Cambridge News | April 23, 2026

We will remember him

By Viv Posselt

An unexpected window of sunshine doused Hautapu Cemetery on Sunday as a new headstone was unveiled for decorated WW1 soldier, Sergeant Adam Cunningham.

The unveiling, more than 80 years after his death, marked the culmination of efforts by the New Zealand Remembrance Army

(NZRA) and Cambridge RSA to restore Cunningham’s name and story to public memory. Until Sunday, he lay in an unmarked grave.

The highly decorated soldier served with the First Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade. His courage during WW1 is said to have helped turn the tide of the war on the battlefields of France and earned him both the Military

Medal (MM) and the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM).

NZRA man, Cambridge’s Alan Sherris, said Cunningham was a man of extraordinary courage … “yet for decades his grave told nothing of who he was or what he gave. The headstone puts his name back where it belongs and ensures his service is never forgotten.”

Cunningham earned the MM

at Heburterne, France, on July 15, 1918. On the night before an assault, he volunteered to patrol alone to map German positions and report back with critical intelligence that shaped the next day’s attack. When his platoon was pinned down, Cunningham ordered covering fire, crawled forward under heavy fire and confronted the enemy machinegun crew at bayonet point, forcing

their surrender. He then turned the captured weapon on retreating enemy troops, allowing his men to advance safely.

Later the same year, he received the DCM after leading a bold charge with just 12 men against a heavily occupied trench following an enemy counterattack. His audacity caught the Germans by surprise, resulting in the surrender

Cotinued on page 11

100 flowers for Tui

By Jesse Wood

Tui Trow celebrated her 100th birthday in style last week, receiving 100 flowers for 100 years.

The Te Awamutu resident received the flowers from Rural Women New Zealand and a birthday Zoom call from a rural women’s conference in Wellington as she cut her cake.

It was the group’s second centenary celebration in recent months after a luncheon for 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand.

Tui joined the organisation in 1964 and has been a member for more than 60 years – firstly with Kihikihi Women’s Division of

Federated Farmers before moving on to the Te Rahu branch when numbers dwindled.

“My mum lived to 103

and spent her last 17 years in Te Awamutu too,” she told The News.

Born in Richmond, Nelson on April 5, 1926, Tui Burnett

Social media: handle with care

I’ll start this week with a summary of activity.

In Cambridge over the past seven days, police dealt with incidents including two drivers over the legal breath alcohol limit, five traffic crashes, six family harm incidents, four mental health incidents, a trespass matter, two shop thefts and four burglaries. A female shoplifter was arrested at Super Cheap Auto and was then found to be wanted for another theft in Hamilton. She was held in custody to appear in court the next day. A male was served a Police Safety Order (PSO) and will be appearing in court on a charge of dangerous driving after accelerating to almost double the speed limit in Leamington following a family harm incident. Another male was arrested for breaching a PSO that was already in place and has appeared in court.

In Te Awamutu, police responded to a common assault, offensive and threatening behaviour, suspicious behaviour, unaccompanied minors, two traffic crashes, 10 family harm incidents, two thefts, two trespass matters, five attempted car thefts, six breaches of court bail, and three burglaries.

There were a number of other reports also made in both towns via the 105 number and the public counter which are being followed up.

I would next like to touch on social media.

Petition presented

Waipā District Council says concerns about heavy truck noise, vibration, and road condition in parts of Cambridge are being investigated.

A 111-strong signature petition was presented to the council’s Service Delivery Committee last Thursday on the issue. It was signed by residents of Cambridge Road, Pope Terrace, Cook Street and Shakespeare Street. Seven residents of Golf Road, Te Awamutu also signed the petition.

The petitioners raised concerns about road deterioration and asked the council to consider limiting heavy vehicle access at night, for urgent road maintenance and resurfacing, speed reduction measures, and ongoing engagement with residents on its plans for the area.

Service Delivery Committee chair Clare St Pierre said the Councillors acknowledged the strength of feeling in the community and had asked staff to further investigate the issues raised.

Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends, family, and others in our community. It allows information to spread quickly and can rally support when people need it. The same speed and reach can also create problems, however. Posts in public groups about local incidents or community concerns often attract a lot of attention. While many people respond with kindness, others may react negatively or inadvertently spread misinformation. Once something is posted, the original poster can quickly lose control over how that information is interpreted, shared and on the commentary that results.

If you don’t have personal knowledge of a situation, it’s usually best not to post about it. Even when you do know what happened, it’s important to think carefully before sharing. Consider the privacy of those involved, the potential for digital harm, and whether your post might otherwise cause unnecessary fear, speculation, or retaliation amongst the community.

Finally this week, a reminder on scams. No one is immune, even our station sergeant received a scam text this week saying he had overdue fines from police. We know that some substantial losses have occurred through scams so I again reinforce the message not to click on any links or accept software downloads sent on unexpected emails or texts or from unfamiliar sources.

Staff have been asked to provide further data on traffic volumes over the last five years, road condition, and maintenance history.

The Council is considering longer-term transport and freight route options for Cambridge as part of Cambridge Connections.

Correction

The price of taking the bus between Cambridge and Leamington and Te Awamutu and Kihikihi is $2.67 not $1 as reported in last week’s The News. We apologise for the error.

New chair Paua Architects business development manager Phil Mackay has succeeded Chris Flatts as co-chair of the Community Reference Group that is helping Waipā District Council shape the future of transport in the town. Co-chair Peter Carr said Mackay, a former president of Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, had a strong feel for the needs of the town and its residents.

