Issue 228 - Wednesday 18th December

Page 1


If you don’t see the lights first, then the brightly red-painted letterbox with ‘North Pole –letters to Santa’ and other colourful, inflated Christmas characters are dead giveaways that something special is happening at this Rolleston property.

On Facebook, Hayleigh Clarkson, the owner and creator of this festive life-size Christmas diorama, said, “You'll find the letterbox in front of the inflatable dog and behind the festive sausage dog. That is a sentence I never thoughtI'dwrite!”

Hayleigh says her interest in creating Christmas displays started when she was around 16 or 17 years old when there was a huge Christmas display inDunedin.

“There was an entire street –Friendship Drive in Waldronville – that we would visit everyyear. And one year, I asked my mum if we could add lights to our house. So, we started with a basic net curtain of lights on the front window and some multicoloured ones wrapped around the handrail

onthestairs,”shesays.

When Hayleigh moved in with her husband, Dean, in 2009, she bought a couple of Christmaslightssetstoputup.

“I loved the lights; they always made me happy. So, each year I'd go out and buy another set or two to add to the display.

And one year, around 2012, I bought my first inflatable decoration, which was a Santa with some reindeer. And I remember thinking that this means we’re taking the decoratingseriously.”

Around that time, Hayleigh says they moved to Hamilton had suddenly had stores that stocked more impressive decorations. She suddenly had moreoptionsforherdisplays.

“My biggest purchase was our first year here in Rolleston when I saved all year to buy the Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer display piece on the fence,” says Hayleigh. “I remember seeing those huge display lights at Friendship Drive and finally felt like we were able to add one to our display.”

In the beginning it was just

Hayleigh setting up the display but now Dean is much more investedinhowitlooks.

“I've alwaysdone it for the kids because Friendship Drive had such a huge impact on me and really brought the Christmas magic - that excitement of

Santa and how magical all the lights looked,” says Hayleigh.

“Last year my husband helped me build a Santa's Letterbox so kids can post their letters.

Reading those letters brings mealotofjoy.

Hayleigh Clarkson with some of her magical Christmas displays on Chandler Way in Rolleston. It takes all of November to get the display in place with the help of her husband, Dean

ANNABEL’S EDUCARE

WEST MELTON

0 - 6 years of age

CHRISTMAS CLOSURE:

Closing Tuesday 24th December 2024, 3pm

Re-open Monday 6th January 2025

Thank you to all our past and present families for your support!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy Holidays.

CHRISTMAS ON CHANDLER WAY

...continuedfromfrontpage. This year I plan on replying to the letters if they have their addressonthem.”

The lights go on each night at 8:30pm but Hayleigh recommends visiting around 9:30pmtogetthefulle ect.

“We don't mind people coming

up ontoour drivewayto lookat the lights up close, but we’ve installed a small fence behind Santa's letterbox to stop people going onto the front lawn. We've had issues with that over the past yearsandit's super dangerous for parents to let their kids run around in

amongst the lights – there are cableseverywhere.”

For a full list of Christmas full list of Christmas light displays in Rolleston, light displays in check out the 2024 check out the 2024 Rolleston Christmas Light Rolleston Christmas Light Trail on Facebook. Trail on Facebook. Trail on Facebook. Trail on Facebook.

ROLLESTON MEN'S SHED

Another year ofSheddingiscomingto a close.

The Shed has had its annual ‘Xmas’ gathering and dinner, hosted by a member with a countryenvironment.

An engineering workshop job has been welding a frame for a woodshed for a member'sneighbour.

Woodworking projects carry on, another writing desk and more tables to refurbish as well as fixing the broken bits on tables and chairs. The CNC router is working continually on reindeer and other items. The 2D laser is engraving pictures on a variety of woods for coasters and other projects such as laminated breadboards, while the 3D printer is making handyitemsformembers.

The important item iscompanionship,andthis year a number of new members have joined the Shed for that as well as the technical side oftheShed.

