Obser ver
The Gorge Nursery
AnnualTreeAutumn Sale
Get in early and plant your trees. We have trees for lifestyle blocks and the home garden. April 7th to April 19th
Opening Hours
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am-3pm
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
OPEN SUNDAY 12th and 19th
Other times by appointment
See our website for more details
Come visit us at the Oxford Show!
479 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford
Sorry no eftpos.
Please wear sturdy shoes
Phone 027 2837279 www.thegorgenursery.co.nz
THE
for HAIR and BEAUTY
New Year - New Hair
Did you know we o er more than great hair at e Sunr m?
With late nights Tuesday & Wednesday, and Saturdays 9am–2pm, we make it easy to work around your busy week. SUNROOM
• Haircare for the whole family
• Ear piercing
• Lash & brow tinting, brow shaping
• Luxury treatments & styling
OPENING HOURS TUESDAY-SATURDAY (Closed Sunday-Monday)
OPENING HOURS TUESDAY - SATURDAY (Closed Sunday - Monday)
RE-OPENING IN 2026 - TUESDAY 6TH JANUARY
OPENING HOURS TUESDAY-SATURDAY (Closed Sunday-Monday)
Tuesday 9am-8pm, Wednesday 10am-8pm Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-5pm Saturdays 9am-2pm
Tuesday 9am-8pm, Wednesday 10am-8pm Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-5pm Saturdays 9am-2pm
Hairdressing Lash and Brow tinting Ultra wave Massage Bed
PHONE 03- 312 3234 | 109 BAY ROAD OXFORD
“Our Commitment is to Quality Service”
312 3234 tinting Ultra Bed Quality ”
10 Burnett Street, Oxford
3 Bed 2 Bath 2 Car + Shed and Pool
Vendor Tip
How ‘green’ renovations can add appeal to your property
Rising household energy costs in New Zealand are prompting more homeowners to consider energy-efficient and eco-friendly upgrades Green renovations can lower power bills, reduce environmental impact and make a property more attractive to buyers, with features like solar panels often increasing appeal and helping homes sell faster, with potential for a higher resale price
Homeowners can also assess a property’s sustainability through the Homestar rating system developed by the New Zealand Green Building Council, which measures energy efficiency, comfort, health and overall performance beyond Building Code standards
Simple improvements can make a big difference, such as upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and heat pumps, installing smart technology like thermostats and lighting systems, and improving water efficiency with low-flow fixtures or rainwater collection systems There are also resources and support available to help homeowners manage the cost of sustainable home upgrades
Buyer ’s Corner
What to look for at an Open Home
Attending an open home is a key step in your property purchase journey. Preparation and knowing what to ask and look for will help you maximise your visit.
Do your research – Before attending, review the listing details, check the proper ty ’s sale history, look at Google Maps for the layout and surrounding area, and compare recent sales of similar homes nearby
Arrive on time – Open homes are usually only 30 minutes and can be busy Be respectful of the home, follow any requests such as removing shoes, and register your details so you receive updates on the sale process
Focus on the fundamentals – Don’t be distracted by styling or décor Pay attention to practical features like natural light, the condition of the kitchen and bathrooms, storage space, and overall layout
Look for potential issues – Check for signs of dampness, water damage or building movement, assess the condition of floors, windows and fittings, and consider outdoor space
Ask the right questions – Use the open home to speak with the agent about a preferred settlement date, any known issues, recent renovations, and ongoing costs such as rates
Understand price expectations – Review recent comparable sales in the area If the proper ty is going to auction or deadline sale, be prepared by researching the market and knowing what you’re comfor table offering
Ask an Agent - We want to hear from you!
Have a question about buying, selling, or the local property market? Now’s your chance to ask Whether it’s: How much your home could be worth right now Tips to get your property ready for sale
Understanding the buying process or market trends Or anything real estate-related you’ve always wondered
Text with your question, and we’ll answer some in our next newsletter Your question could help others too!
