Published by Rakaia Community Association, Acton Centre,...

Rakaia NewsPublished by Rakaia Community Association, Acton Centre, Rakaia. Published: Fortnightly: Deadline for news: 10.00am MONDAY

Phone: (03) 303 5163 Mobile: 027 555 00 21 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RakaiaNewsEmail: [email protected] www.rakaianews.co.nz Thursday 13 July 2017 Issue 486

Matariki Celebrations at Chertsey SchoolThe last day of term two, Chertsey School celebrated Matariki with a shared lunch and a family challenge.

The food was laid out on tables at the front of one of the classrooms, with the students waiting politely for the guests to be fed before they themselves could have lunch. The classroom was filled with laughter and conversation from whanau young and old.

After the desert treats had been cleared away and the children had released some of the energy, the family challenge was revealed. Mrs Coard presented an array of items - coloured paper, ribbon, wooden skewers, string - each family unit had 20 minutes to create a kite.

After consulting each other the students patiently waited for their turn to select the required items for their kite. The end results varied from fish bowls complete with fish, to rocket ships, even one covered in stars. The real challenge came about when the kites were released for their maiden flight with no wind. The children ran as fast as they could to create some wind - successful sometimes.

Linda Hammerich Rakaia News

The Rakaia Public Library welcomes new members

HoursTuesday 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Saturday 10:30am - 11:30am

Rakaia News Issue 486- 13 July 2017

www.rakaianews.co.nz

Ramblings from the EditorWatching the huge number of people who I see walking their dogs, I think Rakaia folk have some very lucky canine friends. They are exercised often and have loving owners who obviously enjoy the company of their furry family members.

But, (there is always a but) an awful lot of these people are neglecting to carry that love over to the footpaths of Rakaia. Due to the fact that I walk my energetic friend along Normanby Road I have not been aware of how bad this problem has become. Apparently mothers are no longer walking their children to and from school due to the state their children can get in if they are not diligent with watching for doggie do dos. Maybe this is the reason that the junk mail is not getting through to everyone’s letterboxes. They start their deliveries but half way around the town the smell of dog excrement is too high to complete the job. They abandon the process to get home for a shower.

Come on Rakaia we are better than this. Walking down Normanby Road I understand why horses are not allowed to be walked in many places. Have you seen the size of their number twos and I have never seen a horse person ever pick up their horses presents. So do we ban dogs from areas in Rakaia - the Rakaia domain has already threatened banning dogs in their grounds due to this very reason. Walking the walkway can also be an obstacle course at times, so do we ban dogs from walking here as well, due to the people not being wholly responsible for their dogs.

Organisation Page Number

Ace High Plumbing 17Adcock Contracting 16Adrians Building Services 10Amy Adams 9Ashburton TV & Audio 7Cameron Contracting 6Canstaff 4Chris Doak 4Church Notices 21Classifieds 22Community Notices 23Computing Solutions 8Diamond Painters 14Dust Vac n Shine 7Eric Sheehan 7Everything Cats 10Greenline Ag 4Ground Work Services 10Gumleaf NZ Ltd 9Harcourts 16Heartland Immigration 13

Organisation Page Number

High Country Fencing 15KTM Home Improvements 14Lysaght Glass 14Mark Love Contracting 8Martin Excavating and Contracting 12McMillian Specialist Drilling Serv 14Mountain High Clothing 8Nick’s Pet Foods 14Pluck’s Engineering 14Property Brokers 14Railway Tavern 16Robsons Environmental Services 10Roddick Plumbing 10Rural Tenancy 8Sew What 11Simply Petfood Ltd 7Situations Vacant 22Smith Scapes 4Sturley G Electrical 5The Garden Wrangler 15To Let 22

Directory of Advertisers

Nowadays everyone is all about getting it out there on social media, so, how about we start up a new Facebook page to name and shame these people - Poo Police of Rakaia. Then the unwanted deposits can be collected by a more conscientious Rakaia resident who does care about others, and distributed back to the rightful owner. So as not to cross onto their private property, it can be sprinkled along the boundary, footpath, driveway and grass verge of their property.

Linda Hammerich Rakaia News

Rakaia News Issue 486 - 13 July 2017


Exercise for REAL WOMEN

What’s Stopping You?

Full Body Cardio Session Monday’s 6:00pm

Abs of Steel Flexibility Session Friday’s 9:30am

Classes start Monday, 24 JulyRakaia Real Women Sonita 0272434917

RAKAIA FIT KIDZTuesday, 25 July @ 10:30am

Tuesday, 1 August @ 10:30am

Welcome to new mums, newcomers and caregiversMusic and movement for all pre-school children

A ¾hr programme using a variety of skills for learningLed by Jo and Dorothy

A time for friendship and support Held at St. Andrew’s Church Hall

For parents & carers - 50¢ donation appreciated

For more information Contact: Dorothy ph. 302 7595

STEADY AS YOU GOExercises for Everyone

Supporting, Balance, Strengthening bones Eye exercises, walking skills plus others.

Tuesday, 18 July at 1:00pm Tuesday, 25 July at 1:00pm

$2.00 for the hour

St. Andrew’s Church Hall Come and enjoy the benefits of gentle exercises.

Telephone Dorothy 302 7595 for further information.

SciaticaKey points:• Sciatica is a medical condition characterized by pain going

down the leg from the lower back. This pain may go down the back, outside, or front of the leg.

• Symptoms are normally only on one side of the body, however in certain cases it can be on both sides.

• Lower back pain is sometimes but not always present. Weakness or numbness may occur in various parts of the affected leg and foot.

Causes:There are 3 main causes of sciatica:1. Disc bulge or herniation. This is commonly referred to as

“slipped disc”, however rather than the disc slipping, the fluid contents of the disc protrude outwards. This narrows the small hole at the side of the spine where the nerve exits causing a nerve compression and sciatic symptoms. Disc bulges tend to repair with physiotherapy over 6 weeks, depending on the size, however a herniated disc is far more difficult to treat and surgery is sometimes necessary.

