Central Hawke’s Bay FOCUS ON
September 2026
Connecting our local communities
Welcome to Focus on Central Hawke’s Bay
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elcome to the September edition of Focus on Central Hawke’s Bay presented to you by Hawke’s Bay Today, part of New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME). This is a monthly publication distributing in Waipawa, Waipukurau and Ōtāne on the last Thursday of the month. We aim to bring residents of CHB information about community activities and a potpourri of articles such as local sport, education, events, clubs, council news and so on. We’d be pleased to receive suggestions on topics you’d be keen to read or news you’d like to share. Please note that if you do have news to share, we will need it well in advance – at least two full weeks before publication. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a query or wish to advertise. Please direct advertising and editorial queries to shirley.randell@nzme.co.nz Cover photo courtesy of Hawke’s Bay Tourism, credit Kirsten Simcox.
Wallingford Homestead earns its first Cuisine hat C
entral Hawke’s Bay’s Wallingford Homestead has earned its first hat at the Cuisine Good Food Awards 2026, placing the historic homestead among Aotearoa New Zealand’s recognised dining destinations and marking the first time a Central Hawke’s Bay restaurant has received the accolade. The annual awards recognise the restaurants and individuals setting the benchmark for dining excellence across the country. Wallingford custodians Chris Stockdale and Jeanette
Dr Andy Daun Dr Mohan Gaddipati Dr Baba Machina Dr Zeeshan Yaqoob
Woerner have run the boutique hotel and dining experience since 2018, after leaving Sydney and bringing their hospitality experience to rural Central Hawke’s Bay. With Chris in the kitchen and Jeanette managing and hosting, the couple have helped bring new life to one of Hawke’s Bay’s oldest homesteads, combining awardwinning food with the character and hospitality of a working country property. Chef Chris Stockdale said the recognition was a proud moment for the Wallingford team. “This is an incredible achievement not just for the great team I work with, but for everyone who shares the magic of the story at the table. The real work happens long before it ever reaches me. A nod to the New Zealand artisans I get to work alongside: the cheesemakers, hunters, fishers, winemakers and farmers.” Wallingford Homestead’s history dates back to the 1850s, when it was established by the Ormond family as part of Wallingford Station. The original homestead was built around 1853, later rebuilt after a fire in 1895, and became known as one of the largest single-storey homesteads in the Southern Hemisphere. Wallingford has proudly supported Central Hawke’s Bays Spring Fling Festival for many years, and their much-loved event has sold out yet again. While tickets may be gone for this one, there is still plenty more to see and do in the festival, take a look at the line up at https://springfling-premier. eventfinda.co.nz/tours-festivals/2026/spring-fling-2026
Chef Chris Stockdale.
General Practitioners | Cook Street, Waipukurau
Wallingford’s history dates back to the 1850’s
Source: Central Hawke’s Bay District Council.
