Here we are at the start of the second quarter of the year already, and of course April Fool’s Day!
There’s lots to talk about this month, the first being the huge number of Mr Woody Woodpecker entrants –TWENTY, and three of these adults too!! I had a job squeezing them all in! Congratulations to you all and well done to the adults! Clearly, I’m making hiding Mr Woody Woodpecker far too easy!
A huge thank you to the wonderful three new volunteer deliverers who have recently started with us following our notices the last two months asking for help. We are so pleased to have them join our team. You will see there’s another notice this month, as we still need back-up deliverers for holiday and sickness, so if you are able to help, please email, thank you.
Two years ago we ran a couple of deliverer / distributor sessions to help everyone get to know one another and to gain feedback which enabled us to develop a Deliverer Information Sheet to ensure we are all on the same page and to make it easier for new deliverers to know what to do.
Last month, we ran another series of sessions, and at the time of writing this two have been run with great success. This time we are pleased to offer the provision of detailed maps courtesy of
Waimakariri District Council who are producing these for us and which will be available soon. This is currently a ‘work in progress’, however, will enable us to ensure no houses are missed and to avoid duplicates being delivered. It was also a great way to induct new volunteers and for our new distributors to be part of making improvements within our team. I would like to thank everyone who came along and contributed to the discussions, it was wonderful to hear how much you love the job and enjoy being part of the team.
Lastly, please do ‘save the date’ for Tuesday 22 July at 6pm at Woodend Community Centre for a Woodpecker Community Trust Information Evening + (short) AGM at the end. We aim to have a couple of keynote speakers and you’ll be able to find out lots more about the launch of something special we are really excited to tell you about. We do hope you can come along. The Woodpecker – ‘produced by the community for the community’
Ngā mihi nui
Debs Taylor-Hayhurst
The Editor – Woodpecker debs.thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz
DISCLAIMER: All efforts are made to verify the correctness of information contained within this publication; however, The Woodpecker Community Trust 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 The Woodpecker Community Trust or any of its providers.
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5. Development Contributions.
Woodend Rugby Lights Up with New Field Lighting
This long-awaited installation of the lights has now been completed and ensures that games and training sessions can now take place in the evening, offering greater flexibility and extended playtime.
NEW FIELD LIGHTING
The planning for the lights has been a long-term project for the club with an approximate cost of $160,000. In December 2023 we were successful in getting a grant from Kiwi Gaming for $80k so the project was underway. Magnatech who is the club naming sponsor was given the order to purchase and manage the lights installation. The club then had the challenge of trying to find the rest of the funds. With the generous assistance from BG Cooke, Stopforth Contracting and a grant from Bobby Foundation, plus a Give a Little page we were able to proceed and finish the project.
NEW FIELD LIGHTING
I would like to thank everyone involved for making this happen, especially Darren Watts and Stacey Beetham who secured valuable grants. These lights are a great asset to our community, and I look forward to seeing how this transformation will shape the future of our community not only for rugby but all sports.
Mark Paterson - President Woodend Rugby club
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Kaiapoi Toy Library
Kaiapoi Toy Library, 9 Cass Street Kaiapoi, open 11.00am - 1.00pm Saturdays. Access to a range of toys for a small annual fee, no toy rental charges. Check us out www. kaiapoitoylibrary.org
Kaiapoi Community Garden Volunteer days
Wednesday 10am – 12pm and the last Saturday of every month 10-12pm. Come and join the Community Garden and learn about organic produce, composting skills and find likeminded people to share your love of gardening. For more information follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KaiapoiCommunity-Garden kaiapoicg@gmail.com
Kaiapoi Community Patrol
We are now recruiting volunteers for Camera Operation and Patrolling. Full training given. If interested, please contact Owen 027 442 4436 All volunteers are required to be vetted by police.
WOODEND RUGBY LIGHTS UP WITH
WOODEND RUGBY
Brad Cooke, Mark Paterson, Warren Fail, Tom Stopforth and Shane Burke
WOODEND RUGBY LIGHTS UP WITH
CLUB
RUGBY
Brad Cooke, Mark Paterson, Warren Fail, Tom Stopforth and Shane Burke
Mayor Dan Gordon Update
It was fantastic recently to speak at and officially open the new Sutton Tools factory in Southbrook. This is a business which has a wonderful history in our district and despite the huge success of the company, it still has a strong family owned and operated feel. After a devastating fire destroyed the premises in Kaiapoi the group could have easily decided to build elsewhere. That would have been a huge loss to our district.
with a King’s New Year Honour is a truly significant achievement, and I felt it was important to honour them on behalf of the entire Waimakariri District. One of this year’s recipients was Mrs Marguerite Christophers ONZM from Pegasus.
As Mayor, I, alongside the Waimakariri District Council, and Deputy Mayor Neville worked closely with Peter and Robert Sutton and their team to ensure that Sutton Tools could rebuild and thrive right here in Waimakariri.
Council staff also supported these efforts and played an important role in ensuring Sutton Tools remain as a valued local business.
Sutton Tool’s decision to invest here underscores the immense potential of the Southbrook area and the strength of our community.
Alongside my Waimakariri District Council colleagues, I had the pleasure of hosting an afternoon tea in honour of this year’s King’s New Years Honours recipients from the district and those who have had made a significant contribution to the district through their work.
As Mayor, it was an immensely proud moment to welcome these outstanding individuals, along with their close friends and families. Being recognised
Marguerite has dedicated more than 25 years to people with disabilities and Para sport. Mrs Christophers has been the Classification Manager for Paralympics New Zealand since 2009, responsible for the development and implementation of a world leading national classification programme. She has done a remarkable job, and I was delighted to see her recognised in such a way.
