MATARIKI CELEBRATED ACROSS SELWYN
Beating Heart of the Beast Page 2
Queenstown Raffle Getaway
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First Place in Canterbury Event Page 13
WaikirikiriSelwynmarkedthisyear’sMatarikiintruestyle,witha district-wide celebration of culture, community, and connection.
Over two weeks, locals enjoyed a wide array of events including traditional workshops, cultural performances, stargazing, and storytelling—allculminatinginamagicalnightunderthestars.
The flagship event, Mānawatia a Matariki, lit up the Rolleston Town Centre on Thursday 19 June, drawing a crowd of over 5,000people.
The eveningfeaturedan impressive showcase of kapa haka from localschoolsincluding:
• TeKuraTītokiKirweeModelSchool
• TeKuraoPapatahoraWestMeltonSchool
• TeKuraTuaruaoTāweraDarfieldHighSchool
• TeRōhutuWhio
• NgāPuāwaioTawera
The atmosphere was electric, with families wrapped up warm to enjoy powerful performances and soak up the sense of communitypride.
Adding to the star-studded feel of the evening, rising Aotearoa music talent Hone took to the stage. With past performances at the One Love Festival and support slots for the likes of ONEFOUR, Sammy J, and Katchafire, Hone brought energy, soul,
andundeniablemanatothecelebration.
The town centre came alive with colour and light thanks to striking Illuminate-style installations, adding a dreamlike glow to the festivities and creating the perfect setting for this special timeofreflectionandrenewal.
The Matariki celebrationswrap upon Saturday 28June at TeAra Ātea, with a final event for younger tamariki and whānau. Beloved musical duo Loopy Tunes — sisters Leah and Siu — will host an interactive bilingual session filled with music, stories, andfun.
Selwyn District Council’s Matariki programme has once again proven a highlight on the local calendar — a beautiful way to honour the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future undertheguidingstarsofMatariki.
Any queries phone: 027 627 8993
Email: Darfield@playcentre.org.nz
FASHION, FAITH & FUN SET TO RETURN THIS SPRING
Realisingfollowingthe success of last year’s Vintage Fashion Show, the Malvern Cooperating Parish is excited to announce its next fabulous event — and this time, it’s all about imagination, creativity, andstorytellingthroughstyle.
The upcoming Fashion Show will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 3pm at Trinity Church, and everyone is warmly invited to take part — not just as an audience member, but as a designer, model,andstoryteller.
Whether you’re a seasoned sewer, a second-hand treasure hunter,orsimplysomeonewho
enjoys a good dress-up, this event is for you. The challenge? Design, build, and create an outfit — the more creative the better! Upcycled, handmade, vintage-inspired or just completely out-of-the-box, anything goes. Participants are also invited to share the “journey of their outfit” in a fun,one-minutestory.
Already, the excitement is building. One of our Sunday School children is busily scouring the local op shops to find the perfect starting piece forheroutfit.
Entry is open now, and submissions — including your
one-minuteoutfitstory—close on 30th August. There’s no cost to enter as a designer or model, and free entry for children, while audience memberscanjoininthefunfor just$10atthedoor.
Whether you want to take to the catwalk or simply cheer on our community’s creative flair, the afternoon promises to be full of colour, laughter, and inspiration — and perhaps a few fashion surprisesalongthe way!
Come and celebrate creativity, community, and connection in style.
God
God
BEATING HEART OF THE BEAST
Thirsty Acres recently competed in the final of the Monteith's Wild Food Challenge on Wednesday, June 18inAuckland.
Owner Jono Alve says, “Our head chef Thom Dunbar prepared our entry in front of celebrity judges Ben Bayly, Sam Wildand Emily Lucas.The win went to the Smoking Barrel BBQ restaurant from Motueka for their Wild Pit Masters platter, but we gave them a great run for their money with our trio of wild wagyu cuts called the Beating HeartofTheBeast.”
The judges said the dish was the most daring and there were lots of nervous looking tasters when the team’s raw wagyu heart and hanger steak tartarelandedinfrontofthem.
“We're proud of the team at ThirstyAcresfortheircreativity and delivery of such a great entry in this year's challenge
and we can't wait to enter again next year. If you know of any wild food producers in
the Selwyn region, please encourage them to get in touchwithustochat.”
CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONCERNED THE RATE INCREASE? RATE INCREASE? RATE RATE
Concerned
Ratepayers
Canterbury Region is holding a meeting on Monday, June 30 at 7.30pm at Rolleston Community Centre. Come alongandmeetcouncillorsand candidates; there will be plenty of opportunity for Q&A. Gold coin entry to cover the venuehire.
THINK YOUR CAT OR DOG THINK YOUR CAT DOG IS A STAR? IS A STAR? IS STAR? IS STAR?
New Zealand’s cutest competitionoftheyearisback:
#SPCAPetsoftheYear, proudly supported by The Co ee Club/ @theco eeclub, is now open for entries. From now until Tuesday, July 22 at 12pm, you can upload your favourite photo(s) of your pet/s to petsoftheyear.spca.nz and then share away with your whānau and friends, and let the voting begin. Every vote raises vital funds for the thousands of animals in SPCA care and the winning faces who raise $150 or more will earn a coveted spotinSPCA’s2026calendar.
Bless,
GodBless, Bless, God Bless, Aunty Lyn Aunty Lyn
Thirsty Acres head chef Thom Dunbar plating up the ‘Beating Heart of the Beast’ in the Monteith's Wild Food Challenge.
GRID - EXHIBITION BY SELWYN ARTIST’S COLLECTIVE
A collaborative exhibition by members of the Selwyn Artists Collective is being held at Te Huanui Darfield Art Gallery from June 27 to July 24 with the opening starting at 6pm Friday, June 27. Come along, view the exhibition, and enjoy a relaxed evening of art and conversation.
