Local News for Local Communities
Issue 1,251
Friday 18th September 2026
Phone: 03 318 7450 | Email: info@malvernnews.co.nz | Web: www.malvernnews.co.nz Got something Newsworthy? Let us know too!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Seeds of Change Annual Spring Sale Page 2
History of Lake Ida (Part 2) Page 9
South Island Gymnastics Success Page 11
FISAF WORLD AEROBICS HONOUR Rubie Leech has been selected, along with her Octane Aerobics team, to represent New Zealand at the Federation of International Sport Aerobics & Fitness (FISAF) World Aerobics Championship in November 2026. Held in Invercargill, New Zealand this year, this prestigious competition brings together elite athletes from around the globe to showcase their skills in choreographed, high-energy routines that blend strength, flexibility, and performance artistry. Over 300 participants from more than 10 countries including Czechia, South Africa, South America, Australia, Switzerland, France, Belgium and Australia, are expected to compete in this thrilling event at ILT Stadium Southland in November. Rubie has worked extremely hard to get selected for team New Zealand. Since the beginning of Term 4 last year, she has trained three times a week in town plus twice a week in the school gymnasium or at home. She also has a strength and conditioning
program she does as well. Rubie also coaches girls from Darfield High School and Darfield Primary School once a week and all have qualified to compete at Nationals in September. This year Rubie competed at competitions in Sydney, Christchurch, Wellington and coming up, Dunedin for Nationals, as part of the selection process. To be selected, the athletes need to show consistency in
their performances between heats and finals, a high level of technique and performance qualities and show consistent improvement between competitions. There is a panel of selectors who watch them at competitions and view videos of their performances to make their selection choices. Normally the FISAF World Championships are held overseas. Last year they were in Prague and next year they are in France.
With such a short turnaround between being selected and the World Championships, Rubie will need to start fundraising quickly to help with the Team New Zealand uniform, entry fees, accommodation and airfares. If you can help with sponsorship, donations or an idea for a fundraising opportunity, contact Kylie on 027 496 9256 or email kgleech@xtra.co.nz.
Members of the Octane Aerobics team from left Rubie Leech (Darfield), Beth Andrews, Tanesha Sandri, Kayla Rice, and Claire Legaspi.
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Friday 18th September 2026
KMS BINGO NIGHT BOOSTS ASTRO TURF FUNDRAISING Kirwee Model School’s recent Bingo Night has raised $6,500 towards the school’s planned astro turf project. Organisers say the new turf will provide an improved outdoor space for pupils, while also supporting the wider community. Of the total raised, $500 has been donated to the Kirwee Fire Brigade to help fund an AED, which is planned for School Lane. The school thanked everyone who attended the event, bought raffle tickets,
volunteered their time, or donated prizes. A special acknowledgement was also given to Jono from Thirsty Acres for hosting
community events such as bingo and quiz nights, which organisers said had helped the school move closer to its fundraising goal.
A generous $500 was donated to Kirwee Fire Brigade. From left, Tyson Jones, Hamish Jones (Chief of Kirwee Fire Brigade), Lola Jones, Ollie Taylor, Dee Taylor (member of Friends of Kirwee Model School Committee), and Evelyn Taylor.
SPRING BLOOMS AT SEEDS OF CHANGE A much-loved spring gardening tradition returns to Darfield this month as Seeds of Change hosts its 10th Annual Plant Sale. The sale will run from 9am at Bronwyn and Mike’s property at 1141/B Greendale Road, Darfield, on Saturday, September 26. Bronwyn will also run a flower farm tour at
11:30am. Seeds of Change Floral Design and Flower Farm grow everything from seed to organic standards. This takes more care but is so worth the effort. In Bronwyn's tunnel house this past season, her tomatoes fruited from early December to the last picking in June. The tomato plants in the past might be the draw of the open day, but there will be many other treats to be found too. Dahlias have just been split, so there are many spare tubers up for grabs. Some named and other beautiful seedlings that have multiplied out. Winter roses will also be available. This along with other annual and perennial flowers, and fruit trees there will be everything to set up your spring garden. It will also be the first time the public will be able to see the
new ‘Pick Your Own Flower Beds’. This early in the season there might not be many flowers showing, but Bronwyn is sure to be able to make the vision of what the flower fields will look like in November come alive on the hosted tour. Having a local flower farm adds much needed floral options to the community whether you are wanting blooms for your house or a bride wanting buckets full for your big day. Being able to pick your own or having a beautiful bouquet created, knowing they are grown to organic standards, not like a high percentage of blooms currently available which are imported and heavily sprayed, and of course directly from the fields to your vases ensures you will get extra days out of the blooms. It is something often commented on.
Bronwyn Adams-Hooper is excited to share her flower farm venture with you.
