Cambridge News | May 14, 2026

Getting Bruce rolling

By Viv Posselt

Wouldn’t it be interesting if we could be truly transparent for just one day… so that our well-concealed smugness, intolerance and sometimes downright nastiness could be as easy to spot as the visible disabilities others must endure for a lifetime?

Would it, in that short window into our own character, be as easy to patronise or dismiss, to simply walk past or ignore them? Are disabilities worn on the outside somehow worse than those carried inside?

Sparking those musings was a chat with two men. One of them physically mostly immobile, quietly polite, gritty as hell, determined to squeeze as much out life as his limitations allow. The other, a caring and understanding individual doing more than most to help, in a way that is couched in respect and admiration.

Hamilton-born Bruce Polglase has lived with spina bifida throughout his 64 years, almost 40 of them in Cambridge. Despite having the use of just one arm, he has worked as much as possible through the years to maintain his independence. Yet where his uncomplaining courage should attract admiration, he is often misunderstood, marginalised, taunted.

Now semi-retired, Bruce has been doing weekly deliveries of Cambridge News around parts of Cambridge East, with people more than dogs testing him. Before that, he delivered the now-defunct Cambridge Edition and worked at Achievement House.

Murray Smith, the second man in that interview, well-known Cambridge News columnist and Bridges Church man, has been part of Bruce’s journey since 2003. A steady friend and supporter, he recently launched an online campaign to replace the ageing electric scooter that is Bruce’s lifeline to leaving the house. By medical standards, his scooter is a necessity, not a luxury.

Bruce brought it in 2017. “I use it every day, but it has real problems now,” he said. “It keeps breaking down. I go through heaps of tyres, heaps of batteries.”

The frame has been twisted by low hanging branches Bruce can’t avoid along some footpaths, and the canopy only just covers his body, not his basket, usually full of papers. He checks the weather forecast before setting out, but when it rains, “I just get wet… nothing I can do.”

Travelling those paths and sometimes navigating his way at perilous angles to reach post boxes is taking its toll.

The scooter has stopped dead on the ramp leading to his home, meaning he had to call in mates to help get him indoors, then there was the accident a while ago when a motorist knocked him off on the crossing between the SuperLoo and the Cambridge Town Hall.

“I got a bump on the hand on that occasion but was mostly OK … they checked me out in hospital for three to four hours,” he said.

Murray sees Bruce as someone trying to have a meaningful existence in a world where people are challenged by difficulty at various levels.

“Bruce never complains but gets on with making the best of whatever life serves up. He has shown himself to be a battler, persevering courageously in spite of significant constraints.”

The online campaign to raise the $8500 needed to buy a new scooter has been live for about four weeks and ends on May 20.

Murray is keen to muster as much support as possible to reach that figure. He would like to see Cambridge get behind a bloke who enjoys being useful in his own community.

“The new scooter initiative has been a great boost to his sense of morale,” Murray said. “It conveys a message to him that there are people who notice and care.”

• For more on this story, go online to goodlocal.nz

editor@goodlocal.nz

maryanne@goodlocal.nz

Potter is back on the trail

By Viv Posselt

After taking a hiatus last year, the Waipā Creative Trail returns next week with an opportunity for people to meet over 60 artists at 11 open studios and galleries across 10 trail locations.

The feast of talent includes painters and printmakers, potters galore, a florist, embroiderer, hobbyist blacksmith and a luthier. They come from all over – Te Awamutu, Pirongia, Te Pahu, Ngāhinapouri, Tamahere, Cambridge and Roto-o-Rangi.

Some, like the 20 or so potters, will be in a creative cluster of their own.

The free community event was launched in 2024 by award-winning Kihikihi-based ceramic artist Alex Wilkinson. She had two core aims – to highlight the rich talent the region has to offer, and to encourage those visiting them to try some creativity of their own. She held off last year to deal with life stuff but is bringing it back for 2026 with hopes it might remain an annual event.

Supporting the trail is the Waipā District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme, plus a sprinkling of other businesses lending a hand in various ways.

The trail strays slightly from the norm in

that Alex sees it as a way not only to give people insight into different ways of being creative, but also to help boost mental and emotional wellbeing. She is co-organising the event with life coach and practitioner Tracey Hancock.

Both women have faced their own demons in the past and work to enhance mental wellbeing within their communities.

Alex, sister to Olympic sailor Micah Wilkinson, grew up in Cambridge, and attended St Peter’s Catholic and Cambridge High schools before heading to Christchurch to do an engineering degree she didn’t complete. She moved back to the Waikato to do a business degree, dropped into a pottery class by way of navigating those demons, and was hooked. She ended up with an honour’s degree in sculpture from Wintec and her work has been featured in exhibitions in New Zealand and overseas including at the Portage Ceramic Awards and Waiclay ceramic event.

She once said: “I simply would not be here if it were not for me trying a night class in pottery.”

Along the way, Alex developed a passion for the Japanese nerikomi pottery technique, one where multiple colours of clay are

Toys and trouble

As mentioned in a recent column, speeding cyclists and e-scooter riders on pavements are a cause of community concern in Cambridge.

Last week I did a beat patrol focused specifically on cyclists on the footpath travelling through the CBD after school. I was pleased with the cooperation of cyclists, dismounting or using the cycle path instead. E-scooter riders were also educated on the need to slow right down and be mindful of pedestrians.

In other news, last week, we had an incident that highlighted the risk associated with buying realistic looking plastic guns as toys. Two youths were seen by a member of the public pointing what appeared to be a black pistol at each other on the roadside. When told to put it away, one then ‘fired’ at the woman as she drove away. This was reported immediately to police by the woman who was understandably shaken.

Staff located the youths and seized a gun, found to be similar to a bb gun. Given the outward likeness of the gun to a real pistol in colour and design, the outcome could have been very different in other circumstances. Please ensure that such toys purchased for or by your children, are obviously toys in their design. I encourage retailers to also think

twice before stocking any toy gun which by his size and design could be misrepresented or mistaken for the real thing.

Early last Sunday morning, a vehicle was located crashed on Carlyle Street, Leamington in circumstances that indicated those involved would have sustained an injury. No one was at the scene when police arrived. If you have any information relating to this incident, please contact 105 and quote file ref 260509/3561.

Still in Cambridge, coordination and quick responses from police and Cambridge retailers resulted in two good catches in the past week. In the first, a male shoplifter was arrested for theft from the Warehouse Cambridge. Police arrived just as he walked out the door, concealing items. He was also found to be breach court bail conditions. The male appeared in court accordingly.

In a second incident, staff responded to a report about a group of five people in two separate vehicles. One of the group was believed to have stolen from Mitre 10 Mega Cambridge. One vehicle was stopped leaving the store and the second close-by. The goods were recovered and the offender and related parties identified.

combined or marbled to create unique pieces.

“I was terrible on the wheel, I didn’t want to glaze… so this niche type of pottery worked for me,” she said. “I love the process, it is unpredictable. There are elements I can control and some I can’t. Failure is part of pottery, so I always make two of any pieces I’m doing for somebody.”

She is now believed to be the only person in New Zealand teaching the technique to others.

Alex’s involvement in Creative Waikato and other community organisations sees her advocate for artists and other creatives, to give them and their work real value in society.

That, in part, is what next weekend’s trail is all about.

