The iconic Kathmandu Coast to Coast lived up to its reputation last weekend, with Malvern athletes among those tackling the 243km challenge from Kumara to New Brighton. A major weather bomb forced organisers to activate the alternative mountain run route for only the sixth time in history. With heavy rain and rising rivers, the traditional GoatPasscrossingwasreplaced by a demanding route over the OtiraViaduct,creatingaunique, once-in-a-lifetime experience forcompetitors.
Despite the conditions, local athletes delivered outstanding performances across all categories.
Kirwee’s Jake Vargo produced one of the best Malvern performances of the event, finishing 1st in the Malvern Veteran category and 8th overall in the 2-Day Individual event.
West Melton’s Isla McPherson finished an impressive 4th in the Female U23 Elite. "The change in run course due to the rain made it even more exciting and I met some awesome peoplealongtheway,"Islasaid.
Kirwee’s Biddy Bell (20th
Female Veteran) enjoyed the unexpected aspects of the Bcourse. Her highlight was finishing feeling like she got to enjoy all parts of the race and reallytakeitallin.
Darfield’s Brett Warman ticked off a long‑held goal, finishing 29th in the Male Veteran category commenting, “I was stoked with how I went, achieving my goals along the way. Big tick in my book. Huge thankstowifePaulawhohadto change plans quickly, as the car towingourcaravanblewupjust
before the Viaduct on Friday. I had torunpastthesmoking car andstuckcaravan!!”
Some other local individual finishers included Jamie Hamilton (30th Male Veteran), Venessa Dyer (42nd Female Open), and DHS teacher Martin McDonald,who finished 15thin the Longest Day Veteran category. Young gun Kyle Towes,alsofromDHS,added to the Malvern results with 2nd placeintheMountainRun(14–17).
Isla McPherson, completed the 70km Kayak section in a time of five hours and eight minutes, finished an impressive 4th in the Female U23 Elite Individual.
Gold Medal for Half Marathon Walker Page 3
HERITAGE, HEART AND SUNSHINE
Love was in the air at Terrace Station on Saturday, February 14, as visitors chose a day of antiques, collectibles and community connection to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Hororātā.
Blessed with beautiful sunshine, visitors enjoyed a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere, with the market set among the stunning Terrace Station heritage gardens and music from Duncan Chisholm adding to the ambience. With an increased number of stalls and more visitors than ever before, the event continues to grow in popularity, cementing its place as a much-anticipated annual fixtureonthelocalcalendar.
The market, a collaboration
between the Hororātā Community Trust and the Terrace Station Charitable Trust, brought together collectors, treasure hunters and families for a day that blended heritage charm with the thrill of discovering uniquefinds.
Hororātā Community Trust ExecutiveO cerCindyDriscoll says the event reflects the strength of local partnerships andvolunteersupport.
“It was wonderful to see so many people out enjoying the gardens, connecting with stallholders and supporting our community. This event continues to grow each year, and that’s a real testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the enthusiasm
of everyone who attends. We’re incredibly grateful for thesupport.”
Both Trusts extend their sincerethankstothededicated volunteers who helped bring themarkettolife,aswellasto everyone who came along and supportedtheday.
The organisers would also like to acknowledge the support of Selwyn District Council, whose grant towards advertising helped promote the event and attract an even wider audience thisyear.
With growing attendance, an expanding range of stalls and such a spectacular setting, the Antiques & Collectibles Market is quickly establishing itself as anothergreatHororātā’sevent.
Enjoying the Antiques & Collectibles Market are Sir John Hall’s great granddaughter, Kate Foster (centre), with Tanya and Dawn, stall holders from Nelson.
A DETERMINED EFFORT PAYS OFF
Malvern local Trevor Martin has taken top honours, placing first, in his age group at the Half Marathon Walk at the 2026 New Zealand Masters GamesinDunedin.
The Games, which ran from Saturday, January 31 to Sunday, February 8, attracted more than 3,500 competitors fromaroundthecountry.
“I was delighted,” he says. “This was my first Masters, and I beat my personal best time, since I started up again back in 2024, by three minutes and 25 seconds.”
Trevor has only recently returned to half marathons after a two-year break. He previously competed while living in Cambridge, NZ, and says the sport has long been part of his life. “I did a bit of race walking when I was in school in the UK in the late 70s,”hesays.
