DAY - LEST
Anzac Day was commemorated last Saturday, with many speeches reflecting on how our fallen might view their sacrifice in the context of the modern worldweliveintoday.
As part of her reading, Mayor
LydiaGliddonsaid:
“Anzca Day reminds us that belonging is not just about where we are, it’s about what we
contribute.
It asks us to remember honesty, not just the pride, but the cost.
To recognise the impact of conflict, and the importance of striving for peace. And to carry forward those values in our own lives.
Because the story doesn’t end with those we remember today. Itcontinueswithus.
In the way we support our neighbours.
In the way we respond in times ofchallenge.
And in the way we think about thelegacyweleavebehind.”
The commemoration o ered a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the values of service, community, andpeace.
Darfield High School 2026 Head Students; Grace McPhee, Brin Sissons, Sofia Williams and Mele Bonner-Vaitaki were part of the Darfield Anzac Service last Saturday.
Gnomes Ski Shop Page 11
THE FIGHT FOR RURAL CARE:
MALVERN RESIDENTS DEMAND CERTAINTY FROM HEALTH NZ
Community concern regarding thefutureoflocalmedicalcare was on full display on April 23rd as hundreds of residents gathered for the Darfield Health Services Public Meeting. Held at the Darfield High School Gymnasium, the forum provided a platform for the public to confront Health NZandPegasusHealtho cials about sta ng shortages and the e ective decommissioning ofDarfieldHospital.
Representing the Malvern Communities, Community Board Member Alan Peacock provided a scathing assessmentoftheproceedings:
“to describe the Darfield HealthServicesPublicMeeting as a talkfest, high on rhetoric, butlowonmeaningfulanswers would be a fair assessment. The meeting was well attended by over 300 concerned residents, yet the one-hour timespan was woefully short. With presentations taking up half the time, just thirty minutes remained for an audience full of questions. So light was the presentation of things that actually would happen, it
fostered even more questions asaresult.
District Nurses expressed deep frustration, with Pam Aldersley notingovertwodozenpatients currently need palliative or respitecarethatcannotbemet locally—a cornerstone of the Government’s Rural Health Strategy. Mayor Lydia Gliddon reminded o cials that 30% of Malvern residents must seek care outside the district. Given the lack of progress, Peacock suggested a new path: ‘Community-owned Medical Trusts are active in places like Akaroa and Oxford. Perhaps thisisanoptionforMalvernto consider if Health NZ cannot get their act together?’”
Zoran Rakovic, Independent Candidate for the Selwyn Electorate, described the encounter as a clash between “warm words and cold reality.”
He observed that once the polite introductions faded, a harder truthemerged: beneath the layers of charts and wellrehearsed language, there is simply not enough money to meet what people plainly need.
“There was a lingering sense that the exercise was less about solving the problem and more about managing expectations,” Rakovic stated. He warned that the current case-by-case approach risks being slow, fragmented, and uneven, leaving communities
tonegotiatefromscratchevery time. He concluded with a call to action: “Malvern cannot a ord to wait for the glacial pace of bureaucracy. The only languagesystemsrespondtois organised pressure. Form a residents’ group. Speak with one voice... if we do not organise, we will be managed.”
Councillor John Verry, representing the Tawera Malvern Ward, struck a pragmatictone,acknowledging that the community is realistic about workforce pressures but insistson“practical,achievable services that reflect local needs.”
He identified the provision of respite care at Darfield Hospital as a "sensible, deliverable option" that would utilize an existing community asset while supporting local families. “The community is ready to work constructively with Health NZ, but we now need a commitment to move from discussiontodecision-making,” Verry emphasized. “Darfield Hospital matters to this community. Continued uncertanty risks eroding both the facility and public confidence. We are asking Health NZ to work with us, focus on what is achievable, and provide a clear pathway forward. The community will support progress — but it needstoseeit.”
OFF THE WALL & INTO THE SPACE
Not everything in this show behaves itself by staying on the wall for the month of May at Te Huanui Art Gallery. With a strong focus on threedimensional work, the exhibition spills out into the room, inviting you to walk around it, peer into it, and experience it from all sides. Objects don’t just hang here, theyinhabitthespace.
