Focus on CHB - July 2026

Central Hawke’s Bay

ent

Welcome toFocus onCentral Hawke’sBay

WelcometotheJuly editionofFocuson CentralHawke’sBay presentedtoyoubyHawke’s BayToday,partofNewZealand MediaandEntertainment (NZME).Thisisamonthly publicationdistributingin Waipawa,Waipukurauand ŌtāneonthelastThursdayof themonth.

Weaimtobringresidents ofCHBinformationabout communityactivitiesanda potpourriofarticlessuchas localsport,education,events, clubs,councilnewsandsoon.

We’dbepleasedtoreceive suggestionsontopicsyou’d bekeentoreadornewsyou’d liketoshare.Pleasenotethat ifyoudohavenewstoshare, wewillneeditwellinadvance –atleasttwofullweeksbefore publication.Don’thesitateto contactusifyouhaveaquery orwishtoadvertise.

Pleasedirectadvertising andeditorialqueriestoshirley. randell@nzme.co.nz Coverphotocourtesyof Hawke’sBayTourism,credit KirstenSimcox.

Shapingthefutureoflocal governmenttogether

ByWillFoleyMayorofCentralHawke’sBay

WhentheGovernmentaskedCentralHawke’sBay DistrictCouncilinMaytoconsiderwhetherthe districtshouldamalgamatewithothercouncils intheregion,thefirstquestionwassimple,whatisbestfor CentralHawke’sBay.

ThenIthought,wherearetheopportunitiesforus.

Thepressuresonhouseholdsandcommunitiesarereal. Costskeeprising,yearafteryear,andCentralHawke’sBay hasfacedonechallengeafteranotherfromCovidand CycloneGabrielletotheflow-oneffectsofafuelcrisis causedbytheconflictintheMiddleEast.

OneoftheopportunitiesIwantedustolookatwas howcouldwefindsmarterwaystoeasetheburdenon householdswhilestillprovidingtheservicespeoplerelyon. Serviceslikeroads,park,wastecollection,librariesandwater servicedelivery,withoutpayingthroughthenose

Justasimportant,though,washowcanastronglocal voiceforCentralHawke’sBaybeprotected.

WhileCouncilwastaskedwithmakingthisdecision,itisa decisionwearemakingonbehalfofyou,thepeoplewho electedustomakeit.Wewenttothedistrict,hostedeight communitymeetings,andinvitedpeopletoparticipatein theonlinesubmissionprocess.

Wewantedtoknowwhatyouwanted,whatwasimportant toyou.

Themostimportantthingyoutolduswasthatweretain CentralHawke’sBay’svoice.

Yes,youwantedreducedcostsandasimplerapproachto localgovernment,butitwasclear-decisionsaboutCentral Hawke’sBayshouldbemadebyCentralHawke’sBay.

WearenowworkingwithHastings,NapierandWairoato determinethebestpathwayforward.

AlongsideHastingsandNapier,CentralHawke’sBayis preparingtopresentacasetoGovernmentforaunitary councilcoveringthethreedistricts.Wairoaisstillunsure.

TheteamfromCentralHawke’sBayismakingitclearwe wantatwo-tierdecision-makingmodel,wherewestillhave alocalmayorthatworksalongsidebothlocalandregional counterparts,splittingdecisions.Thosethataffecttheentire regionaremadeattheregionallevel,andthosethatonly affectus,arestillmadelocally.

ThisiswhereIbelievetheopportunitiesforuslie-smarter waysofdeliveringservices,usingeconomiesofscale, reducingduplicationwherewecan,butretainingCentral Hawke’sBay’svoice,soithasanequalseataroundthetable butreflectstheidentityofwhoweareandwherewewantto go.

CentralHawke’sBayprepares forSpringFling2026

Aswinterloosensitsgripon CentralHawke’sBay,anticipation isalreadybuildingforoneofthe district’smostcelebratedseasonal festivals.The2026SpringFling promisestoonceagaintransform theregionintoavibrantshowcase ofgardens,food,history,cultureand outdooradventure,invitingbothlocals andvisitorstoexperiencethebestof CentralHawke’sBayduringitsmost colourfultimeofyear.

RunningthroughoutSeptemberand

October,SpringFlinghasbecome muchmorethanacollectionofevents. Itisacelebrationofplace,highlighting thelandscapes,peopleand experiencesthatmakeCentralHawke’s Bayunique.Fromhistorichomesteads andboutiquemarketstocoastalwalks andculinaryexperiences,thefestival capturestheenergyandoptimismthat arriveswiththechangingseason.