Friday 18th September 2026
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SH73 SPEED REDUCTIONS FOR SHEFFIELD AND KIRWEE Community voices heard as safer speed limits are approved. The voices of the Malvern Community Board, Selwyn District Council and the Sheffield and Kirwee communities have been heard, with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi approving reduced speed limits through both communities on State Highway 73. The new limits will see the existing 70km/h speed limit reduced to 50km/h through Sheffield for approximately 1.25 kilometres, and through Kirwee for approximately 920 metres. Councillor John Verry, Tawera Malvern, says the decision was an important step towards improving safety on two increasingly busy sections of
SH73 in Tawera Malvern. “Both Sheffield and Kirwee have experienced increasing local activity, with more people walking, accessing businesses and crossing the highway. The 50km/h limits should provide a safer environment for everyone using these parts of the highway.” A particular concern raised during consultation was safety and access around the Sheffield Pies, where increasing traffic movements and pedestrian activity occur close to the highway. Jo and Ben Holmes of Sheffield Pies say they are 100% behind the speed reduction. “Slowing traffic through Sheffield means safer roads and, importantly, makes it easier and safer for our customers to cross the road and come and grab a great pie!
A simple step that makes our township safer and more welcoming for everyone.” In Kirwee, the reduced speed environment will also support the community's efforts to improve facilities and amenity, including the proposed installation of public toilets. Kirwee Challenge co-owner Vanessa Moore says the speed reduction is a positive step forward.
Continued on page 10….
EARLY DETECTION KEY IN FIGHT AGAINST NASSELLA TUSSOCK Environment Canterbury is urging rural communities to stay vigilant for nassella tussock as spring approaches, with a renewed focus on finding new infestations before they become established. While the invasive pest grass remains concentrated in parts of North Canterbury, it continues to be discovered in new areas across the region, highlighting the importance of early detection. Nassella tussock is one of Canterbury's most persistent pest plants and poses a serious threat to productive farmland. Once established, it can spread rapidly and become difficult and costly to control, making early identification and action critical. For decades, Environment Canterbury's biosecurity team, contractors and landowners have worked together to manage the pest, helping to reduce its impact across the region. Now, the focus is increasingly shifting towards identifying outbreaks sooner
and preventing the pest from gaining a foothold in new locations. Senior Biosecurity Officer Noel Crump says every property plays a role in limiting the spread of nassella tussock, with efforts across the landscape helping protect neighbouring farms and the wider region. “Continued surveillance is important, particularly as the pest can spread beyond known infestation areas. Detecting and managing isolated plants early remains one of the most effective ways to prevent larger infestations developing in the future”, Noel says. Environment Canterbury is encouraging people to familiarise themselves with nassella tussock and report or seek advice if they suspect they have found a plant. Maintaining momentum in the fight against the nassella will help protect Canterbury's productive farmland and reduce the risk of further spread.
Find out more about Nassella Tussock and report sightings to us at ecan.govt.nz/nassella.
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Friday 18th September 2026
A BIG THANK YOU! By Ainsley Burton. The Malvern Cancer Support Group wishes to thank our community for the generous support of the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day fundraiser. The amount raised was just under $10,000 for the Malvern area, which is fantastic considering the economic climate. These funds support services such as drivers for patients travelling to and from treatment, food vouchers for our community, and services including nutritional advice, physiotherapy and counselling. The funds also support the
Malvern Exercise Sessions, which offer free sessions for people living with a cancer diagnosis. A big thank you goes to our volunteers who gave their time on the Friday and Saturday of Daffodil Day to collect donations. For many, this has become their annual catch-up as they collect for an hour or two—all for a good cause. We are always looking for more volunteers, so if you are keen to help, please get in touch via the email below. Thanks also to the team behind the scenes for delivering and collecting the collection boxes, collecting and counting the money, and organising the details of this fundraiser. Every year, it works like clockwork, so well done on another great job. Paint the Town Yellow was well supported again this year, with businesses throughout Malvern dressing their windows in yellow. There were some outstanding efforts, with Kirwee Challenge taking first place, Springfield Challenge
was highly commended, and RTL received a special mention. Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to all the businesses that participated. We appreciate your support and the way you helped the community get into the spirit of Daffodil Day. RejuvenateYou held its annual Daffodil Day walk on Saturday, with a number of people turning out to walk the 6km triangle. Thank you to everyone who attended and donated. We appreciate your support, and the walk was enjoyed by all. The Cancer Society’s message this year was: “1 in 3 could be me.” With more people being affected by cancer, it is important that we continue fundraising so the services mentioned above can continue. Research is also producing groundbreaking results in cancer care and treatment. Once again, thank you all for your generous support, it is very much appreciated. malverncancer@gmail.com
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ALL GO FOR THE DARFIELD SANTA PARADE The highly successful Darfield Santa Parade and Children’s Xmas Extravaganza is set to be repeated on Saturday, December 19, this year. Darfield Residents Association Chairman Harvey Polglase says, “The response to the parade last year was fantastic, and we are currently organising sponsorship for the event. Entries for floats in the parade will be called for closer to the time.” Darfield Residents Association is also calling for more community support in helping run events such as this and generally promoting Darfield as a great place to live.
