The Star: July 11, 2024

The Star Thursday July 11 2024
6
NEWS
City council
advertises
for new CEO
THE CITY council has started
advertising for a new permanent
chief executive to replace
Dawn Baxendale, who quit in
November.
In a job advertisement posted
to Seek NZ on Tuesday, the
council detailed its expectations
for the role.
The expected salary is yet to
be finalised. But in 2023 Baxendale
was earning $548,548.
Following her departure, Mary
Richardson was named as the
interim chief executive.
The job advertisement states
the city council is seeking an
experienced chief executive with
“unquestionable integrity” to
lead 3000 staff members and
work with mana whenua.
“The mayor and councillors
are looking to appoint a chief
executive . . . with vision and a
passion to do the absolute best
for the region’s people, communities
and economy.”
A big challenge will be implementing
the Long Term Plan
within budget.
“Effective management of the
council’s financial performance
is crucial, as is the need to champion
climate change initiatives
both within the council and
throughout the community.”
Applications for the role close
on July 28.
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
Henchmen resurface in Chch
ONE OF the city’s oldest
motorcycle gangs appears to be
resurfacing.
Patched Devils Henchmen
have been seen on Christchurch
streets in recent weeks, after
many years of invisibility as the
gang scene evolved and changed
over the decades.
Said Detective Senior Sergeant
Craig Johnson: “The Devils
Henchmen MC have been part
of the domestic gang scene for a
long time.
“As natural attrition occurs,
gangs need to recruit to maintain
or increase their influence.
“Police constantly monitor and
assess the risk of all gangs, including
the Devils Henchmen,”
he told the NZ Herald.
It’s understood their numbers
remain low, still probably in
single figures.
Former members of other
high-profile gangs are involved,
the Herald reported.
Police are keeping an eye on
their activities.
“While I won’t comment
directly on police intelligence
or prevention activity, changes
in gang numbers, location or
visibility are always of interest to
us,” said Johnson.
The Henchmen formed in
1973.
In the mid-1970s, the fledgling
collective of young men was involved
in a war with the Epitaph
Riders in Christchurch that led
to stabbings, guns, beatings, pad
raids, and Molotov cocktails.
A violent, long-running enmity
with rivals the Road Knights
MC sparked up in the early 90s,
in Timaru with car and firebombs,
armed home invasions,
shootings and drive-bys. It was
gang warfare once described by
police as “wild west stuff”.
Over recent decades, the
feared gang had been based at
a fortified, spacious two-storey
gang pad on the outskirts of
Timaru.
But in May last year, armed
members of the Rebels MC
gang stormed into the rival
Devils Henchmen’s renowned
clubhouse and booted them
out.
The Henchmen were forced to
leave behind several motorbikes
and a Rebels flag – a Confederate
flag with a grinning skull and 1%
symbol – was draped from the
top-floor balcony.
The Rebels painted over logos,
ripped out all Devils Henchmen
insignia and memorabilia, even,
it’s understood, chiselling out the
gang’s name from tailor-made
wooden bar leaners.
But a week later, after reports
of high tension, even gunshots,
police raided the gang pad and
found several stashed firearms.
BACK IN
TOWN:
Patched
Devils
Henchmen
have been
seen on
Christchurch
streets
in recent
weeks, after
many years
of invisibility.
Below – the
Henchmen
going for a
ride in the
70s.
Open Days
18 and 19 July from
10am till 2pm.
Join us for our Open Days at Woodcroft Estate on 18 and
19 July from 10am to 2pm. Explore our beautiful homes at
38 Kendon Drive, 1 Beech Place, 28 Kendon Drive, and 7
Beech Lane.
These four “as-new” properties have been refurbished to a
very high standard and are available for tour.
Discover the wonderful features of our community, including
community gardens, a bowling green, a pavilion, library,
dining and function areas, a petanque court, and a secure
environment with amenities close by.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a
private tour at your convenience, please contact Corinne
on 021 292 1141.
We look forward to welcoming you to Woodcroft Estate
Lifestyle Village.
34 Kendon Drive, Rolleston