Cambridge News | November 27, 2025

Road tolling ahead

By Mary Anne Gill

Road tolling is likely to help fund the long‑awaited 16‑kilometre Cambridge to Piarere expressway.

The project is fast‑tracked as a Road of National Significance and property acquisition and design work is underway.

The community had its first look at plans during a well attended four hour information session at Cambridge Town Hall last week.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) project director Jason Harrison, who has led the project for nearly two years, said his job is to bring a team together and keep the public informed.

“My role is maintaining relationships.”

He confirmed a toll between Piarere and a new Karāpiro interchange had been factored in - but not on and off ramps at Newcombe Road, the Tīrau Road interchange.

Building trust and working together will be a key to the project’s success, he said.

The project has had a long history. In 2018 the then Labour led government paused the project, which was to have been built as an extension to the Waikato Expressway. A total of $4.23 million had been spent on business cases and plans.

National revived the project as part of its election promises and granted fast‑track approval in September.

Construction is scheduled to begin late next year and the project is expected to take six years.

Some features remain outside the current scope. On/off ramps at Newcombe Road are not included though NZTA is monitoring the area and working with Cambridge Connections given the likelihood of increased truck traffic through Cambridge from quarry

operations.

The Tīrau Road interchange was designed for southbound movements only to prevent short local trips between Hautapu and Tīrau.

NZTA is also preparing a Strategic Transport Plan for the Hamilton–Tauranga corridor. It would assess long‑term road and rail improvements over the next 30 years.

Alongside this, the agency is working with Waikato Future Proof — a collaboration of local councils, iwi, and government agencies — on a spatial study to guide growth, land use, and economic development.

All necessary consents for Cambridge to Piarere have been secured, thanks to early engagements with local councils, said Harrison.

He said despite frustrations over delays, landowners, who had known about the project for years, had been “really constructive to work with”.

“By mid to late next year we’ll be reading contracts, and by late next year we’ll be starting physical works,” Harrison said.

The first work will focus on the new interchange at Karāpiro and three bridges over ecological areas.

Plans are being developed to ensure landowners retain property access and to keep traffic delays to a minimum during construction.

Once complete, the expressway will deliver faster and safer journeys between Cambridge and Piarere, cutting travel times and easing congestion on local roads.

It is expected to improve freight efficiency, support economic growth across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, and provide a more reliable link in the Hamilton Tauranga corridor.

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CONTACTS

News/Editorial

Roy Pilott editor@goodlocal.nz

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Mary Anne Gill maryanne@goodlocal.nz

021 705 213

Viv Posselt viv@goodlocal.nz

Chris Gardner chris@goodlocal.nz

Advertising Director

Janine Davy janine@goodlocal.nz

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Owner/Publisher

David Mackenzie david@goodlocal.nz

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Liquor outlets checked

In my role as Community Liaison Officer, I enjoy a lot of job variety.

Last Saturday I took part in a Controlled Purchase Operation (alcohol), working with representatives from Waipā and Ōtorohanga district councils, Ministry of Health and some of my Prevention Team colleagues. The purpose of this operation was to assess compliance by on and off-licence holders around the sale of alcohol to minors.

Underage volunteers visited premises in Piopio, Te Kūiti, Ōtorohanga, Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Cambridge. Overall levels of compliance were good, however three businesses across the district did sell to the volunteers. They will face appropriate follow up action. Policing otherwise continued to be busy across Waipā in recent days, some examples below. The Sunday before last, three people were reported to have stolen a large trolley of groceries from a supermarket in Cambridge. Their vehicle was located driving away on Achilles Avenue and stopped. Officers found the boot stacked full of stolen items. One person faced court charges and a second was put through alternative action. A third was found not to have committed any offence. Still in Cambridge, last Wednesday a male was reported for threatening behaviour towards a younger female. He came to

police attention for other matters the next day and was arrested and charged in relation to the first incident. He was remanded in custody. Between Wednesday and Friday last week , Cambridge Police also dealt with another male who was behaving threateningly and in possession of an offensive weapon. He was arrested and appeared in court. He then went on to breach his bail conditions and was arrested a second time. Being then found in possession of a knife, he faced court and further charges accordingly. In Te Awamutu last weekend, a male was arrested following an assault on a family member and appeared in court. A vehicle was then reported driving dangerously on State Highway 3, crossing the centre line, speeding through roadworks and being inconsistent with its speed otherwise. When located by police and signalled to stop, the driver instead pulled out into the opposite lane, driving towards oncoming traffic and almost causing a crash. The driver finally stopped. He was found to be a tourist visiting New Zealand, driving a rental vehicle. As a result of his actions, the driver was immediately forbidden to drive, summonsed to appear in court on a charge of dangerous driving and the rental car agreement was cancelled by the agent.

Letters…

Second or third?

Why does Waipa District Council in the form of Katie Mayes, Cambridge Connections Executive Director, persist with the disingenuous and misleading phrase “third bridge” when talking about future transport needs in Cambridge (The News November 13)? With the intended closure of the current high level bridge to vehicular traffic the proposed new bridge, wherever it might be at some unknown future date, will be a second bridge and should be referred to as such.

It’s a small but important distinction. Closing the current high level bridge makes no sense if the intention with the “reset” is to improve and balance traffic movements. It should be retained and in time either strengthened or replaced whichever is most appropriate. Closing it will, with the significant increase in truck movements in coming years due to the sand pit consent, merely exacerbate the congestion caused by those who will have to travel to town via the low level bridge.

The second bridge needs to be located for convenient access to town and not become just a more circuitous route that will be avoided because of its inconvenience! Time is of the essence in choosing a site given the town’s rapid expansion.

Kelvin Dunn Leamington

• Editor’s note – see story Page 10. More letters Page 12

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Big bangs

A further search of reports of mysterious loud noises in Cambridge by Waipā District Council has established two were made on July 23 this year. The council says one may have been related to road works along Pope Terrace but the other – like many reported to the Cambridge News in recent months – remains unexplained.

Person of the Year

Good Local Media will complete its publication year on December 18 by announcing our Person of the Year awards in Cambridge and Te Awamutu. Can you think of someone deserving of recognition? Email editor@ goodlocal.nz and put the words Person of the Year in the subject line.

Carrying on…

Businessman Zane Beckett says it’s “business as usual” at ZB Homes. “We have been doing a tidy up with our accountants, winding up non trading entities, such as Zane Beckett Con struction,” he said. “…it did trigger the standard “in liquidation” adverts in the newspaper classifieds. We can assure you it is business as usual here and there is no change to our ZB Homes business at all.”

Marae games

Whakamārama Marae won the Whānau Ki Waenganui Games at Te Awamutu College last weekend. Maungatautari Marae came second and Rāwhitiroa and Parawera Marae joint third. Aotearoa, Pōhara, Manga toatoa and Te Kōpua marae also participated in the long running event.

Another round

The New Zealand Transport Agency says construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of SH1 and SH28 east of Tīrau is well underway and it will be open next March.

Lions take pride in parade

By Chris Gardner

Cambridge Christmas Parade is being organised by the Lions Club of Cambridge on December 7.

The club has assumed responsibility for the parade after the closure of the town’s iSite which was formerly responsible for the annual event.

“Everything is on track,” said project manager Brent Montgomerie.

“We’re fortunate to have a strong group of Lions members and supporters who’ve stepped up to help.

“We’re feeling well prepared heading into parade day. Having more hands and support has made a real difference.”

About 40 volunteers from the Lions Club, Rotary Club of Cambridge and the wider community will marshal floats and provide crowd control during the parade.

Parade manager Vicki Ewing said she was appreciative of the offer

of help from Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick.

“Community support like that makes a big difference and shows how much people value the parade.

“We’d like entries to be mid 40s. The response has been really encouraging. Last year’s parade was huge with over 50 entries and even more vehicles and hitting our maximum regarding space – it takes a bit to get them all in order and parked, ready for the journey down the street. The team do a grand job with quite a bit of juggling involved. As it’s a community inclusive event we have never turned anyone away.”

Cambridge Business Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid was supportive of the parade.

“We are aware of only one Cambridge retailer who raised concerns about the event being scheduled for a Sunday afternoon — a

time when most retailers are already closed or winding down for the day,” she said.

“From the chamber’s perspective, business wellbeing is always a priority, but it’s equally important to strike a balanced position. The Cambridge organisers have

selected a day and time that is both practical and considerate for the majority of the community, and in our view, there would be no better option.

The timing of parades in Waipā was raised at a district council meeting last week.

