Dye stains scrubbed from Ashburton cenotaph
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s war memorial needs a clean after wreaths stained the stonework base.
The wreaths were laid at the annual Anzac Day commemorations in Baring Square West on April 25.
Ashburton District Council business support group manager Leanne Macdonald said the stains were spotted when wreaths were removed about two weeks after Anzac Day as usual.
“This is the first time that we have encountered this and believe that paint from some of the wreaths is the cause.
“Most of the damage is on the bluestone at the base of the cenotaph.”
The council has engaged a specialist stonemason to clean the cenotaph, and that work started on Thursday and is anticipated to take until the end of next week.
“It will likely require multiple applications of stripping agent, poultice, and or mechanical removal, sympathetic to the stone type.
“This work is weather dependent, and dependent on the specialist’s availability.”
The cenotaph was unveiled in 1928 and bears the names of 432 Mid Canterbury people who lost their lives in defence of the country.
It underwent some restoration work in 2020.
Specialist workers gave the 14m sandstone monument a hand-wash, sprayed any lichen and moss, and replaced the mortar to clean and repair the monument.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.5% Hmm, maybe?
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9.5% Yes!
Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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