Cambridge News | February 26, 2026

Expect the unexpected

By Mary Anne Gill

From pandemics and floods to cyber disruption, climate change and landslides, New Zealand is entering an era where shocks are no longer rare events.

If proof was needed, it came the day after Waikato University Management School hosted an Economics Forum session this month in The Pā bluntly titled The Next Big Shock.

Once-in-a-century floods hit parts of Waipā and Ōtorohanga.

Among those in the room for the forum was Waipā mayor Mike Pettit, who would declare a State of Emergency the next day.

And in January, a landslide at Mauao (Mount Maunganui) and another in Welcome Bay highlighted the growing risks posed by unstable hillsides.

The country’s biggest risk is not the disasters themselves but the failure to prepare, the panel heard.

Treasury chief strategist James Beard told the audience that a single major disaster can cost the equivalent of 10 per cent of GDP, yet New Zealand continues to treat many foreseeable events as surprises.

“A shock is often something that exceeds our capacity to cope. Preparation changes

that.”

Insurance executive Bryce Davies says floods, earthquakes and infrastructure failures should no longer be seen as unexpected.

“They are fully expected. The question is whether we’ve planned for them.”

Former Covid response leader Kiriana Brooking described crises as the collision of sudden shocks with long ignored trends, such as underinvestment in infrastructure or

emergency systems.

“Covid and Cyclone Gabrielle weren’t just shocks. They exposed decisions not made years earlier.”

Economist Martin Lally challenged the audience to think beyond headline disasters, arguing that slow burn crises like obesity, addiction and chronic disease impose far greater long term costs than many sudden events.

“Obesity is over 100 times more serious

than the most extreme forecasts. It is not much point getting bent out of shape over pandemics when you are ignoring meth and alcohol and obesity.”

For regional New Zealand, the implications are particularly acute. Smaller communities often lack the resources to absorb disruption yet are more exposed to climate and infrastructure risks.

Brooking highlighted how many households lack the means to cope with even short term supply disruptions, turning manageable events into social crises.

There was a need to shift from reactive emergency response to proactive risk management, integrating land use planning, insurance, infrastructure investment and clear rules about who pays when disaster strikes.

“We focus on response because it’s visible. But resilience is built quietly, long before anything goes wrong,” said Davies.

For businesses in Waikato, the message was direct: resilience is now a competitive advantage.

Companies and regions that plan for disruption will recover faster and suffer less when the next shock arrives.

And as the following day proved, it’s not a question of if, but when.

Mayor in heated conversation

By Chris Gardner

Waipā mayor Mike Pettit’s mobile phone and mayoral car become part of last week’s Civil Defence emergency.

Pettit had pulled over on Parallel Road to participate in one of two daily online briefings run

by the Ōtorohanga based Emergency Organisation Centre when his phone became too hot to handle.

“I had to rest it in the grass so that it could cool down and I could get it back on line. I have done a lot of phoning through this.”

He has now replaced the phone.

Then later in the week the council’s mayoral car broke down, and he resorted to taking another vehicle to a meeting in Ōtorohanga.

“All the dashboard lights came on,” he said.

Pettit used last week’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee to acknowledge his deputy

Jo Davies-Colley for her support throughout the state of emergency which was extended for a second week on Friday.

“Being in the car by yourself and trying to get everything done would actually be impossible,” he said.

“Thanks to Jo for being

there so we can get stuff done while still trying to get to places.”

“Mike’s phone has not stopped ringing,” said Davies-Colley.

She had answered a flurry of calls and texts as they responded to the disaster on the western side of the district.

Pettit also acknowledged council staff, contractors, and emergency services for their quick response to the emergency.

He urged residents to support retailers in Pirongia after the closing of State Highway 39 south of the village due to damage to Mangati Bridge.

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Trio stay in tune

Belgian pianist and composer Daniel Verstappen worked alongside music students from Cambridge High School as part of a New Zealand tour this week. Teacher of Music, Lisa Norman, said that interacting with an artist of Verstappen’s calibre was a touchstone experience for the young musicians.

“Our students can sometimes struggle in a setting outside of classical music,

like a pop band. Daniel can show them how to use their skills in another context, broadening their musical horizons.”

Verstappen will perform at the Cambridge Town Hall tomorrow with Cambridge violinist Joe Harrop – and he made a guest appearance at the Hamilton Arts Festival’s Sunset Symphony with Orchestras Central and NZ ensemble, Kulios.

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It’s the end of an era at Cambridge Police this week as our SSO - station support officer - Lisa, moves on to a new challenge within police after eight years with us. For many, Lisa has been the first point of contact at our station, greeting the public at the front counter with professionalism, empathy, and an endless supply of sound advice.

In this role, she has supported countless victims of crime and become a trusted, knowledgeable presence for both our community and our staff. She has been the central hub of our station’s wheel, keeping everything running smoothly, sharing vital local knowledge, and helping make our work easier and more effective.

We wish Lisa every success in her new role. She leaves behind big shoes to fill, and we’re proud to support her continued growth and welldeserved progression.

The front counter role is a crucial first point of contact. In Te Awamutu, we are supported by both Lisette and Heather. Our station support officers manage a wide range of enquiries every day, from lost and found property, reports of scams or fraud, and firearms licensing queries, to trespass matters, crime prevention advice, suspicious activity, crimes in progress, and family harm concerns. They bring compassion, diplomacy, and strong deescalation skills to their work When criminal matters arise, station

support officers connect community members with officers on shift to ensure appropriate followup or action. Behind the scenes, they also assist with intel, liquor licensing administration, asset management, exhibit management, and many other essential aspects of station operations. As officers, we deeply appreciate everything they do.

In other news, in Cambridge, Police arrested a male who allegedly shoplifted a trolleyload of groceries from Woolworths. He was located a short distance away, and a subsequent search uncovered drug paraphernalia and confirmed he was breaching courtimposed release conditions. He now faces related charges.

Also in Cambridge, a female took items from Briscoes before fleeing in a vehicle toward Hamilton. Staff there stopped the vehicle, recovered the items, and arrested her. She was also found to be wanted for three other shoplifting incidents and now faces several charges in court.

In Te Awamutu, Police received a report of a stolen Mazda ute in Te Kūiti, where the offender attempted to drive at a member of the public. The vehicle travelled north on SH3 before being stopped by Te Awamutu Police. The sole male occupant faces three associated charges in court.

Seeking a balance of trade

By Chris Gardner

Waipā District Council is being urged to get the balance right and remember Cambridge’s bricks and mortar stores as it reviews permitted hours of trading for mobile traders at Victoria Square.

Mobile traders are concerned their hours could be cut after council transport manager Bryan Hudson said the council had applications for 12 traders in the layby that holds three traders at a time.

Cambridge Chamber of Commerce chief executive Kelly Bouzaid said the chamber supported a well-managed, fair, and futurefocused approach to mobile trading that balanced opportunity with the long-term health of Cambridge town centre and its surrounding businesses.

“Mobile traders play a positive role in activating spaces, supporting events, and adding vibrancy,” Bouzaid said.

“When done well, they complement the experience Cambridge offers rather than compete with it. At the same time, we are mindful of our bricks-and-mortar businesses who invest year-round in leases, staffing, compliance and contributing to the local economy. Any review needs to ensure there is equity, clarity, so permanent businesses are not inadvertently disadvantaged.”

Bouzaid said it was less about “yes or no” to mobile traders, and more about where, when, what and how they add value to Cambridge. Council officers will make the final decision on individual traders and their trading hours after consulting with traders.

CAMBRIDGE HEAT PUMP SPECIALISTS

PUMP SPECIALISTS

Cambridge and surrounding areas

First Aid training

Safer Cambridge Trust has rolled out first aid training for 200 residents thanks to financial support from the Cambridge Community Board. Trust member

Eileen Hawkins urged board members to form neighbourhood support groups in their own street, and report every crime to police, since Cambridge was known for under reporting.

Weed control

Work to manage the invasive lake weed hornwort has started Lake Karāpiro. Land

Information New Zealand’s biosecurity leader Tracey Burton says the project will involve a boat and a helicopter to spray weed near boat ramps, ski lanes, and swimming spots over the coming weeks, weather permitting.

Credit given

Waikato District Council has retained its AA+ long-term credit rating and F1+ shortterm rating from Fitch Ratings, following the agency’s annual review. AA+ is the highest rating currently assigned by Fitch to a New Zealand local government agency. It reflects very strong capacity to meet financial commitments and prudent long-term financial management. It came with a negative outlook component, reflecting an economic landscape with sector-wide uncertainty, including reform and funding constraints.

Job done

Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in Auckland have been lifted.

Biosecurity New Zealand

Commissioner North Mike Inglis said no further evidence of Queensland fruit fly had been found in Mt Roskill since one was found in early January. The battle to eliminate yellow legged hornets continues, and a “red zone” for monitoring the pest has been extended beyond Glenfield after they were found in Takapuna and Forrest Hill.

Expressway job a slow burner

Major work on the Waikato Expressway is set to start on Sunday – and it will create delays for motorists for much of the rest of the year.

Transport Agency Waka Kotahi plans to reconstruct the equivalent of 62 kilometres of lanes between Cambridge and Tamahere over a 16km section of the expressway.

