Issue 2020 Wednesday 24th April 2024

Ever since Amber Collishaw wasyoung,shelovedtotinker–a passion that began with pulling apart home appliances to discover what made them tick. Although she couldn't fully grasp the science behind it at thetime,thiscuriosityneverleft her.

On March 8, Amber was welcomed into the Houston United Space School (USS) Class of2024. InJuly this year, AmberwilltraveltoHoustonto attendlectures andworkshops led by experts in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field, including astronauts, engineers, scientists, and leaders within the aerospace industry. The program not only fosters technical and scientific skills but also emphasizes cultural exchange, teamwork, and global perspectives on space exploration. It educates and inspires youth to continue the pursuit of STEM, despite challenges, as it is worthwhile

andimpactfulforsociety.

Ambersays,“Beingselectedto represent New Zealand at the United Space School, a place where everyone shares this sparkofcuriosityandapassion forlearning,istrulyamazing.”

TheUnitedSpaceSchool(USS) is an annual educational program held in Houston, Texas,runbytheFoundationfor International Space Education (FISE). The USS is a highly competitive event, accepting only46individualsfromaround the globe who are passionate about science, innovation, and space.

“The day I found out about my acceptance,” says Amber, “I had just finished school and was heading home when my phone buzzed with emails. The first thing I saw was "Congratulations," and before I could even process it, I had to checkifitwasreal.” Itwas.

Continued on page 4...

TO MARS

Amber Collishaw, a Year 13 Villa Maria College student and Selwyn Youth Council volunteer, is excited to be following her dreams after being accepted to attend and represent New Zealand at the United Space School, Houston, Texas in July this year.

PINK RIBBON FUNDRAISER

Paula Silva of Paula Renata Beauty is hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast in honour of a friend at her studio on Saturday April 27 at 17 MashamRoad,Rolleston.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Kiwi women. One in nine women willbediagnosedwithitintheir lifetime and 650 women in Aotearoa New Zealand die fromthediseaseeveryyear.

In her line of work as a beautician,Paulasaysshehas had the privilege of meeting manyclientswhohavebattled cancer.

“Thiscauseisdeeplypersonal to me because it's a way to give back to the women in my community who have shown incredible strength and resilience. Running this breakfast event is essential as it allows me to support the foundation and engage other

local businesses in making a meaningfulimpact.”

Thebreakfastisanopenevent, and there is no entry fee.

Paula has reached out to several businesses who are generously providing a complimentarybreakfast. Hermenuwillincludea variety of Brazilian delicacies, thanks totheincrediblesupportofthe followingbusinesses:Sicakes, Re Samora, Sweet Paradise NZ, Koe Cheese Bread, Sweet Soult Patisserie, and Cheese Euclid.

“We'restillabletoacceptfood donations for the breakfast table, so if any businesses are interestedin contributing,they are more than welcome to do so.”

While there is no charge to attend or enjoy breakfast, the mainpurposeoftheeventisto raise funds for the Breast CancerFoundation.

Attendeesareaskedtodonate money at the event and/or purchase related souvenirs to supportthecause.

Paulasays,“Everydonation is a significant step towards our goal. Your generosity not only benefits our community, but alsoenrichesthelivesofevery oneofus.”

Whiletheinitialgoalisto raise$1,350byApril27, donationswillcontinuetobe acceptedafterthatdateand canbemadeonlineat fundraise.bcf.org.nz/.../ paul.../pinkribbonbreakfast.

NEW VENUE FOR FLORAL ART

Rolleston Floral Art Interest Group now meets in a new venueatRollestonCommunity Centre, which spokesperson Carol Rains says is ideal for

“YOUR LOCAL VETS IN ROLLESTON”

Hours: Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm

theirsmallgroup.

“It is a small group of friendly people interested in learning this as a hobby or those who wanttocarryontheirhobbyin the local area with no pressuresorobligations,”says

Carol. “We meet on a casual basisonaSaturdaymorningat the community room at Rolleston Community Centre, as the room at Te Ara Atea was no longer available for communitybookings.”

The group is led by Carol and Marion Mercer and meets every two or three months, when the room is available.

“Everyone is sent a message with details of date and what will be taught. We take suggestions of ideas of what attendees are interested in and create the programme to

suit.”

InFebruary,memberslearntto make amidelino swirl(using a type of cane), which they combined in a narrow container with a few flowers andleaves.

The next meeting is in May, where the group will design ‘A Basket of Autumn Gatherings’ to have as a welcome for Mother’sDayvisitors.Planning isalsounderwayformaking a basket and a simple way to designwithspringflowers.

