Bite-size pieces celebrating local happenings, events and news.

Functional Rubbish

At Untouched World, they have a simple and transparent supply chain and are fortunate enough to be able to see how their garments are made from start to finish, meaning they see first-hand the amount of textile waste that is created during production. So, as a part of a greater commitment to circular economy, they have created a new range using waste from the supply chain to create something beautiful – Rubbish Socks!

Crafted from left-over pieces of knitwear the ‘rubbish’ is shredded down into individual fibres, and eventually given a second life in the form of a new yarn, which is knitted into soft and cosy socks. How cool!

Be in to Win! 

As part of celebrations to mark Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury’s 150th anniversary, a new book by Canterbury- and Harvard-educated historian Dr John Wilson explores how the university has both shaped and responded to the economic, social and cultural life of our region. 

Casebound and richly illustrated, A New History: The University of Canterbury 1873–2023 includes chapters by historian Dr Chris Jones, Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey, Pou Whakarae and Ngāi Tūāhuriri Ūpoko Professor Te Maire Tau, and the Pacific community led by Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva.

Together, they create an insightful reflection on one of our most influential regional institutions – and Christchurch’s second largest employer – which many Cantabrians will have a connection with.

Thanks to Canterbury University Press, we have a copy of this magnificent book to give away! To enter the draw, simply email julie@countrywidemedia.co.nz with A New History: The University of Canterbury 1873–2023 in the subject line and you are in to win. 

Entries close 14 January, winner will be notified by email and no correspondence entered into. Prize not redeemable for cash. 

World Record Attempts 

A day shearing has been described as doing a back-to-back marathon, so it is with grit and determination that Hannah McColl, Trevor Holland and Catherine Mullooly are preparing for upcoming world record attempts this summer. 

All three have spent the pre-lamb season working for Ashburton’s Grant Smith from Proshear – training and learning from the best, as Grant has completed three world records. He still holds the solo nine-hour Merino wether record of 418, which he set in November 1999, and the two-stand Merino ewe record of 809 along with Barry Taylor set in October 1994.

Hannah, alongside cousin Megan Whitehead, will be attempting to break the two-stand lamb shearing record of 907 on 15 December. 

The eight-hour strong wool world ewe shearing record for women is held at a tally of 370, a record Catherine is determined to break on 10 January. 

Meanwhile, Trevor, along with friends Max Winders, Ben Boyle, Trent Hewes and Josef Winders, is attempting the five-stand, eight-hour strong wool lamb record, which is currently held at 2,910, on 14 January. 

Best of luck team! 

Trappingly Beautiful

When 30 new DOC 150 Traps were purchased for use along the Rakaia Gorge Walkway, Robert Koller from The Fantail Trust turned to the local Windwhistle School Te Uru Miro to turn them into a unique and vibrant addition to the trail. 



‘The children were very excited to be involved,’ explains Principal Bronwen Seaward. ‘We have spent some time learning more about trapping and we hope to get along to the walkway and try to spot our traps soon.’ 

‘They did an amazing job,’ concludes Robert. ‘All 30 traps have now been deployed on the walkway.’

Congratulations to The Finishing Company who were recognised at the NZ Master Painters of the Year 2023 Awards, taking out the Residential New Exterior over $25k category! 

Well done team. 

Cheers!

Looking for the perfect long summer evening cocktail to indulge in on the deck? Try our top picks from Twelfth Hour Gin created by the team at Ma Maison, Akaroa.

Jalapeno Fizz

50ml Twelfth Hour Gin

20ml jalapeno sugar syrup

Top with ginger beer

Stir and serve over ice

Garnish with 2 slices of fresh jalapeno 

Bramble G & Tea

50ml Twelfth Hour Gin

15ml lemon juice

15ml raspberry liqueur

50ml strawberry plum Noble & Sunday tea

Shake over ice and serve with ice

Garnish with freeze dried raspberry and lemon rounds

Gimlet

50ml Twelfth Hour Gin

60ml lime/basil

sugar syrup

60ml soda water

Shake over ice and serve

Garnish with torn Makrut leaf