Four Fire and Emergency personnel from across New Zealand, including Ron Ealam, ofOxford,havebeenhonoured in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List for their significantcontributionstoFire and Emergency, Search and Rescueandlocalcommunities.
Mr Ealam has dedicated over 50 years to Land Search and Rescue, serving in the Oxford Fire Brigade since 1996, training New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Dogs, and contributing significantly during the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, while receiving the New Zealand Search and Rescue Excellence award in 2023.Photo:LandSAR
Mr. Grant McMillan
Mr. Grant McMillan
Mr. Grant McMillan (KāiTahu) received a MNZM for services to education and the community. He served as the Ministry of Education Southern Region Manager for schools and early childhood from 2001 to 2009 and later led Ashburton College from 2009 to 2016. He was the Principal of James Cook High School from 2016 to 2023, where he significantly improved the school's performance and communityengagement. During the COVID-19
pandemic, he facilitated remote learning and vaccinationeffortsinAuckland.
Additionally, he has been involved in local service associations and served on the Greendale Reserve Board (16 years) and more than 20 years on the Canterbury Rugby RefereeAssociation.
Professor Alison Stewart Professor Alison Stewart Alison Stewart Alison Stewart of Prebbleton was awarded a Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to plant science and the arable sector. She is an
internationally renowned plant scientist with a 40-year career focused on sustainable plant protection, soil biology and plantbiotechnology.
ProfessorStewarthasbeenthe
Chief Executive of the Foundation for Arable Research since 2018 and was honoured as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009 for her contributions to biology and plant pathology. She has held
significant roles in both New Zealand and the US, focusing on the biocontrol of plant pests and diseases, and has advocated for sustainable farming practices. As CEO of FAR, she promotes the arable sector and fosters collaboration among researchers, growers, and industry stakeholders, while also mentoring young scientists to tackle agricultural challengesinNewZealand.
Ron Ealam of Oxford received a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Search and Rescue.
Waikirikiri Selwyn will will mark this year mark this year this year this year’ ’’ ’s Matariki in s Matariki in s Matariki s Matariki style with a variety style with a variety style with a variety style with a variety of community celebrations, of community celebrations, of community celebrations, of community celebrations, cultural performances, cultural culturalperformances, performances, stargazing events, and stargazing events, traditional workshops, traditional traditionalworkshops, workshops, traditional workshops, culminating in a spectacular culminating in a spectacular culminating in spectacular culminating in spectacular event under the stars. event under the stars. event under stars. event under stars.
“Māori New Year is one of the highlights of the Selwyn District Council events calendar and we really hope our residents will use the opportunity to get involved to celebrate Matariki,” says Denise Kidd, Executive Director Community Services andFacilitiesatSelwynDistrict Council.
The council-run events will take place from June 13 until June28acrossthedistrict,with the main free evening event Mānawatia a Matariki planned for Thursday 19 June in RollestonTownCentre.
“The interactive light installations at Mānawatia a Matariki will be bigger and brighterthaneverbeforeanda free public event that you just don’t want to miss,” says Denise,whoaddsthatthelight installations will stay on display on Saturday 20 June as well.
The feature event on Thursday 19 June will create a vibrant atmosphere through magical interactive light displays, kapa haka performances, live music,
story-telling and interactive activities for all ages to connectwithMāoriculture.
One of the highlights includes a live performance by Hone, one of Aotearoa’s rising stars.
Hone has graced stages at major events like One Love Festival, shared the stage with heavyhitterslikeONEFOURon their New Zealand tour, and opened for Sammy J and Katchafire on their recent SouthIslandruns.
“He is one of New Zealand’s standout emerging artists, so this is a wonderful chance to catch him and his band live,” saysDenise.
The evening will also feature kapa haka teams from schools aroundthedistricttoshowcase their whakaeke, waiata ā-ringa andhakaskills.
The teams performing will represent Te Kura o Papatahora West Melton School, Te Rōhutu Whio, Ngā Puāwai o Tawera, Te Kura Tuarua o Tāwera Darfield High School and Te Kura Tītoki KirweeModelSchool.
