Obser v
the er
fromthe Publishers
Welcome to the July issue of the Observer.
Well, one month of winter is under our belts. It's been a pretty wet and cold first month, and there is some more cold weather coming in the next week. Just in time to get cosy with this issue of the Observer!.
This month we catch up with Ron Ealam who was recently awarded the NZ Order of Merit in the King's Birthday list. Ron is well known in the community and has put in an outstanding 50 years volunteering with Search & Rescue, and also many years in the Oxford Volunteer Fire Brigade.
We also have an update from the Oxford Community Trust who, as always, are doing a lot of work in the community including some exciting work in the area of minimising food wastage. Louize has created a delicious recipe for us - perfect for these colder days.
It is always so nice to see what is happening in the community and with our local businesses. What a great wee town we live in!
We hope you enjoy this issue. 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.
Schnurrbart Design and Publishing Limited EDITOR
Emily Chapman
ENQUIRIES
info@oxfordobserver.co.nz 0800 627 378 37
www.schnurrbartdesignandpublishing.co.nz
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.
The Gorge Nursery Avenue of Bargains
End of Line and surplus trees available at great prices. See website for more details.
OPEN
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am-3pm
Fruit Trees arriving mid Julycheck the wesite for more details.
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
Weekends by arrangement. Call 0272837279 to make a time.
479 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford
Please wear sturdy shoes. Sorry no eftpos.
Phone 027 2837279 www.thegorgenursery.co.nz
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Ron Ealam Awarded NZ Order of Merit for Services to Search and Rescue
In a moment that came as a complete surprise, Oxford local Ron Ealam has been named a recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his 50 years of service to Search and Rescue (SAR).
“I was very surprised,” says Ron, reflecting on the day he received the letter in the mail informing him of the honour. “I am actually really proud of the award, but incredibly humbled. It is a great honour, but I haven’t done any of this work for that. I really didn’t expect it.”
Ron’s journey in Search and Rescue 50 years ago, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also involved. “I just liked the outdoors aspect of it,” he says. However, his first search nearly put him off for good. After spending a cold night in the snow surrounded by heavy snorers, Ron thought it might not be for him, until the team found the missing person. That moment, he says, made all the effort worthwhile. Since that first callout, Ron has remained a core member of Oxford Search and Rescue, an impressively active team of 40–50 volunteers.
“We have a great Incident Management Team,” he says, and his son Jeremy is a part of this team. “We’ve got excellent equipment now, including a van that acts as a mobile hub and even satellite inter net, sponsored by WOI, which helps us to sstay connected in the field.”
Ron is a member of the Landsar Dog Team He qualified as a dog handler in 2000 and has worked with three exceptional dogs over the years: Tess, Seika, and his current partner, Skyla, a 4½-year-old border collie/beardie cross.
He fondly recalls his first successful dog-assisted search with Tess near Methven. “Once the person was found, Tess curled up beside her. It was a great moment.”
Skyla is a qualified tracking dog and, like all SAR dogs, must prove her abilities every year to remain certified. Ron himself has been a trainer and assessor for the past 10 years.
The camaraderie among dog handlers and the time spent training in remote areas have been some of Ron’s favourite parts of his SAR work. He also especially enjoys the helicopter training where he and Skyla are flown into hard-to-reach locations.
Ron has also been recognised by Fire and Rescue as 1 of 4 in the NZ Honours List as a long serving volunteer member for Oxford Volunteer Fire Brigade.
FENZ will host Ron and his family along with the other 3 recipients and their families for a luncheon in Wellington on the day of the investiture. Ron is quick to acknowledge that none of this would have been possible without the support of others. “I’d like to thank all my fellow dog handlers over the years, I’ve really enjoyed working with every one of you.”
Behind Ron’s success is the support of his family. From helping train dogs by laying tracks to simply keeping everything running smoothly at home, the Ealam family has been with him every step of the way. “My wife Jo has been incredibly supportive. She looks after everything when I just get up and go,” Ron says. “And the kids have spent countless hours helping the dogs practice. It really hasn’t been a solo effort.”
Ron Ealam is a truly deserving recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit, having dedicated many hours over 50 years to volunteering with Search and Rescue. His contributions that he continues to make leave a lasting impact on both the organisation and the wider community.
