The Observer June 2020

the Observer JUNE 2020

June

twenty

20

Welcome to the June issue of the Observer.

After so much time at home, we have been enjoying getting out and about again, and spending time working in Rangiora at Niche Shared Space.

There certainly were benefits in the short commute to the dining table, and not having to get super dressed up for work, but it is great to have somewhere else to work where other people are, and where you can get inspiration and encouragement from others.

If you have wanted to try out a co-working space then June is the perfect time to try – check out Niche Shared Space’s advertisement on page 5.

If you make a booking for a hot desk, you will receive a free coffee from Fresca.

As we head into winter, Oxford Promotions are inviting people and businesses to light up their homes and businesses. There is no Winter Lights Festival this year, but everyone can still take part in this event, with prizes for winners in two categories. What a great way to light up some of these cold dark nights for others in the community to enjoy. More details on page 11.

As always thank you so much for your support. Keep warm and look after yourselves.

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Waimakariri District Council looking at reductions and recovery I want to take this opportunity to talk to you about your Council’s plan to assist Waimakariri District residents and businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

While this virus has been primarily a health issue, it has immediate and long-ranging economic effects that I know are being felt by families, workers and employers across the District.

Given the uncertainty about what’s coming next, I wanted to share your Council’s plans for how Waimakariri will recover.

I know that everyone in our District has been affected in some way by this virus – be it through health and wellbeing issues, reduced working hours, job losses, businesses under pressure or worse, having to close. I’ve been hearing the stress and concern in people’s voices and know a lot of people are hurting. My friends and family, like yours, are experiencing increased anxiety and a general level of uncertainty about the future. That said, there continues to be a lot of assistance from the Government which I won’t repeat here.

I’ve also heard people call for a zero percent rates increase in the coming year, while others are asking the Council to invest to assist economic recovery to support local jobs and businesses. Restraining rates is and will be important, but delivering essential water services, maintaining community-owned assets like roads and providing services such as pools and libraries requires funding, and remain important.

In my view we need to play a role in helping to get our local economy running again, which ultimately results in more local people in local jobs. Equally, essential service infrastructure that needed to be replaced, still needs to be replaced, so that as a community our essential services are reliable and resilient. The challenge when the Council looks ahead to decisions on next year’s budget is walking the line in a way that looks after residents today, with relief initiatives, while also making decisions which will help us recover - and which will benefit our young people and future generations. The decisions we need to make to help Waimakariri recover will not be easy ones but will, I believe, help in the short term while also minimising the locally felt and longer-lasting economic effects of COVID-19.

Recently central government identified a large pool of funds for infrastructure projects towards recovery, and our Council has put forward our list of ‘shovel-ready’ projects, together with Greater Christchurch partner councils. We have a number of projects planned and ready to go. This includes programmes of smaller works that will benefit smaller local contractors. We’re also working with developers and builders to make sure projects requiring consents, or businesses requiring approvals, are dealt with as quickly as possible.

As I’m sure you all appreciate, the situation has been changing rapidly and the full effects of COVID-19 remain uncertain, but what is clear is that they will be felt for a while. I know it can be an overused phrase but, given what we’ve been through in recent years, Waimakariri is a resilient district and one that has overcome adversity of this level before. We can, and will, do it again.

The Council and staff are working on a review and revision of our programme with the aim being to maintain essential services.

Rates and the Annual Plan

We know locals facing hardship will be anxious about rates and we have a significant rebate scheme and range of options available designed specifically to help. Waimakariri District Council is one of only a small number of Councils that has always offered hardship support like this. It’s not something new, and we will continue to support you however we can.

We have also moved quickly to sharpen our pencil and we’re reviewing our Draft Annual Plan for the coming year to make sure any immediate rates increases are as low as possible. We can’t yet confirm the numbers, but trust that we are working hard on this and will update

you as soon as possible. What the review will also do is place the Council in an informed position so that our next moves are considered and are the best path to recovery.

We need to be mindful of the effects of budget decisions in both the short and longer term. In short, we want to cushion the impact on families in the immediate future, but don’t want to make any quick or ill-considered decisions that have longer term financial consequences, and stall Waimakariri from bouncing back.

The coming year is when we write our Long Term Plan, a work programme that takes a 10- year look ahead from mid-2021. We are already working on that Plan and the decisions we make will have long-term consequences. As a Council we owe it to ratepayers to make the right decisions for our residents today as well as in the future. The view I take is that we should continue to work to create a thriving, sustainable district that we will be proud to leave to future generations.

The role of infrastructure

You will have seen news coming from the Beehive that significant Central Government funding is being put aside to stimulate the economy, keep people in jobs, and provide greatly needed infrastructure as we recover from this pandemic.

The signals coming from Wellington are that they are looking for ‘shovel-ready’ projects. This is in addition to the $12 billion upgrade programme announced recently, and an $800 million reallocation of unspent Provincial Growth Funds.

The reason for this is simply that there are significant projects the country needs, and funding these projects creates jobs and keeps people in work. Keeping people in work will soften the COVID-19 economic blow and fill pockets, which has flow-on effects for all parts of the community.

As a Greater Christchurch partner we are working with neighbouring councils on an overall Recovery Plan that takes both an economic and social recovery point of view. Ultimately, that Plan will aim to see the wider Canterbury region thriving and prosperous. The Greater Christchurch councils have a strong history of collaborative working which, behind the scenes, assisted our fast recovery from the earthquakes of 10 years ago, and we aim to repeat this success.

The projects we are asking the Government to fund or co-fund are ones that are needed and have already been designed for Waimakariri – road realignments, flood protection, drinking water infrastructure, public transport support and big-picture projects like the Woodend Bypass, which will better enable the development of ‘shovel-ready’ Ravenswood residential and commercial areas.

Recovery isn’t in any way just the role of councils however, and we are committed to working with local developers, builders and businesses on projects with aligned purposes and goals. I see this as a huge opportunity for the District to stimulate our economy, as well as bring forward-thinking, and on-the-ground initiatives, around climate change and sustainability to the fore, so that our District grows in a way that is both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Residents remain at the forefront of our thinking

Discussions around the Council table have been almost wholly focused on the twin goals of relief and recovery that I’ve mentioned already. We are aware of the issues out there, the hardships people are facing and the anxiety that comes with an uncertain future. This whole COVID-19 situation has been a rollercoaster for everyone!

Please know that all members of the Council are united in their desire to look after the Waimakariri community – what is best for the community overall is the view we take with regard to all our decisions.

I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance - email me at mayor@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021 906 437. I’m here to help.

Dan Gordon Mayor Waimakariri District Council

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Update on Oxford bus service Kia ora koutou Since learning of the sudden decision by Red Bus to cancel this service I have had conversations with both Environment Canterbury (ECan) and Red Bus Ltd. Red Bus are not in a position to reconsider their decision for a range of reasons, including their present ownership and financial situation.

As the Red Bus service was privately provided, ECan have not been involved in the service provision and it therefore follows that there is presently no subsidy available to operate a service. While ECan would be prepared to have a conversation with the community about the provision of a bus service, there would be an ECan rating component to this. I understand that in discussions in the past the community have indicated that they were not prepared to pay for this.

This view may have changed; however this would be a matter for ECan to consider if members of the community wanted a bus service operated by them.

It is encouraging to see that following the announcement by Red Bus of the cancellation of their service, there are now options and choices for our community. I want to acknowledge the efforts of all those providers who have stepped up. Fantastic to see.

If you would like to enquire about the Little Blue Bus Service contact 021 058 2743 or www.littlebluebus.co.nz.

Another operator (Dusted Trading) has emerged and will offer a service to the broader public as well as students. To find out more contact: driver@dustedtrading.co.nz, 021 090 21 565, www.dustedtrading.co.nz Oxford Community Trust still offers transport for all medical-related appointments to Rangiora or Christchurch. They also have a minivan that goes to Rangiora weekly. To contact this service phone 03 312 3006.

As always, happy to assist.

Kind regards Dan Gordon | Mayor Waimakariri District Council

I had an approach from a private provider - the Little Blue Bus Company - which currently operates a niche service taking students to high schools in the city. They have been working with the Ministry of Education and Oxford Community Trust and intend to extend their service, to include collecting students from Oxford and various points through Cust, West Eyreton and along Tram Road.

They have an arrangement to obtain a bus to accommodate these additional passengers, but in order to adhere to social distancing requirements and Ministry of Education guidelines they will not be able to take non-student passengers, at the present time.

I arranged a video conference with the Little Blue Bus Company and Oxford Community Trust with ECan to ensure there was appropriate advice and further support if required.