The Shed is open Saturday, Monday and The Shed is open Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, 9:00am until noon. Wednesday, 9:00am until noon. Wednesday, 9:00am noon. Wednesday, 9:00am noon. For more information, visit For rollestonshed.wordpress.com. rollestonshed.wordpress.com.

PLENTY HAPPENING IN SELWYN THIS SUMMER

Get ready to make the most of warm days and entertain the kids with over 50 whānaufriendly events and activities throughout January and February2025.

The district’s latest ‘Kā Kaupapa o Waikirikiri What’s OninSelwyn’guide featuringa range of sporting, cultural and fun family experiences is out now.

Experiences include listening to live music from local

performersatMusicinthePark and Month of Sundays, flying a kite at Kite Day and taking your teddy to the ever-popular TeddyBears’Picnic.

This Summer for the first time you can also participate in Wellness in the Park, Rolleston's own outdoor event torefresh yourmind, body, and spirit with a series of Zumba®, yogaandHIITclasses.

The Council’s Executive Director of Community

Services and Facilities, Denise Kidd says there is plenty to be excited about for Summer in Selwyn, with lots of a ordable andfreeeventstakingplace.

“These low-cost events give our community an opportunity to come together under the warmth of sun, have fun with the whānau, and make long lasting memories. Whether you’re in the mood to sit back and listen to music or take part in a yoga class, Selwyn has something for everyone. If you’re new to Selwyn and you want to explore the district this summer, this guide will help you discover what we haveono er.”

To find out more, pick up a copy of the latest ‘Kā Kaupapa o Waikirikiri What’s On in Selwyn’guide from anyCouncil facility or check out selwyn.govt.nz/events.

Photo: Summer in Selwyn - Pool Parties

REFLECTING ON THE YEAR

AbigThanks AbigThanks

fromtheEditor fromtheEditor

As the year comes to an end, I want to say a huge thank you toeveryonewhohassupported the Rolleston News over the past year. Your commitment to advertising with us keeps our community newspaper going strong.

As I often say in my Christmas messages, with everything going digital these days, your support means the world. Your ads don’t just promote your businesses—theyhelpkeepour community informed and connected.

I also want to give a shoutout to those who send in sports results, articlesandshare news with us. Your contributions make the Rolleston News a true reflection of our vibrant

community. Getting the paper out each month is no small task. From printing the paper onsite to packing and distributingit, it’sa team effort fromstarttofinish.

The printing and copying side of the business has been a real highlight for us. We love helping people with designs and printing — whether it’s invitations, posters, business cards, Facebook headers, or event materials. Some jobs really get us thinking, and we enjoy the challenge of figuring themout.

This year, I’ve been lucky to work again with an awesome teamwhomakeitallpossible.

Charlotte Farthing: Char has been with the News for almost 18 months. She is the helpful, friendly face at the counter

and the cheerful voice on the phone.

Fi Maddison: Fi’s been with us for 17 months and does most of the writing for both the Rolleston News and Malvern News. She’s got a knack for capturing local successes and events, and her work is always agreatread.

A big thanks also to everyone who delivers the papers each week. Your efforts are truly appreciated and help keep our communityconnected.

From all of us, we wish you a Merry Christmas and an amazing festive season. Take a break, enjoy time with family and friends, and we’ll see you intheNewYear!

HELP SHAPE THE ARTS IN SELWYN

Selwyn District Council is seeking ideas on how they can better support the arts in the district, and they would love your input.

Whether you’re an artist, part of an arts group, a consumer, or simply passionate about the arts, they would love to hear from you through a survey which takes just 5–10 minutes and is a chance to

share your thoughts and ideas. Your feedback will help shape how Council’s plans for supporting the arts in the next three to five years.

To take the survey, just scan the QR code, which will take you right to it or access the survey using this URL code: forms.office.com/r/ Hnpzuwhm8U. Know someone who would be

keen to contribute? Feel free to share it with them – the Council wants to hear from as many people as possible.