For this exhibition, each artist has worked within the same dimensions – 30cm x 30cm –resulting in a striking grid of small works. Some artists have takentheideafurther,weaving the concept of the “grid” into their art itself. The overall pattern will be playfully disrupted by larger works and three-dimensionalpieces.
A grid can be many things: a network of intersecting lines, a framework for connection, or a system for sharing energy. It’s a fitting metaphor for this collective.
TheSelwynArtistsCollectiveis a group for local practicing artists from the Selwyn district
who come together to encourage, collaborate, and support each other in what is oftenasolitarypractice.
They provide help, inspiration, andconnectiontooneanother, bydiscussing:
• their work in progress, techniques,inspiration;
• practical matters such as exhibiting, working with galleries,promotion;
• opportunitiesandresources such as exhibitions, courses,books,etc.
Like the intersecting lines of a grid, this group creates energy and inspiration through shared experiences, discussions, and encouragement– fostering the creative growth of each individualmember.
The group meets monthly in different locations –sometimesinstudios,galleries, or out in nature. Activities range from exhibition tours andcuratortalkstochatsatart suppliers or spontaneous ideasharing over coffee. Each
gathering is unique but always enriching.
The collective welcomes practicing artists at any stage in their career or professional artistic journey. The different skills, artistic mediums, levels of experience and areas of expertise makes the group vibrantandsupportive.
The Collective holds a group exhibition like GRID every second year, and many members regularly exhibit together in other shows across theregion.
If you have any questions, or want to become a part of this supportive group, email: selwynartistscollective@gmail. com or find the group on Facebook.
You’re also warmly invited to meet the artists behind GRID by joining the Collective for the July gathering – open to thepublic–Tuesday8July,6–8pm at Te Huanui Darfield Art Gallery.
Phone: 03 318 8186 /021 0818 3828
Email: admin@darfieldcollision.co.nz
5Mathias Street, Darfield
HELP SHAPE A WEEKLY SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR MALVERN –COMPLETE THE SURVEY!
Together, we will improve transportoptionsinMalvern.
The Malvern Community VehicleTrust(MCVT)isinviting residentstohelp shape amuch -needed, cost-e ective weekly community shuttle service –and it starts with your feedback.
In collaboration with several residents’ associations, MCVT is proposing a two-month trial shuttle from Darfield – Kirwee – West Melton to Hornby (first and third weeks) and DarfieldKirwee - Rolleston (secondand fourth weeks). The aim is to provide easier access to shopping, and social activities, with convenient morning
departures and afternoon returns.
“We’re working together to try and provide a practical solution,” says MCVT chair Virginia Askin. “This is a grassroots initiative to make everyday life easier for our residents – but we need the community’s input to get it right for as many people as possible.”
A short community survey is now live and will remain open until Saturday, July 20. Complete it online at: surveymonkey.com/r/LXJV39R. Hard copies are also available for those without internet access, through your local
residents’ associations or the DarfieldLibrary.
This is your chance to have your say and help bring a new public transport option to life. The survey will guide the design of the service to meet real community needs. If there is strong support, the shuttle will run during August and September2025asatrial.
Results of the survey and full trial details will be shared by the end of July 2025. For more information, contact your local residents'association.
Let LetLet Let’ ’’ ’sgetMalvern sgetMalvern moving moving moving––yourvoice yourvoice yourvoice matters!
DOES DARFIELD NEED A SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME?
Daisy Howell, Program Manager for sKids Darfield (Safe Kids in Daily Supervision) is keen to run school holiday programmes for children in the Malvernarea.
Shesaysthereisaneedforthe programme more than ever now with both parentsworking
longer hours and not enough leavefortheholidays.
Daisyislookingforexpressions of support to get the programmes up and running.
She says she needs written support from at least 30 families who will use the servicesoshecanconvinceher management that such a service is urgently needed in thearea.
Daisy saysshealreadyhasover 20 emails in support of a holiday programme so far from the community, but she needs more families to get in touch withher.
“I am hoping that if you need the service you use it and if you don't need it you use it too, it doesn't matter if you just need a break for a couple ofhoursorifyouareworking,I want to be there to help the community when the hardest time for childcare is the holidays.”
sKids is a safe place for all children and families. Daisy currently runs the before and after school sKids service at Darfield Primary School and says running a school holiday programme would require
additionalsta ng.
“I am hoping to find sta over the age of 20 to help me during the holidays – this could be a retired person, a single mum or someone who needs a little bit of extra money.”
“sKids are already set up with the holiday programme in the city and around New Zealand so it wouldn't be hard to hit the ground running with what we already have, and the support Darfield and surrounding areas have vocalised.”
Daisy says she grew up in this area and understands the need for parents and children to have quality care over the school holidays, and promises sheistryingtomakeithappen.
“I see you, I hear you. I am listening and I promise I am fighting for this to happen, I just need your help,” says Daisy.
If you want to see a If to see a holiday programme being holiday programme being programme being programme being run in Darfield, email your in Darfield, email support to Daisy at support to at darfield@skids.co.nz. darfield@skids.co.nz.
BACKCOUNTRY TRUST ENTRY
AUCTION
Did you miss out on a 2026 Kathmandu Coast to Coast entry?
There is a chance to secure an entry to the 2026 sold out event by bidding on Trade Me.
100% of proceeds go to Backcountry Trust, helping restore and preserved NZ's cherished huts - like the Upper Decep&on Hut. The Trust funds and supports volunteers to maintain huts and shared use tracks, they are passionate about Aotearoa's Outdoor Recrea&on and and preserving Aotearoa's rich inheritance of huts and tracks, a network that is unequalled in the world. The entry maybe used for any category excluding the Tandem Category.
The auc&on is for one entry only, details to enter will be emailed to the successful applicant on comple&on of the auc&on. The Auc&on closes Monday 30th June, 5pm. Visit the Trade Me website and search lis<ng number 5380255825.
