Obser ver
fromthe Publishers
Welcome to the February issue of the Observer.
While the weather was less than optimal the Oxford & Districts Lions & Oxford Community Trust held another hugely successful Wheels with Wings event in January. A large number of vehicles and aircraft braved the changeable weather and it was a fantastic day for everyone. Our cover photo was taken at the event.
Many of you will remember reading articles by Amy Riach and Beka Hunt. We caught up with Amy recently, who has recently finished her Journalism Degree and has started her first job as a journalist for the Ashburton Guardian. Beka is a radio news journalist for MediaWorks. We are so proud of both of these talented women, and excited to see all they achieve in the future.
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 MARCH 2026
ADVERTISING DEADLINE | FEBRUARY 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.
What to Expect from the New Zealand Housing Market in 2026
As New Zealand heads into 2026, confidence in the housing market is continuing to improve. After a period of correction and caution, the outlook is becoming more positive, with conditions supporting a gradual lift in activity.
Cotality is forecasting increased momentum across the market, with sales expected to rise and house prices predicted to grow by around 5%. This signals a return to more balanced conditions, where buyers have confidence to act and sellers can expect steadier interest.
A General Election is scheduled for 2026, which traditionally can lead to some short-term hesitation. However, improving sentiment, steady demand and a more settled economic environment are expected to underpin the market throughout the year.
For homeowners and landlords, the outlook is encouraging.
Increased activity and modest price growth suggest 2026 will be a year of stability and measured progress for New Zealand real estate.
Lovely to meet you! We’re Julia and Di - an awardwinning mother-and-daughter real estate team committed to delivering an honest, personalised, and results-driven experience.
With years of combined industry knowledge, Di brings seasoned expertise while Julia adds a fresh, modern approach. Together, we work closely with our clients to provide a seamless journey, helping buyers and sellers achieve their property goals with confidence.
179 McPhedrons Road Oxtord
Weka Street, Oxford Sold
48 Sladdens Bush Road, Oxford
Julia Moreira Borges & Di Moreira
161 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford
8 Plachatsh Lane, Oxford
380 No 10 Road, Swannanoa
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.
Good For Lifestyle - Good For You
Just minutes from Oxford’s main street, this 3.5ha property offers village convenience with rural feel & stunning mountain views. Perfect for equestrian living, it features eight well-fenced paddocks and extensive facilities.
5.99ha - Just Minutes From The Main Street
Near 15 acres just minutes from Oxford, this property blends country peace with village convenience. Three bedrooms, a granny flat, shed, paddocks and a private horse training track make it perfect for lifestyle or equestrian living.
Asking Price: $950,000 View By Appointment
Dream Big!
Spacious 1.9ha lifestyle property in Swannanoa, just 25 minutes from the city. This 283m2 home offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, open-plan living, a separate lounge, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
Asking
Opportunity Knocks!
Spacious 291m2 home on 1.4 acres in the heart of Swannanoa. Three bedrooms, ensuite, walk-in wardrobe, open-plan living, modern kitchen, separate lounge, log burner, heat pump, double glazing, and a massive 9m deep four car garage. Asking
376 No 10 Road, Swannanoa
After a successful debut last year, the Antiques & Collectibles Market is returning to the beautiful heritage gardens of Terrace Station, Hororata, on Saturday 14 February 2026.
Antiques & Collectibles Market Returns to Terrace Station This Valentine’s Day
Heritage property Terrace Station provides a fittng backdrop for this distinctive market. Nestled among towering trees, winding paths and expansive lawns, the historic gardens create a relaxed and atmospheric settng for a day of browsing, discovery and nostalgia. Visitors can explore a curated selection of antiques and collectibles, including vintage jewellery, fine china, bone cutlery, tools, toys, clothing, wrought iron pieces, upcycled items and unique curiosities.
Guests are also invited to bring along their own treasured items for a verbal appraisal by an expert, with a small donation appreciated.
The event is a collaboration between the Terrace Station Charitable Trust and the Hororata Community Trust, with proceeds supporting community and charitable initiatives. Event organiser Kate Foster says the strong response to the inaugural market made its return a natural choice. “People loved the quality of the stalls and the opportunity to enjoy antiques in such a special garden settng. We’re delighted to be bringing it back for 2026,” she said.
