This month we are running a census and delivering to those mailboxes with ‘addressee only’ or with ‘no advertising’ to see if The Woodpecker community magazine might be something you would like to read and receive again.
If you would rather not receive a copy again, please email debs.thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz or text on 021 863 877 and this will be noted for future reference in our files. If, however, you enjoyed reading The Woodpecker and would like to receive a copy each month, same applies, please email or text and let us know.
There are a number of homeowners with these on their mailboxes who have indicated they would like to receive a copy, hence the census.
Thanking you in anticipation for your feedback.
Editor’s Note
Tēnā koutou
Autumn has been such a mixture with Mother Nature offering us some amazing weather, although sadly not great over Easter weekend, and now here we are in the last month of autumn watching the leaves change colour and fall – such a colourful time of year.
I’m sure you’ve seen our front-page notice! We are so excited to share all the exciting things that are happening with the Trust. With the help of Waimakariri District Council, we are developing detailed delivery maps for each of the areas we deliver to in Pegasus, Woodend, Ravenswood, Tuahiwi, Waikuku and the beach areas which will be available in the next few months.
Our recent deliverer sessions highlighted some houseowners with ‘addressee only’ letter boxes wanted The Woodpecker and so this month only, our deliverers will be delivering The Woodpeckers to ALL letterboxes as a census to identify anyone who may not even be aware of our wonderful community publication. If you are one of those homeowners, and are reading this, we would love to hear from you. Once we hear back from everyone we can create ‘flags’ on addresses where not to deliver; this enables us to ensure we are reaching everyone we can.
I would also like to take this opportunity to give thanks to those who volunteered to deliver in response to our plea for help the last couple of months. We are virtually up to full capacity now, although anyone interested could still be a ‘back up’ – all it requires is for you to be an adult and have 1-2 hours a month to spare to deliver in an area near you. Lastly this year we are making more of an event to bolt on to our AGM with keynote speakers, giving an update on recent improvements, and making an announcement of our new community opportunity. Please do ‘save the date’ and come along and join us. Details below.
SAVE THE DATE - Tuesday 22 July at 6pm at Woodend Community Centre for a Woodpecker Community Trust Information Evening + AGM. Keynote speakers – learn more about what we do, find out about our improvements for our deliverers in the form of detailed maps, and hear about the launch of a great funding opportunity for local communities.
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.
Large multinational manufacturers and retailers own more than 80% of hearing clinics in New Zealand. We’re not one of them.
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• General Dentistry
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• ACC Accredited (no surcharge)
• Teeth Whitening • Hygiene Clinic • Facial Plan • Dental Therapy • Oral Medicine Specialist
• Minor Oral Surgery • New Zealand trained Clinicians
• Ample parking, easy access
• Community Services Card discounts
Lions Club of Woodend Pegasus
Sponsors and Volunteers Required
Shelters for Gladstone Park Dog Parks
The Lions Club of Woodend Pegasus is seeking expressions of interest for sponsorship to help provide the materials and volunteers who are suitably qualified and experienced to take part in this project.
The project will require fencing for the site s (there will be two of them, one in the small dog, dog park and one in the big dog, dog park) during construction .
Scaffolding during construction .
Fencing of the site during construction
Clearing the site and boring holes for the posts .
It is envisaged that, subject to Council approval, signage will be attached to each shelter with the names of sponsors supporting this project
Together, we can make a difference
If you are prepared to help with sponsorship , help provide material or willing to volunteer your time and skills for your community, please contact:
President Jeff Taylor- Hayhurst at 021 865 877 or email president.woodendpegasus@lionsclubs.org.nz or Marketing Director Gay Walker 027 436 1364
The Strathspey: Scotland’s
In the lively world of Scottish country dancing, one dance stands apart—not for its speed, but for its grace. The Strathspey, a regal yet rhythmic dance, is Scotland’s answer to the waltz but with Highland flair.
If reels are the life of the party and jigs are a joyful sprint, the Strathspey is the grand entrance - poised, precise, and deeply rooted in Scottish heritage. With its 4/4-time signature and signature Scot snap—a quick-short rhythm pattern - it’s a masterclass in control and style.
A Dance Born in the Highlands
Named after the Strathspey region in Scotland, this dance emerged in the 18th century. Unlike the high-energy reel, Strathspeys were traditionally performed at grand gatherings. The slower tempo allows for intricate footwork, including the iconic setting step, which creates a mesmerising back-and-forth motion. Strathspeys were first danced at ceilidhs and village gatherings, accompanied by fiddles and bagpipes. Over time, they found their way into grander venues, becoming a staple in Scottish country dance competitions and social events worldwide.
A Dance That Bridges Tradition and Fun
Beginners appreciate the slower tempo as they master their steps, while seasoned dancers enjoy showcasing their precision.
A Strathspey Revival?
Though reels and jigs often steal the spotlight, the Strathspey is experiencing a resurgence. Scottish dance groups continue to embrace its charm, and young musicians
Slow Dance with a Snap!
are breathing new life into classic Strathspey tunes.
Closer to home, the Rangiora Scottish Country Dancing Club is welcoming new members to master the Strathspey. Beginners appreciate the slower tempo as they master their steps, while seasoned dancers enjoy showcasing their precision.
So, when you hear the lilting strains of a Strathspey, step onto the floor and embrace the magic of Scotland’s most elegant dance!
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!
SPICE N LIGHT
WAIMAKARIRI EVENTS
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
NORTH CANTERBURY CREATIVE MARKET
4 May 11am-3pm – Autumn Market All markets are held at the Kaiapoi Club, 113 Raven Quay, Kaiapoi
KEEP IN TOUCH events@visitwaimakariri.co.nz visitwaimakariri.co.nz/events
ART EXHIBITIONS
ART ON THE QUAY
“Masked Artists Gallery” 24 April – 28 May 2025, Kaiapoi Library, 176 Williams Street, Kaiapoi
CHAMBER GALLERY
“Circle of Silence” by Karina Rympa 4 May – 19 June 2025, Rangiora Library, 141 Percival Street, Rangiora
OXFORD GALLERY
“FOLIO 2025: Oxford Area School” 14 March – 20 April 2025, 72 Main Street, Oxford
The Pegasus Woodend shed is your LOCAL Menzshed!!