Determined to make a strong comeback, Trevor began working with Ryan at BM Fitness at the start of the year.
“I had a mixture of lower body and strength work with him at the gym,” he says. “I also had a programme for myself out on the road, and I took part in the Long Run recently.” The structured training appears to havepaido .
With his winning performance in Dunedin under his belt, Trevor (64) has no plans to slow down. He has three more half marathons lined up this year: the Christchurch Half Marathon in April, the Selwyn
event in May and the South IslandHalfMarathoninAugust.
He is also considering entering a 10km race at the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold CoastinNovember.
Running has become a family a air. His wife, Soraya, is training for the Christchurch Half Marathon, while his daughter Mollie is preparing to compete in her first half marathon, ensuring plenty of shared miles and motivation in theMartinhousehold.
SANTA’S GROTTO WILL RETURN AGAIN THIS YEAR
Santa’s Gro o 2025 brought plenty of Christmas cheer to Darfield, with around 350 children visi#ng Santa and receiving a gi$. The smiles on children’s faces were a clear reminder of how valued this community tradi#on has become. A sincere thank you goes to the many volunteers and supporters who generously gave their #me and energy to make last year’s event such a success.
Following a recent public mee#ng on the future of Santa’s Gro o, there was strong support for the event to con#nue as a true community ini#a#ve — “for the community, by the community” said Cr Verry.
Four people have accepted the role of organising Santa’s Gro o for 2026, with the support offered by others. Planning will begin early to ensure another memorable Christmas experience for local families this Christmas.
While proudly based in Darfield, Santa’s Gro o con#nues to a ract children and families from across the Tāwera Malvern area, reinforcing its place as a highlight of the local Christmas season.
Trevor Martin proudly shows off his first-place medal for the Half Marathon Walk at the 2026 New Zealand Masters Games in Dunedin. Image: Supplied
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Ben Kahu is a KiwiSaver Advisor based in the area who can help you with all your KiwiSaver questions.
COMMUNITY INPUT SOUGHT ON TĀWERA MALVERN COMMUTER TRAIN TRIAL
Kiaoracommunity,
It has been a fantastic first few months serving as your Community Board Member. I am continuing to deepen my understanding of regional and national government processes, learn the responsibilities of a Malvern Community Board member, and strengthen my connectionswithinourcommunity.
I am seeking residents feedback on a proposed commuter train trial for the Tāwera Malvern ward. This proposal has emerged in response toconsistentfeedbackfromresidents.
with wider regional rail initiatives such as Te Huia between Hamilton and Auckland, and emerging Christchurch commuter rail proposals which demonstrate how rail can reduce congestion, support sustainability, and improve accesstourbancentres.
A copy of the Tāwera Malvern Commuter Train Trial proposal is on the Selwyn District Council website (www.selwyn.govt.nz/Your Council/ Malvern Community Board), and residents can also request a copy directly via email (Samantha.Samuel@selwyn.govt.nz).
This proposal responds to our growing population, rising commuter pressures, and the need for better transport options. It also aligns
With Malvern’s population expected to grow from 17,164 to approximately 21,444 by 2035, exploring alternative transport solutions is becoming increasingly important. Planning is underway by Mainland Rail on its proposed “EventsExpress”servicebetweenRollestonand Christchurch, and I am working with Mainland Rail on the potential future extension to Springfield.
If you have questions, feedback on the If you have questions, feedback on the you have questions, on the you have questions, on the commuter train trial proposal, or any trial proposal, or other matters you other matters you other matters other matters you’ ’’ ’d like support with, d like support with, d support with, d support with, please feel free to contact me at please feel free to contact me at free contact me at free contact me at Samantha.Samuel@selwyn.govt.nz.
MALVERN LIONS UPDATE
Medical Centre volunteered her time to see numerous attendees, resulting in seven referrals to GPs for follow-upappointments. Oneofthosespecificfollow -ups led to the early diagnosis of a melanoma, which has likely saved a life.ThanksgotoDrFowlie for her expertise and to the Lions members who organised the bus for the event.
Following the Courtenay Show, a significant health outcome has been reported thanks to an initiative organised by the Lions. Dr Sue Fowlie from Rakaia annual fundraisers by selling pea straw to the community. Smallbales are available now for $9 each, and supporters are encouraged to get their orders in quickly before theysellout. While small bales are the currentfocus,largebalesof pea straw will be made available for purchase later intheseason.