Food and drink will be available on site, and visitors are encouraged to bring cash, as EFTPOS is not available. Stallholder sites are still available and can be booked online.
Event Details
• Locaton: Terrace Station, Hororata
• Date: Saturday, 14 February 2026
• Time: 9am – 3pm
• Entry: $10 cash per adult (school-age children free)
• Conditons: Rain or shine. No dogs For more information or stall bookings, visit www.hororata.org.nz.
CHOOSE AN AGENT YOU CAN TRUST
It’s not all about the commission & saving, it’s about getting the right result for you!
TOP Listing & Selling Agent December 2025 - Kaiapoi Office
Great Agent, Brilliant Communicator
Emma was genuinely interested in the big picture from our point of view & worked diligently towards a very positive result. We highly recommend her as an agent who goes the extra mile & half.
Thanks for your & teams efforts.
Vendor - 15 Joslen Way, Kaiapoi My results speak for themselves...
Recipe of the month.
with Louize Juniper
CHILLI & GINGER NO KNEAD BREAD
Having tried for years to keep a sour dough starter alive I’ve given up!
This is now my bread recipe go to!I use a cast iron dutch oven with well- fitting lid to bake the bread in. I make this bread every week and no longer buy expensive store made bread. If chilli and ginger isn’t to your taste, swap out for black olives or toasted mixed seeds, just combine all the water at the beginning.
Ingredients
550g high grade flour
10g yeast
1 tbsp olive oil
400ml warm water
1 finely chopped red chilli
2 tbsp finely chopped or minced fresh ginger
1 tbsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp salt
50 ml warm water
1 tbsp poppy seeds
Method
• In a large bowl add flour and yeast.
•Mix olive oil and warm water together and stir into flour, mix with a spatula until it all comes together, it should be sticky.
• Cover with cling wrap and leave to double in size. It will take about an hour or so. It’s helpful to put it in a warm area or in a sunny spot. I often combine making my bread after the dish washer has finished, this makes a perfect proving oven!
• Mix the ground turmeric powder and salt with the 50ml of hot water, mix well, add chilli and ginger.
• Turn oven on to 220oC
• Place a dutch oven and lid in the oven to get hot.
• Once dough has risen and doubled in size add the chilli/ginger mix to the dough. I use my hands just to really make sure it’s all well mixed.
• Line a bowl with a sheet of baking parchment, place dough on top and leave to rise again in a warm place for 30 mins.
• Once dough has risen, take dutch oven out, place a handful of ice cubes in the bottom, then lift the dough from the bowl on the baking parchment into the Dutch oven, sprinkle with poppy seed, place lid on top and bake in oven for 30-40 mins.
• After 30 mins reduce heat to 200oC, remove lid, continue to bake for another 10 mins.
• Once cooked the bread should have a hollow sound when tapped and be a beautiful golden colour.
• Leave to cool. Then just tuck in!
SERVING IDEAS
• Smashed avocado with feta, lemon and mint
• Oven roasted tomatoes, garlic and basil (roast toms, whole garlic in olive oil in air fryer for 30 mins for a time saver)
• Tuna, sundried tomato mayo
• Chargrilled marinated veggies.
Enjoy!
OXFORD NETBALL CLUB 2026
2026 Registrations are now open on: https://www.sporty.co.nz/oxfordnetball
$50 registration fee to be paid prior to the trials for all Year 9 to adult players.
OXFORD NETBALL CLUB 2026 TRIALS for Premier and Grade (Year 9-Adults) teams are Thursday 12th and Tuesday 17th February 6:30-8:00pm at OXFORD AREA SCHOOL COURT(s)
Anyone interested in coaching or umpiring a Premier, Grade or Primary team for 2026 season please contact the number below.
Any enquiries contact: 0274668099.
POSITION VACANT
We are looking for a reliable and practical person to support our church with a mix of administration, cleaning, and light gardening.
