The Observer - March 2023 edition

Welcome to the March issue of the Observer.

Who can believe we are already into the 3rd month of the year? Like many of you we have been watching the events in the North Island, and our hearts go out to all those affected.

OPAC are on the job again planning the Matariki Winter Lights Festival - this is a great event for the community. Check out the ad on page 11 for how to get involved.

We have another beautiful recipe from Louize Juniper. Louize does a great job keeping the recipes seasonal, and also budget friendly. This month's plum chocolate cake looks amazing and hopefully those with a surplus of plums will be able to give it a go!

Also featured this month is a collaboration with Re-clotheme and Polkadotcom - Kerri and Michelle have put together some outfits and explain some ways to help your summer wardrobe convert into autumn. They are also working together on some workshops coming up - the article is on page 8.

Thank you as always for supporting us by reading, contacting us with stories, and by advertising. There's not so many monthly magazines out there in the community anymore, and it is down to your support that we are still here!

PHOTO CREDIT

Tamara Pfahlert

Get Your Skates On!

by Emily Chapman - photo supplied

Canterbury Skating Academy is now offering classes in Oxford and Cust. The Academy was started in March 2022 when owner Alana Caunter returned to study, and was looking for something she could do part-time.

Alana runs lessons for both children and adults, and along with Beginner classes, runs a range of workshops such as All-Ages Learn to Skate, Synchronised skating, and artistic skating. She also hosts discos and Alana would love to be able to run Hens' nights, birthday parties and corporate events in the future.

There are many benefits to skating, and Alana says “It is great for fitness, muscle tone. It burns calories, and increases dopamine levels! It is something you can do with others or on your own, and it helps to increase mood and self esteem. I’ve never seen a person skate without a smile on their face!”

This term in Oxford there is a Kids Learn to Skate class with Coach Kate (Kate Ten Hove), Thursdays 5pm – 6pm at Oxford Area School Hall. This class would suit ages 5-14. (There is also a Cust class but this is sold out).

When asked what she loves about her job Alana says “I love seeing people achieving their goals and increasing their skills every week! I love the flexibility coaching gives me and being in charge of my own schedule/booking classes.

It also also great meeting new people. It is such a cool and fun community to be involved in”. Alana also mentions that it is easy to get started with skates. You can pick up some reasonably priced from Facebook Marketplace or Trademe.

For those who want to take their skating further Alana also runs the local club “Waitaha Artistic Roller Skating Club”. This is for skaters that want to go to competitions throughout the year and has levels for novice right through to international levels.

If you would like to give skating a go, Alana is offering readers a 25% discount off a casual class. Just use the code “OXFORD” when you book.

You can book through the website https://www.christchurchskating.com, or if you would like to get in touch with Alana her contact number is 027 897 9292.

WHATS HAPPENING AT THE OXFORD CLUB!

SUPER RUGBY 2023

Watch all Super Rugby Live on Sky Sport with Happy hours* during Crusaders Games

• Saturday 11th March v Fiji 4.35pm

• Saturday 18th March v Blues 7.05pm

• Friday 24th March v Brumbies 7.05pm

• Friday 31st March v Reds 9.35pm

Remember to get your picks in for Suzie’s Super Rugby Comp by 5pm Friday

WIN A PREZZIE CARD

Buy any Oyster Bay Wine in the bar during March and go in to win a $50 Prezzie Card

Purchase a glass of wine for one stamp or a bottle for 5 stamps, every completed stamp card goes in to win. Drawn 1st April.

SUNDAY 12 MARCH – EARLY ST PATRICKS DAY CELEBRATION FROM 1.30PM

• Live Music from the Marlarkey Irish Band

• Live performances of the Ulliean Pipes and Irish Dancers

• Drink Specials and Prizes to be won • $10pp door sales only

• Restaurant open from 12pm – bookings essential ph 03 312 4411

Friday 17th March

• $8 Guiness Pints – make it a boilermaker for another $3**

• $8 Pies & Fries Special • Prizes to be won – entry with purchase

SHOW DAY – Saturday 1st April

LIVE MUSIC FUNK & DISORDERLY 7.30pm – 11.30pm

Funk and Disorderly is a six-piece collaboration made up of talented Singers & Musicians from North Canterbury. Performing many classic covers with their original spin on things, with a range of music from Jazz, Blues, Funk, Reggae, Soul or Rock. Guaranteed to get you on the dance floor and singing along!

