PONY PROVES A CHAMPION FOR DARFIELD RIDER
The Welsh Mountain Pony has a history stretching back thousands of years, with its origins in the rugged hills and valleys of Wales long before the arrival of the Romans. Life in this harsh landscape was far from easy. Bitter winters, sparse grazing and limited shelter meant only the toughest ponies survived. Roaming in semi-wild herds led by proud stallions, these ponies developed remarkable endurance, surefootedness, intelligence and soundness—qualities that continue todefinethebreedtoday.
Over the centuries, the Welsh Pony and Cob became an indispensablepartnertothepeopleofWales.Whetherploughing fields, carrying farmers to market or pulling families to church, theseversatileponiesearnedareputationforstrength,reliability and willingness. While they are believed to carry a trace of Arabian blood, they have retained the distinctive characteristics that make the Welsh Pony one of the world's most admired breeds.
Those qualities are clearly evident in Ellangowan Kookaburra, a ectionately known as "Cookie", the much-loved Welsh pony ownedbyDarfieldriderKayleighSinclair-Dockerill.
Kayleigh recently attended the Welsh Pony & Cob Society of New Zealand AGM, where she and Cookie celebrated an outstanding season by taking home three prestigious national awards. Continuedonpage Continuedonpage Continuedonpage10…... 10…... 10…...
Kayleigh Sinclair-Dockerill on Ellangowan Kookaburra, (Cookie).
SUPPORTING RURAL COMMUNITIES
A NEW GUIDE TO AGEING WELL IN DARFIELD
Age Concern Canterbury alongside Selwyn District Council has released a practical and communityfocused rural brochure designed to support older people living in the Darfield and the wider Malvern area. Titled “Your Guide to Ageing Well in Darfield,” the brochure is a valuable tool for seniors,
their families, and caregivers, o ering easy access to essential services, health information, and opportunities forsocialconnection.
The guide is thoughtfully designed with colour-coded sections, making it easy for readers to identify where services are located and how to access them. Key categories covered within the brochure include Essential Services, Health, Transport & Social Groups. The brochures will be available at the Darfield Medical Centre and the DarfieldLibrary.
This brochure is part of a wider collaboration with Selwyn District Council, aligning with the Council’s Te Paepae | Ageing Well
EVERY DONATION
Strategy. This aims to ensure people aged 65 and over can age in place with dignity, with access to appropriate services and strong community connections.
This strategy also supports the ongoing provision of Age Concern Canterbury’s Older Persons Hub and a Rural OutreachService:
• Age Concern Canterbury Canterbury’ ’’ ’s s s Older Persons Hub Older Persons Hub Older Persons Hub Older Persons Hub –RollestonCommunity Centre,94RollestonDrive. Openweekdays9:00am–12:00pm.
• Age Concern Canterbury Canterbury’ ’’ ’s s s Darfield Outreach Darfield DarfieldOutreach Outreach Darfield Outreach Service Service Service Service –DarfieldLibrary& ServiceCentre.Thursdays 9:30am-12:00pm.
MAKES A DIFFERENCE AT THE DARFIELD FOOD BANK
The Darfield Food Bank continues to be a lifeline for many individuals and families across the Malvern district, with every food parcel made possible through the generosity of local people, businesses, and community groups.
Food Bank coordinator Rose Craven says the ongoing support from the community is what keeps the shelves stocked and allows the service to respond when people need helpmost.
"We appreciate absolutely
everything that is donated," Rose says. "Every tin, packet, loaf of bread or financial donation makes a real di erence to someone in our community."
The Food Bank relies on donations and grants to continue its work. While food donationsarealwayswelcome, financial contributions also help purchase essential items whenstocksrunlow.
Financial Donations: Financial FinancialDonations: DarfieldFoodbankCharitable TrustASBBank: 12-3153-0160738-00
Newso ce.
These vouchers can be used to keep the Darfield Food Bank van running, allowing it to collect and deliver food throughout the district. For some time, these costs have often been covered personally by Rose and Mark. While they havedonesowillingly,itisnot fair for this to come out of their own pockets, and community support for fuel ensures the service remains sustainable.
Information for Local Information for Local for Local for Local Businesses
Keeping the Van on the Road
Keeping the Van on the Road
Keeping the Van on Road
Keeping the Van on Road
There is another way people can help that is vital to operations. Fuel vouchers are also appreciated and can be dropped o at the Malvern
Local auto businesses or garages that would like to support the Food Bank by donating service credits or vouchers are encouraged to reach out. Please contact Rose directly on 027 532 4888 to discuss how you can help keep the Food Bank's vehicle maintainedandmobile.
Whether it’sabagofgroceries, a bank transfer, or a fuel voucher, every contribution helps strengthen the network of care that supports families throughout the Malvern district.