We support the community and residents in the Woodend, Ravenswood, Waikuku, and Pegasus areas; the same communities in which the bulk of the Woodpecker magazines are distributed.
Located in Gladstone Park across from the Woodend Rugby Club our hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am to 1.00pm. Our membership consists of mainly older retired men (or those who are close to it), and welcome any interested men to come down and see what we are about.
Like other Menzsheds (there are four in Waimakariri), we work on projects for the community, local residents and ourselves. We can turn our hand to a wide range of skills especially in carpentry and some engineering. There is no requirement for interested members to have any particular skills, just to be keen and enthusiastic about woodwork or metalwork and have the DIY attitude to whatever comes along.
CONTACTS
menzshedpegasuswoodend@gmail.com Steve 02102377864 Derrick 0224365960 John 021347805 facebook.com/Menzshedpegasuswoodend/
Dragon Stone Paving Ltd
Professional paving specialists based in Woodend with over 30 years of combined industry experience
Patios, pathways, driveways, doorways, pool surroundings, stone landscaping ... anywhere you could need paving
We are a quick, reliable, friendly, and tidy professional team Check
Cuppa in the Community
Free morning tea for people from Woodend, Ravenswood, Pegasus and surrounding areas. 10am first Tuesday monthly at St Barnabas Church Hall, Woodend.
Two representatives, Shayne Robinson and Karla Manaena, from the Woodend Voluntary Fire Service came along to speak at our April meeting. This was another topic that came from the supporters of our community cuppa, and it proved to be an excellent one. To begin with Shayne and Karla gave us facts about the voluntary fire service and this was followed by many questions from the floor. The volunteer fire services look after the area between Redwood in Christchurch to Nelson. That is a huge area. They went on to tell us that in the las t year the Woodend Voluntary fire service took 234 callouts. Reasons for these callouts included fires, animal rescues, medical events and accidents, where they support St John Ambulance Service. Volunteer firefighters spend three hours each month training for their job. The siren that we are all familiar with is only used during daylight hours. At night the firefighters are contacted via pagers. There was discussion about smoke alarms. The new building regulations now require new builds to have interconnected alarms, if one goes off, the whole lot go off. Smoke alarms should be tested twice a year, usually when daylight savings begins and ends. Fire fighters will help put them up if you have no one else to do it for you.
The questions kept coming, such was the interest, but we had to draw it to an end so we could have an update from Shona Powell, Woodend Sefton Community Board. Shona works very hard on our behalf, and she had some good news about a bus stop on Bob Robertso n Drive outside McDonalds. This has approval and when implemented will mean that people from Ravenswood who want to catch the bus to town, will no longer have to cross State Highway 1. She also gave an update on the proposed footpath from Ravenswood to Chinnerys Road. A continuing work in progress.
Thanks to our sponsors Joe's Garage, The Coffee Club and St Barnabas Church.
For your diary: Tuesday 6 May – Community cuppa – speaker Dean Eades, Emergency Management Advisor
PEGASUS GARDEN EQUIPMENT SERVICING
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.
Woodend Friendship Club
The Annual General Meeting for the Woodend Friendship Club was held on 19 March. Jack Dzenis is President with Andrew Petrie Vice President and Lyn Petrie Secretary. The Friendship Club is dedicated to creating an inviting space for seniors in our community. If you are retired and looking to meet new people and make new friends, this may be what you are looking for. As well as a monthly meeting where interesting speakers are invited, there is also opportunity during the month for activities that promote the development of lasting friendships. Lunches, coffee mornings and subsid ised bus trips are all offered.
The weather was perfect, and we explored the area before having a picnic lunch.
The Woodend Friendship Club meets on the third Wednesday monthly at the Woodend Community Centre at 2pm. If you are retired and looking for a way to connect with other people, please come along for a visit. We welcome new people and would like to increase our membership.
Our latest bus trip was to Iron Ridge quarry sculpture park. Raymond Herber purchased this derelict lime quarry in 1997 and set about making it the attractive property it now is. A backdrop of hills showing the lime excavations and an amazing view across the valley in front of an original building now used as a reception area, workshop and accommodation.
Family, footy, and first games!
Upcoming Games
Check out our Facebook page for the latest club updates!
WOODEND RUGBY
FOOTBALL CLUB
Woodend Club Day
The Woodend Rugby Club Day is on Saturday, 3rd May, and it’s just around the corner—shaping up to be an exciting day at our home ground. Our juniors will kick things off with their first games of the season. It’s a significant milestone for them, and we’d love to see everyone there to cheer them on. Later in the day, our senior teams and the women's team will take the field, and it's always a thrilling match to watch. Whether you're there for the rugby, the camaraderie, or simply to enjoy a casual Saturday, it’s a day to mark on your calendar. The event promises a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to connect and support our local teams, making it a great way to spend the day at the club.
1st Game played under the lights!
The atmosphere was electric as players took to the field for the first game played under the new lights last week, with the new lighting providing clear visibility and a sense of excitement that enhanced the entire match. It was a milestone moment for the club! We’re are so thankful for everyone who helped make this possible—whether through donations, volunteer work, or community support!
MainPower Community Decarbonisation Fund open
A new MainPower sponsorship fund is set to encourage community-driven decarbonisation projects in North Canterbury.
The MainPower Community Decarbonisation Fund will distribute
up to $100,000 of funding towards projects that facilitate decarbonisation on the MainPower network.
MainPower Chief Executive Andy Lester says the fund will be open to not-for-profit organisations and other entities involved in sustainability projects that can demonstrate direct benefits for the North Canterbury community.
“MainPower has long been a proud supporter of community initiatives, sponsoring more than half a million dollars in the last year, including $80,000 through the MainPower Community Fund. This new Fund significantly adds to this, distributing $100,000 annually to support projects that directly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices within the community.
projects, electrification projects, new technology adoption, lighting upgrades or research projects into future solutions for sustainability practices.”