There is a small charge each time to cover costs. Anyone interested can contact Carol at ctrains1871@gmail.com or phone0272241033.

Pictured are samples of different floral art design ideas using autumn gatherings. One is a full basket of pickings from the garden and the other includes branches of oak leaves and hawthorn berries collected from the roadside and put into a basket of fruit and nuts.

REPAY YOUR MORTGAGE FASTER

ByGinnyNelson.

The6milliondollarquestionis

“how do I pay my mortgage faster”?

Sadly there is no great secret to this – you need to increase yourrepayments.

There are, however, ways you can do this without even noticing!

• Changeyourrepayments (mostonlineappsallowyou todothis)

• Just$20permonthcould saveyou$14,000ininterest &reduceyourtermby1 yearona$300,000 mortgage.

• Ifyouareverydisciplined youcanrunarevolving creditaccountalongside yourfixedloan. Thebest revolvingcreditshavea reducinglimitsoyoudo actuallyrepayevenifyou

needtoredraw. Byputting allyourincomeintothe revolvingcreditaccountand payingallyourmonthly expensesonyourcredit card,youcansaveinterest (calculatedonthedaily amount)andrepaythe creditcardINFULLonthe duedate. Thiswilladdback ontotherevolvingcredit balancebutifyouarevery disciplined,thedebit balancewillbelessthanthe previousmonth.

• ALWAYSpayyourcredit cardinfullandifyoucan’t, getridofit.

• Lookatdebtconsolidation andwhatyoumaysaveyou canputtowardsyour mortgage.

• Ifyouhaveroom,geta flatmate/boarderandput thatrentstraighttothe

• Haveagaragesalebefore thefixedraterolloverand puttheproceedstothe mortgageasalumpsum payment.

Whilethereisnosilverbulletto repaying a mortgage faster, you would be surprised how little it takes to reduce the interest/termofyourlending.

Formoreinformationcontact Ginny,seetheadvertisement onthispage.

IS YOUR INVESTMENT BEING RUN AS A BUSINESS

WithSharonLayton, QuinovicRolleston.

Residential property management is a business and must be treated as such –professional, direct and under the guidelines of the ResidentialTenanciesAct.This includes keeping on topofthe ever-changinglegislation.

After 17 years in property management,whatstimulates me is being able to help landlords who have got themselves into a situation thattheyneedhelpgettingout of. This is usually a result of not monitoring rent regularly, not carrying out regular inspections or simply becoming too friendly with the tenants.

Most recently, a property owner, whose tenants were over $6000 in arrears, the house was in amess, and the gardens were completely overgrown, approached me.

Whilst she had written to the tenant requesting payment ofthearrearsandtovacatethe property,shehad notfollowed procedures correctly, so of course the tenant remainedin thepropertyuntilsheengaged ourservices.

In some scenarios we can work with the tenants, get things back on track and maintain a professional, respectful relationship going forward. Unfortunately, this was not the situation with this case, and we had to work towards getting possession of the house back through tribunal. We walked the property owner through all the necessary steps, explaining the implications as we went.

Now we have a very happy young family living there, a happy landlord, and a happy propertymanager–awin,win, winoutcome.

If you have any questions

TocontactSharon,seethe advertisementonthispage. mortgage.

about a situation, you are in, do not hesitate to give me a calltotalkitthrough.

MISSION FROM MARS

…continuedfromfrontpage. Followed by some screams and happy tears, she immediately called her parents. Their first reaction was disbelief, some expletives, and complete shock, followed by sheer excitement. She distinctly remembers having to pause everything for a few moments tofullycomprehendwhatwas happening.

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“I was one of 46 individuals chosenfromacrosstheglobe, and only one of five from the At-Largeapplications!”

The selection process was conducted in stages, with the number of applicants being reducedateachpoint.Instage one, Amber was given a prompt for an essay and then hadtoanswerthreeoutoffive questions.

“I wrote about where we should explore in space first, considering costs, sustainability, and feasibility, while making the mission unique with respect to purpose. This involved breaking down distance, finances, and looking at the long-term effects of my proposedmission.

Additionally,Italkedaboutthe development of an internal subsystem for a rocket and design improvements using new technologies such as Micro - Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology.”