DON DONDON DON’ ’’ ’T RELY ON AUTO T RELY ON AUTO T LIGHTS LIGHTS
Turn your headlights on if you're out driving in awful weather – don't rely on auto lights if your vehicle has them.
You should always turn your lightsonwhenit’sraining.
If your wipers are on your If your wipers are on your If wipers are on your If wipers are on your
lightsshouldbeontoo. lightsshouldbeontoo. Newer vehicles have auto lights that turn on when it's dark, but you’ll often need to manually turn the headlights on in dim conditionsduringtheday(such as in bad weather). The automatic function often doesn't activate during
daytime,evenwhenvisibilityis low.
Having your headlights on dipped activates your rear position lights. Together your lights make you much more visible to people behind you and people coming towards you.
YOUR COMMUNITY HALL MATTERS
If you haven’t filled in the survey about the future of the hall in your area, then get in quick!
Local knowledge matters. Communities often know things about their halls –their history, strengths, challenges and opportunities – that aren’t visible in booking data or reports.
Selwyn District Council wants to understand what matters most to each community, so councillors have the best possible information before any future options are
developed. Meetings in Springfield have finished but you can still attend a second meeting in She eld at the She eld Community Hall on Saturday, July 4, at 2pm. Bookings are essential; book online at events.humanitix.com/she eld -community-hall-communitymeeting-2. You can also attend a drop-in (booking not required) to find out more at the Darfield Library and Service Centre on Saturday, July 11, between 10amand2pm.
Indicativetimingincludes:
• Stage 1 Stage Stage1 1 –listeningtothe community:commencing8 June
• Stage 2 Stage Stage2 2 –sharingwhatwe heardandrefiningoptions: July-Aug2026
• Stage 3 Stage Stage3 3 –reportingbackto Council:toinform
Long‑TermPlan2027–2037 –Oct2026
• Stage 4 Stage Stage4 4 –formal consultationthroughthe Long‑TermPlan Tocompletethesurveyonline, visit:yoursay.selwyn.govt.nz/ community-halls-engagement.
MALVERN COMMUNITY BOARD ADVANCES COMMUNITY PRIORITIES
By John Verry on behalf of By John Verry on behalf of By John Verry on of By John Verry on of Chair, Malvern Community Chair, Malvern Community Chair, Malvern Chair, Malvern Board. Board. Board. Board.
The Malvern Community Board continues to make steady progress on projects that will strengthen local communities, improvefacilitiesandadvocate for better services across the ward.Chair,EvanFrewsaidthe Board remains focused on practicalinitiativesthat deliver long-term benefits for those in TāweraMalvern.
A key milestone is the continued progress towards community ownership of the She eld Memorial Pool. The legal process to transfer the land through Land Information New Zealand is progressing well, with only one remaining matter requiring resolution before SDC is able to transfer theasset.
The Board received an update on preparations for the 2026 Malvern Community Awards, which recognise the outstanding contribution and achievements of local people.
Nominations close on Friday, August 28, 2026, with the awards to be presented in October. Nomination forms are available on the Selwyn District Council website and fromBoardmembers.
Advocacy continues to be a priority. The Board has reiterated its support for sealing Wards Road and ensuring land is set aside for a future school as Darfield grows.
Members also welcomed the reduction inthespeed limit on State Highway 73 approaching and passing Darfield High School, describing it as an important improvement for communitysafety.
Mr Frew said the Board had also discussed the long-term provision of wastewater services.
"Selwyn District Council owns a substantial block of land on Creyke Road that was acquired for wastewater treatment and disposal purposes. There wouldbemeritininvestigating
whether this site, or another suitable property, could accommodate a local wastewater treatment facility to support the planned growth of Darfield and Kirwee. Such a facility could also enable older homes and businesses currently relying on ageing septic tanks to connect to a modernreticulatedwastewater network, delivering significant environmental, public health andgrowthbenefits."
Other matters discussed included future management models for the Greendale, She eld and Springfield community halls, ongoing engagement with Selwyn Water Ltd, improved health services for Malvern, and options to discourage the feeding ofkea at Arthur'sPass.
"The Board is committed to working closely with our communities to ensure local voices are heard and practical solutions continue to be developed,"saidMrFrew.
A CUSTOM CREATION FOR THE DARFIELD UKULELE GROUP
John Feeney has generously donated a handcrafted miniature bass guitar to the Darfield Ukulele Group, presenting it to member Adele Langlands.
John explained the inspiration behindtheinstrument:
"I played with the Darfield UkuleleGroup afewyearsago.
My bass guitars were full size and it was di cult to switch from a small ukulele to a big bass, so I decided to make one forthegrouptouse.
Most bass guitars have a scale length of 34 inches (86cm).
