The Oxford Observer May 2020

the Observer MAY 2020

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MAY twenty Twenty Welcome to the May issue of the Oxford Observer.

We are thrilled to be able to able to have this issue printed!

As you will know, we were unable to print our April issue due to the Covid 19 Level 4 Lockdown. (Check it out online at issuu.com/oxfordobserver).

However, we are back in business with the 100th issue.

We feel privileged to be part of the life of this magazine, which Jill Edwards had the vision for, and started in 2011.

On page 4 Shaz Davis has written an article about the history of the publication.

Covid 19 has had an impact on everyone in the way we work, socialise, learn and live, and we have a few perspectives on this in our Life in Lockdown article on page 8.

Like everyone it has had an impact on our business, and we would like to say a huge thankyou to all of our advertisers who support us.

We know it is a time of upheaval for everyone and we appreciate you all.

It is a great time for our community to support local businesses, to help them move past the impact of Covid 19, so have a look at what is on offer from these businesses. c

Until next time, stay safe.

Schnurrbart

Please contact us for any enquiries

Design & Publishing

0800 627 378 37

Cover photo Park Ave, Oxford

Bruce & Emily Chapman

E. advertise@oxfordobserver.co.nz www.schnurrbartdandp.co.nz

We know it is a tense and scary time.

We are all having to change the way we work, socialise, and access services, and for many of us this will cause stress.

The Oxford Community Trust is available to support our community in lots of ways.

Maybe you need shopping done and delivered, prescriptions or medical supplies picked up.

Or maybe transport to Rangiora or Christchurch for medical appointments?

We have people available to support you.

Our services are currently free, and we have 4 vehicles available, so you can travel with one of our lovely drivers to your appointment, keeping safe in our van with no other people.

We understand that for a lot of people, you would have never needed the support and information that the Trust has on offer.

But as our area experiences job losses and financial concerns, we are here to support anyone, and have workers available to talk through some difficult times.

We have a food bank available, and donations coming in from the community, to be able to support anyone who is wondering where to next.

If you would like to support the work the Trust is doing, you can do this at https://givealittle.co.nz/org/oxfordcommunitytrust.

Check out our Facebook page for updates.

Oxford Community Trust

Please phone 312 3006 any time.

Your call will be answered, or returned promptly.

Advertising Terms and Conditions

All Advertising is to be paid by the 20th of the month the invoice is issued in.

Accounts more than one month overdue will be passed on to our debt recovery team and advertising will resume once the account has been cleared.

All fees and charges incurred due to non or late payment are fully recoverable from you and will be added to your total debt.

By accepting our product or services you are deemed to have accepted our payment terms.

We reserve the right to forward your overdue account to a debt collection company and register the debt with the credit agencies.

All Rates are PER ISSUE and exclude GST unless otherwise stated.

Please contact us for any enquiries

0800 627 378 37

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We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Oxford community for their ongoing support and understanding at this very crazy time.

Phone 312 4314 49B Main Street, Oxford Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm

Recently when lockdown was impending, I realised that I would have to alter my business to suit the current climate.

I initially packed up all of the stock we had in the shop and took it home, in case the option came up to be able to sell online. Although it was a real unknown, it felt like the right thing to do.

My friend Char at Rangiora Post hooked me up with everything I needed to be able to ship all these items out to our customers.

I was talking to my friend Anna as she does website design (Anna by design) and we decided that we would set up a store attached to my facebook, and that soon eventuated to the start of a website too.

This is something that is so far out of my comfort zone, but Anna guided me through it.

This gave me to ability to ship a small amount of essential goods, which definitely helped my business, as well as being of assistance to people who were desparate to get good quality shampoo and conditioner.

The implications of clients using ‘generic’ products over this time, ultimately would become our responsibility when they sit back in the chair (generic products contain non water soluble silicone which can prevent our colour from performing as it should, and can also cause terrible chemical reactions!)

We hope to expand the website and start sourcing amazing good quality products, hand picked by myself, that we can have on our customers doorstep overnight at the latest (thanks to Oxford couriers).

I recognise that how we need to do business is going to be very different from now on and we plan to stay ahead of the mark and cater to our local client’s specific challenges and needs.

I am also pleased to be able to offer online consultations to help clients choose what products they need.

There is nothing worse than staring at products and not knowing if you are picking the right thing!

It has been really fun, and I am excited to keep growing and developing the business to suit this new way of life.

Check out our new website now..

Amie xx

maindividehairlounge.co.nz FOLLOW US

MAIN DIVIDE HAIR LOUNGE 53A Main Street Oxford, New Zealand

03-312 3311

Oxford 191 High Street

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COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD - APRIL 29 2020

Waimakariri District Council Update on Services at Level 3 As we move into Alert Level 3 this week we collectively breathe a sigh of relief that the lockdown seems to have had the desired effect and we can turn our minds to recovery planning.

Next week the Council will meet on Tuesday 5 May followed by public hearings on the Draft Annual Plan 2020/21 on Wednesday 6 May. These meetings will be live streamed and you can pop on to our website to watch them live.

Council continues to provide a range of services with the majority of staff working remotely from home.

Some key service changes include: Kerbside recycling This is back up and running but only plastic types 1, 2 and 5 can be accepted. All other plastics, including lids need to go in the rubbish. Please make sure your bins are out by 7am on collection day, and that they are spaced at least 50cm apart.

Transfer stations Southbrook Resource Recovery Park - Open for green waste, rubbish disposal and recycling of clean mixed glass – expect delays in the first few weeks. From Monday 4 May it can accept clean flattened cardboard. All other drop-off areas are closed.

Oxford Transfer Station - Open for drop-off of official Council branded rubbish bags in the skip during normal opening hours. From Friday 1 May it will accept clean flattened cardboard and glass. All other areas are closed.

Please make sure that your kids stay out of these spaces too -there is a risk of breaking your bubble and physical distancing can be hard in these spaces.

Upcoming Meetings The following meetings will take place via video conference (Zoom) and will be live streamed through our website.

And again please clean up after your dogs when you are out and about – your dog, your mess!

Libraries Our librarians continue to work from home and are keen to connect from their bubble to yours. You can reach them by email on library@wmk.govtnz, by phone on 311 8901, or via Facebook at facebook.com/ waimakaririlibraries.