The work will be completed in 5km stages and is expected to finish late in the year. It will involve rebuilding structural layers topped with open grade porous asphalt which is expected to keep the expressway resilient and ready for future growth.

“While this section has received maintenance in recent years, we are completing this work now to ensure the expressway is providing the level of service people have come to expect,” Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations in Waikato and Bay of Plenty Roger Brady said.

“We know people have seen repairs along this stretch, and unfortunately the pavement, particularly in the slow lanes, has

deteriorated faster than expected. Completing this comprehensive upgrade now will reduce the need for repeated maintenance and provide a smoother and safer journey for everyone.”

The main construction

programme will see work completed in 5km sections starting at the southern interchange near Tīrau Road in the southbound lanes. During this time southbound traffic will be shifted onto one northbound lane, allowing for one lane in each direction.

The contractor, Fulton Hogan, will use this same method as they move through six stages of work.

Staged closures of the on and off ramps at the

Victoria Road Interchange at Hautapu) and Northern Interchange near Cambridge Road) will be required for some stages of the project.

Planning is also underway for resurfacing works at the southbound passing lane on State Highway 1 just before Kentucky Road in Karāpiro. These works are expected to get underway in early to mid-March and will likely involve a period of night works with stop/go traffic management.

The main highway work comes as one of the major roads in and out of Hamilton is closed for the installation of a roundabout.

The Morrinsville Rd –State Highway 26 – will remain closed at Matangi Road until May, later if weather is unkind.

The new figure of eight roundabout will ease traffic flow at both Matangi Road and Silverdale Road in Hamilton.

The closure of the link with State Highway 1C through Hamilton has resulted in more congestion in Hillcrest, where there has also been ongoing roadworks on Cambridge Road, and frustration with bus services being delayed.

New subdivision – public to have a say

By Chris Gardner

The public will be invited to have their say in May on whether a plan change should be allowed that will see nearly 1250 homes built on nearly 100 hectares on the south-eastern edge of Leamington.

Milan Park Stud Limited is seeking to rezone 98.6 hectares of land used for equine activities and grazing to allow medium-density housing.

Nearly half of the site sits within an area identified for future residential growth after 2035 is zoned deferred

residential while the balance is zoned rural.

Waipā District Council’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee recently accepted the plan change for public notification in May.

“Accepting the private plan change for processing is about transparency and giving the community a voice,” committee chair Mike Montgomerie said in a statement.

“It allows people to understand what’s being proposed, consider the potential impacts, and make a submission. Proposals like this need to be tested

through the full public planning process so the community can provide input.”

Council are beginning the formal process of public notification, submissions and hearings funded by the applicant.

“We encourage anyone who may be affected by this proposal to take part when it’s notified,” Montgomerie said. “This is how community views are considered in future planning decisions for our district.

“The final decision is expected to be made by an

independent hearing panel.”

Cambridge Connections Transport Plan executive director Katie Mayes said the fact that Cambridge was growing reinforced the need to have a 30-year view and a clear understanding of what transport initiatives are needed so Cambridge remains a great place to live.

“We don’t know exactly where and when this growth will occur, but having the Cambridge Connections Transport Plan will mean that transport initiatives can be brought on stream at the right time and in the right place to support growth.”

Call to waive rubbish fee

By Chris Gardner

Judy Browne wants to keep Cambridge beautiful and is asking Waipā District Council for help.

Browne, 75, recently established Keep Cambridge Beautiful and spoke at Cambridge Community Board’s February where she asked it to ask the council to waive the $5 fee for every bag of rubbish collected by volunteers.

“I am passionate about getting rid of waste,” the 75-year-old said.

The retired teacher who grew up on a dairy farm near Kihikihi brought one rubbish bag to the meeting with her that she had collected in 20 minutes from between the hedge and the footpath near the Velodrome.

“I am really happy to pick it up, but what do I do with it?”

“I will, of course, recycle, as much rubbish as possible, but the rubbish was contaminated with dirt and much of the plastic was disintegrating,” she told The News.

Keep New Zealand Beautiful national support manager Wayne Gazley sent Browne resources to support her initiative.

Browne asked the board whether the council could instruct its waste disposal teams to accept rubbish bags with Keep New Zealand Beautiful stickers.

She also urged the council to follow Dunedin City Council’s lead by replacing its public rubbish bins with recycling stations.

Community board

chair Charlotte FitzPatrick said she could discuss Browne’s request with council staff as part of the council’s waste minimisation programme.

“It’s a really good idea,” said Maungatautari ward councillor Mike Montgomerie.

He offered to take it back to staff for advice.

Gazley said it was left to volunteers to go cap in hand to councils to get support for cleaning up their own community.

“When approached, most councils will assist. Each has its own way of dealing with rubbish collected by volunteers,” he said.

“The most common assistance is for councils to provide their own bags with stickers which are then left by their public bins and their contractor collects it when doing their rounds.”

In Lower Hutt, a photograph of the stacked rubbish is sent directly to the council contractor who will go and collect it from whatever location it is left in.

Planning for big changes

By Chris Gardner

Waipā’s district plan will be swept away in local government reforms, councillors have heard in a workshop.

Cambridge ward councillor Roger Gordon asked who planning authority would sit with if the district plan was withdrawn.

Cambridge Connections executive director Katie Mayes said Waipā would end up with a spatial plan developed by the region’s mayors. Pirongia ward councillor Clare St Pierre asked about property owners.

“Who is going to be standing up for them? Who is going to be looking after their interest?”

The National Party led Government’s Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, introduced in December 2025, will establish what the Government is calling a modern framework for national direction, ensuring councils, iwi, and applicants experience a smooth transition and continued clarity.

“Judy shouldn’t have had to appear before the Cambridge Community Board,” Gazley said.

“Someone in council should have been able to simply say, ‘Yes and thank you for wanting to

Kapiti have their own collection team (rather than a contractor) and will respond to a phone call to collect rubbish.

volunteer to clean up our town for free.’ It would be most disturbing if the Cambridge council refused to provide bags and waive its $5 fee to her. The cost per year would be minimal for the impact she will make on the community.”

Mayes suggested staff bring a one-page submission to the council’s next Strategic Planning and Policy Committee on February 18.

Council staff have been preparing a draft Climate Change Strategy with a 10-year framework for 18 months.

Staff said roads melting at the start of the summer, algal blooms in some of the district’s lakes, and extended spring conditions has shown the need for a strategy.

Cambridge Tree Trust

Cambridge Tree Trust

www.treetrust.org.nz

Five-finger (Neopanax/ Pseudopanax arboreum)

Five-finger (Neopanax/ Pseudopanax arboreum)

Multi-tasking trees

When King Cnut commanded the tide to halt it was not to demonstrate his supernatural power, but rather to show the limits of royal or political power. Would that President Trump showed the same humility; sadly, declaring that greenhouse gases are not a threat to human health will not hold back the tide of climate change. So in the meantime what can we lesser mortals do to mitigate the effects of our increasingly hot summers? Well of course start by planting a shade tree in the back yard. Not only will it suck up a few of those greenhouse gases as it grows, but its shade will provide the coolest place on your property to lie and read a book or down a beer, or for little kids to play out of the harsh rays of the sun.

I recently noticed some fruit trees in a garden I visited which made ideal small shade trees suitable for the back yard. Often nowadays fruit trees come on dwarf rooting stock, or are espaliered along a fence, but get the real deal, give it some space to grow, prune the lower branches judiciously, and you will have a wonderful shade tree as well as beautiful blossom in spring and a crop of delicious apricots, apples or pears come autumn. Or if you want to go for evergreen, try an olive tree (as shown) with its lovely pendulous grey foliage, and get into preserving your own olives. And they’re all good for climbing too!

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.

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Just a 30-minute drive from Hamilton and 20 minutes to Cambridge. Waipiko Landing o ers easy access to major centres while maintaining the charm of life in a vibrant community.

Homes are being delivered by trusted build partners Venture Developments, Progressive Projects, and Generation Homes, o ering a mix of completed and customisable home packages to suit are available, o ering flexibility in design, size and price point.

Location: Find out more at www.waipikolanding.co.nz Neighbourhood entrance at 952 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu

Brown opens new airbase

By Mary Anne Gill

Health Minister Simeon

Brown used the opening of Life Flight’s new Waikato airbase at Hamilton Airport last week to underline the importance of well-resourced emergency services at a time when pressure on the health system continues to grow.

The purpose-built base, helped by a $1 million grant from the New Zealand Community Trust, will support time-critical aeromedical transfers across the central North Island.

“It’s wonderful to be here and just a huge congratulations to everyone -the whole team here at Life Flight - for this opening and for the amazing work they do,” Brown said at the opening.

Not-for-profit Life Flight was launched in 1982, and its fleet includes the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The Hamilton base will be home to Life Flight’s fourth fixed-wing air ambulance and is designed to improve response times for critically ill patients, including those requiring intensive care or neonatal transfers.

Brown told The News assets like the new aircraft and base were an essential

part of modern health infrastructure.

“Ultimately that’s the type of infrastructure you need to be able to deliver the services.”

