CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 1
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
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A family at your service By Mary Anne Gill
When Richard “Richie” Gerrand received recognition for 37 years’ service with the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade on Saturday night, it added another chapter to one of the town’s longest-running volunteer service legacies. The Gerrand family’s connection to the brigade stretches across four generations. Richie’s grandfather, known as Bush Hooker, served 48 years. His father, former chief fire officer Don Gerrand, dedicated 53 years to the brigade before his death in 2022. Now Richie’s son, Kase Gerrand, has completed seven years’ service and was also honoured during the brigade’s annual awards evening. For Richie, however, the recognition has never been the reason for staying. “When you help people, that’s your prize. That’s what I get out of it,” he said. Since he joined the brigade, firefighting has changed dramatically. When Richie began, Cambridge firefighters regularly attended serious crashes on what was then known as the “killing fields” and responded to around nine house fires a year. Today, fires are less frequent, medical callouts make up a larger share of the workload and annual incident numbers have climbed as the town has grown. Richie estimates he has attended somewhere between 4000 and 5000 callouts during his time in the brigade. Some remain impossible to forget.
Richie Gerrand stands beside a tribute to his late father, former Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Don Gerrand, whose 53 years of service helped build a firefighting legacy that now spans four generations. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
One of the first fatal incidents he attended involved the mother of his best friend. “I identified the body,” he said. “You’ve got to stay professional.” Other tragedies have stayed with him, including a Christmas Eve crash on Hautapu Straight which claimed five lives and another fatal family crash almost exactly a year later near the same location.
Reflecting on those incidents during an interview at the fire station, Richie became visibly emotional. Yet through it all, he has continued turning out alongside fellow volunteers he describes as “one big family”. The family tradition remains an important motivation. “Dad did 53. I’ve done 37. Kase
has done seven. “We’ve just got to carry on that legacy. It’s just what we’ve done all our lives, so we’re just used to it.” Richie was one of several brigade members recognised for long service on Saturday night. Chief fire officer Dennis Hunt, who will complete 40 years with the brigade next year, said the annual awards evening was about
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recognising both the volunteers and the community that supports them. “A night like tonight is for us thanking the community for everything they do for us,” Hunt said. “But it’s also for our members as well, for the hard work they put in from year to year and just getting their medals, their recognition for the year that they’ve done.” Among those honoured were brigade members reaching a range of service milestones. Based on experience, Hunt expects only a small proportion of volunteers will remain long enough to reach the major milestones. For Richie Gerrand, though, the commitment runs in the family. After 37 years, thousands of callouts and countless interrupted meals, sleepless nights and emergency responses, he is still answering the siren. And with a fourth generation now serving alongside him, the Gerrand legacy looks set to continue for some time yet. Awards went to: 37 years, twoyear gold bar 35 year ‘long service good conduct’ third clasp: Richard Gerrand. Three-year certificates: Hamish Lile, Ash Hammond. Silver bars, seven-years: Dion Williams, Kase Gerrand; nineyears: Ethan McKee, Sam Kelleher; 11-years: Derek Holm; 13-years: Simon Barton; 15-years: Peter Crawford; 17-years: Leon Vincent; 19-years: Glenn Philip, Richard Crease; 21-years: Pete Wright. • Brigade braces for change - see page 12.
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2 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
Marie has the write stuff
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Writing and self-publishing a first novel is a bridge too far for most of us… seemingly not for 80-year-old Marie Hunnego. In something of an emerging theme around the number eight, the octogenarian completed her first novel – all 85,000 words of it – in just eight weeks. She reckons it just ‘poured out’ of her, a story she felt compelled to tell, one that rushed at her, turning her into a woman bordering on one possessed. “I have no idea where it came from,” she smiles, still slightly nonplussed at her achievement as she settles back into what for her is ‘normal life’. In Marie’s case, ‘normal’ strays wildly from that of most of her vintage. When The News called in, she was working pretty much seven days a week – five at the store that sits at the heart of Cambridge Resthaven’s Vogel St village, where she lives, and two doing reception at Tamahere Country Club care centre. No problem, she says in her distinctive Mancunian accent. The Manchester-born
On the beat
author sounds as though she has just stepped off the Coronation Street set. “I started work at 15 and have worked ever since. I have got loads of stamina… get that from my dad.” She did secretarial work straight out of school, then went into real estate for two decades before moving into hospitality and motels. Writing was never in the frame. “Although when I was at school, my parents used to ask for my help in writing letters… so did my younger sister when she was looking for a job. My teacher used to call me a dreamer… they all spotted something in me that I obviously missed.” What has always been clear is Marie’s ability to engage with all sorts of people and her strong sense of right and wrong, and it is on those elements that she has drawn for much of this first novel. Her novel, The Price of Desire, has been described as an unconventional love story involving a young woman who moves from Manchester to New Zealand in the post WW2 era. Her forbidden love for a married man sees
with Senior Constable DEB HANN
Drink drive warning Firstly today, some results from the past week. The Impairment Prevention Team was in Cambridge last week. Their efforts, combined with local staff patrols, resulted in eight drivers being apprehended. Most recorded breath alcohol levels around three times the legal limit, and one driver had been involved in a traffic crash. Drivers found with breath alcohol levels exceeding 400 micrograms per litre of breath have been charged and will appear before the court. Alcohol often contributes to poor decisionmaking, particularly when consumed in excess. Importantly, the harm caused by alcohol is frequently experienced by those around the person drinking, more than by the drinker themselves. This harm can include violence, family harm, and road crashes. According to the 2024-25 NZ Annual Health Survey, 23.6 per cent of adults reported engaging in heavy episodic drinking, defined as consuming six or more alcoholic drinks on a single occasion, at least once a month during the past year. With the summer social season approaching, now is the time to plan ahead. In short, if you have been drinking, do not drive. Arrange a sober driver, taxi or other accommodations. If you feel your alcohol use is having a negative impact on your life, contact Cambridge Community House about
Wishing you all good luck! Go hard. Row hard.
Marie Hunnego, aka Rose Marie Murphy, with her recently published first novel, The Price of Desire. Photo: Viv Posselt
her wrestle with duty and desire while building a life for herself and her family. Is it remotely autobiographical? Partially, Marie admits. “There is something of my life in there … people who know me will recognise certain things.” The compulsion to write left her feeling she could have just kept going. “I could have carried on, but I knew I had to reach a point and stop. Right now, I’m not sure about doing another, although that has been suggested to me.” The most testing part has been the publishing, Marie said. The structured world of publishing is not an easy one to navigate, and she thinks people who have written good books might be easily put off by the constant rejections. Her decision to self-publish was a tough one, but along the way she was given enough support and sufficient plaudits to keep her on track. It also gave her more control over how she wanted the book to look … its cover image and title. “People have raised an eyebrow or two over the title,” she smiled, “but that hasn’t bothered me. Desire can mean so many different things.”
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its free alcohol and drug counselling service. In other incidents this week, a male was arrested following a report of assault and wilful damage and will appear in court on related charges. A separate family harm incident led to another male being located in breach of courtimposed bail conditions and driving with excess breath alcohol. He was arrested and has since appeared in court. Three youths were arrested last weekend after being found driving a stolen vehicle. They will be dealt with through the Youth Aid process. Investigations remain ongoing into other car crime and two retail burglaries. As always, if you witness offending in progress, call 111 immediately. If you have information about offending after the fact, report it by calling 105 or online at 105. police.govt.nz. Finally today, with the recent change in laws allowing young children and their parent or caregiver to cycle on footpaths, I would like to remind our community of the need to be considerate of other footpath users. Ride slowly and carefully. If your child is over 12 years old, they will need 46 Duke St, Cambridge to ride on the road or use designated cycleways. In all cases, wearing a helmet not 07 827 0405 only meets your legal obligations, but more 46 Duke St, Cambridge. P 07 827 0405 footloose.co.nz SINCE 1974 importantly could prevent a life altering footloose.co.nz brainCambrid injury in a crash. Ride safe. e
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CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 3
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
Briefs…
Harvey appointed
Elizabeth Harvey has been appointed manager of the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame which is now based at the Velodrome in Cambridge. The hall will occupy the secondfloor concourse and open early next year. Harvey is currently manager at Cambridge Museum, a role she has held since March 2022. Prior to that she was a volunteer and frontof-house host.
PM visits
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other local MPs toured the Cambridge to Piarere extension site on Monday as part of the party’s Waikato launch focused on infrastructure, economic growth, health, housing and regional development. Meanwhile Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins was in town last week and visited a local business. See page 7.
Home invasion
Cambridge’s Bradley Marshall is warning others to be vigilant after a pair of silver Mercedes cars were stolen from his St Kilda home. Thieves entered the home while the occupants were sleeping and stole the keys to the C200 and E250 vehicles. Police are investigating. “If it can happen in St Kilda, it can happen anywhere,” Marshall said.
Bridge closure
The concrete path near the Alan Turner Bridge in Tamahere will be closed for the rest of the month while work is carried out on the service bridge across Mangaharakeke Stream. This work is being delivered in partnership with the Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust as part of ongoing improvements to the reserve.
Winter leaves
Ōtorohanga District Council chief executive Tanya Winter has been named Waimate District Council’s new chief. Winter, who joined the council in 2019 and will leave early in the New Year, is the second Waikato local authority chief executive to announce their departure in the past month. Waikato District Council’s Craig Hobbs recently revealed he will leave his role after only 18 months.
Tamahere’s future look By Roy Pilott
Bringing the Rhythm and Vines festival to Tamahere should be a win-win situation – the more significant concern for residents is getting a spatial plan which has the community in tune for the next 50 years. That’s the view of Tamahere Community Committee chair Charles Fletcher who spoke to The News following a successful four hour open session in the Tamahere Hall on Sunday. Estimates of how many came through the door range from 130 to closer to 200. Residents were encouraged to call in to look at the Waikato District Council’s Long Term Plan, discuss Vision Tamahere 2075, the Matangi Recreation Reserve masterplan and local restoration work – and talk to a team from Rhythm and Vines. The News revealed earlier this month that the country’s biggest music festival, which has played to audiences in Gisborne since 2003, could move to Hooker Rd, Tamahere next year. Vision Tamahere 2075 is a planning initiative
created by the Tamahere Community Committee to guide the area’s growth over the next 50 years. For Fletcher, it deserves far more scrutiny than the distraction of plans to bring a three day music festival to the district. The 50-year plan looks at how to preserve Tamahere’s rural-residential character, restore gullies, streams and native biodiversity and manage growth pressure. The community faced being at the centre of a pincer movement as Hamilton expanded from the north and the Cambridge-Hautapu industrial hub grew, Fletcher said. A site not far from the proposed Rhythm and Vines concert venue is tagged to become a proposed equine centre, geared to be the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. And Southern Links, put on the shelf by the present government will expand the highway roading system from the Waikato Expressway, past Hamilton Airport and the Fieldays site, to State Highway 3. Fletcher said he was pleased the project was
Roading and transport in general are challenges facing Tamahere as it braces for growth.
on hold because “we were horrified” at the New Zealand Transport Agency’s building plan for the new interchange at the expressway. The community committee says Tamahere has contributed about $35 million in rates over the past three years – but capital spending back into the ward had historically lagged behind at $1.2 million or lower. If the region was destined to have a single unitary body in place of current
city and district councils, local communication would have to be “par excellence”, Fletcher said. He suggested a model which would ensure a quarter of what ratepayers paid was returned to the district in the form of maintenance and capital expenditures. The community committee plans to complete a report identifying priorities for the next three years by November so it can influence Long Term Plan discussions in the New Year.
