TEAM SPIRIT MAKES WEST MELTON PROUD
Malvern Looks Back Page 8
Selwyn Rowing Awards Page 12
Over the weekend, a talented group of young gymnasts from the West Melton Gymnastics Club travelled north to compete in the Wellington Champs, returning with fantasticresults.
Five competitive gymnasts from Steps 2 and 3 of our Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Program represented the club. Each girl competed with determination, grace, and true West Melton spirit, achievingimpressiveindividual placements across the various apparatuses.
Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) features four apparatus: Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor. They follow the STEP programme, which stands for Striving Towards Excellence in Performance and serves as the national competitive framework. The competitive program ranges from Step 1 to Step 10, with each STEP level including a specificsetofroutinesandskill requirements. To progress to the next STEP level, athletes must demonstrate the necessary skills and achieve a minimum qualifying score out of60.00.
Gymnasts compete in two age divisions: Unders and Overs, with overall and apparatus placements categorised by theseagedivisions.
In Step 2, Ruby Smolenski had an outstanding competition, finishing 3rd on Vault and 6th on Beam, showcasing strong abilityacrossallfourapparatus withatotalscoreof51.583.
In Step 3, Unders – Clara Sivertsen held her own in a
tough field, placing 7th on Beam and consistently performing throughout the competition with a total score of53.950.
Continuedonpage Continuedonpage Continuedonpage7…. 7….7….
Some of the West Melton Gymnasts that competed in Wellington last weekend. From front Josephine Heasley, Pippa Thwaites, Lilly Wright, Clara Sivertsen, and Victoria Grocott.
La Mexicana Opens in Darfield Page 2
EXCITING NEW RESTAURANT OPENS
By Fi Maddison
If the opening weekend of La Mexicana in Darfield is anything to go by, then owners Hitesh and Rinkal Nakrani have hit the sweet spot with their new restaurant.
Located beside Challenge Darfield on South Terrace, La Mexicana brings an exciting new menu to locals and visitors alike. The couple decided they wanted to o&er something di&erent to the community with a range of healthy options that included salads.
Hitesh says he originally wanted to bring Subway to Darfield, but the franchise was population-based so it didn’t happen. However, an alternative was soon found and with Hitesh’s background in sales and Rinkal’s background in the food industry (in particular Mexican food), they decided to bring the taste of Mexico to Darfield with a bonus range of flavoured gelatos as a quality alternative to icecream.
Hitesh says he wanted to o&er something that locals could really enjoy and not have to travel to Rolleston or the city. As well as the traditional tacos, quesadilla, nachos, and burritos, La Mexicana also o&ers chicken and beef burgers, chicken and chips and children’s meals too. Traditional Mexican meals can be ordered mild, medium or hot and the restaurant also caters for gluten free.
The opening is the starting point and as the business grows Hitesh and Rinkal plan to add more options to the menu. They believe La Mexicana will be an asset to the community and will become a destination bringing visitors from the city to experience the food and atmosphere of the restaurant.
La Mexicana is bright and spacious with plenty of booths for diners.
“We have a good space here,” says Hitesh, “that people can enjoy while sitting and eating their food.”
He feels that with the petrol station, dog wash and car wash facility and now the restaurant, they have a one-stop location with plenty on o&er.
Hitesh and Rinkal moved to Darfield from Wellington with their two children after they bought Challenge Darfield. Asked what they love about Darfield, Hitesh says, “The peace!”
He loves that people in smaller communities can get to know and support each other and both he and Rinkal look forward to meeting more locals over the next few months in La Mexicana.
La Mexicana owners Hitesh and Rinkal Nakrani are excited to bring a range of Mexican food and flavoured gelatos to Darfield.
FUN ON THE COURT FOR futureFERNS
HELP OTHERS TO SEE
To celebrate the Helen Keller Centenary, Malvern Lions is collecting glasses for donation tothoseinneed.
One hundred years ago, Helen Keller, as ambassador for the newly formed American Foundation for the Blind, challenged Lions Clubs to become‘KnightsoftheBlind’.
