The 150th Courtenay A&P Show has been hailed as a resounding success by show President Gareth Reed. Although final a endance numbers are yet to be confirmed, Gareth noted that they were significantly higher than in previous years. "Our entries were very strong, with all sec ons seeing nearly a 50% increase
compared to last year," he says.
One of the standout a rac ons this year was the hobby horse compe on, which drew over 200 spectators at one point. Gareth men oned that the crea vity on display was impressive, with entries including a dinosaur and a T-Rex.
Con nue on page 8….
Little Bo Peep aka Lucy Winter and her lamb, won the Decorated Lamb title for 2025.
Photo:CharlotteMooney
Courtenay A & P Association President Gareth Reed with Patroness Adrienne Begg, who along with other committee members dressed the part.
The Tawera Malvern Community Board were sworn in on Monday, November 24, 2025. Back row (l-r): Cr John Verry (appointed), Evan Frew (Chair), Steve Gibling (SDC), Alan Peacock and Barry Mackenzie.
Front row (l-r): Samantha Samuel, Mayor Lydia Gliddon, Bex Lambie (Deputy Chair) and Therese Davel (Governance). Photocredit:TonyGan
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The Darfield railway station shelter is a “disgrace”, says a Malvern resident.
Stay Cyber Safe on Holiday
With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to plan your next adventure – and to make sure your tech is travel-ready.
· Enable ‘Find My Device’
Before you go, turn on this feature for your phone and any tablets or laptops. It lets you locate, lock, or ring your device remotely if it’s lost or stolen.
· Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
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Need a hand? Call the Geeks on 0800 424 335.
Outgoing CFO John Chambers (left) presents incoming CFO Jason Clemens (right) with his new Chief Fire Officers Helmet
Photo by Paul Nicklen / National Geographic: Greatest Wildlife Photographs
Message from the Mayor:
“What an absolute pleasure to celebrate 150 years of the Courtenay A&P Show, an incredible milestone for our community. I’ve been coming to this show since I was a little girl, and like many of you, I know this is the biggest social occasion on the Kirwee calendar. It’s where generations have gathered to catch up, compete, show off stock and skills, and celebrate the very best of rural life.
To the organisers, volunteers, exhibitors, and everyone who keeps this show thriving year after year, thank you. Your commitment is the reason we’re able to stand here today and look back on 150 years of hard work, resilience, and community spirit”.
150th Show Medals
To mark the 150th show, organisers introduced a new ini a ve, awarding a special medal in each sec on. The following entrants were the recipients of these medals:
· Sheep - Winner of the Supreme Ram Hogget, A J Adams.
· Wool - Premier Exhibit in Wool Sec on, Mike Searle.
· Ca le - Supreme Beef Animal, Tim Hauschild, Floridale Angus.
· Goat - Supreme Champion Goat, Janine Tasker with Zodian Mia.
· Horses - Champion Clydesdale, Alan VLiet VLieland with Goldenlane George.
· Poultry - Champion Poultry Exhibit, Brian Glassey.
-
· Dog Trials - WinnerofDogTrials,PeterKiddand Glen.
· Grain & Seed - Premier Exhibit in Grain & Seeds Seaton Family.
· Produce Shed - Most points in Produce Shed (with entries in a minimum of three sec ons) Jenny Gallagher.
· Machinery - Premier Exhibit in Tractors & Machinery, Rowlands Family and their McCormick Deering WD40.
· Bayleys Real Estate Matson & Allan Outstanding Young Achievers Award, Hannah King.
Champion Clydesdale, Alan VLiet VLieland with Goldenlane George.
Photo:CharlotteMooney
Supreme Beef Animal, Tim Hauschild, from Floridale Angus.
Photo:CharlotteMooney
Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon, A & P President Gareth Reed and Minister of Rural Communities Mark Patterson.
There was a record number of Machinery and Vintage Vehicles at the 150th Show.
Nova Williams and ’Taffy’ won the Melwood Equestrian Champion Pleasure Pony rug.
After nearly three years of dreaming, planning, and designing, Hororata School’s nature path is finally a reality! With incredible support from the Synlait crew, Sarah and Nicky, along with help from Ingrid and parent volunteers, the Kākāpo students planted around 100 native plants recently. This effort has created a space where birds and insects can thrive. In addition to the nature path, volunteers and students also started upgrading the garden, with the tunnel house next. Exciting times are ahead as the nature path and gardens continue to grow.
As part of the process, the old tractor tyres are looking for a new home.
If you can put one to use, perhaps for a good old-fashioned backyard sandpit, let the school know on 03 318 0803.
