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Local News for Local Communities

Issue 1,255

Friday 16th October 2026

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Young Artist Recognised Page 2

Gardening & Landscaping Feature Pages 7-14

Hororata Highland Games Page 15

DARFIELD ARTWEEK CAPTURES JUDGES’ PRAISE Darﬁeld Art Week opened with a well-attended awards evening, showcasing more than 300 artworks from artists across Malvern and beyond. Judges Pip Judge and Debbie Templeton-Page praised the breadth of talent on display. The Premier Award went to Springston South artist Mike Glover for his pastel, ‘Burst’, which they described as “an outstanding and stunning landscape” with beautiful colour, light and strong visual impact. Ashburton artist Sarah Caville received the Friends of MCAC Runner Up Award for her acrylic work, ‘Two Sparrows’. The judges called the piece “engaging and beautifully composed”, highlighting its strong composition and visual interest. Local Malvern artists were also strongly represented among the award recipients. Darﬁeld’s Maureen McCann won the Thirsty Acres Hung Artwork Award for ‘Duvauchelle’, while West Melton’s Lauren Carmichael received the

Gordon Harris Award for Christchurch and View Hill in daily from 10am-4pm at the Waimakariri district. Darfield Recreation Centre ‘Nature’s Altar’. The Malvern the Business Award went to Darfield Artweek 2026 is open until Sunday, October 18. Darfield’s Lee Brunton for ‘Woven Waters’, and Lake Coleridge artist Cathie Bell received the Malvern Businesses Jewellery Award for ‘Boho Earrings 2’. In the youth categories, Charing Cross artist Evelyn Fawcett won the Gordon Harris Youth Merit Award for 13–18 years with ‘Serj Tankian’, while West Melton’s Annie Bushby won the Malvern Business Youth Merit Artist Mike Glover with his Darfield Artweek Award for 8–12 years. Other Premier Award-winning pastel, ‘Burst’. award winners came from

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YOUNG WEST MELTON ARTIST RECOGNISED Annie Bushby (9) was so excited to win the Malvern Businesses Youth Award 8-12 Years that she ran up the stairs onto the stage at the Darﬁeld Artweek awards night last Friday. She is pictured with her mum Carolyn and her collage, ‘Manuka’. The judges praised Annie’s artwork and said she had “created a beautiful piece of art with conﬁdence in her chosen medium” and encouraged Annie to keep creating.

A SELWYN REGIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION – WHY NOT? By Tony Gan Branding Darﬁeld is an allembracing concept. Why tourism? The bigger picture is that tourism is a lifeline of New Zealand’s economy. The sector is New Zealand’s second largest export industry, with visitor spending reaching $46.6 billion in 2025. Nationally, we have Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) to promote New Zealand as a visitor destination. The next level down, we have Regional Tourism Organisations (RTO) that market their own destinations, e.g. Destination Kaikoura, and here in Selwyn, we belong to the collective RTO called ChristchurchNZ. The Government invests heavily in tourism. In 2024, a portion of the international visitor levy went towards supporting regional tourism development. In 2025, Selwyn as part of the Canterbury/West Coast consortium received $600,000. In early 2026, the Central South Island RTOs received a further $1 million.

There is huge tourism potential for Selwyn:

represent the second largest by regional visitor spend, with $1.029 billion domestic visitor spend and $299 million international visitor spend by year-end July 2023. 3. South Island’s tourism will be further boosted with Air NZ’s direct flights between Christchurch and Tokyo, Singapore and Perth from later this year. 4. International visitors are coming to Christchurch anyway. Selwyn is therefore well placed to complement the urban experience by encouraging visitors to extend their stay and explore our distinctive landscapes and attractions. A clear message from the Branding Darfield workshop on August 25 was that Darfield alone is not enough to attract visitors. We need to work with the other townships in Selwyn to truly promote this region as a destination. We have iconic events such as Highland Games in Hororata and Culture Fest in Lincoln. We have national parks and hot-air ballooning. Heritage tourism has the potential from Darfield through to Springfield and Leeston.

1. A record number of visitors to the South Island over Moving forward, therefore, I the last summer pumped would advocate for: $861 million into the South 1. Every township in Selwyn Island economy. to create its own brand that 2. Christchurch and the reﬂects its uniqueness and surrounding districts

identity. 2. Collectively, we come under the umbrella of a new Selwyn Regional Tourism Organisation that will promote our region to the world and provide legitimacy to access regional tourism funding. This means Selwyn will no longer be part of the ChristchurchNZ RTO. Instead, Selwyn as the fastest growing region in New Zealand can determine our own destiny with an integrated approach to key elements of tourism. Some of these functions are beyond the capacity of individual tourism operators acting alone, but together, we can move mountains.

Next Branding Workshop The next Branding Darfield workshop, by invitation, will be on November 17 and will be facilitated by a consultant. Morning tea will be provided. This workshop will have a specific focus on getting some "initiatives" off the ground, as well as involving other residents' associations for capability building.

