Cambridge News | July 30, 2026

Divide and conquer

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā councillors have thrown their support behind further work on a western Waikato catchment-based unitary authority after being told a single Waikato-wide council is unlikely to meet government criteria.

The shift emerged at a council workshop last week as elected members discussed the government’s Head Start pathway for local government reorganisation. The discussion came days after a Waikato Mayoral Forum meeting where Waikato-Tainui leader Tukoroirangi Morgan walked out, frustrated by the lack of agreement among councils.

Mayor Mike Pettit said the conversation had moved quickly following the forum.

“There was really not a lot of unity in the room,” he said.

Morgan’s assessment was blunt.

“He said, ‚you guys have not got your house in order’, and he was totally correct,” Pettit said.

Pettit told councillors it had become obvious a whole-ofWaikato unitary authority was unlikely to proceed.

“It was very evident that if we continue to chase a whole Waikato unitary, it’s not going to meet any of the criteria by a country mile,” he said.

“It would almost be a waste of time to start putting our effort into it.”

The emerging proposal would bring together Waipā, Waikato, South Waikato and Taupō districts, and Hamilton could be part of the arrangement.

The catchment would extend from Taupō north to Port Waikato. It would have a population of 434,750, cover 19,671sq km and generate a GDP of $31.1 billion.

Hamilton would make up 44.2 per cent, WaikatoWaipā 35.3 per cent, South Waikato-Taupō 15.8 per cent and Ōtorohanga-Waitomo 4.7 per cent.

An eastern Waikato unitary authority would take in Hauraki, Matamata-Piako and Thames-Coromandel districts

The workshop heard iwi feedback had consistently supported a catchment approach because Treaty of Waitangi settlement arrangements, joint management agreements and river governance structures were already built around the Waikato River and its tributaries.

Council strategy manager Katie Mayes said iwi throughout the catchment had stressed the importance of keeping the river system together and ensuring governance structures respected existing settlement arrangements.

Officials have made it clear councils need sufficient

support from affected councils and populations before proposals will be considered. Under the western Waikato option, support from Taupō would mean the proposal met both population and council number thresholds.

Advice from former minister Simon Upton, now Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, reinforced the importance of catchment thinking.

“He made it very clear that catchment is impossible to ignore,” Pettit said.

Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree Morgan shared Tukoroirangi Morgan’s frustration with the mayoral forum.

“I kind of felt from my own perspective that there was a lot of patch protecting going on,” she said. “It actually was a little bit embarrassing.”

Iwi representatives had become frustrated watching councils talk about collaboration while being unable to present a united position on reform, she said.

One unresolved issue is the position of Waitomo and Ōtorohanga districts.

Both councils have indicated they want to pursue their own King Country arrangement. However, councillors acknowledged the two districts sit within the wider river catchment and several speakers favoured

keeping the door open for them to join later if their preferred option does not succeed.

Throughout the workshop, councillors repeatedly returned to concerns about retaining local representation and local decision-making.

Pettit said no community wanted to be dominated by a larger centre and any future structure would need safeguards to protect local voices.

Discussions focused on how local communities could continue to have elected representation and influence over local issues while larger regional functions were managed at a unitary level.

Councillor Roger Gordon argued any future proposal needed to demonstrate how local communities such as Cambridge would retain a meaningful voice under a new structure.

At the end of the workshop councillors gave staff a clear steer to continue pursuing the western Waikato catchment option while discussions continue with Waikato, South Waikato, Taupō and Hamilton.

A decision is expected before the Government’s August 9 deadline for Head

Start proposals. Dale-Maree Morgan said the debate had reached a point where councils had to focus on what was achievable. “Politics is the art of the possible.”

• More on local government restructuring – see Pages 6 and 7.

Western Waikato Unitary

Water rescues

Well done to the communities finding a solution for river rescue following the fire service saying they we are not going to live up to their name should someone be in a river we know has the highest number of drownings excluding car and suicide deaths, in New Zealand. Thank goodness there are good common sense driven volunteers living in Huntly, Ngāruawāhia and Cambridge who have found constructive solutions by forming an Incorporated society that will align with the police to do what they can when someone is in trouble in the water. I look forward to finding ways to support this initiative. So this brings me to another hobby horse I have concerning accommodation for key services for volunteers in Cambridge. I think the time is right for Cambridge leaders to consider finding, agreeing and zoning a new and bigger site for its fire, ambulance and proposed river rescue assets. We have a fire brigade site that has little space for parking of its existing fleet, cars, or open days to promote their work. Worse still most of us have seen the delays caused by needing to get through the traffic in Victoria Street, and the access south to Leamington. Our ambulance station

Alcohol-related harm continues to make up a significant part of police work. To help ensure licensed premises are meeting their obligations under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, police periodically conduct Controlled Purchase Operations (CPOs) using supervised underage volunteers.

The Saturday before last, police carried out a CPO across the district. The majority of licensees complied with their legal responsibilities, with only one of the premises visited selling alcohol to a young person.

It is an offence to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. Young people under 18 are also prohibited from purchasing alcohol, entering licensed premises such as pubs and bars and consuming alcohol in public places unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

It is also illegal for them to using false identification, or have another adult purchase alcohol on their behalf. A legal guardian refers to a court-appointed guardian and does not include other family members, partners, spouses, or temporary supervisors such as sports coaches.

Staying with the topic of alcohol, in Te Awamutu, three drivers were detected with excess breath alcohol, including one driver who recorded a result more than three times the legal limit. In Cambridge, two drivers were also found to be over the limit.

One of the latter attempted to avoid a police checkpoint and drove away at speed. Police were soon able to stop the vehicle however,

lives on the edge of the river on a narrow lane and again lack of space to grow as its service requirements and opportunities grow. These things do have an impact on training, recruiting, and other parts of their operations. Financial constraints are an issue for all ratepayers and agencies as well as the Council. But it doesn’t require dollars to have the conversation and identify and protect land that critical services. Let’s be proactive before the express way changes, the future bridge, and local authority changes put other challenges in the way of better facilities for our community volunteer. (Abridged)

Ethel Simmonds

Cambridge

Street safe

Senior Constable Debb Hann’s recent observations on the speed of traffic on Shakespeare Street in Leamington is timely, but she doesn’t address the need to observe the 40 kph limit in Burns Street.

The speed in the section of Burns Street between Thompson Street and Raleigh Street is equal to or worse than Shakespeare Street. This busy section of road passes the retail shops of Pizza Bros, Postie Fashions, Align Health and the Fresh Choice Supermarket, as well as the

Cossie Club. Additionally, there is frequently elderly foot and mobility scooter traffic from Lauriston Park Village crossing the road to get to the shops. The north bound traffic through this section is the principal offender, especially in the early part of the day.

For both Shakespeare Street and Burns Street there is a simple solution. Firstly, paint a large 40 on the road at the commencement of each section, as the signs aren’t all that obvious. Secondly, a police car visiting at regular unannounced times in both spots, issuing offence notices will soon get the word around, as it’s very likely that most offenders don’t read the Cambridge News articles. Enforcement is the answer. Alan Morton Leamington.

Cross purposes

Why has The News embarked on a crusade about mid carriageway informal refuges?

and the driver was found to be over the legal alcohol limit.

Drivers who return an evidential breath alcohol result between 250 and 400 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath receive an infringement notice. Drivers who record more than 400 micrograms per litre will face charges in court.

Alcohol also featured in other incidents attended by police during the week, including family harm events and a reports of threatening speech.

Another substance causing concern is nitrous oxide, commonly known as NOS, nangs, or laughing gas, when used recreationally. While NOS has legitimate uses in the food industry as a propellant and in medical settings for pain relief and sedation, it is illegal to sell, supply, or possess it for recreational use.

