It's hard to believe that this is the last issue for the year. The year has absolutely flown by.
We would like to thank you all for your support over the year. It is a challenging business environment out there, and we are so grateful to all of our advertisers and readers for helping us to continue to produce The Observer for our community.
Oxford is going to be buzzing this month with all sorts of festive activities - make sure you check them out. Our cover photo is a sneak peek of one of the amazing displays at the Oxford Christmas Wonderland which opens on the 10th of December.
We hope you enjoy this issue. Merry Christmas to you all - we hope you have a peaceful and happy holiday season.
Remember to get in touch if you have a story you would like us to consider, or if you would like to advertise your business or event. info@oxfordobserver.co.nz.
Bruce & Emily.
PUBLISHER
Schnurrbart Design and Publishing Limited
EDITOR
Emily Chapman
ENQUIRIES
info@oxfordobserver.co.nz
0800 627 378 37
www.schnurrbartdesignandpublishing.co.nz
THE NEXT ISSUE - OUT JANUARY 2026
ADVERTISING DEADLINE | DECEMBER 20
All efforts are made to verify the correctness of information contained within this publication. However Schnurrbart Design and Publishing accept no liability for the correctness or accuracy of any information contained within these pages.
Any views, information or opinions expressed within this publication are not necessarily the opinions or views of Schnurrbart Design and Publishing or any of its providers.
A new space, same care.
Over the past little while, I’ve been reflecting on life, balance, wellbeing and what truly lights me up in my work.
After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to close the salon in its current form and move into a more simplified, intentional way of working.
From January, I’ll be sharing creative space at Cedar Heights in Cust, focusing fully on what I love most, caring for you and creating beautiful hair.
Nothing will change for you in terms of booking, my contact details, or how I look after you… it’s still me, just in a setting that feels aligned and grounded.
I know this change may not suit everyone, and that’s okay. If the new location doesn’t work for you, please let me know, I’m more than happy to recommend someone wonderful who’ll take great care of you.
I also want to say a heartfelt thank you to my team, past and present. Working alongside such strong, talented women has been incredibly special.
A very special thank you to Ruby, almost 12 years by my side, your kindness, dedication, friendship and energy have meant so much.
Thank you to all our wonderful clients for being part of this journey with us, your support means the world. I can’t wait to welcome you into this next chapter.
From Pilot to Petrolhead: John’s Three-Year Car-Building Journey
It’s amazing what goes on inside random country sheds. Take John Davies for instance - a retired commercial pilot who flew for Mount Cook Airline for 46 years. Now living on the outskirts of Oxford, he spends his spare time tinkering in his expansive workshop. Not with planes anymore, but cars.
John was poking around a second-hand bookshop back in 2016 when he spotted a sleek-looking blue vehicle - his “dream car” - on the front of a dusty hardcover book. The image caught his attention and an idea sparked in the back pockets of his mind.
Maybe, one day, he could build one. With time on his hands during the 2020 Covid lockdowns, and despite no formal training behind him other than being known as the local “fix-it” guy, he decided it was the perfect opportunity to make a start.
Over the next three years, the 22nd model of the New Zealand designed Saker car began to take shape in his home workshop; moulded, engineered and crafted, piece by painstaking piece. Some pieces more than once, thanks to inevitable mishaps or design quirks!
The first Saker vehicle was originally designed and built in the 1990’s by former New Zealand Championship racing driver Bruce Turnbull of Palmerston North. When Bruce retired from motorsport, he became a patternmaker, however couldn’t keep away from the lure of petrol and practical workmanship. With an interest in building an aerodynamic road vehicle, the name Saker was a fitting choice, coming from the magnificent bird of prey, the Saker Falcon. John reached out to Bruce and a new friendship formed. He obtained the patterns, achieved the necessary welding certificates, and got stuck in.
