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Council could walk away
By Mary Anne Gill
Waikato Regional Council is set for another finely balanced debate today (Thursday) when councillors consider whether to remain a member of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), a decision that could again come down to the chair’s casting vote.
LGNZ representatives will appear before councillors at the start of the meeting as a deputation, signalling the importance attached to the issue.
Their presentation precedes a notice of motion, lodged by councillor Noel Smith and listed late in the agenda, calling for a rethink of the council’s membership.
The discussion will reopen a fault line that has divided the council since the 2022 elections, pitting those who see LGNZ membership as essential for collective advocacy against a group focused on cutting costs and reining in rates.
That latter group - known as the Rates Control Team - has made fiscal restraint a central plank of its platform. Members of the team argue LGNZ membership fees, estimated at about $120,000 a year, represent discretionary spending at a time when ratepayers are facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Withdrawing from LGNZ, they say, is a tangible way to show the council is serious about trimming expenditure.
The Rates Control Team consists of councillors Gary McGuire, Chris Hughes, Ben Dunbar-Smith, Garry Reymer, Robert Cookson, Mich’eal Downard and council chair Warren Maher. The group has also promoted other measures, including capping rate increases below CPI and returning a $2.5 million surplus to ratepayers.
Reymer is one of two Waipā-King Country councillors. The other is Liz Stolwyk who is understood to favour staying in LGNZ. Those opposed to leaving argue the annual fee delivers value well beyond its cost. They point to LGNZ’s role in coordinating sector-wide submissions to government, providing training and governance support, and giving councils a stronger, unified voice on national policy issues such as water reform, climate adaptation funding and central government mandates.
The Waikato Regional Council has 14 elected members - 12 from general constituencies and two Māori seats. If all councillors were at the meeting and seven voted for and seven against, Maher would have
to exercise a casting vote, like his predecessor Pamela Storey did last year before the local body elections.
LGNZ’s decision to seek time on the agenda underscores what is at stake. The organisation has been actively engaging with councils considering withdrawal, emphasising the benefits of collective representation at a time of significant reform across local government.
The concern is that Waikato could lose influence at the national table by stepping away.
For those backing withdrawal, the issue is chiefly one of principle and perception - demonstrating to ratepayers that no line of expenditure is beyond review.
Council papers provide no staff recommendation on the notice of motion, leaving the decision squarely in councillors’ hands.
Dahlia delight for seniors
Eleven-year-old Cambridge twins, Grace and Maddie
are dab hands at growing beautiful dahlias - and they delight in giving them away.
One of their recent deliveries was to Cambridge Resthaven’s Vogel St care centre where they delivered bucket loads of their homegrown dahlias and handmade cards to residents.
The girls began growing dahlias five years
ago, with help from mum Claire Culph. They now have 20 varieties in their garden, from the tiny pompom variety to massive blooms. The girls also sell them with an eye to the future, growing their own money pot for university.
The visit wasn’t their first to Resthaven –that initial dahlia visit was about two years ago.
Gift Pictured
Culph,
Resthaven apartment resident Jan Schwarz was one of the recipients of Grace, left, and Maddie Culph’s dahlias.
Garry Reymer
Council is keeping watch
By Michelle Lachmann
A fire at a Cambridge industrial site this month could have been worse, experts and nearby residents have told Cambridge Community Board members.
Residents living near the ResourceCo construction and demolition waste recycling facility raised concerns about the large smoky blaze on April 17 at the board meeting last week.
Kaipaki Road neighbours Andy Marsden and Tam Hankinson told the meeting they also had concerns about excess dust, truck movements and noise coming from the nearby industrial site, on Cambridge Road.
Waikato Regional Council (WRC) compliance manager Patrick Lynch and WRC senior scientist Jonathan Caldwell, who were at the meeting, said they agreed that the fire could have been worse. They both attended the fire, where air quality monitoring showed air quality concentrations off-site were within health guidelines, but well above guidelines on site, Caldwell said.
“If the wind had been blowing in a different direction, then it could have caused a nearby pile of plastic waste material to catch fire,” Caldwell said at the meeting.
Lynch agreed, saying “we were very fortunate that the fire was largely untreated timber, and not other contaminants, and we were fortunate with the wind direction or things could have been very different”.
In response to residents’ complaints about the industrial operation, Lynch said, at the meeting, that ResourceCo was monitored regularly by the council to ensure it operated within consent conditions. It had been issued an abatement notice by WRC, on March 13, but an appeal had been
lodged in the Environment Court later the same day. The notice was subsequently withdrawn.
"It’s extremely unusual for an abatement notice to end up in the Environment Court within hours of it being issued,” Lynch said at the meeting.
He later told The News: “it’s
not good bang for buck and we have other tools we can use to get behaviour change”.
WRC was continuing to gather information about the ResourceCo operation on Cambridge Road and make an assessment, but he acknowledged that could take some time.
THE DENTURE MAN
Registered Clinical Dental Technician Roger Oliver (39 Years Experience)
‘Trucks and dirt’ fear
Continued from page 1
because ResourceCo was in the process of applying to Waipā District Council for consent to expand and change the site into a managed fill operation. They feared it would be a non-notified consent, like the initial consent granted in July 2024 for ResourceCo’s current operation. Its new application has yet to be approved, nor has a decision been made about the consent notification.
After the meeting board member Gerda Venter told The News residents felt their concerns were not being heard or acted on by council staff.
“These are intelligent people and they have done their homework, but they are being ignored,” she said.
Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick asked council staff to prepare a report, responding to and updating residents about the ResourceCo site. She also asked that concerns about the Aspin Road Quarry were followed up.
The re was fuelled by untreated timber.
ON SHAKY GROUND
Surprise storms
By Janine Krippner
Last week I woke up to find a set of MetService weather alerts on my phone. Safe in my Wellington apartment, I was unaware of the chaos that had erupted nearby. Residents woke in the dark to flood waters through their homes. The saturated landscape was under pressure and landslides were occurring, one through a home.
More than 70mm of rain within an hour fell on one part of Wellington. Homes, cars, belongings, and businesses were damaged. Tragically, a life was also lost. Real lives, real impacts.
Early damage estimates are within the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.