Services such as Life Flight rely on public funding. Brown said the service would not operate at its current level without strong community backing.

“Health New Zealand puts significant amounts of resource into all of these services,” he said.

“But of course there are

very generous trusts and partners who support them as well, which is hugely important and plays a really important role in keeping them going.”

Brown said contracts for aeromedical services were regularly assessed.

“Each year we go through a process to look at funding and to make sure that we provide uplifts to the services which play this role,” he said.

Fixed-wing services like Life Flight operate under multi-year contracts that

ELECTRICITY DELIVERY PRICES

provide certainty. For Brown, the new Hamilton base was not just about aircraft or hangars, but about ensuring people could access the care they needed, when they needed it.

The Life Flight expansion comes against a backdrop of ageing health infrastructure nationwide, something Brown said was well recognised by the Government.

“The average age of hospital buildings is around 47 years, so there certainly

is a need for significant investment,” he said.

There was a funded pipeline of $7.5 billion in health infrastructure projects either in delivery or planning, with further work underway to modernise facilities so they could meet current and future demand.

But while large-scale hospital builds attract attention, strengthening care closer to home remained just as critical.

Primary care had received its largest funding boost to

date in last year’s Budget – around $175 million in additional funding.

“The number one issue for New Zealanders needing to access primary care is the time it takes to get a GP appointment,” he said.

Addressing that came down to workforce with initiatives under way to increase the number of doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners able to work in community settings.

“Strengthening our workforce is critical to that. We’ve got a number of actions underway, short, medium and long term, to strengthen our GP and primary care workforce so patients can get those appointments faster.”

For Waikato, Brown pointed to the planned Waikato Medical School as a cornerstone of that workforce strategy.

Training places had already been increased nationally with more to come when the medical school opens.

Producing more clinicians locally, alongside making it easier for overseas-trained doctors to work in New Zealand, was essential to easing pressure across the health system, said Brown.

Wanted: one repaired bridge

By Chris Gardner

Shareen Parker closed the doors of her Pirongia business last week after takings plummeted.

“It was worse than Covid,” said the owner of The Hive handcraft store in Franklin Street. “There was just no one around. It was like a ghost town.”

Buses and trucks stopped visiting the township when the state highway was closed in the wake of the St Valentine’s Day floods.

Mangati Bridge on SH39 between Pirongia and Ōtorohanga was severely damaged by the flooded Ngakoaohia Stream which flows from Mount Pirongia into the Waipā River.

A push by Waipā mayor Mike Pettit for district residents to take a special trip to the township on Saturday saw Parker re-open.

“Our takings are down by 80 per

cent, if not more.”

She had heard it could be three or four weeks before NZTA opens a single lane bridge for light traffic on the highway and hoped it would be much quicker.

“The locals can only do so much,” she said. “It’s a bit depressing.”

“We’ve had a few more people today,” she said on Saturday after Pettit had extended the state of emergency for a second week.

“A lot of people are saying they have heard about the campaign which is good.”

Parker also appreciated a visit from a Waipā District Council staff member who did a welfare check on her.

Across the road, at the newly built Country Bakery Café, the cabinets are full of cakes, pies and sandwiches.

“It’s very quiet,” said owner Pheap Keat. “We are 65 per cent down.”

“Buses and trucks buy more than the locals.”

Keat and his small team moved down the road to the new premises he built in July after a substantial investment.

The neighbouring CFE Organics owner Jo Whittaker took her business online and replaced staff with herself after taking just $17 last Tuesday.

The business, which opened in November, usually sells hundreds

of dollars’ worth of organic food and drink each day.

“It’s been a difficult week, but we have stayed open,” she said.

“I have just cut my staff hours and doing what we can and pushing my online store.”

Regulars come from all over the district and neighbouring Ōtorohanga district, and Whittaker appreciates the extra effort some of her clients are making to get to her.

Mountain Folk Café Retreat owner Michelle Richardson said her

$20,000 cashback PLUS free weekly fees for 12 months!*

takings were down by about two thirds.

“We did our first Saturday night dinner last week, a lot of locals were coming, and some couldn’t get here,” she said.

However, Sunday turned out to be one of her businesses biggest trading days.

“Pirongia is open for business and definitely welcoming people,” she said.

“We are taking it one day at a time.”

Get Gardening

With February nearing the end, it’s a great time for harvesting. Make the most of any excess fruit and produce by preserving and freezing for the future. It’s common for softer leaved herbs like basil, dill and coriander to go to seed very quickly in hot muggy weather so harvest the young foliage early and freeze or dry it so you have it available through the winter. In the flower garden, cut back summer flowers to encourage a fresh flush. Keep the weeds out to help prevent fungi forming on plants in this humid weather. Plants like begonias, petunias, cosmos, marigolds and rudbeckia will do well at this time of year. Start thinking about planting autumn/winter crops, like cabbage, broccoli, beetroot, spinach, carrots and leeks while the soil is warm. Happy gardening

Shakespeare for a laugh

By Viv Posselt

Waikato Summer Shakespeare performances now playing in Hamilton will be at Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Te Aroha early next month, with Waipā actors among the cast of 20.

Young Cambridge lawyer Keira McGregor plays Hero in this season’s classic romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Attending the dawn Shakespeare shows had long been a favourite theatre tradition.

“So last year, when I saw a post from the Hamilton Group Actors that they needed a last-minute Olivia fill-in for last year’s Twelfth Night, I was quick to audition. I am now super-excited for this year’s season of Much Ado.”

The annual summer event has been going since the 1990s and aims to present Shakespeare’s plays in an outdoor theatre setting that makes his works free, widely accessible and fun.

This year’s presentation is directed by Hamilton based Abigail von Ahsen. She has been involved with the summer Shakespeare season for about a decade and is adding a respectful dollop of spice set to give the production a playful twist.

“The play was supposedly one of

the inspirations for Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. So, I’ve taken the Regency setting and run with it, taking advantage of the popularity of the Bridgerton television series.”

She said the play worked well as a Regency-era piece, complete with “pretty costumes… not to mention a romantic lead in a wet, white shirt.”

That lead is Benedick, played by theatre buff and Te Awamutu police officer Philip Garrity. He has been keen on acting for most of his life, did his first Shakespeare at high school and then theatre studies and management at uni.

“Shakespeare is the best challenge an actor could have,” he said, adding how deftly it affords directors an opportunity to slip in a spot of reinterpretation… “always with a light touch”.

Rehearsals started last October and bringing the summer series beyond Hamilton has meant a heavier than usual workload for the crew.

“It always used to travel to various parks around the Waikato, but for the last few years it’s been restricted to the Hamilton Arts Festival,” von Ahsen said. “This year, we wanted to get back to our roots.”

The audience is invited to bring a picnic and indulge in audience interaction if they want.

Performances still to come are the dawn performance at Roger’s Rose Gardens in Hamilton on March 1, on March 6 and 7 in Hamilton, then at Cambridge’s Te Koo Utu on March 8, Te Awamutu War Memorial Park on March 8, and Te Aroha Domain on March 14.

Kiwis kept in the dark

By Viv Posselt

Cataract surgery far outperforms hip and knee surgery in returning quality of life to affected individuals says New Zealand eye surgeon Dr James McKelvie.

Some studies put the return on investment for the health system at 4.567 per cent.

Speaking at a Cambridge U3A meeting this month, the consultant ophthalmologist said 30 to 40 million cataract surgeries were performed globally each year – including 40,000 in New Zealand – making it the most frequently performed surgical procedure.

Despite those numbers, the $170 million New Zealand spends on cataract surgery is a small fraction of its annual $30 billion plus health budget.

“That is low compared to other OECD countries,” he said. “That amount per person is well below that of similar countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, who spend roughly three times that amount.”

Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts, McKelvie said, and the procedure – typically performed under local anaesthetic and taking roughly 15 minutes – has a profound and immediate effect on patients that extend well beyond improved vision.

McKelvie said the technology around eye surgery was

advancing at an explosive rate, and now incorporated artificial intelligence (AI), which was used to analyse surgery in real time and help improve the training of surgeons.

He outlined the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists. After completing a four-year degree, optometrists generally focus on vision correction through glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose basic eye conditions. There are around 1500 in New Zealand. Ophthalmologists, of whom there are only about 150 in the country, can undertake up to 20 years of education. As fully qualified medical doctors and surgeons, they deal with a range of eye diseases and perform surgery.

The shortage of qualified ophthalmologists in New Zealand impacts the country’s ability to lessen waiting times for important surgical procedures, he said, among them glaucoma – when the condition is serious enough to warrant surgery – and corneal surgery.

There are about 500 to 1000 people awaiting corneal transplants in New Zealand a year and one to three years was the typical wait time, he said. Those numbers are impacted not only by a shortage of expertise –there are only about 20 corneal surgeons in the country, of which McKelvie is one – but

primarily by a shortage of donated corneal tissue.

“That is because we have to transplant live tissue, which means we have to wait for donations of corneal tissue from recently deceased individuals, primarily through the New Zealand Eye Bank,” he explained, “and there is only a very small window of opportunity in which to do the transplant.”