Building a car from the ground up, with no build manual, is no easy feat. Advice and support came from the NZ Constructors Car Club, for which John wrote a monthly article on his progress. The club later presented these articles back to him in a beautifully bound hardcover book, documenting the journey. Bruce also continued to support John along the way including assisting in the first stage chassis build.
While wife, Sue, was away visiting family, the home dishwasher and oven proved surprisingly useful - ideal for cleaning alloy parts and pre-heating components in need of welding. A “bump hat” was also essential during the build. This is a cap with a lightweight plastic liner, useful when clambering around vehicles with restricted head room and low mounting, especially for those with bald heads! One of the standout moments of the entire build came in August 2020 – the first engine start. John pressed the starter button and waited. The engine turned over twice, finding all the ignition sensors, before bursting into life with “a glorious roar”. He still smiles as he recalls it.
The car had to undergo strict certification checks during each stage of construction, followed by compliance, before becoming road worthy. John estimates the Saker took around 4000 hours to complete, at a cost of $100,000.
by Diana Jamieson
“It has definitely been a learning curve, but an enjoyable one,” he says, radiating with pride as his eyes gloss over the finished vehicle.
Powered by a Subaru EZ30 3-litre flat-6 engine, passengers sit a mere 120mm from the ground, yet it is surprisingly smooth to ride in with great visibility.
A backing camera is used in place of a rear-view mirror, and the doors open upwards, requiring a little bit of contortion to get into.
With general road cruising in mind, John has included a few creature comforts such as a radio, air conditioning and custom moulded leather seats for himself and Sue. It is the only Saker to have an automatic transmission and cruise control.
The rear wing has also been angled to reduce the downforce a typical racing model would have, but the car still has plenty of pep, clocking 0 – 100kph in 4.6 seconds.
In 2023, John and Sue took the Saker on its longest road trip to date, driving to the annual Beach Hop in Whangamata, Coromandel. No outing in the Saker is a short one, he laughs. The folding doors and striking shape attract attention wherever they go, drawing conversations and photos during every petrol and café stop.
“Sharing information about the car with people is part of the fun,” says John.
Not one to sit around without a project, John reveals he’s already started rebuilding a JBA Falcon, a 1930’s style roadster. He expects to have it completed next year.
“It will be finished in white, the same as the Saker,” he admits with a grin. “Because I ordered too much paint for the first car, and the colour covers a multitude of sins!”
Keep an eye out for John, and his racy home-built Saker, in the coming Oxford Santa Parade.
To all my vendors and buyers I’ve had the pleasure of working with this year. It’s been so rewarding to see you happy with your outcomes and settled in your new homes.
Merry Christmas, Meri Kirihimete!
As the festive season approaches, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyful holiday.
Christmas is a time to remember what’s important, the simple pleasures of being together with family and friends. Amid the hustle and bustle, take a moment to pause, reflect, and enjoy the memories you’re creating.
A heartfelt thank you to our emergency services, medical teams, lifeguards, and everyone working to keep us safe while we celebrate this holiday period.
For those that are able, please consider supporting local businesses while ticking off your Christmas lists. Shopping locally helps our Waimakariri community thrive and keeps the good cheer and neighbourly connection right here, at our doorsteps.
Remember to give yourself the gift of kindness - this season is as much about rest and self-care as it is about giving and sharing.
On behalf of the Council, I hope this season brings you togetherness, hope and happiness.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Meri Kirihimete!
Sarah, Thomas, Ray, Mark, Wayne, Pete, Niki and Tim of the... Oxford-Ohoka Community Board!
Dan Gordon, Mayor
Jolly smiles for Christmas
Would you like to enhance your beautiful smile for the Christmas season and all the social gatherings that come with it?
Remember the basics are to eat well, reduce sugar wherever you can, drink water in preference to sweet drinks and keep up the teeth cleaning. Teeth are not naturally white and our cultural expectation isn’t always realistic. Stains can build up on your teeth just from the food and drinks you eat and most of these stains can be removed.