Thisminiaturebasshasascale length of 25 inches (64cm), which is close to that of a standardguitar."
John also acknowledged the support he received during the project.
"I'dliketothankmycolleagues at the Darfield MenzShed, who donated some of the wood usedtobuildthisinstrument."
The miniature bass will be a
welcome addition to the group's instruments, making it easier for players to move between ukulele and bass whileperforming.
John Feeney and Adele Langlands with the handcrafted miniature bass guitar that John made and donated to the Darfield Ukulele Group.
WHY BEING RIGHT ISN’T ENOUGH: THE SECRET TO SUCCESSFUL INVESTING
ByGregMcGeorge ByGregMcGeorge ByGregMcGeorge––Shaw Shaw Shaw Shaw andPartnersFinancial andPartnersFinancial andPartnersFinancial andPartnersFinancial Adviser. Adviser.
If you could see tomorrow’s newspaper headlines today, you might think making money in the sharemarket wouldbeeasy.
Surprisingly, research shows it’s not. An investment experiment challenged professional and ordinary investors to trade using historical newspaper headlines while the actual market results were hidden.
Participants e ectively knew the news before it happened and could buy or sell shares andbondsaccordingly.
You’d expect investors to make a fortune. Instead, most either achieved mediocre results or lost money.
It’s an important lesson for investors. Markets don’t always react to news in the
way we expect. What‘s good news could already be reflected in share prices, while bad news can trigger market gains if conditions turnoutbetterthanfeared.
Researchers repeated the experiment using leading AI models. While some AI systems were remarkably good at analysing headlines, they often made the same mistakeashumans:takingtoo muchrisk.
The best-performing AI was not necessarily the one that predicted the most headlines correctly. Success depended largely on sensible position sizing, diversification, and avoidingthetemptationtobet too heavily on a single outcome.
This reflects one of the most enduringlessons in investing.
Intelligence alone is not enough. History is full of highly skilled investors who correctly identified opportunities but su ered lossesbecausetheyborrowed too much or concentrated theirportfoliosexcessively. For most people, successful investing is less about predictingthefutureandmore aboutmanaginguncertainty.A diversified portfolio, regular rebalancing, and a long-term focus usually deliver better resultsthantryingtooutguess themarket.
Greghasover35years Greghasover35years’ ’ ’ ’ experienceinfinancial experienceinfinancial markets,bothinNew markets,bothinNew ZealandandLondon, ZealandandLondon, workingwithindividualsand workingwithindividualsand familiesonlongtermwealth andretirementplanning.
COULD HOME OWNERSHIP BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK?
By Alan Lover, Mortgage By Alan Mortgage Adviser, Loan Market. Adviser, Loan Market.
I regularly see Facebook posts frompeoplesayingthingslike:
“Property wanted to rent.”
“We’removingintothearea— doesanyoneknowofarental?”
“Need a house that allows pets.”
Every time I see these posts, I find myself wondering the samething:
Have they explored whether Have they home ownership might be home ownership possible? possible? possible? possible?
Many people assume buying a home is years away, when in reality, home ownership may be more achievable than they realise.
A few things worth knowing A things worth knowing about first about aboutfirstfirst--home ownership. home homeownership. ownership. home ownership.
• Insomecases,youmay needaslittleas5%deposit topurchaseyourfirsthome.
• Formanybuyers,KiwiSaver canmakeupmostorallof thatdeposit.
• Withtwoincomes,many familiesaresurprisedby whattheymaybeableto a ord.
In the table alongside there In the table alongside there In the table there In the table there are a couple of simple are a couple of simple a couple of simple a couple of simple examples showing the examples showing the examples examples di erence between a erence between a 5% and 10% deposit. 5% and 10% deposit.
Of course, home ownership also comes with additional costs such as rates and insurance.
However, when you compare mortgage repayments to the current rental market, the di erence may not be as large asyoumightthink.
In Selwyn, the average rent for a three-bedroom home currently sits around $620 $620$620 $620––
thought home ownership was behindthem.
Rightnow,thepropertymarket is relatively flat, creating what’s often called a buyer’s market, generally meaning more choice and more negotiatingpowerforbuyers.
$670 per week. $670 per week.
$670 per week. $670 per week.
As you can see, even with a smaller5%deposit,theweekly cost of owning may be surprisingly comparable to renting.
Andremember,your first home doesn’tneedtobeyourforever home.
It simply needs to be your first stepontothepropertyladder.
Another thing many people don’t realise is that some KiwiSaver providers may consider a second-chance withdrawal for people who have previously owned property but are e ectively starting again, for example, after a separation or major life change.
I’ve seen this help people who
I was recently speaking with a busy real estate agent in Darfield who mentioned 10 new listings coming to market soon, so there is certainly no shortage of options in the Malvernarea.