SELWYN CADETS, ROLLESTON

The Selwyn Cadet Unit recently held its end of year parade and prizegiving at Rolleston. The Unit is part of the New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) and is a disciplined, uniformed organisation, which aims to develop youth through leadership, team building, drill, weekend activities, and many more activities. To be eligible to join, potential cadets need to be 13 years of age, be in Year 9, or be in their final term of Year 8. Parents are also encouraged to join; this can be done by joining the Unit Support Committee, joining as a staff member, or by going through the commissioning process.

The Selwyn Cadet unit was established by Ms Green, the school’s Learning Area Leader of Science, and is based at Rolleston College. To find out more, email selwyncu@cadetforces.org.nz.

TENANCY BOND LODGEMENTS ARE NOW FULLY ONLINE

Bond lodgements to Tenancy Services can no longer be made via email or post; they mustbecompletedonline.

A big change for tenants is that they will no longer need to fill out and sign a bond lodgement form at the beginning of a new tenancy or to add an additional tenant’s bond. Instead, they will pay their bond directly to the landlord, who will give them a receipt. Tenants will then wait

for a notification from Tenancy Services confirming that their bond has been lodged, which may take approximately six weeks.

For landlords, this introduces a new online process they will need to familiarize themselves with. Landlords are still required to lodge the bond within 23 days of receiving payment.

Other processes like refunds and transfers are not a ected bythesechanges.

To get help around this new process (or about anything else), please visit cab.org.nz or contact Citizens Advice Bureau on0800367222.

MeriKirihimete

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE NATIONALS

Recently Clearview Primary School took 15 amazing students to Auckland for the FIRST® LEGO® League Nationals. Clearview was lucky enough to qualify three teams for this event, all of whom represented the School with pride.

FIRST® LEGO® League challenges children ages 9 to 16 to think like scientists and engineers. During each season, teams of up to 10 members will choose and solve a realworld problem in the Project. They will also build, test, and program an autonomous robot using LEGO® MINDSTORMS and LEGO® SPIKE PRIME technology to solve a set of missions in the Robot Game. Throughout their experience, teams will operate under Core Values celebrating discovery, teamwork, and Gracious Professionalism®.

The three teams needed to create a solution to a problem beneath the sea, research to see if they actually create it by talkingtoexpertsthenput into practice and present it to the judges.

The Funky Monkeys team comprising of Penelope Hay (captain), Rosie Cantem, Jody

Nel, Eliza Weeks, Georgia Daly and Seluthi Halviti came away withtwoawards.

They won the Peer Award (Voted on by other teams) and the Robot Design Award (Robot designed the best to competeintherobotgame).

The Trash Compactors Team; Jackson Frame (captain), Ryley Arthur and Jasmine Black won the Motivate Award (The team that best supports themselves and others through Core Values).

The Fantastic Faries: Elijah Tippett (captain), Cohen Gnad, Bella Burns, Cameron Diehl, Marissa Birt and Olivia Hill didn’t come away with any Awards but thoroughly enjoyedtheexperience. The teams would like to thank everyone that helped them to get to the event and to those that went with them andmade the weekend a fantastic experience.

KEEP CHRISTMAS SIMPLE

We are about to say goodbye to another year with Christmas looming fast. I am sure it was only six months sincethelastone.

The temptation tooverspendis being thrown at us from every direction but let us not forget thatChristmasisaboutfamily.

In the Christian context, it started as small gifts to celebratethe birth ofJesusand joytotheworld.

In the Pagan context, it was in honour of the agricultural god Saturn where Romans would spend the week of Saturnalia

7

much like Christmas holidays today – feasting, drinking, exchanging gifts, and being joyful.The tradition of remortgaging the house, maxing out credit cards and generally overspending has been pushed by the commercial sector to the point where the debt hangover from Christmas can be anything but joyful. Stress on family and relationships was nowhere in theoriginalbriefofChristmas. So,asweareaboutto celebrate Christmas this year, try not to succumb to the spending hype and have a

WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS ON CHRISTMAS DAY

1. Giveyourselfplentyoftimetogeteverywhere–everyone hasthesameaimonChristmasdayasyoudo.Gettoyour destinationstress-freeandinonepiece,especiallyifyou needtospendtimeonanystatehighwayormotorway.

