Issue 1,256
Local News for Local Communities
Friday 23rd October 2026
Phone: 03 318 7450 | Email: info@malvernnews.co.nz | Web: www.malvernnews.co.nz Got something Newsworthy? Let us know too!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Successful Springfield Festival Page 3
Volunteers Restore Waimakariri Gorge Huts Page 11
Junior Sidecars Race into Action at Moore Park Page 12
A COLOURFUL SUCCESS
Darfield Domain came alive last Sunday with squeals of laughter and clouds of bright colour as Darfield Primary School PTA held its inaugural Malvern Colour Run. Together with the PTA's online Raise to Slime campaign, the colourful community event raised more than $16,000. The five-member organising committee, Maria MacFarlane, Kelly Buckland, Tahnee Clemens, Rebecca Prattley and Emily Mitchell, spent nine months planning the Colour Run. They wanted to bring the community together for a familyfriendly event, complete with a PTA bake sale and barbecue, while raising funds for new play areas at Darfield Primary School. The location of the play areas will be confirmed once plans for additional classrooms are finalised. Around the football fields, participants ran laps through bursts of colour and a series of obstacles. “We had 400 people running the course, with 15 colour stations. Each was sponsored by a local business and featured a different obstacle,” Kelly says. “Sam Broughton was a fantastic MC, briefing our runners and volunteers, while Sommer O’Shea from So Invigorate led an energetic warm-up and supplied a playlist that brought a great vibe to the event.” Kelly says the Darfield Fire Brigade added to the fun by spraying participants at the start line and providing a waterslide at the finish. The online fundraiser contributed $8,471 to the overall total. Its top fundraisers earned the chance to “slime” seven teachers and principal Mrs Devonald on the Friday before the Colour Run. The committee thanks the volunteers, business sponsors, school families and community members who helped make the event possible and created a fun day for everyone.
Mel Roguski, the newest member of the Malvern News team, and her son Freddie enjoyed a fun day at the Malvern Colour Run.
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Friday 23rd October 2026
PIWAKAWAKA TAKES PEOPLES' CHOICE
The people have spoken - or voted to be exact. Visitors to the Darfield ArtWeek exhibition last week voted for Livia Dias' oil on canvas, Piwakawaka & Blossom, to win the Peoples' Choice Award. Livia Dias is a highly regarded, full-time contemporary oil painter and art instructor based in Christchurch. Known for her luminous landscapes, lush botanical scenes, and native birdlife studies, her work is defined by its vibrant energy and expressive execution. Piwakawaka & Cherry Blossoms features native New Zealand Piwakawaka (fantails) perched amidst full-bloom cherry blossoms, and has gained significant recognition, even being selected by popular vote as the cover image for the artist's 2027 Art Calendar.
YOUNG LEGO® BUILDERS TO HONOUR MATTHEW SAMPSON’S LEGACY Young builders across Selwyn are being invited to let their imaginations run wild this month as part of a special district-wide building competition. Selwyn Libraries, in partnership with Selwyn Life Churches, has launched Matthew’s LEGO® Challenge under this year’s theme, Build Something Amazing. The competition honours the memory of Matthew Sampson, who passed away earlier this year. Matthew had a deep passion for LEGO® that inspired countless imaginative creations, and he played a central role in running a local club. To help carry that spirit forward, Darfield Life Church has donated approximately 10,000 LEGO® bricks to the library network to support the club Matthew loved so dearly. The challenge invites young people to design and build an original creation, whether it is a vehicle, building, invention, fantasy world, or community space. Entrants will be in the running to win one of three prize packs valued at $100. Organisers are also currently seeking support from local businesses interested in sponsoring additional prizes for the challenge. Entries are open throughout October, closing on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Entry forms can be collected from any Selwyn Libraries branch or completed online at selwynlibraries.co.nz.