21B Burnett Street, Oxford
Bed 2 Bath 2 Car + Studio with Power
Concept image
5 Burnt Hill Road, Oxford
1297 Courtenay Rd, Kirwee
027
The ultimate family entertainer
Spacious five-bedroom home in quiet cul-de-sac with pool and large deck. Family-friendly living with multiple living areas, master retreat, and great parking. Close to schools, beaches and local amenities.
Deadline Sale: 1pm Tue 7 Apr View By Appointment
A garden estate just for you
Lifestyle property on Oxford’s edge offering space, privacy and convenience. Set on 5,774m2 with mature grounds, three bedroom home, spacious living and versatile garage with office. Ideal family living near village amenities.
Deadline Sale: 1pm Tue 7 Apr View By Appointment
Park, pool, gym & library on your doorstep
Solid 1970s brick home in central Oxford opposite park and amenities. Three bedrooms, spacious living, established gardens and double garage. Ideal for families or investors with great tenants in place.
Deadline Sale: 1pm Wed 8 Apr View By Appointment
Character, charm and practical living
Distinctive Oxford home offering privacy, character and sweeping views. Three bedrooms, self-contained retreat and tranquil grounds. Ideal for families or professionals seeking peaceful living just minutes from town.
Enquiries Over: $1,125,000 View By Appointment
A home above the rest
Perched atop Oxford’s rolling hills, this 2022-built home offers privacy, panoramic views, and modern comfort. Set on 4ha with a flat house pad, the 150m2 home features open-plan living, a sleek kitchen, log burner —just minutes from Oxford village.
Enquiries Over: $959,000 View By Appointment
Family Comfort Meets Country Calm
Set on a generous 752m2 section in the heart of Oxford, this 195m2 single-level home offers the kind of everyday ease families are drawn to. At its centre, the kitchen, dining and living quarters work in harmony.
Asking Price: $740,000
The Setup You’ve Been Trying to Find
New Listing - Finding a home in Oxford that gives you genuine privacy, usable land and a layout that still feels easy to live in is rarer than it should be. Set on 1948m2, this three-bedroom, twobathroom home gets that balance right.
When Three Bedrooms Just Isn’t Enough!
Four bedroom that suits anyone needing space. Bathroom and Kitchen has been renovated. The main living room is generous and comfortable, with large windows drawing in natural light throughout the day. Close to Tinwald’s amenities.
Garden Space and Good Bones
This is the kind of Allenton property buyers wait for. Set on a generous 916m2 section with a 110m2 floor plan, it offers the balance so many are chasing right now: manageable home, supersized backyard.
We’re seeking feedback regarding these key topics:
• Changes to Local Government
• Local Water Done Well
• Rangiora Eastern Link (REL Update)
• Capital programme about the Draft Annual Plan 2026/27
waimakariri.govt.nz/letstalk HAVE YOUR SAY BEFORE 20 APRIL
Recipe of the month.
with Louize Juniper
AUTUMN FRUITS ALMOND TART
Sweet short crust pastry (Pams frozen block is perfect)
200g butter
200g golden caster sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
200g ground almonds
50g plain flour
½ cup dark berry jam (Cherry, Blackberry or Plum)
FOR TOPPING
Pear, apple, plum, blackboy peach, figs, blackberries, rhubarb.
GLAZE
1/4 cup apricot jam
4 bsp water
Method
• Turn on oven to fan bake 180oC
• Use a 24 cm tart tin, spray oil and line the base with baking paper
• Roll out pastry to line the tart tin, I roll it out so that its not too thick to save having to prebake it.
• Spread on the jam, place in fridge to chill.
• To make the almond filling, melt butter in a saucepan, add sugar, stir to dissolve the sugar, remove from heat, add vanilla essence.
• Beat in the eggs then stir in the ground almonds and then the flour.
• Spread over the chilled base
• Prep the fruit, nothing has to be cooked, just arrange as you like!
• Bake in oven for 45mins
• To make glaze, put apricot jam in a saucepan with the water, bring to a boil, mix well, once water has evaporated, remove from heat and brush top of the tart to give a glossy glaze.