Featuring sculptural stone piecesbyJulieShanksandDan Summers, together with ceramic and pottery works by Sayoko Pettigrew, Nicola
Oakley, Michelle Sigley and BruceMonro.
Selected paintings by Michelle Sigley and Donna Coster remain on the wall, o ering a quiet counterpoint to the surroundingforms.
This is a predominantly local exhibition, with artists based across the Malvern, Selwyn, and Oxford areas, alongside a North Island connection through Michelle Sigley of Whanganui. Because not everything in this show is behaving itself, we’re celebrating a little di erently
MALVERN LIONS
too.
Instead of an o cial opening, we’rehostinganartisttalkand demonstration afternoon from 3pm, Saturday 9 May, and invite you to join us in the space. Children are very welcome to come along and participate.
O the Wall & Into the Space runs from Friday, May 1 to Thursday,May28atTeHuanui Art Gallery, open 11am–2pm TuesdaytoThursdayand10am –4pmFridaytoSunday. Allwelcome.
TO MANAGE
LOCAL MEDICAL TRUST FUND
Malvern Lions are pleased to announce they will now manage a long-standing medical trust fund established to support people in the Malvernarea.
Around 35 years ago, Malvern Lions led fundraising e orts, including a car ra e, to raise $70,000toassistlocalresident Anne Dalley, who needed to travel to Australia for a transplant. While the transplant ultimately did not proceed, the funds were retained and have since grown toapproximately$200,000.To date, two recipients have received assistance from the fundthroughinterestearned.
Due to changes in trust legislation, Perpetual Guardian recently advised that they could no longer continue administering the fund. Anne Dalley suggested the fund return to Malvern Lions, who then approached the Malvern Health and Community Welfare Trust (MHCWT – District Nurses) for support, recognising their strong connection to the community and ability to identifythoseinneed.
It was agreed that the fund would now be managed under the Malvern Lions Charitable
Trust, with oversight from a newly formed joint board. The inaugural Anne Dalley Medical Fund Board includes Lions members Daryl Collier (Chairperson), Rob Potts (Secretary), Andrew Brooker and Hugh Wright, along with MHCWT representatives RaewynFeastandHelenSkurr. The board has met several times and developed criteria for applicantsseekingfinancial assistance.
Fundingisavailablewhere:
• Therequestrelatestoa medicalprocedure, associatedtravel,or medicationsnotfundedby theNewZealand Government
• Thereisareasonable expectationofapositive outcome
• Theapplicantlivesinthe Malvernarea
• Theapplicanthasmade e ortstoraiseadditional fundsandisexperiencing somefinancialhardship.
be eligible for support can be for support request an application form by emailing: request an application form by emailing: application by emailing: application by emailing: secretarymalvernlions@gmail.com secretarymalvernlions@gmail.com secretarymalvernlions@gmail.com secretarymalvernlions@gmail.com
Anne Dalley Medical Fund Board members - Back l-r: Chairperson Daryl Collier, Lions President Andrew Brooker, Secretary Rob Potts. Front: Helen Skurr and Raewyn Feast. Absent Hugh Wright.
MAKE
MUM’S DAY
Give Mum a breakfast to Give Mum a breakfast to to to remember. remember.
SpicedfruitFrenchToast SpicedfruitFrenchToast Take a slice or two of spiced fruit bread, cut into triangles and dip into a mixture of one beaten egg and a dash of cinnamon. Cover both sides of thebreadwiththemixtureand place in a hot pan. Cook until both sides are golden brown. Stack on a plate, add a dash sifted icing sugar and a dollop ortwoofmaplesyrup.
SparklingOrangeDelight SparklingOrangeDelight Combine orange juice with some soda water for a bubbly e ect. Add a slice of orange, slittothemiddle,over therim oftheglass.
Kieran Heenan kph@meareswilliams.co.nz
Anita Molloy-Roberts am@meareswilliams.co.nz
W: www.meareswilliams.co.nz T: (03) 374 2547
DearEditor
What a disappointment the meeting with the residents of Darfield and representatives of Te Whatu Ora discussing the health needs of the Malvern area. Same old message trotted out that we have heard again and again. Talk but no action follows. How ill prepared they were with numbers quoting expected population growth woefully amiss. Talk of Tele health and remote MRI services without knowledge of how poor connectivity we have for even just cell phone coverage in our rural area. Serves to demonstrate lack of knowledge and understanding of the area. My advice is get back to basics and address the simple things that will have instant and greater impact to provision of health servicesinourarea,thatbeing
• Acceptoffersof‘GPservices tocovertheDarfieldhospital (yesweareawaretherehave beenoffersofhelptoprovide thenecessaryMedicalOfficer cover)andreinstatethe Hospitaltoacceptingpatients forrespiteandpalliative care.