The Matariki celebrations kick o afewdaysearlier,onFriday 13June,withaperformanceby Kāi Tahu musician and Arts Laureate Ariana Tikao at Te Ara Ātea. Ariana will demonstrate the unique sounds of Aoteoroa’s ancestral instruments, sing waiata and reciteher movingpoetrybased
on the stories of local pūrākau andplaces.
Matariki marks the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar, and Denise suggestsresidentsdonot want tomissauniqueopportunityto learn about the stars, planets andconstellationsonFriday20 June at the Greenpark Memorial Community Centre.
Experts from Christchurch Astro Tours will host a 60minute stargazing tour and help the guests discover the wondersofthenightsky. Events will wrap up on Saturday28Junewhenmusical duo Loopy Tunes, sisters Leah and Siu will host interactive session of bilingual music, storiesandfunatTeAraĀtea.
Denise says the Council team is excited about the variety on o er and hopes that most Waikirikiri Selwyn residents will find an event to suit their interests.
“We deliberately have put together a programme to capture as many community groups as possible, for young and old, with day and evening activities, with ticketed performances, as well as eventsthat arefreeofcharge,” says Denise who encourages residents to check out the website: selwyn.govt.nz/ matariki for a full list of activities.
BOOK FAIR STARTS THIS FRIDAY
The popular annual Book Fair in Darfield is back and the tables are groaning with thousandsofbooksthatateam ofvolunteersfromtheMalvern Anglican Parish have sorted into their genres, including children’sbooks.
The Book Fair will again be held in Trinity Church on Mclaughlins Road, where it’s warm and dry whatever the weather, and where there’s plentyofspacetobrowse –all at great prices. You’ll find fiction for only $3, puzzles from $4, children’s books from
50 cents, general non-fiction for $3, and a section for "special and spectacular" nonfiction books at reasonable individually marked prices. There are also huge piles of jigsawpuzzlesandgames,plus someDVDsandCDs. Comealongandchoosesome
good reading for the winter months. Sale times are Friday 13 and Saturday 14 June from 10am to 4pm, Sunday 15 from 1pm to 4pm. Everything is discounted to half price on the final day, Monday 16 from 10amto2pmbutbeinearlyto getthebestreadforwinter.
BE READY BE BEREADY READY BE READY
A burst water pipe in Waddington that lasted nearly 12 hours last Saturday was followed by the discovery of a separate issue – a damaged sluice valve (now obsolete). This resulted in another day, Monday, without water for Waddington residents and is a gentle reminder that we should all have on hand a supply of bottled water incase of an emergency. Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and often without warning. A household emergency plan lets everyone in your household know what todoinanemergencyandhow to get ready. Having a plan helps make actual emergency situationslessstressful.
To find out what you need to plan for an emergency visit getready.govt.nz.
WINTER KINDNESS WARMS KINDNESS WARMS THE HEART THEHEART
OntheDarfieldFacebookpage, one resident recently o ered
to make locals some savoury mu ns as his way of paying kindness forward and bringing wintercheertothecommunity. Thank you – kindness repays kindness.
MATARIKI IN MALVERN MATARIKI IN MALVERN
A reminder that Matariki in Malvern is on this Saturday at Darfield Recreation Centre from 5pm to 8pm with a great lineupofcommunityevents.
Take a drive to Oxford one evening from June 8 - 22 to check out the Matariki Winter Lights at Oxford businesses on Main Street and at some residences. You can vote for your favourite at form.jotform.com/2515300601 52845.
Bronwyn Adams-Hooper is holding a pruning demonstration at the Kirwee Community Garden (corner Hoskyns and Courtenay Roads) on Saturday, July 19 at 10.30am.
UNIVERSITY OF UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITYOF OF UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY PLAY STUD CANTERBURY PLAY STUD CANTERBURY PLAY STUD CANTERBURY PLAY STUDY YY Sasha Johnstone from the University of Canterbury is inviting families from West Melton School to participatein a scientific study examining howinterruptionsa ectparent -child play, with sessions held on weekends at the university. All participating parents and children will receive a thankyougift.Formoreinformation, contactSasha:sasha.johnstone @canterbury.ac.nz.
TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIP TERTIARYSCHOLARSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS SS
There are 12 scholarships available worth $3000 eachtwo each from Rolleston, Ellesmere, Lincoln, Darfield High School, and four Districtwide The purpose of the fund is to encourage the district’s secondary school students to achieve outstanding success in academic, sports, cultural, arts, social responsibility, or other areas in their community. Applications close 25 July ‘25. Visit:funding@selwyn.govt.nz
LOCAL WRITERS’ GROUP LAUNCHES NEW ANTHOLOGY
The Malvern Writers’ Cafe is excited to invite the public to attend the launch of the group’s first anthology of selected short stories and poetry on Saturday, June 28, from 1pm - 3pm at Darfield Library.
Thirteen enthusiastic members of the Malvern Writers’ Café contributed short stories and poetry to the anthology, some short and witty, others deep and meaningful. Each reflects the creative voice and style of the individual author, o ering somethingforeveryone.
Startingasanidea,theWriters’ Café has evolved into a place where those interested in writing can develop their literary style and share it with like-mindedpeople.
MalvernWriters’Cafémeetson the second Tuesday of the month from 10am until 12noon in a conference room at the Darfield Library. Those keen to write or embark on a writing project are welcome to come, share and learn in a supportiveenvironment.
MalvernWriters’Cafémembers look forward to celebrating their very first book launch with readers, writers and others with readings, signings and refreshments on the last Saturday of this month – all welcome.
Coffee Grounds authors from left, Erin Van Der Zwet-Brodie, Lynn Williams, Peter Adolph, Laine Barker, Brian Donnelly, Sandra Arnold, Dennis Peterson, Simon Williams, Alan Woods, Fi Maddison and Alyse Boaz. Missing: Pam Panckhurst
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
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.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF POWER IN DARFIELD
By Matt Williams Williams
It’s 100 years since Darfield’s firststreetlightwasturnedon.
My grandfather Roland Williams came to work in Darfield for the newly formed Malvern Electric Power Board as head electrician and inspector in 1924. He resided in the sales yard cottage that was in Cardale Street before moving to the Power Board houseat21SouthTerrace. The current Te Huanui art gallery was the original o ces of the Power Board. The Board’s engineer Mr H Barr’s residence was at 6 Thornton Street.
GeorgeRuddwasthechairman of the first elected board, whichconsisted ofJohnDeans, Dryden Hall, Hugh Miller, Walter MulhollandandHerbert Oliver.
Mrs Elizabeth (Lill) Judd had the honour of o cially turning on power at a celebration held at the Darfield Memorial Hall onJune11,1925.
My father, Russell Williams, commenced his electrical apprenticeship in 1945 at the Board’s line yard at 9 South Terrace under the supervision of Mark Walsh. This was the year that a significant snowstorm wreaked havoc with much of the overhead reticulation that had been erected on poles that were nowatendoflife.
My father, once qualified as an electrician, moved across the road to 8 North Terrace to set up his home and contracting businessin1951.
During the 1960s, the Malvern Electric Power Board merged into the Central Canterbury
Power Board and the line yard buildings had the additional garages and test room constructed that is now occupiedbyTMDanceWorld.
Forbes Kershaw-Hewitt has transformed the original line yard workshop into a home at North Terrace, keeping this structure unchanged from its original exterior form. Forbes’ great-grandfather, Les Hewitt, had worked at this site during the1930sand40s.
We take the availability of electrical energy for granted nowadays, but in the 1920s and 30s, the electric light replacing kerosene lamps and candles and the electric motor replacing rudimentary combustion engines was a huge convenience and step forwardforfarmsandhomesin thedistrict.
DARFIELD
Russell Williams and gang including Les Hewitt at the workshop in the 1945 snow.
Malvern Electric Power Board workshop as it is today –converted into a home.