After stage one, Amber advancedto stage two, which involved submitting her CV, academic transcript, another short essay, and references. Next came stage three: a panelinterviewwithNASA. An astronaut, an engineer, a secretary, and an executive

director conducted the interview. Each member asked different types of questions, ranging from leadership and character to elements of space, from habitationtocombustion. She says as the interview concluded, the anxious wait soon followed. “Being from NewZealand,Iwasoneofthe firsttobeinterviewed,asmine occurredonaweekenddueto the time difference of 18 hours.”

While at the USS, Amber is looking forward to connect and work with like-minded individuals. She says, “This collaboration reflects the world of space exploration, where it truly does take a villagetosucceed. Additionally,towalkinhistory, learning from those before us and from current experts about their passions and how their careers chose them will beincrediblyinsightful,asIwill be fully immersed in the field of STEM.“

Inthefuture,sheaimstobean engineerwithintheaerospace industry and the USS aligns perfectly as a stepping-stone towards where she hopes to work someday. “Once back fromHouston,Ihopetoshare my experiences and inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles they faceinschool,sports,work,or everydaylife.”

Since her acceptance, Amber’s parents have been ‘super supportive’, both emotionally and practically, helping her with pre-USS assignmentsandplanningthe trip, which she will be selffunding.

“Unfortunately, the United Space School does come with a cost,” says Amber. “Administration fees are $2000, followed by around $3,500 spread across flights, travel insurance, and accommodation. Additional expenses such as uniforms and gifts add to this cost. To helpcoverthis,Iworktwojobs alongside school. I’m also applyingforgrantsandlooking into different fundraising ideas. I have also recently set up a Givealittle page to help coversomeofthesecosts.”

Amber says she is incredibly gratefultohavebeenselected from New Zealand to attend the FISE International Space School.

“This once in a lifetime opportunity will stay with me for life, and I cannot wait to learn and collaborate with amazing people – and spam my friends and family with photosandfacts.”

TohelpgiveAmberlift-off withhertriptoUnitedSpace SchoolinTexas,youcanvisit herGivealittlepageto donategivealittle.co.nz/ cause/united-space-school

SHEEP HAPPENS

A resident recently got a surprise to discover some wayward sheep in his back yard after animal control was alerted to the wandering ‘mob.’ Police moved them off the road and into the property for safety reasons, while they contactedthefarmer.

The resident’s photo online caused a bit of a stir with several humorous comments and puns as the community latched onto the funny side of thesituation.

Someone was keen to borrow a couple to help mow their lawn, as they could not be bothered to do it themselves. Another suggested they were

the latest model of ecofriendly mowers from a wellknown business, “where everyonegetsabaaaagain.”

Others suggested a new meat delivery service with “meat to your door,” “meat and greet,” and “getting to know your

food,” while someone offered to“bringthemintsauce.”

No sheep were harmed, and theyweresafelyreunited with their owner.

The resident says they were glad that their backyard was usefulforthecommunity.

FAKE JOB OFFER SCAMS

A cyber attack group, nicknamed ResumeLooters, is out there. Like all fraudsters, they want your money, your bank details, and your trust. ResumeLooters suck data out of employment agencies and then use it to target job hunters, or hock it off to other scammers. Lurkingonjobsearchplatformsnearyouarefake recruiters who claim to be from a well-known company.

Remember your CV (resume) is all about you, your previous work experience, your strengths, date of birth, full name and contact details – all the info a scammer needs to pretend they know youwell.

Jobsdoexist.Realrecruitersdoexist.Job-hunting is an inspiring, insecure time. We applaud you. BUT... Take the time to react, breathe and think beforeyousign-up.

If it feels suspicious, it probably is suspicious. If you don’t understand it, walk away. If a job offer involves using your own bank account for business transactions, you are being setup to act asamoneymule.

Citizens Advice Bureau is one of many organisations helping to raise awareness of scams and the methods that shadowy forces employtowreakhavoconpeople’slives.

Many scams are fully described at www.ownyouronline.govt.nz, which you should readifyouhaven’talready.

Arm yourself with ways to protect yourself at www.consumerprotection.govt.nz, sorted.org.nz/ guides/protecting-wealth/fraud-and-scams and, ofcourse,withtipsfromCAB’sownwebsite,such as,https://www.cab.org.nz/article/KB00044104.

FREE CV WORKSHOPS

Need help with your CV? Christchurch CAB holds free CV workshops, 10.30 am – noon, on the first Friday of the month, in Hornby. Due to the popularity of these workshops, we ask that you book in, email: christchurchclinics@outlook.com or phone 021 246 0940.