I also recently met with Hon. Simon Watts, Minister for Local Government, alongside my Canterbury Mayoral Forum colleagues. We updated the Minister on the Canterbury Councils’ progress in selecting preferred models for water service delivery under the government’s three waters reformLocal Water Done Well.
The Minister emphasised that councils have full autonomy in choosing the model that best suits their communities. The government’s sole requirement is financial viability. 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.
Cuppa in the Community
We welcome everyone from our district: Woodend, Ravenswood, Pegasus and Waikuku. Our meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am, St Barnabas Church Hall .
Once again, we welcomed new faces to our meeting. Word is getting out into the community, and we are pleased to see our group is growing. The guest speaker for our March meeting was Maria Edgar from the Parks Unit, Waimakariri District Council. Having a representative from the Parks Unit come to speak was one of the suggestions gathered at our February meeting. Maria gave us a brief outline of her career to date, and she informed us that she had only held this particular job for four weeks. There was lively discussion around many aspects of the environment around Ravenswood and surrounding areas. Various units of the Council take on different roles in the community and some of the questions were outside Maria’s area of expertise. It was suggested that anything Maria was unable to answer on the spot could be followed up by emailing her and she would seek appropriate answers. Snap, send and solve appears to be a good way of informing the Council of tasks that need attention, and I for one have had speedy action in response to my photos.
Our next Cuppa will be Tuesday 1 April and a representative from the Woodend Volunteer Fire Service will be attending.
Thanks to our sponsors: St Barnabas Church, The Coffee Club Ravenswood and Joe’s Garage Ravenswood.
Playscape: Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital’s Outdoor Therapeutic Space
Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital, established in 1912, is New Zealand’s first children’s hospital. This hospital treats children from newborn to 18 years old and is one of
Lions’ supported the Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital and helped with the fundraising for a
When plans for a new children’s hospital with an outdoor rehabilitation and therapeutic
Woodend - Sefton Community Board
Youth Space in Pegasus - progress
Council staff have been engaging with youth around what a youth space might look like to understand their needs and preferences. It’s now at the next stage which is putting some options for what might be included and possible locations out for public consultation Look out for this so you can have your say and encourage any youth to comment as well.
Waikuku Beach updates
The Board has approved consultation on two new proposed locations near the beach carpark by the Surf Lifesaving Club for a Beach Volleyball Court. This is a community driven project and construction is not funded by Council.
As part of the ongoing work around the Waikuku Beach pond some pollinator patches will be added at the base of two existing trees to support the shelter and foraging of pollinators, particularly lizards and invertebrates.
Draft Annual Plan Consultation
The Council draft Annual Plan is now out for consultation . Public drop-ins in April where you can find out more information and ask questions are:
• Thursday 3rd April – Kaiapoi at Ruataniwha/Library from 4pm to 7pm
• Wednesday 9th April – Pegasus Community Centre from 10am to noon Feedback closes on 21 April More information and how to make a submission are at letstalk.waimakariri.govt.nz
Our next meeting – all are welcome
Tues 15 April starting 5.30pm Waikuku Beach Hall, cnr Park & Domain Tce
Contact us – more information about the Board and our contact details at https://www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/council,-boards-andcommittees/woodend-sefton-community-board
If you would like to see what will be discussed at meetings check out the Board Facebook page or agenda at waimakariri.govt.nz/council/meetings/minutes-andagendas/woodend-sefton-community-board around Thursday of the week prior. WoodendSeftonCommunityBoard Email: shona.powell@wmk.govt.nz
Tena Koutou Katoa
Wow—End of March and the start of autumn already! This term is flying by.
Important Road Safety Reminder
We have received a concern from one of our local school bus drivers regarding students scootering home through Ravenswood in the afternoons. In particular, students have been seen cutting across Bob Robertson Drive into Stackwood Ave without checking for vehicles. A driver recently had to swerve to avoid an accident, and we want to ensure all our tamariki are keeping themselves and others safe on the roads. Please remind your children to:
On Monday 10 March, four of our Year 7 and 8 students participated in the PCT (Physical Competency Test) Challenge. This exciting event involves racing through an obstacle course to achieve the fastest time and represent Woodend School in North Canterbury.
✅ Stop and check carefully before crossing any street.
✅ Use footpaths and pedestrian crossings whenever possible.
✅ Stay alert and avoid distractions like wearing headphones while scootering. We will also speak to students about this at school, but your support in reinforcing these safety messages at home would be greatly appreciated. Let’s work together to
The winning team with the fastest time will go on to compete in Auckland against other schools. After the PCT event, students enjoyed activities with other schools and a barbecue. It was an awesome day, and we were super grateful for the opportunity. A big thank you to our wonderful parent helpers for their support!
Learning Across the School
Te Hāpua
In Reading and Writing, students have
been learning about sounds, such as the letter ‘A’ (Aa). They have been practicing making the ‘A’ sound and writing the letter. They have also been working on their heart words like ‘dad,’ ‘mum,’ and ‘like.’
As part of their learning, they have been exploring a fascinating native bird—the pīwakawaka, also known as the fantail.
In Mathematics, students have been learning about 2D and 3D shapes and practicing drawing them.
Te Awa
This term, Te Awa has been having fun learning about change! In Science, students have conducted exciting experiments, such as making Skittle rainbows and creating lava lamps, to explore how things can change in cool ways.
In Mathematics, students have been focusing on measurement. They have been exploring how many of their handspans and foot lengths make up a metre and practicing using centimeters (cm) and metres (m) to measure different objects.