This damaging storm hit two days after flooding in the nearby Hutt Valley. That was not long after Cyclone Vaianu. That was not long after devastating fatalities resulted from storm-related landslides and flooding across the region, including the landslide at Mount Maunganui. Our own Waipā district saw the gut-wrenching loss of Brent Knowles. And that was not long after we saw damaging landslides across the Waitomo District last October.
I think it is safe to say that flooding and landslides are processes we should all be very aware of. Broadly speaking, are they really surprise storms at this point? We know there will be more.
A key message of this column has been a reminder that events strike with little to no warning and turn upside down. We are not powerless.
On every level there are actions we can take, from our national government to our local councils, businesses to households, and us – the individuals.
One theme of events here and around the world is how communities come together to support those who are impacted. We see friends and strangers unite for the clean-up, some with shovels, others bringing food.
One story of someone getting help to evacuate their elderly neighbour from her flooded home last week exemplifies this. It’s a powerful reminder that getting to know our neighbours can make a difference – it can even be lifesaving.
Something we can all do now is remind ourselves of landslide warning signs. Along with others, I have recently shared what to watch out for.
Check to see if you live in a flood-prone area, especially if you have recently moved. In times of flooding water and debris may be contaminated, so take care to protect yourself during and afterwards.
Have a plan. Talk with your household about what you would do if you were separated, such as if an event strikes during the work/school day.
What do you do if something hits in the middle of the night? Where can you evacuate to? Do you have neighbours who might need assistance?
Simple conversations, planning, and preparation done now can make a huge difference later.
All my love to those who have lost family members, homes, belongings, animals, or businesses in these recent storms. If you want to help with the Wellington storm recovery, the Mayoral Relief Fund has been set up to support those who were impacted.
TREES AND POWERLINES
TREE TRIMMING DANGERS
Trimming trees near power lines can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly.
Contact with a power line can cause:
• Injury or death to yourself, family, community members or livestock
• Damage to property
•Damage to power supply facilities and electrical appliances
• Damage to third parties.
Before attempting to clear tree foliage near live conductors you should contact us for advice.
Branch movement: Although tree foliage can sometimes appear to be at a safe distance from the lines, once you begin the work, the tree may move due to pressure placed on branches, random gusts of wind and other external factors.
Be aware of any tree branches that may flick up as they are trimmed or as surrounding branches are cleared.
Wet weather: Branches often hang lower when the leaves are wet, so if it starts to rain, or if the leaves are already wet you should expect some movement.
Debris: Ensure there is clear space to allow for debris when tree trimming.
ELECTRICITY REGULATIONS
The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 set out the responsibilities of tree owners and lines companies in relation to trees and power lines. Waipā Networks has developed procedures to meet these regulations, summarised below:
•If we become aware of a tree that you are responsible for within the Notice Zone, you may be issued with a Hazard Warning Notice.
Without prejudice
By Murray Smith, Bridges Church
In 1636, America’s first educational college was established in Massachusetts. Named ‘New Citizens College’ this centre had a specific mandate. It was actually a seminary, established for training Christian ministers and leaders, undergirded by firm spiritual values and standards. Three years after its establishment, a Puritan clergyman named John Harvard became the college’s first major benefactor, donating half of his estate, resulting in the institution being re-named after him.
Secularisation of both curriculum and student body diluted Harvard’s purpose in upholding Christian teaching and standards. That drift prompted the formal establishment of the ‘Collegiate School’ some years later which in turn became Yale University. Yale’s aim as an alternative institution was to correct what was perceived as Harvard’s departure from Christian foundations and increasing liberalism. Today neither institution bears any resemblance to their early beginnings.
With the chaplain, (an ‘interfaith’ leader) at Harvard University stating he does not believe God’s existence, it indicates significant drift from original values described as foundational. That drift and general trend of eradicating traditional religious influence and values from higher education, suggests how it’s come about that Harvard University currently faces a lawsuit filed by the US government - the Department of Justice.
Harvard has built a reputation for tolerance of diversity, with entire administrative structures devoted to ensuring that many protected groups feel welcomed, supported, and heard. But when Jewish students began reporting being stalked across Harvard Yard, spat on for wearing a yarmulke, jeered with calls of “Heil Hitler” and told by a professor to leave
• If we become aware of a tree you are responsible for within the Growth Limit Zone, you will be issued with a Cut or Trim Notice.
• You must have the tree trimmed so that it no longer encroaches the Notice Zone or Growth Limit Zone. Dispensation can be applied for if there is a valid reason for the tree to be allowed to grow within the Notice or Growth Limit Zones.
• We’ll trim a tree free of charge provided it is the first trim. Any further trimming is the responsibility of the owner.
• At any stage, you can declare ‘No Interest’ in a tree on our network and we will meet the costs of any future trimming, or may decide to remove the tree altogether.
•Where we become aware of a tree close to the lines and likely to cause danger to the public or property we have the ability to remove the tree or branch causing the hazard.
THERE ARE RULES ABOUT SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN TREES AND POWER LINES In the Zone
The regulations define four zones:
Growth Limit Zone: This is the minimum distance that trees must be kept clear of overhead power lines.
Cut-Back Zone: This zone ensures vegetation is trimmed back far enough to prevent it from quickly growing into the Growth Limit Zone.
Notice Zone: We will issue a notice if vegetation is in this zone to give property owners time to address the risk earlier before it becomes urgent.
Clear to the Sky: This is the area above 33kv and high voltage lines that must be kept clear.
Fall Hazard Zone: Trees
a classroom because of their Israeli nationality, that tolerance for diversity reveals itself to be highly selective.
This inequity lies at the heart of the claim, ‘Harvard earned this lawsuit, and it is welldeserved.’ When a gay law student was assaulted, Harvard immediately sent a campuswide email condemning the attack. Yet when a Jewish student was physically assaulted while trying to film a demonstration - one attacker nonetheless received a $65,000 scholarship and another was appointed to a significant student leadership role. Little wonder, 39 per cent of Jewish students at Harvard report feeling uneasy attending the university, 26 per cent feel physically unsafe and 67 per cent reported discomfort expressing their opinions.
Harvard’s own in-house analysis acknowledges they lack response mechanisms and “foundational awareness” of how to handle antisemitism. Meanwhile Jewish and Israeli students experience escalating “dire” conditions, being subjected to “social exclusion’, “widespread” discrimination by peers and professors alike. Who wouldn’t feel vulnerable? When asked for help, Harvard’s diversity office staff, locked their doors. Token passive responses like sending emails to “clarify” rules have done nothing throughout more than a year of escalating harassment.