• 4 hours per week (flexible)
• Some admin hours to be worked on a Wednesday
• Availability one evening per month (1–2 hours)
Duties include:
• Basic administration tasks
• Cleaning
• Light gardening
This role would suit someone who is organised, trustworthy, outgoing and happy with variedwork in a church setting. For more information or to apply, please contact: Mary van der Veldt 0226218278 ormaryvdv@xtra.co.nz
Bright smiles for Summer
Would you like to enhance your beautiful smile for the Summer season and all your social gatherings.
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!
SPECIAL OFFER
We are offering a special price for whitening trays and whitening syringes for Summer. 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. Valid to 28th February 2026 CALL US TO BOOK IN !
021 273 6963 or 03 423 9424 oxforddental.co.nz 634 Bay Road, Oxford TUESDAY 10AM - 4PM | WEDNESDAY- THURSDAY 9AM - 4PM Dentist Dr. Yvonne Vannoort
Shoppers Bus
Tuesday 10th February - Rangiora
Tuesday24th February - Rangiora Trips are $7 to Rangiora - bookings essential and can be made at the Trust.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
We are looking for volunteers to help with our Medical Driving service. This entails taking people to their medical appointments in Christchurch or Rangiora, using our vehicle. If you are interested please contact Jo on 021 995 972 or jo@ oxfordtrust.co.nz.
Tāima Kōrero - Time to talk
A presentation for parents and caregivers about what young people actually see online and how to protect them from the digital sexual world.
Thursday 12th February at 7pm. A&P Room, Oxford Town Hall.
Thank you to our fab 4 funders
• Rata Foundation
• COGS
• Lottery Foundation
• Waimakariri District Council
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.
Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School
Introducing our Senior Leadership Team for 2026
Oxford Area School’s new leadership team is looking forward to the year ahead.
Kieran Rae, Justin Thompson and Tanya Wells (Tumuaki Tuarua / Deputy Principals), alongside Lesley Inch (Tumuaki / Acting Principal), are excited to be leading the school into 2026. The canopy and court upgrade is nearing completion, and we look forward to making full use of these new facilities in the coming weeks.
We welcome our tamariki back to school after the holiday break to begin another positive and productive year together. We warmly welcome new students, whānau and staff to our school.
Our 2026 Head Students
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 on the year ahead.
Poetry recognised amongst hundreds of submissions
A group of eight Year 8-11 Oxford Area School students have had their poetry published in the latest Write On magazine.
Earlier last year, a group of students attended a writing workshop where they strengthened their skills even further. Their pieces were then submitted, and in December, we celebrated eight talented young writers at the launch of Write On Magazine, Issue number 65. Their poetry was chosen from among hundreds of entries, and we are incredibly proud of each of them for having their work selected. We were delighted to have Mayor Dan Gordon join us to celebrate their success.
The following students were selected: Summer Pearce- Thread of Opinions; Hope-Sharplin Brand- Fading Light, Lasting Sound; Joanna Albert- The Stars; Elliot Marsden- What's Love?
Milly Bird- Trees of the Ocean; Nancie Green- Ragdoll hunting; Lilliana Oakes- Forever Walking; and Margot Godman- Grief is a book
New Staff Profiles
Introducing Shani Luiter
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Shani Luiters and I’m looking forward to being part of the Oxford Area School community. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, my family and I have lived in New Zealand for over seven years and became citizens this year.
I’ve been married for ten years and have three children (two daughters and a son) who keep life busy in the best way. Outside the classroom, I enjoy netball, have a definite weakness for chocolate, and, in a slightly ironic twist, am allergic to coffee. I look forward to building relationships with my new students and their whānau, and to start the year working together positively.
Introducing Nerissa Thompson
Kia ora tātou!
Ko Maungatere te maunga
Ko Rakahuri te awa
Nō Cust ahau
Ko Thompson tōku whānau
Ko Nerissa tōku ingoa
Kia ora! My name is Nerissa Thompson and I am a strong believer in being a lifelong learner. After completing a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning at the University of Canterbury, I worked as a teacher in Osaka, Japan for many years. Following my return home, I taught at Oxford Area School, and I am now incredibly excited to be returning again after a year away, working in a part-time role. I am very grateful for the opportunity to rejoin the Oxford Area School community and look forward to reconnecting, learning, growing, and working alongside staff, students, and whānau once more.