He said about 25 per cent of the corneas available for this purpose in New Zealand come from just one hospice, and urged people to consider donations. They can be arranged through the New Zealand Eye Clinic.

“It can be transformational for those who receive the transplant,” he said. “Eye surgery can really change lives. It is widely acknowledged that vision is one of those things that is very closely related to our quality of life.”

No quarter given…

By Chris Gardner

Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree Morgan will deliver a monthly report to Cambridge Community Board after responding to push back from fellow councillor Pip Kempthorne.

Kempthorne asked: “I know you’re questioning us on a monthly briefing, but could you achieve that on a quarterly basis?”

Morgan replied: “How much does the community board engage with Māori communities, to reflect the interest of all communities being reflected at this table?”

“Taken,” was Kempthorne’s response.

Morgan said Ngāruawāhia Community Board, of which she is an elected member, received a monthly Māori ward report and she had discussed doing the same at Cambridge Community Board with Maungatautari ward councillor Mike Montgomerie and board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick.

“We have the Māori

THE DENTURE MAN

ward come and present a report every month and I thought it could be something that we could introduce here, considering I bring a strong voice from these communities, and I don’t often see the communities I bring a voice for around this table or in this space,” she said.

Morgan recognised significant people lost over the summer including Cambridge teacher Whaea Sophie Tipene, Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust co-founder Robyn Waitangi Nightingale, and chief Karaitiana Mac Tamatea.

In her report Morgan said she wished to get to know board members as the year progresses and understand the communities Māori had synergies with.

She also encouraged the board to visit marae.

“Most Māori community members are unaware of the community board or the members who represent them,” Morgan said.

“How will the Cambridge Community Board engage with Māori communities?

Does the board have an events calendar that includes Māori kaupapa led events?

“How can we work together on interrelationships and wider hapū, iwi, and marae community relationships as the board and Māori ward role.”

FitzPatrick invited Morgan to send her report to her.

“We’d love to have a regular update, and make sure we have regular opportunities to engage with you in the community,” she said.

Earlier in the year Morgan, whose Waipā District Council Māori ward seat will be abolished at the next election, said she doubted she will stand in a general ward because it would go against her principles.

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Planning ahead Te Huia stays on track

The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will extend the Te Huia trial for a further 12 months at the 60 per cent funding assistance rate.

Lindsey Horne, spokesperson for lobby group The Future is Rail said the decision reflects strong support for the Waikato–Auckland passenger rail service from central government, local councils and the wider community.

She said it was “fantastic news” for passengers and for the Golden Triangle –Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.

Waikato Regional Council had sought an extension to allow patronage to recover following disruption from Covid-19 and major Auckland rail works, and to test the benefits of improved access into central Auckland once the City Rail Link is operational.

By Charlotte FitzPatrick, Chair, Cambridge Community Board

Cambridge is changing. The question is, are we talking about it enough?

Ask almost anyone why they chose to live in Cambridge, and you’ll hear the same themes. The sense of community. The character and the trees. The way people stop and talk in the street. The river walks, the parks, the schools, the sports clubs and the feeling that this is a town where people still look out for one another.

For many of us, that’s what Cambridge felt like 20 years ago, and it’s what we want it to feel like 20 years from now.

It’s important to acknowledge that Waipā District Council is required by central government to provide for growth, through the National Policy Statement on Urban Development. That growth, however, is not meant to be unplanned or disconnected from community values. Through the development of Ahu Ake – the Waipā Community Spatial Plan - Waipā was clear about what matters most: protecting the character, identity and liveability of our towns and villages as they evolve. Those aspirations are at the heart of the concerns being raised now.

Proposed Private Plan Change 37, which was lodged in December and accepted for processing under the Resource Management Act, seeks to rezone land on the southeastern side of Leamington from rural and deferred residential to medium density residential. If approved, around 1250 new homes would be built on the edge of town. There’s no question this is a proposal of significant scale, and with that scale comes significant impact on town character, transport, infrastructure, services and schools.

Acceptance to notify doesn’t determine the outcome, but it does trigger a formal assessment and public submissions process. Cambridge is already experiencing growth pressures. Adding development of this scale before there is any clarity and commitment about how infrastructure will keep pace strains and devalues the very things that make Cambridge a great place to live.

Once rural land is rezoned and developed, those changes are permanent. It’s not unreasonable for the community to ask whether the scale and form of this proposal aligns with Cambridge’s values, or whether it risks fundamentally altering them.

The Community Board intends to oppose the private plan change and to continue advocating for a more considered, coordinated approach to growth.

The community is also being asked to engage in the second phase of Cambridge Connections to shape how we move around Cambridge over the next 30 years. A major growth proposal landing during this engagement makes the need for joined-up planning even more obvious.

This phase of Cambridge Connections is about responding to agreed problem statements by building a long list of ideas and potential solutions. The goal is to capture the full range of community ideas before options are tested and refined. If we want to retain the Cambridge we love, now is the time for you to speak up. Take part in the consultation and submission processes underway, and share your views directly with the Community Board.

RUNOUT

Cambridge Connections Update

Cambridge Connections is a project that will shape transport for the next 30 years.

We want your ideas!

GIVE FEEDBACK:

Scan the QR Code:

Go to: waipadc.govt.nz/cc-feedback

Share your solutions – big and small, for now and the future

Email: cambridgeconnections@waipadc.govt.nz

Pick up a form from Council offices or libraries

Feedback closes 8am on Monday, March 9

Remember you can make as many submissions as you like, so if you have further thoughts, feel free to jump back into the chat!

Is a bus service within Cambridge really possible?

One of the most popular ideas for transport in Cambridge has been to create a bus service around town – and we’ve got some good news!

Public transport is one of the most effective ways of reducing congestion and pollution, and means that people can get to places without having to hunt for a park.

Waipā District Council has been partnering with Waikato Regional Council on a detailed study about what could work in Cambridge, and have come up with four possible options:

• Fixed-route services – a local service with stops around town and a regular timetable.

• On-demand services – book a ride in a smaller vehicle when you need it.

• Hybrid services – a mix of fixed routes with some on-demand flexibility.

• Subsidised services – this might be a subsidised taxi service or charitable health shuttle, where a traditional bus might not be viable.

When planning a bus service, we need to balance getting people to places quickly, with having enough stops to be convenient. We also need to think about being frequent, reliable, and plan for future growth. For example, with Hautapu becoming a significant industrial hub, do we want a commuter service that stops there?

LEARN MORE

Go online to watch a video on public transport in Cambridge – out today!

GOT IDEAS

Question one of our survey asks for your ideas about more ways to get around. Make sure you share your feedback!

Corruption and lobbying

By Peter Nicholl

Last year, the government set up an anticorruption taskforce to look at the processes New Zealand had in place for dealing with corruption and fraud.

The reason was that for a long time, New Zealand had been first or second in the annual global corruption index prepared by Transparency International but in their 2025 index we had dropped to fourth behind Denmark, Finland and Singapore.

The Taskforce report should cause even more concern.

It revealed we had significant gaps in the detection, prevention and intervention in fraud and corruption issues. The report also found many government agencies tried to deal with issues rather than refer them to law enforcement agencies. Part of the motivation for that was trying to avoid publicity.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ENTER

What this Taskforce report shows is that New Zealand sailed along as one of the least corrupt countries in the world not because we had strong anti-corruption processes but because most New Zealanders are, or at least were, inherently honest.

Lobbying is increasing as a feature of our political landscape. Some would say that shows our political scene is becoming more sophisticated.

But in a report on New Zealand prepared by the OECD last year said New Zealand was well away from international best practice when it came to regulating lobbying.

It said allowing short cooling off periods between work in the public and private sectors and allowing widespread lobbying carries risks of ‘excessive politicisation, nimbyism, inaction and regulatory capture’. These are characteristics of corrupt societies.

I find it worrying how many former politicians end up with positions with lobbying firms or on government boards and agencies.

It seems to me that such appointments have become much more common in recent years.

The appointment of Judith Collins to the position of president of the Law Commission while she is still in parliament is a recent example.

Judith Collins clearly has the legal qualifications and experience for this job. But the commission is required to give ‘independent’ advice to the government.

How can someone who has been actively and prominently involved in politics for a long time and has shown she has strong views on lots of issues be considered to be ‘independent’? Also, the appointment process didn’t allow anybody else to apply.

Some countries have shown how quickly corruption can increase if inherent attitudes change and strong anti-corruption policies are not in place.

For example, the United Kingdom was ranked as the 10th least corrupt country in 2020. In 2025, it ranked 20th. The United States’ highest ranking was 14th in 2000. They stayed around this position in the rankings for the next 15 years. But since then, their ranking has declined steadily and in 2025 they were ranked 29th.

New Zealand needs to ensure it doesn’t emulate the UK and US and have our slide down the corruption rankings continue and accelerate.

It’s a slippery slope. We are at the top of that slippery slope.

Impressive - or barely useful?

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

Barely-useful sounds like a name bestowed upon some pilgrim entering a strange religious commune.

Writing this however, my thoughts were actually drifting to endless quirky innovations intended to make life easier, though proving functionally useless. Recently I bought a handheld battery-powered milk ‘frother, pitched as a nifty ‘must-have’ kitchen aid for coffeemaking. It got used twice before its demotion to a drawer, then it disappeared. A commentary on its usefulness.