The gas is sold in small silver canisters or larger commercial cylinders. Recreationally it is inhaled, usually via a balloon. Such use can result in impaired coordination and judgement, while repeated use may lead to psychological dependence with the potential overtime for neurological damage.

If you see someone driving while inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon, please call 111 immediately.

Finally, Cambridge experienced two serious traffic crashes last week. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of those involved.

The article (The News, July 29) about a driver running into the refuge barrier on Queen Street inaccurately generalised about how they confuse pedestrians and drivers alike yet acknowledging the bay was empty at the time and no mention of whether a confused pedestrian caused the driver to park earlier than intended in such an inappropriate place. Accidents happen. In commenting about these refuges it would be more productive to do so using hard empirical evidence about their fitness for purpose. In my humble opinion pedestrians would be more at risk without them. Road layouts for the most part are designed to be fool proof. Sadly they cannot be made idiot proof. (Abridged)

Kelvin Dunn Leamington

Editor’s note: Senior writer Mary Anne Gill penned a column raising her concerns about the refuges. The News is not running a campaign.

Briefs…

Council awards

Tamahere features in the 2026 Waikato mayoral awards presented by Aksel Bech. Russell Gibbs has been acknowledged for his work which led to the establishment of the Mangaone Restoration Trust and Predator Free Tamahere, established in 2022, is commended for removing almost 13,500 pests. Te Awa, The Great New Zealand River Ride heading north from Karāpiro is also on the latest list of 19 recipients.

Top builds

Builds and renovations in Cambridge and Tamahere have won awards at the Waikato House of the Year awards. G.D Pringle Building won the supreme renovation award for a Cambridge home which also won the $1-2 million category, while Urban Homes won the show home category for a Tamahere home.

New principal

Gareth Gilmour has been named the new principal of Leamington Primary School from the start of Term Four, succeeding Mike Malcolm. He will move north from Amisfield School in Tokoroa where he spent six years after serving as deputy principal at Cambridge Middle School.

Top brewer

Karamu Barrelworks, which operates from a lifestyle block west of Ngāhinapōuri was crowned overall champion at the New Zealand Beer Awards in Dunedin on Saturday. Daryl Bryant produces beers inspired by Belgian brewing methods. Barrelworks was named best microbrewery at the 2025 awards.

Deer issue

In the wake of an announcement that Sika have been declared a herd of special interest in New Zealand, a new Canterbury University paper has called for a deer management strategy and says their rising numbers are driving a slow often hidden decline in native forests.

Tributes flow for Sports ‘icon’

Tributes have been paid to Judy Moreland, who died in a road crash near the club’s home last Friday, and a celebration of her life was to be held in the Cambridge Town Hall this afternoon.

Judy Moreland was a former chair of the Cambridge High School Board and a senior researcher at the Wilf Malcolm Institute of Educational Research, the School of Education at The University of Waikato.

She authored and co-authored

research publications focused on classroom learning, assessment and curriculum development.

Describing the 77-year-old as an iconic supporter, past player and coach, Hautapu Sport posted online that the wife of club life member Jake Moreland had made an incredible impact with Hautapu netball and was a prominent New Zealand netball administrator who served on the board of directors for the Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty Zone. She had a

long history supporting regional teams and school netball programmes in the Cambridge Netball Centre.

The Hautapu exit off the Expressway was closed following the tragedy. With the Cambridge West offramp also closed for road works, southbound drivers travelled to a turning bay at Karāpiro to get into Cambridge.

Police say enquiries to determine the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Kids’ needs are growing

By Viv Posselt

Kids in Need Waikato is working to meet the challenge of supporting a growing number of children in care.

The charitable trust’s reach grew in the year to March 31 - the number of caregivers by 6.6 per cent, the number of children in care by 3.7 per cent and the number of children supported at Christmas by 22.4 per cent.

While there has been only a slight increase in the number of care packs being distributed (0.1 per cent), there is a drop of 12 per cent in the one-off packs going out – suggesting that more care is needed for longer periods of time.

Figures since April show the organisation is supporting 615 caregivers who are collectively raising 1422 children. In a recent six-week period, 30 children were referred for ongoing support and 16 caregivers offered their homes.

A recent milestone was reached when Kids in Need received its 10,000th care pack request since 2018, when record-keeping began. That was for an eight-year-old boy with additional needs who was transitioning into foster care.

As the team says: “Behind every number is a child experiencing

uncertainty, change, and often circumstances beyond their control. For this young boy, a care pack means warm clothing, comfort items, practical essentials, and the reassurance that there are people in his community who care about his wellbeing.”

Similar sentiment fuelled Linda and Graeme Roil’s decision to become foster parents in 2014. They quickly identified the challenges faced by caregivers and founded Kids in Need, and turned community donations into care packs for children up to aged 18, and their caregivers.

The Kids in Need Waikato Charitable Trust was established in 2018, and a future-proofing campaign, The Legacy Project, was launched last year. Key to that is raising funds to purchase the Fencourt Rd property that is the charity’s base, currently owned by the Roils, and facilitate its further development.

The past few months have seen their annual Winter Warmer Campaign provide essentials for children, and the reach for support is spreading across the Waikato, Taumarunui and ramping up in Rotorua. Linda Roil is on the road much of the time now, helping co-ordinate those newer groups and seeking wider support.

Graeme Roil is facing up

to new challenges of his own, having recently left behind a 30-year career in senior management to take on the role of general manager at Kids in Need.

“Managing a charity is a new experience for me… I’m finding myself challenged a bit,” he said. “But I love it. Over the last few years I felt I had one foot in each camp as I tried to juggle things with work. I wasn’t really doing this justice … I’m now addressing that.”

When The News called in recently, the place was a hive of activity.

Graeme, funding manager

Pauleen Fernandez, and head of operations Rebecca ‘Becs’ Broadbent spoke of how grateful they were for community support that has been crucial in enabling the charity to fulfil its brief. It is a new linkage forged earlier this year with Brian Perry Civil (Hamilton) that has resulted in the flurry of projects at the Kids in Need site over the past few months.

Brian Perry Civil’s works manager Michael Clayton told The News that offering support to the charity aligned with one of the company’s core legacies, that of being a good community custodian.

When they heard of the work being done by Kids in Need, it had been ‘an easy choice to make to give our time and energy’ to them in 2026, he said, and teams have been busy fixing walls, stopping leaks, removing trees, building a cycle track, upgrading sheds and much more.

“They are doing a massive amount of work for us,” Graeme said. “The reality is that as we keep growing, we simply cannot do this on our own. We are incredibly grateful for to them, and to all the others who offer us support.”

Expo’s lightbulb moments

By Mary Anne Gill

A conversation at the Waipā Community Careers Expo could be the start of a career.

That is what keeps Karina Judson coming back year after year.

The Cambridge High School careers adviser was one of the organisers behind last week’s expo at Cambridge Town Hall which attracted more than 1000 Waipā students, parents and community members and featured 45 providers.

Universities, polytechnics, industry training organisations, employers and specialist providers filled the hall, offering information about study, training and employment opportunities.

Judson, who has been involved with the event for five years, said the expo was about much more than collecting brochures.

“It’s community focused. It’s for students, but it’s also for the community,” she said.

Sometimes all it takes is a conversation with the right person.

“It’s not what you know, but it’s who you know,” Judson said. “You just make the connections.”

Those connections can lead directly to employment. Judson pointed to exhibitors who regularly take on former Cambridge High School students.

The event continues to grow. More than 1000 people attended last year and organisers expected a

similar turnout this year.

Judson said the expo exposed students to possibilities they might not otherwise consider.