NEWS IN BRIEF

BOOKARAMA-BOOKS

WANTED:

TheLincolnRotaryClubisbusy sortingthroughahugenumber of books for their upcoming Bookaramaeventtobeheldon July 11-13 at Rolleston Primary School. The Club is happy to receivebooks,games,puzzles, LPs,CDsandDVDs.Tofindout more and arrange delivery or collection,contactGabrielleon 021 202 2067or Grahame on 0211177453.

FREEFAMILYFUN:

Take part in an exciting search for various species in the Mahoe Native Reserve in Lincoln on Sunday April 28 at 2pm. You'll be on the hunt for anything that flies, grows, crawls and hides! This free event welcomes nature enthusiasts of all ages! Your observations are uploaded to iNaturalist.NZ as part of The CityNatureChallenge2024. You can also download the iNaturalist app to your own mobiledeviceandusetheapp to upload your own photos of organismstoiNaturalistNZ.

PREBBLETON FIRE:

The Lincoln Volunteer Fire Brigade was calledoutto afire at The Bridge restaurant in Prebbleton early last Wednesday morning. The Brigade says the fire was contained to one main area (whichisextensivelydamaged) and it was considered a 'good save'.

“Greateffortbythecrewstoget itundercontrolquicklyandwell done to the 111 caller who alertedus intime. We wishthe restaurantownersallthebestin theirendeavourstoreopen.”

BLACKDOGRIDE:

The Black Dog Ride is back to raise awareness of Mental Health & Suicide. The motorcycle Ride will meet at 9.30amonSaturday,May4atZ - Service Station, 530 Sawyers ArmsRd,Christchurch.Theride routeandsafetybriefingstartat 10am followed by stands up. This will be an open road ride withadurationofapproximately twohoursincludingabriefstop and will finish at a location on theoutskirtsofChristchurchfor lunch.

Riders are encouraged to donate towards Gumboot Friday.

ThisisaninitiativebyIAMHOPE to provide free counselling to kids.Therewillbenocollection taken at the ride, but you can donate via the following link, gumbootfriday.org.nz/donate.

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT

By Heather Power, Selwyn Central Community Care

On a gloomy looking Wednesday, a van load of folk headed over the hills to Akaroa. After visiting the cheese factory and doing a detour into Duvauchelle camp (toilet stop), we headed up the hills into the sunshine. The cloud had lifted, and we could enjoy Banks Peninsula at its most picturesque.

Lunch of course was fish and chips - Chatham Island blue cod – and was absolutelydelicious.

During our meal we discussed some ideas for other trips we could do, and how we can encourage more folk to join in the fun. Ideas came thick and fast, but I must admit some were more wishfulthinking–like a winetrail,atripuptoMtHutt or a ladies’ op shopping trip but who knows what our talented and experienced drivers will come up with. More realistic, perhaps, was a trip to Spotlight for the crafters and having picnics

in some of the more out of the way places in the Selwyn district. It was suggested that we keep a list of annual seasonal trips, for example gardens to visit in Spring and Summer, indoor venues like galleries and specialty exhibitions in winter, and so on.

After lunch we meandered around some quirky little shops down by the waterfront and our wonderful driver Helen steered us toward the Cake Room. High tea at its finest and greatly enjoyed even by those of us with dietary

issues. We left Akaroa vowing we would be back, ehJeanette? Safely home again after a great day out, we all met some new friends and some formerones.

Thankyou Fern, Ann, Wally, Jeanette, Eric, Gloria, Dorothy, and Helen, plus Helenthedriver.

If you are reading this and feeling envious, why not join us? You don’t have to be retirees, but it helps. Contact Ross: 027 4334767 or Yvonne: 0273131122.

ROLLESTON GARDEN CLUB

By Jill Webb

The seasons are changing, daylightsavinghasgone,but gardens still need attention. The leaves that have fallen and are good to collect for compost or mulch, so make useofthem.

With the moisture from the little rain we’ve had, and the heat from those summer days, it has given the weeds a hurry up, so keep on top of that. Pruning of plants that have recently flowered can be done and it won’t be long before the roses will need a trim as well. Dahlias are still flowering well, so keep deadheading to keep the colourinyourgarden.

Our trips out have been interesting – at the wasabi farm, we tried a most pleasing sample and from that one ofourmembers will be showing us how to make ourowncurrypowder.Atour next meeting, we’ll have a speaker from the Karkariki Kitchen, which should be interestingtoo.