Volunteers sought Nominations have opened for the Volunteering Waikato awards. The awards celebrate the contributions of volunteers throughout the Waikato from preserving history to providing services and leadership.

Vandals strike

Police have spoken to youths following incidents of vandalism at the Cambridge Golf Club and the Cambridge town centre.

Ton up

Cambridge’s Luke Jacobson celebrated his 100th outing in a Chiefs jersey in the 22-17 win at Rugby Park over the Hurricanes last Saturday.

More bowl

Almost 100 players took part in the Cambridge Bowling Club’s latest twilight competition. Club spokesperson Stuart Potter said the club was enjoying increasing popularity and had been attracting groups from a number of organisations, including U3A and residents from Patrick Hogan Ryman’s village and Lauriston Park.

Stud boost

Cambridge Stud have bolstered their stallion roster with the addition of world champion miler Charyn.

Cambridge Stud will stand the three-time Group Onewinning son of Dark Angel in partnership with Nurlan Bizakov’s French operation Sumbe.

Winning chippie back at it

By Mary Anne Gill

Waikato’s top building apprentice Pascal Gisler was back on the tools this week, working on a home renovation at the base of Sanctuary Mountain in Maungatautari.

There was little time to celebrate after the 22-yearold won the regional heats of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge in Hamilton at the weekend.

Gisler is employed by Cambridge-based Grant Family Homes, where company owner Cameron Grant, 27, was on site alongside him and fellow apprentice Malachi Belcher.

While Gisler lives in Hamilton, he works dayto-day in Cambridge for Grant and his wife Molly, who established the business nearly two years ago.

The timing could hardly be better for the Grants.

As the company enjoys regional recognition for its apprentice, Cameron and his wife Molly have also just welcomed their third child.

“Lots is happening at once,” Grant said. “It’s pretty special.”

Gisler took out first place in the eight-hour competition,

earning a $1000 prize package courtesy of Mitre 10 Trade and Makita. He will now represent the Waikato at the national final in Auckland in June. Second place went to Cullen Whiteman, 21, and Josh Tretheway, also 21, finished third.

The challenge tested apprentices on a full workday build of a pātaka (a community sharing cupboard). Judges assessed workmanship, joint accuracy, efficient use of materials, site safety and how closely competitors followed the plans.

And all of it happened in full view of the public.

“It was pretty nervewracking,” Gisler said. He donated the pātaka to the Christian school his fiancée works at.

“I didn’t sleep much the night before. The first hour was intense - just double-checking every measurement and making sure everything was right.”

The most challenging part was cutting the half-lap joints, but also the most satisfying.

“I honestly thought I’d flunked it,” he said. “When they called my name out, it was pretty surreal.”

Gisler credits careful

preparation and strong support from his employer for the result.

“The certified builders put the message out calling for apprentices and Pascal was keen, so we were keen too,” Grant said.

“It’s an awesome growth opportunity for them, and it’s great to see his skills recognised.”

For Gisler, who returned

to building after a twoyear break farming in Hawke’s Bay, working for Grant Family Homes has been a highlight of his apprenticeship.

“I’ve worked for a few different builders, and they’re hands-down some of the most genuine people I’ve worked for,” he said. “They really care about the job and about their clients.”

said the challenge highlighted the promise of young builders coming through the trade, while Building and Construction

Training Organisation chief executive Jason Hungerford acknowledged the role employers play in developing apprentices.

Big response to recycling fire

The cause of a fire in Cambridge Road on Friday was still under investigation when this edition went to press.

Firefighters responded just after 6am on Friday to the blaze at the ResourceCo demolition waste recycling facility.

A large volume of smoke was visible during the fire – then steam generated as it was brought under control.

Waipā District Council reported a coordinated, multi-agency response was put in place and it included Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Waikato Regional Council, public health officials, and council staff.

Council’s environmental health and compliance teams also visited the site. Air quality monitoring was also undertaken by Waikato Regional Council, and the Medical Officer of Health provided public health

advice.

District growth and regulatory services group manager Wayne Allan said the council would work with the site operator and relevant agencies to understand the cause and ensure all consent conditions were being met.

The News reported last May that ResourceCo had been awarded $2.57 million from the government’s Waste Minimisation Fund to build the country’s first dedicated construction and demolition recycling plant.

The report said once the plant was fully operational it would process up to 187,200 tonnes of waste a year - turning timber, concrete, gib, plastic and metal into biofuel, fertiliser, roading aggregate and landscaping material.

A decade on two wheels…

By Mary Anne Gill

Ten years ago, a few cones, some barriers and a stretch of Cambridge’s main street were enough to turn Anzac Day into something new.

This year, the Cambridge Cycling Festival returns to the streets and the Village Green, marking a decade since the idea first took hold and reflecting just how firmly it has become part of the town’s rhythm.

The free community event takes place on Saturday and celebrates its anniversary with a full afternoon of racing, family activities and familiar faces.

Created and supported by the Cambridge community, the festival has grown alongside the town itself, drawing generations of people who arrive with balance bikes, race numbers, or simply take a spot on the grass to watch from.

From the outset, the festival has been about more than cycling speed. That remains evident in a programme that

ranges from children’s street races and the Itty Bitty Bike Dash to the fastpaced Street Criterium, where club riders loop the streets once again lined with spectators three deep.

