The News North Canterbury 10-12-15 by Local Newspapers

PAGES 38 - 4 2

Thursday December 10, 2015 | Issue 679

Kaikoura: New CEO appointed at district council.

Marching: Locals perform well atSthIslandchamps.

Festivities: Kaiapoi Santa parade attracts huge crowd.

— page 3.

— pages 49 50.

— pages 24 25.

Vigilance called for as fire risk increases in NC By ROBYN BRISTOW A total fire ban is likely in the Waimakariri district before Christmas and if conditions continue to escalate the Hurunui district will also introduce a complete ban. Principal rural fire officers Tim Sheppard (Waimakariri) and Allan Grigg (Hurunui) say inthemeantime there is a restricted fire season and fires can only be lit with a permit, under strict conditions. If the conditions can not be met, no permit will be issued. They are calling on people to be sensible, vigilant and aware that if a fire escaped it would be challenging to put it out. ‘‘We are on the verge of a total fire ban,’’ says Mr Sheppard who has called a halt to issuing permits unless there is an extreme circumstance. ‘‘Please be sensible and don’t charge around with mowers. ‘‘Be aware of the spark hazard when using machinery and check all equipment before you use it mowers, balers and tractors to be sure they are not a risk and there are no birds nests in the chimneys. ‘‘People need to be vigilant and if they are issued a permit they need to have resources to put out the fire if they have to,’’ says Mr Sheppard. ‘‘It is all very well lighting a fire but if you can’t put it out it is going to cost them,’’ he says. ‘‘The fire ratings are showing fires will start readily and spread extremely quickly with total consumption of fuel.’’ Mr Grigg says conditions are ‘‘horrendous’’ for this time of the year. ‘‘It is certainly a lot drier than normal for

$20

L MOVA E R X WA

Bubbles galore . . . Young and old enjoyed a day of celebration in Kaiapoi during PHOTO: SHELLEY TOPP the annual Christmas parade. Fire risk increasing . . . Fire officers call for FILE PHOTO vigilance. this time of the year. We are looking at a busy season,’’ Rain in recent days had helped quell the fire risk for a day or two in some areas of the district, but other areas missed out. Restricted permits were still being issued ‘‘reluctantly’’ but only after a close inspection of the site and after ensuring all rigid conditions could be met. ‘‘If they can’t comply they don’t get a permit. ‘‘It is all about trying to manage the danger and allowing people to manage their land,’’ says Mr Grigg. There were areas where people could burn safely but it was not district wide. ‘‘If things start escalating and there is a whole bunch of north west winds, we may have to put on a total fire ban before Christmas,’’ Mr Grigg says.

E E R F NG HEARI

N SCREE

Bubbles, fun and sun By SHELLEY TOPP

came last in the parade. There were big cheers for him, but many also for all the Fun, big smiles and laughter were in other floats which delivered plenty of plentiful supply at the annual Kaiapoi colour, fun and festivity too. Carnival and Santa parade last Saturday. Balloons, bubbles, clowns, fire A huge crowd, four and five deep in engines, vintage cars, American classic places, turned out on a scorching day in cars, the Disney princesses, a brass band, the riverside town. a pipe band, a dragon boat, minions, All the pavements along the Santa Elmo from Sesame Street, stormtroopers from Star Wars, Ninja turtles, and even a Parade route a loop starting at Hilton Street, turning into Williams Street, then rhinocerous. Raven Quay, Black Street, and back It was a parade with a cast of along Hilton Street were packed with hundreds, packed with excitement and people, of all ages, for the funfilled possibly a few anxious moments for some Christmas parade. The most important parade drivers as some of the crowd float, carrying the big guy, Father spilled from the footpath on to the road. Christmas himself Santa to his friends Continued Page 2

House of Hearing

100% NZ Owned & Operated

CLINIC

PHONE

Ashburton Blenheim Fendalton Halswell Kaiapoi Papanui Rangiora

03 307 8949 03 579 5353 03 351 3535 03 322 4326 03 310 7355

Page 2

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

High country passion In brief By AMANDA BOWES

Kaiapoi Auto Electric

AIR CONDITIONING FREE BATTERY TEST

96 Williams St, Kaiapoi Ph/Fax 327 8155

1684451

Batteries for cars, trucks, motorbikes and car key remote Reversing Cameras, Bluetooth, Radio and Alarm installation Caravan plugs Heat shrink by the metre Starter motors and alternator repairs Mobile service covering North Canterbury

Covering Hurunui, Waimakariri & Kaikoura

Contact us: Amberley Office: 119 Carters Road Phone: 03 314 8335 Fax: 03 314 8071 All Addressed Mail: P. O. Box 86, Amberley Rangiora Office: 1st floor, 77-83 High St Phone: 03 313 2840 Fax: 03 313 7190 Email: info@thenewsnc.co.nz Current and back issues online at

www.thenewsnc.co.nz

General Manager: Gary Anderson gary.anderson@thenewsnc.co.nz Editor: Robyn Bristow robyn.bristow@thenewsnc.co.nz Reporters Amanda Bowes, David Hill, Shelley Topp Administration: Dayna Burton dayna.burton@thenewsnc.co.nz Advertising: sales@thenewsnc.co.nz Glenda Osborne glenda.osborne@thenewsnc.co.nz Val Genet val.genet@thenewsnc.co.nz Judith Harrington judith.harrington@thenewsnc.co.nz Classified Advertising: Amanda Keys amanda.keys@thenewsnc.co.nz Phone 03 313 7671

The sun beat down and for once, the nor wester was still as family and friends farewelled local identity Ted Phipps at his beloved Lakes Station, west of Hawarden. Aged 75, Ted passed away on November 23, following a stroke. His indomitable character that helped transform The Lakes Station into the successful farm enterprise it is today, will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him. Never one to sit around, Ted’s farming life away from home began when he was 14. Taking his pony and the clothes he wore, Ted turned up at Eskhead Station and asked for a job. Impressed with his tenacity and after contacting his home to assure them of his safety, he was given the job of packman looking after and packing the horses for the station. The first farm he bought was Mt Aurum in the famed Skippers’ Canyon near Queenstown. Before that he worked on iconic places such as Walter Peak and Otamatata Station. In 1977 he got a job managing The Lakes Station and with his wife and three young daughters shifted to the end of the long windy gravel Lake Sumner Road. Over time he bought shares in the property and farmed it with a dedication that saw production increase dramatically over the years. When Ted took over the management of the 12,000 hectare farm, it was running 1000 sheep and about 400 cattle. Over the years he developed it, refencing and clearing marginal land, increasing stock numbers to around 10,000 sheep. Pat Phipps, one of his daughters, says her father was the sort of man who ‘‘set the pace if you couldn’t keep up you got left behind.’’ He was however also very fair and treated all people equally no matter what sort of work they did. ‘‘It didn’t matter if you cleaned toilets or worked for the Pope, he treated

Brackenfield Hunt Horses and riders can take in the stunning scenery around Foxdown on December 13 in a trek organised by the Brackenfield Hunt Club (Happy Hound Club). The trek will leave at 10.20am from Foxdown Road, Scargill Valley and return around 3pm. Riders are asked to bring morning tea and lunch and there will be a sausage sizzle at the end of the trek. The trek is suitable for horses that aren’t shod and will take in rolling countryside with great views of valleys and mountains. The cost is $30 for adults and $20 for those under 17. To register email kerrimoffett@gmail.com or contact Warren Robinson 0278941003.

Pumpkin seed High country man . . . Ted Phipps in his PHOTO: SUPPLIED younger days. everyone the same,’’ says Pat. He had a great passion for stock, horses and working dogs. A keen dog trialler, even in his later years when he had some ill health, he always got to the dog trails and always got placed. ‘‘Up to the time he died, he had a team of five working dogs which were a real credit to him,’’ says Pat. Another passion was horses. Ted bred his own horses, starting with a thoroughbred cross type of animal similar to a sports horse and later used Arabs for stamina and agility. Some of his horses went on to be show jumpers and hunters, while others were used as pleasure horses and farm horses. He had a great knowledge of horses and Pat says when he was young, she remembers him shoeing up to 30 horses and ponies in the weekends on top of his full time farm work. ‘‘He was a great provider, and a father in every sense of the word. He was loved, respected and much admired.’’

Regeneration The Waimakariri District Council supports the Greater Christchurch Regeneration Bill. If it passes through parliament it replaces the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery (CER) Act which expires in April next year. The bill relates to a new entity Regenerate Christchurch which will support recovery in Christchurch. Waimakariri Mayor David Ayers says it also provides for the development of regeneration plans, and will include the Waimakariri Red Zone Recovery Plan.

Tight squeeze at times for Santa From Page 1

This seemed to make an extremely tight fit at times, especially as some of the larger vehicles in the parade negotiated the roundabout from Hilton Street into Williams Street. This was disappointing behaviour from a few careless people, during what had otherwise been a fabulous day, said Belinda Topp, of Ideal Events, and the Kaiapoi Promotion

Association, organisers of the event. ‘‘The public need to be more responsible and stay on the footpath,’’ she said. The start of the parade was delayed 10 minutes as organisers tried to locate the owner of a vehicle parked between road cones in Hilton Street. When the owner could not be located, despite four public announcements over the loud speaker system, Rangiora

We offer fixed fee accounting plans. All plans include: • Xero subscription • Annual accounts & tax returns • GST returns filed • Regular Meetings • Management reports • Free Xero email support

Wishing you a Safe & Happy Christmas & New Year From Ben & Karen

Graphic Design: Heather Hood heather.hood@thenewsnc.co.nz

We will be closed from Saturday 19th December, Reopening on Monday 11th January 2016.

Distribution/Deliveries: Val Genet val.genet@thenewsnc.co.nz Phone 027 807 2251

If you need assistance during this period please contact Ben on 021 887 640 or ben@sasl.co.nz

Published by Allied Press Ltd.

Giant pumpkin plant seedlings are ready at PGG Wrightson in Hawarden for the Hawarden A&P Show competition. Because of a cold spring the plants are still quite small and would benefit from repotting and placing in a warm place to grow before being planted out. The plants are free for anyone who wants to grow one for the giant pumpkin class at the show.