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Friday 23rd October 2026
SPRINGFIELD FESTIVAL A HUGE SUCCESS! By Emma Stead The fourth annual Springfield Festival, held last Sunday, was a huge success on all fronts, bringing together locals and visitors from near and far to enjoy a day of country hospitality in our wee village. Springfield’s main street was buzzing with activity, and Mother Nature played her part once again, with the early morning fog clearing to reveal a stunning day. Nearly 100 classic cars came and went throughout the day, with car enthusiasts enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Tawera Reserve for the Classic Car Display. It was a wonderful opportunity to admire the vehicles against our mountain backdrop, catch up with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy a picnic in one of our much-loved community spaces. Tawera Memorial Hall, the heart of our community gatherings, was equally lively, with food trucks serving up delicious kai outside and a bustling indoor market showcasing an amazing range of local and not-so-local creatives, makers and artisans. There was something to tempt everyone! The Bake Sale was clearly a popular destination, with goodies selling out in record time. Local band South of the Waimak kept the atmosphere humming throughout the morning, while our talented local dance crew from Danz Fit entertained the crowds in the afternoon. The Springfield Festival is about so much more than a market or a car display. It’s about bringing our community and visitors together, celebrating our wonderful local spaces, Tawera Reserve and Tawera Memorial Hall, and raising funds to support future community events and facilities. An event of this size takes a huge amount of work behind the scenes, as well as plenty of helping hands on the day. Organised by the Springfield Community Association with
the support of many volunteers, the Festival simply wouldn’t happen without the generosity, time and commitment of so many people. A massive thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, from directing the classic cars and helping with the sausage sizzle and raffles, to setting up and running the Bake Sale. Thank you also to everyone who contributed baking, your efforts helped make the Bake Sale such a success! We are grateful to Selwyn District Council for assisting with funding through the Community Grant, Curle Contracting for organising and managing traffic management, Springfield Service Centre for lending us the BBQ, and the Springfield Hotel for its continued support of local events and our community. A special thank you goes to the generous people and businesses who contributed prizes to our “world-famousin-Springfield” raffle: Great Journeys, Porters Alpine Resort, The Chalet in Arthur’s Pass, Peacock Family, Curle Contracting and Taste of Kiwi. The money raised through the
raffle goes directly into our community fund, helping us continue to support local events and initiatives. And finally, to everyone who came along — THANK YOU! Whether you browsed the market stalls, enjoyed some tasty kai, wandered among the classic cars, caught up with friends or simply came to soak up the atmosphere, you helped make the day such a success. We’ve received some fantastic feedback, both positive and constructive, and we’ll be taking it on board as we start planning the 2027 Springfield Festival. Thank you, Springfield and beyond, for showing up, supporting local and helping make our wee village such a great place to live, work and visit. We couldn’t do it without you!
The Classic Car Display.
Rob Curle and Dave Feary helping out at the successful Springfield Festival.
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Friday 23rd October 2026
BIRD NEST SEASON STRIKES AGAIN Nesting birds continue to cause millions of dollars' worth of farm machinery fires every year, according to FMG claims data. The rural insurer says birds' nests continue to account for around $3 million worth of tractor fire claims annually and is reminding machinery operators to "Stop & Pop" the bonnet before starting work. "Starlings are incredibly resourceful when it comes to finding a place to nest. They
can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces and build a nest much faster than people expect," says FMG Loss Prevention Manager Abby France. "With dry grass readily available on farm, a bird can build a nest in the time it takes you to stop for smoko or have a cup of tea.” FMG sees many tractor fire claims caused by birds' nests during the starling breeding season, which typically runs from September through to
December. Over the past three years, FMG has received more than 100 tractor fire claims linked to bird nests, accounting for 32% of all tractor fire claims during that period. "Tractor fires can be devastating. Not only can you lose a valuable piece of machinery, but the disruption can have a significant impact on day-to-day farm operations, especially as we head into baleage and silage season," says Abby. "And it's not just tractors. We've seen nests cause fires in quad bikes, side-by-sides, cars, utes and other machinery as well." FMG is encouraging farmers and machinery operators to make checking under the bonnet part of their daily routine. "Our long-running Stop & Pop
campaign is a simple reminder to stop, pop the bonnet and check for nests before you start work. It's a quick check that can prevent a costly and potentially dangerous fire." Abby says leaving the bonnet up when machinery is parked can also help discourage birds from nesting. "We also recommend fitting tractors and other machinery with a suitable, easily accessible fire extinguisher and making sure operators know how to use it." Tractor fires can spread quickly, and rural fire crews aren't always able to reach a property before significant damage has occurred. A fire extinguisher may give you the best chance of stopping a small fire before it gets out of control but always put your safety first. “And while on the topic of
rural fire crews," says Abby, "make sure you clear back overgrown trees around your driveway. A standard fire appliance needs four metres of clearance to access your property. You don’t want them stuck only a few hundred metres from being able to fight your fire.” FMG provides free Stop & Pop stickers to help remind busy farmers and operators to check under the bonnet before starting work. Stickers can be ordered via the FMG Stop & Pop page.