Over the years, it’s become a place where first wobbly starts and hardfought finishes share the same applause.

Relays for schools and local businesses return this year, a reminder of the event’s grassroots beginnings and the way it has continued to pull different parts of the community together.

The Adaptive Roll also features again, designed so children with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities can take part on their own terms, an inclusion organisers say has always mattered.

While the racing provides the spectacle, much of the festival’s heartbeat sits off the course.

For the first time, a dedicated family zone will take shape on the Village Green, offering a place to pause, regroup and watch as the afternoon unfolds. The space is designed to give

nonriders and waiting families somewhere to settle - a nod to how the festival has broadened over time.

Prizegiving, too, has become something of a tradition, with children lingering in hope long after their races are done. This year, five children’s bikes will be handed over to new owners, continuing a longstanding link between the festival and its supporters.

Entries remain open close to race day, and ontheday registrations are accepted - a reflection of the relaxed, comeasyouare approach that has helped the festival endure. Some riders return year after year, others turn up for their first spin, pushed along by parents who once rode themselves.

After 10 years, the Cambridge Cycling Festival has become a marker in the town calendar - not just for those on two wheels, but for everyone who has stood at the barriers, shared the footpaths or watched children learn what it feels like to ride through the middle of town.

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Water worries for Waipā

By Jesse Wood Waipā’s

water supply capacity will be an ongoing legacy of February’s storms.

The district council faces what could be a three year juggling act in the wake of the loss of a major reservoir and says it’s imperative the community keep an eye on their water usage.

The Te Tahi rural water reservoir, which suppled more than half the water to Pirongia, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, was destroyed in the February storms.

Temporary measures are in place - water for Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Kihikihi is now mainly coming from Parallel Rd via Taylors Hill reservoir. But the amount available doesn’t match the amount used at peak times

The Mangauika Stream fed the Te Tahi plant at the base of Mt Pirongia, in the Ōtorohanga district. The February deluge in the stream included debris and boulders – one the size of a small vehicle – which took out a weir, a ford, several bridges and damaged the reservoir banks.

“It’s scary how little of our infrastructure we’ve been able to find,” Waipā District

Council water services manager Karl Pavlovich said. It is the first time a water treatment plant in the Waipā district has been taken offline due to a weather event.

“The weir was a structure in the stream, which the water would back up behind and flow over. We would take water from behind that structure,” Pavlovich said.

“The now bent out of shape pipe work would run under the bed and onward to the settlement pond. That’s all been destroyed. We also lost between five and 10 metres of earth, weakening the reservoir bank. About 93 megalitres was held back by less than five metres of dirt.”

The decision was made to drain the reservoir to decrease the risk of it bursting.

Te Awamutu, Kihikihi and Pirongia uses nine to 15 megalitres of water a day.

The Pirongia water supply was strengthened in late February with a new backup connection at the Frontier Rd reservoir, but overall system capacity is reduced and will struggle to meet peak summer demand.

“Pirongia didn’t lose water at all during the event. The flow metre went up, the staff knew they had a breakage and isolated the valves. They didn’t lose water pressure and water could continue,” Pavlovich said.

“Then they got onto the job of reconfiguring the network, bringing that water out of Frontier Rd into Pirongia. At that point in time, the only water going into Frontier Rd was through the bore. It was a phenomenal job from the staff.”

The council is working to understand the extent of insurance coverage and the implications for repair, recovery and reinstatement of the damaged water treatment infrastructure.

It is looking at current demand, future growth and risk scenarios, as well as legislative requirements and considering what it could mean for the long-term plan.

The issue comes as the council prepares to hand over responsibility for water to Waikato Waters Limited - a joint council-controlled organisation formed by Waipā, Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, South Waikato and Taupō District Councils.

Pavlovich said the council will continue to “keep the ball rolling” until Waikato Waters Limited take over on July 1.

“Until this point in time, Te Tahi has been a fantastic water supply for decades. It was the intensity and the locality of that rain event. About 260

millimetres in six hours - a one in 250-year event.

“Engineers are looking at options but it’s Waikato Waters that will make the decisions. It’s not just an infrastructure fix; it’s a community fix too.”

Waikato Waters will manage more than $1.6 billion in water assets, improve infrastructure and ensure safe services while keeping decision-making close to home.

“By the time we hand over on July 1, we would have purchased a membrane unit for Parallel Rd,” Pavlovich said. “That was planned for an upgrade in 2027-28. We’ve brought that forward and that will give us another three megalitres, hopefully by September.”

Work on a new pipeline on Racecourse Rd in Te Awamutu will also begin in the meantime.

“Because the water is flowing in a different direction now – it was coming from Te Tahi into Pirongia and now it’s coming from Taylors Hill through to Pirongia – areas of Te Awamutu have different pressure now, or pressure issues they already had are being exacerbated, because of the way the hydraulics work.

“We hope to resolve some

of those pressure issues and get a better supply of water through town into Frontier Rd reservoir and out to Pirongia.

“The Te Tahi water treatment plant produced about half the peak water the Te Awamutu community used. That’s a massive reduction in the amount of water available,” Pavlovich said. “The water alert level two messaging hasn’t disappeared. We’ll simply ask people to continuously be conservative and think about the value of the water before they use it.

“We expect that when Waikato Waters move into the first summer here, you’ll see escalations to those higher water restrictions earlier on - level three and potentially level four.”