The Malvern Lions recently donated a tractor to the Darfield Toy Library to support local families and children. This contribution was further amplified by JJ Ltd, who not only provided the initial tractor at a discounted rate but also generously matched the donation with a second tractor.
Malvern Lions is currently running one of its major
REOPENING
After an extended time of closure to allow for a full replacement of the museum floor, the Hororata Museum committee is delighted to reopen its doors to the community. From now until May,themuseumwill welcome visitors on the first Sunday of every month, and the committee is looking forward to seeing locals and visitors alike exploring the district’s rich history once again. Group visits can also be arranged, with morning or afternoon tea available for those wanting to make a special outing of their trip.
Alongside reopening, the Hororata Historical Society is embarking on a major project for the year: the restoration
OF HORORATA MUSEUM
of the museum’s much‑ loved workmen’s caravan, affectionately known as “the Stinky.” After many years exposed to the elements, the caravanneedsanewroof,fresh paint, and repairs to its ageing timber. Thanks to a generous grant from the Malvern Lions, the Society was able to commission a full conservation report,andwithfurthersupport from the Selwyn Council, the recommended repair work can now begin. With more settled weather on the way, the team hopes to make a start on the refurbishment very soon, preserving this quirky piece of local history for future generations.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Hororata Historical Society is
excitedabouttheopportunities the coming year will bring. With the museum open again, the committee is eager to welcome the community, host tour groups, and hold events that showcase the museum’s wonderful collection. Sharing the fascinating history of Hororata and the wider district remains at the heart of the Society’s work, and the team looks forward to continuing that mission with renewed enthusiasm.
Central Plains Water Central Central Plains Water ‘ ‘‘ ‘Behind Behind Behind the Gates the theGates Gates’ ’’ ’ tour tourtour tour
The Society is also proud to be taking part in the Central Plains Water Behind the Gates tour on March 15. This guided journey takes participants from the Hororata Hall to the Rakaia River intake and back through aworkingfarm,finishingwitha sausage sizzle at the hall. As part of the event, the Society will share insights into the historyofwaterintheHororata area, offering visitors a deeper understanding of how water has shaped the landscape and communityovertime.
Coton’s Cottage and ‘The Stinky’ with a line-up of vintage cars at the Hororata Museum on Coton’s Road.
Kieran Heenan kph@meareswilliams.co.nz
Anita Molloy-Roberts am@meareswilliams.co.nz
W: www.meareswilliams.co.nz T: (03) 374 2547
Offices located at: Lincoln - 43 Gerald Street
-
BUILDING REAL CONNECTIONS: WHY THE NETWORKERS IS DIFFERENT
At The Networkers, we believe thatbusinessnetworkingshould be about more than just swapping business cards; it is aboutbuildingrealrelationships first. Our philosophy is simple: when people genuinely know, like, and trust each other, business growth naturally follows. We create meaningful opportunities by connecting local business owners in a supportive, welcoming, and professionallyrunenvironment. Our weekly one-hour meetings are carefully facilitated to strike the perfect balance between structure and a relaxed atmosphere. This ensures that every session is productive without ever feeling forced or awkward. To ensure the best possible environment for our members, we operate on a category-exclusive basis. This means there is only one business per category in each group, ensuring there are no "double-ups" and that you can represent your industry without
competition from within the room.
Running a business has its highs and lows, and being part of The Networkers means you never have to navigate them alone. There is a profound sense of community within our groups, o ering encouragement and light-hearted interaction alongside professional development. Membership is furtherenhancedbyadedicated website with member profiles, regular social events, and a commitmenttosupportinglocal charities.
If you are based in the Malvern region, we invite you to experience our community firsthand with a two-week, no-
obligation free trial. This allows you to visit our various locations, meet our members, and see if your business categoryisavailable.
The Darfield Network group The Darfield Network group Darfield Network group Darfield Network group meets every Wednesday meets every Wednesday meets every meets every morning at 9:00am. If you are at 9:00am. you passionate about your passionate about your about about business and looking to grow business looking to through genuine connection, through genuine connection, through connection, through connection, we would love to meet you. we to
For more informa-on or to request a visit, please email annmaree@thenetworkers.
