Friday 16th January 2026
The Darfield Santa Parade attracted a large number of floats and spectators at the event on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Pictured: James Scollay from Darfield Rugby Club with some of the junior members proudly promoting the Club. More information on page 2. Photo credit: Kathryn Taylor Photography.
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DARFIELD SANTA PARADE SPONSORS LIST: Naming Sponsor: · Corde
· Darfield Collision
Repairs
Gold Sponsors:
· Annabel’s Education · Darfield Bakery · Darfield Hotel
· Darfield Pharmacy
Selwyn Mayor Lydia Gliddon surrounded by her friendly dinosaurs enjoyed being part of the Parade and handing out treats to the spectators. Photo credit: Kathryn Taylor Photography.
· Hunter Glass · Johnny Fresh
· Leech Drainage
Services Ltd.
· Malvern News
· Mitchell Bros Sawmill
Supporters:
Canterbury Clay Bricks Darfield Ice Cream Shop · Darfield ITM · Darfield Kebab · Darfield Pizza · Frews Transport · PGG Wrightson · Property Brokers · Rural Tenancy Ltd (RTL) · Satkaar Indian Restaurant Powered by: Selwyn District Council. · ·
Hello, Children of Malvern! My elves were very busy reading all your wonderful letters. They loved hearing about your kindness, your wish for happiness and the ways you have been helping others. I’m so proud of you all. Keep up the good work!
Ho Ho Ho! - Santa
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Author Margaret Thompson wrote School on the High Plains, A Chronicle of Darfield High School 1951-2001, published by Darfield High School in 2001. Margaret taught at Darfield High School and had a long association with the school. The book was a ‘labour of love’, with long hours researching and writing the information and is quoted as ‘bearing the stamp of quality, thoroughness and dedication’ typical of Margaret’s work.
ANNABEL’S EDUCARE & 3 YR & 4 YR OLD KINDERGARTENS 12-16 South Tce, Darfield EDUCARE
Opening Hours 7:30am - 5pm
Educare 3 Year · 4 Year · ·
Ph 318 7943 Ph 318 7948 Ph 318 8843
· Qualified, dedicated staff · Excellent child: teacher
ratio A place for children to learn & have fun, in a safe & inspiring rural environment. Where children are nurtured, families are valued & life-long learning is encouraged.
1D Cardale St, Darfield Ph 03 318 8836 www.darfieldpreschool.co.nz
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Team “Live” will ride e-bikes from Cape Reinga to Bluff, while Team “Muscle” will ride self-propelled bikes from Bluff to Cape Reinga.
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- SERVICING NORTH CANTERBURY -
0800 667 778
www.spiderban.com ‘Owned and operated in Darfield since 2008’
SPIDERS & WHITE TAILS ANTS l FLIES l FLEAS
CARPET BEATLES l SILVERFISH
- FREE QUOTES -
We do NOT Tele-market!
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Sharon Mason
Steve Gibling
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· Hill Fence Line & Track Specialist · All Farm & Station Fencing · Root Rake 30 years experience! · Grab Bucket · Pipe Puller, up to 50mm Phone Warren on 027 224 3628 · Post Driver
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or email: thebluez@xtra.co.nz
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Bernie, Delilah, Dorothy, and Betty Lang from Windwhistle sell flowers for some extra holiday pocket money outside the Darfield Bakery. -
Exploring the forest walk near Springfield at Kowai Pass Domain with her puppy, Marlo, is Summer Maddison (4) of Darfield. Look out for the walk entrance gate on Domain Road just past the bridge along from the camping ground.
For all your small excavation requirements · Site & Garden Clearance · Lawn Construction (Small & Large) · Driveways
· Hole boring (200 – 600) · Sheep & Cattle Yard Clean Outs · Shingle Supplies
Give Neil a call on 022 451 7207 or email neiljudith@xtra.co.nz
Nothing’s a Problem!
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Bird nesting (removing eggs or fledglings) was once a control measure against perceived agricultural pests like house sparrows.
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Alex and Hinemoa with their children Aila and Arlan with the NPC Trophy last year.
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Good effort: Division 2 team from left to right are John Stokes, Leo Ashby, Graham Rowe, Dale Johnstone, Mike Lockett, Wayne Hamilton, and John Quigley.
(L-R) E Greenwood, S Watson, Duncan Jefferis, Ross Bryant (HOA), D Armitage, M VanLeeuwen.
Talk to the team at the Malvern News for all your
PRINTING REQUIREMENTS Any quantity.