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Farewell ‘greatest champion’

By Viv Posselt

Among the many laudatory tributes heard at Alan Livington’s farewell on Monday, the poignant voices of his grandchildren spoke to what was most important.

“He was the coolest person in my life,” said one, “he’d take me to the bakery after sport, even if I didn’t win.”

A small girl said her grandpa would play with her whenever she wanted, except when the rugby was on, and another directed a quiet voice to the casket, remembering his grandfather’s help with pet lambs. “I won four trophies because of it... it will be different now because you are not there to help.”

Each of those nine grandchildren spoke into the mic, some supported by a parent and brave enough just to say, ‘I love you’ as they said their goodbyes.

They, and Alan and Janet Livingston’s three children –Anna, Megan and Andrew – gave voice to the more private Alan Livingston, the man less familiar to most of the 600 plus people who gathered at Mighty River Domain’s Don Rowlands Centre on Monday morning. His casket was welcomed with a pōwhiri by Ngāti Korokī Kahakura and Ngāti Haua. His funeral was attended by

many regional and national individuals, including former PM Helen Clark, Taupō MP Louise Upston, mayors and former mayors including Mike Pettit, Jim Mylchreest, Paula Southgate, Tim Macindoe, Mahé Drysdale and Adrienne Wilcock, former and regional councillors including past chair Bob Simcock, and former speaker of the House, Margaret Wilson.

Tributes came from members of the family, the co-chair of the Ngāti Korokī Kahuhura Trust, Rahui Papa, Sport Waikato chief executive Matthew Cooper, Brian Perry Charitable Trust chair Simon Perry, former WDC chief executive Garry Dyet, Louise Upston, and regional councillor Liz Stolwyk. Messages were read out from some who couldn’t attend, including Olympian Rob Waddell and Hamilton West MP Tama Potaka. Alan died unexpectedly at his much-loved Te Pahū home on April 12. It was there he had spent most of his life after his parents moved from Gisborne,

where he was born, to the Waikato cricket teams. From there it was on to do an agri/comm degree from Lincoln University, growing his passion for sport at the same time. His ingenuity showed early when as students, he and his flatmates raised a pig to pay for a

While in Christchurch, Alan met nursing student Janet. They married a few years later, and last year celebrated their 50th wedding

His children commented on the example gifted by their parents, the ‘rhythm’ of everyday life, Alan’s love of the land, his calm demeanour and resolute practicality, their constant support at their sports games and other events. They learned that a firm handshake with eyes locked was important, that community mattered as much as firm principles, that dinners could be left to get cold while he attended to someone’s needs on

Family was everything to Alan, and both he and Janet worked tirelessly to fit community into

His achievements are widely documented, and from the time he first entered local government his wise counsel and grit was recognised.

Many of Waipa’s landmark projects - the Waikato Expressway, the velodrome, Mighty River Domain and the Don Rowlands Centre – are said to have got across the line only through Alan’s tenaciousness.

Rahui Papa, who described Alan as “a bloody good guy’, said he was masterful in bringing people together.

He said the next Kiwi chick set for release from Maungatautari to Wellington’s Zealandia, set for later this month, would be named Big Al in honour of Alan’s love for the environment.

Simon Perry said Alan had brought the region much success via his projects, including the 65km cycle trail he himself enjoyed. He had seen two of three big projects come to fruition – Mighty River Domain and the velodrome; he missed out on the third, the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, due for completion next year.

“Alan’s story is not written in words… it is built into the places he leaves behind. Waipā Home of Champions was inspired by Alan’s vision,” he said.

“For many of us, Waipā’s greatest champion of all was Alan.”

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ON SHAKY GROUND

My preparedness

By Janine Krippner

I’ve been living in Wellington for about five months now and I said I’d give updates on how I am preparing myself for potential earthquakes and other hazards. Am I following my own advice?

I carefully considered where I would rent, thinking about my local hazards. I chose a newer apartment building on flat land, but I am in the orange tsunami zone. Wellington Region Emergency Management define this as “the area we may evacuate for a large earthquake in the Pacific, such as near South America, causing a tsunami wave of up to five metres at the Wellington coastline.” I know my nearest high point.

As I have been settling in, I’ve been mindful of where I put things. I don’t want heavy objects above me where it could hurt if knocked over, like no heavy frames or sword collections above the bed. I don’t have a sword collection, but I have seen photos of this set up. I do not recommend it.

I’ve collected food I can store that I would actually like when it’s on special. This includes foods that won’t need cooking in case of loss of power, such as canned beans and fish, nuts, and dried fruit. Canned food is a cheap option, I know many people are financially struggling. I do have a camping gas stove with extra gas cannisters. Emotional support treats are also important. Yes, I just officially recommended buying chocolate.

I have plenty of cat food with kitty needs in mind.

I bought a battery-operated radio, spare batteries, and a solar power pack for device charging. I know to not store items you infrequently use with the batteries inside

them - thanks Dad!

Medications are especially important for me, and I have extra paracetamol and ibuprofen in case anyone around me needs it.

I have a go bag with water, first aid kit, flashlight (I also have a couple of these around the house), a lighter, utility tool, blanket, gloves, facemasks, and other things that I usually keep in my car.

Having experienced sleeping in the wilderness for volcanology fieldwork, I know that body or face wipes and hand sanitizer are very handy for bathing without water.

I have plenty of toilet paper and kitty litter, keeping the basics stocked up. I grab an extra pack when they are on special.

Having some cash for any power cuts out means we can still purchase items.

