Local News for Local Communities
Issue 1,203
Friday 26th September 2025
Phone: 03 318 7450 | Email: info@malvernnews.co.nz | Web: www.malvernnews.co.nz Got something Newsworthy? Let us know too!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Malvern Pool Competition 2025 Page 3
Elections Feature Pages 9-16
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR GIRLS' RUGBY Darfield’s own Maddy Judd (16) has been making her mark on the rugby field since she was eight years old running out with the Sheffield Sharks. Now, she has reached a new milestone with selection into the New Zealand Māori U18 Ngā Mareikura 2025 Team. This achievement tops off what has already been a standout season. Playing for the Christchurch Girls’ High School 1st XV, Maddy helped guide the team to its 11th consecutive Miles Toyota Cup win and a 4th straight South Island final, earning them a place at the Top 4 National Championships in Palmerston North. Facing Hamilton Girls’ High
School in a tense semifinal, the girls came heartbreakingly close, losing 17–19 in a thrilling contest. They finished third in the country — a result that left the team immensely proud. For Maddy, the experience was unforgettable. “To compete at that level with such a committed group of girls is something I’ll always be proud of. We gave it everything,” she said. Her family couldn’t be prouder either. Her parents shared their delight at her New Zealand selection: “We are so proud to share this exciting news. Well done Maddy. When you listen, learn and execute, you reap the rewards. Enjoy the
experience you are about to embark on.” Maddy’s journey continues on Friday 3 October when the Ngā Mareikura squad plays the NZ Barbarian RFC U18s in Pukekohe. The side was selected through New Zealand Rugby’s Māori Development Programme, which Acting Māori Rugby Development Manager Kahu Carey says is building real depth in the women’s game: “Young wāhine are engaging positively
with the kaupapa and demonstrating a remarkable rise in skill, confidence, and capability.” Maddy isn’t the only talented young player from our region making waves. This year, other local players that made Canterbury Under 18 Girls teams alongside Maddy include: Harriet Collins, Maggie Bull, Lilyana Cullen, Sienna Soper, and Pippa Wiseman.
Continued on page 2...
Spring Forward DAY LIGH T SAV INGS
Personal Bests At Nationals Page 19
2am, Sunday 28th September 2025 CLOCKS SHOULD BE SET FORWARD 1 HOUR!
Maddy Judd (with the ball) playing proudly for her school.
Advertising can be booked online via our website: malvernnews.co.nz
CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS: ♦ Weekly Newspaper ♦ Business Cards ♦ Photocopying ♦ Laminating ♦ Binding ♦ Typesetting
DEADLINES: Editorial 1pm Monday | Advertising 10am Tuesday