Anthology Book Launch
The Darfield Library was a hive of activity last Saturday afternoon for the launch of Coffee Grounds, an anthology of short stories written by members of the Malvern Writers’ Café.
Thirteen enthusiastic writers contributed short stories or poetry to their Coffee Grounds anthology, serving up a tasty selection of witty to deep and meaningful tales. Each story reflects the creative voice and style of the individual author with thirty-four stories in total in the anthology.
This is the first joint publication by members of the Malvern Writers’ Café and while some members have been published before, for others this is a new experience.
The Malvern Writers’ Café was sparked by the idea of bringing together writers from across the area to share ideas, learn the art of writing and spend time honing their skills. Since its beginning, more people have joined what is now an enthusiastic group of writers who contribute stories, impart knowledge and encourage each other in their writing pursuits.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 10 am until 12 noon, in a conference room at the Darfield Library.
Those wishing to take up writing or who have a writing project in mind are welcome to attend, mingle and learn in a supportive environment.
Copies of the anthology are available for $20 by emailing: malvernwriterscafe@gmail.com.
Oxford Community Trust Winter 2025 Update
As we move into the colder months, we’re proud to share some of the exciting initiatives and ongoing support happening in our community
Making Meals Go Further – With Help from Satisfy Food Rescue
Our Food Bank continues to be a vital resource in the community, and thanks to a wonderful collaboration with Satisfy Food Rescue, we’ve been able to provide meals for the elderly in our community. A team of cooks has been taking donated food and producing single-serve meals such as roast dinners, potato gratin, and apple shortcake.
These meals are designed to be nutritious, comforting, and waste-free. Even the saddest looking carrots or potatoes are turned into something tasty and nutritious. It's all part of our mission to ensure nothing goes to waste and everyone has access to good food.
U-Drive – Helping Young Drivers Gain Confidence
Our U-Drive programme is going strong. This initiative helps young people work toward gaining their restricted licence with the help of amazing volunteer mentors. Students gain the necessary driving experience, receive mock test preparation from instructors, and can even use the Trust’s vehicle for practice.
As mentor Gary puts it:
“The whole mentoring process is rewarding when you can see a measurable advance where the driver’s observation, confidence and skill levels progress. The final reward for the mentor is the success of the student attaining their restricted licence.”
Supporting Our Seniors This Winter
Winter can be especially hard for our older neighbours. We encourage everyone to check in on elderly friends and neighbours, and if you’re concerned, reach out to us. We can offer help in a lot of different ways including MSD forms, applying for medical alarms, phone issues, and most importantly, making sure they feel connected and supported.
Cooking Inspiration with Jo Seagar In collaboration with Food Secure North Canterbury, we are working towards launching a series of YouTube videos featuring Jo Seagar. These videos aim to inspire people to get creative with their food and make the most out of surplus ingredients which is perfect for budget-friendly home cooking.
We will release more information on these once they are live.
Men’s Cooking Class
As well as looking at waste free cooking, we have launched a Men’s Cooking Class. This is a relaxed, hands-on class where men can learn to cook easy, healthy, and family-friendly meals. But it’s more than just cooking, it’s also a great opportunity to socialise, and make new connections in the community.
Practical Support When Times Are Tough
We know it's getting harder out there for many people. While we can’t solve every problem, we’re here to listen and offer practical support. We realise that people’s incomes aren’t always stretching far enough, and we may be able to help. We can often offer food parcels so you can free up money for another household expense.We also connect clients with Budget Advice here in Oxford, and can refer you to additional services if needed. For food parcel requests, or to book an appointment, contact the Trust at 03 312 3006.
Shopper’s Bus – A Community
Favourite
Our shopper’s bus to Rangiora has been extremely popular this year.
For just $7, it provides a low-stress way to run errands, attend appointments, or catch up with a friend, all without the hassle of driving or parking.
A simple way to stay independent and connected.
A Message from Jo Ealam – Trust Manager
I feel extremely privileged to have worked in this community for many years. One of the most meaningful parts of my role is walking alongside people through tough times, helping them realise they’re not alone. Challenges feel more manageable when we tackle them together. The Trust offers a confidential, supportive service, and I encourage anyone who needs help to get in touch.
We also work closely with local Police. We encourage you to call the 105 number to report any issues, and the team will get back to you as soon as they can. They are often out and about in the community so are not always available at the station.