I have also spoken with my family up in Te Awamutu about what I would do, knowing communication may be limited for a while. If disaster strikes here, stress would impact them too.

None of this is driven by stress or anxiety, I feel calm and practical. Taking small steps as we go add up and can make all the difference in the world.

Check out guides online for more detailed lists of what to prepare. Living in a geologically active country where we experience earthquakes, landslides, and extreme weather events, there is plenty we can do for ourselves should our time come for a large event. We are not powerless, and whatever happens, we are in this together.

No greater love

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

Soon our nation will pause for Anzac Day, and services will honour those who served on far-away battle fields.

Anzac Day began as a commemoration of what took place in 1915 when Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) landed at Gallipoli in Turkey, but it has broadened to include both world wars as well as other military interventions that Kiwi servicemen and women have been engaged with.

War is ugly, revealing human depravity at its worst. But sometimes it has displayed what is most noble.

The 2016 biographical movie Hacksaw Ridge documents the courage of Desmond Doss who enlisted as an army combat medic in the early stages of the United States being drawn into World War II.

He excelled in training but reviled for refusing to hold a gun or participate in combat. His true qualities came to light on the battlefield.

In a dreadful evacuation from an escarpment during the Battle of Okinawa, Doss was drawn back by the cries of wounded soldiers.

He carried them under heavy fire to a cliff’s edge and single-handedly lowered down dozens of his fellow soldiers - many who previously scorned him - by rope to receive help.

John Simpson died 111 years ago, on May 19, 1915, aged 22.

He too never fired a shot in war, nor participated in the horrific loss of life of from the Gallipoli trenches. But he is remembered for his bravery and his personal sacrifice to save others.

John Simpson Kirkpatrick was born in

Britain but made his way to live in Australia.

With the outbreak of war in August 1914, he enlisted and ended up serving at Gallipoli the following year as Private John Simpson in the Australian Army Medical Corps.

He served from the time of landing at Gallipoli on April 25 until he was killed in action on May 19.

Simpson began as a stretcher bearer, but the loss of co-bearers reduced him to carrying the wounded on his back.

In England he had given children seaside donkey rides, so with that experience he began using donkeys to carry the wounded day and night from the fighting to the beach at Anzac Cove, braving sniper fire and deadly shrapnel.

It is believed his activities saved the lives of about 300 men. Ultimately Simpson sacrificed his life, a bullet pierced his heart under machine gun fire.

Jesus’ words are often quoted at Anzac Day services. “No man has greater love than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Desmond Doss risked his life - John Simpson laid down his, saving the lives of injured comrades.

Giving one’s life for a friend, is admirable… giving your life for an ‘enemy’ is rare indeed.

The Bible states “it is an extraordinary thing for someone to die and give their life for a friend - but God showed His great love by sending Christ to die for us even when our sin estranged us.” What’s our response to that sacrifice?

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The other Middle East issue

By Peter Nicholl

We are already seeing one of the negative impacts of the war in the Middle East in the prices of petrol and diesel at our petrol pumps. We don’t yet know if this will turn into a supply problem also and lead to some form of rationing.

There is a second critical resource for New Zealand that is also being affected by the turmoil in the Middle East. That is fertiliser. New Zealand is one of the world’s largest exporters of dairy products, beef and veal. And our farms depend on imported fertiliser.

Without fertiliser, grass and crop yields will fall and so will our exports. We are already running a current account deficit despite having favourable terms of trade. In the year ended December 2025 the current account deficit was $16.3 billion, or 3.7 per cent of our GDP.

In 2024, New Zealand imported almost $500 million of fertiliser. Over half of that fertiliser came from two countries - Saudia Arabia and China. Fertiliser exports from both of these countries are being negatively affected by Middle East developments. In China’s case their production is falling as it uses natural gas from the Middle East. As a consequence, China has imposed export restrictions on its fertiliser industry. These restrictions affect between half and threequarters of its fertiliser exports. China’s position is clear. If there is going to be a shortage of supply of fertiliser it isn’t going to affect them – it will affect their customers, one of which is New Zealand.

As with petrol and diesel, the Middle East events have already had a dramatic price effect on fertiliser. For example, the price of urea per ton was US$445 in late February. On

14 April it was US$719 – an increase of 62 per cent in less than two months. These huge price increases will reduce the amount of fertiliser New Zealand farmers will use when they plant for next spring.

As with petrol and diesel, whether we get a supply shock as well depends on how long the crisis in the Middle East goes on. When I started thinking about writing this column on April 17, the Strait of Hormuz was open, and some form of talks were going on. When I finished writing the column on April 19, the Strait was closed again, and the parties were back to exchanging insults. The participants don’t know what will happen next so there’s no way anybody else can know.

Should New Zealand have been aware of the risk the country could face from price and supply shocks for fertiliser and, if we were, should we have done something about it? The answer to the first question is clearly yes. The New Zealand Fertiliser Association reported on the issue a few years ago and concluded that ‘New Zealand was uniquely vulnerable to fertiliser supply disruption’. Has there been any policy action in response to this clear warning? No. Urea production is based on natural gas. We have natural gas. We stockpile petrol and diesel because of potential supply shocks. We could stockpile fertiliser for the same reason. I don’t think we are helpless. But the response, as it seems to be so often, was let’s wait and see and hope it doesn’t happen. That strategy is looking more and more misguided and risky every day.