QUEENSTOWN RAFFLE – LIVING THE HIGH LIFE
By Jan Thomas, By Jan Thomas, By Jan Thomas, By Jan Thomas, Malvern News Editor. News Editor.
Last year’s Hororata Primary School Ski Fundraiser ra e promised a luxury getaway –anditabsolutelydelivered.
The winner was school administrator, at the time, Penny Oliver, who swapped theluxurytripforanewphone and gifted the getaway to me andmyhusband,Bryan.
Our luxury weekend was all booked and organised by the incredible Sebastian Buechele.
All we had to do was choose a date – and we took full advantage of the Matariki long weekend.
We flew into Queenstown with Air New Zealand (part of the prize), then picked up our Audi A7 from SixT Car Rentals (all part of the ra e prize). We spent a solid few minutes trying to figure out how to start it (and another 20 minutes playing with the seat warmers). We cruised (the car practically drove itself) to Glenorchy for lunch at Mr & Mrs Glen’s Café, before
heading back to our hotel: the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa (accommodation was also includedinthera eprize).
This place was next level. Our luxury suite came with underfloor heating, a spa bath, and a TV in the bathroom. We briefly considered never leaving.
Dinner that night was waterfront decadence thanks to The Lodge Queenstown, where we tucked into the next part of the prize – oysters and champagne (up to $250 worth) and pretended we did this sort ofthingallthetime.
The next day included bu et breakfast (once again, inclusive), the Time Tripper aquarium experience, Skyline Gondola and luge (we’re still disputing the winner) and celebrating the Crusaders’ Super Final win at The Locker Room Sports Bar – the perfect endingtoaperfectday.
Sunday gave us time to explore Arrowtown, watch brave souls fling themselves o the Kawarau Bridge
Bungy (we passed), and visit the fantastic Ayrburn, Queenstown’s stunning food and wine precinct. Put it on your must-visit list – it’s a stunner.
Eventually, we had to return the keys, catch our flight, and swap our five-star fantasy for reallife.
A huge thank you to Penny for enabling us to live the dream and Sebastian for being the ra e organiser and tripplanning legend behind the
To all the incredible sponsors: Air New Zealand, SixT Car Rental, Sofitel Queenstown, and The Lodge, Queenstownthank you for creating an unforgettable experience. Your generosity made for the weekend of a lifetime, and we sincerely hope you’re on board again for this year’s ra e –because trust us, it’s worth it. Asforus?
We’ll definitely be buying a ticket…orthree!
Bryan and Jan Thomas (Editor of Malvern News) enjoying oysters and champagne at The Lodge, Queenstown — one of the highlights of the incredible raffle prize organised for the Hororata School Ski Fundraiser. scenes.
MALVERN GAME HUNTERS CLUB TO HOST 32ND ANNUAL HUNTING COMPETITION
The Malvern Game Hunters Club, in partnership with Coalgate Tavern, Alpine Builds, and Hawkins River Spreading, will host its 32nd Annual Hunting Competition from July 2527, 2025. A much-anticipated highlight of the local calendar, the event promises fierce competition, generous prizes, and family-friendly entertainment.
The community are invited to the weigh-in which will be held on Sunday, July 27 between 11am and 2pm at the Coalgate Tavern, following by the prizegiving. All entries and payments must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, July 25. Participants must be present on the day to claim prizes, which will otherwise be redrawn. Firearms licences are required for some prize categories, and commercial operators are noteligibletoenter. Prizes will be awarded for the
heaviest boars, red stags, fallow stags, tahr, and chamois, as well as for the highest DouglasScore ineachofthose categories. Special awards include $500 for a randomly selected boar weight (chosen by computer and sealed until prizegiving), $500 for the oldest tahr, and a $500 voucher for an animal chosen by the judges. Other competitions will reward the most rabbits, hares,andpossums taken.
In addition to major competition prizes, hundreds of spot prizes will be upforgrabs.These include a:
• HikMicroLynx2.0LH19valuedat $2,199.99 sponsoredbyHikMicro.
• $1,800dogbox fromSilverline.
• Leupold binocularsworth$1,400 sponsoredbyLDRural Fencing.
• Stihl chainsaw fromCutting Edge Dairies.
• Guidedmeat hunt courtesy ofHigh Peak Station.
Childrenunder theage of16(as of
July 27) can compete in their own categories, with prizes for the heaviest boar, wallaby, possum, and hare. Around 12 noon, the children's carrying competition will provide great entertainment as they race around a course carrying an animal. Adults will take the spotlight at 2pm in the pig carrying race, with separate events for men and women over 16.
Food will be available throughout the day, sold by Malvern Netball, and the Coalgate Tavern will offer refreshments. Proceeds from the event will help support Westpac RescueHelicopters andLandSAR.
The Malvern Game Hunters Club extends thanks to its dedicated committee and generous sponsors for makingtheeventpossible.
For more information For more information For more information For more information or to register, visit or register, malverngamehuntersclub.com. malverngamehuntersclub.com.
HELP LIGHT THE WAY FOR YOUR LOCAL CREWS
Right now, we need to build and repair 13 ambulance stationsacrossthecountry.
Local ambulance stations are a place where our frontline crews reset, recharge, restock and support each other following a challenging callout. Yet, as important as they are - many of our stations are nolongerfit-for-purpose.
This June we are raising funds to help create future-proof and fit-for-purpose ambulance stations to meet the needs of growing and changing communities – so that New Zealanders across the country receive the best possible care when they call on us in a medicalemergency.
Thank you - we rely on the generous support of the New Zealand public to help fund our ambulance stations, including the costs of rebuilds
and repairs. This is why your support today is so important. Asourcommunities'change,so mustourambulancestations.
Right now, many of our frontlinecrewsareworkingout of outdated stations that were built in the 70s and 80s that no longer meet their needs, or the needs of their communities.