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Recycling just got easier at our Drop-off Centres
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ecycling has become simpler, more efficient, and easier to use thanks to improvements at Central Hawke’s Bay’s recycling centres. Over the past two months, Smart Environmental, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s Solid Waste Contractor, has invested in upgrading recycling containers across the district. The biggest change for residents is that plastics (1, 2 and 5), cans, flattened cardboard and paper can now all be placed into a single mixed recycling container. Glass recycling remains in a separate container and continues to be sorted by colour. There’s also more flexibility with kerbside recycling. The paper and plastic recycling crates are now interchangeable, so if you have plastics in your paper crate, or paper in your plastic crate, it will be collected. Glass will still need to be placed in the glass crate. Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Environmental Waste Manager Robert Hon said the improvements make recycling easier for the community while supporting the actions outlined in Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan. “Residents no longer need to separate plastics, cans, paper and cardboard into different compartments when they visit the drop-off centre. Everything can now go into one mixed recycling container, making recycling quicker and easier,” he said. The modified containers make better use of the available space in each container, allowing them to be fully filled before emptying, reducing transport requirements and improving operational efficiency. The upgrades also mean all seven drop-off centres in Ōtāne, Waipukurau, Waipawa, Takapau, Tikokino, Ongaonga and Pōrangahau now have the same style of recycling containers. This allows
full containers to be swapped with empty ones in a single visit, making collections faster and more efficient. Accessibility has also been improved, with lower recycling openings installed at sites with stairs, making the facilities easier for everyone in the community to use. These improvements are another step towards making recycling more convenient for residents, increasing participation and delivering on the actions in Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan. All mixed recycling from the drop-off centres is
transported to the Waipukurau Transfer Station, where it is checked for contamination before being transported to Smart Environmental’s Materials Recovery Facility in Masterton. There, advanced sorting technology separates plastics, cans, paper and cardboard into individual material streams for recycling. Glass continues to be collected separately by colour and sent to Auckland for processing. The container signage will be updated across the drop-off centres over the coming months to reflect these changes. Source: Central Hawke’s Bay District Council.
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Spring Awakening
f you’re looking for an excuse to slow down, leave the busy world behind for a few hours and immerse yourself in nature, Woodland Hills is offering a rewarding opportunity this spring.
As part of Central Hawke’s Bay’s Spring Fling programme, the privately owned woodland near Waipawa will open its gates to the public on Sunday, October 11 from 11am to 3pm. The event gives visitors the chance to experience one of the district’s remarkable hidden gems while supporting a worthy local cause. Set across 18 hectares of rolling countryside, Woodland Hills is far more than a garden. It is a living landscape shaped over decades through the vision and dedication of owners Ewan McGregor and Cynthia Bowers. Thousands of trees have been planted throughout the property, creating a peaceful retreat that changes dramatically with the seasons. Woodland Hills has a strong emphasis on deciduous species chosen for their seasonal beauty and stature. Visitors will encounter Japanese maples, liquidambars, oaks, ashes, liriodendrons, flowering cherries and a variety of amenity trees that provide stunning displays throughout the year. In spring, the cherry blossom and leaf burst add colour and freshness to the landscape, while autumn transforms the woodland into a tapestry of gold, orange, scarlet and crimson. Many species were selected not only for their beauty but also for their suitability to Central Hawke’s Bay’s climate, creating a woodland that continues to thrive and evolve with each passing season. In spring fresh green growth emerges across the woodland, and native birds fill the air with song. It is a season of renewal and an ideal time to experience the property at a gentler pace.
Woodland Hills has a strong emphasis on deciduous species chosen for their seasonal beauty and stature.
“It’s a chance to absorb and enjoy the surroundings,” says Cynthia. “We spend so much of our lives rushing from one thing to the next. This gives people permission to pause, breathe, and simply be present.” Visitors will be able to explore a self-guided Five Senses Trail designed to help them connect more deeply with the woodland. Reflection stations and carefully chosen stopping points encourage guests to notice the colours around them, listen to
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birdsong, feel the textures of leaves and bark, and appreciate the scents that come with the changing season.
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at Woodland Hills Photo: Kate Taylor
walks, the property includes a two-hectare garden enclosure offering stunning views and easy access. Visitors can relax, take photographs, enjoy the blossom displays or simply find a comfortable spot to sit and soak up the atmosphere. A packed lunch is included in the $50 ticket price, with recommendations provided for scenic picnic locations throughout the property. Whether perched beneath a flowering tree or overlooking the surrounding countryside, guests can make the most of the peaceful setting. One of the unexpected rewards of Woodland Hills has been the increase in biodiversity that has come from decades of planting. Native birds including tūī and kererū are now frequent visitors, while the trees provide important habitat and shelter for a wide range of wildlife. The woodland’s story stretches back generations. The property occupies land that was once part of the historic Tamumu Station. Tree planting began
Photo: Kate Taylor
in the 1950s to provide shelter and help stabilise the land following the severe floods of 1953. Over time, what started as practical farm plantings developed into something much more ambitious. Ewan’s lifelong passion for trees transformed the landscape into a unique collection of species chosen for their beauty, adaptability and seasonal interest. Unlike a traditional arboretum, Woodland Hills has never been created from a detailed master plan. Ewan plants largely by intuition, carefully considering how trees will grow, interact and complement one another decades into the future. He often talks about visualising what an area will look like 50 years from now before putting a tree in the ground. That long-term vision has created a landscape that is distinctive not only within Central Hawke’s Bay but throughout New Zealand. It is a place where conservation, beauty and wellbeing come together.