Ifyou’vebeenassumingbuying is out of reach,maybe it’stime totakeanotherlook.
The first step might be easier thanyouthink.
You don’t need to have all the answers—that’swhatI’mhere for.
Sometimes, one conversation is all it takes to turn “maybe someday”intoarealplan.
For more information, For information, contact Alan on contact Alan on contact Alan on contact Alan on 027 2516644 or email 027 2516644 or email 027 2516644 email 027 2516644 email alan.lover@loanmarket.co.nz alan.lover@loanmarket.co.nz alan.lover@loanmarket.co.nz alan.lover@loanmarket.co.nz
VOLUNTEERS WANTED VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERSWANTED WANTED
WanderSearch Canterbury Charitable Trust a charity dedicated to protecting vulnerableindividualsatriskof going missing. We work with allagesandconditionssuchas Dementia, Neurodivergence andDisabilities.
The Trust is currently in need of volunteers in East Christchurch, Selwyn region, Spreydonandsurrounds. Ifyoucanspareafewhours aweek,visitwandersearch.nz, phoneEmmaon039070072 oremail emma@wandersearch.nz.
JULY IS SARCOMA SARCOMA AWARENESS MONTH AWARENESS AWARENESSMONTH MONTH MONTH
Sarcoma is an aggressive cancer that develops in bone, cartilage, or soft tissue, disproportionately a ecting children, adolescents and young adults. It accounts for about 20% of cancers in this group and contributes nearly one-third (30%) of cancer-
related deaths in the younger agegroup.Despitethisimpact, sarcoma remains one of New Zealand’s most overlooked cancers. It is frequently misdiagnosed due to limited awareness, receives less than 1% of cancer research funding and often forces patients to bear substantial costs to seek accurate diagnosis and treatmentoverseas. Formoreinformation,visit
TheSarcomaFoundationNZ atsarcoma.org.nz.
NEW FLYOVER FOR NEW FLYOVER FOR NEW FLYOVER NEW FLYOVER ROLLESTON ROLLESTON
People living, working and travelling through Selwyn will benefit from safer, more reliable journeys, as major transport improvements in Rolleston get underway. The Rolleston flyover project, led by the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will deliver a new bridge over SH1 and the railway, along with improvements to SH1
through Rolleston, by the end of 2028. As part of the Governments Roads of Regional Significance programme, this work will better connect Rolleston’s township and industrial areas, improve access, and make it easier for freight and local tra c to move around this part of the Selwyn district.
NEW COURTS FOR WEST MELTON
Work is set to begin on the next stage of the West Melton Reserve Master Plan, with eightnewtenniscourts,fourof whichwillalsoserveasnetball courts, and an additional 40 car parks to be built alongside the West Melton Community andRecreationCentre.
The project is designed to meet growing demand at one of Selwyn's busiest reserves.
Four of the courts will feature lighting, allowing for evening tennis and netball, while the existing six tennis courts will remain open throughout construction.
Council Executive Director of InfrastructureandPropertyTim Mason says, "West Melton is one of our busiest reserves, particularlyfor tennis,withthe largest tennis club in the district. Having fun outdoors is something residents have told us is a key part of Selwyn's lifestyle,"MrMasonsays.
West Melton Tennis Club President Calum McHa e says theclub isexcitedtoseeyears ofplanningbecomeareality.
"The new courts have been in the planning for quite some time,soeveryoneattheclubis excitedtoseetheprojectcome tolife,"hesays.
"Whileourexistingcourtshave served the club well since it was established, we've been pleased to be involved in the design process. That has allowed us to address safety issues with the current courts while creating a modern facility that better integrates with the West Melton Community Centre and will support our members for many yearstocome."
The expansion from six to eight courts will help the club keep pace with increasing membership and growing demandforcompetitions.
"The additional two courts will allow us to accommodate our growing membership and support more interclub tennis. We've already reached the point where we've had torelocatesomehomefixtures to other clubs because of limited court availability," Mr
McHa esays.
"Having more courts available means we can run coaching programmesandclubactivities more e ciently while continuing to host competitive events without disrupting regularmemberplay,"hesays.
"The new location will also providegreatervisibilitywithin the community, helping us introduce more people, particularly juniors and families, to the sport of tennis and encouraging even more participation in the years ahead.
"We're looking forward to seeing the new courts become a hub for tennis in West Melton and supporting the continued growth of the sport inourcommunity."
During construction, some car parks at the West Melton Community and Recreation Centre may have restricted access. The reserve and community centre will remain open, and the Council will provide updates on any temporarychanges.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORMS: COMMUNITY HAS SPOKEN
Nearly 7,000 Selwyn residents have shared their views on the future of local government, giving the Council a clear pictureofwhatmattersmostas it considers the Government's proposedreforms.