We urgently need to build and repair ambulance stations across New Zealand. From major repairs in Kawakawa and Auckland Central, to a new station build for the growing Invercargill region.
Please support our Light the Way Annual Appeal today to help rebuild and repair 13 ambulance stations across the country.
To donate, visit visit lighttheway.stjohn.org.nz/ lighttheway.stjohn.org.nz/ donate. donate.
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
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.
Not Not--for forfor for--Profits must Profits Profitsmust must re rere re--register or risk being register or risk being register or risk register or risk struck o by 2026 by Time is ticking for societies, clubs, and other incorporated not-for-profit groups to reregister under the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (the Act) if they wish to remain in existence. Any society that doesn’t re-register before April 5, 2026, will cease to exist. Furthermore, a Society that doesn’t re-register will lose control over any property it held – that property will by default be dealt with by the Registrar of Incorporated Societies.
It’s important to be aware that re-registering is not a straightforwardboxtickingexercise,so it warrants attention sooner rather than later. The society’s rules or constitution will need to meet all the new requirementssetoutintheAct. While many societies’ rules will already include most of these requirements, it is very likely they won’t include all of them. It is therefore crucial that
societies get their rules checked and updated now to ensure they are compliant and within time tore-register. Each society will need to ensure they follow their correct process for amending or updatingtheirrules,aswell.
The new constitution The requirements include: requirements requirementsinclude: include:
• Dispute resolution procedures, which must be consistent with “natural justice” and align with procedures set out in the Act
• Processes for keeping the register of members up to date
• A method for electing a contact person or persons for the society
• More detail on the composition and procedures of society o cers and its committee.
The new Act also imposes additional requirements on society o cers and financial reporting. Of critical importance, O cers of a society now face all the same duties that company directors facewhenmakingdecisionsfor a company. This means that volunteers who help run and
manage a society may face personal liability for their decisions if they turn out unexpectedly badly for the society. There may be insurance cover available, but the society’s constitution will need to allow the society to take out this cover - which comes at a cost. Furthermore, societies will have to file annual financial statements. These will need to be professionally prepared, unless a society is a “small” one, with less than $50,000 worth of assetsorannualexpenses. Almost every incorporated organisation and not-for-profit will need to seek specialist advice over what is required to ensure compliance with the new Act and what is needed to re-register to remain in existence. Societies have had two and a half years to reregister – there is now less than 10 months to go. Those societies who still need to reregister, there’s no time like the present. As they say, he whohesitatesislost.
MALVERN U3A NEWS
By Jacky Lawson.
At our May meeting we were entertained by Margaret Copland, a local storyteller and historian, who related a true account of an assisted immigrant Bessie from StonyhurstinKent.
The New Poor Law passed in 1834 meant that unemployed were sent to the new Union Workhouses with no outside relief and so no prospects. The rector of Stonyhurst wanted to help, and he illegally manipulated his accounts to supply items to outfit the
families and so enable a large number from the workhouse to emigrate.
Bessie at age 50, togetherwith her family and a large party of emigrants, arrived in Wellington on the SS Bolton. They were part of The New Zealand Company settlement. The Company claimed they wouldacceptno“charitycases” andnoimmigrantsover30.
Bessie’s and five other families endured a five-month passage withdreadfulstormsintheBay of Biscay, the heat of the tropics, a very limited diet and typhusonarrival.
Bessieandherfamilysettledin the Hutt valley, cleared their land, built a house and managedtosavesomemoney.
While in the Hutt Valley they endured war with Maori, floods and Zealand’s largest recordedearthquake(8.2).
Despite all the trials and
tribulations, they became successful farmers and there are still several descendants both in the North and South Island.
Our next meeting promises next promises to be just as interesting be just as interesting with Simon Lewis an with Simon Lewis an Simon Lewis Simon Lewis Astrophotographer from Astrophotographer from Astrophotographer from Astrophotographer from Greendale. Do join us. Greendale. Do join us.
MalvernU3Ameetsmonthlyat theDarfieldBaptistChurch, normallyonthesecondFridayof themonth. Itisanorganisationforseniors tocometogetherforcontinuous learningandinformationandis opentoallwhoarenolongerin fulltimework.
WhileU3Astandsforthe UniversityoftheThirdAge,itis notauniversityinthemodern senseoftheword;thereareno qualificationsrequiredandno exams! Comealongandseefor yourselves.
Storyteller and local historian, Margaret Copland.
BIG CHANGES TO KIWISAVER WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Government is making major changes to KiwiSaver starting next year, a ecting contributions and government incentives.
Government Government
Contributions: Contributions: Contributions: Contributions:
This year, eligible members can still receive the full government contribution (GC) of$521.43iftheycontributeat least $1,042.86 by 30 June. From 1 July 2025, the GC will be halved to 25 cents per dollar contributed, up to a maximum of $260.72 annually. However, earners making over $180,000 will no longer receiveanyGC.
Higher Contributions Higher Contributions Coming: Coming:
From 1 April 2026, the default employee and employer KiwiSaver contribution rate will increase from 3% to 3.5%, and then to 4% from 1 April 2028. Employees can opt to stay at 3%, but employers will only need to match that lower
rate if so. Higher contributions will boost savings in the long run.
A ordability Options: A ordability Options:
Those unable to increase their contributions can choose to remain at the 3% rate, and their employer will match it. However, increasing contributions leads to faster savingsgrowth.
Changes for 16 and 17 Changes for 16 and Year Olds: Year Olds: Year Olds: Year Olds:
From 1 July 2025, eligible 16 and 17 year-olds will start receiving government contributions if they contribute $1,042.86 annually. From April 2026, employers must also match their contributions (starting at 3.5% and increasing to 4% by 2028). These young savers must still activelyenrolinKiwiSaver.
Why It Matters: Why It Matters:
Greater contributions—both from you and your employer— mean bigger savings through compounding returns. These changes aim to help New Zealanders grow their KiwiSaver balances for a stronger financial future, whether it's for a first home or retirement.