• Council Tuesday 5 May at 1pm • Annual Plan Hearing Wednesday 6 May at 1pm.

Sarah Nichols Governance Manager

Please note that Waimakariri Libraries is unable to take any returned items during Alert Level 3. Hold on to your items and we will let you know when we are accepting returns again.

All loans have been extended and there will be no overdue fines accrued during this time.

While we have closed the Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre we continue to point people in the right direction for support and help when they need it.

Capital Projects and Maintenance You will notice Council staff and contractors will be restarting key projects and maintenance work across the District where it is safe to do so. There have been changes made to the way both site inspections for contractors and building inspections will be carried out to keep everyone safe. You can find out more information at waimakariri.govt.nz/covid-19

At times like this it’s normal to experience symptoms of stress related to COVID-19.

And if you’re unsure of who to contact for support you can touch base with us for a steer in the right direction.

We can all We canthe all We all slow slow the slow the spread spread spread

The Cust Rural Recycling Drop-off remains closed.

Rates Information on rates relief is available on our website. You can contact the team on 0800 965 468 or email rates@wmk.govt.nz. Our team can work with you to come up with a plan that suits your circumstances – please contact us as soon as possible so we can help you.

Parks, Reserves and Community Facilities The access gates to our beaches will be opened to the public and you can go to your closest beach – please still practice physical distancing.

While our parks and reserves are open – please don’t use playgrounds, skate parks or dog parks. These are closed and where possible locked or have tape or signage in place.

We all need to work together if we want to slow the spread of COVID-19. Unite against the virus now.

We all need to work together if we want to slow the spread

We are here to help. You can contact us in a number of ways:

Unitetogether against the virus now.

Weof allCOVID-19. need to work if we want to slow the spread of COVID-19. Unite against the virus now.

• Rangiora Service Centre office@wmk.govt.nz, 0800 965 468

Be kind. Check-in on the elderly or vulnerable

• Or search for us on facebook @WaimakaririDistrictCouncil

Be kind. Check-in on the elderly

or vulnerable Be kind.

Check-in on the elderly or vulnerable

• Try our online options waimakariri.govt.nz/ services/online-services

Washing and drying your hands kills the virus Washing and drying your hands

kills the virus Washing and drying your hands kills the virus

Find out more at Covid19.govt.nz

• Snap Send Solve App. STS_A4_20/03

Find out more at Covid19.govt.nz

Find out more at Covid19.govt.nz

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STS_A4_20/03

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Cough or sneeze into your elbow

Cough or sneeze into your elbow

Cough or sneeze into your elbow

Stay home if you are sick

Stay home if you are sick

Stay home if you are sick

• 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

• 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

COAST TO COAST INVESTIGATIONS & COLLECTIONS Coast to Coast Investigations Ltd is owned and operated by locals.

With years of experience in this field, we have licensed representation nationwide, in New Zealand, Australia and Globally ,

NO ONE PAYING BILLS DUE BEFORE OR DURING COVID -19?

We are available to work with you and your business to help you recover debts owed at this time.

We provide a highly confidential and discreet service to Individuals and businesses to ensure your interests are protected.

Our team are vetted and cleared by Police, and are fully licensed Private Investigators so that you can be sure, you are looked after by the best.

LET US HELP? office@c2c.nz

03 310 2242 021 413 002

http://www.coasttocoastinvestigations.co.nz

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100th edition milestone for The Oxford Observer words by Shaz Davis - photo Bruce Chapman

The first edition of The Oxford Observer was published by the late Jill Edwards, with the help of her team comprising friend and collaborator Heather Norton and graphic designer Susan Stewart, in October 2011.

The local community newspaper started life as an eight-page black-and-white publication. It quickly grew to be a much-anticipated monthly publication, with people enjoying the focus on local news and relevant information.

The inspiration for the publication happened a few years before that, says Jill’s husband, Ray Edwards. Jill had a lot of friends who lived more rurally, outside The Bulletin’s circulation area and felt they were missing out – so she decided to start her own publication for local news.

Ray’s job was to collect copies of all the local community papers on his travels around the South Island for work. Jill, who had no previous publication experience, then went through them with Heather and they picked out what they thought were the best elements from each.

“Jill put in many, many hours. She was always out and travelling around the district chatting to people. In 2012 she got Fiona Maddison in to help her as well, and it was going really well,” says Ray, who adds that other than being allowed to help with deliveries was told to keep his big nose out of it!

Di Moreira

Living, loving, selling Oxford M 027 848 8020 E di@pb.co.nz

“Di took on every vendors feedback and gave clear advice as to what we could do to remove any detractors. Di is approachable and with her calm nature everyone who engages with her feels like they can trust her. We are so happy that our paths crossed and that we had wonderful agent to support us through the process of selling. We can wholeheartedly say we love Di and would highly recommend her and believe she is a credit to Property Brokers.”

10/10 Client Experience Laura-Louise and Richard Acock pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

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“Then Jill got too sick and couldn’t do it anymore, and Fiona took over for a few years, and then Emily and Bruce Chapman bought the business. I admire Emily and Bruce – she’s a million-dollar publication now,” says Ray. “The name, The Oxford Observer, comes from an original publication from many, many years ago,” says Ray. Back in 1889, Richard Holman Parish began a weekly publication of The Oxford Observer, printed from a press installed in his drapery shop in Oxford.

Richard’s daughter Laurie Annie took over the ownership of the paper in 1894 and ran it until somewhere between 1901 and 1903 – the last surviving copy of the paper is August 1901 – however, the Parish Family continued to run a printing service for many years after this.

Fiona and Max Maddison purchased the paper in September 2014 and steadily grew the size of the publication and introduced colour pages for the first time. In March 2018 Bruce and Emily Chapman took over the businesses, bringing a more glossy, magazine-style to the publication at the start of their second year of operation.

Bruce and Emily say they’ve loved running the Observer over the past two years and have met so many amazing people in the wider community.

“Although we have lived here for a long time, we have learnt so much more about the area, and the innovative and creative people who live here. We’ve expanded the distribution area and the size of the magazine, and we’re looking to grow more in 2020. We feel strongly that there’s still a place for print media, especially at a community level.