NEW LIM DASHBOARD GAMECHANGER
Anewdigitaldashboardwhere applicants can track their Land Information Memorandum (LIM) application has been welcomed by the community andtheSelwynDistrictCouncil who will now receive less LIM questions.
“People can now track their LIM application online and don’t need to ring the Council to get an update, so it has proven to be a win-win for bothsides,”saysMattMcGrath, Chief Digital O cer at the SelwynDistrictCouncil.
The new LIM dashboard is another significant step in the Council’s digital investment in the Long-Term Plan to turn a small, paper-based rural council into a digital-based, modern local authority servicing the fastest growing communityinthecountry.
MattexplainsthatthenewLIM dashboard lists how many
applications are in progress, how many days they are in progress, as well as the LIMS that were completed in the previoussevendays.
“Therehasalwaysbeenalotof speculation, and at times misinformation, about how long Council takes to process consents and LIMS, but this dashboard clearly shows how many LIMs we process, how long each one takes, and what the average time is for each application,” says Matt. He adds that the dashboard also shows the average time it takes to process LIMs from month to month, “so there is a realmotivationfor sta tostay on track, because there is now real-time visibility of their work.”
Until recently, council sta used to publish PDF pages of the LIMS in process on the Council website, but that
documentwouldbeoutofdate themomentitwaspublished. The new dashboard was launched in April, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, says Matt. “It has made a huge di erence for our community but also our sta , who no longer get calls or have a full inbox with requests for updates, because people can now look for themselves. We now only get calls from residents who expect their LIM to appear instantly and don’t realise it takes about 24 hours toshowup.”
LIMs legally need to be processed within 10 days, and the average processing time in recent weeks has been around 8.2days,saysMatt.
To check out the LIM To check out the LIM To check the LIM To check the LIM dashboard please go to the go to the Council website. Councilwebsite.
HEALTH IS YOUR GREATEST WEALTH
Achieving great health involves making decisions that align with us and understanding what is important for our well-being. Our health, fitness, and wellbeing are influenced by our daily lifestyle choices
creating our health history and lifestory.
Unfortunately, the world is seeing the sickest population ever! As individuals we can do something for ourselves to change this by taking care of ourselves first! Our body strives to heal and protect us; symptomsaresignalsforhelp.
At RejuvenateYou Health Fitness and Wellbeing, we adopt a holistic approach, focusing on the entire person.
In collaboration with our clients, we identify the underlying causes of discomfort, dis-ease, or struggle.Together,wediscover personalized lifestyle tools that lead to improved outcomes.
Ainsley is a certified Personal Trainer focused on supporting her client’s health, fitness and wellbeing. She has further developed her skills in functional and immune health, mobility, and overall wellness. Recently, she completed an Exercise Oncology course to help cancer patients with movement as part of their treatment plan. Her personal commitment to maintaining optimal health, fitness, and wellbeing has greatly contributed to her own recoveryandjourney.
Formoreinformationorto Formoreinformationorto book see advertisement on book see advertisement on thispage. thispage.
BOOST YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING THIS WINTER
Reframe your winter Reframe your winter your winter your winter mindset. mindset.
Plan a winter routine. winter Create a wellbeing plan using
TeWhareTapaWhāortheFive Ways to Wellbeing. Reflect on what supports your wellbeing, what’s already working, and whatcoulduseaboost.
Care for your holistic Care for your wellbeing. wellbeing.
Try a light therapy lamp to mimic sunlight when it's grey outside—just30minutesaday, especially in the morning, can help. Spend time outdoors whenever possible. Even time in green spaces, like your local park, can benefit mental wellbeing—rainorshine.
For more information, For information, visit mentalhealth.org.nz/ visit visitmentalhealth.org.nz/ mentalhealth.org.nz/ five fivefive five--ways waysways ways--to toto to--wellbeing. wellbeing. wellbeing.
• Low back, neck, sciatic pain
• Work related injuries
• Post surgery treatment and rehabilitation
• All sports injuries and soft tissue strains
• Joint sprains and strains, such as tennis elbow, shoulder and knee problems.