For more information and guidance on how to increase your KiwiSaver returns, contact Ben Kahu Ben Kahu at Moneta – email ben@moneta.co.nz ben@moneta.co.nz ben@moneta.co.nz ben@moneta.co.nz or phone 027 528 8056. 027 528 8056.
Monetaisanindependently andprivately-ownedcompany thatrevolvesaround Canterburypeopleand providesfullinsurance, financialplanning,and investmentadvice.
For all your small excava'on requirements
• Site & Garden Clearance
• Lawn Construc&on (Small & Large)
• Driveways
• Hole boring (200 – 600)
• Sheep & Ca<le Yard Clean Outs
• Shingle Supplies
Give Neil a call on 022 451 7207 or email neiljudith@xtra.co.nz Nothing’s a Problem!
THE COST OF DOWN COWS: MORE THAN JUST A LIFT IN THE LOADER
By Darfield VetEnt. By Darfield VetEnt. VetEnt. VetEnt.
Down cows, especially those su ering from milk fever or metabolic issues like ketosis and staggers, represent more thanjustanisolatedproblem— they're a signal of underlying health and management issues that can seriously impact reproduction (repro) and productionperformance. Data shows that cows a ected by milk fever significantly underperform in terms of pregnancy rates, missing industry targets and leading to moreemptycowsandlostdays in milk. These animals often struggle with delayed uterine recovery, become non-cyclers, have reduced conception rates, and are at higher risk of early culling or drying o . Even if they recover, they lag behind, pulling the herd’s reproductive performancecurvedown.
Industry Targets to Aim For: Industry Targets to Aim For:
• Clinicalmilkfever:<2%
• Subclinicalmilkfever:<20–25%(ideally<15%)
• 6-weekin-calfrate:≥78%
• BodyConditionScore(BCS) atcalving:5.0(mature cows),5.5(youngcows)
Transition Management Transition Management
Checklist: Checklist: Checklist: Checklist: To protect reproductive outcomes and reduce the risk of down cows, monitorthesekeyareas:
• MineralBalance:Check magnesium(Mg)and calcium(Ca)levelspre-and post-calving.
• DCADDiet:Maintaina urinepHof6.0–6.5in springers;managedietary cation-anionbalance.
• EnergyStatus:Bloodtest forNEFA(pre-calving)and BOH(post-calving).
• BCS:Ensurecowsmeet targetbodycondition scoresatcalving.
• SpringerNutrition:Ensure cowsconsume~12kgofdry matterdaily.
• PastureRisk:Testpaddocks forK,Mg,andCabefore springrotation.
• DownCowRecords:Track treatmentsuccess, percentagetreated,and costpercase.
• Post-CalvingPerformance: Monitormilkproduction dropsandreturntocycling.
Good repro outcomes are built across the entire season—not just during mating. Success comes from proactive management, starting at dryo through to calving. Farmers are encouragedtowork closely with veterinarians, review wearable data,testresults, and performance records to tailor a farm-specificplan.
It’s become everyone’s favourite foe so this month I’d like to bring to your attention our overhaul of the Resource Management Act (RMA). While it is also being amended to make housing and development easier, I wanted to focus this week on farmers and growers, given the primary production sector is still the major economic driver in Selwyn. For a long time now, the RMA has made it harder to farm - with overly restrictive, confusing, and duplicative regulations.
We’re aiming for government to get out of the way of farming with a common-sense approach to freshwater regulation. We’re streamlining consenting processes, removing duplication to empower farmers and growers —becausetheyknowtheirland andwaterbest.
Theproposedchangeswould:
• ReplacetheNationalPolicy StatementforFreshwater Management2020andthe NationalEnvironmental StandardsforFreshwater;
• Givecouncilsgreater flexibilitytobalance environmentalgoalswith economicimpactsand allowlongertimeframesto reachtargetswhere needed;
• Removeunnecessary consentsforpracticeslike croprotationandenable commercialdomestic vegetablegrowing;
• Supportlong-termwater securitybyenablingwater storage;
• Improvetheprotectionof drinkingwatersources;
• Reviewandsimplifydata requirementsunder syntheticnitrogenfertiliser regulations.
Public consultation is now open on the Ministry for the Environment’s ‘Have Your Say’ website and will run until July 27, 2025. Submissions from all New Zealanders are encouraged.
This is the first of a two-stage process. Feedback will inform final decisions on what to amend in national direction, with a draft set of proposals to followlaterintheyear.
We are keen to hear from farmersandgrowersacrossthe country with their thoughts on the proposed changes, as well as the rest of the National Direction changes – at the end of the day, they are the end user, and we need rules and regulationsthatworkforthem.
As always, my o ce is open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm. Feel free to drop by anytime if you need assistance orhaveanyquestions.
DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM REFLECTS
Realising it was now 20 years since their experience, a small group of locals gathered together to share memories.
Two joined the occasion by video link from Perth and Auckland. They were part of a
teamofmostlyDarfieldpeople, who responded to the desperate need to build homes in Sri Lanka, after it was devastatedby the2004Boxing DayTsunami.
Jim Patrick says the group was
DARFIELD GARDEN CLUB REPORT
Members met at the Recreation Centre on Tuesday, June 17. The AnnualGeneralMeetingwasheld, andElva gave a report on the full year of the great variety of visits and speakers from throughout the year. Election of officers was held, and all positions were filled except President - to be discussed at the next committee meeting. It was pleasing to have new members join throughout the year. The 80th birthday celebrations in August will bring many members old and new together tocelebrate the past and look forward to the future. Please let our secretary Ann know if you are intending or know who may be intending on joining us. Her details are at thebottomofthisreport.
