The Observer - June 2026

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Obser ver

Inside June 2026

A RT H U R B U R K E S U Z U K I D R 1 5 0 D E M O AVA I L A B L E .

MEET THE NEW EXPERIENCE OXFORD COMMITTEE FRENCH APPLE CAKE RECIPE

+ so much more. more .

from

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2021

JULY 2021

this issue

this issue

INSIDE

recipes + Summer Bounty more Great Reads Gin Range + much An exciting new

INSIDE

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MARCH

the

Mulled wine giveaway Book club | Winter | Fashion reads show + much more

on tour Club more - Cobra much plus

this

INSIDE issue

the Publishers

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FEBRUARY 2021

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Womersley’s reads look New motivational Five

PUBLISHER Schnurrbart Design and Publishing Limited

EDITOR Emily Chapman

Welcome to the June issue of the Observer.

A huge congratulations to Donna and her team from The Sunroom for Hair and Beauty, who are celebrating 20 years in business on June 9th. This is such an achievement for them - if you book with them in June they have a special celebratory gift for you.

The Oxford Community Trust have some fun youth activities happening in June, and youth worker Tori is opening up the Scout Den after school every Monday for food and hangout time. More info in the Trust column on page 19.

The Trust has also been working on the bike track behind the museum carpark - more info on that in July's 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.

ENQUIRIES info@oxfordobserver.co.nz 0800 627 378 37 www. s c h n u r r ba r t de s ig n a n dp u blis h in g . co.nz THE NEXT ISSUE - OUT JULY 2026

ADVERTISING DEADLINE | JUNE 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.

Bruce & Emily.

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Less competition more opportunity; why autumn could be the time to sell Wondering whether to sell now or wait until spring?

You’re not alone, across New Zealand, more homeowners are already exploring their options. While spring is traditionally seen as the busiest selling season, autumn can offer major advantages for motivated sellers. With fewer properties coming to market, homes often stand out more and buyers have fewer options competing for their attention.

Importantly, serious buyers are still active. Job relocations, growing families, downsizing, and lifestyle changes continue regardless of the season, keeping demand steady for well-presented homes. There’s also uncertainty around waiting for spring.

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Interest rates, inflation pressures, global economic conditions, and New Zealand’s upcoming general election all impact buyer confidence later in the year.

Autumn may suit families planning ahead for the 2027 school year, allowing time to sell, move, and settle before enrolments begin. For many homeowners, autumn may prove to be the perfect time to make a move.

Thinking of selling? Get a free, no-obligation appraisal from Di Moreira — one of Oxford’s most trusted and experienced real estate professionals.

With deep local knowledge, a proven sales record, and a passion for helping homeowners achieve the best results, Di offers honest advice, up to date market insights, and exceptional service every step of the way.

Contact Di today to book your free appraisal and discover what your property could be worth in today’s market.

Di Moreira 027 848 8020 Licensed Salesperson Rangiora | Oxford | Darfield Raine & Horne New Zealand PTY Ltd Licensed REAA(2008)

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OXFORD DISTRICT UNION CHURCH More than a Sunday Church we’re a community.

We’re a friendly local church creating space for everyone — whether you come on Sundays or simply want to be part of something meaningful.

• Men’s Group (good food, great company) • Kids’ programme during services • Relaxed café church every 3rd Sunday We’re growing too — with a new space for our Budget Boutique and community outreach.

You don’t have to “do Sundays” to belong.

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call Phillip 027315 5855 or Mary 0226218278 maryvdv@xtra.co.nz or just come along 10am Sunday

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Linda McCarthy 022 692 6090 linda.m@arizto.co.nz 7 Baxter Place, Oxford

Your Relaxed Oxford Lifestyle Awaits

New Listing - Families or downsizers wanting a relaxed Oxford lifestyle will feel right at home in this single-level three bedroom, two bathroom family home. Set on a 794m2 section with 164m2 of floor area.