• Serve with custard, yogurt, or ice cream even yum with a berry couli.
• The tart can be made several days in advance as it improves over a few days.
Are you ready for winter?
With autumn upon us it means winter is fast approachingshorter days, cold weather and unfortunately, the cold and flu season.
A healthy immune system is the best defence against cough, cold and flu. So get yourself and your family prepared before the cold weather hits.
Keep up to date with your immunisations and boosters –including both Flu and Covid – especially if you are more at risk. For a lot of people both vaccinations are free, the criteria are available on the Pharmac website, or pop in and ask one of our friendly staff.
If you feel your immune system needs more of a 'boost' we are here to help with products formulated to support the body's immune response, including Buccaline tablets. These can be used to boost your body's natural immunity for up to three months and provide some protection against the bacterial complications of the flu or a cold.
Buccaline is NOT a substitute for the flu vaccine but may be used as well as the flu vaccination.
Staying active, eating a balanced diet and ensuring your home is warm and dry, can all help keep you and your family well this winter.
Let's all stay happy and healthy this winter!
Settling into Summerset
Roger and Hope Spragg spent 50 years living in Auckland before making the move to Summerset Rangiora.
The couple enjoyed living in the Auckland Region, close to two of their four children, but after 20 years of travelling to Canterbury to spend time with their other two children and grandchildren, they decided to make the move down South.
“As we got older, we started to think we might as well move into a village while we’re still fit. And we thought, if we move down South, we can spend more time with our grandchildren who live close to the village,” said Hope. “I wanted to get in early enough that I would be able to make new friends and start doing stuff around the village,” shared Roger.
With friends living in retirement villages and having done their own research, the Spraggs felt confident that moving into Summerset Rangiora was the best next step for their future.
“I’ve got friends that live in various villages and they all love village life. We’d been looking into living in a retirement village long before we got here so, once we decided to take the plunge, we pretty well knew what was in store for us. There were no surprises,” said Hope.
Having settled into their new three-bedroom home in the village, the Spraggs are looking forward to village life.
“I’m looking forward to playing pool and the Summerset Shout (happy hour). I play ukulele and have done for a number of
years. I’m hoping somebody in the village is interested in playing or starting up a ukulele group. We’ve also cycled most of the trails in New Zealand on push bikes and now have e-bikes. We’re planning to do a lot of e-biking since Christchurch is nice and flat. When the village centre is built, we’ll use the gym and swimming pool,” said Roger.
“And we’re great readers,” added Hope, “so I’m looking forward to the library. I’m hoping that there will be people who like jigsaws and Mahjong. I brought my best jigsaws with me to be added to the library. The other interest that I have is line dancing.”
“We’re really looking forward to what’s going to happen in the future. It’s a good start that we’re here now.”
If you’d like to know more about the Summerset life, pop into Summerset Rangiora, or visit summerset.co.nz/rangiora
Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School
It has been a significant month for events and Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC), with our students fully embracing the many opportunities on offer. These opportunities allow students to shine in many ways.
From Target Shooting Club, school netball trials, ABM surfing classes, Canterbury Secondary Schools' Athletics Championships and finals day, NC Sport coaching, the Ki O Rahi assessment tournament, Canterbury Lawn Bowls Championships, 2BIO field trip, Year 9 Mahi Tahi Camp, Rakahuri Swimming Sports, the Year 10 programme, basketball trainings and games, through to Dragon Boat training — our young people have represented our school with energy, commitment, and pride. These experiences play a vital role in developing the whole learner. Through their involvement, students are strengthening key skills and values such as collaboration, resilience, patience, and courage, while also building confidence and connection with others.
I would like to acknowledge some outstanding individual achievements at the Canterbury Secondary Schools' Championships and the North Canterbury Swimming champs. Congratulations:
Matilda Hart, who placed 1st in Triple Jump (Under 16 Girls), 3rd in the U16 Girls 100 m at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Athletics.
Sophie Regan, who placed 4th in High Jump (Under 17 Girls).