“People love having The Oxford Observer on their coffee table and go back to it time and time again. This also has a benefit for our advertisers as their ads are seen over and over, rather than just once-off. We’re so grateful for the support of all of our advertisers, who make the whole operation possible, and we look forward to bringing many more issues to the community,” says Emily.

Hey everyone - we are still here!

Under Level 3 we can only sell on-line, via phone or email.

We can courier to anywhere in New Zealand.

Free drop offs within Oxford township or offer click & collect.

Let's all work together so we can get to Level 2 and invite you back in store. We cant wait to see you all!

Take care. Emma

emma@emmasatoxford.com www.emmasatoxford.com #WeWillSurvive

Ph: 03 312 3432

53 Main Street, Oxford

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Life in Lockdown Covid 19 and the resulting lockdown has been a time of upheaval and change for everyone. Most people have been impacted in some way, and economically this will stay with us for a long time.

But, there have also been positives.

For those of us who are not essential workers, we have never had so much family time together, everyone is cooking more, people are getting interested in growing their own food, and I think we could all say that we realise what is important to us.

For us like everyone, our business has been impacted, but we have tried to focus on the future and where we would like to take our business. We thought it would be great to hear what some people’s ‘Life in Lockdown’ looks like.

Barbara Kelly – Syndicate Leader Year 1-2 Oxford Area School

There was a lot of trepidation around the beginning of the new school term, with teaching and learning being delivered in a foreign way for us all. However, the teachers have thoughtfully designed activities to engage the children and allow families to work at their own pace.

The teachers greet and farewell the children each day through video or story links. Throughout the day the teachers make connections, through Educa, our visible way of making connections with families. The children share the learning stories and the teachers provide feedback to the children on the activities shared.

As teachers we meet on Zoom, three times a week to discuss the children’s stories, future planning and a catch up with colleagues.

Our gratitude goes out to our Oxford Area School families for embracing the learning from home.

Amy Riach – age 15

With the country in lockdown so much of our daily lives are being lived online, and school is no exception. Students from all the way from year 1 to 13 are going to school from inside their own homes, and it’s been a learning curve for all of us. As a senior student at Oxford I have found online schooling to be far easier than I had first anticipated. The transition from the classroom to a computer screen was a challenge at first, but it’s a challenge that we are all overcoming together. The teachers at Oxford have been really great in transferring their lessons into an online format, and they are all learning as well. I’m loving being able to sleep in on a school morning, and most of the time I work on my first class in my pajamas! I do miss being able to speak with people face to face, but I have weekly Zoom lessons that allow me to ask questions, and see the faces of people who aren’t family. I’m glad that we are all managing to continue with a sense of normality in this unusual time.

This won’t be forever, and when we do return to school I will appreciate it more than I ever thought I would. I won’t be complaining about Monday mornings for a while!

Ryan Peni – Managing Director, Niche FM (www.nichefm.co.nz)

While COVID-19 has been a challenging and rapidly changing situation, we have found it really important to be positive, and stay focused and motivated. As a result of this our team has come closer during this time. We have been able to have the time to refine our operations and work on those tasks that typically take a backseat priority. As business owners we have had to adapt to what is happening in the world, and I am sure that this experience will make us smarter, stronger and far more resilient.

Daisy Harris – age 9 In lockdown, I like to go for bike rides and look for teddy bears in the windows. I also love being home-schooled. We do maths, writing and sometimes art in the afternoon. We also have video meetings with our teachers.

My family plays outside a lot. We play hide and seek and jump on the trampoline. I learnt to land a flip.

We also do a lot of cooking and take a lot of pictures to remember this time. There is lots of things to do.

Lockdown can be hard too, it was my birthday in lockdown. It was great but none of my friends could come.

I miss my friends and family.

Remember to stay 2 meters away from each other and wash your hands! Be kind to everyone.

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Justin Thompson – HOD Social Sciences, Oxford Area School Well this is a very different way to teach and live.

Who would have thought 2020 would turn out like this! I teach L1-3 Geography, L1 History and support the Year 9-10 Fusion Programme and Senior Tourism, now all from the comforts of home.

My classes use Google Classroom to see what work to do and then go to the oxfordsocialscience.weebly.com site I created to do their work. I was very lucky to have taught online through NetNZ (formerly CantaNet) where I taught students from all around the country online using video calls, Google Communities and other software to work with students I never met in person. It is a challenge to keep students motivated and on task but the students learning this way will be learning skills to support them in the future. Resilience, remaining positive, being adaptable and taking responsibility will clearly help them when entering the job market in the future, whatever that looks like.

During the lockdown I have got to spend more time with my wife and daughter and go for walks around Rolleston. Once a week or so I get to go to the Supermarket and do our shopping.

Otherwise during the week I am checking emails and work from students I set. I am also making work for the students and putting it on the websites and finally making videos to support the students who miss or can not connect to the zoom calls, which I do weekly with my students. I am on the phone to a lovely group of parents I ring weekly to check in on how they are coping and it gives them a chance to check in on the latest information we have as a school.

Each teacher has a group they are calling. All the work I have done I hope supports the learning of the students, helps out colleagues and gives us the opportunity to rise to the occasion in this very unique set of circumstances.

Jo Ealam – Manager, Oxford Community Trust

Working remotely from home has been lovely.

Once I found my new dedicated space at one end of the kitchen table, and being able to look out to the garden it all seemed less stressful.

Adapting to the new normal of physical isolation, and the ability to use zoom has required patience and at times some funny situations.

The belief in what we think we look like, is shattered very quickly when we see ourselves on screen.

Notes to myself, keep mute on it saves many awkward things being said or heard, and make sure your hair looks passable.

I have been kept busy with calls from many people who just need some reassuring words when this Covid situation seems so overwhelming to them, and what it looks like for their future with loss of income or employment.

I have been humbled by people’s generosity to offer support in the way of time, or monetary donations to the Trust so we can support our community.

As we adapted and supported Canterbury after the earthquakes, I know we can rise again to this challenge and all work together to get us through.

Kerri Booth - Polkadotcom

I would have to say that I have flicked between channelling my inner zen with peace and calm to freaking out that we are all going down and it will never be ok again! From conversations I have had with other business owners, I don’t think I am alone in these feelings.