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New Listing - Open skies, usable land, proper shedding, and a home that keeps things easy: set on 4.0596ha in West Eyreton, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage is perfect to live in while your build your dream home.

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New Listing - Your life is going to feel simple and settled in this single-level three-bedroom family home in Hei Hei. Set on a 646m2 section with a 90m2 floor plan, it offers a layout where bedrooms sit together at one end of the home.

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New Listing - Space, greenery and relaxed family living come together beautifully in this four-bedroom Oxford home. Set on a generous 2003m2 section and 160m2 square with established gardens and multiple outdoor living areas.

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REAL FEEDBACK, REAL CONFIDENCE WOW what a whirlwind experience.

Linda was so onto it, the whole experience went by in a flash. We got photos and video done (which looked really good) and then Boom! it was sold, before it even got to market. I was very happy with the price and Linda helped me to communicate with the lawyer when I didn’t understand what they were saying. Linda was a big help, super efficient and lovely to deal with. Will definitely recommend.

Linda McCarthy

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Why you should keep your service box clear The community is being asked to help ensure electricity service boxes remain clear and accessible at all times.

Through regular service box inspections – and when attending planned repair work – MainPower is increasingly finding service boxes obstructed by fences, planter boxes, timber structures, vegetation or heavy landscaping.

The service boxes are owned by the North Canterbury lines company and control the power supply to a property. Most service boxes are located on the council berm and must always be accessible.

Why does it matter?

MainPower crews must be able to open and remove the lid of a service box and safely access the equipment inside.

Obstructions can delay both planned maintenance and urgent fault repairs, affecting neighbouring customers.

Disturbing live electrical cables around boxes can have serious safety consequences.

In an emergency (such as a fault or fire), obstructions can cause delays or unsafe access conditions.

Recommended clearance areas around service boxes are: •

Clear access to the front of the box (roadside)

•

300mm access to each side and behind the box

•

No obstructions above the box

People understandably want to make their properties look great, but service boxes are critical infrastructure and MainPower is legally required to always have clear access to them.

If you are concerned about your service box, call MainPower on 0800 30 90 80.

These situations are classified as red defects – MainPower’s highest level of urgency – because restricted access puts safety at risk.

Some of the obstructions seen would require chainsaws or forklifts to remove, which is not acceptable or safe in a fault situation.

Solid structures, such as fences hard up against boxes or heavy planters are not permitted. Even if a fence does not cover the top of the box, it can still prevent access to the internal equipment.

MainPower teams almost need x-ray vision to spot the service box in this photo. Please ensure the service box outside your property is visible and accessible for repairs and maintenance.

nine

. h t n o m e h t f o e p i c Re

with Louize Juniper

FRENCH APPLE CAKE The very thinly sliced apples make this cake a very different finished dish. Easy peasy seasonal apple cake, makes for a fabulous warming dessert too.

Ingredients 1kg apples (good eating ones) peeled and cored 100g milk 25g butter melted 1 tsp vanilla Zest of an orange 2 eggs ¼ cup caster sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1 cup self raising flour Brown sugar or coconut sugar to sprinkle on top

Method • Line a 9 x 20 approx loaf tin.

• Oven 180oC. • Melt the butter and mix with the milk, add orange zest.

• In a mixing bowl add eggs and sugar, and whisk until light and frothy.

• Sift flour and cinnamon over the egg mix, fold in gently.

• Stir in the butter and milk mix, stir to a smooth batter.

• Thinly slice the apples, use a mandolin if you have one.

• Place apples in the batter make sure they are well covered.

• Place in the lined loaf tin evenly.

• Bake at 180 for 1 hour.

• In the last 5 mins of baking sprinkle with the brown sugar to make a caramel crust.

• Serve with berry couli, yoghurt, cream, ice cream or custard.

• Enjoy a bit of warming goodness.