1684990

03 314 7640 info@sasl.co.nz www.sasl.co.nz 5 Amberley Beach Rd, Amberley

constable Robbie Brine, who was on duty at the parade, stood by the vehicle during the parade for safety reasons. After the parade it was discovered that the owner of the vehicle was a tourist, who did not want to be named, but said he didn’t know a parade was being held, or that parking a vehicle, between road cones, on the route was not allowed. Parade photos pages 24 and 25

The News

Hurunui BMX track under way By ROBYN BRISTOW

Weka Pass Railway

Operating Op O pe per errat rat atin ing the the first th ffiirrs st and an a nd third third th iirrd Sunday Su S und nday ay of of every ev e ve err y month. mont mo nth h.. Running Runn Ru nnin ing Every Ever Ever Ev er y Sunday Sun Su nd day da ay in in January Jan nu ua arry y

Rangiora Showcase Jewellers

IT'S GOING TO BE A CHRISTMAS ...you choose arms that the cha you want to stow in your locket. Stockists of

• Diamond Rings • Gold Jewellery • Silver Jewellery • Valuations

RANGIORA SHOWCASE JEWELLERS Cnr High and Victoria Streets Rangiora Ph 313-7510

The Rangiora Golf Shop NZPGA Golf Professional Peter Giles can help with all your Xmas shopping for those golfe rs in the family. WITH NEW STOCK ARRIVING DAILY Work begins . . . John Shepherd Contracting begins preparing the site for a BMX track at PHOTO: JULIA MCLEAN Lawcocks Road, Amberley. Facebook page, a thank you advertisement to sponsors, a sponsors logo on the opening event flyers and a 20 percent discount at Motivation Design and MK Graphic Solutions. Julia says they have sponsorship for the track corners and starting hill but are still looking for $500 sponsorship signs on the fence which would be for a minimum of six months while the project is being built. The club says in return for helping

build a permanent facility, which will be accessible all year round, the club will educate a generation of BMX enthusiasts with the long term goal of hosting BMX racing events. ‘‘The more people see what is happening the more likely we are to attract sponsorship and meet the March deadline. ‘‘My baby is due on March 14 and everyone wants to get the job done by then. So the race is on,’’ she says.

Locally-led health services planned Work on developing a locallyled model for health services in the Hurunui is well under way. The work forms part of the Canterbury Rural Sustainability Project, a health system initiative facilitated by the Canterbury Clinical Network aimed at supporting rural communities. Rural Health Manager Craig Watson says the project aims to provide people in rural communities with access to the most appropriate and sustainable health services to meet their specific needs. ‘‘Leaders from the Hurunui community and wider health system came together in July 2015 to discuss the sustainability and effectiveness of health services in the Hurunui,’’ Mr Watson says.

Page 3

1675548

The first sods have been turned at the new Hurunui BMX track in Amberley and it is hoped the track might be operation by March. John Shepherd Contracting has moved on to the site at the Amberley Domain to clean it up before preparations begin on building the track. The work follows the site being given a clean bill of health for any contamination. Previous uses meant part of the site was listed on the Hazardous Activities and Industries list (HAIL) by the Ministry of Environment. However this hurdle was cleared paving the way for the resource consent to be granted. Hurunui BMX Club spokesperson, Julia McLean says while the club is $30,000 short of its target of nearly $200,000, it had enough to get started on the project and she is hopeful funders and other local contractors will come on board to support the project. ‘‘We may have to hold off on the carpark for a bit. But we have got options now in terms of funders seeing the project getting off the ground,’’ she says. The club is building a quality entry level BMX competition track for young people on reserve land beside Lawcocks Road with many local contractors already on board to support the venture. Julia says the contractors now on site were working at the site as well as continuing on with their own jobs. MainPower had also come to the party in removing a power pole on the neighbouring school site and trenching through the BMX site to lay the cable while it was being constructed to avoid the site having to be dug up again at a later date. Sponsorship is still being sought at the site. All corporate sponsorship will include regular exposure via the club’s

Thursday December 10 2015

‘‘From this workshop, seven areas of focus were identified for enhancing the community’s health services.’’ Two working groups of people with specific perspectives explored these areas of focus. One focused on the integration of health services in the Hurunui, including better coordination between primary, secondary and community services. Recommendations from it included beginning the discharge process from hospital at the time of admission, to ensure a better seamless transfer of care back to primary care. Other recommendations included promoting the use of telemedicine and investment in reliable technology that integrated with the whole health system.

The second group focused on the sustainability of the health workforce in the Hurunui, particularly in the provision of afterhours services. The group’s recommendations included providing visibility of patient notes/basic information to St John and improving communication across health providers of services already available. A set of principles will guide the ongoing work, which includes values like the patient being at the centre of the model, enhancement of services appropriate to the needs of the population and providing services closer to home and matched to acuity/need. The findings will help inform the next steps in developing a local Hurunui health service model.

ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS

• Junior Golf, Club Packages (7 years +) • Mens & Ladies Packages from $499.00 • Golf Less Packages – Peter can sit down with you to work out a plan to improve your golf (30 years experience as a NZPGA Professional – Canterbury’s only AAA member NZPGA)

For a great rang range of the latest golf equipment see Peter Giles Rangiora Golf Shop - 313 6666 ext 2 Rangiora Golf Club 1686206

Come and join us in our luxury boutique guest house. • Spacious guest rooms • Beautifully appointed throughout • Spa treatments available • Group private dinners on site • Meeting room facilities • Stunning 360 degree views

We look forward to hearing from you. Gary Mitchell and Robert Day. 124 Cheviot Heights Rd. Ph 03 319 8823 e: info@ @ribbonwoodcountry yhouse.co.nz

In stock now Dale aler Ro ey Georgian water m able oils. 40 stunning colours. Also available sets of colours and mediums.

Look ng for somet ng special al for your loved one? We have a great selection of Christmas g ts! 1687709

North Canterbury’s most experienced custom picture framer 10 Cone Street, Rangiora Ph 313 5474 sales@cameoﬁnearts.co.nz .cameoﬁnearts.co.nz 1687249

1675312

Also Allso A so available avail vaiillab va able blle e for for or Charters, Ch C ha har arr tte ers ers rs, s, School Schoo Sc hoo ho oll Parties, Par ar ttiies es, Birthday Biirt B r th hd day ay & Christmas Chr hriis stm tma as s Parties Pa arr ttiies es Ph Ph (03) (0 03 3) 314 31 3 14 6813 6813 68 81 13 3 www.wekapassrailway.co.nz www.wekapassrailway.co.nz

ribbonwoodcountryhouse.co.nz

Page 4

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

New council CEO By DAVID HILL

Christmas at the races . . . Clerk of the course, Dave Ferriman, at the Rangiora Harness PHOTO: SHELLEY TOPP Racing Club’s Christmas grass track meeting last year.

Picnic day for families By SHELLEY TOPP The excitement of grasstrack racing is always a big drawcard for the Rangiora Harness Racing Club’s final meeting of the year. The club’s Christmas at the Races meeting, to be held this year on Sunday, December 20, is always a big day for the club. It is a picnic day, and racegoers are encouraged to bring their children, have a picnic and enjoy a relaxing, funfilled day at the races. The racing begins at 12.30pm, but the club has also organised other exciting entertainment for the whole family on

the day. A live band will be playing throughout the day. There will also be a horseshoe tossing championship, lucky draws, including a $100 voucher from Rangiora New World, the sponsor of the day’s pacing feature, the Summer Cup, and the chance to experience the thrill of having a drive out on the grass track, with double seated sulky rides available on course. For the children Father Christmas will stop by, and there will be four bicycles to be won on course, with pony rides, face painting, and the Pirate Show also available. Entry is $10. Under16 free.

YOUR SPRING GARDEN IS SORTED Bollens 17” Mowerr

Only $329

Ride-On Mowers

from $3299

A family holiday in Kaikoura has led to a permanent move for Angela Oosthuizen. The former South African will take on the role of Kaikoura District Council chief executive on February 1, after becoming passionate about the town while on holiday last summer. She replaces Stuart Grant who has been in the role for 18 years. Mayor Winston Gray says he welcomes the appointment and looks forward to working with Ms Oosthuizen. ‘‘She’s very experienced in local government and she is strong on economic development, tourism and finance, which were key for us. ‘‘There’s so much potential for Kaikoura for equity partnerships and she came across very well in that area and has worked on that in Buller.’’ Mr Gray says the council has some ‘‘big ticket items’’ in its Long Term Plan, including a large hotel and a marina. ‘‘They are items that for a small community are a real challenge and they need to be commercially viable and I feel Angela would be a great help there.’’ Ms Oosthuizen’s present role is as corporate services manager for the Buller District Council in Westport and she has previously worked in local government in South Africa. She is moving to Kaikoura with her husband and daughter. Mr Gray says Mr Grant has served the Kaikoura district ‘‘very well’’ over the last 18 years and was instrumental in making some key changes to the council’s work and services. ‘‘When Stuart came here the

Kaikoura CEO . . . Angela Oosthuizen is looking forward to moving to Kaikoura in PHOTO: SUPPLIED February. Kaikoura District Council was a far different beast. It was really struggling along. ‘‘It took us a long time, but Stuart restructured our works and services and made some huge changes. ‘‘One of his strengths is his relationship with the local runanga. We had the Ngai Tahu settlement in Kaikoura and Stuart played a part in that.’’ Mr Grant also played a part in establishing the district’s waste management services and ‘‘drove the change’’ which led to the Kaikoura community gaining platinum certification for environmental performance under the EarthCheck international benchmarking scheme, Mr Gray says.

Rangiora Toyota

ne Trimmer Quality Echo Lin

Only $239

was $ wa $7 $799 79 99 9

Sunday 13 December 2015

REET ED ST ALFR

START

1675318

ORIA VICT

EET L STR CIVA PER

www.rangiorapromotions.co.nz

STREET

Ph: 03 313 5563

On the Roundabout Cnr Percival & South Belt Rangiora

Belinda Topp Mobile: 021 191 0103 rangiorapromotions@gmail.c com

ET STRE KING

CHURCH

See us ffor all S ll off your ride-on id mower, walk behind mower and 2-stroke serv rvice work WINZ quotes accepted. Finance available for purchases over $500

REET RIA ST VICTO

ET STRE HIGH

PARK

QUEEN

ET STRE

FINISH

P 2015 SANTA PAR DE M

The Kaikanui Tavern

LIVE MUS SIC: a urda ay Nigh and Sunday Afternoon. DJ Friday Nights Meg ga Meatt Raffﬂe e and Que een of Hearts, Thursdays from 6pm Free BBQ 6pm m Fridays • Excitiing New w Bar Menu • Full Service TAB • Gaming Room

Wedn nesd da

1684987

ight ub Quizz · Karaoke on Thursdays sdays d “BOTTLE O”

Kathy and Trevor would like to wish all their Your Hosts Kathy and Trevor Inwood. I d 67 Williams St, Kaiapoi. customers a safe and Merry Christmas Ph (03) 327 8008 Two Couur tesyy Veehiclless available.