The Government's new "Head Start" pathway allows councils to voluntarily reorganise before widerlocalgovernmentreforms begin in 2028. Councils can choose to merge with neighbouring districts or become a unitary authority, taking on regional responsibilities currently managed by Environment Canterbury (ECAN). If no proposal is put forward, the Government will determine the district's future through a compulsory process after the 2028 local government elections.
What the communitysaid. What the communitysaid.
The "60 Seconds for Selwyn" survey, held from 5–21 June, received almost 7,000 responses, with strong participation from communities acrossthedistrict.
Keyfindingsincluded:
• 46%wantCounciltoexplore bothamalgamationwith neighbouringcouncilsand becomingaSelwyn-based unitaryauthoritybefore makingadecision.
• 34%wantCounciltoexplore onlybecomingaSelwynbasedunitaryauthority.
• Ruralandurbancommunities expressedsimilarviews,with strongsupportforexploring
theavailableoptionsbefore anydecisionsaremade.
Residents were also asked which three issues would matter most if local government structural changes go ahead. Across the district, thetopprioritieswere:
• Affordablerates.
• Reliableeverydayservices, includingroads,water,parks andcommunityfacilities.
• Effectivemanagementof transport,freshwaterand otherregionalservices.
Many respondents also highlighted the importance of protecting Selwyn's identity, keeping decision-making close to local communities, and ensuringruralareascontinueto haveastrongvoice.
A consistent message across A consistent message across A consistent message across A consistent message across Selwyn.
While preferences for structural options varied slightly between communities, the survey showed remarkable consistency in what residents value most.
Whether respondents were from Rolleston, Darfield, West Melton, Southbridge or one of Selwyn's smaller communities, the priorities remained the same—keeping rates affordable, maintaining reliable local services, and ensuring regional services such as transport and freshwater are wellmanaged.
The results also demonstrate broad support for Council taking the time to fully explore the available options before committing to a preferred
Survey Breakdown by Town/Area by
direction. This reinforces the community's desire for a wellinformed decision that protects Selwyn's identity while planning for the district's future.
Whathappens next? Council staff are now analysing the survey feedback and preparing detailed advice for electedmembers.
Thenextmilestonesare:
• 15July–ApublicCouncil workshoptoconsiderthe surveyresultsanddiscuss possiblenextsteps.
• Mid-July–Afurtherroundof quick,accessiblecommunity engagementonCouncil's preferredproposal.
• 5August–Councillorswill confirmSelwyn'spreferred directionatapublicmeeting.
• 7August–Selwyn'sHead Startproposalwillbe submittedtotheGovernment. The proposal will continue to be shaped by community feedback and discussions with the Canterbury Mayoral Forum before it is finalised. While no decisions have yet been made, the strong response to the survey provides Council with valuable guidance as it considers how best to position Selwyn for the future of local governmentinCanterbury.
WELSH PONY PROVES A CHAMPION FOR DARFIELD RIDER
...Continuedfromfrontpage.
The pair were named first in New Zealand for Performance Points in the Purebred Open Ridden category, sponsored by Black River Welsh Cobs, receiving the WPCS Ridden Trophy.
They also claimed first in New Zealand for Versatility, sponsored by Pennbretti Stud, earning the Ty Gwyn Solitaire Memorial Versatility Shield, before rounding off an exceptional year by being awarded first in New Zealand for Overall Highest Points WelshPony,sponsoredbyPunk Ponies, and receiving the CliftonTrophy.
Following the AGM, Kayleigh was delighted to receive a message advising she had also earned a rosette for placing fourth overall in New Zealand in the Child Handler competition, adding yet another achievement to an alreadyremarkableseason.
The celebrations extended beyond the show ring, with breeder Mandy Phillips also recognised for breeding the overall winning pony. Kayleigh says Mandy's ongoing support has meant a great deal throughout their journey, while local rider and coach Charlise Miller was acknowledged for
her dedication in helping prepare the combination for competition.
For Kayleigh, one highlight standsabovetherest.
"My favourite moment this season was winning Champion at the Malvern A&P Show and receiving the dress rug sponsored by RYAL Equine," she said. "It made it evenmore special because it's my local A&PShow,andtheyearbefore I won Champion First Ridden there with Cookie's brother, Ernie."
Asked what makes Cookie such a special pony, Kayleigh says the partnership they've built is somethingshetreasures.
"I just feel so safe on Cookie. He is so much fun to ride and be around, but he still challenges me when I need it. He's so consistent when we go out to shows, and I know we can just go and do our thing withoutanyworries."
Looking to the future, Kayleigh is keen to continue expanding herexperiencewithCookie.