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Annette Slemint

Boyd Slemint

Residential/Lifestyle Sales

Residential/Lifestyle Sales

M 021 0253 2170 E annette.slemint@pb.co.nz

M 021 170 5028 E boyd.slemint@pb.co.nz

Oxford Area School Canopy & Courts Project Completed

by Scarlett Hart Oxford Area School has officially unveiled its new canopy and upgraded turf courts, welcoming an exciting new chapter for sport and recreation within the school and community.

The transformed basketball and netball courts now provide students with a modern space that will benefit athletes, PE classes, and community groups, regardless of the weather, for years to come.

Located in the heart of the school grounds, this development includes a large overhead canopy covering the newly renovated artificial turf, designed to improve durability, safety, and year-round use. The project reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to providing its students with outstanding facilities and opportunities not just in the classroom but outside too.

The opening of the canopy was met with excitement from the students and staff, many of whom have been watching the project’s progress over the recent months. The new canopy means games and practices can continue through North Canterbury’s unpredictable weather conditions, protecting students from frosty winter mornings, rain, and harsh sun.

The turf surface also provides a safer, more enjoyable environment for players with improved grip and cushioning.

Sport has always been an important aspect at Oxford Area School, with students competing in basketball, netball, athletics, and a range of regional, South Island, and National tournaments throughout the year. Oxford Area School encourages participation across all age groups and prides itself on offering opportunities for both social and competitive athletes.

The addition of the turf and canopy is expected to encourage this growing culture by allowing teams to train consistently regardless of weather conditions. Teachers are now grateful to have another space to use at all times, which means that classes can focus on their specific programmes rather than having to combine with other classes to use one space (the GP hall) on rainy days.

Students were the first to test the courts during the opening celebrations with demonstrations showcasing the new surface, such as basketball games and netball shooting competitions.

Many commented on how professional the courts felt and how exciting it was to finally have a covered space to use during the wet weather.

As Oxford Area School continues to grow, the new canopy and turf courts stand as a symbol of the school’s investment in student wellbeing, sport, and community connection.

With the facility now officially open, students will be able to enjoy the upgraded courts for many years to come

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Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School I would like to take a moment to acknowledge some very important groups within our school community who work tirelessly to support the learning, growth, and well-being of all our students.

Our PTA Our PTA is an incredible group of volunteers who give generously of their time and energy to support our school in a variety of ways.

Their fundraising efforts have been hugely successful and are helping bring exciting projects to life, including our new Scooter Track.

Watch this space — there are exciting developments ahead!

The PTA also supports our community through parent education evenings. Please keep an eye out for our upcoming Digital Safety Evening with the highly regarded Rob Cope.

Rob travels throughout New Zealand providing parents with honest, relevant, and eye-opening information around digital safety and online wellbeing.

We were fortunate to secure his next available date — Monday 10 August. Please save the date, with further details to come early next term.

Our School Board Our School Board members give an enormous amount of their time, expertise, and guidance to ensure strong governance and oversight across our school. Their commitment helps ensure all aspects of school operations are aligned, future-focused, and meeting expectations for our students, staff, and community.

Our Student Leaders Our Student Leaders have truly immersed themselves in school life this year. They consistently demonstrate service, leadership, and care for others through the many ways they support our school community.

52 Bay Road Oxford

03 312 4197

You will often see them welcoming students at the gates each morning, helping at assemblies and school events, visiting classrooms, supporting younger students, and representing our school within the wider community — all while balancing their own learning and school commitments.

We are incredibly fortunate to have these three groups contributing so positively to the culture and success of our school.

A well-functioning school relies on people who are willing to step up, contribute, and serve others, and we are deeply grateful for all that they do.

A sincere thank you to: Aaron, Rebecca, Mark, Rā, Christine, Mariska, Nicholas, Shara, Carma, Rachel, Kylie, Sarah, Lee, Anita, Gemma, Tanya, Vanessa, Michael, Scarlett, Lillia, Alexis, Nick and George.

Your support, commitment, and willingness to contribute to our school community is genuinely appreciated.

Lesley Inch Tumuaki | Acting Principal Te Kura o Te Poho Rakahua Oxford Area School

y

Pink Shirt Da

Last month we supported Pink Shirt Day by standing together against bullying and promoting our OAS values.