My four weeks started with thinking of different ways I could operate, to realising as more restrictions became apparent that we just had to stop. So my house is sparkling clean, I’ve finished some DIY projects, and I’ve had time to thrash out the meaning and purpose of Polkadotcom. What was essential, and what I always thought was essential, seemed to have different meanings.

On the days I was motivated, I managed to do projects that were long overdue and the days I wasn’t motivated, I concentrated on not going insane. I don’t think any small business owner is quite sure of how it’s going to be when we all open our doors again, but there is a very very strong spirit of supporting local that is coming out.

New driving programme for Waimakariri words by Emily Chapman - photo supplied

The Waimakariri has an exciting new community driver mentor programme (CDMP) based in Rangiora, for inexperienced drivers of all age. The programme is run by The Salvation Army, who first started the programme in Christchurch in 2014.

“Community driver mentor programme (CDMP) addresses the disadvantages that inexperienced young adult learner drivers face in attaining their restricted licence. The programme helps drivers become better and safer drivers by providing opportunities for supervised experience with trained volunteer driver mentors.”

Julia Graham from Oxford has been appointed as Co-ordinator of the Waimakariri programme. Julia is no stranger to mentor driving programmes. She set up the successful U-Drive programme programme through her role as Youth Worker for Oxford Community Trust which helps young people gain the experience they need to move from their Learner’s Licence to their Restricted Licence.

Julia says she is excited to teach clients to drive, and loves being able to give them the skills they need to gain their licence, along with helping and supporting them.

The programme is open to anyone who has barriers to learning to drive.

This could be income, criminal history, lack of support, mental health, or any other reason that would prevent them from gaining their licence.

Volunteer mentors supervise learner drivers, and the programme has two cars available to be used for the lessons.

Visit our collaborative co-working office. Casual, permanent desks and meeting room for hire. Book online!

Level 1, 210 High Street, Rangiora

There is no cost for the lessons, but participants are responsible for their application and test fees.

While the programme is not operating fully during Covid 19 lockdown, they are still taking applications.

If you are interested, contact Julia on 021953754 or email Julia.graham@salvationarmy.org.nz.

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COVID -19 Well… unusual times, to say the least!

I hope you are all well. I hope your family are all well. I hope you have all coped under these testing times. As I write this column there is a merging light at the end of the tunnel. We are coming out the other side. Hang in there my fellow Cantabs. Not long now…

Like many others, including my wife Jill, I go for a daily walk. Both for physical fitness and mental health, fresh air! I put on my headphones, tune into my Spotify, and off I go for about an hour. I listen to a variety of music, but the other day a song came on by Joni Mitchell called “Big Yellow Taxi”.

The chorus line goes…

“Don't it always seem to go That you don't know what you've got 'Til it's gone” I can’t think of truer words than these for this time right now.

No work. No beer with my mates. No golf. No takeaways. No grandchildren. And so the list goes on.

All the things we take for granted. But, one thing we do have right now and that’s time. We’re often described as a growing society of a “time poor” community. I hope many of you, as I have, have taken this time wisely. Spending this time with kids, partners, (within our bubble of course) doing those things that we’ve put off until we have time!

Many of us in Canterbury are lucky because this in some ways is not new to us. Many of us had isolation of sorts after the 2010 / 2011 Earthquakes. Working from home, unable to do many of things we could before. As terrifying as that time was for us, we could see, feel, and fully comprehend what we were going through.

This time is different. This time it’s a “silent assassin”. One we can’t see, hear, or feel until it arrives. For many this may be more difficult to accept. I say again, hang in there my fellow Cantabs. Not long now…

I’ve had a number of clients call me with queries around how Covid 19 affects their insurances. I thought I’d take a little time just to clarify for those of you who may be unsure. In my area of expertise, that is Life, Health and Disability insurances, there is no impact whatsoever on current in force policies. Generally speaking you have a contract that cannot be changed. There are no exclusions or special terms in case of a pandemic.

There’s very good reason for this. In the case of Life Insurance, globally by far the fatalities due to Covid 19 are contained to the elderly and infirmed. Many of these do not have Life insurance simply because there is no need. Therefore, there is no expectation for an unusual increase in claims.

In the case of Health Insurance there is also no likely hood of increased claims. In fact, there’s likely to be decrease in claims simply because all elective surgery has been suspended.

Covid 19 cannot be fixed by surgery. If it does require hospitalisation then it is under acute admission which comes under the public health system.

In the case of Disability Insurance, that includes such things as Income Protection, Mortgage Repayment and Trauma, again, there is no expectation for any abnormal increase in claims at this time.

Remember, your I.P. or Mortgage cover is only claimable when you, as the life assured, can’t work due to a physical or mental health issue. It does not cover you when you aren’t allowed to work due to Government intervention.

However, you may have a claim if you are not able to work due to having the virus. If that is the case, seek advice from your Adviser or give us a call.

In fact if you have any concerns or queries about your insurances at all, you are welcome to give us a call.

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OAS UPDATE

by Mike Hart

Kia ora koutou, Congratulations - we have completed our third week of learning from home.

We are so impressed with our students and their families who have embraced this different style of learning. For some it works better than others - please persevere and create good routines.

In terms of creating good routines - build them on our values and it has been an absolute pleasure to see our values on display during this time.

What a positive attitude our students and their whānau are bringing to this different way of schooling given the circumstances.

We knew it will be a very different experience for most students, but overall we pleased with what we have seen.

We have also seen responsibility displayed by the commitment of students (supported by their families) to make a good start on their learning.

Communications between students and staff remain very respectful. And finally from us to you - we care and we are here to support.

Our teachers are only ever a call or an email away and ready to support you through this.

Speaking of teachers and our support staff, I would like to acknowledge what they are doing.

The personal touch of contacting our student's families by phone is important to us rather than sending out forms to fill in. By doing this a conversation can be had and the information we are able to get is accurate and well understood. Along with keeping in touch with families our staff, like many of us at the moment, are balancing partners working from home, their own children learning from home while delivering a supportive "learning from home" package and maintaining up to date feedback for our students.

A word I have been using a lot lately is patience. Please be patient if responses are not immediate - it could be the teacher is helping organise their own young ones with their learning. With near on three weeks into learning from home, our staff are continually developing how they deliver the learning in this new style.