“Because it’s all over the place, we’re putting on mini-buses from Te Awamutu i-Site for people who don’t want to do it on their own,” she said.

“We expanded it to two days this year after the success of the initial one-day trail in 2024.

Briefs…

Site raided

Police and Waikato Regional Council staff were on the ResourceCo site in Cambridge on Tuesday morning. The News understands staff arrived with a search warrant and the issue related to compliance issues with the Resource Management Act. See cambridgenews.nz for updates.

In the pink

More than 70 Pink Ribbon breakfasts events have been planned so far in the Good Local Media community newspaper region –approaching the 93 achieved in 2025. The numbers include 37 in Cambridge, 27 in Te Awamutu, three in Te Kūiti and five in Ōtorohanga.

Hautapu work

A programme of transport and water infrastructure work to support Hautapu’s rapid industrial growth will begin in July, backed by funding approved through Waipā District Council’s Long-Term Plan. The Hautapu Infrastructure Programme brings six major projects into a single, co-ordinated build.

Scholarship winner

Year 13 Cambridge High student Hunter Davis has won the 2026 Ritchie Pickett Scholarship. This scholarship assists with the purchase of an instrument or tuition costs. Morrinsville born Pickett was a country music singer-songwriter who died aged 56 in 2011 having lived for some years in Cambridge.

Open Day

Cambridge’s volunteer fire brigade will host a station open day on June 7.

Correction

James Graham, currently acting chief financial officer at Waipā District Council, has been appointed Waikato Waters chief financial officer, not chief executive as we reported last week.

Rate rise: 10.7 coming

By Michelle Lachmann

Waipā ratepayers face an average rates increase of 10.7 per cent, and mayor Mike Pettit says the rise reflects escalating costs with unprecedented challenges.

Pettit said the recommended figure, which will be put to a full council meeting early next month for confirmations, was achieved after staff had worked on council’s most complex annual plan ever.

The proposed 10.7 per cent rate increase is made up of an 8.1 per cent increase in rates funding to maintain Waipā district council services and activities, while Governmentled water reforms will require a 19.1 per cent increase in revenue for water supply and wastewater activities ahead of their transfer to council-controlled organisation Waikato Waters Ltd on July 1.

“Together, the two figures equate to a 10.7 per cent average rate increase after growth, matching what was signalled for year two of the 2025–2034 Long-Term Plan,” Pettit said.

The council’s 8.1 per cent rate rise was in response to escalating costs, higher than expected inflation, and recovery impacts from February’s State of Emergency and a November storm, Pettit said.

He said the rise could have been higher - up to 15.5 per cent - but for significant work to make millions of dollars in savings.

“I need people to understand that we didn’t just sit there and nothing was done,” Pettit said.

Councillors had agreed that it was a priority to make the council a lean, and fit-for-purpose organisation that operated efficiently, Pettit said.

It had saved $3.6 million in reducing operational budgets, including a significant restructure and four-phase transformation programme, called Future Us, announced by chief executive Steph O’Sullivan on May 1.

The restructure was ongooing and so far had dis-established six positions, while creating three new roles, and reduced the council’s executive leadership team from seven teams to five.

More jobs could still be affected by the restructure.

O’Sullivan told The News she expected it to be finished between August and October and it would also include a review of Waipa’s Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) capacity and capability

“Moving forward we’re looking for efficiencies, ” Pettit said.

“It’s looking at the council as a whole and going where can we make efficiencies,” he said.

However, he cautioned that there was an opportunity cost to those efficiencies.

““You save money, but there’s an opportunity cost to that - you cut something out, while something else gives, but you don’t get the same, whatever that’s going to mean,” Pettit told The News. “We are here to make the whole organisation more efficient. And for us to hit next year with a rate rise with a five in it we are going to have to do that,” Pettit said.

He said the rate rise should come as no surprise to Waipa residents “because it was exactly what we talked about in the Long Term Plan”.

Home show at your leisure…

Exhibitors at the third Waipā Home and Leisure Show have pulled out the stops to recognise shoppers are counting their pennies.

The show, run by publishers of The News, Good Local Media, has drawn a full complement of 71 exhibitors for the three-day event starting tomorrow (Friday) at Karapiro’s Mighty River Domain.

“ We have lots of new exhibitors and exhibitors returning for their second or third show –exhibitors recognise the market is tight,” Good Local advertising manager Janine Davy said. “They have worked hard to make this show one where there thousands of dollars worth of prizes to be won, giveaways and great deals.”

Entry is $5 - children are free –and so is parking. The show will run from 10am to 4pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday.

“It’s a great opportunity to come and spend a day looking at what’s new and what’s on offer,” Davy said.

Major prizes include a $5000 door prize, a luxury weekend for two sponsored by Te Karaka Lodge and the use of an MG car for a weekend sponsored by Winger Motors Cambridge. Terms and conditions will apply.

There is also the chance to win a $5000-plus bed courtesy of Beds 4 U and $1000 worth of legal fees from Edmonds Judd along with many more giveaways and specials.

Good Local Media publisher David Mackenzie, who launched the show in 2024 to fill a void in Waipā, said it had been a popular and welcome addition to the calendar.

“We knew if we brought a home and leisure show to Waipa the people and exhibitors would come –and now we are looking at our best show yet,” he said.

Good Local Media websites - you will find us at cambridgenews. nz, teawamutunews.nz and kingcountrynews.co.nz – has a link to more details about the show including a full list of exhibitors.

Running up the numbers

By Michelle Lachmann

Cambridge Half Marathon organisers are preparing for another busy event this year, boosted by an increase in people turning to running.

Cambridge’s Jenny Gater, who beat out the men and women in last year’s quarter marathon race, believed the increase was largely due to more women turning to the sport.

“Running is definitely in fashion,” Gater said.

Cambridge Half Marathon race director Rob Archibald said running was experiencing a surge in popularity locally and globally.

He expects a good turnout for this year’s September 20 event.

There had been an increase in runners registering for the Cambridge Half Marathon last year - 710 compared to 520 in 2023, he said.

Organisers of many popular marathons in New Zealand, including Auckland and Queenstown events, have also reported an increase in recent years.

Gater’s time to win the 2025 quarter marathon – 10.7km - was 41m19s.

Aidan Potter was second 12 second later. The half marathon was won by Whakatāne’s Chris Lines with a time of 1h11m52s.

For Gater, 38-years-old, a mother of three and full-time teacher, running is essential to help her stay on track with her busy life.

She joked that there must have been low entrant numbers last year, enabling her to win - but later said running was experiencing a rise in popularity,

especially among women.

“I have a really busy life with three kids and working full-time so running gives me some time to myself - even if it’s just half an hour, it’s just me in that moment - it keeps me sane,” she said.

Gater runs five to six times a week and aims to cover 50-60km in total.

She enjoys the social aspects.

Cambridge and Hamilton have strong running communities that are inclusive and supportive, with people of all ages and different backgrounds, she said.

“You might think running is a lonely sport but the running clubs in Cambridge and Hamilton are very strong. I coach kids who are seven years old, but I have mates running who are 80 and everyone chats with

Councillors eye unitary authority

While some councils in the Waikato are looking at their neighbours and thinking amalgamation, the Waikato Regional Council is thinking bigger.