Staff and students alike wore many items of pink and donated their gold coins to show united support. We celebrated diversity, speaking up against bullying and respecting one another.

What an array of pink throughout the school!

info@oxford.school.nz

www.facebook.co

Community Partnerships at its best.

What better way to open our canopy than a training session with the Tactix!

It is finally in use! And what an amazing facility we now have at our school. We are excited to see so many of our students on the turf throughout the day.

How lucky were we to have two Tactix players, Charlie Bell and Ash Barnett, run a training session for our netball girls. Many enjoyed the autograph and photo opportunity afterwards.

A huge thank you to Fresh Choice Oxford for their support and making this opportunity happen for our tamariki.

Grit, Gears, and Great Views: Year 11 & 13ABM Tackle Mt Somers

Our Year 13 ABM leaders recently put their stamina and mentorship skills to the ultimate test, guiding the Year 11 ABM class through their very first tramp into Woolshed Creek Hut. The journey isn’t always just about the mileage; it is about mindset.

Our Year 13s stepped up as true "buddies," pacing themselves through the steep climbs and demonstrating great management and leadership skills. It was inspiring to see our lead crew doubling back on the trails to help carry packs; a true display of the stamina and camaraderie that defines the ABM program.

The determination on display was a testament to the students' growth over the term. As the Year 11s finalise their Duke of Edinburgh requirements, our Year 13s are shifting their focus to the next horizon. Looking forward to the Paparoa Great Walk: A multi-day test of endurance and rock climbing skills training, technical preparation for the highly anticipated Snow Skills Camp in Term 3.

Well done to all the hikers for a successful and safe expedition!

PTA News & Appreciation The PTA extends a huge thank you to all the volunteers who have supported our recent fundraising initiatives. We are grateful for those who helped with car park marshalling at the A&P show, assisted at the senior students' and teachers' tent, and donated baked goods for our raffle. Additionally, the help from parents who prepared meals for the Lions' dinners was greatly appreciated.

We also want to give a special shout-out to Annette Slemint and the Oxford Property Brokers Team for their generous cash donation following their successful sausage sizzle. Your contribution is fantastic, and we'll be sure to think of you at our next BBQ fundraiser.

Current Projects We are currently focused on fundraising for some exciting new additions to our school grounds, including our scooter track near the juniors' fort.

Save the Date: North Canterbury Wearable Arts Please mark your calendars for our premier annual event, the North Canterbury Wearable Arts, taking place on Sept 12, 2026.

We will provide updates on ticket bookings soon. For further details, please visit Entries are still open. www.NCWA.nz.

Get Involved Whether you want to join our friendly team, share new fundraising ideas, or volunteer some time at an event, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact our secretary at pta@oxford.school.nz to get started.

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Mayoral Update

with

Dan Gordon

It has been another busy period across the Waimakariri District, I have loved attending a number of community events and local initiatives. As always, it has been encouraging to see the level of engagement from our communities on the issues that matter most to them.

One of the more significant conversations in recent weeks was the community meeting in Oxford with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, focused on the future of local health services and facilities. While the discussion itself covered familiar ground around the pressures facing rural health, it was also constructive in terms of next steps and ongoing engagement with the community. A key outcome from that meeting was a shared recognition that more structured and regular dialogue is needed between the community, local providers, and Health NZ. To support this, I put forward the suggestion of establishing an advisory group to help keep momentum and ensure the community has a consistent voice at the table as discussions continue. I have also indicated that I will be part of that group, alongside community representatives and health partners, to help maintain a clear line of communication and advocacy.

Rural communities face a unique set of challenges when it comes to healthcare. Distance is a major factor for many residents—particularly older people—where travelling to Christchurch for treatment is not always practical. At the same time, our ageing population means demand for accessible local services will continue to grow. The meeting reinforced the importance of ensuring rural perspectives are properly reflected in how services are planned and delivered.