Living and working in a small town means wearing many hats. I love being a part of the Community. I was a former student of Oxford Area School, my three children went through the school and I currently have four grandchildren attending. Our school is a cornerstone of this community, and I’m proud to support it in every way I can.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the services mentioned above, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Oxford Community Trust, we’re here to help, listen, and walk alongside you. Let’s keep looking after each other this winter.
Jo Ealam Manager - Oxford Community Trust
We would like to thank all of our funders and supporters who make the work we do in the Community possible. Rata Foundation, COGS, Lottery Foundation, Waimakariri District Council, North Canterbury Mini Van Trust, Fonterra, Oxford Budget Boutique, Property Brokers - Toot for Tucker, Malvern Farmers Vet Club Charitable Trust, Mainpower, Oxford & Districts Lions.
We have a large group of volunteers who work in lots of different areas for the Trust. They really are the heart of our organisation and contribute so much to Oxford. We love working in our community and are privileged to be able to. If you have anything you would like to get in touch about, please don’t hesitate to pop in and chat to one of our volunteers or staff at 37 Main Street, Oxford, or call us on 312 3006. www.oxfordtrust.co.nz.
Photo Credit - MoMac Socialising Media Ltd
Recipe of the month.
with Louize Juniper
ROASTED
WINTER VEG & FETA YORKSHIRE PUD WITH BEETROOT KETCHUP
YORKSHIRE PUDDING BATTER
140g plain flour
4 eggs
150ml milk
50ml water
tsp Salt
¼ cup sunflower/canola oil
½ head cauliflower
1 red onion
Portobello mushrooms
150g feta
Smoked paprika
BEETROOT KETCHUP
600g beetroot peeled and chopped
1 red onion cut into quarters
1 carrot peeled and cut in quarters
1 clove garlic
1 long red chilli deseeded cut in quarters
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup cider vinegar
2 tbs brown sugar
1 tsp thyme
Pinch nutmeg
Salt
¼ cup water
METHOD
• You will need a large roasting pan to bake the Yorkshire pud in.
• Oven on fan bake 210C
• To make the ketchup, roast the beetroot, onion, garlic, chilli and carrot together for 20 mins or until soft.
• Meanwhile make the batter. In a large bowl place the flour and salt, make dip in the middle, crack in the 4 eggs and with a whisk start to beat in the milk and water until smooth. Place to one side to rest.
• Cut the cauliflower into florets, put in a bowl, add the red onion quarters. Mix with some salt, pepper and sprinkle of smoked paprika, gently toss.
• Once beetroot and veggies are done, place in a heavy based saucepan add rest of the ketchup ingredients and slowly cook out stirring well. Once all looking soft and mushy blend, and if too thick, add extra olive oil.
• Pour ketchup into a sterilised jar and once cooled refrigerate.
• Cut cauliflower into florets, cut red onion into wedges and mushrooms, toss together in large bowl with smoked paprika, salt and pepper and a splash of olive oil.
• Place in roasting tray , arrange large cubes of feta on top of veggies, pour over sunflower oil.
• Put baking tray in oven, the oil needs to be super-hot to get a well risen Yorkshire pudding
• Once oil is smoking hot and veggies look slightly singed pour over Yorkshire batter mix.
• Bake for 20 minutes.
• When golden and crispy Yorkshire pudding is ready to serve.
• Serve with beetroot ketchup
If you like something more meaty this is traditionally done with sausages and served with onion gravy or a rich tomato sauce - perfect on a cold wet winters day!
Winter Health
We have certainly felt the grips of winter on us recently and we would like to remind our community about staying healthy in these cooler months.
- Remember to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19: Protect yourself and your whānau by staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this winter.
- Keep your hygiene up: Regular handwashing and good hygiene habits help prevent the spread of winter illnesses.
- Stay active: Keep moving, even indoors – gentle exercise boosts immunity and improves overall well-being.
- Self-care: Prioritise rest, manage stress, and seek support when needed to maintain good mental and physical health.
- Eat nutritious food and keep hydrated: A balanced diet and plenty of fluids help strengthen your immune system and keep you energised.
- Warm your home: Ensure your living space is warm and dry to reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses.