History informs where this trajectory of prejudicial hatred will take us. Think of the Holocaust - a reminder of where unchecked prejudice leads. Rising antisemitism points to broadening societal decay, the breakdown of tolerance and increased political violence. It never ends with the Jews.
New Zealand beware.
The Notice and Growth Limit Zone requirements increase if the adjacent power line span is greater than 150m. In these cases, we will notify you of your obligations. For further information contact our Vegetation Team 07 872 0745 or trees@waipānetworks.co.nz
Clare StPierre Les Bennett Shane Walsh Dean Taylor
Marcus Gower
Mike Montgomerie Dale-Maree Morgan
Mind your manners
By Peter Carr
In 1976 Prime Minister Robert Muldoon responded to a taunt which queried the professional capabilities of his accounting business.
His response to that taunt thrown, at him by popular Labour MP Colin Moyle, was to hurl back an accusation as to Moyle’s social and possibly sexual preferences.
This was gutter politics at its very worst, but Muldoon’s vituperative utterances were well acknowledged. Several years later he intimated a similar slur against an MP from his own party, Marilyn Waring, at a time when the LGBT community was gaining prominence.
National MP “Gentleman Jack” Marshall made his view clear around this time, stating “anyone who indulges in this kind of behaviour is damaging himself and lowering the status of parliament”.
So, in Westminster-styled parliaments, are these isolated incidents? Well, apparently, not. In Canada a multitude of slurs are regularly thrown across the parliamentary aisle, in Australia Prime Minister Paul Keating was not above bowling down ugly slurs while in the Indian house severe racist slurs are apparently commonplace.
Which brings us back to the true home of Westminster where the antics of the speaker frequently lead to conjecture that he is presiding over a cross between a three-ring circus and a home for the bewildered.
So why this dig back into historical parliamentary mis-behaviour? Well, it is surfacing again in New Zealand where very recently three rude and completely unnecessary slurs have crossed the floor between the green leather seats. Two were directed at a hard-working minister who,
it appears, has taken the responsible step of improving her health and associated longevity of life. The other comment from ‚on high’ was a wider ranging and ethnically-laden description of Indian immigrants and their food preferences.
All three comments have been withdrawn either by public pressure or as a directive from a party leader.
Which brings me to the root reason for this subject today. We elect parliamentarians to conduct the affairs of our country fairly, professionally and with compassion.
The Parliamentary Code of Conduct clearly instructs elected members to adhere to behavioural statements which prioritise a safe, respectful environment. No slurs or crude vibes for which a quietly muttered apology later will not dispel the ugly, alleged truth of the originating statement. Once the cat is out of the bag, both the originator and recipient of the rude phraseology are damned for life.
Moyle and Waring with active and balanced political minds that could well have served the nation well in later years both withdrew from politics far too early. It is election year when a war of words will be thrust upon the voters.
I once asked a group of parliamentary press gallery journalists why the (then) opposition did not use the sanctum of the House to challenge Muldoon as to his parliamentary and personal misdemeanours.
The reply was that he kept a very good book and had more debilitating information on them than they had on him. Says it all really.
Community speak matters
By Charlotte FitzPatrick, Chair, Cambridge Community Board
One of the most important parts of any Cambridge Community Board meeting happens before the bulk of our formal agenda even begins.
The public forum is where community members can come directly to the table, speak in their own words, and raise issues, concerns and aspirations that matter to them. It is unscripted, sometimes challenging, often insightful, and always valuable.
Last week’s meeting was a strong demonstration of how powerful that forum can be.
We heard from a representative of Te Kōhanga Reo o Te Koo Utu. Kōhanga Reo are Māori immersion environments committed to revitalising Te Reo Māori, with learning led by whānau and grounded in kaupapa Māori. They foster strong identity, confidence and intergenerational language transmission for tamariki. Having this kaupapa-based learning in our town is something to celebrate, and the public forum provided an important opportunity to share that story.
Residents also raised transport concerns. One questioned whether wide vehicles should continue to use the Victoria Bridge and whether clearer signage or restrictions could help divert them across the Fergusson Bridge. We’ll follow up with the Council’s transportation team.
Other speakers spoke about the volume of heavy truck traffic using Pope Terrace, Cambridge Road from Te Awamutu, and Shakespeare Street. Estimates shared suggest around 600 heavy truck movements a day along this corridor. Residents described damage to their homes, deteriorating road surfaces, and the impact of night time truck movements on sleep.
Similar frustrations were expressed by a resident living adjacent to a quarry on Aspin Road, who raised concerns about
truck movements, dust issues, and a perceived lack of monitoring and enforcement.
These are not abstract issues. They affect people’s health, safety, homes and daily quality of life. Raising them in the public forum ensures they are recorded and visible and require follow-up. A significant portion of the public forum focused on concerns about a commercial site off Cambridge Road. Residents spoke about noise, dust, vibration, safety, and environmental issues, as well as the proximity of landfill activity to residential areas near Cambridge. Questions were also raised about the types of material present on site, potential contamination, and possible health impacts.
Waipā District Council staff and Waikato Regional Council representatives answered questions on the night. A report on these matters will be provided at our next meeting. Council staff also provided an update on raised safety platforms (speed bumps), following questions about whether some designs are suitable for their locations. A district-wide speed bump review is underway following site visits last month to assess whether improvements can be made without compromising safety. Further work will be returned to the Community Board in August.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Anzac Working Group and everyone who contributed to an incredibly moving Anzac Day Dawn Service and Civic Service over the weekend. The themes of peace, kindness, unity and respect resonated deeply and feel especially fitting as our community works through this challenging period of uncertainty and global disruption.
Resthaven goes up a level
A recent site visit marked a milestone in Stage Two of Cambridge Resthaven’s apartment development in Vogel Street.
Cambridge Resthaven, opened in 1972, is already home to over 250 residents and employs a team of over 130.
Earlier last week, the Level One concrete floor had been poured, and the site visit provided an opportunity for representatives from Cambridge Resthaven, Livingstone Building, and OCTA Project Management to see the progress.
With hard hats and high vis on, the group took their first steps onto Level One.
Stage Two will deliver 21 twobedroom apartments, in addition to the existing 33 apartments that were completed in 2024. Like the existing apartments, these new apartments are designed to provide residents with the comfort and convenience of supported living in retirement.