“A lot of students are lost,” she said. “Or some have got an idea, this is what I want to do. They come here and have a light bulb moment, or they’ve changed their mind.”

Students from Cambridge High School, St Peter’s School and Te Awamutu College were among those attending.

That included Te Awamutu College head students Anna Swney, Cameron Howells, Zac Green

and Maddison Millin. Swney hopes to study Health Sciences at the University of Otago before pursuing medicine. Howells plans to study paramedicine at AUT, Green is considering university and a possible career in corrections and Millin hopes to become an embryologist.

Year 13 student Leila Ahlers was drawn to the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation stand. The 17-yearold Te Awamutu College student wants to be a builder and is also considering electrical work. A

year ago she was thinking about medicine.

The annual event is a collaboration involving careers advisers from across the district, including Cambridge High School, Te Awamutu College and St Peter’s School.

Judson said the expo had done its job if students left knowing more than they did when they arrived.

“If they have a light bulb moment, these careers are out there, these opportunities are out there, then that’s what it’s all about,” she said.

Thieves hit our miners

Thieves have raided Cambridge’s Urban Miners home seven times in six months.

The volunteer organisation is a charity which recycles or refurbishes electronic items that would otherwise end up in landfill.

The near $19,000 cost of vandalism and theft dwarfs the miners usually earn in a month.

Five of the break-ins have been in the last seven weeks and the most recent was on July 19 when the main roller door was so extensively damaged it will be replaced at a cost of $2000.

Urban Miners is working with Waipā District Council on a move to a purpose-built facility that will serve as a resource recovery centre, but that project is still in the planning stages. They are appealing to the community for information about the break-ins, to “help stop this madness”. The thieves have made off with tools worth $3500.

Cambridge Tree Trust

Cambridge Tree Trust

www.treetrust.org.nz

www.treetrust.org.nz

The miners operations manager Greg Liddy said the district council was fully supportive of their mission and shares their frustration at the ongoing damage.

Treasures of Maungakawa

Five-finger (Neopanax/ Pseudopanax arboreum)

Five-finger (Neopanax/ Pseudopanax arboreum)

Golden Wattle - Acacia pycnantha perhaps?

I love the bare trees of winter in the Waikato; they lend a gentle softness to the landscape for a few precious weeks before the hint of new green heralds the arrival of spring. But in early July in a St Kilda garden I spied this glorious acacia, smothered in yellow flowers, as though someone had planted a giant daffodil to bring cheer to winter days. I wondered why it is that we don’t use this acacia more often in our gardens.

It is easy to grow, not fussy about soil or conditions, and quickly grows to about seven metres. The flowers are not only spectacular, they have a warm, honeyed scent with tones of jasmine, rose, and woody pine or eucalyptus notes. Although they have no nectar, bees love these flowers for their protein-rich pollen, which is a vital earlyseason food source. There is also a sweet, sticky exudate on the leaves attractive to bees, butterflies and other insects, which in turn attract birds. The tree is not long-lived –about 15 years only – but if it’s quick shade

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 flowering 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.

you’re after until something with greater longevity gets established, wattle could be your answer. So far so good.

But of course the downside is that wattle is an invasive species in New Zealand. Often used in the past for farm shelter belts and to stabilise land, it has tended to spread where it is not wanted and crowd out native species. Some plant companies recommend Tasmanian blackwood, A. melanoxylon, as a non-invasive alternative. But this is a different beast altogether, growing to 30 or 40 metres in height, living for 150 years and with much less showy flowers.

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, fine texture and slight scent. It has been used over centuries for construction, joists, rafters and domestic flooring, as well as for joinery, panelling, cooperage and lacquerware.

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.

REGIONAL VIEW

Ask the right question

By Kelly Bouzaid

The debate around the future of local government is one of the most important conversations our region has had in decades. It will influence how we plan for growth, invest in infrastructure, deliver services and represent our communities well into the future.

Yet, as I have watched the discussion unfold, I can’t help but feel we have become preoccupied with how local government should look, rather than what we want it to achieve.

Business leaders understand that changing an organisational chart rarely changes organisational performance. Mergers, restructures and new governance models create opportunities, but they are not strategies in themselves. Without a clear vision and exceptional leadership, they simply become structural change. That is where I believe the conversation needs to evolve.

Whether Waikato ultimately retains its current structure, adopts a unitary authority or pursues another model is, in many respects, secondary. The more important question is this: What kind of region do we want the Waikato to become over the next 20 or 30 years?

Only once we can answer that question should we decide what governance model is best placed to deliver it.

To date, I have seen considerable discussion around options, governance frameworks and comparative models from elsewhere in New Zealand. What I have seen far less of is a compelling regional vision capable of uniting our communities around a common purpose.

Great leadership creates confidence. It brings diverse communities together, makes difficult decisions, builds trust and inspires people to think beyond district boundaries and electoral cycles. It asks what is best for the future prosperity of the entire region.

That is the leadership conversation I believe is currently missing.

From a business perspective, the outcomes are remarkably clear. We need infrastructure that keeps pace with growth, financially sustainable councils, responsive decision-making, efficient consenting processes and long-term investment that supports productivity and economic confidence. Businesses are not particularly interested in the logo on the council building; they are interested in whether the system delivers.

Cambridge is one of New Zealand’s fastestgrowing communities and an increasingly significant contributor to the Waikato economy. Growth presents enormous opportunity, but it also places pressure on transport, housing, water, community infrastructure and the pace of decision-making. Whatever model emerges must preserve strong local representation while providing the strategic capability to respond to regional challenges.

The Cambridge Business Chamber is not advocating for a predetermined outcome. We are advocating for a robust, evidence-based discussion that objectively weighs the benefits, risks and long-term implications of any proposal.

Structural reform should only occur when there is compelling evidence that it will deliver demonstrably better outcomes for communities, businesses and ratepayers.

Ultimately, the success of local government will not be defined by the number of councils we have. It will be defined by the quality of the leadership we show, the courage to think beyond today’s challenges, and our collective willingness to build a shared vision for the Waikato’s future. In the end, the structure is simply the vehicle.

• Kelly Bouzaid is chief executive of the Cambridge Chamber.

Keeping decisions local

By Graham Pinnell

While it is great to see councils around the Waikato sharing their views with the public on local government reform, one important opportunity hasn’t been aired.

It is quite possible to meet the Government’s requirement to form unitary authorities and keep representation, decision-making and accountability local.

In its least disruptive form, Hamilton City and the district councils within the Waikato could become local boards. Local boards differ from community boards in that they have a duty to consult and powers to decide local matters. Residents within the local board areas would be rated for local services and board members would be accountable through the election box.

If there was one Waikato unitary authority, the election process and accountabilities for the authority would not change from that of the current Waikato Regional Council.

In other words, nothing would change in representation, accountability and rating systems.

Citizens would still get to elect representatives for two tiers of local government. All this seems very similar to how councils operate today.

Other arrangements are equally possible. Waipā might be split into Cambridge and Te Awamutu local boards.

Similarly, Matamata-Piako District might form local boards around Matamata, Morrinsville and Te Aroha.

The major difference with the status quo is that services would be delivered by the unitary authority in order to achieve the economies of scale sought by Government.

Conceiving local government reform in this manner keeps “local” in local government while addressing the Government’s intention to improve efficiency, reduce duplication,

streamline functions and have clear lines of accountability.

Combining the communities makes perfect sense but creates challenges in regulating Waipa-Waikato River water takes and discharges. This demands a whole of catchment approach. A joint committee between King Country and other unitary authorities in the catchment would be required. This is not ideal as it invites two camps having entrenched positions. A separate service provider organisation may need to be formed with its own overheads, so greater complexity could result, which the Government wants avoided.