Thefestivalhascontinuedtogrowin bothscaleandreputation.Organised bytheCentralHawke’sBayDistrict

Council,SpringFlingisdesignedto supportlocaltourism,encourage economicgrowthandshowcasethe districttoawideraudience.Event organisersarebeingencouragedto createexperiencesthatembracethe essenceofspringwhileattracting visitorsfromacrossNewZealandand beyond.

Akeyattractionofthe2026 programmeisitsdiversity.Festivalgoerscanlookforwardtoeverything fromleisurelylunchesandfood-

focusedgatheringstofloral workshops,culturalexperiencesand outdooradventures.Thefestival’s guidingthemesincludenatural renewal,outdoorexploration, culinarycelebrationandcommunity connection,ensuringthereis somethingtoappealtoeveryageand interest.

Oneofthestrongestaspectsof SpringFlingisitsabilitytobringpeople together.Asthedaysbecomelonger andwarmer,communitiesemerge fromthequieterwintermonthsto reconnectthroughsharedexperiences. Whetheritisstrollingthroughblooming gardens,enjoyinglocalproduce, exploringcoastalfarmlandor attendingauniqueworkshop,visitors areencouragedtoslowdownand appreciatethebeautyoftheseason.

Thefestival’sgrowingpopularityis alsodeliveringtangiblebenefitstothe region.Accordingtoorganisers,the 2025eventgeneratedasignificant economicboostforlocaleventholders andrecordedasubstantialincrease inrevenue,demonstratingtheevent’s valuetobusinessesandtourism operatorsthroughoutthedistrict.

Withspringoftenregardedas CentralHawke’sBay’sfinestseason, the2026SpringFlingisshapingup tobeanotherstandoutcelebration. Againstabackdropofdaffodils, freshcountryside,exceptionalfood andrenownedruralhospitality,the festivaloffersacompellinginvitation todiscover,orrediscover,oneofNew Zealand’smostwelcomingregions.As thefirstblossomsappearacrossthe district,SpringFlingwillonceagain providetheperfectexcusetogetout, exploreandcelebrateeverythingthat makesCentralHawke’sBayspecial.

Events

WaroftheWorlds

23 July - 1 August

Waipukurau Little Theatre

HG Wells’s The War of the Worlds is a classic tale of alien invasion and human vulnerability Famously adapted for radio in 1938 by Orson Welles and Howard E Koch, the broadcast became legendary for its realism Directed by Helen Griffin, this production brings that original script to life with added live stage characters - immersing audiences in the chaos of invasion

PōrangahauGalaDay

1000 am - 2:00 pm 2 August and every first Sunday of the month Porangahau Town Hall

Join the Porangahau Hāpori Gala Day

LionsClubofNewZealand YoungSpeechmaker Nationalfinal

August 1

Concert chambers CHB Municipal Theatre, free entry

The Lions Clubs of New Zealand offer youth from 16 to 21 years of age the opportunity to participate in a national public speaking contest speechmakers@lionsclubsorgnz

Entry is free to the contestants and open to the public through your local Lions Club

at the Memorial Hall & Courts A vibrant community market featuring local stallholders arts and crafts, clothing jewellery, baking, hot kai, plants, raffles and more

Enjoy a welcoming family atmosphere while supporting the community free prescription initiative with Unichem Pharmacy Waipukurau

New stallholders and visitors are always welcome To book a site or for more information, contact Miriama on 02041389112

LesMisérables

After a 20-year hiatus the Waipawa Musical and Dramatic Club returns with this epic classic at the CHB Municipal Theatre in Waipawa

Nightly and matinée shows running from Wednesday, August 19 to Sunday, August 30, 2026

Times: evening performances begin at 7:00 PM; matinées start at 4:00 PM

Tickets: prices range from $3325 to $6450, available via Eventfinda

DannevirkeMarket

Sunday 16 August 10am - 1pm

Dannevirke A&P Show Grounds

Looking for fresh Produce, delicious treats, and one of a kind handmade goods? The Dannevirke market has it all

Les Misérables, the epic 19th-century French tale of redemption and revolution following Jean Valjean, an ex-convict seeking a new life after 19 years of prison for stealing bread Pursued by the relentless Inspector Javert Valjean breaks parole, becomes a mayor, and promises to raise Cosette the daughter of the dying Fantine The story culminates during the 1832 Paris student uprising, where Valjean saves his adopted daughter’s lover, Marius, and finds peace

Helpus Rescuethe Rescue

Foralmostthreeyears,RuahineAnimalRescuehasbeena lifelineforvulnerableanimalsacrossCentralHawke’sBay. Everykitten,puppy,dogandcatwe’vesavedhasbeen possiblebecauseofthekindnessofourcommunity. Now,weneedyourhelp.