We will remember him

Continued from page 1

of 50 enemy soldiers with minimal New Zealand casualties. He was wounded on November 6, 1918, shortly after the attack on Le Quesnoy. His service ended just days before the Armistice was signed on November 11 of that year.

Sharing his story at Hautapu Cemetery was Te Awamutu-based NZRA member, Rowan Miller.

She said Sgt Cunningham was born in Scotland on May 20, 1897, and came to New Zealand around 1909. He went on to fight in the battles of the Sommes, Messines and Passchendaele, and when injured, spent time recuperating in England. It was during this time that he also married in Scotland.

Once the war was over, he returned to New Zealand and worked on the Karāpiro

hydro-electric project. He was killed in a workplace accident on January 1, 1941, aged 53, and was buried in Cambridge without a headstone.

Alan Sherris said unmarked graves are common in New Zealand cemeteries, which is why the NZRA works to identify and commemorate veterans buried without recognition.

“Sergeant Adam Cunningham survived the horrors of the Western Front only to die building New Zealand’s future,” he said. “He deserves to be remembered, not just in archives, but in stone and in the living consciousness of our community.”

Taking part in the service were members of the Hamilton Cadet Corps, the Musical Allsorts, RSA bugler Doug Rose, and Cambridge and Districts Pipe Band member Gerard Rooney.

100 flowers for Tui

Continbued from page 2

was the youngest in a family of four Her dad Clement was a farmer and Tui followed on with the farming life too, milking until age 79. She worked on her father’s farm in Putāruru during the war years and aged 19, left to begin her nursing training at Waikato Hospital.

“I was very proud of the fact that I was the top nurse at graduation after four years. I was awarded the silver medal for top nurse at Waikato Hospital. I missed the top one for New Zealand by two marks.”

Upon finishing, Tui married returned serviceman John Trow in Putāruru on May 9, 1950.

They farmed at the foot of Maungatautari,

then Kaipaki and St Leger Road, south of Te Awamutu, before moving into Te Awamutu. St Andrews Presbyterian Church Kihikihi and rural women are Tui’s longtime passions and she is still heavily involved with both organisations.

Tui and John had three children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren with another on the way. John died in 2010 at age 91 but Tui still holds his memory close. MP for Taranaki-King Country and deputy speaker of the house of representatives Barbara Kuriger, minister for seniors of New Zealand Casey Costello, Waipā District mayor Mike Pettit, King Charles and prime minister Chris Luxon acknowledged Tui’s birthday with letters and cards.

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From brigade to the force

Operating in high pressure, emergency response situations is an area Aircraftman Regan Phillips is used to.

The Cambridge volunteer firefighter picked up his United Fire Brigades Association threeyear service certificate last November.

Now he is taking on a role in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, providing security for military air bases at home and on operations.

The 23-year-old former Hamilton Boys’ High School student’s sister joined the air force last year, inspiring him to also enlist and pursue a career in the Security Force trade.

“I have wanted to be a part of the military for a long time. I’ve always wanted to help people and be someone who makes a difference.

“I knew by joining the air force I would be able to do that on a broader scale than what I was currently doing at home,” he said.

Part of one of the largest recruit courses in recent years, Phillips graduated with nearly 90 fellow recruits after completing the 12-week course. Sixteen of the graduates are Security Force operators, who will begin their training this month.

A Security Force operator’s tasks range from providing the

security and defence of airfields on operations to preparing the wider air force for individual combat readiness, including weapons training and airfield defence.

“In the current operational and geopolitical environment, the Security Force trade is in high demand,” Security Force Trade Sponsor Squadron Leader Deane Wilson said. “The trade delivers a broad range of operational and training outputs which requires our personnel to be highly adaptable and ready to deploy.

“Our operational tasks often occur at short notice, which means our people must have the ability to transition quickly from day-to-day duties in New Zealand to then be on an aircraft ready to carry out overseas taskings.”

The recruit course at Command and Recruit Training Squadron based at Air Force Base Woodbourne is designed to transition civilians into aviators. The course covers basic military skills, including military drill, weapons training, field survival skills, first aid and physical fitness.

During recruit training, Phillips enjoyed being pushed beyond his own expectations, mentally and physically.

“To see what I can actually

achieve has been a highlight for me and makes me realise that I can achieve so much more when push comes to shove,” he said.

Working as a team is instrumental in the Security Force trade, with many dynamics to consider. Recruit training begins to build strong foundations in teamwork, that are carried into the workplace.

“There are a lot of people who come from various walks of life and this course makes you work alongside each other – working to achieve a common goal made it easier,” he said.

Flight Commander Operational Development of recruit training, Squadron Leader David Lee said recruits are trained to develop the discipline and mindset required to operate in military environments.

“Recruits leave with increased levels of personal discipline and pride, along with being more physically fit and mentally resilient. There are also requirements to be technically competent in areas such as weapon handling,” he said.

Phillips said he enjoyed creating new bonds and friendships on recruit training.

“Going through the same adversities has brought us closer –these are easily friends for life.”

Cousins celebrated at eighty

By Viv Posselt

Aside from the obligatory doctor, lawyer and builder, the one person every family should have in its ranks is an historian.

A recent gathering at the Cambridge Town Hall brought together 75 members of a family fortunate enough to have one.

Among them was Eris Parker, well-known for her 25-year association with the Cambridge Museum as the town’s ‘go-to historian’, someone who researched and documented much of the area’s history and its townsfolk. As one might expect, Eris had documented her own family tree for the latest reunion, laid out on a detailed banner bearing over 300 names and numerous photographs.