From Left to right, Nicholas McKinney, Lillia Beer, Scarlett Hart, Alexis Graham and George Joyner
Introducing Amanda Haines
Kia ora Oxford Area School whānau!
I am Amanda Haines, and I am joining you from Opihi College in Temuka, where I have spent the past six years teaching Health and Physical Education and leading a small team. I am a compassionate and reflective educator with a strong commitment to supporting the social and emotional wellbeing and personal growth of others.
I am passionate about developing high-quality teaching and learning programmes that promote student wellbeing, engagement, and achievement. My practice is grounded in whanaungatanga, kotahitanga, and manaakitanga — fostering connection, unity, andrespect within diverse communities.
Outside of school, I enjoy travelling, sport, spending time in the great outdoors, and connecting with friends and whānau. I value leading by example and being a lifelong learner, and I am currently studying towards my Master’s in Counselling. I am excited to join your kura in 2026 as Head of Health and Physical Education.
Introducing Benjamin Alexander
Benjamin Alexander is excited to join Oxford Area School as the new Head of Social Science. He holds a Master’s degree in Education and brings a strong passion for both his subject area and the pastoral care of young people.
Benjamin is committed to building positive relationships, developing engaging learning experiences, and contributing to the continued growth of the school and its community.
Outside the classroom, he is an avid reader, a dedicated vinyl collector, and a lover of great food. Benjamin lives in St. Albans with his beautiful wife, Jenny, and their Siberian Forest cat, Boris. Together, he and Jenny love to travel as often as possible, exploring new cultures and places. Benjamin enjoys skiing, hunting, rugby, and cricket, and is always keen to get outdoors or connect over sport and music. He is looking forward to getting to know the local community and becoming an active, enthusiastic part of life in Oxford.
Introducing Fran Gloor
Kia ora e te whānau, my name is Franziska Gloor. I am thrilled to join the team at Oxford Area School as a Year 7/8 teacher and to get to know and support my students in becoming resourceful, positive, and resilient learners who embrace challenges, take risks, and believe in their capacity to improve and succeed.
I moved to New Zealand in 2012 from Switzerland, where I was working as a primary and secondary school teacher as well as an outdoor instructor for many years.
Since being in New Zealand, I have worked in education as well as management, and after finishing my postgraduate diploma in secondary teaching, I am now looking forward to getting back into teaching at the school my three children attend.
In my spare time, I enjoy doing sport and getting into the outdoors with my family, training our horses, working on our lifestyle block, and looking after all our other animals.
Introducing Emily Abernethy
In 2015, I arrived in New Zealand on a student visa, carrying luggage packed with big hopes and some sense of uncertainty. Ten years later, it still feels surreal to call this beautiful country home. In October 2025, it has been a true gift to settle into our small patch of countryside —exchanging the bright hum of Auckland’s big smoke for the gentler rural life of Oxford where paddocks feel wider, the skies a little bigger, and the simple moments somehow more meaningful.
I feel deeply privileged to be part of Oxford Area School, teaching our youngest learners.One of the joys of my role is that children are natural comedians; they fill each day with laughter and unexpected wisdom which I enjoy sharing with their whanau as highlights of their day. Each day, I get to build a genuine rapport with them, and as the school year drew to a close, those sweet “Thank you, Mrs Abernethy!” moments linger with me.
They are tender reminders of why I teach. The camaraderie, support, and teamwork, especially in my Discover team creates a true sense of belonging. It is this feeling that gets me out of bed each morning—an intuitive knowing that another great day, shaped by the people and the place I now call home.
Introducing Tim Bloomer
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Tim Bloomer. I am excited about our move to Oxford in January 2026 with my wife Fiona and our two boys, Thomas and James (who are also very excited about coming to Oxford Area School).
I have been living and teaching in Hawkes Bay, including in primary, intermediate and high schools. I love teaching, especially using practical hands-on contexts to help students grasp new concepts. I especially enjoy teaching social studies, science and art.
I’m looking forward to meeting all Oxford Area School staff, students, and community.
Ngā mihi, Mr Bloomer
Introducing Kimm Moore
Hi everyone
My name is Kimm Moore and I am absolutely loving my new role as the International Homestay Coordinator at Oxford Area School.