If you would like to whiten your teeth further there is a good process using a hydrogen peroxide gel. You put this gel into a soft splint that is custom made by us to fit your teeth to achieve the best results. The process has been around a long time so is safe for your teeth when used for a short time (a few weeks) and you have the choice to stop and start when you want to.
You will usually need a few weeks to achieve the result you are after so allow some time if you are interested.
Also, older fillings in the front teeth can become discoloured so that’s another option to change these if they have become more obvious than you would like them to be.
The overall key is to smile and have the confidence that your smile is engaging and friendly. We really enjoy helping people change their perceptions about their teeth and how they feel about their smile, it’s really critical to your confidence to feel you can smile and be happy with your teeth!
We are offering a special price for whitening trays and whitening syringes for Christmas. You can book this for yourself or as a gift voucher to give to a friend or family member. $250 for custom made trays and 3 whitening syringes.
Linda McCarthy 022 692 6090 linda.m@arizto.co.nz
4 Shillingford Boulevard, Rolleston
50A Church Street, Rangiora
675 Wolffs Road, Eyrewell
Next Aventure is Calling
Step into comfort and convenience with this beautifully presented four-bedroom, two-bathroom family home, perfectly positioned for easy commuting to Christchurch or Darfield. Enquiries Over: $795,000 View By Appointment
Brick-Built Ease in Central Rangiora
New Listing - Set back from the street, this solid brick home feels calm, grounded and instantly welcoming. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down the moment you arrive and ensures you live every day at your own pace.
Country Lifestyle - Easy City Commute
This home is warm, catches the all day sun has three bedrooms, an office/study, two bathrooms just like most houses on a lifestyle property BUT the difference with this property has been established with self sufficiency in mind.
Enquiries Over: $959,000 View By Appointment
50A Council Hill Road, Little River Relaxation or Build Your Dream Home
New Listing - This property has the best of both worlds. A cottage that has a kitchenette, sleeping space and bathroom. Outside on the deck is a spa, sauna, ice bath – perfect for a retreat.
Enquiries Over: $499,000 View By Appointment
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
I wish you all a fabulous Christmas and relaxing New Year with your family and friends. To those who I have worked with this year to help purchase or sell a home, I really appreciate the opportunity to work with you, thank you, it has been a fun journey! I look forward to working with any new clients thinking of selling in Oxford in 2026.
Linda McCarthy 022 692 6090 linda.m@arizto.co.nz
DECEMBER
MON 22 8.30am to 5.30pm
TUE 23 8.30am to 5.30pm WED 24 8.30am to 5.30pm
THU 25 | FRI 26 | SAT 27 | SUN 28 CLOSED MON 29 8.30am to 5.30pm TUE 30 8.30am to 5.30pm WED 31 8.30am to 5.30pm JANUARY 2026
THU 1 | FRI 2 | SAT 3 | SUN 4 CLOSED MON 5 8.30am-5.30pm NORMAL HOURS RESUME
Oxford Christmas Parade 2025
Sunday 14th December 12.30PM
Starts at the Town Hall & finishes at the A&P Showgrounds
FLOAT THEME
“NATURE NZ”
Those with floats arrive at 12pm and assemble on Burnett Street for a 12.30pm start.
. Float Judging . Kids Fancy Dress Judging . Face Painting . Santa’s Grotto . Games . Ice Creams . Brass Band . Bouncy Castle . Lions Food Caravan
JERSEY BENNE POTATOES FRESH FOR CHRISTMAS!
Jersey Benne Potatoes are dug fresh each day. Pick your own or buy bagged. READY FROM EARLY DECEMBER Corner of Woodfields & Tram Roads
DECEMBER 10TH - 24TH
2PM-8PM WEEKDAYS | 10AM-8PM WEEKENDS
Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School
Update from Mike Hart
Celebrating Our School Community: 14 years at Oxford Area School
One of the greatest privileges of being a school Principal is the opportunity to witness and contribute to the growth of our young people, our staff, and our school as a whole. Every day, I am reminded that education is not just about what happens inside the classroom—it is about the collective journey of a community committed to helping ākonga flourish. One of my favourite moments in the year is our senior prizegiving, watching our Year 13s walk across the stage as young adults ready to take on the world. It feels especially rewarding having seen so many of them grow, learn, and shine from the time they first walked through our doors as five-year-olds. Our vision isn’t something that sits on a wall—it is real, lived, and breathed in the everyday moments of school life.