Staff updates
Advance notice
Due to staff training, the practice will open at 9.45am on Monday 28 July. We apologise for any inconvenience. If you need to get in touch, please wait until after 9.45am. For repeat prescriptions, you can use your patient portal. As always, if you have a medical emergency please dial 111. We appreciate your patience and kindness as our staff catch up with calls.
We are pleased to announce that the Board has appointed Megan Quinn as the new General Manager of Oxford Community Health Centre. She will be joining us in mid-August, and we look forward to welcoming her to the team.
We also welcome medical trainee interns to the practice over the next few months. Under the supervision of Dr. Richard Clinghan, they will perform assessments withpatient consent. If you would prefer not to be assessed by an intern, please feel free to let us know
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.
Dozers
Graders
Dump Trucks and Trucks
Rollers
Diggers with Power Clamp
Mole Ploughing
Land Clearing/Development
AP40
AP60
Boulders
Silage Pits etc
Rotten Rock
Dairy & Silage pad capping
Menopause.
Every woman’s experience of menopause is different. And whether you suffer from hot flushes, mood swings or sleeplessness, this “change of life” does not have to mean the end of your way of life. How do you know if you are going through menopause? The symptoms for menopause are varied and vast.
You could experience any, or all, of the following symptoms:
• hot flushes
• night sweats
• irregular periods
• loss of libido
• vaginal dryness
• mood swings
Other changes during menopause may include fatigue, hair loss, sleep disorders, dizziness and weight gain. As bones can get thinner due to hormone changes, some women are also at risk of developing osteoporosis.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most common treatment and comes in the form of tablets, creams and patches. You will need to discuss with your doctor if HRT is the right choice for you, but there are also natural/herbal products that can work with your body to support the hormonal impact during perimenopause, menopause and post menopause available from your pharmacy.
Other things you can do to help include:
• sticking to a healthy diet
• getting plenty of exercise
• doing weigh-bearing exercise
• avoiding stressful situations
• getting enough sleep
• not drinking coffee, or exercising, before you go to sleep
• sleeping in a well-ventilated room
• using lubricant during sex
Chris Phillips
Kia ora koutou,
Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School
Update from Mike Hart
This last month, we have gathered in the spirit of kotahitanga – unity – to launch a wonderful initiative that supports our local community.
Oxford Area School is proud to collaborate with local education providers – including View Hill School, Oxford Kindergarten, and Oxford Early Learning Centre – in a special partnership with Fonterra and Oxford Community Trust.
This initiative is about more than collecting cans. It’s about kindness in action. It’s about teaching our young people that when we come together, we can make a real difference.
A huge shoutout to Fonterra! For every can we donated, they matched it, making our contribution go twice as far! Collaboration amplifies our impact, enabling us to achieve far more together than we could alone. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to community wellbeing.
To the Oxford Community Trust – thank you for the vital work you do in supporting whānau in need.
We cannot forget our PTA, always ready to lend a hand. What a dedicated group of parents!
Finally, to all our students, staff, and families, your enthusiasm, compassion, and mahi are what make this possible. Thank you for your donations.
In total, we have collectively donated over 1700 cans to the Oxford Community Trust Food Bank! Let today remind us all: when we give, we grow; and when we unite, we uplift.
The
Learning Village Annual Competition Results - May 2025
The Learning Village is a programme for students who have English as a second language. Congratulations to Zian, Nathan, Drixzann and Glaiden! This is a testament to their diligence and the excellent way they are using the Learning Village programme. There are four categories in which certificates are given to the top 20 schools and learners from around the world.
Oxford Area School students have been awarded the following places.
Average Points by Learner: 5th
Average Time Spent Learning: 6th
Great effort boys!!
Hanmer Springs Maths & Mountain Bike Camp
This year we had our first mountain bike camp in conjunction with Maths at Hanmer Springs Forest Camp.
We had a great trip with a total of 55 students going away. 38 students got straight into Maths experiments as the rest of us broke into riding groups and dispersed around Hanmer Forest mountain bike trails. We met back up for a soak in the pools later that night.
Day 2 saw the Maths students head home after lunchtime with tight deadlines and a few frantic students trying to beat the crackly wifi connection to submit before they were allowed on their bikes! 14 of those Maths students stayed on as they are also Adventure Based Management learners and the rest of us showed them some awesome trails to ride and tackled Conical Hill.