OXFORD BIRD RESCUE: A DEEP LOVE OF BIRDS
Oxford Bird Rescue Trust cofounder Scott Bowman recently passed away after a battle with motor neuron disease (MND). His wife, Tracey, put up a post on the couple’s Oxford Bird Rescue Facebook page to share her sad news with the community. While the Rescue is no longer operating, the Facebook page is being left online as a memorialtothe13 yearsScott and Tracey dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and releaseofowlsandraptors.
The pair originally rehabilitated owls for Canterbury Raptor Rescue, before rescuing all kinds of birds. In 2016, Scott and Tracey took over Canterbury Raptor Rescue and re-focused onsavingharriers,falcons,and owls. During their time between 2016 and 2022, it was estimated they helped between 150 and 200 birds of preyeachyear.
Scott was well-known for his deeploveofbirds,inparticular raptors – birds of prey. He
received several accolades over the years, such as the Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust Raptor Conservation Award for 2022, a Waimakariri District Council community services award (2022) and was a twice recipientoftheKiwibankLocal Hero medal by New Zealander of the Year Awards and appeared on 1News Good Sorts. However, he was always quick to acknowledge that the rescue work was achieved in partnership with Tracey. The couple were humbled by the awards and acknowledged the many volunteers, supporters and sponsors, partner vet clinics and other wildlife rescues and the caring people who stopped to rescue birds in need.
Scott, who survived a serious head-on car collision years before, went out of his way to save birds – one such rescue resulted when he had to wade waist-deep intoacoldcreekto rescue a hawk suspected of ingesting poison. He kept the bird clutched to his chest
sharing his body warmth –remarkably the bird survived and was transferred to the South Island Wildlife Hospital thenextday.
Scott’s philosophy after his diagnosis, taken from an
inspiring person at the MND supportgroup,wasthathewas not dying from a terminal illness, rather he was living withachallengingdisease.
Messages of support and gratitude along with heartfelt
condolences over Scott’s passing and praise for couple’s inspiring work, dedication and selflessness with bird rescue andrehabilitationhaveflooded thecouple’sFacebookpage.
Well-known throughout Canterbury, Oxford Bird Rescue Trust co-founders Scott and Tracey Bowman in earlier times of the bird rescue organisation.
COMPETITION ENTRIES KEEPS JUDGES BUSY
for an exceptional crop of dryland fodder beet; and Ash Seaton from Seaton Farming, with the Pasture Cup, for the winning pasture crop.
By Guy Bassett. By Guy Bassett. Bassett. Bassett.
The Malvern and Courtenay A&P Associations combined Winter Feed Competition was held on June 3-4, with 63 paddocks judged throughout the district from Rolleston to Mead to Lake Coleridge to Cass.
The high number of entries meant the judging group needed to be looking at a paddock every 15 minutes to get through them all within twodays.
Judges were Sam Lucas from RAGT, and Greg Dunshea and HollyStokesfromAgricom.
Stewards once again were Ashley Seaton, Guy Bassett, and Scott McIllroy. The judges commented that the relatively mild and damp summer conditions suited early sown brassicas, which was reflected in the fact that almost a third oftheentrieswerekalecrops. The focus crop Ravensdown Plate was given to a fodder beet crop that stood out exceptionally due to it being grownondryland.ThePasture CupwenttoSeatonFarmingat Aylesbury, and the R&D Scott Direct Drill trophy went to Coleridge Downs. The Redfern Cup for the supreme crop was a paddock of swedes entered
by Braided Waters Farming at Windwhistle. WewouldliketothankHazlett, PGG Wrightson, Ravensdown, Ballance, United Fisheries, Mainfert, Agricom, RAGT, Pastoral Improvements, H&T, and their supporting businesses for their generous prizes and support of the competition, and the judges. A great evening was held at the Coalgate Tavern, with dinner
followed by the prizegiving which had commentary and photos on all the placegetters ineachclass.
The bus tour of a selection of paddocks that participated in the competition was cancelled due to the inclement weather on the Thursday after judging. We are planning on doing it again as part of next year’s competition.