2. Spinal/intra foraminal stenosis. This occur naturally as we age and our discs begin to dehydrate and narrow. This again narrows the holes at the side of the spine where the sciatic nerve exits, pinching onto it and causing referred pain and numbness.

3. Piriformis syndrome. This is less commonly seen. When the sciatic nerve exits the spine, it passes through or beside the piriformis muscle which is deep within the buttock. If this muscle is in a spasm or tighter than usual, it can compress the sciatic nerve limiting conduction along the nerve and causing subsequent pain.

Please note that there are sometimes other causes or reasons why you might suffer from sciatic symptoms, but these are the most commonly seen. If you have sciatic symptoms, physiotherapy will often help. So, feel free to make an appointment at Rakaia Physiotherapy, (03) 303 5002.



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Health Alternatives-Epsom Salt in a SockDuring this time of the year, we become more prone to diseases and illnesses. One of the most common health issues during the winter is an ear infection.

These infections happen when fluid gets trapped in the middle ear due to a cold attack. Its main symptoms include pain and a thick, yellow fluid released by the ear, and occur most commonly in children. The pain and discomfort due to ear infections are sometimes unbearable.

However, there is a simple and effective way to treat ear infections in no time! All you need for this natural treatment is a white sock and some Epsom salt.

This salt is excellent for pains and aches, and it is extremely beneficial in the case of ear infections.

Fill the foot part of the sock with Epsom salt, which is about 1-11/2 cups of it.

Open the sock, pour the salt, and tie a tight knot to the neck of the sock to prevent the salt from spilling out. For best effects, use a wide-mouthed funnel, and coarse salt.

Then, heat the salt-filled sock in a skillet over medium-low heat and flip the sock back and forth until the salts are warm.

You need a white sock as the dye from coloured socks can easily burn. Moreover, you can also heat the sock in a microwave for 5 seconds.

Next, all you need to do is to place the sock against the painful ear, and it will relieve the pain in a few minutes. You can heat and reuse the same sock over and over again.

source: www.healthyfoodhouse.com



We have had another busy time at Playcentre, and have once again gained our healthy eating award, but the next level, called the Whanau Award. We have done lots of physical activity, with everyone of all ages joining in, and encouraged the children to make healthy choices. We have also made some yummy food, encouraging our caregivers to have a go as well when at home.

We celebrated Matariki since the last “news”. We spent the morning peeling and scraping, then filling up the above ground Hangi, which we hired. On the bottom we put in the meat, venison, pork, lamb, then on the next level 2 huge baskets filled with potatoes, kumara, onions, yams, carrots and parsnip. A huge amount of stuffing was added in foil also. Yum. It was set to cook all day, then in the evening we all came together with some past playcentre families, and had a right ol time. This was so successful, we hope to do it each year.

Back to our sessions now, and Jackson has taken a liking to the puzzles. He has a favourite, Kei a wai, which is a card matching game, and we all join in and see you can fill in their card first. The words are in Te Reo also, and this is a good opportunity for the children to get to know this language.

Thomas, we have discovered likes to dance! The children were talking about something they love on the TV, so we ”youtubed” it and got the dance upon our laptop and away we all went. Such fun!

Lachlan is discovering finger paint, and seems to be enjoying the different texture as he holds his hands up for all to see, covered in themes stuff.

Our session times have changed a little for the new term. On Monday and Friday, as usual 9:00am - 11:30am, but Wednesday we are having a new four hour session, from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Our baby session is running really well, and this will continue to run alongside this session.

For our final session of last term, we held a farewell lunch for Karen. Yes you read that right. After 17 years of being a Playcentre Supervisor I have decided to hang up my pinny and call it a day. I have had such a wonderful association with Rakaia Playcentre and will definitely miss them all. BUT! I am a life member, so I can go and have a play with the children anytime! Yea! So I’m signing off for my final Rakaia news.

Cheerio

Karen Harcourt Mrs H

Thursday, 13th July, 10am-12pm

St. Andrews Church Hall (opposite Mobil)

Gold coin donation per child

Great play for pre-schoolers, older siblings welcome!

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Cake Stall

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Fire Call Outs

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5-Jul 1:22am Medical First Response Rakaia

Tyrone Burrowes C.F.O

The council made a decision on the new buildings the other week, which I abstained in voting on, and it’s only fair I tell you why I did this. I was always keen on the sites chosen, I even promoted this in the local newspaper

pre election last October. But I have a problem with having to vote on building a new building on a site that we, the council, mostly don’t own nor have we settled on a price for that land. Especially when we already own so much land in the general area.

Also, we are going to pull down our own building (previously the county council) which is also a unique building in its own right and it is structurally sound. The only people that came to me regarding this vote couldn’t understand why we needed a new building at all.

I suppose the upside is we Ashburtonians will save a church that will probably have a congregation of 30 in five years time when the novelty of it being restored has worn off and after it’s had a gizzillion dollars spent on it to repair it from earthquake damage . The same thing is happening in Christchurch with it’s Cathedral and basically needing to be rebuilt . I often wonder why people of different denominations can’t share these spaces of worship especially when they are all worshiping the same God .

So, I ask you, should this council be building a new civic building or maybe it should be looking at amalgamation with a nearby council like Selwyn or Timaru, they have nice Civic buildings, maybe we could share....

Mark Malcolm Eastern Ward Councillor

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More Help For Those With Mental Health IssuesMental health is a key area of focus for this Government. We want to ensure high quality mental health services are available for Kiwis who need them, from prevention through to

primary care and specialist services.

In line with international trends, here in New Zealand we are experiencing an increase in demand for mental health and addiction services. Around 47 per cent of New Zealanders will experience a mental health issue during their lifetime, and one in five will meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis in any given year.

That is why we have committed an extra $224 million over four years into this area as part of Budget 2017, including $124 million in innovative approaches to dealing with mental health challenges. Cabinet will soon consider a new mental health strategy, which will further outline the Government’s plan.