03 318 7450 info@malvernnews.co.nz
16 Jan Malvern News—Summer Photo Competition Entries Open 19 Jan 10am Deadline Malvern News - Editorial Deadline - news@malvernnews.co.nz 20 Jan 9:30-12:30 Weekly Malvern Cancer Support Clinic Darfield Library 20 Jan 10am Malvern News - Advertising Deadline - info@malvernnews.co.nz 21 Jan 11:30-12:30 Weekly Justice of the Peace Service Darfield Library 25 Jan 9:30am Farwell Service For Aunty Lyn Trinty Church, Darfield 26 Jan DHS Jubilee Registrations Close Today 1 Feb Malvern News—Summer Photo Competition Entries Closes 1-3 Feb Creative Kiwi Travel - Super Sounds Slip Away Trip 9 Feb 7:30pm Kirwee Community Hall Assn AGM Kirwee Community Hall 5 Feb Twilight Social Netball Entries Close 12 Feb Twilight Social Netball For 6 weeks Starts Darfield Netball Courts 27 Feb - 1 Mar Darfield High School 75th Jubilee Darfield High School 17 - 24 Mar Creative Kiwi Travel - Chatham Islands Trip
ST JOHN Youth Cadets. ARE your accounts taking up Wednesday. 5:30-6:30pm for valuable time you’d rather 5-10 year olds. 6:30-8pm for spend growing your business Year 7-13. 4 Bray Street, or with your family? Let the team at Sterling Accountants Darfield. handle your accounting and tax compliance—right here on your doorstep. Call AnnMaree at Malvern Business Hub: 021 215 0981. GROW your business with NZ Life Coaching NZ. Helping with Business Improvement and Career Development. Unlock your potential and transform your life. Contact Kieron McGhie 021 276 8311, www.newlifecoachingnz.com or send an email to newlifecoachingnz@gmail.com
Darfield Life Church
SUNDAY 18 JANUARY 2026 At 10:30am 17 North Terrace, Darfield
Pine, OM Pine, Oregon, Macro, and Bluegum A delivery fee will apply.
Ph: 03 312 4637 (evenings only) or 021 260 4520
SERVICES
R K FIREWOOD
10:30am every Sunday. Darfield Baptist Church 15 Greendale Rd, Darfield
ARE you in need of a refinance, first home loan, buying a new home, investment property or a property development? I deal with all the lenders, and I can get you the best deal to suit you. I have 30+ years of lending experience, and I am local. I can come to you. Alan Lover Loan Market 027 2516644. I bring the banks to you.
Supplying wood for this season!
Old Man Pine, Bluegum, Macrocarpa, Oregon.
9am, on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month. Glenroy Hall Windwhistle Rd, Glenroy
TRY THE HOT MIX!
All top quality, clean wood. Talk to the team at Malvern News
for all your
BUSINESS CARD
REQUIREMENTS
Any quantity. 03 318 7450 info@malvernnews.co.nz
Ph Rini
Malvern Anglican Parish
027 451 7300
SUN 18 Jan, 9:30am Trinity Church, Darfield malvernparish.wixsite.com/ malvern-parish
CARPET/Window Cleaning. Thorough job, good price, quick drying. Highly recommended. Phone/text Robert anytime on 027 299
MALVERN NEWS EDITORIAL DEADLINE 1pm, Monday ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 10am, Tuesday
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.
OXFORD
CATS on Courtenay
Purpose built, nestled in a tranquil, rural setting. · Close proximity to all main centres. ·
BOARDING CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $90 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and leave a message. 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 any sized open fire. We quote and undertake repairs, flue extensions and install bird netting. Please phone us on 021 939 113.
KENNELS 312 Kiri Kiri Rd, Oxford
Phone Jude & Bevan Blackmore
03 312 3355 027 288 8724 OPEN 7 DAYS Monday-Saturday 9am-11am & 4:30pm-6:30pm Sunday 3pm - 6:30pm
Inspection welcome
LEASE land wanted. Selwyn area suitable for cattle grazing. All sizes consider. Phone Reg 027 567 0720. NEED someone to save you some time? I offer a great service on all those jobs you've been meaning to get done. Fencing, gorse control (spray or cut and swab), other spraying, chainsaw work, mowing, and general lifestyle block tasks. We've got the gear, just give me a call. H Donaldson, 027 789 9532.
EMERALD FARM Native Plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Phone THREE bedroom home, log fire Annie 027 370 2067. wetback. No Smokers/pets. Greendale. Please phone 0211 838 557. TENDERS, quotes, budgets, TWO (possibly three) bedroom increased costs, variations, self-contained semi attached progress claims, final claims, flat in private rural setting. dispute resolutions. Call Steve Can be furnished. $400-week. - 0212 644 082. Sheffield area. Enquires Phone 027 4586 338. GENERAL garden maintenance in Darfield area. Domestic hedge trimming, pruning, edging, lawns and water blasting. Please phone Kane 027 467 6613.
WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery. Specialising in farm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please phone either 027 695 0480 or alternatively 0800 030 712.
BUYING Possum fur. Phone Charlie on 027 4586 338.
Administrator—Finance We are currently looking to employ an Administrator to assist with finance.
AMMUNITION and reloading equipment. Powder projectiles, presses etc. Any caliber rifle / shotgun. Anything hunting related. Cash buyer. Please contact Rob 03 342 5885.
Duties include: Student finance and payment reconciliation Kindo setup and reconciliation · Assist with asset reconciliation · Deputising for Executive Officer · Processing supplier invoices and preparation of payment batches · Banking · Stationery orders · Shared reception and telephone duties · Bus audit compliance · ·
Previous experience with Xero, student management systems and advanced First Aid skills would be an advantage. A willingness to assist where needed is essential.
Cars l Vans l Trucks Utes l 4WD’s l SUV’s · 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
This is a part time position approximately 37.5 hours per week (negotiable). This position will also require hours to be worked during school term breaks.
Applications close on Monday 19 January 2026 at 9am An application pack is available by email from: trish@darfield.school.nz Human Resources Coordinator Darfield High School Tel: 03 318-8411
LOCATED IN HORORATA We buy: Dead cars · End of life cars · Scrap cars · Old farm vehicles ·
RURAL Tenancy Inspections. Also providing Total Rural and Residential Property Ma nag emen t Sol u tion s. Please phone Rebecca 027 313 2270 or email rebecca@ruraltenancy.co.nz
ü Retrofit Double glazing ü Frameless showers ü Repairs ü Mirrors ü Splashbacks ü Pet doors and more
CASH PAID Phone
027 484 8121
·New Computers ·Virus Removal ·Laptops ·Problem ·Upgrades Solving ·Software
ACER ASPIRE 5 · 15.6" Anti-Glare
screen
$1,350 Incl G ST
· AMD Ryzen 7 - 4.5GHz CPU · 16gig RAM DDR4 Closed Saturdays · 512 NVMe solid state harddrive · Bluetooth 5.2, Backlit KB · 1x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen1 Ph: 03 318 3699 · 3x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen2 Mob: 027 688 9103 · Windows 11 Home malcomputers02@gmail.com · battery Up to 9.5 hrs
Jon Lawrence
Daily On Site Sales & Servicing
Authorised Service Agent for Most Brands since 1996! · Ovens Machines · Cooktops · Dryers · Washing Machine · Dishwashers Hire from $8 p.w. · Washing
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Reg. Service Technician
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david wilkinson registered electrician phone 03 318 1231 fax email
03 318 1235 sales@electricalcontractors.co.nz
po box 26 kirwee
we’ll be there when you need us. guaranteed.
on time guaranteed or your first hour is free! conditions apply.
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Heat pump supply, installation, servicing & maintenance All major brands Contact Nigel now for your no obligation free quote
P: 021 387 750 E: nigel@malvernair.co.nz
Maintenance Renovations & new builds Pump servicing and installation Water filter installation Water pump hire Supply and installation of septic tank systems · Gas and wood fire installation · IQP in backflow prevention · Teatsprayer servicing · · · · · ·
0800 752 400
plainspgd@gmail.com
DARFIELD BASED
RURAL PLUMBING SERVICES LTD Simon O’Connell • Certifying Plumber M: 021 048 4799 E: simon@rpsltd.co.nz Darfield based, working Canterbury wide. All Maintenance, Hot Water Cylinders, Log burners, Spouting, Rainwater Harvest, Wetbacks, Pumps, Alterations (new and existing)
It was a cold winter day. An old man walked out onto a frozen lake, cut a hole in the ice, dropped in his fishing line, and waited patiently for a bite He was there for almost an hour, without even a nibble, when a young boy walked out onto the ice, cut a hole in the ice next to him. The young boy dropped his fishing line and minutes later he hooked a Largemouth Bass. The old man couldn't believe his eyes but chalked it up to plain luck. Shortly thereafter, the young boy pulled in another large catch. The young boy kept catching fish after fish. Finally, the old man couldn't take it any longer. "Son" he said, "I've been here for over an hour without even a nibble. You've been here only a few minutes and have caught a half dozen fish! How do you do it?" The boy responded, "Roo raf roo reep ra rums rrarm." "What was that?" the old man asked. Again the boy responded, "Roo raf roo reep ra rums rarrm." "Look," said the old man, "I can't understand a word you're saying." The boy spat the bait into his hand and said... "You have to keep the worms warm!"