WINTER FEED COMPETITION RESULTS
ClassResults:
Kale Kale Kale Kale--Irrigated: Irrigated: Irrigated: Irrigated: 1st MurrayShipley 2nd DonAdams 3rd TimWright
Kale Kale Kale--Dryland: Dryland: 1st TimWright 2nd Brooksdale 3rd DeanSyme
From left: Bert Elstob and Reece Cleland, both from Coleridge Downs, with the R&D Scott trophy for best direct drilled crop, for their rape crop; Dave Harper from Braided Waters Farming, with the Redfern Trophy for overall supreme winning crop for their dryland swedes; George Adams from Springvale Farm, with the Ravensdown Plate,
SELECTED TO REPRESENT NZ IN DOG TRIALS
Congratulations to Ben Millar, from Peak Hill, Lake Coleridge, and his dog King for their selection for the ProPlan NZ TestTeamtocompeteinatwo -test dog trial series held in conjunction with the Ashburton A & P Show on October 30 and November 1, 2025. This will be his second time representing New Zealand and the team will competeagainstAustralia.
Ben is the son of well-known dog trialist Stuart Millar, who finished third with Laddie behind Ben in the 2025 NZ short head and yard championship. Therearefourstandardclasses run in a New Zealand sheep dog trial where dogs and owners pit their skills against the fickle sheep. Moving sheep is one thing, but moving only three of them, while being closely scrutinised by judges and the quick-to-critique spectator, takes it to a new level.
There are two main types of dogs used: the New Zealand heading (eye) dog, originating from the border collie, bred to ‘head’ sheep silently and eyeball them at close quarters – and the Huntaway, a large, usually black-&-tan dog, bred foritsloud,deepbark.It’sused to‘hunt’stockawayandisreal handy in the yards, often climbingonthebacksofsheep
togetacrosspens.
Ben and King also came third at the North Island Long Head Championships and fourth in the South Island Short Head and Yard Championships, behind Stuart and Laddie who came third. Stuart was also second in Canterbury Long Head Championships held earlierthisyear.
Top Heading Dog for the Canterbury season is - Mark Copland with Don – 42 points, followed by Stu Millar with Laddie – 33 points, Ben Millar with King – 30 points, Andy Clark with Sam – 26 points and Mike (Bones) Evans with Liz–25points.
Heading dogs Heading Headingdogs dogs –– long head. long longhead. head. long
The competitor starts his dog from a marked ring and the dogheadsthreesheeponahill 300 to 600 metres away. The dog then pulls them into the ring in as straight a line as possible and holds them stationary to the judge’s satisfaction, all within 10-15 minutes.
Heading dogs –– short head short head short short and yard. and andyard. yard.
The competitor starts his dog fromamarkedquadandheads three sheep between 150 and 300 metres away and pulls them to the quad. They then move them along a pegged lane, through a pair of hurdles along another lane, before workingthemintoatwo-metre
-square yard. The run is completed when the gate is shut on the sheep within the giventimelimit.
Huntaway Huntaway Huntaway Huntaway –– zigzag hunt. zigzag zigzaghunt. hunt. hunt. The competitor starts his dog from a marked quad. Three sheep are liberated and the dog then uses his bark to hunt them up a zigzag marked hill for 200to300metres.Therun is completed when the sheep pass between the top set of markers within the given time limit.
This event is the same as the zigzaghuntexceptthere’sonly one set of markers 20 metres apart at the top of the course. The dog aims to hunt the sheep from the starting point, inasstraightalineaspossible, throughthemarkers. All competitors start with 100 points, and as faults occur pointsarededucted.
Ben Millar with King, and his father Stuart Millar and Laddie placed second and third respectively in the 2025 NZ short head and yard championship.
Photo by Gavin Martin Photography.
MALVERN ZONE CROSS COUNTRY
Over 100 runners took part in the Malvern Zone Cross Country on Thursday, June 5.
The weather was perfect for theYrs1-6athletesfromevery primaryschoolinMalvern.