Annualtrophieswerepresented:
CutFlowersBowl-MargaretSeaton,OpenDecorative-Helen Williams, Novice Bullet most points - Karen Rawley/Lee Stokes,ElvaAdamwontheluckynumber.
Our guest speaker was Christchurch-based garden photographer, Juliet Nicholas. Juliet is an acclaimed NZ garden photographer with a career spanning 30 years. She has worked with NZ Garden and NZ House and Garden for many years and has worked on 11 books. Her talk was inspiring, and her travels and stories were very well received by all. An interesting career of originally Architecture then Social Science before Photography courses, freelancing and travelling the world and producing beautifully presented books she spoke to us of her love of nature and when time allowspotteringinherowngarden.
On Wednesday 25 June a trip was organised to visit CanterburyAstronomicalSocietyatMacleansIsland. OurnextmeetingwillbeheldattheRecreationCentre at1.30pmwithspeakerKateGislasononALifeWithout Waste.Newmemberswelcome;formoreinformation, contactoursecretary,AnnGibson,on033188764.
Lee Stokes.
an initiative organised by the Darfield Baptist Church, working with the International Charity Organisation Habitat for Humanity. “Our get together was special as we recalled this unique opportunity to make a di erence to the people who had experienced the horrors of thetsunami.”
He says their trip to Sri Lanka enabled the group to make a di erence and after viewing photos they had taken, they were reminded of the friendshipstheyhadmade.
“We recalled the impact of our firstimpressions–thewreckof a train destroyed in transit with loss of many lives and being taken into heaps of rubble, which were once homes of the people we had cometohelp.”
Under the oversight of Claude McKavanagh, the team was able to complete five small homes for grateful families in the coastal city of Galle. The group was one of the first disaster teams from New Zealandtorespond.
HOMEKILL PROCESSING SERVICE
Paddock to Plate Service Mobile slaughterman available!
The Galle house building team in 2005. From left, Claude McKavanagh, Gary Masterton, Jim Patrick, Bernie Haines, Carey Clark, Brian Knopp and Sam Broughton.
CAMPAIGN TIMING QUESTIONABLE NEWS & MEDIA RELEASES
SELWYN RATES INCREASE AND
Residents across the Selwyn district are both disgusted and disappointed at the Council’s decision to increase rates by 14.2% for 2025/26 as part of the 2025/26 Annual Plan. Councillors recently voted to approve the rates increase having earlier voted 8-2 last November that there would be no public consultation regarding the increase.
An $8000 advertising campaign organised by the Council with the catch phrase ‘Together we decided’ and ‘Together we are delivering’ has equally upset many residents who feel the Council has not listened to them but instead railroaded the region with their own agendas.
Malvern Ward councillor and mayoral candidate Lydia Gliddon, Ellesmere Ward councillor Elizabeth Mundt and Springs Ward councillor Grant Miller all voted against the rates increase.
On her Facebook page, Councillor Lydia Gliddon says, “There are items in the plan I support, and others I do not. My decision came down to process. With an average rates increase of 14.2% – and many paying significantly more – I believe our community deserved the right to have their say. Consultation isn’t a box to tick. It’s a democratic principle. Especially when we’re talking about how your money is spent.”
She says Annual Plans are meant to be responsive—to reflect current pressures and adjust spending accordingly. “Without consultation, there was no public mandate to reassess priorities or scale back projects. Other councils chose not to consult but still reviewed their budgets and reduced costs. We didn’t try. The paper included reputational risk comments stating not adopting would negatively affect our relationship with central government - what about or relationship with our people?”
According to Mayor Broughton, the rates increase is in line with what was signalled in the Long-Term Plan and will cost a typical household an increase of approximately $10–$11 per week, depending on property value.
Mayor Broughton says Council is committed to keeping rates increases within the expected range by finding savings and optimizing spending. Although the rate increase is 14.2% this year, he says he anticipates lower rate increases in the coming years.
According to Selwyn District Council, Selwyn has the lowest average rates per person in Canterbury. In 2023/24, the average rate per person in Selwyn was $1,128, lower than neighbouring councils such as Christchurch ($1,681) and Waimakariri ($1,265).
SERVICES PERFORMANCE FEEDBACK SHARED
Residents of Selwyn provided feedback on Council services through a recent survey, revealing a general satisfaction rate of 84%, with frontline teams receiving high praise. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in follow-up communication and support throughout the service process.
The survey indicated that 93% satisfaction was achieved at the first point of contact, reflecting the dedication of the Council staff. The Council is implementing a three-stage improvement plan to enhance customer service accessibility and internal systems, while also upgrading digital tools for better feedback collection.
Executive Director of Community Services and Facilities, Denise Kidd, says the results are encouraging and reflect the dedication of staff across the organisation.
“We’re really proud of the work our teams are doing to support our community. The feedback shows that when people get the help they need straight away—whether in person, online, or over the phone—they’re satisfied. But we also know there are areas where we can do better, especially when it comes to follow-up and making sure customers stay informed once their request moves to another team,” says Denise.
While some areas scored highly, others received lower ratings, with the lowest at 68%. Denise says this is where the Council is focusing its efforts.
“We’re taking a ‘whole journey’ approach to customer service. That means making sure people not only get a good first impression but also feel supported and informed throughout the process. We’ve already started work on improvements, including a new online booking system, better tools to manage customer requests, and clearer communication through our ‘Together we Thrive’ customer promise.”
The last time the Council had detailed customer feedback was in 2020, when the overall satisfaction rating was 63%. Denise says the latest results show real progress—but also a clear path forward.
“We’ve come a long way, but we’re not stopping here. We’re committed to making every customer interaction a positive one.”
ANNUAL PLAN FOR ADOPTED 2025/26
Selwyn District Council has adopted its Annual Plan for 2025/2026, confirming its priorities and spending for the year ahead.
This marks the second year of delivering on the Council’s Long-Term Plan 2024–2034, which was shaped by feedback from 1,500 residents, the largest public response the Council has ever received.