Cambridge Resthaven chief executive Michael Martin said the concrete pour was a significant
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structural milestone, “and we will now see continued visible progress with the Level One tilt panels to be installed next”.
He said having the opportunity to walk around on Level One provided a great vantage point to see how the new apartments were orientated in relation to the existing buildings, Payne Park next door, and the hills in the distance.
Cambridge Resthaven chairman Greg Liddy and Livingstone interim CEO Ash Burkhart acknowledged the working partnership of Cambridge Resthaven, Livingstone, and OCTA, which has seen them deliver a number of projects over the years.
Burkhart said Livingstone was looking forward to the coming
months and to delivering a worldclass complex for the community. “The progress we have seen today is a real testament to the strong relationship,” Liddy said. “This brings the project another step closer to delivering additional modern apartments for the community, and I want to acknowledge the team’s effort in reaching this stage.”
Get Gardening
Autumn has arrived! The temperature has dropped and there is plenty of moisture in the soil. But with some sunny days, these are perfect conditions for planting both fruit and ornamental trees and hedging. Make sure trees are well staked and fertilised with a slow release leading into winter. It’s an exciting time of year for us here at Amber, it’s when we get to see some different products arriving that like the cooler weather, hellebores, daphnes, polyanthus and liriopes. We also have new stock of clivia, blueberries, feijoas and olives the list goes on. Don’t neglect that vege garden, plant succession crops every 2-3 weeks so you have a constant supply. Garlic bulbs are now available in store.
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Cambridge Resthaven, (CR) Livingstone Building, and OCTA Project Management representatives from left: Je Simpson - CR independent living manager, Ash Burkhart - Livingstone interim CEO, Susan Brettschneider - CR management accountant, Hannah Lewis - Livingstone quantity surveyor, Mia Sonntag - OCTA project manager, Jason Russell - CR property and development manager, Samantha Blanken - Livingstone project manager, Kevin Burgess - CR board trustee, Sarah Livingstone – Livingstone director, Neville Davy - Livingstone project director, Mac Livingstone - Livingstone site manager, Greg Liddy – CR trust board chair and Michael Martin – CR chief executive.
Photos: Catherine Fry
A drone’s eye view photo of the newly poured concrete of Level One of the apartment building, looking towards the existing apartments.
Tributes to stalwart Val
By Viv Posselt
Val Massey, whose advocacy for seniors spanned decades –much of that in Cambridge – died in Christchurch last month.
Val moved to Christchurch after enjoying a long association with this town and Cambridge Grey Power. During her years as president with the group, she advocated at government level for changes that would benefit Cambridge’s seniors, and earned enormous respect from her peers in that and other organisations.
In 2017 she polled the then almost 400 members of Cambridge Grey Power to seek their views on proposed changes to national superannuation, and in 2018, led a debate in Cambridge on the use of medicinal cannabis, advocating them to support fully-tested cannabis-based pharmaceuticals to be prescribed to terminally ill patients and those with chronic pain.
When Covid hit, Val regularly called members to ensure they were supported throughout that period, and together with current president Philip Coles, established a network to help with shopping and other tasks.
David Wilson took over the Grey Power presidency from Val about six years ago, and soon afterwards arranged for her to become a life member.
“By then, Val had clocked up 10 years as president, which was an unusually long term,” he said. “She was very efficient, and at one stage was asked to go onto the national board but didn’t want to. She and I had worked together for a long time, covering zone and national meetings.”
David said Val knew how she wanted things run, was well known by everyone and did everything very professionally.
Val was also active in other community groups in Cambridge,
including the Red Cross, 60s Up Group and Women’s Fellowship. In the time she lived at Patrick Hogan village before leaving for Christchurch, she took part in activities and games that appealed to her sharp mind and strategic way
Val’s daughter, Beverly Massey-George, said her mother was born in Foxton in 1940. She grew up on her parents’ farm in Te Kiri, attended Opunake High School then worked for the Awatuna Dairy Company and then Newton King in
She married Martin Massey in 1964 and together they farmed dairy on the Oeo Rd. Val always enjoyed sports, and played outdoor bowls, cricket, tennis, badminton and golf. Her involvement in community affairs started when her family was young, when she joined the Women’s Division and Country Women’s Institute. She was a very talented knitter and sewer and had a deep love of music and song, playing the piano throughout
After moving from the farm to a lifestyle block in New Plymouth, where Val co-owned and ran a busy café, the couple moved to the Waikato where they enjoyed their grandchildren and travelled widely.
“Val had a great sense of humour,” said Beverly. When she knew her time was limited, she announced that she proposed to die on May 8 as this was the day on which Martin
“She didn’t quite make it, so we felt it was prudent to hold
Pippa makes debate team
By Jesse Wood
Cambridge High School’s Pippa Owsley has been selected in the 2026 Waikato regional debate team, while St Peter’s School Cambridge’s Anjana Kanchi has been named as a reserve.
Waipā students make up two thirds of the main team. Eva Walton (Te Awamutu College) and Kanu Millward (Hamilton Boys’ High School) are the other members, while St John’s College debater Nate Rastrick is the other reserve.
Teacher in charge of senior debate Gareth Manins said the school was proud to have a student from Cambridge High chosen “particularly as the trials are extremely competitive with only three students chosen,”
“Pippa’s achievement is even more impressive, as she is the only Year 12 student to have made the team in recent years.
Te Awamutu College Year 13 student Walton, 16, fell in love with debating in Year 9.
“This selection is something I’ve always aimed towards. I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I hope I’ll grow from it and make new friends,” she said.
In late February, 24 teams competed at the 2026 Waikato Regional Schools’ Debating Championships were held at the University of Waikato.
In the junior final, Te Awamutu College “The Jury” beat Hamilton Girls’ High School Brownies and St. Peter’s School Cambridge Tutti Frutti beat Hamilton Boys’ High School Jianbing to be named winners of the 2026 Waikato Regional Schools’ Debating Championships.
In early May, the Waikato side will compete against other upper North Island teams at the University of Auckland in preparation for nationals. The stage will then be set for May 22-25 in Wellington at Victoria University.
From there, the New Zealand Schools’ Debating Team will be selected for the World Championships in Kenya.
