyn Schools.
Rachel McKenzie (right) in action at the NZ Youth Ultimate Championship held in Cambridge last month.
NEW MAP COULD HELP IDENTIFY MISSING PERSONS
A new interactive Missing Persons Map o ers a new tool to help identify and return long-term missing persons in New Zealandtotheirfamilies,particularlythosepresumeddead
There are currently close to 500 people missing presumed dead in New Zealand, with more than 50 unrecovered climbersonAorakiMtCookalone.
The interactive map is aimed at helping to identify long-term missing people in New Zealand, particularly those presumed dead.
Senior Constable Paul (Carlos) Spencer, who has been with Canterbury'sSearchandRescue(SAR) team for over 15 years, initiated the project after reading about the e ects of glacier retreat,whichcoulduncoverhumanremainsandproperty.He realized that a visual record of missing persons' last known locationscouldaidinidentificationwhenremainsarefound.
“It’s the ones who have never been found that play on my mind,” says Senior Constable Spencer. “Their families are left without answers and without a body to mourn. It’s incredibly di cult.”
He has collected extensive data on missing persons from the past 50 years, including medical records, clothing descriptions, and DNA info. With the help of the Police Geospatialteam,hemappedthisdata,creatinganationaltool that SAR coordinators can use to track missing individuals. Though not designed to find missing people, the map serves as a starting point for investigations when remains are discovered.
This initiative has been praised for improving the search and identification process and o ering a valuable resource for familiesofthemissing.
National Missing Persons Coordinator Detective Sergeant Jacinda Clarke says what Constable Spencer has achieved is nosmallfeatandrequired“anextraordinarylevelofdiligence andattentiontodetail”.
Inspector Craig McKay, Canterbury Operations and Support Manager,says,“TheenormousamountofworkCarloshasput into this means we now have a lasting national resource to ensure the families of missing people know that their loved onesarenotforgotten.Thisvaluableresourcewillsupportthe return of long-term missing people and their belongings long afterCarloshasleftPolice–whatalegacy!”
Storysource:TenOne,NZPolice
COLOURFUL SURPRISE
Kirwee residents have been surprised and enchanted by a spectacular feathered visitor to their properties recently. Frank (2) is a golden-headed pheasant who enjoys making the rounds of the neighbourhood, startling homeowners with his colourful plumage.
Owner Nathan Marshall says he has a few of them as pets and loves their “beautiful colours”. He adds that Frank is very friendly but asks that you don’t feed him as he knows his way home.
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.
Career Development. We'reheretoguideyou,help your business grow & making sure you enjoy every step of the journey. Contact Kieron McGhie 021 276 8311, www.newlifecoachingnz.com or send an email to newlifecoachingnz@gmail.com
NOTICES CHURCH NOTICES
SUNDAY 1 JUNE, 930am St Ambrose, She ield 5pm St Georges, Kirwee malvernparish.wixsite.com/ malvern-parish
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.
CARPET/WINDOWS
CATS on Courtenay
Boutique Boarding
Cattery!
• Purpose built, nestled in a tranquil, rural setting.
CARPET CARPET CARPET CARPET/Window Cleaning. Thorough job, good price, quick drying. Highly recommended. Phone/ text Robert anytime on 0272999599.
COUNSELLING
CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL, professional counselling/therapy. Offering valuable support as you navigate life's challenges. Freeintroductory 1/2hr consultation. Lisa Mills 0278140785.
CHIMNEY CLEANING
CARRS CARRS CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $80 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and leaveamessage.
CHIM 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.
DRIVEWAYS
LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE, farm tracks, yards and dairy lanes our speciality. Screened rottenrock, it’s local and lasts better. Phone Springfield Quarryon3184132.
GENERAL GENERAL GENERAL GENERAL garden maintenance in Darfield area. Domestic hedge trimming, pruning, edging, lawns and water blasting. Please phone Kane 0274676613. FREE FREEFREE FREE topsoil. Please phone 021375655.
class in Darfield on Thursday 5 June at 9.45am $8. Tai Chi weekly class starts at 11am in the Recreation Centre. Bookingisessential.Gabrielle Phone 027 225 1646 or Email: info@taomotion.com www.taomotion.com.
R K FIREWOOD
Supplying wood for this season! Old Man Pine, Bluegum, Macrocarpa, Oregon. TRY THE HOT MIX!
All top quality, clean wood. Ph Rini 027 451 7300
MORTGAGE
ARE ARE AREyouinneedofarefinance, firsthomeloan,buyinganew home,investmentpropertyor a property development? I deal with all the lenders, and Icangetyouthebestdealto suityou.Ihave30+yearsof lending experience, and I am local. I can come to you. Alan Lover Loan Market 027 2516644. I bring the bankstoyou.
LEASE LAND WANTED
LEASE LEASE land wanted. Selwyn area suitable for cattle grazing. All sizes consider. Please phone Reg 027 567 0720.
SALE
EMERALD FARM EMERALD EMERALD FARM Native Plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Phone Annie0273702067. PLANTS FOR
LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL handyman - Part time. Any work considered, including farm work. Please phoneKerry0276222161.
SITUATIONS VACANT
FENCING FENCING FENCING FENCING position available locally and also station work. Full time. Experience preferred but not essential. Goodwagesandvaluedteam. Phone021640748.
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.
AMMUNITION AMMUNITION AMMUNITION and reloading equipment. Powder projectiles, presses etc. Any caliber rifle / shotgun. Anything hunting related. Cash buyer. Please contact Rob033425885.
DEAD DEAD cars - we buy dead cars, end of life cars, scrap cars, old farm vehicles. Cash paid. Pleasephone0274848121.
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. Pleasephone Lex027 4393926or3490150.
Darfield based with over 43 years of
•
•
A lady dropped her handbag in the bustle of holiday shopping. An honest, little boy noticed her drop the handbag, so he picked it up and returned it to her. The lady looked into her handbag and commented, "Hmm... That's funny. When I lost my bag there was a $20 bill in it. Now there are twenty $1 bills."
The boy quickly replied, "That's right, lady. The last time I found a purse, the owner didn't have any change for a reward."
After a lengthy conference with the estranged husband, the lawyer reported to his client.
"Mrs. LaMay, I have succeeded in making a settlement with your husband that is eminently fair to both of you."
"Fair to both?!?" exploded Mrs. LaMay. "I could have done that myself! What's the point of hiring a lawyer for then?"