2. Goeasyonthealcohol–trydrinkingin moderation.Give waterorafruitpunchagoinsteadorinterspersethemwith drinkinginmoderation.

3. Keepthingssimple,keeptoabudgetanddon’tovercater.

4. KeepyourexpectationsofChristmasDayincheck;itisonly onedayintheyear.

5. Goeasyonbuyingpresents–goforthememorablesmall presents,makeyourown(children’soriginalartworkortrya newcraftidea),seeifyoucangetwhatyouareaftersecond hand(i.e.fromVinnie’s,SalvationArmystores,Hospice Shops,TrademeorEbay).

6. Eathealthily,drinkplentyof waterandgetoutintothefresh airwithyourfamilyanddo somethingfunonChristmasDay.

7. Lastly,bekindtoyourself. Christmasisadayofcelebration, family,friendships,laughter, remembering,andsharingwith others.

stress-freecelebration withwhoeverfillsyour cup, and greet 2025 with zero credit debt and a happy bank balance.

Merry Christmas and a very prosperousNewYear toyou all.

FRESHWATER FISHING SEASON RULES & REGULATIONS

Fishing licenses are on sale as anticipation builds for the upcomingseason.

“The summer holidays are near,” says Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Corina Jordan. “It’s a good idea for anglerstoget in earlyandgrab their licence so they can focus on sorting their gear and planningtripswithfriends.

He adds that fishing is great for physical and mental wellbeing. “You can’t focus on problems when you are focused on a trout at the end of your line. Fishing is also a great way to connect with whānau and friends, to teach children skills, instil a desire to protect the environment and help them learn

independence.”

New Zealand’s freshwater fishing offers great value for the challenges and excitement itprovides.

“Around the world, New Zealand is regarded as having some of the finest trout angling on the planet,” Jordan says.

The 2024-25 season licences are available in accredited sports shops and other outlets or online at fishandgame.org.nz.

WHO CAN FISH? CAN

Anyone can fish but you will need a licence for freshwaterfishing (in lakesand rivers).

Everyone, of any age, must carry a valid New Zealand

• CompleteDentures

• PartialDentures

• ImmediateDentures

• Relines

• Repairs&Additions

Sports Fishing Licence with them (or be namedon a family licence with the primary licence holder present) when fishing for sports fish in New Zealand.

According to the Fish & Game website there are ten different typesoflicenceonoffer.All Fish & Game fishing licences (apart from Local Area) can be used anywhere in New Zealand except the Taupo area, which is administered by the Department of Conservation(DOC).

Please note that if you buy a Local Area Licence you can only fish in the one region you havenominated–soyoumust be aware of that region’s boundaries.

You also need to be aware that if you plan to take your children or grandchildren fishing, you must all be covered by a fishing license otherwise you cannot be seen to be holding a rod under any circumstances. Being apprehended without a fishing license while fishing could resultinasizeablefine.

STAY SAFE ON THE WATER

The three risk factors most likely to cause death and injuryonthewaterare:

• thefailuretowear lifejackets

• aninabilityto communicatewhenan accidenthappens

• failuretocheckforecasts toavoidboatinginbad weatherandlake conditions.

The Canterbury bylaw states that everyone onboard vessels under six metres (including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards) must always wear a lifejacket, even in calm conditions. You can still fall overboard and get into trouble even if you’re close to the shore.

On larger vessels, you need to make sure you have one suitable, fitted lifejacket for eachpersononboard.

As we approach the festive season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year that has been and the many things we have to be grateful forhereinSelwyn.

Our district thrives on the strength of our land and those who work it providing a foundation for our communities and economy.

This year, your dedication and

innovation have continued to make Selwyn a leader in sustainable farming and food production.

We are also deeply fortunate to have a district enriched by Māori heritage and culture.