Councillors met last Friday to determine they backed a single unitary authority and want to work with the Waikato Mayoral Forum to develop the option.

each other,” she said.

This year’s race is back with changes to the course introduced last year maintained.

The 2024 event was paused due to increasing traffic management costs and an increased risk of an accident with more road traffic. It was a nationwide issue that had led to many popular running courses being altered, Archibald said.

The two-loop course has no need for road closures and is significantly different from the course previously used for 13 years.

Gater encouraged anyone to enter, regardless of running experience.

“Just try it, you never know you might love it,” she said.

The government has upped the ante on its Head Start pathway poised to bring the biggest council shake up since 1989, warning councils to come up with plans within three months or, effectively, being told how to redraw the boundaries.

Regional councillors in discussion last week emphasised the need for regional functions to be considered in any proposals being developed across the region.

To achieve this, they said they would assist local councils to meet the criteria of regional functions, in particular catchment management and transport. Where Waipā will sit with that is yet to be determined. Mayor Mike Pettit did not offer a council view this week before heading to Wellington for a Local Government New Zealand gathering.

At the southern end of Good Local Media’s circulation area Waitomo mayor John Robertson has been a consistent backer of a merge with Ōtorohanga district, which already works in tandem with Waipā on civil defence issues.

Waikato Regional Council Chair Warren Maher says Government’s announcement of the Head Start pathway was “a constructive step forward” in the wider local government reform programme.

He said the Waikato Mayoral Forum had already been proactively working together to explore what a future model could look like, taking into account the characteristics and complexities of the Waikato region, and the wide range of regional council functions and activities.

Goodbye to old club

By Mary Anne Gill

Waikato’s oldest golf club is a club no more.

The sporting establishment which turned 125 last year is now simply called Cambridge Golf, reflecting its desire to welcome everyone to its home alongside Tīrau Road.

You don’t even have to play golf, vice president Neil Gibb told a packed clubhouse when making the announcement last week.

But it would help.

Gibb said the rebrand had been carefully thought through. The club turned to professional help rather than doing it themselves.

A brand specialist was brought in to develop a logo and identity that would better reflect where the club is heading.

The result is a simple, contemporary design which draws on the course’s natural setting alongside the Waikato River and includes a subtle nod to golf.

But Gibb said it was about much more than a new look.

“This isn’t just a redesign,” he said.

“It’s a strategic realignment of where we believe the future of our golf club goes.”

A strong and recognisable brand would help the club stand out and better connect with members and the wider community.

More golfers on the course meant more income, and that in turn allowed continued investment back into the facilities, he said.

The unveiling took place in front of sponsors, with new signs installed on the day of the event.

Among the sponsors present was new partner and one of Waipā’s longest standing businesses, Livingstone.

Gibb acknowledged the work of volunteers who helped prepare the site for the change, removing old signage and helping get the new look in place.

Members will be briefed in the coming weeks, and Gibb plans to front up to various club groups to explain the change.

He knows it may take some getting used to.

“Sometimes change doesn’t sit as well with some people as it does with others,” he said. But the direction is set.

It’s a dairy monopoly

Dairy Women’s Network has brought the country’s dairy story to the coffee table with a new twist on the Monopoly board game.

The launch of limitededition dairy farming version of the game was held this month, including at Farm Source Te Awamutu.

Farm Source Te Awamutu store manager Sarah-Jane Reay said the launch coincided with its Pie Day Friday get-together for farmers and members of the Dairy Women’s Network team were on hand to chat with customers.

In the Dairy Farming New Zealand Edition, English favourites from Old Kent Road to Mayfair are replaced with dairy districts – starting with the Far North and finishing in Southland. Regional farms stores are also in the mix with Fonterra sites.

“Everyone really enjoyed having a coffee, a pie and seeing the game set up on a 3x3m board in our store,” Reay said.

Farm Source stores across the country sold close to 800 boards on launch day.

“Events like this are a great reminder of how important it is to bring people together and keep our rural communities connected,” Reay said.

DWN chief executive Jules Benton said the idea for the

game grew out of a simple question - how do you tell the dairy story in a way the whole family can enjoy?

“Most of us have sat around the table for hours playing Monopoly at some point,” Benton said.

“We wanted to take that familiar game and make it our own, so the board looks and feels like dairy life, the good days, the hard calls and everything in between.”

Instead of buying and trading city streets, players travel through well-known dairy regions and key parts of the farming calendar, including calving, mating, milk pick up and community days. The cards draw on

situations farmers face, and the board features a custom token and artwork that reflects the four seasons on the farm.

“It’s recognisable straight away as Monopoly, but the detail is very much home grown,” Benton said. “People will see places and scenarios they know and hopefully have a few laughs along the way.”

Proceeds from the sales will help the Network continue its work supporting people in the sector through workshops, events and resources that build confidence, skills and connection.

“Every board that goes out the door helps us put more support in place for farming businesses and their teams,” Benton said.

Figure put on storm damage

By Michelle Lachmann

Bringing the Te Tahi Water Treatment Plant back into service will cost an estimated $16.48 million.

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

Council’s waters transition programme lead Kevan Scott said a long-term solution had yet to be identified to replace the water treatment plant, near the base of Mt Pirongia.

The damage is expected to take three years to repair.

The storm recovery cost was expected to be partially covered by an insurance claim, Scott said.

“We are moving as fast as we can, but there are a whole lot of considerations - not least, how the insurance plays out over the next few months, and whether we can access any recovery funding from central Government,” Scott said.

The plant previously supplied more than half the drinking water to Pirongia, Te Awamutu and Kihikihiup to 10 million litres of water a day.

Waikato Waters, the councilcontrolled organisation taking over Waipa’s water supply and wastewater services on July 1, would determine the long-term solution to the district’s water supply capacity, Scott said.

Staff are working to increase the district’s water supply before the anticipated increase in summer 202627, Scott said.

“In the short term we are working as fast as we can to maintain current levels of supply to meet the demand that’s here today, and if possible, to meet the expected demand over summer.”

Rainwater tanks were being used temporarily so new developments within the impacted area could be connected to the reticulated network.

The rainwater tanks would allow individual buildings to have a water supply, but they were separate from the public supply network, Scott said.

The district council says alternative supplies could provide about nine million litres a day – but that is well short of peak summer demand of about 13 million litres a day and water restrictions appear inevitable.

Residents want to make it last

Leamington residents hope this year is the last they will endure disruptive and dangerous heavy truck traffic in their residential neighbourhood, Arnold St resident Tim Bradshaw says. Bradshaw presented a petition at the end last month calling on Waipā District Council to close its Arnold St depot. The petition signed by residents in Arnold Street, Shelley Street and Burns Street had 50 signatures, not 111 as previously reported. Bradshaw said residents hoped that now the petition had been presented to council, they would not be forced to endure another season of continuous heavy truck traffic outside their homes.

The roading season normally operates from November to February and residents want the council to close or move its depot before the seasons started again.

Council staff are due to report back to councillors on the issue at its services delivery committee on June 17.

Tiles Make Your Statement

More talk on bridging the gap Briefs…

Waipā district councillors have dived deeper into planning discussions for Cambridge’s third Waikato River bridge after reviewing public feedback.

Half a dozen ideas were considered at a workshop last Friday when councillors also discussed potential improvements to parking and the town’s transport network as part of the Cambridge Connections project.