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Friday 23rd October 2026
No off-season for copper thieves Police have identified an emerging series of thefts involving the removal of copper cabling from centre pivot and lateral irrigation systems throughout the area. Enquiries have identified multiple occurrences across Swannanoa, West Eyreton, Fernside, Oxford and Darfield. Current reported losses exceed $130,000, excluding labour, contractor attendance, irrigation downtime and other consequential losses. Offenders appear to be targeting copper power and control cabling from centre pivot irrigators for financial gain. Police suggest people inspect their irrigation systems and report any damage to the Police via their 105 service, either over the phone or online. $12 million upgrade for Mt Hutt Mt Hutt Ski Area will undergo a $12 million base-area expansion ahead of the 2027 winter season, nearly tripling its outdoor deck space and adding new visitor facilities. The deck will grow from 430 square metres to 1,300 square metres and will be fully heated. Plans also include more storage, a new
food and beverage outlet, a ground floor toilet block and improved heated steps to snow level. Area manager James McKenzie said the upgrade would improve base-area functionality and ease pressure on busy powder days. He said investment was needed to support Mt Hutt’s continuing growth and future demand. Construction is scheduled to begin soon, with Ashburton company Bradfords Building leading the major construction project. EasyVote Cards Simplify Voting You should have received your EasyVote card by now by post or email for the 2026 General Election. Your card includes a list of the electorate candidates you can vote for. While you don't need to take your EasyVote card with you on voting day, it does make voting quicker and easier. Key Election dates: • 25 Oct– Deadline to enrol • 26 Oct – Advance voting starts • 7 Nov – Election Day (9am-7pm).
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Friday 23rd October 2026
NEW CHAPTER AT TOY LIBRARY After five years of dedicated service as chairperson of the Darfield Toy Library, the Library extends a heartfelt thanks to Cathryn Hunt as she steps down from the role. Cathryn joined the Toy Library when her son was just one year old. Now a mum of two school-aged children, she is looking forward to having more time to focus on her local Sheffield School community alongside her work commitments. Spokesperson Bex Ridgen says, "As a passionate outdoorswoman, Cathryn found that the Toy Library’s focus on play, community and making the most of resources aligned perfectly with her values.” Over the past five years, she embraced new challenges, learnt new skills and worked with an incredible team to improve the quality of the toy collection, strengthen systems and help set the Toy Library up for the future."
Bex also welcomes new committee members Jasmine, Stacey, Emily, Melissa and Sarah. "Our committee is always evolving, and we are incredibly grateful to all of our wonderful volunteers, past and present, who give their time and energy to support the Toy Library and our community," says Bex.
Come and check out the Darfield Toy Library on Saturday, October 31. “We have lots of costumes available to hire for Halloween, so pop in and find the perfect outfit and toys for your little monsters.” For more information about the Darfield Toy Library, visit darfieldtoylibrary.com or see advertisement on page 13
HEALTH SERVICE EXCEEDS FORECAST Since opening on August 8, 2026, demand has exceeded the initial forecast of approximately 300 patients per month. Raghav Shekhawat, Executive Lead of Operational Growth and Integration for Phoenix Healthcare says, "We saw 765 patients between August 8 and 30, followed by 750 patients during September. This strong uptake demonstrates the value of having after-hours care available closer to home for the Selwyn community." The service opened during the peak winter flu season, which was an important factor in early demand. The original projections were based on the previous year’s figures and did not account for seasonal variation. "There have been occasions when the service has reached capacity. Our priority is to ensure patients receive safe, appropriate care within the clinical capacity available on
each shift." In response to demand, we have already increased clinical resourcing. Phoenix Health Hub Rolleston and Health NZ continue to review patient volumes and capacity requirements to ensure the service can meet the community’s needs. Raghav acknowledges and thanks all the clinical and frontline staff. "Their hard work, dedication and professionalism have been essential in establishing the service and supporting patients and families through periods of high demand." He says Phoenix Healthcare is encouraged by the community’s response and appreciate the patience of patients and families as they continue to develop the service. "Our focus remains on providing accessible afterhours care closer to home."