Kia ngātahi ai te tū, e pakari ai te tuarā - Stand united, stand strong. We are all in this together and we will get through this together.

Ngā mihi nui, Mike Hart Principal

North Canterbury Wearable Arts 29 August 2020 - Cancelled

BOT News Kia ora koutou katoa We hope that life in your bubble is going well for you all during this very unusual time in our lives.

Term 2 of 2020 started very differently than any of us could have expected. The Board would like to thank all the staff and students of Oxford Area school for adapting so well to this new way of learning.

The time and effort everyone has put into making this work is great.

Being a rural school for many it has been work as normal - working on farms. To you, and all our essential workers and services within our community who have kept working hard during this unsettling time, hats off to you. (No hugs, handshake or hongi!!!)

You have kept our economy ticking over, cared for us, kept us safe, kept open necessity services, and ensured some form of normality within our community. Keep up the good work.

It will be no surprise that we have decided to cancel this year's show. We will reschedule it for August next year (2021).

Information and Entry Forms are still available and the categories listed below will stay the same for next year.

Enquiries and Entry Forms: Northcanterburywearablearts@gmail.com Phone: 021 073 5844 or Oxford Area School - 312-4197 Categories: Years 1 - 6 - Farming/Agriculture Years 7 - 13 - Open OR Dreams and Nightmares Adults - Open OR Geometrics Family (and/or individual adult) - Light it up (This is a new category for the whole family to be involved in - a garment that "glows" in the dark - fleuro, neon, reflective).

This period in our lives has not just been a learning experience for our students but for all of us. Sacrifices have been made to stick to government regulations to ensure the safety of not only ourselves but those within our community.

But during this time I hope that you all have made the most of the time with the company of those within your isolation bubble. For many of us we have used this time to do and try things that we normally wouldn’t do or have time to do.

I could list quite a few things, with a favourite being Tic Tocking with my daughter!

It has been unsettling times for all and is clearly impacting our personal and professional lives and those that we love.

The Board would like to wish you all a safe passage through this difficult period, take care, be patient and stay positive.

D E L EL

C

C N A

Ngā mihi Matt Riley (BOT Chairperson)

52 Bay Road Oxford

03 312 4197

info@oxford.school.nz

Life in our Bubbles

Our bubbles come in all shapes and sizes, they are all different.

This week we hear from some more of our students and what their experience has been like so far.

Bridget and Jake Eder, Year 7 and Year 5 We have been keeping really busy during this lock down from helping in the garden, stacking the woodshed, baking and riding on the tractor. We have loved spending time together as a family and with our many animals. Our dog Buddy runs with us when we ride our bikes and our blind kitten has learnt how to climb trees (however we do have to rescue her). We have still kept in touch with friends and family overseas through skype and what’s app which has been different to get used too but fun. We have also really enjoyed learning how to ride a motor bike that has a clutch and gears, we have challenged ourselves with this and succeeded each time. We hope everyone is staying safe and we can’t wait to see all our friends again.

Zoey Anderson, Year 7 Hi my name is Zoey and I’m going to tell you about life in lockdown in a student’s perspective.

It’s great to be able to choose what work you want to do that day but it’s harder to get help from a teacher.

I’ve been having so much fun doing the stuff I usually wouldn’t have the time to do. I made a paper plane powered with a hair tie made by Nanogirl and spent more time each day with my six dogs and cat than usual.

Once we’re out I’m really looking forward to seeing my friends and my teachers.

Nicholas McKinney, Year 7 Over the few weeks we have been in lockdown me and my brothers have created a fort with everything that we could find in our courtyard.

How it started: We were originally playing a nerf war and I used it as my base but then had the idea to join all our bases as one. Our trampoline broke a few days ago and we used the springs from that to hold everything down.

It has been a fun experience and we can practically sleep in it with the cover

Micah Stagg, Year 10 During isolation I had my birthday on the first official day that we had no school! I found it quite boring as I had to stay home and wasn't able to celebrate with my friends as I had planned. I have been out adventuring around more of Oxford on my bike with my brothers. We went down through The Ford where we found a jump, and we have been back down there most days practising our jumping skills. I also went and biked Mears Track and also cycled all the way to Coopers Creek. To entertain the family my parents have played basketball, tag, cards, movies, board games and they even went on the trampoline! They also made my younger brothers a Nerf wall and they loved it! What do I miss the most? I miss seeing friends and eating subway!

Alex Sillars, Year 12 Life in my bubble has been much better than I expected. When I found out that I was going to be stuck at home with my family for at least 4 weeks, I was concerned that my relationships would be eroded and end up in constant bickering between my brothers and I. What has happened so far has been the exact opposite. In fact, I think there have been less arguments over this time than in the past! I have got along really well with my brothers and I have had a great time challenging them and spending time with them. My first term of Level 2 NCEA was very full on, so I made the most of the two week holiday break to rest, relax and recharge. In about the first week of lockdown, my phone broke. Surprisingly, this turned into a real positive for me. I found that spending time away from the phone enabled me to connect with my family and engage in new activities. During this lockdown I have learnt some new skills such as flips on the ground and trampoline. I attempted some activities that I haven’t had the motivation to do for a long time. Having the time at home has allowed me to appreciate some things that I may not have typically considered. I am now even more grateful for the country that I live in and the freedom to be able to go outside and have a huge amount of open space to enjoy. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be in a place like Wuhan through this catastrophe. To be locked in a small space for 76 days, without being able to freely move around outside, seems like an absolute nightmare to me. I miss not being able to see my extended family and friends in person and find it difficult not being able to just ask teachers questions in person. I know it is possible to do over video calls and email, but it is just not thesame. I have realised how much I value having one on one conversations and interactions!

My post lockdown priorities are food, learners license and mountain biking.

www.facebook.com/oxfordarea

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

Lockdown achievements

We were instructed to lie down and take a deep breath.

That is the last thing I remember of that class, before being rudely awakened, and told I had to move on at the end of it.

words & illustration by Cathy Dee

Having started lockdown with lofty intentions, which included learning a new language and taking up Pilates, I can assure you that I have achieved none of it. Zip. Nada.

I have achieved precisely nothing.

My cats have achieved more than I have.

I get up every morning with good intentions but by the time I have made my way around the horses and the chickens, the dishes and the laundry, it is time for a coffee which, in writing this, actually reminds me that I have achieved something.