In her address in 1925 to the Lions Clubs International Convention in Ohio, Helen saved her most stirring words for the end of herspeech.
“Will you not help me hasten thedaywhenthereshallbeno preventableblindness;nolittle deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? Iappealtoyou Lion, whohave your sight, your hearing, you
who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselvesKnightsoftheBlind in the crusade against darkness?”
Before the convention was even over, the association unreservedlydedicateditselfto making Helen Keller’s dream a reality. Lions would become her‘KnightsoftheBlind’.
Glasses collected throughout New Zealand are sent to Lions processingcentresandchecked over before being packed for delivery to Volunteer Ophthalmic Services Overseas (VOSO)fordistributiontothose in need with poor eyesight in thePacificIslands.
Anyunwantedglasses you no Anyunwantedglasses no longer need including longer prescription and reading prescription
glasses, sunglasses, with glasses, sunglasses, with sunglasses, sunglasses, plastic or metal frames, plastic or metal frames, plastic metal plastic metal and particularly children and particularly children children’ ’’ ’s s s s glasses can be dropped into into the Malvern Lions collection Malvern Lions collection box at PGG Wrightson in box at PGG Wrightson in Wrightson in Wrightson in Darfield. Darfield. Darfield. Darfield. The collection ends on The collection ends on collection ends collection ends Thursday, July31. Thursday,July31. July31.
Woolworths futureFERNS representing Darfield did themselves, their parents, and the Darfield Netball Club proud by playing in the curtain raiser match against Kaikoura ahead of the Tactix game at Wolfbrook Arena.
Players pictured from left are Brooke, Lucy, Arabella, Sophie, Camilla, and Mackenzie.
KIRWEEOPENGARDENS KIRWEEOPENGARDENS KIRWEEOPENGARDENS KIRWEEOPENGARDENS
Kirwee Community Association is organising a tour of local gardens on November 16 as a fundraising event to cover the remaining costs for the ANZAC Memorial.
If you would like to include your garden in the tour, contact Sue Carline-Wright on 021598338orPaulineSewell on0273791689.
WEST MELTONRUGBY WEST WESTMELTONRUGBY MELTONRUGBY MELTONRUGBY
Luke Payne led out the Stallions for his 100th Div 1 match last Saturday. The team wore the Special Edition Jerseys to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Society Southern. The Club raised an impressive$12,000.
CANCER SOCIETY CANCERSOCIETY CANCER SOCIETY CANCERSOCIETY
Get your workplace together this August to raise funds for the 1in 3 impactedbycancer!
Raise $500 or more and you’ll have the chance to win one of ten ticket packs for a 2025 Blackcaps or White Ferns international home match, thanks to ANZ. Each prize comes with 10 tickets, which are perfect for a fun team outing or treating your clients. Sign up your workplace at daffodilday.org.nz Fundraise $500 or more and you’ll be automatically entered into the draw.
TEAM SPIRIT MAKES WEST MELTON PROUD
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Lilly Wright demonstrated excellent consistency, finishing 6thonFloor,tying7thonBars, and delivering tidy routines on Vault and Beam with a total scoreof54.950
Step 3 Overs–VictoriaGrocott impressedwithatiefor2ndon Floor, 3rd on Beam, and solid results across all other apparatus with a total score of 53.716
Pippa Thwaites displayed great form, tying 5th on both Floor and Vault, and a strong finish on Beam and Bars with a total scoreof53.116.
Josie Heasley delivered an outstanding performance, securing 1st place on Vault, 3rd on Bars, 5th on Floor, and finishing 3rd overall with a totalscoreof54.400.
Coaches Scarlette and Mackenzie have played a key roleinthegymnasts’success.
Coach and spokesperson Johanna Opsomer says “Our gymnasts love training with them, as each session is filled with encouragement, laughter, and focused learning. We are also grateful to the Selwyn District Council for the travel fund we received, which
helped make this opportunity possible.”
Thiseventalsomarksaspecial milestone, as the club’s Step 3 gymnasts advance their skills and move on to Step 4 next season. “We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved and excited to see what lies ahead for these dedicatedathletes. Congratulationstoallthegirls, their families and our amazing coaches. Your hard work, commitment, and team spirit continue tomake West Melton proud!”
FUTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN CANTERBURY
Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) recently held a workshop to discuss the future of local government structures in Canterbury.
Council Chair Craig Pauling emphasised the need for a conversation involving all levels of government and iwi partners, despite unhelpful media commentary about scrappingregionalgovernment. He acknowledged that significant local government and resource management reform has been on the Government'sagendafor some time, and the current structure andfundingneedwork.
Instead of waiting for the Government to make changes, the Council has proactively been working to understand how the reforms might impact Canterbury and what can be done toensure goodoutcomes for natural resources, communities, and the economy. The workshop provided an opportunity for Councillors to discuss representation,localvoice,and the best delivery of services and regulatory functions at national, regional, or local levels. Although no specific structure or proposed futurestate was decided, the
workshop allowed for testing ideasand discussingthe whole ecosystem of local government decision-making.
Deputy Chair Dr. Deon Swiggs highlighted the momentum from the May Council meeting, where shared positions on key issues for the region were reached. He noted that Canterbury's unique environment and strong local industries require tailored approaches. The Council's current work reflects a commitment to shaping the future rather than waiting for it, ensuring that Canterbury RegionalCounciliswell-placed to contribute to national
conversations and reflect the needs of the people, environment, and economy in futurereforms.
Following the workshop, Chair Pauling expressed satisfaction with the good-spirited and open-minded discussion about di erent options for Canterbury.He emphasisedthe importance of having this conversation openly across the region and sharing their thinking with partners, the community, TAs, and the Government. The workshop was streamed live on the Canterbury Regional Council YouTubechannel.
Canterbury Regional Council Deputy Chair Deon Swiggs (left) and Chair Craig Pauling.
WANDERING ANIMALS CREATE ROAD HAZARDS
Selwyn has had its share of accidents recently due to wandering stock where vehicles have been written o after colliding with animals on theroads.
Wandering stock on country roads pose significant hazards topublicsafetyandcanleadto tra c accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Animals on the road can be especially dangerous at night or in areas with poor visibility. It's crucial to be aware of this hazard when driving on rural roads and to report any wandering stock to the appropriate authorities.
NewZealandTransportAgency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is urging people to be vigilant about supervision and containment oflivestockorpets.
Sometimes it is wild animals such as deer also creating hazards on the highways, says NZTA maintenance contract managerJustinReid.
“While winter is here, the risk is greater when the days are shorter, and visibility is
reduced. The potential for serious injury or death is high when a vehicle collides at speed with one of these animalsor takesevasive action to avoid a collision,” Mr Reid says.
Owners may be held responsible when it comes to any damage caused by their animals.
Police say it is considered an emergency when animals such as livestock are found on the
road in uncontrolled circumstances, and people shouldcall111toreportit.
“In the case of livestock, we would strongly encourage owners or managers to be mindful of their supervision, regularlycheckingtheirfences, and taking extra care when movingstock,”MrReidsays.
The impacts of wandering stock on motorists can be profoundandlong-lasting.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS ON & OFF THE WATER
SelwynRowingIncisaschoolbasedrowingclubbasedatthe
Lower Selwyn Huts in Canterbury. The club brings together students from across the Selwyn District, including Darfield High School, Lincoln HighSchool,RollestonCollege, Ellesmere College, and the Selwyn Home School Association.
Selwyn Rowing was established to make rowing moreaccessibleandaffordable for secondary school students in our region. Our aim is to encourage participation in the sport, support each rower in reaching their full potential, and foster values and skills that extend beyond the water andintoeverydaylife.
Selwyn Rowing President, Pip Deans says, "Congratulations to the entire Selwyn Rowing whānau—ourrowers,families, and supporters — on an exceptional inaugural season!
Yourcombinedefforts,bothon andoffthewater,havecreated a strong and vibrant foundation for the future of rowinginSelwyn.
This season has shown that with commitment, teamwork, andcommunityspirit,anything is possible when we pull together. Every stroke, every milestone,andeverycheerhas broughtthisseasontolife.