• Financeourserviceprovided byourDistrictnurses(we havebeenshortchangedthe lasttwoyearsinourcontract coveringthewagesofour highlyskilleddedicated nurses).
• EncouragemoreGPservice, evenasecondGPpractice wouldbegreat.
• Provideresourcesto increasethenumberofmeals onwheelsprovidedbythe DarfieldHospital.
The residents of Malvern are tired of being spoken to and nowwantaction.
Raewyn Feast, Chairperson Malvern Health & Community Welfare Trust.
TotheEditor:
At the recent Darfield Health meeting Dr. Paul Watson spoke of a finite pot of money and saying that money has been spent. One wonders how carefully? If you have cause to visit the new Christchurch Hospital, you'll see how much of the cladding is glass with swirly patterns all over the external walls of the new tower blocks. While many wouldn't give it a second thought, consider this... How many hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on that example of architectural frippery, that could have been spent on Primary Rural Health Care?
Cr. Samuel Wilshire spoke, I thought rather conservatively, when he suggested to attendees at the meeting, that the stage represented over $1.2 million in annual salaries. At those levels of salary, and given that Government in their 2023 Rural Health Strategy has a cornerstone objective that rural health is delivered in our communities, one can't help that wonder if Health NZ have actually read that report, and should concentrate of delivering insteadofcontinuallyplanning?
Perhaps though, instead of continually waiting for Health NZ, our Community might consider establishing a not-forprofit Community Health Trust, buying a Health Services Bus, fitting it out as a mobile G.P. Clinic, recruiting our owndoctor, and organising mobile clinics to visit the many townships and
villages of the Malvern ward? Itwouldn'tgiveus afull solution butwouldbefarbetterformany thanwhatwehaveatpresent.
Alan Peacock – Darfield
ToTheEditor
Thisletterisinresponseto LettertotheEditorpublished lastweekfromDeniseKidd, Council Executive Director Community Services and Facilities.
Can we believe the next round of consultation on our community halls is going to result in what our local communities want? The proposed consultation process is just the same as the last round. Same person from the Council leading it, same aspirations. Last time, hall committees dissolved, volunteers gone, hall hire rates increased, hall use declined and communities lost. And rates increased! Obviously, volunteers can’t be replaced with paid staff without extra costs.
All sorts of dubious reasons were given by the previous Council for this action. Not least that they had too many committees. What is the problem with having too many committees if that meant we retained active communities?
Previously Greendale residents were paying a targeted rate of $41 for their Reserve and $41 for their hall. Total $82! (20172018). Proposed rate for next year’s targeted rate is $247 for Reserves and $248 for halls. Total $495! Is that a 500% increaseover9years?
This time communities must be listenedto.
Ian Warren - Greendale.
ARMYWORKSHOPSTO ARMYWORKSHOPSTO ARMYWORKSHOPSTO ARMYWORKSHOPSTO
DARFIELDBOOKCLUB DARFIELDBOOKCLUB DARFIELDBOOKCLUB DARFIELDBOOKCLUB
The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) provides a drop-in clinic through Heartland Services at Darfield library every three months however, MSD is looking to increase this drop-in service to potentially a monthly service if they get the engagement. The next session is on Monday, May 4 from 10am to 12pm. MSD helps with benefits, superannuation, and employment support. To make an appointment phone 03 318 7780.
SUPERCARSPIT LANE
SUPERCARSPIT LANE
SUPERCARSPIT LANE SUPERCARSPIT LANE
NZ Army Automotive Technicians put their skills to the test swapping their workshop for the fast lane working with a V8 Supercars team at Taupō and Christchurch, gaining highperformance experience in teamwork, speed and precision. The high‑pressure pit environment mirrored military operations, delivering valuable skills in teamwork, speed and communication to takebacktotheforce.