Maybe you’ve seen ‘self-stirring’ mugs or battery-powered spice mills..? These sorts of products aim to eliminate simple daily chores, instead they’re often impractical and annoying. A significant frivolous flop would have to be the Segway Personal Scooter. Remember the marketing hype they received before being unveiled in December 2001?

Faulty technology resulted in injuries and recalls. Bans were partly to blame, but Segway’s over-the-top promotional pitch was its undoing. They were endorsed by Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos as ‘individual transportation units’ that would revolutionise everyone’s life. Expectations were so high that Segway neglected actually defining its sales niche. The product sold until 2020 but pedestrians voted with their feet - deeming them much more efficient and cost-effective. E-scooters are now enjoying popularity, being 90-95 per cent cheaper than the original Segway - and generally offering better, more practical performance.

‘Impressive’- but ‘barely-useful’ might also be applied by some, to a remarkable church being built in Spain. Impressive is an understatement for the ‘Sagrada Família’ in Barcelona. Completion is scheduled for June, 144 years after construction began and coinciding with

the 100th anniversary of the death of its architect Antoni Gaudí.

Originally meant to be a simple Roman Catholic Church, it was later designated a ‘cathedral’ until 2010 when Pope Benedict XVI upgraded it to Basilica status, honouring its historical and artistic significance. It is built mostly in stone and the visionary architect anticipated his complex tower designs could only be implemented over time as building technology advanced and forged his vision into reality. As the world’s tallest church, its central tower is 170 metres tall. Gaudi believed nothing man-made should be taller than God’s creation - thus it is one metre shorter than a nearby mountain.

Friends visiting Sagrada Familia marvelled at its size, its artistry and interior pillars which resembling trees which change (as trees do) the higher they get. I appreciate artistry and magnificent architecture but find myself struggling to defend this elaborate edifice’s purposefulness. What is it celebrating?

Solomon, another great edifice builder, built one of the world’s seven wonders of his day. The Jewish Temple of Jerusalem. But God, as the object of their worship asked rhetorically, ““Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or what is the place of My rest?” Magnificent buildings aren’t necessary for encountering Him. Ultimately they’ll all disappear.

So who does God dwell with? He explains it’s with people who have put their love and trust in Him - stating that human beings are His eternal ‘temple’, He declares, “I dwell in the high and holy place with whoever is of a contrite and humble spirit…”

ON SHAKY GROUND

Changing behaviours

By Janine Krippner

I met with a group of science communicators, a mix of science writers and scientists who also do communication work like me. I love hearing what other people are learning and working on and over three hours I left with a bunch of new fun facts.

Sitting in Wellington, with notable faults and the Hikurangi subduction zone nearby, the conversation landed on how we might experience a large earthquake and what we do to prepare.

It is interesting to see how our behaviours have changed with information, which includes stories from people who have been through in these events. We know that information on how to be prepared means little if we do not act on it.

For the Hikurangi subduction zone, there is a 25% chance of a major event in the next 50 years.

For the Alpine Fault there is a 75% probability of an earthquake occurring in the next 50 years. Those do not sound like insignificant odds to me, that is a real possibility.

We are also very aware that the earthquake itself would only be the beginning. Significant earthquakes can lead to tsunamis, landslides, liquefaction, and fires. The recovery after a major event is long and tough. We saw this with Christchurch.

Those of us who work in disasters fields know that we can’t expect to receive help for a while.

Emergency response crews cannot get around to everyone in a matter of days, they must set priorities with their limited funding and resources. International help may be required. There may also be physical barriers to getting to your location.

We know that our neighbours will be our

first responders, and we will be theirs. We cannot change the hazard, but we can change our behaviours. This is where our power lies.

I am mostly settled in Wellington now and am slowly working on collecting things for an emergency kit. So far, this has been grabbing the extra item when out shopping and looking for items like a battery-operated radio.

I have plenty of cat food and litter, and I am stocked up on medications. Having cash is important in case power or internet goes down and we cannot use electronic payments.

Someone suggested a rope ladder for those of us in apartment buildings, and another already had rope in her kit. Others hadn’t thought about preparing it at all. I urged them, like I do with you, to check out getready.govt.nz and go through the list of recommended items. We can also get to know our neighbours, something I have not yet done.

Another suggested masks and eye protection, like simple swimming goggles, to protect from dust if we find ourselves working with rubble. I recommended having shoes near the bed in case broken glass ends up on the floor. Simple actions. While this often passes through my mind here, especially having felt three earthquakes since I moved, the point isn’t to be stressed or anxious. It is calm preparation, just in case. It is knowing that these simple actions I take now could make a big difference if a large earthquake or other event hit. It is empowering myself.

Negotiating the ‘Nuku’ track

New Zealand Outdoor Instructors’ Association Bush Leader and senior writer Chris Gardner was among a group of St Valentine’s Day trampers on the King Country’s Nuku Walk as the devastating storm raged to the north.

A gentle rain fell softly on my weary face as I tramped into Back Bay at Nukuhakari Station.

The Nuku Nine had successfully completed the first 13km leg of the Nuku Walk across an extensive sheep and beef station in Waikawau in without a soaking.

Our group consisted of five Upper North Island friends enjoying a weekend break, a retired English couple, my wife Liz and myself.

We had all met for the first time the night before at Red Cottage where our host Bridget St George welcomed us fresh from her Mōkau yoga class. She took the time to ask each of us how we had ended up in her cottage preparing for a three-day walk.

Bridget and her husband Hamish Nelson opened the private walk for the first time this summer and had hosted more than 700 people.

With an early afternoon

thunderstorm forecast on Friday, we decided over Thursday dinner to get on the track early the next morning and try and beat the worst of the weather to our coastal accommodation.

The next morning Bridget handed a VHF radio and Personal Locator Beacon to our tail end Charlie and briefed us on how to use them. The radio proved useful hours later when one of our group realised they had left something in their cabin.

Rainstorm clouds gathered to the north of Mount Whareorino as we set off, reminding us of the received wisdom that if you can see the mountain it’s going to rain and if you can’t see the mountain, it’s already raining.

Despite the clouds it was warm, and the gradual climb up farmland towards the mountain was thirsty work so I sipped on the straw of my

water bladder. We went up until we reached the base of the unspoiled native bush clad extinct volcano.

Some of the group rushed on, following the track marked by posts and arrows, while some took a more considered approach to the walk.

The bush was prehistorically beautiful; the new walking track still being established. It was interesting to see it through the eyes of our British visitors.

We were prepared for rain, wearing quick dry clothes, and I carried a waterproof jacket and emergency shelter should the weather surprise us. And surprise us it did. The forecast thunderstorm arrived much later in the day than anticipated, when we were safely under cover cooking dinner, and returned overnight waking only a few of us. Little did we know of the carnage unfolding up the road. It wasn’t until the next day, when we

got fleeting cell phone coverage, that we learned of the death of a driver in floodwaters and the closure of roads.

It took us six hours, including an estimated hour for breaks and lunch, to walk the first leg to the bay where our bags were waiting for us in a good, old A-frame style bach.

The drizzle evaporated while some of the group went for a dip in

the sea while Liz and I took a long stroll along the beach in a northerly direction.

Then the rain arrived. Not too heavy, but damp enough to warrant a change of shirt when we got back to our accommodation.

There we whiled away the evening, sharing jokes and stories and making friends.

AUTO DIRECTORY

Towing tips

Towing boats, caravans, or trailers requires extra care. Before setting o , double-check the coupling, safety chain, and electrical plug.

Make sure your trailer lights - indicator, brake, and tail - are working properly. Evenly distribute weight over the axle and tie items securely, keeping heavier objects low.

Tyres on trailers often sit unused for months, so inspect them for cracks or at spots or any signs of perishing. While driving, increase following distance and take corners wide to prevent sway.

Don’t forget, you may need to increase or decrease the tyre pressure on both the tow vehicle and the tow, to give you ideal conditions for towing – if in doubt, check with your local tyre shop. Practise reversing in a quiet space before heading out. Make sure your tow vehicle has fresh anti-freeze in the radiator which helps stop it from overheating.

Cricket honours go to Wolland

By Steph Bell-Jenkins

Hugh Wolland couldn’t have asked for a better start to his 2026 cricket season last Saturday as his Cambridge High School team took on Hamilton Boys’ High School’s U19 Senior Gold at home.

The year 13 first XI spin bowler took five wickets and scored 43 not out to help Cambridge secure a five-wicket victory in perfect summer conditions. Wolland’s name will be added to the school’s bowling honours board.

Other notable performances came from Zak Anderson, who scored 48 runs, and his younger brother Jay, who also came tantalisingly close to notching up a half-century before he was caught and bowled by Jenith Udawatta on 49.

The brothers also featured in the field, Zak taking a stumping with the keeping gloves, and Jay offering a pair of safe hands under a sky-high shot to help Wolland secure his fifth wicket.