• Dozers • Graders • Dump Trucks and Trucks • Rollers • Diggers with Power Clamp • Mole Ploughing • Land Clearing/Development

• Effluent Ponds • Ponds and Dams • Root Raking • Tree Felling • Stump Removal • Tracks and Driveways • Dairy Conversions

Financial accounts and tax returns Bookkeeping bureau Payroll outsourcing (1 employee to 100 plus) Cashflow and forecasting help www.backofficesystems.co.nz 4 Rata Street, Oxford - phone 312 1264 Email - office@backofficesystems.co.nz

• AP20 • AP40 • AP60 • Boulders • Silage Pits etc • Rotten Rock • Dairy & Silage pad capping

~ SITE SPECIFIC SAFETY PLANS, INSURANCE AND PUBLIC LIABILITY AT EVERY SITE ~

Phone ALEX on 027 295 6794 six

We are looking in the near future, to do a needs analysis for the community in light of the changing circumstances for many people.

We will advertise a date as soon as we know we can safely do this, but if you have any great ideas for the Community, you can start sharing them with us now.

The ‘I’ve Got Your Back’ team have been working behind the scenes on another project - coming soon…..

Our medical transport services are still operating as usual.

Please contact us with your appointment time, and we can arrange a driver to take you.

We have policies in place re: Covid 19 to keep you safe.

If you need assistance please contact us.

You may not have had need of our service before, but if your circumstances have changed, and you need some support we are here to help.

PLEASE PHONE 312 3006 ANY TIME

Your call will be answered, or returned promptly.

Oxford Community Trust

Welcome winter June morning special

Come in between 9am & 10am Monday to Thursday, spend over $10 and get a regular coffee or tea free!

Gold Card Tuesday's

Meeting friends for morning tea?

Present your gold card to us and choose a muffin/slice or scone and regular hot drink for only $7.00

Pie Day Friday

Choose from the following items and create your own combo!

3 items for $15.00. Eat in or take away A Famous Sheffield Pie, A sandwich or Filled Roll, A slice A sausage roll, A regular coffee or tea, A scone or muffin

All deals apply to dining in or take away T & C's Apply, Limited time only, While stocks last.

- Oxford Store, 78 Main Street, Oxford, Ph 03 312 4397 - Sheffield Store, 51 Main West Road, Sheffield , Ph 03 318 3876 Monday - Friday 6:30am - 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday 7:00am - 4:00pm sales@sheffieldpieshop.co.nz www.sheffieldpies.co.nz

Famous Sheffield Pies

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Emma’s celebrates 13 years Emma’s at Oxford, the popular destination-in-its-own-right book and gift store in Oxford’s Main Street, turns 13 in June. Owner, Emma Gillard, is rightfully proud of this milestone.

“My shop is my baby, and I’m very hands-on,” says Emma.

“I’m very passionate about what I do, how it looks in-store, and the most important people - my customers. I love what I do, and I’m always learning and evolving; watching how people move around the shop, what they like and what they look for.”

Starting a business in a small, semi-rural town where she knew no-one has been better than Emma ever expected. “The community was very welcoming and has given me incredible support over the years – especially four years ago, when I faced some hard times personally, which included losing my Mum. I would never have had that if I was still in Auckland.

“I feel that thirteen is an outstanding achievement these days. I’ve seen a lot of change in Oxford since I opened, and we have all faced challenges – the impact of the global financial recession just after I opened and then all the earthquakes. Each event impacted the business differently, but we are still here,” says Emma.

She does admit that the current “blip” of COVID 19 has been the biggest challenge she’s faced, but Emma is determined that it will not beat her! “I’m looking forward and smiling. I’m focussed on the future. I’ve been using and living the hashtag #WeWillSurvive in all my social media activity since lockdown started.

“We took the opportunity, while in lockdown, to significantly expand our online offering, adding hundreds of new items to our website. I’m really thankful to my staff for all their help with that. It certainly was a mammoth, (and on-going) task.

“We also had quite a big change around in-store as well, that I’m excited to share with customers now that we’ve re-opened. The feedback so far has been very positive; especially for our expanded kids area,” says Emma.

However, despite her positivity, the cold, hard reality is that this is a really scary time. At the time of this interview, Emma shared that her sales are down 60% from what they were a year ago, adding that she’s got a long way to go to get back on track. “I’m so incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve had from our loyal customers and community, both with online purchases before we could open and since we have re-opened.

I’m also extremely grateful for the wage subsidy and some help with rent relief; however other fixed costs and suppliers still need to be paid.

Because of lockdown we will be receiving three months’ worth of new book releases at once, so it’s all a real juggle!

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YOUR FAVOURITE (NOT SO) LITTLE BOOK SHOP SINCE 2007 Emma’s at Oxford will remind you of the pleasure of hand picking books, gifts & clothing thoughtfully curated by warm,friendly locals.

With impeccable book recommendations and gifting ideas we’ll help you treat someone you love – yourself included!

Whether you’re popping by or visiting Oxford, we’d love to see you.

“I feel it’s important to say how hard things are for many small businesses, so that people can hopefully empathise and understand why there is such a big push to buy from small businesses, and to shop locally.

So that there isn’t the feeling of ‘Oh, they got the subsidy, they will be fine’ or ‘Hey, the government is offering loans’.

Those loans aren’t free money. They need to be paid back.

“I’m very mindful that I’m not the only one in this situation and that others will be in a worse position, but we all need to group together and support each other. Oxford is such a vibrant wee town.

We need to ensure all the businesses here survive,” says Emma.

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Arts in Oxford Gallery News

Birds in the garden words & photos by Cathy Dee

Birds and gardens go together like hot chocolate and marshmallow; one is always the better for the other.

The benefits of having birds in the garden are multiple.

Not only do they eat a huge range of insects, but they help control weeds and some species even help to pollinate plants.

It seems to have been a great year so far for fantails with the warm conditions, without the harsh frosts that kill off many of the insects they need to survive. A good layer of leaf or mulch litter or even horse manure if you have it, will bring in the fantails as they flit over it searching for small flying insects. This is also a good reason not to spray your house for spiders. Let the fantails (and sparrows) do the spider control for you.

The Patriot by Michael Springer. Acrylic on hessian, 2020

Vantage Point

You can help supplement the diet of many garden birds by setting up a bird feeding station to help the birds out over winter and spring. Waxeyes, tui and bellbirds along with various finch species, blackbirds and dunnocks will appreciate this.

Rebecca Harris

Gallery opens Marie Le Lievre Friday 22 May

Michael Springer

We look forward Martin Whitworth to seeing you

Stock the feeder with fruit (bananas, apples, oranges), seed mixes or a ‘bird cake’ made from coconut oil mixed with coconut flour, and any of the following: frozen berries, fruit (bananas, raisins, apple etc), rolled oats, crushed barley, seeds etc.

David Woodings

ARTS IN OXFORD GALLERY

Original art and objects made by NZ artists Reduced hours Fri - Sun 10am - 4pm Closed Public Holidays www.artsinoxford.co.nz Fb@artsinoxford

A bottle feeder filled with nectar (sugar water) will be loved by waxeyes, tui and bellbirds. It is amazing how quickly they adapt to feeding from these bottles, which are better than putting the nectar in a dish, as this brings the risk of bees coming in for a drink and drowning.

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Wild bird seed will bring in a variety of finches from sparrows to greenfinch, red poll and chaffinch along with blackbirds.

If you watch the ground underneath the feeding stations you may see little dunnocks (hedge sparrows) hopping around looking for small insects and bits of dropped feed. Dunnocks look, at first glance, a lot like sparrows, but they have greyer colouration and a narrow-pointed beak rather than the finch type triangular beak of the sparrow.

Finches are fairly common in our grasslands and although seed makes up a large portion of their diet, they are also insect eaters. Look out for the beautiful chaffinch with his brick-red breast, Greenfinches, bigger and (the males) very canary-like in the bold splash of green and yellow and, if you allow your paddocks to go to seed, you may sometimes get glimpses of the tiny and very beautiful red poll.

Greenfinches are so robust that they can, and do eat the seeds from the opening cones of pine trees. They are also partial to thistle seeds along with fathen, thus playing an important role in weed control.

Think about planting for birds in terms of both shelter and food. There are many native trees, shrubs and climbers that look attractive in the garden, and also provide shelter and food for birds and other wildlife.

It is vital that we provide as much habitat as possible for our birds within our gardens as so much has, and is, being taken away from them. They bring us so much beauty and interest, along with the other important benefits, it makes sense to encourage them in any way we can.

This is a selection of photographs taken of the many birds who visit our feeding station on a daily basis.

Some, like the dunnock, the female greenfinch (and the sparrow, whom I raised from a newly hatched baby bird) I have come to know quite well.

Female Greenfinch with WaxEye

Keeping

Healthy with Tracie Miller

Female chaffinch

While normal skin has a smooth and glowing appearance, dry skin looks dull & may be rough, scaly and prone to cracking.

How dry our skin is varies with age and genetic make-up, but dryness can also be caused by exposure to the sun and wind, airconditioning, soaps and detergents, hot spas, baths and showers, and some medications.