The stories, traditions, and manaakitanga ofmana whenua remind us of the importance of connection – to each other, to our environment, and to the

WHITE CHRISTMAS SLICE RECIPE

Ingredients

• 500 g white chocolate

• 1½ cups (45g) Rice Bubbles  or any puffed rice

• 160 g dried cranberries  (craisins)

• 140g sultanas

• 120g slivered almonds  toasted

• 1 cup (90g) desiccated coconut

Instruc(ons

1. Grease and line a 20cm x 28cm rectangular slice n and set aside.

2. Melt the white chocolate in a large microwave -safe bowl (on 50% power for 3-4 minutes or un l melted - s r every 30 seconds).

3. Add the Rice Bubbles, dried cranberries, sultanas, slivered almonds and desiccated coconut and s r to combine.

4. Spoon into the prepared n and press down firmly.

5. Place into the fridge for 3-4 hours (preferably overnight) before cu@ng into slices.

Store in an air%ght container in the fridge for up to one week.

pastandfuturegenerations. Selwyn has also cemented its place as a hub for education, innovation and enterprise. From pioneering businesses to forward-thinking entrepreneurs, our district continues to prove that creativity and hard work can lead to incredible opportunities.Together, we are building a future we can all be proudof.

This Christmas, I encourage you to take a moment to rest, reconnect, and celebrate the things that matter most. Whether it is time spent with whānau and friends, enjoying the outdoors, or simply reflecting on the year, let’s embrace the spirit of joy and generosity that makes this seasonsospecial.

On behalf of my family and our Council, I wish you a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperousNewYear.

HOMEKILL PROCESSING SERVICE

NEW: Paddock to Plate Service Mobile slaughterman available!

For fast efficient service, please call us to book your slaughter and processing!

SYNLAIT SANTA’S TANKER ARRIVAL

When Santa rolled up in a big Synlait milk tanker at the Dunsandel Community Centre on Tuesday November 26, kids and adults alike were excited and said it was their favouritepartoftheevening.

The Synlait Milk Supply team had a fantastic time celebrating the festive season with local farm suppliers andtheirfamiliesattheannualChristmasfunction.

The event drew around 300 attendees, with children enjoying activities such as the bouncy castle, face painting, and balloon animal creations, while everyone sharedadeliciousmeal.

The Synlait team thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with the local community and reported a strong, positive vibe from those that attended – reflecting on a successful springandagreatstarttothedairyseason.

TheSynlaitteamisexcitedtocontinuebeingpartoftheDunsandelcommunityin2025.

ROLLESTON CENTRAL PROBUS ...

We wish all a very Merry Xmas and a great New Year to all Probus members and others in thecommunity.

Our year has been successful as always with great outings, speakers, luncheons, and keeping up the tradition of Fun, Friendship and Fellowship.

Thank you to all who have contributed to the year; we

look forward to another great year with anticipation to have other folk come aboard with committee help and to what newmemberscanbring.

Our last outing will be the greatXmasLunchatLarcombs, it’salwaysahit.

A small group did a tour to Rusty Acre with an enjoyable lunch afterwards. January brings another lunch at Pedal

COMMUNITY GENEROSITY AT ITS BEST

Over

Pushers to start the year, then back into the real stu in February.

We hope everyone enjoys the break with family and friends, and we look forward to seeing old and new members next year.

Jill Webb, Committee Webb, Committee Member

ROLLESTON GARDEN CLUB ...

It's December, the last article for another year. Firstly, we want to wish all those fellow gardeners out there a very Merry Xmas and happy gardeningintheNewYear.

Thank you to all our club people that contributed in one way or another over the year.

2025 brings lots of exciting outings speakers so come along old and new membersto participateinthese.

Trips to Governors Bay, Ashburton, speakers on the history of flowers, garden designs and, of course, our winterfilmevening.

Nowjustkeepupthatwatering in the well-nurtured garden and enjoy the fruits of your labours. Also think about what can be planted early in the newyearforautumn. HavealovelyXmas.

Jill Webb, Committee Webb, Committee Member

NEWS IN BRIEF

KERBSIDE BIN COLLECTION

KERBSIDE BIN COLLECTION

Over the holiday season the hard-working bin collectors will be taking some time with theirfamilies.

As a result, there will be changestotwocollection days. Wednesday bin collections scheduled for Christmas Day and New Year's Day will take place on 28 December and 4 January.