That will focus on, among other things, road safety and support for retaining the Tamahere Drive stop for the Cambridge -Hamilton bus service. Crystal Beavis, who with Mike Keir are district councillors for the expansive Tamahere-Woodlands ward said the district’s residents were well engaged on issues in the Long Term Plan, and she was pleased they took advantage of the opportunity to review and comment on the plan at an early stage.
Waipā backs denser housing By Chris Gardner
Waipā councillors have unanimously backed denser housing around town centres, transport corridors and community facilities, despite warnings the move could provoke strong opposition from affected property owners. Strategic growth management programme manager Karen Saunders told a recent council workshop that intensification in wellconnected locations could strengthen town centres,
increase housing choice and better coordinate council and partner investment. Mayor Mike Pettit said the direction provided certainty and would send a clear message, even if not everyone liked it. He said intensification could also help older people seeking affordable homes closer to town and should become more economically sustainable over time. Te Awamutu and Kihikihi ward councillor Shane Walsh supported the direction. “What excited me is the potential to rejuvenate
town centres. I think it’s a great thing and the way we should be heading.” Councillors also backed positioning North Waipā– Southern Hamilton as a strategic economic opportunity and priority investment area in the workshop. Saunders recommended identifying the area as a strategic economic opportunity and priority investment zone for coordinated planning. She said the approach aligned with Future Proof’s direction but would require shared
priorities, resourcing, staged investment and sustained delivery across agencies. Workshop chair Mike Montgomerie said the proposal had previously received a lukewarm response, while Pirongia and Kakepuku ward councillor Clare St Pierre questioned whether it had enough substance. Waipā growth, strategy and planning director Katie Mayes offered to give councillors a further presentation on what the proposal could mean for the district.
She said the area had been identified as strategically important nationally, creating opportunities to partner with central government and private investors. Waipā chief executive Steph O’Sullivan said North Waipā–Southern Hamilton occupied a special position within the Auckland– Waikato–Bay of Plenty “golden triangle”. The draft Growth Strategy is expected to return to councillors on December 2, ahead of public consultation in early 2027.
4 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
YOUR WAIPĀ NETWORKS DISCOUNT IS COMING
ADVERTORIAL
Customers can expect to receive their next electricity discount as early as this week, with an average of approximately $130, including GST, per eligible property. The discount is automatically applied through electricity retailers, meaning there’s no need to apply. It’s one of the ways customers benefit from local ownership. The homes, farms and businesses connected to our electricity network are more than just our customers. They’re also our owners, through the Waipā Networks Trust, which owns 100% of Waipā Networks on their behalf. This means the value generated by the business can be returned to customers through discounts, invested back into the electricity network and used to support local communities. For the October 2026 and April 2027 discount rounds, approximately $7.44 million, including GST, is forecast to be returned to eligible customers. Trust Chair Sarah Matthews says the discounts are a practical example of local ownership delivering value for customers.
“The Trust owns Waipā Networks on behalf of customers and represents their interests. These discounts are one way the benefits of local ownership are returned to customers, while Waipā Networks continues investing in a reliable network for the future.”
Chief Executive Damien Whiffen says being customer-owned means the value created stays local, benefiting the people and communities who rely on the network.
“We know household costs are front of mind for many people, and these discounts are one practical way we can return value to customers. At the same time, we’re continuing to invest in the network to make sure it can meet the needs of our communities, now and into the future.”
HOW THE DISCOUNT WORKS The discount is calculated for each eligible electricity connection, based on electricity used at the property between 1 April and 30 September 2026, along with the fixed daily charges paid during that period. The amount varies between properties depending on their electricity use and fixed daily charges.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I’VE RECEIVED MY DISCOUNT? As the local lines company, we own and maintain the electricity network, while electricity retailers manage customers’ power accounts and bills. The discount will appear as a credit on eligible customers’ power bills, generally labelled “Waipā Networks Discount” or similar. When the credit appears will depend on each retailer’s billing cycle. If you have questions about how the discount appears on your bill, your electricity retailer is the best first point of contact. Discounts are paid twice a year, in October and April.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? You can find further information about customer discounts, including how they’re calculated and the published discount rates, by scanning the QR code or visiting: waipanetworks.co.nz/about/ document-library/disclosure/customer-discount
0800 800 769 | WAIPANETWORKS.CO.NZ
CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 5
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
Tower save Capernwray marks 60 years work starts By Chris Gardner
By Chris Gardner
The Cambridge Water Tower received a double blessing as a $2.5 million earthquake strengthening project got underway. Harry Wilson blessed the 120-year-old, earthquake-prone tower last week before a Christian blessing conducted by Save the Cambridge Water Tower Group member Peter Fulton. Fulton, a deacon in the Church of Confessing Anglicans, said he conducted the blessing because he wanted to see a strengthening of Christian values. “Whilst we live in straightened times, some things are worth saving for posterity,” he said. “When Churchill was asked if arts funding was to be cut in order to support the war effort, he replied. ‘Then what are we fighting for?” Hard times come and go, but the legacy of art and architecture must prevail, or we have nothing to show of our forethought and creativity to our descendants.” The tower, which meets just 20 per cent of New Building Standards (NBS), is a registered Category 2 heritage building and one of only two brick water towers of its kind remaining in New Zealand. Strengthening work funded by Waipā District Council is being carried out by Hamilton-based firm Surfprep. The scope includes retaining the original water tank, strengthening the tower from the inside, and repairing and protecting the exterior brickwork. The project is expected to run through to June 2027. The earthquake strengthening follows years of campaigning. Documents released to The News under an official information request in August revealed councillors unanimously supported the project during a closed meeting of the Finance and Corporate Committee in May 2026. Councillors instructed staff to explore external funding opportunities to help offset the $2.5 million cost. The original strengthening estimate was approximately $6 million, compared to an $810,000 demolition estimate. Despite the success of a lobby group which wanted the tower save, some have argued the money could be better used elsewhere.
Glenn Johnson has seen miracles during his 20 years as business manager of Capernwray New Zealand. In his first week at the nondenominational Christian ministry’s Monavale campus in Cambridge, Johnson found himself praying for the money to pay a large bill. Money was tight and the recipient could not wait. “In the post that very day was an envelope with a handwritten note saying, ‘God said you might need this this week’,” Johnson said. “It was a cheque for $10,000, which was the exact amount required for the payment. I’m like, ‘Oh, Lord. I don’t need to worry; this is your work.’ And it’s been like that for 20 years.” Johnson joined the bible and church leadership school 40 years after it began in Auckland and a decade after it moved to Cambridge Road. He will be part of its 60th anniversary celebrations over Labour Weekend. Johnson said the milestone was an opportunity to celebrate the estimated 6000 students who had attended the New Zealand campus, along with the many lecturers, staff, churches and supporters connected with it. “It’s the people you journey with in a place who make it hugely significant,” Johnson said. “The joy of journeying with someone and seeing the light come on for the first time — those are special moments.”
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Glenn Johnson and Carey Ireland in front of Monavale Homestead on Cambridge Road. Photo: Chris Gardner
The celebrations begin with a banquet tomorrow night for invited guests. On Saturday, visitors will reconnect and browse displays assembled from thousands of photographs. A public thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, followed by a shared lunch. Later that day, people associated with the Adventure Lodge will gather for a barbecue beside Lake Karāpiro to mark 20 years of the facility and its adventure programme. Faculty lead Carey Ireland said the residential setting gave students space to learn, practise their faith and develop the relational and practical skills needed for life beyond campus. “There’s a very real formation
aspect for students we get to encounter and journey with,” she said. “We see group after group graduate and go back out into the world, and then they stay in contact and tell us the impact they’re making.” Students serve with local churches and community organisations, including youth groups, care homes and other ministries. Capernwray has active relationships with about 12 churches in the Waipā district and Hamilton area, as well as others across the North Island. “The heart is that people understand that Christ is our life, and then that shapes their engagement, their mission and their service in the world,” Ireland said.
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6 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
Summerset Cambridge Weekly Walk-in Wednesdays Summerset Cambridge offers a relaxing, resort-style retirement in a vibrant and growing village. The grand village centre is now open and residents have been loving their resort-style facilities, from an indoor pool to a café, residents’ bar and hair salon. There are a range of homes ready to move into right now, with two bedroom homes starting from $595,000.^ Enjoy $10,000 cashback and no weekly fees for two years, giving you more to spend on travel or time with family. Simply sign a sales application for a cottage or villa between 1 October 2026 and 30 November 2026 and settle by 31 March 2027.* Pop along to our Walk-in Wednesdays every week this month to find out more. Step inside our cottages, villas and serviced apartments, and learn more about the care options available so you can feel confident about whatever comes next.^
Weekly Walk-in Wednesdays
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CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 7
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
Hipkins gets a tech pitch By Mary Anne Gill
Political visitors have called into Cambridge-based Rocketspark before. Local MPs have stopped by, ministers have dropped in and industry figures have wanted to learn what makes the website platform tick. But founder Grant Johnson could not recall hosting a prime minister or a potential prime minister. So when Labour leader Chris Hipkins arrived at the company’s Victoria St offices last week, Johnson was ready. Rather than simply showcasing Rocketspark’s website-building platform, he seized the opportunity to present a wish list for New Zealand’s technology sector and the thousands of small software companies he believes are often overlooked in the national economic conversation. Rocketspark, founded in 2009 by brothers Grant and Jeremy Johnson, Richard King and Lee Reichardt, employs about 20 people and serves customers in more than 30 countries. It develops websitebuilding software used by small businesses and graphic designers, many who run one-person operations. Johnson’s message to Hipkins was that companies like Rocketspark deserve more attention. New Zealand celebrates the success stories of major technology
Labour leader Chris Hipkins with Grant Johnson, one of Rocketspark’s founders.