There was also acknowledgement of the important role played by local providers such as the Oxford Community Health Centre, and the opportunity to strengthen collaboration between community-led services and Health NZ going forward. The other matter that was clear was the importance of Oxford Hospital to the community and ensuring there is effective maintenance and clarity on the future role this facility will play.

While the Council does not deliver health services directly, we do have a clear responsibility to advocate for our communities and ensure their voices are heard in central government decision-making. I will continue to keep the community updated as this work progresses and as the advisory group takes shape.

As always, I welcome contact from anyone who needs assistance or has an issue that you might want to discuss.

Email me at dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz or phone 021 906 437.

I’m here to help.

Dan.

sixteen

Community Invited to Explore Opportunities for an Oxford Pump Track The local community is invited to help shape a potential future project to enable a tar-sealed, all-weather pump track in Oxford, at an interactive workshop on Wednesday 17 June 2026, from 6.30–8.00pm at Oxford Town Hall. The workshop will be hosted by Bike Oxford.

Bike Oxford has proposed development of a permanent, tar-sealed pump track in Oxford. Council community engagement undertaken in 2025 showed significant support for such a project.

The next step is community identification of a preferred location that meets user needs, realises the community value of a pump track, and reduces risks. The interactive workshop will explore how residents and visitors might use a new pump track, ensuring that its location is functional, safe, and meets community needs. The session will also help to connect with people who may wish to contribute skills, experience, or community networks to help advance the proposed project.

What can participants expect? You will: • learn about pump tracks and why they’re popping up all over the country • consider a shared vision for the pump track’s value to the community • share ideas, concerns and enthusiasm • discuss the pros and cons of three potential location options "A pump track represents an exciting investment in Oxford’s future, giving kids and youth a safe, all-weather space to build skills, stay active, and connect with friends. The pump track we’re proposing is an innovative, all-weather space that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. It’s a playground for all wheels - bikes, scooters, or skateboards - and is virtually maintenance free.

"We want to hear from the community and invite people to get involved in this opportunity."

Community Workshop: Wednesday 17 June, 6:30 - 8PM at Oxford Town Hall. Register here by Sunday 14 June: events.humanitix.com/ let-s-talk-about-a-pump-track-in-oxford-next-step Contact: Katie Hallam / Bike Oxford / bikeoxfordnz@gmail.com / 02108706232 Images: Bike Oxford group at Darfield tar-sealed pump track courtesy Katie Hallam. Generic pump track image courtesy Velosolutions NZ.

Meet the new Experience Oxford Committee Recently a new committee was elected to head up Experience Oxford (formerly OPAC).

Tahlia Simpson who is the co-owner of Tussock and Thread was appointed Chairperson. Tahlia says “I got involved because I didn't want to see a great organisation end. If that happened, it would be a loss for the whole community.” She goes on to say “To get Oxford on the map as an amazing place to live, to visit and explore.

We have such an amazing community and live in a spectacular part of the country that it's a shame if people don't know we are here!”

Tahlia is looking forward to all of the events coming out as she says they all bring something special to different parts of the town and our community. She would like the community to know that all members of Experience Oxford are a part of Oxford, from community members to business owners. She says “We live here, we work here, and Experience Oxford is for everyone not just visitors”.

Dani Rielly has been the Treasurer of Experience Oxford for a couple of years now.

She got involved to meet new people and to be involved with the community, and stayed involved to ensure the group carries on, and to be a part of organising events for the community, along with promoting Oxford to be the best place to live or visit. Of all the events coming up she is looking forward to Matariki.

She says “ I have always loved the Matariki event with the whole town lighting up.” She would like people to know that Experience Oxford is not just for businesses, non-business owners can join and make a difference in the community. When asked what her favourite thing about Oxford is she says “The people.

Amazing people live in Oxford who are always willing to help and support each other.”

PHOTO: LEFT --> RIGHT Franziska Gloor, Tahlia Simpson, Dani Rielly, Carolyn Cameron

Carolyn Cameron was appointed as Secretary. She owns Oxford Kindy, and felt that it was time for her to feed back into the community in some way.