Te Ngahere
The Te Ngahere classrooms have been working on getting to know each other and understanding who they are. One way they have explored this is by researching and designing their own pepeha, which includes their whānau / family, school / kura, mountain / maunga, river / awa, and marae (if they have one). On the back, they have created visual representations of their pepeha through artwork.
about the Woodend School cultural narrative and O Tatou Pou. They have explored the meaning behind the cultural narrative and the four O Tatou Pou values:
�� Mohiotanga – Knowledge
�� Auahatanga – Creativity
�� Kotahitanga – Unity
�� Rangatiratanga – Leadership
This learning has been a fantastic way for students to connect with the different aspects of Woodend School.
Te Maunga
Te Maunga students have recently been learning about cyberbullying and how to deal with it. With many tweens and teens using social media, it is important that our tamariki understand how to stay safe online. They have learned:
✔ What to do if they see something inappropriate online.
✔ How to respond if they experience or witness cyberbullying.
Students have also been learning about body image and selfacceptance. These lessons have encouraged them to be confident in themselves, lift each other up, and recognise that everyone is beautiful in their own unique way.
2025 Enrolments and Beyond
If you have a child starting school this year or in 2026 or know of families considering enrolling who live in our school zone, please get in touch with the office as soon as possible. You can also complete an online enrolment form on our school website.
Te Ngahere has also been learning
Ngā mihi nui, Andrew & the Woodend School Team
Dahlias: The Garden Showstoppers
If you’re looking for a flower that brings drama, colour, and a whole lot of personality to your garden, look no further than the dahlia! These beauties have been delighting gardeners for over 200 years, ever since they made their way from Mexico to Spain in the late 18th century. Named after Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl, dahlias have since exploded into a dazzling array of varieties, shapes, and sizes— offering something for every green thumb.
A Dahlia for Every Taste - Dahlias come in an impressive range of forms, from delicate waterlily styles to spiky cactus blooms and charming pompons. With the exception of elusive true blue, you can find dahlias in just about every colour imaginable. Whether you fancy dinner plate-sized giants or dainty Topmix varieties, these plants will put on a show from summer right through to the first frost.
Growing the Best Dahlias - Dahlias are fairly undemanding but love rich, well-drained soil. Give them space to grow—larger varieties need up to three feet between plants—and make sure they have strong support. If you want a bed that turns heads, mix different cultivars in complementary shades for a continuous display of blooms.
Planting and Early Care - Start tubers in a greenhouse or plant directly once the frost has passed. If slugs and snails are a problem, use organic deterrents to keep them at bay. Regular staking and tying will help your dahlias withstand summer storms, and a good mulch will keep weeds down and
moisture levels up. Keeping the Show Going - To ensure a season-long floral extravaganza, remove spent blooms regularly (aka deadheading). If you’re growing for larger flowers, pinch out side buds and leave the central one to flourish. Dahlias are thirsty plants, so a deep weekly soak will keep them thriving.
Winter Storage - Once frost hits, it’s time to lift and store tubers. Let them dry out before packing them in sawdust or dry peat or vermiculite and keeping them somewhere cool but frost-free. Some varieties will survive in the ground if given proper insulation, but for guaranteed regrowth, storing tubers is the safest bet.
Common Problems - Even the toughest plants have their challenges. Aphids, earwigs, slugs, and mildew can all affect dahlias, but regular monitoring and early intervention (think insecticidal soap, slug traps, and proper spacing) will keep most issues under control. If your flowers show strange markings or deformed growth, viral infections could be the culprit— best to remove and replace affected plants.
Final Thoughts - Dahlias are one of the most rewarding plants you can grow. Whether in borders, dedicated beds, or cut for indoor displays, these bold bloomers never fail to impress. With a little care and attention, your dahlias will reward you with an unforgettable garden spectacle year after year.
Join the Woodend Garden Club! If you love gardening and great company, why not come along to the Woodend Garden Club? We meet every 3rd Monday at 1:30pm in the Woodend
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Woodend Tennis Club
Tennis is a great game for all the family. We currently have a Wednesday evening social session (7pm to 9pm) very enjoyable on these autumn evenings. It is subject to weather, so please go to our Facebook page or phone Jim on 021 806 366 to check if it is on. There is a $3 fee for nonmembers and casual players. We welcome social and casual players, and there may be spots available for fill ins for our Presidents (over 30) Grade team. For any other info contact Jim on 021 806 366. Support your local club.
Cont’d: Community Centre. For more details, give Shirley a call on 027 275 3027—we’d love to see you there! Happy growing!
SAYGo - PEGASUS and WAIKUKU
SAYGo (Steady as you go) Falls Prevention Exercise Class 1.30 Thursdays, Pegasus Community Centre, Pegasus Main Street. All welcome. $2 donation please. Simple activities, seated and standing, proven to improve balance, flexibility and strength. A fun social group, join us for a cuppa after class.
For more information: Kay 021 022 64682.
Classes also available at Waikuku Community Centre, Park Terrace, Waikuku. Wednesdays 10.00am followed by a cuppa. All welcome $2 donation.
For more information: Mavis 03 312 7839 or Lorraine 027 332 9298.
WAIORA LINKS COMMUNITY TRUST
Ravenswood ~ Woodend ~ Pegasus ~ Waikuku
March has been a quiet month for WLCT. With most of our Trustees and Volunteers away during the first month of Autumn our events and activities were also scaled back. The community cuppa on the 12th of March was held on a rainy day without very many guests in attendance However, we had two great speakers: first, Shona Powell, Chair of the Woodend/Sefton Community Board gave an update on the current discussion points on the table for the Board. After Shona’s update, we had Mary Sparrow explain to us what the Abbeyfield project is about. Mary invited the guests to be a part of the project by buying preserves and thinking about using Abbeyfied as an option for a caterer for functions. Mary sold some of the preserves on the day. Please see the list of preserves available from Abbeyfield and contact them directly should you wish to support them by ordering some of their goodies. Events we are planning for the future include ANZAC day celebrations on the 25th of April. For event details please visit our Facebook page regularly for updates. A free morning tea will be served after the
Pegasus Community Centre after the ANZAC procedures at Bob's Bridge. Our next community cuppa is on the 9th of April. The Council’s Communications team will be our guest speakers talking to us about the long-term plan. We are also busy planning the Pink Ribbon morning tea on the 17th of May: we will start selling tickets in April at $15 per person. Anyone wanting to secure a ticket early can email us to note their interest.