Sophie also achieved 2nd place at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Lawn Bowls Championships — a fantastic accomplishment.
Charlotte Shelley, who placed 3rd in Javelin (Under 20 Girls),
Thea Fan – who placed 2nd in the Year 5 Girls 50m Freestyle Declan Wood – who placed 2nd in the Year 5 Boys 50m Breaststroke.
Jake Eder - who placed 3rd in the U17 Boys High Jump at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Athletics
My sincere thanks to our staff, coaches, and whānau who continue to make these opportunities possible for our students.
Lesley Inch
Tumuaki | Acting Principal
Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School
The 2026 Hamasaka Garden Tour: What a spectacular day for our community!
This year’s Garden Tour saw 193 garden lovers exploring six of Oxford’s most gorgeous properties. We enjoyed stunning views and glorious sunshine all morning, and while a classic afternoon cold snap kept us on our toes, it didn't dampen anyone's spirits—everyone successfully completed the circuit! A highlight along with the gardens was the Devonshire Tea held in one of our featured gardens. A huge thank you to Annette Slemint from Property Brokers, who whipped up over 200 incredible scones to keep our guests fueled. We are also incredibly proud of our students, who worked hard on garden prep in the week leading up to our event and greeted guests at the gates with a smile.
Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser.
A Week of Cultural Exchange at Oxford Area School with Foshan No. 1 High School
Students from Foshan No.1 High School in China recently visited Oxford Area School for a week as part of our Sister School Programme. The students stayed with local host families and experienced everyday life in New Zealand. During the week they joined classes with their Oxford buddies and experienced what learning is like in a New Zealand school.
One of the highlights of the visit was a collaborative art project where students explored both Māori and Chinese cultural motifs and created artworks that represented the coming together of the two cultures.
The students also visited Christchurch for a day, before finishing the week with a farewell presentation where they shared their artwork and celebrated the friendships formed during their stay.
We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership with Foshan No.1 High School and creating even more opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration in the future.
Chemistry in Action: Ravensdown Plant Visit
In March our senior Chemistry students traded the classroom for Ravensdown’s Christchurch plant to witness large-scale industrial chemistry firsthand.
The visit focused on the manufacture of sulfuric acid and superphosphate, both products that are very important to our local Oxford agricultural community.
Beyond the chemical equations, students learnt about the business economics, global supply chains, and environmental factors that shape the manufacturing industry. A highlight was the chance to stand alongside the massive mountains of raw sulfur!
This experience provides a real-world context, as students prepare to complete their NCEA internal assessment on Chemical Processes.
By seeing the chemistry in action, students can better analyse the efficiency and environmental impact of these industrial reactions in their upcoming reports.
What an incredible achievement from our swimmers at the North Canterbury Championships held at Dudley early in March
We are thrilled to share that Thea Fan and Declan Wood have once again risen to the challenge and secured their place in the next round of competition, in the Canterbury Swimming Championships. Swimming in the Rakahuri Zone competition was a big task as only the first two place getters in each event are invited to progress through to the Canterbury stage, which makes their achievement even more impressive.
Thea Fan – Year 5 Girls 50m Freestyle – 2nd Place
Declan Wood – Year 5 Boys 50m Breaststroke – 2nd Place
Both swimmers delivered outstanding performances under pressure and proudly represented our school. We are so proud of their determination and focus.
Our Year 8 swimmer Eleanor Smith also faced a very strong field in her event. In a tightly contested race, she narrowly missed out on qualifying, finishing an impressive 5th place in the Year 8 Girls 50m Freestyle.
Blue Light PCT Competition
In March, two Year 7-8 teams took part in the Blue Light PCT Competition, which is similar to the test that police officers must complete.
Our Year 7-8 students had a fabulous day taking part in numerous teamwork and individual challenges, despite the chilly conditions. They had fun exploring a police car, engaging in mini team activities, trying on the police uniforms, being timed running using the police laser, having a tasty sausage sizzle and then competing in the main event, the PCT course.