Spokesperson and She eld teacher Jayde Mayberry says, “A huge thank you to the Bennie Family for the use of their beautiful farm, surrounding the She eld Domain.”
“Congratulations to all of the Year 5 and 6 runners who have qualified to stride it out again at the Primary Sports Canterbury event on Wednesday,June18.”
Year 5 and 6 competitors qualifiedforthePrimarySports Canterbury.
Yr 5 Boys Yr 5 Boys 5 Boys 5 Boys
PaytonRoughan-Darfield
IsaacBell-Darfield
TheoMcLeod-Darfield
LiamHayes-Darfield
NixonEarl-Darfield
BernieLang-Windwhistle
Yr 5 Girls Yr 5 Girls Yr Yr
OleahPayne-Darfield
PaigeAfano-Faitaua-Darfield
EllaThomas-Kirwee
Chelsea van LeeuwanGlentunnel
AmberRedmond-Darfield
ChloeLamyman-Glentunnel
Yr 6 Boys Yr Boys
AydenTaljaard-Darfield
BlakeSmith-Darfield
ArchieGrant-Kirwee
EddyParker-Hororata
MasonClark-Darfield
HarryLeech-Darfield
Yr 6 Girls Yr
ZarleneMohamet-Hororata
HollyStGuillaume-Kirwee
AlyceDeering-Greendale
AnnabelleScollay-Shefield
EllaMcIlroy-Shefield
NEXT MALVERN ISSUE: 19 June 2025
EDITORIAL DEADLINE: 1pm, Monday
ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 10am, Tuesday
NEW CAPTAIN FOR NEW ZEALAND OVER-50S CRICKET
AneweraisunderwayforNew Zealand Over-50s cricket, with the announcement that Robbie Frew, from Darfield, has been appointed as the new captain ofthenationalside.
Robbie, who has been part of the New Zealand Over-50s team since 2023, brings a wealth of experience and proven performance to the leadership role. He has represented New Zealand in 19 Over-50s Internationals (O50Is), including two World Cups,andis currentlythesixth highest run-scorer across all New Zealand Over-50s matches—both domestic and international—amassing 1,663 runs at an average just shy of 40.
A former Canterbury representative, Robbie played 35 first-class and 10 List-A matches in the late 1990s and early 2000s, notching up three centuries and ten halfcenturies during his professional career. His contributions to cricket continue well beyond his playing days; he was recently named the Canterbury Over-
50s Player of the Season and received New Zealand Cricket’s 2024 Outstanding Contribution and Services to Coaching award. He currently serves as the coach of Canterbury Country.
The change in captaincy is part of a broader strategic shift within New Zealand Over-50s cricket, aimed at elevating the national team’s performance while also fostering the continued growth of the game across the country. A new leadership group will be formedtosupportthesegoals.
Theupcomingcalendar reflects this renewed focus. In midNovember, the North Island vs. SouthIslandthree-matchOver50s series will return to Blenheim. First launched four years ago, the series is being rebootedasakeyselectionand development opportunity for the country’s top over-50s players ahead of the internationalseason.
Shortly after, a New Zealand “A” side will travel to Brisbane to compete in the Australian National Over-50s Championships—one of the
most competitive domestic tournaments in the world. This provides an invaluable chance for emerging over-50s players to gain experience at a high level.
Looking ahead to 2026, a landmark trans-Tasman series isscheduledfor February.Both Australian Over-50s and Over55s teams will tour New Zealand, taking on their Kiwi counterparts in Christchurch during a week-long festival of cricket.
With new leadership, a busy playing schedule, and strengthened development pathways, New Zealand Over50s cricket is well positioned foranexcitingfuture.
THIRSTY ACRES IN FINAL OF
WILD FOOD CHALLENGE
Congratulations to this year’s Monteith’s Wild Food Challenge finalists who will be cooking and presenting their wild food and Monteith’s match at the judging event on the 18th June, with the winner taking home the trophy and $15,000cashprize!