Our sponsors are the people who help us make our events free or affordable and are always the ones we want to acknowledge when possible. Justin Hartley— Ray White Pegasus, Andy at the Good Home, Ravenswood Developers, Justin & Melissa, Ravenswood New World, thank you for your continued support. If you want to receive regular notifications about WLCT‘s events and activities, please “like” our Facebook page, and you will get them in your daily news feed. For those not on Facebook, please email us, and we will add you to our database. You will get email notifications from us directly. If you wish to talk to us about anything, please text us at 027-526-8697, and one of us will be in touch as soon as possible.
Ronel’s Community Cuppa – Pegasus Community Centre 10.00 am, Wednesday, 9 April 2025
Email: waioralinks@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Waioralinks
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Rangiora Bridge Club
Learn to play this addictive game of bridge played by more people of all ages in the world than any other sport / activity.
Bridge Lessons commence on Monday 5 May at 6.45pm for 12 weeks. The cost will be $50.00. All welcome. The clubrooms are situation behind the Rangiora Museum at 31 Good Street. Many Woodpecker readers are members and more are welcome. Please register by emailing admin@ rangiorabridgeclub.co.nz or visit our website www.rangiorabridgeclub.co.nz
You will be contacted. Any queries please phone Dawn 027 314 2557. After learning you will be welcome to join the club. It has several sessions of bridge each week.
Canterbury Sportfishing Club
If you are interested in sea fishing, chasing Trout or Salmon then come and join our club.
Monthly meetings are held at the Fish and Game building at 595 Johns Road on the last Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.
Fishing trips are organised catering for all types of fishing, from targeting Grouper, Bluenose, Blue Cod etc to fishing in the Lakes and the canals at Twizel.
Doesn’t matter if you own a boat or not, all fishermen are catered for and welcome.
The Club also owns a Bach at Oaro near Kaikoura for the use of its members.
New members welcome
For more information contact Shayne 027 664 0016.
Community Foot Care Clinic
Held in Woodend monthly. Phone 021 022 49443 for an appointment.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Cancer Society Relay for Life North Canterbury, 5 April, Kaiapoi Rugby Football Club. Not too late, signup www.relayforlife.org.nz/o/2025north-canterbury-relay Contact Tiff on ncrelay@southerncancer.org. nz for more info. Let’s do something remarkable together!
Pegasus Community Patrol
We are now recruiting volunteers for Patrolling.
Full training given, if interested, please contact Pete 021 191 1776
Only requirement Full Drivers licence.
We’re excited to welcome Sandra James and Laura Brown to the Big Brothers Big Sisters North Canterbury Board Both bring a wealth of knowledge, passion and experience that will help strengthen and grow our youth mentoring programme across our communitities
Laura Brown is a resource management lawyer with a background in the mental health sector She’s passionate about supporting youth and believes “in BBBS’s mission to ignite youth potential in the area ” Laura is excited to contribute her skills to support local young people
Sandra grew up in Sefton, is a Rangiora High School alum, and brings years of community development experience in Waimakariri She believes “when you connect people with the right resources and support, anything can happen!” Sandra is passionate about creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive
Interested in getting involved? Visit www.bbbs.nz to learn more about how mentoring changes lives.
DANCE AND SING
Dance and Sing is a session of music and movement for pre schoolers and their care givers. Come along to Trinity Methodist Church, King Street, Rangiora at 10am on a Wednesday morning during school terms and enjoy a morning of singing, dancing, rhymes fun and friendship - morning tea included. $5 per family per session.
MARKETS
KAIAPOI SATURDAY MARKET
Morgan Williams Reserve, Charles St, Kaiapoi.
Every Saturday, 9am–12.30pm.
OHOKA FARMERS MARKET
Ohoka Domain, Mill Road, Ohoka.
Every Friday, 9am-12pm.
OXFORD FARMERS MARKET
Main St, Oxford.
Every Sunday, 9am–12pm.
OXFORD CRAFT MARKET
Oxford Town Hall, Oxford. First Sunday of each month, 10am-2pm.
RANGIORA CHURCH
STREET MARKET
St John’s Anglican Church Grounds & Hall, Cnr of Church and High Streets, Rangiora.
First Saturday of each month, 9.30am-1pm.
THE DELICIOUS MARKET
179 Lehmans Road, Rangiora, Mon-Fri 8am – 4pm
EVENT
Please
KEEP IN TOUCH events@visitwaimakariri.co.nz visitwaimakariri.co.nz/events
ART ON THE QUAY
“Promise Not to Swear”
20 March – 23 April 2025, Kaiapoi Library, 176 Williams Street, Kaiapoi
CHAMBER GALLERY
“Ara Art+Design”
6 April – 1 May 2025, Rangiora Library, 141 Percival Street, Rangiora
OXFORD GALLERY
“FOLIO 2025: Oxford Area School”
14 March – 20 April 2025, 72 Main Street, Oxford
Kinetic Floral Arrangements: A Fresh Take on Living Art
Floral arrangements are beautiful, but what if they moved? This was the challenge that Jenny Harris, demonstrator and floral artist, posed at the March workshop for Foral Art North Canterbury.
Kinetic floral arrangements bring motion into design, making flowers sway, shift, and even dance in response to their surroundings.