“Christmas parades are a

cherished part of our local fabric — moments of joy, community connection, and celebration. Life is full of compromises, and this is one where the benefit to the wider community is clear,” Bouzaid said.

• Switch supported – See page 16.

Waipā sticks with Wednesdays

By Chris Gardner

Friday will not become the new Wednesday at Waipā District Council this side of Christmas.

The council held its first two meetings of the triennium on a Friday, and councillors voting at the second to follow governance manager Jo Gread’s recommendation to hold four December meetings on a Wednesday.

Good Local Media editor Roy Pilott raised concerns Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News readers would have to wait eight days to read of council decisions in January when the council moved committee and full council meetings from Tuesdays to Wednesdays. At the last Friday meeting

councillors agreed to hold the Strategic Planning and Policy Committee on Wednesday, December 3, the Finance and Corporate Committee and Service Delivery Committee on Wednesday, December 10, and a full council meeting on Wednesday, December 17.

They also agreed to hold the Risk and Assurance Committee on Monday, December 15.

Cambridge ward councillor Roger Gordon asked whether there would be further discussion around the days and frequency of meetings for 2026 as a separate agenda item

Gread said it would be discussed at the December council meeting.

Gordon told The News he was not supportive of the move from

A Service to Remember Our Loved Ones

Tuesdays to Wednesdays.

“I believe we should treat the newspaper as a partner in our communications, rather than a competitor,” the third term councillor said.

“This term, for instance, we have had a couple of meetings on a Friday. I think that gives quite a good period of time for questions to be asked by councillors and answers to be circulated by staff.”

Gordon said many of his constituents were not technologically savvy, did not rely on websites for information and relied on print media for their information.

Gordon said he would go to December 17 council full meeting with an open mind.

Cambridge mayor Mike Pettit

Board to give council a steer

By Chris Gardner

Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick is looking to bring next month’s meeting forward for members to discuss a trio of draft problem statements relating to Cambridge Connections.

Waipā District Council’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee is set to approve the draft statements the day before the community board meets on December 4.

Cambridge Connections project director Katie Mayes brought the draft statements, developed following a project reset, before a council workshop attended by FitzPatrick earlier in the month.

Workshop chair Mike Montgomerie told FitzPatrick the board was a very important part of the discussion.

FitzPatrick said the board would like to have a chance to have a look at the problem statements and provide feedback.

“The time frame around the Strategic Planning and Policy Committee is a little bit tricky for us, but we’ll do our best around that.”

FitzPatrick asked why the council had not quantified the problems in the statements.

Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson said the problem statements were designed to be short and sharp and the evidence would be presented in the draft strategic case.

“Each of these problem statements does have to have evidence that backs it up,” he said.

FitzPatrick told The News she was seeking advice on rescheduling the community board meeting or members providing feedback to the council individually.

“Governance is looking into the best option for us and will advise,” she said.

Cambridge Connections community

reference group co chair Peter Carr said the feedback the problem statements were based on would fill a room.

“I’m really pleased to see an open book process taking place,” he said.

“There is possibly some low hanging fruit that can be addressed now, even if it’s the redirection of trucks around a certain route to reduce danger and bottlenecks.”

Co chair Chris Flatt was equally pleased with council progress.

“Not everybody is going to be happy with the outcome, but as somebody who does still live in the Blue Blob, well done on what you have done on reset,” Flatt said,

“It was a shocker. From someone that was not engaged in this process historically, and got to see it all, it was a shocker, it was a textbook of what not to do.

“What you’re doing now is unpacking that,

acknowledging you are getting rid of all of that, but you are unpacking it and bringing it back on track, so thank you for that.”

Flatt said there were different views on the community reference group, but their job was to bring it all together. Te Awamutu councillor Shane Walsh said the council’s problem statements looked pretty good.

“If you take the word Cambridge out and add the word Te Awamutu you have the same problem. You could argue because of the width of the main street, the safety aspects with trucks and is probably higher risk than Cambridge.”

Walsh wanted to know what the transport plan was for Te Awamutu. Hudson said a business case with actions had been prepared during the pandemic and tentatively included in the last draft long term plan, but funding was delayed due to financial pressure.

What’s the problem?

The Cambridge Connections draft problem statements sums up the traffic issues facing the community

1 High growth and impacts on transport network.

Rapid population and economic growth and development in and around Cambridge, coupled with high resilience on private vehicles and limited transport choices, is placing increasing pressure on the town’s transport network and wider network connections. This is increasing congestion and delays, safety risks, increasing emissions and negatively impacting on the town’s accessibility and amenity.

2 - Through traffic and freight vehicles accessing through residential areas and the town centre

Through traffic and freight vehicles are accessing residential streets and Cambridge’s town centre as they lack alternative routes, reducing safety for all road users, increasing congestion, diminishing the town’s amenity and character, and impacting the efficiency of the transport network.

3 Limitations and resilience of river crossings.

The ageing and limited capacity of bridge infrastructure, exacerbated by the lack of schools and essential services on the Leamington side of town is constraining reliable and resilient transport links between Cambridge and Leamington and their wider network. These limitations reduce network resilience, disrupt connectivity during emergencies and temporary closures, and compromise the safety and efficiency of the transport system.

Z raided

Robbers made off with a till despite a fog cannon being activated by staff during a raid at Z Cambridge (pictured) on Tuesday morning. Police say four people entered the station around 6.35am and jumped over the counter. One was described as a male with a skinny build, wearing a black face covering, black hoodie and black pants. Police want like to hear from anyone who could help us identify the four. Callers can contact police via 105 and quote event number 251125/6524 or call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cat attack

Conservation Minister and Hamilton

East MP Tama Potaka’s announcement that feral cats will now join possums, rats, stoats, weasels, and ferrets on the national target species list has been welcomed by Waipā District Council. District growth and regulatory services group manager Wayne Allan said at present there is no national law for cat management and that limited councils’ ability to respond to public concerns.

Rose Sunday

Te Awamutu will celebrate its annual Rose Sunday, with picnics and family entertainment unfolding in the morning the Te Awamutu Rose Gardens.

More help for river care

By Roy Pilott

Waipā based restoration projects have been granted the two highest single awards in the latest Waikato River Authority funding round.

New Zealand Landcare Trust gets $1.17 million for its work on Taiea to Taiao – the Mangapiko ecological corridor between Maungatautari and Pirongia maunga.

And Pūniu River Care’s Te Manawanui o Waipā –2025 work was given just under $992,000 from the $57 million pool.

Waikato River Authority co chair and former Waipā-King Country constituent regional councillor Stu Kneebone said there had been 43 applications in the latest funding round asking for a total of $12 million from the authority for projects with a total value of $22 million.

The Waikato River Authority has allocated $86.3 million to 522 projects supporting the restoration and protection of the Waikato and Waipā Rivers and their catchments since 2012.

For the corridor, the

funds will go towards expanding proven work and partnerships. More than 325,000 trees have been planted and 1200 predator traps set since 2021. The project also involves fencing, habitat restoration and community engagement.

The Mangapiko Stream winds its way from Maungatautari through Te Awamutu and on to Pirongia where it meets the Waipā River.

Project coordinator Bexie Towle told The News the grant provided comfort in planning ahead for the next planting season. The initial funding for the project will expire next June – this latest grant provides certainty for the immediate future.

Towle said the project was in its early days –“trees take a while to grow” – but the benefits of conservation work was already being seen as birds come out of the mountains.

The Pūniu River work involves riparian restoration where landowners contribute towards costs.

The 83km long Pūniu River flows from the Pureora Forest Park, passes by Kihikihi and

Te Awamutu and four marae Mangatoatoa, Rāwhitiroa, Aotearoa and Whakamārama - into the Waipā river south of Pirongia. It is where the river flows through farmland that restoration work is being carried out to provide a corridor for native species.

The trust website notes the river was once a rich source of freshwater kai and provided picnic and swimming spots – but is no longer classified as

being of a swimmable standard.

The tuna stocks have depleted in some areas, the banks of the rivers are eroding and over 10,000 tonnes of sediment discharges into the Waipā river from the Pūniu River every year.

Of the latest grants, Kneebone said it was great to see the level of ongoing collaboration between landowners, iwi, and larger restoration groups to increase the impact of

our funding across the catchment.

Waikato River Authority co chair Danny Loughlin said 40 per cent of project applications were submitted by iwi entities for the 2025 round, and there has been strong engagement with river iwi across most projects.”