She is looking forward to the Matariki Festival and the possibility of hosting more events for the community. Carolyn says “I love the sense of belonging, the encouragement and supporting in being a community that really cares about each other”.

Experience Oxford’s new event coordinator is Franziska Gloor. Franziska is a teacher at Oxford Area School and co-owner at Swiwi Farming & Equestrian.

She says “We chose Oxford as a place to live for our family because of its community spirit.

We feel the events held by Experience Oxford are an amazing opportunity for everyone to come together and connect.”

She is hoping to grow the community involvement and connections in her time with the group and is looking forward to Matariki, the Garage Sale Trail and the Christmas Celebrations.

She says of Experience Oxford “We are here for you and welcome any new ideas and suggestions. Our aim is to serve the community and ensure our events are relevant to everyone here.”

The proximity of Oxford to town and ski fields, and mountains is one of her favourite things about Oxford, and she says “despite being a small rural town, it is full of life”.

You can find out more information about Experience Oxford at www.oxfordnewzealand.co.nz.

021 273 6963 or 03 423 9424 BOOK ONLINE oxforddental.co.nz 634 Bay Road, Oxford

TUESDAY | 10AM - 4PM WEDNESDAY- THURSDAY 9AM - 4PM Dentist Dr. Yvonne Vannoort

seventeen

From the Presidents Desk

with Oxford Club President Kyle Scott

Lorinda Harrington

Independant Registered Financial Advisor

M 027 242 3211 E Lorinda@thebroker.co.nz

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Welcome to the June edition of From the President’s Desk. With the advent of winter and more prevalent sniffs and colds for our community, don’t forget that flu and covid vaccinations are available from our Medical Centre and our Pharmacy. They do seem to help in my humble opinion and they are at no cost if you are aged over 65 years of age.

In recent weeks several members have contacted myself and The Oxford Club in relation to their memberships having expired and having to go through the process of rejoining our Club. It may assist if I explain the process for membership renewal. The Oxford Club annual subscription is intentionally kept at a modest level to remain affordable to you, our members. To ensure fairness and realistic administration, all members are reminded well in advance that memberships expire on the 31st of August each year, as annotated on the card itself. The Club send notifications by email as part of our weekly email blast well before the official expiry date.

The Club gives a very reasonable grace period after the expiry date for membership renewals.

Members who do not renew within the allowed timeframe are recorded as having allowed their membership to lapse and expire.

This means - Any accumulated membership points are forfeited with the member also losing the opportunity to enter promotions such as the members draw.

- The member is removed from the membership register as an active member of the Club.

-Any expired member must complete the normal rejoining process which includes a new application form and approval by The Executive Committee.

Due to the increasing cost and unreliability of postal services, Clubs no longer send hard copy renewal reminders. Email communication is now the primary and most efficient method of contacting members regarding renewals, club notices, events and matters affecting membership. So it is really important that every Oxford Club member maintains a current and valid email address in our Club database. Please let us know if you have any change to your contact details.

The Oxford Club appreciates the co-operation and understanding of all members in helping maintain an efficient and fair membership system. So if you are not receiving our weekly email blast newsletter, we may not have your current email address.

Please pass your email to our friendly staff as our weekly email blast is packed full of ‘what’s on’ at your local Club. In closing, it may be cool outdoors but you are always ensured of a warm welcoming environment at your Club.

The Oxford Club – Your Community Hub – Bringing People Together!

Kyle Scott | Oxford Club President OXFORD CLUB EST - 1887

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Oxford Butchery

BEREAVEMENT IS HARD.

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Probate should never cost more than $1000 unless there are major problems with the will.

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Bookings essential

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Oxford Community Trust

Social Services OX BOX YOUTH EVENTS Monday afternoon hangouts @ the Scout Den. Drop in after school for some food and hangout time.