The group, of course, has been putting in the hours to keep the St. John area neat and tidy, but the railway needs a tidy up again, so

come along on April 29 and get it right for the view of passersby. In the meantime, come along and join our group for a chat about your gardening

a cuppa and meet newfolkinthearea.

For more infocontact: Julie on 03347 1311or Anne on 033478817.

ROLLESTON CENTRAL PROBUS UPDATE

By Jill Webb

The year in marching on and April has brought the end of daylight saving. If the older folk don't want to be out at night, the solution is to join a group like us and enjoy company, interesting speakers, and outings. We are pleased to say quite a good group have joined just recently and it's great to hear their interesting stories about why they have come here. Good for you!

Our recent activities have been enjoyed by many and included a trip to Glentunnel to the museum, and a walk around the township to hear about the history, which was interesting. Our next outing is to Willow Spring Gardens and lunch at Terra Viva with more history to be told there. I realise there are things that don't suit everyone but the choice of picking and choosing your interests is there.

The Out and About group had a walk in the Rakaia area, which some found a bit difficult, but there was the riverbank on the flat to see, and then, of course, lunch at Hororātā Cafe. We highly recommend the pie and chips. May will take us to a Stewart Classic Car collection, a great one for our men folk.

Coffee mornings are well-supported. Our guest speakers were great with Dr. Bernadette Devlin at the March meeting giving an informative talk about Rolleston’s history. She received funding from Selwyn District Council to research the history of Rolleston and write a book. Ar April meeting, Anna Leask spoke about reporting on crime for the Herald. Coming up in May, our guest speaker will be a local police officer.

Come along the third Tuesday of the month for Fun, Fellowship, and Friendship.

For further info on us contact: Herb: 03 321 7466 or Denise: 027 5557 0515

woes,

Happy passengers at Akaroa.

LINE DANCING AT DARFIELD

Dancing to a variety of music, exercise, socialising, and travel all in one package. No need for a partner.

Suitable for young & old, men & women Darfield Recreation Centre Wednesday’s 6 - 8.30pm.

Bring a friend & start now - first timers please contact first Instructor Jenny Brookes 0274 452 285 Jennybrookes76@gmail.com

Ph: 03 324 8332

M: 021 723 089 www.newzealandcelebrant.nz

Jo Babe - Wedding Celebrant 0274323360 jobabenz8@gmail.com www.jobabecelebrant.co.nz For your personalised wedding ceremony

CARRS CARRS CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $80 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 any sized open fire. We quote and undertake repairs, flue extensions and install bird netting. 021 939 113 MembersNZHHA.

LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE, farm tracks, yards and dairy lanes our speciality. Screened rotten-rock, it’s local and lasts better. Contact the Springfield Quarry today! Phone3184132.

MOSS MOSS MOSS MOSS control, silicone seal (waterproofing), spouting clean & repairs, bird proofing, spider & fly control. Roof leak repairs(inclButynol)allroof& spouting types incl 2 storey work! Call Arthurs Roof & Property Services, 6 days. 03 3472635or0275847980.

ROOF ROOF ROOF ROOF & house maintenance. All aspects covered including spouting, mortar, tiles, re-roofing, roof painting, moss, mould & silicone sealing. General repairs. Please phone 03 347 6702 or0210302835.

We

looking for somewhere permanent to call home in the Malvern Hills/neighbouring districts. It must be private, independent, and fully self-contained, able to connect to the internet. I am self-employed and work full-time.

BIRCHFIELD

Firewood

Dry, shed stored, naCve wood and kindling.

20kg bags or 500kg bulk bags. Pick-up or delivery (charges apply) WINZ quotes. Ph 03 975 4502 417 Creyke Rd, Darfield.

les, presses etc.Any calibre. Anything hun ng related. TOOLS mechanics, engineering, wood working etc. Garage, shed, barn clearances, deceased estates etc.

KITCHENS KITCHENS - new or renovate existing with new doors and bench tops, wardrobes, laundries, vanities made to size. Built-in bookcases and wall units, melamine or timber desks, buffets, tables or any furniture. Great prices and advice. Please phone Lex 0274393926or3490150.

TRADES

Kid going to his first day of school, he looks worried, his dad asks him, "What's wrong?"

Nervous, the kid asks, "How long do I have to go to school for?"

"Until you're 18", says the father. The kid nods, and thinks about this quietly. When they get to the front gates of the school, the kid says, "Dad, you will remember to come and get me when I'm 18, won't you?"

My wife complained that my life revolving around Facebook has destroyed the way we communicate as a family, So I blocked her.