WATER WATCH WATER WATCH WATER WATCH WATER WATCH

The Selwyn District Council is asking people to go easy on the water supply, stating that water usage over the past two weekshasskyrocketed.

“We’re now using almost 50% more water than this time last year, with each household using over 675L daily in our

townships. Water is a finite resource, and if we don’t cut back, we risk running out of what’savailableeachday.”

The Council suggests watering your garden between 9pm and 6am using a watering can or a hand-heldhose.

LEARNER LICENCE LEARNER LICENCE WORKSHOP WORKSHOP

Ready to hit the road? Join the learner licence workshop designed for ages 15 to 24. Get expert guidance on road rules, safety, and practical skills to ace your learner's licence. Workshop fee includes workshop and test cost (sat separately), making your journey to independence a ordable and seamless. Don't miss out – reserve your spot

now! If cost is an issue, contact SelwynYouthCouncil. Bookingsat events.humanitix.com/learnerlicence-workshop-youth-hubrolleston.

SELWYN BASKETBALL SELWYN BASKETBALL SELWYN SELWYN WITHOUT BOUNDARIES WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

The Selwyn Basketball Club will be holding an inclusive morning of skills, games and activities in a safe, non judgemental environment under the leadership of the SelwynHawksteam.

No registration is required for this event, feel free to turn up on the day. Saturday 21 December, 10am - 11:30am at theSelwynSportsCentre.

The recent Toot for Tucker in Rolleston, organised by the Rolleston Rotary Club, Selwyn Lions and Property Brokers Selwyn, helped replenish much-needed food donations for local food banks.
145 boxes of food were dropped off at local food banks thanks to the generous donations of residents in the Rolleston community and collection volunteers including locals, emergency services and local businesses. Pictured, representing Force1 Traffic, is Recruitment Manager Polly, who volunteered with her friends Dayna-Lea and Joe, in the annual Toot for Tucker in Rolleston.

As the year comes to a close and Christmas approaches, I hope many of you get the chance to enjoy some welldeserved time with family and friends.

This month marks one year since we entered Government, and we’ve made significant progress in easing the cost of living for New Zealanders. Just last week, the Official Cash Rate (OCR)wascut bya further 0.50 percent, and the Reserve Bank has signalled more reductionsinthenewyear!

When we were elected, the rural economy was weighed down by excessive regulation. We’ve been hard at work getting Wellington out of farming and cutting through the red tape that hindered progress.

Farmers and rural communities are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, and we’ve deliveredtangible results.Over the past year, we’ve reduced costs, streamlined regulations, andgiven farmersthe certainty they need to focus on what they do best. Thanks to these efforts, the primary sector continues to drive 80% of New Zealand’s goods exports, supporting over 359,000 jobs. By restoring common sense to water storage and grazing regulations, halving ETS

charges for forest owners, and removing agriculture from the ETS entirely, we’ve eased burdens and unlocked opportunities.

We’ve also supported rural communities with record investment in Rural Support Trusts, expanded seasonal worker caps, and funded vital animal health research.

Initiatives like AgriZeroNZ and investments in catchment groups are helping to secure a sustainable and innovative futureforourfarmers.

This year, we’ve strengthened trade by opening new markets and cutting $733 million in trade barriers – delivering real benefits at the farm gate. New Zealand’s farmers are world leaders, and together we are achieving remarkable outcomes for our economy, environment, and rural communities. This Government is proud to stand with rural New Zealand, delivering results that matter and laying the foundation for even greater success in the years ahead.

Back here in Selwyn, I’ve been enjoying celebrating with our community at events like the Courtenay A&P Show, the Rolleston Christmas Parade, and the West Melton Fête. I’ll also be attending the Leeston

Santa Parade and the Lincoln Santa Parade - please don’t hesitate tocomeover andhave achat.