It has been a pleasure to meet all the amazing homestay hosts so far - we really do live in such a caring and wonderful community. I am looking forward to expanding our homestay base, so if you would like to know more about becoming a host please reach out - I would love to hear from you.
A little snippet about me... Bruce & I have been married for 37 years. We have five super cool adult kids, six amazing grandkids, and have been blessed to call Oxford home for almost 30 years.
Kimm (homestay@oxford.school.nz)
A Creative Life, Long in the Making
by Diana Jamieson
When Donna Coster talks about art, her eyes light up. Having spent most of her adult life as a hair stylist and helping apprentices prepare for exams, Donna has enjoyed a certain form of creativity that is three-dimensional - the sculpting of hair andworking with colour.
But another creative urge has always lurked and in recent years she has been able to begin to unleash it.
Donna and her family moved to Oxford in 2002. She and husband (Tim) valued the opportunity to raise their kids in a rural community, having both experienced country life themselves as children.
The Bay Road property, featuring a spacious villa, established trees and enough room for ponies and pets also had potential for a home-based hairdressing business.
Within 4 years, Donna had sold her city-based salon and “The Sunroom for Hair” opened in Oxford. With Tim beginning work on a nearby dairy farm, the children enrolled at Oxford Area school and a new salon to run, life was busy for Donna. “Art always got pushed aside and put on the backburner,” she reflects.
During 2019, Donna attended Life Drawing classes at Oxford Gallery. Using mostly charcoal, Donna found sketching live models within short time frames very freeing. “There was no time for over-thinking or getting caught up in the detail… you just have to get going and not worry about making mistakes. I soon learned that a quick response to the figure in front of me helped to loosen my style.”
Involvement with the Gallery led to a position as a volunteer. It was during this time that Donna discovered there was a demand for affordable local scenes fromvisitors to the region and residents. This sparked the idea of printing her original paintings as gift cards, as well as hand painting miniature scenes and close-ups that she could package and sell.
“One of my first landscape paintings was created spur of the moment on the back cardboard of an A4 pad that still had the punch-holes in it! I didn’t really know what I was doing. I had been dabbling with a mixture of watercolour and pastel and having fun.”
Although her artistic style has changed a lot since then, that first image, titled Carpet of Leaves, depicting Oxford’s High Street dotted with rich autumn colour, is still special to Donna and holds pride of place on her business cards today.
In 2020, Donna attended Oxford Area school as an adult student, where she completed NCEA Level 3 Art, along with local year 12 and 13 students. Choosing portraiture as her genre, Donna focused on capturing emotion and expression in her artwork. “It was such a privilege to attend art classes at school and my work developed in a surprising way under the influence of Charlotte Davis, our local art teacher. I often found myself well outside my comfort zone, but amazing things happened and I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity.”
Finding success with acrylics, and guided by a lifelong love for nature, her artwork gradually evolved into beautiful landscapes and detailed plant life, many of which now adorn her studio walls. Donna mostly works from her own photographs,taken while out hiking. She enjoys capturing that “alive” feeling that walking in the bush evokes, and she hopes her artwork helps to take people back to that special place and the feeling it brings.
Donna also makes unique earrings that beautifully match her card collection, making them a popular gift, and recently exhibited her first sculptures; figures, including lifesizepieces, made from chicken wire.
With her business background, Donna was mindful from early on that she wanted her artwork to be self-supporting. “This whole journey has made me realise that if I want to spend more time doing what I love, it needs to be viable financially. This has helped me to have more confidence when pricing my work, something that many artists’ struggle with!”
Donna has enjoyed exhibiting her work in our local Oxford Gallery along with Te Huanui Gallery in Darfield and the Kaiapoi Art Expo. She also exhibits at Art in the Park in Greymouth and has plans to develop a website this year.
With her daughter Rio returning home to join the Sunroom team, Donna plans to spend a little less time in the salon this year so she can focus on her creative ideas. Her studio has a large table and chairs, all ready to host workshops giving people the opportunity to express themselves creatively.
“Sometimes people form the belief at a young age that they aren’t artistic, which is so limiting. But art is subjective. It’s about learning to roll with it and being present in the moment. I think many people might be surprised by what they can produce!”