The PCT test against other schools was a highlight, where teamwork was crucial. This test included tasks like scaling walls, leaping through windows, crawling under obstacles, and carrying weights.
The students collaborated seamlessly, supported each other and they all showed the school's values.
Well done everyone!
Swimming Championships Success – They Did It Again!
A digital photographic exhibition showcasing Waimakariri people telling their life stories has been installed on the Waimakariri Heritage website.
The Humans of Waimakariri (HOW) exhibition, is a collaboration with North Canterbury News photo journalist Shelley Topp and the Waimakariri Libraries Local History and Heritage co-ordinator Sally O’Connell. It was inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York photoblog which he began in 2010.
Most of the photos in the exhibition were taken by Shelley to accompany stories she wrote for the North Canterbury News but there are also some that were supplied by other photographers. ``As journalists we can’t be everywhere so sometimes we do rely on supplied photographs to go with our stories and this is a huge help so I wanted to recognise that contribution by including some of my favourite supplied photos in the HOW exhibition," Shelley said. ``Thanks very much to Kate Henson, Fiona Spencer and Sara Green for supplying photos of their humans for the HOW exhibition. Also thanks very much to Oxford astrophotographer Gary Naulls for his beautiful night sky photo which we have used to introduce the HOW exhibition, and thanks also to Allied Media for allowing me to use my photos in this exhibition. Special thanks aswell to the stars of this show, the humans, for agreeing to be part of the HOW exhibition, which is intended to be ongoing with more humans and their stories added to the collection annually," Shelley said.
A series of six large posters have been created by the Waimakariri Library team to promote the exhibition and they can be seen in the display boxes outside the Rangiora Library.
``Preparing this exhibition has involved a lot of work and I am so grateful to Sally and her team at the library for their tireless, unwavering support for this project which would never have got off the ground without their help and encouragement," Shelley said.
Sally said it was ``a pleasure to be involved with this special exhibition. This project is a wonderful way to tell the stories of local Waimakariri people who do extraordinary things. The Waimakariri Heritage website is designed to tell the story of this area and the people that make it such a special place. This project is closely aligned to that purpose.”
Shelley said they have had a wonderful response to the HOW exhibition and she is looking forward to adding more ``Humans of Waimakariri" and their stories to the collection this year.
The digital Humans of Waimakariri exhibition can be seen online at the Waimakariri Heritage website at: Humans of Waimakariri exhibition/view
SALVATORE (SALVO) ELIAS-DRAGO, Sicilian-born Oxford resident fibre artist 2024
The fondest and earliest memory I have of my childhood is that of my great-grandmother Agata wearing her every-day flower apron, sitting on a firm wooden chair, a glass of chilled red-wineand-lemonade next to her, while crocheting a pink cotton blanket, all this while not missing one single word of her favourite, super dramatic, Mexican telenovela. I was the young boy sitting near her, elbows stuck on the sticky lemon-themed plastic tablecloth, eating my slice of rhum-drenched chocolate budino. Any time a kissing scene would appear on television, she would turn towards me with a chuckle and a smile trying to break my discomfort.
Little did I know then, those hot and humid afternoons would later be part of my personal memory library, my go-to feelings, sounds, smells and colours whenever I longed for home.
My name is Salvo, I was born in Sicily, migrated with my family as a young child to Australia, moved back to Sicily and finally found my zig-zagged way to New Zealand (that was after having lived and worked in Australia, China, and Switzerland).
I now call New Zealand home and Oxford is my nest. The young, timid Sicilian boy who used to spend his afternoons with his nonna, cushioned by the strength of women who loved him and guided him to be a young man, still resides in the Kiwi dad today.
In me I see their resilience, their creativity, humour, generosity and ingenuity. As a dad I reflect these memories I cherish onto my children, and in my kids I can see, smell and feel the hot fragrant Sicilian summers.