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Page 5

Food safety urged By ROBYN BRISTOW

us do, but under cooking tenderised steak, liver, chicken, sausages, and Summer diners are being warned to be meat patties, is asking for trouble.’’ ‘‘food safe’’ to avoid their summer fun Mr Donald says the safest way to being spoiled by food poisoning. make sure food is cooked, is to use a Raw meat, especially chicken, can cooking thermometer. harbour bacteria which can make ‘‘The safe cooked temperature is 75 people ill not for long, but enough to be degrees. Temperature is also the key to inconvenient or at worst incapacitate keeping food safe. Refrigeration (5 them for sometime. degrees) will limit the growth of toxin Environmental health officer, producing bacteria. Bacteria will grow Hurunui Eric Donald says summer fun rapidly in some food if that food is out does not have to of the end up with refrigerator. ❛The use of gloves is not a people being ‘‘Chilled food violently ill. All placed on the substitute for hand they need to do is table will be safe wash their hands for about two ❜ washing and keep food at hours. After two — Eric Donald the right hours, as the temperature and temperature appropriately stored to help ward off increases, some bacteria will be nasty toxin producing bacteria that go producing toxins that make us ill,’’ he forth and quickly multiply, making us says. ill. Refrigeration is essential for cooked The first rule to keep safe around rice and pasta, potato salads, custard food preparation is wash your hands. and dairy based desserts and ham ‘‘The use of gloves is not a substitute sandwiches. for hand washing,’’ he says. ‘‘Hot food’’ means food that is at least He warns if you are not well then you 60 degrees. should not be preparing food for others ‘‘Always ensure that casseroles, and to keep safe food preparation areas curries, meat pies, quiche are served should be cleaned to prevent bugs hot. Prior to heating these foods also getting into food. require refrigeration,’’ says Mr Donald. ‘‘Use a food safe sanitizer 20% Raw vegetables should be washed in bleach for food contact surfaces and clean water before preparing salads, chopping boards. Cover food to keep and cracked eggs should not be used, flies off,’’ he says. along with food past its ‘‘use by date’’. Frozen food should be properly Any food cooked in advance should defrosted and raw meat should be kept be cooled quickly and when reheated separate from all other ready to eat should be at least 60 degrees chicken food. 75 degrees and should be reheated ‘‘Sounds easy but mistakes still only once. Food should be covered happen. Clean plates for cooked food when not being served and if its being are a start. Do not use the raw meat transported from one place to another, plate for the cooked meat,’’ he says. hot food should be kept at 60 degrees ‘‘Like your steak cooked rare? Most of and cold food at 5 degrees.

Special honour . . . Josephine Setz, left, and Heather Baynon, received Honorary Membership to GreyPower North Canterbury at the Rangiora RSA Club last week.

PHOTO: SHELLEY TOPP

Tribute GreyPower North Canterbury presented honorary memberships to two Rangiora women last week. The presentations were made to Josephine Setz and Heather Baynon during the organisation’s Christmas function at the Rangiora RSA Club. The North Canterbury GreyPower president Miles Jackson, made the presentations. He said they were made in appreciation of long and loyal service. ‘‘Volunteers are very important in communities. These women have served over and above what was asked of them,’’ he said They had served on the committee for many years, and their work was much appreciated. GreyPower is a voluntary organisation which was founded in February 1986. The organisation now has more than 70,000 members nationwide. A founding North Canterbury GreyPower member and one of only 12 original members, Allan Timms, aged 98, also attended the Christmas function. ‘‘I’m the only one left now,’’ he said.

Page 6

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Zone prepares for plan By JOHN FAULKNER, CHAIRMAN

important for people to be involved in decisions which affect their farms and their families. I encourage you to call your local Committee member and make your views known not just on this issue but any others of concern. A number of National Press articles and comments lately have painted landowners in a poor light, in particular intensive landowners on farm change takes time to implement and positive results take longer. Good news stories of the success of the Hurunui Waiau regional Plan are starting to appear with fresh water mussels found in Dry Creek near Culverden. The establishment of a strategy to implement and audit Amuri Irrigation Company shareholders Farm Environment Plans is another significant step forward. Another great development over the past month has been the formation of the Hurunui and Waiau Catchments Landcare Group. This group has, via tireless commitment to the Dryland Farmers and through the support of the Sustainable Farming Fund, moved strongly towards providing valuable constructive input to the 2018 Plan Review. Finally the Hurunui Farming Community can be justifiably proud that in a recent ECan survey farmer attitudes to the CWMS, awareness of Planning Changes, and engagement were consistently high topping most of the survey results. Take care over Christmas and have a good break.

HURUNUIWAIAU ZONE COMMITTEE

Direct flights from China next week Next week we welcome China Southern airlines into Christchurch. Flying direct from the Guangzhou province in mainland China, this is a momentus occassion as it sends a signal that things are looking up and there is strong demand from visitors wanting to come into Christchurch and visit the local and regional attractions we have. A big plus is the extra seventy thousand seats available and having this direct link opens up opportunities for the freighting of fresh South Island product directly back to China. We need to get ready to accept this growth and be part of the opportunities it will provide. This market is changing as independent and Tech savvy travellers of many nationalities are getting out into the regions. They want to experience the real New Zealand and are prepared to pay fair money to do this. There are business opportunities in the rural accommodation and farm visit sector that could create income

December is upon us and with it we are experiencing as I write this, for the first time in weeks, a pleasant day absent of the Nor’west winds and dust throughout the house. The Hurunui Waiau Zone committee has spent time in workshops discussing possible roles and responsibilities leading into the Plan review in 2018. A critical area to get right at plan review is managing water quality limits at farm scale, including nutrient allocation. No less important are the topics of Integrated water infrastructure, farm uptake of Good Management Practise, understanding and better protection of biodiversity, setting water quality limits, science requirements for the plan review and community development/engagement. The zone committee process has been running for five years and the transition into the Plan review will be another three years, and it is evident from observations of subregional process in the Selwyn, Te Waihora, Hinds and other areas that Nutrient Allocation and equity issues will be vigorously debated. That debate needs to be supported by good science and economic and environmental data. We as a Zone Committee would appreciate community feedback on their required level of involvement in the development of options for Water Quality Allocation and Limits we are conscious that the ongoing process, attending meetings is time consuming for the community, but we see it as really

and employment. In the year 2010 we had about 100,000 visitors from China annually. This has grown to 300,000 now and commentators are talking 800,000 annually plus by the year 2020. The impact of this growth and numbers is huge and will present challenges and opportunities. The tourism sector would encourage those in the tourism industry to think about language opportunities in their business some multi lingual signage including welcomes and directions and food to their liking. When we travel overseas it is great to experience the local cuisine. It is also great when you can purchase some of our kiwi dishes offshore. The driving habits of all international visitors is often in the media. Education is the best way to deal with these issues and offer help to anyone struggling with the rules, in a friendly way. We are seen as one of the worlds friendliest nations and we need to build on that reputation.

Journalist reclaiming his life after quakes The News journalist David Hill is reclaiming his life and wants to help others in the process.

I’m not ready to go on medication for the rest of my life. I have begun training and mentally preparing to complete walks of at least 10km at different locations over seven weeks during February and March next year. But why do something only for yourself, when you can help others. Families in countries like Haiti and Palestine go through a lot worse than what my family has endured over the last five years. I have set up a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/walkforothers) and a blog at https://6senses.nz/user/dhill/ walkforothers, so feel free to like my page and follow my progress. Over the seven weeks (during Lent

Five years is a long time to put your life on hold, with all the stress, anxiety and uncertainty which goes with it. However, in recent weeks our earthquakedamaged home has finally been demolished and the foundations of a new house are being laid. It will still be several months before we get to move into the new house, so in the meantime I have set myself a new challenge. I am overweight, weighing in at 108kg and my doctor has discussed cholesterol medication with me. But

and Easter) I will promote project partners in third world counties being supported by Christchurchbased aid organisation Christian World Service (see www.cws.org.nz) and hopefully raise some money along the way. I know what it is like to live through a natural disaster, to face an uncertain future, to put your life on hold and all that goes with it. But my life is getting back on track, so now it’s time to help others who do not have the same certainty. Already I have been amazed by the support I have received for this venture from Christian World Service, Rangiora New Life School, the Rangiora Methodist, Kaikoura Presbyterian, Kaiapoi Anglican and Kaiapoi Co

operating Parishes, Wellbeing North Canterbury, Parklands Motor Lodge (Timaru), Waitaki Presbyterian Parish (Oamaru), Christchurch East Social Justice Network, two Mayors, two MPs and other individuals, and I have barely scratched the surface. My proposed itinerary is: Wednesday, February 10 (Ash Wednesday), Rangiora; Saturday, February 13, Timaru; Saturday, February 20, Kaiapoi; Friday, February 26, Kaikoura; Saturday, March 5, Hanmer Springs; Saturday, March 12, Oamaru; Saturday, March 19, Hororata; Sunday, March 20 (Palm Sunday), City to Surf, Christchurch; Sunday, March 27 (Easter Sunday), New Brighton to Hagley Park, following the Avon River.

THE BOAT FACTORY OCEAN WATCH Thursday

This Week

Friday

Dec 10

Rise 5:43am Set 9:00pm

Sun Fishing Guide

Best 12:12pm Times

Fair

Saturday

Dec 11

Rise 5:43am Set 9:00pm Best 12:36am Times 1:02pm

Good

Sunday

Dec 12

Rise 5:43am Set 9:01pm Best Times

Good

Monday

Dec 13

1:27am 1:53pm

Rise 5:43am Set 9:02pm Best Times

Good

Tuesday

Dec 14

2:20am 2:46pm

Rise 5:43am Set 9:03pm Best Times

Wednesday

Dec 15

3:13am 3:40pm

Dec 16

Rise 5:43am Set 9:04pm 4:06am 4:33pm

Best Times

Rise 5:43am Set 9:04pm 4:59am 5:26pm

Best Times

Moon

Rise 4:59am Set 7:30pm

Rise 5:40am Set 8:27pm

Rise 6:26am Set 9:21pm

Rise 7:19am Set 10:12pm

Rise 8:16am Set 10:58pm

Rise 9:19am Set 11:40pm

Rise 10:24am

Wind

Light N becoming fresh W

Moderate SE becoming fresh NE

Moderate N becoming fresh NW

Fresh W

Moderate W turning NE

Light W becoming fresh NE

Moderate NW becoming severe gale E

NE 0.8 m turning SW

Swell Pegasus Bay Tide Chart

9 NOON 3

SE 0.7 m turning NE 1.4 m 3

9 NOON 3

NE 1.3 m turning E 3

9 NOON 3

E 0.8 m turning S 3

9 NOON 3

S 0.7 m turning SE 3

9 NOON 3

SE 0.6 m 3

9 NOON 3

The home of KwikKraft and Ramco alloy boats · Ramco boats from 4.75m to 8.6m with a choice of outboards. · KwikKraft recreational, adventure and commercial jet boats · Off Shore range from 6m to 10m with jet or outboard. · Finance available from no deposit and 5 years to pay. · Used boats for sale

SE 0.7 m 3

9 NOON 3

2 1 0

Waimakariri Mouth Amberley Beach Motunau Gore Bay

*Not for navigational purposes.