We have a coffee machine which I have steadfastly managed to avoid learning to use over the two years we have had it. This is because until now I didn’t drink coffee. All that changed the day a friend introduced me to soy latte. Now I am an addict, and as such the necessity to learn how to use the coffee machine became an essential service.

The first time I made one for myself after my husband went to work leaving me with strict instructions on what to do, I managed to create a coffee explosion which decorated the walls and the benches with soy milk foam in about a 10-yard radius.

I was a little hesitant to try again, however the addiction got the better of me, and there I was back at it again the very next day. This time I had more success with most of the foamed soy remaining in the cup.

Now I am an expert soy latte maker and aiming to take this success further with a soy mocha.

My drive for expertise at the coffee machine goes some way to explaining why I remain unable to speak any language except ‘New Zeld’, and the exercise I got while dodging splattering soy foam balls is my excuse for not delving into pilates.

Besides, I tried yoga twice to be precise, the first-time some 30 years ago was in a class of many people.

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Ever. Until the pull of a gin and tonic became too much and I managed to slither the rest of the way down straight into the conveniently placed bar at the bottom of the slope.

So, all this explains why the only thing I have achieved over the entire lockdown experience, is the ability to make a proper coffee – for me, it is safer that way.

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Fortunately, in the interests of not seizing up entirely, I do have a ski machine, and I am spending a little time each day plugged into my headphones both skiing and singing my way back to the sort of fitness one needs if one is ever likely to take up skiing – highly unlikely in my case owing to the fact that on my first and only attempt at this sport, I managed to ski down an entire slope backwards – having started off in the forward position you understand; creating a wake of human bodies all the way down, ending up in the middle of a grove of trees, embedded in a bank of soft snow where I lay too mortified to come out.

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A year later and after a meniscus repair surgery – the very same surgery that defines the All Blacks; and I am still hobbling about pathetically wondering why I am not able to play rugby yet.

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Scrubs provided by locals

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words by Shaz Davis - photo supplied

When staff at the Oxford Community Health Centre were unable to source a supply of scrubs in the early stages of the Covid-19 lockdown they put out a call for help via the Oxford Community Trust.

In response, the Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Manager, Jo Ealam, reached out to the community and soon had a team of eight local women up to the task of sewing up some scrubs.

By lucky coincidence one of the ladies on the sewing team had a pattern for scrubs, the protective garments worn by doctors and nurses. The pattern was copied and sent out to the members of the scrubs sewing team - Jill, Wendy, Pam, Judy, Debbie, Barbara and Suzanne - and work began.

Within three days the team delivered 20 or so sets of scrubs using sheets and other material they had lying around. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It turned into a bit of friendly competition with each one adding a special touch of colour to the scrubs,â&#x20AC;? says Jo. Dr Judith Millar, Clinical Director at the Oxford Community Health Centre, says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re extremely grateful. The scrubs are really lovely. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re made with such love and attention and they are comfortable to wear. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t usually wear scrubs in a GP setting, but since weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure how long Covid lasts on surfaces it is best practice for people in at GP-setting to put clothes through a hot wash at the end of each day - and normal clothes would not stand up to that. The scrubs allow us to change at work, to keep our bubbles safe, and have scrubs in rotation going through a hot wash. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also had a member of the community provided knitted ties for face masks to make them more comfortable to wear,â&#x20AC;? says Judith.

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

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Qigong, Yoga & Fitness workout in Oxford. Find more info online about theongoing classes Contact Gabrielle 027 225 1646 www.taomotion.co.nz

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COUNCIL UPDATE with Waimakariri Councillor Wendy Doody

In Touch

with Matt Doocey MP for Waimakariri

May 2020 Waimakariri District Council looking at Reductions and Recovery COVID-19 While this virus has been primarily a health issue, it has immediate and long ranging economic effects being felt by families, workers and employers across the District.

We have had people call for a zero percent rates increase in the coming year, while others are asking Council to invest to assist economic recovery to support local jobs and businesses.

Restraining rates is, and will be important, but delivering essential services, such as water, maintaining community owned assets like roads and providing services like pools, libraries require funding and remain important.

When Council looks ahead to decisions on next year’s budget, it will be a challenge. Looking after residents today with relief initiatives, while making decisions to help us recover that will benefit our people tomorrow, and for generations to follow. The decisions we need to make to help Waimakariri recover, will not be easy, but we believe it will help in the short-term, while minimising the locally felt and longer lasting economic effects from COVID-19.

Recently Central Government identified a large pool of funds towards infrastructure projects for recovery, and Waimakariri has put forward, together with our other Rural Councils and Christchurch with a list of ‘Shovel Ready Projects’.

Council has a number of projects planned and ready to go, this includes programmes of smaller works that will benefit smaller local contractors. We are also working with developers and builders to make sure projects requiring consents, or businesses requiring approvals, are dealt with as quickly as possible.

Councillors and staff are working from home on a review and revision of our programme, with the aim to maintain essential services. Thank goodness for Zoom, it has been a blessing in keeping Councillors and Staff in touch with each other.

As from April 28th Council and staff have a number of works that can start again, contractors resume working on the Cust Community Centre, contractors deep cleaning of Community facilities, contractors grass mowing and maintenance of our parks and reserves. Please note our playgrounds, skate parks, basketball courts, tennis courts and any other outdoor exercise equipment are still out of bounds at present.

Contractors will resume work on the Indoor Court Stadium Coldstream Road Rangiora. Leigh’s Construction are well advanced in their planning for resuming work on the site. It is fortunate that the stage of the build aligns well with the restrictions of operating under Level 3 COVID 19 construction protocols. Two key pieces of work are the erection of the roof, and the preparation and laying of the concrete floor in the next three zones. All the materials for the roof are on site and the safety netting is erected, so once the cranes are back onsite roofing work will commence.

Aquatic Centres Council Staff made the decision to turn off everything apart from some air circulation. The spa pool and the learn to swim pool is now losing water through evaporation and the air flow pretty quickly. The staff are monitoring the water remotely, and at this stage it looks pretty good. Once Level 3 gets the go ahead the staff will be employed in cleaning and maintenance for when we get the okay to move into Level 2, another challenge for Staff to deal with.