One option of merit is to form two unitary authorities split by the eastern boundary of the Waikato River. Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki and Matamata-Piako could comprise an eastern authority and Waikato District, Hamilton City, Waipā, King Country and Taupo might form a western authority. South Waikato District is split in half by the catchments, so would need to be accommodated in one or other authority. However, the benefits of two authorities compared with a single Waikato authority are not apparent.

The current combined annual turnover of Waikato councils is $1.7 billion. This cost needs to be slashed from Day 1 if the economies of scale are to be realised.

The mayors certainly have a challenge on their hands to navigate through these and many more complexities. Agreement will only possible if they and all others taking an interest in the reform look at what is best for the Waikato and not act in the interests of individual districts.

• Graham Pinnell is a Waipā farmer and a former national board member of Federated Farmers.

Localism shapes reform

Responses to the Government’s Head Start reforms were debated at a forum where panellists including Good Local Media senior writer Mary Anne Gill discussed how local voices can be protected in any local government shake-up.

For all the debate about council structures, one word keeps resurfacing: localism.

That was the clear message from a public forum at Waikato University on the Government’s Head Start proposals. Structure matters less than people’s ability to have a say in what happens where they live.

The forum at Waikato University this month brought together mayors, councillors, policy experts and members of the public to discuss potential changes to council structures across the country.

Under Head Start, councils have until August 9 to tell Local Government Minister Simon Watts whether they want to pursue voluntary amalgamations and, if so, what those arrangements might look like.

Waitomo mayor John Robertson described the process as difficult and rushed.

He said many councils were struggling to determine what future arrangements should look like before they even knew how wider government reforms, particularly around resource management, would affect their responsibilities.

“There are not going to be many Head Start proposals put into government by August 9 because it’s just too hard,” he said.

Waitomo and Ōtorohanga have

agreed to explore a merger because of their shared history, similar size and existing shared services. Elsewhere in Waikato, however, the picture is complex.

While amalgamation was one option, panellists repeatedly questioned whether bigger organisations automatically delivered better outcomes.

Waikato Regional Council chair Warren Maher warned against losing sight of regional functions such as environmental management, biosecurity, transport planning and flood protection.

Many residents, he said, did not realise how much regional work was funded across district boundaries for the benefit of the wider Waikato.

His concern was not simply where new boundaries might be drawn, but how important regional services would continue to be delivered.

Nick Clark, a senior fellow with the New Zealand Initiative, drew on research into local government reform to argue that New Zealand already had one of the most centralised systems in the world.

Rather than focusing on maps and boundaries, he said the debate should start with three questions: what local government should do, how it should be funded and how communities could retain meaningful influence over decisions.

“Protect the local voice,” Clark said.

His concern was that amalgamation could create larger councils without addressing the underlying issues that frustrate residents.

For me, the discussion came back to something much simpler.

As someone who has spent more than four decades reporting on councils across New Zealand, I have watched local government evolve from highly accessible organisations into increasingly complex bureaucracies.

I told the audience about growing up as the daughter of a town clerk. My father spent his weekends listening to residents raise concerns about potholes, footpaths and local services before passing those requests directly to council staff on Monday morning. That was localism in practice.

I am not advocating a return to the days of borough councils or small-town administration, but I do believe something valuable has been lost along the way.

Too often today, people struggle to work out who is responsible, how decisions are made or where they can go to get a problem fixed.

A simple example sits in Cambridge. More than two years after work was completed on the

town clock, a historic interpretation sign removed during construction still sits on the ground waiting to be reinstated.

The sign itself is not important. What it represents is localism.

Localism is the ability to pick up the phone, send a message or talk to someone who can help resolve issues that matter in daily life.

That sentiment resonated strongly with audience members, many of whom expressed concern about declining voter participation, a lack of transparency and increasing distance between decision-makers and communities.

Whether Head Start ultimately produces one unitary council, several regional entities or no significant change at all remains uncertain.

What was clear from the forum was that many people are less interested in organisational charts than in preserving a sense of connection and accountability.

The debate over local government reform is often framed around efficiency, economies of scale and governance structures. Those things matter.

But if Head Start achieves anything, it must ensure ordinary people still feel they can influence decisions affecting their roads, footpaths, parks, rates and neighbourhoods.

The strongest message from the forum was not about boundaries or bureaucracy.

It was about localism.

And that may prove to be the most important consideration of all.

Climate change scholars named

Students based in Cambridge, Tamahere and Hillcrest have won 2026 Tower Climate Change Scholarships, part of the Waikato University’s Bachelor of Climate Change.

Lagi Talalupe (Hillcrest), Genifer Tadielo (Tamahere) and Ayla Montgomerie (Cambridge) each get a $5000 scholarship to support their studies.

Tadielo, who moved to New Zealand from Brazil 13 years ago and has now become a New Zealand citizen, is studying Environmental Science and Hydrology within the Bachelor of Climate Change

programme.

As part of the scholarship application process, she wrote an essay on how the insurance sector in New Zealand will be affected by climate change.

“Climate change will fundamentally reshape the insurance industry in Aotearoa. It will lead to more frequent and severe claims, higher costs, and changes in what can be insured,” she wrote.

At the same time, it will drive innovation in technology and highlight the importance of education and sustainability.”

Ayla Montgomerie spent the

TALKING ECONOMICS

Looking at the numbers

By Peter Nicholl

The inflation number for the year to June was 4.1 per cent, more than double the mid-point of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s inflation target of 1-3 per cent.

Inflation has been above the target range for the last 17 quarters, and despite that, the bank’s Official Cash Rate is still only at 2.5 per cent - below the level of around three per cent it regards as neutral.

How can they still have their rate at a stimulatory level when inflation has been above their target range for some time? In Reserve Bank speak, they look through the current inflation numbers. They conclude many of the drivers of price rises will be temporary and forecast inflation will fall back to around two per cent in a couple of years.

That’s quite plausible. But Matthew Hooton pointed out in an editorial in The Post last week that the bank has been saying very similar things for several years.

Early in 2026 when the war in Iran first broke out, Treasury put out some estimates of what the impact could be on New Zealand. Their ‘worst-case scenario’ if the war persisted for some time was that Consumer Price Index could reach 3.7 per cent.

We have gone through that ‘worst case scenario’ ceiling. What territory are you in when you are beyond the ‘worst case scenario’?

Oil is back over US$100 a barrel and the war in the Middle East seems to be expanding rather than contracting. Interest rates on US Government Securities have been rising steadily recently despite Donald Trump’s desire to see lower interest rates. The Federal Reserve is likely to be

first part of the year studying at Cardiff University in Wales.

Talalupe, 19 plans to return home to Samoa once she has completed her degree.

“Samoa is still a developing country, and the availability of resources to address climate issues affecting Pacific nations is very limited, with other issues being prioritised,” she said.

Tower has supported the University of Waikato’s Bachelor of Climate Change programme since 2021, providing three scholarships a year.

forced to raise their official cash rate at their next meeting.

This tendency for the Reserve Bank to look through adverse Consumer Price Index numbers and convince themselves that the numbers will come back down to their target future is even more long-standing than Matthew Hooton said in his recent editorial.

FAITH IN WAIPĀ

“I dream to be…”

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

Our community has many commendable social initiatives, often under the radar and unheralded and motivated purely to support and enhance other’s lives.

The collective positive impact and difference made by all the dedicated people involved is invaluable - their efforts matter and raise the goodwill ‘water-table’ of our township.

A respected former Reserve Bank economist, Weshah Rassak, said last year that historically the bank has always underpredicted inflation.

He said it had not foreseen a year or two ahead any of the episodes of breaches of the upper end of its inflation target between 1990 and 2025

That got me wondering whether the numbers the Reserve Bank ‘forecasts’ where they think the inflation rate will be in two years’ time are really forecasts at all.