You can visit Donna’s studio at 109 Bay Road, Oxford, and follow her on both Instagramand Facebook.
G A R D E N
Healthy Relationships in the spotlight for students at Oxford Area School.
A group of students have been working in partnership with Alyssa Bright from the Waimakariri Council Community Team and the Oxford Community Trust to bring together a Healthy Relationships Event. This is directed towards Year 12-13 students who range in age from 16-18 years.
The event will use fun props and activities to help students learn about the warning signs around an unhealthy relationship. The event is based on the statistics of domestic violence in New Zealand.
Students have organised a wheel that students can spin to determine which flavour of ice cream they receive. The odds of the flavours they get are based on the statistics of domestic violence in New Zealand. There will also be spot prizes, and other activities that all connect to the purpose of demonstrating what a healthy relationship looks like. This applies not only to romantic relationships but to friendships as well.
Students will be provided with a card that has the details of any support agencies, should they be struggling in a situation with a relationship themselves.
One of the organisers Scarlett Hart says ” We hope this event will result in students gaining the knowledge needed to foster healthy relationships and to recognise the signs of unhealthy relationships. We also hope to pass this event on to other schools and for it to become a tradition here at Oxford Area School.” She goes on to say “ Working on this event has helped me realise the importance of healthy communication and boundaries in relationships.”
Also running in the same week are another programme for students and a community evening for parents. On the 12th of February 2026, NZ Police, teachers, and social service professionals will facilitate an all-day Loves-Me-Not workshop for year 12 and 13 students. The ‘Loves Me Not’ programme created by Lesley Elliot, mother of Sophie Elliot who was murdered by her partner.
Relationship abuse and family violence are one of New Zealand’s biggest social and criminal problems. Insidious behaviours are often hard to recognise during the early stages of relationships when things are new and exciting. Once these behaviours become established, it is often difficult and sometimes dangerous for victims to leave.
Loves-Me-Not aims to encourage and empower young people to safely address abuse in relationships.
By recognising abuse and seeking help when it occurs, by becoming active bystanders, and by becoming agents of change by contributing to a wider community response against relationship abuse. Previous evaluations of Loves-Me-Not have been positive, with strong agreement from both staff and students that the content is relevant and meaningful for young people.
As well as the two school events, at the students instigation, the community is hosting Brett Harvey from Tāima Kōrero - Time 2 Talk on Thursday 12th February. This evening will be an engaging, honest and sensible information on how to talk about pornography with your child or teenager, and why these conversations need to happen.
Backed by the latest statistics and research, Brett’s presentations draw on his first-hand knowledge of the negative effects of pornography and provide attendees with an eye-opening insight into the multi-billion dollar industry that is targeting our children.
You will leave feeling well-informed, empowered and equipped to have these difficult yet essential conversations with your children.
More details on this event in the ad on this page.
If you would like to register and ask an anonymous question you can scan the QR code, however, you are most welcome to just turn up on the night.
Lees Valley Hig h C oun tr y Tour
Oxfor d A & P Associ atio n F undraiser Sunda y 22nd Fe br uar y 2026
Sign in from 8.30am at the Lees Valley School Reserve, 2209 Lees Valley R oad, Lees Valley 7495. Convoy departs at 9.30am.
Cancellation day 1 st March 2026
CASH ONLY ON THE DAY, paid at start point, $200 per vehicle.
Allow at least 1hr travel time from Oxford township to the School Reserve start point.
BYO lunch and chairs
A Recreational Event suitable for 4WD vehicles only . Must have low range capability, current WOF, and a competent driver.
Spark arrestor essential . Vehicles and participants travel at their own risk. Reasonable safety precautions will be taken by the volunteer organisers who will not be held liable. .A Health and Safety document will be provided to read, must be adhered to on the day, along with a Disclaimer of Liability to be signed No dogs allowed.
Enquiries: Gus 021 205 3385 or Harry 027 476 1867
Mayoral Update with Dan Gordon
It’s great to be back, refreshed and ready to go for 2026.