The Beauty of Motion
Inspired by kinetic art, these arrangements interact with their environment, creating a dynamic visual experience. Delicate orchids can sway on fine wires, vines can unfurl over time, and suspended floral mobiles can rotate gently, catching changing light.
How It Works
Florists use creative techniques to introduce movement:
Suspension – Hanging flowers on fine threads let air currents move them.
Water Flow – Floating blooms drift in bowls or fountains.
Flexible Materials – Wired stems allow for controlled movement.
Breeze Effects – Fans or outdoor wind enhance the swaying motion.
Where
to See Kinetic Florals
These striking arrangements are popular at weddings, art galleries, and luxury events. Even in homes, a hanging floral display or cascading vines can transform a space, making it feel alive.
Why Choose Kinetic Florals?
Kinetic floral arrangements go beyond decoration—they create engagement and wonder. Whether for a special event or everyday beauty, they invite
us to experience flowers in a whole new way. Next time you arrange flowers, let them move, sway, and tell a story in motion.
If you are interested in exploring floral design, get in touch with Sharon on 027 648 6998, or Shelley on 021 124 9016 - —we’d love to welcome you to the group!
Chamber Gallery Rangiora presents:
Ara Art & Design
6 April - 1 May
Chamber Gallery Rangiora presents Ara Art & Design students’ journey through their chosen mediums, exploring a common thread driven by both personal experience and rigorous research. They pose questions, interrogate their surroundings, and create work that responds to these questions.
Trio Kagura at Chamber Gallery Rangiora
The name ‘Kagura’ derives from the word for ritual music and dance performed since ancient times in Japan to bring joy and peace to the community. Trio Kagura is an international ensemble based in the United Kingdom, comprising acclaimed musicians from Japan, Lithuania and New Zealand. Known for their dynamic and innovative performances, Trio Kagura performs regularly across the UK and Europe. 7:30pm Wednesday 16 April 2025.
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Pegasus parkrun Update
Pegasus parkrun has been absolutely humming along in 2025. While January and February brought along large numbers of newcomers, March has continued along similar lines, albeit with overall participation down a little bit.
Event 420 - 1 March and Event 421 - 8 March) had 169 and 176 participants respectively.
Event 422 - 15 March should prove to be one of our more popular Events of the year. Why?
We will be celebrating all things Irish as it’s our annual St Patrick’s Day celebration and if you have followed Pegasus parkrun over the years, you will know that there will be an appearance from our magical, mystical Leprechaun. He’s loud, he’s off his rocker and he’s a mischievous little imp - but he’s a lot of fun. Fun is one of the ‘pillars’ of parkrun, worldwide - we’ve said it many times and we’ll continue to say it, parkrun is Free Forever, it’s a 5km timed & recorded walk, jog or run. Everyone
is welcome to come along, just register once at www.parkrun. co.nz, get your own personal barcode and head down to Motu Quay on Saturday morning. We run through a welcome for First Timers and First Time Visitors at around 7:50am. Following that, a quick briefing for all and we are away on course by 8:00am.
Come and enjoy the fun, the activity and the conversation afterwards (many of us head down to the Sunshine Cafe), we’d love to see you.
This month, I would like to tell you about a role in the Fire Brigade that you may not have heard of or known anything about. The role is called an Operational Support Fire Fighter (OSFF) and a brief explanation of that is, that an OSFF is trained to be able to do all tasks at a call except for wearing Breathing Apparatus (BA). An OSFF however, does extra training on road safety and the two we have at present in our brigade have extra knowledge in
first aid, one being a First Responder for St John, the other having formerly been with St John. You’ll be able to
recognise them with their blue helmets, and we would ask that if you see one at a call, directing traffic, they are doing it for yours’ and the firefighters’ safety. We have had incidents recently where motorists have become angry and aggressive at being held up. We are not trying to delay you and will be endeavouring to get you through or directing you to an alternative route, so that you can be on your way safely and as soon as possible. Despite her diminutive size, and she would laugh at this description, Jackie Handley is one of our OSFF’s and this year has been with us for three years after previously being a volunteer with St John for six years. She is married to our Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Handley and after coming down to the Station to help out during calls, decided she was keen to join the brigade in her own right. Helping the Community and being there to help support people in need; with her caring nature – she is an asset to the Brigade. In her past life she has been a Nanny for many years working both independently and with the ‘Nanny Company’ looking after NICU babies and newborn babies, including twins,
until they reach the age of five years. Some of the Members of the Brigade who have children have appreciated the times she has been available to look after their young ones while out on a call. When they have got back to the Station, they have heard the laughter coming from the social room and know their children are in capable hands.
Now having been in the Brigade for three years, she finds it very rewarding coming home, knowing she has helped in some small way, even if it has been maybe just holding someone’s hand or just being a voice of reassurance. If you see this OSFF in the blue helmet holding a stop / slow sign, please follow her directions with a smile. You can bet she’ll have one for you on her face!
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Woodend
yWelcome to our April addition of “what’s been happening” within our community association.
Woodend has a BOOK EXCHANGE - We welcome you to come and chose a book from our newly installed book exchange, nestled beside the community notice board in the Vege Direct carpark.
If you have books to donate, please contact Prudence on 027 282 6004
Emergency Hub for Woodend- We are in the process of setting up Woodend's own unique community response plan that will support Civil Defense when an local emergency is activated We are having a training on Tuesday May 13th, 7 to 9pm at the Woodend Youth Building next to the school, 38 RangioraWoodend Road. As many hands make light work, please gather your friends and family and come to the training to learn how we can keep our community safe in it’s time of need. If you would like to be involved or have any questions, please contact Andy Child on andyandsuechilds@xtra.co.nz.