Mr Lester says the MainPower Community Decarbonisation Fund is further evidence of MainPower’s commitment to supporting the community and driving positive change through sustainable practices.
“This is part of MainPower’s MPowered Future strategy, which identifies ‘decarbonising our place’ as a key focus area. We have a commitment to ensure 40% of our annual funding this year goes towards sustainability efforts, up from 20% last year – and we’re aiming for 60% next year. This new fund is a big step in that direction. “We’re excited to support projects, large and small, that are contributing to the future of our community
through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and increased focus on decarbonisation.”
“This could include renewable energy
Applications close on 30 June 2025. Apply online via the MainPower website or contact MainPower’s Customer and Corporate Relations team on 0800 30 90 80.
Woodend - Sefton Community Board
Owen Stalker Park, Woodend
Ever wondered about Owen Stalker and why a park is named after him? You can find out thanks
to a Board project. Signage with information about Owen Stalker and his contribution to the community is to be installed along with an interactive word scramble game and fact find train game. The park is worth a visit to find out more and have fun on the flying fox and revamped train.
Funding Grant
The Board approved a grant of $750 for the Woodend Indoor Bowling Club toward purchasing a set of bowls to cater for increasing membership.
Does your community group need funding for an event, a project, or something specific. We may be able to help - find out more at waimakariri.govt.nz/community/funding -and-grants/board-funding
New Bus Stop, Ravenswood
Environment Canterbury have agreed to the Board’s request to alter the bus route slightly to allow the bus to deviate a short way into Ravenswood.
The bus will travel in from SH1 as far as the 1st roundabout by Gull and turn around with the bus stop in place on Bob Robertson Drive in front of McDonalds. At the time of writing the start date for this change in route is unknown so please check the Metro Planner.
Our next meeting – all are welcome Monday 12 May starting 5.30pm in the Woodend Community Centre
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
darker evenings, it’s a reminder that Autumn is well on its way!
“ I never take the trust that my patients put in me lightly. It is an enormous privilege to share your ”
is 15 minutes, this is enough time to cover one or… if time is favourable two issues. If you have
We have been loving autumn with lots of fun activities such a youth group and whanau bonfire night, Garage Sale, ‘Palm Sundae’ leading into Easter Week, and of course celebrating Easter together. We have also had our weekly Free Food on Friday and Sunday services which anyone and everyone are most welcome to come to. If you are ever in need of some quiet space and Sunday morning seems too much to come to, you are always welcome to join us for 5pm prayer during the week.
St Barnabas Church
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Pegasus Woodend Women’s Institute have had a very busy couple of months, in March we had a very interesting Speaker, Stuart Batty from the Rotary Club who has spent a lot of time working in the South Pacific with the South Pacific Fund distributing school equipment including chairs, desks and schoolbooks also helping with water and sanitation infrastructure. In April we held a craft session making Easter bunnies with 16 members present. It was a fun day, and we welcomed a potential new member who came along to see what we get up to.
Our upcoming meeting in May is a trip to the cinema and lunch at a local pub and in June we are celebrating our 11th birthday with a midwinter Christmas dinner and invited guests.
Below are photographs of the donations to the South Pacific Fund of school supplies knitting donations going to our selected charity for the year Good Night Sleep Tight and the Easter Bunnies made.
If you are interested in coming along to see what we do please contact Mavis Elms President 027 622 0230, Julie Robinson Secretary 021 669 747 or Pam Cleeve Treasurer 021 170 9895.
Woodend y
Welcome to our May addition of “ what ’s been happening” within our community association
Change of date for the EMERGENCY HUB for Woodend - Wed 14 May th
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 Wednesday 14 May, 7 to 9pm at the Woodend Youth Building next to the school , 38 Rangiora Woodend 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 .
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
Woodend Community CLEAN UP - Sat 10th May
As our seasonal mission to tidy up our community, we are putting our gloves on and cleaning up parts of Woodend on Saturday the 10 May. th If you have a spare morning, meet us at the Woodend Community Centre at 9am Please bring gloves and sacks to fill with rubbish if you have any We will shout you a coffee afterwards.
Joss Coffee Club - Wed 9.30am at Coffee Club Ravenswood
Joss is apart of our community association and has set up this club to help people connect in our community If you love a natter and meeting new people this is the place for 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.
Te Kōhaka
o Tūhaitara Trust - Seasonal Update
Don’t you love autumn with its changing colours and the quiet, picturesque transformation of our environment! Now is the perfect time for local environmentalists, fitness enthusiasts, artists, and poets to be inspired by long walks and bike rides in the park. With more rain in autumn, be mindful of wet spots throughout the park as you explore the trails. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the beautiful seasonal colours - whether in the crisp morning air with dewdrops still on the ground, or in the golden light of the early evening. Our coastal wetlands provide a breathtaking natural escape, free for all to enjoy. Plantings:
for planting. About 35 of us set out from Courtenay Drive and planted over 650 native seedlings in just 1.5 hours! You can see more photos on our Facebook page and website. The next community planting day will be in Spring - keep an eye out in August for details about our plans in September.
Bring your friends and family for a rewarding way to support your environment.
To help expand our native planting efforts, Trees That Count has donated 3,500 native trees to the Trust. We are currently planning
We’re gearing up for the planting season, having kicked off with our planting day on April 5th at Mahinga Kai Huria Reserve - a great success! A huge thank you to our volunteers for bringing your passion
where these will be planted within our restoration nodes and other key areas.
Upcoming Events:
Over Easter weekend, we hosted the National Orienteering Championships. It was fantastic to see 300 of New Zealand’s keenest orienteers tackle the Middle-Distance event in Waikuku and the Relay event in Woodend. Our park was chosen for its diverse and challenging terrain, making it a prime location for this national competition.
Park Maintenance:
Our Community Service teams know better than anyone what a physical challenge it is to maintain the park. These dedicated teams work weekly on brush cutting, pest plant control, and track maintenance across the park from Pines Beach to Pegasus. Thank you to all involved - your efforts make
a visible difference!
Wildlife:
The wetlands in our park are home to unique and threatened species, including Bittern, Kōtuku, Marsh Crake, and Kōwaro. In early 2020, a pair of NZ dabchicks was sighted - the first recorded sighting in Canterbury in over 100 years!