WORK UNDERWAY FOR DIRECT WATER BILLING IN SELWYN
Selwyn Water Limited (SWL) is undertaking a programme of improvements ahead of the introduction of direct customer billingforwaterandwastewater servicesfromJuly1,2026.
The work follows a detailed review of customer, asset and financial information as services transition to the councilcontrolled organisation. The review, required under SWL’s Statement of Expectations, aims to ensure systems are accurate and robust before billing changestakee ect.
SWL has identified that a number of properties and businesseswerenotconsistently recorded for water and trade
waste charges under previous arrangements. It also found that some asset records and capital project costs need updating, partly due to growth exceeding projections in the long-term plan.
The company is now verifying information to ensure all users are correctly recorded and that future investment decisions are based on reliable data. No changes to billing are being madeatthisstage.
Mayor Lydia Gliddon says the work reflects Council’s commitment to fairness, transparency and responsible financialmanagement.
“We’re focused on fixing issues
properly so households and businesses can trust the system going forward,” she says. “It’s importanttobeupfrontwithour community, some historic systemsdidn’tgiveustheclarity weneedtoday.”
SWL Chief Executive Alex Cabrera says establishing a “single source of truth” across customer, asset and financial systemsiscritical.
“Clean, reliable data ensures people are billed accurately, costs distributed fairly and supports better planning, and decisions are based on solid information,”hesays. Furtherupdateswillbeprovided astheworkprogresses.
UNCERTAINTY MAY BE THE ONLY CERTAINTY
By GinnyNelson, Mortgage By GinnyNelson, Mortgage GinnyNelson, GinnyNelson, Adviser, GMI Ltd. Adviser, GMI Ltd. Adviser, Ltd. Adviser, Ltd.
The world is looking a bit topsy turvy right now, with Trump changing his mind and strategies along with the weather and even the economists.
The only certainty right now seemstobeuncertainty!
Summer has been a letdown in many places with very little settled periods to enjoy, and news from the Whitehouse is prettymuchthesame.
This in turn influences the NZ economy – good and bad. Interest rates are a ected by these world and local events, and it is very hard to predict whatterm or even if you should fixrightnow.Theredoeslookto be a steady move to increase ratesfromtheBigFour,andfour or five-year rates are over 5% now.
Itmaybeexpedienttosplityour loan over two or three di erent terms to give yourself some bu er against rises or falls in
Providing you with quality advice for Mortgages Refinancing & Re-fixing Loans, Mortgage Protection, Life/Trauma, Income Protection & Health Insurance
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ratesandhaveyourloansrolling everyyear.Thiswillallowyouto applylumpsumpaymentsonan annual basis if you have the meanstodoso.
Let'shopeforasettledMarchon allfronts!
GIVING GARDEN FESTIVAL ATTRACTS CROWDS
The inaugural Giving Garden Festival at Broadfield Gardens was held on Sunday, February 15, with breezy conditions and welcome spells of sunshine. While the final financial tally is still to be confirmed, the event has already been deemed a resounding success. Feedback on the organisation and, of course, the stunning location has been overwhelmingly positive.
Event organiser and SCCC manager Yvonne Lamond says, “The Giving Garden Festival was an idea first mooted by John, one of our volunteers, during a visit to the gardens early last year. With the right support, he believed it could be brought to life, and after a year of planning, that vision became reality. On the day, it was estimated that between 3,500and4,000peoplepassed through the gates, including several local councillors. For those visiting Broadfield Gardens for the first time, the beauty of the gardens was nothingshortofbreathtaking.”
The festival o ered something for everyone, with bouncy castles, a wide range of vendors, and a standout display of classic cars. The Rolleston Brass Band performed brilliantly, and it was a joy to see crowds gathered, toe-tapping and enjoying the music throughout theday.
A huge shout-out must go to the event sponsors, David Hobbs, owner and creator of Broadfield Gardens; Intelligro; Selwyn District Council; Bitcoin; and Pub Charity. Without their generous support, this event would not havebeenpossible.
Intelligro ran a wonderful hands-on activity, teaching children how to sow seeds.
Many young attendees left proudly carrying their future plants, a fantastic skill to learn at such a young age. Kelly, you wereamazing!
Selwyn Central Community Care aimed to raise awareness of the services they provide and to fundraise for the upgrade of their community van. Check out their website,
selwyncc.co.nz – they are here tohelpiftheycan.