Thank you to Alex McNabb & Rebecca Griffiths for supporting our Maths teachers.
Day 3 the ABM riders were sent out to splash in some puddles from the overnight rain….getting home just in time before the snow on Friday!
Students found it rewarding but a lot more hard work pedaling up hills compared to Christchurch Adventure Park! The views then downhill made it even more rewarding. We were lucky enough to have some epic riders on board which allowed us to split groups up really well. We are forever grateful for our parents Aaron Fredrickson, Iain Froud, Rebecca Griffiths, Daisy Foldesi and Tineka Johnstone for their awesomeness!!
School Production - A MASSIVE THANK YOU!
Last month 30 students delivered 5 separate performances of the play "A Lighter Shade of Noir" to Oxford and the wider community. The hype and nerves paid off, and the show was a massive success, with great turnout and support seen at all shows. A show like this takes a village to run so I want to thank everyone who was involved in some way...
To all the cast members, thank you for all your hard work and dedication to performing such a great show, you guys should be super super proud of what you achieved together!
To all the behind the scenes crew; the hair and makeup (Mrs Tyson, Ashley Linton), the costumes (Whaea Erika, Ashley Linton), the lights (Dave Miller, Amelia Bay) the set (Mrs Pilbrow, Mrs Coates, Mr Halliwell, Mr Hildyard) the sound (Tyler Blomfield, Mr Hines) the stage managers (Bella Eginton-Abbott, Harlow Anderson)
Thank you for committing time and effort to making the show the best it could be. We could not have done any of this without you all!
To the front of house crew (tickets, sales, programmes), you have made my job so much easier and having your friendly faces on the door made the experience top notch!
To our director, Mr McMurdo; thanks for directing such an amazing, well-polished show; everyone can see the time and mahi that you have invested into this show, and you too should be super proud of this final product.
Finally, thank you to everyone that came out and supported one or multiple performances! We could not have done this without you :)
I'm super biased but I think we have an amazing Performing Arts department, both staff and students, and being able to showcase the great talent from Oxford Area School will always be a highlight for me, as I'm sure it is for you too!
Jesse Moore - HOD Performing Arts
www.facebook.com/oxfordarea
Lanterns of Culture and Kaitiakitanga
Students from Oxford and Japan teamed up to make awesome lanterns that celebrated nature and culture.
Oxford Area School students and their buddies from Omiya International High School in Japan teamed up to explore Kaitiakitanga (looking after nature) by designing and building laser-cut lanterns. Each lantern showed off birds and animals from both Japan and New Zealand, combining culture, creativity, and conservation in one awesome project.
They learned how to use Lightburn software, cut out designs with a laser cutter, and build their own wooden lightboxes - then showed them off proudly at the Combined Schools Summit at Darfield High School. The best part? The lanterns are now lighting up homes here in New Zealand and Japan! Huge thanks to the Technology Department - especially Rich Halliwell - for teaching them all the skills to make it happen.
While in Oxford for just one week, the Japanese students also got a taste of Kiwi life - visiting the local pie shop, making pizzas at Black Beech, and exploring the town's museum and gallery. This was more than just a school project - it was about making friends, learning new things, and having heaps of fun along the way!
A big thank you to everyone who helped make this week special - and to all the amazing homestay parents who welcomed our Japanese visitors and gave them a real taste of life in Aotearoa. On behalf of OAS International Department, thank you.
http://www.oxford.school.nz/
WINNERS
Residential
1st Place - 20 Main Street
2nd Place - 64 High Street
3rd = 1 Rimu Place
3rd = 22 Harewood Road
Business Awards
1st Place - Oxford Club
2nd Place - Cafe 51
Highly commended
Black Beech Wine & Pizza Bar Oxford Butchery
People’s Choice Awards
Business Black Beech Wine & Pizza Bar
Residential 1 Rimu Place
Large Soakpit Boulders
Large Soakpit Boulders Crusher Dust
Crusher Dust
Arena and Fill Sand
M4 - 40
Screened Soil
M4 - 40 Arena and Fill San Screened Soil
a Oxford - Ohoka Community Board update with Thomas Robson
Like many others, I was sad to read about the passing of Scott Bowman of Oxford Bird Rescue. Scott and Tracey’s passion for rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey over the past 13 years was nothing short of incredible, and I have huge admiration for what they achieved together.