Cambridge High’s only female team member, year 12 spinner Elin Gainsford took three wickets from seven overs. Left-arm spin bowler Flynn Jenkins celebrated a wicket with his first ball for the 1st XI when Manaaki Bruce caught a ball chipped to point by Varun Dasari. Bruce was also notable for his economical bowling. He conceded 11 runs from his six overs.

In the end, the home side chased down Hamilton’s 171-run total in 40.4 overs, finishing on 174 with five wickets still in hand.

Meanwhile, also playing at home, the Cambridge High Colts fell short of a win against Hamilton Boys’ High School U16 Colts Maroon by 22 runs.

The home team restricted their opposition to 167-7 off 40 overs and was all out for 145.

Joshua Barbour, on debut, took two wickets in his four-over bowling spell and opened the batting for the Colts, scoring 32 runs from 68 balls.

Spotlight on Cambridge

Five Stags Leamington is the home of Stonegrill in the Waikato Cook your meat to perfection on a 400 degree stone Available daily for lunch and dinner

FIVE STAGS

Five Stags at 9 Campbell St in Leamington is styled on a hunting lodge; where you can enjoy the warmth of a re, catch the game with mates over a few drinks or enjoy their well-known menu featuring some of the best foods New Zealand has to o er from slow roasted beef, venison burgers, pork ribs, to southern fried chicken, and the best fresh sh.

JOE’S GARAGE

Joe’s Garage, at 107 Swayne Rd – “halfway between the high school and the motorway,” is part of a nation-wide franchise. From cooked breakfast, a good range of burgers, sh and chips, pizza, and steak meals, to a wide variety in the cabinet of sweet and savoury, hot and cold foods, Joe’s Garage open seven days a week, will have something to suit.

ZOOMIES

Zoomies Doggy Daycare is set in park like grounds just outside of Cambridge. Zoomies has 3 indoor/outdoor areas with dedicated small and big dog environments to suit everybody’s needs. Regular Open Days, enrolment forms available www.zoomiescambridge.co.nz

Rugby’s new alumni club

By Jesse Wood

Former King Country coach and 2026 Hautapu head coach Isaac Boss is one of many rugby lovers across the Waipā and King Country to be excited by the new Ruakura Rugby Football Club.

Ruakura RFC is Super Rugby’s first kindred club, under the umbrella of the Chiefs. It won’t field teams.

They have a ready-made clubroom at the Ruakura Campus and Squash Club, complete with honours boards and memorabilia.

Ōhaupō-raised longtime Chiefs employee Kent Currie was given the opportunity to be club manager.

“Ruakura RFC is something we’ve put together to ensure that when people do their time with the Chiefs, they then graduate into our club and have a connection with the Chiefs forever,” Currie said.

“We’ve got over 100 members now. The majority of them being former players. They’ve all bought into the concept of rekindling old friendships, getting together, telling a few stories and creating new friendships within the Chiefs family.”

Former players, coaches, team management, staff, board members and shareholders receive a complimentary legacy membership, while 250 foundation memberships are available for the wider public.

After a soft launch pre-Christmas, former players and staff members including Boss, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Richard Kahui, Liam Messam, Sir Wayne Smith and Nathan White have signed up.

“A lot of people have made some pretty important decisions throughout our history

and it’s important that we don’t forget those people,” Currie said.

“The players earn the right to represent the Chiefs. The coaches are the same and it’s no different for any of the staff that are in the office. A lot of them come through club and provincial union administration.”

Chiefs player 94, Boss represented the franchise 21 times across 2001, 2003 and 2004.

He said Ruakura RFC is a good way to engage the past players.

“The Chiefs have evolved over the years. Coming from its early days in the ‘90s to what it is now, you can almost feel disconnected sometimes,” Boss said.

“It’s really cool that the Ruakura RFC is

going to keep us all connected.

“We had such great times together in the past. There aren’t many things where you get an excuse to catch up and see everyone from those days.”

Ruakura RFC have their first event this weekend, tying in with the Chiefs v Crusaders clash in Hamilton.

“It has its own little identity which is pretty cool,” Boss said.

“It’s another great avenue for us to keep that old camaraderie going because there’s less and less opportunities to do that these days.”

University of Waikato pro vice-chancellor management and former New Zealand Rugby Board member Jennifer Kerr is one of

the club’s board members.

Born-and-bred at Ōpārau, Kerr still has a strong connection with the King Country.

“My Dad played for Waitete in Te Kūiti. When I was a New Zealand Rugby Board member 2020-2022, the first game I attended before NPC was always Waitete playing at home,” Kerr said.

“I think the kindred club provides a great forum for people who have been involved in Chiefs and Chiefs Manawa rugby to reconnect.”

Currie said it’s an opportunity to keep the alumni connected, while inspiring the next generation and giving back to the community game.

“We want to be seen to be supporting the community game in some way, shape or form - giving back to the game that we love,” Currie said.

As an example, Pirongia Rugby Sports Club is celebrating 150 years this year.

“We want to support them, whether that’s an auction item or something like that,” Currie said.

“Or I’d love to go to Ōhaupō Rugby Sports Club and help with a fundraising function that’s going to help their junior players. Or why not go to Hautapu and celebrate all the Chiefs that have gone through the club?

“Or we could go to the King Country and celebrate Paul Mitchell, Dion Mathews, Cortez Ratima and Josh Lord.

“A lot of these Chiefs are household names. Not only are they iconic names of Chiefs rugby and New Zealand rugby but they’re actually just humble New Zealanders.

“They like giving back to their community where they’ve come from. Part of what this club is about is creating a platform for that.”

Walker retains BMX title

Leila Walker has defended her elite women’s title at the Oceania BMX Racing Championships in Brisbane.

The 20-year-old Olympian from the Cambridge BMX Club rider finished level on points with Rotorua’s Megan Williams after a three-moto competition.

Walker, who had the fastest lap time of the event, was awarded the title on overall points, to retain the title she won in New Plymouth last year.

She and Williams were too strong for the Australians at the Sleemans BMX facility in Brisbane, which will host the UCI BMX Racing World Championships this year.

Walker was pleased to get some quality racing in the legs in her first competition since last year.

“It started out slowly. It has been a long time between drinks,” she said. “It’s been six months since our last international race. I found my rhythm towards the end, I knocked off the nerves and got the race day done,”

Australian riders dominated the elite men’s competition won by Jesse Asmus over Olympian Isaac Kennedy. North Harbour’s Michael Bias pipped Bennett Greenough of Cambridge for sixth. The podium chances for both kiwis were thwarted with a crash in the final.

Another Cambridge rider, Brooke Penny, finished second in the under-23 women’s contest, racing with the elite women, while the Cambridge pair of Jack Greenough and Finn Cogan were seventh and eighth respectively in the under-23 men.

Again, a fall hindered the hopes for the kiwis with Cogan crashing and Greenough caught in the aftermath.

Whangarei club rider Tyla

Dinsdale led the kiwi riders in the junior men finishing fourth after three third placings in his motos and Nico Cogan of Cambridge was fifth.

The New Zealand pair of Madeleine Hunter (Mountain Raiders) and Azaria Thornley (North Avon) finished fifth and sixth respectively in the junior women’s competition.

The World Championships in July are expected to attract around 3000 competitors.

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Wood’s golden moment

By Joshua Smith

Ellerslie’s Saturday meeting proved was momentous for Chris Wood, who celebrated his 500th training victory in New Zealand.

“It was a big thrill... to bring it up with a Group Two race was very good,” Cambridge based Wood said after That’s Gold’s win in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m)

Wood also experienced plenty of success across the Tasman.

“I have had quite a few (wins) in Australia,” he said. “I trained a winner on Melbourne Cup Day three times, Cox Plate Day three times and Caulfield Cup Day twice, so I have had a good run over there as well.

“I had a stable at Mornington for a couple of years but decided to close that and concentrate on New Zealand.”

Wood has enjoyed more than four decades in the industry, which all began thanks to his sister’s pony.

“My sister had a pony and Royce Dowling used to come and shoe it,” Wood said. “Royce Downing was a good trainer and he looked at me

one day and said, ‘you are pretty small, have you ridden a horse?’, I said I had ridden my sister’s pony a few times, so he said I better come and have a ride on a racehorse, and it went from there.”

A subsequent career as a jockey included flat and jumps racing.

Wood had 86 wins in the saddle and he was particularly successful over jumps, and won Wellington Steeplechases on Long Acre and Mr Hickey.

He transitioned to a career as a trainer and he has enjoyed four decades in that role.

“It’s a natural progression to try and be a trainer after being a jockey. I was in partnership with a guy in Hamilton called Graeme Marshall for about a year and then I came over to Cambridge on my own, leased a place and ended up buying the place, and that is where we are now.”

While he is enjoying a great ride with That’s Gold, looking back, Wood said a few of his former equine athlete’s standout.

“I had a couple of good three-year-olds, one year after

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the other, in Allegro and Al Akbar,” he said. “I had a good staying horse in Kaapstad Way who ran second in the Caulfield Cup (Gr.1, 2400m) and fourth in the Melbourne Cup (Gr.1, 3200m) in 2000.

Wood is experiencing his best season in recent years. He is on 10 wins, including two at stakes level, both of which were recorded by That’s Gold, while his $175,000 winner’s purse in the $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) significantly added to his season’s earnings.