Feedback from the community suggested new bridge corridors in four broad areas – to the east of the town, the far west, west of the town belt, or in town itself.

Other river crossing ideas suggested by the community include increasing the capacity of existing bridges or building a bridge at another location yet to be determined.

In the past council staff have pointed to the potential, in the interim, for the low-level Fergusson Bridge to take more traffic. The high-level Victoria Bridge is an immediate crossing to and from the central business district but is narrow and almost 120 years old.

A total of 71 ideas were gathered through the Cambridge Connections’ six-week public “brainstorm” which considered transport options over the next three decades.

The workshop was given GPS travel data collected across the year, showing 1400 vehicle trips in and around Cambridge each weekday.

Of the six bridge ideas put forward by the community, adding capacity to the existing Fergusson Bridge and/or a new crossing in town or mid-west of the

AGE OF REASON

Divided they stand

By Peter Carr

The weekend that has just passed by marks the start of the six-month run up to the nation’s next chance to populate the green leather seats next door to the aptly named Beehive.

During that half year period the wheels of government will grind on for only four months.

The remaining two will see the nation spin out into blathering rhetoric aimed at wooing the wider electorate. Aka the Great Shut Down.

So, imagine a large rugby ground where the players who should be grinding their way to one end or the other are running around in about six different shirts completely unable to carry the ball in one (of two) simple directions.

And baying at their heels will be the poorly corralled media where a soundbite of any weird nature will get the writer a moment of glory but little true return.

Just last week we witnessed the sad retreat of a well-spoken senior TV journalist who was hung out to dry by the ever-baying collegiate that is the parliamentary press gallery dragging out a (12 months ago) verbal slip.

She labelled a fellow journalist as behaving in a manner contrary to her own possible social beliefs then rightly apologised at the time.

That she attempted to corral some fastrunning junior minister into a forbidden corner of the parliamentary buildings recently was the final straw for the evercorrect Speaker. And was his ruling in any way possibly political?

The mayor of Auckland very recently

Rally returns

town emerged as the early frontrunners. Cambridge Connections is working to tackle three key transport challengesthe limitations and resilience of existing river crossings, the impact of the town’s growth on the transport network and managing heavy vehicles travelling through and across town. The latter issuer has raised public ire.

At an earlier workshop councillors discussed how Waipā could leverage Waikato Regional Council’s study on improving public transport for Cambridge, and progress walking, cycling and micromobility priorities.

One of the issues regarded as a priority following ideas from the community was Improving safe connections between Cambridge High School and Leamington.

set out his usually forthright view – in this case suggesting that New Zealand ceases to have the ridiculous triennial tit-for-tat reversal of legislation and administration that is dragging this fine country down to a level so low that we are becoming a cross between Zimbabwe and Myanmar.

He postulates that a two party (the only two real parties with any real clout) coalition should hold hands in a joint governance of our country. Some will see this as crazy, but what have we got to lose?

And what of the local (Cambridge) scene? How do we perceive how the parliamentary seat we share with far-off Taupō will settle this time around? Here we have a hardworking very busy (too busy?) multiportfolio Minister as our long-standing representative in the House. It has been my experience that too many portfolios at a high-level cause angst back in the member’s seat.

So, six months out, we have coming in to challenge our current MP a well prepared and equally well-honed and educated member of his party that should see him relatively high on the yet-to-be-published party list.

Should the current incumbent retain her seat there is every chance that our district will have two members in the House to represent our wishes.

Is that a bad thing? I think not - but it is an even better die to cast should the country take the route that is successful in Ireland where the two major parties are in the parliamentary bed together?

The North Island Rally Series will be on Good Local Media turf this weekend as series leaders and 2025 winners Quentin Palmer and Noel Moloney look to maintain their lead at the Rally of Waitomo on Sunday.

Pension poser

Grey Power New Zealand has reaffirmed its support for the current format of the pension after Labour leader Chris Hipkins indicated he was open to means-testing. The issue could come up for debate when for Grey Power Te Awamutu holds its annual meeting on May 21 where Waipā mayor Mike Pettit will be guest speaker.

FAITH IN WAIPĀ

Getting it wrong

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

“To err is human; to forgive is divine.” Those well-known words written by 18th Century writer Alexander Pope were his commentary on the human propensity for making mistakes. We’re ‘fallible’- meaning we’re all ‘flawed’, imperfect, liable to error, capable of wrong conclusions.

Our prowess for getting things wrong ought to awaken within us a certain vulnerability and humility.

Exactly how ‘fallible’ we are as humans is highlighted by people expressing emphatic opinions, but as time passes, they’re proven to have been radically wrong. Here’s a few notable examples …

Back in 1899, the Director of the US Patent Office appears to have had little vision for the ingenuity and creativity that humans possess. He made the startling declaration, “Everything that can be invented has been invented.”

But there’s more… long before him, famously outspoken poet, Lord Byron known for being recklessly mistaken stated, “Shakespeare’s name, you may depend upon it stands absurdly too high and will go down”.

Lord Kelvin, President of the Royal Society 1890-95 had a habitual knack for getting it wrong with flawed predictions. Here’s a few… “Radio has no future.” “Heavier than air flying machines are impossible.” “X-rays will prove to be a hoax.”

How about Mary Somerville, who pioneered educational radio broadcasts, claiming in 1948, “Television won’t last... it’s a flash in the pan!” Or consider the International Monetary Fund director claiming in 1959, “In all likelihood, world inflation is over”.

Once when touring Canada in 1965, the Duke of Edinburgh was asked for his take on

‘The Beatles’. “They’re on the wane,” he scoffed glibly. Over centuries, people have clung tenaciously to flawed opinions about multiple issues in life failing to consider even remotely the possibility that they could be wrong. Karl Marx the German political theorist whose ideas served as the basis for communism said, “My object in life is to dethrone God and destroy capitalism”. He envisaged Christianity having no future, becoming a forgotten cause. Well, it’s Karl Marx who’s ‘gone’… though not forgotten, he’s been proved dead-wrong at so many levels regarding Christian faith and God’s eternal power and authority.

Human fallibility presents a significant difference between us and our Creator, who alone is divine. He is ‘infallible’…incapable of making mistakes, of failing, or being wrong. He is all seeing, all knowing, all powerful, loving and kind.

In more recent times, various atheistic academics have claimed modern science has eliminated any need of a ‘concept’ for God. Stephen Hawking in his final book, Brief Answers to the Big Questions (2018), stated, “There is no God. No one directs the universe,” arguing it “popped into existence” spontaneously through the laws of science.” Hawking too, has gone leaving a serious question, “What if he, along with multiplied millions of other like-minded ‘fallible’ people were wrong?” What if Jesus spoke the truth about life and death, facing God in judgment and eternal destiny? These are sobering issues to carefully examine. Too much is at stake to get it wrong.