To protect these precious species, our dedicated volunteer trappers maintain a trapping programme throughout the park. Since January, they have caught 53 hedgehogs, 24 mice, 39 rats, two stoats, and 6 weasels. While these numbers reflect our trapping efforts, they also highlight the ongoing risk to native wildlife. The long-term vision of our park as a safe haven for native species relies on the continued work of our Trust staff and volunteers.
WHO FOUND MR WOODY WOODPECKER LAST MONTH?
Kai Penei, age 9 and Beau Penei, age 6, South New Brighton (below) were visiting Nana in Tuahiwi with their dad, Tino Penei. They were excited to show their dad that they could find Mr Woody Woodpecker, not sure who spotted him first though! Sent in by Deb Penei.
Evelyn Hoyer, age 8, Ravenswood (right). Sent in by Catriona Hoyer.
I think I have found Mr Woody Woodpecker! (Or at least I hope I have and I’m not pointing at a random smudge on the paper.) My name is Dayna-Lea Johnson, I am 24yrs, and I am from Rolleston. My mum is collecting the newspapers for our friend who is in Paris for a butchery contest! Go Sam!!!! Sent in by Dayna. P.S. my mum is waiting to see my face printed in this segment next month.
Woodend Methodist Report
Rev Song will be taking the Communion Service at Woodend Methodist at 9am on 4 May and the service on 18 May. The other Sundays will be Lay Preachers. If you are a resident or visitor in the area, we warmly welcome you to Woodend Methodist Church.
The May movie will be on Wednesday 7 May 1pm at Woodend Methodist Hall. The movie will be ‘Evita’ which depicts the life of Eva Peron detailing her beginnings, rise to fame, political career and death at the age of 33. $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. From 18 May after the Rangiora Trinity service at about 11.30am the Pastoral Committee will serve soup and rolls. This will occur every 3rd Sunday in May, June, July and August. 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.
1/2 PAGE ADVERT
Want to promote your business?
Want to make your business more visible?
A 1/2 page has space for information, image and logo about your business!
This space could have been yours.
We require a print ready file from you to have your advert in The Woodpecker.
We can arrange someone to design your advert for you at a very reasonable cost if you can’t arrange this for yourself.
Interested?
Contact The Editor for details, costs and specifications.
Email: debs.thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz
The Inaugural event for Pegasus parkrun was held on the morning of 18 June 2016, 61 participants (half of whom were visiting from other NZ parkruns) took to the new course with vigour and a minimalist six volunteers attended to the ‘running’ of the event. We have just completed event number 427 in which 14 of those original participants were again at Pegasus and, I’m happy to report that almost all of our ‘originals’ are still involved in parkrun, I’m also very happy to report that our event (and almost all other parkrun events) are growing in support from local communities - in fact we have had another 41 people complete their very first parkrun ever, right here at Pegasus over the past month.
Dogs are welcome at our parkrun, but they need to be on a short, hand-held, nonretractable lead and under control, waist harnesses are not permitted. On a much lighter note, we celebrated Easter this weekend just gone in true Pegasus style, bunny related additions were evident in many of
It’s absolutely brilliant seeing those smiles of satisfaction during and after the 5km.
We are particularly family oriented here at Pegasus and consider it a privilege when you bring other family members along, there are a couple of very simple rules that we need everyone to understand and comply with.
All under 11-years of age children must be accompanied by yourself, a guardian or designated adult - at all times.
our participants choice of attire, as were tutus, the event began with one of The Mad Hatter appearances and ended with an Easter Bunny providing chocolate covered treats for the Junior parkrunners. Come along and join the 200 or so who enjoy our event week after week.
We have a First Timers Welcome around 7:50am and begin at 8:00am, or very close to it.
All you need to do is log on to parkrun. co.nz follow the prompts, register and get your barcode. Then come down to our start area on Saturday morning.
SUNDAY from 10am
A R E Y O U i n o u r
l o y a l t y C L U B ?
It’s free to join and you can do all the below plus more….
Scan your app to e a r n & re d e e m p o i n t s
Receive a special gift on your b i r t h d ay
View our eve n t s & w h a t ’ s o n guide
Browse our food & drink m e n u s
Make b o o k i n g s via the app
COMMUNITY NOTICES
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.
Circle of Silence is an Art Therapist’s expressive journey of transformation. This is a story of transition from Chronos time to Kyro’s time, to where linear time becomes timeless. It is a highly emotional journey for many families when a loved one declines into Alzheimer’s. Karina Rypma’s exhibition deploys the tools of Art Therapy to document her process.
Your community notice could have used this space to promote your group or club event.
Contact the Editor debs. thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz
Rangiora Scouts Camp at Omaka
Over the weekend of 28 to 30 May, over 80 Rangiora Keas, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, leaders and helpers gathered for an action-packed two-night camp at Omaka Scout Camp. The weekend was filled with outdoor fun, teamwork, and hands-on activities like raft-making, where creativity and collaboration took centre stage. The camp was a great opportunity for the groups to connect, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors together. A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated leaders and helpers who made the camp a success. We’re also incredibly
grateful to the local businesses that supported us with generous donations: Artisan Bakery Rangiora, Veges Direct Woodend, and Rangiora PAK ‘n SAVE. Your contributions helped fuel the fun!
We are always on the lookout for more leaders, we have Scouts Monday and Keas and Cubs Tuesdays and Wednesday nights. email rangiora@group. scouts.nz for more information.
Contact the Editor on debs. thewoodpecker@ outlook.co.nz to add your details.
We are beyond proud and thankful of everyone who was involved in Relay For Life North Canterbury 2025, your support of this year’s event has blown us away, THANK YOU!
Community Foot Care Clinic
Held in Woodend monthly. Phone 021 022 49443 for an appointment.
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.
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
COMMUNITY NOTICES
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.
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 non-members 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.
Spend $30 instore and go in the draw for a Mothers Day Pack including a Daphne Competition closes May 9th
to receive our catalogues via email and place your orders for winter
This month, I have attached our calls for the year to date - 15 April 2025, and as a comparison, last years’ calls at the same time (note the number reversal!!).