Nationally, the New Zealand Landcare Trust –based at Waikato University reports it as planted almost 750h00 native plants this year.

Join us for a Festive Tour, where you’ll explore our beautifully finished homes, wander through a resident’s villa styled for Christmas, and enjoy bubbles and nibbles with residents who already call the village home.

It’s our darling

By Mary Anne Gill

Cambridge’s newest boutique hotel – once a run down rough place that the local MP needed a police escort into – now tells a story of resilience, vision and community pride.

Tourism minister Louise Upston cut the ribbon to symbolically reopen the former Masonic Hotel in Duke Street last week, praising the project as a labour of love and a significant addition to Waikato’s tourism sector.

But years earlier Upston, who also attended the opening as the Taupō MP and a local resident, recalled visiting the hotel with police as part of a Friday night tour of Cambridge’s rough places.

Police flanked her as she walked in. “The carpet was sticky, you know those carpets, I’m sure we all remember,” she said.

“When I heard rumours that a couple had bought the hotel and wanted to convert it into a high end boutique hotel, I have to be honest, I’m like, who are these people? They must be mad.

“This will be an asset for Cambridge for many years, not just decades, but

hopefully a century,” said Upston.

“We want to attract visitors to enjoy the finest things we can offer and that is what you’ve made possible here,” she told co owners Gerry Westenberg and Jo Pannell.

The couple spoke emotionally about the journey they had been on since purchasing the rundown Masonic Hotel in 2015.

“It still had many of the beautiful original features that gave us a glimpse into what this building must once have been,” said Westenberg.

“The more we learned about its story, the more we felt a responsibility to restore it properly and honour its legacy.”

There were hidden surprises behind many walls, a basement which became a little more complex than initially expected when they discovered a buried well and the hotel’s cellar from 1866. It now houses a speakeasy bar.

Pannell spoke of the sacrifices behind the transformation.

“I always say it takes a special kind of crazy to embark on a project like this.

Who really, in their right mind, would ever do such a thing?”

She credited Westenberg’s single minded focus and Herculean work ethic.

“For the last three and a half years, every day he has woken up at 8 o’clock in the morning, worked all day and gone to bed at night at two, three or four o’clock in the morning.”

The Clements’ legacy began in 1866 when Archibald Clements built the original timber structure on a one‑acre (4046 square metre) site.

It was Cambridge’s first commercial building and quickly became the beating heart of the community, hosting weddings, celebrations and even a Governor General’s lunch during Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 54 tour.

After surviving fires and a complete rebuild in 1912, the hotel thrived for decades before falling into decline.

Now restored as a 29 room premium boutique hotel, The Clements combines heritage architecture with contemporary design warm, stylish and unmistakably Cambridge.

“Every strip of this restoration brought its

Clements’ time…

own challenge but also its own reward,” Westenberg said, acknowledging the many people behind the development

“A hotel is just a building without its people that give it warmth, personality and heart. Today marks a new chapter in the story that began in 1866, a story of resilience, craftsmanship, community and an enduring spirit.”

Also present was Capstone Hotel Management founder and managing director Clare Davies, who Westenberg described as a “tireless cheerleader” for The Clements. The company has the management contract for the hotel.

After the official function, guests were welcomed into the hotel’s 1866 Speakeasy Bar based in the original basement and inspired by Chicago speakeasies.

Speakeasies are described as hidden bars, inspired by the secret, illegal establishments of the American Prohibition era which aim to capture the clandestine and intimate feel of their historical predecessors.

With its doors now open, The Clements stands as a symbol of Cambridge’s resilience honouring its past while shaping its future.

There’s something to smile about...

Coming Soon Coming Soon

We’re excited to be opening early January in Cambridge- offering local, friendly and professional dental care that you can trust.

Visit www.waipadental.co.nz to learn more about us, and to register your interest to be one of our first patients.

Wilson Street, Cambridge NZ

Councillors told to carpool

By Chris Gardner

Waipā councillors and council staff have been challenged to carpool.

“If you are not modelling what you’re teaching you’re doing something else,” Waipā mayor Mike Pettit told a Cambridge Connections workshop in Te Awamutu.

“There’s many of us that arrive in this building every day from one town and we all pretty much travel in single cars. So, if we want to model what we teach we should be starting right here in this room.

“If we’re asking the community to make a change, I think we should be trying to lead it up ourselves.”

Cambridge ward councillor Roger Gordon wanted to know if the solutions to Cambridge’s transport problems could be prioritised to address current issues such as congested roundabouts.

Council transportation manager Bryan Hudson said: “This plan is a 30 year plan, but it will have short term, medium term, and long term objectives.

“We are hearing from the themes and the public feedback, that they do point out particular intersections or places where there’s more congestion and they see the value of improvements.

“You will end up with a network plan where you will need improvements over time.”

Cambridge ward councillor Aidhean Camson wondered if there was space for a socio economic lens to be applied to the Cambridge Connections plan.

“We need to make this stuff accessible to everyone, not just necessarily someone with a car,” he said.

Pirongia and Kakepuku ward councillor Les Bennett asked when Cambridge’s high level bridge would reach end of life.

“If you ask a bridge engineer how long is that bridge going to last, they’ll always say how much money do you want to spend, we’ll make it last forever,” Hudson said.

“In France there’s still traffic travelling across bridges that the Romans built 2000 years ago. It’s

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possible to make it last a long time by continuing to work on it.”

Hudson said new metalwork had already been installed and the concrete deck will probably need replacing in 2060 when it reaches a century in age.

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Make a splash help shape the future of Karāpiro Lake Domain

Karāpiro Lake Domain is a premier venue for sport, recreation and events. We want to make sure it continues to thrive for locals and visitors alike.

We’ve drafted two plans to guide the domain’s future:

Reserve Management Plan

Masterplan

Your feedback has helped us get this far - now we need you to help fine-tune the details.

Come see us at the domain:

Saturday, December 13, 10am – 1pm KRI Christmas Rowing Regatta

Wednesday, January 14, 11am – 2pm Nga Kaihoe O Aoteroa Waka Ama NZ (Sprint Nationals)

Feedback closes Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

To view the plans and have your say visit waipadc.govt.nz/karapiroreview

Waterway health

By the emotive response from the regional councillors who have tried to justify, and refute, what I wrote about the apparent reluctance of some councillors in the arena of environmental protection, I suspect that a nerve may have been touched. By using the same emotive, economic reasoning, to justify holding up implementation, or investigations, into reducing run off and leaching, show that there is little collective will on the part of certain sectors to think beyond financial gains. The health of the waterways and the future wellness of our people should be the collective wish of any person who cares about the collective rather than the individual No, I’m not a rabid socialist, nor a particularly liberal person, but I grew up watching, smelling and choking on the peat fires of the Waikato district and who now sees great swathes of countryside denuded of hedges, shelter trees and fenced off swamps which would improve the well being of the animals and the environment, and the wildlife, that is under ever increasing pressure I remain an optimist in the future for all our descendants, and hopefully more people will, in time, come to that place

Alice Hicks Cambridge

Christmas cheer for seniors

By Viv Posselt

An annual initiative that eases the loneliness of people who will spend Christmas Day without family was launched earlier this month.

Now into its third year, the Altrusa International Cambridge’s ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ collaborates with an aged care facility and Unichem Cambridge Pharmacy to collect and distribute gifts to some of the town’s seniors who won’t have family with them at Christmas.

It works like this – the aged care facility identifies seniors who will be alone over the festive period and gives Altrusa ideas for suitable gift.

That information is written on the back of a gift tag hanging on the Altrusa Christmas tree now up at Unichem Pharmacy… people pop in, grab a tab, purchase according to the information it carries and then

Alys Antiques & Fine Art

put the unwrapped gift, together with the identifying gift card, in the basket next to the tree.

Altrusa members then collect the gifts, wrap and label them and take them to the aged care facility for distribution to the recipients on Christmas Day.

This year, Altrusa members will collect the gifts after 4pm on December 17 – a Wednesday.

The person behind the concept is nurse and Altrusa International Cambridge president Alison Burr. She had seen it operate successfully in the South Island and thought it would work well in Cambridge.

“The response over the past two years has been overwhelming,” Burr told The News. “We are aware that some seniors in Cambridge have no family on Christmas Day and want to brighten the season for some of them.

We are very appreciative of the way in which the community supports this project.”