firms such as Xero, Rocket Lab, Vend and Timely, he said. Yet beneath those headline-grabbing companies sits a long tail of smaller software companies exporting New Zealand expertise around the world. “We don’t make the headlines for millions raised. We don’t have the photo opportunity of standing next to a rocket,” Johnson told Hipkins. He then demonstrated how easily websites can be edited and outlined several policy ideas he believes would help technology companies grow. Among them was retaining and
Jack Glazer 021 035 0658 jack.glazer@inghamdriven.nz
expanding the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme that allowed many firms to access lending during and after Covid. Johnson said the programme had enabled Rocketspark to invest in research and development, expand its team and more than double its Research and development capability. He also argued for changes to research and development tax incentives, saying software firms continuously improve products after launch but can struggle to fit those activities within current funding rules. Faster IRD
Photo: Mary Anne Gill
processing of incentive claims would also help growing businesses hire sooner, he said. Other suggestions included support for Kiwi SaaS, an organisation helping software-as-aservice companies share knowledge and build capability, and further encouragement of pathways into technology careers through apprenticeships and student placements. Hipkins outlined Labour policies aimed at supporting small businesses, including increasing the asset write-off threshold, reforming government
procurement and ensuring faster payment of invoices. New Zealand needed to become a “startup nation” and find ways to keep successful technology companies headquartered in New Zealand rather than seeing them relocate overseas as they grow, he said. “We want to see more businesses like this spread all over the country.” The discussion also turned to AI - artificial intelligence - one of the issues occupying much of the technology sector. The company’s staff were already using AI extensively, completing tasks in days that previously took weeks. Questions around data centres, intellectual property, privacy and regulation would become increasingly important as adoption accelerated, Johnson said. From an office above a Cambridge streetscape of bakeries, pharmacies and independent retailers, Rocketspark exports software to customers around the world. For Johnson, that was the point of the visit. Businesses like Rocketspark can play a bigger role in lifting New Zealand’s productivity and creating highly skilled jobs, but only if governments recognise the contribution made by the hundreds of smaller software companies quietly building global markets from places like Cambridge.
Gavin Payne 027 448 0119 gavin.payne@inghamdriven.nz
92 Queen Street, Cambridge | 0800 488 122 | inghamdriven.nz/cambridge/
8 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
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THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 9
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
Waipā split on Easter trading Feedback sought By Cheryl Voss
By Chris Gardner
Business chambers, retailers, and churches could be consulted on whether or not shop trading should be permitted on the most important holiday in the Christian calendar. Elected members were split during a recent Waipā District Council workshop when debating a district-wide Easter Sunday Trading Policy Strategic policy advisor Daisy Wills sought direction on the issue at the invitation of mayor Mike Pettit. “A policy simply gives businesses the choice to open if they want to,” Wills said. Under legislation workers retain their legal right to refuse work on Easter Sunday regardless of whether a local policy is adopted.
The proposal drew mixed reactions, highlighting a sharp divide between business flexibility, community reverence for the holiday, and council resourcing. Pettit and deputy mayor Jo Davies-Colley pushed for public consultation following direct requests from local businesses. “This is about choice,” Pettit added. “The country has changed.” He said delaying consultation now would push any potential changes back by another year. “Mike and I do lots of walks around the towns, and we have had retailers specifically ask us to look at this,” Davies-Colley said. Pirongia and Kakepuku ward councillor Les Bennett was one of the first to object. He said there were only four days in the year when shops were restricted from
opening. “There’s a lot of people that hold reverence for these days,” he said. “I don’t feel it’s necessary.” Cambridge ward councillor Pip Kempthorne supported putting the issue to the public. “We’re becoming a less secular society,” he said. “I’d let the community decide.” Pirongia and Kakepuku ward councillor Clare St Pierre was concerned that retail workers could face workplace pressure to work, impacting family time over the long Easter weekend. “Families really appreciate knowing they’re going to have a long weekend when they can be all together,” St Pierre said. She also questioned proceeding with a new policy when staff acknowledged resources for public engagement
would be minimal due to competing council priorities with consultation on the Cambridge Connections Transport Plan and the Long Term Plan scheduled for the same time. “We already know that we can’t consult to the degree that this proposal really deserves,” she said. Te Awamutu and Kihikihi ward councillor Marcus Gower questioned the financial prudence of creating another policy during a period of cost-cutting, arguing the status quo “works pretty well for everybody.” If the council approves proceeding to consultation at its October 28 meeting, a one-month public submission window will open. A final decision on whether to adopt the policy is scheduled for February 3.
Quick win – seat saved By Mary Anne Gill
A broken Hinuera stone seat outside Good Union that Waipā District Council estimated would cost $8000 to repair has been restored for free by local volunteers. The repair is another success story for The News’ Quick Wins campaign. The return of a heritage information sign to the Town Clock precinct in August after a nineyear absence was our earlier success. It proves that not every community problem needs years of reports, budgets and
bureaucracy. Sometimes it just needs people willing to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. The seat is back in use, the town entrance looks better, and ratepayers have potentially been spared a significant bill. That’s exactly what Quick Wins is all about. Do you know of a broken sign, damaged seat, overgrown corner, missing bollard, untidy public space or other small issue that could be fixed quickly and cheaply? • Send your suggestions, photos and ideas to editor@goodlocal.nz
After its refurbishment. The stone seat was built in 1983 to commemorate a century of Presbyterian worship in Cambridge and was constructed from Hinuera stone, exposed aggregate concrete and a reinforced concrete frame. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Every rates dollar and future project is under review as Waipā District Council prepares its next Long-Term Plan amid growth pressures and rising costs. Residents will help decide what should be prioritised when consultation opens later this month. According to Growth Strategy and Planning director Katie Mayes, affordability is the biggest challenge. “We know rates can’t keep rising at the pace they have been,” she said. Elected members have asked for a plan that keeps future increases lower, meaning every service and project is under review. For every $100 of rates, $45 goes to community services and facilities, and $21 goes to transportation, which includes local roads, footpaths and street lighting. The remaining $34 covers other council services and operations. Mayes said nothing had been decided yet, but the public would have two chances to have its say. The pressures haven’t gone away since the 202434 long-term plan. Mayes said costs are still rising and the council remains focused on looking after what it already has. “Waipā is one of the fastest-growing districts in the country, and new neighbourhoods need roads and stormwater while existing ones still need looking after,” said Mayes. Costs are also going up, and changes to local government mean there’s some uncertainty about the future. “A clear plan built on what our communities tell us will help make sure Waipā has a strong voice, whatever happens,” Mayes said. The council’s priorities for the next three years are making every rates dollar stretch further, managing growth and finding alternative funding sources so ratepayers do not shoulder the full cost. • Cheryl Voss is a Wintec journalism student
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10 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
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CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 11
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
ON SHAKY GROUND
Briefs… Reserve feedback
Community input is being sought on a draft masterplan for the future of Matangi Recreation Reserve. Developed with the Matangi-Hillcrest Sports Club, groups and mana whenua, the plan outlines future amenities and priorities for the reserve. Feedback will help shape the final version and guide how the area develops to meet local needs.
Industry open
National Thoroughbred Week will return next month, giving the public access to racing stables, stud farms and equine facilities across New Zealand. Waikato events include tours at Cambridge Stud, Rich Hill Stud and Cambridge Equine Hospital, offering insights into thoroughbred breeding, training and welfare.
Safe water
Installing fish friendly pumping stations throughout the Waikato has won the regional council an environmental award at Local Government New Zealand’s SuperLocal Awards. The pumps enable eels and tuna to negotiate their way at the start and end of migrations. The project earlier won the top honour at the Taituarā Local Government Excellence awards.
When plates collide What happens at the seafloor when one enormous tectonic plate sinks beneath another? Often at a subduction zone, an oceanic plate with crust formed through volcanic activity at mid-ocean ridges sinks beneath an overriding plate with thicker, less dense continental crust. In some locations this process forms an accretionary wedge, or prism, a fascinating geological feature in its own right. An accretionary wedge is largely made up of sediments scraped off the downgoing plate, building up into a thick pile. Varying proportions of sediment continue down with the subducting plate. The movement of the two plates towards each other squishes the growing pile of sediments, folding some areas and creating faults in others. Think of a bulldozer pushing dirt across the ground, forming a pile. This can result in stacks of sediments, with one pushed on top of another. The insides of these features are incredibly complex The wedge can grow at its front and from underneath, where sediment carried beneath it becomes attached to its base. Continued
LEAVES ADD WEIGHT
By Janine Krippner
squeezing folds, stacks and thickens the material. Burial compacts the sediment, and minerals can cement the grains together into rock. The strength of this material influences how it folds and breaks. Deeper within the system, increasing pressure and temperature can change the minerals and texture again, producing metamorphic rock. These are huge features. They can extend for hundreds to a couple of thousand kilometres along plate boundaries, and reach tens to a few hundred kilometres wide. All of this is reflected in the shape and complexity of the seafloor. Long ridges and valleys, often running roughly parallel to the subduction zone, result from the folding and faulting. The surface is further shaped by landslides and other erosion processes. Around the world, each subduction zone varies, and the structures also change substantially along a single boundary. Geologists learn about them through using geophysical techniques to detect the structures within. Another way is looking at ancient prisms that are now on land, and erosion has exposed their insides. Computer models let researchers test explanations for how these structures form
and move. You can also see how this process works by searching for “subduction zone sandbox experiment” videos that illustrate the broader process. As always, it takes a variety of methods to understand these enormous processes. What we know now is the result of decades of research, many researchers, and learning about subduction zones around the planet. The faults between subducting and overriding plates produce Earth’s largest earthquakes. One example is the December 26, 2004 magnitude 9.1-9.3 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake, which triggered the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day. An extensive accretionary prism lies above this plate boundary. It’s important that we understand our Earth and use this information to help society through preparedness. To understand how our active planet can impact us, we must first understand the independent and intertwined processes that form our landscapes and seafloors.
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12 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
Brigade braces for change Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Dennis Hunt is considering stepping down after nearly 40 years’ service as the brigade plans for a potentially busy El Niño summer. It comes as the brigade buys new equipment and presses ahead with plans for a Waikato River rescue boat.