You will see that most of the statistics are very similar, except for the vegetation fires. Last year was a scorcher of a year, whereby our tanker was called not only to our district, but also our neighbouring districts, due to dryness, heat and wind. It was extreme and many hours were tied up fighting those fires by our volunteers. As you will have read previously, we have a diverse group of Volunteers, ranging from one attending University, others working in neighbouring districts, a stay-at-home mum of three young children, volunteers in their own businesses, to a couple of semi-retired volunteers. You can appreciate that a lot of hours take them away from their day to day lives and on behalf of the Woodend Volunteer Fire Brigade, I would like to take this time to thank them for the hours spent, not only on the fireground, but also time taken
to train and be ready for whatever the call throws at them – again a reminder that we are volunteers and not paid!
Going back to the call numbers you will see we attend a high number of motor vehicle accidents as we are situated on a main highway. A lot of these are quite traumatic and involve a lot of skill to rescue the occupants of the vehicles. Members are highly trained with our rescue equipment
which has recently been updated and is very efficient. There is generally a team doing road safety around the accident scene, and we are all trained in First Aid, with some having higher qualifications up to an intensive care paramedic with Westpac Helicopters. By the time you read this article, a petition calling for change to ACC Legislation to give volunteer firefighters the same ACC coverage and benefits as their paid colleagues will have been presented to Parliament – Woodend Volunteer Fire Brigade supports this initiative and hope that this is viewed favourably.
Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust’s recent environment networking forum at Mainpower Stadium RangioraEnvironment forum ‘great success’.
The latest environmental news, funding sources and a chance to share progress on projects drew more than 70 people to a Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust forum on 19 March.
“We had an absolutely excellent turnout to hear our speakers with community and catchment groups, consultants, farmers, irrigation and forestry companies all attending,” trustee and forum convenor Sandra Stewart said.
“Speakers covered the council’s newly adopted Waimakariri Natural Environment Strategy, protections for special and revegetated areas and outlined the early stages of the blue-green network proposed for Canterbury.”
The trust also gave everyone a copy of its new funding guide which lists all the sources available for environmental projects locally, regionally and across New Zealand, Stewart said.
“And speakers from the trust outlined what funders are looking for in a good application.
“This is the first time a guide collating all the information people need to help fund identification, protection, planting, maintenance, pest control and enhancement of native vegetation has been available to Waimakariri residents,” Stewart said.
The forum, held at Rangiora’s Mainpower Stadium, was a first for the trust.
“And it’s an event we’d like to repeat,” trust chair Judith Roper-Lindsay said.
“The Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust helps anyone in the community who wants to make a positive difference for
native biodiversity,” she said.
“That includes landowners of small blocks or large farms, town dwellers who want to encourage native wildlife into their garden or business owners with landscaped areas around their properties.
“We can provide advice, support, education and guidance and this forum is just part of that work,” RoperLindsay said.
“We aimed to provide practical and useful information plus an opportunity for groups, organisations and key individuals to meet each other and share what they were doing in protecting and restoring Waimakariri’s natural environment,” Stewart said.
“It was a great success.”
“We invited over 50 different groups from around the district including companies providing services and advice.”
The trust also carried out a project stocktake at the forum asking those attending to map the projects they were involved with and list the challenges they were facing and opportunities they saw.
“We are hoping our analysis shows the connections and collaborations that may be possible to make maintenance, pest and weed control easier,” Stewart said.
“It’s through working together and forging connections we can achieve more.”
The state of Waimakariri’s natural environment was dire, Stewart said.
“Apart from the foothills there is less than one per cent of native vegetation cover still standing.”
The trust wanted to see that sad statistic turned around and the trust’s vision of healthy, thriving, connected and expanded ecosystems achieved, she said.
The Art of Interpretative Floral Design
At a recent club night, the North Canterbury Floral Art Group explored the exciting world of interpretative floral design. Demonstrator Thea Brown set members the challenge of transforming printed images into floral arrangements, encouraging them to express their personal interpretation through flowers, foliage, and other materials. This hands-on activity showcased the group’s creativity and highlighted the endless possibilities of this expressive floral art form.
Floral design is more than just arranging flowers—it is an artistic expression that conveys emotion, tells a story, and evokes a mood. Among the many styles, interpretative floral design stands out as a dynamic and creative approach that allows designers to communicate themes, concepts, or personal inspirations through flowers, foliage, and structural elements. Unlike traditional floral arrangements, which focus on symmetry and formality, interpretative floral design embraces freedom and imagination. Designers draw inspiration from poetry, music, nature, architecture, or even emotions, translating these ideas into floral compositions that are thought-provoking and visually compelling. Key elements of interpretative floral design include movement, contrast, texture, and negative space. Each component is intentionally chosen to reflect the designer’s
vision. For instance, strong, angular branches may depict strength or resilience, while delicate, cascading blooms can symbolise fluidity or sorrow. The balance between these elements ensures harmony, even in the most abstract compositions.
One of the most exciting aspects of interpretative floral design is the use of unconventional materials. Designers often incorporate unexpected elements such as metal, fabric, or driftwood to enhance the narrative. This fusion of natural and man-made materials creates depth and intrigue, pushing the boundaries of traditional floristry.
Whether dramatic or minimalist, interpretative floral design invites both creators and viewers to engage with floral art in a new and meaningful way. It transforms nature’s beauty into a visual language that speaks to the heart and imagination.
Floral Art North Canterbury meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at the Trinity Methodist Centre, 176 King Street, Rangiora. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone with a bit of experience, this is a fantastic way to learn, share ideas, and grow your floral skills. For more information, please contact Sharon on 027 648 6998, or Shelley on 021 124 9016 - we’d love to welcome you to the group!
Mayor Dan Gordon Column
Over recent weeks, I’ve had the privilege of attending a number of events that each, in their own way, reflect the strength, resilience and heart of our community.
It was fantastic to have the opportunity to join my council colleagues for a special viewing of the new Hercules exhibition at the Air Force Museum.