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The temperature is rising and the garden is bursting into life with new growth. Now’s the time to plant your warm-season crops! Beans, basil, corn, melons, and pumpkins thrive when soil temperatures rise. Basil isn't just a great cooking companion with tomatoes, it also helps deter pests. Marigolds are another natural pest deterrent in the vege garden, but will also attract the beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Alstroemerias, pelergoniums, gaura, salvias, and daisies are now available in store and what a great display they are making. Amber Garden Centre is renowned for its tuberous begonia hanging baskets, they have just come into the garden centre, there is limited numbers so don’t miss out. Christmas is just around the corner. Happy gardening!

Tragic timing

By Janine Krippner

On September 27, 2014, Ontake volcano in Japan produced a phreatic eruption, a steam driven eruption that does not involve rising magma.

This could have been a relatively small event that wouldn’t capture too much international attention, with Japan being a country that has plenty of active volcanoes. We could have seen footage of ash plumes and pyroclastic flows that would have been quickly forgotten by the next news cycle.

But this eruption happened before noon, when around 340 hikers were on and around the summit.

People who had been nearby reported no noises heard with the start of the eruption. It began with new vents opened and within about 10 seconds a cold and dry pyroclastic flow engulfed people nearby. One reporting no burns to his skin, but his hair was damaged and chocolate in his backpack melted.

Ballistic ejecta made of older volcanic rock from past eruptions were blasted from the vent, and throughout the eruption it was these that would turn this event into one to be remembered for the worst of reasons. Sadly, 63 people would lose their lives that day, most because of impact when these ballistic rocks landed. Some would never leave the mountain.

The ballistic rocks were blown out of the vent at speeds of 145 to 185 metres a second as rapidly expanding steam produced the shallow eruption. Along with their velocity, the sheer number of ballistics that can be ejected during an eruption is harrowing. They can also travel far, with impacts often occurring within hundreds of metres out to kilometres from the vent.

There was no warning for the hikers. It was a calm day and there were no signs at the summit that an eruption was about to take place. While they can give some warning, sometimes seen in hindsight, phreatic eruptions do not give the usual precursory signals that a magmatic eruption does. With a magmatic eruption, it is the magma itself rising towards the surface that gives the warning signs.

Phreatic or hydrothermal eruptions occur around the world fairly frequently, but they are difficult to forecast. Work is being done to better understand the more subtle warning signs that tell steam is pressurising, leading to an explosion. There is more to understand about how the system itself pressurises, and at what point this leads to a dangerous event.

A similar phreatic eruption had occurred in 1979 just before dawn, the first known historical eruption of Ontake. Smaller phreatic eruptions occurred again in 1991 and 2007.

Both the 1979 and 2014 eruptions were similar in nature and in size. There were no fatalities during the earlier eruption, so what makes this more recent one different?

The 2014 eruption occurred on a Saturday, and because of the midday people had reached the wrong place at the wrong time. The event illustrates how the timing of an eruption is an important factor and can be the difference between a small eruption that doesn’t leave behind much of a record, and a tragedy.

Fighting against death…

By Murray Smith, Bridges Church

An inevitable ‘appointment’ with death awaits us all. Sorry if being blunt loses you here, but it’s the truth and using euphemisms like ‘passing away’ can’t balm this reality. Throughout aeons, humanity has relentlessly searched for ways to prolong life, still the futile pursuit of avoiding our “fight to the death” remains unattainable.

Fear and uncertainty around death has been a source of despair through all generations. The mysteries of the afterlife found cultures wrestling with ideas about what lies beyond the grave; their various suppositions often dark and lacking hopeful re assurance.

To mitigate their anxiety about dying, the ancient Egyptians concocted complex strategies to prepare for a comfortable ‘after life’. Elaborate practices believed to be necessary for ensuring immortality after death, were invented. Various rituals including mummifying the body, filling tombs with food, clothing and tools as well as casting magical spells were about assisting the deceased’s successful navigation through the underworld.

Things haven’t changed much over thousands of years with death, as always, still capturing humanity’s attention in one way or another.

Quests for defeating death are more ‘technically’ sophisticated now. In America, the practice of ‘cryonics’ is available to those who can afford it and believe in it. This technology deep freezes the bodies of people who have died, in the hope that scientific advances may allow them to be revived in the future. Putting a legally deceased human into frozen ‘hibernation’ with a view to bringing them ‘back’ in the future has never been proved feasible. But for some, that’s the hope that they’re banking on of it becoming reality. There are reports coming out of China where

the quest for longevity is next level. Combating death is a big deal for leaders of the Chinese communist regime who prize ‘ruling’ above everything else. Clinging onto power without death ‘cheating’ them from achieving their agendas is paramount.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said recently in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, “earlier, people rarely lived to 70, but these days at 70 you are still a child.” It prompted Putin, who, like Xi, is 72—to reference continued organ transplants as a key to everlasting youth. “Predictions are that in this century, there’s a chance of living to 150,” Xi has said.

That 150 year life expectancy plan is contingent upon industrial scale organ harvesting in China. Inherent indifference to certain lives considered unimportant sustains inhumane practices designed to keep the elite alive. Doctors are warning of the dangers in treating the human body like a car, with human organs just getting swapped in and out repeatedly.

Where do China’s leader’s futile efforts stem from? The dread of dying… lacking hope, in death they’ll lose it all.

In facing death, there’s one true source of hope. It’s found in putting your faith in the One who has overcome death and offers us eternal life… Jesus Christ. He declared, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever. And I hold the keys of death and Hades”.

Death, a consequence of our sin, has been defeated by Jesus and He offers you forgiveness and the opportunity of sharing in His eternal victory.

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COMMUNITY BOARD VIEW

A new team on deck

By Charlotte FitzPatrick, Chair, Cambridge Community Board

A new chapter begins, and we’re ready to go.

We have marked the official establishment of the new Cambridge Community Board, a milestone for local democracy and community voice.

I’m proud to be joined on the board by a passionate and diverse team. Stewart Dromgool, Chris Minnee, Gerda Venter and I are the newbies joining Andrew Myers, who is beginning his second term on the Cambridge Community Board.

We’re also joined by two Waipā district councillors, Mike Mongomerie and Pip Kempthorne, who are delegated to act as conduits between the community board and the wider council. Supporting us during and in between our meetings will be acting deputy chief executive Kirsty Downey and the wider council team, who provide the vital link between governance and council operations.

The Cambridge Community Board’s makeup reflects a strong blend of community representation and advocacy, council connection, and administrative support, which is designed to ensure the board is both responsive and effective, and that you feel more connected to council issues. Those of us elected take our representation roles very seriously, and getting the best outcomes for you will always be at the top of our minds.

Since being elected, we’ve had many people ask us how the Cambridge Community Board works and how they can engage. If your recycling bin hasn’t been collected, then it’s best to contact the council directly to sort this out for you. But let’s say you have ideas for other waste minimisation

improvements that could be made across our area in the future – that’s when you can have a chat with us. Our job is community representation, the mayor and councillors take care of governance, and staff look after the day-to-day operations of the council.

The community board’s role is to hear and support you, to amplify your voice, and to ensure your issues, concerns, and ideas make their way to the right ears in council.

There are two key ways to engage with the community board with your ideas, concerns or views. First, you’re warmly invited to reach out directly to any of the board members for a one on one chat. Our contact details are provided on the council’s website if you look on the ‘Your Council’ page.

The second way to engage is to participate in the open forum section of our public meetings, where you can raise issues or suggestions, share your vision for the future, and speak directly to the board.

We’re here to build on the great advocacy work the previous Cambridge Community Board did to strengthen the voice of Cambridge residents and ratepayers, and enhance engagement between the community and decision makers. We want your involvement. We want you to feel heard, respected, and involved in shaping the future of our town. And we’re very much looking forward to achieving this for you.

A sincere thank you to everyone who voted in this election, and for giving us your support and trust. We’re looking forward to working for you and providing a strong voice for Cambridge.

AGE OF REASON

Planning for the future

By Peter Carr

The early summer heat of the sun is bringing the people out into the open in Cambridge.

Whether locals or visitors, the pavement edges are crammed with angled cars, the cafes are booming and no doubt the retailers are getting their just rewards.

Many old time locals bemoan the gradual disappearance of the ‘village’ perception that was enjoyed when cars were less plentiful.

The Waikato Expressway did not exist and Duke Street was State Highway One. And huge up to eight axle trucks did not roar through the pretty streets.

But change – or the inevitability of greater change – is upon us.

Huge developing residential blocks are taking up prime land, roundabouts are being put in place to handle increasingly busy intersections, and the Waipā District Council is using the services of a group of residents to advise them on the ‘next steps’ between now and the year 2055.