Today I celebrate my treasured memories in my craft, spinning and knitting. I believe my creations acknowledge all of the great women in my family that shaped me, their creativity, the sense of pride that only hard and honest work can form. My craft is my passion, my “obsession”, New Zealand’s gift to me, the link between my new found home and my old… And it makes perfect sense that more wonderful women would continue to colour and shape my life. Kiwi women this time, armed with determination, patience and love for the spinning, knitting and dying crafts.
Once again, I was shown, I was taught and I am still guided! Today my home-spun garments live within our country and as far away as the USA, China, Sweden, Scotland and other countries across the world. Within them are intertwined my smells, my memories and my colours of those timeless and still Sicilian moments.
My spinning wheel is my armour, I carry it around, to schools for demonstrations, to Oxford’s farmers market where I hold a table with my work, and my knitting bags follow me virtually everywhere! I continue to share, learn and laugh with the Oxford spinning ladies, and we create together, because there is nothing more magical than shared experiences.
Mayoral Update with Dan Gordon
It has been a busy month across our District, and I have been fortunate to attend a wide range of events that highlight the strength and spirit of our community.
It was wonderful to take part in the Momac Kaiapoi River Festival. In my opening remarks at the event, I acknowledged the incredible community support from local groups and sponsors, including Coastguard, Cure Rowing, Waikuku Beach Lifesaving Club, Waka Ama, and Aoraki Dragon. It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying the river, the live music, the carnival, and the market stalls. The cardboard regatta was a particular highlight, showcasing creativity and fun for all ages. I extend my thanks to the organisers, particularly Karl Horwarth, for bringing this event together so seamlessly.
I also attended a stakeholder workshop facilitated by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora to discuss healthcare provision in Oxford. This is an important conversation for our community, and I am pleased that a public meeting has been organised by them for 7pm on April 28 at the Oxford Working Men’s Club, which I have agreed to chair. This will give residents the opportunity to hear about future healthcare services for Oxford including the hospital.
March also included the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs Breakfast, which was a real highlight. Brad Olsen, one of New Zealand’s most respected economic commentators, joined us to share his insights on the opportunities ahead for Waimakariri. I was proud to report on our Taskforce for Jobs programme. Already this year, 25 young people have secured full-time employment, and we remain on track to exceed our contracted outcomes, making a real difference for our District.
Finally, our Annual Plan is out for consultation. We’ve taken a prudent approach to this year’s budget, and several drop-in sessions are planned around the District including the Oxford A&P Show on Saturday April 11. Details of other sessions are available on our Council Facebook page. I encourage everyone to have their say.
As always, I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you might want to discuss. Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021 906 437.
I’m here to help.
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 or for more information on the application process please visit: mfvc.org.nz.
For any enquiries please email mfvcinfo@gmail.com.
All applications to be received by the 1st May 2026.
Dan.
Cooking & Community For Oxford Men
The latest round of Bloke’s Cooking Classes run by the Oxford Community Trust, is now underway, continuing to offer men a place to learn new skills and get to know others in the community.
Jo Seagar runs the classes and says “The idea is simple: learn how to cook a few solid, reliable meals that you can make for your partner, family, or friends without stress, panic, or too many dishes. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated - just good, honest food done well.”
The classes focus on practical cooking skills, seasoning and tasting, and learning simple techniques that make everyday meals a bit more special.
Recent sessions have featured a range of recipes, including spinach, garlic and cream cheese chicken wrapped in bacon, coconut prawn salad cups, lasagne, sticky date pudding, and meringues.
As well as helping men learn new skills in the kitchen, the programme build connections with others in the community.
Organiser Mel Brooker says the impact goes far beyond the kitchen. “I like being able to help others in the community. To see people come and get so much out of it. Watching them chat to each other and have fun together is so wonderful.”
The initiative has also been supported by Oxford Area School, which has generously provided access to its food technology rooms, giving participants a well-equipped and comfortable space to learn.
Oxford Community Trust Manager Jo Ealam says the programme fills an important gap. “We are so pleased to be able to offer something for the men in our community to help them not only learn some great cooking skills, but to make friends and connections in the community.”