Cops & Robbers - June 13th 5.30pm - meet at the Scout Den. Mall Trip - June 26th $10.00. Bookings essential - contact Tori 027 473 5607

SHOPPERS BUS Tuesday 16 June - Rangiora Tuesday 30 June - Rangiora

Things got a little out of hand? Difficult Trees?

Bookings are essential and can be made at the Trust.

Need a good snip and trim...

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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

Our next programme is July 6th-17th contact Tori on oscar@oxfordtrust.co.nz.

Thank you to our fab 4 funders • Rata Foundation • COGS • Lottery Foundation • Waimakariri District Council

Txt/Call Alec 0275 255 044 alec@maartentrees.co.nz

Boutique Secondhand

Booksellers

Quality second hand books Book Subscriptions Gift Vouchers

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Emergency Services update

Oxford St John

with Mel Brooker

Since our last report, we have been enjoying unusually warm weather for this time of year, which has been a welcome change for our area. In other exciting news our Oxford Ambulance Volunteers have been awarded the “Volunteer Station of the month Award” by Hato Hone St John in recognition of the contribution they have made to their community and the organisation, we are all very proud of our achievement.

Ambulance turnouts for the year so far are 230 and our volunteer team has supported the community by responding to over 100 of these.

If you have ever thought about becoming a volunteer ambulance officer to support your local community, we are currently recruiting and we would like to hear from you. You do not need to have a medical background full training is provided, and we will support you throughout your journey. Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back to the community and make a real difference when it matters most. To find out more, please call the station on 033 123 516, leave your name and number, and our recruiting officer will be in touch.

Our team supports a wide area, from Porters Pass through to Rangiora and Okuku, and we attend a broad range of incidents.

The most common call types for May 2026 have been: • Chest pain • Sick person • Breathing problems We would like to this opportunity to remind the community about choosing the right type of healthcare when you need it.

If you are experiencing chest pain, treat it as urgent and call for help immediately.

Acting quickly can make a critical difference to outcomes.

For serious or life-threatening conditions, always call 111 so the appropriate emergency response can be dispatched.

For non-urgent concerns, such as general illness or ongoing issues, your GP is often the best first point of care. You can also call Healthline for free advice on what to do next if you are unsure. Making the right call helps ensure emergency resources are available for those who need them most, while also ensuring you receive the most appropriate care for your situation.

Breathing problems, in particular, can be frightening and are often made worse by anxiety. If you are waiting for help, try to remain calm and focus on slow, steady breathing in through your nose and out through pursed lips which can help ease symptoms and anxiety.

Please also remember that the Oxford ambulance station is not staffed 24 hours a day. In any emergency, always call 111.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mel Brooker EMT VTL Oxford St John Station

Oxford Fire Rescue with Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ealam

In April the Brigade received seven calls. One was to assist the Sheffield Fire Brigade at a large truck fire loaded with hay.

The truck along with its contents were totally destroyed but the trailer was saved. In our area we attended two controlled vegetation fires with the owners in attendance and no action was required by the Brigade.

One to a double garage fire which was totally destroyed along with the contents, one to an uncontrolled paddock fire and we were assisted by the Cust and Darfield Brigades to bring it under control, one chimney fire, and one to what was thought to be a motor vehicle crash which was in fact a mobile phone that was thrown into a river.

This brings our total calls for the year to twenty eight.

This months message is; Once again I ask, please be careful how you dispose of ashes after removing them from the fire place.

Put the ashes in a metal container and thoroughly wet them before disposal.

Don’t be fooled into thinking they are cold, they can take days to cool. Two of the fires this month were caused by disposed hot ashes.

FOR ALL EMERGENCIES DIAL 111

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS, or do you have an event coming up you want to let people know about?