Ourcurrenthomeiscomingtoanend,andwemustsecurea newplacetocontinueourwork.Werefusetoletthisbetheend ofRuahineAnimalRescue.Withyoursupport,itwillsimplybethe beginningofournextchapter.

Everydollardonatedwillhelpusestablishanewhome wherewecancontinuerescuing,rehabilitatingandrehoming animalsinneed.Thisisn’tjustaboutbuildings-it’sabout givingfrightenedanimalsasecondchanceandensuringour communityalwayshassomewheretoturnwhenananimal needshelp.

RuahineAnimalRescuehasalwaysbeenpoweredbythe generosityofCentralHawke’sBay.Thisrescuebelongstoallof us,andtogetherwecanmakesureitcontinuessavinglivesfor manyyearstocome.

Ifyou’veeveradoptedfromus,volunteered,donated,shared oneofourposts,orsimplybelievedthateveryanimaldeserves achance,thisisyouropportunitytohelpsecureourfuture.

Pleasegivewhatyoucan,shareourcampaignandhelpus rescuetherescue.

DonationstotheRescuetheRescueCampaigncanbemade viaourGiveaLittlePageorbyfollowingthelinksonourwebsite andsocialmediapages.

Together,wecanensurethathopealwayshasahome.

VASCULAR SURGERY SPECIALIST

Wecan treatyour Varicose Veins andartery problems.

Minimallyinvasivetechniques. CallourfriendlyteamatUnityfor adviceregardingyourveintreatment options.

MESHFREE groinhernia repairperformedunderlocal anaestheticinourpurpose designedDaySurgeryUnit. Overallcostsareminimal makingtheproceduremuch moreaffordablethanyoumay think.

Ifyouhaveaherniathatis botheringyougiveusacallandask ourfriendlyteamfordetails,costings andavailability.

ProcedureperformedbyMrBertrand Jauffret,GeneralSurgeonatUnitySpecialists, 10Murrayplace,behindKaweka.

Annand-Allerby ShielddebutsinCHB

AttheJune2026AGMof WaipawaBowlingClubInc, LifeMemberMarieAllerby spokeonbehalfoffellowLife MembersGaryAllerbyandGordon Annandtoannounceanexciting newchapterforinterclubbowlsin CentralHawke’sBay.

Manylong-servingbowlers willrememberthehistoricDillon Shield,originallypresentedin1921 forinterclubcompetitionbetween thesixbowlingclubsthatexisted inCentralHawke’sBayatthetime: Waipawa,Waipukurau,Takapau, Norsewood,Porangahau,and Otane.Theoriginalshieldwas unfortunatelydestroyedinafireat theOtaneBowlingClubintheearly 1970s,withareplacementshield introducedin1974.

Traditionallycontestedasa men’sfoursevent,theDillonShield hasevolvedovertime,withwomen noweligibleforselectiontoensure clubscanfieldtheirstrongest possibleteams.Today,the competitionrotatesbetweenthe threeremainingCentralHawke’s Bayclubsandremainsoneof theregion’smostsought-after trophies.

Recognisingalackofinterclub competitionopportunities specificallyforwomen, GordonAnnandproposedthe establishmentofanewWomen’s ThreeBowlTriplescompetition. SupportedbyGaryAllerbyand MarieAllerby,theneweventaims tostrengthenconnectionsand friendshipsbetweenbowlers acrossthedistrictwhileproviding anothercompetitiveopportunity forwomen.

Thecompetitionwillbeplayed annuallyonthesamedayasthe DillonShield,rotatingbetween Waipawa,Waipukurau,and PorangahauBowlingClubs.Each clubwillfieldtwotriplesteams, competinginfour90-minute round-robingamesagainstboth teamsfromtheopposingclubs. Importantly,participationinthe Women’sTriplescompetitionwill notpreventwomenfrombeing selectedfortheirclub’sDillon Shieldteam.

Tomarktheoccasion,Gordon Annand,GaryAllerby,andMarie Allerbyhavegenerouslydonated thenewAnnand-AllerbyShield, whichwillbeawardedannually tothewinningclub.Anengraved shieldwillbeaddedeachyearto recognisethecompetitionwinners.

TheinauguralAnnand-Allerby Shieldcompetitionwillbehosted byWaipawaBowlingClubatthe startofSeptember.Withboth WaipukurauandPorangahau BowlingClubsalreadyexpressing strongsupportfortheinitiative.

Thisexcitingadditiontothe CentralHawke’sBaybowling calendarreflectstheongoing commitmenttofostering competition,participation,and camaraderieamongbowlers throughouttheregion.