Although any body site can be dry, dry skin tends to affect the shins more than any other site and areas may become itchy, indicating a form of eczema / dermatitis has developed.

When the dry skin of an elderly person is itchy without a visible rash, it is sometimes called winter itch, seventh age itch, senile pruritus or chronic pruritus of the elderly.

The mainstay of treatment of dry skin is moisturiser/emollients.

They should be applied liberally and often, and generally work best if applied to damp skin.

Dry skin can be prevented by • Reduce frequency of bathing.

• Humidifier in winter and air conditioner in summer • Consider having a short shower rather than a prolonged soak in a bath.

• Use lukewarm, not hot, water.

• Replace standard soap with a substitute • Apply a moisturiser liberally and often,particularly shortly after bathing,and when itchy.

The drier the skin, the thicker this should be, especially on the hands.

Young male sparrow

South Island Black Fantail

Phone 312 4314 49B Main Street, Oxford

Dunnock with a Wax Eye

A group of waxeyes

Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm

eleven

Gluhwein (or red mulled wine) (We first printed this recipe a couple of years ago with the help of our friend Sabine, and decided that it was the perfect time to revisit it).

If you have been to the Christmas markets in Germany, chances are you have sampled some Gluhwein, which, roughly translates as ‘glowing wine’.

Spiced wine is something that has been drunk as far back as Ancient Roman times, but Gluhwein, as we know it today, was first sold by a winery in Augsburg, Southern Germany in 1956.

This winery was fined at first, as it was illegal to add sugar in wine, but after a change in laws the practice started to spread.

1 bottle of good Merlot (cheaper wine is absolutely fine, but you may need more spices and sweetening) 2 Cinnamon sticks 1 pinch Cardamom 5 cloves 1 Orange 2 tbsp brown sugar 2 English Breakfast tea bags (which helps with the smoothness of the Gluhwein) (Good orange juice can also be added as a sweetener).

Put all ingredients in a pot and cook over a low heat - never let it boil as this will make your Gluhwein bitter.

10-15 minutes and it is ready to drink.

Glogg (white mulled wine) 1 bottle of Riesling 1 cinnamon stick 1 pinch of Nutmeg 1 tsp Vanilla essence 5 cloves 1 star anise 1 pinch of Cardamom 2 tbsp brown sugar Follow the same instructions as above.

A non-alcoholic version of Glogg can be made using fruit juice.

Of course we could not present these recipes without some vigorous testing, and we can confirm that they are both delicious.

If you are not a red wine drinker, never fear, as Glogg is a good alternative, and is particularly sweet and spicy, and just the thing on these cold winter nights.

Cheers Emily

Chief Wine taster

Bowen Therapy A Gentle therapy for every body and any age.

Contact Johanna Lettink, registered practitioner for 20 years Ph. 312 1316 or 021 269 0371www.bowtech.com

Chimney Sweep Winters Coming!! Rotary Brush Technology From $70 single story Book now before the rush 0800-SWEEP ME or 021-0277-1927 twelve

FOR SALE

Land required for fireworks storage.

2 x single bed & matress plus flossy topped electric blanket.

Seldom used and in excellent condition $150.00 each Down duvet optional $20.00 each.

Delivery can be arranged if required within Oxford phone 021 182 8770 or 03 312 1462

Firework Professionals is looking for a small piece of land to lease to place storage containers on. We need 400m radius from the site to any roads or houses and all weather drive on access. In a paddock with stock would be fine.

Please contact our office 03 9834625 or Magenta 027 291 3291.

Second hand

Style

with Kerri Booth

June 2020 This month has been the realisation that lockdown attire isn’t actually suitable for normal real life attire. Shove ya hair in a ponytail and no makeup worked so well for lockdown. It’s kind of like camping. When I go camping I live in shorts, tees and sunscreen. I match the scenery perfectly and I don’t quite realise the state of matters, until we pull up into the city to go out for dinner for the evening. I then glance around the restaurant and catch a glimpse of my own reflection to realise that shorts and jandals don’t quite cut the mustard for this environment. Neither does camping hair. It reminds me very much of how I felt leaving lockdown! Customers have been heading to Polkadotcom for inspiration and a few new pieces for the winter. We are all in agreeance that lockdown also caused clothes to shrink over the four weeks. It’s the weirdest thing but jeans in my wardrobe all feel on the snug side. No idea why!

A re-set is always a perfect time for evaulation. Many people had time to go through wardrobes and sort out what needed to go and what could stay. Just as my camping shorts and tees don’t work for me in my working life, and my working life clothes didn’t work for my lockdown life, then this is a great example of how lockdown will have changed many peoples’ lives. Lifestyles are going to change in the future, and that in turn overflows to what you need to wear. Before you go and spend a fortune on winter pieces, take the time to sit down and really work out what your lifestyle is and what you need from your wardrobe. Starting with you and honing in your skills to understanding you is then going to overflow to your wardrobe. I found through lockdown that it was so easy to get dressed because you could wear anything, but I missed that feeling of being ‘put together’ and having your ‘best foot forward.’ It has made me think about how I want to take the easiness of lockdown dressing and combine it with my ‘best’ to create a perfect mixture of the two. Dressing shouldn’t be hard. It should be enjoyable. Soak in those layers and coats this month as we hit the official beginning of winter.

Kerri Booth

021 059 0984

Leather & Fashion Handbags

Manuka Honey and other New Zealand-made skincare ranges for men and women. Homeopathic remedies for the whole family. Also Kings Seeds. Route 72 Cafe Bar Emporium, Cust. Ph: 312 5595.

Email: route72@clear.net.nz.

Qigong, Yoga & Fitness workout in Oxford Tao Motion weekly classes for everyone Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays Find out more online or contact Gabrielle 027 225 1646 info@taomotion.co.nz www.taomotion.co.nz

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and wallets, possum/merino NZ gifts, jewellery, art and homewares.

Route 72 Cafe Bar Emporium, Cust.

Ph: 312 5595.

thirteen

Annabelle Thompson standing on a ridge overlooking the swamp.

Saving the Kowaro (MudFish) On the first truly hard frost of the season, I head out to meet up with some people who are passionate about a tiny fish which is on the brink of extinction - the Kowaro – or Canterbury Mudfish (Neochanna burrowsius).

These little guys are desperately in need of protection, through the creation and preservation of wetland habitat, and two wonderful people who recognise this are Annabelle and Karl Thompson from Coopers Creek.

They started by fencing off a large area of wetland at the bottom of their hilly section and, with the help of DOC, and the Working Waters Trust, they have planted hundreds of native shrubs and trees including tussock grass, flax and toi toi in and around the water’s

edge.

In this swampy ground, Mudfish are thriving – or were.

Last year DOC rangers trapped over 100, so it was disappointing to find only 4 in the traps pulled up this morning.

Bridget White, the coordinator for the Working Waters Trust who, along with DOC, are at the forefront of helping to preserve and help native fish, explains that due to the drought this year, the fish were hit hard. “Global warming is a huge threat to these fish.

The water either dries up altogether or warms up to an intolerable temperature. This along with nitrate leaching, which brings with it an increase in diseases is a big part of the problem”.

Having said that, the biggest threat to these fish and other small native fish and birds, is habitat modification – the clearing and draining of wetlands.

So why should you care about tiny fish who looks a lot like Gollum without arms or legs?

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For a start they can do something most other fish can’t do. When it gets dry and the surface water disappears, they burrow down into the mud, and, as long as the surroundings stay damp, they can drop their metabolism and absorb oxygen through their skin.

Local Iwi regarded these mudfish as ‘Taonga’.

This is because they are an ‘indicator’ species – like the canary in the mine – if you see them around, it is a clear indication that all is well in your wetland.

The adults are nocturnal, while the recently hatched are out and about during the day. As their elders are likely to eat them, it makes sense to not stay out late at night.

Finally with a shocking 76% of our indigenous freshwater fish classified as threatened with or at risk of extinction, we really need to stop this loss and try to turn it around before it is too late.

If you have an area of wetland that you would like to protect in order to preserve this precious little fish and other wildlife, contact DOC ( https://www.doc.govt.nz/)or workingwaters.org.

19 Goodwood Close Rangiora

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OAS UPDATE

BOT NEWS

by Mike Hart

Kia ora koutou,

Kia ora koutou katoa

One of our strategic directions developed during 2019 was the notion of “Kāhui Whetū - Grow together”.

Kāhui Whetū represents the collection (constellation) of stars. Joining together as one group, where each star has a relationship with one another, connected as a community. This phrase is used to express the connections strengthened as we grow alongside each other, with each other, together. It has been a goal of Oxford Area School to strengthen the connections between whānau/ family and school to enable us to share the learning taking place with all those involved in a young person’s life. By strengthening this connection we believe we will see an improved transference of learning between school and beyond the school gates. This goal catapulted forward during the recent lockdown and with our students learning from home.