The 62-year-old, who reaches 40 years’ service next year, told The News at the brigade’s annual honours evening on Saturday that the milestone could be the right time to consider his future. “I think that’s a good milestone to maybe look at,” he said. Asked if that meant standing down, Hunt replied: “Maybe. I’ll look
into it.” The comments come as firefighters prepare for what could be a challenging summer, with forecasts of dry conditions raising concerns about increased fire risk across the district. “It’s supposed to be a super El Niño, so yeah, we could be busy,” said Hunt. The brigade initially thought it would exceed
Long-serving members of the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade recognised at Saturday night’s honours evening gather around Flick, the brigade’s historic fire appliance. Standing on the step is 37-year recipient Richie Gerrand. His son Kase (second right) received recognition for seven years’ service. Also honoured with three-year certificates were Hamish Lile and Ash Hammond; silver bars to seven-year recipients Dion Williams and Kase Gerrand; nine years Ethan McKee and Sam Kelleher; 11 years Derek Holm; 13 years Simon Barton; 15 years Peter Crawford; 17 years Leon Vincent; 19 years Glenn Philip and Richard Crease; and 21 years Pete Wright. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
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last year’s 508 callouts, but activity had eased during the year. Part of the brigade’s preparation has been the purchase of a portable water dam capable of holding 10,000 litres. The dam allows tankers to unload water and return for refilling while firefighters continue drawing water from it at the scene. “It is a big water bladder, it’s like a big swimming pool,” Hunt said. The brigade has also installed a large emergency generator at the station so it can continue operating during power cuts, while other improvements have been made inside the building. Funding came from money gifted by the former Lyceum Club when it wound up and from the community support that followed the death of 10-year-old Jimmy Schick last year. More than $110,000 was raised through a Givealittle appeal and Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Pirongia volunteer fire brigades shared a third of the proceeds. The remainder went to Hato Hone St John and the Westpac Rescue
Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Dennis Hunt, with wife Tricia, has signalled he is likely to stand down soon as she prepares to join the brigade. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Helicopter Trust. The brigade’s next major project is a rescue boat for the Waikato River. Plans have gathered pace after Fire and Emergency New Zealand stopped brigades operating rescue boats and jet skis because of maritime compliance requirements. Senior station officer Richie Gerrand has been among those advocating for improved rescue capability on the river. Hunt said the new vessel would operate through a separate incorporated charitable society called Waikato River Rescue rather than through Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
“If it saves one life, it’s well worth it,” he said. The arrangement has also brought Hunt’s wife Tricia into the fold. “That’s my new brigade member,” Hunt said. An accountant, she has agreed to assist with the charitable society’s finances and will join as a support member. Community support had always been one of the brigade’s greatest strengths, said Gerrand. “This town is so good to us. We’re meant to be the helpers around here. But if we need help for fundraising or need something, they help us.”
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CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 13
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
FAITH IN WAIPĀ
Betrayal and breaches By Murray Smith, Bridges Church
Te Tiriti o Waitangi, signed in February 1840, has often been referred to as New Zealand’s founding document. This agreement between the Crown and more than 500 chiefs (rangatira) promised a hopeful covenant of understanding. Sadly, it was soon frayed with multiple unbridled travesties against Māori interests. The Crown’s breaches and broken promises provoked resentment and mistrust. The English position of those days seemed incapable of seeing things through the eyes of indigenous people. Empire building, inflicted a human toll - often putting many missionaries in a difficult position when actions of their countrymen were at variance with their own convictions. Colonialism often made things extremely difficult for those whose calling and vision was to see Māori equal as ‘bearers of the divine image’, finding their destiny in God… rather than seeing them as savages who needed to be sublimated and civilised. Flames of resentment first flickered in the north. In 1845 Hone Heke cut down the symbol of pākehā authority, the flagstaff on the hill above Kororāreka (now Russell). After he sacked and burned the town pākehā left hurriedly for Auckland. For the next 20 years both races were almost continuously under arms. The bitterness and misery of tribal fighting which the missionaries had laboured hard to put to an end to were repeated on a grander scale… this time only two tribes were concerned - Māori and pākehā. Events in the north were watched closely by those in the Waikato. In 1847 Wiremu Tamihana (son and successor of Te Waharoa), had visited Alfred Brown asking him about a
TALKING ECONOMICS
The bridge saga By Peter Nicholl
report that the Queen was going to take away all the land from them. Evidently this had come about as the result of officials in England allowing ‘news’ to percolate throughout the ‘colony’ that the House of Commons Committee on New Zealand Affairs had determined that the Government should seize all “native’ land not occupied and devote it to the use of white settlers”. Brown hadn’t heard this and in good faith, assured Tamihana that England would never violate the essence of what had been entered into with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Brown himself had helped collect signatures for te tiriti never believing the missionaries would in many respects be sold out by their countrymen who carried different, less noble agendas in relation to the Māori people. One can scarcely blame Māori for feeling their liberties and lands were worth fighting and risking their lives for… particularly in Waikato and the outlying lands surrounding Cambridge. Fertile lands that comprise the Roto-o-rangi, Kairangi, Pukekura, Maungatauatari and Maungakawa areas 170 years ago had hills crowned with a fort or pa. A few of the features accompanying settlements (a pa or fortification), remain evident on inspection today, but the pākehā plough has obliterated innumerable ovens, kumara pits and trenches on the hillsides. Efforts have been made to protect archaeological sites in more recent times. This was number eight in a series of 10 – next week, trouble escalates.
There were two stories in last week’s News following a meeting about a third bridge over the Waikato River. One started very positively by saying councillors had signalled support for a new bridge mid-west from Cambridge. This sounded like real progress on an issue that has been under discussion for decades. But as I read on, the amount of progress that has been made faded. The first significant issue was the information on the expected cost of such a new bridge. We were told the cost could be between $100 million and $214 million. That is a very large range. But it got even more vague as it was also said, ‘the figure could change substantially as the project develops’. Based on most of the recent examples of the costs of infrastructure projects in New Zealand the changes in costs as a project develops only seem to go in one direction – up. The second significant issue was who would pay for the construction of the bridge. It seems Cambridge’s transport problems are not significant enough to get Transport Agency funding for the bridge. It will therefore need to be funded locally. That means ratepayers in the region will have to pay for it. The meeting was told that if all ratepayers in Waipa were levied, rates would need to rise 14 per cent. If the rates levy applied to Cambridge ratepayers only the rise would be 26 per cent. We need to remember that our rates have already increased by over 30 per cent in the last two years.
AMAZING I S WA I T I N G
These higher rates would have to be paid for a long period - however long it takes to pay back the loan that Waipa would have to borrow to get the bridge built. The irony is that people living in the Cambridge side of the river would seldom use this bridge. It won’t take Cambridge residents anywhere they want to go. The bridge would, hopefully, be used by drivers who now use the centre of Cambridge to get to or from the motorway to go north. This in turn would ease traffic congestion in Cambridge. That would be good Cambridge residents - but it seems Cambridge ratepayers could pay a very high price. Last year I got a copy of the study that was done for the design of the Waikato Expressway in 2010 in response to an OIA request. That study concluded that putting in ‘north facing ramps at the southern Cambridge interchange would have very little traffic demand’. This traffic flow would be similar to the traffic flow that would use the proposed mid-west bridge if it was built. Traffic flows around and through Cambridge have increased a lot since 2010. But have they increased enough to justify spending over $200 million on a new bridge? If they have, perhaps it would be cheaper for Cambridge ratepayers to fund a north bound on-off ramp at the southern Expressway interchange instead.
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14 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
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Sudoku
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CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 15
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
More kākāpō for the maunga By Chris Gardner
Three kākāpō are expected to be released on Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari within the next week – weather permitting. A first cohort of four kākāpō were placed within the world’s largest predator-proof fence on the mountain in July 2023, marking the return of the endangered flightless parrot to the North Island after a 40-year absence. A further six males arrived in September 2023. Three were returned in November 2023 after escaping via a fallen tree, and another four followed, leaving just three. Maungatautari chief executive Helen Hughes said the next cohort, three juveniles, are coming from offshore islands. Eventually, it is hoped female kākāpō will be added to the population and a breeding programme established. The arrival of the three males will coincide with the release of 120 threatened, Māhoenui giant wētā hatched at Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Sanctuary. They will join 190 Māhoenui giant wētā released on the mountain last year after
Ōtorohanga District Council loaned the attraction $2 million, helping to fund a breeding programme. Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, which operates the attraction, is celebrating 25 years of operation today at its annual general meeting. Hughes, who joined the $5500-a-day organisation three years ago, will explain how she has steered it from near collapse about two years ago, following the withdrawal of DOC funding, towards breaking even. The operation has reduced its monthly loss from $50,000 to $15,000 in September, and Hughes is optimistic as the busier summer season approaches. “September is in the low season,” Hughes said. “We are better than we were three years ago, and there’s still work to do.” Last month, the organisation was shortlisted for the Tourism Environment Award and Community Engagement Award at the New Zealand Tourism Awards, as well as the Innovation Award and Sustainability Award at the Waikato Business Awards.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is expecting three more kākāpō within the week.
Explaining the ‘internet’ disease By Jesse Wood
Lipoedema patient advocate Fiona O’Brien is endeavouring to spread the word among healthcare professionals about the disease. Lipoedema is a chronic lymphatic disorder in which abnormal levels of painful fat build up disproportionately in certain areas of the body, most commonly the hips, bottom and symmetrically in the legs. With support from the Catholic Women’s League Te Awamutu, Te Awamutu and Ōtorohanga-based medical professionals attended a wine and cheese evening earlier this month at St Patrick’s Catholic Church lounge. O’Brien educated attendees about the disease and showed them the newly published first medical textbook about lipoedema. The textbook is an evidence-based guide to current understanding of lipoedema, its causes and possible treatments, addressing what is known through human studies, what is unknown and needs investigating, and what is likely to emerge. All medical professionals received a book,
Lipoedema patient advocate Fiona O’Brien is spreading the word among healthcare professionals. Photo: Jesse Wood
courtesy of Hugo Charitable Trust. “One of my biggest goals is to make more people aware of lipoedema and help them get diagnosed sooner,” O’Brien said. The disease impacts almost exclusively on women, who may seek help for years only to be met with ongoing anti-fat stereotyping. Its significant life-changing impact has only recently been recognised, clinically and in terms of research funding. “Until you actually take off that top layer of clothing and see what our body structure looks like, you don’t understand the potential for lipoedema or how it differs from obesity,” O’Brien said. “It is not obesity. You don’t have to be a particular size to have the condition. “This disease is driven significantly by inflammation. “That inflammation could be related to certain foods, medicines or hormonal changes. The disease is mostly seen in women, so hormones are another important element. “Salmon, beautiful salmon. If I eat salmon, I can put on four kilograms overnight. That is inflammation, it’s phenomenal.” O’Brien said the whole idea behind the evening was to broaden the medical professionals’ knowledge so they can begin investigating the condition. “Previously, we didn’t have the same level of medical evidence readily available to support these discussions,” O’Brien said. “This textbook takes lipoedema from being dismissed as an internet disease and brings it into mainstream medicine. “There’s still a long way to go, but this is a huge step. “I don’t know exactly where the research will take us but I want to see education reach more people across New Zealand. “Research estimates vary, but the condition may affect around 11 per cent of women.” The disease has been known since the 1940s, but O’Brien said it “basically got buried”. “Over the past 15 to 20 years, there has been a huge upswing in research,” O’Brien said. “Other people have written sections of books about it, but nothing has been done collaboratively on this scale. “This is a worldwide collaboration involving about 30 researchers, including
scientists and doctors who have gathered all the information together. “At the end of each chapter, there are scientific papers and references. This is what elevates it beyond being dismissed as an internet disease.” O’Brien was diagnosed with lipoedema in 2014, and has transformed her own experience into an advocacy role. “When I was 15, I put on three stone in three months – that’s about 19 kilograms. “The weight had accumulated in my legs. That’s a typical area for lipoedema. I finally got diagnosed about 30 years later.”