In addition, several community garden groups were represented, helping to raise awareness with the Council that Broadfield Gardens is currently for sale and highlighting its potential as a valuable community asset. While the area is well-served with playgrounds and sports fields, amenities for the older population remain under -represented, and Broadfield Gardens could play a meaningful role in addressing thatgap.
“Thank you to all who came along and supported our event – we hope to be back next year!”saysYvonne.
Up to 4000 visitors attended the Giving Garden Festival at Broadfield Garden last Sunday.
NZ GARDEN BIRD SURVEY THE
By Jacky Lawson, By Jacky Lawson, Malvern U3A. Malvern U3A. Malvern U3A. Malvern U3A.
Angela Brandt (Landcare Research) gave an interesting presentation at the U3A MalvernFebruarymeeting.
While the survey has been underway since 2007, Angela has acted as the project co-ordinator since 2020. She explained that the survey can be considered a citizen science project, bringing together people and biodiversity research.
She noted that birds can be considered environmental indicators and helpful in monitoringurbandiversity.She noted that 80,000 surveys have been completed since 2007 and 51,515 nationwide gardensurveyssince2015.
Angela’s team has created smart analysis techniques to interrogate this data. The analysis focuses on 14 common species and addresses both 10-year and 5-year trends. These results are adjusted for the number of gardens in an area, urban
JOURNEY SO FAR
versus rural settings, whether the birds are fed (or not) and repeated measures over the time each survey is completed.
The Canterbury region has the third highest number of individual surveys in the last fewyears.
She shared data for some species, showing that while nationwide data might show a ‘stable’ species population, regional analysis may show different trends. Research has been undertaken on those submitting the surveys by reviewing the comments provided in the survey. Submitters have also been asked to suggest what more needs to be done to care for birds (such as protection from pets).
Researchers are now finding thatthegardenbirdsurveycan act as a foundation for more work with the public, such as some recent exhibitions at Te Papa and work undertaken in schools. The data has become a valuable research tool. The 2018 – 2022 data is now
available on-line, with nearly 8,000 downloads by July 2025 and 18 journal articles now having been published. The data allows comparisons between predator free landscape areas (compared to uncontrolled areas), can be used to support decisions on environmentalmanagement.
This year’s survey is scheduled for June 27 – July 5; it takes only one hour and is on a singleday.
For more information, visit For more information, visit For information, visit For information, visit gardenbirdsurvey.nz. gardenbirdsurvey.nz. gardenbirdsurvey.nz. gardenbirdsurvey.nz.
Don’t miss the next Malvern U3A meeting about the 1953 historic air race from London toChristchurch.
NEW RECYCLING STANDARDS
On February 1, New Zealand started standardising recycling rules nationwide, making it easier for residents in Selwyn, to know what can go in their bins. Some important changes have been introduced to improve recycling quality and safety.
• RecyclingJourney:Selwyn’s recyclingissenttoEcoCentral inChristchurch,sorted,baled, andsoldforremanufacturing. Beyond the Kerbside the Kerbside Items like polystyrene, tyres, ewaste(TVsandcomputers),and scrap metal cannot be picked up from home but can be recycled at the Pines Resource RecoveryParkinBurnham.
Angela Brandt.
HISTORIC AND MODERN HAILSTORMS HIGHLIGHT ONGOING FARM LOSSES
Earlier this year Canterbury arable farmers su ered millions of dollars in losses after severe hailstorms hit the region.
The hail damage had been highly localised; some growers have lost everything while neighbouring farms remain unharmed. For several farmers, this is the second or third consecutive year of major crop losses, creating significant financial pressure. The total cost of this year’s hailstorms in Canterbury is estimated at $10 million.
Federated Farmers Arable chair David Birkett, a Leeston grower, said instead of the usual three to four storms per season, the region has experienced around 12, including three major events that have wiped out entire crops.
Hailstorms are not uncommon
inCanterbury.
A reader recently sent A reader recently sent reader sent reader sent the theMalvernNews MalvernNews MalvernNews MalvernNewsa aa a74 7474 74--year yearyear year-old clipping from clipping from clipping from clipping from The The ChristchurchPress,Nov11, ChristchurchPress,Nov11, 1951. 1951.