DARFIELD OP SHOP OPENING
The Darfield Op Shop officially opened its doors on Wednesday, April 22, with Malvern Community Board member Alan Peacock making the very first purchase from store manager Leanne Cummins. Located at the Malvern Parish Hall, the shop offers quality recycled clothing and household items for just $5. Visit Wednesdays 10am-3pm or Saturdays 10am-1pm to find a bargain and support local ministry.
Are you looking for great conversation and good books. Then join the Darfield Book Club. Every third Monday (February to November), 7pm attheDarfieldLibrary. New members are always welcome.
PIESWITHAPURPOSE PIESWITHAPURPOSE
Support Darfield Primary School PTA and fill your freezer at the same time with frozen family pies from Darfield Bakery. Family size and alternative flour options are available with the Bakery donating $5.00 back to the PTA for every pie sold. Don’t miss out, order yours through Kindo today from shop.kindo.co.nz/app/ community-shop/Darfield% 20Primary%20School.
CONTROL INVASIVE PESTS OVER WINTER
Winter is o cially on our doorstep,whichmeansrodents and pests want to find warm anddryplacestonestoverthe winter. This means there's a higher chance of having footstepsonyourceilinginthe middle of the night and rodents and pests in your woodshed, garages and chickencoops.
WHYRODENTSINVADE
Mice and rats are not hibernators; they become highly active in searching for new shelters during colder months. They seek warmth, insulation, and quiet, undisturbed places like roof spaces and wall cavities. Garages are particularly vulnerable because they often
contain clutter, pet food, and horsefeed.
TOPWINTERPEST CONT TOPWINTERPEST CONT
CONT
CONTROL ROL ROL ROL TIPS TIPSTIPS TIPS
• SealEntryPoints: SealEntryPoints: SealEntryPoints: SealEntryPoints:Rodents canfitthroughverysmall holes.Inspecttheexteriorof yourhomeandsealgaps underdoors,aroundpipe work,andcableswithsteel woolormetalmesh.
• Declutter andClean: Declutter DeclutterandClean: andClean: Declutter andClean:Tidy uppilesofwood,garden waste,andcardboardboxes, whicharefavoritenesting spots.Keepfirewood elevatedo thegroundand awayfromthehouseand don'tbesurprisedwhen gettingyourevening firewoodifyousurprisea mouse.
• SecureFoodSources: SecureFoodSources: SecureFoodSources:Store petfood,birdseed,horse feedandpantryitemsin airtightplasticcontainers. Cleanupcrumbspromptly anddonotleavepetfood outovernight.
• CheckRoof Cavities: CheckRoof Cavities:Roof spacesarepopular,o ering insulationandquietfor nesting.Checkforshredded insulation,droppings,or gnawedwiring.Chewed wiringisoftenaserious dangerasthiscanresultin roofspacefires.Thereare normallyahandfulof occurrencesnationwide yearlyofhousefireswhere thelikelycauseisrodent infestation.
• StrategicTrapping: StrategicTrapping: StrategicTrapping: StrategicTrapping:Place snaptrapsinareaswhere yoususpectrodentactivity— typicallyalongwallsandin darkcorners.Usepeanut butterasbait.
Baitstationsareagood option but must be used as per the manufacturer instructions. These baits are poisonous to us, inquisitive children and pets.Ifyou throwbaitsloosely into the ceiling cavity, often the baits will disappear. The bait blocks are normally dragged back to the rodent nest and consumed. It's generally recommended to either use a bait station or to screwthebaitsdown.
Are you interested in Are you interested in interested interested predator and rodent control predator and rodent control control control or simply want more simply more information? information?
There are three groups within the area that help. area help. Check the Facebook pages Check the Facebook pages Check Facebook pages Check Facebook pages for Predator Free Kirwee, for Predator Free Kirwee, Predator Free Kirwee, Predator Free Kirwee, Predator Free Darfield and Predator Free Darfield and Predator Darfield and Predator Darfield and Predator FreeWestMelton. Predator PredatorFreeWestMelton. FreeWestMelton.
AUTUMN OPEN GARDEN AT TERRACE STATION
The last Open Garden Day for the season will be held on Sunday, May 3 from 11am to 3pm. Wander along paths next to mass plantings of red dahlias, Japanese anemone, liriope muscari, and white nerines under truly massive treesreachingtowardsthesky.