Friday 16th October 2026

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BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION NZ 2026 ELECTION MANIFESTO October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Every year, approximately 650 New Zealanders die from breast cancer. Many of these deaths are avoidable: Not because we lack the knowledge. But because delays in detection, diagnosis, and treatment, alongside limited access to eﬀective medicines, leave women and whānau carrying risks the system can change. This manifesto sets out three

priorities for the next government: ﬁnd more cancers early, remove the diagnostic bottleneck, and fund the medicines that work. Together, these requests address the critical points in the pathway where lives are being lost. Breast cancer survival depends on three things: how early cancer is found, how quickly treatment begins (relative to the speed of cancer growth), and whether eﬀective

treatment is available, but New Zealand is falling short on all three. The BCFNZ 2026 Election Manifesto three policies cover: Fund supplementary imaging for high-risk women in the screening programme; Invest in digital pathology; and Fund life-saving medicines.

To ﬁnd out more about these policies, visit breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/ what-we-do/advocacy/manifesto.

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CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING The Springfield Community Association is excited to be bringing the fourth annual Springfield Festival to town on Sunday, October 18. Formerlly known as the Springfield Market, it was decided that this event is more than just a market, hence the change in name. This event is now firmly on the Springfield calendar: it celebrates the arrival of spring to the village (a little delayed out here with the altitude), it brings people from far and wide to enjoy local country hospitality and, being on the main thoroughfare between

the East and West Coasts, it has a captive audience from passers-by. Alongside the craft market, there is also a Classic Car Display, which is growing each year, and this year includes a few vehicle-speciﬁc product displays. If you have a classic car or vehicle sitting in the garage, the Association would love you to join them. There is a $5 donation per vehicle. Follow the signs when you arrive in Springﬁeld. We also have a few food trucks in front of the hall and a fundraising sausage sizzle. The Bake Sale is always

MEET THE CANDIDATES EVENING With the General Election fast approaching it’s time to find out about our local Selwyn Electorate candidates. To help you make your choice, the Darfield-Glenroy Branch of Rural Women will again be hosting a Meet the Candidates evening on Thursday, October 22 from 7.30 - 9.30pm at the Darfield Primary School Hall, with the doors opening at 7pm. All the Selwyn Electorate candidates have been invited to introduce themselves to the community and to speak about their vision for the electorate and what they will focus on if elected. Candidates will also be given the opportunity to respond to your written questions. Rural Women ensure rural communities are connected and thriving It has been a busy year for Darfield-Glenroy Rural Women with a range of opportunities for social activities, service and connection. Through our Darfield Dinner Group we have had lots of laughs, supported Pinc & Steel - the cancer rehabilitation charity, and honed our financial resilience skills. In addition, our Branch meets monthly on the second Monday of the month with an interesting programme of speakers, activities and community service. A recent highlight was a ‘behind the scenes’ visit to the Airforce Museum at Wigram. For more information about local Rural Women activities, contact Heather at darfieldrwdg@gmail.com. The informa on and opinions published are not necessarily those of the Malvern News proprietor. The final approval of le ers for print, rests with the editor. Le ers to the Editor should be no more than 200 words in length. Le ers to the Editor won’t be considered for publica on without the writer’s name (given and surname) and area of residence (not address) also being printed. Le ers wri en using a pseudonym, are unable to be published.

To the Editor: In Response to last week's letter Spring Fair; Thank you for your letter about enjoying the Spring fair and useful suggestion wanting the fair to stay open for longer. I also thought there was a wonderful community spirit and that most people were thoroughly enjoying themselves, particularly after the sunshine arrived later in the morning. We will look into your suggestion before next year's event.

Peter Cattell, Malvern Anglican Parish, Darfield

a popular stop at the festival. If you would like to contribute something towards the Bake Sale, email springfieldnzmarket@gmail.com This event is brought to you by the Springfield Community Association to help celebrate Springfield’s slice of paradise out here in the foothills of Canterbury. Run by volunteers, all proceeds from the event go towards future community events and facilities.

See advertisement on page 17 for further details.

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GARDENING - WELLBEING PRESCRIPTION With 14.3% of New Zealand adults experiencing high or very high psychological distress, a simple prescription may be closer than many realise: get outside and grow something. October marks New Zealand’s ﬁrst National Gardening Month. Its theme, “Grow a piece of paradise”, encourages people to connect with nature in spaces ranging from balconies to community gardens. Evidence shows nature can support wellbeing. Local Sheﬃeld lavender farm grower, landscape architect and health researcher Dr Gayle SouterBrown says: “Gardens can be places where we restore ourselves.” Her research explores how landscape design can reduce stress. In a doctoral trial at Auckland University of Technology, 164 participants spent 30 minutes weekly in a biodiverse sensory garden for four weeks. They experienced a 16.1% reduction in salivary cortisol, a stress marker, alongside improved wellbeing and productivity. Researchers concluded sensory gardens could support stress reduction and workplace wellbeing. The study examined

sensory environments featuring biodiversity, colour, texture, fragrance, sound and movement, with spaces for connection or solitude. “You don’t need a huge garden or hours of spare time,” Dr Souter-Brown says. Gardens can be created almost anywhere, from kitchen-door herbs to a biodiverse backyard. Growing a little piece of paradise gives people a reason to spend time outdoors.