That number almost always happens to be around two per cent. Two per cent happens to be the middle of their target range.

If they ‘forecast’ a higher number, they would be admitting that they expected their policy to fail.

Unfortunately, the policymakers at bank believe their comfortable and convenient ‘forecasts’.

Hence, they have frequently been late in adjusting the cash rate when inflation refuses to follow this comfortable path and stays above their target range.

I fear the same thing is happening again now.

The dedicated Te Haerenga (The Journey) teaching team at Cambridge High School cater for young adults with unique challenges and individual needs. Equipping these students with life-skills through offering practical experiences, in and outside of the classroom, enables them to become more confident, connected and actively involved lifelong learners. Various opportunities include participating in the arts, work experience, cooking, reading, financial literacy, team sports, excursions and opportunities to develop social interactions.

My attendance at a stage production prepared by Te Haerenga class last week was second time I had joined an enthralled audience cheering these kids on. Their creative, energy packed show was titled, “I dream to be…”

The entire class played a part with everyone costumed as native birds. Their teacher was ‘Mr Maye’, a Moa. His class of pukeko, kiwi, fantail, kea, ruru, sparrows and a robin were assigned to originate a response to the proposal “I dream to be…”

The birds identify goals, pursuing a dream… except for Paulie Pukeko. Paulie dismally witnesses everyone implementing their dreams while he remains stuck, unable to nail what his dream or skill might be. In the end he realises his dream is to be an entertainer and, demonstrating a dream fulfilled, introduces a

•

full-cast, bouncy musical finale

Education done right provides opportunities and enduring memories for ‘building’ young people. Learning environments where our youth are encouraged to become more whole, thoughtful and caring of others, contributing and making a positive difference, have a needed place. Ka pai Te Haerenga, for being that place for many. A student in an altogether different context, Monty Roberts found high school crushing. It climaxed when a final assignment required students to write about what they wanted to accomplish after graduation. Monty’s Dad was a traveling horse trainer who visited ranches and stables training horses.

Against that background, Monty prepared a highly detailed seven page description of a horse ranch he would establish. Expectantly, he waited days for his grade. His teacher returned it with an ‘F’ and called him to a meeting after school.

“Why did you fail me?” Monty asked in frustration. The teacher replied, “This dream is entirely out of reach with your background and limited resources… I’ll consider changing your grade if you’ll re-write a more realistic dream.”

Monty thought about it for a week - then turned in the same paper stating, “Keep your ‘F’ and I’ll keep my dream”. Years later that same teacher bought 30 kids to camp at Monty’s ‘Dream Ranch.’ Departing she tearfully said, “I’m sorry… years ago I stole many youthful dreams. I’m glad you had the guts not to give up on yours.”

Dreaming the impossible requires seeing the invisible. God bless our ‘dreamers’.

YOUR BANK SAVINGS ACCOUNT CALLED...

It wanted to thank you for your loyalty.

Apparently, after 12 months together, it’s prepared to reward you with enough interest to buy a medium flat white. Maybe.

Meanwhile, inflation has been quietly helping itself to your purchasing power like a seagull at a beach picnic.

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Cemetery questions raised

By Mary Anne Gill

A Cambridge resident has raised concerns about how a proposed roundabout will affect the peace and integrity of the nearby cemetery – and if the land earmarked contains graves.

Waipā District Council says the land required for the project at the intersection of Hautapu and Victoria roads has long been earmarked for roading and no occupied areas of the cemetery will be affected.

Wendy Campbell has written to the council questioning the location of the roundabout, which would extend onto land previously allocated for cemetery use.

Service Delivery group manager Eeva-Liisa Wright said the 1.25 hectares needed for the roundabout were identified in the council’s Cemeteries Concept Plan as land to be reserved for roading alongside a proposed roundabout.

“The design has been developed so that no occupied areas of the cemetery are affected,” Wright said.

Campbell, who was concerned about

the potential disruption to mourners during construction, noted burial records prior to 1909 were lost in a fire.

Campbell also asked why the roundabout could not be built on the opposite side of Victoria Rd. She called for barriers and landscaping to be installed as early as possible if the project proceeds.

Wright said council recognised the site was sensitive for families with loved ones buried nearby.

“Any work close to the cemetery will be planned and carried out in a respectful way, with appropriate care taken throughout.”

Construction of the roundabout, part of wider transport improvements in the area, is scheduled to begin in May 2028 and is expected to cost up to $14 million.

Wright said families of those buried at the cemetery would be contacted where details were known.

Meanwhile, work has started on a 2.3-hectare stormwater basin to capture stormwater runoff from the Hautapu industrial area and development areas that will eventually surround it.

A LANDSCAPE WE DID BUILD

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Spotlight on Cambridge

Five Stags

Five Stags Cambridge has established itself as a much loved local venue, known for its welcoming atmosphere, generous portions, and strong community spirit.

Styled around a comfortable hunting lodge aesthetic, the bar and restaurant o er a relaxed setting ideal for families, friends, and social gatherings. General Manager Matt Palmer said “the goal has always been clear, make Five Stags a great place to catch up with family and friends.”

Designed with locals in mind, Five Stags provides a hub where the community can come together to enjoy quality food and a wide selection of beverages supported by friendly, attentive service. The menu features classic pub favourites served throughout the day, ranging from light snacks to hearty mains, with the ribs

and burgers proving especially popular.

A dedicated kids’ menu ensures younger diners are also well catered for.

Since opening in 2012, Five Stags has demonstrated a strong commitment to the community it serves, supporting numerous local groups, schools, and sports clubs. “We are very proud of our involvement in the community,” said Matt.

Adding to its appeal, the venue hosts live music every Friday and Saturday night, showcasing a variety of bands. Five Stags also takes host responsibility seriously, o ering a courtesy shuttle to ensure patrons get home safely.

Marathon made to measure

By Jesse Wood

Cambridge Athletic and Harrier Club’s half marathon course has been measured and certified by World Athletics.

The new two-lap Cambridge Half Marathon course, used for the first time in 2025, was measured by Peter Maunder – an official running course measurer.

The certification lasts for five years.

Until 2023, the course was one lap starting at Cambridge High School, proceeding on roads north of Cambridge and returning to the school via Maungakawa village.

“After the 2023 event it was decided to find a new course because increased traffic on the course and increased traffic management costs had made the course too dangerous and too expensive to run,” race director Rob Archibald said.

“During 2024, the club experimented with a completely new two-lap course.

“This was finalised in time for the 2025 event in which almost 700 runners competed.”

Last year’s course was measured using GPS, but the organising committee were keen to have the 2026 event officially measured because it will double as the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Half Marathon Championship.

Archibald approached Maunder to measure the course.

“A significant number of runners come from Auckland and Taranaki as well as a few from elsewhere around New Zealand,” Archibald said.

“In 2025, we also had six international runners.”

Archibald said measuring of the course took a full day.

“The measuring started by setting up a 300m calibration track and measuring it four times before course measuring started and four times after course measuring was finished,” Archibald said.

“This calibration track was set up on the straight share path beside St Kilda Rd.

“The measuring was done by bike with a special counter attached to count wheel rotations.

“This counter was calibrated on

the 300m calibration track on the day the course was measured to consider the temperature conditions.”

Maunder found the 2025 course to be slightly short and proposed minor adjustments to the 2026 course to add 181m, making it up to the standard 21.0975km for a certified half marathon course.

“Having the course length certified means athletes needing qualifying times for team selections or for overseas events can list their time as being on a certified course,” Archibald said.

“It also allows athletes to list their personal best times as on a certified course and allows official records and rankings to be kept.”