Anyone who would like to help, can contact the group’ group ’s Facebook page or email darfieldresidentsassociation@gmail.com.
Last year’s inaugural Darfield Santa Parade with Mayor Lydia Gliddon in the foreground. Photo Credit: Kathryn Taylor.
DO YOU KNOW YOUR LVR’S FORM YOUR LEP’S AND LEM’S? By Ginny Nelson. An LVR or lending to value ratio is a common term and worth talking about. In an ideal world, you would have a 20% deposit or an 80% LVR. For an investment home, the Reserve Bank has set a baseline of 30% deposit, but there are exceptions, and this can be sourced from the equity in your existing home. Banks like an 80% LVR or lower, as it lowers the risk for them, and borrowers like it because you are not subject to LEP or low equity premiums. This can also be called an LEM or low equity margin.
Some banks will add this as a percentage to the interest rate or may add it as a percentage of the lending in a lump sum that they will usually capitalize into your total lending if your LVR (lending to value ratio) is not too high. Kāinga Ora First Home Loans allow for low deposits – even 5% - but charge a 1.2% insurance fee (LEP) on the amount of the loan. If you are borrowing $300k, you would be charged $3600, which would be added onto the loan amount. Not all banks are equal and if you get a ‘no’ from one bank, it
does not mean you can’t get ‘yes’ somewhere else. It is a good idea to work with a Mortgage Adviser and find out if you qualify.
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Friday 18th September 2026
INSPIRING YOUNG CHEFS TO DREAM BIG Does your child like to cook, spend time in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes? Junior Chefs of Aotearoa is more than just a cooking initiative, it’s about inspiring the next generation to dream big, believe in themselves and discover what they are truly capable of. Created by Chef Deep, Junior Chefs of Aotearoa give young Kiwis the opportunity to step
into the kitchen, explore their creativity, build confidence and learn valuable skills that will stay with them for life. Through food, friendship and exciting challenges, the initiative is creating a community where every child has the chance to shine. Junior Chefs believes that every great chef starts somewhere, sometimes all it takes is an opportunity, a little encouragement and someone who believes in you. Its mission is simple: to inspire Kiwi kids, build confidence and create a brighter future one young chef at a time. Junior Chefs of Aotearoa is a nonprofit organisation and highly depends on sponsorship from communities. If people are interested, they can support us while sponsoring prizes for our winners or simply donate towards it. Junior Chefs has been fortunate in the past with all the sponsorship; their goal
for 2028 is to film this show and be the first to create kids cooking show in New Zealand. Junior Chefs of Aotearoa is a fun cooking competition celebrating New Zealand's most talented young cooks and is proudly supported by The Bicycle Thief in Lincoln. For more information about Junior Chefs show, visit thebicyclethiefnz.com/kidsthebicyclethiefnz.com/kids cookingcooking -show.
Chef Deep with a junior chef in one of his cooking classes.
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SELWYN SISTER CITY WINS AWARD The Sister Cities Committee of Selwyn District Council recently earned national recognition at the 2026 Global Cities New Zealand Awards held in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The committee’s entry was judged the strongest in the Best Project – Local Government and Corporate Members category. This acknowledged the Sister Cities leadership in delivering a high‑impact, non‑commercial initiative that strengthened cultural, community, and civic connections across international partner cities. Selwyn’s project stood out for its strategic approach to fostering meaningful engagement between communities, and for demonstrating how a district experiencing rapid growth can still invest in global partnerships that enrich local identity and social cohesion. In addition to winning its category, Selwyn received the Supreme Overall Award, the highest honour presented
across all project classes. This award recognises the single most outstanding initiative submitted to the national programme. The committee received a $2,000 Air New Zealand travel voucher. The prize underscores the project’s national standing and highlights the Committee’s contribution to strengthening international city‑to‑city relationships within the Global Cities network. Mayor Lydia Gliddon says, “The people on this committee are all volunteers. They host visitors, organise the exchanges and keep the relationships ticking along, year after year. That takes real commitment, so this is a very well-deserved recognition of our Sister City Committee.” The relationship celebrated with this award is the Rewi Alley legacy. Rewi was born in Springfield and lived in and contributed to education in China for 60 years. The projects celebrated included sending two Selwyn Fellows to
Gansu Province for 20 days each to experience Chinese culture and business; hosting an interpreter from Shandan, Selwyn’s Sister City for study at ARA and assisting schools learn about Rewi Alley. Also included in the programme was the commemoration event held at the Rewi Alley Memorial park in Springfield to mark the end of World War Two in China. Committee chairperson Allison Rosanowski was a panellist at the Global Cities conference describing Selwyn’s relationship with Toraja, in Indonesia, in a session called Partnering for Good. This provided an opportunity to highlight the interaction between our districts in agriculture, education, tourism and waste management. The committee’s success at the Global Cities Awards reinforces the district’s reputation as a forwardlooking, internationally engaged community.