There are some special galanthuseginae-olgae(Queen Olga snowdrops) flowering already; they will be followed by drifts of other snowdrop speciesinspring.
Visitorsoftenbringpicnicsand sit in a sheltered corner soaking up the atmosphere of thisnotedheritagegarden.The formal garden structure dates from the 1860s with ‘garden rooms’,somewithviewsofthe wider countryside, and paths
leading to treasured spaces. TerraceStationisagreatplace for all ages to explore, with scavenger hunts available encouraging young visitors to look around every corner. The Hutch,asummerhousebuiltin 1936, will be open with a display of garden tools and information on the property. There will be a small plant stall.
The $10 entry fee goes to the
Terrace Station charity; children have free entry and space to run, and please leave dogs at home. Eftpos is not available. Directions will be signposted from the Hororata roundabout. Please check the Terrace Station Facebook page incaseofinclementweather. For furtherinformation For Forfurtherinformation furtherinformation aboutTerraceStationopen aboutTerraceStationopen daysand grouptours,visit daysand grouptours,visit grouptours,visit grouptours,visit www.terracestation.org.nz.
WHY SUPPORTING LOCAL MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
Withglobalunrest,pressureon fuel supplies and rising costs a ecting nearly every household, there’s growing value in looking closer to home. In uncertain times, strengthening local economies is not just practical, it’s essential for community resilience.
Choosing to spend locally is about more than convenience. Every purchase made at a neighbourhood shop, café or with a local tradesperson is an investment in the community itself. It helps keep businesses
operating, supports livelihoods and ensures money continues to circulate within the local area.
Small businesses play a vital role beyond their storefronts. They contribute to schools, sports clubs and community initiatives,whilealsoproviding employment opportunities. Their success underpins the wellbeing of the wider community.
Keepingspendinglocalcreates a ripple e ect. Money earned and spent within the community flows from one
household to another, from buying home-grown eggs, to purchasing groceries, supporting cafés, or hiring local services. This cycle strengthens economic stability and fosters a more self-reliant, connectedcommunity.
At a time when external pressures feel increasingly unpredictable, backing local businesses is a simple but powerful way to build a stronger, more sustainable futureforeveryone.
Last Garden Open Day
TERRACE STATION, HOR TERRACE STATION, HOR HOR HORORATA ORATA ORATA ORATA Sunday 3 May Sunday 3 May Sunday May Sunday May 11am- 3pm 3pm3pm 3pm www.terracestation.org.nz www.terracestation.org.nz
NEW SPEED LIMITS TO KEEP KIDS SAFER AT CANTERBURY SCHOOLS
New Variable Speed Limits (VSLs) to slow tra c outside 16 Canterbury schools are set to take e ect over the coming weeks.
Installationandpreparationfor theseVSLs–whichindicateon electronic signs the reduced speed limit is in force– is due to begin next week. They will operate at peak times at the schools across the Canterbury region (see list of schools below).
Work by New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi undertheLandTransportRule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 will see all eligible schools, including those on 100km/h roads, have variable speed limits in place by 1 July 2026, reducing speeds to 30km/h or 60km/hatpeakschooltimes.
“We know that these reduced speed limits, when in force at school drop-o and pick up times, can make a real di erence in keeping children and their families safe,” says NZTA Director of Regional Relationships,JamesCaygill.
The local Canterbury schools withnewVSLsisasfollows:
• DarfieldCluster-Darfield HighSchool&Darfield PrimarySchool
• GlentunnelSchool
• WindwhistleSchool
At Windwhistle School, the new electronic signs will show a 60km/h variable speed limit during school drop‑o and pick‑up times. While this may appear higher thanthe current 40km/h advisory signage in place, the existing signs are not legally enforceable, and
data shows most drivers currentlytravelatmuchhigher speeds.
The new Variable Speed Limit is mandatory and enforceable and is expected to slow tra c more e ectively, improving safety at the busiest times of theschoolday.
All of the VSL sites have been approved under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 and will be legalised through the National Speed Limit Register, making them subject to enforcement when they ‘go live’. The VSLs operate for up to 45 minutes before and after the school bell and can also be activated forshortperiodsatothertimes when there are significant numbersofchildrenaround.