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SIMPLE CHOICES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE New Zealand’s 2026 Recycling Week runs from October 19– 25, encouraging households, schools and businesses to think carefully about what goes into their rubbish and recycling bins. Recycling Week began with a simple belief: when people understand waste, they make better choices. That idea led Reclaim to create recycle.co.nz, a practical education website focused on waste and sustainability. The resource was later adopted into school curriculums across New Zealand, showing the value of clear, practical information. In Selwyn, the week coincides with local waste-minimisation initiatives. A Community Recycling Drop-Oﬀ Day will be held at Hawkins Pit, Darﬁeld,

on Sunday, November 1, from 10am to 4pm. Residents can take ﬂattened cardboard, green waste, scrap metal, old tyres, car seats and e-waste. Scrap metal and standard recyclables are free; small charges apply for tyres, green waste and selected electronics. Residents are also being reminded to follow Selwyn’s yellow-bin rules. Only clean, rigid plastic bottles and containers numbered 1, 2 and 5, between 100ml and 4L, can go in the yellow bin. Containers must be empty and rinsed, and plastic and metal lids should go in the red rubbish bin. Soft plastics, including chip packets, bubble wrap and plastic bags, also belong in the red bin. Putting the wrong items in recycling has real

consequences. Food, liquid and grease can spoil paper and cardboard, while too many incorrect items can cause an entire truckload to be rejected at a Materials Recovery Facility and sent to landfill. “Tanglers” such as plastic bags, hoses, clothing and Christmas lights can wrap around sorting machinery, causing shutdowns and safety risks. Contamination also costs councils money through extra sorting, transport and landfill charges, which can flow back to households through rates. The golden rule is simple: if you are unsure whether something can be recycled, put it in the red rubbish bin. Clean recycling is always better than “wish-cycling” (hoping something is recyclable when it isn't).

GARDENING VOLUNTEERS WANTED Can you spare some time once a month to help some little gardeners? Darﬁeld Preschool & Nursery is looking for local volunteers to help plant and care for our vegetable garden alongside our preschool children. The Preschool would love to hear from parents, grandparents, retirees, keen gardeners or anyone in the community who enjoys getting their hands in the soil. You don’t need to be a gardening expert, just willing to lend a hand and share your enthusiasm! The planter boxes are ﬁlled and ready to go, and the Preschool is also accepting donations of vegetable plants and seedlings to help get the garden growing. The children will help plant, water, care for and harvest the vegetables, giving them a wonderful

hands-on opportunity to learn where food comes from and develop a love of gardening. Help Darfield Preschool & Nursery grow vegetables, little gardeners and a love of gardening. If you can regularly volunteer, or would like to donate plants, please contact Darfield Preschool & Nursery at darfieldpreschool@xtra.co.nz.

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HOMESTEAD GARDEN VISIT Saturday, November 14 is your chance to wander around a pretty special garden in Windwhistle. The Point Station has been in the family since

the 1860’s and the Richards have just welcomed the sixth generation onto the property. The homestead is original cob from that period

built with clay dug from the front paddock and mixed with manure and tussock. Each generation has left its mark on the property. The large informal garden has heritage trees planted over 160 years ago with an extensive collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and natives – plants that can cope with the odd dump of snow, possum attacks, occasional mob of sheep and, of course, a good nor'easter whistling through the trees. Wander the meandering paths, admire the quirky sculptures and huge rocks. As internet is unreliable, bring cash for entry and a cuppa or Other restored farm buildings maybe you’ll be tempted with can be seen along with some a few goodies. rooms inside the homestead See advertisement alongside when visitors book a tour. For for further information. more information, go to the Terrace Station website at terracestation.org.nz. The next Terrace Station open day for visitors to enjoy the garden is on Wednesday, November 11, visit the website for information about this and other upcoming events.

SUNSHINE AT TERRACE STATION The Open Garden Sunday at Terrace Station on 11 October was a glorious day with sunshine and gentle breezes welcoming almost 80 visitors. Many brought picnics to enjoy while sitting in the garden and some took plants and homemade crafts away with them. Drifts of ﬂowers looked amazing with bluebells swaying under the towering trees and enthusiastic rhododendrons providing bursts of colour throughout the garden. The Hutch was open with a range of vintage garden tools and information about the station, including items from the original Hororata golf course that was once located on the property.