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Community connections are also an important part of the Woodland Hills story. The property has supported numerous local causes over the years, including more than a decade of fundraising for the Hawke’s Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust. This Spring Fling event will support the Knowledge Bank Hawke’s Bay which Cynthia chairs. For anyone who enjoys nature, photography, gardens, birdlife or simply finding a moment of calm, the Spring Awakening event offers a memorable day out. Places are limited and organisers encourage people to book early. Whether you come for the blossom, the views, the birdlife or simply the chance to reconnect with nature, Woodland Hills promises a spring experience that will linger long after the day is over. To book go to www.thespringfling.nz
Building dreams with confidence “We’ve got a plan for that.”
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uilding a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, and Katie and Gary Wood understand just how important that decision can be. The husband-and-wife team are directors of Hawke’s Bay A1homes, with Katie serving as sales manager and Gary as project manager. Together they help guide clients through every stage of the building process, from the first conversation through to the finished home. Their territory covers a large area, stretching from Dannevirke in the south to Ruatoria on the East Coast, and they offer a wide range of options to suit different lifestyles, budgets and sections. A1homes has more than 80 standard home plans available, all of which can be altered to suit individual requirements. The company also offers cabins ranging from 12sqm to 27sqm, alongside transportable homes, kit homes and full-build packages. For clients wanting something truly unique, A1homes now offers bespoke homes. “Sometimes one size doesn’t fit all,”
Floorplan of the new showhome opening in late October.
where materials are supplied and construction is completed by the owner or their chosen builder. Transportable homes are built in the company’s yard before being delivered, placed on foundations and connected to services. Katie says one of the most rewarding parts of her role is working with different people every day. Katie and Gary Wood are the directors of Hawke’s Bay A1homes.
says Katie. “We can start with one of our standard plans, combine features from several designs or create a completely custom home from scratch.” Flexibility is a major advantage for clients. Some choose a full build managed by A1homes, while others prefer a kit-home option
“Every client is different, and every project is different. We help people find solutions that work for their needs and budget.” The process starts with a free comprehensive estimate, which clients can take to their bank when seeking pre-approval for finance. A1homes also uses computer technology that allows a proposed house design to be placed onto a map of a property, helping clients visualise how it will fit their section.
Once plans are finalised, homeowners work through the exciting process of selecting kitchens, bathrooms and finishing details. They also meet with colour consultant Penny to choose flooring, tiling, joinery, roofing colours and other features that make the home their own. As part of a national network, A1homes benefits from national purchasing power, helping keep costs competitive while maintaining quality standards. Every Master Build A1 Home is backed by a 10-Year Guarantee for added peace of mind. Visitors will soon be able to see that quality firsthand when the new KH 112c show home opens in late October at 1123A Omahu Road, Hastings. Anyone considering building, renovating or exploring home ownership options is encouraged to contact Katie and arrange an appointment. Free estimates are available.
22nd & 23rd October
Opening more doors to Kiwi homes
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Evee just needs someone to believe in her
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he can sit, wait, recall and even knows her left from her right - but 10-month-old Evee’s biggest challenge may simply be finding someone willing to give her a chance. Evee is a beautiful young Heading/Huntaway cross who arrived at Ruahine Animal Rescue after it became clear that life as a working farm dog wasn’t quite going to plan.