O’Brien is now a life member of Lipedema Simplified (USA) and a member of their mentor team. Lipedema is the American spelling of the disease. She has attended the past three General Practice Conference & Medical Exhibition in Rotorua, including as a guest speaker about lipoedema this year. The more people who understand lipoedema, the more people can receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate support. “We need more understanding and empathy,” O’Brien said. “That’s what I want to achieve.”
No scam for Oliedam By Jesse Wood
When Bailey Oliedam received an email saying he had been nominated for the Waikato Masters Plumbers awards, he thought it was a scam. The 30-year-old former Te Awamutu College student works at Comins Plumbing and Gas in Cambridge and is now the Waikato Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Apprentice of the Year. The awards ceremony was held at the Wintec Atrium in September. “The email asked for my personal details, so I thought it was a scam and ignored it until a week before the awards,” Oliedam said. “My workmates mentioned they were so proud of my nomination that they had bought a table at the awards to come and support me. “I quickly replied to the email then.” For the nominations, Oliedam believes Master Plumbers asked Wintec to identify its top apprentices. They then reviewed the nominees with Wintec, considering factors such as performance and behaviour during block courses, workplace attitude, work ethic and determination. “I’m in my fifth and final year of my apprenticeship with all block courses complete and three exams ahead of me – plumbing, gas fitting and drainlaying. “I’ve found great benefits and opportunities in all three practices. “This award has meant all the long days and late nights home to family was recognised, not only by my family or workplace, but from
outside sources in the industry. “I’m honoured and proud to say the least.” Oliedam paid tribute to the support he had received from his partner Te Aroha Healey. “She’s the mother of our two beautiful children and without her support at home I would not be the man I am today,” he said. “Secondly I’d like to thank Comins Plumbing and Gas team – Dan, Stu and Joe to name a few. He said since he had arrived as Commins just over a year ago, “they’ve really welcomed me, trained me and helped me love plumbing again”. Being honoured with the award “had lit a fire in me to really push myself and see how far I can go”. After a messy departure from a previous job, Oliedam had questioned if plumbing was for him. “Comins took me in and my eyes were opened that this is the trade for me, from down to earth management to the vast knowledge and experience Comins were happy to teach anything I needed,” Oliedam said. “All I had to do was ask and I asked plenty. “They’re fully understanding of having a young family while working in the trades, no school event gets missed and no teaching opportunity is refused. “It’s really shaped me. I now love what I do with new challenges every day as well as new opportunities to learn and become a better plumber day by day.”
16 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
Halberg helps Waipā and beyond By Jesse Wood
For many years the Halberg Foundation has been supporting young people with physical disabilities to access sport and recreation. Its work has become much more than participation. For Waikato and Hawke’s Bay Regional Advisor Lawrence Wilkinson, the role is around supporting young people and advocating for and educating people around inclusion. “The Halberg Foundation’s vision is for all young people with physical disabilities to access sport and recreation. But the kaupapa is larger than that,” Te Awamutubased advisor Wilkinson said. “Inclusion is the message. Therefore, we don’t work exclusively in that physical disability space. “We use sport and recreation as the vehicle to lead to inclusion.” The Halberg Foundation doesn’t work directly in the highperformance space, but its work can help create the pathway that connects young people with the opportunities to progress. Wilkinson said Cambridge’s Andrew Fairweather is a great example of what drives them. “Three years ago we partnered with Waikato Badminton,” Wilkinson said.
“Through that grew an adaptive badminton programme, and then Andrew Fairweather was eventually picked up for the para space. “He now continues to celebrate that high-performance environment. “Andrew has made it into high performance in two sports at the same time – badminton and shooting – which is epic. The only way he got to that HP level was because he started from the grassroots up.” Born with cerebral palsy, Fairweather, 18, tried a range of sports growing up including football and rugby, and has even dabbled with Para athletics, but fell in love with Para badminton after first tasting it at the Halberg Games aged 11. After playing noncompetitively since early 2019, he started competitions last year. “The Cambridge club had such a great juniors programme for both enjoyment and skill training, my journey progressed from there,” Fairweather said. He has attended three international competitions so far – The Badminton Oceania Para Championships, The Australian Para Badminton Open (both in Bendigo, Victoria) and the 2026 Para Badminton World Championships in Bahrain. “I like how you don’t always
have to be the fastest on court,” Fairweather said. “You just have to be proactively thinking on what shots would be the best to set yourself up to win the point by moving your opponent into difficult situations.” Fairweather thinks very highly of the Halberg Foundation and what they do. “They are terrific at getting young disabled people like myself into sports,” Fairweather said. “They provide an environment in which people can connect with the people and organisations needed to continue the sports they do in local communities and Parafeds. “They also provide opportunities for young disabled people in sports with grants and scholarships to gain funding to be able to pursue their sport and take the next step into high performance if they so wish.” Wilkinson, a former PE teacher, joined the Halberg Foundation in September 2023. “For three awesome years, I’ve had opportunities to go into the education and sports space, whether that’s in a club or at that regional sports level, church groups, governance groups, whānau and individuals,” Wilkinson said. “The likes of Andrew, supporting him with building
Connor – a striker for Cambridge’s Northern League team beamed “the shield’s coming home”. The Three Lions beat Somali Stars 2-0 in the final. Te Awamutu based Connor is a water operator for Waikato Waters, husband to Charlotte, father to Allie and Ardie – who is named after All Black Ardie Savea. An incredible save from Lions goalkeeper – and another Cambridge player - Caeden Rogers halfway through the second half prevented the Stars from making a late comeback. Rogers, who is studying for a bachelor’s in business at the University of Waikato and usually
plays outfield, said a combination of instinct and experience had helped him pull off the amazing save. He said the culture and atmosphere of the event is great, “and so is the football”. The Somali Stars have been a constant ever since the event began in 2000. Coach and captain Jama Boss said after the final he had mixed emotions but, “the Lions deserved to win, they were the better team”. Twenty-four multicultural teams competed at Gower Park over two days for the shield. • Paul Michael is a Wintec journalism student
confidence. He’s come along to events where there are speaking opportunities. “They have the chance to share their journey and their aspirations around what they hope society would do to improve and increase inclusiveness. “That’s about them sharing, but it’s also around them being advocates and building their own confidence. Andrew was amazing when he came in.” In Te Awamutu, the Halberg Foundation partners with the Te Awamutu Sports delivery programme run by Ollie Ward. “Ollie and his team put the message out to the 19 schools in and around the area, inviting them to come and participate in adaptive sports. They’ve done that three times this year already,” Wilkinson said. “That’s more for the students that don’t engage in traditional team sport, and they just have an
Lawrence Wilkinson
absolute blast. “We just love getting out there. People can get in touch with us at any time to support their young people who might not be finding access to sport and recreation inclusive – whatever that may look like.”