"My goals are to finish off my first season eventing and jumping with Cookie, keep learning the skills I need to continue being successful, and just have some fun with my
ponies before the new show season starts. Hopefully we'll have another successful season, and one day I'd loveto competeatHorseoftheYear."
Kayleigh's mum, Kimberly, couldn't be prouder of everything the pair have achieved.
"Kayleigh works hard and just loves being out there with her ponies," she said. "Cookie has been a safe, steady and unflappable mount who she has had so much fun on and learnt so much from. He has had a fantastic season and has beensoconsistent,showingoff his versatility in everything theyhavetried.
"We love him so much, and I wishwecouldplant him,water himandmakehimgrow—orfor Kayleigh's legs to stop growing."
For Kayleigh and Cookie, the season has been one to remember. Their success is a testament not only to the remarkable versatility and temperament of the Welsh Pony, but also to the dedication, hard work and partnership that have seen this talented local combination rise to the top on the national stage.
Kayleigh Sinclair-Dockerill with breeder Mandy Phillips displaying all their trophies.
DARFIELD SCOUTS SET SIGHTS ON JAMBOREE
Three Darfield Scouts are gearingupfortheadventureof a lifetime as they prepare to attend the 24th NZ National Scout Jamboree at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, from December 28,2026,toJanuary 7,2027.
Scout Leader Gordon Thrower says, “It’s a huge event, with thousands of young people from across New Zealand and overseas coming together for 10 days of outdoor adventure, skill-building activities, and community and environmental projects.”
“For our Scouts, it's a fantastic opportunity to grow in leadership, independence, resilience, and confidence, and toformconnections withother
young people who share similar values. Many past attendees describe it as a genuinely life-shaping experience.”
Each Scout needs to raise around $2,500 to attend, with transport costs still being finalisedontopofthat.
“It's a significant amount for any family,” says Gordon. “The kids have been working hard on a range of fundraising activities, including selling pinecones and a T-shirt sponsorship drive, where local businesses and individuals can havetheirnameprintedonthe back of a Scout's Jamboree shirtfor$1to$45.”
For their major fundraising event, the Group is running a
Quiz Night and Ra e at the Thirsty Acres in Kirwee on Monday,July27.Doorsopenat 5:30pm with the quiz starting at7pm.Thecosttotakepartis $60 per team/table (max. six people), with fun quiz rounds, ara e,andgreatprizesonthe night.
Teams can register online at: https://events.humanitix.com/ darfield-scouts-quiz-night.
“It would be wonderful to get the Kirwee and wider Malvern community along to support thesekids.”
Want to help sponsor a Want to sponsor a Scout Scout Scout Scout’ ’’ ’s Jamboree t s Jamboree t Jamboree t s Jamboree t--shirt shirt shirt shirt with your logo? with your logo?
Contact Gordon on Contact on 027 321 9413. 027 321 9413. 027 027
NEW NETWORK ASSESSOR APPOINTMENT
Lincoln Envirotown Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Stagg as its new Selwyn Responsible Network Assessor. Chris looks forward to meeting with the business community regarding their environmental and communityinitiatives.
Chris’s background spans business development, operations, manufacturing, marketing, customer relationships,healthandsafety, and sustainability-focused problem-solving. Much of his
experience has come from working inside growing small businesses and understanding the real-world pressures local operators face: limited time, limited resources, competing
2026 RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS AWARDS
The awards are held every two years.In2024,theyshowcased and celebrated the endeavours of around 70 enterprises. Assessors were amazed by the number of businesses that seemed unaware of how much they were already doing regarding sustainability and community engagement. They also found businesses providing many original ideas andsuggestions –verymucha “two-way” engagement. The assessors noted how many enterprises were interested in
advice and the feedback provided through these meetingsandassessments.
The Awards are a straightforward process, with a visitfromandachatwithChris instead of filling in forms online. Businesses are encouraged to take up the opportunity to enter and celebratetheirachievements.
For further information on the Awards and the Network, please contact Chris at selwynrbnawards@gmail.com orphone0224767932.
priorities,and thechallenge of making meaningful improvements while keeping the day-to-day running. He looks forward to supporting Selwyn businesses in a practical, encouraging, and constructiveway.
Chris Stagg.
DARFIELD’S MADDY JUDD EARNS NEW ZEALAND U18 CALL-UP
Darfield’s Maddy Judd has added another impressive achievement to a breakout season, earning selection in the New Zealand U18 Girls' PathwaysSouthSquad.
The Christchurch Girls’ High SchoolstudentwillattendNew Zealand Rugby’s highperformance camp in Hamilton from Sunday, July 5 to Friday, July 10, before taking the field in the North v South U18 match at St Peter’s School, Cambridge, on Thursday, July 9. The match will be livestreamed.