OWMC AGM – Thursday 13th April 7.30pm

Nominations for Office – Open Friday 31st March, Close Friday 14th April | Elections Friday 28th April

Wednesdays

• Hump day Happy Hour* from 5.30pm to 6.30pm

• Raffles from 6pm til Gone $2 per ticket / 40 tickets.

• 1st prize $25 Meat Tray,

• 2nd & 3rd Prize $15 Meat Tray

Thursdays

• Quiz Night FREE Weekly quiz Register your team of 4-6 players ready for a 7pm start

• FREE pool

All tables open for FREE & $20 Pizza’s available.

Friday Nights

• Section Raffles from 6pm

10th & 17th Claybirds

24th & 31st Racing

• FREE Juke Box

*$10 Jugs, $9 Quarts & $7 wines (200ml glass of Kopiko Bay) **add a single shot of Bushmills Irish Whisky (host responsibility limits apply)

OXFORD CLUB - YOUR SOCIAL HUB

Sunflower fundraiser a blooming success

by Emily Chapman

An idea to plant a field in sunflowers in Oxford for locals to come and pick and enjoy, has been an extremely successful fundraiser.

Kerry McCorry and her family planted the sunflowers in a 3.5ha paddock, on her partner's family farm, in what used to be a pine tree block.

Last year Kerry grew some sunflowers to feed to the cows and shared some excess at the Free Food Stall on Main Street in Oxford which was a hit with locals. This planted the idea that she could run a pick your sunflower experience for the community.

While the family hoped it would be popular, they have been overwhelmed with the support the project has received, with thousands of people coming to pick the sunflowers and take photos, with even an engagement shoot taking place.

Oxford local Erika Jury contacted Chris Lynch Media who did a drone video that had great success on social media, which helped to draw many more people to the sunflower field.

Kerry says “After seeing one of Mike King’s interviews and how desperate things were for him, I decided that I really wanted to incorporate fundraising into this project, so I decided to split any proceeds made from the sunflowers between ‘I Am Hope’ and the Oxford Community.”

Mike King’s plea for everyday New Zealanders to help inspired Kerry to make this a charitable project.

The project in turn was supported by a local contracting firm Chapman Agriculture Ltd who drilled the sunflowers after learning that all funds would be donated.

When asked what she has enjoyed about the project Kerry says “I genuinely get such a huge buzz out of seeing others enjoy the flowers. I drive past on my way to the cow shed and there are families out there, young babies, mums, dads, grannies, uncles, aunties, couples, photographers all just enjoying the vibe and the simple beauty of the sunflowers and taking some home to enjoy. It’s amazingly rewarding to open your farm gates up to the public and receive such a great response, and if we can raise some money for a great cause while we do it it’s a win, win!”

The success of the season means that this will definitely be a yearly event, and Kerry says she has some exciting plans for next year, including a picnic area and different varieties of sunflowers.

At the time of writing the total raised is over $15,000.00. Half of this will go to Gumboot Friday which will fund around 55 counselling sessions. The other half will be split equally between St John Oxford, Oxford Volunteer Fire Brigade, The Oxford Community Trust for programmes supporting youth, and Oxford Area School to support agriculture programmes within the school.

South Eyre Sunflowers is now closed for the season, but you can follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sesunflowerpower for updates next season.

- photo Tamara Pfahlert

A new Season.

One of the most important things to know as you go into a new season, is that you don’t have to update your entire wardrobe. There are so many outfits that can be trans seasonal with just a few key pieces. Time to get creative.

How seasonal pieces work is actually a very individual thing. Some of us run hot and some of us run cold so the layering pieces that you will need are very individual.

We all have that friend that is always cold and that friend that is always too hot and is quick to say ‘ Is it hot in here or is it just me??’.

First tip is to work out your own temperature gauge.

There are two forms of layering.

First one is to layer from underneath and the second is to layer over the top. In the autumn, it can be freezing in the morning but when that sun hits it actually gets really hot. This is where your outfits are best layered from the top. You want to be able to peel the layers off. In the winter it can be freezing all day so layering from underneath is where you want to be. Merino thermals and items close to the skin that are going to keep you toasty all day.

I find if I mix the two up the wrong way then I cook myself or freeze to death. Neither is pleasant. Putting some thought into your key pieces will pay off all winter and you will be thanking yourself for putting in the effort.

Focus on fabrics

Even an outfit that is completely black has interest with different texture and fabrics

Play with lengths.