It’s important that we talk about our mental health and wellbeing with our friends and family, but it’s equally as important that there is professional support available when we need it.

So to make it easier for people to connect with mental health and addictions professionals, the Government is launching a new free 24/7 four digit phone and text number. 1737 is free to call or text from any landline or mobile phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It is a new and easy way to access the existing National Telehealth Services provided through the Alcohol and Drug, Depression, and Gambling Helplines. These helplines will still be accessible through the same phone numbers, but 1737 creates a new front door.

The same trained mental health professionals who currently respond to calls, texts, webchat and emails across the existing National Telehealth Service mental health and addiction helplines will be on hand to support people who call or text 1737.

The new number is part of a much larger work programme focused on modernising our mental health and addiction services.

Mental health can be a particular challenge for rural communities where people may experience geographical and social isolation.

Recognising this, the Government has allocated $500,000 in additional funding to rural mental wellness initiatives. This funding will build on the $1.5 million investment we have already made in 2015 and 2016 to raise awareness of mental health issues within rural communities.

The latest funding will go towards 20 workshops for rural health professionals treating people at risk of suicide, continued support for the rural Clinical Champions and Medical Director, as well as support aimed at younger rural workers.

It is important that farmers and their families know they aren’t alone if they need someone to talk to. There is a wide range of good advice and support available from organisations like Rural Support Trusts, Farmstrong, and Dairy NZ.

Everyone has ups and downs in their lives. The Government wants people from all walks of life, whether rural or urban, to know that there is professional support available to help them get through the tough times.

Authorised by Amy Adams MP for Selwyn District 829 Main South Road, Templeton

AMY ADAMSMP FOR SELWYN

Authorised by Amy Adams, 829 Main South Road, Templeton, Christchurch

CONTACT

PE W

03 344 0418selwynoffice@parliament.govt.nzamyadams.national.org.nzfacebook.com/MPAmyAdams @amyadamsMP



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When Do I Have a Clean Slate?The Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 (“the Scheme”) came into effect in 2004. The Scheme allows eligible individuals the right to withhold information about their criminal

convictions. When an eligible person is asked about their criminal record, they may say that they have no criminal record.

To be eligible for the ‘clean slate’ you must meet the following conditions: have not been convicted of a criminal offence within the previous 7 years, never been sentenced to a sentence of imprisonment, never been ordered by a Court following a criminal case to be detained in hospital due to a mental condition rather than being sentenced, not been convicted of a “specified offence” (e.g. sexual offending against children, young people or the mentally impaired), paid all outstanding fines and never been disqualified from driving indefinitely.

The clean slate scheme is automatic, it is not necessary to apply to a Government Organisation for a ‘clean slate’. The protection under the Scheme automatically lapses as soon as a person re-offends. Rather than cleaning the slate, the Scheme simply conceals when you are eligible.

The setback for a large percentage of New Zealanders is that the Scheme does not apply when travelling overseas. When dealing with customs or applying for a Visa to travel to another country, you must disclose your full criminal record. For many New Zealanders, a mistake or ill judgment made in their earlier years can haunt and restrict them for the rest of their lives.

The Scheme also does not provide protection when applying for employment as a member of the Police, as a prison or probation officer, in a national security position, as a Judge or Justice of the Peace and in a role involving the care and protection of children. When applying for these jobs, all convictions are relevant and must be disclosed.

When being a convicted of an offence in Court, the Judge will take into consideration all previous offences. The Scheme will not allow you to be considered a first time offender nor receive discharge without conviction.

Please remember this information is designed as a general guide and should not replace specific legal advice. If you would like any further information please contact Jane Argyle-Reed at Argyle Welsh Finnigan on 3088228 or [email protected].

Last week I had another meeting with both Council staff and the new contractor rep from EnviroWaste to discuss the change over from what we have been doing at our RRRP since November 2000.

Our volunteers will no longer be needed to sort our recyclables on Saturday mornings because of the new system of wheelie bins getting rolled out all over Mid Canterbury shortly. The wheelie bins will replace our current blue bag recycle system with a truck picking up the wheelie bins at our kerb side, emptying them into the back of the recycle truck outside your house and putting your bin back down on the kerb empty ready for you to take back onto your property.

So with no blue bags, there is no sorting for us to do on Saturday mornings after Saturday, 26 August.

There is also going to be a new road layout at the RRRP. A new weigh bridge is being installed for rubbish and green waste that’s being dumped, and a new road for our recycleables and second chance products drop off, as you don’t need to go over the weigh bridge to drop recyclables free of charge as usual.

Also, after allowing the new contractors a bit of time to settle in at the park, Rakaia will have the opportunity to use some of the shed space for a second chance repair shed if Rakaia wishes. This will be for our volunteer men and women (young and older) to use the shed space to create a man’s shed type of space, where we can repair and rebuild anything we think has value to someone. Therefore, continuing to divert products from land fill as we have been doing so well at since 2000. (I will report more on this opportunity as things settle in).

Our second chance shop will continue to be open when the park is open as usual with the proceeds’ continuing to go back to our community as they currently do.

So interesting and exciting times ahead for Rakaia township and our surrounding area that use the Recycle Park. I feel we are very lucky to have had such a great recycle facility in our town for so long and with the current upgrade we are in an even better place for doing a really good job of keeping unnecessary products from land fill. Now we just have to keep on our council’s case, with regards to setting up a plant and systems for the districts Putrescible (kitchen waste) collection and processing. Then our district would be a New Zealand leader (and right up there in the world) in waste diversion from land fill!

Regards Neil Pluck RCA Chairman.

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Saturday Sorting Coming to an End



Gardening with NivHi to all. Yes another month gone, and snow is predicted in the forecast. When this Rakaia News is in your letterbox we will know if that was true or not.

Beth’s turn this issue, she would like to know about passionfruit. This is something I know nothing about, so back to the books to check out the answers.