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WHAT KIWI GARDENERS ARE SAYING A new Kiwi Piece of Paradise survey of 750 people, conducted to mark the launch of National Gardening Month, suggests New Zealand gardeners already understand the connection. 87% of gardeners surveyed said spending time in the garden signiﬁcantly enhances their mood. Growing fruit, vegetables and herbs is about more than saving on grocery bills with 88% saying they grow their own to have fresher, bettertasting food, while 73% said mental wellbeing and enjoyment were the reasons they raise their own crops. The survey indicates that home -grown food is likely to be on the increase in response to burgeoning grocery prices. Reducing the weekly food bill remains important with 64% of

respondents considering this a key reason for growing their own. A total of 60% of respondents are likely to grow more food in the future, with almost half reporting that they grow more than before. The ﬁndings suggest that for many gardeners, the reward is not only the produce but the experience of growing it. When asked what they would include when creating their own piece of paradise, ﬂowers were the most popular choice (89%), followed by vegetables and fruit trees at 86%. An outdoor seating area, water feature and garden sculpture were also considered as important essentials. Reinforcing New Zealanders’ love for gardening 63% said they would choose a garden makeover over a weekend away.

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GROWING YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE A representative of New Zealand’s gardening industry, Debbie Pascoe, says National Gardening Month is aimed at encouraging New Zealanders to get growing, regardless of their gardening experience, budget or available space. “Plant something, grow some food or create a haven for birds and bees. Or even just sit

outside in your little piece of paradise and spend some time in nature. Gardening gives you the opportunity to switch oﬀ from everything else for a while and it could have a signiﬁcant impact on your health. You don’t need to be good at it – you just need to give it a go to experience the rewards,” says Ms Pascoe.

SIMPLE STEPS CAN REDUCE RISK OF LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE Legionnaires’ disease aﬀects gardeners every year causing pneumonia after breathing in the bacteria found in compost and potting mixes. Canterbury had the highest number of cases in the South Island, accounting for two-thirds of the 54 cases recorded between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. Forty-six people were hospitalised. Steps to reduce the risk of Legionnaires include wearing gloves, wearing an N95 facemask, opening potting and compost mix bags outdoors or

in well-ventilated areas and opening them away from your face, dampening to reduce dust, and washing and drying hands after use. Symptoms can include a cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The illness typically worsens over several days and may require hospitalisation. Contact your doctor or Healthline if you experience any of these symptoms, particularly after using potting mix or compost.

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LOCAL LAVENDER GROWER TAKES ON NATIONAL ROLE Torlesse Lavender Fields coowner Chris Brown says he was both excited and a little daunted when he was elected chairperson of the New Zealand Lavender Growers Association (NZLGA) at its recent 30th anniversary national conference. Although still relatively new to lavender growing, Chris says he has gained a great deal from NZLGA membership and now wants to support the organisation as it continues to grow, promote quality, and add value for growers around the country. Torlesse Lavender is based at FairView Farm and Gardens near Sheffield, which Chris owns with his wife, Gayle Souter-Brown. For Chris, the national role is an opportunity to contribute to the wider lavender industry while sharing the farm’s approach of combining “new ideas and ancient wisdom”. He says New Zealand produces some of the best lavender essential oil in the world yet still imports significant quantities from overseas. The NZLGA is finalising approvals

for its NZ Grown Lavender trademark, which is designed to give consumers confidence that the lavender they purchase has verified New Zealand origin, traceability, quality and integrity. While Canterbury is better known for arable and dairy farming, Chris says the region’s increasingly Mediterranean climate is also well suited to lavender. Several local farms are producing high-quality lavender products, with some also welcoming visitors to experience the colour, scent and calm of the fields. FairView Farm is also establishing the South Island’s English lavender collection. There are only two other such collections in New Zealand, both in the North Island. Chris says there are 125 varieties of English lavender in the country, and the farm has taken on shared responsibility to help preserve them. “The collection garden is currently being laid out and will hopefully be ready for the public to visit this season,” he says. Chris and Gayle are also

Newly elected chairperson of the New Zealand Lavender Growers Association, Chris Brown with his wife, Gayle, at their Torlesse Lavender farm near Sheffield.

working through the approval process to sell culinary lavender products, using a template developed by the NZLGA with MPI and made available to association members. Building the small business has been a steep learning curve. Chris says one of the biggest lessons is that everything takes longer and costs more than expected, but the rewards have made the effort worthwhile. “The joy of seeing the young and old wander through the lavender fields and around the homestead gardens makes all the hard work worthwhile,” he says. Local support has also been vital, from open day visits and product purchases to social media engagement. Chris says the strongest encouragement comes when visitors say they will return next lavender season, giving the couple confidence to keep growing, investing in the farm, and sharing the lavender experience with the wider community.