Change is a constant in education. Programmes evolve, initiatives shift, and new challenges arise. Things come and go, but one thing remains steadfast: our unwavering focus on student learning and wellbeinga culture of wanting to be the best version of ourselves. We are fortunate to live in a community that is diverse, rich with cultures, perspectives, beliefs, and experiences. Schools are places where all of these threads come together, creating a vibrant tapestry that strengthens and enriches them. It is in this shared space that students learn not only academics but also what it means to belong, to connect, and to contribute.
As many in the community will now know, I will be finishing my time as Principal at the end of this year, seconded to the Ministry of Education as a Special Focus Leadership Advisor for Area and Composite Schools in the South Island. It has been an honour to serve as our school's Principal, and I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together. While stepping away is never easy, I do so with immense gratitude and confidence in the strong foundations we have built—foundations that will continue to support the success and well-being of our ākonga long into the future.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our School Board, who provide steady governance and support; to our dedicated staff, whose passion and professionalism uplift our students every day; to our community, whose trust and involvement enrich our school; and most importantly, to our students and their whānau, who bring energy, commitment, and hope to all that we do. Your involvement is critical to the success of our school. As I prepare to close this chapter, I do so with pride, gratitude, and deep appreciation for the journey we have shared. This school, and this community, will always hold a special place in my heart.
Senior Prize Giving
Last month we celebrated one of the highlights of our school calendar — our Senior Prizegiving. It was a wonderful evening where we watched our young people shine at the culmination of their effort, perseverance, and commitment to their goals.
The Oxford Town Hall was filled to capacity, a testament to the incredible community support that surrounds our students.
The evening was filled with many proud moments, including the announcement of our top academic and sporting honours.
Congratulations to our Dux, and Oxford Lions Scholarship recipient ($2,000), Alyssa East, Proxime Accessit, Daniel Lovatt, Sportsperson of the Year, Reuben Keats, and Runner-up Sportsperson of the Year, Gus Johnstone, and the recipient of the Oxford Lions Emerging Achievers Scholarship ($1,000), Alice McLachlan.
Each of these awards reflects not only talent but also the hard work and character shown by these outstanding young people.
A particular highlight of the night was the announcement of our 2026 Student Leadership Team. We are proud to introduce our new Head Students, Scarlett Hart and Nicholas McKinney, who will be joined by fellow student leaders Lillia Beer, Alexis Graham, and George Joyner. We look forward to seeing the positive energy, ideas, and service this group will bring to the year ahead.
Our sincere thanks go to all who made the evening possible — the sponsors, organisers, staff, whānau, and supporters who contributed to such a special celebration of our students.
Congratulations to our incredible Year 13 graduates as you embark on your next journey. We wish you all the best.
Mike Hart
Tumuaki | Principal
Photo credits Gemma Regan
Ag Club
On Friday 24th October, we held our annual school Ag Club competition.
Ag Club is always a special day on the school calendar.
A great celebration that showcases our rural school and the special bond between our tamariki and their pets.
Students spend weeks hand-rearing their pets, looking after their health and learning to lead in the build-up to the day. You can see the love, care and attention that has been given to the animals. Students are judged on knowledge, care and attention and leading. Each student handed in a project prior to the day outlining how they have cared for their pet.
Thank you Andy, Lilli, Kate, Mel and Will for supporting our tamariki on the day.
We are very fortunate to have Oxford Ag Services sponsor the T shirts that our tamariki wear on the day.
Well done to all the students and their pets on a fantastic morning.