Long lean clean lines are always a winner in proportions. I’m thinking long coat over shorter top and vice versa with short jacket over long top. Even remember that a shirt dress can be un buttoned and worn as a coat over top of a knit and pants. Nothing has to stay in its box of what it is.

A black turtle neck top/sweater is a staple. Perfect layering piece for many many different looks.

Scarves and boots are also staples. These will elevate your jeans and sweater to a whole new level.

Also don’t be afraid of pattern and colour. Just because winter can bring a bit of dreariness, doesn’t mean that our wardrobes have to. Embrace colour

Lots of women worry that layering ends up making them feel bulky and larger then what they are.

Remember that three is the sweet spot. Three items of clothing on top looks balanced and not over bulked up. These three items can be mixed in many ways with vests, tops, sweaters, jackets, coats etc. But in the creative world the number three is a really special one.

Don’t pass over your summer items. Dresses can be worn with sweaters overtop or underneath. Boots and tights can be added. Scarves and vests overtop of summer shirts. The list is endless.

Michelle and I have put together some outfits from items at Re.Clotheme to showcase layering and transitioning pieces such as skirts, t-shirts and dresses into the new season.

Sabatini

Noir

with Stylist - Kerri Booth

Witchery Pants Size 10 $45

Blue Jersey Size 12 $68

Remo

Wild Child Linen Shirt Size 22 $45

Shoe $39 Bangle $20

Miracle Berry shirt dress Size 12 $45

Cardigan Size 12 $79

Boots Size 38 $68

Satch Crossbody Bag $65

Whistle Jumper Size 12 $52

David Pond Skirt Size 12 $65

Boots Size 38 $42

Pagani pleated skirt Size 14 $39

Skin Boots size 37 $75

Home-Lee t-shirt Size 8 $39

Denim jacket Size 12 $42

Talented Oxford student turned Christchurch singer songwriter.

by Amy Riach - photo

Back when she was a student at Oxford, Emma Rutherford was the lead of the school musicals, lead singer of the senior band, and lead soprano of the choir.

Now, all that musical talent is fueling a fast growing career as a singer songwriter, and on Friday the 10th of February she released her second ever single, an upbeat, summer romance anthem titled ‘Crazy’.

Emma has only just graduated from Ara Music Arts, and already she is building a career for herself in the world of New Zealand music. Her debut single, ‘Think of Me’, was released in September last year, and now that ‘Crazy’ is here to join it, Emma has only bigger and better plans for 2023.

And Emma herself is now someone who happily dances to the music while she sings, having grown hugely in her confidence on stage, and saying “I grew so much as a performer, and not just as a singer”. She adds that at Ara “I started really loving being on stage”, and now she is proudly gigging at Fat Eddie’s, at all hours of night and day. Emma started out gigging at Boo Radley’s, and she is both the lead singer in the Otautahi band House of Groove, and the lead vocalist in her music duo Fuchsia Haze. Performing at Fat Eddie’s was “always a goal of mine!”, and though Emma sometimes sings from 11:30 pm until 3:30 the next morning, she tells me assuredly that it’s “totally worth it”. In fact she was at Fat Eddie’s when ‘Crazy’ was released at midnight, telling me, “I’ll actually be singing when it comes out, and I’m so excited about the release!”

Emma’s brand new song is incredible, as was her debut, and she says that she wanted to challenge herself to write something really upbeat, saying “I wanted to write something that was fun, dancey, a real summer song!”

‘Crazy’ is taking her in a different direction than her debut, but she tells me that she is still so grateful for ‘Think of Me’, as producing it “just gave me the motivation to keep going and keep writing”, adding that “every release, you learn so much”. She has so much to be proud of, and tells me that her proudest achievement at Ara was not the song she debuted, but the documentary she produced.

As the capstone project for her thesis, Emma created “The Nostalgia Project”, a beautiful documentary which includes 13 of Christchurch’s most accomplished musicians, all of them more than 70 years old. In 2022, Emma interviewed her band of 13 musicians from Christchurch, New Zealand, about their extensive music careers, and her documentary explores their stories, challenges, passion and advice for musicians yet to come.

She tells me that “I wanted to do something that really captured that life and advice, something that I could leave school feeling really proud of”.

Eventually, Emma hopes to release an album, and get together with a band which would play her own songs. In fact, her next song is already in the works and on its way to the public ear.