PassionfruitLight: Sun Soil: Well drained; ph 5.5 to 6.5 Moisture: Moist Hardiness:

Unsightly spots develop on green fruitPROBLEM: Leaves have dead spots surrounded by a diffuse, yellow or orange halo. As fruit matures, it develops small, brown spots in the centre of greasy, dark green blotches

CAUSE: Alcernaca (or alcernaria) spot is a fungal disease chat can badly damage passion fruit and ocher fruit. The spots are small and skin-deep. Spores develop on infected leaves and fruit, and on dead blossoms attached to fruit stalks, and are spread by wind and rain.

SOLUTION: Prune. Spray with fungicide.• Prune vines to remove infected or weak branches. This

will also increase air circula tion and spray penetration.• Spray with organic copper oxychloride. Follow label

directions carefully.

Leaves are mottled; fruit is damagedPROBLEM: Leaves are puckered and crinkled, and have mottled light and dark green areas. Fruit has tan marks.

CAUSE: Virus symptoms produce patches of mottled light and dark green on leaves, and puckering. Fruit becomes woody or deformed. Virus diseases, such as woodiness virus, are spread by aphids and also on infected plant parts and pruning tools. Once vines are weakened and diseased, other diseases attack. Tan patches on fruit can also be caused by sun scorch or wind damage, and discoloured leaves can result from nutrient deficiences.

SOLUTION: Replace the plant with a tolerant hybrid. Improve growing conditions and air circulation.• If a virus is the cause of the problem, there is no cure.

Replace the plant with a healthy, more resistant hybrid. Passionfruit vines need to be replaced every few years because of problems caused by viruses and also diseases, such as root and collar rots.

• Choose a well-drained, warm, sheltered planting site. Prune to keep the vine open and increase air circulation.

Small, lacy moth rests on wilting leavesPROBLEM: Leaves wile and turn yellow before falling. Young fruit may shrivel and die.

CAUSE: The passionvine hopper is a relatively minor pest of passionfruit and other plants. Adults are small, mothlike insects with brown bodies and clear patches on wings chat give a lacy or mottled appearance. They lay eggs on shoots. Nymphs are brown, with long, white filaments protruding from the end of the body. Both suck sap from seems and leaves, turning leaves yellow. Young fruit shrivels and then falls when the fruit stem is attacked. The insects secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts sooty mould; this, in turn, blocks sunlight from leaves.

SOLUTION: Remove pests by hand. Spray with insecticide.

• If the vine is within reach and the infestation is not large, remove insects by hand. Wear gloves, and squash the insects. Adults may hop onto the ground, where they can be squashed underfoot.

• Control hoppers when still young by spray ing with insectical soap or the botanical insecticide pyrechrum. Also spray the ground around the plant, to kill insects char may have hopped from the plant.

Things To Do:

• tray up seed potatoes; • continue to clean up your tools; • plant out a vegetable six pack; • spread out the compost or manure.

Niven Murch



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View from the SouthA couple of things have been going on since I last wrote, so I thought I would touch on what raised the ole Tui Guru’s eyebrows (apart from the customary hello).

Wasn’t it awesome to hear that Team NZ is going to take the Auld Mug around the country and to hear Grant Dalton say that it is important to go to Heartland New Zealand and share the love. This is good ole Kiwi down to earth respect. I’m pretty sure some of New Zealand’s smaller towns will have an absolute ball should the team and the cup turn up, let’s hope it happens. Maybe the Tui Guru should ring me ole mate Peter Burling and invite them all to our Rakaia. I’m sure we’d get a hell of a crowd.

Now, the other day whilst enjoying a quiet ale at the local watering hole and discussing the British and Irish Lions tour with a few blokes, a pretty reliable source of information for the Tui Guru gave us the heads up on Sonny Bill Williams (SBW). Remember now you heard first here at the Rakaia News, but SBW is about to announce he is joining Team NZ as their cyclops sailor. According to my source, SBW reckons the America’s Cup is the only one he doesn’t have and he wants it. Yes it’s true. So look out for the press release due in a month.

Back to the Lions now, who would have thought that these guys would have beaten, then drawn with the All Blacks. If you had listened to and read all the media hype at the start of this tour you would’ve been like me and not given the Lions any hope what so ever. The media beat the living daylights out of the Lions and continuously wrote them off. Some were saying they wouldn’t wing a game, they wouldn’t beat the Crusaders or have any hope of beating the AB’s. Well they got it real wrong didn’t they. This Lions tour was awesome. The players seemed more real and not as arrogant as last time. The rugby they played wasn’t bad either, they probably scored the best try on tour. The coach was a character and supporters were a song as well. Let’s hope we get another Lions tour in 12 years and by then maybe, just maybe Christchurch might have a decent stadium to have a test eh.

The America’s Cup is now SBW’s cup Yeah Right

FENCING‘Farm & Lifestyle Fencing Specialists’

FCANZ ACCREDITED CONTRACTOR

Phone - 021 640 748 Geoff Rogers

Rakaia Library NewsIt is really encouraging to see we have some new members joining the Library, as well as interest from families with children. We want to lift the public profile of our library and part of that will be keeping the community informed of news and views.

Children’s Books

Our supply of books available for borrowing has been increased by 50 (we appreciate the generosity of the people who donated these) as well 25 books borrowed from Ashburton Library. Some of the ‘new’ titles are:

• The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cat – Hamish the cat has been neglecting his duties. When he hears that his owners are going to punish him by putting him on a diet, he decides to find somewhere else to live. Soon, though, he realises there’s no place like home……

• Smelly Bill – Bill the dog loves smelly things. Will the arrival of cleaning fanatic Aunt Bleach put an end to his smelly ways? Or will Bill live to stink another day?

• Mrs McGinity and the Bizzare Plant – poor Mrs McGinty finds life a burden until one day, in her garden, a mysterious plant begins to grow….and grow…..and GROW.

We encourage parents to bring their children along on a Saturday morning between 10:30am and 11:30am or Tuesday afternoons 2:00pm to 3:00pm and enjoy our Children’s Corner.

We still would appreciate any good, used books that families no longer have a need for. Ring any of the people below who would happily collect them.