I know the community will support Tracey through this difficult time, and I wish her all the best while she navigates her new normal. Rest in peace Scott, you were certainly one of a kind and a true inspiration to others.
I spent some time at Fieldays in Hamilton following some excellent announcements from the Government including big news for sheep farmers. This month, the Government is moving to fit out state houses with New Zealand wool carpets, while food and fibre exports are on track to hit a record $60 billion by the end of this year.
It was a privilege to join the Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Patterson, on the Rural Health Network Panel to announce a $3 million package to support rural resilience and wellbeing over the next four years.
This investment will help improve access to primary mental health care and specialist services for rural communities. While a range of services already exists, this is about making them easier to access, better connected, and focused on delivering support that makes a difference for people in these rural communities.
We are also investing $2 million of health funding in the Rural Wellbeing Fund. Building on from Budget announcements this means the Rural Wellbeing Fund will double to $4 million over the next four years, with a focus on supporting the wellbeing and resilience of hard-working New Zealanders who live outside the major centres.
Hi Folks,
Mid winter already, freezing cold but the Oxford lights sure brightened things up. Well done to all the residents and businesses that took part this year.
The Community Board is continuing to work on the Environment Court appeal for the Woodstock Quarry Landfill. Over the last couple of months we have been working with other interested parties and came to the decision not to go into mediation, due to the strong resistance from the community for any hazardous waste landfill in the area. The hearing date is set for mid November, however the best way for the Community Board to oppose this proposal is through expert evidence, so we are currently looking for people with expertise in hazardous waste management/transport, or other areas of expertise that might relate to the landfill management and/or construction. Also experts in the local flora and fauna would be useful, particularly if they have knowledge about the endangered mud fish in the area.
We approved the Councils minor works program at our last meeting, which, if ratified by Council, will (among other things) see speed threshold improvements at the town entrances, as requested by residents, as well as some intersection safety upgrades and foot path upgrades and repairs around the District.
I would also like to remind residents and interested groups that the Board has a discretionary fund available for worth while community projects and endeavours, as well as a separate budget for minor landscaping projects to beautify the District. Please contact one of your local Community Board members if you want anymore information on this.
To keep up to date with things happening at the Community Board please follow our facebook page and or attend one of our monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month.
The next meeting is July 2nd at the Oxford Town Hall – we would love to see you there!
Regards
Thomas Robson
Chair Oxford Ohoka Community Board
Rangiora
Mayoral Update with Dan Gordon
I hope you were able to spend some special time with family and friends over Matariki weekend. While Matariki is now behind us, its message of reflection, renewal and connection continues to resonate.
It was once again a privilege to be invited to Ashgrove School’s Matariki breakfast. The support and spirit shown by the whole school community was fantastic. It is a real credit to Principal Leon Van’t Veen and Deputy Principal Jo Keane. Events like this don’t happen without vision, care and dedication.
I also thoroughly enjoyed heading out to Oxford to see the Oxford Promotions Winter Lights Festival. This is a truly special event, with homes and businesses alike lighting up the town in celebration of the season and Matariki. The creativity and effort from the community always impresses, and the whole town comes alive with a real buzz of activity. It’s a wonderful way to bring people together in the heart of winter.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge Ron Ealam, who was recognised in the recent King’s Birthday Honours. I was fortunate to join Ron, Jo and their family to celebrate the news. It was a very special occasion and so richly deserved.
Council has now adopted our Annual Plan with a 4.98 percent rates increase, one of the lowest in Canterbury. It reflects our commitment to careful financial management while continuing to deliver the services our community relies on.
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback. In particular, I want to acknowledge the strong support, 97.2 percent, for Council’s preferred option for Three Waters, which will see an in-house business unit delivering our water services.
Finally, I am enjoying connecting with so many of you at our drop-in sessions. Keep an eye on the Council Facebook page for details of the next ones. These conversations help guide our work, and I always value hearing directly from our residents.
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.
from the Presidents Desk with Oxford Club President Kyle Scott
Hi there and welcome to the July edition of From the President’s Desk. In recent times it’s been very pleasing to host an increasing number of private functions at the Oxford Club.
We think that in Oxford and the surrounding district our Club is the best option for holding functions, birthdays, business conferences and more, so here’s why we think that the Oxford Club is the number one venue in Oxford.