Four years ago, the shift from high school to a dedicated Music School was a huge change, but Ara has set Emma up in the best possible way; and she tells me that auditioning was “the best thing I ever did!”, saying “I met some really incredible people, I had some incredible tutors, and I think you’ve just got to be a sponge when you’re learning in a place like that”.

Though Emma may one day write her name in lights on the big stage, she’s not about to forget Oxford, or what her hometown once offered her; saying that “it really did all begin here”.

With the unfailing support of her parents, and the Performing Arts HOD Cloe Angow, Emma fell in love first with music, and then with the idea of building a life around it. And when the school production was named as The Sound of Music, and 12 year old Emma was cast, “music just became everything to me”.

She tells me that “my whole life really was the Music department!”, and from then on Emma was in every production, at every choir festival, and singing in every prizegiving. Now she is a dedicated vocalist; and she says “my musical background was more musical theatre than anything else, and then I realised I couldn't dance!”

So instead Emma is writing music for the rest of us to dance along to, and she tells me that’s just what she had envisioned for her song ‘Crazy’.

In an effort to create a glitter-filled story of a summer romance, Emma has written a song very different from the sadder, ballad style music that she usually writes, a song made for dancing!

This time, Emma is writing about Oxford, and what it was like to grow up and grow out of this town. She even has plans to shoot a music video here, and for Oxford and its people, she says “I have a lot to be thankful for”.

Emma tells me that her lovely parents were nervous about her pursuing a career in music arts, and still “they’ve always just been so incredibly supportive”.

With the love and backing from her parents and the Oxford Music Department, Emma got her start here, and now she is teaching others to do exactly what she loves so much, guiding other young people with that same unconditional support.

Emma teaches a class of 13 Christchurch kids at StarJam, and she has done for 3 years now, teaching vocal lessons and passing on all that she’s learnt over the last 10 years. StarJam is a non-for-profit organisation which gives young New Zealanders with disabilities the opportunity to learn and love music, dance, and performance. The nationwide workshops, gigs, and events connect young people with disabilities with their passions, peers, and the wider community, and Emma is running a singing workshop out of the Otautahi Christchurch branch.

While she works on that much awaited album, Emma is also working as a teacher aide, and I can say with great certainty that the students of Te Aratai College will be very lucky to have her.

All of Oxford is so proud of their former Deputy Head Girl, and it is with great pleasure that I look forward to seeing what Emma Rutherford does next.

supplied

The Malvern Farmers Vet Club Charitable Trust (MFVCCT) would like to invite individuals, community groups and organisations to apply for grants from our organisation.

The MFVCCT purpose is to advance the welfare of our rural community and the individuals connected to the community. This involves distributing grants that meet the following criteria:

• The strengthening of charitable community and voluntary organisations involved in the relief of poverty.

• The advancement of education.

• The provision of financial support for specific community projects that advance charitable purposes.

• The strengthening of charitable community and voluntary organisations.

• The provision of financial and other support in anticipation of or in response to emergencies or adverse events.

• The enhancement and retention of essential services that advance charitable purposes.

To apply for grants please visit: mfvc.org.nz for more information on the application process.

All applications to be received by the 31st March 2023.

PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER

General Obedience & Marker training. Currently 20 years experience with Land Search and Rescue as an assessor trainer for dogs. Successfully trained 4 Search and Rescue Dogs. All enquiries welcome. Happy to discuss your requirements for your Dog.

Times & days to suit CALL RON ON 027 242 4907

Elevate Market in the Park is back, and this time in the beautiful season of autumn!

We are so proud to have the continued support of our Principal Sponsors, Elevate Talented People Placement who are located in Rangiora.

The inaugural Market in the Park injected over 100k back into the North Canterbury district and our participants begged us to do it again.....so.... we made it bi-annual in autumn and spring!

An autumn Market we can all look forward to! Elevate Market in the Park has been designed to support and promote local businesses.

A retail market with a wide assortment of market stalls and food vendors. A spectacular display of local products and our people, where the community can meet safely outdoors to support our local businesses.

Join us for a standout community event in Rangiora's stunning Victoria Park whilst enjoying live music, live busking shows, kids' circus party, bouncy castles, the fabulous onsite playground and the array of markets for all your retail, food and beverage needs.

Please support our local businesses who have been impacted so heavily aswell as our nearby retailers and eateries too (within the Rangiora CBD)!

Entry for participants to the event is via donation please, all funds raised will go back into the running costs of the bi-annual Elevate Market in the Park.