Ethereal’s life of luxury
The Three Lions roar By Paul Michael
There was a more than a hint of Baddiel and Skinner influence when the new Ethnic Football Festival winners were crowned in Hamilton this month. Baddiel and Skinner penned the English football anthem Three Lions, a lament to 30 years of not winning a major tournament at senior level. The theme is a dream that England will win and “football’s coming home”. That was 30 years ago, and the words still apply. So when the Three Lions won the ethnic tournament, skipper Jack
The winning Three Lions team
Ethereal pictured with Sir Peter Vela
A quarter of a century after Ethereal’s Caulfield Cup win, she is still enjoying life at Pencarrow Stud at the ripe old age of 29. Bred by Pencarrow Stud principals Sir Peter and the late Philip Vela, Ethereal was by American-bred stallion Rhythm and out of the farm’s globetrotting mare Romanee Conti, who had won stakes races in New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong. Ethereal was retained by the Velas and entrusted to the care of trainer Sheila Laxon. “We always intended to keep her,” Pencarrow’s long-serving stud manager Leon Casey said. “We only ever sold a small number of fillies in those days. Sheila broke her in and I don’t think she ever gave her back.” Ethereal made her debut at Taupo at the start of her three-year-old season, but her maiden win came after a further five starts.. She strung together two further wins in quick succession before showing her true colours in Brisbane over the Queensland Winter Carnival, winning the Queensland Oaks and Listed Doomben Roses. She returned to Australia as a spring four-year-old following two lead-up runs in New Zealand, which included a third placing in the Matamata Cup. Ethereal filled the same position in her first run back in Australia in the Yalumba Stakes before sealing an historic CaulfieldMelbourne Cup double. That made Laxon the first female trainer to win Melbourne Cup. Ethereal was retired as a four-year-old after she won what was the BMW, now known as the Tancred Stakes, at Rosehill. “There was some controversy in the Melbourne Cup when the favourite, Universal Prince, was scratched,” Casey said. “The connections of Universal Prince always felt that they could have beaten her in the Cup, and they had a rematch in the BMW, and it looked like he had it won and then Ethereal bombed them late. “By that stage, she had done everything, and even though she was lightly raced, she had really matured and was taking a lot more training and needing a lot more racing to keep fit. It seemed like a good time to retire her and start her broodmare career. Ethereal proved equally as effective as a broodmare and has left a lasting legacy at Pencarrow Stud. “A lot of her daughters have carried her ability… we are probably still breeding from 15 or 16 of the wider family and seven or eight direct descendants of Ethereal,” Casy said. – Joshua Smith, Loveracing
CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 17
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
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CAMBRIDGE REAL ESTATE Saturday 14 March 445 Luck at Last Road 50 Hall Street 68 Clare Street CAMBRIDGE REAL ESTATE Sunday 15 March Saturday 14 March 16C Kereruu Street 445 Luck at Last 19 Kelly RoadRoad 508Hall Street Madison Street 6811 Clare StreetPlace Manuka Sunday 15 March 50 Hall Street 16C Kereruu Street 19160 KellyWilliams Road Street 5 Ruge Court 8 Madison Street Watkins Road 1175 Manuka Place Grace 504A Hall StreetAvenue 64A Princes Street 160 Williams Street 5 Ruge CourtStreet 10 Taylor 7528B Watkins Road Road Hamilton 4A61 Grace KellyAvenue Road 64A Street 63Princes Kelly Road 10 Taylor Street 77 Hall Street 28B Hamilton Road Honiss 617C Kelly Road Place Swayne 6371 Kelly Road Road 1/1080 Kaipaki Road 77 Hall Street Madison 7C6A Honiss PlaceStreet AlpersRoad Ridge 7159 Swayne 1/1080 Kaipaki Road Street 6 Upper Kingsley 6A12A Madison Street Alpers Ridge 5915 Alpers Ridge Hamilton Road 6 Upper Kingsley Street 15 Kereruu Street 12A Alpers Ridge 17A Grosvenor Street 15 Hamilton Road William Paul Street 1518 Kereruu Street 41Grosvenor Wordsworth Street 17A Street ClarePaul Street 1868 William Street Racecourse Road 41347 Wordsworth Street Woodstock 688Clare Street Crescent 347 Racecourse Road 18A Rose Leigh Drive 8 Woodstock Crescent 26 Thornton Road 18A Rose Leigh Drive 115B Tennyson Street 2612 Thornton Road Cotter Place 115B Tennyson Street 95B Williams Street 12 Cotter Place 2 Pepys Place 95B Williams Street 6 KellyPlace Road 2 Pepys 11 Scott 6 Kelly RoadStreet 69 Ringer Road Scott Street ASK YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE 11 6938 Ringer Road Baxter Michael Crescent 3877 Baxter Michael Crescent Baxter Michael Crescent AGENT ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR 7715A Baxter MichaelStreet Crescent Kingsley PROPERTY IN THE CAMBRIDGE NEWS! 15A Kingsley Street 5/11 Kaniera Terrace 5/11 Terrace 224Kaniera Fencourt Road
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HOOKER LJLJ HOOKER Sunday March Sunday 15 15 March 53a Hamilton Road 53a Hamilton Road Princes Street 2020 Princes Street 106 Burns Street 106 Burns Street
CAMBRIDGE REAL ESTATE
26 Ruru St
$1,079,000
12.45-1.15pm
Saturday 24 October
4 Elizabeth St
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1.30-2.00pm
178 Whitehall Rd
CAMBRIDGE OPEN HOMES $2,450,000+GST 11:45-12:15pm
6 Bracken Street West Thompson Street October 11 Dunning Rd $995,000 12:00-12:30pm Sunday 25 25a $2,190,000 12:00-12:30PM 98 Scott Street Deadline Sale 12:00-12:45PM 139 BurnsDeadline Street 58B Alpha St Sale 10.15-10.45am 5 Brunskill Rd PBN 1:15-1:45pm OPEN CAMBRIDGE HOMES PBN 1:15-1:45PM 6 Bracken Street $835,000 MORE RE 55 Byron St Deadline Sale 11.00-11.30am 25a West Thompson Street Deadline Sale $1,028,000 10:30-11:00AM Saturday 14 March $2,190,000 12:00-12:30PM 98 Scott Street PBN $1,285,000 10:45-11:15AM 5 Clifford Close 9E Pl $1,299,999 11.45-12.15pm Sunday 25 $1,195,000 October Deadline Sale 12:00-12:45PM 139Bronte Burns Street PBN 11:00-11:30AM 26 Marlowe Drive PBN $769,000 1:15-1:45PM 11:00-11:30AM 109C Taylor Street MORE Raleigh RE 1/37B St $625,000 12.30-1.00pm 15 BelmontDeadline Pl PBN 11:00-11:30am Sale 11:00-11:30AM Moore Street $1,028,000 10:30-11:00AM Saturday 14 96 March Deadline Sale 11:00-11:30AM 104B Duncan Road $1,285,000 10:45-11:15AM 5 Clifford Close PBN 12 Clare St36A Hall Street Deadline Sale 1.15-1.45pm 12 Bourke Dr 11:00-11:30am $919,000 PBN 11:15-11:45AM $1,195,000 11:00-11:30AM 26 Marlowe Drive $970,000 $1,035,000 11:15-11:45AM $769,000 11:00-11:30AM 15 Mike Smith Drive 109C Taylor Street PBN BEO 11:30-12:00PM 11A Bowen St $649,000 2.00-2.30pm 26A Hemans St $695,000 PBN 11:30-12:00pm Deadline Sale 11:00-11:30AM 96 Moore Street $729,000 24 Thompson Street $1,250,000 11:30-12:00PM Deadline Sale 11:00-11:30AM 104B Duncan18A Road PBN Bracken Street $919,000 11:15-11:45AM $970,000 11:45-12:15PM 5 Watkins Rd PBN 12:00-12:30pm 36A Hall Street $1,079,000 85 Alan Livingston Drive $1,035,000 11:15-11:45AM PBN 11:45-12:15PM 15 Mike Smith PBN 6 Drive Hehan Close BEO $695,000 11:30-12:00PM $915,000 11:45-12:15PM 24 Thompson Street Deadline Sale 40 Southey St PBN 12:00-12:30pm REALTY HQ 40 King Street $1,250,000 11:30-12:00PM $1,249,000 11:45-12:15PM 18A Bracken Street $699,000 $970,000 11:45-12:15PM 12D Taylor Stree PBN 11:45-12:15PM 85 Alan Livingston Drive $1,795,000 PBN 11:45-12:15PM Saturday 24 October 40 Tennyson St PBN 12:00-12:45pm 17A Alpers Ridge 6 Hehan Close Auction PBN 12:00-12:30PM $915,000 11:45-12:15PM 70 Ariki Street 40 King Street $869,000 $1,699,000 12:00-12:30PM 11:45-12:15PM 112D Donald Ln $795,000 10.00-10.30am 6 Kelly$1,249,000 Rd Deadline Sale $1,080,000 12:15-12:45pm 2 Kotare Grove Taylor Stree PBN 12:00-12:30PM PBN 11:45-12:15PM 14 Alba Place 17A Alpers Ridge PBN 12:15-12:45PM PBN $1,165,000 12:00-12:30PM 70 Ariki Street4 Williams Street PBN 29D Clare St PBN 1:00-1:30pm $1,095,000 12:15-12:45PM $1,699,000 12:00-12:30PM 2 Kotare Grove $1,890,000 Sunday 15 March Deadline Sale 12:00-12:30PM $1,049,000 1:00-1:30PM 14 Alba Place PBN $1,165,000 12:15-12:45PM Roto-O-Rangi Road Sunday 25 36 October 5 Robyn Hyde PBN 1:00-1:30pm BEOPl$995,000 1:00-1:30PM 4 Williams Street Deadline Sale $1,095,000 12:15-12:45PM 18A Bracken Street $979,000 1:00-1:30PM Sunday 15 March $1,049,000 1:00-1:30PM 148 BurnsBEO Street$719,000 10.00-10.30am PBN 1:00-1:30PM 9A Everest Ln 4 Madison St PBN 1:00-1:30pm 36 Roto-O-Rangi Road PBN BEO $995,000 1:00-1:30PM PBN 1:00-1:30PM Hehan Close 18A Bracken 6Street $699,000 $979,000 1:00-1:30PM $1,149,000 1:00-1:30PM 26 Marlowe Drive 9C Ln $799,000 10.00-10.30am 18 Duncan Deadline Sale 1:15-1:45pm 148Everest Burns Street PBN PBN Rd 1:00-1:30PM $819,000 1:00-1:30PM 5/6 Florida Place PBN 1:00-1:30PM 6 Hehan Close Auction PBN 1:30-2:00PM 36 Raleigh Street $1,149,000 1:00-1:30PM 26 Marlowe Drive $970,000 9D Everest Ln $789,999 10.00-10.30am 56A Noel St $880,000 1:45-2:15pm $1,635,000 1:30-2:00PM $819,000 1:00-1:30PM 13 Tiaki Way 5/6 Florida Place $485,000 1:45-2:15PM PBN Deadline Sale 1:30-2:00PM $900,000 36 Raleigh Street 183 Victoria Street 23 William Paul St $1,099,000 11.00-11.30am 10E Bourke St $1,099 000 1:45-2:15pm $1,635,000 1:30-2:00PM PBN 1:45-2:15PM 13 Tiaki Way 2 Kotare Grove PBN Deadline Sale 1:45-2:15PM $1,075,000 1:45-2:15PM 183 Victoria Street PBN 85 Alan Livingston Drive PBN PBN St PBN 1:45-2:15PM 92 Kotare Kereruu St $1,035,000 12.00-12.30pm 242 Shakespeare 2:00-2:30pm Grove $1,890,000 1:45-2:15PM 109C Taylor Street $1,075,000 1:45-2:15PM 85 Alan Livingston Drive $1,795,000 PBN 2:00-2:30PM 123 King Street PBN 1:45-2:15PM 109C Taylor Street PBN 12 Shelley St PBN 1.00-1.30pm 8A Hall St $649,000 PBN 2:00-2:30pm 2:00-2:30PM 17A Alpers Ridge PBN 2:00-2:30PM 123 King Street $814,000 PBN 2:30-3:00PM $649,000 2:00-2:30PM 36A Hall Street 17A Alpers Ridge PBN PBN 2:30-3:00PM 12A Hauhake Tce $1,149,000 2.00-2.30pm 2 KeriPBN Rua Rd PBN 2:30-3:00pm 2:30-3:00PM 24 Thompson Street 36A Hall Street $1,079,000 2:30-3:00PM PBN Deadline Sale 2:30-3:00PM Grey Street 24 Thompson36 Street Deadline Sale Deadline Sale 2:30-3:00PM Deadline Sale 2:30-3:00PM 4B Queen St PBN 3.00-3.30pm 69A Vogel Street 36 Grey Street PBN Deadline Sale 2:30-3:00PM Auction 2:45-3:15PM 69A Vogel Street BEO $949,000 63 Bryce Street AuctionPBN 2:45-3:15PM 2:45-3:15PM LJ HOOKER 63 Bryce Street PBN 18A Saffron Street PBN PBN 2:45-3:15PM 3:00-3:30PM 18A Saffron Street PBN 81 Jarrett Terrace PBN $1,369,000 3:00-3:30PM 3:45-4:15PM 81 Jarrett Terrace BEO $1,100,000 Monday 2656 October Sunday 24 $2,199,000 October $1,369,000 3:45-4:15PM Kingdon Street 3:45-4:15PM 56 Kingdon Street PBN $2,199,000 3:45-4:15PM 13 Lilac Close Lilac Close Deadline Sale Donald Ln $795,000 3.00-3.30pm 7 Bracken St PBN 12.00-12.30pm 113 12D Taylor Street 12D Taylor Street PBN 14 Alba Place14 Alba Place PBN $689,000 10.15-10.45am 70 Ariki Street70 Ariki Street PBN $689,000 10.15-10.45am 4 Williams Street 11.00-11.30am 4 Williams Street Deadline Sale PBN PBN 11.00-11.30am 9 Weld Street9 Weld Street $885,000 Deadline Sale Deadline 11.45-12.15pm Contact listing agentSale prior-visiting as11.45-12.15pm
ContactContact listing agent as Open Homes times can change. listingprior-visiting agent prior-visiting astimes Open Homes times can change. Open Homes can change.