Food pantry - The food pantry is to provide food for anyone in the community and is situated in the WASP car park. If you have spare fruit and vegetables you want to donate to our local community, put these into the pantry. The pantry is designed for fruit and vegetables, baked goods and tinned goods. Thank you.
Do you want to help create change in Woodend?
Join our committee or donate a small yearly contribution. At the Woodend Community Association, our aim is to promote and support any initiative which advances safety, wellbeing and community spirit in Woodend. If you are interested in joining our committee, please email, woodend community association@gmail com or contact Mark on 027 534 9112 Alternatively, for a $10 yearly membership fee, you can help us deliver projects to improve our community.
PEGGASUUS COMMUNITY NEWS
PRGI OLD SCHOOL FAMILY FUN DAY - A GREAT SUCCESS!
After a weather delay, the PRGI Old School Family Fun Day finally took place on Sunday, March 2nd next to the Good Home.
The event was a fantastic gathering for communities near and far, with classic games, bouncy castles, face painting, live music, a delicious sausage sizzle and more. Thank you to Councillor Brent Cairns who ran the first aid station.
Local Mayor Dan Gordon joined the festivities, and thanks to our amazing volunteers and generous sponsors, the day was a great success.
We would like to extend a special thank you to all the sponsors, including
• The Good Home Pegasus,
• National School of Aesthetics,
• New World Ravenswood,
• Pegasus Bay Vets,
• Ray White Pegasus,
• AdviceKiwi,
• Little Wonders,
• Pegasus Pet and Child Care,
• NCBIZ,
• Archgola North Canterbury,
Website: pegasusresidentsgroup.com
E: prgi@pegasusresidentsgroup.com
Pegasus Residents’ Group Inc
Thank you also to supporters Lake Pizza, and Trendsetter Homes. See event photos on our website and read more.
HAVE YOUR SAY – WAIMAKARIRI DISTRICT COUNCIL’S DRAFT ANNUAL PLAN CONSULTATION
The Waimakariri District Council’s Draft Annual Plan is now open for public consultation, and we encourage all Pegasus residents and beyond to have their say. A proposed 4.98% rates increase is being considered, which is believed to be one of the lowest in Canterbury.
This is your chance to have a say on key issues, including:
• 3 Waters Reform
• Transport Funding
• Cost Increases
• Rating Policy Changes
• Development Contributions
Consultation is open until 21 April Join the drop-in session at Pegasus Community Centre on 09 April, 10am12pm, or submit your feedback online at waimakariri.govt.nz/letstalk.
COMMUNITY CENTRE (PCC)
OPEN: Mondays 2 - 4pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays 10.00 am – 12 noon. April JP Drop-In Sessions: NEW TIME: 10am-11am, Saturday 5th only due to Easter
Do get in touch. We’re here to help!
You’ll find us at 209 High Street, Rangiora, or you can phone us on 03 313 8822 or 0800
WHO FOUND MR WOODY WOODPECKER?
Wow TWENTY lucky entrants who found Mr Woody Woodpecker last month. Well done to you all. Lucca Clark, age 6, Pegasus, loves looking for Mr Woody Woodpecker every time your awesome magazine gets delivered to our home. She especially likes looking for her friends in the photos too. Thank you for such a great community magazine! Sent in by Andrew Clark.
Not sure if you have an adult winner’s section for finding Mr Woody Woodpecker, but we parents do hunt every month too. Here is Jess Griffin, age 33, Woodend and Jeannette McKie, age 60, from Glasgow, Scotland over visiting family. I think they’ll absolutely hate me for submitting this, but it would make my day to see their faces printed. Sent in by Jamie McKie.
Mr Woody Woodpecker was found by Tia Broadhurst, age 12, Waikuku. Sent in by Donna Jarvis.
Mr Woody Woodpecker found by Bailey Rae Broadhurst, age 9, Waikuku. Sent in by Donna Jarvis. Mr Woody Woodpecker found on page 3 by Reo Broadhurst, age 5, Waikuku. Sent in by Donna Jarvis. Here’s Clementine Crawford, age 6, Pegasus who is new to the area and found Mr Woody Woodpecker. She loved seeing her friend Megan’s photo and another friend from Pegasus Bay School in the last one! Thanks! Sent in by Linda Crawford, Clementine’s grandma.
Pete Katae, age 38, Ravenswood, found Mr Woody Woodpecker! Sent in by his amazingly beautiful and fantastic wife Mel Kime.
Both my children Van Veltman age 7, and Hayley Veltman age 9, Woodend, found Mr Woody Woodpecker today after going to the PGRI family fun day out (great event). Neither wanted to be photographed together lol. Siblings ha-ha. Sent in my Melissa Veltman. My kids have been nagging me to a Mr Woody Woodpecker photo for three years, so I’ve finally succumbed! Here’s Ceci and Fern Wilson, aged 8 and 4, Tuahiwi. Sent in by Alex Wilson. We found Mr Woody Woodpecker as we do every month, but I keep forgetting to send in a photo. So here it goes, Bryan Grant, age 9, Woodend. Sent in by Olivia Grant.
Lily Hadland, age 9, Ohoka. Sent in by Renee Browne.
Frankie Duffield, age 10, and sister Lexi Duffield, age 6, Belfast found Mr Woody Woodpecker when visiting nana in Woodend. Sent in by Gaynor Hurford (nana).
Here is Harper Fox, age 10, Woodend finding the Mr Woody Woodpecker and very happy to find it! Sent in by Nikki Fox.
Hunter Jamila, age 6, Ravenswood. Sent in by Albert Jamila. My daughter Taiga McPhail, age 8, Woodend has found Mr Woody Woodpecker. Sent in by Cassie McPhail.