Chocolate Cinnamon Plum Cake

by Louize Juniper

8 Black Plums Ripe 3 Eggs

2 Cups Plain Flour 180g Butter Softened

2 Teasp Baking powder 1 Cup Dark Soft Brown Sugar

1 Teasp Ground Clove ¾ Cup Butter Milk

2 Tabsp Dutch Cocoa ¼ Cup Coconut Sugar

½ Teasp Salt 1 Teasp cinnamon

Pre heat Oven 180 degreees celsius

Bake 50 Mins

24 cm Cake tin or brownie tin

Grease and line your preferred tin.

Sift flour, baking powder, ground cloves and cocoa together. Place softened butter in a large bowl with the dark brown sugar and beat well with a cake mixer or hand mixer, until light and fluffy.

Beat eggs in one at a time, making sure egg is well mixed in. With a large spoon stir in the dry ingredients into batches with the butter milk. Do not over mix.

Place cake mix into prepared cake tin.

Cut plums in half remove stone and place cut side up.

Make sure the surface of the cake is well covered with plums to get maximum plumyness!

Mix the cinnamon and coconut sugar together and sprinkle all over the plum.

Bake for 50 mins

Serve hot or cold with yogurt, cream, icecream or custard.

Oxford

Community Trust

Social Services

Oxbox Youth Pool Party

Shoppers’ Bus

Tēnā anō tātou | greeting once again,

Over the past four years, we have strongly focused on our progressive vision where we are aiming to grow together (kāhui whetū), learn together (tatai whetū), and shine together (rau whetū).

Our focus for 2023 to target our visions includes: reviewing how we share our student's learning with whānau (growing together)

a strong focus on student well-being (growing together) extending deep learning and developing student competencies (learning together)

and reviewing how we celebrate student successes, with a particular focus on prizegivings (shine together).

On the note of shining together, we recently celebrated our academic successes in the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) from 2022. Once again we can broadcast to our community that we are significantly ahead of national averages in NCEA Level 1, NCEA Level 2, and NCEA Level 3 Excellence, with similar results to national averages in NCEA Level 3 and University Entrance.

Approximately 25% of the students who sat NCEA last year at our kura | school achieved their certificate with endorsement - either Merit or Excellence.

We are pleased with this result and note that while it is an improvement from the previous year, we continually focus on having our students aim for endorsement on their certificates, striving to be their best.

Congratulations to all of our students who achieved their academic goals in 2022.

Hai konā mai | until next time

Introducing our Head Students

2023 is a new year, with new beginnings and new goals and as student leaders for 2023 we have a new set of goals that we want to achieve. As a team of four, we all have a big connection to Oxford Area School as it has helped us grow and achieve our academic and personal goals. This year as a group we have plans to increase House spirit and participation in the variety of school activities that are available. We are working closely with House leaders and Captains to add our own bit of sparkle for 2023.

Alongside this, we want to continue to encourage students to take up every opportunity that is available as all of us have grown and benefited from doing this. To tackle this goal we have started weekly announcements on our school Facebook and Instagram page which is where you can hear about all that is available to participate in as well as what's going on around the school. For ourselves, Hillary Cooper and Micah Stagg, this is our 13th year at Oxford Area School and we feel so fortunate to be in this position. Being a student leader means a great deal to us, because it's our way of giving back to the place that we have received so much from. For me, Wilani Joubert, it's a great way to grow and push myself even further out of my comfort zone and it means a lot to me to have been given the opportunity to voice my ideas and give back to the school.

Kia ora, Earl Cacho here. During my time at Oxford Area School I’ve been given the opportunity to be 2023 school leader and for me, I would like to share the Māori culture and sport experience from New Zealand Area school tournaments to the students of Oxford Area School. As a group we have a range of skills that we want to put to good use and can't wait for the year ahead.

From our recent Year 11 & 13 PE Classes Surfing and Adrenalin forest

House Competition 2023

by Ella Wallace

We are off to an exciting start with the Oxford Area School House competition kicking our year off with a leadership camp and the almighty House Day!

The 2023 student House and school leaders are a remarkable team of young people who have set a tone of excitement, good competition and camaraderie for this year's House competition.

They spent the weekend before school began at an overnight camp, learning about leadership, sharing their ideas, and deciding what kind of leaders they want to be.

They are an impressive bunch!

The House Day the Leaders planned was a great success. They executed the entire day with enthusiasm and precision. They rallied their Houses and ran challenges!

Some of the excitement of the day included a chant off, tug of war, chalk art, and a relay involving wheelbarrows, haystacks and hurdles. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as a student from every year level did their part to win the race!