CHORES FOR PAWS
Changing lives, one paw at a Changing lives, paw at time. time.time. time.
The number of Kiwis who are blind,deafblindorlowvisionis expectedtorisesignificantlyin the next few years – and the demand for guide dogs is growing with it. Right now, there are 143 working guide dogsinNZ.
Behind every guide dog is a
community that made it possible. By taking part in Chores for Paws, your family willhelpchangelives.
The cost to train, raise and keep a single life-changing guide dog in service is $175,000 and it takes two yearstotrainapup.
Signupandgeta Signupandgeta cleaner house cleaner cleanerhouse house
Sign up and set up a fundraising page for your child or the whole family. Download theChoresforPawsToolkitfor yourchoreplanner,astarchart and task ideas. Between May 15-29, get your kids to complete chores around the house. Share their fundraising pagewithfriendsandfamilyto sponsor them. The kids earn great rewards. And together, wetrainthenextgenerationof guidedogsfor Kiwiswhoneed them. Everyone wins –especiallythepups.
Tosignup,visit Tosignup,visit choresforpaws.nz. choresforpaws.nz. choresforpaws.nz. choresforpaws.nz.
GRAND OPENING FOR CITY-BASED SKI SPECIALIST
Gnomes, one of New Zealand’s most trusted ski specialists, has o cially relocated from Darfield to Christchurch after more than four decades in its original home. Established in 1983, the business has grown from a small, specialist ski shop into a premium destination known for expert boot fitting, high-performance gear,andreliableadvice.
Now based at The Works on Waterloo Road, Gnomes is better positioned to serve its predominantly Christchurchbased customers. The move
reflectsyearsofsteadygrowth, with owners Leith and Ally recognising the need for more space and improved facilities. The new store o ers an expanded boot-fitting and biomechanical analysis lab, a largerworkshopfortuningand repairs, and a broader retail andrentalspace.
Gnomesremainsdeeplyrooted in ski culture, with a passionate team whose lives revolve around snow, mountains, and gear. That enthusiasm carries through to their service, where customers
can expect friendly, expert guidance, whether in-store, overthephone,oronline.
The shop is now home to Christchurch’s largest ski and snowboard rental centre. Equipment is updated each season, ensuring high-quality gear for all ages and abilities at competitive prices. Alongside rentals, customers can access a wide range of clothing and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for theslopes.
The response to the move has been overwhelmingly positive. According to Ally Kerr, the store has seen a constant flow of both new and returning customers,withstrongsupport from across the wider district, includingloyalDarfieldlocals.
To celebrate the new chapter, Gnomes is hosting a Grand Opening Sale from May 1–3, featuring major deals on limitedstock.
While the location has changed,theethosremainsthe same: helping skiers get properly set up for their best dayonthemountain.
Gnomes Ski Shop is now based in Christchurch.
From left: Directors Ally Kerr, Leith Rhodes and Andrew Bellanti are looking forward welcoming new and existing customers into their new premises.
DARFIELD’S MADDY JUDD STEPS UP TO CANTERBURY RUGBY WOMEN’S ACADEMY
Darfield’s Maddy Judd is making her mark both on and o the field, recently earning selection into the Canterbury Rugby Women’s Academy–ahigh-performance development programme designed to prepare athletes forthenextlevelofthegame.
AstudentatChristchurchGirls’ High School and Head of AclandBoardingHouse,Maddy is balancing leadership responsibilities with the demands of elite rugby development. Her selection places her among a group of driven young athletes working towardhigherhonours.
Maddy’s rugby journey began with the She eld Sharks, a club she credits for helping shape her path. She acknowledgestheroletheclub hasplayedinher development and the foundation it provided toreachthislevel.
The Canterbury Rugby Women’s Academy o ers a comprehensivesupportsystem, giving players access to strength and conditioning coaching, nutrition guidance, mental skills support, physiotherapy, and input from Canterbury FPC, Matatū and Black Ferns coaches. Players arealsosupportedo thefield by a personal development manager who assists with life balance, education, and future planning.
Atthestartoftheseason,each athlete completes an Individual Performance Plan (IPP), outlining goals across physical, tactical, mental, leadership, and personal areas. Academy sta then tailor support to help each player achievethosegoals.