I have recently been elected by my National Council colleagues as Vice President of Local Government New Zealand. I want to firstly say that this role does not change my number one priority and focus which is always Mayor of Waimakariri District. Instead, it strengthens my ability to advocate for our district, our residents and our wider region at a time when strong local voices have never been more important.
Local government is facing a tsunami of reform from central government. The pace and scale of change underway is significant, and the outcomes for our communities will depend on how effectively councils work together and how clearly, we are heard by decision makers. Holding the Vice President role places me in a strong position to ensure the issues, challenges and opportunities facing Waimakariri and Canterbury are front of mind at the national level.
I have no aspiration to be President of LGNZ, but I do strongly believe I can add value by supporting our new President, Mayor Rehette Stoltz. Together, we want to reset LGNZ’s priorities, so it once again becomes a highly effective, credible and collaborative advocacy body for councils across the country.
In that role recently, I attended the funeral of former Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt. Over the years I had the opportunity to get to know Tim and always admired his passion and enthusiasm for Invercargill. He put his city firmly on the map, both nationally and internationally, and his commitment to his community was absolute. He will be greatly missed.
As a council we are currently working through the Government reforms that landed with us at the end of last year. This is a significant undertaking. The Government has signalled a desire to simplify aspects of the local government system, and we are taking the time to fully understand what is being proposed and what it could mean for our district. Council has established an internal working group to develop a considered submission on the reforms which is due next month.
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.
Wrights Road Storage Ponds COMMUNITY MEETING
Burnt Hill Storage Limited (BHSL) invites residents living between the Waimakariri and Eyre Rivers, south of Wrights Road and north of the Eyre Diversion to attend a community information meeting on Tuesday 24 February at 7pm at Oxford Workingmen’s Club.
The purpose of this community meeting is to provide residents with information regarding the Wrights Road Storage Ponds and to facilitate the establishment of a Community Liaison Group. Information will be provided on how to apply to become a member of the Community Liaison Group which will hold its first meeting in March.
Construction of the Wrights Road Storage Ponds is expected to begin in May 2026.
As a condition of the resource consents, BHSL is required to establish a Community Liaison Group.
The Community Liaison Group is tasked with:
1. Facilitating the flow of information between BHSL and the community.
2. Identifying issues of concern that arise during the construction of the storage ponds.
3. Identifying appropriate measures to address issues raised.
4. Making recommendations to BHSL and its contractors regarding issues raised.
5. Providing annual advisory reports for residents living within the identified inundation zone.
6. Ensuring that residents within the inundation zone are aware of the CLG and the availability of assistance for preparing and updating Household Emergency Plans (as part of the Emergency Evacuation Plan).
In addition to the community meeting, BHSL will hold eight small group meetings overthe weekend of Saturday 14 February and Sunday 15 February for residents to meet individually or in small groups of up to six people to discuss the Wrights Road Storage Ponds.
The meetings are available on the dates and times listed below.
To register for a meeting or if you have any questions regarding the Wrights Road Storage Ponds please email Waimakariri Irrigation CEO Brent Walton at admin@bhsl.co.nz
Ifyou would like to attend a meeting, please include the timeslot you prefer and names ofattendees.
Please visit the Burnt Hill Storage Limited website at www.bhsl.co.nz for further information on the Wrights Road Storage Ponds.
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
From the Presidents Desk with Oxford Club President Kyle Scott
HI there,
Welcome to the February edition of from the President’s Desk. By the time you read this, we will all be back at work and having successfully negotiated the holiday period. Mums will be able to relax a little with the children back at school and hopefully our recent period of unsettled wet weather will come to an end.
At present the Club is offering a very generous 1000 membership points to new members on joining the Oxford Club, as we all know we welcome new members to the Club at any time of the year.
The Oxford Club is a rural community hub for not only Oxford but the adjoining district and environs. We provide a neutral affordable space for all ages and Mums and Dads with young families are especially welcome. Our facilities include a Function room/lounge, a Sports bar, a Main bar and Bottlestore, Bistro and Takeaways and we provide a venue for community events. We are always there for you, our members and community and are happy to provide facilities forfundraisers, memorial services, sports prizegiving and of course family celebrations. The Club is also a keen supporter of local causes and community groups such as the Lions, Sports teams, Schools and our Emergency services.