The following has been abridgedforprint:
“ “CROPS BATTERED AND CROPS BATTERED AND CROPS BATTERED AND POULTRY KILLED: POULTRY KILLED:
A violent and unprecedented hailstorm struck the Greendale district on the afternoon of Friday, December 11, 1951, causing £10,000–£12,000 worth of damage.
Large hailstones—some as big as hens’ eggs, flattened flourishing oat crops, stripped wheat of its ears, ruined vegetable gardens, and even killedpoultry.
According to Mr George C. Warren of United Wheatgrowers,, the storm appeared to originate over
the Te Pirita plains before moving across Greendale, Charing Cross, Kirwee, Courtenay, and further west. Wheat crops in ear su ered 50 –60% damage, while wheat comingintoearand shotblade were a ected by 80–90%. Oats, peas, and rape crops were also heavily battered, with some expected to recover but produce much lower yields.
Farmersdescribedthestormas terrifying, lasting 20–30 minutes with a hail belt about a mile wide. Roofs of homes, sheds, and even a caravan were severely dented or punctured. Many windows were shattered, and one resident collected 360 eggsized hailstones in a single square yard. Some properties su ered heavy poultry losses, withbirdskilledbytheforceof thefallinghail.
THE TANGIBLE CONNECTION: WHY PHYSICAL BUSINESS CARDS STILL MATTER
In a world where we’re constantly tapping phones and scanning QR codes, you might think the old-school paper business card has had its day. But for local business owners and freelancers in our community, that little piece of cardstock is still one of the best tools you can have in your pocket.
The biggest reason? It’s personal. Handing someone a card creates a real moment of connection that a digital ping just can’t match. It shows you’re prepared and professional, and unlike a contact buried in a long list on a smartphone, a physical card sits on a desk or in a wallet as a friendly reminder of who you are and what you do. Plus, they’re incredibly reliable— they don’t need a Wi-Fi signal orabatterychargetowork! They’re also great for "passive networking." Whether you leave a few on a local co ee shopcounterorafriendpasses one along to a neighbour, your
card can reach people you haven'tevenmetyet.Inatight -knit community like ours, word-of-mouth is everything, and having something physical tohandoutmakesthatprocess mucheasier.
If you’re ready to level up your look, the Malvern News is here to help. We’re more than just your local paper; we can jump in to help you design and print high-quality business cards thatreallymakeanimpact. So, next time you’re heading out to a local event or just grabbing a co ee, make sure you’ve got a few cards handy. You never know who you mightmeet!
LUNCH STEEPED IN TRADITION
The She eld Ewe Fair last week saw another opportunity for a group of locals to cater for the event, raising funds for the ongoing maintenance of StAmbroseChurch.
Catering for the annual sheep sales is a time-honoured tradition which dates back earlier than the 63 years that Frances Smith has been involved.
She says the two local churches used to alternate catering each year, until the other church closed. It used to beheldonthefirstThursdayin
March and if one church was catering for the sale, the other church would organise the WorldofPrayercelebrationthe nextday.
Frances also remembers the She eld Hall floor being coated in a layer of sawdust so the farmers wouldn’t have to take their boots o . “It was a big job to clean it up afterwards,”shesays.“TheHall was very di erent back then; we’dhavetocarveupthemeat (legs of mutton) by the stage, as we didn’t have a very big kitchen.”
Nowadays, it’s not just church folk who volunteer food and their time for the annual sales event.Francessaysit’sbecome a wider community event. It’s also been a family tradition of sorts to be involved; her daughter-in-law, Julie Smith, now coordinates the catering forthesalesevent.
The tradition of providing lunch for the She eld Ewe Fair is so well entrenched in bringing the community together that it looks set to continue, perhaps for another 63years.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR LAUNCHES MAX’S BIN CLEANING SERVICES
A young local entrepreneur is turning household chores into a business opportunity, launching Max’s Bin Cleaning Services to save for a holiday toSydney. The idea for the venture came to 11-year-old Max Woods after his mother encouraged him to start saving for the
upcoming trip. Since cleaning the bins was already one of his regular responsibilities at home, the Darfield local realised he could turn his existing skills into a professional service for his neighbours.
“I know that I can do it well,” Max says, noting that the transition from home chore to businessfeltlikeagoodidea.