TotheEditor:
CAPTIALGAINSATTACK
The attack by MP Nicola Grigg on the capital gains tax proposedbyLabourmeansthat she is supporting the likes of the hundreds of thousands of dollars capital gains untaxed received by the Prime Minister sellinghousesrecently.Thiscan hardly be justified as contributing to economic growth.NewZealandusedtobe considered as an egalitarian society,anditistimeforthetax regime to reinforce that premise.
GUYFAWKESGOODNEWS
In reply to the News in Brief: Enough is Enough, which was published in the Malvern News 13Nov2025.
Finally, concerns about animal distress, injuries, fires, and environmental harm from fireworks have been heard, and a bold stand is being proposed by NZ First to ban private use.
The informa on and opinions published are not necessarily those of the Malvern News proprietor. The final approval of le ers for print, rests with the editor. Le ers to the Editor should be no more than 200 words in length. Le ers to the Editor won’t be considered for publica on without the writer’s name (given and surname) and area of residence (not address) also being printed. Le ers wri en using a pseudonym, are unable to be published.
Only licensed public displays of these explosives would be permitted. This bill has widespread public support aiming for safer community celebrations. Well done, NZ First. Long overdue.
COURTENAYA&PSHOW
This year was the best ever! What a day, that all came together with precision/team planning and wonderful volunteers! One of whom I must mention – a patroness, who for manyyears,servedassecretary and much more. Except this year, she was serving in the most menial of tasks. Dressed in a beautiful pale blue period costume and bonnet, Mrs Adriene Begg was serving her community with great humility, cleaningtheladies'toiletsinher beautiful costume. Adriene thank you. Good news. Your deeds for this humble service will be rewarded in time, "To all
whobelieve".
I was also overcome with appreciation to see that after the public walked across the reserve,theywerewelcomedby many white bench seats and a tent shelter. This basic necessity, for those with mobility issues, is so appreciated, I believe. So, to thecommittee,abigthankyou.
Shaugn Kilgour with Gary Woolf (left) and his father Greg Kilgour after receiving an Apprentice of the Year award at Ara recently.
row from left, Georgie
Tymons-Bell, Millie McDrury, Giselle Rodgers.
Front row from left, Mia Clark, Pippa Dalley, Caitlyn Gerritsen, Rubie Dalley, Mysha Elix Reyes.
Dancing to a variety of music, exercise, socialising, and travel all in one package. No need for a partner.
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Darfield Recreation Centre
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Bring a friend & start now - first timers please contact first Instructor Jenny Brookes 0274 452 285 Jennybrookes76@gmail.com
XMAS EUCHRE
Kirwee Community Hall
Monday 15th December
7:30pm
Admission $10
Lots of Prizes, Raffles and Supper
ST JOHN Youth Cadets. Wednesday. 5:30-6:30pm for 5-10 year olds. 6:30-8pm for Year7-13.4BraySt,Darfield.
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SUN 30 NOV 9.30am Trinity Church, Darfield malvernparish.wixsite.com/ malvern-parish
Talk to the team at Malvern News for all your BUSINESS CARD REQUIREMENTS
Any quantity. 03 318 7450 info@malvernnews.co.nz
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CARPET/Window Cleaning. Thorough job, good price, quick drying. Highly recommended. Phone/text Robert anytime on 027 299 9599.
CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $80 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and leaveamessage.
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.
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SINGLE lockable rooms in Darfield Hostel. Internet, Sky TV. $190pw. Please phone 0274791431.
Quadbike Tour Guide
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WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery.Specialisinginfarm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please phoneeither0276950480or alternatively0800030712.
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AMMUNITION and reloading equipment. Powder projectiles, presses etc. Any caliber rifle / shotgun. Anything hunting related. Cash buyer. Please contact Rob033425885.
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FREIGHT DRIVER CLASS 4
Frews is looking for a Freight Driver with a minimum class 4 licence to join the busy Darfield freight team. This is a permanent, full-time position based in Darfield.
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My mum is quite elderly and has a vivid imagination, so when she called me in the middle of the night to say she’d heard a voice speaking to her, I was sceptical.
“Something’s wrong,” she said. “Every so often I can hear someone saying, ‘Hello Valerie.’”
I told her she must have been dreaming and to go back to sleep. But she called back a few minutes later, clearly worried.
“The voice is still speaking to me,” she claimed. “It’s saying, ‘Hello Valerie.’”
At this point my husband, who was quietly cursing at having been wakened, realised what it was – the automated voice in my mum’s smoke detector saying, “Low battery.’”