“Beingapartoftheacademyis something I’ll never take for granted,” Maddy said. “You’re
LILYANA CULLEN JOINS TDF CLASS OF 2026
The Tania Dalton Foundation (TDF) has announced Lilyana CullenasamemberofitsClass of 2026, welcoming the talenteddual-codeathleteinto itsscholarshipprogramme.
Lilyana, who excels both at cricket and rugby, will receive comprehensive support over the next three years through the foundation’s scholarship, delivered in partnership with RebelSport.Theprogrammeis designed to foster not only sporting success but also
personaldevelopment.
The foundation said it is looking forward to working alongside Lilyana and her family as she progresses throughtheprogramme.
Established in honour of sporting legend Tania Dalton, theTaniaDaltonFoundationis a charitable organisation that provides financial assistance, mentoring, and personal development workshops to 12 promising young sportswomen eachyear.
training alongside like-minded athletes who just want to be bettereveryday.”
As one of the younger members, she says the environment has been both welcomingandmotivating.
“The older girls and those involved with Matatū and the Black Ferns are so supportive and willing to help. Access to such high-quality coaches has already made a huge di erence, and I’m excited to keeplearning.”
Maddybelievestheacademyis shaping her future by giving herinsightintothedemandsof professional rugby and the intensityrequiredtoperformat ahigherlevel.
Her weekly schedule reflects that commitment, combining academy trainings, school, and club rugby, with multiple sessionseachweekandgames onSaturdays.
With Canterbury Rugby welcoming its intake as “the next generation of our family, torepredandblack,”Maddyis
firmly on a pathway toward higherhonours–andisoneto watchforinthefuture.
30Apr-2May CreativeKiwiTravel-StewartIslandTrip
30Apr 10am CraftandCuppa DarfieldBaptistChurch
1May MFVCFundingApplicationsClose 1-3May KirweePlayersProductionofPeterPanJnr KirweeCommunityHall 1-28May OffTheWall&IntoTheSpaceArtExhibition TeHuanuiArtGallery 2-3May DarfieldHotelDuckShootingCompetition DarfieldHotel
2May 9am WMFireBrigadeFundraiserCarWash WestMeltonSchoolCarPark
2May MalvernNetballCompetitionCommences
3May 11am LastGardenOpenDay TerraceStation,Hororata
3May 2pm DuckShootingCompetitionPrizegiving DarfieldHotel
4May 11am GlentunnelCoffeeCatchupwithNicolaGrigg CaféontheGreen
4May 1pm MalvernNews- EditorialDeadline-info@malvernnews.co.nz
5May 9:30-12:30WeeklyMalvernCancerSupportClinic DarfieldLibrary
5May 10am MalvernNews- AdvertisingDeadline-info@malvernnews.co.nz
6May 9am WeeklyDarfieldNetworkersGroup-www.networkers.co.nz
6May 11am KirweeCoffeeCatchupwithNicolaGrigg ThirstyAcres
6May 11:30-12:30WeeklyJusticeofthePeaceService DarfieldLibrary
6May 6:45pm WalkingNetballBegins WestMeltonIndoorCourts
7May 2pm RuralHealthPublicMeeting WestMeltonCommunityHall
8May 8:30am RuralFirstAidTrainingCourse HororataHall
10May Mother’sDay
11May 1pm WinterHousieStarts DarfieldBowlingClub
13May 7:30pm GreendaleResidentsMeeting GreendaleHall
20May WalkingNetball WestMeltonIndoorCourts
20May 10am RollestonNews- AdvertisingDeadline-info@malvernnews.co.nz
24May 11:30amSheffieldPinkRibbonEvent
27May WalkingNetball WestMeltonIndoorCourts
15-22Sept CreativeKiwiTravel-RarotongaRoarTrip
Maddy Judd in the Matatu U20’s team last year.
Lilyana Cullen excels both at cricket and rugby.
ADVERTISING DEADLINE
Tuesday - 10am
ST JOHN ST JOHN ST JOHN ST JOHN Youth Cadets. Wednesday. 5:30-6:30pm for 5-10 year olds. 6:30-8pm for Year7-13.4BraySt,Darfield.
ACCOUNTANTS
ARE AREARE 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 Ann-Maree at Malvern BusinessHub:0212150981.