That event brought together threads linked to three family names with deep ties to this area –Barrett, Beech and Rye.

“Our grandad came from Australia at the beginning of the last century. He came

a re-creation of the 1996 photograph,

over for a working holiday, met our grandma and didn’t go home again,” said Eris, who was born a Beech.

Those late grandparents, Rol and Annie Barrett, were sawmilling in Taumarunui when Annie’s brother Bob Grantham, who was farming around Buckland Rd at the time, talked them into moving north. After some exploratory work involving

Rol and Annie’s son Ron, the family settled in Cambridge in 1928.

The arrival of a Grantham friend from Whangārei, Cliff Beech, began a series of connections and marriages that have linked the families since and resulted in several generations growing up in and around Cambridge.

The current story began at the end of World War Two,

when two Barrett brothers, two Beech brothers and two Rye brothers all returned home to Buckland Rd.

The returning brothers, whose names are listed on the Karapiro Hall roll of honour, went on to marry their sweethearts, and in 1946 five cousins were born – Peter Barrett, Rodney Barrett, Ross Beech, Glennis Rye (Taylor) and Bob Barrett.

All, with the exception of Peter Barrett who was living in Australia at the time, marked their 50th birthdays in 1996 with a family reunion at the Cambridge Town Hall.

The idea was to replicate that reunion this year to mark the cousins’ combined 80th, but the passing of Peter Barrett in Australia last November meant that

only four of the original five were here. Joining them were multiple generations, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a shared lunch, sticky chocolate cake and a host of family reminiscing.

Big as this reunion was, this is a family accustomed to getting together. Eris said that in 1993, they gave her mum Doris Beech a surprise 80th birthday, luring her with a promise of lunch then whisking her off to the Fencourt Hall party instead that turned into a family reunion.

“That was at Fencourt Hall because our Beech line are Fencourtians,” she said. Then there was the 1996 reunion of the cousins, most of whom went to school in Cambridge, and their families for their halfcentury.

Eris said about 20 of the extended cousins get together annually for a catch-up … “really to see what ailments we have in common. Family history is not only who begat whom, it also who died of what.”

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

Aroha, angels and a ride

By Viv Posselt

Among the highlights of her 3000km cycle ride that raised over $8250 for Aroha Cambridge, Di Tocker is particularly grateful for a couple.

One was the companionship of friend and fellow rider Nicola Keighley, another that they came out of it physically unscathed.

Then there was the carload of strangers… fishermen she dubs her ‘angels’. They showed up with her phone after Tocker inadvertently left it at the side of the Nevis Road, on a narrow gravel drop of 700m in 10km leading down from the Garston ski hut.

“That day was 14 hours,” she said. “I had tyre issues and left my phone behind. When I realised what had happened, I was mentally prepared to go back up, but when I stopped a carload of fishermen coming out of the valley, they opened the window and held out my phone! They had found it on the side of the road. Those guys were my angels … they saved me about four extra hours.”

Tocker and Keighley set off from Cape Reinga on February 19, their plan to bike the 3000km Tour Aotearoa route with a target of $3 raised for each kilometre. They rode into Bluff on March 20, having raised $8521 along the way.

Tocker is co-chair of Aroha Cambridge, the charitable trust set up last year to promote the restoration and protection of the town’s natural environment. She saw the self-supported ride as her commitment to that task, and was delighted when Nicola, her Hamilton-based friend and frequent co-rider, said she would

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join her.

“I was extremely glad to have her with me. There was a lot of decision-making every day and it’s better to share that.”

The pair worked on a daily average daily of 100km and planned for two days of rough weather. They were lucky to have had only a day-and-a-half of bad weather. They rode a daily average of 85km for the first eight, and their longest stretch overall was 167km from Ashhurst to Martinborough.

“That was because of bad weather forecast,” Tocker said. “We either had to put three days’ riding into two days to escape it or have a rest day. We decided to put three days into two, which is why it ended up being 167km.”

Each took their own form of distraction – Tocker her audio books and Keighley her music. Expending around 4000 calories a day, they found healthy refuelling stops that kept them going without spiking.

A particularly challenging stretch was the Waiuta track. “We had to lift our bikes over fallen trees and do a lot of walking because it was so slippery and narrow.”

The Nevis Road stretch – where Tocker lost her phone – was also pretty tough.

“Maungakawa Hill in Cambridge is our training hill, but this was like doing it three times over. But it was the long flats that were the hardest on the body.”

They had an unplanned rest day in Cromwell on day 27, to make the upcoming Nevis Road climb “enjoyable rather than enduring”.

Both women were delighted to have met up with fellow Cambridge rider Jason Mouat,

who was going at a cracking pace. “He started a week later than us and caught up with us three days before the finish.”

They also caught up with Bill Christenson, one of those involved in the restoration of Cambridge’s Te Puna Marama, or Moon Spring. He decided to join them on the ride up the saddle on Nevis Pass.

At the end of it, they took a few relaxing days off before heading home. Another ride could be on the cards, said Tocker, who is also a noted glass artist in her other life, but not for a while.

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Hautapu runs riot

By Jesse Wood

An almost unheard of feat saw Hautapu take down Hamilton Old Boys 40-0 at Fred Jones Park in Hamilton in Waikato premier club rugby last weekend.

It was a joyous occasion for the club as Jason Thomasen celebrated his 150th game and Quentin Hill his 50th.