Lows

2.2 10:54am 2.1 11:07pm 2.2 10:54am 2.1 11:07pm 2.2 11:03am 2.1 11:16pm 2.2 11:05am 2.1 11:18pm 1.7 10:59am 1.7 11:11pm

0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5

Highs

5:24am 5:37pm 5:24am 5:37pm 5:33am 5:46pm 5:35am 5:48pm 5:30am 5:47pm

Lows

2.2 11:39am 2.2 11:52pm 2.2 11:39am 2.2 11:52pm 2.2 11:48am 2.2 2.2 11:50am 2.2 1.7 11:44am 1.7 11:55pm

0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6

0.6 0.5 0.5

Wind and swell are based on a point off Gore Bay.

Highs

6:07am 6:22pm 6:07am 6:22pm 6:16am 6:31pm 6:18am 6:33pm 6:14am 6:33pm

Lows

2.3 2.2 12:23pm 2.3 2.2 12:23pm 2.3 12:01am 2.2 12:32pm 2.3 12:03am 2.2 12:34pm 1.8 1.7 12:28pm

0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.5

Highs

6:51am 7:09pm 6:51am 7:09pm 7:00am 7:18pm 7:02am 7:20pm 6:58am 7:19pm

Maori Fishing Guide by Bill Hohepa.

Lows

2.3 12:36am 2.2 1:08pm 2.3 12:36am 2.2 1:08pm 2.3 12:45am 2.2 1:17pm 2.3 12:47am 2.2 1:19pm 1.8 12:40am 1.7 1:14pm

0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4

Highs

7:37am 7:58pm 7:37am 7:58pm 7:46am 8:07pm 7:48am 8:09pm 7:43am 8:07pm

www.ofu.co.nz

2.4 2.2 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.2 1.8 1.7

Lows

1:21am 1:53pm 1:21am 1:53pm 1:30am 2:02pm 1:32am 2:04pm 1:26am 2:01pm

www.tidespy.com

0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4

Highs

8:24am 8:48pm 8:24am 8:48pm 8:33am 8:57pm 8:35am 8:59pm 8:30am 8:55pm

2.4 2.2 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.2 2.4 2.2 1.9 1.7

Lows

2:07am 2:40pm 2:07am 2:40pm 2:16am 2:49pm 2:18am 2:51pm 2:13am 2:49pm

0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4

Highs

9:13am 9:39pm 9:13am 9:39pm 9:22am 9:48pm 9:24am 9:50pm 9:19am 9:45pm

2.4 2.3 2.4 2.3 2.4 2.3 2.4 2.3 1.9 1.8

Come and see us at 305 Flaxton Road, Rangiora Email: kevin@theboatfactory.nz Ph: 027 577 4232

Lows

2:55am 3:29pm 2:55am 3:29pm 3:04am 3:38pm 3:06am 3:40pm 3:01am 3:38pm

0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4

Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd.

1675553

Kaikoura

Highs

4:41am 4:53pm 4:41am 4:53pm 4:50am 5:02pm 4:52am 5:04pm 4:45am 5:03pm

NEW ZEAL AND

www.kwikkraft.co.nz

www.ramcoboats.co.nz

The News

HOME COMFORT 12 Months Interest Free

Thursday December 10 2015

Page 7

Use your outdoor living areas all year round

Conditions Apply

Heat Pump ps, Air Conditioning, diti i Refrigerration, Electrical

15 months

Call us forr a FREE no obligation quote

694 Linesiide Road, Rangiora 3 313 0531 03 1678374

INTEREST FR

Normal lendin

• Warm & dry in winnter • UV protection for summer • Stylish & permaneent • 5 year warranty

g criteria apply

Chris Thorndycroft

Ph 0800 27 24 46 | www.archgola.co.nz

YES, WE ARE OPEN Hallway . . . There is plenty of festive cheer in the hallway at the Waimakariri District PHOTOS: DAVID HILL Council foyer.

Xmas tree spectacular By DAVID HILL Do not miss The News Rangiora Christmas Tree Festival this year. This special annual Christmas event is being held in the Waimakariri District Council foyer to raise funds for CCS Disability Action and the Cancer Society’s Rangiora Rural Group. This year 34 Christmas trees have been covered in fairy lights and decorated by volunteers to bring colour and festive cheer to the council foyer. The trees were decorated on Monday morning by various community

organisations and local businesses in time for the festival opening on Tuesday. The event is once again sponsored by The News. Visitors are asked to give a gold coin donation and vote for their favourite tree. Raffle tickets are also available for sale. There is also a Remembrance Tree where visitors can write the name of a loved one on a handmade dove for a donation. A Wishing Tree allows visitors to write down their Christmas wish on a little tree, also for a donation. The festival runs until December 17.

For all your auto electrical needs. 1517691

Storytelling . . . The News’ Christmas tree, decorated by Judith Harrington, has plenty of tales to tell.

And looking forward to moving into our exciting new building in 2016.

136 136 Courtney Courtney Drive, Drive, Kaiapoi Kaiapoi

(Next (Nex (N extt to ex to Williams Wilillililiam amss Spares am Spar Spar Sp ares es and and d Repairs) Repai airs irs rs))

Mobile 021 322 892 03 327-4599

1685536

A ON C IS S SHOPPERS If each of us spent $100 a year more at businesses in Rangiora we would add

$$$ Millions $$$

into local businesses and create more jobs in Rangiora.

SHOP LOCAL

This Christmas and always! • Rangiora Ra a Late Night: Tuesday 22 Dec. • Sundays during December, 10am-4pm

Sponsored by Rangiora Promotions Assoc 1686736-F

Page 8

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Page 9

Page 10

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Take care decorating your tree Take care when decorating those trees this Christmas. Waimakariri District Council injury prevention coordinator Leanne Bayler says people should take care when using ladders and Christmas tree lights to avoid accidents in the lead up to Christmas. She says it pays to make sure the lights are new and not damaged, and to not overload extension cords and sockets. ‘‘Be mindful with stepping stools and ladders, because falls are a real downer over Christmas. Ask yourself, ‘is it the right piece of equipment for the job’?’’ Make sure the ladder is on an even footing, locked in place, the steps are undamaged and have nonslip strips, and ‘‘never work higher than the top two steps and don’t over reach’’. She says it is better to move the ladder or stepping stool to avoid accidents due to overreaching. It is also important to ensure trees do not get too dry as they can become a fire risk. When buying toys this Christmas, Ms Bayler advises people to ‘‘remember the ‘five s’ guide’’ size, surface, strings, smooth and supervise. ‘‘Think about how safe are the toys. When buying for smaller children, the bigger the toy the better. If a toy can fit into a film canister or break into small parts, then it’s too small for a child under three. Check the surface to make sure the paint or filling is not toxic and that soft toys are fire resistant and firmly stuffed. ‘‘Make sure any strings are not

Trading hour views differ By DAVID HILL

Hidden dangers . . . Christmas tree decorating can lead to accidents, so PHOTO: LETITIA BRISTOW take care. too long and are firmly attached to the toy and are not going to snap and break.’’ She also advises to make sure toys are smooth, with no sharp points or rough edges where a child can scratch or cut themselves. Children also need to be supervised to ‘‘help prevent accidents happening’’. ‘‘Watch out for toys with little round batteries, if kids swallow them they can be lodged in the stomach.’’ The batteries are acidic so they can break down in the stomach and

start burning inside the oesophagus within 20 minutes. ‘‘So if you think your child has eaten a battery take them to the A&E (Accident and Emergency) immediately.’’ Small round batteries can be found in older people’s hearing aids and key rings as well as toys. Symptoms can be similar to other illnesses, like coughing. If you have any questions, please contact Leanne Bayler at the council on (03) 3118900 or (03) 3276834 email leanne.bayler@wmk.govt.nz.

North Canterbury’s Mayors have differing views on proposed shop trading hours legislation. The Government’s Shop Trading Hours Amendment Bill proposes allowing local councils discretion to create their own bylaws for shop trading hours on Easter Sunday. While Kaikoura Mayor Winston Gray says he supports local councils having discretion, especially in a tourist resort like Kaikoura, Waimakariri Mayor David Ayers is calling for the government to set a national provision to ensure consistency. Mr Ayers says the Waimakariri District Council voted last week to make a submission opposing the provision of granting local bodies discretion. ‘‘If you take it hypothetically, we have major garden centres and hardware stores in our district and if garden centres and hardware stores in Christchurch have more open hours it creates issue of competition for those businesses, and vice

versa. ‘‘For that matter, the same applies for businesses in Hurunui and we have some businesses who don’t want to open on Easter Sunday, but they could feel the pressure of competition. ‘‘So having a piecemeal legislation in respect of a national holiday doesn’t make a lot of sense. We think there should be a more national policy and not a bylaw for local councils.’’ However, Mr Gray says, while his council does not have a policy on the issue, he personally would welcome his council having some discretion. ‘‘We are a tourist town, so for us we are in a situation where you should be able to open. ‘‘For us it’s vital. ‘‘We have so many people coming through here and they are relying on things being open to buy what they need when they’re coming through. ‘‘I know there are issues, particularly with finding staff and people wanting time off or to go away on holiday, but you could fill that gap with retired people looking for casual work.’’

14 Queen St Rangiora 9 - 5.30 Mon - Fri 10 - 4 Sat/Sun

Merry Christmas from the Team at Williams Auto. We wish all our New and Existing Customers a so Safe and Happy Holiday Season.

HUGE RANGE OF PROBIOTIC FOODS be

We finish on the 22nd December and we return on the 11th January Don’t forget to go in to our draw to win a Christmas Hamper, winner will be drawn on Friday 18th December. 1684992

healthy the natural wayy Kefir, Sauerkraut, Kombucha, Coc Yoghurtt

HOURS: Monday to Friday 8am-5pm 138 Courtenay Drive, Kaiapoi

Williams Auto (03) 327 8686 Kaiapoi Exhausts & Mufﬂers (03) 327 8787 Ka williamsauto@xtra.co.nz

Get Mor e at Harvey Norman Moorhouse Ave. 1675529

Moorhouse Ave Furniture & Bedding Super Store

More Lounge & Dining

More Beds & Manchester

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INNER CITY BUSINESS

Temporary entry via Pilgram Place

(If heading east down Moorhouse Ave.)