At the 2026 Global Cities New Zealand Awards is, from left, Allison Rosanowski Selwyn Sister City Chairperson, Mayor Lydia Gliddon, and Judith Pascoe Deputy Chairperson of Selwyn Sister City Committee.
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Friday 18th September 2026
SELWYN LIBRARIES BACK LOCAL NATIVE BIRD A rare native parakeet with strong Selwyn links is getting a boost from local libraries as voting opens in Forest & Bird’s Bird of the Year campaign. Selwyn Libraries is backing the kākāriki karaka, or orangefronted parakeet, in its first
year taking part in the national campaign. The small forest-dwelling bird has twice been declared extinct, only to be rediscovered in the late 1980s. About 450 are thought to remain in the wild, including roughly 50 in the Hawdon Valley in Arthur's Pass National Park. The species now survives at only a few sites, including Hurunui South Branch, Ōruawairua/Blumine Island, Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and Pukenui/Anchor Island. Historic records suggest kākāriki karaka once spread onto the Canterbury Plains during beech mast years, when food was plentiful and breeding increased. Predators and habitat loss have driven the decline, with nesting birds, eggs and fledglings especially vulnerable to stoats, rats, possums and cats. Library staff say the campaign is a chance to put the
endangered taonga bird in the spotlight and encourage Selwyn residents to learn more about its recovery story. In the lead-up to voting, Selwyn Libraries will run kākāriki-themed storytimes, activities, Facebook posts, displays, native bird books and colouring activities across its libraries. More information is available at selwynlibraries.co.nz/whatson/bird-of-the-year. Voting closes 5pm, Sunday, September 20. To vote, head to birdoftheyear.org.nz.
Selwyn’s local native parrot, the kākāriki karaka.
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PIONEERING THE PUBLIC ICE RINK (1940S–1950S) By Jeanette Lyttle. PART TWO - Opening Lake Ida to postpost -war skaters in the 1940s. After the Second World War, Albert Ernest Lyttle (Bert) looked to Lake Ida with a view to opening it up to the public for ice skating. Along with a few other men, the Lake Ida Winter Sports Company Ltd was formed. A lease was secured for a parcel of land around the lake, another piece beside Harper Road, and a thin connecting strip for an access road. With the lease in place and funds raised, a bridge was built
over the creek alongside Harper Road, and work began on the 2.9km access road. At the lake, car and bus parks were cleared. By 1948, substantial progress had been made. The road was finished, and a causeway was built to cut off a small section of the lake on the right. This allowed the smaller area to freeze first, shielded from the wind and waves that disturbed newly forming ice on the main lake. A basic building was constructed to house a generator, a first-aid room, and a canteen. A radio shed was erected
Bert driving the baby Austin that was purchased and used on the ice, towing a large sledge on runners to give anyone wanting a ride an exhilarating spin around the ice in the 1950’s.
A light aircraft landed on the ice in the 1950’s.
beside the enclosure to broadcast music across the ice, while a swamp adjacent to the main lake was drained and likely converted into an additional rink. Long-drop toilets were built alongside essential safety equipment, including warning flags, a safety ladder, and a loudhailer. Blue wooden boxes on metal runners with pram-type handles were introduced; learners had a wonderful time pushing each other around or leaning on them for balance. Back at Harper Road, ‘the green hut’ provided basic accommodation for the workers, complete with a coal range, a few beds, a small woodshed, and fresh water bucketed from the creek. During the 1950s, the lake buzzed with novel attractions. A baby Austin car was brought onto the ice to tow a large sledge on runners, giving visitors exhilarating spins around the rink. A light aircraft even touched down on the frozen surface, and in 1958, New Zealand’s first-ever subice dive took place through a large square cut in the ice, with divers looking up at the shadowed silhouettes of skaters gliding above. By 1960, the original company went into liquidation and was reformed as the Lake Ida Winter Sports Association (Inc).
Next week: Part 3 – Checking the ice, busloads mix--ups from town, and pie mix in the canteen.
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Friday 18th September 2026
SH73 SPEED REDUCTIONS FOR SHEFFIELD AND KIRWEE Continued from front page…. particularly “Reducing the speed limit will help create a safer environment for people accessing local businesses, navigating intersections, and most importantly it provides more time for drivers to react and reduces the severity of potential accidents.” “Local communities have consistently raised concerns about highway safety,
around the Sheffield Pie Shop and Kirwee Garage. It is encouraging to see those concerns recognised and action taken,” Cr Verry says. The new speed limits are expected to take effect between late 2026 and early 2027. The SH 73 speed reductions will become legally enforceable once the new
speed-limit signs have been installed and uncovered. Until that time, the existing speed limits remain legally in force. “This is a good example of local communities, the Community Board and Council working together to achieve a practical road-safety improvement for Malvern,” Cr Verry says.