Impressive winger Nathan Stephens helped himself to two tries, while Rui Farrant, Karlan Mosaati, Konelio Burgess and Jacob Carmichael also scored.

Rangiwai Lunjevich kicked two conversions and Alapati Soagia added another.

In the earlier premier B clash, Hautapu B beat Hamilton Old Boys B 34-22. Neighbours Te Awamutu Sports won 26-12 away to United Matamata Sports.

Melville/Hautapu combined (Mel-tap) demolished Hamilton

Marist/University combined, 76-5, in the women’s premiership clash at Marist Park.

Melina Salale scored two tries and kicked eight conversions in the 12 tries to one thumping. Maya Tebbutt completed her hattrick, while Lela Ieremia and Caitlin Crozier scored twice.

Eden Early, Sasha Kana and

Chyann Kaitapu also got a try apiece. In Division 1A Leamington wiped the floor with Hinuera, beating them 41-7 at Wealleans Park. In a continuing theme, captain Thomas Fraser helped himself to a double in the seven try haul. Robert Day also added another 11 points to his impressive season.

Hinuera B won 20-7 against Leamington B in the earlier match.

At colts level Leamington beat Melville/University/Te Rapa combined colts 31-0.

Josh Osborne grabbed a double in the five try victory. Frank Hughes added three conversions off the kicking tee.

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twilight farmers’ market

Across 1. Rigid (5) 4. Water down (6) 7. Wrath (3) 8. Push forward (6) 9. Hypothesis

Painter (6)

Coiled hairdo

(6)

1. Cinema, 5. Unseat, 8. Van, 9. Plague, 10. Lariat, 11. Kiss, 13. Unsteady, 14. Gleam, 15. Adult, 19. Smoothie, 21. Race, 22. Give up, 23. Throng, 25. Pea, 26. Steady, 27. Lather. Down: 2. Ill will, 3. Egg, 4. Avenue, 5. Unless, 6. Surrender, 7. Award, 12. Soap opera, 16. Licence, 17. Chippy, 18. Mental, 20. Moist, 24. Rot.

Friday 24 April th

Friday 24 April th

market open 2pm to 6pm victoria square, cambridge

market open 2pm to 6pm victoria square, cambridge twilight farmers’ market

Come and get your fresh food for the long weekend

Come and get your fresh food for the long weekend

There will be NO farmers’ market on Saturday 25 April (Anzac Day) th

There will be NO farmers’ market on Saturday 25 April (Anzac Day) th

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MEETING NOTICES

The following meeting was cancelled in April 2026Thursday, April 16, 2026 Chief Executive Performance Management Committee

10.00am

The following extraordinary meeting took place in April 2026Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Chief Executive Performance Management Committee

2.00pm Kaipaki Room Cambridge Service Centre 23 Wilson Street

CAMBRIDGE

The following meetings will be held in May 2026Monday, May 4, 2026 Strategic Planning and Policy Committee

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Karāpiro Room

Don Rowlands Event Centre

Mighty River Domain, Lake Karāpiro 601 Maungatautari Road, RD2 CAMBRIDGE

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board

6.00pm Council Chambers

101 Bank Street

TE AWAMUTU

Monday, May 11, 2026 Maungatautari Reserve Management Committee

3.00pm

Cambridge Service Centre 23 Wilson Street

CAMBRIDGE

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Cambridge Community Board

6.00pm

Cambridge Service Centre 23 Wilson Street CAMBRIDGE

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Workshop and Briefings Day 10.15am

Council Chambers

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Monday, May 18, 2026 Regulatory Committee Meeting

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Thursday, May 28, 2026

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An excellent opportunity is available for an experienced and dedicated Thoroughbred Breeding Manager to oversee the operations of a well-established property in the Somerset region of Queensland.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day management of all breeding and farm operations

• Supervision and coordination of casual staff

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The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Proven experience in thoroughbred breeding and farm management

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OVERWATER, Johanna Sophia (Ann) – Passed away at Waikato Hospital on Sunday, 19th April 2026, aged 89 years. Adored wife of Frank. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Paul, Michael, Anita, Bridget, Roger, and their partners. Cherished Oma of her 15 grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. A Rosary for Ann will be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Anzac Street, Cambridge, on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026 at 5.00pm, followed by a Requiem Mass on Thursday, 23rd April 2026 at 11.00am. Thereafter, burial at Hautapu Public Cemetery. Messages to the Overwater family may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left in Ann’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz

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LIVINGSTON, Alan David, ONZM – Passed away unexpectedly at home, on Sunday, 12th April 2026. Aged 74 years. Dearly loved husband of Janet. Proud father and father in law of Anna and Bernie Gardiner, Megan and Phil Weir, Andrew and Anna Livingston. Adored Grandad of nine grandchildren. A service to celebrate Alan’s life has been held. In honour of Alan, and at the family’s request, please consider donating to Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, Bank a/c No. 12-31230027696-59. The service has been livestreamed, please go to www. teawamutufuneralservices. co.nz (under funeral recordings). All communications c/- the Livingston Family, P.O. Box 137, Te Awamutu, 3840.

McVEIGH, Brendan – Peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday 15 April 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. Loving husband of Angela for 30 years. Adored, loved and respected father of Connor and Neasan. A service to farewell Brendan will be held at Leamington Rugby Sports Club, Carlyle Street, Cambridge tomorrow, Friday 24 April at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice Waikato in Brendan’s memory.

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