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A FEATURE ROCK
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By Jesse Wood
Tucked away between Cambridge and Morrinsville, the rural Te Miro Mountain Bike Park continues to grow as a hub for riders of all ages and abilities.
Run volunteers, the club has more than 490 members and a trail network that ranges from beginner-friendly rides to extreme downhill tracks, helping develop both new and elite riders.
The park recently introduced a new DropZone skills area, built by Dialled MTB Coaching, to help riders refine technique and build confidence.
Dialled MTB Coaching also runs clinics at the park, helping both children and adults develop their skills before heading onto the trails.
Club chairman Peter Neil said the diversity of the park is what makes it special.
“While Te Miro MTB Park is small, we offer trails for all abilities and interests.
“We have easy wide trails for beginners, technical trails for
adventurous riders through to full on jump trails for adrenalin seekers.”
Rider Kayley McMillan, daughter of events organiser Linley McMillan, continues to dominate both nationally and internationally.
Kayley recently claimed the Oceania Under-19 Cross Country Championship title and secured multiple wins in the Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series.
She has built a reputation for winning across a wide range of events.
Linley is widely regarded as one of the key forces behind the club’s success.
Her work helps ensure events run smoothly and riders of all levels feel welcome.
Another standout rider from Te Miro is James Climo, a seven-time New Zealand CX/XC National Champion and a three-time XCO National Series Champion.
He recently also secured wins in the Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series and has built an impressive resume.
His mother Nanette Climo, owner of
NCP Photography, is another familiar face at Te Miro.
She also supports other clubs around the region, photographing events to promote the sport.
The club is focused on the future and continuing to grow opportunities for riders.
Te Miro recently hosted more than 400 children at the Waikato Schools Cross Country Championships. Having hundreds of young riders on the course was a proud moment for the club and a sign that the future of the sport is bright.
The park has just launched a new Te Miro Triple downhill event to its calendar.
Peter Neil said the strength of the Te Miro club lies in its people, the passionate volunteers.
“The awesome thing about the club are our members and our supporting community. Any time we need help with a project or maintenance we have no shortage of organizations that are willing to contribute to get the job done.”
The Te Miro club’s events organiser Linley McMillan.
Photo: Nanette Climo
Land deal almost done
By Mary Anne Gill
The sale of part of a rural property near Lake Karāpiro, bought by Waipā District Council at auction for $5.32 million in October 2021, was expected to go unconditional later today (Thursday).
Sources have told The News the subdivided Lot One will sell for less than $1 million, but for more than the $875,000 valuation obtained by council last year.
The land is part of a 19.481-hectare holding acquired by council four and a half years ago. At the time of the purchase, council said it intended to subdivide the property and sell off some land parcels to help repay debt and fund improvements to Waipuke Park, including an extension of Te Awa Cycleway from near the rowing race start.
Lot One measures about 4700 square metres (0.47 hectares) and adjoins council’s Waipuke Park landholding of 40.58 hectares, which was purchased 25 years ago.
Council documents show that in May 2025, councillors approved the subdivision of the Maungatautari Rd property to create three new rural-residential titles, leaving a fourth lot of about 18 hectares. Authority to negotiate and complete any sale was delegated to the acting chief financial officer at that time.
Information released under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act to The News shows the sale of Lot One attracted limited market interest.
Council confirmed it received an offer on January 28 which was later withdrawn, followed by a second offer on February 9. That offer was countered, renegotiated and accepted by council on February 25, subject to conditions.
Council said the purchaser had until today
to confirm the purchase and that it did not proceed with more extensive advertising because an offer received following an initial Facebook announcement met council requirements under the resolution to sell.
A registered valuation report released by the council describes the proposed rural-residential sites as being in an “above average value rural residential location” within the Waipā district. The valuer noted that the established shared accessway, mature trees and hedging added “significant value” to the development.
Lot One, however, is described as a rear site of irregular shape with an undulating contour, with the existing dwelling built into a small excavated knoll. The report states there is no prospect of water views from the site. Improvements include a circa-1970 two-storey dwelling of average standard and an implement shed, with fencing largely confined to the immediate curtilage.
Planning documents show the subdivision required non-complying resource consent, which was granted by an independent commissioner in July last year and processed on a non-notified basis, despite the land being identified as containing high-quality soils under the district plan.
Three lifestyle scale titles, ranging from approximately 3800 to 5500 square metres, were approved as part of the subdivision, with access via a shared metal driveway.
At the time of publishing, council had not released the final sale price for Lot One.
A council-commissioned report valued two other rural lifestyle lots at $630,000 and $580,000. A third lot, which has views of Lake Karāpiro and is within an area identified in council planning for a potential cycleway extension, was assessed at $950,000.
As part of major ongoing works on the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will close the southbound on-and o -ramps at the Victoria Road Interchange at Hautapu from mid-May to July.
Delays are expected, particularly at peak travel times. Plan ahead for ongoing ramp closures and allow extra time for journeys.
Cambridge Tree Trust
Cambridge Tree Trust
www.treetrust.org.nz
www.treetrust.org.nz
Five-finger (Neopanax/ Pseudopanax arboreum)
Five-finger (Neopanax/ Pseudopanax arboreum)
Treasures of Maungakawa
50 years ago we used to take our children to Gudex Park to picnic and play on the enormous horse chestnut that spread its branches, dipping almost to the ground, over 50 metres. It must have been planted in the 1890s by Thomas Brown, the gardener at the original Thornton homestead on Maungakawa, but sadly has been gone for many decades now. However, we still go there to admire the view, go for walks in the bush, and, in spring, to watch the tui in the old owering cherry trees. In all these years until last week I had never noticed another ancient treasure, this amazing Cryptomeria japonica elegans. Living up to its name from the Greek ‘krypto’, to hide, it was indeed hiding in plain sight. Google says it should grow as a single-trunked pyramidal tree, of 70 feet in height and 30 feet wide, but this beauty far exceeds that, its heavy boughs dipping to the ground and then curving upward in series to form a multi-trunked specimen. Despite its great size it still features the typical feathery appearance that makes you want to stroke the foliage and gives the tree a sort of billowy, cloud-like appearance.
Southbound on-and-o ramps closed at Hautapu
Detour southbound from Hautapu
Southbound tra c to Cambridge
While this is a recommended detour route, please consider all alternative routes to ease congestion
Waikato Expressway works: Stage 3
Cambridge Tree Trust would like to thank Mitre 10 for their support for these monthly articles which are intended to raise interest and awareness of trees in Cambridge.