Hopefully the maintenance programme staff will be doing now, will allow the pools to be open during the winter months without interruption.

Community Development staff contacted Motor Camps, Supermarkets, and Foodbanks, older persons’ agencies, and rural networks to gauge the situation for our more vulnerable and those experiencing hardship and for older people. In response to this the following were put in place resourcing for foodbank deliveries, facilitating funding top-ups for foodbanks, emergency weekend foodbank provisions. Civil Defence funded top-up and temporary provisions for centralised foodbank sites, Council staff resourcing for Supermarkets and timely local response to supermarket payment issues.

Through our local networks staff and Council will continue to monitor and respond to emerging needs in our communities.

Take Care and if you need help please ask for it...help is available.

I would personally like to thank those who have held important roles by serving and keeping our communities together and safe in this very difficult and worrying time.

My last footnote is to ask please anyone exercising their dogs PLEASE pick up their “Doggy Doos” it is totally unfair on anyone else walking along the path behind you and your dog.

Kind Regards Wendy

I’ve been greatly moved by the individual stories of how our community is being impacted by Covid-19 and humbled by the resilience and ingenuity of our business community and residents as they adjust to what has been an unprecedented situation.

I received some great feedback from an Oxford resident on how the community is rallying together to meet these new challenges.

She told me how Fresh Choice Supermarket has been reaching out to residents and making things easier, especially for our elderly, in taking orders and delivering to people’s homes while maintaining a high level of safety and care.

In all, the Oxford community have shown the spirit we have come to know its residents for.

Well done to everyone for safely heeding the lockdown regulations while managing to continue caring for each other.

Since the country moved into lockdown I have been working alongside a number of our residents, families, community groups and businesses to support them during this challenging time.

My team and I were set up from day one working virtually from home ready to respond and connect with our residents by phone or email.

The impacts on local trade and farming are still to be gauged. I organised a Zoom meeting last month with the Waimak Next Generation Farmer’s Trust and Todd Muller, National’s Spokesperson for Agriculture and MP for the Bay of Plenty, to look at ways we can support our rural sector.

Our farmers are the backbone of our rural economies and when they do well, we all do well.

If I can help you, please do get in touch on 03 3270514 or email waimkariri@parliament.govt.nz.

In a difficult time like this it’s important to me to be as accessible as possible to help.

Funded by Parlimentary Services and authorised by Matt Doocey, Level 1 Conway Lane, Rangiora

Matt Doocey

MP for Waimakariri Kaiapoi • 156B Williams St 03 327 0514 • kaiapoi@parliament.govt.nz Rangiora • Level 1 Conway Lane 03 310 7468 • waimakariri@parliament.govt.nz mattdoocey.co.nz MattDoocey.Waimakariri

Funded by the Parliamentary Service.

Authorised by Matt Doocey, 156B Williams St, Kaiapoi.

sixteen

Karadean Rest Home News Covid-19 has changed how we do things at Karadean!

No visitors, no outings, no entertainers! We have had to make our own entertainment. And boy, have we been having a blast.

During Level 4 Lockdown we have been doing a lot of crafts and painting – we even sent our Easter Eggs to the Prime Minister for her Big NZ Easter Egg Hunt.

We have put some Teddy Bears in one of our front windows as well as a Bunny outside – see if you can spot them on your walks – remember to practice social distancing.

We had a High Tea, our residents dressed up in their finest clothes, with a lot of singing, good food and drinks. Housie and Happy hour has still been a regular occurrence.

We are all doing our very best to keep our Residents safe from this virus. Take care and stay safe Oxford.

EMERGENCY SERVICES Police report

with Oxford Constable

Mitch Alatalo I think we can all say that life has never been more different than what we have all experienced over the past month. The challenges we have all faced have been life changing, and hopefully has brought us all closer. Some may say a little too close, but I know we can all agree that it has been for a good reason.

In saying that, I know that it has not been easy for a lot of you out there.

The small things that we would normally brush aside have become the mountains that we struggle to climb. If you need a hand, or are just looking for someone to talk to, there is plenty of help out there for you.

It may not come in the conventional means, but there are still people out there who can help. You can phone or txt 1737 in the first instance for a quick chat, but please ask for help.

In one sense, I have never seen the town and greater area so quiet.

But it has also been nice seeing everyone out and about walking the streets and riding their bikes.

ON the flip side the roads are reasonably quiet, but I am seeing a lot of speeding vehicles. Yes, the roads are quieter, but that does not mean that those people still using the roads can treat them like a race track. There have been far too many deaths in the area over the past month, especially in these unprecedented times. Slow down. There is NO RUSH. Enjoy your time, and above all be safe.

Over the next few weeks there will be an increase in people moving around, but this is not a time to become complacent. We have all done such a great job, and made huge sacrifices to get where we are, so drive your car if you need to. Be safe out there, and yes for the time being stay in your bubble until the alert level drops. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We are still all learning about how things are working in this strange new world. Above all be safe.

Thanks so much for reading.

Be safe. Feel safe. Stay home and stay safe.

St John Ambulance report

with Acting Oxford St John Station Manager

Mel Brooker

We have started 2020 with many call outs but since the lock down our new ambulance has been reasonably quiet (43 jobs for March).

Please continue to seek medical advice/help from your regular GP or call for an ambulance as you normally would, don’t leave your call too late, things may progress quickly and we would rather get to you sooner rather than later.

Our station is made up of a group of locals that are volunteers based in Oxford and are here for the Oxford and surrounding community.

If you choose to wear a surgical mask please remember the correct way is the blue side on the outside.

Keep active and drink plenty of water to help with your health during the impending winter months and don’t hesitate to call 111 as required.

The St John operations team and area committee thank everyone for their continued support particularly those enrolled in our supporters’ scheme.

Stay safe and well, be kind and look after each other.

POLICE - FIRE - AMBULANCE DIAL 111

St Peter Chanel Catholic Parish Sacred Heart Church, Oxford

ENQUIRIES: Waimakariri Parish Ph: 03 313 6285

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

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Online Will

Anzac Day was a much different commemoration this year.

Although Dawn Services and parades were off the agenda, many people remembered the importance of the day by standing at their gates at dawn instead.

Oxford residents got creative and there were poppies all over town to show their respect.