• Liz Depree on 302 7191 or 021 889 341

• Audrey Galbraith on 302 7993 or 0272 579 181

• Sarndra Vanderweg on 302 0895 or 0274 369 360

REMEMBER: For a $10 joining fee, the whole family can enjoy the world of books – right here in Rakaia.

For all your winter outside needs

• Weeding, Hedge Trimming • Dead Heading Roses• Water Blasting - Paths, Walls, Gutters • Wood Stacking• Green Waste Removed

Phone Kate on 021 20 55 806 or 303 5320



has purchased the business previously known as Jackson Digging

28+ years of experience and knowledge in the contracting industry

Services Available

• Digger hire• Truck hire• Air vac excavations• Mole tunneling 130mm & 65mm diametre• Post hole boring 150mm to 650mm diametre• Open trench works for power, phone, water

service• House foundations and footings• Driveways, landscaping• General earthworks• Farm maintenance work• Quotes and estimates

Contact: Geoff Adcock on 021 436 344

Restaurant HoursFriday and Saturday

5.30pm - 9.00pmSunday

5.30pm - 8.30pmWeek Day Bar Menu

Bar Meals, Pizza and Takeaway Meals

We look forward to your company!Your hosts Craig & Helena Dunlea

Phone: 302 7005

Railway

Tavern

MEAT

Processing Beef, Pigs, Sheep, Smallgoods made, Dry aging process

124 Burdons Rd, Burnham Phone 347 6693 or

027 231 9900 MAF listed



Making Our Roads SaferMaking our roads safer – State Highway 1 Selwyn River to Ashburton

The Government is spending $600 million during the next six years to help make the state highway network safer. A nationwide Safer Roads and Roadsides Programme is underway making safety improvements to high-risk rural state highways across the country.

The Government’s Safer Journeys strategy recognises that simple mistakes shouldn’t cost lives. The work we’re doing will help to make our roads more forgiving of human error, making roads safer and helping save lives.

Four projects are currently underway in Canterbury to implement a range of proven safety measures. These targeted measures will reduce the number of people dying or being seriously injured on Canterbury roads.

State Highway 1 from Selwyn River Bridge to Ashburton has been identified as a section of road that can be made safer. Crashes on this road in the last decade have resulted in 13 deaths and 49 serious injuries. The majority of these were head-on or loss of control crashes.

The Safe Roads project team has just started investigating what the problems and issues are on this section of State Highway 1, holding a workshop in May with key stakeholders, such as Selwyn and Ashburton district councils and local freight and heavy haulage operators, to hear about their road safety concerns and problems with this section of state highway.

Feedback will be used to develop an overarching plan to reduce risk on this section of State Highway. The plan will have a recommended set of road safety improvements.

People will always make mistakes but there are proven ways to improve the safety on this type of road. The safety improvements below help reduce the frequency and severity of crashes

• Side and median barriers• Rumble strips• Shoulder widening• Widened centrelines• Improved signs and road markings• Intersection improvements

Towards the end of 2017 we expect to have identified a preferred set of safety improvements for State Highway 1 from Selwyn River Bridge to Ashburton. We will outline these safety improvements to key stakeholders and local communities for feedback.

Our immediate priority is to make this a safer stretch of road as soon as possible, so that everyone living near and using this route can enjoy safer journeys.

We welcome feedback at any time throughout the project.

Rachel StokesCommunity Engagement Manager, Safe Roads

RCA Report on Safer Road Alliance Meeting

About a month ago the Rakaia Community Association (RCA) was asked to send a representative along to a meeting held in Lincoln that was about Safe Roads Alliance Workshop for our section of the main road from the Selwyn River to Ashburton. Unfortunately there was no one who could make this meeting date so an apology was forwarded along with a list of the most pressing issues we have in our town to do with the main road (the organisers had requested this).

The main points we outlined to this group were, pedestrians crossing or trying to cross the main road; car and trucks trying to merge onto the main road and or cross it; and the safety of cyclists crossing the main road bridges and the need for a cycle lane attached to the side of the main bridge and a way around the overhead bridge or something like that,

In the meantime the RCA will keep putting our case and observations forward to our local council and Transit and the Alliance group.

Please find below some info taken out of the documents sent to us to review and understand, I think most of it will be quite interesting to all of us.

The traffic volumes on this stretch of road range between approximately 11,900 -12,700 vehicles/day. Traffic growth on this road over the past five years was approximately 3% per year. Heavy Vehicles make up between 12 and 17% of the total annual average daily traffic.

Over the past 10 years (2006-2015) there have been 62 deaths, serious injury (DSI) casualties (13 deaths and 49 serious injuries) from 48 fatal and serious injury (FSI) crashes.

During the most recent 5 years (2011-2015) there were 26 DSI casualties (4 deaths and 22 serious injuries) from 18 FSI crashes. In the preceding 5 years (2006-2010) there were 36 DSI casualties (9 deaths and 27 serious injuries) from 30 FSI crashes.

Overall, the crash type proportions for all injury crashes (fatal, serious and minor) in the last 10 years (2006-2015) are:

• 38% loss of control crashes (30% involved hitting a roadside object and 9% were on a curve);

• 21% head-on crashes (9% on a curve, 7% hit a roadside object);

Neil Pluck RCA Chairman

ACE HIGH PLUMBING

For all your plumbing, gas fitting and drainage work.