The informa on and opinions published are not necessarily those of the Malvern News proprietor. The final approval of le ers for print, rests with the editor. Le ers to the Editor should be no more than 200 words in length. Le ers to the Editor won’t be considered for publica on without the writer’s name (given and surname) and area of residence (not address) also being printed. Le ers wri en using a pseudonym, are unable to be published.
To the Editor: While we've all driven down flooded roads, I think sometimes several of these can be avoided. After reading a commentary in a recent Listener, I thought Darfield residents could embrace the idea of adopting a storm water drain nearby and committing to keeping it clear and clog free. We could copy their example and start a drain gang! Why not register and name the drain? Take a photo when you next notice a potential clog, clean it up after donning gloves and scooping out debris, then
take another picture of its now pristine condition and share on social media. Viola! You've helped keep crap out of our waterways, made our roads safer and neighbourhood look better.
Cheers Rose Fleming. To the Editor: I read the letter from Christopher Dennis, (Malvern News September 11) and noted he was calling for a new, preventative approach to health care. I whole-heartedly agree and to help achieve this, I run a
low cost, weekly health and nutrition drop-in session at the Darfield Library on Fridays 10am to 11am. All welcome, gold coin donation. This is an exciting new approach with the attendees gradually increasing as people become aware of these sessions and the value they can provide. We focus on prevention based on diet and lifestyle. The group is learning fast with a number actively losing weight and changing their dietary habits. The discussion is open in terms of diet but mostly based on a low-carbohydrate approach as outlined by myself, George Elder, in my website takebackyrhealth.com and my two books available from the Darfield Post Shop. Come along and help us grow this new approach. The current model is not ideal, so come and help us change it. Regards, George Elder, Diploma in Nutrition, Certified Metabolic Health Coach, author and Darfield resident.
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GREAT FINISH TO THE SEASON Ten-year-old Kayla Ridgen, of Greendale, has capped off her Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Step 1 season with 1st Overall in the Step 1 Overs at the South Island Championships. It follows a strong season, with Kayla earning two previous overall firsts, three overall seconds and an overall third. She began gymnastics with West Melton Gymnastics Club (WMGC) in Darfield at the beginning of 2025 as a recreational gymnast, then moved into the Step programme in Term 4. She now trains twice a week at WMGC in Izone, Rolleston, and regularly practises at home. Kayla says, “I love my gymnastics; I really enjoy it and always try my best. I’m very proud of myself. I want to thank all my amazing coaches and my supportive club who have helped me to achieve a fantastic season. I’ve also loved making new friends.” Senior Coach Katie Griffiths, one of Kayla’s coaches, says she couldn’t be prouder. “Finishing as the Step 1 Overs Champion in Timaru, alongside multiple podium finishes throughout the season is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of her hard work, dedication and love for gymnastics.” Kayla has also been part of WMGC’s Step 1 squad, which
achieved first and second place team finishes this season. “We’re incredibly proud of the whole Step squad and the way the girls support and encourage each other, creating such a positive team environment,” Katie says. Kayla’s mum says she is proud of the work Kayla has put in. “Gymnastics is very competitive and Kayla has listened to her coaches and worked on the smallest of details in her routines to just get a few more marks, with the determination to come away as a winner. It’s been incredible
watching her doing something she loves and achieve her goals that she sets herself.” Kayla has passed Step 1 and will now begin training three days a week towards Step 2, preparing for competitions starting in May/June 2027. Her goal is to enjoy herself, have fun, and do her very best. Kayla and her mum thank WMGC, family and friends for their support. “Just keep doing you, Kayla. Your mum and dad could not be prouder; we love watching you perform in something you really enjoy doing”.
Gymnast Kayla Ridgen (10) proudly shows off her certificates after a successful WAG Step 1 season.
MALVERN HOCKEY CELEBRATES SEASON Malvern Hockey celebrated the end of another great season with its 2026 prizegiving, recognising the achievements and improvement of players across the club. It was a great season for all teams, with a particular highlight being both Platinum teams moving up a grade this year. The Division 1 team had a challenging start to the season, but rather than letting this get them down, the players became even more determined, working hard at training and producing some good results in the second half of the season. The club thanks all the coaches, referees, committee members and parents who give up their time throughout the season to support the players and keep everything running smoothly.
A special thank you goes to Amy Truscott for everything she does behind the scenes. Her time, effort and dedication are hugely appreciated, and Malvern Hockey simply wouldn’t function without her. Malvern Hockey Club would also like to acknowledge and thank Grain and Grape for their continued support of the club; their ongoing support is greatly appreciated by everyone at Malvern Hockey. 2026 Prizegiving Results Year 7 & 8: Most Valuable – Sammi Tomes Most Improved – Piper Elder Coaches’ Choice – Rosaria Cridge Platinum Div 2: Most Valuable – Paige Thorpe Most Improved – Lavinia Burrows Coaches’ Choice – Meisha Carney Platinum Div 1: Most Valuable – Angel Hulston Most Improved – Saphia Ridgen Coaches’ Choice – Mandy Mead.