We are still counting the points to know who won House Day overall but here are some of the important wins so far!

BEST DRESSED HOUSE: TUI, CLOSELY FOLLOWED BY KAKA

BEST CHANT: KERERU.

RELAY WINNER: WEKA

OAS 2023 Year 4-13 Swimming Sports

What a great day for some fun in the pool. Having our Year 4 tamariki join us for the first time made the day even more special. We had a small but keen group of Year 9-13 students competing at the swimming sports. Well done to everyone for your efforts in the pool. It was great to see so many Years 4-8 students get involved on the day whether it was competitively or just for some fun. We had some great results and were able to take a number of students to the Eyre Cluster competition in Rangiora.

Canterbury Inter-schools Show Jumping and Show Hunter Competition

Wednesday 22nd February was the Canterbury Inter-schools Show Jumping Competition at Mcleans Island.

A team of four was entered but unfortunately due to rider and horse injuries only 2 riders were able to take part.

Paige Wakelin-Noble and Katie Readings did a fantastic job at representing OAS in very challenging conditions due to the weather.

Paige rode in 85cm classes and Katie in 105cm.

Huge congratulations to Katie for taking out 2nd place in the 105cm 2 phase.

with

Matt Doocey MP FOR WAIMAKARIRI

As the local MP for Waimakariri it’s important to me to bring in the decision makers so they can hear the concerns from people on the ground. Farming is an important part of our local economy in Waimakariri with our farmers underpinning our local economy. When farming does well in Waimakariri we all benefit.

So I’d like to thank Waimakariri Landcare Trust for hosting myself and National’s Agriculture spokesperson in Mandeville recently. The event was well-attended by farmers from across the electorate who have a lot of insight and expertise, and we should be listening to them.

One of the main topics of discussion was He Waka Eke Noa, and farmers will be waiting with bated breath for the Government’s final plan for pricing agricultural in the coming months.

We ended last year with the Government signalling it was back pedalling on its opposition to the sectors plan for agricultural emissions pricing. He Waka Eke Noa was supposed to be a partnership, but it became a process where they tried to twist farmers arms up their backs as far as they could, and only when the sector revolted did they suddenly rush around trying to reset their response.

National has always said that our agriculture sector needs to crack the methane – our exporters are telling us their customers expect it, and as the world’s best animal protein producers, New Zealand should take a lead role in this. But leadership is investing in new technology to create the tools to reduce methane. It is about incentivising on-farm change, and getting the on-farm change to occur. As farmers like those we spoke to in Mandeville understand, that’s all about how to effectively measure your methane loading on-farm and then applying management tools to sort it.

The Government’s initial view that 20% reduction of sheep and beef production was acceptable beggars belief. Destocking doesn’t make sense when the world demand for our protein is so strong and we are the best at it.

National supports a price on agricultural emissions, but will build a genuine partnership – between Government, marketers, and farmers investing in new innovation. We will review specific methane targets and future reductions every five years against the best science available, and assess factors such as global action, trade implications, and socio-economic realities.

But farmers also need a break from the top-heavy compliance and regulatory framework they are under such pressure to meet. Farmers I speak to in Waimakariri tell me they are overloaded by rules and regulations, testing and compliance targets. They want to do the right thing by the climate just as much as anyone, but they are right to speak up when it doesn’t make sense.

Farmers are asking us to look into not only agricultural emissions pricing, but farming transitioning into pine trees, the framework behind Significant Natural Areas (SNAs), wetland rules, grazing rules, slope plans, biodiversity rules. The feedback is clear – have another look at these areas, it’s sucking the joy out of farming, and it doesn’t make pragmatic sense.

National’s focus this year is to listen and be clear what we would change.

That is where the hope lies.

Thinking of Selling?

For specialist advice, a friendly chat or a complimentary free market appraisal of your Residential, Lifestyle or Rural property, don’t hesitate to call Mark or Karen today.

Ornamental trees Natives and fruit trees

Open

Kaiapoi

Christine was first appointed to the Parish in March 2014 as priest-in-charge, but became vicar (a more permanent position) in May 2015.

Christine says “I have loved my almost nine years at this Parish. Highlights for me were putting on dramatic presentations of the Good Friday and Nativity stories. The congregations became very adept at amateur dramatics, really bringing the Biblical narrative to life.” There have been ups and downs with people moving out of the area and the effects of Covid on congregation attendance.