Feedback from participants shows how much they have enjoyed it.
“Best thing about the course is learning new skills and meeting people from the community.
Best thing my wife has "volunteered" me for in years.” - Brian
“The Bloke’s Cooking Classes with Jo have been fun, inspiring, and sharing this time with other aspiring cooks is very rewarding.
I have managed some significant cooking results in the kitchen since joining the fun” - Gavin
The Trust is planning to run more of these extremely successful classes and will share more details in the future.
TUESDAY | 10AM - 4PM WEDNESDAY- THURSDAY 9AM - 4PM
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From the Presidents Desk with Oxford Club President Kyle Scott
Hi there,
Welcome to the latest edition of from the President’s Desk for April 2026. As I write this article the season of Autumn has arrived, with the deciduous trees shedding their leaves and temperatures cooling after a damp summer.
With petrol and fuel cost soaring from the Middle Eastern conflict we all need to be aware of our financial outgoings and plan and budget accordingly. In today’s tough financial climate your Club also must operate on a tight margin financially and our volunteers are an important part of this process.
Myself and our committee and trustees are all volunteers and while our primary role is governance, we also help the Club in many other areas of operation. We help organise events, such as the St Patricks day event organised by Vice President Lin Fagan, we run the Club raffles and membership draws and contribute our skills to the Club, that the Club couldn’t otherwise afford. These include maintenance, marketing, event planning and we try to fill some of the operational gaps that our staff can’t always cover.
Volunteers also help with other jobs such as mowing lawns, tidying the grounds, driving Kermit our courtesy coach and helping on busy function nights doing many different tasks.
You our volunteers strengthen the Oxford Clubs community connections and make the Club more than just a venue but a social hub for Oxford and the surrounding district.
So, if you are a Club member and would like to put your hand up to volunteer to help, we are keen to hear from you. Our club fosters and supports friendships, wellbeing and community identity. Your engagement helps keep our membership active and just may encourage others to get involved and join our wonderful Club.
So finally, a big thank you to all our members who have volunteered and helped in some small way over the past 12 months – we all appreciate you!
Our popular membership cash draw is climbing rapidly in value. Remember you must be present at the Club if your name is drawn and have your current membership card on you to claim your winnings.
We will soon be lighting our cozy logburner, so come on down for a warm friendly welcome at your Club – The Oxford Club – bringing people together since 1887.
As always, I look forward to meeting new faces and chatting to our members and guests – see you soon. The Oxford Club – Your Community Hub – Bringing People Together!
Let us help you find your next read with a book subscription.
We choose a book to send to you every month based on your tastes.
Quality second hand books Book Subscriptions Gift Vouchers
e woodsidebookshop@gmail.com
f facebook.com/woodsidebooks
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www.woodsidebooks.shop
Boutique Secondhand Booksellers
BEREAVEMENT IS HARD.
Kiwilaw helps soften the pain of your legal work as executor.
Probate should never cost more than $1000 unless there are major problems with the will. Get a specific probate estimate before you let any other lawyer start that work!
As executor, it’s your decision...
Kiwilaw’s online probate service usually costs $590 (plus $269 High Court fee).
Available nationwide—tho’ Oxford based— so please tell your friends and family!
Cheryl Simes Kiwilaw lawyer/director
OXFORD A&P SHOW
121st Annual Sh ow Saturday 11 April 2026
Oxford Showgrounds 26 Bay Road, Oxford
‘BBQ Competition’
Competition is ramping up for the Inaugural Oxford A&P Show BBQ Competition Ten teams of 4 will fight it out to cook three different types of meat, to be presented in front of 5 Celebrity Judges. Come along and see Master Chefs at work!
Craft Stalls * Trade Sites Baby & Junior Show
Shearing * Wood Chopping
Highland Dancing
Animals * Terrier Race
Things got a little out of hand?
Trees?
a good snip and trim...