It was exciting to see the sharing of learning taking place while our students were at home - not only what their school teachers had set for them but the cool activities and learning experiences their families developed with them. We were fortunate that a lot of this learning was captured through educa (educa.co.nz), a journalling and reporting tool we use at Oxford Area School - this will be a great reminder in years to come of what those weeks were like.

We are well and truly back at school now. The staff of Oxford Area School have really enjoyed being back working with our students in person and it doesn’t take long for our young people to adjust and adapt to new things. To look at our school you wouldn’t notice a lot different from any other day - aside from the fact that only students and staff who are well are at school, and they have very clean hands!

This time has shown us that we really are a resilient bunch and we are adaptable particularly during a moment of disruption - all competencies that are essential to our growth.

Welcome back everyone!

Ngā mihi

On a very positive and pleasing note of interest our confirmed 2019 NCEA results are in. Our students of 2019 did extremely well overall with 81.1% achieving in Level One (compared to 70.6% nationally), 77.3% achieving in Level Two and 63.6% in Level Three. To make comparisons the National averages were; Level One 71.8% achieved, Level Two was 77.3% achieved and Level Three 63.6%.

For our students gaining University Entrance 54.5% achieved compared with 49.3% nationally.

We have seen continued improvement over multiple years in our young men and their pass rates. Both Literacy and Numeracy achievement rates soar above national averages. More importantly than comparing nationally, to us overall these are very pleasing results with mostly continued improvement on previous years. Credit must be given to our senior students of 2019 and of course their teachers that provided their expertise and tuition to achieve these results. Congratulations all!

We wish our senior students of 2020 all the very best for the year and hope that the latest occurrences haven’t disrupted you too much.

Ngā mihi Matt Riley (BOT Chairperson)

MIke Hart - Principal/Tumuaki Te Kura o te Poho Rakahua

After weeks of school done very differently, the days of lessons in pyjamas and TV on tap are officially over.

Students have reunited with friends, seen teachers without a computer screen frame around them, are learning back in classrooms and able to play on playgrounds again.

Although Alert Level 2 is still a little different than before Lockdown it is great to see everyone back at school.

Oxford Area School

Play Based learning Every week the children are engaged in play based learning.

On a Thursday mornings, our junior quad is a buzz with the enthusiasm of learning.

Creativity, imagination and curiosity enhanced through play.

Students enjoyed learning through play on the first week back in the sunshine. The frost disappeared in time for students to get out and about. The children were engaged in their play displaying creativity, using good oral language, perseverance and resilience.

The equipment and resources provided opportunities to ignite students’ imaginations leading to some interesting creations, questions and role play.

52 Bay Road Oxford

03 312 4197

info@oxford.school.nz

Success in New Zealand's Brain Bee Competition Oxford Area School student Amy Riach has been placed in the top 8 South Island students for Round One of the NZ Brain Bee Competition.

Dr Ruth Napper, Senior Lecturer Department of Anatomy, University of Otago and the South Island coordinator stated that this year's results were very impressive and Amy has done extremely well in being placed 8th. Approximately 400 students in the South Island compete most years in Round One which gives you an indication of just how well Amy has done.

In any other year this would have ensured Amy's place in Round Two and highly likely a place in the finals.

Due to COVID-19 this year's competition has been limited to Round One only.

New Zealand Brain Bee Challenge (NZBBC) is a competition for secondary school students in Year 11 to learn about the brain and its functions, learn about neuroscience research, find out about careers in neuroscience and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses.

It was first started in 2006 to address a number of deficiencies in the public's perception of science in general, and neuroscience in particular.

The NZBBC provides current and accurate information on the latest advances in neuroscience research, its value to the community, and promote careers in science and technology.

Brain Bee is a world-wide competition with the South and North Island winners competing in the Australasian finals held in Australia with the New Zealand winner going on to compete with students in the International finals.

Science Week 1 Our Year 9/10 Biotechnology class has started the term using scientific models to demonstrate virus structure and disease spread.

Topical with COVID19 at the moment, but also relevant to our subject as biotechnology is being used in vaccine production trials.

Traditional modelling demonstrating understanding of general virus structure, was also explored with the HOD Science, Mr Burston awarding prizes to the best examples. A great start back to learning onsite.

Cooperation challenge

The Year 7/8 team had a cooperation challenge in the first week back.

They had to communicate and work together to build a tower of cups. Lots of discussion and instructions with laughter to follow!

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

http://www.oxford.school.nz/

Welcome to the new norm!

As I write this, we’re on Alert Level 2 with the ability to have gatherings of up to 100 in a couple of days.

Freedom! A word that I suggest has new meaning after the last few weeks.

Something, as with many things, we took for granted.

However, I hasten to add, that we chose to give up our freedom in the best interest of our country, our people and most importantly our family.

All the right reasons.

But now, we have to face and deal with a new challenge, that of our economy. Here at PPNZL, and personally, we have made a very firm decision to spend our money locally. Here in Rangiora.

We are very firmly dedicated to supporting local business. If we don’t need to go to the “big smoke” then we won’t. I encourage all of you to think the same. Shop locally. Save jobs.

We might well now be close to normal, but not everything will be as it was. Our overseas holiday to somewhere warm and tropical just isn’t going to happen this year. And, maybe not even next year. Some things will take a long time to come back. However, this experience has educated us in that we have learnt new words and a new meaning to old words.

Before the 2010 Earthquake no one knew the meaning of the word “liquefaction”. We do now! We also learnt the importance of good and appropriate insurance. In this experience we’ve learnt what Covid 19 is, what Coronavirus is, what a pandemic is, just to mention a few. Another terminology we’ve heard time and time again, and, we now better understand because we’ve experienced it, is “risk management”. Identifying a risk and then setting a course to minimize the effects of that risk. There’s another term we heard time and time again, “stay the course”!!! I must admit that last one I’m now a little tired of hearing.

Insurance, any insurance, forms part of a risk management plan.

While being in lockdown many us, including here at PPNZL, were unable to work. Either completely unable or certainly very restricted. During that time many of us were granted a financial government subsidy to help offset the financial implication of not being able to work. I mentioned in my last column that your income protection insurance does not cover this situation as it is implemented by government intervention. Your income protection and/or disability insurance pay out when you’re unable to work due to a physical or mental health issue.

And so, consider the financial risk if you were unable to work for the same period or longer than the lockdown without any financial support. No government subsidy, no ACC, and minimal support in the form of a sickness benefit. Is this a risk? I suggest it is and is a very real risk. Do you have a plan to manage that risk? That question I can’t answer. Only you can. What’s your plan?

At PPNZL we’re here to help with that. Not just in advising on the insurance policy, but more about what policy best suits your plan, your circumstances. We’re here to help with the specifics that are needed to support your risk management course for financial support while you’re unable to work. If you’re in business or self-employed, then your needs will be much different than those that are employed.

If you’re in a position where you need a risk management plan, or your plan needs updating then give us a call.

Afterall, it’s what we do!!

Thank you to our Ultimate heroes

It has been a trying past few weeks and we have been busy looking after our residents, who are in an at risk group. This couldn’t have been possible without the heroic work put in by our staff across New Zealand and for this we thank them.

We are part of the Ultimate Care Group, one of the largest residential aged care providers in New Zealand. Nationally we offer independent living, rest home, secure and hospital levels of care. Residents have access to the best possible healthcare services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. www.ultimatecare.co.nz

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COVID -19 .... Progress

YOUR LOCAL TREE NURSERY

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Please email info@thegorgenursery.co.nz to make a time and receive a catalogue of available trees.

The Gorge Nursery 479 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford

Phone 027 283 7279 | www.thegorgenursery.co.nz eighteen

Oxford Winter Lights Display While Oxford Promotions cannot bring you the Oxford Winter Lights Festival this year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, they are inviting the businesses and residents of Oxford to get out their festive lights and brighten up the township during the month of June.

There will be $1,000 in prize money for the winners in two categories: Best Lit/Decorated Business and Best Lit residential property.

“We would love the businesses and community to take up the opportunity to make their properties shine between the 15th June and 25th June (or longer if they wish).

You all did a great job last year! OPAC believes that this is an opportunity to bring some joy and light relief to our great little town in these trying and turbulent times.

This will be a safe way to see the festive lights without risking large group gatherings, and the children will be able to enjoy the light display during the hours of darkness” says Barry Cuttance, Chairman of Oxford Promotions.

Cust has also put out the call for their residents to light up their properties so OPAC is calling on the Oxford community to make sure it is the brightest little town in the Waimakariri.

Judging will be done the week commencing 22 June and OPAC encourage properties to be lit up until 9pm.

Any queries or if you wish to register your property please email admin@oxfordnewzealand.co.nz; Facebook message or telephone 021312438.

What we take…

Cut out this updated recycling bin lid sticker and keep me handy while we work on getting new bin labels distributed.