Dale-Maree Morgan: a voice for local Māori and community

For Waipā Māori Ward Councillor Dale-Maree Morgan, local government doesn’t start in the council chamber - it starts in the community

Whether she’s standing alongside locals advocating for their town or knee-deep in an awa (river) helping restore the environment, her approach is grounded in action, connection, and care for people and place

Dale-Maree’s journey into Council wasn’t mapped out, it was sparked by community action Standing alongside a passionate group in Te Awamutu opposing a proposed waste-toenergy plant showed her what ’s possible when people come together

“My drive comes from a commitment to protecting taiao (environment), uplifting communities, and ensuring that voices, particularly Māori and Pacific, are heard in decision making,” she says “Local government is where policy meets people, and that ’s where change becomes real ”

Her background spans Māori and Pacific development, policy, and community work From studying and working at the University of Waikato, through to managing community houses, events, and hands-on environmental restoration, she brings a wide range of experience to the role

When she first stepped into local government, Dale-Maree (Raukawa ki Panehaakua, Ngāti

Maniapoto and Te Puaha o Waikato) quickly realised something most people don’t seecouncils are asked to do a lot with very little

“Local government is expected to deliver a large mandate with a small share of public revenue that comes our way,” she reflects “Yet we’re expected to still maintain roads, water, community spaces - all while costs rise and rules keep changing

“Add in the pressure of a cost-of-living crisis, major weather events, and big decisions like the water transition - it ’s been a steep learning curve

“This term is about building on the iwi and mana whenua relationships laid over many years, foundations strengthened by leaders such as former Mayor, Alan Livingston E moe e te rangatira, i tō moe mārie (Noble leader, rest in peace),” she said

Looking ahead, she is focused on making meaningful change for the benefit of Waipā

Beyond the Council table, Dale-Maree’s role is deeply personal

“As a wife, mum, and grandmother, and uri (descendant) of my tribes, Waipā is home,” she says “Not only geographically, but culturally and spiritually I deeply value the connections across our marae, awa, and communities, and the way our histories, people, and place are inseparable ”

Recycling contamination is costing Waipā District Council around $600,000 every year While most residents recycle correctly, ongoing contamination from a small number of households is increasing costs for ratepayers

When rubbish or non-recyclable items are placed in recycling bins, entire truckloads can be sent to landfill Despite warnings and the current three-month suspension process, repeat contamination remains an issue

To help reduce contamination, Council will later this year introduce a stricter approach, replacing temporary suspensions with bin removals in cases of severe contamination or after three warnings

This change aims to reduce costs for ratepayers, send less recycling to landfill, increase accountability and improve safety for recycling staff

NZTA’s Expressway work moves to stage 3

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi are continuing asphalt works on the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway to keep it safe and fit for future growth Stage 3 is starting from Sunday, May 17 to early July, between the Victoria Road, Hautapu and Northern Cambridge interchanges

Southbound on and off-ramps at the Victoria Road, Hautapu interchange will be closed, with detours in place

Southbound traffic on the expressway can access Cambridge by exiting at the Northern interchange and using Cambridge Road/Hamilton Road

Expect delays, around Victoria Road/Cambridge Road roundabout, Albert Street/Achillies Street intersection, and Shakespeare Street/Tīrau Road intersection

For more information visit nzta.govt.nz/waikato-works

Mad hatters donate thousands

By Viv Posselt

An enthusiastic group of Cambridge ‘mad hatters’ will hand over $5410 to the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ this week to go towards its Pink Ribbon appeal.

The money was raised at a Mad Hatters Tea Party held by Cambridge Oaks Lifestyle Village residents at their recreation lodge earlier this month. The whimsical theme, complete with men and women decked out in crazy hats and outfits, mostly in shades of pink, saw around 100 attendees sip their tea from deliberately mismatched vintage teacups.

Cambridge Oaks’ owners, Freedom Lifestyle Villages, also contributed towards the total raised.

The event was organised by resident Cheryl Newman, with guest speaker Anna Campbell talking on her life and ‘Fashion in the Fields’,

and a fashion parade by Gabriels of Cambridge in which the clothes were modelled by village residents.

Campbell, who lives outside Cambridge, made a name for herself a couple of years ago when she was selected to represent New Zealand at the Melbourne Cup’s Fashion on The Field event in 2023.

Newman told The News she was delighted by the turnout and the result.

“We try to do something for Pink Ribbon every couple of years,” she said. “When I saw something on television about a Mad Hatters Tea Party, I thought it was a great idea for us this time.”

She said many Cambridge businesses and organisations donated over 30 items for raffling during the event.

“It is an excellent result … we will pass on the $5410 to the Breast Cancer Foundation this week.”

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Businesses in a pickle

By Mary Anne Gill

There was a time, not so long ago, when the only thing we hit across a net at school in Whangārei was a scuffed tennis ball, using a wooden bat.

We called it padder tennis in the 1960s. The nuns at school made the bats and we played on split concrete courts.

It was simple, noisy and endlessly entertaining. Looking back, it probably laid the foundation for a lifelong love of racquet sports - tennis first, badminton and then squash, all played with a fair degree of seriousness over the years.

So, when I walked into the Velodrome last week and picked up a pickleball paddle for the first time, it felt like coming home - albeit with a modern twist.

The Business Chamber function had swapped its usual handshakes and small talk for something far more energetic. Down on the infield, three pickleball courts had been set up, a curious sight alongside cyclists circling the track and boxers working through drills nearby.

It was a reminder the Velodrome is no longer just about high-performance cycling; it has become a place where sport in all its forms can co-exist.

Pickleball, for the uninitiated, looks easy. A smaller court, a paddle instead of a racquet and a plastic ball that resembles something you might find in a child’s toy box. It is often described as a mix of tennis, badminton and table tennis, and you can see elements of all three within a few minutes of play.

But don’t be fooled.

The first thing that struck me was the ball. After years of tennis and squash, where the bounce is predictable and the response

instinctive, the pickleball has a personality all its own. It comes off the paddle with a soft pop rather than a thud and behaves unpredictably off the surface, particularly for a beginner still trying to judge its speed and flight.

Timing, I discovered, is everything.

There is also a tactical side that quickly reveals itself. The smaller court means less running than tennis, but there is nowhere to hide. Shots need to be placed, not just hit, and rallies can develop into a delicate exchange rather than outright power. It is as much about touch as it is about strength.

Then there is the area either side of the net –for some reason called the Kitchen – where you are not allowed to step in and play the ball. Go figure. How was I supposed to smash and volley it effectively?

What surprised me most, though, was how quickly the competitive instinct returned.

Put a net between two people, give them something to hit and suddenly it matters again. Points were celebrated, excuses were made, and the gentle hum of networking gave way to laughter and the occasional groan. It turns out business connections can be strengthened over a well-placed shot just as easily as over coffee.

There is a social ease to pickleball that sets it apart. Within minutes, everyone was playing, regardless of experience, and that inclusiveness is clearly part of its growing appeal.

For me, it stirred something familiar. Not quite tennis, not quite squash, but close enough to remind me why I fell in love with racquet sport in the first place.

Sometimes all you need is a paddle, a ball and a willingness to have a go.

BOOKARAMA 2026

Pavlova Plate for Kiwi women

By Jesse Wood

Cambridge High School physical education teacher Dani Bolton was part of the victorious New Zealand Fistball Ferns side in Geelong, Australia on Anzac weekend.

Fistball is similar to volleyball but players use one fist rather than two hands.

“This was my début tournament. A few of us girls welled up when we sang the national anthem and had a moment of silence for the Anzac troops,” Bolton said.