• All types of tree removals (large and difficult?? No problem )
• Crown lifting and Crown reductions
• Formative pruning
• Fruit tree pruning (Autumn/Winter)
• Hedge and shrub trimming
• Stump grinding
• Felling
• Chipping
• Mixed age arborist mulch, sales and delivery
Dog Agility Presentation
Magician * Stilt Walker
Pedalmania * Side Shows
Vintage Machinery Working Exhibits
Grand Parade – 2.15pm
ADMISSION: Adults $15
Children 5yrs-15yrs $5 Under 5yrs Free www.oxfordapshow.co.nz
Qualified Arborist, Fully Insured Locally Based
Oxford Cancer Support Group
Txt/Call Alec 0275 255 044 alec@maartentrees.co.nz
We are one of the rural support groups of the Southern Cancer Society of New Zealand.
Our volunteers aim to provide support to people who have cancer and their families in our local community
We can assist with:
• Transport to hospital appointments
• Taking a person for a drive or shopping
• Information on Cancer Society Services
On the 3rd Wednesday of each month we hold a coffee/chat morning at Cafe 51 in Oxford, from 10 am.
For information contact: Ans Fonteyn 021 02392396 Coordinator/Secretary Oxford
WAIMAKARIRI BRIDGE CLUB
Weekly bridge sessions are held at the Waimak Golf Club house on Thursdays at 7.10pm
Interested players can contact Noeline 3123117 or Jan 027 3242144
Lessons are being held at the Rangiora Bridge Club on Tuesdayscommencing 14 April
www.rangiorabridgeclub.co.nz for further details
Emergency Services update
Oxford St John with
Mel Brooker
Even though it is meant to be autumn, I feel like we have in fact had more summery days than the whole of summer. With autumn comes cooler mornings, lovely colour changes to our trees, and of course our Oxford A&P Show on the 11th of April. Please come and say hello to your local crew at the St John area.
Now is an ideal time to check your driveways for overgrown vegetation. Ask yourself “could a fire truck get up there easily?” Because if the fire truck can’t get up there, we may not be able to either and if we can’t get to you we can’t help you.
Also while you are out there check if we can see your RAPID number from both ways at your road get as well as your entrance gate if you have a shared driveway. I know I mention this a lot but it really could be the difference between life and death.
This year we have attended 44 jobs, and 14 for the month of March. We have travelled to Darfield, Swannanoa, Loburn and Rangiora as well as around the Oxford district.
Take extra care while driving in the mornings and evenings as the sunstrike at this time of the year can be a truly lethal.
The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require emergency assistance please call 111.
Thank you
Mel Brooker EMT
VTL Oxford St John Station
Oxford Fire Rescue with Chief Fire
Officer Trevor Ealam
February was another reasonably quiet month for the Brigade with only five calls. Two of the calls the Brigade was either stood down while responding to an event or stood down before leaving the station. The other calls were to a rubbish fire which was extinguished due to predicted strong winds, one to a smoke logged house because of blocked log fire chimney and one to assist with removing a patient from a wheelchair that had malfunctioned, transferring them into another. This brings our total calls for the year to thirteen.
This months message is; Before we get into the cooler months, consider having your chimneys swept and the condition of the fire box and flue checked. Remember to keep children, yourselves and any combustibles a metre from the heater.
0800 627 378 37
Tuesday 7th - Friday 10th April
Monday 13th - Friday 17th April
$28 per day (Winz subsidies available)
Enrolments can be made at the Trust, 37 Main Street, or get in touch with Tori on 027 473 5607 or oscar@oxfordtrust.co.nz.
SHOPPERS BUS
Tuesday 7th April Rangiora
Tuesday 21st April Rangiora $7.00
Bookings are essential and can be made at the Trust.
Oxford A&P Show
Stop by and visit us at the A&P Showoutside the GP Hall. Find out more about the work of the Trust, buy a raffle ticket and be in to win spot prizes.
• Rata Foundation • COGS • Lottery Foundation
Thank you to our fab 4 funders Oxford Community Trust
Responsive to the physical, social, emotional,and financial needs of individuals, families and groups of people within the community of Oxford and Districts.
For
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