$69

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Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community

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‘Just because a lawyer holds the will, it doesn’t mean they hold the purse strings.

Check their fees first.’

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MAY GOD’S BLESSING BE WITH US ALL 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

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

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oxfordearlylearning@xtra.co.nz eighteen

Arts in Oxford Gallery News

GREAT PEOPLE GREAT PEOPLE++ GREAT PEOPLE PEOPLE ++ GREAT GREAT PEOPLE SKILLS =+= GREAT GREAT SKILLS = GREAT SKILLS GREAT SKILLS SKILLS = RESULTS! GREAT = RESULTS! GREAT RESULTS! GREAT RESULTS! Earthworks Earthworks –– for for Commercial Commercial -GREAT RESULTS! Earthworksand for Commercial Residential lifestyle blocks Earthworks – –for Commercial - -

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Extended: Michael Springer 21 March - 21 June

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Closing event: 3pm Sat 20 June David Woodings We look forward to seeing you again after lockdown.

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After lockdown reduced hours Fri - Sun 10am - 4pm Closed Public Holidays www.artsinoxford.co.nz

• 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

✓ Driveways ✓ Site Preparation Preparation ✓ Driveways ✓ Site Entranceways Retaining Walls ✓ Driveways ✓ Site Preparation ✓ ✓ Entranceways Retaining Walls ✓ ✓ Driveways Site Preparation ✓ ✓ Driveways Site Preparation Asphalting Kerb & Channelling ✓ ✓ ✓ Entranceways ✓ ✓ Retaining Walls ✓ Asphalting Kerb & Channelling ✓ ✓ Entranceways Retaining Walls ✓ Retaining Walls ✓ ✓ ✓✓ Sewer Soak ✓ Entranceways Asphalting Kerb &Pits Channelling ✓ ✓ ✓ Kerb Sewer Soak Pits ✓ Asphalting Asphalting Kerb & Channelling & Channelling ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Soak Sewer everything from Farm Pits Tracks & Effluent ✓And everything from Farm Tracks & Effluent ✓✓ Sewer Soak Pits Sewer Soak Pits Finishes. ✓And Ponds to Construction & Interior And everything from Farm Tracks & Effluent Ponds to Construction & Interior Finishes.

And everything Tracks &Finishes.

Effluent 450 & 600from PostFarm Hole Augers And everything from Farm Tracks & Effluent Ponds to Construction & Interior Ponds & Interior Finishes.

PondstotoConstruction Construction & Interior Finishes.

Quality First Quality First Quality First Ph 03 313-1670 Baydon 027First 405 9910 Quality Ph 03 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 : info@bayphil.co.nz Quality First Ph 03 Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 1734627 Email : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627 Ph 03 Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 405 9910 : info@bayphil.co.nz 1734627 Ph 03Email 313-1670 Baydon 027 4051734627 9910 : info@bayphil.co.nz

Email : info@bayphil.co.nz

1734627

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

Moana, Lake Brunner Ph: 03 738 0158

YOUR ONE STOP HARDWARE STORE

YES, IN OXFORD! YES, OXFORD

YOUR ONE HARDWARE STORE 100’sSTOP of products for the

100’s of products for the

Handyman or Handywoman YES, INor OXFORD! Handyman Handywoman

• 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

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 (Please Note: No LPG refills on Saturdays)

Ph: 03 312 4521

Oxford Butchery

Farm Fresh Flavour

with Kerri Booth

Hello out there to many many floating bubbles!

Hopefully your bubble is still floating and hasn’t popped. It’s going to be nice for when we can stretch our bubbles again!!

How cool that as we come out of Level 4 that this edition of the Observer is number 100!

These moments are something to be celebrated.

During lockdown it was my 40th birthday, my 20th wedding anniversary and Polkadotcom’s 5th birthday.

How bizarre to have such monumental moments that I wasn’t physically allowed to celebrate with anyone apart from the three people in my bubble. But guess what, they will be some of my forever treasured memories.

So what does Polkadotcom look like in Level 3?

That is a great question my friend, and thank you for asking. Our doors will be shut still on level 3 but I will begin displaying and posting videos on social media of what we are preparing for you as soon as we can open.

As retail stores begin to get ready with their online stores, I really encourage you to make a plan of what you want to purchase for your wardrobe.

The four weeks of lockdown gave many people the gift of time and a chance to assess their wardrobes. Before you fill it up again, make a plan. A plan always helps your decisions. When you fall in love with an item, see if you can think of at least four different items you already have that it would go with.

Once you start to train your brain this way you’re your wardrobe will naturally become interlocking, and make your life so much easier. If you still have some spare time up your sleeve on level 3 and you haven’t already, then get your items of winter clothing out and play!

Create new looks and take some photos to remind you of the looks that you create. I’m so looking forward to seeing you all in the shop again when we can open, and sharing different ideas with the items that we have here. In the meantime, if you feel completely stuck in a rut and struggling with ideas, then please don’t hesitate to contact me and we can come up with a plan.

Kerri Booth

021 059 0984

Fresh to your Plate

Bookings essential

Oxford Butchery Ltd

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

44 Main Street - Oxford

www.womersleys.co.nz

Style

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.

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

Ph: 03 03 312 312 4521 4521 Ph: www.womersleys.co.nz

Second hand

4th Generation Family Butchers

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

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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

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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

al@almows.co.nz

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

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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

Tax Returns Payroll GST Returns Annual Accounts Rental Returns PROVIDING INTEGRATED VETERINARY SERVICES

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

Jeanette Graves Sharon Stewart

021 853 769 027 241 6345

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

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

F MEHRTENS

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CONSTRUCTION

Licensed Builders

OXFORD

Ph: FRAZER 021 027 78535

Womersley’s Business Directory

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

HIGH COUNTRY FENCING RURAL STOCK YARDS DAIRY CONVERSIONS ALL FENCING SOLUTIONS + BULLDOZER POSTDRIVER AVAILABLE WE STAND BY OUR WORK GEOFF ROGERS 021 640 748 | www.highcountryfencing.co.nz

Serving the North Canterbury Area

“Totally Dependable”

Phone: 0800 63 63 00

Rural - Dairy New Housing Heating & Ventilation Service & Maintenance Commercial Refrigeration Solar Hotwater and PV twenty three

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