Section winners:
Rakahuri Athletics Competition
In November, 32 Oxford Area School students proudly represented our school at the Rakahuri Primary Schools' Athletics Championships. It was an exciting day full of determination, teamwork, and school spirit. The competition was fierce, with athletes striving to place in the top two of their events to qualify for the Canterbury Athletics Championships. Our students gave it their all — running fast, jumping high, and throwing far — showing incredible effort and sportsmanship throughout the day.
We are thrilled to announce that the following students have qualified for the next stage.
Congratulations to them on this fantastic achievement!
Jade Brettel, Year 5 Girls - 60m
Glaidhel Delima, Year 6 Girls - 80m
Kiara McCabe, Year 7 Girls - Shot Put Freedom Kennett, Year 8 girls - 1500m
A huge thank you to all the parents who helped with transport, supervision, and cheering from the sidelines. Your support made the day run smoothly and kept our athletes motivated. Despite the weather scare in the morning, the skies cleared, and it turned into a wonderful day of competition and fun.
Well done to all our athletes — you represented Oxford Area School with pride!
Oxford Area School Student Crowned Regional Champion in Bowls Canterbury Competition
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding success of Sophie Regan, a Year 10 student, who became the champion at the Bowls Canterbury Secondary School Regional Championships held in Christchurch on 12 November.
This event was originally scheduled for Term 1 but was postponed due to weather conditions.
We are incredibly pleased that Sophie was able to attend the new date and even more excited that she returned with such an impressive result.
Competing in singles, Sophie delivered an exceptional performance throughout the day. She shared that she “enjoyed the competition and playing singles for the first time, and it was good to play against people around her own age.”
A huge congratulations to Sophie on this fantastic achievement. She has represented Oxford Area School with pride, and we look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next!
www.facebook.com/oxfordarea
http://www.oxford.school.nz
This day would not be possible without our amazing judges.
Cranberry, Hot Honey Cheese Log With Cottage Cheese
Chips
A festive themed chilli cheese log, giving the festive season a blast of sweet and heat! Loving hot honey! This recipe is quick and easy, and can be made days in advance making it perfect for unexpected visitors
CHILLI CHEESE LOG
500g full fat cream cheese
1 cup fresh chopped coriander
1 lime squeezed
Pinch salt
Freshly cracked pepper
3 tbs chopped jalapeños
3 tbs chopped dried cranberries
• Soften cream cheese to room temp, place in cake mixer or food processor, and give it a good mix for 30 seconds.
• Add chopped jalapeños, cranberries, lime juice, coriander, salt and pepper
• Mixed together, try not to over mix and turn the added ingredients to a mush!
• With a spatula scrape bowl down.
• Carefully place cheese mix on to spread out cling wrap
• Wrap the cheese in the cling wrap creating a log shape or even a ball.
• Tie up tightly with the cling wrap and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours
• The cheese log/ball will keep in the fridge for at least 5 days
• When ready to use, chop up extra cranberry, jalapeño and coriander, roll the cheese log evenly in the chopped ingredients, place on a plate and drizzle with hot honey.
• Serve with your favourite crackers, or my gf/keto Cottage cheese crisps
COTTAGE
CHEESE CRISPS
2 cups full fat cottage cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Black sesame seeds or lemon pepper for topping
Smoked paprika to dust
Spray olive oil
• Pre heat oven 190oc and line two baking sheets with parchment
• Drain the cottage cheese to remove excess moisture
• Place into a bowl, mix with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper
• Scoop tablespoon sized amounts onto the prepared tins gently flatten with the back of a spoon, leaving space between each scoop. Spray or brush with olive oil
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds, or lemon pepper or both
• Dust with smoked paprika
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until browning on the edges
• Once cooked, leave to cool slightly then transfer with spatula to cooling rack. They will seem quite soft, but will crisp up once cooled
• Store in airtight container for up to two days at room temperature.
• If they get soft, just crisp up in an oven or air fryer.