The RNZAF’s Mighty Hercules C130H has served our country with distinction for 60 years, and it was a real treat to sit in the captain’s seat in the cockpit of such an iconic aircraft. My thanks to Director Brett Marshall for the opportunity, this exhibition is an excellent tribute to a remarkable piece of our aviation history.
and volunteers who made the day possible. Their efforts support the vital work of the Southern Cancer Society, helping people navigate one of life’s toughest challenges with dignity and care.
Closer to home, it was an honour to speak at the opening of Relay for Life North Canterbury 2025 at Kaiapoi Rugby Club. This event is a shining example of what’s possible when our community unites for a common cause.
Those who walked the Celebration Lap - whether they were on a current cancer journey, have been through one, or were supporting loved ones –their courage was inspiring to see. It was wonderful event to once again be part of.
A huge thank you also to the Relay for Life organising committee and the many generous partners, suppliers,
As we turned our attention to ANZAC Day, I was reminded again why this is one of the most meaningful occasions I get to be part of as Mayor. Across the Waimakariri District, the ceremonies were a powerful expression of gratitude and remembrance. From the solemn silence at the dawn ceremony to the shared stories of courage. These gatherings provide us the opportunity to honour those who made the greatest sacrifice for our freedoms. My sincere thanks to the RSAs, organisers, and all who attended. We will remember them always. Finally, I hope many of you were able to spend quality time with friends and family over Easter and the school holidays. These shared momentswhether in reflection, remembrance, or celebration are what truly bind us as a community.
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.
• A special selection of imported soft and energy drinks from overseas.
Drycleaning services
Selection of mobile phone accessories & batteries
BUDO Seminar
Some of New Zealand’s top martial arts instructors came together in a fundraiser on behalf of Damien Dobson who tragically lost a leg in a recent motorbike accident.
The BUDO 2025 Seminar presented by 12 talented instructors from Hapkido (Henry Wong), Ju-Jitsu (Paul Reti), Karate (Kev Merriman, Dan Visker & Rebecca Dobson), Muay Thai (Shih Yen), Brazilian Ju-Jitsu (Sharif Al Khadra), Modern Arnis (Martin and Peter Van Meer), MMA (Connor Edmunds) and Tae Kwon Do (Tony Chan and Steve Hall).
The event held at Kaiapoi Cooperating Church was well attended from martial artists gathering from across Canterbury with notable attendances which included former Commonwealth Games Snr. silver medallist Melissa Dunn and Jnr. Gold Mia Desquitado who gave a kata demonstration. It was full day event with each guest instructor teaching elements of their respective martial arts to eager students.
Event organiser Shihan Kev Merriman said about the event “This was the biggest gathering of martial arts disciplines in one place, and we came together for one reason. To support a fellow martial artist whose whole way of life has changed for him and his family. As a Karate instructor Damien has over the years inspired thousands of people to overcome adversity. I
know Damien will rise to this incredible set back and continue to inspire students as soon as he heals. We wish him all the best and look forward to him making a guest appearance next year at the next Budo Seminar”. With ticket sales and donations, the Seminar managed to raise $1,610.00 which will help towards Damien’s rehabilitation. At the midpoint of the seminar Damien’s sister Rebecca made a video call to Damien (who now lives in Australia). She introduced Damien to the gathering, and it was quite an emotional moment for him and those attending.
Sensei Rebeca who taught some of Damien’s favourite Karate techniques, said “What an amazing day of Budo Spirit! So much learning and inspiration with students enjoying the discovery of new techniques from incredibly talented instructors. It was a truly amazing seminar, and it was awesome for Damien to see everyone. He has been amazed by the support for him”.
Sensei Dan Visker stated “We wish to thank all the instructors, the students, Mary and Maria from Kaiapoi Cooperating Church and those who donated. All the Instructors wish Damien a speedy recovery and we look forward to training with him soon”.
Citizens Advice Bureau North Canterbury offers free, confidential, independent information and advice about your rights and the services available in our community.
Our office is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm Services
The CAB service is not-for-profit and delivered by trained volunteers. We’re available face-to-face, by phone and by email.
No question is too big or too small to bring to us. We’ll listen, research and assist you in any way we can. There’s no time limit on how long you can spend with one of our volunteers.
Even if you’ve taken some steps already, we’re happy to discuss options with you and perhaps find even more information to support you. It can be very helpful to talk things over before taking action.
We offer additional services for clients including:
• free Justice of the Peace service (please check for days / times)
• free Beneficiary Advisory, Budgeting, Employment, Immigration, Legal and Legal Information clinics (please check for days / times)
• free CV preparation and cover letter service (by appointment only )
Our Amberley satellite clinic will run in the Amberley Library on Friday, 9 May and Friday, 23 May from 9.30am to 11.30am. Two CAB volunteers will be available in the History Room (away from other library users) to assist you with any matter you’d like help with.
If you or someone you know needs information, advice or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 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 367 222, or send us an email northcanterbury@cab.org.nz
Chips are Flying at the Woodcraft Club!
Call in on any Wednesday afternoon or Thursday evening to the North Canterbury Woodcraft Club, Northbrook Studios, Northbrook Road and you will find a hive of activity. Amongst the thrum of wood being turned on the many lathes the club has at is disposal, there will be one or two members gathered around a lathe, discussing someoneʻs progress or giving advice on how best to progress to the next stage. And that is what the Club is all about - experienced members sharing their knowledge and experience, gained over many years, turning all types of wood on a multitude of projects.
The aim of the club is to encourage all members in their efforts, no matter how big or small the project, to ensure skills are passed on so that the Club can continue to grow. And while many members come to woodturning late in life, when there is more time to give to exploring hobbies and long held intentions, this is not the case at the Woodcraft Club. There are a large number of Junior Members in their teens or even Primary School age who are regular, enthusiastic turners. And there has always been female representation at the Club - it is not just a place for ʻthe boysʻ . Woodturning really is an activity that all ages, male and female, can enjoy.
On one lathe, we may see a vase or bowl being turned, while on another, a Junior member is producing a set of cricket wickets they intend using at home. Wooden bodies for pens, in a variety of beautiful woods, are being turned to be made into working pens on another lathe while someone else is crafting a round hollow box with lid, suitable for jewellery or similar small items. There is no limit to the creativity on display around the workshop.