The Cambridge Half Marathon Event is on September 20, the Sunday before daylight saving time starts.

The event includes the half marathon, a “quarter marathon” of 10.7km, a 5km and a 2km for the kids.

“Looking to the future, having a certified course will assist the club to grow the event nationally,” Archibald said.

AUTO DIRECTORY

Servicing your vehicle for the winter months in the Waikato is a necessary expense to ensure safe and reliable driving during the region’s colder, wetter season. While snow is rare, Waikato winters often bring heavy rain, fog, and frosty mornings conditions that can challenge both vehicles and drivers.

Start with a full service check-up, ideally now, to catch any issues as winter sets in. Focus on key areas like brakes, tyres, lights, wipers, and the battery. Cold starts are common in winter, so a strong battery is vital to have it tested and replaced if needed. Your braking system should also be inspected to ensure its responsive, especially on slick rural roads and frosty bridges.

Tyres are another major factor ensure they have enough tread depth (at least 3mm for winter), and consider switching to tyres better suited to wet or icy conditions. Good quality wiper blades and a topped-up washer system are equally important for maintaining visibility during fog or heavy rain.

Check antifreeze levels in the coolant system to prevent engine freezing and conversely, overheating. Also, inspect the heating and demisting system, as clear windows are vital for safe winter driving. Regular servicing and these simple checks can prevent breakdowns and help you drive con dently through the chilly, damp months typical of a Waikato winter.

‘It’s not just my medal’ Warning for motorists

By Jesse Wood

Hazel Ouwehand’s celebrations after picking up a bronze in the pool at the Commonwealth Games last weekend began with an emotional tribute.

The 26-year-old former Te Awamutu College student won a bronze in the 50m butterfly in Glasgow.

“It means that all the 5am mornings, the late nights going to bed after 10, the hours of training before and after school, before and after university, work, it makes it all worth it,” Ouwehand said.

“I know that this is my medal, but it’s not just my medal. It’s their medal too – my mum, my dad, my sisters, they put lots and lots of hours into this. Early mornings, driving me to the pool.

“My sisters, they used to swim as well, [I was] swimming side by side with them when I was younger. They had dreams of this when they were younger too, to be able to be the one to do it – I didn’t just do it for me, I did it for them.”

The late former Waipā district mayor Alan Livingston would have been proud to note that Ouwehand originates from his beloved Te Pahū.

“I did it for Te Pahū, back home. I did it for my college, my friends, uni, work, everyone who has supported me,” she said.

Now Auckland-based, 2024 Olympian Ouwehand is at her

second Commonwealth games and swam brilliantly to secure her medal.

The race was won by Australian Alex Perkins in 25.37s.

Ouwehand recorded 25.76s and had room to spare over fourthplaced South African Jessica Thompson.

“Wow, yep, I’m happy with that,” Ouwehand said. “In the final moments you’re just putting your head down, pushing hard and trying to get every last inch out of your touch.”

She and Erika Fairweather

(200m freestyle) collected bronze medals within a quarter of an hour of each other on Sunday and Fairweather added a silver from the 1500m freestyle on Monday. Ouwehand also qualified for the 100m butterfly final where she finished eight on Tuesday morning, by which time New Zealand’s medal tally in the pool had reached five thanks to Fairweather adding a silver in the 1500m freestyle and Lewis Clareburt picking up two silvers in the men’s 200m and 400m individual medley.

Waipā Networks is reminding customers to be prepared as winter continues to bring increased electricity demand and a greater risk of power cuts.

Chief Executive Damien Whiffen says Waipā Networks crews responded to 40 cases where cars hit power poles in 2025 -and half were before the end of July. There have been 11 instances this year.

Lower temperatures typically mean increased electrical use as households rely more on heating. At the same time, storms, vegetation coming into contact with power lines, and accidental damage increase the risk of outages across the network.

Vehicles hitting power poles and trees or branches falling onto power lines can also interrupt supply, particularly in rural parts of the network.

“We’ve invested significantly in recent years to strengthen and maintain the network, so we’re well prepared for increased demand and more challenging conditions Winter

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brings,” Whiffen said. He said the number of car-versuspole incidents was a record.

“When power poles are damaged, or lines come down, we often need to isolate parts of the network while crews respond. That’s why even a single incident can interrupt supply to a large number of customers.”

Before winter, Waipā Networks completed planned maintenance, vegetation management and targeted monitoring across the network.

Whiffen says the community also has a role to play.

“Driving to the conditions is a big one. Wet and icy roads increase the risk of losing control and hitting roadside infrastructure like power poles,” he said.

“If you come across a damaged pole or downed power line, keep well clear and treat all lines as live. If your vehicle hits a power pole, stay inside if it’s safe to do so and call 111. If you have to get out, jump clear with your feet together and hop away from the vehicle.”

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Stud takes top prize

Cambridge Stud was crowned the Sir Patrick and Justine Lady Hogan New Zealand Breeder of the Year at the National Breeding Awards held on “home turf” – Karāpiro - last weekend.

It was the sixth time the stud had won the country’s highest breeding honour but the first since Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay assumed ownership of the nursery in 2018.

Cambridge Stud bred more than 105 individual winners during the season, including five stakes winners and a further nine stakes performers. Cambridge Stud was also the leading vendor at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 100th National Yearling Sale.

Sir Brendan reflected on the significance of receiving an honour bearing the names of Cambridge Stud’s former custodians.

“It’s quite surreal, buying Cambridge Stud and this award being named after Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan,” Sir Brendan Lindsay told the Karāpiro audience.

“It’s a long way away from buying my first horse, which I raced with Trevor McKee. I remember excitedly telling my father and there wasn’t a huge amount of support.

“We love our racing and we love our breeding. It is important to thank the team, headed by Henry and

Michele Plumptre, and the whole team who work on the farm.”

Sir Brendan also spoke warmly about the camaraderie within the thoroughbred industry, referencing a function held the previous day for racing administrator Butch Castles. Castles announced in June that he was stepping down as chief executive of Waikato Thoroughbred Racing after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“This industry is a great industry and when you are down, there are a lot of people who will help, and when you’re up at the top, it gives everyone an

opportunity to strive and get up there with you.”

He remained bullish about the future of New Zealand breeding.

“You can’t ignore the fact that over the last five years, 21 percent of the Group One winners in Australia have been bred in New Zealand,” he said.

“The opportunities for this country are just enormous. Unfortunately, there has been a drop in foal numbers, but that creates an opportunity because the industry needs stock, and for us at Cambridge Stud to be able to bring in stallions of international appeal like Chaldean and Charyn is just

amazing.”

Also the night Windsor Park principal Rodney Schick was named personality of the year in recognition of his contribution to the industry.

Schick, who accepted the honour alongside his son Oli, was seriously injured in an ATV accident that claimed the life of his son Jimmy in May last year.

He paid tribute to wife Gina and the Windsor Park team for carrying the operation through a difficult period.

Among other winners, Jess Greenfield, the foaling manager at Matamata’s Waikato Stud, picked up the Young Achiever Award.

Plate winner Pippa

By Jesse Wood

The Year 9 Cambridge High School student has played since age five and recently took on indoor cricket as her winter sport.

She tried netball and football but cricket was the only one for her.

“Where Elim is on Wordsworth St, that used to be an indoor cricket centre,” mum Kerin Frost said. “When I was growing up, I remember my brothers and my father would play down there.

Mooloos riddled with Waipā connections

By Jesse Wood

There are 21 more reasons to celebrate rugby in the district with three Waipā connected coaching staff and 18 players selected in the 40-man Waikato provincial squad. Named as the sole captain of the squad, 30-year-old Mitch Jacobson headlines 11 Hautapu representatives in the Mooloo team.