• Enjoy as a healthy snacks.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
We would like to wish our wonderful community a very Merry Christmas and a big thank you for your continued support throughout 2025. It’s a privilege to care for you and your whānau. We’ll be open throughout the Christmas and New Year period, closing only on the statutory holidays. Wishing you a safe and restful holiday season — we look forward to continuing to care for you in 2026.
MEDICATIONS OVER THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIOD
Christmas is only a few weeks away, so please check your medications and make sure you have enough to last through the holiday period. The week leading up to Christmas can be very busy, so please don’t leave it until the last minute. You can order repeat prescriptions through the patient portal. If you need to see a provider, we recommend booking your appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays
WALKING GROUP
Come and join Jan, our Health Coach, and other Walking Group friends for a walk around Oxford. We meet every Monday at 9.30am in the Oxford Community Health Centre carpark. We walk for about an hour and it’s a great start to the week! Depending on the weather, remember to either put on sunscreen or bring your raincoat!
FRIENDLY REMINDER
When you call to book an appointment, our reception team may ask for a few details about your concern. This helps us make sure you receive the right care at the right time. For example, someone might think their issue can wait, but if they mention sudden shortness of breath or severe pain, that’s a sign they need urgent attention. By understanding the nature of your concern, we can prioritise appropriately and keep you safe. Please be assured that all our staff are bound by strict confidentiality and the Privacy Act, so your information is always protected.
After Hours Care
Ka Ora Telecare: Mon-Fri 5pm-8pm, 24 hrs on weekends. Call 0800 252 672 or visit kaora.co.nz
Practice Plus: Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm, weekends and public holidays 8am-8pm. Call 0800 7722 7587 or visit www.practiceplus.nz.
Please note prepayment is required prior to consultation. Healthline: Available 24/7. Call 0800 611 116.
New BMX Track for Oxford.
It’s not uncommon to spot a young person pedalling down the Main Street, shovel in hand, ready to dig some jumps at the unofficial bike track behind the Jaycee Rooms carpark. For years, this spot has been the go-to spot for keen riders in the community. Now, thanks to a collaborative community effort, this area is about to become a proper BMX track.
Nicky Stagg, a community worker with the Oxford Community Trust, recognised the need for a dedicated bike track some time ago. She has spent the past couple of years working toward that goal alongside other Trust members.
The Pearson Park Advisory Group has also played a key role, partnering with both the Trust and the Waimakariri District Council to help advance the project. Their combined effort has paid off, with the Council now approving the track’s development.
Nicky is currently working with local youth to design the track, ensuring the final layout reflects what they actually want. Pearson Park Advisory Board member Dave McPherson says “we want to see the kids involved in the design, if it’s what they want, they’ll own it and look after it”. The aim is to have the track operational by the end of this year.
Local businesses have stepped in to support, offering expertise and materials. The first stage of construction involves digging a drainage hole and planting around it to prevent it filling with dirt. The track itself will be built around this drainage system to avoid future flooding issues.
Initially, the track will be dirt-based; once it’s assessed and refined to suit the needs of the riders, a layer of lime chip will be added for durability and improved riding quality.
The Pearson Park Advisory Group has also committed funds to install a small barrier fence to prevent motor vehicles from accessing the track area, keeping it safe for riders.
The Oxford Community Trust would like to extend its thanks to the local businesses supporting the project, including OxRocks, Lay Asphalt, and South Eyre Sunflowers.
Their support is instrumental in the success of this project.
Mayoral Update with Dan Gordon
It was wonderful to attend this year’s North Canterbury Business Awards and be part of celebrating the hard work happening across our business community.
Every year I’m reminded of the skill, innovation and determination that sit behind so many local enterprises. Our businesses bring real flavour and opportunity to North Canterbury, and it was a privilege to present an award on the night to help honour those achievements.
Thanks to Heather Warwick, Claire Gifford and the team at ENC for putting together another fantastic event. Hearing the stories of this year’s finalists was a good reminder of the skills and range of businesses we have here and the important role they play in shaping our district.