Evee is a chilled-out cuddler who loves being around people - although prospective adopters should be prepared for an extremely enthusiastic and lengthy greeting! She can be a little nervous in unfamiliar situations and, having always lived outside, was initially unsure about coming indoors at the shelter. She isn’t completely housetrained yet, but she is learning and is already discovering that being inside with the RAR team can be a pretty wonderful experience.
She has many of the qualities you’d want in a farm dog. She has good manners, is intelligent, eager to please and has already learned an impressive range of commands. The problem came when working cattle. Evee could gather the cattle beautifully and get them all organised and ready to come in. But then her youthful enthusiasm would take over. She would rush in, causing the cattle to scatter again. Her owner wasn’t able to overcome the problem and ultimately felt that Evee may not have the potential to become the farm dog they had hoped for. But at just 10 months old, Evee has plenty of growing and learning ahead of her. And away from cattle, she is proving to be a very special girl.
Little Miss has developed a personality all of her own.
Evee is mediumsized, good with children and absolutely loves cats. She does not enjoy the company of other dogs, so she will need to be the only dog in her new home.
She may not have turned out to be the farm dog her first family needed, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be the dog another family has been waiting for.
Then there’s Little Miss At approximately one year and eight months old, this gorgeous girl has developed a personality all of her own. Little Miss is curious, quietly confident once she knows you and has a playful streak that comes out when she feels comfortable. She’s affectionate
Evee loves being around people.
without being demanding and has a lovely knack for making herself at home. She would suit someone looking for a feline companion with plenty of character. While Evee and Little Miss wait for their forever homes, Ruahine Animal Rescue continues the work it has promised to the Central Hawke’s Bay community. RAR remains committed to caring for animals in need and finding them safe, loving homes while the organisation waits for the Chief Executive of Central Hawke’s Bay District Council to decide whether an extension to the current eviction date will be granted. The uncertainty may continue, but the animals cannot wait. Every day, there are animals needing a safe place, a second chance and somebody to believe in them. Evee has already had one person decide she wasn’t quite right for the job. Now she needs someone to decide that she’s exactly right for theirs.
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ROTARY SPEECH FINALS The annual Rotary Speech Finals were held on Monday the 3rd of August where we heard ten wonderful speeches from both our Junior and Senior finalists. The variety of subjects as always created a lot of interest and thought for the audience. Ngā mihi to the Waipukurau Rotary Club for their ongoing support of this competition and to our judges, Ms. Heather Mabin, Mrs Kate Taylor and Mr Richard Haldane, who had difficult decisions to make on the evening. A feature of the evening was the incredible diversity showcased by our speakers and the range of topics they covered. It reinforced the calibre of students we have across all levels of the College and highlighted the valuable opportunities these enrichment events provide for our students. JUNIOR: 1st Lucy Craig – A Series of Unfortunate Events 2nd = Ashtyne Ramos – The Struggle of Not Speaking Native 2nd = Pippa Wilkinson – Pig Hunting and Why It’s Good Highly Commended: Keerthana Biju – Influencers and Celebrities Do Inspire Us and Pippa Hobson – MND SENIOR: 1st Alice Jamieson – Speaking Up 2nd Rachel Renner – The Stains We Leave 3rd Ryan Mackintosh – Social Isolation and Mental Health Highly Commended: Isla Gregory – Abortion Rights and JM Macalalad – Moral Blindness The W.R. Simmons Cup for the best overall speech of the evening was awarded to – Alice Jamieson. Thank you to Mrs Pam O’Donnell who was on hand to present this trophy. PUKEKAIHAU HAERENGA KI RAROTONGA Pukekaihau Kapa Haka rōpū recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Rarotonga for an eight-day cultural exchange.