Prizegiving Winners: Back row from left, Saphia Ridgen, Paige Thrope, Lavinia Burrows, Mandy Mead, Sammi Tomes. Front row from left, Rosaria Cridge and Piper Elder. Absent are Meisha Carney and Angel Hulston.
DARFIELD GUN CLUB REPORT - SEPTEMBER 6 2026 By Bevan Brown. Spring dealt up a not so good a day for shooting on September 6, with light to heavy rain all day and a bit of a breeze. We had a low turnout in the conditions with conflicting events, which made for a short day. Once again, the Single Barrel eye-opener produced just a single possible with Marcel VanLeeuwen (B grade) showing the A grade contingent how it
was done. Very good shooting. Onwards with Single Rise, two possibles to shoot off for HOA/ A grade followed by Point Score, which required a shoot off for 1st to 3rd in the B grade and a coin toss for 3rd in the A grade. There was an excellent shoot off in the conditions that saw Brodie Mangels win HOA in the DTL Open and Tony Stuart relegated to 1st A grade. Many thanks to those who
helped on the day, however it Point Score Trophy (Meat was not a good day for the refs Prizes) and markers especially. A grade: D Folley 72, B Mangels 71, T Stuart 68 Results: B grade: P Templeton 69, Club Single Rise Champs B Brown 69, W Hill 69 HOA: B Mangels 25 C grade: E Mangels (junior) 64 A Grade T Stuart 25 R Bryant 62, D Frewin 54 B Grade P Templeton 23 Jefferis Cup: B Mangels C Grade E Mangels 23 113/120 Veterans T Stuart Lucky Shooter: Shooter E Mangels Juniors E Mangels Our next shoot is Sunday, Point Score HOA: October 4, Waimak 100. Dave Folley 72/75 10am start. All welcome.
Brodie Mangles.
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Friday 18th September 2026
LOCAL SUPPORT IN ACTION The Friends of Darfield Hospital are celebrating a successful fundraising evening, in support of the local hospital, with around $5,000 raised through the Darfield Indoor Bowling Club Hospital Tournament. The group thanked the community for its strong backing, including generous sponsors who contributed monetary donations and gifts, and competitors whose involvement helped make the event a success. President Elly May says the evening was a wonderful
example of local support in action. “This evening would not have been possible without the generosity and involvement of everyone who contributed.”
MORE SKI SUCCESS The Canterbury Primary and Secondary school champions were held on Friday, September 11 at Porters, due to lack of now at Mt Cheeseman. Darfield Primary School won the Primary School Category and Mt Hutt won the Intermediate Age Group. Darfield Primary School (DPS) students included: Bertie Nicolls, Camilla Reed, Flora Mcleod, Lexi Griffiths, Maddox Griffiths, Brockton Kerr, Della Deuchrass, Evie Stevenson, Max Taylor, Reuben Smith, Sienna Reed, Theo McLeod. Other podium finishers include Year 5-6 Boys: 1st - Brockton
Kerr (DPS), 2nd - Max Taylor (DPS), 3rd – Oscar Walker (Springfield). Year 3-4 Boys: 2nd - Bertie Nicolls (DPS). Overall Years 1 –7: 1st – Brockton Kerr. NPC RUGBY Darfield Club Club has two Division 1 players represent NPC rugby last weekend. Hamish Dalzell played in the Canterbury NPC team against Wellington NPC. This is the first time since 2004 that Darfield have had a player make the Canterbury A team. Geoff Cridge played his 100th game for the Hawkes Bay Magpies against North Harbour, becoming the 15th
The Friends of Darfield Hospital thanked everyone who attended and helped make the fundraiser an enjoyable and worthwhile occasion.
Winners of this years Tournament from left: Robbie Watson, Geoff Hantz, Valmai Hantz and Belinda Jones.
Congratulations to Darfield Rugby Club’s Premier Men’s Team, who enjoyed a successful evening at the Ellesmere Rugby Prizegiving last week. Awards were presented to: Harrison Groundwater - Most Tries, Haigh Jebson - Ellesmere Player of the Year, Alister Collins - Most Points, Men’s Premier Team - Coleman Shield Presentation. Picture above: Harrison Groundwater (Coach/player), Heigh Jebson, Blair McIlroy (Coach/Player) and Hamish Dalzell.
Centurion for the province. Family, friends and supporters attended the match in Napier to help Geoff celebrate.