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Friday 23rd October 2026
THE ELECTION - MEMORY LANE Shaun Fay, originally of Te Pirita, takes readers on a trip down memory lane. I grew up in Canterbury in the middle of nowhere. Literally our house and the hall. Dad, Merv Fay, was a teacher at Darfield Primary school and a bus driver for Darfield High School, and we lived at the end of his run in a cold, isolated government house with a really big shed for the bus. Not much happened there apart from some good gossip on the party line. However, every three years there was an election and this was exciting. Mum was a housewife who, every election, would get a job as Dad’s electoral assistant. It was her only job during the marriage, and she loved every penny she earned. Dad, of course, was the returning officer and took no nonsense from Mum. They would set up in the hall and be ready for the 50-odd voters that would stagger through at various times. As kids we weren’t allowed in the hall but at lunchtime we could drop the
sandwiches Mum made the night before at the door. I was always fascinated by the whole thing, and every three years until I was 18 and moved to the city, I would take a huge interest in it. Of course, there was no internet or other communication and Dad, at the end of the day, would come home and phone through his results, once Mrs Smith from down the road had finished talking to her sister. I would listen in as he spoke to someone somewhere and gave him the numbers including the one vote for Social Credit. “That would have been that truck driver from Ashburton," Dad concluded. We would then
sit and watch our black and white TV as some results came through. I don’t recall it being as fast as these days, or any early voting but there was still great anticipation and discussion about the pending result. All those memories from 1966, 60 years ago, return every three years, which is why I put my hand up every election to work in the polling booths. I imagine the process is a very different scene from Mum and Dad’s in the '60s. November 7 isn’t far away. Our democracy is one of our most treasured possessions. I hope you take the time to help us keep it.
Te Pirita Hall was once an important voting site for the three-yearly government elections in the 1960s.
NOT ALL BOND FUNDS ARE CREATED EQUAL By Greg McGeorge – Shaw and Partners Financial Adviser Bond funds can look the same, but what’s under the bonnet can be very different. A bond is an IOU. Governments and companies borrow money from investors, paying interest before returning the original investment. A bond fund holds a collection of IOUs, but the risks can vary considerably. One fund might hold shortterm, high-quality bonds, while another might lend to lower-rated companies for longer periods. Important considerations are duration and credit quality. Duration measures how sensitive a bond fund is to changes in interest rates, while credit quality indicates how likely borrowers are to repay you.
A fund with a duration of seven years could lose 7% in value if interest rates rise 1%, conversely, if interest rates fall it could deliver a capital gain. This is why we favoured shorter-duration bonds when inflation surged and interest rates rose. Longer-duration funds suffered greater capital losses. Recently, we’ve begun extending duration as higher yields offer attractive income and potential gains if interest rates eventually fall. We are also paying attention to liquidity (how easily investments can be bought or sold at a fair price). Some funds earn higher yields by investing in securities that are harder to trade, particularly during market stress. Interestingly, investors can now access portfolios of predominantly high-quality
bonds offering yields around 5.6%, with the added potential benefit of longer duration. You don't always need to take greater credit risk to generate income. Don't judge a bond fund by its yield alone. Ask what risks you are taking to earn that return, and whether you are being adequately rewarded. Fixed interest isn't simply about collecting income; it's about understanding the risks and adjusting your investments as conditions change.
Greg has over 35 years’ experience in financial markets, both in New Zealand and London, working with individuals and families on long term wealth and retirement planning.
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Friday 23rd October 2026
PRIVATE WELL OWNERS ADVISED TO TEST DRINKING WATER When was the last time you tested your private drinking water supply? Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) is encouraging well owners to test their drinking water regularly because many contaminants can't be seen, smelt or tasted. Environment Canterbury Water and Land Science Manager Dr Elaine Moriarty said regular testing was one of the simplest ways to protect household health. "Private wells can become contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses, such as E. coli, as well as nitrate, heavy metals and other chemicals," she said. "Some contaminants occur naturally, while others come from human activities. Because many can't be seen, smelt or tasted, testing is the only way to know for sure if your well water is safe to drink." If you own a private drinking water supply, it is your responsibility to ensure the water is safe to drink. Environment Canterbury recommends testing private well water: • Every three months for E. coli • Every year for nitrate • Every three years for heavy metals and organic chemicals Additional testing is also recommended after heavy rain events or flooding.
