Te Araroa walkers are on the rise, benefiting the summer tourism industry in Methven. Many who do the 3000-kilometre trail, which runs the length of New Zealand, end up in the ski town, as it is a natural resting point near the uncrossable Rakaia River. Methven i-SITE consultant Lyndsay Agnew said December to February was peak season for (more)

Extensive enquiries are continuing in the search for missing woman Tia McRae, who police have said may be in the Methven area. The 18-year-old was reported missing from Manapouri at 4pm on January 1. A police spokesperson said police have concerns for her wellbeing, and were making extensive enquiries to find her. “At this stage, because a (more)

Hot rods, street machines, classic cars and motorbikes will be revving up crowds in Methven on Saturday, at the biennial Rods at Methven. The event attracted about 3000 spectators and raised $5000, which was donated to the town’s fire brigade, the last time it was held in 2015. About 260 cars were on display outside the Blue (more)

Ricky May might be in for a bit of gentle ribbing from his fellow committee mates of the Methven Trotting Club meeting next month after playing a part in costing the club $4000 yesterday. The champion horseman produced a masterclass on his home track to win both of the day’s features – the Pacers’ and Trotters’ Green Miles – (more)

Methven has been given a little breathing space in the areas where alcohol can consumed as the Ashburton District Council rewrites its alcohol control bylaw. Originally the town’s alcohol ban applied over most of urban Methven, but the council has decided this was overly restrictive and has narrowed the alcohol ban boundaries. Council (more)

The Methven Hot Pools project is under negotiation for sale with a development company. In commenting on rumours about a sale yesterday, Methven Hot Pools Holdings Limited director Dave Dynes said no such sale had been finalised at this point. However, negotiations were under way and if a sale did occur it would take the project into the (more)

Police are on the lookout for two men who robbed The Brown Pub in Methven on Tuesday. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning between 11am and midday and the men took a small amount of cash. Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the two men as investigators believe that they will be able to assist with their (more)

Lawns in Methven’s parks and reserves have been mowed into tip-top shape after residents complained. The Ashburton District Council took prompt action after Methven Community Board members told them about residents’ concerns. The council changed both its personnel and machinery on the job, and amped up its mowing (more)

Methven suffers from apathy and a lack of identity, says a consultant who has drafted a proposal to inspire change in the town. “There are no visible initiatives in place to market or promote Methven,” said Peter Summers of the Methven-based FnB Group in his proposal for the Methven Community Board. There was also no clear vision for the (more)

Methven Community Board members are not in favour of reducing the town’s liquor ban area despite a question over the legality of its size. Ashburton District Council community relations manager Vincie Billante presented a diagram to members at their six-weekly meeting on Monday, showing the current liquor ban area which extends into the (more)