“It’s nice to have a really good team of horses around me at the moment, which is a big help,” he said. - Loveracing NZ

Across 1. Cheep (5)

4. Rural (6)

7. Winning serve (3)

8. Fractured (6) 9. Larder (6) 10. Slaughter (8) 12. Expectation (4) 13. Flood (6) 15.

Last week

Inhibit, curb (7)

Avaricious (6)

Strainer (5)

(7-6)

(3)

Across: 1. Robust, 4. Amused, 9. Genre, 10. Install, 11. Expense, 13. Evil, 14. Concentrate, 17. Liar, 18. Stencil, 21. Precise, 22. Realm, 24. Nettle, 25. Blurry.

Down: 1. Ragged, 2. Bun, 3. Sheen, 5. Mishear, 6. Statistic, 7. Dull, 8. Hide-and-seek, 12. Prominent, 15. Cordial, 16. Clumsy, 19. Enrol, 20. Spin, 23. Air.

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Goodbye to slow cooking with Jan Bilton

It’s been 40 years since microwave ovens were introduced to New Zealanders. Although microwaves had been used in America since the early 1950s, it wasn’t until their modernisation in the seventies that microwave ovens rode a real wave of success. Cooks queued for lessons as it was a totally new kitchen concept. Conventional ovens generate heat — microwaves don’t. They generate microwaves that cause the molecules in food to jump about and get very excited. This agitation creates the heat that cooks the food.

Vegetables, fish and sauces are ideally suited to microwave cooking. Because vegetables are cooked in a small amount of water, they retain most of their nutrients and are colourful, crisp and tasty. Fish retains its moistness and flavour. And sauces cooked in jugs in the microwave don’t ‘catch’ on the base as in traditional saucepan cooking.

Microwave cooking hints.

• Check the wattage of your oven. The higher the wattage, the quicker it will cook. Most recipes are developed for 1000-watt ovens.

• Just as in conventional cooking, foods are best stirred or turned during microwave cooking.

• Unlike conventional cooking, the more food you microwave, the longer it will take.

• Chilled foods take longer to cook than room-temperature foods.

Best Butter Chicken

Coconut cream or yoghurt could replace the cream.

500g skinned and boned chicken breasts

Marinade: 2 tablespoons each: plain unsweetened Greek yoghurt, tandoori paste

2 cloves garlic, crushed freshly ground black pepper to taste

Sauce: 1 tablespoon canola oil

1 medium onion, diced

50g packet Indian butter chicken spice paste

2 tablespoons each: tomato paste, water 1/4 cup cream

Cut the chicken into 3cm cubes. Place in a plastic bag. Combine the marinade ingredients and add to the chicken. Move the chicken around so it is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 2 hours.

To prepare the sauce, place the oil and onion in a large (2-litre) microwave jug or bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes, until the onion is softened. Stir in the butter chicken spice paste and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth. Microwave for 30 seconds. Add the chicken and marinade and mix well. Cover and cook for 6 minutes on high (1000-watt oven). Stir halfway through. Test for doneness. Stand for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Great garnished with a few fennel seeds and some long-thread coconut. Serves 4.

A meal in one jug. I used a 2-litre Pyrex jug and covered it with a silicone lid.

400g can diced tomatoes in juice

1/2 can water

2 x 250g packets 90-second long grain rice or similar

1 orange or yellow capsicum, seeded and diced

100g smoked chorizo, skinned and sliced

1/2-1 teaspoon each: Cajun spice, smoked paprika or to taste

8 large raw prawns, shelled and deveined

1 cup frozen peas

flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pour the tomatoes into a large microwave jug. Rinse the can

out with the water and add. Stir in the rice. Add the capsicum, chorizo, Cajun spice and smoked paprika. Cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes.

Add the prawns and peas. Stir well. Cover and microwave for another 6 minutes, or until the prawns turn pink and the peas are cooked. Stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4.

Thai-style fish

Aromatic and moreish. Crushed green peppercorns could be added to the soy sauce mixture for extra zing.

700g skinned and boned thick white fish fillets

2 tablespoons each: thick soy sauce, grated root ginger

1 tablespoon cornflour

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 rasher middle bacon, finely chopped

1-2 tablespoons canola oil

6 button mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 long chilli, seeded and thinly sliced

Garnish: coriander leaves, sliced mint and/or basil leaves

Divide the fish into four portions. Place in a single layer in a shallow microwave casserole.

Combine the soy sauce, ginger, cornflour, garlic and bacon. Add a little canola oil to make a paste. Spread the mixture over the fish and a little along the sides.

Top the fish with the mushrooms and chilli. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Stand for 2 minutes before serving. Serve topped with the fresh herbs. Serves 4.

Going. Going. GONE Lifestyle buyers are back!

Last week, Team Moore took 5 stunning lifestyle properties to the annual auction BDO event. Interest has been strong, with 9 bidders competing and 8 bids received - the results speak for themselves.

Even more importantly, we have buyers who missed out. If you’ve been thinking about selling, now could be the perfect time - our active, motivated buyers are still looking and we need Moore properties to put in front of them.

Cottage Charm Meets Modern Comfort

Auction

96 Moore Street, Leamington

- Bedrooms are light-filled, comfortable, and generously sized. The master suite enjoys dual access to a stylish ensuite featuring a deluxe bathtub for long soaks and a tiled shower for everyday ease.

Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 11.00 - 11.30am

Picture Perfect Character in Cambridge East

- 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms set on a generous 1,012m² fenced section.

- A powered pergola creates a sunny outdoor entertaining area.

- One of the most charming surprises, a character-filled standalone cottage, featuring a studio space with its own shower and toilet. Open Homes

1.00 - 1.30pm

Family Home or Investment Opportunity

30 Ruru Street, Cambridge

- Built in 2021, well-maintained home is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac.

- A large separate living room, open-plan living/dining area, double internal-access garage, low maintenance section. Open Homes Saturday 2.00-2.30pm & Sunday 3.30 - 4.00pm

Enchanting Family Home

Superior and Elegant Townhouse Negotiation

109C Taylor Street, Cambridge

- Beautifully designed townhouse, complete with a private courtyard.

- Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the interior in natural light.

- Upstairs, includes an office nook & 3 generous double bedrooms.

Homes Saturday 11.00 - 11.30am & Sunday 12.00 - 12.30pm

Character and Charm on Chaucer

- 2 spacious and comfortable lounges - Gas fire in one lounge and heat pump in the other.

- Open plan dining area with retro mini bar to delight entertainers.

- Standalone portable 12m² outside office with heat pump. Open Homes Saturday & Sunday 1.00 - 1.30pm

- Spacious open plan dining and living with copious indoor-outdoor flow, a covered terrace has hosted long summer evenings.

- Master suite with its own ensuite, walk-in robe and garden access.

- Large separate lounge and dedicated office.

Open Home Sunday 2.00 - 2.30pm

- Quietly placed at the end of a peaceful and private right-of-way. - A heat pump keeps things cosy year-round, while large sliding doors invite the sunshine in and lead you to a private, north-facing garden.

- Step inside to a welcoming separate lounge, offering a cosy retreat.

- Light-filled kitchen is an entertainer’s dream - complete with a spacious scullery and super handy second sink.

- Modern comforts- lawn irrigation, solar panels and ducted aircon.

Clarke’s India passage

Kristian Clarke made his friends and his family even more proud after making his Black Caps debut against India in Vadodara last month. Jesse Wood reports.

Black Caps one day international player 224 Kristian made his debut on January 11, and helped himself to a wicket and 24 runs off 17 balls.

This was followed 10 days later with his first T20 international, against India in Nagpur.

The Te Awamutu-born said representing New Zealand had always been a dream… “but I never imagined it happening this early on in my career… for it to happen in a place like India was the experience of a lifetime”.

Clarke who celebrates his 25th birthday next week, is now a fan – watching the 15-strong New Zealand squad compete in the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.

He featured in four games against India – one T20 and three one day internationals, before returning to New Zealand and donning Northern Districts colours for a T20 clash against Canterbury.

He said when he was named for the India tour he was happy to be there and take in the whole experience.

“But then to be told I was going to play that first game was a bit nerve racking if I’m honest.

“Obviously, I was so excited though and ready to

test myself against the best in world and share the field with players I’ve watched on TV for years within that Indian team.”

Having his parents, Jan and Peter, and partner Jess there for his first match meant a lot .

“My parents have played a massive part in my journey within cricket, helping both myself and my siblings to take part in whatever sports or activities we wanted to growing up,” Kristian said.

“For them to see me make my début was a pretty cool moment.

“In the last few years, my partner has been awesome in supporting me live out my dream and it really is a team effort from friends and

family back home to enable me to do what I love.

“There’s countless people throughout my life who have all played a role in helping me get to where I am, so I am forever grateful for those who have been in my corner.”

Jan said Kristian’s Black Caps début was an extremely proud moment for the family.

“To see Kristian in black representing New Zealand is truly a moment of great honour and respect. To be able to witness his debut was incredible and very emotional for myself, Peter and Jess.

“It was hard to believe we were there watching the team talk and presenting him with his hat.

sports.