Rower’s Rower Choice and the Sportsmanship Award.
Performance of the Year Awards 2024/2025 Season
• MostValuableFemaleRower: InezPeter-Bush Darfield
• MostValuableMaleRower: HenryBass Ellesmere
• MostImprovedFemaleRower: BridgetMoir Darfield
• MostImprovedMaleRower: DylanEberhard Lincoln
• MostPromisingNoviceFemale: FelicityWright Lincoln
• MostPromisingNoviceMale: SamLindores Darfield
• BestFemaleCrew: PaganHey Rolleston FelicityWright Lincoln
• BestMaleCrew: FergusJohnson Rolleston FinnEalam Ellesmere
• MostConsistentEffort: SamLindores Darfield
• BestResultsCoxswain: MasonJessop Darfield
Beyond the Boat Awards - Nominated by Members
• MostDevotedtoRowing: SamLindores Darfield
• SupporteroftheYear: JoBeswick Committee
• Rowers’RowerChoiceAward: FergusJohnson Rolleston SamLindores Darfield
• SportsmanshipAward: SamLindores Darfield
• MasterstrokeCoachAward: AdamJenkin Coach
• BestCrabAward: HenryBass Ellesmere
• PersonalityAward: FinnEalam Ellesmere
RUGBY CASINO NIGHT
The Darfield Rugby Club was buzzing with excitement last Saturday night as around 120 guests filled the Clubrooms for a lively and entertaining Casino Night. Attendees tested their luck at a range of casino games, while players from each senior teams were auctioned off, adding to the competitive spirit of the evening.
A variety of great prizes were also up for grabs, making it a fun-filled night of fundraising and community connection.
Pictured are family members Tom Jenkins, Tim Hauschild, Brent Chamberlain, Tom Chamberlain, and Renee Chamberlain.
DARFIELD GUN CLUB REPORT
Cold,cloudyanddismalforthe 6thJulyeventsbutluckilycalm for the 26 entrantsthismonth.
A slight delay to allow for grading then on to shooting the Ross Shield Handicap match and this year’s Side by SideTrophyshoot. Side by Side first up with guns owned or borrowed that vary greatlyincondition.
A wide scoring range this year from a low 4/15 (gonna put thatbackinthesafeandforget about it) to a single 15/15. Only a shoot-o to decide the Cgraderequired.
On to the Ross Shield and
round one had two possibles and five scores of 24, a good start.
A stop for afternoon tea and a chance to warm up before round two with just a single possible with several shooters crashing in the low light. A quick calculation and several shoot-o s with the shoot-o for ninth place taking a full 25 targetsonlytobedecidedbya coin-toss as darkness loomed to leave enough light for the LuckyShooter.
Our next shoot is Sunday, August3,12:30pmstart. Allwelcome.
The Ross Shield Handicap By The Ross Shield Handicap By Distance Distance
1st Ron Greatorex with 49/50 2nd D Je eris with 49
3rd B Brown with 48 4th B Sharp with 47 5th R Cleland with 47
6th P Templeton with 46
7th B Johnson with 46 8th D Mulholland with 46 9th R Wright with 45
Side by Side Trophy Side by Side Trophy Side by Side Side by Side HOA/ A Grade Duncan Je eris 15/15
B Grade Bevan Brown 14/15
C Grade Ethan Greenwood 12/15.
L
Sam Lindores from Darfield High School won Most Promising Novice Male, Most Consistent, Most Devoted,
Small
Family Business - Darfield
Looking for a semi-reGred person to work from start of Spring Gll Autumn.
• Must have clean drivers licence
• Reasonably fit
• Full training given
• Ute provide
• Must be good with people Phone Brian - 027 471 7001
& WELLBEING
UDI UDI UDI UDI Painting & Decorating. For all painting & decorating services! Fully qualified. Interior & exterior painting & plastering. Wallpapering & roof painting. Quality Services. Free quotes. Please Ph.UdiAale0210742075. www.udipaintingndecorating.co.nz
ROOF ROOFROOF & house maintenance. All aspects covered including spouting, mortar, tiles, reroofing, roof painting, moss, mould & silicone sealing. General repairs. Ph 03 347 6702or0210302835.