Flattened cardboard

To ensure your bin gets emptied and to avoid contamination of recycling:

Aluminium cans, tins, kitchen and bathroom aerosols

Glass bottles and Jars

Items need to be clean and loose Don’t squash bottles, tins or cans Lids go in the rubbish.

Paper

We can’t accept: Plastics numbered 3, 4, 6 & 7 Soft plastics or any plastic you can scrunch into a ball

Plastic bottles and containers

Takeaway coffee cups Compostable items Clothes and toys Nappies Polystyrene Pans and foils Window glass, crockery & light bulbs Liquids or food Batteries General rubbish.

Repeated contamination may result in withdrawal of your kerbside collection service.

waimakariri.govt.nz/rethinkrubbish twenty

Tourists felt welcome during Covid -19 quarantine in Waimakariri Hello Simon!

Two weeks ago we flew from Oxford / Christchurch to Germany.

We flew with Air New Zealand.

It was a very emotional experience: Even the New Zealand crew was partially moved to tears ...

Today is the last day of our 14 day quarantine.

We are happy that we are healthy, because there are currently 1577 Covid 19 infected people in our district.

All over Germany there are over 160,000 ...

We are envious of New Zealand, where the number of cases is reduced.

We hope that you and your family are healthy.

We would like to thank you and your employees again for patience, for the support and help. Please send greetings and a thank you to Raj Deo, Linda Norris, cool cop Aden Cawles and super friendly Mike from the supermarket ... actually to the whole community of Oxford if you can.

The friendliness of the New Zealanders has also reinforced our wish that we will repeat or continue our trip in your beautiful country as soon as possible.

I wish you and your family (also in the UK) that you stay healthy !!!

Best regards - Susanne und Achim

CEDAR HEIGHTS HAIR STUDIO

OPENING HOURS

Call n for an a ĆŁntment

MAIN ROAD CUST - PHONE 03 312 5322

Tue 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Wed 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Thu 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sat 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Closed Sun & Mon twenty one

Lockdown experiments in fungiculture

words & photos by Shaz Davis

Although lockdown meant business as usual for essential workers, a lot of us suddenly had extra time on our hands. Time for some to become kitchen goddesses, or baking queens and kings. Time for some to become fast-tracked graduates in epidemiology or virology from the University of Google, well-versed in a virus’s ability to jump from bats to pangolins to humans; and time for others to become conspiracy theory experts, courtesy of their bubbles in the School of Facebook.

Personally, I turned a blind eye to the opportunity to spring clean the house, learn a new language, brush up on virology, or spend four hours a day on yoga or any other form of pretzel-wrestling. After a few weeks of numbed-out indecision doing a combination of walking the dog and diddly-squats, I settled on specialising in fungiculture.

Inspired by a friend’s post of her shiitake mushroom log, filled enticingly with fresh, edible mushrooms ready to harvest, I had to find out more. I soon discovered that grow-your-own mushroom kits are readily and easily available. Who knew? Apparently, half of my friends knew but kept me in the dark by not posting on Facebook.

Luckily, mushroom kits were considered an essential service and could be delivered during lockdown, with the added satisfaction of an online retail therapy high. I selected a pink oyster mushroom bag and, when I discovered a local source in Ohoka, I added a shiitake bag to the list.

It wasn’t long before I included words like mycelium, misting and pinning to a growing vocabulary that included Covid, bubbles, distancing, and PPE – so I was learning a new language after all!

The instructions for the shiitake were fairly simple: Leave the sealed bag alone for about a month until the outside turns brown. At that point, the sawdust will have turned into a more solid form courtesy of the fungi, and my job will be to remove the outer bag and expose the contents to air. This will allow the mushrooms to pin and form thin strands of fungus that will grow into mushrooms.

I’m doing reasonably well on that score. I’ve successfully managed to leave the bag alone for three weeks. It has developed a thick coating of white-coloured fungus with developing yellow streaks, which I assume will go brown.

Things were going to happen faster for the pink oyster mushrooms.

Their bag was already exposed to air, and pinning was imminent. The bag was placed in the shower with anticipation.

A week went by and… nothing happened. I referred to emails with instructions and the sheet of information. Mushrooms like warmth but nothing too drying – like being positioned in front of the heat pump or fire.

It turns out they don’t grow too well in a house with a moisture master running either. To help them along, I start misting the air in the shower regularly and enjoying a long soak in the bath more often than usual.

Some clusters appeared. One started to grow, but then stalled.

I upped my game and keep the bathroom door closed to trap in moisture and completely counter the effect of the moisture master.

More growth, but only from that one cluster – but it does grow into a healthy cluster that I check in on and mist several times a day.

A week later, I’m ready for my first harvest and wiser about how to manage my little farm, which should pin and yield mushrooms another three or four times before the nutrients are used up.

The instructions are to remove any dry nuddy bits from the holes that didn’t grow, to allow air in and wait a few weeks for the cycle to start again. I’ve also discovered that winter isn’t the best time to try to grow the tropical-condition-loving pink oyster variety, but who doesn’t like a challenge?

Pink oyster mushrooms can be fried to taste like bacon. I’d give a mix between bacon and crispy chicken - and, fortunately, there is less skill required for this part.

If you’re keen to give it a go, mushroom kits in several varieties are available locally from Sporeshift Mushrooms. twenty two

Volunteers wanted for St John Ambulance words & photo by Shaz Davis

Our local Oxford St John’s Ambulance team is one of the very few rural volunteer-only ambulance teams to offer emergency support to their local community for a 12-hour period from 6pm to 6am 365 days a year - and they manage to respond to around 80% of day-time incidents too.

They’re a super-friendly and welcoming team, and they’re looking for more volunteers to join their St John’s family - both to spread the current shift load and to fulfil their goal of providing around-the-clock first response service.

Brendan, a carpenter by trade, joined St John’s about two years ago.

“I put an angle grinder through my chin. I was so impressed with the local St John’s guys I had to join up,” he says.

Most of the crew joined to give back to the community and say the personal satisfaction and reward they get from helping the community keeps them motivated. They pride themselves on not missing a roster and say the team camaraderie is another highlight of volunteering.

“The rewards of being with St John’s can’t be put into words. The gratitude from people for saving someone’s life, or giving them more time with a loved one – those rewards are indescribable,” says Ngaire who has been with St John’s for two-and-half-years.

“It’s good fun, and you get to drive fast, sometimes,” jokes Mel who started her volunteer journey with St John’s over 30 years ago.

As a volunteer you can do as much or as little as you want to and could expect to be on roster about five nights a month as a common example. But the Oxford team are also looking for volunteers available during the day and it could work around hours when children are in school, for example.

Call-outs don’t happen on all roster nights, and a typical call-out will take an hour from arriving at the station to returning to the station – although it can sometimes be longer depending on the availability of full-time ambulance crew.

As a first response unit, there will be a back-up unit following, to provide the best care to a patient. It might seem daunting to go out on a call, but volunteers are told what to do, and there is always support at the end of the phone should they encounter a difficult situation.

“The courses are interactive, not just theoretical, so you get to practice,” says Andrew, who started out in the St John’s youth division 13 years ago. The team also do joint exercises with the volunteer fire brigade, which makes things more comfortable when we work together on a call-out.

Interested in volunteering?

You will need to be in reasonable health, be fit enough to lift a patient without endangering yourself or the patient, be motivated to help others, and have a Class 1 driver’s licence.

You would also need to live within a five- to eight-minute drive from the station, or be prepared to stay over in the sleepout when you are on shift. This is to ensure a prompt response, as first responders, to a call out.

The application process can be slow, but every one of the crew says that it is worth the effort. The first step in the process is to call the station on 03 312 3516 and leave a voice message. One of the volunteers will call you back and arrange a meeting at the station, and if you decide to proceed they will help you go through an online application.

After that, there is an interview, a fitness test and an induction process which includes attending several courses (these are free) - including a two-day ambulance driving course and a four-day first responder course.

“It takes four to six months from your first meeting at the station to get to the point where you could expect to be on the road as a first responder,” says Jack, who has been part of the St John’s family for about four years.

Call-outs are usually with two crew, so if there are aspects you don’t enjoy or find difficult you can generally work around them as a team.

The Oxford St John’s volunteer crew look forward to welcoming new members.

Below - Meet Jack, Andrew, Brendan, Andrew, Peter, Ngaire, and Georgina.

Part of the team of eleven active volunteer responders.

Community Directory Agape Dance Academy Beautiful ballet, Joyful Jazz & Contemporary and Tap Dance for 3yrs to Adult in Oxford.

Free first trial class email agapedanceacademy@gmail.com Facebook : Agape Dance Academy NZ ph. Miss Belinda 021 049 1315 Cake Decorating Fondant Modeling Club Learn the art of cake decorating - any experience welcome

Ph Patsy 021 022 01656

Cust Bowling Club Club days Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 1.30pm. Come along and have a go, ph: 312 5892.