Cambridge Tree Trust would like to thank Mitre 10 for their support for these monthly articles which are intended to raise interest and awareness of trees in Cambridge.
Cryptomeria japonica trees including this form, ‘elegans’, are prominent in the Japanese landscape, and often known as Japanese cedar, although not in fact a true cedar at all. It is the national tree of Japan, where it is known as Sugi. The wood is light in weight with a straight grain, ne texture and slight scent. It has been used over centuries for construction, joists, rafters and domestic ooring, as well as for joinery, panelling, cooperage and lacquerware.
Spotlight on Cambridge
Autumn in the Air with Mavis & Mick
Five Stags heads into Winter
The Five Stags in Leamington is one of Cambridge’s most popular watering holes, and with the change in seasons having arrived, owner Matt Palmer and his crew are getting ready to welcome patrons with an extra dollop of warmth.
The Five Stags in Leamington is one of Cambridge’s most popular watering holes, and with the change in seasons having arrived, owner Matt Palmer and his crew are getting ready to welcome patrons with an extra dollop of warmth.
The Five Stags started out 14 years ago, a bar and restaurant styled along the lines of your quintessential hunting lodge. Since then, it has become a valued hub, a ‘go-to’ spot for mates’ catchups, family meals or celebratory gatherings around a re. With multiple spaces available, live music at weekends, big screens for sports enthusiasts and both a TAB and gaming area, its appeal
spans all ages.
As winter approaches and patrons are either enjoying the roar or prepping for duck shooting, things are warming up in the kitchen too. Chef Tesha Grubner whips up a tasty and varied menu, which in a nod to their hunting lodge roots, includes delicious venison, sh and duck dishes.
As the community supports the Five Stags, so the Five Stags supports the community. Matt says the pub sponsors the Leamington Rugby Club, the Cambridge High School First XV, and support a number of primary schools in a variety of ways.
Owner Matt Palmer
Shoes with a kick call Mavis & Mick
Rugby and remembrance
By Jesse Wood
Anzac Day was commemorated on and off the rugby pitch across the Waipā district on Saturday.
A small remembrance was run by Te Awamutu RSA representatives and Reverend Murray Olson prior to the Te Awamutu Sports v Fraser Tech clashes on Albert Park.
The Tech premier side, containing Waikato and Manu Samoa number 10 D’Angelo Leuila, just got the better of the hosts 26-22.
Caleb Wright grabbed a double for Te Awamutu and fullback Leo Scott scored the other 12 points.
Former Te Awamutu sub-union prop Jonas Pomare was one of the four scorers for the victors.
Hautapu premiers had a win by default as they were named to face the withdrawn Melville team.
In the earlier match, Te Awamutu Sports premier development fell 51-19 to Fraser Tech B.
An increasingly common occurrence saw flanker Dylan Jeffries cross the chalk for Sports B.
Veteran Ben Mylchreest and
midfielder Keiton MacDonald grabbed Sports’ other tries, with George Poolman adding two conversions.
Hautapu B dealt to their Melville counterparts in Hamilton, 43-7.
Wingers Vilimone Bainibure and Josh Brunger grabbed two tries apiece.
Hooker Rory Blyth, Ben Brown and Ihaka Harper-Dent rounded off the Hautapu five-pointers.
Number 15 Dillon Martin converted three of the tries and Ned Collins one.
Melville-Hautapu combined (Mel-tap) were beaten 43-24 by Fraser Tech in the women’s premiership match at Collins Road, Hamilton.
Front-rowers Kaden Moeke and Chyann Kaitapu crossed the chalk for the home side, as did Eden Early and Dawn Hohua.
Fullback Keira Russell added two conversions, but Tech were too classy.
Waikato back Hinemaringi Scott scored three of the visitors’ seven tries.
In the women’s championship, Kihikihi had their first match of the
season.
United Matamata Sports beat them 17-7, three tries to one, at the Kihikihi Domain.
The Pirongia women’s match was postponed due to the recent death of a popular Taupiri women’s representative. Courtney Johansen. She died after suffering a brain aneurysm while pregnant with her first child, days before her 30th birthday.
In division 1A, Leamington beat Pirongia 41-19 at Leamingtonthe visitors’ first loss of the 2026 season. Leamington are now the only unbeaten 1A side.
Vice-captain Hirini Murfitt scored a double for the home side while Jason Hill also grabbed two for the mountain men, adding two conversions to his tally.
Hooker Baxter Shaw, Cameron Collins and Yianni Hilder were the other Leamington try scorers with right wing Robert Day adding 16 points.
James Pakoti scored the third Pirongia try, with Hill converting two out of three.
Ōhaupō were pipped by Putāruru 28-25 in a tough clash at
Nola Block.
Tries were scored by backs Bronson Wilson-Beech, Hateni Tafolo and Lance Elrick, while pivot Dean Fullerton added 10 points off the kicking tee.
Pirongia B dealt to Leamington B 69-10, keeping their impressive unbeaten run. They are the only 1B side yet to lose.
Kingston Grant scored 19 points including a hat-trick and Kirwyn Ellis registered 15 points.
Ōhaupō B were defeated by Putāruru B in South Waikato 68-25.
In the colts’ battle of the bridge clash, Hautapu beat Leamington’s under-21 side 52-5 at Leamington.
Speedy left winger Morgan Baker scored three of the visitors’ eight tries. Hennessy Campbell was the sole Leamington scorer.
Jack Mathis logged seven points, and pivot Johanson Tamala slotted five conversions for the Hautapu youngsters.
Under the mountain, Pirongia colts were deadlocked in a 27-all draw with Morrinsville Sports.
Mathew Henderson scored a double with Corbin Fleming grabbing 12 points – a try, two conversions and a penalty.
Paul Davey scored the fourth try for the young mountain men.
Down the road, Te Awamutu Sports colts were beaten 45-21 by Rugby United (Thames Valley) at Albert Park.
Captain Ryan Baillie, Jaoquin Burke and lock Dylan Harpur were Sports’ try scorers.
Impressive first five-eighth Burke converted all three tries.