“They were also involved in Kristian’s cricket journey, so he has had a lot of support and encouragement from grandparents – all of his family.”

Longtime friend Dylan Jeffries said the pair first met on the rugby field as kids.

He’s watched Kristian build up to his dream.

“We’ve known each other since about age 10. Although on opposite sides at that stage, within a year we were on the same team playing 6 and 8 for Te Awamutu Sports, before attending Hamilton Boys’ High together,” Jeffries said.

“We looked at each other, no words needed, as the emotion on all our faces painted the picture of how extremely proud we all are.”

Jan and Peter’s first cricketing memoires of their son were playing on their tennis court with his two older brothers and older sister.

“From there, playing junior Saturday cricket in Te Awamutu, to then filling in for Waikato Valley team one day with his older brother. He was seven and the rest of the team were around 10,” Peter said.

Kristian’s sporting journey has been a full family effort.

“Endless hours at trainings and Saturday games, to tournaments, to trips away and we wouldn’t change a thing,” Jan said.

“Peter and I were both lucky to also have parents that gave their time to all

“I think the secret to his success is the fact he doesn’t hide when moments get tough or when things go wrong. His determination, dedication and work ethic are second to none.

“He is constantly looking at areas to improve on and ways he can evolve as both a player on the field and a person off of it.”

Jeffries said after Kristian was added to the Black Caps November squad but missed a chance at home against the West Indies, he knew when the India touring squad was named it was his time to debut.

“As the first ODI v India was starting and the teams were singing the anthems, seeing Kristian there had me in tears,” Jeffries said.

“Seeing him in the New Zealand kit and taking the field meant the world to me. Knowing all along he had the ability to be there was one thing. but for it to all finally come to fruition was a moment I’ll never forget.”

BLOEMINK, Frederik

BLOEMINK, Frederik

Willem – 15 Oct 1934 – 20

Feb 2026. Called home to his Lord and saviour on Friday, 20th February 2026. Beloved husband of Irene for 30 years and of Anneke for 32 years.

Willem – 15 Oct 1934 – 20 Feb 2026. Called home to his Lord and saviour on Friday, 20th February 2026. Beloved husband of Irene for 30 years and of Anneke for 32 years.

A loving and caring father of Shane, Michelle and Jonne.

A loving and caring father of Shane, Michelle and Jonne.

Much loved Opa of Tomas and Erik, Benjamin and Rebecca, and Kees, David, Jordana, Luke, Daniella and Shania. Loving step-opa to Emma and Jasmine. A loved brother and uncle, and a wonderful friend to many. A private farewell will take place. A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Arvida Lauriston Park Care Centre, Cambridge, for the care given to Fred.

Much loved Opa of Tomas and Erik, Benjamin and Rebecca, and Kees, David, Jordana, Luke, Daniella and Shania. Loving step-opa to Emma and Jasmine. A loved brother and uncle, and a wonderful friend to many. A private farewell will take place. A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Arvida Lauriston Park Care Centre, Cambridge, for the care given to Fred.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

Tot ziens Lieve Fred

Tot ziens Lieve Fred

BROADBENT, Suzanne

Frances – Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 17th February 2026 in her 79th year, loving partner to Ian. Cherished sister and sisterin-law to Trisha & Geoffrey. Much loved stepmother to Dana. A private farewell has taken place. Messages to the Broadbent/Peebles family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Suzanne's online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz

A memorial

will be held at 11am Thursday 5th March 2026 at Trinity St Paul's Queen St, Cambridge

KING, Andrew (Anaru/ Sonny) – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anaru at Cambridge Lifecare on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, aged 66 years, after a long illness. Mokopuna of Puruhauhau and Taruke Kingi. Loved son of the late Te Whakapakinga Brownie and Ngaonepu Margaret King (née Tairi). Cherished brother of Monty (deceased), Tui and Huia (deceased). Dearly loved husband of Gay. Treasured father of Paama (deceased) and Hingatu, and much-loved Koro to Sharvay and Issac. Loved cousin, uncle, and friend to many nephews and nieces. A tangihanga for Anaru has been held. Messages to the King Family can be sent c/3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Anaru's online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz

PICKERING, Christine Mary – Suddenly passed away on Tuesday, 17th February 2026 Aged 81 years. Much loved mother and mother in-law of Bruce & Gaelene and Simon and Laurette. Cherished Nana to Adam, Damon and Danica. A private cremation has been held. Messages to the Pickering Family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Christine's online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz

REEVE, Annette Mary (nee Maloney) – Peacefully passed away at Resthaven on Vogel on Friday, 20th February 2026, aged 87 years. Devoted wife of the late Earl. Beloved mum to Tony & Pauline, Stephen, Susan & Neil, Nicola & Steven, and Greg & Julie. Much loved Nana to 14 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. A celebration of Annette's life will be held at Raleigh Street Christian Centre, Raleigh Street, Leamington, Cambridge on Friday, the 27th of February 2026 at 11:00am followed by a private cremation. Messages to the Reeve Family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Annette's online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz

SHAW, James Kevin – On Sunday, the 15th of February 2026. Aged 76 years. Loved husband of Cathie of 41 years, treasured father to Mikey & Bella and Poppa/ Kevie to Hunter, Alexandra, Ellie & Eva. Kevie, you will be missed by all of those whose lives you touched. A memorial service to celebrate Kevie's life will be held at Taylor Street Lounge, Taylor Street, Cambridge, on Saturday 28th February 2026 at 11am. Messages to the Shaw Family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Kevin's online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz

SMITH, Rowena Gay (Row)

– Passed away peacefully at Waikato Hospital surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, 14th February 2026, aged 66 years. Devoted and loved wife of Trevor. Adored mother and mother in-law to Carl, Hayley & Tony. Loved Nana to Maclaine, Oliver, Quentin, and Elena. A memorial service to celebrate Row's life will be held at Morrinsville Knox Presbyterian Church, Canada Street, Morrinsville on Saturday, the 14th of March 2026 at 11:00am. Messages to the Smith Family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Row's online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz

King’s Legacy x Twirl filly (Thoroughbred)

Notice is hereby given that Cheltenham Stables Ltd will offer for sale by public auction a King’s Legacy x Twirl filly pursuant to a lien for unpaid agistment, care, and associated costs. The filly has been entered for sale via Gavelhouse (online auction platform), with the sale scheduled to close on Monday 2nd of March 2026.

Sale is conducted in accordance with Section 341 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act.

All enquiries to: Cheltenham Stables: cheltenhamstables@gmail.com

SITUATIONS VACANT

Gardener/Maintenance position available now

SITUATIONS VACANT

Workshop Manager/ Technician Wanted

We’re on the lookout for a Workshop Manager to join our friendly team!

If you’re looking for a change, or the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you. Please call or email us on 07 827 3880 office@lakestauto.co.nz

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY. Any ute, van, 4WD, truck or car. Any condition doesn’t have to be going. Cash paid. Ph/txt Kevin 027 299 6165

It’s time to add to our maintenance/gardening team at Te Awa Lifecare. Our staff are chosen for their skill and caring approach, and we aim to create strong connections and trust with them. We will choose the right person for their attitude and fit within our team. Our team is proud of the environment they work in and the part they play in making it look at its best for our residents and guests.

As part of the Te Awa team, you will have:

• An enjoyment of gardening, general knowledge and experience in various maintenance roles and helping people keep their homes in tip top condition.

• A passion for great customer service and respect for our resident’s personal space and village grounds.

• Have excellent communication skills, common sense and a solution focussed approach.

This role also has an element of minor building, and clinical equipment repairs, planned, preventive maintenance and audit compliances.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a gardener/maintenance to make the most of working in beautiful surroundings with a team who really care.

Come and be part of the community, get to know our wonderful residents, support them to embrace life. Please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested along with your C.V. to employment@teawalifecare.nz.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid work visa.

Experience a joint exhibition and sale of artworks and images by Cambridge Photographic Club and Cambridge Patchwork and Craft Group (Cambridge Quilters).

When: Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 March, 10am-3pm

Where: St Andrew’s Church Hall, 85 Hamilton Road

A wonderful exhibition of New Zealand artists is brought to you by the Cambridge Art Society.

When: 5.30pm-7pm Thursday 19 March; 9.30am4.30pm Friday 20, Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 March

Where: Cambridge Town Hall

Image by: Ineke Zegwaard

ORCHESTRAS

Presented by Youth Orchestra Waikato

Hear Waikato’s premier youth orchestra in this concert you won’t want to miss.

WHEN: Friday 27 March, 7.30pm

Join the Rusty Player Orchestra and friends to sing and play your heart out.

A relaxed, social and fun way to get together and enjoy some great music.

WHEN: Saturday 28 March, 2pm-4.30pm

Autumn Passion for Art

Enjoy a free, self-guided tour of artists’ studios and galleries.

When: 10am-4pm Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March

Where: Artists’ studios and galleries in and around Cambridge

Big Play and Sing In Windy’s World Tour

For audiences of all ages.

A musical adventure celebrating the magic of the wind family — flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon.

WHEN: Saturday 28 March, 10am-11am

Where: Cambridge Town Hall Tickets: Online at www.orchestras.org.nz