Mayor Sam Broughton says the Annual Plan shows how the Council is turning community input into action. “We’re continuing to deliver on what the community told us matters most, while also managing the impacts of growth, rising costs, and reduced government funding,” he says.
Balancing growth and affordability
Balancing and- Waikirikiri Selwyn is the fastest-growing district in the country, with a population that’s increased by 165% over the past 20 years.
That growth brings pressure to maintain and expand services and infrastructure.
“Just maintaining the services, we already provide, has become more expensive,” says Mayor Broughton. “Inflation has significantly increased the cost of things like building bridges, roads, and sewer systems.” Infometrics* data shows that in the past three years that bridge construction costs are up nearly 40%; sewer systems are 30% more expensive; and roads and water supply infrastructure have increased by around 27%.
“With over 2,500 km of roads and 120 bridges in Selwyn, these cost increases are significant,” he says. To keep pace with this growth, more than 80% of Council’s capital spending this year has gone towards transport, water services, and waste management. Next year, a total of $145.8 million will be invested in capital projects.
What WhatWhat What’ ’’ ’s in the plan for 2025/26? s in the plan for- Some of the key projects and priorities in this year’s Annual Plan include:
• Infrastructure and services Infrastructure and services and Infrastructure and services: 80% of capital and 75% of operational spending goes towards roads, water, and waste services.
• Roading upgrades: Roading upgrades: upgrades: upgrades: Despite reduced government support, Council will complete 80 km of chipseal resurfacing (5% of the district’s roads) and 5 km of pavement upgrades.
• Community facilities: Community facilities: facilities: facilities: progress continues on parks, playgrounds, community centres, and the Lincoln Town Centre upgrade.
• Strategic direction: Strategic direction: direction: direction: Updates are included on key strategies such as the Waikirikiri ki Tua Future Selwyn, Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy, Te Rautaki Tikaka Rua Bicultural Strategy, and Piki Amokura Youth Strategy.
• Water services: Water Water services: Following public consultation and changes to central government legislation, Council is also moving forward with plans to establish a CouncilControlled Organisation (CCO) to manage drinking water and wastewater—ensuring local control and long-term sustainability.
“We’re focused on the essentials and making sure Selwyn stays a great place to live—now and for future generations,” says Mayor Broughton.
“We’re proud to be delivering for our community while being responsible stewards of our $3 billion in community assets.”
For more information, visit selwyn.govt.nz/your For more information, visit selwyn.govt.nz/your--council/plans council/plans council/plans council/plans--And AndAnd And--reports/annual reports/annual reports/annual reports/annual--plan. plan.plan.
The Annual Plan will be available online by July 16, 2025 and copies will be available in Council libraries and service centres by the end of July, 2025.
BOWLING ACHIEVEMENT
Coalgate Bowling Club member Colin Gull receives the cup for scoring the most points in the Kiwi Under 5 Years Singles competition at Bowls Canterbury from Diane Cross of Canterbury Bowls. Only one person is awarded this cup each season.
FIRST PLACE IN CANTERBURY EVENT
Ayden Taljaard, from Darfield Primary School, came 1st in the Year 6 Boys section of the Primary Sports, Canterbury Cross Country last week.
On Wednesday, June 18, tamariki from across the Canterbury region competed at the Primary Sports, Canterbury Cross Country held at Ngā PunaWai.
A spokesperson from Darfield Primary School says, “We are thrilled with the results from tamariki from across the Malvern schools. We had Ayden Taljaard, from Darfield Primary School, win the Year 6 boys with an incredibly fast timeof7:08.
Ayden Taljaard was excited to wintheraceandsays,"When we started the race I shot out infront.IknewIhadtodothat because otherwise you could get caught amongst all the
Tawera Rural College, in conjunction with Lincoln University, is offering subjects from Regional Diploma in Agriculture as night classes in 2025. YoucancompletetheDiplomaintwoyears,orselect individualsubjectsforaCertificateofProficiency.
Semester Two starts on Monday 14 July Papers offered are: ANSC021 - Livestock Production Systems BIOS021 - Plant & Animal Health Classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm.
For further information, contact Rex Smith
LINE DANCING AT DARFIELD
Dancing to a variety of music, exercise, socialising, and travel all in one package. No need for a partner. Suitable for young & old, men & women Darfield Recreation Centre Wednesday’s 6 - 8.30pm.
Bring a friend & start now - first timers please contact first Instructor Jenny Brookes 0274 452 285 Jennybrookes76@gmail.com
other runners. I held on to the leadandattheendwhenIwas running down the home straight, I felt like I was going to pass out and throw up. It feltamazingtofinishfirstand Icouldn'tbelievemytime."
Other local students that competedandmadethetop30 include:
Year5Girls: OleahPayne,Darf-16th PaigeAfana-FaitauaDarf-21st Year6Boys: BrockMorrison,Weedons-7th BlakeSmith,Darf-23rd MasonClark,Darf-29th HarryLeech,Darf-30th Year7Girls: ElsieStark,WestMelton-15th
27June-24July Grid-SelwynArtistCollective TeHuanuiArtGallery,Darfield 27June 7:30pm EuchreCardEvenings KirweeBowlingClub
28June 10am MalvernWriters’CaféBookLaunch DarfieldLibrary
28June 7pm WinterLaunchParty ThirstyAcres,Kirwee
30June Memories&MemorabiliaCourtenayA&PCloses
30June CPWLEnvironmentalManagementFundApplicationsClose
30June 10am MalvernNews-EditorialDeadline-news@malvernnews.co.nz
1July 6:30pm CoalgateTavernBingoNight CoalgateTavern
1July 9:30-12:30WeeklyMalvernCancerSupportClinic DarfieldLibrary 1July 10am MalvernNews-AdvertisingDeadline-info@malvernnews.co.nz
2July 11:30-12:30WeeklyJusticeofthePeaceService DarfieldLibrary 4-12July BlackadderGoesForth-CentreStageRolleston RollestonCollege
4July 7:30pm EuchreCardEvenings KirweeBowlingClub
7July 7pm BellyfulQuizNight TheGoodHomePrebbleton 12July 10am KidsFestComePlantWithMe TeRauakaaka
19July 9:45am ForestandBirdPlanting TheSanctuary 20July 12noon SheffieldBookExchange SheffieldHall
27July 11am 32ndHuntingCompetitionWeighIn CoalgateTavern 2Aug 10am CommunityPlanting TemplersIsland 2Aug SelwynAwards2025
10Aug 10am WaimakaririOff-RoadCleanUp HarrsRoad 13Sept 10am CommunityPlanting,BaynonsBreak NorthernBank,WaimakRiver 13Sept 3pm TrinityChurchAnnualFashionShow TrinityChurch,Darfield 14Sept 10am CultureFest LincolnEventCentre 2Nov DarfieldGardenTour
CHURCH NOTICES
ACCOUNTANTS
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.