He is the most capped player with 82 games under his belt since 2015.

Fresh off the red and white’s Breweries Shield premiership win, new cap Mike Naitokani, Hamilton Burr, Dylan Eti, Rui Farrant, Luke Jacobson, Senita Lauaki, Laghlan McWhannell, Ollie Norris, Waisake Salabiau and Andrew Smith make up the rest of the Cambridge cohort.

Samipeni Finau is a St Peter’s School alumni as are Eti, McWhannell and Norris.

Alongside the Te Awamutu-born Waikato captain, those connected to the other side of the district are Te Awamutu Sports backs Austin Anderson, Taha Kemara and Josh Moorby.

Forwards Taipari Quinn (Fraser Tech), Sean Ralph and Malachi Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys) are ex-Sports players.

Kaipaki resident Leon Holden is the head coach, assisted by former Te Awamutu Sports prop Nathan White and exHautapu midfielder/coach Jackson Willison.

White and Willison are both past Waikato captains.

Chiefs legend Aaron Cruden rounds out the coaching staff, having hung up the boots after the 2025 provincial season.

“We get on really well, we all love the union and we’ve all spent time in the region,” Holden said.

“That’s quite a big thing for me, that the players and coaches are connected to the province.”

McWhannell and Finau are preparing to head to Japan after the season.

Sitting on 46 caps, McWhannell will hope to surpass 50 Waikato games before he jets off.

Holden said he’s tried hard to pick the squad locally.

All four newcomers have played some club rugby in the Waikato – Naitokani, former Japan halfback Daiki Nakajima (Morrinsville Sports), David Lewai (University) and Micah Fale (Hamilton Old Boys).

The latter two have come through the Waikato system and are freshly back from representing New Zealand Under-20.

“I want our province to be a side that, where possible, it’s picked from club rugby, but with a high-performance element,” Holden said.

“I didn’t think indoor cricket was around anymore. She has to go to Hamilton for it but I’m super excited for Pippa to be involved.”

Pippa started playing at the beginning of term two and has already had a taste of representative indoor cricket.

“Between Hamilton and Auckland, there are only three venues. Dominion Rd and Waitakere in Auckland have four nets each,” Kerin said.

“Action Indoor Sports Hamilton has two nets at Duke St in Frankton. They host indoor football, indoor cricket and indoor netball all at that one venue.”

Pippa headed to the Indoor Cricket Junior Provincials tournament in Wellington in week one of the school holidays.

She was part of the Northern Districts under-15 girls team which won the plate final against Canterbury development.

As she continues to sharpen her skills year-round, Pippa plays in a Friday league team in Hamilton and in a women’s league on a Saturday, usually in Auckland.

“I encourage others who have nothing to do in the winter and love playing cricket to have a go at indoor,” Pippa said.

“I feel that indoor cricket keeps me close to maintain my cricket skills like bowling and batting even though they have completely different styles.”

She’s set on representing the

just like her

“It’s really important that every young boy or girl, regardless of the town, can see that there’s an opportunity, a pathway for them.

“Filling our roster with overseas players doesn’t do justice to what we’re here for.

“We’re a big province. So, why can’t we do that? We’ve got strong clubs but we’ve got to help them.”

and

Nensi Patel.

(6)

(7)

(6)

(5)

(7)

Rascal (5)

Adage (6)

Male sheep (3)

Take advantage of (7)

Astral prediction (9)

Untamed (4) 8. Weak and cowardly (4-7) 12. Worthy of imitation (9)

Chance your arm (colloq) (3,2,2) 16. Give in (6) 19. Trio (5) 20. Inquires (4) 23. Jewel (3)

Across: 1. Suit, 4. Supple, 8. Cottage, 9. Sidle, 10. Sour, 11. Scrounge, 13. Heartless, 17. Outsider, 19. Dire, 21. Curio, 22. Abandon, 23. Cheeky, 24. Knew.

Down: 2. Untruth, 3. Thaw, 4. Speech therapy, 5. Pushover, 6. Laden, 7. Repel, 8. Case, 12. Camisole, 14. Swindle, 15. Pouch, 16. Lean, 18. Torch, 20. Lank.

UOUWPYEKNASDENPOES XBIUPTLTCERCFBEUQA KXRPSHASHOOIADFTCL RSRLTIICCFLESILAVG EKOSNCVAFJIDELDARC WHIESAAELZSIICJNGL AHRKSSRGENVELOPEQE RWSEGSMLERRABLTEGH DGLTRETNACEDDECTTC PHGTCTIRCMORKRTVAT IAZLATLFAMSCAPQTGA GEKEFELGSBOTTLEAUS ENCEELCATPECERDIZB

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Open sesame

Subtropical sesame plants produce small, elongated pods which, when dried, burst open, releasing hundreds of tiny seeds. While most sesame seeds are a creamy white colour, some varieties can be yellow, reddish or even black. The tiny seeds pack an impressive nutritional punch. They’re rich in heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and antioxidants such as sesamin, making them a small but mighty addition to your diet.

Sesame seeds can be eaten raw, but toasting them brings out a delicious nutty flavour with a hint of sweetness. In the Middle East, sesame seeds are ground into tahini, a creamy paste that is a key ingredient in hummus. In Japan and Korea, they’re often used in seasonings, dressings and a variety of cooked dishes.

Sesame oil is made by crushing the seeds. It has a rich, distinctive aroma and flavour. Lighter sesame oil is commonly used in dressings, while the darker oil, made from toasted seeds, has a stronger taste and is best used sparingly to add depth and flavour to dishes.

Because the seeds contain a high amount of oil, they can become rancid quickly. Buy them in small quantities and store in the refrigerator for up to three months. Or freeze for longer storage.

Black Chickpea Hummus

Black chickpeas (also known as desi chana) are a smaller, darker and more robust variety of the standard chickpea. Purchase from Indian food stores or some supermarkets. Add leftover cooked chickpeas to salads or use them as an accompaniment to stews.

1/2 cup dried black chickpeas

1 1/2 cups water

4 tablespoons tahini

3 tablespoons lemon juice

4 cloves garlic, sliced

1/4 cup thinly sliced, drained sun-dried tomatoes

5 pitted black Kalamata olives, sliced

4 tablespoons icy water

5-6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Garnish: 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste 1-2 teaspoons whole fennel seeds finely chopped parsley

Rinse the chickpeas under cold water in a sieve. Place the chickpeas in a medium saucepan and cover with the water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 40 minutes, until very soft. Drain and place aside.

Place 1 cup of the cooked chickpeas, plus the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and water, in a blender or food processor and blend until very smooth. With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil. Stand for 2-3 hours to let the flavours develop. Loosen with a little water if too thick.

To serve, spread onto a plate. Drizzle with a little more olive oil before serving. Sprinkle with black pepper, salt, fennel seeds and parsley.

Serve with crisp veggies and crisps as a dip. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Sesame Dressing 1/4 cup each: soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, canola oil

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2 tablespoons sesame oil

1-2 teaspoons brown sugar or to taste

Place all the ingredients in a small blender and whizz until well combined. Alternatively, place in a jar and shake well.

Great served with a variety of salads and warm potatoes. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Korean Ribs

1kg pork spareribs

Bulgogi Sauce: 3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons each: water, orange juice

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

1/2-1 teaspoon chilli sauce

1 clove garlic, crushed

Ask your butcher to cut full spareribs in half. Place in a plastic bag with the combined sauce ingredients. Move the ribs around to ensure they are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, turning the ribs occasionally. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Place the ribs on a rack over a roasting pan containing a little water. Cook for 45 minutes or until tender, basting occasionally. Serve hot or cold. Serves 4.