As we transition into the festive season, the district is beginning to take on its familiar end-of-year energy. The Christmas Tree Festival is underway, including the installation of our district’s trees outside the Kaiapoi and Rangiora Service Centres. The decorated trees in the foyer of the Rangiora Service Centre are something I look forward to every year. They bring a sense of warmth to the building and always spark conversation among staff, elected members and visitors. We all end up quietly choosing favourites. I also love joining in with Oxford’s Christmas Wonderland decorating a tree. A truly special time of year.
It’s also the time of year when everything seems to speed up. Term four is quickly drawing to a close. Over the coming weeks I’ll be attending school assemblies and prizegivings across the district. These occasions offer a wonderful chance to acknowledge our young people and celebrate their achievements, especially those finishing their schooling journey. We have so much talent in North Canterbury, and I always feel proud of the potential I see in every hall I visit.
At Council, we’ve been focused on inducting our new councillors and setting ourselves up for the important work ahead. I’m genuinely encouraged by the energy, commitment and diverse strengths around our table. There is a lot to do, but I’m confident that together we can meet the challenges and opportunities in front of us, and continue to serve our district well as we head into the new year.
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.
Dan.
Crusher Dust
Arena and Fill Sand
Arena and Fill San
M4 - 40
Screened Soil
Screened Soil
Dean Hurley 027 333 7140
QUARRY SUPPLIES
QUARRY SUPPLIES
Oxford Museum Volunteers Afternoon Tea
Past and present Volunteers are invited to Afternoon Tea in the Jaycee Rooms, on Sunday 7th December, 1.30pm-3.30pm.
Enjoy a cup of tea and a catch-up.
New volunteers are most welcome!
From the Presidents Desk
with Oxford Club President Kyle Scott
It’s hard to believe that the calendar year is coming to a close and that Christmas and New Year are just about with us.
If you are considering a Christmas ham for the festive season don’t forget between now and Christmas, we have up for grabs our hugely popular ham raffles. Every Wednesday and Saturday join the group of smiling happy members taking home a superb Christmas ham.
Want to start your weekends off on a winning note, then come and take part in our fabulous Spin to Win with lots of great prizes including a large Christmas ham every Friday between now and Christmas.
Someone said it to me recently in the club you’ve got a great job walking around the club talking small talk to people. So, what do I as President actually do? Obviously interacting with members of the club and visitors promoting wellbeing and a strong club spirit is important but very very simply my role is…..
To provide leadership, ensure good governance, run orderly meetings and keep the club pointing in the right direction. Which is financial health, strategic direction and community engagement. I like to think that being a Club President is a little like being the skipper of a fishing boat. Technically I’m in charge of steering the boat, but some of the crew think they know a better way of doing things.
In a slightly more humorous vein, my role is to:
• Keep the doors open.
• Keep you the members happy.
• Keep the books balanced.
• Keep my humour intact!
Lastly thanks to all the members of The Oxford Club for your continued support throughout the year. A sincere thanks also to our staff for their efforts and leading from the front, our manager Donna Hughes, your commitment and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated.
Wishing you and your families a happy Christmas and a very enjoyable festive season and a prosperous New Year.
I look forward to catching up with you all very soon at our Club ….. The Oxford Club.
Warmest regards
Kyle Scott
Oxford Club President
Kiwilaw - making legal work more bearable after a loved one dies
• All types of tree removals (large and difficult?? No problem )
Probate (High Court approval of the will) 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 $490 (plus $260 High Court fee).
Available nationwide—tho’Oxford based—so please tell your friends and family!
Emergency Services update
Oxford St John with
Mel Brooker
It is hard to believe it is almost December already, this year has flown by so quickly. So far this year we have responded to 256 callouts, (last year was 251 for the whole year.) 179 patients were transported to hospital or another health facility. If we transport to a health facility it takes us about three hours to return back to the Oxford area. We have covered 228, 12 hour night shifts (1800-0600) and responded many times during the day. This equates to a huge amount of hours our volunteers give their time willingly to help people in need in our community. I cannot thank our volunteers enough for the time and energy they selflessly give to make our community better for us all.