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t CONNECT Driver Safety & Licensing, we talk a lot about our young people, the licences they achieve, the confidence they build and the opportunities that open when they become safe, confident and independent drivers. But behind every successful young driver is a community that helps make it possible. Today, we want to shine a very special spotlight on some of the amazing local businesses and organisations that continue to stand behind CONNECT and our young people here in Central Hawke’s Bay. A huge thank you to Matt Oliver – CHB Real Estate, Waipukurau New World, Centralines, Waipukurau Rotary Club and Winter Olympics. These organisations understand something important: investing in our young people is investing in the future of Central Hawke’s Bay. For many young people in a rural community, getting a driver licence is about much more than simply being able to drive. It can mean getting to work, attending training, accessing education, supporting whānau, getting to appointments and being able to take up opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. That is why community support matters so much. Matt Oliver – CHB Real Estate is a great example of a local identity getting behind the work happening in our community and recognising the importance of supporting young people to succeed with fuelling the cars they learn to drive in. Waipukurau New World continues to show its commitment to our community by supporting our work, while also being a significant employer of young people across Central Hawke’s Bay. Their support helps create opportunities for young people both on and off the road. Centralines is a strong supporter of community organisations and initiatives across our district. Their commitment to supporting local organisations like CONNECT is truly inspirational and a wonderful example of a locally owned business investing further into the community it serves. We are grateful to Waipukurau Rotary Club, who have been wonderful supporters of CONNECT right from the start. Their generosity has helped us with vehicles and equipment, and mentors making a practical difference to the way we deliver driver training. Their ongoing support has been invaluable. Lastly, a new sponsor, Winter Olympics, another fantastic example of Central Hawke’s Bay community spirit. This incredible volunteer-run event brings hundreds of people into our district and raises funds to give back to charities like CONNECT and other organisations making a difference in our community. It is community giving back to community. Each of these sponsors contributes in their own way, but they all have something in common: they believe our young people and our community are worth investing in. From all of us at CONNECT, our drivers, their whānau, our mentors, volunteers and team, thank you for helping us “Change Lives One Licence at a Time” and for giving back to the Central Hawke’s Bay community we all serve. Community Wellbeing in Action.
The trip was an unforgettable experience for our rangatahi, who immersed themselves in the rich culture, traditions and way of life in Rarotonga. The rōpū visited local kura, shared waiata and haka, and connected with Rarotongan rangatahi. These school visits were a highlight, allowing our ākonga to learn from one another and build meaningful connections across the Pacific. Alongside the cultural experiences, the rōpū enjoyed church services, lagoon cruises, swimming with turtles and exploring the beautiful whenua of Rarotonga. Most importantly, the trip strengthened whanaungatanga and gave our ākonga a deeper appreciation of the similarities and differences between Māori and Cook Islands culture, while celebrating our shared Pacific whakapapa. We returned home with special memories, new friendships and a renewed appreciation for culture, language, identity and connection. Pukekaihau extends our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the trip through fundraising and sponsorship. It was an experience our ākonga will carry with them for many years to come. FIONA BOURKE INDUCTED INTO COLLEGE HALL OF HONOUR Central Hawke’s Bay College is extremely proud to have inducted former student and Olympian Fiona Bourke into the College Hall of Honour this week, recognising her remarkable journey from academic excellence at College to World Champion rower and international high-performance coach. Fiona attended the College from 2002 to 2006, where she was named College Dux and completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. After studying Chemistry at the University of Otago, Fiona discovered rowing and quickly made her mark, winning the 2008 Novice Double Sculls title before being selected for the New Zealand elite rowing squad in 2010. Her international career included silver at the 2010 World Under 23 Championships, bronze at the 2011 World Championships and selection for the 2012 London Olympics. In 2014, rowing with Zoe Stevenson, Fiona became World Champion in the Double Sculls and was named CHB Sportswoman and Sportsperson of the Year, Ngāti Kahungunu Sportsperson of the Year and New Zealand Māori Sportswoman of the Year. Following her retirement, Fiona moved into coaching, working at Harvard University before returning to New Zealand to coach with Rowing New Zealand. She became High-Performance Sculling Coach with USA Rowing in 2025 and most recently coached the USA women’s quadruple scull to bronze at the World Championships in Amsterdam — their first medal in the event in 11 years. From a student whose sporting involvement was largely social, to an Olympic athlete, World Champion and international coach, Fiona’s journey is a remarkable example of where dedication, resilience and embracing opportunities can lead. Central Hawke’s Bay College is incredibly proud to have played a small part in her journey and honoured to welcome her into the College Hall of Honour.