And I plead guilty to being part of that entirely volunteer group.

Twenty years ago, when we made the hugely successful and rewarding decision to move to Cambridge, we found ourselves in that aforementioned village with an overall population just on the high side of 12,000 souls.

Now it is alleged to be well over 20,000 and with that target year of 2055 in mind could well balloon towards in excess of 30,000.

Sadly, this growth has brought with it an imbalance of services that greatly favours the north side of the Waikato River.

Half the population is on the south side where there is a great lack of schooling,

council services, retail, easy access to state highways and a feeling of being left behind.

That half the population must cross the river through amazingly narrow pinch points just to shop, educate and commute elsewhere is a nonsense. That industry (and commerce) has not been permitted south of the river highlights the narrow thinking of those who have gone before us.

That successive councils have done absolutely nothing to alleviate heavy trucks from using the south side of the river as a main trunk route from and to centres nowhere near Cambridge beggars belief.

But now we have a council and a council chief executive that does want to measure the possibilities of change resulting in improvement.

Where equality and pleasant co existence are to the fore.

Where expansion – commercially and residentially is acceptable provided that a balance ensues, water is available in abundance and schooling is recognised in a more general, geographic domicile.

The Cambridge Connections group has a large task ahead between September this year and the end of 2026.

They do not take this task lightly and know that they will receive an abundance of ‘advice’ some of it rather mixed in its usability.

But we are all citizens of the world with differing desires, needs and wants. Therefore, no idea is too crazy but may, perhaps, be too unworkable. We shall see. Watch this space.

Sunday Christmas parade supported

By Chris Gardner

Deputy Waipā mayor Jo Davies-Colley is backing calls to move Te Awamutu

Christmas Parade back to a Sunday.

“I do understand that a Saturday morning in Te Awamutu is a busy time for traders,” Davies Colley said.

“Moving it to a Sunday is a good idea. Most shops are shut, and more people are free.”

Her comments come after Te Awamutu Ward councillor Shane Walsh urged Waipā District Council to engage in deeper and wider consultation on road closures as Te Awamutu retailers take a financial hit every time the road is closed on a Saturday for a parade.

The deputy mayor joined Walsh and mayor Mike Pettit to mix with the community at the town’s annual craft fair on Saturday.

“The three of us met a lot of people who told us how much they loved living in Te Awamutu and how great it was to see so many people coming into their town for the busy market,” she said. “It was absolutely packed.”

“Some of the concerns we heard were around the need for increased parking in the Te Awamutu CBD, a Te Awamutu town centre freshen up, too may speed bumps and an increased amount of litter on Te Pahu Road.”

Davies Colley said she had collated the feedback to share with other councillors.

“It will be interesting to see if the same thoughts are brought up consistently.”

It was the first of a series of Waipā wide visits announced after Pirongia – Kakepuku Ward councillor Clare St Pierre expressed concern that the mayor and his deputy were Cambridge based and would be too focussed on the town.

“People can expect to see me in rural towns,” Davies Colley said.

Pettit is in the midst of producing council T shirts for them to be visible and approachable at events.

“People can see we are available and friendly,” Davies Colley said.

“We are really keen to get out there and listen to people.”

Perhaps, not unsurprising from someone who served last triennium as chair of Cambridge Community Board.

Davies Colley said she was “pretty happy” with the way the board worked with the council during her time on the board.

“I got to sit at the table and ask questions. They were always open to listen. The community board will always be a group that is listened to.”

It was important that relationship continued this triennium with the reset of the Cambridge Connections project.

“People in Cambridge are spending so much time sat in congestion,” she said.

She was pleased with the way new project director Katie Mayes had stepped into the project.

“No option is off the table.”

Her community board successor, Charlotte FitzPatrick, is investigating moving next month’s community board meeting in order to giver members time to feedback on three Cambridge Connections problem statements going before a council committee next month.

“It’s something that needs to be looked at,” Davies Colley said.

She would welcome a wider discussion on the days and times of council meetings – particularly readers having to wait eight days to read a report of a council meeting in The News if the council were to stick with Wednesday meetings.

“I think we need to have a wider discussion around that,” she said.

“There are a lot of people who get their council news from the newspaper, and I like to pick it up.”

Community board monitoring removed

By Chris Gardner

Waipā District Council strategy manager Kirsty Downey says enhancing how the council works with community boards remains a priority after a decision not to re establish the control group monitoring the work.

Councillors agreed not to re establish the Community Board 2.0 Project Control Group at this month’s council meeting while consideration was given to how best to measure processes, successes and/or failures of operational matters of Community Boards 2.0.

Governance manager Jo Gread said the council needed to reflect on how the group worked last triennium and see what the best vehicle is going forward. Downey told The News

Community Boards 2.0, introduced in July 2022 following feedback from a representation review in 2021, considered the role of community boards.

“Since then, the project has focused on refreshing how boards work with council, improving governance confidence, and supporting stronger local participation in decision making,” Downey said.

“Key recommendations from the review centred on reaffirming the relationship between council and community boards, renewing delegations to better reflect community needs, and supporting boards to deepen engagement with their communities and mana whenua.

“A number of initiatives were introduced to enhance how council and community boards work

together,” Downey said.

Initiatives include earlier engagement with boards on council projects, community board input on major matters, clearer strategic priorities, enhanced induction and training.

“This work is a priority and is ongoing. A project control group was established to monitor and report on the effectiveness of those initiatives and ways of working.”

“Staff recommended that time be taken to consider whether a project control group or some other mechanism is the most appropriate way to monitor and report on the effectiveness of Community Boards 2.0.”

Cambridge Community Board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick said her boasrd welcomed ongoing feedback and evaluation “to ensure we deliver for our

Koi fishing challenge

By Jesse Wood

Predator Free Te Awamutu and Pirongia is encouraging youngsters to catch pest fish for the 2026 Kids’ Koi Carp Challenge.

“The idea is to bring awareness and improve the state of our Mangapiko Stream and Waipā River which run through both the Te Awamutu and Pirongia surrounds,” Carla Innis said.

“The first challenge was in the April school holidays.

It was low key, but the challenge got loads of enthusiasm from Pirongia children.

“Only one Koi was caught but loads of time was spent out there trying.

“Awareness is the goal having good family times in our natural environment is an added benefit.

The hope is that with this challenge being in the summer holidays, the carp might be a bit more visible and in higher numbers.”

Children under the age of 16 can post pictures oto the Pirongia Enviro Group Facebook page through to February ahead of a prizegiving at the monthly Pirongia market.

“The challenge was started by Pirongia Enviro Group volunteers.

Predator Free Te Awamutu and Pirongia volunteers actively trap land based predators such as rats and mustelids in public spaces and

promote and support landowners to trap in their own backyard,” Innis said.

“We don’t want eels fished, they are not a sport, but a good reflection of the health of our waterways.

They are to be protected, but let’s raise awareness of the pest fish in our waterways - Carp, Catfish, Goldfish, Gambusia, Rudd, Trench and Perch.”

What makes Koi such a pest? “They suck literally and figuratively”.

“Get out there, try to catch these pests and have fun.

What you do today will make a difference not just to tomorrow but for years to come,” Innis said.

community, strengthen what’s working and address what’s not”.

“We want our board to be effective and responsive to community needs, and we will use metrics like the customer perception survey to gauge community satisfaction and trust levels. We’re here to do the very best we can for Cambridge.

“Mayor Mike summed things up really well at the beginning of that meeting and his comments definitely resonated with me - we want to be in the community, work with the community, and do our very best for our community. We’re aiming high and will advocate strongly for Cambridge’s best interests.”

Kirsty Downey

Ange Holt, who was re elected Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community board chair earlier this month, declined to comment on the decision. Holt underlined frustrations the board felt in trying to advocate for the community when she appeared before the council’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee in April.

2025 ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

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In these challenging economic times, it makes sense to buy bulk and save by only purchasing the product - not the packaging! With over 180 bulk bin options we have all your pantry staples and everything in between. Recycle by bringing in your own containers and help reduce waste.

As your local ecostore refillery we have a wide range of ecostore products. Bring in your used container and refill your products. We are also the Cambridge drop off location for used ecostore containers as part of their Plastic Return Programme.

For our gluten-free and celiac customers we have you sorted. From everyday ingredients to products on the shelves and in the fridge. Hard to find items and adding new ones all the time. Come and speak to us about our range.