ROOM TO RENT
Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery. Specialising in farm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please phoneeither0276950480or alternatively0800030712.
50 medium round bales meadow hay, shed stored $67plus GST/bale Suitable for cattle.
REIKI REIKI Healing can support physical well-being, mental health, and emotional stability. Contact Lisa Mills 027 814 0785 or visit www.goldentouch.co.nz/reiki
LEASE LEASELEASE LEASE land wanted. Selwyn area suitable for cattle grazing. All sizes consider. PhoneReg0275670720.
Will cover all areas Contact Micky on 021 125 1613 conwaydecor@hotmail.com
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.Icancometoyou.Alan Lover Loan Market 027 2516644. I bring the banks toyou.
LADIES LADIES LADIES LADIES- New resident, active, friendly widower, young senior. Call/text 027 471 0369. NEW FRIENDS
Native plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Phone Annie0273702067.
SHEARING
SINGLE SINGLE SINGLE SINGLE lockable rooms in Darfield Hostel. Internet, Sky TV. $190pw. Please phone 0274791431.
SECURE SECURE SECURE SECURE outdoor storage in Darfield. Cars, boats, caravans, containers etc. Phone 027 222 1632.
REPAIRS
JARM CLEANING SERVICES
EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED stockman looking for work. Tractor driving experience. GST registered. Pleasephone0225747805.
LOCAL LOCAL handy man - Part time. Any work considered, including farm work. Please phoneKerry0276222161.
TRANSPORT
SELWYN SELWYN Shuttles provide safe and reliable transport for young and old, near and far. Call or txt Brad 021 776 968.
DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD cars - we buy dead cars, end of life cars, scrap cars, old farm vehicles. Cash paid. Pleasephone0274848121.
TOOLS TOOLSTOOLS TOOLS wanted - mechanics, engineering, wood working etc. Garage, shed, barn clearances, deceased estates etc. Please phone Rob on 033425885.
• Damaged
• Non runners
• Rusted
• Accident damaged
• Failed WOF
• Lapsed Rego
We also buy scrap metal, old farm machinery and used batteries. Call us today for a no obligation quote, we come to you Canterbury wide. Phone 022 409 8432
WINDOW CLEANING
COUNTRY TOUCH
WINDOW CLEANING
Friendly, reliable experienced.
West Melton, Kirwee and Surrounding areas
Ph: 021 025 19197
YOGA CLASSES
Weekly classes Glentunnel Community Centre. Tues 6.307.45pm, Thurs 9.30-10.45am. Friendly,supportivecommunity Registration essential, first class free. Please contact Lisa Mills 027 814 0785, www.goldentouch.co.nz/yoga
Builder’s who get the job done right!
Contact:
E: damian@metricbuild.nz
M: 027 933 5819
W: metricbuild.nz
• Septic Tank Cleaning
• Jetting Unit for Blocked Drains
• Camera Investigations
TINTTINT TINT--A AA A--WINDOW WINDOW WINDOW 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 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. Please phone Lex 0274393926or3490150.
PLASTERER PLASTERER PLASTERER PLASTERER - Gib, fixing and stopping, cornice and coves, stipple, Certified tradesman. PhoneMark0274380665.
Darfield based with over 43 years of local knowledge and experience
we’ll be there when you need us. guaranteed. on time guaranteed or your first hour is free! conditions apply.
Darfield based, working Canterbury wide. All Maintenance, Hot Water Cylinders, Log burners, Spouting, Rainwater Harvest, Wetbacks, Pumps, Alterations (new and existing)
A blonde goes on holiday and is booking into the guest house.
Looking around reception she notices a sign on the wall. She asks the owner, "What time do you get in?
The owner looks confused and says, "Well, I'm the owner, I live here. Why do you ask?"
The blonde says, "Well, on that sign there it says that guests have to be in before you! "
The owner replies, "No, it actually says, 'Guests must be in before 1 am’."
WINDOW TINTING