Snowfed - Methven and Foothill's Community Paper

18/12/2025

Don’t let Christmas go up in flames
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
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With many parts of the country experiencing hot and windy conditions, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has enforced restrictions on outdoor fires in several districts, with more expected to follow.
National Wildfire Manager Tim Mitchell wants to remind people to apply for fire permits early.
"If your Christmas celebrations include an outdoor fire and you’re in a restricted fire season, you may need to apply for a permit on www.checkitsalright.nz.
"Applying for a fire permit is free and can take some days to process - so don’t leave it until the last minute.
"Fire permits are authorised by Fire and Emergency to ensure your fire is safe and controlled to reduce the risk of wildfires.
"You don’t need a permit for a hāngī, umu or lovo, as long as they’re no bigger than 2m by 2m, are conducted safely with appropriate supervision, and you have a hose nearby," Tim Mitchell says.
"To find out more about the different fire types and requirements you need to follow, including if you need a fire permit and the weather conditions are safe to light a fire, go to www.checkitsalright.nz.
"If you obtain a permit, you still need to check the weather conditions are safe to light a fire, make sure you follow all the listed conditions, keep a copy on you while you’re burning, and most importantly - ensure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving.
"If your fire is visible to neighbours and the public, to reduce the impact on our crews, it’s helpful if you let us know about your fire using the ‘notify us’ tool on www.firepermit.nz.
"97 percent of wildfires in Aotearoa New Zealand are started by people. Too many devastating wildfires have started with a controlled burn that wasn’t put out properly. This is avoidable," Tim Mitchell says.
"Don’t let Christmas go up in flames. Let’s all do our part to protect our beautiful country this holiday season."

11/11/2025

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Mount Hutt College and the Snowfed Newspaper want to know your thoughts on our weekly Snowfed Newspaper. We value the feedback from our community and this information will be used to shape the Snowfed going forward. Please answer as many or as few of the questions as you’d like. A quick and easy s...

30/10/2025

24/10/2025

Weather is looking good for the Labour weekend action. Let’s get behind Rhys this Saturday with his “Run For Change” to support NZ Woman’s Refuge. https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/300km-run-for-womens-refuge. This Saturday is also the Wi******er Rodeo and Sunday 26th is the Methven Rodeo. Hororata Spring Fair Monday 27th from 9:30am - 2pm.
https://www.snowfed.co.nz/resources/files/resources/issue-38-23-10-25-web.pdf

16/10/2025

Check out the new and in season offers at Honda Country Ashburton (pg 4) and our local RuralCo (pg8).
Forsyth Barr - Fonterra and the Future Seminar Thursday 23rd October (pg 15).

09/10/2025

The Audrey 101 challenge has got off to an incredible start - check out this week's front page.
Reminder that Local Election voting closes 12 noon tomorrow.

07/10/2025

EXCITING NEWS
"Update on proposed Canterbury District review"

Statement from Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill

After considering staff and community feedback, it has been decided that Canterbury Police will not proceed with our proposed district review.

Throughout this process it has been important to challenge ourselves to think outside the square, and to innovate how we service the needs of our communities. The proposal was a genuine attempt to offer what I believed would be a better service to the district, including a 24-7 response in rural areas.

Much of the feedback from staff and the community has been supportive.

The reality is that the proposal was not acceptable to many of the communities affected, and in my view their buy-in was a critical element in the proposal’s success.

We could not proceed without that support.

In reaching this decision, I listened carefully to the concerns and considered feedback from the community and other interested parties, as well as those of Police staff.

There were those who did support the changes and I acknowledge some may be disappointed.

I have discussed this with the Commissioner of Police, and he has assured me I have his support for this decision today.

Some of what we aimed to do can be achieved without the wider restructure and we will now work carefully through the options to decide what is possible.

Every district has its own priorities and demands and those can often be met through deployment decisions.

Canterbury District’s Gang Disruption Unit, Beat Teams and a Retail Crime Team in Christchurch were not contingent on the restructure and will still go ahead.

They are priorities for Police in all districts.

Road policing will also remain a priority.

It is one of the areas of highest demand in the district.

This has been a long process and I want to thank all those who took time to consider the proposal and discuss it with me.

I also wanted to thank those who have put a considerable amount of work into the process, which is very much appreciated.

Lastly, I want to say it has been heartening to see the strong backing our staff working in the rural communities have from the public they serve.

Our staff are very dedicated and I can assure you we are committed to serving the people and businesses of Canterbury.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said he supported the District Commander’s decision.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work that was put into the review by District Commander Tony Hill and his leadership team.

“Our staff are exceptional and I am confident Canterbury police will continue to offer an outstanding service across the district.

“While the review proposals had merit, including the proposed 24-7 response model, I have long believed in the value of visible and engaged police who know their communities and the people in them.

That is effective both for prevention and law enforcement, in both cities and rural areas.”

06/10/2025

Voting closes this Saturday!
Only just over a quarter of our district have placed their vote - don't leave it too late!
Have your say!

02/10/2025

Methven Races this Sunday. 9th October Mid Canterbury Career Festival in Ashburton at 3:30pm and Methven Community Pool AGM 7:30pm.
A reminder that Local Election voting closes 12 noon on the 11th October.

26/09/2025

Please note - Fresh is best is away this Tuesday, back 28th October. Congrats to the organisers of Methven Chill Fest, another great event. Don’t forget to spring your clocks forward this Sunday for daylight saving.

19/09/2025

Celebrating local businesses that have been helping with our wellbeing with a Snowfed Feature this week.
Check out pg 12 & 13. Methven Bowling Club Opening Day and Chill Fest on tomorrow. Happy school holidays!