Volare • Full Circle Farm

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S A N T A C L A U S I S C O M I N G T O T O W N

Cambridge locals were enchanted this week when Santa Claus was spotted making an early practice run over his favourite restaurant in Cambridge Onyx Though it’s not quite December, diners watched in delight as his sleigh dipped low before Santa himself popped in to pick up a bundle of Onyx’s ever-popular gift vouchers “He told us he needed a top-up apparently our vouchers are turning up on wish lists all over the place,” the managers laughed. Luckily, Santa managed to shoot back up into the sky without getting stuck up the chimney on his way out, leaving behind a trail of sparkle and early festive magic

Stuck for a Christmas gift? Grab your ONYX VOUCHERS quickly before Santa snaps them all up! Scan the QR code below.

festive gatherings, and with a few spots still available to book, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Onyx’s special Christmas set menu. Booking is essential if you wish to dine from the set menu because even Santa can't magic up extra seats at the last minute!

Cambridge locals have been delighted by the newly refurbished function room at Onyx, now glowing with Christmas décor and ready for celebrations. The refreshed space has already become a favourite for

Club praised for bowls success

By Viv Posselt

The annual New Zealand Blind Lawn Bowls Association nationals came to Cambridge for the first time last week, and other than a weather wobble for the pairs, was declared an outstanding success.

The event, held at Cambridge Central Bowling Club, saw 27 vision challenged players – most with helpers known as ‘directors’ – take part.

Organiser Kevin Smith from Christchurch said he was grateful to the club for having pulled out all stops to support the tournament.

“This national competition brings together

a very special community of players who gather for camaraderie and competition. Two of our players here this year have a real chance of going to the next Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“Members of Cambridge Central have gone above and beyond to support this group… transport, catering, helping with players.

We are very grateful to them.”

Smith, who has had a successful bowls career of his own for five decades, has been teaching vision impaired/blind bowlers for 16 years.

He has won several ‘coach of the year’ titles in recognition of the work he put into

championing blind bowls alongside his career as a nurse in the mental health sector.

As last week’s tournament wrapped up in Cambridge, he officially retired from his job in mental health after 53 years.

Cambridge Central club board members Rod Sentch and Alison Winter told The News the event had been a year in the planning, and members had stepped up to help in whatever way they could.

“We welcomed the opportunity to support these players … they have been inspirational,” Sentch said.

The event had some great moments.

Three birthdays were celebrated, among them Sue Curran, who turned 79. The

Hamilton based athlete became New Zealand’s then oldest Commonwealth Games athlete in Birmingham in 2022 – Kevin Smith was there at the time. Curran has also won at several previous Commonwealth Games events.

Te Awamutu’s Unity Collins, well known for her success in tandem cycling as part of the national para cycling team, swimming and ukulele playing – is new to lawn bowls and was in Cambridge for her first tournament.

She is also a past Special Olympics medallist and Tough Guy and Gal Challenge veteran, and won a trophy last week for demonstrating the true spirit of the games.

Counting down for Christchurch

By Jesse Wood

Special Olympics Te Awamutu recently hosted a swim meet for 100 athletes from 13 North Island clubs in preparation for the Christchurch based National Summer Games in December.

There was plenty of excitement and many podium finishes for the Te Awamutu team.

Joel Wheddon, 13, participated in his first swim meet. He gained two first places, two seconds and “was super happy about that”, coach Shelley Blair said.

“We had good support again from the Te Awamutu Cadets and Stone Real Estate, who are an annual fixture at our events. They just love coming down,” Shelley said.

“We had some positive responses, not only from the officials, but from clubs. That it was one of the best meets they’ve attended.

“The Freemasons came down and presented ribbons, as did the Te Awamutu Lions. They were just totally overwhelmed with how excited all the athletes were even though they may have got sixth.”

Both groups have donated towards the trip south. Te Awamutu line dancers and the country music group have too.

The cohort of 12 nationals athletes started training on both Saturday and Sunday last month.

“Every nationals year, I start incorporating Saturday mornings, as well as the usual Sunday, to focus on basic techniques, practice our relays, dives, touch and turns,” Shelley said.

“There is an expectation and a trust that the athletes will do extra work in the pool,

walking, aerobics, biking whatever the case may be - to try and get their fitness up.”

Cambridge’s Keziah Clark is Shelley’s youngest nationals athlete at 21.

“I am excited and a little nervous about the National Summer Games. I enjoy the extra Saturday training and I’m also training twice a week in Cambridge mastering diving and tumble turns,” Keziah said.

“I had my first ever first place at our Te Awamutu swim meet, so I was very proud and excited about that.”

Shelley said Keziah is a very committed athlete, “always giving something new a go with 100 per cent enthusiasm with success”.

“It’s a testament to the work that they’re putting in. When you see someone like Keziah, who’s never got a first before, I know what work she’s been putting in during the week outside of our trainings,” Shelley said.

“She will represent Te Awamutu on stage at the opening ceremony alongside David Smith, carrying the Te Awamutu banner with a whole lot of pride with 1200 other athletes watching.”

Another athlete, Sarah Jane Hudson is excited and nervous for nationals.

She has also been selected for the 2026 intake of the Special Olympics NZ Athlete Leadership Programme.

“Training is going really well. I go for walks and do water aerobics as well as our trainings on Saturdays and Sundays,” Sarah Jane said.

“Looking at the results from our Te Awamutu swim meet, I feel like I am on track with where I want to be leading up to nationals.”

New Zealand rugby as a coach developer.

“He came away with me in 2009 to my first games. He’s brought a different but very positive perspective which is really cool.

The nationals are the first big event to be hosted in the pool complex at the new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre.

“Everybody’s raring to go and pretty excited,” Shelley said.

“I’m fortunate that the two other coaches are very positive and watch in awe as the athletes train with so much purpose.”

Her husband Bruce previously worked for

“Cherie Thompson has been with me since the beginning of the year and I couldn’t have wished for somebody better, her enthusiasm and drive flows onto the team members.

“She wants to learn more, asks questions and she’s got a good rapport with all the swimmers.

“The athletes are our priority throughout the whole event supporting them the best we can.”

ZOOMIES Spotlight on Cambridge

New doggy daycare Zoomies opens near Cambridge

Gareth and Carley Williams have recently opened Zoomies Doggy Daycare, which is set in park-like grounds just outside Cambridge town.

Zoomies has 2 indoor/outdoor areas with dedicated small dog and big dog environments to suit everybody’s needs.

“Zoomies has always been a dream of ours and we purchased our Victoria Road property with the purpose of opening a predominantly outdoor daycare for dogs. It took us several years to nd the right property, go through the consent process and all of the necessary construction, but we couldn’t be prouder of how it has turned out. We are excited to welcome new dogs to enjoy the beautiful space we have created”. “We have a comprehensive website, zoomiescambridge.co.nz where you will be able to ll out the enrolment form. We encourage all of our new owners to bring their dogs for a visit to one of our open days, people can also follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to get an idea of the things we get up to on a daily basis”

‘Your outdoor doggy daycare Grass to run, where dogs have fun’

Tech savvy Reid hits the ton

By Viv Posselt

Despite reaching his milestone centenary last Sunday, there is very little about Reid Calder that is slowing down.

He’s up early each day, hitting the iPad to catch the latest online news. Technology is no barrier here. He’s always in search of robust conversation, plays the piano daily (mostly at happy hour), and wouldn’t mind having more to do at times.

“There are days it can be a bit quiet in here,” he said, referring to the Arvida Lauriston Park unit that has been home for the past 18 months. “I need to find things to do. I’m used to being busy.”

Reid’s birthday celebrations began days earlier when numerous fellow residents spread out across a giant 1 0 0 marked out on the lawn to salute him as he was driven up in a flash 1967 Ford Mercury, owned by resident Ian Cunningham. Capturing it all from above was drone photographer and Arvida project manager, Gane Heslop.

“It was good of them all to turn up like that,” a grateful Reid said.

Days later, he demonstrated his prowess with numbers and crackerjack memory as he walked The News through the decades.

“I think I’d prefer to think of having lived 36,500 days than 100 years … that sounds a lot younger, doesn’t it,” he chuckled. “And

no, I didn’t need a calculator for that. Just worked it out in my head … 365 days times 100, put two zeros on the end of 365 and you have it. Just old fashioned maths.”

He was born in Matamata … 11.10am on a Monday, he said, the middle of three boys and the only one still here. He milked cows, left home at 23 to juggle three different sharemilking jobs. He bought a farm at Tokoroa then sold it after five years, taking 20.2ha (50 acres) as part payment. He sold that after a year, purchased 33.5ha (83 acres) at Karāpiro, sold that and bought 56.6ha (140 acres) at Roto o Rangi.