LABOUR WEEKEND IN THE GARDEN Labour Weekend is the traditional time across New Zealand to get stuck into the garden, as soil temperatures warm up enough to support summer crops and the risk of frost diminishes. However, in Canterbury, the old rule of thumb changes slightly. While northern parts of New Zealand rush to plant everything on Labour Weekend, local experts recommend waiting until Canterbury Show Day (midNovember) for highly sensitive crops. Do not let a sunny afternoon fool you over Labour Weekend. A sudden overnight frost can easily drop to -2°C well into late October or early November. Because Canterbury is highly prone to late-spring radiant frosts, cold southerly snaps, and damaging Nor'west winds, you need a tailored approach for this weekend. 1. Plant Safely Now (Hardy Summer Crops) You don't have to keep your hands entirely out of the dirt. These crops can handle the current soil temperatures and

minor temperature dips: • Root Veggies & Greens: Directly sow carrots, beetroot, radishes, spinach, and silverbeet into the ground. • Potatoes: Earth up any established potato shoots. If you haven't planted your main crop potatoes yet, get them in the ground now. • Hardy Greens: Plant out broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower seedlings, but make sure to cover them with insect mesh immediately to ward off the arriving white butterflies. • Peas and Beans: Sow peas and runner beans. Ensure you install sturdy stakes or a "bean wall" before planting to anchor them against the severe spring Nor'westers. 2. The Tomato & Chilli Dilemma The ground in Canterbury is often still too cold for heatloving plants to thrive unprotected; planting them too early causes them to "sulk" and stunts their growth.

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LABOUR WEEKEND IN THE GARDEN ...continued from previous page.

4. Focus Hard on Fruit Tree Care • If planting outdoors: If you Many Malvern home orchards put your tomatoes, chillies, feature stone fruits like capsicums, or zucchinis into peaches, apricots, and plums, the ground over Labour which are actively swelling or Weekend, you must use blooming around this time of frost cloth or cloches on year. clear, still nights. • A late frost right now can • The Golden Rule: Keep a completely ruin your fruit close eye on the local crop for the entire year. weather forecast. Clear, • If you have smaller or dwarf cloudless nights are the fruit trees, drape them in ones that bring sudden latefrost cloth if a drop in October frosts. temperature threatens. For • The Container Trick: larger trees, keeping the Consider planting your frost under-canopy grass mown -tender seedlings into large short can slightly help the pots rather than directly ground radiate warmth up into the ground just yet. into the branches. Mount them on wheels or keep them light enough so 5. Herbs you can easily pull them Succeeding with herbs on the onto a covered veranda or Canterbury Plains comes down into the garage on clear, to splitting them into two strict still nights. camps: the hardy survivors that • Watering Trick: If a cold can go straight into the ground night is forecast, water your now, and the tender subgarden beds in the late tropicals that will perish if hit afternoon. Moist soil holds by a sudden frost. heat much better overnight Plant Directly into the than dry soil. Ground Now (The Hardy Survivors) 3. Canterbury Wind These herbs can easily handle Wind is one of the most chilly spring nights, cooler soil underestimated stressors for temperatures, and biting young seedlings in the region. winds. Get them established this weekend so they can root • Staking is Non-Negotiable: deeply before the summer dry Stake everything securely spells arrive: right at the moment of • Perennial Kitchen Staples: planting. Plant rosemary, thyme, sage, • Create temporary shelter and oregano. They love the barriers using shade cloth sun, require very little around vulnerable garden maintenance, and won't blink beds. at a light frost. • Apply a thick layer of mulch • The Moister Growers: Mint (like pea straw). This and parsley will thrive right performs a double duty in now. Plant mint in a large Canterbury: it acts as a container dug into the temperature buﬀer for the ground to stop it from taking soil during sudden cold snaps over your garden, and keep and stops the soil from both well-watered. drying out rapidly when the • Sow Directly from Seed: hot Nor'westers blow You can safely sow chives through. and coriander directly into your garden beds.

Tip: Coriander actually prefers these cooler spring temperatures; planting it later in the heat of a Canterbury summer causes it to bolt to seed almost instantly.

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LABOUR WEEKEND IN THE GARDEN Managing a ﬂower garden over Labour Weekend in Malvern requires a careful balance between the high-octane spring sun and the threat of severe ground frosts and howling Nor'westers. 1. Plant These Flowers Directly Now (The Frost-

Hardy Crew) These varieties will easily tolerate Malvern's chilly overnight dips (which can drop toward 0°C well into November) and will establish strong roots before the dry summer heat arrives: • Hardy Annuals & Biennials:

Plant out seedlings of snapdragons (Antirrhinum), sweet peas, poppies, cornﬂowers, larkspur, pansies, and violas. They love the crisp spring air and can survive a light ground frost without an issue. • Perennials: This is the

will bring a radiant frost that perfect weekend to plant can kill them: structural perennials like • The Targets: Dahlias, delphiniums, aquilegia sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, (columbine), foxgloves, and marigolds, and petunias. lupins. • The Strategy: Keep • Divide and Multiply: If you purchased seedlings in their have established clumps of punnets in a sunny, summer or autumnsheltered spot or flowering perennials (like greenhouse for a few more hostas, asters, or sedums), weeks. If you must plant use this long weekend to lift, them out this weekend: divide, and replant them Dahlia Tubers: You can around the garden. plant dahlia tubers safely 2. Hold Off or Protect These deep in the soil now. Heat-Lovers (The Vulnerable However, if you are Blooms) planting sprouted, leafy Do not leave these warmdahlia seedlings, you season flowers unprotected in must cover them with the open soil over Labour frost cloth at night. Weekend. One clear, calm night