"Floodwater can contain sewage, animal waste, agricultural runoff and disease-causing microorganisms that can enter wells or groundwater supplies," Dr Moriarty said. "That fast-flowing water can wash contaminants into groundwater supplies, especially if the wellhead casing is not securely sealed, which is why it’s important to check your wellhead regularly,” she said. The wellhead should be elevated, at least half a metre above the ground, surrounded by a concrete apron, and securely sealed. Testing your private drinking water supply is straightforward, so it's just a matter of getting into a regular habit of testing. Well owners can order a testing kit from an accredited laboratory, collect a sample following the instructions provided, and return it to the lab for analysis. The "Don't guess – test!" campaign aims to show that testing is important and easy to do, by providing practical information about what to test for, when to test, and how to do it. For more information visit Environment Canterbury's private drinking water supplies ecan.govt.nz/wellwater. Visit Taumata Arowai for accredited laboratories, public guidance on drinking water safety, or to register your drinking water supply: taumataarowai.govt.nz
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Friday 23rd October 2026
WEST MELTON AUTHOR CHAMPIONS KIWI CONSERVATION This week is Save the Kiwi Week, and West Melton author Alyse Boaz is helping raise awareness of one of our most endangered bird species with her detailed book, New Zealand’s KIWI, released earlier this year. Written for older children through to adults, the book graphically illustrates the five kiwi species, including the three South Island Tokoeka subspecies. “Children like to know things adults often think unimportant, while the number of people interested in birds is growing and they want to be able to identify the species. There are tables and photos to help, along with quirky titbits,” Alyse says. Once numbering in the millions, only about 70,000 kiwi now exist. Of the five species, Ōkārito rowi and Haast tokoeka are the most endangered, with populations of around 500 and 550 respectively. Stoats and wild
cats are the main predators of chicks, while roaming dogs threaten adult kiwi. The book also shares facts about kiwi behaviour, including how they mark territory boundaries with poo and fight to protect their patch. It explores kiwi lineage, habitats and regions, and draws on knowledge, photographs and artwork contributed by people nationwide, including drawings of insects kiwi eat by a Wellington primary school student. Its six sections cover kiwi origins and relations; factbased stories introducing each species; characteristics, lifestyle and behaviour;
reasons for declining numbers and their predators; conservation work; and where people might hear or see kiwi. Alyse hopes the book will encourage people to consider how their actions affect endemic wildlife. “Many people don’t appreciate how their actions may impact on endemic wildlife. They let their dogs run free in forests and nature reserves, drive their cars over riverbeds where endangered birds nest, destroy habitats by clearing land, and even wilfully kill our most threatened species. It’s heartbreaking for those trying to help our wildlife,” she says. “I hope this book will encourage people, young and old, to think about what they do and contribute to the work being done so our unique insects, mammals and birds survive.” New Zealand’s KIWI and Alyse’s other books are available from Darfield Pharmacy.
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Friday 23rd October 2026
PREPARE PETS EARLY FOR FIREWORKS SEASON Every November, community social media pages fill with distressed appeals from pet owners dealing with terrified animals as Guy Fawkes celebrations get underway. While official advice from councils and animal welfare organisations often circulates once the loud bangs have already begun, pet owners frequently find that reacting in the moment is simply too late. With retail fireworks going on sale soon, now is the ideal window to take proactive steps to safeguard household pets. Rather than waiting to manage panic on the night, animal lovers can achieve substantial, lasting results through sound desensitisation. The strategy mainly relies
on gradually normalising explosive noises before they occur live in the area. Fireworks audio tracks, widely available on streaming services and video platforms, can be played quietly in the background during normal household routines. Introducing these sounds while animals are relaxed or engaged in positive experiences, such as feeding or play, helps prevent them from fixating on the noise. This allows their subconscious to process the sounds gently in an environment where they already feel safe and content. A measured, patient approach is essential. Sessions should be kept short, subtle, and easily manageable, with the volume increased gradually over several weeks. Owners should pay close attention to body language throughout the process. If a pet freezes, shows signs of anxiety, stops eating, or cannot be redirected with toys, the session should stop immediately. Owners can pause for a few hours and try again later at a lower volume and for a shorter duration. When Guy Fawkes week finally arrives, continuing to play
background noises or low-level fireworks audio can also help buffer unexpected neighbourhood displays. Because the sounds are already familiar, genuine explosions will not come as a sudden, novel shock. For those who share their homes with sensitive companions, early preparation offers a calm, practical solution. Taking just a few minutes each day, starting now, can make all the difference in ensuring the upcoming season remains peaceful for animals and owners alike. LETTING FIREWORKS OFF IN YOUR BACK YARD? Let all your neighbours know. Pop a note in their letterbox with the date and time you are planning to let them off so they can make sure their pets are kept safe and free from harm.
The information and opinions published are not necessarily those of the Malvern News proprietor. The final approval of letters for print, rests with the editor. Letters to the Editor should be no more than 200 words in length. Letters to the Editor won’t be considered for publication without the writer’s name (given and surname) and area of residence (not address) also being printed. Letters written using a pseudonym, are unable to be published.