My office will close from My office will close from Monday, December 23, and Monday, December 23, and and and reopen on Monday, January reopen on Monday, January on January on January 20. If you have any urgent 20. If urgent questions or concerns during concerns during this time, please email us this email us us-we wewe we’ ’’ ’ll be monitoring and ll be monitoring ll responding as needed. responding as needed. responding as responding as

This is my final column for the year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful NewYear!

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CHRISTMAS IN SELWYN

by the Rolleston

members

...CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM ...

OUR LADY OF THE PLAINS PARISH, SELWYN

Sadly, there won’t be many pilgrims in Bethlehem this Christmas.

I was fortunate to spend a month in Jerusalem, at an Institute, during 2019, about a 10-minute walk from Bethlehem Gates. Walking into Bethlehem I was captivated by the gra ti on the Palestinian sideoftheWall.

Without being too political, it seems to me that there is a parallel between the attitudes of the leaders of Humas, Hezbollah, the Prime Minster

ofIsrael,andKingHerod.

The Nativity Story, in Luke’s Gospel, presents King Herod as an insecure king of Judah, who didn’t love his people. The leaders of Humas and Hezbollah don’t seem to love their people. Humas still holds many hostages from their 17th October attack on Israel, last year, and they still fire rockets into Israel and utilise tunnels under Gaza. In retaliation, the Prime Minister of Israel just seems to want excessive payback. These leaders create

destruction and su ering for theirpeople.

The Christmas Story, and the subsequent Infancy Narrative, in Luke’s Gospel, records that Jesus was born during the reign of Caesar Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome, and the most powerful person in the contemporary world and King HerodwastheKingofJudea.

The 21st century has its hotspots – the Christmas Message isa reminder that this is God’s world, and he commissions us to govern it

well. We are given the two Great Commandment: ‘Love God and Love your Neighbour’.

At least once a year, we pause to savor the greeting of the angels and the response of the shepherd. Humanity is the shepherd; we have the tools and the discernment to fulfill the purpose of Christmas: to bring peace on earth. Leaders and their people need ‘good will’ to achievepeaceandconcord.

The gra ti on the Bethlehem Wall is an expression of hope

from the people. The gra ti expresses hope that the Wall willeventuallycome downand that there will be justice between the di erent Groups intheHolyLand. Wouldn’t it be lovely if the leaders in the Middle East, and elsewhere in the world where thereisconflict,listenedtothe announcement of the angels and made a positive response liketheshepherds?

Brian Fennessy, Brian Fennessy,

The 2024 Leeston Santa Parade enjoyed a magical evening filled with fun and community spirit. Locals, adults and children alike, turned out to see the jolly red man riding in a gig being pulled by a couple of local lads along the main street of Leeston. The gig was on loan from Selwyn Heritage Park.
Organised
Christmas Parade committee,
from the local Lions group and Rolleston Residents’ Association, rolled out a successful event enjoyed by many. Pictured is Santa enjoying all the attention as he took part in the Parade. The event was sponsored by Chris Lynch Media.
Children enjoy a variety of entertainment at the Rolleston Square Christmas Family Fun Day.
Children in the choir from Te Ahi Kaiomako Rolleston School enjoyed taking part in the festive celebration at Rolleston’s first ever Christmas Parade event.

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Ph: 03 324 8332

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SITTER Homesitters Required for pet sitting over Xmas. Retired/not working pref. Lovely homes and pets. Ph Lisa 021 547 262 townandcountryhomesit.co.nz

Are you looking for a change in the new year? We are currently seeking an Automotive Technician to join our small team in our modern up-to-date workshop. You will need to bring some automotive work experience, good work ethics and a can-do attitude, preferably with a WOF authority or ability to gain one.

If you think you can help us out and looking for job with great working conditions and remuneration please contact Brent on 027 249 4817 or email your C/V to: brent@sscltd.co.nz

SolarProtectivefilms.FadeUV block.HeatGlarecontrol. Privacy.Safety/Security.Frosted films.Freeonlinequotes. Email: info@tintawindow.co.nz www.tintawindow.co.nz Phone 0800 368 468.

TRADES

• Heat Pump 027 357 9401

kurtbenseman@gmail.com

Kurt Benseman - Registered Electrician

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