With some guidance from his mum Megan, Max worked out a plan and set his price at $10 perbin.
He takes a thorough approach to each clean. Max begins by pressure washing the lid, removingdirtfromthebottom, and washing down the entire bin. He then scrubs it with soap and water before rinsing itoutandapplyingdisinfectant
totackleanylingeringsmells. “Finally, I put disinfectant at thebottomtostopitsmelling,” he said. “That leaves the bin shiny,freshandclean.”
Residents who would like to Residents who would like to Residents Residents book a bin clean can text book bin clean Megan on 027 941 5595 to Megan on 027 941 5595 arrange an appointment. arrange
Sheffield Ewe Fair caterers for the day are Rachel Taiaroa Benny, Jenny Basset, Julie Smith, Lyn Judd, Charlie Manson, Val MacKenzie and Frances Smith.
Max Woods enjoys operating his bin cleaning service to help raise funds to holiday in Australia.
Strong local results in the Strong local results in the Strong local results the Strong local results the 2 22 2--Day, 3 Day,3Day,3 Day, 3--Person team event Person team event Person Person
Darfield’s Andrew Dyson completed his first Coast to CoastasthecyclistfortheIsaac Ironmen team, which finished 2nd in the Corporate category. Andrew said the experience exceededexpectations.
Andrew said, "The low points were probably getting up at 4am and checking your kit over and over to make sure you hadn't forgotten anything. The high point was definitely at the finish,runningupthechuteand overtheline."
Brothers Mark, Scott and Blair McIlroy, competing as Movember McIlroy Family, finished 9th in the Family category. For Blair, the course change added to the uniqueness of the day, commenting, "It was a great well run weekend. Change of run was good apart from the side way rain. Not many would get opportunity to run up the viaduct. The highlight was getting to do it with my brothers!"
Team MoToPo also completed the 3-Person race, featuring
Darfield’s Alex Mohi, who has undergone a remarkable personaltransformation.
"Two years ago I was 20kg heavier, and what started as an agreement over a few beverages somehow turned into one of the biggest challenges of my life," Alex said. Crediting BM Fitness for helpinghim.
"There’s no way I’d have made it across that line without Ryan’s classes, patience, nutritionplans,encouragement, and even the last-minute running vest… Running in the pouring rain for 4.5 hours and even getting to run up the viaduct — not many can say
they’vedonethat,"Alexadded. Kirweelocals Richard Greerand daughter Bella also shone in the 3-Person teams. Richard’s team CPNZ finished 2nd in the Men’s Open, while Bella and teammate Isla Whiteside from Darfield claimed 2nd in the Women’s Open as Bella & Isla’s Idea.
Richard, founder of TeamCPNZ, said the B-course was demandingbutexciting.
"Running up the viaduct is a pretty cool experience with all of the support crew vehicles yelling support in the torrential rain,"Richardsaid. TeamCPNZ had an enormous presence this year, coaching
CRICKET UPDATE
DarfieldPremierhadabyeonSaturday;however, on Sunday, the team played against Weedons PremierinthePremierT20GrandFinal.
Weedons won the toss and elected to bat.
Opener Harry Chamberlain was the first to fall aftermaking35runs o 14balls.Thetop scorer, Jeremy Benton, scored 38 runs o 33 balls. Darfield’s Tom McKenzie and Jordy Frew both took two wickets each o four overs, conceding 18runs. Weedonsfinishedtheir innings at153/7 o 20overs.
Darfield then replied with Jesse Frew making 24 runs o 15 balls before being bowled by Jeremy Benton. Gideon Welford was the top scorer with 28runso 23balls.YoungHenryPrattalso gave it a nudge to try and get Darfield over the line, scoring 20 runs o 19 balls. Darfield finished as runners-upwith128/10o 18.2overs.
In the main competition, Darfield are sitting a close second on the ladder and playing fifthplacedOhokaonSaturdayatMandeville.
The day prior, the Darfield Senior team took the Claw Cup o neighbouring team Greendale. Greendale won the toss and elected to bat first.
136 athletes and delivering logistics and support for 38 internationalcompetitors.
Two Darfield High School teams, senior and intermediate, finished 10th and 13th overall, an impressive result given the conditions. The school praised theircommitment.