Cambridge Leamington 29 Marlowe Drive 3
2
1
2
Inside, you’ll find three good-sized bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a master bedroom with its own ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, heatpump/aircon and access via a ranch slider to a deck to enjoy the backyard and sun. The living areas are light, comfortable and easy to enjoy, with a sunny conservatory providing the perfect spot to relax with a morning coffee or unwind at the end of the day while looking out to the established surroundings.
Cambridge 134 King Street 4
2
1
2
Set on an impressive 1,156sqm (more or less) section in the ever-popular Cambridge East, 134 King Street offers space, potential and a location that continues to be highly sought after. It provides a flexible layout with four bedrooms, two showers and one toilet, along with generous living spaces that make it comfortable to enjoy now while considering what the future could hold.
07 827 8815
For Sale $929,000 View by appointment or scheduled open home times www.kdre.co.nz/CB6923
Cassie Emmett M 027 215 9334
Deadline Sale 28 October 2026 unless sold prior View by appointment or scheduled open home times www.kdre.co.nz/CB6932
57 Duke Street, Cambridge
Cassie Emmett M 027 215 9334
kdre.co.nz
Tamahere 8 September Grove
4 2 5004sqm 4 Welcome to 8 September Grove, Tamahere - a stunning lifestyle property that perfectly blends modern comfort with serene rural living. This spacious home, constructed in 2015, boasts a generous land area of 5004 sqm and a well-designed building area of 256 sqm, making it an ideal retreat for families and those seeking a peaceful environment.
Morrinsville 311 Bell Road
6429 1 2 3 2 Set in an elevated position with beautiful rural views, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers a peaceful escape with plenty of room to enjoy the lifestyle. At the heart of the home lies the open plan living, dining, and kitchen area that brings everyone together. Spectacular rural views from the kitchen make preparing meals feel effortless and enjoyable
Harcourts Kevin Deane Real Estate
@harcourtskdre
For Sale Price By Negotiation View by appointment or scheduled open home times www.kdre.co.nz/CB6934
Gary Stokes M 021 351 112 Maria Van Der Merwe M 021 106 9003
Deadline Sale 29 October 2026, 12pm unless sold prior View by appointment or scheduled open home times www.kdre.co.nz/CB6929
Gary Stokes M 021 351 112 Maria Van Der Merwe M 021 106 9003
Licensed REAA 2008
18 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
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CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 19
20 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
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THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
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Total Tree Care The Professional Arborists
• Free quotations and home appraisals
CAMBRIDGE AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Air Conditioning Group Waikato are your specialists for Heating, Cooling and Ventilation for Homes, Rentals, Businesses and Commercial Buildings.
PROUDLY OPERATING SINCE 1992
• Sales, service and installation SERVICE REPAIR MAINTENANCE of all makes and models
Chipping, Felling, Maintenance, Pruning, Removals, Stump Grinding, Hedge Cutting, Section Clearing & much more
• Serving Cambridge, Otorohanga, Te Awamutu and surrounding areas
PHONE: 0508 224 7687 MOBILE: 027 514 1521
URBAN, RURAL & COMMERCIAL Call today: 0800 772 887 Web: www.pratts.co.nz
www.aircongroupwaikato.co.nz
ARBORISTS
DENNIS CLEMENTS - 027 485 1501
32 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
@TotaltreecareWaikato www.totaltreecare.co.nz | totalnz@gmail.com BUILDERS AIR CONDITIONING
BUILDERS
The best service for new builds, Heat Pump additions, bathroom & kitchen Specialists renos, and decks. All aspects of tree work, private jobs and large commercial contracts. Digger with grapple / chippers, stump grinding, mulch sales.
QUALIFIED • FULLY INSURED 027 514 0341 or contact form on website
info@wilsontrees.co.nz www.wilsontrees.co.nz
• Free quotations and home appraisals
New Homes | Renovations & Alterations Bungalows & Villas | Landscape Building Free Quotes & Consultations M. 027 278 8833
BUILDERS
E. k.g.builder@xtra.co.nz
CAR RENTALS
• Sales, service and installation • Serving Cambridge, Otorohanga, Te Awamutu and surrounding areas
M: 021 531 801 E: hamon@superiorbuilding.co.nz Call today: 0800 772 887 W: www.superiorbuilding.co.nz Web: www.pratts.co.nz
DRAINAGE BUILDERS
Explore the Waikato with Cambridge Rental Cars
Available for hire:
High end builds, renovations, decks, everyday maintenance
Cars 12 seater mini bus Jumbo removal van
licensed LBP
New Homes | Renovations & Alterations Bungalows & Villas | Landscape Building Free Quotes & Consultations Contact Tony Ph: 027 302 1662
Ryan 021 245 8068
39 Empire Street M: 021 894633 P: 07 827 5002 www.cambridgecarrentals.co.nz
M. 027 www.breakingground.co.nz 278 8833 A/H. 07 827 7362 E. k.g.builder@xtra.co.nz
DRAINAGE
EARTHWORKS
EXTERIORCLEANING CLEANINGSERVICES SERVICE EXTERIOR
Email: tony@breakingground.co.nz
Cambridge Owned & Operated
EXCAVATION & DEMOLITION YOU CAN RELY ON A Cambridge local with over 45 years experience, proudly 100% NZ Owned and Operated. OUR SPECIALISED SERVICES •POOL EXCAVATIONS•SITE PREPARATION•LAND & VEGETATION CLEARING •CLAY, SOIL, ROCK EXCAVATION•FOUNDATIONS•DEMOLITION •DRAINAGE EXCAVATION•DRILLING•MATERIAL SUPPLY
EXTERIOR CLEANING SERVICES
TRUSTED BY LOCALS TRUSTED TRU R STED RU D BY B YOUR LOCALS LOCAL A HOME AL S GENTLE ON TRUSTED BY LOCALS GENTLE ON N YOUR HOME E Good old-fashioned care, attention to detail,
GENTLE ON YOUR HOME Good old-fashion ned care, attentio Good old-fashioned care, attention to detail,
l,
and quality work you can trust
andquality qualit ty work you Good old-fashioned care, attention tocan detail, and work you can trust and quality work you can trust
Windows Solar Gutters Decks House Paths Windows Solar Gutters Decks House Paths Windows Gutters Cleaning PanelsSolar Cleaned House P Clean Washing Cleaning Waterblasted Panels Clean Cleaned
Washing
Washing
Cleaning
Call Matt today Call Matt today
Waterblasted
Panels
Waterblasted
Clean
Decks D Cle eaned Cleaned
www.takebacktime.co.nz Call 0022 2Matt 23 2 8 981 9 1 www.takebacktime.co.nz 21 91 39today
9 30 2 2 1 9 3 2 8 9 1
HOUSE WASHING - ROOF TREATMENTS GUTTERS - MOSS REMOVAL 100’S OF OF SATISFIED SATISFIED CLIENTS 100’S CLIENTS www.ewash.co.nz
Brian Mathews • 021 928 627 • xkv8rs@gmail.com
Phone Mark Phone Mark for for a a FREE FREE Quote Quote 827 7386 | 027 432 2412 827 7386 | 027 432 2412
FENCING
GARDENING GARDENING
L
ANGSFORD – N&G AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING–CARTING–FENCING
• Fencing • Security • Automatic Gates • Residential • Post & Rail • Farm Fencing b No jo ig • Electric • Post & Battens too b o • Any Repairs or toall • Retaining walls big & small. sm • Experienced team.
Ph Nick 027 473 0001
www.takebacktime.co.nz
Cambridge Garden Maintenance Landscaping Planting Hedges trimmed Trees trimmed New lawns Weed control Pruning General cleanup Rubbish removed House washed Water blasting Gutter cleared Building Painting Irrigation systems Free quotes
NO JOB TOO SMALL One offs, Weekly, Fortnightly or Monthly Phone Carl 022 100 8265 www.cambridgegardenmaintenance.co.nz
22 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICES
EXPERTS
St Andrews
LAWN MOWING
KINDERGARTENS
CRAFT FAIR & CHRISTM AS M ARKET CA MBRIDGE
LABOUR DAY - Monday October 26 9am-2pm ar
This ye we are Celebrating 30 Years 1996-2026
Flexible Mowing • Catcher or Mulch
The Right Gear
Residential lawns, lifestyle properties and farms
all need different approaches. We match the mower to the job.
Call/text Steve on 027 862 7315 mowit4you.co.nz PAINTING
PAINTING
J.E BRADLEY
INTERIOR EXTERIOR PAINTING ROOF PAINTING
Painter & Decorator
JIM BRADLEY
Painting & Decorating Interior / exterior quality brush and roller work Local, reliable, professional Clean, tidy, efficient Over 35 years experience 0211519730 jonbedford87@gmail.com
027 254 2318
Contact: grannydunn.nz@gmail.com
Cambridge Veterinary Club Inc.
Scholarships
Cambridge Veterinary Club invites applications from residents of the Cambridge area who are undertaking study in 2027 in the fields of Veterinary medicine/nursing or Agriculture/Animal Science with a focus on Production Animals or Animal Welfare. These scholarships are intended to assist with course fees/travel and/or accommodation expenses. While it is a 1 year scholarship, we invite applicants to reapply in subsequent years. Applications are open and close December 1. They can be made by email to office@shelleytweedy.co.nz. Please include a C.V. and covering letter. Any questions to 027 244 1548.