Cust | Oxford St John Cadet Group and Ambulance Supporters Scheme Committee, ph: 3125839 or 3125538.

Cust Toy Library Indoor and outdoor toys to borrow. Open Sat 10-11.30am & Mon 9.30-10.30am at Cust

Community Centre.

Cust - West Eyreton Play Centre behind the Cust Community Centre, Mill Road, Cust Open Tues - Wed - Thurs Mornings Phone 03 312 5654 for more information Darfield Line Dancers Every Wednesday - 6:00pm - 8:30pm $7 per night Darfield Rec Centre.

All levels - Two left feet OK. Great fun.

Contact Jenny 03 312 4896 or 0274 452 285 JP Signing Centre Oxford Library every Thursday.

If you have any documents that need to be signed by a JP, there is a JP signing Centre at the Oxford Library every Thursday 11am until 1pm.Free session. Appointment not necessary. Just call in.

Oxford Promotions

Meets Third Monday of each Month February-November 7pm at Oxford Club Meeting Room New members welcome to help promote the Oxford area

Line Dancing at Oxford Pearson Park Pavilion Monday mornings 9.30-11.30 am Beginners & Improvers, Oxford Club Monday evening 5-8 pm All levels, no partners needed Variety of music, First timers please ring first. ph Jenny 0274 452 285 or 03 3124 896 Monday Cafe Come along for a chat and morning tea at the St James-on-the-Cust hall every 4th Monday 10-11.30am. All ages welcome, ph Sandra on 03 310 2074.

New To Oxford?

Join us for coffee/tea and a chat at Cafe 51 on Main Street,10am every 1st and 3rd

Monday of the month.

Oxford Alpine Taekwondo Classes - Mondays & Wednesdays Oxford GP Hall Cubs: 5:00pm - 5:30pm Early Class : 5:00pm – 6:00pm Late Class : 6:00pm – 7:30pm Phone Matt 027 432 4249 or email info@OxfordTaekwondo.club First three classes are free.

Oxford Bird Rescue Raptor rehabilitation specialists at 77 Sales Road , Oxford ph: 021 292 7861 Oxford Community Gardens Meets every Thursday 10am beside the Men’s Shed, Pearson Park.

All welcome, ph: 312 1536.

Oxford Community Men’s Shed The Oval, Pearson Park. Tuesday 7pm - 9pm Men and Women, Thursday 10am - 12.30 Men only, Thursday 7pm - 9pm Men only, Saturday 10am - 2pm Oxford Cycle Group Meets at Oxford Farmers Market carpark every Monday morning at 9.30, for a casual ride about 1 1/2 hours, then coffee.

Ph Mary on 03 313 3259.

Oxford RSA Any queries please contact Alan Douglas on 03 312 1327 Oxford & Districts Lions Club Inc.

Meet 4th Thursday of every month Enquiries to Secretary - 03 312 5351

Oxford Museum Open every Sunday:11am-4pm, Friday: 1-3.30pm, Wednesday & Saturday: 1-3.30pm.

Main St, Oxford.

Oxford Play Centre “Whānua tupu ngātahi - families growing together” 102A Main Street, Oxford, phone 0278087284 Open Times Tuesday-Friday 9am-12pm.

Closed in the school holidays.

Follow us on Facebook @ Oxford Play Centre Oxford Dogs Walking Group Meets 9.30am Mondays at the big tree parking area beside the Service Centre.

Contact Lee Leonard on 312 1536.

Oxford Senior Citizens Meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of the month 1:30pm at the OWMC. PH Carol on 3123019 Oxford Squash Club Have Fun! Get Fit! For all ages, casual or competition. Club nights Wednesdays, 6pm, ph: Shelley 0279201738 Oxford Women’s Forum Meets on the first Thursday of every second month, March-Nov with meal and guest speakers, ph: Margaret on 03 312 4478.

Scottish Country Dancing Great exercise. No partners required.

Tuesdays, ph: Judi on 312 4291.

Waimakariri Bridge Club Meets every Thursday 7.15pm at the Waimakariri Golf Club rooms.

Yummy Mummy’s Oxford A group that helps families with new babies with meals/baking.

Volunteers always appreciated, ph: Amanda on 027 490 7052.

Oxford Craft Market 1st Sunday of every month except January 10m - 2pm Oxford Town Hall Cust Craft Group Meets every 1st & 3rd Tuesday 10am-2pm at the Cust Community Centre.

New members always welcome. for details phone Beth 03 312 3191 or phone /text Ricki 021 264 6536 Parents, or family of Estranged Adult Children offering a positive, encouraging, accepting confidential community of understanding friends.

Regular informal meetings 4th Wednesday of the month at 1 pm . contact Lorna on 02102727749

EMERGENCY SERVICES Police report

Fire Emergency report

with Oxford Constable

with Oxford Chief Fire Officer

Mitch Alatalo

Trevor Ealam

It has been yet another interesting month, but I do think we as a community are doing really well. It is still really great to see the community coming together as a whole, and as the restrictions have slowly been relaxed, it has been really pleasing to see the town and greater area coming to life again.

People walking the streets, and more importantly out of town people coming to enjoy what you have to offer. But at the same time it is important to maintain that distance with strangers. Yes it is great to see fresh faces in the town but it is equally important to keep ourselves safe. Like many people have been reading, this is only the beginning. There is a long road ahead. But we are all doing so well.

Unfortunately, with the increased activity comes the increase in crime. Report report report! Facebook is a great way to let the neighbourhood know what is going on, but from a policing point of view, it’s not a favourable way of hearing about what is happening.

So a quick call to 105, or an online report would be great. I know we cannot solve every crime that is committed, but if we don’t know we cannot help, and there are many alternate ways Police can assist. We are in it for the long game.

Hoping this finds everyone well and coping with with the Covid 19 lock down.

Unfortunately in April during the level four lock down the Brigade had seven calls.

Two calls were to set up a landing zone for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, one private smoke alarm activation, one to a kitchen fire where occupants received burns, and three rubbish or vegetation fires that did not have permits.

This brings our total calls for the year to thirty five.

This months message is; We are now in an open fire season which means you can burn in most places responsibly.

It would still be good practice to let your neighbours know of your intent to burn. Also ensure you have water or an extinguisher on hand should you need it.

With the colder months approaching don’t forget to have your log fires checked and the chimneys cleaned.

Lastly I cannot believe how great this weather has been, but it will come to a stop soon, so with the cold comes frost, not only on the road but on your vehicles as well. Travel safe, and be sure you have a clear view out your windscreen before you set off, and take those few extra minutes travel rather than racing to work.

Thanks for taking the time, and as always, be safe feel safe.

POLICE - FIRE - AMBULANCE >> DIAL 111

Schnurrbart

Creative

for all your Design

& Print needs

e Art of Design 0800 627 378 37

WASTE WATER SERVICING & SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

Support and enjoy your local Market

Every Sunday 9am - 12pm

Main Street, Oxford

• Septic & Waste Water Servicing • Grease Trap Servicing • Water Tank Cleaning • Drain Unblocking • Culvert Clearing • Vacuum Trucks • CCTV Inspections

FOOD ~ FUN &

AMBIENCE

You’ll Find it all at the Oxford Farmers Market

24 HOUR 7 DAY RESPONSE

0800 HYDROVAC 03 366 9187

Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with upcoming events

www.hydrovac.co.nz

CANTERBURY OWNED & OPERATED

EFT Ava POS ilabl e

Email: info@oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

www.oxfordfarmersmarket.co.nz

Jannz Craft Shop

Hours: 8am-11am & 4pm-6pm Phone: 03 312 5744 Mob: 027 457 4431 Email: Theresa@coolcats.nz “Time spent with cats is never wasted” 1891 South Eyre Rd

MPI & MBIE Accredited to make Facemasks Locally made Hand Sanitiser with the approved WHO recipe

www.coolcats.nz

Call into Jannz and enjoy the atmosphere and colour therapy of all the threads, fabrics, yarns etc on hand to inspire you to create your own masterpieces. Classes, sewing, crochet, Silk Ribbon, register now for the next available space.

Craft group every Friday 10.30am to 12 noon

Angel Cats Boarding Cattery & Pet Supplies (ukmax on Trade Me)

Ph Jannz Clare 027 272 3913 49A Main Street, Oxford Mon-Fri 10am – 5pm | Sat & Sun 10am – 3pm

Proudly supporting the Kiwi Family Trust, to support Plunket and the community.

Handmade new items gratefully accepted at the shop.

Phone 312 1452 & 0210 424367 Email: angelcats@xtra.co.nz

www.angelcats.biz

2277794

THEBROKER.co.nz

The

ONE - STOP SHOP

Annie Smith Licensee Salesperson M 027 202 8155 E annie.smith@raywhite.com Licensed (REAA 2008)

Lorinda Harrington Registered Financial Advisor M 027 242 3211 E Lorinda@thebroker.co.nz THEBROKER.co.nz

for your Real Estate Needs.