She says “We managed well with services on line and we even had daily evening prayer on zoom for 18 months. I am very grateful for the loving congregations of St Andrews and St James and for my time as their vicar as we served God together in this community. “

Matt Doocey MP for Waimakariri

Oxford-Cust Anglican Parish Vicar Christine Allan-Johns retires

Gordon

Mayoral update with Dan

At this time of year Council has been hard at work preparing our Draft Annual Plan which will very soon be going out to our residents for consultation.

Since Council adopted the LTP in 2021, the Waimakariri District, like the rest of New Zealand and the world, has faced many challenges. These include the effects of Covid-19, supply chain issues, rising energy costs and inflationary pressures.

Simply, there’s been no economic period quite like this in the last 30 years.

Council had projected a rates rise of 4.3% for this year but as inflation has increased it has put significant pressure on operational budgets. To continue to provide the level of service rate payers expect it has forced a higher rate increase than expected.

Council started with a proposed rates increase of 14.4%. After thoroughly reviewing work programmes, looking for savings and at any projects that could be deferred, a significantly lower increase of 5.97% has been reached.

There are three key challenges that we face.

New regulations mean we need to test water supplies more regularly and potentially bring forward-planned upgrades to remain chlorine-free.

We need to make immediate improvements to the stormwater network following flooding from extreme weather events. Inflation and capped Waka Kotahi subsidies are disproportionately affecting our roading budget and more funding is needed to make sure local roads remain at a high standard.

In Local Government there continues to be a lot of uncertainty, with four central government driven reform programmes underway – Three Waters, Resource Management Reforms, the Future for Local Government Review and Modernising the Emergency Management Framework. There’s also new legislation aimed to meet the challenges of climate change that will affect how the Council functions, as well as new urban planning rules which we are required to follow.

We’ve been playing an active role in these reforms to ensure the Waimakariri voice is heard at a national level.

Council looks forward to hearing your thoughts on the issues via submissions to the Annual Plan which can be made until 17 April. For more information visit letstalk. waimakariri.govt.nz

I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you may want to discuss. Email me at dan. gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021906437. I’m here to help.

Helping grow the country

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008.

I can help you find the new home you’ve been dreaming about.

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chickens, sheep, pigs, goats & horses

GARDENING TOOLS & SUPPLIES

weed killer , fertilliser

NUTS, BOLTS, CATCHES & LATCHES

Pop in to your local Hardware store…. you’ll be surprised what’s available instore!

Oxford District Connect

One of the ongoing effects of Covid has been that a lot of people lost their connections, and way of meeting other people, and Oxford District Connect aims to help them reconnect again. It is a social programme where volunteers are matched with a participant and will visit them at least once a week or whatever is decided upon between the two parties. The visits are purely social for a chat and some company, and are not for the purpose of helping with cleaning or any tasks in the home. There is also the option for a phone call rather than visiting if that is preferred.

82 High Street, Oxford p - 03 312 4521 HOURS

Mon – Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm e - admin@womersleys.co.nz www.womersleys.co.nz

Heather McKay will be coordinating this programme and says her goal is to keep the community connected. She says “For me it is the enjoyment of being around people. It adds so much to your life”. All volunteers will be vetted and Police checked. They will also have to follow policies and procedures set out by the Trust.

Anyone can put their name down for the programme and the Trust will also work in with the Oxford Community Health Centre. There is no cost, and all you have to do is contact the Trust to put your name down. Heather will make an initial visit to help her match the participant with a volunteer who has similar interests, or would match well.

Heather is also going to be liaising with the Oxford Dementia Social Group, which is another avenue in the Community which offers support. Oxford District Support is a programme which encapsulates the Trust’s ethos of “I’ve Got Your Back”.

Oxford Community Trust Manager Jo Ealam says “Helping someone to feel connected can be as easy as a cup of tea with someone. We want to help people to feel connected, and that the Community is there for them”.

If you would like to volunteer for Oxford District Support, or if you feel you or a family member would benefit, you can call the Oxford Community Trust on 312 3006 or pop in to 37 Main Street, Oxford.

The Oxford Community Trust has launched a new programme to combat the isolation that some of the older members of the community can face.

by Emily Chapman - photo supplied

EMERGENCY SERVICES

ST JOHN update with Mel Brooker

It’s been a great month for getting out there and enjoying what this great place has to offer, and with the roar only one short month away I thought it would be timely to remind people about hunting boundaries. It is your responsibility to know where you can and can not hunt. It’s really easy in this day and age. There are many apps right at your fingertips. Be safe out there.