“I think every Kiwi kid dreams of representing New Zealand and I never thought that would be me, so it was a really special moment to share with my team.”

The grassed fistball field, at 50 metres by 20 metres, is twice the size of a colleyball court and the ball can bounce between the three hits before it’s back over the net to the other team.

The Fistball Ferns beat the Australian women’s team in the a three-match Trans-Tasman tournament, 2-1, to retain the Pavlova Plate at King Lloyd Reserve.

“Being my first tournament and coming away with the win meant that I’m totally hooked into the sport now plus always nice to get a victory over Aussie,” Bolton said. “I think because New Zealand has always had the plate and trophy, I wanted to make sure it came back home with us.”

Hamilton-based New Zealand Volley Ferns representative, Brieana Crosbie was also part of the team.

It was Crosbie who enticed Bolton into the sport.

“My good friend Brie has been playing for about six years. She invited me to a training session for the World Cup in Argentina - which I was unfortunately unable to go to,” Bolton said.

“From then I really enjoyed the sport and wanted to get more involved!

“I enjoy the team aspect. You really have to work together, as once you have touched the ball you can’t touch it again until it comes back over the net.

“I also love how different it is from anything I’ve ever done.”

Crosbie was selected in the women’s championship all-tournament team - agreed upon by the coaches of each team post tournament.

Proud mum Andrea Bolton said her daughter is a great role model for the girls at Cambridge High School.

“She’s resilient and fun, loaded with energy and caring,” Andrea said. “Dani takes students diving, surfing, kayaking, to play ultimate frisbee as well as all her other PE responsibilities.”

Bolton and Crosbie are looking to play again later in the year at the Asia-Pacific Fistball Championships in Prebbleton, near Christchurch.

“We have another tournament in November against Australia and hopefully some other teams from the Pacific and Japan, then the masters tournament in Brazil next year and world games the year after,” Bolton said.

“I am hoping that I am able to continue to play and help grow the sport.”

Hautapu and Hedley on target

By Jesse Wood

It was a mixed bag for Waipā senior club rugby sides on Saturday but Hautapu once again proved their depth and dominance.

In the Waikato premier division, the Cambridge-based side won 70-21 against Morrinsville Sports at Campbell Park –scoring 10 tries to three in the process.

Henry Brown, Harry Chittick, lock Dylan Eti, winger Quentin Hill, halfback Rui Farrant, Konelio Burgess, centre Waisake Salabiau, Nathan Stephens, Jason Thomasen and number eight David Morris all crossed the chalk.

Fullback Patrick Hedley was on target, kicking all 10 conversions.

Te Awamutu Sports’ premier team lost 3126 to Ōtorohanga Sports at Albert Park.

Hooker Albert Nadan, George Poolman, Sosaia Fonua and lock Lau Arona – both making their premier debut - scored for the home team. Right winger Leo Scott added three conversions.

Hautapu B beat 61-10 Morrinsville Sports B, a nine tries to two victory.

Winger Vilimone Bainibure, openside flanker Kane Gibberd and centre Ihaka Harper-Dent helped themselves to doubles while backs Josh Brunger, Dillon Martin and Maraekaiti Nepia also scored.

Martin added eight conversions to his tally.

Martin’s former team Te Awamutu Sports premier development lost 46-24 to Ōtorohanga Sports B.

Flanker Dylan Jeffries scored a hat-trick and slotted a conversion in front of the home fans.

Veteran halfback Ben Mylchreest scored his side’s fourth try and Alexander Creak added a further conversion.

In division 1A, Pirongia 43-33 win over Te Rapa at St Andrews Park included doubles

for wingers Ruban Maniapoto-King and Daniel Belk.

Jayden Darby, Mathew Findsen and Sunia Ragede were the other scorers, and first fiveeighth Jason Hill added four conversions. Ōhaupō also travelled into Hamilton and were beaten 29-22 by Suburbs at Flagstaff Park.

Midfielder Bronson Wilson-Beech, Chris Johnson and hooker Jack Jordan scored a try apiece. Pivot Dean Fullerton added seven points off the tee.

Leamington demolished Kereone 80-5 in Morrinsville.

The 12 tries to one thrashing included four tries to fullback Jarrod Davey as well as

doubles for fellow backs Keegan Harris and Chris Webber.

James Knowles, Drew Bootten, Hunter Mckenzie and Sam Walker got a try apiece. Winger Robert Day added eight conversions, bringing his 2026 tally to 118 points after just eight rounds.

Harris and Davey also added a conversion each.

In division 1B, Pirongia B beat their Te Rapa counterparts 67-10, Ōhaupō B fell 50-22 against Suburbs B and Leamington B pipped Kereone’s second side 12-10.

Women’s premiership team MelvilleHautapu combined (Mel-tap) had a bye week and will host the Hamilton Old Boys Huskiez

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in a top of the table clash this Saturday at Cambridge Memorial Park.

Kihikihi were pipped 27-24 by Waitete in the women’s championship – five tries to four – at Rugby Park Te Kūiti.

Kiriana Nolan, Charlize Waters, Sarah Payne and Jasmine Cannon all scored tries, while Rinoa Day added two conversions.

Pirongia had a bye and head to Wealleans Park this Saturday to face Hinuera.

Pirongia were the only Waipā-based colts side to get a win, beating Hinuera 26-19 at Pirongia Domain.

Second five-eighth Mark Seager scored a brace, while Sam Denize and winger Gus Pratt also grabbed five-pointers.

Centre Corbin Fleming slotted three conversions.

Hautapu lost 29-12 to Hamilton Marist under 21 on the turf. Lachlan Ross and Noah Walker were the Hautapu try scorers and Johanson Tamala added a conversion.

Former Te Awamutu College representative Corbin Harty was one of Marist’s four players to score.

Leamington were beaten 64-31 by Fraser Tech at Leamington.

Hennessy Campbell, Dayton Henare and Riley Jackman were among the home side’s points-getters.

Te Awamutu Sports fell 64-19 to Hamilton Old Boys colts.

Ryan Bailliie scored two tries and Cyress McCorkindale got Sports’ third. Jaoquin Burke kicked two conversions.

For Old Boys, 2025 Ōhaupō sevens player Jacob Stone-Pearn scored two tries.

Te Awamutu Marist Bushpigs hosted Pirongia Mountain Men in the first round of presidents grade.

The clash at Castleton Park saw the visitors walk away 24-10 victors.

By Mary Anne Gill

At a busy rural crossroads north of Cambridge, a simple wooden sign has quietly put Bruntwood back on the map.

The sign - made by Andy MacDonald of Black Dog Furniture - sits where Pickering, Peake,

Bruntwood and Peake roads meet.

It’s a project that grew out of MacDonald’s own connection to the area. He moved into the old Bruntwood dairy factory in nearby Peake Rd 11 years ago, after working out of the former Matangi dairy factory, and quickly became hooked on Bruntwood’s history.

He felt the community and the busy crossroads needed a sign, so he put one up - only to be told by the council he had broken the rules.

So, he made a simpler wooden one and installed that instead. But in recent months foliage had gradually crept over it, and the

weather had faded the lettering. That sense of place matters in an area where names overlap and identities blur between Hautapu, Tamahere, Pukemoremore and Tauwhare. As MacDonald puts it, the sign has become a useful marker in what can feel like “a boiling cauldron of locations”.