To the Editor: Praise where praise is due! There are not many times that the Darfield Medical Centre gets much praise. I recently hurt my hand, and my wife got me an appointment to see a nurse. She cleaned it up, got a doctor to come and stitch it and dressed it for me. I could not have been looked after better. I have been back twice to have it looked at and have the stitches removed. Everybody was so professional and treated us so well. Thank you team, job well done. Please take this as a personal thank you.
Regards Peter Williams, Sheffield
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Friday 23rd October 2026
VOLUNTEERS RESTORE HISTORIC WAIMAKARIRI GORGE HUTS By Tom Fraser Two historic huts hidden in the Waimakariri Gorge are being brought back to life by volunteers from the Canterbury Branch of Jet Boating New Zealand (JBNZ). Walker’s and Hamilton Huts were originally built by small groups of keen early jetboaters. JBNZ now has responsibility for maintenance and making them available for public use. Believed to have been built in the early 1960s by Harold Walker, Tom Ferguson and Claude Belcher, Walker’s Hut was used for many years by the Jenkins, Daniels, Belcher, Walker and Ferguson families. Builder and JBNZ committee member Grant Allott is leading the volunteer work. “We installed new roofing iron and underlay, ridge capping, and flashings around the two chimneys, along with new cladding. All the ceiling and
wall linings were removed, new ceiling insulation installed, and LED lighting wired in. We also added three exposed timber trusses to improve strength for snow and wind loading.” Three new aluminium doubleglazed windows were fitted, along with approximately 200 metres of tongue-and-groove wall lining and new plywood throughout. New bunk sets and a single bed were built, fresh lino laid, and old ground-level cupboards removed. There was plenty more work undertaken and, in total, the renovation involved around 360 volunteer hours and 600 professional builder hours. JBNZ funded more than $8,000 in materials, with an additional $8,000 donated by builders and suppliers. Attention has now turned upstream to Hamilton Hut, built in 1960 by jetboat pioneer Bill Hamilton and
River hut volunteer coordinator Grant Allott in Walker’s Hut.
Photo supplied by Tom Fraser.
Hamilton Hut watches over all river users. Photo supplied by Tom Fraser.
friends. The hut became a popular gathering place for Hamilton Jet workers and their families and was even visited by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1971. “Fundraising and budget planning are underway for a full restoration next year, with the aim of retaining as much of the hut’s original character as possible.” Major structural work will include replacing the foundations, joists and bearers to meet current building standards, along with new cladding and ply. The rear window will be replaced with double-glazed aluminium joinery, corrugated cladding added to the back wall, and a new roof installed. Inside, character will be retained where possible, while new compliant fire systems, water collection and basic lighting will be added. Any business or individual interested in supporting the hut restoration is encouraged to contact Grant Allott 021 238 3353.
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Friday 23rd October 2026
JUNIOR SIDECARS RACE INTO ACTION AT MOORE PARK Moore Park Junior Sidecars is taking off, literally, this weekend. Six members of the club are competing in its first official race at Moore Park Speedway on Saturday, October 24. The gates open at 12pm and racing starts at 3pm. Local Jason Searle is keen to get youngsters, male or female, aged 12-16 years old off their phones and iPads and into sidecar racing. The club has seven dedicated members and currently has two sidecars.
Jason says practice days are usually one day during the week depending on the weather and it's free for young people to come along and have a go. "At the moment we have a grass practice track, which works well as being on the normal track can be a little overwhelming for kids when it's their first time." An official training track is currently underway, and the club is planning to raise funds
HORORATA GOLF
GREENDALE GOLF
Results 13 October 2026 Competition – Husband n Wives & Ladies n Mates – Canadian Foursomes Husbands & Wives J & P Helmore 65 M & T Michael 69 A Harliwich & N Penney 69 M & J Morten 70.5 A & W Green 71.5 Ladies & Mates D Hall & Frampton 67.5 J Wilson & S Wright 68 F Taylor & I Palmer 71 Nearest the Pin S Neutze, T Edwards
Results 17th October 2026 2026 Golf Champions
selling Got Your Back tee-shirts to help make the sport as affordable as possible. Moore Park Speedway president Wayne Bryce says motorcycle speedway is a dying sport all around the world. “Solos and sidecars are an amazing form of motorsport. We need to MALVERN TENNIS encourage as many people into PRESIDENTS RESULTS the sport as possible.” Round 3 Sat 17 Oct 2026 For businesses keen to support Rolleston 5 v Courtenay 4 the Juniors Sidecars and W/Mel White 6 v Darfield Sth 3 Weedons 8 v Hororata 1 become involved with sponsorship, phone Jason on Darfield West 9 v Sheffield 0 W/Mel Blue BYE 027 826 4917.