PHONE GRAEME 021 454 864www.acehighplumbing.co.nz



Wednesday, 28 JuneThomas Trophy Stableford Round

Teresa Booker 38 Stablefords Fiona Rushton 35 Stablefords Sally Smith 35 Stablefords

Railway Tavern 2nd shot no 3: Jill BurrowesRakaia Seed Cleaning 2nd shot no 6 Teresa BookerVal Bell Nearest the Pin no 8: Marion WederellChertsey Spraying 2nd Shot no 15: Teresa BookerS Quinn 2nd shot no 17: Marion WederellTwo’s Marion Wederell

Rakaia Ladies Golf Club

Wednesday, 5 JulyLGU Bryant Cup – 3rd Putting Round

Sue Martin 103 - 30 – 73 Teresa Booker 99 – 23 – 76

Putting Sally Smith 29 putts

9 Hole Putting Lillian Ohanlon

Railway Tavern 2nd Shot no 3: Sue MartinRakaia Seed Cleaning 2nd Shot no 6: Sally SmithVal Bell Nearest the Pin no 8: Sandra QuinnChertsey Spraying 2nd Shot no 15: Tina Pearce S Quinn 2nd Shot no 17: Sue Martin

Rakaia Men’s Golf Club

Sport Results and Notices

Saturday, 1 July

Jeff Hurst 79 – 14 – 65 Chris Helem 82 – 15 – 67 Gary Hunt 80 – 13 – 67 Mark Hutchins 75 - 8 - 67

Nearest the Pins No 6 Cameron Grant No 15 John Stara No 8 & 17 Cameron Grant

2nd shot no 5: Jeff Hurst

Medals

Silver Mark Hutchins - 67 Intermediate Jeff Hurst - 65 Junior A Tony Hurst - 74 Junior B Neil Allen - 73

2,s Cameron Grant

Nett Eagle Mark Hutchins

The Lions Club of Rakaia would like to thank the following people and businesses who provided generous sponsorship for the recent Charity Golf Tournament.

The Rakaia Pony Club are the recipients of the proceeds, to assist with their costs associated with hosting the 2017 Springston Trophy.

Principal SponsorJackson Holmes Contracting

Alex MacDonald Merchants ANZ AshburtonAshburton Vetlife BallanceBNZ Boags Contracting LtdBoagtique Capelli HairCates Grain & Seed Charlie Tomlin LtdChertsey Spraying Cochranes of CanterburyCountdown- Ashburton Dairycool LtdEllesmere Chemical Applicators LtdEllesmere Transport Ltd Euro ImportsFarmsource Rakaia G Cameron LtdGluyas Motor Group Goldpine RakaiaGreenline Ag Ltd Helicopter LineHonda Country Hazlett Rural LtdJeff Marshall Motorcycles Leader Brand ProduceLeeston Pharmacy M & A CrozierMark Love Mike McguireMillwood Nursery Mitre10 MegaNZ Farmers Livestock Patersons Funeral ServicesP & M Burrows Pendene FarmPGG Wrightson Rakaia Philip Wareing LtdPipeline Industries Plucks Engineering LtdPye Produce Ltd RabobankRailway Tavern Rainer Irrigation LtdRakaia Automotive Rakaia Food StoreRakaia Hair Studio Rakaia HubRakaia seed Cleaning RD PetroleumRural Livestock Ltd Ryal Bush TransportSeed & Field Sevices Selwyn Rakaia vetsSmithscape South Pacific SeedsSt Itas Guesthouse Vision InsuranceWaterforce Ltd

Thank You from Lions Club of Rakaia



Sport Results and Notices Sport Results and Notices

Rakaia Rugby ResultsSaturday, 1 JulySenior Division 1 Rakaia 65 (11T) v Hampstead 0

Senior B Rakaia 5 (1T) v Hampstead 39 (7T)

Combined Competition – Colts Rakaia-Methven 10 v Springston 35

Combined Competition – under 14½ Celtic/Rakaia 32 (6T) v Methven 10 (2T)

Saturday, 8 JulySenior Division 1 Rakaia 45 v Southern 39

Senior B Rakaia 0 v Southern 74

Combined Competition – Colts Rakaia-Methven 32 v Darfield 26

Combined Competition – under 14½ Celtic/Rakaia 34 v Rolleston 36

Rakaia Soccer Results/Player of the DaySaturday 1 June

12th Grade Junior Premiership Rakaia 1 beat Rakaia 2, 7 - 1 Player of Day: Liam Stoliker

10th Grade Junior Championship Rakaia 2 lost Rakaia 1, 1 - 7 Player of Day: Barnaby Habbitts-Melville

8th Grade Fun Kicks Player of Day: Matilda Farr

Saturday 8 July

12th Grade Junior Premiership Rakaia beat Mid-Canterbury Spurs, 9 - 1 Player of Day: Latham Brown

10th Grade Junior Championship Rakaia lost Methven, 2 - 5 Player of Day: Will Jones

Rakaia Soccer Contact Person:Jason Mattson

027 538 7855 or [email protected]

Want to play squash in 2017?Rakaia Squash

Clubwelcomes new members(Social and Competitive)

• 3 courts with glass backing• Weekly organised club games• NZ Squash affiliated• Interclub competition• Tournaments and Socials• Coaching available• Licensed bar facilities• Racquets available to borrow• Reasonable Subs!

Contact: Matt Parsons 027 926 0292 [email protected]

(Clean non-marking shoes are to be worn on courts)

Well done, to Melissa Mattson & Karusha Nolan for being picked for the Mid-Canterbury 11th grade girls tournament team. This tournament is being played Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July. Waimak Football Club are the host team, with teams from Blenheim, Otago, Mid-Canterbury and many from Christchurch taking part.

The Mid-Canterbury team is being coached by Darren from Selwyn (Football) Talent Centre.

Local Girls Make Football Team



What’s Cooking, Rakaia?

Winchmore Weather Data

Coconut/Walnut Crumble 90 gms chopped walnuts 4 tbs shredded coconut

150 gms melted butter 150 gms rolled oats

90 gms brown sugar 100 gms honey

150 gms flour 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 kg sliced cooking apples

1. Mix togethe, walnuts, coconut, brown sugar rolled oats, and flour.

2. Stir in melted butter.

3. Put apples in a pie dish and sprinkle with cinnamon.

4. Evenly spoon over the topping.

5. Bake at 180oC for 50 minutes until golden.

To book your tickets please contact:

Annthea 302 2826, Kaye 0274 922 876 or Sarndra 302 0895/0274 369 360

email [email protected] or visit our facebook page Rakaia Anglican Parish.