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SWORD COMES FULL CIRCLE AT 15TH HORORĀTĀ HIGHLAND GAMES When Mark Stewart leads Clan Hororātā as Chieftain of the 15th Hororātā Highland Games this November, he will carry a piece of Games history. The ceremonial sword he will raise during the Welcoming Ceremony is the same sword he donated in 2012. Mark has lifelong family connections to the district and owns a farm at Windwhistle. After the September 2010 Greendale Earthquake, he was among locals who came together to consider how the rural community could recover and move forward. From those conversations came the Hororātā Community Trust and the Hororātā

Highland Games. As a founding Trustee, Mark helped turn the Games from an idea into reality, with around 10,000 people attending the ﬁrst event just 15 months after the earthquake. He served as a founding Trustee for 15 years, stepping down in 2025, but remains very much part of Clan Hororātā. “None of us really knew where it was going to lead when we started out. We just knew we needed to get people working together and create something positive for the district,” Mark says. “The volunteers are the heart of Clan Hororātā and they’ve made the Games what

Mark Stewart will lead Clan Hororātā as Chieftain of the 15th Hororātā Highland Games carrying the sword he donated in 2012.

they are today. It will be a real privilege to lead them as Chieftain this year.” The Chieftain traditionally leads their Clan. At Hororātā, Mark will be honoured during the midday Welcoming Ceremony. The 15th Games comes as the Hororātā Community Trust takes on its next major project: restoring the historic Hororātā Hall for future generations. Hororātā Community Trust Executive Officer Cindy Driscoll says Mark has always challenged the community to think big. “Fifteen years ago that meant looking beyond earthquake recovery and asking what we could create that would make a lasting difference. He is challenging us to think the same way about the Hall – not just fixing a building, but how it can serve our community for generations.” Mark says he is prepared to lead the Hall fundraising effort and is calling on others to support the project. “Whether your connection is to Hororātā, to rural Canterbury or simply to strong communities, this is a project worth backing. This is our Hall, our story, and now it’s our turn to secure its future.” The 15th Hororātā Highland Games will be held at Hororātā Domain on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Tickets are on sale now, with no gate sales on the day. Children under 16 are free. Visit hororatahighlandgames.org.nz.

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ADVENTURE RACE CHALLENGES Darfield High School students showed outstanding grit and teamwork when they travelled to Twizel recently to tackle the challenging Go 4-12 Adventure Race. Facing tough weather and course obstacles across kayak, foot, and bike stages, the young athletes demonstrated exceptional problem-solving and spirit from start to finish. Two Darfield squads earned podium placings in their respective divisions. The DHS Pioneers, comprising Marlie McCaughan, Darcy McCaughan, Lulu Maley, and Ethan McLean, secured a commendable

second place in the three-hour Years 9–10 Mixed event. In the gruelling six-hour Years 10–11 Mixed division, the DHS Rebels lineup of Kyle Towes, Joe Warman, William Thrower, and Saphia Ridgen took home third place. Competitors battled ﬁerce south-westerly winds across the lake and along the trails while navigating close to 50 kilometres. Despite enduring three mechanical setbacks, including a broken chain, the students rallied together to complete on-course repairs, kept their morale high, and crossed the ﬁnish line with just

one minute to spare. Darcy also showed remarkable resilience, picking himself up after an early tumble on the bike and getting patched up before powering on alongside his teammates. The event proved a true community aﬀair as well, with fellow students Alice Towes and Caitlyn Thrower taking on the three-hour Open Family section alongside their mothers. The event made for a rewarding and memorable day of adventure racing for the entire Darﬁeld contingent.

DARFIELD GUN CLUB By Bevan Brown, Publicity Officer/Shoot Secretary It was an excellent day to start with for this years “Waimak 100” on October 4, with no wind for the first 25 target match and only slowly building up with each match thereafter. North-east so not a cold one either. Targets were well set and regular so top scores were expected. Again, we were able to obtain generous backing from Target Products who sponsored the prizes for the Trophy match. Shooting started on time with the first shots fired just before 10am, however with 46 people attending the shoot, a quick turnaround of squads was essential. Some very good scores were apparent right from the start, and it took until the last squad of the day to sort out the winner of the day with Mike Sime shooting 100/100 to take out the HOA by one target. A short delay for afternoon tea, then on with the shoot-offs for the 50-Target Match which were all sorted quickly. With just a last successful visit to the trap for the Lucky Shooter Junior Shooter, Brock Wilson claimed the prize.

Many thanks to those on afternoon tea duty and running the BBQ at lunch time as well as all those assisting with scoring, keeping the traps loaded and cleaning up after the shoot. A very big thank you to our sponsors for this shoot. Our next shoot is Sunday, November 1 with a 1pm start. All welcome. RESULTS Waimak 100 HOA Mike Sime 100/100 A Grade: B Mangels - 99 B Grade: A Watson - 96 C Grade: P Ryder - 93 Twin Rivers Trophy (Rakaia 100+Waimak 100) HOA Caleb Everett - 196/200 A Grade: F Burgess -195 B Grade: J Baillie - 187 C Grade: P Ryder - 186 50 Target Trophy (sponsor Target Products) A Grade: 1st Blake Wilson - 50/50, 2nd B Johnson -50, B Mangels - 50 B Grade: 1st Allan Beaver - 48 2nd M VanLeeuwen - 48 3rd P Bridge - 48 C Grade: 1st Josh Jackson - 47 2nd E Mangels - 46 3rd P Ryder - 46.