The selection continues an outstanding year for Maddy, who earlier this season was named in the Canterbury Rugby Women’s Academy, a high-performance programme designed to prepare emerging playersforthenextlevel.
Living in Darfield, Maddy first
learned the game with the She eld Sharks, where she developed the skills and passion that have taken her through the representative pathway. She now represents Christchurch Girls’ High School and continues to balance her rugby commitments with her leadership role as Head of AclandBoardingHouse.
After an injury setback, Maddy isnowbacktofulltrainingand ishopefulofmakingherreturn thisweekend.
"I'm back to full training and fingers crossed I'll be playing Saturday in our club quarterfinal, otherwise my first game will be the North v South match,"shesaid.
New Zealand Rugby Women's High Performance Pathways Manager Kendra Cocksedge said the programme was already proving its value, with
six players from last year's inaugural camp earning Super Rugby Aupiki contracts for the 2026season.
"The camp is about growing thegirlsaspeopleandplayers. We want to give them the skills they need to progress their careers and an understanding of what it takes to go to the next level on and o thefield,"Kendrasaid.
For Maddy, the national selection is another significant milestone and recognition of the dedication that began on the rugby fields at She eld and continues to flourish as one of Canterbury's most promisingyoungplayers.
Tune in and watch the live Tune in and watch the live-stream of the North v South stream of the North v South stream of v South stream of v South U18 match on Thursday, July U18 match on Thursday, July U18 match on Thursday, July U18 match on Thursday, July 9 at 12noon on New Zealand 9 at 12noon on New Zealand 9 at on New 9 at on New Rugby YouTubeChannel. Rugby RugbyYouTubeChannel. YouTubeChannel.
19June-25Sept ObservatoryPublicOpenNights
WestMeltonObservatory
2-4July MalvernAnnualBookFair TrintiyChurch,Darfield
4July 10am DarfieldOpShopOpen TrinityChurchHall
4July 2pm SheffieldHallCommunityMeeting(Bookingrequired)
4-7July HotChocolateChallenge
4-9July 7:30pm ObservatoryKidsFest2026
WestMeltonObservatory
5July 4pm GospelService GlentunnelCommunityCentre
5July 10am DarfieldGunClubAGM DarfieldShootingCentre
5July SportNZRuralTravelFund-ApplicationsClose
6July 10am MalvernNews- EditorialDeadline-info@malvernnews.co.nz
6July 1pm MalvernNews- AdvertisingDeadline-info@malvernnews.co.nz
6July 7pm CommunityConversation withZoranRakovic DarfieldCommunityCentre
7July 9:30-12:30WeeklyMalvernCancerSupportClinic DarfieldLibrary
8July 9am WeeklyDarfieldNetworkersGroup-www.networkers.co.nz
8July 11:30-12:30WeeklyJusticeofthePeaceService DarfieldLibrary
9July 9:30am AgeConcern-DarfieldCommunityOutreach DarfieldLibrary
11July 6pm DarfieldFamilyMovieNight DarfieldRecCentre
18July 7pm AnEveningwithAliHarperandTomRainey DarfieldRecCentre
19July 10:30 StJohn’sHororata150YearCelebration-FirstChurchHororata
21July 10am RollestonNews- FeatureAdvertisingDeadline-info@malvernnews.co.nz
22July 10am RollestonNews- AdvertisingDeadline-info@malvernnews.co.nz
MidJuly 7pm RuralCollageClassesCommence DHS
24July 10am MalvernNews- FeatureAdvertisingDeadline-info@malvernnews.co.nz
24-26July 33rdHuntingCompetition CoalgateTavern
28Aug CommunityServiceAwardsNominationsClose
1Sept 5pm SubmissionsCloseforFocusForFutureShortFilmCompetition
12Sept NorthCanterburyWearableArts RangioraBaptistChurch
CANTERBURY INDOOR CRICKET REPRESENTATIVE
Following impressive performances at junior level, Darfield's Saige McNae is preparing for another important step in her indoor cricket career as Canterbury names its representative teamsforthe2026IndoorCricketNewZealand(ICNZ)Provincial Championships. A boarder at Christchurch Girls' High School, Saige has developed into one of Canterbury's promising young femalecricketers.
Her consistencyonthecourt hasseenher earnselectioninboth the Canterbury U18 and U22 Women’s provincial teams for the upcoming season, reflecting her standing as a key player in the region'sdevelopmentpipeline.
Saige has previously been a standout for the Canterbury U17 Black Girls side, where her all-round statistics made an impression on the national stage. During a single tournament block, she scored 95 runs across six matches at an average of 15.83 while maintaining a very tight bowling economy. The 2026representativeseasonwillbeabusyonefortheyoungallrounder.