WaipawaBowlingClubextends itssincerethankstoGordon Annand,GaryAllerby,andMarie Allerbyfortheirgenerosityand visionincreatingwhatpromisesto becomeavaluedannualevent.

Goodbowlingeveryone!

CHB Country Music Club still making music after 38 Years

By Judith Cook

For 38 years, the Central Hawke’s Bay Country Music Club has provided a welcoming place for people to share their love of music, friendship and community

The club was established in Waipukurau on 6 November 1988, largely through the efforts of Murray McPherson, who became its first president While it began as a country music club members now enjoy and perform a wide variety of musical styles The club’s original aim remains unchanged: to offer people a place where they can entertain others, build confidence or simply enjoy listening to live music

Membership currently stands at around 30 people, although numbers once exceeded 100 Annual membership is $20, and members would particularly like to attract younger people to ensure the club’s future remains strong

Club afternoons are held on the third and fifth Saturdays of the month, running from 1pm to approximately 430pm A resident band provides much of the entertainment, although many musicians travel from the wider Hawke’s Bay area In earlier years, the club enjoyed greater participation from local musicians, including founding member Jim Ellwood

Visitors pay $5 admission, while raffles help raise additional funds to support the club’s operating costs Guests are also treated to a complimentary tea or coffee and a shared afternoon tea provided by members

One of the club’s proudest achievements was purchasing the former Scout Hall in Waipawa, which remains its home today Members spent years fundraising performing at venues throughout Hawke’s Bay and supporting numerous community events to make ownership of the hall

possible

The club also built a strong reputation through its annual birthday celebrations traditionally held in May These events attracted large audiences and featured many of New Zealand’s well-known country music performers, including Tony Williams Lyn Burkin, Roger Tibbs, Glenys Waaka, David Ewart Jnr, Dennis Marsh, Joy Adams, Rex Franklin and Rusty Greeves

Like many community organisations, the club faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic With events unable to be held, savings were used to cover ongoing expenses such as rates and insurance Attendance numbers have declined since that time, but members are proud the club has continued to operate

Owning its own hall remains a significant achievement and reflects the dedication of generations of volunteers and committee members

The club’s focus now is on attracting new members and encouraging younger musicians and singers to become involved

Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience Whether someone sings, plays an instrument or simply enjoys live music, they will find a friendly and supportive environment Members are always happy to help newcomers with chord charts performance tips and encouragement

For Judith and Trevor Cook, both founding members, the club has been an important part of their lives Trevor has served as both Vice-President and President, while Judith has spent many years as Secretary and Treasurer

Their hope is that the Central Hawke’s Bay Country Music Club will continue to thrive for future generations, preserving a tradition of music, friendship and community that has enriched the district for nearly four decades

Connect Driving

FromtheCONNECTDriverSafety& Licensingteam,ourmessageto youngpeople,parents,caregivers, andwhānauissimple:safedriving mustalsobelegaldriving.Gettinga licenceisanimportantsteptowards independence,butitalsocomeswitha responsibilitytofollowtheconditionsof thatlicence.

Forthepast14years,CONNECThas workedalongsidetheCentralHawke’s Baycommunitytoensurelocalpeople haveaccesstodriverlicensingsupport thatsimplydoesn’texistinmostparts ofNewZealand.Throughfundraising, advocacy,andstrongcommunity partnerships,we’vecreated opportunitiesmanycommunitiesdon’t have.

BecauseCONNECThasbeenhere forsolong,it’seasytoassumethis levelofsupportexistseverywhere, butitdoesn’t.Roadsafetymessaging andlegalcomplianceisnotjustour responsibility,especiallyfamiliesand eventhewidercommunitytoplayits partbyencouragingandmodelling safe,legaldriving.Together,wecan helpouryoungpeoplebuildlifelong safedrivinghabits.

Weknowtherecanbepressureto givefriendsorsiblingsaride,impress someone,orpushtheboundariestofit inorlookcool.Butlicenceconditions

arethereforareason,theyprotectyou, yourpassengers,andeveryoneelse ontheroad.Ifyou’reonyourrestricted licence,followtherules,includingthe passengerrestrictions.It’sonlyashort stageofyourdrivingjourney,butthe choicesyoumakenowcanhave lastingconsequences.

Parents,caregivers,andwhānauyou playavitalrole.Talkabouttherules, knowthelicenceconditions,askwho isinthecar,andsupportyouryoung persontomakesafe,legaldecisions,

PRE-SEASON SERVICING

It’salwaysagoodtimetogetaheadonmaintenance. Bookyourtractors,balers,andothermachineryinfor servicingtokeepthemrunningattheirbestwhenthebusy seasonhits.