MOORHOUSE AVE Cnr. Moorhouse Ave. & Colombo St. (03) 367 7500 304776_CCC

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Page 11

DECEMBER DEC D EEC CEMBER E BER EM ER DOUBLE DO D OUBLE O UBLLE DEALS DEA DEEA ALLS S Purchase & Install ANY Wood Fire over $4599

FREE

and recieve a Broil King Porta Chef 120 BBQ worth $499

Offer ends 31/12/15 subject to stock availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other deals or quotes.

Purchase & Install ANY Gas Fire over $7999

FREE

and recieve a Broil King Baron BBQ worth $1299

De On al e

De Tw al o

Offer ends 31/12/15 subject to stock availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other deals or quotes.

Walltherm Ultra Low Emission Fire

OFF 0 0 $30 R P R

$7999.00

including Flue!

Gas Hot Water Heaters 24L & 27L Sign up for a new Gas Water Conversion with North Canterbury Rockgas and receive a FREE bottle of gas. LPG hot water conversions from $3 $3,200 200

61 Williams Street, Kaiapoi • Gas Hot Water & Fires • Wood Fires • Pellet Fires • BBQ • Accessories

1685540

P 03 327 4813 | M 021 837 491 | Email matt@hiflo.co.nz Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm | Sat 9am - 12.30pm

Page 12

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Your Guide to Services over the Christmas - New Year Period Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Waimakariri District Council

SWIMMING POOLS

REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS

The Dudley Park, Oxford and Kaiapoi swimming pools are closed on Christmas Day. During the holidays, the following hours will be observed daily:

There is a change to the Friday collection for Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Dudley Park Aquatic Centre

Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre

Oxford Community Aquatic Centre

47 Church Street, Rangiora Phone 03 311 8905

9 Cass Street, Kaiapoi Phone 03 375 5041

9 Burnett Street, Oxford Phone 03 311 9019

Thursday 24 December

6am - 7pm

8.30am - 6.30pm

Friday 25 December

Closed

Saturday 26 December Sunday 27 December

10am - 7pm

East of Williams Street from the Kaiapoi River to Beach Road and including Beach Grove development, and west of Williams Street from the Kaiapoi River and Smith Street up to Old North Road intersection Week 1. East of Williams Street and north from Beach Road up to Old North Road intersection, both sides Williams Street from Old North Road intersection to SH 1, and Lees Road, including Sovereign Palms, Sovereign Green and Sovereign Lakes developments Week 2. Pines/Kairaki Beaches and Beach Road Week 1.

Monday 28 December Tuesday 29 December Wednesday 30 December

Southern Rural Collection Area Week 2:

7.30am - 7pm

Thursday 31 December Friday 1 January

10am - 7pm

Saturday 2 January

Tuahiwi, SH 1 south of Woodend, Woodend Beach Road and Woodend Beach, some of Sandhills Road and Fullers Road. Pegasus Township and Rangiora specified ‘difficult access’ properties Week 2 (the majority of Pegasus properties are collected on Mondays Week 2).

10am - 7pm

Sunday 3 January Monday 4 January Tuesday 5 January

Northern Kaiapoi (all areas north of the Kaiapoi River):

6am - 9pm (Normal hours resume)

8.30am - 6.30pm (Normal hours resume)

Friday 25 December 2015

CBD ONLY, CHANGED TO

Thursday 24 December 2015

RANGIORA SERVICE CENTRE

Friday 25 December 2015

RESIDENTIAL, CHANGED TO

Saturday 26 December 2015

The Rangiora Service Centre will close at 12 noon on Thursday 24 December 2015 and will re-open at 8.30am on Tuesday 5 January 2016.

Friday 1 January 2016

CBD ONLY, CHANGED TO

Thursday 31 December 2015

Friday 1 January 2016

RESIDENTIAL, CHANGED TO

Saturday 2 January 2016

Rangiora Library 141 Percival Street, Rangiora Phone 03 311 8901 Saturday 19 December

10am m - 2p

Sunday 20 December

1pm m - 4p

Kaiapoi Library & Service Centre

Oxford Library & Service Centre

Ruataniwha Civic Centre, 176 Williams St, Kaiapoi Phone 03 375 5008

34 Main Street, Oxford Phone 03 311 9005

m 10a

- 2pm (Library only) 10am - 12pm (Library only)

1pm - 4pm (Library only)

Closed

Monday 21 December Tuesday 22 December

9am - 5pm

Wednesday 23 December

Only official Waimakariri District Council refuse bags and recycling placed inside Council recycling wheelie bins will be collected.

Collection times may vary during the holiday period. Please contact the Council on 03 311 8900 or 03 327 6834 if you experience any problems with your kerbside collections.

Friday 25 December Closed

Sunday 27 December

The week starting 21 December is Week 1 for recycling; the week starting 28 December is Week 2 for recycling.

Refuse bags and recycling wheelie bins must be placed out for collection by 7am.

Thursday 24 December Saturday 26 December

All other collections will be held as usual.

Monday 28 December Tuesday 29 December Wednesday 30 December

Southbrook Transfer Station & Resource Recovery Park

9am - 5pm

Thursday 31 December

High Street, Oxford

284 Flaxton Road Phone 03 313 5499

Friday 1 January Saturday 2 January

Closed

Sunday 3 January Monday 4 January Tuesday 5 January

Oxford Transfer Station

9am - 5pm

9am - 5pm (Normal hours resume)

Saturday 19 December

8.30am - 4.30pm

Closed as usual

Sunday 20 December

12.30pm - 4.30pm

12 noon - 4.30pm

8.30am - 4.30pm

Closed as usual

Monday 21 December Tuesday 22 December Wednesday 23 December

NOISE CONTROL, DOG AND STOCK CONTROL

Thursday 24 December

Day and night please telephone the after hours service number and follow the recorded instructions:

Saturday 26 December

Rangiora 03 311 8900 or Kaiapoi 03 327 6834

Monday 28 December

Friday 25 December Sunday 27 December

Please note this is an emergency service only.

Tuesday 29 December

ALL URGENT AFTER HOURS CALLS

Thursday 31 December

Urgent calls to any Council Service Centre after hours will be directed to our after hours answering service. Urgent calls: 03 311 8900 or 03 327 6834. Follow the recorded instructions.

Wednesday 30 December

12.30pm - 4.30pm

12 noon - 4.30pm

8.30am - 4.30pm

Closed as usual

Friday 1 January Saturday 2 January Sunday 3 January Monday 4 January Tuesday 5 January

*Answerphones will be connected to normal numbers to give instructions for emergency calls.

Closed

Closed 8.30am - 4.30pm (Normal hours resume)

Closed as usual (Normal hours resume)

12.30pm - 4.30pm

12 noon - 4.30pm

8.30am - 4.30pm

Closed as usual

For further information, call the Council on 03 311 8900.

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Page 13

School proposal NC driveways made safer to be notified By DAVID HILL

By SHELLEY TOPP

The application, which contains more than 200 The Waimakariri District pages, will be available at the Council has recommended Waimakariri District full public notification of the Council office, in Rangiora, proposal by the Exclusive or online at the council Brethren’s Canterbury website Education Trust to build a www.waimakariri.govt.nz. 150pupil school on rural Five immediate land in Fernside. neighbours of the site Nick Harrison, planning proposed for the school are and regulation manager at opposed to the plan. the council said the planner Spokesman for the group, processing the resource Keith Hales, a Rangiora consent lawyer, who application lives close to ❛We find the for the the site, said school ‘‘has the whole proposal recom concept was mended full ill conceived. ❜ offensive. notification ‘‘We find — Keith Hales of the the proposal appli offensive.’’ cation.’’ He said the site was This means that anyone unsuitable because it was can now make a submission zoned rural. about the proposal to build Building a school on the the school. land would also constitute a A public notice outlining traffic hazard on the already the proposal was published busy roads around the site, on Wednesday (December 9), with Johns Road a main and copies of it are available route into Rangiora, and at the Waimakariri District Lehmans Road a ‘‘feeder’’ Council’s service centres and for Christchurchbound libraries. traffic. There is a 20workingday The group did not believe period for people to make a a need existed for such a submission. This means that, school, Mr Hales said. because of the Christmas ‘‘At the meeting we break, people will have until attended, we were told that 5pm on Tuesday January 26, most of the pupils would be 2016, to make a submission transported to the school on the proposal. from other areas,’’ he said.

Driveways at North Canterbury’s state houses have been made safer for children. Housing New Zealand is set to exceed its driveway safety programme target, with improvements due to be made to nearly 14,000 properties across New Zealand by the end of June. The programme, which began in 2013, aims to reduce the risk of children being run over in the driveways of state homes, by installing fencing, self closing gates with childresistant latches, speed restriction signs, speed humps and convex mirrors where appropriate. As of October 31, 13 Housing New Zealand properties in the Waimakariri district and a further five Hurunui district properties have had driveway safety improvements completed. Housing New Zealand chief operating officer Paul Commons says the $30 million programme originally had the target of inspecting and making improvements at 13,000 properties where there are young children living at them. ‘‘What we’ve found is that the interventions we’ve had to make on average are not as extensive or expensive as we had first thought, therefore we’ve been able to complete more of them. As a result, we’re on target to complete more than the 13,000 properties,’’ Mr Commons says. Housing New Zealand supports Safekids Aotearoa’s programme to improve awareness of how to reduce the risk of driveway safety run

Merry Christmas #916903

Saucepans 3 “Judge Vista” of Set RRP $239.90

NOW $119.00

Gifts for Girls

#961056

overs. Safekids Aotearoa director Ann Weaver says a child is put in hospital every two weeks from injuries received by a vehicle in a private driveway, and a further four to five children die each year from those injuries. Most children injured in driveway incidents are toddlers, aged about two, and their injuries are often severe. Most of these injuries come from children being run over by relatives. ‘‘We support and applaud Housing New Zealand for the work they’re doing to make their driveways safer and help

reduce the risk of children being injured. However, there is still no substitute for careful supervision by caregivers,’’ Ms Weaver says. ‘‘Our key message for the summer is: ‘Check for me before you turn the key’. This means, before getting in the car, walk around it and make sure children are not hidden from sight.’’ Housing New Zealand provides driveway safety advice for tenants, and has produced a guide for private property owners on how to ensure their own driveways are as safe as possible.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by our product rang ge and prices

#961057

Cutlery 24pce Judg RRP $99.90

Safety first . . . Housing New Zealand has made driveways safer at 18 PHOTO: SUPPLIED properties in North Canterbury.