JonoandtheteamfromThirsty Acres are very excited to be in the final of this years Monteith's Brewing Co Wild Food Challenge. Their dish titled The Beating Heart of the Beast - a primal tongue to tail trio of wild Wagyu textures featuring o al cuts from their friends at Southern Stations Wagyu in Kirwee. The meal consistsof
The team would like to thank everyone that was brave enoughtotrytheirdishandfor all the votes. Jono would like to make a special mention to the Thirsty Acres Head Chef Thom Dunbar and our incredible kitchen team who delivered a great dish for the challenge.
Robbie Frew - new captain of the NZ Over 50’s Cricket team.
MICHAEL GODFREY MEMORIAL MX 2025
The Michael Godfrey Memorial Motocross – one of New Zealand’s premier motocross events – returned to the rugged terrain of Baxter’s Road, Omihi, Waipara, on May 31st and June 1st, 2025. HostedbytheChristchurchORoad Motorcycle Club, this iconic South Island fixture continues to draw some of the country’stopmotocrosstalent.
First held in 1984 inhonour of promising young junior motocross rider and talented rugbyplayerMichaelGodfrey–who tragically lost his life in a car accident at just 16 – the event has become a treasured part of New Zealand’s motocross calendar. For many, it is seen as the South Island’s answertothefamedWoodville eventintheNorthIsland.
This year’s event attracted a huge turnout, with 260 competitors lining up across various classes – from introductory levels right through to seasoned veterans. Motocrossisahigh-adrenaline, physically demanding sport raced on o -road circuits
featuring a mix of man-made jumps, whoops, and tight corners. Riders are tested to their limits, often competing against 30 to 40 others in races that stretch up to 15 minutes per round and 35 minutes in the feature race. The sport continues to grow in popularity as a family-friendly eventthatwelcomesallages.
Local involvement remains strong, with Race Director Vanessa Moore and Mini Track Clerk of Course Troy Earl helping to ensure the event ran smoothly. Among the standout performers this year was Hororata’s own Jaxson Gilchrist, who impressed in the 7–8-year-old 65cc class. Jaxsonfinished2ndinRaces1, 3 and 4, 4th in Race 2, 1st in Race 5, 5th in Race 6 and 3rd in Race 7, earning a podium finishwithanoverall3rdplace. Asalways,theMichaelGodfrey Memorial MX serves as both a powerfultributetoayounglife lost toosoonandacelebration of the motocross community’s passion, talent, and camaraderie.
Sheffield FREE BOOK EXCHANGE
Sheffield Hall SUNDAY 15 JUNE 2025 12 - 3pm For the community book exchange!
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.
BUSINESS COACHING
GROW GROWGROW GROW your business with NZ Life Coaching NZ. Helping with Business Improvement and Career Development. We'rehereto guideyou,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
CARRS CARRS CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $80 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and leaveamessage.
email: ruth@spottadesign.co.nz. Web:spottadesign.co.nz. NEED
CARPET CARPET/Window Cleaning. Thorough job, good price, quick drying. Highly recommended. Phone/ text Robert anytime on 0272999599.
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.
CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL, professional counselling/therapy. Offering valuable support as you navigate life's challenges. Freeintroductory 1/2hr consultation. Lisa Mills 0278140785.
YOGA YOGA and Tai Chi classes in Darfield Thursday 19 June at 9.45amand Tai Chiat11am in the Recreation Centre. Your 1st class costs $10Classes take place weekly. With Gabrielle 027 225 1646 info@taomotion.com www.taomotion.com.
TRANSPORT
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
EMERALD FARM EMERALD FARM EMERALD FARM EMERALD FARM Native Plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Phone Annie0273702067.
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 local knowledge and experience
A man was getting married to a doctor's daughter. At the wedding reception, the father of the bride stood to read his toast, which he had scribbled on a piece of scrap paper. Several times during his speech, he halted, overcome with what I assumed was a moment of deep emotion. But after a particularly long pause, he explained, "I'm sorry. I can't seem to make out what I've written down."
Looking out into the audience, he asked, "Is there a pharmacist in the house?"