The Oxford Club is proud of our welcoming friendly environment where you can socially interact with a strong sense of belonging and connection. We provide the facilities for you to meet new people which helps bring our community together.
Every Thursday our colourful email blast is emailed to members with a lovely account of what is happening and what is coming up at the Club. If you are not receiving the blast, please make sure we have your current email address on file so that you can be kept up to date with happenings at the Club.
We have a bumper year planned for activities, events and entertainment, so come on down to the Oxford Club.
We will be thrilled to have you on board.
The Oxford Club – Your Community Hub – Bringing People Together!
Kiwilaw - making legal work more bearable after a loved one dies
• 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
Txt/Call Alec 0275 255 044 alec@maartentrees.co.nz
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
Welcome to 2026. It was great to see so many people at the Wheels with Wings.
Our next big event is the Oxford A&P Show on 11th April.
Last year we completed 291 incidences compared to 251 in 2024 and 338 in 2023. So far this year we have attended 19 incidents in an area from Swannanoa to Oxford. This month I have added some simple things to help keep us all safe over the summer months.
A great volume of incidents our ambulance crews respond to are preventable. If you’re drinking, our advice is to eat beforehand, pace yourself, only accept drinks you have seen being poured, sort a sober driver in advance, and look out for your mates. We also reminded people about good food handling hygiene, using utensils with long handles when barbecuing, keeping small batteries out of reach of young children and knowing basic first aid if someone is injured.
If someone gets burnt, run cool water over the area straight away for a least twenty minutes then cover the burn with cling film or a clean, non-stick dressing.
If someone is choking and cannot speak or cough, call 111 immediately. Start by giving five firm back blows between the shoulder blades. If that doesn’t clear the blockage, give five chest thrusts. Alternate between the two until it clears. If the person becomes unresponsive, start CPR. For minor cuts at the beach, like from shells, rinse with soapy water or an antiseptic solution, then dry and cover the wound. Using an antiseptic cream can help prevent infection. Serious beach injuries may require a clinic visit if bleeding can’t be controlled. The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require emergency assistance please call 111.
Stay well and safe
Oxford Fire Rescue
with Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ealam
I hope everyone has had a great start to the New Year, although the weather hasn’t been great in some areas especially if you were camping.
December was a relatively busy month for the Brigade with nine calls, even one on Christmas Day. Five calls were to vegetation fires. Two of the calls were to fires on the banks of Waimakariri River which was caused by a stolen vehicle set alight. To bring those two fires under control and extinguished we were assisted by helicopters with monsoon buckets, the Cust, Swannanoa, Sefton, Rangiora, and Sheffield Brigade’s also the command unit from Christchurch. The other vegetation fires were one re-ignition of a rubbish fire fanned by strong north west winds, a hedge fire started by a previous slash fire and a controlled paddock fire and no action was required by the Brigade. The other calls were to set up a landing zone for the Westpac helicopter, a house fire that was extensively damaged and we were assisted by the Cust, Sheffield and Swannanoa Brigades, one to a car fire and one motor vehicle crash which the sole occupant received minor injuries. This brings our total calls for the year to ninety seven.
This months message is; At the time of writing we are currently in a restricted fire season, which you will be required to have a fire permit to burn, even though there has been some rain. This could change at anytime so if you are unsure whether you can light go to the FENZ web site www. checkitsarlright.nz or alternatively ring South Com on 033410266. What ever you do please be careful.
Hello February, another summer holidays behind us, children are back at school and our mornings are getting busy again, but please take your time, be mindful of your speed and stay off your mobile phones, especially around pedestrian crossings, schools and day cares. Children are so unpredictable, prepare for the unexpected and stay safe.
It is great to see the community cameras out in there doing what they are intended for with yet another great catch just hours after an incident occurred. I cannot reiterate how invaluable these community cameras have been and how they will help in the future. Like I said before, slow down, it’s not a race. Speed is such a big contributor to injury crashes; we have attended far too many crashes over the holiday period so please slow down. Last but not least, when you come to an intersection and it says STOP, please stop.
One final note if there is something in the community that you believe I need to mention please let me know.
Once again thanks for reading. Be safe. Feel safe.
Oxford Police with Mitch Alatalo
For
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