Personal T ouches

Toys for Boys

NOW $49.90

Interior De cor Pieces

BBQ Accessories

. . . because we are more than just a hardware store

199 Jacks Pass Road, Hanmer Springs (just past the residential area) Ph: 03 315 7213 Fax: 03 315 7238 Hours: Closed 25-27 Dec & 1-3 Jan. Open 8am-5pm 28-31 Dec & 4-7 Jan.

BBQs 1684994

Page 14

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

SAVE

% 50 O F F

1 COMPLETE

PA I R

Hundreds of frames to choose from

Choose 1 pair of glasses with single vision lenses from our $299 complete package designer range to receive 50% off. T&Cs apply.

Present this voucher in store to receive a free upgrade Anti Reflection Coating and...

1/2 price eye exam now $37.50 (Standard eye exam)

T&Cs Apply

• Late Night Mondays • Saturdays 9-4pm • Full Repair Service • Spectacles made On-site • 1 hour Turn-a-round • Free Customer Parking Offer expires 31st Jan 2016.

Rangiora, 42 High St, 03) 313 8811 Kaiapoi, 192 Williams St, 03) 327 8292

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Page 15

New reserve opens in Rangiora By SHELLEY TOPP Hidden at the end of Rangiora’s Denchs Road, off Southbrook Road, is Waimakariri’s newest reserve. Hegan Reserve is a Waimakariri District Council Green Corps project developed jointly with Mainpower, the Rangiora Community Board, Southbrook School and Rangiora New Life School. Both schools share boundaries with the reserve. Pupils from the schools worked closely with the Green Corps team on the project and it is expected both schools will use the area extensively. Green Corps is a council learning initiative, sponsored by MainPower, which aims to partner Waimakariri District schools with the council to help develop some of the district’s natural parks. The new reserve was opened by Waimakariri District Mayor David Ayers last Thursday morning. (December 3)

Ouruhia ‘The greatest little nursery in town’ www.ouruhianursery.co.nz

SPECIALIST LANDSCAPE NURSERY

❛We are so happy it is going to be used for kids❜ — Jean Schluter A striking sculpture, designed by a Rangiora New Life School Student Joel Harnett, and built by Mark Larsen, of Larsen’s Art ’N Sign Studio in Kaiapoi, was unveiled during the opening. The sculpture is called Middle Brook, named for the stream which winds through the reserve. A charming poem about the reserve, writtten by Jasmine Chivers, from Southbrook School was also unveiled at the opening, along with a stylish outdoorclassroom seating area designed by Richard Wiley, a Rangiora New Life School student. The reserve is named for a former owner of the land, James Hegan, whose granddaughter, Jean Schluter, and her husband, Mike Schluter, from Flaxton, attended the ceremony. ‘‘We are so happy it is going to be used for kids,’’ Jean said. ‘‘Mum would be absolutely chuffed.’’ On opening day last week those involved with the project also held a working bee to do more planting at the reserve. Dan Cameron, a member of the Green Corps team, said a further 130 native juvenile plants, consisting of mostly hardy species that can tolerate dry weather, such as cabbage trees, native olearias, mingimingi, native maidenhair vine or muelenbeckia, and a selection of grasses, were planted by children from the two schools, and other volunteers, during opening day. Further development of the reserve is planned during the next two years.

Student sculpture . . . Joel Harnett, a student at the Rangiora New Life School, with his parents, Lynore and Robert Harnett, and the sculpture he designed, at the Hegan Reserve opening last week. PHOTOS: SHELLEY TOPP

• Ornamental Trees • Roses Bush, Climbing, Standard • Fruit Trees • Citrus & Berry Plants • Topiary HUGE NATIVE SELECTION Plus lots more!

On site garden design Cnr Marshland & Turners Tu Road

8.30-5pm • 7 DAYS • Ph 323 8588 Eft ftpos, credit cards and most garden gift ft vouchers welcome

Give a living tree as a gift this Christmas or give a gift voucher Come into our tree nursery before December 23rd 2015 and choose a tree for someone special. Choose from over 150 varieties Native - Exotics - Conifers Trees grown in large bags.

Canterbur y Trees Ltd - Big Tree Nursery Student gathering . . . Dan Cameron from the Waimakariri District Council Green Corps team, with pupils from Southbrook School during the opening of Hegan Reserve last week.

Monday - Friday 9 - 4pm and Saturday 10 - 12.30pm 72 Heywards Road, Clarkville R D 2 Kaiapoi Ph: 03 327 7491 Website: www.canterburytrees.co.nz Email: c.trees@xtra.co.nz 1686590

Page 16

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

MainPower

Live Lines Issue 136 December 2015

MainPower Sports Scholars Awarded Katelyn Inch (lawn bowls) was named top MainPowerYouth Sports Scholar for 2015 at the recent North Canterbury Sports Awards. At only 20 years of age, Katelyn has already had an impressive international lawn bowls career, representing New Zealand at the Asia-Pacific Games and coming second in the Mixed Pairs at the 2015 U25 World Cup. The two runners-up were George Howat (17) and Ella Greenslade (18), both rowers. George’s career highlights include a 6th place finish at the 2015 World Junior Rowing Championship in the Coxed 4s event. Ella Greenslade has also achieved success on the international stage, coming third at the 2015 World Junior Rowing Championship in the Women’s 4s. Katelyn Inch, George Howat and Ella Greenslade were selected from a field of ten finalists, representing a diverse range of sports.The other scholarship finalists were Ben Oliver (Mountain Biking), Gabrielle Gray (Athletics/Cross Country), Bonnie Farrant (Equestrian), Bronwyn Dibb (Trampoline), Hosea Watson (Boxing), Momoka Kobori (Golf) and Craig Oliver (Mountain Biking). About the MainPower Sports Scholarships Ten finalists are selected who each receive a $2,000 scholarship. From the finalists, a winner and two runners up are chosen who receive a further $5,000 and $2,500 respectively.

Local Schools Charge into Electric Vehicle Competition

Waimakariri West Project Update One of the biggest projects undertaken in the history of MainPower is drawing to a close.The bulk of the work on the $23 million Waimakariri West Project has now concluded, with only minor line conductor upgrades of the 66kV high voltage power ring left to complete. The project was undertaken to provide greater network capacity and reliability for homes and businesses well into the future. As well as the current upgrades to the 66kV ring, the project included building a new substation at Burnt Hill and carrying out upgrades to the Swannanoa Substation.Thank you to our customers for your continued patience throughout the upgrade process.

MainPower Holiday Hours The MainPower office and field services operations will be closed from midday on Wednesday 23 December, re-opening on Tuesday 5 January. Our 24-hour fault line (0508 60 70 80) will continue to operate as normal throughout this period.

Network Reliability Don’t forget, it’s a good idea to be prepared for a power interruption at home. Always have a torch with charged batteries handy and be sure to use candles carefully to avoid setting a fire.

Four local high schools competed at the recent EVolocity electric vehicle racing event at the Mike Pero Motorsport Park. MainPower sponsored the teams, who were challenged to build an electric vehicle capable of competing in a variety of events including head to head drag races, street circuit racing and the parallel parking challenge. Well done to all students who participated, as well as their support crews. We hope to see an even better North Canterbury turnout in 2016.

MainPower 24 Hour Faults Line

0508 60 70 80

To p four causes of recent unplanned power outages

Wind

11%

Vehicle

Trees

Wildlife

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Page 17

North Canterbury buskers wanted for road show By SHELLEY TOPP

The organisers of next January’s World Buskers Festival, in Christchurch, are seeking North Canterbury performers, including musicians and dancers to take part in a new Road Show section of the event. ‘‘We are looking for anyone with a performing talent,’’ festival director Glen Pickering says. ‘‘They can send a short video to festivaldirector@worldbusker sfestival.com ,’’ he said. ‘‘Applications will close on January 8, 2016.’’ Next year’s festival has been extended to include roadshow events in Rangiora and Kaiapoi, Ashburton,

Timaru, Lincoln, New Brighton and Lyttelton. A selected group of top international acts will perform daytime events and an evening show in each of the towns during the roadshow. ‘‘Performance slots on the day will be 10 to 15 minutes during the daytime event,’’ Glen says. The Rangiora Road Show will be held on January 21 and will include high profile Australian act Lisa Lottie, Lords of Strut from Ireland, Victor Rubilar from Argentina, plus New Zealand comedians, Zane and Degge, brothers who won the Best Kiwi Act at this year’s festival. It is hoped that some of the Rangiora buskers, Lorenz WestonSalzer, Phil

Minton, Claire Buckley, Mike Smith, Christa Dearden Smith and Brian Pearson, plus the popular young country and western singer Cameron Walsh, from Woodend, and a young busker from Ohoka, James Lindsay, will also take part in the Rangiora and Kaiapoi Roadshows. The Kaiapoi show is on January 22 and will feature Japan’s Ace K, Sharon Maroney from Canada, Australian act Circus Firemen, and Sports Suzie from New Zealand. There will also be a oneoff special show by New Zealand’s top comedian Urzilla Carlson at Kaiapoi High School at 7pm on January 22. The Road Show performances throughout the day start at 12pm and

run through to 5pm, followed by an evening variety show from 6pm to 8pm. The World Buskers Festival began in 1994 with a small group of performers. The 2016 edition will feature 67 performers from 13 countries performing a mix of genres, from circus to cabaret, from burlesque to theatre, from music to aerial acrobatics. There will be more than 650 shows, during 11days and nights from January 14 to 24. ‘‘A big part of that experience this year will be the new Road Show to share this worldclass entertainment with the wider regions,’’ Glen says.

Loburn Nativity service Free Wi-Fi for towns The Loburn community is set to bring the traditional Christmas story to life. The Loburn Anglican Church of St Martin’s is holding its biennial Christmas Nativity service in the church grounds on Sunday, December 20. The celebrations start around 4pm with a picnic and children’s activities and the nativity service begins about 5.30pm. The event is a community celebration of Christmas organised by the St Martin’s congregation, part of the Rangiora Anglican Life Parish and Church in the Country, an initiative which provides events and outreach to families north of the Ashley River. The church is located on Hodgson’s Road, opposite Loburn School. The Nativity Service of Nine Lessons and Carols tells the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus, will begin around 5.30pm. Music, animals, children and

adults in appropriate costumes will help the story unfold. This biennial occasion began as a small family affair in the garden of Bill and Rachel Ensor’s home in Bullock Creek more than 20 years ago, organiser Joanne Grumbell says. ‘‘Word got around and more and more people attended every time until it was moved to the church grounds for the first time in 2013 when over 280 people attended.’’ Those attending are asked to bring their own picnic, drinks and seats and rugs. Car parking is provided on site and toilets will be available. A collection will be taken to cover costs and help maintain the historical wooden church building, built in 1891. If wet the venue will be the Loburn Domain building on Dixon’s Road. For further information or if anyone wishes to be involved please call Joanne on (03) 3128933 or Linda on (03) 3128123.