HOA Caleb Everett with his Twin Rivers Trophy.

HOA Mike Sime with his Waimak 100 Trophy.

MALVERN TENNIS PRESIDENTS RESULTS Round 2 Sat 10 Oct 2026 Courtenay 6 v Hororata 3 Darfield Sth 8 v Sheffield 1 Darfield 7 v West 1 West Melton Blue Rolleston 6 v Weedons 3 West Melton BYE White

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Friday 16th October 2026 PUBLIC NOTICES

SPORTS RESULTS

HORORATA GOLF Results 6th October 2026 Stableford— Drawn Partners 1st T Michael & A Green 2nd A Harliwich & S Neutze 3rd G Redfern & J Whitaker 4th S Gilmour & I Pearce Sandra Gilmour Nearest the Pin 2’s T Graeme & K Pelsky

GREENDALE GOLF Results 10th October 2026 3 Tee Challenge White Yellow Purple C Hewitt 63 C Whitehead 67 M Westland 68 J Herrick 68 A Webb 68 T Youngman 69 A Webb 69 B Nahkies 69 G Gifkins 69 Nearest Pins: # 3 W Watson # 7 Ali Webb # 9 S Lloyd # 13 G Hawker # 17 C Whitehead 2nd Shot No 8 S Lloyd 2nd Shot No 14 S Johnstone Men’s Longest Drive S Barnett Ladies Longest Drive M Nagayama Ladies Longest Putt C Hewitt Longest Putt D Rutter Twos S Lloyd, S Barnett., C Whitehead, J Herrick, W Watson 32 9 Hole Competition C Davidson

PUBLIC NOTICES

Page 18 ACCOUNTANTS

Friday 16th October 2026 CHIMNEY CLEANING

ARE your accounts taking up CARRS Chimney Cleaning. valuable time you’d rather Servicing the Selwyn district. s p e n d g r o w i n g yo u r $90 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and business or with your leave a message. family? Let the team at Sterling Accountants handle CHIM Chim. We'll sweep your log-burners flue, check the your accounting and tax compliance - right here firebricks, baffles, air-tubes and controls. We're experts on your doorstep. Call on coal-ranges, also sweepAnn-Maree at Malvern Business Hub: 021 215 ing any sized open fire. We quote and undertake repairs, 0981. flue extensions and install bird netting. Please phone us on 021 939 113.

CHURCH NOTICES

CARPET/WINDOWS

COUNSELING

FREE

CARPET/Window Cleaning. RECEIVE valuable, professional FREE! Stones. Universally same Thorough job, good price, support as you navigate size 3ins. Good for pathways/ q u i c k d r y i n g . H i g h l y life's challenges. Confidential edging - 3 large buckets and r e co m m en d e d . P h o n e/ servi ce wi th q ual i fi ed 3 to follow. Call to arrange t h e r a p i s t , L i s a M i l l s . collection 027 318 0047. text Robert 027 299 9599. Initial free 1/2 hour consultation. O27 814 0785. GARDENING www.goldentouch.co.nz CHURCH NOTICES LAWN mowing and Garden FIREWOOD services. Large sections a specialty with catcher or WILLOW wood. 4 and 8 Meter side discharge. Hedge loads. Dry. Good clean trimming and other garden burning wood. Free delivery. maintenance services also Phone 027 781 1492. available. Regular or one-off jobs. Based in Darfield and servicing Selwyn. Contact Grant on 021 619 165.