Community Resource Standing in Your Corner

Need a Pre-school ?

52 Church Street, Oxford

www.jannzcraftshop.com jannz@jannzcraftshop.com

50 Main Street, Oxford T 03 424 1414

Free Service Specialising in 1st Home buyers

Oxford Early Learning Centre Monday to Friday 8.30am - 3.30pm

4Nursery for 6 months onwards 4Interactive area for 2-3 year olds 4School readiness classroom for 4-6 year olds 4Great teacher/child ratios with passionate staff 4Community focused team supporting our families/whanau for over 29 years

166 High Street | Ph: 03 312 4757 (Behind Baptist Church)

oxfordearlylearning@xtra.co.nz twenty six

AGAPE DANCE ACADEMY Joyful dance tuition with christian values in Oxford

OXFORD DISTRICT

Fresh, real milk direct to you at the farm dispenser

UNION PARISH

Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community Facebook: Agape Dance Academy NZ Email: agapedanceacademy@gmail.com Miss Belinda-Principal Ph. 021 049 1315

UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN) PARISH SERVICES FOR JUNE 2020

Online Will

ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAYS AT 9.30AM IN THE OXFORD UNION CHURCH, 85 MAIN ST. WELCOME BACK! Sunday 7th June - Communion Service.

Services will also be held on the 14th, 21st and 28th of June.

Kiwilaw – www.kiwilaw.co.nz

THE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS WILL BE STRICTLY OBSERVED

$69

‘Just do it!’

Probate application

- $690* including GST & High Court fee Kiwilaw – www.kiwilaw.co.nz

Cheryl Simes

021 701 838 / 03 312 1508 Oxford Local - Nationwide Service ‘Just because a lawyer holds the will, it doesn’t mean they hold the purse strings.

Check their fees first.’

STATIONHOUSE CAFE

ALL WELCOME UNION PARISH MINISTER: REV. LAURENCE ENNOR PH: 03 357 4475 (Home) or 027 233 4687 (Mob) PARISH CLERK: MRS ANNE CROFT Ph: 03 312 5513

REGULAR SUNDAY MASS: 8.30am EVENING MASS Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm

Small Prayer & Reflection Groups Held every 2nd Monday at 7.30pm Oxford Church Centre

ALL WELCOME | Call Josie 022 089 8331

dipl. NSF , CCNM/NZSE, RMT-MNZ

Marina Vermaat

Ph: 03 312 4521

82 HIGH STREET, OXFORD email: admin@womersleys.co.nz

Ph: 03 03 312 312 4521 4521 Ph: www.womersleys.co.nz 82 HIGH HIGH STREET, STREET, OXFORD OXFORD 82 Email:admin@womersleys.co.nz admin@womersleys.co.nz email:

www.womersleys.co.nz

Oxford Butchery

Farm Fresh Flavour Fresh to your Plate

Retail Quality Meat & Smallgoods Award Winning Old Fashioned Dry-cured Bacon & Ham. From Paddock to Freezer - we can homekill & process your stock ready for the freezer.

44 Main Street - Oxford

Ph 03 312 4205 | A/H : Ph Shane 03 312 4709 MPI APPROVED

64 High Street Oxford 7430

03 312 4731

027 311 1140

HORSES WANTED

100’s of products for the

(Please Note: No LPG refills on Saturdays)

www.facebook.com/CavanFarmFreshMilk

4th Generation Family Butchers

YOUR ONE HARDWARE STORE 100’sSTOP of products for the

OPEN MON - FRID 7.00AM TIL 5.30PM OPEN MON – FRI 7.00AM TIL 5.30PM SATURDAY TIL1.00PM 1.00PM SATURDAY 9.00AM 9.00AM TIL

Phone 027 630 2230 Real milk. For a naturally better life.

Oxford Butchery Ltd

YES, IN OXFORD! YES, OXFORD

• LPG Yates RefillsSeeds, PottingGarden Mix, Yates Sprays, 100’s ofTools products for the Fencing Requirements • Power Tools Seed Potatoes, & Products Handyman or Handywoman Nuts, Bolts & Nails • Lawn Mower Garden Tools • LPG Refills Parts Garden Tools • LPG Refills OPEN MON – FRI 7.00AM TIL 5.30PM Fencing Requirements • Power Tools Fencing Requirements • Power Tools 9.00AM TILMower 1.00PMParts Nuts,SATURDAY Bolts & Nails • Lawn Nuts, Bolts & Nails • Lawn Mower Parts

2km off the Main Street

Bookings essential

YOUR ONE STOP HARDWARE STORE

Handyman or Handywoman YES, INor OXFORD! Handyman Handywoman

56 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford

Sacred Heart Church, Oxford

For Beautifully Handcrafted Books

Phone: 03 312 4399/027 419 6311 Email: tessawarburton@gmail.com

OPEN 7 DAYS 7am - 9pm

ENQUIRIES: Waimakariri Parish Ph: 03 313 6285

Moana, Lake Brunner Ph: 03 738 0158

BOOKBINDER • Restoration • Repair • Private Tuition

Self Service

St Peter Chanel Catholic Parish

“Dining with a view” Lunch, brunch, morning or afternoon tea

Tessa Warburton

Thankyou to all our customers for their support in these trying times

• General/Family Dentistry • Facial Pain • Periodontal Therapy • Minor Oral Surgery • Oral Medicine Specialist • Oral Cancer Detection • Clinicians all New Zealand trained • Super Gold and Community Services Card Discounts Open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5.30 www.pagdental.com

PAG Silverstream Dental 4/42 Silverstream Boulevard Silverstream 03 925 8003 pagsilverstreamdental@gmail.com

Thoroughbred or T/B cross 3-5 years old 15 -15.1 hands

Phone Mike 027 444 0820 mike.totalmill@xtra.co.nz

twenty seven

Business Directory

RON EALAM BUILDER

for all your Building requirements New Homes Additions & Alterations Farm Buildings Concrete Laying Painting & Paper hanging

SPECIALISTS

Experienced Builder

027 242 4907

Gavin Newick GN Plumbing and Drainage Ltd Plumbing:

Sewer & Stormwater:

• New Builds • Maintenance • Alterations • Dripping Taps • Hot Water Cylinder Replacements

the Plastic Welding

• New Installations • Repairs • Alterations • Septic Tanks • Blocked Drains • Water Blasting

. Insurance Repairs .

CRAFTSMAN PLUMBER & DRAINLAYER

CALL TODAY...

After Hours:

03 312 1785

Shelley’s Glass and Glazing Got a Broken Glass window ?

Insurance work . Pet Doors . Mirrors . Retro fits Single / Double Glazing . Glass Showers . Fire Glass

Call your local Glazier Mark 03 312 3253 or 027 242 6368

Automotive Plastic repairs Fibreglass repairs Car Bumpers - Headlights Interior Trims & Modifications Motorbike Fairing - Kids Toys Campervans Anything Plastic

021 1805 103 | james@ncpw.nz | www.ncpw.co.nz

Brian Norton

Craftsman Builder - Over 25 Years Experience Ph 021 880037 or 03 312 4911 AH Architectural & Residential Builds - Farm Buildings - Own Build at 184 High Street WAYNE’S CLEANING SERVICES

We Strive To Be The Best ~ Canterbury Owned & Operated •Domestic & Commercial Weekly Cleaning •Builder’s Cleans •Rental & Moving House Cleans •Walls, Ceilings and Ovens •Domestic & Commercial Windows Ph: Wayne 021 0227 0006 Email: waynescleaningservices@xtra.co.nz

35 years in the Glass Industry Operating in Oxford, Darfield, Rolleston, West Melton & surrounding areas FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS

Maintenance Plumbing • New Housing • Bathroom Alterations Logfires • Hot Water Cylinders • Spouting & Flashings Pump Replacement & Repair

Fast, Friendly Service, All Work Guaranteed

Aaron McCartney • Free Ph: 0508 44EVER • Ph: 03 310 2137 A/H: 027 3669 091 • Email: plumber_27@yahoo.co.nz

Come and talk to the real experts

• Sales, servicing and repair of all major brands of computers • • Networking, etc. for home, farm and business • • Drop into our workshop or call us for a home/site visit • We won’t baffle you with science, just plain simple honest advice 216 High Street, Rangiora

Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm, Sat 10am-2pm

Email: rangiora@ipc.co.nz

Ph: 03 313 4567

www.ipc.co.nz

www.4everplumbing.co.nz

F O R A L L YO U R L I Q U I D WA S T E R E M O VA L REQUIREMENTS

Ph: 03 312 4476 Mob: 027 4969 256 Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Dairy Sumps, Blocked Drains Maintenance Reports Email: speechly@xtra.co.nz

For Needs Forall allyour yourElectrical Electrical Wiring Needs New NewHousing Housing&&Alterations Alterations Sheds, Sheds,Barns Barns&&Farm Farm Maintenance Maintenance Lights, Lights,Plugs Plugs&& Spas Spas Phones Phones 027243 2436696 6696 027 FreeQuotes Quotes Free 3124990 4990 CompetitiveRates Rates Competitive 312

twenty eight

High Country Canvas Specialists in Canvas Manufacturing

New Work & Repairs Welcome.