About 150 metres up the road sits Fonterra’s Hautapu dairy factory. The sign is fixed to a fence in front of one of the dairy company’s demonstration farms. Fonterra’s environmental manager, Jude Van Bommel, noticed the sign had become hard

Governance on the ground

By Liz Stolwyk, Regional Councillor

Recent councillor engagement across the Waikato and King Country has reinforced a simple but increasingly urgent point: if we are serious about good decision-making, we need more time on the ground and less time in council chambers.

Recognising this, I organised a recent field visit across the region, bringing councillors together to see first-hand the environments, communities, and challenges we are making decisions about.

Lake Ngā Roto, a lake that is clearly calling for help, was the first stop on the visit, where regional councillors discussed the future of the reserve and its surrounding environment. While the conversation was constructive, it also highlighted how important it is to physically see and understand the pressures facing this place. There is no substitute for being therestanding on the land, seeing the condition of the lake firsthand, and understanding the cumulative impacts that are not always obvious in reports alone.

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prioritise the fundamentalsimproved clearing of drains and waterways, alongside ongoing investment in infrastructure that can better cope with extreme weather events.

Over lunch with Ōtorohanga mayor Rodney Dow, discussions reinforced the ongoing challenges rural communities face - not just in recovery, but in building longterm resilience.

In the King Country, engagement with King Country River Care provided valuable insight into the environmental work being undertaken on farms. Visiting Reon and Wendy Verry (sheep and beef) and Brian and Paulette Johns (dairy) showed firsthand what is being achieved, what is possible, and where policy intersects with practical farming systems.

Seeing their plantings and the results of their work on the ground was particularly powerful and, importantly, is aspirational for other river care groups across the region. Standing in their paddocks, it was clear that progress is being made - but also that policy must remain grounded in reality.

alongside you to ensure workable solutions.

Beyond the formal programme, I attended the Kāwhia Community Board meeting, where support was given to government funding for an EV charging station - an important step for connectivity and local development. Kāwhia beach access was also discussed at a recent hui. As indicated there, vehicle access on Kāwhia Beach is a complex legal issue, involving several overlapping pieces of legislation that must be carefully considered together.

Separately, I visited Mōkau to assess the resilience of State Highway 3 alongside Taranaki Regional Council. In my role as Regional Transport chair, I have since written to Minister Chris Bishop advocating for SH3 to be prioritised as a critical lifeline route for the region.

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From there, we travelled to Pirongia and Kiokio to assess flood-affected areas. Standing in those landscapes provides a very different perspective to reading summaries of damage. The scale of impact on land, infrastructure, and livelihoods becomes immediate and real. It also highlighted how impractical some aspects of Waikato Plan Change 1 can be when applied in real-world situations. In Pirongia especially, it was clear that any climate or resilience policy must also

Discussions also touched more broadly on Waikato Plan Change 1 and the need for a common-sense approach that recognises both environmental outcomes and the realities of farm viability. We hear you, King Country farmers, and once decisions are released, we are committed to working closely

The conclusion from all of this is straightforward: we cannot govern effectively from behind desks alone. Boardroom discussions have their place, but they must be matched with consistent, structured, and meaningful engagement on the ground. Our communities, farmers, and infrastructure challenges are complex, local, and constantly evolving. They require councillors who are willing to get out, see it for themselves, listen directly, and fully understand the realworld consequences of the decisions we make.

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A place called Bruntwood

to read. A bit of pruning and gardening made it visible again, but the lettering still needed attention. She contacted MacDonald, who at first thought he was in trouble but all Van Bommel wanted was a refresh.

Using the Karina font, MacDonald set to work.

He was determined not to repeat an earlier mistake.

On his own sign across the road, “Furniture” was misspelled as “Funiture”, a reminder that signwriters are notorious for typos. He has kept the sign up to see how many people notice.

Bruntwood’s main claim to fame is its dairy factory and railway line. The factory dates back to 1914, when milk arrived by horse and cart from surrounding farms. At its peak, about 22 suppliers sent milk there to be made into cheese.

The factory burned down in 1960 and was rebuilt in 1962, leaving the buildings that stand today. It later became part of the Waikato Dairy Co-op in 1983, before being gradually decommissioned, with windows blocked and accessways closed off.

“We’ve been renovating it to bring it back to what it looked like before,” he says.

The wider area still carries traces of that era. Old factory houses remain, and some locals recall stopping at what was once a general store on the route south, when this was a main link before the state highway took over.

Even today, traffic still cuts through the intersection, especially when drivers divert off the expressway.

In that context, the Bruntwood sign does more than mark a place. It anchors a story, reconnecting people with a name that once had real significance in the dairy industry.

Van Bommel sees that connection every day. Her role at Hautapu includes overseeing environmental performance and community engagement, and that will be on show later this month.

The annual Fonterra Hautapu public meeting will be held on May 26 at the site, giving residents an update on activities, an overview of projects, and the chance to discuss environmental performance.

For those approaching from the north, the Bruntwood sign will be hard

to miss.

It stands quietly on a fence line,

and

even in a fast-changing rural district, identity still matters. And sometimes, all it takes is a sign.

Passing on the Farm Without Losing the Family

When people talk about farm succession, it is often treated as a simple handover. In reality, that is where the hard questions begin.

The first question is whether succession is actually viable. Can the farm support another family? Can Mum and Dad step back while still allowing a child to make a living from the business? Or will debt and tight cashflow make the whole plan unworkable? A farm may have significant value tied up in the land, but that does not always mean it has the income to sustain a successful succession plan. Then comes the question no one likes answering properly: what are Mum and Dad actually ready to let go of? Some want to step back early and enjoy a different pace of life. Others still want a hand on the wheel. Neither approach is wrong, but if expectations are not discussed openly, frustration can quickly creep in.

Then there is the sibling question. Most parents want to be fair. Of course they do. But fairness in farming families is rarely simple, and it is almost never seen the same way by everyone involved. One child may have stayed on the farm, worked long hours, accepted lower pay, taken on responsibility, and helped grow the business over many years. That contribution matters, even if it does not sit neatly on a balance sheet.

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There is also another part of the equation that is easy to overlook: the freedom that comes from having family on the farm. Not just labour, but trust. Reliability. Shared responsibility. The ability to step away and know things will still be done properly. That has real value, even if it is difficult to measure. In a world where quality farm staff can be hard to find, that contribution should never be underestimated.

Distributed to EVERY rural & urban letter box across the Waipa region each month.

Distributed to EVERY rural & urban letter box across the Waipa region each month.

Distributed to EVERY rural & urban letter box across the Waipa region each month.

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Good succession planning is not really about choosing a winner. It is about working out what is sustainable, what is fair in the circumstances, and what gives the farm the best chance of continuing without breaking the family in the process.

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The earlier those conversations start, the better. Open discussions, clear expectations, and good professional advice can make all the difference. Done well, succession planning protects more than the farm — it protects the relationships around it too.

If your family is starting to think about succession, the friendly rural team at Edmonds Judd is here to help.