LJ HOOKER

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- True focal point being the stunning Italian-designed kitchen.

- Expansive sliding doors extend the living spaces outdoors to generous decking.

- Master suite captures sweeping views; featuring a walk-in robe, elegant ensuite, and direct access to the spa terrace.

- Two bedrooms & family bathroom are located on the ground floor.

- Upstairs, a generous fourth bedroom with its own ensuite.

PROPERTY SOLD WITH CARE

Exceptional results start with exceptional relationships. That’s why team Eilish & Kevin are proud to announce that they have joined New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty.

For clients, this means access to premium marketing, international exposure and an extensive referral network, while retaining the personal service, clear communication and genuine care that have always defined the team.

Eilish and Kevin remain focused on making each property journey seamless, considered and rewarding.

A new chapter, the same commitment.

EILISH RUSSELL

Sales Associate

M +64 27 300 0002

eilish.russell@nzsir.com

KEVIN RUSSELL

Sales Associate

M +64 21 227 5482

kevin.russell@nzsir.com

GEMMA HERRINGTON

Personal Assistant

M +64 7 464 0184

gemma.herrington@nzsir.com

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Availability of Summary of Submissions and Further Submissions Clauses 7 and 8 of Schedule 1 to the Resource Management Act 1991

On March 26, 2026, Waipā District Council notified Proposed Private Plan Change 37 – Rider Park Structure Plan (PC37). Submissions closed on April 28, 2026.

Council has prepared a summary of the decisions requested in submissions received on PC37, which is now available to view at www.waipadc.govt.nz/planchange37, or at Council offices and public libraries in Te Awamutu and Cambridge.

Further submissions on PC37 can now be lodged with Council. The closing date for further submissions is 5pm Thursday, August 13, 2026

A further submission may only be made in support of, or opposition to, another person’s submission and can only be made by: Any person representing a relevant aspect of the public interest;

Any person with a greater interest in the plan change than the general public; and Waipā District Council.

Further submissions must follow and provide the information required by Form 6 in the Resource Management (Forms, Fees, and Procedure) Regulations 2003. The further submission form can be accessed at www.waipadc.govt.nz/planchange37

Further submissions can be made:

Online: www.waipadc.govt.nz/planchange37

Email: districtplan@waipadc.govt.nz

Post: Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840

In-person: Waipā District Council offices, 101 Bank Street Te Awamutu OR 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge.

You must serve a copy of your further submission on the person who made the original submission within five working days of lodging it with Council. Please email districtplan@waipadc.govt.nz to request the contact details of the original submitter.

Notification date (summary of submissions): Thursday, July 30, 2026. Further submission closing date: 5pm Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Steph O’Sullivan

Got a problem that you can’t resolve? Drop in to the Citizens Advice Bureau for some help.

Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012

PUBLIC NOTICE

of an application for Issue Off Licence MARKET MANAGEMENT LIMITED, 37 Koppens Road, Tamahere, Hamilton 3283, has made application to the Waipa District Licensing Committee for the renewal of a off-licence in respect of the premises at 46 Burns Street, Leamington and known as Fresh Choice Leamington. The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Supermarket The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is (or intended to be) sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 10pm each day

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Waipa District Licensing Committee, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge.

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at: The Secretary of the District Licensing Committee Waipa District Council, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu or email info@waipadc.govt.nz.

No objection to the issue of this licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on July 23, 2026.

Local not for profit groups and organisations are welcome to apply now.

Closing date 04/09/2026

Application forms are available by emailing us at admin@jumblearound.co.nz

CAMBRIDGE

Next Meeting Wednesday AUGUST 5 1:30pm Start

TAYLOR MADE 22a Taylor Street, Cambridge

MORELAND, Judith

Patricia (Judy) –

Unexpectedly, following a tragic accident on Friday 24 July 2026, aged 77 years. Loving wife of Jake for 56 years and a muchloved Cambridge local. Loved mother and motherin-law of Nikki and Tony, Dave and Megan. Adored Nana Jude to Sophie, Eli, Joe and Zadie. Treasured sister of Ann and Jen. Judy will be remembered by her passion and energy for the community, sport, education, and the many friendships that brought her so much joy. A celebration of Judy's life will be held at Cambridge Town Hall, Victoria Street, Cambridge today, 30 July at 1:00pm. Communications to Judy's family C/- Gibson Funerals, PO Box 501, Cambridge 3450.

Local, caring and here for you in your time of need

MORELAND, Judy – Jim, Ann Watson and family are deeply saddened by the passing of Ann's sister, Judy Moreland. Judy was a beloved sister, sisterin-law, and aunt whose kindness and warmth will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go to her family and friends. Forever in our hearts. Jim, Ann Watson and family The Jumble Around Op Shop Distribution of community grants 2026

Speaker: Erin Andersen Dress for Success from Hamilton

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KINGSTON, Gerrard Lorne – Peacefully on Thursday 23 July 2026 after a courageous battle with illness, aged 72 years. Loving partner of Jos Paki Paki for 25 years, and former husband of Edith Simmonds. Loved father and father-in-law of Shane and Kelly, Tanya and Brodie, Tama and Natasha and Cob and Kiri. Adored Koko of Shayla and Shaakur, George, Alice, Isla, Eruera, Mila, Sienna, Bella and Ava, and great-koko of Kairi. A celebration of Gerrards life was held on Monday 27 July. Communications to Gerrard’s family C/- Gibson Funerals, PO Box 501, Cambridge 3450.

LEASK, Raewyn Marcia (Rae) – Peacefully slipped away surrounded with love and her loving family at home on Saturday 25th July 2026, aged 81 years. Dearly loved wife of Atholl and loved Mum of Blair, Andrea and Karena. Cherished Granny of Keegan, Nathaniel and Chelsea. Loved older sister of Murray Bryant (Canada) and Janice Heer (Australia). A strong, determined wife, Mum and Granny will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In accordance with her and family wishes, a private service has taken place. Communications to Rae’s family C/- Gibson Funerals, PO Box 3450, Cambridge. SILAGE BALES FOR

3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge Ph 07 827 6037 • www.grinters.co.nz

For enquiries: E: greypower.cambridge@gmail.com Visitors aged 50+ keen to become Greypower members are welcome to attend

07 827 6037

3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge www.grinters.co.nz

RICH, Anthony (Tony) Willis – Passed away peacefully on Wednesday 15 July, aged 86, after a long illness. Survived by his wife Jasmine and daughter Michelle, and siblings Jenny and Malcolm. Sincere thanks to the wonderful care team at Te Awa Lifecare for looking after Tony in his final years. A private memorial will take place later in the year.

MCKELVY, Patricia Colleen – Passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, 22nd July 2026 aged 86 years. Dearly loved partner to Ron for over 40 years. Much loved mother and mother-in-law to Denis, the late Rex, the late Stuart, Peter and Trina, Scott and Jason. Adored grandmother to all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Heartfelt thanks to the staff of Waikato Public Hospital, Hamilton for the support and care. Donations to Waikato Rescue Helicopter would be appreciated you can find the link via Pat’s tributes page. A service to celebrate the life of Patricia has been held. Messages to the McKelvy family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Patricia’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz

New stage release selling now

View plans today

Our brand-new release of Sanctuary townhouses showcase Ryman’s latest design, blending contemporary style with dual-aspect living.

These north-facing two bedroom townhouses will offer an open-plan layout and raked ceilings create a bright, airy atmosphere. With a flexible design, you can tailor the space to your lifestyle – an extra bedroom can easily transform into a second lounge, media room, or study.

Whether you’re entertaining friends and family, or relaxing with a good book, your townhouse provides the perfect sanctuary.

With 90% already sold in this stage, you don’t want to miss out!

Priced at $789,000