Please keep yourselves safe as we come into the busy summer season. Take a little extra time to get it right to avoid having to call on our local volunteers.
Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy a good break over the holiday period
From all of your local volunteer ambulance officers! The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require emergency assistance please call 111.
Oxford Fire Rescue with Chief Fire
Officer Trevor Ealam
October was one of the busiest months the brigade has experienced for a very long time with twenty three calls due to the recent gale force winds. During the day of the winds we attended eleven calls ranging from securing roofing iron, garden sheds, empty plastic water tanks and removing trees across roads. The Brigade was ask to assist the Cust Brigade twice, one structure fire and a car fire. In our area we attended five vegetation fires, three were controlled burns, one out of control slash fire, and the other was a large fire in the Waimakariri River Bed which was started by a stolen motor vehicle set alight. We were assisted by the Cust, Swannanoa, Pines Beach Brigade’s and a helicopter with a monsoon bucket to bring the fire under control. One call to assist St John, one to a car fire started by birds nests in the engine, one to a motor vehicle crash where the sole occupant received minor injuries and was able to self extricate, one to free a person’s finger that had become trapped in the ramp of a horse float with the aid of hydraulic equipment, and a fire in the public toilets where a rubbish bin was set alight. This brings our total calls for the year to seventy one.
This months message is once again; If you intend lighting a slash or rubbish fire, please make sure they are properly out before the predicted North West winds arrive. Make sure you have water on hand or nearby. Think about the damage that can happen to neighbouring properties if the fire gets of control. It is also a good idea to let neighbouring property owners know of the intended burn, and notify FENZ South Coms on 033410266 which can save a lot of inconvenience to those concerned.
Oxford Police with Jono Stagg
Oxford
Community Trust
Social Services
Youth Events
13th December - Hanmer Trip
Keep an eye on our facebook Oxbox Youth or contact Tori on 027 473 5607 for more details and bookings.
Shoppers Bus
Tuesday 2nd December - Rangiora
Tuesday 16th December - Northlands
Trips are $7 to Rangiora & $10 to Northlands - bookings essential and can be made at the Trust.
Wheels with Wings
Save the date for Wheels with Wings - 18th January 2026.
Christmas Hours
We will be closing on 24/12/25 and reopening on 12/1/26.
If you would like to donate a gift for a child/ children in our community, you are welcome to come and leave one under our tree. New unwrapped presents please.
Thank you to our fab 4 funders
• Rata Foundation
Waimakariri
It’s that time of year, school is finishing and there will be kids around. Please be careful driving through the township. It’s also the time of year for office Christmas parties and the like – please don’t drink and drive. Apart from the increased risk of crashes under the influence, you will see more Police out and about doing alcohol check points.
Mitch and I wish you all the best for the Christmas season and hope everyone enjoys time with friends and family.
Remember you don’t have to wait to see us at the station, call 105 or report online via police.govt.nz or in an emergency 111.
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.
Foraged! Festive! Fun! Friday 12 December | 1 – 3pm | $10 per person | For children age 5 – 12 Tiny Gardens:
Summer Show #11: Shared Currents Thu 4 December – Sun 14 February 2026
| All Welcome
Our annual summer exhibition celebrates the creativity that flows through our community. Affordable works by local artists, available to take home on the day of purchase.
| oxfordgallery.org.nz Registered charity CC10601
Dancing at Oxford
Dancing to a variety of music, exercise, socialising and
Oxford Club Monday’s 6 - 8:30pm. New beginners class starts at 5.30pm. First timers please contact first. Instructor: Jenny Brookes 0274 452 285 jennybrookes76@gmail.com
Boarding Kennels 312 Kiri Kiri Road, Oxford P: 312 3355 or 027 288 8724