Included in the ticket price: Delicious Festive Fayre including Dessert

There will be an auction on the night of items that are not to directly cost any money eg meat, nights at a bach, boat or vehicle rides, produce, baking, arts and crafts and/or vouchers for items or favours, eg

babysitting, gardening etc. Be creative!

We warmly invite folk to bring along something to contribute to this fun part of the evening

if they so choose.

The Parish of Rakaia(St Mark’s Rakaia, St John’s Barrhill,

St James Chertsey and St Patrick’s Dorie)

Invites you to aMid-Winter Christmas Celebration

at the Festively DecoratedChertsey Hall

Saturday, 22 July 2017 From 6pm with the meal at 7pm.

Tickets $25 per person

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Celebration of the MassSunday evenings 6.00pm

Parish Priest: Fr Geoffrey Gray Resident in Ashburton, 308 6493Rakaia Contacts: Carmel Tyson 303 5033Church Com Chairperson: Sylvia Mellish 302 7128Catholic Women's League Secretary: Joan Wells 302 7208

St Ita’s, Catholic Church - Rakaia

Rakaia Anglican Services 2017 Worship

A warm welcome to all, to our family-friendly services on:

Plains Presbyterian ParishSt Andrew’s Presbyterian -

RakaiaBlessing for Dairying.Loving Lord, early riser for prayer and work, be with us

as dawn breaks each day, as the herd files into the milking shed and the daily routine begins again. Thank you for the way we learn to know the moods and characters of each cow in the herd. Thank you for the steady rhythm of work around which our home and family life revolves. Thank you for this relative order in life’s unpredictabil-ity. Listen to the Shepherd, Whakarongo Ki Te Kupu.. Bill Bennett.

Sunday, 16 July 9:30amSt Andrew’s, Rakaia - Rev Arii Taimataora

Sunday, 23 July 10:30amSt Andrew’s, Rakaia - Rev Neville Burns

Tuesday, 18 July 7:30pm Mission Meeting, St Andrew’s lounge, Rakaia

Children’s Church at all servicesWelcome to all

St Andrew’s Contact: Dorothy Knight,Telephone: 03 302 7595 Parish Minister Contact: Rev Arii Taimataora Telephone: 03 302 8151

Church Notices Church Notices

Charity OP SHOPOperating alongside St Mark’s Church

Elizabeth Ave, Rakaia

HUGE GARAGE SALE

Saturday, 15 July 9:00am - 12:00 noon

Linen, Bric-A-Brac and other miscellaneous items

Normal opening hours Tuesday and Saturday10.00am - 12.00 noon

We continue to accept donations of clean, tidy clothing, homewares, furniture and children’s toys.

These can be dropped off or ring Kaye 0274 922 876 to arrange for collection.

Sunday, 16 July 4:00pm St Patrick’s, Dorie - Rev Wally BehanSunday, 23 July 10:30am St James, Chertsey - Rev Al Drye

At each of our services there is a crèche and Sunday School for the children

No Bible Studies until 26 July (due to school holidays)

Minister and Contact: Al Drye Mobile: 021 124 2351email:[email protected]

HOLIDAY ACTIVITY

Tuesday, 18 July starting at 10:30am St Andrews Presbyterian Church

Fit Kids Programme for pre schoolers and supporters in the hall

Craft Activities in the Lounge "Making Dream Catchers"

Board games and collage creations.

Healthy food to follow.

Everyone is welcome to join us and be creative.

For information telephone Dorothy on 302 7595



Rakaia News Deadline10:00am Monday

24 July 2017

Classifieds

Run on ads are cash only. Money and ad to be placed in an envelope with contact details, and dropped into the box at the

Acton Centre, Elizabeth Ave.This is cleared each fortnight Monday at 10:00am.

$2.50 per line; FREE for goods to give away

CELEBRANT: Weddings, Renewal of Vows, Naming Ceremonies, Funerals & Private Farewells, Unveilings, Jenni Gibson 324 8332 or

021 723 089 Email: [email protected] or Website: www.celebrantservices.net.nz

Female rabbit and hutch to give away to good home. Telephone: 03 985 0032 or 027 694 7480

Responsible teenage girl requires babysitting job - Friday afternoons, Saturday and Sunday.

Phone 03 985 0032 or 021 0852 6742

Is anyone interested in starting a Rakaia Farmers Market or Community Market Day?

Phone Patricia on 03 985 0032 or 027 694 7480

Feed For Sale:Wheat Straw $ 50/BaleBarley Straw $ 55/BaleRye Grass Straw $ 75/BaleSquare Balage $ 90/Bale Round Balage $ 80/Bale

Ring/text Bruce 027 553 3085

Rakaia Rugby Club Pea Straw For Sale

$35 per bale (medium square) pick up or can be delivered.

phone:David 0274 324 024 or 302 7271Kyle 0274 977 040 or 302 0042

Situations Vacant

To Let

House to Let in Rakaia3 bedrooms with storage, double living room, separate

kitchen and dining, loads of storage

$275 per week Phone 027 55 77 518

We are looking for a motivated person for the next dairy season. Our farm is located in Rakaia (Dorie area). 920 milking cows, 54 bail rotary, grass based feeding.

The job involves milking, feeding stock, assistant with calving, tractor driving, shifting irrigators, maintain cowshed hygiene and any other day-to-day farm duties.

Previous experience in dairy farm is preferable, however full training will be provided. Applicants must be able to pass a drug test and all applicants will be have a police check. Rostered time off and shared accommodation is provided. No pets are allowed and the farm is smoke free.

Please email your CV and your application letter, which must include references from your previous employment, to [email protected].