PAINTING
PLUMBING
A TIME TO
Shine
Master plaster/painter Plumbing Gasfitting Drainlaying Central Heating
• Exterior house restoration specialist • Roof restoration • Water blasting • Airless spraying technician • Gib stopping/Level5 Skim Coating
Glenn Tarplett • FREE QUOTES
mbl: 027 489 1299 • topshelfplasterpaint@gmail.com TOPSHELFPLASTERPAINT.COM
Need a plumber? • Bathroom Renovations • Gas Hot Water • Repairs, Service, Installation
Your local heating specialist
AVAILABLE FROM: 10 Albert Street, Cambridge 07 827 5400 | cambridge@pratts.co.nz | www.pratts.co.nz
Other Showroom Locations: 6 Main North Road, Otorohanga | 100 Roche St, Te Awamutu
TV ANTENNAS
AA Antenna Man Freeview Installations Satellite Installations Home Theatre Data
027 4453 117
E: antennanz@outlook.com
PUBLIC NOTICES
SITUATIONS VACANT • Lawn Mowing • Hedge Trimming • Garden Maintenance
Call Peter 021 968 629
A division of Pratts
P: 07 823 7263
www.cominsplumbing.co.nz SERVICES
PLUMBING
0800 PRATTS
107A HAUTAPU ROAD, CAMBRIDGE
Lawn Mowing
Grass Cut & Edges To your requirements
027 600 6002
Clipper Grass Cut
CCITY
LOCAL
WIDE D
ROOF CLEANING SPECIALISTS 100’S OF SATISFIED CLIENTS
• ROOF TREATMENTS • MOSS & LICHEN REMOVAL • PRE-PAINT ROOF CLEANING • TILE ROOFS • COLOURSTEEL ROOFS • DECRAMASTIC TILE ROOFS PHONE MARK GORDON
827 7386
Cambridge High School Board Casual vacancy for a parent representative A casual vacancy has occurred on the school board for an elected parent representative. The board has decided to fill the vacancy by selection. If 10% or more of eligible voters on the school roll ask the board, within 28 days of this notice being published, to hold a by-election to fill the vacancy, then a byelection will be held. Request for a byelection should be sent to: Presiding Member Cambridge High School Board Email to: boardsecretary@ camhigh.school.nz by: 20 November 2026
Museum Manager Cambridge Historical Society is looking for a curious, capable and community-minded person to lead Cambridge Museum. Our Museum is a place where the history of Cambridge and its district is preserved, explored and shared. We are seeking someone who combines heritage expertise, practical leadership and creativity with the ability to work alongside our museum team, mana whenua, volunteers and the wider community. You will oversee our collections, exhibitions and day-to-day operations, support our dedicated volunteers, and develop programmes and partnerships that connect people with their local history. This is a varied, hands-on role offering the opportunity to make a genuine difference in a community that values its heritage. Location: Cambridge, Waipā Hours: Part-time, up to 30 hours per week, with hours negotiated to suit the successful candidate’s experience and the Museum’s operational needs. There is potential for the role to grow over time, including an increase in hours. Interested in finding out more? We welcome enquiries from prospective applicants. For an informal discussion about the role, please call Elizabeth Harvey, the current Museum Manager on 07 827 3319. To apply: Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience to manager@ cambridgemuseum.org.nz Applications close: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 5pm.
CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 23
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026
CHURCH NOTICES
SITUATIONS VACANT
FUNERAL SERVICES
CAMBRIDGE FUNERALS
OFFICE ASSISTANT / JUNIOR We are looking for an office assistant/junior to join our very busy, fast paced office in Te Awamutu. Part time position with a possibility of further hours to cover annual leave etc. This is a new position within our company and will evolve over time and necessity
Nicki
Funeral Director
07 827 7649
Family Owned | Family Focused
9am - 2pm negotiable • • • • • BRINGING BRINGINGGOD’S GOD’SHIDDEN HIDDEN TREASURE INTO TREASURE INTO THE THE LIGHT LIGHT
Haere mai - we welcome you to come along toto our church service and Come along Come along to our church service Cambridge KidsSunday programme and Cambridge Kids 9:30 am 9.30am Sunday 9.30am Sunday& crèche with Children ’s Church 58 Queen Street Ph 07 827 6490 6490
cambapchurch cambapchurch www.cambridgebaptist.co.nz www.cambridgebaptist.co.nz
• • • • •
Strong organisational Skills Attention to detail Basic knowledge of Xero would be beneficial Maintain office filling Assist with data entry and GPS Excellent phone manner Social media creation/ maintenance would be advantageous House keeping Flexibility in evolving job description Driver’s license
Possibly someone leaving school that has done business studies, etc
Family owned and operated
Jono Gibson Funeral Director
Teri Keir - Funeral Director
Local, caring and here for you in your time of need
Resource consent application Waikato Regional Council has received a resource consent application as follows: Applicant’s name: IAWAI Flowing Waters Limited Nature of applications:
07 827 6037
3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge www.grinters.co.nz
WANTED TO BUY
Reference Id
Activity Description
AUTH143486.01.01
Discharge treated wastewater from Matangi township into the ground
Location: Tauwhare Road, Matangi This application includes an assessment of environmental effects. Please contact Amy King (0800 800 402), if you have any questions about this application. Any person may make a submission on the above application, but a person who is a trade competitor of the applicant may do so only if that person is directly affected by an effect of the activity to which the application relates that (a) Adversely affects the environment; and (b) Does not relate to trade competition or the effects of trade competition. You may make a submission by sending a written submission to Waikato Regional Council, Private Bag 3038, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240 or electronically to RCsubmissions@waikatoregion.govt.nz. The submission must be on form 13. Copies of this form are available from Waikato Regional Council or our website: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/other-consentforms Submissions close: Thursday 19 November 2026 This application can be viewed online via https://waikatoregion.govt.nz/APP143486 or at our Hamilton Office, 160 Ward Street, Hamilton. You must serve a copy of your submission to the applicant IAWAI Flowing Waters Limited whose address of service is Private Bag 3010, Hamilton 3240 as soon as reasonably practicable after serving your submission on Waikato Regional Council.
DEATH NOTICES
RITCHIE, Shirley Ann (nee Kilkolly) – Peacefully at Thames Hospital on Thursday 15th October 2026, aged 77 years. Very much loved and loving wife of Brian for 58 years. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Shelley and Evan Warren, Angela and Brendan (deceased) McVeigh, and Paula and Vaughan Cockerton. Adored Nana of Emma, Connor, Neasan, Briar, Taryn, Keeley, Morgyn, Dylan and Georgia. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at the River Room, Gibson Funerals, 30 Gillies Street, Cambridge today, Thursday 22 October at 11:00 am. Correspondence to Shirley’s family C/- Gibson Funerals, PO Box 501, Cambridge 3450.
CALDER, William Reid – Passed away peacefully at Lauriston Park, Cambridge on Thursday 15 October 2026, in his 101st year. Much loved husband of the late Marie. Loving and caring father of Ann and the late Bob Senior, Brent and Cath Calder, Craig and Louise Calder, Vicki and Martyn Todd. Loved grandfather of 13, great grandfather of 31, great-great grandfather of two. A long and wonderful life surrounded by family and filled with memories that will be treasured forever. A memorial service to celebrate Reid’s life will be held at The River Room, Gibson Funerals, 30 Gillies Street Cambridge on Saturday 31 October at 1.30pm.
30 Gillies Street, Cambridge 07 827 2026 www.gibsonfunerals.co.nz
Please send your CV and covering letter to debbie@ theconcretepeople.co.nz by November 9, 2026.
PUBLIC NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
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
CALF MILK WANTED Bocock’s Calf Rearing Pete 027 433 1440 Mark 0274746917
We buy milk!
Got reject or surplus milk? Call us today on 027 871 5075. We collect within 1.5 hours drive from Te Awamutu.
SITUATIONS VACANT DAIRY FARM 2 IC/ ASSISTANT REQUIRED – Halter cow management. 1000 cows. Rotary cowshed. Ph 0274 781783 Otorohanga
SMITH, Tas (Trevor Albert) – Peacefully at Summerset Cambridge with family by his side, on Saturday 17 October 2026, aged 81 years. Much loved and loving husband of Janet for 57 years. Loved Dad of Amanda, Nicky and Todd, and father-in-law of Nikki. Adored Grandad of Kirt, Regan, Jorja, Axel, Jacob, Izzy, Ava, Kylo, Toby. Great-Grandad of Korey, Lilah and Nova. A celebration of Tas’s life will be held at Ohaupo Rugby Club, Forkert Road, Ohaupo on Friday 23 October 2026 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Diabetes NZ in Tas’s memory. Correspondence to the Smith family C/- Gibson Funerals, PO Box 501, Cambridge 3450.
WILKINSON, Neil Gordon – On 3 October 2026 in Cambridge. Neil was a much loved brother, father, uncle, partner, and friend who will be sadly missed. Rest in peace Our Kid. At Neil’s request a private farewell has taken place. Messages to the Wilkinson Family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Neil’s online tribute book at www.grinters.co.nz
JOHNSON, Thelma May – Peacefully in Raglan, with her family by her side on Saturday 10 October 2026. Beloved life partner of Neville Holgate. Treasured Mum of Stephen, Sarah and Rhian. Loved Nana of Carlie, Dughall, Finnbar, Jason, Cormag and Torin. A celebration of Thelma’s life was held at The Kowhai Room, Raleigh Street Christian Centre, 24 Raleigh Street, Cambridge on Saturday 17 October at 1:00pm.
MATTHEWSON, John Evans – Sadly, at home with Jocelyn at his side on Saturday 17th October 2026, aged 91 years. Most dearly loved and adored husband of Jocelyn (nee Barnhill) for nearly 59 years. Loved & treasured father and fatherin-law of Sarah de Pont and Paul, Rachel Matthewson and John. Dearly loved Grandfather of Sarita, Jackie and Ruby. Respected & loved brother-in-law of Allan (France) and Lance Barnhill (Te Awamutu). How lucky are we to have had such a loving, quiet husband, father and grandfather. In accordance with John’s wishes, a private service has taken place. “Grateful thanks to Dr David de Beer”. Correspondence to John’s family C/- Gibson Funerals, PO Box 501, Cambridge 3450.
24 | CAMBRIDGE NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 22, 2026