"Our teams were simply outstanding…Allthehardwork, long hours of training, grit, pain, and perseverance paid off as both teams reached the finish line… tired, proud, and absolutely buzzing," a school spokespersonsaid.
2 22 2--Day, 2 Day,2Day,2 Day, 2--Person teams Person Personteams teams Person deliver big performances deliver big performances deliver big performances deliver big performances
In the Women’s Open, Hannah Molloy (Sheffield) and teammate Emma Bone (Double Trouble)finished4th.
"The weather conditions were roughonthefirstdayespecially havingtobikeinthewet!…The highlight for me was hitting Gorge Bridge and seeing my friends and family cheer me on with their loud voices and customisedsigns!"Hannahsaid.
In the Men’s Open, Tim Wright and Hamish Redfern (Red Dogs) also finished 4th. Tim said safety was the priority with the coursechange.
smashedit,especiallybattlinga headwind. So many lessons learned,"Paigesaid.
Absolute Homes Adventure Racing duo Chris Cawthray and JonathanGaunsonfinished13th in the Men’s Veteran category, highlighting the dedication required simply to reach the startline.
Triumphs, heartbreak and Triumphs, heartbreak and Triumphs, heartbreak and Triumphs, heartbreak and lessons learned lessons lessonslearned learned lessons
WicketsfellquickandfastasDarfieldbowlers demolished the Greendale side. Cole Atutolu was the highest-scoring batter, coming in at numbernineandscoring20runs o 20balls.
Isaac Earl earned three wickets from catches o his eight overs and went for 17 runs.
Henry Pratt claimed two wickets o eight overs for 19 runs, and Gideon Welford took two wickets o 7.3 overs for 29 runs. Greendalefinished117/10o 38.3overs.
Darfield came out firing with Jayden McIntyre opening and scoring 29 runs o 34 balls, hitting four 4s. Gideon Welford was the top scorer with 40 runs o 44 balls, including four 4s and two 6s, before being clean bowledbySeanCarston.Darfieldwonbyfour wickets with 11 overs to spare, finishing 118/6.
ThisnowputsGreendaleinthirdplaceonthe ladder, followed closely by Darfield. Next week, Darfield defends the Claw Cup against Weedons Colts at home, while Greendale playsagainstWeedonsSeniorsatFosterPark.
"If anything goes wrong up at Goat Pass you're pretty isolated… Hamish did a strong run up the viaduct," Tim said.
"The kayak was something I've been training for and went really well… it was just such a nicedayontheriver."
In the Mixed Open, Paige Hunter and Casey Taylor (Potential Chaos) finished 9th.
Paige described a challenging butrewardingweekend.
"Afterracingasa3-personteam in 2025, Casey and I decided to step it up and take on the 2person team in 2026. What an unforgettable weekend!… It turned into a very wet start to the weekend. Then onto Plan B for the run, where Casey poweredhiswayuptheviaduct.
I started day two with a 15km hill bike, followed by the 70km kayak with a quick unexpected swim. Casey headed out on the final 70km ride and absolutely
Local West Melton, competitor SamKingwasguttedtohaveto pull out of the one-day race on Saturday.After winning thetwo -day event last year, Sam qualified for the one-day male elitecategorythis yearand was ranked fourth to win. He says he put too much pressure on himself leading up to the race, and his body started to react. Threedays beforetheevent, he couldn’t eat, and his body wasn’t able to sustain the nutrients he needed to finish the race. He was pulled out of the race by medics after completing the first 2.2km run and cycling 55km. He started the next run, but his last recorded time was at the 22.5km mark (Dudley’s Knob). He says he has learnt a lot and realised he needed to listen to his body; he’ll take a wellneeded rest and let his body recover before starting training fornextyear’sCosttoCoast.
The unsung heroes behind The unsung heroes behind every athlete every everyathlete athlete
Across all categories, Malvern competitors repeatedly thanked their support crews — the partners, parents, friends, coaches and school staff who battled traffic, sorted gear, braved the rain, and appeared like magic at transition zones with food, dry clothing and encouragement.
As many competitors said, the Coast to Coast simply doesn’t happenwithoutthem.
Whether trudging up the Otira Viaduct in sideways rain or sprinting up the final chute at New Brighton, Malvern’s athletes — and the people behind them — did the district proudonceagain.
Richard Greer from Kirwee with his daughter Bella, a name to watch out for in the future.
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