PREVENTATIVEMAINTENANCE=LESSDOWNTIME AVOIDFIRERISKSFROMBIRDNESTS&DEBRISBUILDUP PEACEOFMINDHEADINGINTOTHESEASON CERTIFIEDCASEIH&NEWHOLLANDTECHNICIANS GENUINEPARTS,ADVANCEDDIAGNOSTICS

evenwhenit’sinconvenient. Thisisespeciallyimportantwith changestoNewZealand’sdriver licensingsystemfrom25January 2027.Whiledriversunder25willonly needtoholdtheirrestrictedlicence for12months,anydemeritpoints receivedduringthattimewillextend therestrictedperiodbyafurthersix months.

Therestrictedstageisbrief,butthe habitsdevelopedduringthistimecan lastalifetime.

CONNECTisheretosupportyoung peopleandtheirfamiliesthroughout thelicensingjourney,butsaferoads dependonallofusworkingtogether. Byrespectinglicenceconditionsand makinggoodchoices,wecanhelp buildacommunityofsafe,legal,and responsibledrivers.

Formoreinformationorsupportwith yourlicensingjourney,contactthe CONNECTteamatinfo@connecting. org.nz. Changinglivesonelicenceatatime.

StandingattheStateHighway 50entrancetoOngaonga,the restoredGardner&Yeoman Millboilerisapowerfulreminderof CentralHawke’sBay’spioneering timberindustry.

Theboileroriginatedfromthe GardnerandYeomanSawmill,a majortimberoperationestablishedin 1926byCharlesGardnerandThomas YeomanonthebanksoftheMākāroro RiverintheWakararadistrict,near theeasternslopesoftheRuahine Range.Atitspeak,themillemployed around18workersandprocessed vastquantitiesofnativepodocarp timber,includingrimu,mataīand kahikatea.Timberfromtheoperation helpedbuildhomesandcommunities throughoutHawke’sBay.

Logswerehauledfromsurrounding foreststothemillsite,wherethe boilerpoweredmilloperations. Aroundthemillgrewathriving settlementcompletewithworkers’ accommodationandaschoolthat servedabout40children.Overmore thanthreedecadesofoperation, themillprocessedanestimated50 millionfeetoftimberbeforeclosing andfiringitsboilerforthefinaltimein 1959.

ThewiderWakararadistrictplayed animportantroleinNewZealand’s millinghistory.Richnativeforests attractedseveraltimberoperations, includingtheextensiveGardner& Yeomanenterprise.Thecompany alsooperatedawoodentramway extendingabouttwomilesintothe bush,originallyworkedbyhorsesto transportlogsfromtheforesttothe mill.

InSeptember2024,thehistoric boilerwasrelocatedfromSmedley

Painting&Paper

StationtoitsnewhomeinOngaonga. Themovewasundertakenwiththe supportoftheOngaongaHistorical Societyandlocalcommunity membersdeterminedtopreserve animportantpieceofregional history.Therelocationcoincidedwith celebrationssurroundingOngaonga’s 150thJubilee,highlightingthevillage’s deepconnectionstothetimber industryandthefamilieswhoworked withinit.

Today,theboilerservesasa memorialtothehardworkingmill workersandtheirfamilieswho helpedshapeCentralHawke’sBay. TheOngaongaHistoricalSociety continuestopreserveandinterpret thisheritage,includingeffortsto locatetheboiler’soriginalfirebox door,believedtohavebeenremoved manyyearsagoasakeepsake. Togetherwithotherheritage attractionsinthevillage,includingthe restoredColesBrothersbuilding,the Gardner&YeomanMillboilerprovides visitorswithatangibleconnection totheruggedbushsettlements, pioneeringindustriesandcommunity spiritthathelpedbuildtheregion.

GoodVisionIstheFirstStep toBetterLearning

80%ofchildren’slearningisdonevisually. Reading,writing,whiteboardwork,and computersareallhardgoingifyou cannotseeclearly.Havingclear, comfortablevisionisnecessaryforachild tolearnsuccessfully.Somanyoftheday todaylearningtasksatschoolrequire seeingandprocessingvisualinformation quickly.Bookaneyeexaminationwith ShattkyOptometriststoday!

ShattkyOptometristsdeliversthehighestqualityeyecareandeyewearforallages. FormoreinformationvisitShattkyOptometriststodayinHastingsandWaipukurau. HASTINGS/116RussellStreetSouth/068763777 WAIPUKURAU/36RuataniwhaStreet/068589117

www.shattky.co.nz

shattkysoptometrists shattkyoptometrists