1. Spacious and Comfortable:
,
Our large lounge comfortably seats up to 150 guests, providing ample space for everything from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations or conferences. The bifold doors when closed also allow complete privacy for your function.
2. Dedicated Dance Floor:
Perfect for parties, weddings and social events, our dedicated dance floor adds energy and atmosphere to your event to make it one to remember.
3. Full Bar and Catering Services:
Enjoy the convenience of a fully stocked bar and in house food facilities and catering, meaning your guests never have to leave the venue for refreshments or meals. We offer tailored packages to suit all tastes and budgets.
4. All Under One Roof:
No need to hire multiple venues, our Club offers everything you need in one convenient location, saving time, money and stress. You also do not need to be a Club member to use our facilities for your function.
5. Affordable Rates:
As a community-based venue, we offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality or service, ideal for both private and business functions.
6. Flexible Use for Any Occasion:
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, wedding reception, business conference, community gathering or a fundraising event we can adapt the space and services to meet your needs.
7. Friendly Local Atmosphere:
Our Club prides itself on a welcoming down-to-earth environment, that reflects the warmth and character of our local community.
Don’t forget that the Oxford Club provides support and assistance to our Club Members helping to ensure your wellbeing and any concerns that you may have.
Our Oxford Club Welfare Officer is Ray Stagg and he is your point of contact for members that need assistance and guidance. Ray may be contacted through the Oxford Club and will respond at his earliest convenience.
Well, that’s all for now, come on down to the Club and enjoy our warm friendly atmosphere and cheery glow of the log burner in the Main Bar. Looking forward to having a chat to you all at our Club very soon.
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 )
• 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
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!
Txt/Call Alec 0275 255 044 alec@maartentrees.co.nz Cheryl Simes Kiwilaw lawyer/director
Emergency Services update
Oxford St John with
Mel Brooker
It has been another busy month and we have attended 131 jobs to date. I would like to say a huge thank you to those who volunteered to collect and those who were extremely generous with their donations given outside the Oxford Fresh Choice recently.
This location raised the most money in the District.
Sepsis is a medical emergency.
It can cause different signs and symptoms at different times.
People who think they may have Sepsis should seek medical care right away.
Signs and symptoms may include
• Change in mental status
• Slurred speech
• Fast shallow breathing
• Difficult to wake up
• Sweating for no clear reason
• Feeling light headed
• Shivering or muscle pain
• Feeling like you are going to die
• Skin mottled, blemished, pale, feels abnormally cold to touch ( especially if it is a child)
Symptoms specific to the type of infection such as painful urination from an UTI: a worsening cough due to pneumonia Sepsis is a deadly reaction to infection, killing more people than lung, breast, and bowel cancer combined in New Zealand. There is a local 3 Steps For Life being held in July @ the West Eyreton Hall see flyer on page 16.
The ambulance station at Oxford is not manned 24 hours a day. If you require an ambulance, please call 111.
Keep warm and look after your neighbours.
Oxford Fire Rescue
with Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ealam
May was another reasonably quiet month for the brigade with five calls. One call was to assist the Cust Brigade at a commercial alarm activation. In our area we were asked to assist St John three times, and attended a motor vehicle crash which hit the end of a bridge and caught fire. The two occupants of the vehicle were able to self extract and were taken to hospital by ambulance with moderate to serious injuries. This brings our total calls for the year to twenty three.
This months message is; KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE. Keep matches and lighters out of reach, keep all combustible materials at least a metre from heaters and log fires etc and make sure you have working smoke alarms.
Oxford Police
with Jono Stagg
This month I’d like to draw your attention to National Volunteer’s Week. Mitch and I would like to say thanks to all the locals in the community that help out and keep things moving, safe and organised.
During July we should see some upgrades to the Community cameras and some new ones being installed. This will be a great resource for many different incidents. For example, just last week we had $80 handed into the station, it was found on the footpath, and we used the current cameras to Identify a person dropping the money from a pocket and getting into a vehicle. Within the hour, we were able to return the money to a very appreciative local.
It will be the School holidays so be careful out on the road if you’re going away with the kids, and also be aware of children out and about during the day
If there's anything that you need to discuss with Mitchell or I, please use 105 or 111 if it's happening right now, otherwise drop in and see us if we're at the station.
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