Contact the Observer 0800 627 378 37 info@oxfordobserver.co.nz twenty

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twenty one

F O R A L L YO U R L I Q U I D WA S T E R E M O VA L REQUIREMENTS

• WOF Cars and Trailers • Motorbike WOF • Vehicle Servicing & Repairs • Tyres & Punctures • Towing & Salvage • Courtesy Car available

Ph: 03 312 4476 Mob: 027 4969 256 Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, Dairy Sumps, Blocked Drains Maintenance Reports Email: speechly@xtra.co.nz

13 Stone Eyre Place, Swannanoa Mon - Fri 8AM - 5PM Phone : Aaron Rowlands 0272 588 366

For Needs Forall allyour yourElectrical Electrical Wiring Needs New NewHousing Housing&&Alterations Alterations Sheds, Sheds,Barns Barns&&Farm Farm Maintenance Maintenance Lights, Plugs & Spas Lights, Plugs & Spas Phones Phones 027243 2436696 6696 027 FreeQuotes Quotes Free 3124990 4990 CompetitiveRates Rates Competitive 312

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Tree Trimming

Hedges need trimming?

* Tree Topping * Main Power Approved Contractor * Power line clearing * Clean up options available

We offer Hedge Trimming around the District!

Please contact us for more information or to book in your hedge

Tax Returns Payroll GST Returns Annual Accounts Rental Returns

Jeanette Graves Sharon Stewart

021 853 769 027 241 6345

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

Phoneor ortext text Jack: Jack: 021 Phone 021206 2067533 Dee: 029 849 1660 • Email: sales@waieyrefarm.co.nz Phone or text Jack: 021 206 7533 7533 .

Office: 03 312 6338 Office: 03 312 6338 Email • Email:admin@waieyrefarm.co.nz admin@waieyrefarm.co.nz Office: 03 312 6338 . Email admin@waieyrefarm.co.nz

Old Cars, Utes, 4WDs and Vans wanted for repair or dismantling.

CASH PAID Call 027 291 7172.

twenty two

Sales, servicing and repair of all major brands.

Drop into the shop or call us to arrange a home or business visit.

Open Mon-Fri am--pm Durham Street, Rangiora mm rangiora@ipc.co.nz www.ipc.co.nz

EARTHWORKS? EARTHWORKS? EXCAVATIONS? EXCAVATIONS?

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Foundations Retaining Walls Landscaping Irrigation Excavation Waterline Excavation Sewer Excavation Trenching Tracks & Driveways Land Clearance Demolition Lifestyle Blocks Drainage Tip Truck 5-20 Tonne Diggers

Registered Tradesman

NEW!

Children’s Workshops

take part

in the A rts

Wild Watercolour Animals Sunday 28 June | 1 – 3pm $10pp | 5 – 12yrs Rugby Meets Art with Morks Sunday 5 July | 1 – 3pm $10pp | 9 - 15yrs Bring the Night to Life!

Sunday 16 August | 1 – 3pm $10pp | 5 – 12yrs Scan here for details

Let us help you find your next read with a book subscription.

We choose a book to send to you every month based on your tastes.

Quality second hand books Book Subscriptions Gift Vouchers e woodsidebookshop@gmail.com f facebook.com/woodsidebooks i woodsidebookshop

72 Main Street, Oxford | 11am–4pm Thurs–Sun 03-3121639 | oxfordgallery.org.nz Registered charity CC10601

www.woodsidebooks.shop

Boutique Secondhand Booksellers

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For Beautifully Handcrafted Books

Tessa Warburton BOOKBINDER

Sharing Christ in our Fellowship and Community

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Phone: 027 419 6311 Email: tessawarburton@gmail.com * Advanced Facials * Peels & Skin Treatments * Waxing * Eyelash and Brows

by Appointment only phone 03 310 6139 021 024 19237

OXFORD DISTRICT UNION PARISH

19 Goodwood Close Rangiora

EVERY SUNDAY 10.00AM THIRD SUNDAY CAFE SERVICE ALL WELCOME The Salvation Army now meet every 3rd Sunday at 5pm followed by a shared meal

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YOGA FITNESS QIGONG

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AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

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FOR ANY ENQUIRIES CONTACT 021 275 2432 YARD 106 HAREWOOD ROAD OXFORD