Ladies: D Gibbs Bronze A. L Barnett Bronze C. Joan Crequer Trophy J Austin. Men: Senior G Hawker Inter S Hygate. Jnr A Matt Anderson Jnr B J Herrick. Stableford Competition 1st P Behrent 41 2nd M Anderson 39 3rd C Anderson 36 4th D Stock 36 5th K Nagayama 36 6th B Austin 36 7th B Souness 35 8th J Herrick 35 9th H Macphee 35 Nearest Pins: #3: D Gibbs # 7: S Johnstone #9: M Westland #13: H Macphee Men's Longest Drive: S Jeffs Ladies Longest Drive: J Austin Ladies Longest Putt: Ali Webb P Behrent Longest Putt: S Johnstone Twos: C Hewitt
26 Sept - 29 Oct Abstracts and Alpine Rhythms Te Huanui Art Gallery 22 Oct 10am Craft n Cuppa Darfield Baptist Church 22 Oct 7:30pm Rural Woman Meet the Candidates Evening Darfield Primary School 24 Oct 5pm Kirwee Stampede– Country Music Party Thirsty Acres 24 Oct 1pm Darfield Bowls Have A Go Day Clinton Street, Darfield 26 Oct 9:30am Hororata Parish Spring Fair Hororata Domain 27 Oct 9:30-12:30 Weekly Malvern Cancer Support Clinic Darfield Library 27Oct 10am Malvern News Editorial Deadline - news@malvernnews.co.nz 27 Oct 10am Malvern News - Advertising Deadline - info@malvernnews.co.nz 27 Oct 7pm Malvern Community Board Workshop Glentunnel Hall 27 Oct 7pm Malvern Game Hunters Club AGM Coalgate Tavern 28 Oct 9am Weekly Darfield Networkers Group - www.networkers.co.nz 28 Oct 11:30-12:30 Weekly Justice of the Peace Service Darfield Library 28 Oct Meet Your Street Applications Close 28 Oct 5:30pm Line Dancing at Darfield Darfield Recreation Centre 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 30-31 Oct Ashburton A&P Show Ashburton showgrounds 31 Oct Community Fund Applications Close 31 Oct 9am Halloween Costumes For Hire Darfield Toy Library 31 Oct 10am Darfield Estates - Open Day Telegraph Road Darfield 1 Nov 10am Community Recyclinng Drop-Off Day Hawkins Pit Darfield 1 Nov 2pm Selwyn Diwali - The Festival of Lights Lincoln Domain 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 16 Nov 7pm Malvern Netball AGM Darfield Netball Clubrooms 18 Nov Rolleston News - Advertising Deadline - info@malvernnews.co.nz 21 Nov Courtenay A&P Show Kirwee Showgrounds 28 Nov 6:30pm Matagouri Ball Mt White Station 5-10 Jan Methven Summer School Courses 11 Feb - 25 Mar Twilight Social Netball commences Darfield Netball Courts
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Friday 23rd October 2026 PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
ACCOUNTANTS ARE your accounts taking up valuable time you’d rather spend growing your business or with your family? Let the team at Sterling Accountants handle your accounting and tax compliance—right here on your doorstep. Call AnnMaree at Malvern Business Hub: 021 215 0981.
BUSINESS COACHING WHAT do you want the next 10 years of your life to look like? Running a business shouldn’t feel this hard. I help local business owners fix team and leadership problems without losing good workers. Kieron McGhie - Strategic People & Performance Coach Darfield. Confidential local coaching. Phone 021 276 8311.
PUBLIC NOTICES
Why Is My Computer Running Slow? A slow computer is one of the most common tech frustrations, but before rushing out to buy a new one, there are a few simple things worth checking. Too Many Programs Running Every open program uses memory and processing power. Having too many applications or browser tabs open can slow things down. Try closing anything you're not using and disabling unnecessary programs that start automatically. Your Storage Is Almost Full Computers need free storage space to run e iciently. Aim to keep at least 15 to 20 percent of your drive free. Empty your Recycle Bin, clear unnecessary downloads, or move large files to external storage. Your Computer Needs Updating Software updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Check for updates in Windows Settings or Mac System Settings and keep your internet browser updated too. Your Hard Drive Is Struggling Older computers often use traditional hard drives, which are slower than modern solid-state drives (SSDs). Upgrading to an SSD can make a noticeable di erence without replacing your computer. It Could Be Malware Viruses and malicious software can cause unexpected slowdowns. Watch for unusual pop-ups or strange behaviour and run a trusted antivirus scan if you're concerned.