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Across

1. Relating to sound (5)

4. Opportunity (6)

7. Alien object (3)

8. Supple (6)

9. Contemptibly few (6)

10. Away from land (8)

12. Fate (4)

13. Self confidence (6)

15. Adjust a musical instrument (4,2)

16. Nuisance (4)

Last week

17. Disengage (8)

19. Show off (6) 20. Weaken (6) 22. Signal (3) 23. Formal address (6) 24. Discussion meeting (5) Down 1. Uncomplaining stoicism (5,5,3) 2. Crux (3)

3. Collector’s item (5) 4. Remark (7) 5. Left behind (9) 6. Informal phrase (13) 11. Quick temper (inf) (5,4)

14. Enchant (7) 18. Robber (5) 21. For each (L) (3)

Across: 1. Defame, 4. Deadly, 9. Octet, 10. Modesty, 11. Playful, 13. Rapt, 14. Bad-tempered, 17. Ague, 18. Numeral, 21. Rosette, 22. Uncle, 24. Prayer, 25. Septet. Down: 1. Droopy, 2. Fit, 3. Motif, 5. Endorse, 6. Disappear, 7. Yo-yo, 8. Small-minded, 12. Analgesia, 15. Theatre, 16. Fluent, 19. Mauve, 20. Trip, 23. Cut.

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ANNUAL PJ DONATION DRIVE ENDS FRIDAY 22 MAY 2026

Moroccan bites with Jan Bilton

Ras al hanout seasoning, the signature spice from Morocco, is a blend of ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron and other warm spices often used in many Moroccan dishes. Typical Moroccan dishes include tagines — gently steamed stews, and bestillas — sweet and savoury flaky pies. A tagine (or tajine) is a North African, specifically Moroccan, slow-cooked stew, as well as the cone-shaped clay or ceramic pot used to cook it. The unique lid traps steam and returns condensed liquid to the pot, creating tender, moist meat and vegetables. Couscous is a common carbohydrate served with stews. It is traditionally cooked by steaming semolina grains three times over a simmering stew in a ‘couscoussier’, a two-chambered pot. The grains are rubbed with oil and water, then steamed for 15–20 minutes per round, ensuring the couscous becomes fluffy, light, and absorbs the aromas of the meat and vegetables cooking below. Kiwi cooks — follow the packet instructions. The cuisine has been influenced by many cultures, including Arab, Jewish, and French, and is both subtle and full of surprises. Slowcooking methods bring out the unique flavours of the spices. Honey, sugar or fruits, either dried or fresh, are often used to flavour couscous or savoury meat dishes.

Moroccan Spiced Lamb Rack

2 racks lamb, about 5 cutlets each freshly ground black pepper to taste 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

1 1/2 tablespoons Moroccan spice mix

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

Trim the excess fat from the racks if needed. Season with black pepper. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Brown the racks quickly on both sides, then

place them in a small baking dish, meat side up.

Combine the parmesan and Moroccan spice mix. Pat firmly over the meat side.

Roast the lamb rack for 20-25minutes. The inside temperature should be about 55°C and a little pink.

Great served with an orange-based chutney. Serves 4.

Moroccan Avo Dip

AvoGrey avocados have a long shelf life, are easy to peel, have firm flesh and don’t discolour in a way other varieties do.

1 large AvoGrey avocado or 2 Haas avocados

1 1/2 teaspoons ras al hanout seasoning blend

1 teaspoon finely grated orange rind

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

2 small tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander, freshly ground salt to taste

Halve, stone and peel the avocado. Coarsely mash. Gently combine with the ras al hanout, grated peel, juice, tomatoes, coriander and salt. Garnish and serve within the hour.

Serving Suggestion: Top with slices of preserved lemon and serve with crackers

and/or fresh veggies.

Quick Preserved Lemon: Slice 4 lemons lengthwise into 6 wedges. Place in a jar and add 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cover and shake. Leave at room temperature for 3 hours before use.

Beef Tagine with Apricots and Prunes

600g lean stewing beef

1 tablespoon oil

1 each: large onion, carrot, sliced

1 teaspoon each: ground ginger, ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon each: ground cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, white pepper

2 tablespoons plain flour

3/4 cup each: beef stock, orange juice, dried apricots, pitted prunes

Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and brown the meat in batches.

Add the onion and carrot with the spices and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring. Add the flour, mixing well.

Pour in the stock and orange juice and bring to the boil. Stir well. Add the dried apricots and prunes, cover, and cook on very low heat for about 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender. Stir occasionally. This treat can be served with couscous. Serves 4.

Thursday

Notice of Meeting Fonterra Hautapu Public Meeting

We would like to invite you to our annual meeting which will be held at:

Fonterra Hautapu Training Rooms, Gate 5 Bruntwood Rd at 6.00 pm - 8:00pm on Tues 26th May 2026.

At the meeting we will:

• Provide you with an update on the activities and operations at the Hautapu Site;

• Overview of the Site projects; and

• Discussion on the site environmental performance and activities in the local community.

Light refreshments will be provided.

To confirm your attendance please RSVP by Wednesday 20 May to Hautapu.community@fonterra.com

We look forward to seeing you.

KURU, Raewyn Ramari – Very peacefully slipped away, surrounded by her loving whānau, at Waikato Hospital on Tuesday, 5th May 2026, aged 64 years. Devoted longtime friend and partner of Albert. Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Carrie and Kaani, and Repia and Lucy. Much loved Nan of Tikapa and Irhapeti. A tangi for Raewyn has been held. Messages to the Kuru Family may be sent c/- 141 Scott Street, Leamington, Cambridge 3432, or left in Raewyn’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz.

KEYTE, Barbara Audrey –Of Linda Jones Retirement Village. Jim, Greg & Karlene, Sue & Terry and their families wish to thank everyone for the many cards, emails, texts, food and visits expressing their love and sympathy at this sad time. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgment of our heartfelt thanks. Cambridge &

PROPOSED PLAN CHANGE 25 TO THE OPERATIVE WAIPĀ DISTRICT PLAN: SHELTERBELTS AND ARTIFICIAL CROP PROTECTION AND SUPPORT STRUCTURES.

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

On January 15, 2026, Waipā District Council notified Proposed Plan Change 25 – Shelterbelts and Artificial Crop Protection and Support Structures (PC25). Submissions closed on February 20, 2026. Council has prepared a summary of the decisions requested in submissions received on PC25, which is now available to view at www.waipadc.govt.nz/planchange25 , or at Council offices and public libraries in Te Awamutu and Cambridge.

Further submissions on PC25 can now be lodged with Council. The closing date for further submissions is 5pm, Thursday May 28, 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/planchange25

Further submissions can be made:

Online: www.waipadc.govt.nz/planchange25

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, May 14, 2026.

Further submission closing date: 5pm, Thursday, May 28, 2026. See the Privacy Statement on Council’s website for further information.

NISBETT, Lynette Joy –Peacefully passed away in Cambridge on Friday 8 May 2026, aged 57. Much loved mother of Skye, daughter of Leonard and the late Joy, sister and sister-inlaw of Vanessa and Mark, and Stuart, and aunt of Tiana, Kayla, Blake, Charlie, and Joe. The family offers their sincere gratitude to the staff at Cambridge Resthaven for the kindness, respect, and compassion shown to Lynette during her years in their care. At the family's request a private cremation has taken place. Friends and family will gather on Saturday 6th June to celebrate Lynette's life. All communications to The Nisbett Family, C/Cambridge Funerals, PO Box 844, Cambridge 3450