The Club is called the Woodcraft Club because it is not just about woodturning, even though that is the major function undertaken at this time by members. The Club has a separate area set up for traditional wood working and over the years, members have enjoyed creating projects like building chairs and tables, and even their own coffins!
If you are keen to give wood turning a go, you donʻt need any prior wood working or turning skills or any special tools or equipment. The Club provides all that is necessary - including the wood. All you need is old clothes and enthusiasm. If you would like to find out more, contact the Secretary Paul Wanty on 027 603 9730 or come down to the Clubrooms on Wednesday afternoons or Thursday evenings. Weʻd love to see you there. And if you are looking at having that troublesome tree felled, we are always interested in donations of wood for turning. Please contact the Club, before that tree is dropped, to see how we can help you.
Perfect for Mother’s Day
Show Mum how much you love and appreciate her with this Mothers Day, pampering special from Cherubs Beauty erapy
A beautiful relaxing facial
Normally ($135 ) a complimentary bonus back, neck and shoulder massage and complimentary eyebrow tint or shape for the incredible price of $99.00 Ts & Cs apply
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.
Want 1/8th advertising space? That’s this size! Up to 30 words available - no logos. Interested? Email Debs on: debs.thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz
Top Tips for Funding Workshop
Friday 9 May 10am — 12pm
Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre
$20pp | Registration essential
For more details visit bit.ly/HumanitixCommunityTeam or contact Aimee Claassens 027 236 6016 aimee.claassens@wmk.govt.nz
waimakariri.govt.nz
PEGASUS COMMUNITY NEWS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
For updates on these events, follow our Facebook page or visit our website (see above).
Pegasus Emergency Hub Exercise
We are planning on running a hands-on emergency exercise at the Pegasus emergency hub (the Pegasus community centre) on Saturday 17 May 3-5pm to give our trained volunteers the chance to experience how the hub would operate in a real emergency.
The Waimakariri Civil Defence Emergency Management team will also be present.
If you are interested or would like to join in and come along, your involvement would be hugely appreciated. Please email us (details above and below).
PRGI Matariki Events
• Senior/Kaumātua residents Matariki Morning Tea at Pegasus Bay School on Tuesday 17 June 2025, 10am to 11am If you would like to attend, please RSVP at: emilymatthews@pegasusbay.school.nz, so we have an idea of numbers for catering.
• Matariki event at Pegasus Community Centre and walk around wetlands - date and more details to come.
PRGI AGM
All PRGI members and the wider community are warmly invited to attend our Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Website: pegasusresidentsgroup.com
E: prgi@pegasusresidentsgroup.com
Pegasus Residents’ Group Inc
Tentative date: Wednesday 16 July 2025. We will confirm this shortly.
Other Tentative Events:
Meet the Candidates Events - Three sessions in Sept/Oct – More info to come.
PATROL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We need new members to join our Community Watch Patrol.
This non-confrontational role helps keep Pegasus safe by simply observing and reporting any suspicious activity.
What's Involved
• Patrol in pairs (sign up with a friend or partner!)
• Patrol once every six weeks for about two hours in the evening
• Branded patrol car provided
• Full training included – your safety is our priority
• Driver must hold a full licence
Interested or want to learn more? Email prgi@pegasusresidentsgroup.com
COMMUNITY CENTRE (PCC)
OPEN: Mondays 2 - 4pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays 10.00 am – 12 noon. May JP Drop-In Sessions: Saturday 05 and 17 May, 10am-11am
This Month with Harry
This month we return to Ravenswood to tell of the origins of some of the street names. In line with 1974 council decree, most of the new sub-division names in Woodend are of the early settlers. Most of these we know a little about. However, there are some who have been submitted that are either irrelevant to local history or we know nothing. For instance, Tara, Oakleigh and Lilburne. Tara was a pastoral run between Cust and Oxford, Oakleigh was a station Raven briefly owned on the banks of the Rakaia, while Andrew Lilburne grazed sheep on the hills of the upper Ashley. Hardly ancient Woodend. Jasmine and Clare were ‘gifted’ to the council by the local Runanga. Just what the significance of these is unknown. One of the prime sources of who were the early settlers in Woodend is a list of those who were farming in the district compiled in 1866 by James Wylde for the Provincial Government. Described as ‘uninspiring’ to look at and impeded by a stutter, as a member of the Provincial Government he lobbied hard for improvements to the district. An engineer by profession he settled in Kaiapoi in the mid-1850s and set up as the first stock and land agent north of the Waimakariri river. When the aforesaid river started to get out and flow all over the show, no banks in those days, Wylde suggested it be diverted toward Christchurch to help turn the settlement into an industrial town. There were others who thought that it wasn’t a good idea. As a member of the Canterbury Railway and Bridge Commission he was one of those investigating a railway route north of Kaiapoi. One of these favoured, was to follow the main road north through Woodend to Waikuku.
Barnett - Named after Walter Barnett, the first manager of the Woodend Creamery. Opened in December 1901, the building was just over the miss-spelt Waihora stream on the right-hand side going north. For some reason or another it was one of the most photographed structures in Woodend. The creamery was where the local dairy farmers took their milk to be separated i.e. into cream and skim, which they took home for the pigs, but nowadays is sold as green top! By March 1902 it was being supplied by 18 settlers, collectively milking about 200 cows. The separator was driven by a 4 -horse steam turbine which was capable of handling 440 gallons per hour. The cream was taken daily to the Sefton butter factory. Anecdotal legend has it that the farmers could manage to arrive at the same time and a fair bit of waiting your turn occurred. This resulted in a lot of yarning and sharing of gossip. Walter Barnett also ran a little sideline with the supply of the farmers tobacco.