GOLF RESULTS
GOLF RESULTS
GREENDALE GOLF
HORORATA GOLF
Results 12 Sept ‘26 - Russian Roulette V Fitzgerald + K Nagayama 75 D Watson + B Hopkins 67 E Hawker + P Bee 66 C Whitehead + B Austin 66 Nearest Pins. # 7 T Youngman # 9 D Watson # 13 J Camp #17 B Hopkins Mens Longest Drive S Lloyd Ladies Longest Drive & Putt A Webb Longest Putt K Nagayama Twos T Youngman B Taylor S Barnett M Howarth
Results 8 September 2026 Stableford Competition A Harliwich 37 G Marash 36 K Church 36 J Whitaker 34 J Helmore 34 S Neutze 34 Nearest the Pin – S Neutze N Pennu Two’ Two’s G Marsh
Friday 18th September 2026 PUBLIC NOTICES
CANOPY CAMPING Congratulations to Emily Horck from Kirwee for winning the $300 Canopy Camping Voucher. The Malvern News received over 50 entries during the campaign and received many comments about the fact that Malvern has so many amazing properties on their doorstep. If you want to support a local Canopy Camping escape visit canopycamping.co.nz and browse the collection. NUTRITION THROUGH MENOPAUSE Join Tania from Thrive Nutrition on September 21 from 7pm - 8pm at Darfield Recreation Centre for some evidence-based nutrition advice (along with a little myth -busting) to help you eat well through menopause. Bookings required at $10pp online at events.humanitix.com/fuel-and -thrive-nutrition-throughmenopause-darfield. PUBLIC NOTICES
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PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
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Friday 18th September 2026
FIREWOOD ACCOUNTANTS GARAGE SALE COUNSELING ARE your accounts taking up RECEIVE valuable, professional WILLOW wood. 4 and 8 Meter GARAGE sale trail. Sat 3rd Oct. valuable time you’d rather support as you navigate loads. Dry. Good clean Sheffield Pool Fundraiser. s p e n d g r o w i n g yo u r life's challenges. Confidential burning wood. Free delivery. Bookings: Michelle 027 788 6543 or Vikki 021 047 1597. business or with your servi ce wi th q ual i fi ed Phone 027 781 1492. t h e r a p i s t , L i s a M i l l s . family? Let the team at GARDENING Sterling Accountants handle Initial free 1/2 hour LAWN mowing and Garden your accounting and tax consultation. O27 814 0785. services. Large sections a www.goldentouch.co.nz compliance - right here specialty with catcher or on your doorstep. Call side discharge. Hedge Ann-Maree at Malvern CHURCH NOTICES trimming and other garden maintenance services also Business Hub: 021 215 available. Regular or one-off 0981. jobs. Based in Darfield and CARPET/WINDOWS servicing Selwyn. Contact Grant on 021 619 165. CARPET/Window Cleaning. CARPET FOR SALE CHIMNEY CLEANING GRAZING WANTED Thorough job, good price, GARDEN Tools, Plants and pots, q u i c k d r y i n g . H i g h l y CARRS Chimney Cleaning. l a wn mo we r s , g a rd en Servicing the Selwyn district. r e c o m m en d e d . P h o n e/ sprayers, lawn Solo Fertilzer text Robert 027 299 9599. $90 per chimney. Please ph sprayer, small saw bench, car Rodney on 03 324 2999 and Ramps, metal tressels, leave a message. CHURCH NOTICES outdoor umbrella, small CHIM Chim. We'll sweep your outdoor Table, fridge, log-burners flue, check the tallboy, homemade cheese firebricks, baffles, air-tubes Kit, ornamental Xmas Tree and controls. We're experts & decorations, and model LEASE LAND WANTED on coal-ranges, also sweepGas Aeroplanes. Phone Jill ing any sized open fire. We LEASE land wanted. Selwyn 021 189 8184. quote and undertake repairs, area suitable for cattle flue extensions and install grazing. All sizes consider. bird netting. Please phone us Phone Reg 027 567 0720. on 021 939 113. MORTGAGE ADVISOR 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 29 Aug - 24 Sept Wild Weaving Art Exhibition Te Huanui Art Gallery I can get you the best deal to 6-27 Sept 10am The Gorge Nursery Spring Tree Sale 479 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford suit you. I have 30+ years of 18 Sept 10:30am Gospel Services Glentunnel Community Centre lending experience, and I am 18 Sept 10am Malvern News - Contractors Guide Deadline - info@malvernnews.co.nz local. I can come to you. 19 Sept 7:30am Hororata Mechanical Swap Meet Hororata Domain Alan Lover Loan Market 19 Sept 10am Darfield Tennis Club Open Day and Working Bee Darfield Tennis Club 027 2516644. 