From a policing perspective, I am always amazed as to how busy this quaint little town can be. There have been a number of rural and dwelling burglaries this last month. You are the eyes and ears of the community. Look out for each other. Be vigilant. Lock your doors. Remove your keys from your vehicles, and if you are going away for a period of time, let your friends and neighbours know.

The days are getting shorter and the mornings are getting darker, and it’s that time of year again to give your vehicle the once over before winter, and not wait for that next Warrant of Fitness. Make sure you have good tread depth and your wipers are working properly.

From a road safety perspective, speed is still a concern. School has been back for a month now and we should all be aware of the increase in foot traffic, especially around 8:30AM AND 3:00PM. I have had an increased report in near misses on the pedestrian crossings. So please can everyone, motorists and pedestrians alike, make sure the way is clear before you cross. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Thank you for your time. Until next month, be safe. Feel safe.

It has been another busy month, and we have already attended over 70 jobs for the year. The calls are a variety of causes, from Springfield to Rangiora.

Remember to call early. We would rather have time on our side to treat you than not.

Could I ask everyone to please go out to your mailbox and check your house number is visible from both directions. If not please see to this as soon as possible. Also clear and accurate information given to the call taker ensures you get prompt and appropriate resources sent to you.

We are looking forward to seeing lots of visitors at our stand at the Oxford A&P show on 1/4/23.

Lastly to the person who helped themselves to the firewood on Harewood Road, I hope you needed it and feel good that you have stolen something that was gifted to a St John volunteer.

As always we are looking for good people to join us as volunteers. Please call the station on 033123516 leave your name and number and our recruiting officer will be in touch.

The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require emergency assistance please call 111.

Stay well and safe.

with Trevor Ealam

In January the Brigade had eight calls. One call was to assist the Cust Fire Brigade at a paddock fire. In our area we attended two medical assists, one car accident where the occupant received minor injuries, a four wheel drive motor bike accident on a farm track and the rider received very serious injuries, an air craft accident where the pilot received minor injuries and the passenger received serious injuries, an un-permitted rubbish fire, and to a tree that had fallen across both lanes of the Oxford Road.

Recently the Brigade welcomed Walter Gouws into the Brigade. He transferred from an Auckland Brigade to Oxford.

This month's message is;

Fire restrictions are now in place and if you want to burn you will need a permit.

If you are unsure, Google checkitsalright. You can apply for your permit there and it will also tell you if actually need one, or ring the Fire Communication Centre on 03 341 0266.

POLICE update with Mitch Alatalo

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PUBLISHER Schnurrbart Design and Publishing Enquires to info@oxfordobserver.co.nz or 0800 627 387 37

All efforts are made to verify the correctness of information contained within this publication however Schnurrbart Design and Publishing accept no liability for the correctness or accuracy of any information contained within these pages.

Any views, information or opinions expressed within this publication are not necessarily the opinions or views of Schnurrbart Design and Publishing or any of its providers.

Online Will $69

Kiwilaw – www.kiwilaw.co.nz

‘Just do it!’

Hours: 8am-11am & 4pm-6pm

Phone: 03 312 5744

Mob: 027 457 4431

Email: Theresa@coolcats.nz 1891 South Eyre Rd “Timespentwithcatsisneverwasted”

www.coolcats.nz

OXFORD DISTRICT UNION PARISH

Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community

UNION (METHODIST & PRESBYTERIAN)

ALL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT 85 MAIN STREET ON SUNDAYS AT 9.30AM

Salvation Army Service at 6pm every 3rd Sunday

UNION PARISH MINISTER: REV. JULIA DE GROOT PH : 022 567 9914 EMAIL : jewelsdg@gmail.com

PARISH CLERK: KEN WALKER Ph: 03 312 1464

dipl. NSF , CCNM/NZSE, RMT-MNZ

Marina Vermaat

64 High Street Oxford 7430 03 312 4731 027 311 1140

For Beautifully Handcrafted Books

Tessa Warburton BOOKBINDER

• Restoration

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• Private Tuition

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

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.’

“Soon will the present day order be rolled up and a new one spread out in its stead”

Bahá’u’lláh. Bahai.org

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St Peter Chanel Catholic Parish

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

98 Main Street, Oxford ENQUIRIES: Waimakariri Parish Ph: 03 313 6285

REGULAR SUNDAY MASS

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