At 10:30am
Steve & Patience Pona Ph: 022 642 5805 17 North Terrace, Darfield
CHURCH NOTICES
Malvern
Anglican
Parish
SUN 29 JUNE, 930am
CARPET/WINDOWS
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.
DIGITAL DESIGN
LAMB GRAZING
Anything considered, numbers to suit. Enquiries to Glenn Peddie 027 200 2232
LEASE LAND WANTED
LEASE LEASELEASE LEASE land wanted. Selwyn area suitable for cattle grazing. All sizes consider. Please phone Reg 027 567 0720.
BUSINESS CARDS BUSINESS COACHING
Trinity Church, Darfield malvernparish.wixsite.com/ malvern-parish
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
Talk to the team at the Malvern News for your Business Cards Any quantity. 03 318 7450 info@malvernnews.co.nz
CARPET
NEED 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.
CATS on Courtenay Boutique Boarding Cattery!
• Purpose built, nestled in a tranquil, rural setting.
• Close proximity to all main centres.
Phone: 027 433 3564
www.catsoncourtenay.nz Checkusout onFacebook! ‘CATS ONCOURTENAY’
CARRS CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $80 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and leaveamessage.
CHIM CHIMCHIM CHIM Chim. We'll sweep your log-burners flue, check the firebricks, baffles, air-tubes and controls. We're experts on coal-ranges, also sweeping anysizedopenfire.Wequote and undertake repairs, flue extensions and install bird netting. Please phone us on 021939113.
SPOTTA SPOTTA Design. Darfield's digital design agency. Graphic design, website creation, branding and content creation. Phone: 021 025 20864. email: ruth@spottadesign.co.nz. Web:spottadesign.co.nz.
DRIVEWAYS
LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE, farm tracks, yards and dairy lanes our speciality. Screened rottenrock, it’s local and lasts better. Phone Springfield Quarryon3184132.
STRAYED STRAYED STRAYED frompropertyBangor Road - Clintons Road area. FourWoollycrossbredLambs. Red Raddle on backs. If spotted please contact Brian 0276261905. LOST & FOUND
MORTGAGE ADVISOR
ARE ARE 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.
Located in an existing rural business in Bray Street. Your office is exclusive to you, small room size suitable as a single office. Rent could be on daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Includes access to Fibre Broadband, boardroom, kitchen, bathroom with shower and off-street parking.
027 568 1855
PLANTS FOR SALE
EMERALD FARM EMERALD FARM FARM EMERALD FARM Native Plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Phone Annie0273702067.
SCRAP METAL
WANTED! WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery.Specialisinginfarm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please phoneeither0276950480or alternatively0800030712.
SITUATIONS VACANT
FENCING POSITION
POSITION POSITION available for localcontractor,Exppreferred but not essential, Farm, Station and Residential fencing. Competitive wages & Great team. Phone Geoff 021 640748.
SITUATION WANTED
EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED stockman looking for work. Tractor driving experience. GST registered. Pleasephone0225747805.
LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL handyman - Part time. Any work considered, including farm work. Please phoneKerry0276222161.
JARM CLEANING
TRADES
TRADES
TENANCY
RURAL RURALRURAL RURAL Tenancy Inspections. Also providing Total Rural and Residential Property Management Solutions. Please phone Rebecca 027 313 2270 or email rebecca@ruraltenancy.co.nz
TRANSPORT
SELWYN SELWYN SELWYN SELWYN Shuttles provide safe and reliable transport for young and old, near and far. Call or txt Brad 021776968.
WANTED
AMMUNITION AMMUNITION AMMUNITION AMMUNITION and reloading equipment. Powder projectiles, presses etc. Any caliber rifle / shotgun. Anything hunting related. Cash buyer. Please contact Rob033425885.
DEAD DEADDEAD DEAD cars - we buy dead cars, end of life cars, scrap cars, old farm vehicles. Cash paid. Pleasephone0274848121.
• Septic Tank Cleaning
• Jetting Unit for Blocked Drains
WINDOW TINTING
TINT-A-WINDOW
Solar Protective films. Fade UV block. Heat Glare control. Privacy. Safety/ Security. Frosted films. Free online quotes. Ph 0800 368 468. info@tintawindow.co.nz www.tintawindow.co.nz
TRADES
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
Builder’s who get the job done right!
Contact:
E: damian@metricbuild.nz
M: 027 933 5819
W: metricbuild.nz
A man sees an ad for a $50 cruise on Craigslist. Despite his better judgement, he grabs some cash and makes his way to the address given in the ad.
He opens the door to a small o,ice and is knocked unconscious from behind. He wakes up tied to a barrel floating in the Atlantic Ocean. "Well, this sucks," he thinks out loud.
A second man floats by, also tied to a barrel. "Tell me about it," the second man replies. "This is worse than last year."