19 Sept 2pm Glenroy Hall Centenary Glenroy Hall I bring the banks to you. 20 Sept 1:30pm Kate Sheppard House Part 1 Terrace Station 20 Sept 2pm MSM Annual Concert Darfield Rec Centre PLANTS FOR SALE 21 Sept 1pm Malvern News - Editorial Deadline - info@malvernnews.co.nz EMERALD FARM Native plants, 22 Sept 9:30-12:30 Weekly Malvern Cancer Support Clinic Darfield Library locally sourced. Lots of 22 Sept 10am Malvern News - Advertising Deadline - info@malvernnews.co.nz varieties. Call and see if we 23 Sept 9am Weekly Darfield Networkers Group - www.networkers.co.nz have what you need. 23 Sept 11:30-12:30 Weekly Justice of the Peace Service Darfield Library Phone Annie 027 370 2067. 23 Sept 1:30pm U3A - Food For Though Session 2 Darfield Baptist Church 23 Sept 2pm Friends of Darfield Hospital AGM Catholic Church SCRAP METAL PAINTING/DECORATING 23 Sept 7:30pm Glentunnel Community Meeting Glentunnel Hall WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap 24 Sept 9:30am Darfield Community Outreach Darfield Library UDI Painting & Decorating. 24 Sept 3pm Malvern Community Board Meeting Darfield Library Ltd. Buying cars & farm For all painting & decorating 25 Sept Darfield Touch Jnr & Snr Registrations Close services! Fully qualified. machinery. Specialising in 26 Sept 9am Malvern Anglican Parish Spring Fair Trintiy Church, Darfield Interior & exterior painting & farm clean-ups. Best prices 26 Sept 9am Spring Plant Sale and Open Day - Seeds of Change 1141B Greendale Road plastering. Wallpapering & Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please 26 Sept 2:30pm An Afternoon with Rebecca Nelson DHS Hall roof painting. Quality Services. phone either 027 695 0480 or 27 Sept 12pm Terrace Station Hororata Part 2 Terrace Station Free quotes. Please Ph. Udi alternatively 0800 030 712. 27 Sept 1pm Kirwee Bowling Try Out Day 40 High St, Kirwee Aale 021 074 2075. 27 Sept 4pm Oxford Working Men’s Club AGM 160 High Street, Oxford PAINTING/DECORATING udipaintingndecorating.co.nz 28 Sept 12am Malvern Health Survey Closes 28 Sept 7:30pm Glentunnel Residents Committee AGM Glentunnel Hall 30 Sept 7:30pm Community Meeting with Selwyn Water Hororata Community Hall 30 Sept Darfield Art Week Entries Close 3 Oct 1:30pm Kirwee Bowling Club Season Opening 40 High St, Kirwee 10 Oct 10am Dunsandel Market Day 44 Hororata Dunsandel Road 10-18 Oct Darfield Art Week 13 Oct 7pm Selwyn Rugby Club AGM Selwyn Clubrooms 18 Oct Springfield Festival - Community Market and Classic Car Display 21 Oct Rolleston News - Advertising Deadline - info@malvernnews.co.nz 22 Oct 7pm Malvern Community Board Workshop 22 Oct 7:30pm Rural Women - Meet the Candidates Evening DPS Hall 29 Oct Malvern Community Board Awards Evening 30 Oct MFVC Funding Applications Close 30-31 Oct Darfield ITM Fishing Competition Lake Benmore
Friday 18th September 2026 SITUATIONS VACANT
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SITUATIONS VACANT
WANTED TOOLS wanted - mechanics, engineering, wood working etc. Garage, shed, barn clearances, deceased estates etc. Please phone Rob on 03 342 5885.
SHEEP SHEARING
URBAN, LIFESTYLE, FARM
GENERAL property care. Services provided include: cleaning services (inside & out), gardening, fencing, maintenance, gorse/ weed control, spraying, hedges, chainsaw work, mowing. All tasks considered. H Donaldson. Phone 027 789 9532.
WINDOW REPAIRS
WINDOWS REPAIRS
TRADES
TRADES
STORAGE DISCOUNT Container Storage. For all your secure storage needs (secure site with camera). Cardale St, Darfield. Phone Phil 021 223 4553
UPHOLSTERY ADVANCED Upholstery advancedupholsteryltd@xtra. co.nz or phone 03 318 7378.
TRADES
TRADES
TRADES
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Friday 18th September 2026
ROOF MAINTENANCE ROOF & house maintenance. All aspects covered including spouting, mortar, tiles, reroofing, roof painting, moss, mould & silicone sealing. General repairs. Ph 03 347 6702 or 021 030 2835.
WINDOW TINTING TINTTINT-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
TRADES
A southern minister was completing a temperance sermon. With great expression, he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." With even greater emphasis, he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." And finally, he cried, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river." Sermon complete, he then sat down. After a few moments, the song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, "For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365: 'Shall We Gather at the River'." Matt’s dad picks him up from school. Knowing the parts for the school play were chosen that day, he asks his son if he got a role. Matt announces: “Yes, I play a man who’s been married for 20 years.” “That’s great, son,” says his dad. “Next time they might give you a speaking part.”