“It was all flat with two houses. I farmed there for 29 years.”

After milking cows for 30 years, he went into real estate for the next 20, with a sharemilker on the farm. Then he retired and became a Europecar driver for 13 years.

“My grandson was doing it and asked me if I would like to … so I did. I retired from that at 91 and have done bugger all since. I miss the work.”

Not that Reid let the grass grow beneath his feet. He purchased a motorhome at age 91, joined the Freewheelers for four years and sold it when he was 96.

mostly, and we had a rally each month. I loved that.”

Matamata town hall at the end of World War II.

I was there with a friend. I said to him ‘you take the blonde, and I’ll take the brunette’. Well, I married the brunette … he didn’t marry the blonde.”

before she died in 2000. He rattles off the numbers without hesitating … four children,

A smooth ownership transition for Automotive Engineering Services

For new owners Stu and Jasper Taylor, the handover was business as usual for Stu –he had already worked there for the past 15 years for previous owner Phillip Dove and taking over the ownership seemed a natural progression.

The 30-year-old business is one most locals know well, with the small team from Stu and Jasper to Bailey, their mechanical technician, and Jen the o ce lady, priding themselves on being of service to the community, keeping local businesses running with good eet care, in a timely manner and keeping local drivers safe and sound on the road.

AES looks after a wide range of vehicles, from your family car or SUV, trailers (including boat trailers) through to the large commercial trucks and work that they may need.

Stu ensures that his team can provide all WOF and COF repairs to a high standard,

with the emphasis on making sure vehicles are well maintained using well-known branded repair and servicing materials. Keeping on track with scheduled servicing on vehicles is important. When carried out, the team checks all things from tyres and brake health to spark plugs and engine uids and this gives a good indication to the overall safety of the vehicle –something taken seriously at AES. Stu advises motorists to start thinking about booking the next service, heading into the change of season with summer approaching and the usual holiday destinations in mind. Their highly skilled technicians are trained to service, repair and maintain all makes and models including European, Asian and American vehicles.

AES also o ers a unique additional service in light engineering work. What that means is while a standard mechanic

generally focuses on the diagnosis, removal, and replacement of parts (oil changes, brake pad replacement, engine mounts, general servicing for example), light engineering work involves more hands-on modi cation, including the custom creation, or repair of the actual components themselves rather than just swapping them out for new ones. It requires a speci c skill set in using engineering tools and an understanding of material properties and fabrication techniques, and this is something AES o ers their clients.

Stu and the team at AES welcome any mechanical and light engineering enquiries – but do suggest if you have something in mind, it would be a good idea to make an appointment as the festive season begins to get underway. AES is open from 7.30am till 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Across 1. Badger (6)

5. Boil gently (6) 8. Headgear (3) 9. Sell door-to-door (6)

10. Enjoy greatly (6)

11. Counterfeit (4)

13. Caribou (8)

14. Scene of an event (5) 15. Spoil (2,3)

19. Timetable (8)

Last week

21. Kill (4)

22.

(6) 5. Narrow channel of the sea (6) 6. Tuneful (9) 7. Occur as a result (5) 12. High-spirited (9) 16. Delicate (7) 17. Stringed instrument (6) 18. Wobble (6)

Across: 1. Odium, 4. Scenic, 7. Ill, 8. Appear, 9. Abduct, 10. Wretched, 12. Rant, 13. Superb, 15. Rancid, 16. Hiss, 17. Sorcerer, 19. Starve, 20. Pedlar, 22. Cue, 23. Scorch, 24. Loose.

Down: 1. Opportunistic, 2. Ice, 3. Mirth, 4. Slander, 5. Endurance, 6. Inconsiderate, 11. Treasurer, 14. Beseech, 18. Repel, 21. Duo.

BHGZOBSULPHURNFURZ PQCNIRIDIUMBZINCPQ ALEADDLIBISMUTHMOJ LXJZNNVRCHROMIUMLU LXZIOREOEBROMINEOR AFYRRWRNRUBIDIUMNA DLOXYNINMMNAEMXRIN IBWBDRAUMERCURYAUI UJRGONIRCGKIOMTDMU MIYLOLIOSASOLPIOXM CRHBELMJDELSXFPNIB ACRHEUDVNINCIYTEKA UAGKIZOGXUNIILGIRR CPCDOSAUPYBECUIENG CIOFKMPLUTONIUMCNO NHLITHIUMSODIUMCON RALUMINIUMNGYINEON

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of

deliveries and Friday morning for rural deliveries. Acceptance of advertising for publication and free productions services is at the discretion of the publisher.

RATE CARD: Rates are based on advertising space only and are over a 12-month period starting from the date the first ad publishes. Rate bracket e.g. 6 insertions, 12 insertions etc. chosen allows ad sizes to vary within the rate bracket. If the number of insertions chosen is not met then a bulk charge will be applied at the end/cancellation of your schedule based on correct rate reflective of the number of ads published e.g. if you have chosen the 12 insertion rate and only publish 6 insertions, the bulk charge will be the difference in price between the 6 insertion rate and 12 insertion rate multiplied by the number of ads published. You pay the rate reflective of the number of ads you actually publish.

INVOICING AND PAYMENTS: For advertisers on a regular schedule invoices will be sent at the end of the month and

payment is due by the 20th of the following month, otherwise payment is required by end of day Tuesday in advance of publishing. Accounts in arrears +60 days may be subject to a $95 + GST late payment fee per month. Advertiser is responsible for all debt collection fees. Cancellation deadline is one week prior to publication. By confirming and placing advertising in Good Local Media Ltd publications you are agreeing to our terms and conditions of trade.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Good Local Media Limited (including its employees, officers, or agents) shall not be liable for a failure or breach arising from anything beyond their reasonable control e.g. an act of God, fire, earthquake, strike, explosion, electrical supply failure, unavoidable accident or machine breakdown; and shall not be liable in tort, contract, or otherwise for loss of any kind (whether indirect loss, loss of profits, or consequential loss) to the Advertiser or any other person.

Breaking Bread with Jan Bilton

Baking powder gives rise to perfect bakes. It’s a combination of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), cream of tartar, and a filler such as cornflour or rice flour.

When mixed with a liquid in a bake, this raising agent releases carbon dioxide, and the rising of the dough commences. More carbon dioxide is released when heated, preventing the bake from becoming a brick. The filler helps control the rising speed, making the finished bake predictable.

Baking powder breads, or quick breads, are easy to prepare. Yeast-raised breads, which usually do not contain baking powder, are time-consuming and not something one would normally whip up for morning tea.

Butter is the traditional emulsifier (fat) in these quick breads. However, oil can be a substitute for butter. One advantage of using oil is that you don’t have to ‘soften’ it first.

When substituting oil for butter, about 20 per cent less oil is required either by weight or measure. The texture may be a little different, but it is acceptable.

Tip: New Zealand recipes use level metric measures. A heaped tablespoon of baking powder in a recipe could change a cake’s texture, flavour and height.

Banana & Pineapple Loaf

The drained pineapple juice can be reserved for use in an icing for the loaf.

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 medium eggs, lightly beaten 160g mashed banana (about 3/4 cup or 1 large banana)

1/2 cup sunflower oil

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence

1 1/2 cups self-raising flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice

75g shelled pistachio nuts, chopped 225g can crushed pineapple, well drained (reserve the juice)

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lightly oil a 4-cup loaf pan. Line the base with baking paper. Using an electric mixer preferably, beat the brown sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the mashed banana, oil and vanilla. Mix well.

Sift the flour, baking soda and spice together and fold into the banana mixture. Add the pistachios and pineapple. Pour into the loaf pan.

Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan then turn out onto a wire rack.

The top can be dusted with icing sugar or iced.

Cheese Bread

Fabulous served with soup or a salad. Or toasted for breakfast.

1 small onion, diced

50g butter

2 cups plain flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup grated tasty cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup yoghurt

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Spray a 20cm x 10cm loaf pan preferably with rice bran oil. Place the onion in a microwave jug with 1 teaspoon of the butter. Cover and microwave for 3040 seconds until the onion is limp. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a medium-large bowl. Grate the remaining butter into the flour mixture then rub in until smooth. Add the cheese and onion.