A proposal to introduce ‘‘free WiFi’’ to the Waimakariri district’s town centres has been given the go ahead. The Waimakariri District Council has approved a proposal to install ‘free’, publicly accessible WiFi into the Oxford, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend, and Pegasus town centres, with Oxford first off the ranks. Earlier this year, Enterprise North Canterbury introduced free wifi into Culverden and Cheviot in partnership with Amuri.net Limited resulting in ‘‘many positive benefits’’, Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jim Palmer says in a report to council. ‘‘Connectivity is important for communities and visitors. Having free WiFi available in our town centres helps support our town centre businesses and community well being.’’ Mr Palmer says the installation of the hardware from Amuri.net Limited is expected to cost $28,000 (plus GST) in the five town centres, while signage indicating free wifi is available will also be required. Operating costs will be $115 per month per town, to fund data costs, which amounts to about $6900 a year. ‘‘We will work with local businesses to find the best locations for the wifi to achieve optimum coverage. The units will need to be sited on the exterior of buildings with the power supply coming from the building owner / tenant, which should be a minimal ongoing charge.’’ ‘‘Councilowned buildings will be the point for connection to fibre, with the exception being Pegasus.

Christmas Shopping Hours 17–23 December 24 December Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day

10am–7pm 10am– 5pm Closed 9am– 6pm Closed

HORNBY 409 Main South Road

dress-smart.co.nz

Page 18

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Page 19

Tsunami risk considered by ECan A tsunami following a large earthquake in Cook Strait, or off the east coast of the North Island, would have the most impact on the Canterbury coast north of the Kaikoura Peninsula, according to a new NIWA tsunami modelling report commissioned by Environment Canterbury (ECan). NIWA has mapped potential tsunami flooding along the Canterbury coast for three scenarios: a Hikurangi Subduction Zone earthquake off the east coast of the North Island/upper South Island, a Wairarapa Fault earthquake in Cook Strait, and a combined scenario where both faults move at the same time. ‘‘This is the first time potential flooding from these scenarios has been mapped for the Canterbury coast,’’ said Environment Canterbury Hazard Analyst Dr Marion Gadsby. ‘‘As expected, the results of the mapping show that the area north of Kaikoura is the most exposed area in Canterbury to tsunamis from Cook Strait or the North Island.’’ The Hikurangi and Wairarapa Fault scenarios used in the modelling are extreme events with return periods in the order of 2500 years, which is a standard return period for tsunami evacuation planning. The results are not intended to be used for restricting land use or development, because the scenarios are rare events

the Canterbury coast from Pegasus Bay south regional source tsunamis take between one and three hours to travel from their source to your piece of coast. The Hikurangi and Wairarapa Fault tsunami modelling report is the latest in a series of tsunami modelling reports that will help with ongoing tsunami evacuation and response planning. Dr Gadsby said that this new information reinforced the message for coastal communities. ‘‘Like anywhere on the New Zealand coastline, if you feel a strong earthquake and you can’t stand up, or an earthquake longer than a minute, move to higher ground immediately, or as far inland as you can, and stay there until you get the official all clear,’’ she said. ‘‘This is particularly Planning . . . Waimakariri District Council staff and Rangiora police plan for the ‘‘evacuation’’ of 1300 important for the Kaikoura FILE PHOTO coast where the tsunami would residents in the district’s three beach settlements during Exercise Pandora in June this year. arrive within minutes there is no time for an official warning Tsunami surges may flood Peninsula, including Kaikoura beyond normal land use from Civil Defence.’’ some land around Motunau, planning time frames. township. ‘‘And although the tsunami Waikuku Beach, New Brighton, ‘‘It is important people NIWA’s models show the first Ferrymead, McCormacks Bay, would take at least an hour to tsunami surges would arrive in understand that the first travel to Pegasus Bay and tsunami surge is not the Southshore, Teddington, and the Kaikoura area 10 to 15 further south, it is unlikely that, the ports at Lyttelton, Akaroa largest,’’ said Dr Gadsby. minutes after the earthquake, after the tsunami was ‘‘In Kaikoura, the largest and Timaru. making these earthquakes confirmed, an official warning The first tsunami surges tsunami surges will arrive 1.5 to ‘local’ tsunami sources for could get out to everyone before 2.5 hours after the earthquake.’’ arrive in Pegasus Bay around Kaikoura localsource it hit. one hour after the earthquake, For areas south of Kaikoura tsunamis take less than one ‘‘So the earthquake itself, hour to travel from their source Peninsula, including South Bay, and arrive along the South which would be felt along this Canterbury coast closer to two the tsunami flooding would be to local parts of the coast. stretch of coast as a long, rolling hours after the earthquake. much less. Tsunami flooding The surges would flood land This makes these earthquakes earthquake, remains the best to over 2.5 metres in parts of the would be mostly confined to and most important warning.’’ ‘regional’ tsunami sources for river mouths and beaches. coast north of the Kaikoura

THE HOME OF GOOD BAKING SEE OUR FULL CHRISTMAS RANGE IN STORE NOW!

Cakes, Truffles, Puddings and Gift Hampers!

MILK

Dairy Dale 2L varieties.

2 FOR

$ 98

AFGHAN BISCUITS FAMILY BAG A taste of home, this crunchy chocolate biscuit is smothered in chocolate with a hint of “Skippy”.

ONLY

$ 49

CHEESE ROUNDS 4 PACK

FAMILY APPLE PIE Sweet apple filling encased with sweet short crust - delicious served warm with ice cream and custard.

ONLY

$ 49

$ 99

Promotional pricing available while stocks last from 07/12/15 to 13/12/15. Images are serving suggestions only.

Open 7 days | 8 Convenient local locations Hornby • Barrington • Ferry Rd • Papanui • Riccarton • Upper Riccarton • New Brighton • Rangiora

www.couplands.co.nz

Page 20

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Rangiora & Kaiapoi Toyota

USED VEHICLE SELECTION

2012 TOYOTA YARIS 2012 TOYOTA HILUX D/CAB 2WD 1300cc, auto, just 52,000km and in lovely 3.0 turbo diesel, towbar, tuf-deck. Great buying at

$29,990

2008 TOYOTA DYNA VAN

4.0 diesel, 2-tonne capacity, 5-spd. Must see

$19,995

2009 TOYOTA PRADO VX LTD Fully optioned, priced well at

$45,995

2013 TOYOTA COROLLA GX

condition. Great value.

1.8, auto, 51,000km, great value here

$14,995

$17,995

2014 TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS

12-seater, 3.0 t/diesel, auto, low kms

$53,995

2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Stunning 7-seater, very highly spec’d, Crisp Silver Pearl. Just 46,000km

$41,995

2012 TOYOTA AVENSIS S/W

2.0 auto, luxury wagon travelled just 15,000km

$29,995

2014 TOYOTA YARIS

1300cc, auto, safe & so economical! stunning colour

$18,995

ALL NEW CARS GET * 5 YEARS

5 YEARS

SERVICING WARRANTY AA ROADSERVICE

2009 TOYOTA RAV4 LTD

2.4 auto, alloys, very tidy example

$22,995

2005 TOYOTA AVENSIS

2009 TOYOTA RAV4 LTD

$9,995

$22,995

2.0L, auto, very well optioned, Lustre Pearl

2.4L AWD, auto, very tidy

2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER GXL; 3.5 V6, leather, just 9,000km, be quick!..........................................$53,995 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LTD; just 44,000km, stunning in silver with leather trim.........................$41,995 2014 HILUX SR5 D/CAB 4WD, 3.0 turbo diesel, auto, canopy.............................................................. $44,995 2009-2014 TOYOTA HILUX S/CAB, E/CAB, D/CAB 2WDs. Enquire today!................................ From $16,995 2009 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER PRADO VX LTD, 3.0 t/diesel, 7 seats, leather.......................................$42,995 2005 TOYOTA AVENSIS, 2.0L, auto, very well optioned, Lustre Pearl, low km....................................... $9,995 2012 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER PRADO, 7-seater GX, 3.0 t/diesel, auto, low km .................................. $49,995 2008 TOYOTA DYNA VAN, 4.0 diesel, 5-speed, 2.0-tonne capacity..................................................... $19,995 2007 TOYOTA HILUX SR5 4WD D/CAB, 5-speed, 3.0 diesel, canopy & racks, value here .................. $25,995

MORE STOCK ARRIVING DAILY

1675537

FINANCIAL SERVICES

5 YEARS

WOF CHECKS

VISIT TOYOTA.CO.NZ TODAY.

*Offer is available from 1 October 2015 to 31 December 2015 (subject to stock availability) on any new vehicle from participating Authorised Toyota Dealers in New Zealand. The Service Plan covers parts and labour costs of scheduled service items for five years / 75,000km (whichever occurs first under normal operating conditions). The Warranty Offer provides cover for five years / 150,000km (whichever occurs first under normal operating conditions). The W.O.F Check Offer does not include the costs of any repairs required to pass the W.O.F inspection. For full terms and conditions visit our website, www.toyota.co.nz.

BOOK NOW!

2016 HILUX

DEMONSTRATIONS AVAILABLE ON SITE CONTACT US NOW!

Finance & Insurance Available Rangiora: Percival St Ph 03 313 8186 any time • Kaiapoi: 86 Williams St Ph 03 327 9005

(Kaiapoi After Hours: John Mellor 027 478 7685) www.rangiora.toyota.co.nz • • www.kaiapoi.toyota.co.nz Robin Illingworth 027 435 5105 • Ben Wood 027 566 0013

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Page 21

Early Bird d Specia al Opening . . . New MP Matt Doocey has had an eventful year of openings and commemorations. Here he is pictured with his daughter Emily (then 10 months) following FILE PHOTO the opening of the new Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre and Library in January.