GRAZING WANTED

FLATMATES WANTED

26 Sept - 29 Oct Abstracts and Alpine Rhythms Te Huanui Art Gallery 10-18 Oct 10am Darfield Art Week Darfield Recreation Centre 16 Oct 7:30pm The Tempestuous Show by Penny Ashton Hororata Hall 17 Oct 1pm Darfield Bowls Have A Go Day Clinton Street, Darfield 18 Oct 10am Springfield Festival Tawera Memorial Hall 19 Oct 1pm Malvern News Editorial Deadline - news@malvernnews.co.nz 20 Oct Mobile Ear Nurse Clinic Darfield Library 20 Oct Creative Communities Scheme Applications Close 20 Oct 9.30am Lets Walk- Every Tuesday Darfield Baptist Church 20 Oct 9:30-12:30 Weekly Malvern Cancer Support Clinic Darfield Library 20 Oct 10am Malvern News - Advertising Deadline - info@malvernnews.co.nz 21 Oct 9am Weekly Darfield Networkers Group - www.networkers.co.nz 21 Oct 11:30-12:30 Weekly Justice of the Peace Service Darfield Library 21 Oct Rolleston News - Advertising Deadline - info@malvernnews.co.nz 21 Oct 6:30pm Kirwee Netball AGM Thirsty Acres 21 Oct 7:00pm Windwhistle District Society AGM Terrace Downs 22 Oct 9:30am Darfield Community Outreach Darfield Library 22 Oct 10am Craft n Cuppa Darfield Baptist Church 22 Oct 7.30pm Rural Woman Meet the Candidates Evening Darfield Primary School 24 Oct 1pm Darfield Bowls Have A Go Day Clinton Street, Darfield 26 Oct 9:30am Hororata Parish Spring Fair Hororata Domain 27 Oct 7pm Malvern Community Board Workshop Glentunnel Hall 27Oct 7pm Malvern Game Hunters Club AGM Coalgate Tavern 28 Oct Meet Your Street Applications Close 28 Oct 7.30pm Kirwee Rugby Football Club AGM Kirwee Rugby clubrooms 29 Oct Malvern Community Board Awards Evening 30 Oct MFVC Funding Applications Close 30-31 Oct Darfield ITM Fishing Competition Lake Benmore 31 Oct Community Fund Applications Close 7 Nov Hororata Highland Games Hororata 8 Nov 6pm Cure Kids—Quiz Night Fable Terrace Downs Resort 9 Nov 6.30pm Darfield Netball Club AGM Darfield Netball Clubrooms 14 Nov 10am Windwhistle Wander 85 Point Rd / 728 Coleridge Rd 14 Nov 9:25am The Timaru Flyer Train Rolleston Railway Station 15 Nov 9am Kaikoura Rail Rendezvous Addington Railway Station 21 Nov Courtenay A&P Show Kirwee Showgrounds 28 Nov 6.30pm Matagouri Ball Mt White Station 5-10 Jan Methven Summer School Courses

WANTED flatmates, aged between 50’s-70’s to share accommodation in Malvern LEASE LAND WANTED area. Contact Ross Smith on LEASE land wanted. Selwyn 027 295 9833. area suitable for cattle grazing. All sizes consider. FOR SALE Phone Reg 027 567 0720.

MORTGAGE ADVISOR ARE you in need of a refinance, first home loan, buying a new home, investment property or a property development? I deal with all the lenders, and I can get you the best deal to suit you. I have 30+ years of lending experience, and I am local. I can come to you. Alan Lover Loan Market 027 2516644.

I bring the banks to you. PAINTING/DECORATING

PAINTING/DECORATING

UDI Painting & Decorating. For all painting & decorating services! Fully qualified. Interior & exterior painting & plastering. Wallpapering & roof painting. Quality Services. Free quotes. Please Ph. Udi Aale 021 074 2075. udipaintingndecorating.co.nz

Page 19

Friday 16th October 2026 SITUATION VACANT

SITUATION VACANT

UPHOLSTERY

WINDOW REPAIRS

WINDOWS REPAIRS

TRADES

ADVANCED Upholstery advancedupholsteryltd@xtra. co.nz or phone 03 318 7378. URBAN, LIFESTYLE, FARM

GENERAL property care. Services provided include: cleaning services (inside & out), gardening, fencing, maintenance, gorse/ weed control, spraying, hedges, chainsaw work, mowing. All tasks considered. H Donaldson. Phone 027 789 9532.

WANTED

PLANTS FOR SALE

SCRAP METAL

EMERALD FARM Native plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Phone Annie 027 370 2067.

WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery. Specialising in farm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please phone either 027 695 0480 or alternatively 0800 030 712.

TOOLS wanted - mechanics, engineering, wood working etc. Garage, shed, barn clearances, deceased estates etc. Please phone Rob on 03 342 5885.

STORAGE SHEEP SHEARING

DISCOUNT Container Storage. For all your secure storage needs (secure site with camera). Cardale St, Darfield. Phone Phil 021 223 4553. LOOKING for storage for your Boat or Caravan, we have shared, inside building, secure storage that may interest your needs. Enquiries to 021 609 256 or kirweestorage@gmail.com.

TRADES

Page 20

Friday 16th October 2026

ROOF MAINTENANCE ROOF & house maintenance. All aspects covered including spouting, mortar, tiles, reroofing, roof painting, moss, mould & silicone sealing. General repairs. Ph 03 347 6702 or 021 030 2835.

WINDOW TINTING TINT-A-WINDOW Solar Protective films. Fade UV block. Heat Glare control. Privacy. Safety/Security. Frosted films. Free online quotes. Ph 0800 368 468. info@tintawindow.co.nz www.tintawindow.co.nz

TRADES

Teacher: “If you had one dollar and you asked your father for another, how many dollars would you have?” Johnny: “One dollar.” Teacher: “You don’t know your arithmetic.” Johnny: “And you don’t know my father!” Teacher: "How much is half of 8?" Johnny: "Up and down or across?" Teacher: "What do you mean?" Johnny: "Well, up and down makes a 3, or across the middle leaves a 0!" Teacher: "Now Johnny, be honest, do you say your prayers every night before dinner?" Johnny: "No miss, my mother is a really good cook."