Don’t Pack & Store It All Away Get your Repairs Done Now & avoid the Spring Rush!

Darrin Lord 03 312 5025 or 027 238 1624

Business Directory

4 Trash

Large 240 litre wheelie bins Multiple Collection options Weekly - Fortnightly - 4 weekly 6 weekly - 8 weekly - Casual

2016 LTD

Rubbish Collection Services General household rubbish collection servicing Oxford ,Rangiora, Kaiapoi and surrounding rural areas Difficult trees a Speciality

Full commercial Insurance We are a local business appreciate Over who 35 Years experience local support so we can sponsor local clubs & organisations

phone or email for a quote

Graham & Kim

T : 03 312 4788 E : 4trash@xtra.co.nz

www.4trash.co.nz

WE OFFER: Difficult trees a Specialty Full commercial Insurance Over 35 Years experience

Call me today to discuss all your hedge & tree trimming needs...

Felling . Pruning . Topping . Shaping . Milling For free quotes and prompt service, call us today

Brian Clark 027 616 0192 lumberjackarboristservices@gmail.com

BATHROOM & Kitchen Alterations Complete Job Management Full Package Deals with all trades included Give us a call today ! * FREE QUOTES *

Nick McDonald Ph: 027 206 1149 or 3125 313

One stop shop for your home and property maintenance.

Al - Mows starts giving you your life back.

Don’t know where to start or how to do it?

Gardens & Lawns doing their own thing - not your thing?

Property and / or House Maintenance falling behind?

No time for life on a lifestyle block?

CALL IN THE EXPERT No job too big or small - Regular maintenance or one off work.

Call Al Today!

0212 499 495 |

NEED GLASS?

Frameless Showers Repairs & More

0800 764 846

Eugene

021 898 380

ajdavies62@gmail.com

We can help! Visit our website or give us a call!  Retrofit Double Glazing

Simon

• Shelterbelt & Hedge Tree Trimming • Large Farms, Orchards, & Lifestyle Blocks • Locally Owned & Operated • Servicing North Canterbury • Full Insurance Cover • Comprehensive Health & Safety Systems • Power Line Clearance Operator

Pet doors Splashbacks Mirrors

Locally owned and operated 03 318 3003 | admin@hunterglass.co.nz | www.hunterglass.co.nz

twenty nine

Business Directory

FORR EST ENGINEERING General Engineering & Repair Work Design & Build items to client’s requirements >> Onsite welding & repairs >> Repairs & alterations to dairy yards & backing gates etc >> We build Hayfeeders & Palm Kernel trailers

PHONE GRANT 027 738 1896 472 Pesters Road, West Eyreton, RD 5 Rangiora Email : grantforrestengineering@gmail.com

www.forrestengineering.co.nz Tax Returns Payroll GST Returns Annual Accounts Rental Returns PROVIDING INTEGRATED VETERINARY SERVICES

Jeanette Graves Sharon Stewart

021 853 769 027 241 6345

www.smallbusinesssolutions.co.nz info@smallbusinesssolutions.co.nz

Integrated Functional Veterinary Diagnostics and Medicine TCVM (Acupuncture, Herbs, Food Therapy/Nutrition) ABM (Manual hands on therapy, rehabilitative programmes for horses) Reiki

Bach Flower Remedies and Homeopathy

Lillian Bonner ~ DVM CVA ABMgrad.dip. RMT 021 951 059

LillianBonnerDVM@gmail.com

Lillian Bonner DVM Balanced Beings Integrated & Functional Veterinary Medicine

Driveways & Patios | Foundations & Slabs | Feedlot & Silage pads Agricultural effluent storage systems | New Homes & Rural Buildings Siteworks - Hole Boring - Shingle supplies | Compactor Hire

F MEHRTENS

thirty

CONSTRUCTION

Licensed Builders

OXFORD

Ph: FRAZER 021 027 78535

Womersley’s Business Directory We Specialise in superior fencing craftmanship which adds long term value to your property investment.

Fencing in the greater Canterbury area.

FREE ESTIMATES

• • • • • • • • •

Small & Large scale Fencing Sheep & Deer Fencing Sheep, Deer & Cattle Yards Dairy Conversions Horse Fencing Corrals, Yards & Arenas Post Driving Post & Rail Fences Entranceways

• • • • • • • •

Wooden Gates Lifestyle Blocks Sub - Divisions Boundary Fences Vineyards Chicken Runs Sheds Animal Runs

Steve is available to help with your

Planning and Design

Summerfield Fencing Ltd PHONE: 03 312 4747 MOBILE : 027 312 4747

www.summerfieldfencing.co.nz summerfieldfencing@xtra.co.nz

NEED A PLUMBER Call us now for fast friendly service Get your problems sorted out quick smart - on time!!

Local family Plumbing Business

Phone for a

FREE quote now

T 03 312 1280 | M 021 898 380 E eliteplumbingchch@gmail.com

Short-shape dark background version

Engineered for you

Let us help you with all your

Long-shape, white background version

engineering projects • Machinery Repairs • Welding • Lathe Work • Design Long-shape, dark background version • Crane Work • Hydraulic Hose Service

100’s of products plus a full range of Motor Oils & pipe fittings

COLOURS: ‘Womersley’s’=PMS 2695 Boarder around orange=PMS 2695 Orange=PMS Orange 021 ‘Engineered for you’=PMS 2695 on white background, white on dark background

NOTES: ‘Engineered for you!’ is a key element of this logo and must accompany the all aspects of this branding Variations of the above specifications should be consulted with the designer

Call us on 03 312 4521

Always leave ‘free-space’ around the entire logo when applying the logo to shapes, sign/advert spaces as shown Free-space is approximately 25% of the entire sign/advert shape. This allows the reader’s eye to focus more clearly onto the logo and all of it’s elements

Open Mon – Fri 7.00am til 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am til 1.00pm for hardware sales only

Logo designed by Paradox Strategic Management T: (03) 312 5563, M: (021) 243 5559, E: advice@ThinkFormChange.com

82 High Street, Oxford Email: admin@womersleys.co.nz

www.womersleys.co.nz Kelly Smolenski Dog Groomer

Viewhill Dog Grooming For all breeds of Dogs

OXFORD

SHUTTLE SERVICE

& AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Phone: 312 1360

Mob:021 254 5261 E m a i l : r. j . e d w a r d s @ x t r a . c o . n z

viewhillgrooming@gmail.com 1 Watsons Reserve Rd Oxford

021 157 3049

Let us take the stress out of your travel We offer: • airport transfers - early morning/late evening 24/7 • door to door pick up & drop off service • seating for up to 7 passengers • the cheapest rates in North Canterbury

We are: • locally owned & operated • an ACC Accredited Provider • NZ Transport Agency Certified Time + Travel + Mileage + Convenience = Best Rates in North Canterbury

“cheaper than taking your own car”

thirty one

ti

PROVIDING INNOVATIVE AND CUSTOMER FOCUSED

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES CULTIVATION Full cultivation service including...

Reversible ploughing Primary ripper disc cultivation Speed disc cultivation with levelling Harrow and rolling Sub soiling

DRILLING Systems cultivation drill Taege direct drill, with fert & roller Great Plains disc drill with fert Fodder beet precison seeder with fert Maize precison seeder with fert

BALING - HAY, STRAW & BALEAGE Mower conditioning Raking / swathing Round baling including combi wrapper Medium square baling 4x3 square baling Quadrant square baling Quadrant tube wrapped Conventional baling Hay and straw baling Individual wrapping Tube wrapping Carting bales to wrapper Innoculant available

BULK SILAGE Mower conditioning Raking / swathing Chopping grass Chopping cereal with direct cut Chopping maize Trucks 8 wheelers with trailers Stacking Cover options supplied Certified weighbridge Innoculant available

OTHER SERVICES Rutbusting Muck spreading Postdriving / fencing Digger and maintenance work Feed trading Carting - bulk and flatdeck

AT OXFORD AG WE GO THE EXTRA MILE TO DO THE JOB ONCE. FOR ANY ENQUIRIES CONTACT BALING - CULTIVATION MANAGER DAN BROOKER ACCOUNT MANAGER

027 756 3743 DAVE KNOWLES 021 275 2432

SILAGE MANAGER

ADAM GREEN

TRANSPORT MANAGER AARON ROSS

YARD 106 HAREWOOD ROAD OXFORD

027 374 6357 021 766 384