ENROLMENTS - Enrolments are open for prospective students for 2027. Information and enrolment details can be found on the College website www.chbc.school.nz or from the School Office. Appointments can be made to see the Principal by contacting the Principal’s PA.
Central Choice – First Choice – Best Choice
Ph 06 858 9203
EMAIL OFFICE@CHBC.SCHOOL.NZ
www.chbc.school.nz
Events Waipawa Bowling Club
The club’s spring programme includes the Gordon Watts Men’s Pairs Tournament October 2 to 4, the inaugural Junior Ultimate Bowls Tournament October 17, and a Family Day October 18 with a sausage sizzle and garage sale. The club continues to focus on providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in the sport.
Shed Shenanigans: The Bitches Box Live
Friday 9 October and Saturday 10 October 2026 6pm - 10pm. Central Hawke’s Bay A&P Showgrounds, Mitchell Street, Waipukurau. Big laughs, live action, great food, and a buzzing crowd. R18+ event. $55. High-energy comedy night set in the iconic shearing shed at the Central Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds. Tickets Eventfinda.
Woodland Hills Forest Bathing Fundraiser Sunday 11 October, 11am to 3pm, $50. Enjoy a self-guided forest bathing experience among the magnificent trees of Woodland Hills, including a packed lunch. All proceeds support Knowledge Bank Hawke’s Bay. Rain date: Sunday 18 October. Book at www.thespringfling.nz.
I don’t know much about art, but I know what I lick
Trick of the Light Theatre, CHB Municipal Theatre, Waipawa, Friday 23 October. Interactive art experience for children aged 3 to 8 and their families. Multiple 30-minute sessions throughout the day. Tickets: $16.38 via Eventfinda.
Dannevirke Market
Pōrangahau Gala Day
Sunday 4 October, 10am - 2pm, and every first Sunday of the month. Porangahau Town Hall. Join the Porangahau Hāpori Gala Day at the Memorial Hall & Courts. A vibrant community market featuring local stallholders, arts and crafts, clothing, jewellery, baking, hot kai, plants, raffles and more. New stallholders and visitors are always welcome. To book a site or for more information, contact Miriama on 02041389112.
Spring Awakening at Woodland Hills
Duck Day
Saturday 10 October, 9am-2pm, free event. Nelly Jull Park, Waipawa then Waipawa River. Family friendly fun with market stalls, food trucks, live music and entertainment for all ages. Join the crowds to cheer on decorated corporate ducks before the main spectacle: 1,900 bright yellow ducks racing for the finish line.
Sunday 18 October 10am - 1pm. Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds. Looking for fresh produce, delicious treats, and original handmade goods? The Dannevirke Market has it all.
Ōtāne Village Artisan Market Sunday 18 October 9am-1pm, Ōtāne Hall, Higginson Street, Ōtāne. The market spaces will be filled with talented marketeers sharing their handmade creations. It’s the perfect place to find something unique, connect with your community, taste great kai, listen to groovy sounds and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning just off the beaten track.
Takapau & District Community Fun Day
Takapau 150th Celebrations, Saturday 31 October, 10am to 5pm. Free community celebration featuring a street parade, entertainment, food, displays and family activities at Takapau Memorial Sportsgrounds.
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