ADVERTISING DEADLINE
Tuesday - 10am
BUSINESS COACHING
WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT do you want the next 10 yearsofyourlifetolooklike?
Running a business shouldn’t feel this hard. I help local business owners fix team and leadership problems without losing good workers. Kieron McGhie - Strategic People & Performance Coach Darfield. Confidential local coaching. Phone0212768311.
CHURCH NOTICES
COUNSELING
RECEIVE RECEIVE RECEIVE valuable, professional support as you navigate life's challenges. Confidential service with qualified therapist, Lisa Mills. Initial free 1/2 hour consultation. O27 814 0785. www.goldentouch.co.nz
At 10:30am 17 North Terrace, Darfield
SUN 3rd May, 9:30am St Peter’s, Springfield 5pm St George’s Kirwee malvernparish.wixsite.com/ malvern-parish
CELEBRANT
CARPET/WINDOWS
CARPET CARPET CARPET CARPET/Window Cleaning. Thorough job, good price, quick drying. Highly recommended. Phone/ text Robert anytime on 0272999599.
CHIMNEY CLEANING
CARRS CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $90 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 oncoal-ranges,alsosweeping anysizedopenfire.Wequote and undertake repairs, flue extensions and install bird netting. Please phone us on 021939113.
DIGITAL DESIGN
SPOTTA 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.
WILLOW WILLOW wood. 4 and 8 Meter loads. Dry. Good clean burning wood. Free delivery. Phone0277811492.
R K FIREWOOD Supplying wood for this Season!
Old Man Pine, Bluegum, Macrocarpa, Oregon. TRY THE HOT MIX! E@pos available. All top quality, clean wood. Ph Rini 027 451 7300
GENERAL GENERAL garden maintenance in Darfield area. Domestic hedge trimming, pruning, edging, lawns and water blasting.Kane0274676613. LAWN LAWN LAWN mowing and Garden services. Large sections a specialty with catcher or side discharge. Hedge trimming and other garden maintenance services also available. Regular or one-off jobs. Based in Darfield and servicing Selwyn. Contact Granton021619165.
LEASE LAND WANTED
LEASE LEASE land wanted. Selwyn area suitable for cattle grazing. All sizes consider. Please phone Reg 027 567 0720.
MORTGAGE ADVISOR
ARE 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. I can come to you. Alan Lover Loan Market 0272516644. Ibringthebankstoyou.
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
QUANTITY SURVEYOR
TENDERS, TENDERS, TENDERS, TENDERS, quotes, budgets, increased costs, variations, progress claims, final claims, disputeresolutions.CallSteve -0212644082. EMERALD FARM FARM EMERALD FARM Native plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Phone Annie0273702067.
TOOLS TOOLSTOOLS TOOLS wanted - mechanics, engineering, wood working etc. Garage, shed, barn clearances, deceased estates etc. Please phone Rob on 033425885.
SCRAP METAL
WANTED! WANTED! WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery. Specialising in farm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please phoneeither0276950480or alternatively0800030712.
GENERAL GENERAL property care. Services provided include: cleaning services (inside & out), gardening, fencing, maintenance, gorse/ weed control, spraying, hedges, chainsaw work, mowing. All tasks considered. Phone 027 789 9532.
Advanced Advanced Advanced Upholstery advancedupholsteryltd@xtra. co.nzorPhone033187378.
Darfield based with over 44 years of local knowledge and experience
ROOF ROOFROOF ROOF & house maintenance. All aspects covered including spouting, mortar, tiles, reroofing, roof painting, moss, mould & silicone sealing. General repairs. Ph 03 347 6702or0210302835.
TRADES
Darfield based, working Canterbury wide. All Maintenance, Hot Water Cylinders, Log burners, Spouting, Rainwater Harvest, Wetbacks, Pumps, Alterations (new and existing)
A man was cruising on his motorbike up the California coast when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, God said, “Because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish.” The biker pulled over and said, “Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want.”
God said, “Your request is materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking; the supports required reaching the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. Of course I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help mankind.”
The biker thought about if for a long time. Finally, he said, “Lord, I wish that I and all men could understand women; I want to know how a woman feels inside, what she’s thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says nothing’s wrong, and how I can make a woman truly happy.”
God replied, “You want two lanes or four on that bridge?”