Charis Urwin, age 8, from Pegasus. Sent in by Zoe Westparkel.
WHO FOUND MR WOODY WOODPECKER?
St Barnabas Church Update
If you had happened to pop along to the Pegasus playground around 4pm on a Sunday in February or the Ravenswood Playground the first Sunday in March, you might have seen a St Barnabas Church picnic in action. We had a great month of being ‘Church without Walls’ and having fun, and food together. It was so much fun to have families join us for games like egg and spoon race, the sack race, three-legged race, bear crawl race and the ski race. Children were able to get their faces painted and we enjoyed having ice blocks and sausages together, all while some live music was played in the background. If you joined us for one of these picnics, we hope you had as much fun as we did. Keep an eye out as some more picnics will be coming
soon and everybody is welcome. Friday afternoons continue to be a busy space in our church car park and hall as we run Free Food at 4pm. We are so grateful to the local support we have from places like Ravenswood New World and Satisfy Food rescue to be able to keep blessing our community with food each week. Anyone is welcome attend and get some needed food for their whanau. Although we have a regular food supply from Satisfy this is sometimes not enough to cover the needs of our community. If there are any local businesses who might have any type of food that could be given away, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Revd Steven on 027 230 0146 if you might be able to partner with us to support our local community. As we come up to Easter all are welcome to join us for any of our Easter Services. Maundy Thursday - 7pm Good Friday - 9.30am
Would you like your club or community group to be listed in Community Contacts?
If you would like your community group or club listed in our community contacts page, please would you contact the Editor via email providing the appropriate details and these can be included. Thank you! Email our Editor Debs on debs.thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz
– –for anyone to get their vaccine. Please book an appointment in the “Flu Clinic”
“I am a French general practitioner with has supported me since my arrival.”
& relax afterwards in the spa/sauna. If you’re looking to improve your health,
– to look after your needs appropriately, please note a doctor’s appointments is 15 minutes, this is enough time to cover one or… if time is favourable two issues.
If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be twirling my way through Scottish Country Dancing, I’d have laughed and asked if you’d lost your mind! I was convinced I was one of the most uncoordinated people in Canterbury. But here I am, a proud member of the Scottish Country Dancing North Canterbury Group—and loving every second of it!
It all started when a friend and I signed up for beginner classes. We were part of a lively group of around 14 eager (and slightly nervous) dancers, meeting once a week. Now, I’ll be honestone week between lessons was just enough time to forget half of what we’d learned! But what kept us coming back was the sheer joy of it all. Sure, Scottish Country Dancing is physical, but the beauty of it is that even if mobility is an issue, you can still enjoy it by walking through the dances. Our group leader, Sharon, is a superstar. She has the patience of a saint and should have a chest full of medals for the way she guides us. And let me tell you, there’s a lot to guide us through! The basic steps seemed impossible at first, and the formations. They kept me on my toes—literally! Then there are the different dance styles: jigs and reels, which are fast and lively, and the elegant (but deceptively tricky) strathspey, where every movement is on display—nowhere to hide!
Stepping Into Scottish Country Dancing: A Journey from Two Left Feet to Pure Joy! comes together is nothing short of exhilarating. Now, you might be wondering—why put yourself through all that effort? Well, apart from being an absolute blast, Scottish Country Dancing comes with a treasure trove of benefits. It’s fantastic for fitness—way more fun than sweating it out at the gym! While it’s not a hardcore workout, it’s still great for bone health, coordination, and muscle strength. And the brain benefits? Huge! Learning the steps, remembering the formations, and staying in sync with others give your mind a serious workout. And then, there are the events— dancing weekends, holidays, and gatherings worldwide! Imagine long lines of dancers moving in perfect harmony to the sound of a live band, all on a sprung floor (which, by the way, feels like dancing on a trampoline!). It’s magical.
So, if you’re looking for something fun, social, and challenging, why not give Scottish Country Dancing a go? It’s inexpensive (just a good pair of dancing shoes needed), and the joy it brings is priceless. We meet every Monday at 7:30pm at the Methodist Hall, 176 King Street, Rangiora. Come and give it a whirl—you never know where your feet might take you!
Want to be added to our mailing list?
The best part? You don’t need a partner. Everyone dances with everyone, creating an incredibly social and welcoming atmosphere. The sense of achievement when a dance
Want to receive our digital version of The Woodpecker?