Beat the egg, milk and yoghurt together in a bowl. Mix into the flour until just combined. If it’s a bit stiff add a little more

milk. Spoon into the loaf pan. Sprinkle with a little more cheese if preferred.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Best served warm and sliced. Or reheat in the microwave or toaster.

SpiceD Pumpkin Bread

You need to purchase about 1kg of dry butternut or crown pumpkin. Ensure the mashed pumpkin is fairly dry.

2 cups mashed pumpkin

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup each: water, canola oil

4 eggs, lightly beaten

3 1/4 cups plain flour

2 teaspoons each: baking soda, ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon each: salt, baking powder

1/2 teaspoon each: ground nutmeg, ground cloves

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Lightly oil and flour two 23cm x 12cm loaf pans or similar.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, water, canola oil and eggs. Beat until well mixed. Sift the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, nutmeg and cloves into a separate bowl. Stir to combine. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, beating until smooth. Evenly divide the batter between the two pans. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the pans. Serve sliced. Makes 2 loaves suitable for freezing.

Want more for your property?

Let Team Moore take it from here!

Thinking of selling in early 2026?

Get 50% off your marketing costs*

List your property with Team Moore before Christmas, and launch to the market in January/February 2026 – we’ll cover 50% of your marketing costs*.

We know that the right team and the right marketing can make all the difference in achieving a premium result and getting that SOLD sticker up with pride.

Get in touch today to start planning your 2026 sale with confidence.

Team Moore

Rural/Lifestyle Sales Consultants

Chris Moore M 027 288 0563 E chris.moore@pb.co.nz

Teresa Moore M 027 288 0553 E teresa.moore@pb.co.nz facebook.com/chrismoorepb

Gordonton 152 Piako Road

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact Eilish, Kevin or Amy

Contact Eilish, Amy or Kevin

Contact Debbie or Trevor

Contact Paulette or Kane

Contact Kevin, Eilish or Amy

Contact Paulette or Kane

Marketed by Eilish, Amy & Kevin

Contact Paulette or Kane

Contact Paulette or Kane

Contact Paulette

Contact

Contact

Marketed

Marketed

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

Marketed

Contact

Contact

Contact Eilish, Amy or Kevin

Contact Graham

Contact Eilish, Amy or Kevin

Contact Lenie

Contact Paulette or Kane

Contact Rachael

Contact David

Market Appraisal

CLARK, Roger David –Passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, 16th November 2025. Beloved husband of Penny and dearly loved father of Nick, William, Gabrielle, and father-in-law of Sarah. An extraordinary and muchloved man, Roger will be deeply missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter in Roger’s memory would be appreciated. Messages for the ‘Clark Family’ can be c/- Grinter’s Funeral Home, 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434. A celebration of Roger’s life has been held.

JULIAN, Monica Mary –13/01/1942 - 22/11/2025

Passed away peacefully at Te Awa Lifecare Village, surrounded by her loving children. Loved and adored wife of the late Reg. Dearly loved mother and motherin-law to Trish and Tom, Mike and Fleur, Sally and Wade, and Sonya and Gav. Treasured and adored Grammie to 11 grandchildren, 18 greatgrandchildren and a greatgreat-granddaughter. Monica's family wish to sincerely thank the entire team at Te Awa Lifecare for their beautiful care, compassion and dignity shown to her. A service for Monica will be held at St Andrews Anglican Church, Cambridge on Thursday, 27 November at 11:00 am, followed by interment at Hautapu Cemetery. Reunited with her darling Reg, safely in God's loving care.

KOSKELA, David Wayne –(known as Wayne) Passed away at St Andrew’s MetLife Care Home Cambridge NZ on 11th November 2025. Loving husband of the late Penny (Wyatt). Loving brother, brother-in-law, and uncle to the Koskela, Hall, Pickard, Jack and Wyatt families. Special thanks to the staff at MetLife Care for their loving care. A private cremation has been held, and Wayne’s and Penny’s ashes will be interned together in Christchurch. Messages for Waynes families to A R Jack, 285 Trents Road, RD 6, Christchurch 7676.

WEBBER, Kenneth Victor (Ken) – Formerly of Cambridge, passed away peacefully at home in Pahiatua, on Saturday 15th November, 2025, aged 87 Years. Dearly loved husband of Megan, loved Dad of Dean, Chris and Lucelle, and Janeen and Adrian. Treasured Grumps of 7 grandchildren. Messages to Mrs. M. Webber c/PO Box 23 Pahiatua. A memorial service for Ken will be held at the Cambridge Cosmopolitan Club, Burns Street, Leamington, Cambridge on Sunday 14th December 2025 at 2pm.

Monarch

Funeral Home

CALL FOR TRUSTEE

The Waipa Community Facilities Trust have a current board vacancy and are calling to the public for registrations of interest for a new Trustee.

The Charitable Trust was established to enhance the health and well-being of Waipa District communities by promoting the effective and efficient provision, development and operation of community facilities (Te Awamutu Events Centre) and Perry Aquatic Centre) and programmes throughout the District. The position is voluntary and trustees are expected to attend 11 meetings per year, as well as the Trust AGM. Please send your CV and cover letter to the Secretary ruby@offsiteadmin.co.nz

Applications close Friday December 19th 2025.

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Schedule 10, Local Government Act 1974

Waipā District Council will close the following road(s) at the following period(s) to ordinary vehicular traffic for the New World Cambridge Christmas Parade.

Date: Sunday, 7 December 2025

Roads: Dick St between Queen St and Alpha St Alpha St between Dick St and Victoria St Victoria St between Queen St and Commerce St

Commerce St whole St – access to Milicich Place via Fort St only Duke St between Victoria St and Commerce St Empire St between Alpha St and Victoria St

Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm

There will be no detours in place during the temporary road closure. Access for emergency vehicles will be permitted in the event of an emergency.

Steph O’Sullivan CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Browning Streets Bible Study Each Saturday: 9.30am – 10.45am

Worship Service: 11.00am

Like us on Facebook: h�ps://www.facebook.com/cambridge.sda.9 email: cambridge.sda.nz@gmail.com

CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES

ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, CAMBRIDGE

CHRISTMAS & ANTIQUE CRAFT FAIR

Saturday 29 November 2025

9am till 2pm

Visitors kindly note that not all stallholders have Eftpos. presents

Cambridge Blind and Low Vision Support Group.

Enquiries: grannydunn.nz@gmail.com

Notice of Weed Spraying in Lake Karāpiro

Property owners and lake users are advised that the herbicide diquat will be applied to control lake weed (hornwort) by boat at the following locations:

• Horahora Domain

• Lake Karāpiro/Mighty River Domain

• Navigation Safety Zones 3 through 12

• Little Waipa Reserve

Operational Period

• Application will occur over 2 days between Monday, 1 December and Friday, 12 December.

• Operations are dependent on suitable weather conditions

• Work will not take place on public holidays or weekends.

Precautionary Measures

• Label recommendations are not to gather food, consume water, use it for irrigation or swim in the treatment area for 24 hours after spraying.

• Warning signs will be placed at authorised public boat ramps during treatment and removed 24 hours after completion.

Stay Updated

• Notices will be posted at www.linz.govt.nz 24 hours before planned spray dates.

• Scan the QR code below for the latest updates.

Further Information

• Hazard classification for diquat: 6.1C, 6.3A, 6.9A, 8.1A, 9.1A, 9.3C.

• Full details of LINZ’s annual weed control programme: www.linz.govt.nz (under “Crown Property”).

• Contact Boffa Miskell Ltd: 0800 638 943 (office hours), biosecurity@boffamiskell.co.nz, or PO Box 110, Christchurch.

Weed control in Lake Karāpiro is supported by the Waikato Regional Council, Waipa District Council, Mercury Energy and Land Information New Zealand.

Our 50th anniversary in October was a wonderful occasion for our blind and low-vision members, volunteers, supporters, and special guests.

A Huge thanks to: Jumble Around Op Shop Waipa District Council

Blind Low Vision NZ Trust Waikato For their financial support.

As the Cambridge Blind Low Vision Support Group looks ahead to the next 50 years, we are looking for volunteers to help at our monthly meetings as volunteer drivers, serving morning tea and friendship. We welcome new members who may benefit from the support and companionship of our group.

Please get more information from President Marilyn Kennedy Ph. 021 274 5850

TAYLOR MADE 22a Taylor Street, Cambridge

Reminder: Next meeting on February 4th, 2026

3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge Ph 07 827 6037 • www.grinters.co.nz Advertisement kindly sponsored by Christmas Celebration DECEMBER 3 1:30pm Start

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

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

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