CountryLife
CountryLife
CountryLife
Reach a targeted rural & lifestyle audience each month by advertising your business in CountryLife; featured inside the Cambridge News & Te Awamutu News
Reach a targeted rural & lifestyle audience each month by advertising your business in CountryLife; featured inside the Cambridge News & Te Awamutu News
Reach a targeted rural & lifestyle audience each month by advertising your business in CountryLife; featured inside the Cambridge News & Te Awamutu News
Distributed to EVERY rural & urban letter box across the Waipa region each month.
Distributed to EVERY rural & urban letter box across the Waipa region each month.
Distributed to EVERY rural & urban letter box across the Waipa region each month.
Next Publication Date: Thursday 14 May
May Deadlines:
Booking: Monday 4 May
Copy Setting: Wednesday 6 May
Finished Artwork: Friday 8 May TO BOOK YOUR SPACE:
Enjoy welcoming, comfy surroundings and a warm sense of belonging at our Resthaven on Burns Care Centre.
• We are a community charitable trust providing quality, a ordable care for seniors.
• Our caring team are here to help you enjoy the things you love, whether it is gardening, baking, trips to town, hobbies, or simply a quiet afternoon relaxing.
• Our commitment to a ordability means there is no premium daily room charge at Resthaven on Burns.
on Burns
Shop at Cambridge Tiles and support a locally owned business, and your local tradespeople Plan your new build or reno from the comfort of your own home. Visit ournew website which showcases our outstanding range of tiles as well as offering trend and design inspiration, valuable tips and advice on FAQs.
Leamington halfback Caleb Pollard looks to pass the ball in the win against Pirongia.
Photo: Julie Gibson
Pirongia B and Leamington B line up for a moment of silence to remember the fallen on Anzac Day.
Photo: Jule Gibson
Tough times? Don’t skip your vehicle service
With fuel prices staying high, many motorists are looking for ways to cut back.
Putting o routine servicing might seem like an easy saving, but it can quickly lead to higher fuel use, breakdowns, and expensive repairs that could have been avoided. Regular maintenance keeps your vehicle safer, more reliable, and running as e ciently as possible. At Automotive Solutions Cambridge, we’re encouraging local drivers to keep essential maintenance on track. We service all makes and models (including European vehicles) and can tailor servicing to suit di erent budgets. A Minor (Budget) Service—oil and lter change—helps keep your vehicle roadworthy at minimal cost. For greater peace of mind, a Full Service includes a comprehensive inspection to catch small issues early, before they turn into major repairs. We
your
WEEKLY ADVERTISING DEADLINES
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CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES
Contact listing agent prior-visiting as Open Homes times can change.
Wonderfully Low-Maintenance
Negotiation
71B Scott Street, Leamington
- Separate studio-creative space, gym or work-from-home office.
- Outdoor living that has been built for fun-filled entertaining.
- Practical touches include an automatic garage plus a carport.
Open Homes Saturday 10 - 10.30am & Sunday 2 - 2.30pm
Refurbished, Private & Walk to Schools
- Featuring a brand-new kitchen, new family bathroom, updated ensuite, new flooring, fresh paint, new curtains, and ceiling insulation.
- Comfort is assured year-round with ducted heating, DVS, retrofit double glazing and LPG gas hot water.
Open Homes Saturday 12 - 12.30pm & Sunday 11 - 11.30am
- Large doors extend living outdoors to expansive decks.
- Upstairs bedroom ensuite enjoys privacy and elevated vistas.
Homes Saturday & Sunday 2.00 - 2.30pm
So Much More Here - Feel The Luxury
90 Hugo Shaw Drive, Cambridge
- Built in 2025 by the highly regarded Mason & Mason.
- Bespoke designer kitchen with spacious scullery, flows effortlessly into open plan dining and living.
Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 12.00 - 12.30pm
Group 1 Pedigree - Right Here!
- Sizeable, well-appointed kitchen, open plan dining/ entertaining, super spacious living area and ample indoor-outdoor flow.
- Three very large bedrooms, all offering excellent storage, master enjoys an ensuite bathroom & a special connection to the outdoors. Open Homes Saturday 12 - 12.30pm & Sunday 10 - 10.30am
18 Thornton Road, Cambridge
- 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and extra lounge.
- Flowing off the kitchen area is great decking & entertainment areas.
- Add to this the Airbnb unit that is on the property, you get the perfect home plus an income to enjoy.
Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 2.00 - 2.30pm
with Jan Bilton
Dishes with love
Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to show Mum your appreciation with delicious food. Preparing a meal at home adds a personal touch that a restaurant meal can’t quite capture. Breakfast in bed remains a timeless favourite — think eggs benedict, or fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit and maple syrup — a caring and comforting start to her day.
And don’t forget the card. Handmade is perfect; it doesn’t need to be flawless. Trust me, I keep a box of cards from my children that I open once a year and treasure the memories they hold. Mother’s Day is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March or May.
In the UK, Mother’s Day is always celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent – three weeks before Easter Sunday. Centuries ago, people who had moved away would return to their hometowns to visit the churches where they had been baptised or once worshipped. This tradition became known as Mothering Sunday, a time of homecoming, reflection, and connection with family and community.
Mother’s Day in New Zealand, the USA, Australia and Japan is celebrated on the second Sunday of May to honour mothers, grandmothers and maternal figures.
Ruby red lamingtons
New-ish Ruby Red kiwifruit are available from your supermarket or greengrocer. Use store-bought lamington sponge or homemade. Don’t like red? Then use lime jelly and green kiwifruit or lemon jelly and gold kiwifruit.
trifle sponge about 20cm x 20cm square and 5cm deep
85g packet strawberry jelly crystals
1 cup boiling water
1 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup cream
1 tablespoon icing sugar
1/2 cup thick custard
2 Ruby Red kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
Using a flexible, thin, serrated knife, cut the sponge into 12 even pieces. Carefully remove any brown edges. You should have about 12 squares.
Place the jelly crystals in a bowl. Stir in the boiling water until the crystals are dissolved. Pour into a shallow dish and chill until cold but not set. Spread the coconut on a dinner-sized plate. Carefully dip each edge of the sponge squares briefly in the jelly. Handle gently as the sponge is soft. Once one square is coated, dip it into the coconut. Repeat until all squares are coated. Place in the fridge to set, about 30 minutes.
Whip the cream and icing sugar in a bowl until thick.
To serve, slice the lamington from the top to the base until almost sliced through.
