February 28 2018
Made in Selwyn
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New trail widens appeal by Kent Caddick
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Selwyn’s growing reputation as a destination for mountain bikers has been enhanced with the opening of a new trail in the valley below the Porters ski field area.
Local chair of Youth Voice Canterbury A former student of Darfield High has been elected chairperson of Youth Voice Canterbury …
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Children’s Day also a birthday party The Selwyn Parenting Network will officially mark its fifth birthday …
The smiles on the faces on a group of local youngsters at the opening of the new Porter Heights mountain bike trail says it all
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Triathlon series winding up
The Lake Crichton Triathlon Series winds up this Friday …
The new 2.3km track will appeal to riders of all abilities and complements existing tracks in the neighbouring Craigieburn Range, which have been garnering international attention. Porters summer activities coordinator, Jason Collins, said the opening of the new track is part of their drive to make the Porters area a year round visitor experience. “With the development of the Porters Lodge below the ski field, we now have the facilities for people to stay on-site and enjoy what there is to offer, both in the winter and now in the summer. The
benefit of the lodge being operational all year round means we can also provide full time employment for more of our staff who can work on the ski field in the winter; then assist with the running of the lodge and the mountain bike track in the summer.” Mr Collins said the lodge, which can accommodate up to 39 people in group or family rooms, provides a base for riders wanting to explore the other mountain bike tracks in the region. “People can stay here, ride our track, then use the lodge as a base to try the other tracks in the Craigieburn and Castle Hill area. “We are running a
shuttle bus with a bike trailer, which can take people staying at the lodge to other tracks in the region.” Selwyn mayor, Sam Broughton, a keen mountain bike rider himself, is delighted at the new development at the Porters Ski Area. “It is a great addition to the region and complements tracks that are already operating in the area,” Mayor Broughton said. “The quality of the trails on offer is attracting visitors not only from New Zealand, but also internationally. continued on page 3 …
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