The ICNZ Junior Provincial Championships take place from July 6–9 at the Hutt Indoor Sports Complex in Lower Hutt, where Saige will compete in the U18 division against teams from Auckland,NorthernDistricts,andWellington.Attentionwillthen turn to her home turf, with Christchurch hosting the Senior ProvincialChampionshipsfromJuly23–25.
SaigewillfeatureintheU22Women'sside,asquaddescribedby selectorsasbeingrichwithyoungtalentandlookingtoleverage its agility and court speed to secureahome tournament victory. Outside the indoor arenas, Saige is equally successful in the outdoor format. Playing for her local club, Old Boys Collegians Cricket,shehasfeaturedregularlyasoneofthemost consistent players,provingherversatilityacrossbothversionsofthesport.
Saige McNae and her Hornby Panthers mixed team recently won gold at the Indoor Cricket Pro League competition.
HORORATA GOLF HORORATA
ST JOHN YOUTH CADETS Wednesday. 5:30-6:30pm for 5-10 yr olds. 6:30-8pm for Year 7-13. 4 Bray Street, Darfield.
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.
BUSINESS COACHING
IS IT IT IS IT time to redesign your Life? Running a business shouldn’t feel this hard. I helplocalbusinessownersfix team and leadership problemswithoutlosinggood workers. Kieron McGhieStrategic People & Performance Coach Darfield. Confidential local coaching. Phone0212768311.
CARPET/WINDOWS
CARPET CARPET CARPET/Window Cleaning. Thorough job, good price, quick drying. Highly recommended. Please phone/ text Robert anytime on 0272999599.
CATTERY
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
CHURCH NOTICES
SUN 5 JULY 9:30am
St Peter’s, Springfield 5pm St Georges Kirwee malvernparish.wixsite. com/malvern-parish
Darfield Life Church
CARRS CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $90 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and leaveamessage.
CHIM 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.
WILLOW WILLOW wood, Dry. 4 and 8 Meter loads. Good clean burning wood. Free delivery. Phone0277811492.
DIGITAL DESIGN
SPOTTA 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.
At 10:30am 17 North Terrace, Darfield CHURCH NOTICES
SUNDAY 5 JULY 2026
PEA PEAPEA PEA straw, small bales $9 delivered. Minimum delivery 21 bales. Medium bales $90 no min. Phone 021 077 3692.
SUZUKI SUZUKI SUZUKI Sx4 2008, 257kms. Heated seats, 2L, Auto 4WD + centre drift lock. Bronze in colour.Tidycondition,bonnet needs a paint. Price Neg. Phone0210753094.
GRAZING
KALE- 12ha approx. 6 ton/ha. Good quality. Sheffield. Phone0212883633.
GENERAL GENERAL GENERALgardenmaintenancein Darfield area. Domestic hedge trimming, pruning, edging, lawnsandwaterblasting.Kane 0274676613.
WINTER WINTER WINTER tidy-up. Lawn mowing and garden services. Large sections a specialty with catcher or side discharge. Hedge trimming and other garden maintenance services alsoavailable.Regularor one -off jobs. Based in Darfield and servicing Selwyn. Contact Granton021619165.
LEASE LAND WANTED
LEASE LEASELEASE LEASE land wanted. Selwyn area suitable for cattle grazing. All sizes consider. PhoneReg0275670720.
MORTGAGE ADVISOR
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.
I bring the I bring the I the I the banks to you. to
EMERALD FARM FARM EMERALD FARM Native Plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Please phoneAnnie0273702067.
SCRAP METAL
WANTED! WANTED! WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery. Specialising in farm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please ph 027 695 0480 or alternatively0800030712.
STORAGE
DISCOUNT DISCOUNT Container Storage. For all your secure storage needs (secure site with camera). Cardale St, Darfield. PhonePhil0212234553.
RURAL RURAL Tenancy Inspections. Also providing Total Rural and Residential Property Management Solutions. Please phone the office 03 745 7102 or email office@ruraltenancy.co.nz
REPAIRS
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.Ph0277899532.
AMMUNITION AMMUNITION and reloading equipment. Powder projectiles, presses etc. Any caliber rifle / shotgun. Anything hunting related. Cash buyer. Please contact Rob033425885.
TRADES
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
A man hates his wife’s cat. He decides to load the cat off next to the road. GeBng home, he finds the cat waiDng for him on the doorstep. Again he takes the cat for a drive, driving much further this Dme. Again, the cat is waiDng for him by the Dme he gets home. He bundles the cat into the car and drives for hours, turning leE here, and right there. He phones home and his wife answers. “Is the cat there?” he asks.
“Of course, why do you ask?”
“Put him on – I’m completely lost.”
The wife leE me a note on the fridge saying, “It’s no good – it’s just not working. I’m staying at Mum’s for a while.”
I opened the door, the light came on and the beer was chilled. Goodness knows what she was on about!