Insert a teaspoon of custard at the bottom of each cut, then top with whipped cream.
Filled lamingtons will keep in the fridge for 1-2 days. Add the kiwifruit slices just before serving. Makes about 12.
Eggs Benedict with spinach & salmon
I used a stick blender to make the Hollandaise.
Blender Hollandaise Sauce: 1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon lemon juice, warmed pinch salt
100g butter
Eggs: 2 muffin splits
100g spinach, washed and finely chopped
4 eggs
1/2 medium avocado, stoned and thinly sliced
50g sliced smoked salmon
To prepare the sauce, place the egg yolk in a small food processor or blender. Add the lemon juice and salt. Blend until smooth. Melt the butter over low heat or in the microwave. With the blender motor running, gradually pour in the butter in a thin, steady stream. Keep the sauce warm by standing the container in warm water or pouring it into a warmed vacuum flask.
Halve the muffins, then toast. Microwave or steam the spinach until limp. Squeeze dry and chop again. Poach the eggs in simmering water.
To serve, top the muffin halves with the spinach, avocado and salmon. Top with the poached eggs and the Hollandaise Sauce. Serves 2.
Baked Brie
Excellent served as a starter to dinner or for brunch.
125g round brie
1 tablespoon butter, softened
2 tablespoons flaked almonds
Place the cheese on an oven-proof plate. Spread the butter over the top and sides of the cheese. Pat the almonds on top. Refrigerate until required.
Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Place the brie and the oven-proof plate in the air fryer and cook at 180°C for 3-5 minutes until just beginning to melt. Or preheat the conventional oven to 180°C and bake for about 10 minutes. Serve with warm crusty bread and a selection of olives, sundried tomatoes and/or quince paste. Serves 2-4.
years of his 60 plus years. He seeks to maintain a level of independence as best he can, living on his own while appreciating some level of necessary home-care visits each week. We’re raising funds for Bruce is to purchase a replacement mobility scooter as this is his lifeline for getting out and about to shop for groceries, do a weekly paperround to assist making ends meet within his subsistence lifestyle, and generally sustaining some level of life beyond the four walls of his little rented house. Within those walls, Bruce has marginal mobility with the use of a customised walking frame, but as his doctor says on a scale of 1-10 (10 being extreme), Bruce is a ‘10’ a scooter being ‘essential’ since without it, he cannot get out.
We have quotes for an appropriate replacement scooter costing around $8500. For a beneficiary with little in the way of savings, that’s hard to find. Repairs and maintaining an old scooter are getting out of hand. We’re asking people to consider chipping in to the Give-A-Little page to supplement funds we hope to raise by wayof grants from local community funding organisations.
THANKS FOR CONSIDERING HELPING WITH THIS ... Every dollar counts .. ! https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/give-bruce-the-gift-of-mobility
E: greypower.cambridge@gmail.com Visitors aged 50+ keen to become Greypower members are welcome to attend
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
BELLING, Susie – Loved mother of our daughter Taleigha. Gone too soon. Rest in peace. Craig Hodgson and family
HUDSON, Jann Frances (nee Long) – Born April 27, 1939, and passed peacefully April 20, 2026, after a short illness. Loved wife of Trevor, mother of Richard and stepmother of Martin, Julian, Ben and their families. Loved sister of Robin and the late Tim, sister-in-law of the late Alex and Mary. A memorial service to be held at a later stage. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cancer Society would be appreciated. Communication to the Hudson family C/Cambridge Funerals, PO Box 844 Cambridge 3450.
McCOLL, Donald (Don)
–07.03.1932 - 22.04.2026
Passed away peacefully at Resthaven on Burns, aged 94 years, with his beloved wife Judy of 67 years by his side. Dearly loved and devoted husband of Judy for 67 years. Proud and committed father of Debra, Alistair, Vanessa, Sylvia and Jennifer and father-in-law of Christine, Ray and the late Paul. Loved and cherished Poppa & Grandad to ten treasured grandchildrenJordon, Rhea, Finn, Fergus, Lachlan, Estelle, Awhimaaia, Angelica, Erika and Hugo and great grandson Wolfe. A service to celebrate Don’s life has been held. Messages to the McColl family may be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434, or left in Don’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz.
WYERS, Alexander (Alec) –
Passed away in his 87th year on the 24th of April 2026 in Waikato Hospital, New Zealand. Beloved husband of Gillian (Birch) for 63 years. Father of John and David, father-in-law of Lesley and Sarah, much loved grandad of Jennifer, Danielle, Imogen and Serena, and Poppa to Bailee and Jack. Brother to Derek (Perth) and Kathleen (UK).
“Greatly missed by family and friends”
CAMPBELL, Julie Elizabeth – Passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle, on the 24th of April 2026 aged 76.Beloved wife of James (Jimmy), and treasured sister of Jean (Australia). A special friend to Mary, Beth and Sue. A very special thanks for all the loving care Julie received from carers and staff, past and present, at Resthaven on Vogel Street, Cambridge. As with Julie’s wishes a private cremation has taken place. Communications to Julie’s family C/- Cambridge Funerals PO Box 844 Cambridge 3450.
GEE, Anthony Charles (Tony) – Peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Saturday 25 April 2026, aged 75 years. Loved partner to Maria (despite his beard), and life friend of Lynette. Adored father and father-in-law of Nicholas and Katarzyna, Rebekah and Steven. Loved grandad of Toby and Daniel and bonus Dad to Jenna and Shannon. Took the drugs, did the IV radiation, did the chemo, and a lot more.
‘And you were waiting, waiting for the miracle to come’ A private cremation has taken place. For those who wish to keep NZ Post in business. Communications to family C/- Gibson Funerals, PO Box 501, Cambridge 3450. ‘The Dream is Gone, I Have Become Comfortably Numb’
RYAN, Brendan Daniel –Surrounded by his family, at Waikato Hospital on Monday 27 April 2026, aged 73 years. Loving father and fatherin-law of Kelly and Bevan, Rebecca and Michael, and Siobhan. Adored Grandad of Logan, Isla, Everly and Nora. A cherished and respected friend to many. A service to remember Brendan will be held at St Peter’s Catholic Church, 21 Anzac Street, Cambridge on Monday 4 May at 2:00pm, followed by refreshments. Communication to Brendan’s family C/- Gibson Funerals, PO Box 501, Cambridge 3450.