Still running slowly? Call the Geeks on 0800 424 335 and we'll help get things running smoothly again!
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Friday 23rd October 2026 CHURCH NOTICES
COUNSELLING
FLATMATES WANTED
LEASE LAND WANTED
RECEIVE valuable, professional WANTED flatmates, aged LEASE land wanted. Selwyn support as you navigate between 50s-70s to share area suitable for cattle life's challenges. Confidential accommodation in Malvern grazing. All sizes considered. servi ce wi th q ual i fi ed area. Contact Ross Smith on Phone Reg 027 567 0720. therapist, Lisa Mills. 027 295 9833. MORTGAGE ADVISOR Initial free 1/2 hour consultation. O27 814 0785. GARDENING ARE you in need of a refinance, www.goldentouch.co.nz first home loan, buying a new WINTER tidy-up. Lawn mowing home, investment property or FIREWOOD & COAL and garden services. Large a property development? I sections a specialty with WILLOW wood, Dry. 4 and 8 deal with all the lenders, and catcher or side discharge. Metre loads. Good clean I can get you the best deal to Hedge trimming and other burning wood. Free delivery. suit you. I have 30+ years of garden maintenance services lending experience, and I am Phone 027 781 1492. also available. Regular or one local. I can come to you. -off jobs. Based in Darfield Alan Lover Loan Market and servicing Selwyn. Contact 027 2516644. Grant on 021 619 165. I bring the banks to you.
BUSINESS CARDS
PAINTING/DECORATING
PAINTING/DECORATING
CHIMNEY CLEANING
PEST CONTROL
SCRAP METAL
CARPET/WINDOWS CARPET/Window Cleaning. Thorough job, good price, quick drying. Highly recommended. Please phone/ text Robert anytime on 027 299 9599.
CATTERY
CARRS Chimney Cleaning. Servicing the Selwyn district. $90 per chimney. Please ph Rodney on 03 324 2999 and leave a message. CHIM Chim. We'll sweep your log burners flue, check the firebricks, baffles, air-tubes and controls. We're experts on coal ranges, also sweeping any-sized open fire. We quote and undertake repairs, flue extensions and install bird netting. Ph 021 939 113.
WANTED! Amalgamated Scrap Ltd. Buying cars & farm machinery. Specialising in farm clean-ups. Best prices Rod McQuoid - buyer. Please ph 027 695 0480 or alternatively 0800 030 712.
STORAGE
EMERALD FARM Native Plants, locally sourced. Lots of varieties. Call and see if we have what you need. Based near Darfield. Please phone Annie 027 370 2067.
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 meet your needs. Enquiries to 021 609 256 or kirweestorage@gmail.com.
SITUATIONS VACANT
SITUATIONS VACANT
PLANTS FOR SALE
FIREWOOD & COAL
HEDGE TRIMMING
HEDGE TRIMMING
4m.
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Friday 23rd October 2026 PLANTS FOR SALE
PLANTS FOR SALE
TENANCY
WINDOW REPAIRS
WINDOWS REPAIRS
TRADES
TRADES
SITUATIONS VACANT
SITUATIONS VACANT
RURAL Tenancy Inspections. Also providing Total Rural and Residential Property Ma nag emen t Sol u tion s. Please phone the office 03 745 7102 or email office@ruraltenancy.co.nz
WANTED SITUATIONS VACANT
SITUATIONS VACANT
AMMUNITION and reloading equipment. Powder projectiles, presses etc. Any caliber rifle / shotgun. Anything hunting related. Cash buyer. Please contact Rob 03 342 5885.
SITUATIONS VACANT
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Friday 23rd October 2026
TRADES
WINDOW TINTING
TINT-A-WINDOW • Solar Protective films. • Fade UV block. • Heat Glare control. • Privacy. • Safety/Security. • Frosted films.
0800 486 532
Free online quotes. Ph 0800 368 468. info@tintawindow.co.nz www.tintawindow.co.nz
A blonde goes on holiday and is booking into the guest house. Looking around recep,on she no,ces a sign on the wall. She asks the owner, "What ,me do you get in?" The owner looks confused and says, "Well, I'm the owner, I live here. Why do you ask?" The blonde says, "Well, on that sign there it says that guests have to be in before you! " The owner replies, "No, it actually says, 'Guests must be in before 1 am’."