Busy year for MP Matt By DAVID HILL Matt Doocey’s first year in parliament has been eventful, with plenty of signs of recovery in the Waimakariri electorate. Mr Doocey was elected as MP for Waimakariri in the general election in September last year and says he has had a year full of openings, beginning with the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre, the Rangiora and Oxford town halls, the Ashley Bridge and just last month the Rangiora Health Hub. ‘‘When you look at all those projects, it’s been a year of new beginnings. ‘‘And then we’ve also had a lot of commemorations in the Waimakariri, including World War 1 and the 5th anniversary of the first earthquake. Not only are we celebrating new beginnings but we’re commemorating our history as well.’’ Mr Doocey says he has enjoyed a few ‘‘wins’’ this year, including helping a family living in a caravan, into their own home, and facilitating a meeting between Pegasus residents and Vodafone which is expected to lead to a multimillion dollar

upgrade of broadband infrastructure. He also facilitated a meeting between Transport Minister Simon Bridges, Waimakariri Mayor David Ayers and chief executive Jim Palmer on transport issues in the district, which led to government funding being approved for cycle trails between Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend, with work due to begin next year. Being on the Local Government and Environment Select Committee has meant Mr Doocey has contributed to discussions on the Regenerate Christchurch Bill currently before parliament. He is also deputy chairman of the Social Services Select Committee, which has been debating the ‘‘first real increase in benefits for 25 years’’. However, Mr Doocey says there is still plenty of unfinished business. ‘‘We had the 5 year celebration of the first earthquake back in September and we need to remind ourselves that it is the years three to seven where you see the most problems in terms of social recovery. ‘‘My mental health career tells me that we need to continue to acknowledge those issues.’’

Online magazine service An online service offering over 100 magazines is now available through Waimakariri Libraries. Magazines include Australian Women’s Weekly, Cuisine, NZ Gardener, New Zealand Hunting, Rolling Stone and Popular Science. Magazines are made available through ‘‘Zinio for Libraries’’, a global supplier of electronic content. They can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the library website. The service is free to all library members, who can read magazines online or download them via the Zinio app for offline reading. Users of the Zinio service can select to receive an email when new issues of their favourite magazines become available. There are no checkout periods so once downloaded you can keep each issue as long as you want. Phillippa Ashbey, Waimakariri Libraries manager, says there is a real buzz around the new service. ‘‘The electronic format appeals to a wider range of library members who like to surf the latest magazines from the comfort of their couch and at any time of the day or night,’’ she says. This new service is in addition to the library’s existing collection of hard copy magazines which remains as popular as ever. The two formats will complement each other. While it is nice to thumb through a paper magazine, Zinio is ideal when you can’t make it into the library plus the latest issue is always available.

Magazines . . . You can now read more than 100 magazines online at Waimakariri FILE PHOTO Libraries website. Zinio is very easy to set up and use. All the details can be found via the Waimakariri Libraries website. For those who require more assistance there are eLibrary help sessions running in all three libraries. These are dropin sessions where library staff will be available to help with accessing free newspapers, magazines, ebooks and eaudio books on your mobile device. The times are as follows: Kaiapoi: Monday and Tuesday 1112pm Rangiora: Thursday and Friday 1112pm Oxford: Thursday 1112pm Go to the eLibrary section of the Waimakariri Libraries website: Newspapers and magazines

i lif Give your child the best start in life at ABC Kaiapoi. Enrol by 29 January 2016 and you’ll receive 50% off fees for 2 months* At ABC Kaiapoi, your child will be nurtured and cared for in a warm, friendly and positive environment by qualified and caring teachers. We provide childcare and education for 3 month to 5 year olds. Our teachers, who support your child in creative and critical thought processes, provide experiences that introduce early concepts of maths, science, art, reading and other curriculum areas. We have extended our hours – the centre now opens its doors at 6.30am, waving goodbye to the last children at 6.00pm. In our home-like nursery, we have quality high-sided cots and each baby has their own quilt, a gift they can take with them when they move on to their school years. Our teachers know how to take good care of your baby and make sure they do help the baby’s brain develop. We also provide primary caregiving where each baby receives full attention and individual care consistently during each day. Our warm, welcoming learning environments and programmes are tailored to individual age groups to support your child’s developmental milestones. Outside, our newly renovated playground provides an exciting and challenging space for children to explore and develop confidence. Our unique Be School ReadyTM initiative ensures that every child is fully prepared for school and helps them develop as natural, confident learners. Our strong ties with the community enable us to go out on regular excursions and school visits and invite our local friends and family to our centre events. 20 hours free childcare is offered for 3 to 5 year-olds every week, with a range of session times available. ABC Kaiapoi is part of the BestStart family, which has the country’s most recognised Professional Guidance programme that supports teachers in acquiring new skills and knowledge, enabling us to be the best we can be, so that in turn your child can achieve great learning outcomes. Give your child the best start before school, contact us today.

Cnr Williams St & Courtenay Drive, Kaiapoi, Phone: 327 0733 Email: abc.kaiapoi@beststarteducare.co.nz www.beststarteducare.co.nz *Conditions apply

Page 22

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

AFFORDABLE RELIABLE

XMAS GIFTS

125cc

110cc ATV

$1,995

High Country Stations of the Mackenzie by Mary Hobbs In The High Country Stations of the Mackenzie, longtime resident of the Mackenzie Country, Mary Hobbs, tells the story of 11 stations, mostly from around the Lake Pukaki area, which include such legendary runs as Irishman Creek, Mount Cook, Braemar, Tasman Downs, Ben Ohau and Glentanner. Full of stories of courage and determination,

70cc

230cc 230

$1,199

$3,995

12-month warranty on all KAYO models. Servicing and spare parts available onsite. Card Accepted Here

KAYO – Hawker Motorcycles

Finance Available

Ph: 0800 641 146 • www ww ww.canamnc.co.nz w 303 Flaxton Road Rangiora Nort rth t Canterbury

BUY 1 GET 1 HALF PRICE

1687662

HALF PRICE

Buy one Bridgestone car or 4x4 tyre* and get the second half price.

Offer valid from 7th to 24th December. Selected tyres only. For full terms and conditions see bridgestonetyres.co.nz.

23 High St, Rangiora

03 313 6096

humour and triumph, this is a heartland book. The Legend of Mt. White Station by Gerald Sandrey The diverse and desolate country that makes up Mt White Station has held an irresistible allure for men for decades. Many have committed themselves to the extreme weather and isolation of the place only to finally admit defeat, while others have endured, raising families and forming bonds with their fellow station workers and the land itself. From the Riversdale flats to the Puketeraki and Dampier ranges on the Lochinvar estate in the Upper Waimakariri catchment, Mt White has been one of the most successful operating stations since the Long Depression of the 1880s. The Turnbull family, who live 200 kilometres away from the station, have owned Mt White for almost 100 years. The key to their success has no doubt been the careful appointment of skilled managers made of the right stuff to handle this volatile and isolated terrain. From the managers, musterers, shepherds, shearers, packmen, fencers, deer cullers, cooks, cowboys and the wives and children who have worked and lived there, Mt White has certainly attracted its share of colourful characters and high country legends. This book pays homage to them and to the rugged and beautiful landscape of Mt White station. These titles are available in both Waimakariri and Hurunui libraries. Find out more about recent additions to the library collection by going to the library catalogue at waimakariri.kotui.org.nz or hurunui.kotui.org.nz or contact your local library.

SouthbrookHire

Care packs . . . Kaiapoi Community Support volunteers Leonie Venter (left) and Athalie Shanks (second right) were pleased to receive care packs donated by Kaiapoi Lions members Val Wilson (second left) and secretary Julie Loe, which will be distributed to PHOTO: DAVID HILL mealsonwheels recipients in Kaiapoi.

www.southbrookhire.co.nz Meals-on-wheels care packs 03 313 7336 By DAVID HILL

LPG refilling 7 days

1659260

national companies. ‘‘We have been very lucky, we only Mealsonwheels recipients in Kaiapoi had to spend a small amount of money are to receive an unexpected Christmas it only cost Lions $5 a pack. It was gift. surprising the people who came on The Kaiapoi and Districts Lions Club board and it’s been really satisfying.’’ has prepared care packs which were Packs have been prepared for both presented to Kaiapoi Community men and women who receive mealson Support on Friday to be distributed. wheels. Kaiapoi Lions secretary Julie Loe Mrs Loe says there were too many says the care packs were made possible tubes of toothpaste, so the rest have thanks to ‘‘generous’’ support from the been donated to Kaiapoi North School. community. Businesses which supported the project included New World, ‘‘We went out to the community a while ago seeking feedback on what Countdown, North Canterbury Dental they would like us to do and this was Care, Colgate, John Rhind, Bed Bath something that came up as a response. and Beyond, Bic, Shardlows and Health So we went out to local businesses and Pak.

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

Page 23

The “Everything on Sale” Sale! OUR

SALE ENDS SATURDAY

Finance available - 120 days interest free* CAR TYRES

4WD TYRES TYRES

TYRES

Save from 10 to

45%

ALLOY WHEELS

Save up to $300 on a set of 4

PERFORMANCE TYRES TYRES

Save from 10 to

FINANCE AVAILABLE

SHOCK ABSORBERS & SUSPENSION

120 DAYS INTEREST-FREE*

Normal lending criteria applies

8741952AA 87419 A

50%

Save up to $500 a set

30%

Save up to on all Shock Absorbers

*Nor *N orma or mall le ma lend nd ding in ng cr crit iter it erria a pp pli lies es *Normal lending criteria applies

Kaiapoi Alignment & Tyres

80 Williams St (Behind the Shell Car Wash)

1687707

We will match or better any genuine quote on tyres in Canterbury - guaranteed!

Ph 0800 80 KATS (5287) or 327-7789 • www.kats.co.nz Open 6 days: Mon - Fri 7.30am - 6.00pm. Sat 8.00am - 4.00pm

Tigers on Tyres... Pussies on price!

1687699-F 9-F

Page 24

The News

Thursday December 10 2015

The News Thursday December 10 2015 Page 25

Kaiapoi Christmas C Carnival & Parade Saturday 5th December

Kaiapoi turned up the heat for a special guest at thier favourite annual event last Sunday. A huge crowd turned out for the Kaiapoi carnival and Santa Parade and they saved the loudest cheers for the big guy in the red suit and is reindeer. It was a fun-filled community day to remember for you and old and everyone in between. The News photographer Shelley Topp joined in the fun.

Mayoral welcome . . . Waimakariri District Mayor David Ayers rides through the town during the Kaiapoi Santa Parade.

Entertaining . . . Members of the Kaiapoi Brass Band during the Kaiapoi Santa Parade.

Ho ho ho . . . The biggest cheer was saved till when Santa arrived in Kaiapoi last Saturday.

Waiting for Santa . . . Georgia MacPhail, of Rotherham, in Hurunui, with her son, Brooklyn, aged 2, at the Kaiapoi Santa Parade last Saturday.

Balloon time . . . Eager young people reach out for a balloon during the Santa parade in Kaiapoi.

Too close for comfort . . . The big crowd proved a tight fit for many vehicles.

Disney royalty . . . Taking centre stage at the Kaiapoi Santa Parade.

Waiting for Santa . . . Tairawhiti Sew Hoy, aged 4, of Kaiapoi, wearing his special reindeer glasses, with his aunty, Renee Barclay, of Christchurch.

Popularity plus . . . a minion crowd pleaser at the Kaiapoi Santa Parade last Saturday.