Email Debs, Editor on: debs.thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz
Perfect for Mother’s Day
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This Month with Harry
Concluding a little on the Reverend John Raven. Whilst not commonly known John Raven was one of those responsible for the birth of ‘The Press’. In March,1861, a group of Christchurch gentry and businessmen including James Fitzgerald, a former New Zealand prime minister had a meeting. They weren’t happy with the writings of the ‘Lyttelton Times’ and wanted something ‘better’. Raven was the prime business organiser. He bought out a Lyttelton printer and provided the office, a three roomed house he owned on Montreal Street. The first edition appeared on the 25 May 1861. After a bit of a shaky start with Fitzgerald contributing most of the editorial, by the end of the year ‘The Press’ was securely established. He later boasted that ‘The Press’ already produced ‘more good writing and valuable criticism than any other paper in the south seas at the same time’. As stated in a previous story, despite their earlier quarrels, Raven and Henry Sewell were to become the best of friends. On the day Ravens’ house burnt down they were on a picnic together at Ashley Gorge. On a visit to Raven in January 1854, Sewell, who didn’t mince matters recorded in his journal Mr Raven is of indomitable resolution and perseverance, the perfection of a Colonist; builds his own kitchen, and does everything himself. The children all wonderfully healthy and greatly improved. Nothing can be kinder than they are, and they put up with a good deal of extra inconvenience to make us welcome. Their Servants (faithful and attached domestics, invaluable creatures who
would never quit their old master) have all of course left them. One got drunk and was impudent, another wished to better himself, a housemaid found the work too much - in short, they have been absolutely deserted. An elderly dame, a mere accident does for them as Cook, Nurse, and everything. In short, they are obliged to do for themselves. And so to the origins of the street names in Ravenswood. With a few exceptions, most of the names were given after early settlers, as decided by a motion put forward by the Rangiora County Council in 1974. We will start with Mehrtens Crescent, so named after Heinrich Mehrtens who was my great-great uncle. From Lenstedt in Germany he arrived at Lyttelton in 1867 and after working about Canterbury he settled in the district in 1873. In 1876 he married Jane Oldman who had be born in NZ. About this time he went into partnership with his brother Diedrich (the start of a long line of All Blacks) farming at Camside. At first, they all got along nicely, but the wives didn’t. Diedrich had married Caroline Wilke from Oxford who had a propensity to revert to the mother tongue which Jane didn’t understand. When the partnership dissolved about 1900 Heinrich purchased ‘Waiora’, the home block of Judge Gressons by now somewhat diminished estate. Family lore has he left ‘Waiora’ one morning in the horse and gig with his shotgun and a bag with 1100 gold sovereigns, drove to Christchurch and purchased a new traction engine and threshing mill. Antill Street. Named after William Antill an early butcher and stock dealer
in Woodend. He had worked as a boundary rider for Moore of Glenmark. Each day he would ride through what is now the Weka Pass keeping the sheep on Moore’s estate. Antills bridge at the southern start to the Weka Pass is named after him. TBC - JH
Can you find Mr Woody Woodpecker!
Mr Woody Woodpecker is hidden amongst one of The Woodpecker pages.
For fun, search for him and if you find him, please EMAIL the Editor on debs.thewoodpecker@outlook. co.nz with a high resolution photo of you pointing to the very page where Mr Woody Woodpecker is, along with your name, age and location and your photo will go in next month’s Woodpecker.
HEAT PUMP CLEANING
Woodend Methodist Church Update
We continue our Lent season – a time of solemnity and self-reflectionleading up to Easter with the following services.
Sunday 6 April Lent 5, Holy Communion 9am Rev Hun Hoe Song
Sunday 13 April Lent 6, Palm Sunday 9am Losana Korovulavula
Sunday 20 April Easter Sunday 9am Rev Hun Hoe Song
Sunday 27 April 9am Preacher to be decided
The April movie will be on Wednesday 2 April 1pm at Woodend Methodist Hall. The movie will be ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ which is a 1987 American war comedy film set in Saigon during the Vietnam War.
$5 admission and afternoon tea will be served.
Dance and Sing is a session of music and movement for preschoolers and their care givers. Come along to Trinity Methodist Church, King Street, Rangiora at 10am on a Wednesday morning during school terms and enjoy a morning of singing, dancing, rhymes, fun and friendship – morning tea included. $5 per family per session. Booking of our Woodend complex. You can hold small or large gatherings e.g. classes, tutoring, concerts, interviews, conferences, clubs etc. –for any enquiries please contact Kaye at the Rangiora Trinity Office, 176 King Street, Rangiora, 313 3448 or email methodist.rangiora@gmail.com Rangiora Trinity office hours - Tuesday 10-1 Wednesday 9.45am - 1.45pm Thursday 10am - 1pm.
Now’s the time to check up on your gardening tools. It’s always easier to work with a clean sharp tool than struggle with last year’s condition. Ph Clive 027 245 5770
We are a local service o ering to bring your gardening mower or clippers up to top operational condition. We are based in Pegasus o ering quick cost e ective services to the local community.
Phone Clive for prompt collection and delivery of your favourite garden implement.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday 5th April
Div 1 vs Southern Away Game
Saturday 12th April
Div 1 vs Springston Away Game
Thursday 17th April (Night Game)
Div 1 vs Saracens
Home Field 3
Saturday 26th April (Night Game)
Div 1 vs West Melton
Home Field 1
WOODEND RUGBY
FOOTBALL CLUB
Touch Final Night Highlights
The grand finals were a spectacle, with each division producing nail-biting action right up until the final whistle. Congratulations to our division winners “Big claves in the halves” and they were awarded the Brook Wilson Memorial Trophy. A huge congratulations to all teams who participated this season—your commitment and competitive spirit made for an exciting tournament. See You Next Season! As we close the chapter on another successful touch rugby season, we’re already looking forward to what’s in store for next year. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming rugby events at Woodend Rugby Club, and we hope to see you all back on the field for another action-packed season in the future!
On Saturday, 15th March, our senior teams came together to fundraise for our club. Over 300 hāngī were prepared for the event, and we are incredibly grateful for all the donations and the people who gave up their time to help make this day a huge success. Not only did this initiative raise money for our club, but it also brought the community together.
Woodend Rugby Club Hāngī Fundraiser
We are looking for some adult deliverers, for any of the three areas above to join our dynamic team of volunteers at The Woodpecker. The commitment is ONLY one hour a month approximately and would ideally suit someone who loves walking, meeting people and giving back to the community. If you think this might be you, please contact our Editor Debs at debs. thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz
Why are Vets so interested in urine?
One of the first questions I will ask a person presenting a cat or dog with increased drinking, urinating inside or weight loss is "Have you got a urine sample?".
Why this focus on urine?
The kidneys are responsible for many things including filtering the blood in the body. Urine is one of the important windows as to what is happening inside the body.
The concentration of the urine is of interest when related to symptoms of changes of thirst, not to mention what cells or crystals we can see in the sample.
So don't be afraid to bring in a fresh "sample", your dog or cat will probably thank you for it!