For SaleWestinghouse stainless steel fridge freezer

in good condition - $300

6 seater dining table and chairs (incls 2 carver chairs) upholstered in saddle leather - $250

Telephone: Randell or Joyce 302 7599



July/August 2017Local

• Rakaia Red Cross Annual General Meeting Monday, 17 July, 1:30pm Rakaia Fire Brigade rooms

• School Holiday Programme Tuesday, 18 July, 10:30am St Andrew’s Presbyterian church

• Rakaia Women’s Institute Thursday, 20 July, 1:30pm St Andrew’s church lounge - visitors welcome

• Rakaia Bowling Club Euchre Thursday, 27 July, 1:30pm Rakaia Bowling Club clubrooms, $5.00 entry fee

District

• Lincoln Farmers’ and Craft Market Saturday, 15 July, 10:00am - 1:00pm Lincoln Library, cnr Gerald & Lyttelton St

• Annual Salmon Smolt Release Sunday, 23 July, 9:00am (salmon released 10:00am) 592 Blackford Road, Rakaia Gorge Admission: $20 per vehicle

• Rhys Darby Thursday, 27 July, 8:00pm Ashburton Trust Event Centre Tickets from $54.90

• The Marvellous Monthly Mayfield Market Saturday, 29 July, 10:00am Mayfield Memorial Hall, State Highway 72

• African Drumming and Dance Workshop Saturday, 29 July, 2:00pm Community House Mid-Canterbury, 44 Cass St Admission: $30

• Methven Craft Fair Saturday, 5 and Sunday, 6 August, 10:00am - 4:00pm Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, Methven Free Admission - all proceeds to Methven Playcentre

What’s On

“What’s On” is proudly sponsored by:

Are you organising an upcoming event? Do you know of any events around our area?

We would love to know, please email us: [email protected]

Community Notices

Rakaia Bowling ClubEUCHRE

At the Clubhouse

Thursday 27 Julyand every fortnight thereafter

1.30pm, $5.00 entry

Afternoon Tea provided, Raffles, Good PrizesWarm & friendly atmosphere

In the last few issues the Rakaia domain has been praised for the lovely asset that Rakaia have access to. I agree the domain is a tranquil place to visit and a real credit to Rakaia.

But there is one area at the domain that is not so great to look at and I wonder how it can be rectified. Beside the tennis courts is an ugly container, which is resting beside a broken down fence that doesn’t really ‘fence’ anything, and all situated beside the old tennis clubrooms that is in desperate need of some TLC.

Playing a game of tennis (or even netball) must be a little difficult in a nor’west wind. Hit a great shot only to have the ball turn sharply towards the east end of the courts. The trees that have been removed did act as a windbreak that was always appreciated during your game of tennis. Maybe the community could fund-raise for a new fence, or row of trees to recreate this wind break.

I am one of the many local people who donated money for the artificial turf to be installed at the Rakaia domain. I hate seeing the area in such disrepute after so much money was raised. It was disappointing when the tennis club stopped in Rakaia after this asset was created, but I do understand that tennis isn’t this year’s ‘in’ sport. But I can’t help but wonder, if the area around the tennis courts was tidied up, would it not encourage people to utilise the courts on the weekends with family and friends.

Yours faithfully Old Timer Tennis Player (APC)

Letter to the Editor



As the town grew, the School was built in 1872, with the Church services being held there. The Building of the Railway Bridge 1873/74 brought more people to Rakaia. In 1873 the Vicar travelled from Ashburton once a month for the Church Service – remaining Church Services were under the care of Lay Readers

In 1876 a meeting of Rakaia Parishioners decided to build a Church, sufficient money was raised and on 15th February 1877, a tender of 297pound 14 shillings was accepted for the building of the South Rakaia Church. The Cornerstone was laid by Bishop Harper 25th April 1877, it being St Mark’s Day. The next meeting held decided to open the New Church St John’s at Barrhill 8 July 1877.

The Rakaia Parish back then included Methven, during the early years with the Vicar driving horse and gig and also travelling to Dorie in all weathers, to take Services.

In 1880 St Mark’s was badly damaged by a severe ‘nor west gale, buildings back then were not built to withstand such conditions. The wind caused the whole structure to lean towards the east. In order to stabilize and strengthen the Church flying buttress were added to the east and west wall, at the same time the Altar platform was moved back, transept roof added, all of which remain today. Three months later St Mark’s re-opened for worship. In those days there were only two houses between St Mark’s and the Railway Line, and no other buildings between the Church and The Settlement.

In 1886 St Mark’s Sunday School was built across the road from the Church and used for many years for Sunday School and Parish Meetings. In later years 1970-1990’s it was also used as a Meeting Room and by the Rakaia Red Cross for their Friday morning Op Shop, which was very successful for the Red Cross & Community back then.

In 1996 the floor in St Mark’s Church was replaced with chipboard, beams were found to be sound & treated for borer. Thanks to St Stephens Ashburton, who were replacing their red carpet at the time, and offered the carpet to St Mark’s which was re-laid in 1999 giving the Church a new look.

Glenis Pluck

Rakaia Anglican Parish 1877 - 2017

Matariki – Māori New YearThe heavensMatariki is the Māori name for the small cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, in the Taurus constellation. In New Zealand it comes into view low on the north-eastern horizon, appearing in the tail of the Milky Way in the last days of May or in early June, just before dawn. This heralds the Māori New Year.

Various Māori tribes celebrated Matariki at different times. Some held festivities when Matariki was first seen in the dawn sky; others celebrated after the rise of the full moon or at the beginning of the next new moon.

For all tribes, the importance of Matariki has been captured in proverbs and songs, which link it with the bright star Whānui (Vega):

Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whānui. Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e!

Matariki re-appears, Whānui starts its flight. Being the sign of the [new] year!

Matariki is also associated with the winter solstice. It appears when the sun, drifting north on the shortest day in winter, reaches the north-eastern end of the horizon. The sun then turns around and begins its journey south.

LegendsMatariki literally means the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki). Some say that when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother were separated by their offspring, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became angry, tearing out his eyes and hurling them into the heavens. Others say Matariki is the mother surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-rangi and Ururangi. One account explains that Matariki and her daughters appear to assist the sun, Te Rā, whose winter journey from the north has left him weakened.

source: www.tera.govt.nz

Above: Leighton Watson, Gabby Rodgers and Olivia McFarlane with their Matariki stars which explain why they are stars.

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