Chambers - After Frederick Chambers who owned the Woodend butchery which was situated central city about where the Indian restaurant is today. He set up shop soon after his arrival in 1882 and quickly acquired a supply farm as well as building his slaughterhouse on leased land towards Tuahiwi. A legendary story is told of Chambers having trouble with a bullock who escaped before it could be turned into steak. He apparently waited with gun in hand until the unfortunate animal, which had passed his establishment up and down the main road several times, met its demise in front of the shop. His six sons and six daughters all attended the local school. JH
MENZSHED OF KAIAPOI Inc. Doug: 021 662 486 Bob: 327 7044 .Bert: 021 145 3393
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & OPPORTUNITIES TRUST (YDOT) info@ydot.co.nz www.ydot.co.nz
Do you have a community notice you would like to promote that your group or club is running?
Then please contact the Editor to request your community notice at debs.thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz
NZ Music Month at Waimakariri Libraries
Celebrate NZ Music Month this May at Waimakariri Libraries!
Discover local talent or join in on the fun with our library jam sessions.
waimakaririlibraries.com 0800 965 542
Email Debs, Editor on: debs.thewoodpecker@outlook. co.nz
WAIORA LINKS COMMUNITY TRUST
Ravenswood ~ Woodend ~ Pegasus ~ Waikuku
The community cuppa on the 9th of April was an Easter inspired event with lots of chocolates and beautiful decorations made by our talented Jan. We invited our guests and speakers in with a warm drink and a free slice of homemade cake. Everyone sat down to listen to Mayor Dan Gordon talking about the Draft Annual Plan and why some items are taking on some serious considerations in this year's planning. We had guests joining us from all over the district, and many of the elected Councillors joined us as this event was a public consultation as well as a community cuppa. People asked questions that were addressed by some of the Council’s expert staff that came in to support the Mayor and his team. Our next Cuppa is on the 14th of May, our speaker is Tiff Wafer. Tiff is the Community Coordinator at the Cancer Society, North Canterbury and Christchurch. Tiff is going to talk about the 74 New Zealanders who are diagnosed with cancer every day - that's 1 in 3 Kiwis who will be diagnosed in the next 12 months! The Southern Cancer Society supports anyone in a family who is going through a cancer diagnosis. You will learn how you can help them to make a difference in the lives of people affected both now and in the future by coming along and learning more about the organisation and the work they do. Cancer doesn't stop and with your help, the Cancer Society won't either.
Email: waioralinks@gmail.com
Our regular trips to the Ohoka market have now ended. We want to thank those who enjoyed the outings with us. It was fun to do something different, and it was great to get to know people outside of our normal circle. The Ohoka market is on every Friday, no matter the conditions or the circumstances. We highly recommend people to visit the market. Our Pink Ribbon morning tea is on the 17 th of May at the Pegasus Community Centre. Our ticket sales are going very well. We will have spot prizes, and raffle tickets will be sold on the day. The event proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
We would be irresponsible not to thank our sponsors, they 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.
All our event information is on Facebook. Please “like” our page, and you will get info in your daily news feed. Or email us, and we will add you to our database. If you wish to talk to us about anything, please text us at 027 -5268697
https://www.facebook.com/Waioralinks
Tena Koutou Katoa
Term 1 Highlights
Term 1 has been a vibrant and positive start to 2025 at our kura! Here are some of the many highlights that have made this term so special: Student Leader Camp
Our newly appointed student leaders kicked off the year with an inspiring leadership camp focused on teamwork, communication, and setting goals. They’ve already shown themselves to be excellent role models across the school.
School Assemblies
groups. It was a great way to build friendships and pride early in the year. Te Hapua and Te Awa Fun Run
Last week our tamariki had a blast taking part in their fun runs. It was awesome to see tamariki challenging themselves, supporting each other, and enjoying being active in the sunshine!
Sports Leaders & PALs
Our senior students have taken on leadership roles by running lunchtime games, promoting fair play, and encouraging participation across the school.
We’ve loved coming together to celebrate student achievements, share learning, and recognise those who consistently show our O Tātou Pou values.
Whare Manu Day
The spirit was high and teamwork on full display as students competed in a range of fun activities in their Whare
Mini Ball & Twilight Football
A huge thank you to coaches, parents, and supporters. Students have represented our school with pride and shown fantastic commitment to teamwork and fair play in both mini ball and twilight football competitions.
Ngā mihi
nui
Andrew
& the Woodend School Team
CLASSIFIEDS
Clothing Alterations & Repairs
Do you have a busted zip or pants that are too long? Or maybe a dress or skirt that needs an alteration? Call or text
Paula 027 627 7212.
Debs Private Transport
Airport pick up or drop off, Medical & Hospital appointments
Shopping, outings. Helping you to get places.
Email dtooby.nz@gmail.com
PH: 021 289 9256
Private carer available
Qualified level 3 HCA experienced with dementia, intellectual and physical disabilities, and rest homes. I am currently working for ACC as a private attendant carer. Wendy 022 013 2024
Woodpecker Deadline
The Woodpecker is published 11 months of the year from February to December inclusive (December covers January).
Each month the deadline is 21st of the month with a 5pm of deadline sent out to all advertisers, and community contributors as a reminder. To ensure your space please do send us in your contributions as early as possible where you can as we would hate for you to be disappointed and miss out.
From this deadline date there is a tight turnaround to have the publication ready to go to the printers for them to deliver them to all our deliverers in time for a 1st of the month delivery to your doors.
debs.thewoodpecker@outlook.co.nz
HUB LAUNCH
A Community Emergency Hub has been established at Woodend Youth Centre.
Learn what a Community Emergency Hub is all about and what you can do for your community when an emergency strikes. Meet some of Waimakariri’s Civil Defence team and contribute to a bespoke emergency plan for your local community.
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Deadline for advertisements and community articles - 21 MAY 2025 The Woodpecker Digital Issue Available on: www.issuu. com/thewoodpecker4
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DENTAL CARE
never too early to start!
Dental disease is one of the most common things we see when doing health checks on dogs and cats.
Left untreated dental disease can be uncomfortable and lead to other more serious health issues.
So, preventive care is key to help avoid diseased teeth and gums.
Regular teeth brushing with animal toothpaste, gels, chews and dental diets are all helpful in keeping dental disease at bay.
Please don’t hesitate to discuss dental care with us, we will try and find a solution that fits you and your furry friends needs.
