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THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

King Country

King Country News | 1

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Screening saves lives By Viv Posselt

What began as one woman’s determination to encourage cervical screening after her own cancer diagnosis has grown into a nationwide movement that is helping women access potentially life-saving healthcare. An event later this month in Te Awamutu, which is open to all King Country women, has its roots in the story of Talei Morrison. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer and went on to found the Smear Your Mea campaign to encourage

women, particularly Māori women, to get screened. Morrison, of Rotorua, died from the disease in 2018 aged just 41, but her family and friends have continued her work through the Smear Your Mea Trust. Caitlin Downs, a registered nurse with Mahoe Med and organiser of the event, said it is held annually around the anniversary of Morrison’s diagnosis. “Talei wanted to make sure screening was more accessible for all women,” Downs said. After her diagnosis, Morrison started a blog

Patient Miriama Moke and nurse Amiria Rangitutia pictured in the photo frame at last year’s Smear Your Mea community day. Photo: Supplied

encouraging Māori women to have regular cervical screening and openly discuss a disease many found difficult to talk about. Information from Manatū Hauora, the Ministry of Health, describes cervical cancer as a preventable disease, yet globally it remains one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in women. Persistent HPV (human papilloma virus) infections can cause pre-cancerous changes to the cervix which, if left untreated, can develop into cancer. The disease has a significant impact in New Zealand. Māori women are more likely to die from cervical cancer than nonMāori women, with factors including cost and transport barriers, mixed experiences with health services, limited discussion about cervical cancer and a lack of relatable information contributing to poorer outcomes. Against that backdrop, Mahoe Med will open its doors on Sunday, August 30 for a free Smear Your Mea community health day aimed at women who are due or overdue for cervical screening. The event is open to women from across the district, whether or not they are enrolled patients at the practice. Soon after Morrison’s

death, Mahoe Med joined the initiative in support of the campaign, hoping to reach women who either overlook cervical screening or are reluctant to have it done. Cervical screening remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the disease, Downs said. The community day will offer HPV selftests, HPV vaccinations and advice on a range of women’s health issues. A GP and nurse prescriber will also be available. “Through this event, we hope to raise awareness, reduce stigma and make it easier for hard-to-reach people in our community to prioritise their health,” Downs said. Self-tests, which have grown in popularity, will be available on the day but must be

completed on site. “We will offer support for those wanting to do them. The entire event is for everybody,” she said. Attendance has grown steadily since the initiative began. “The number of women coming each year is increasing. Last year, 105 women took part.” Women are encouraged to book ahead, although walk-ins will be welcome. Help will also be available for those attending with children. As well as health services and information, organisers will provide refreshments, goody bags and donated giveaways from local and national businesses.

Steers lead recovery

Waitomo farmers Phillip Johnston, left and Max Cornes, of Aramo Farms, run their eye over a pen of their Simmental Angus cross steers up for sale at the Te Kūiti Saleyards. Photo: Dan Tasker

Strong demand and healthy prices at Friday’s Te Kūiti steer sale have provided a welcome lift for King Country farmers, with several pens selling for more than $6/kg

liveweight. Buyers competed strongly for quality cattle, underlining confidence in the store market and boosting optimism for the rural economy.

The result suggests demand for well-bred steers remains resilient despite ongoing seasonal and market pressures. • See inside: King Country Farmer.

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King Country News THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

MAYORAL VIEW

Keeping local voices

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Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are entirely at the discretion of editorial staff and may be edited. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s full name, residential address, and telephone number. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. The King Country News is published by Good Local Media Ltd and is distributed to the wider northern King Country area

On the beat

responsibility. Water quality, river management, pest control, flood protection, and environmental stewardship are functions delivered regionally for the benefit of the wider community. What strikes me is the contrast between local and regional functions. Both are important, and both have a vital role to play. However, my first hour each day reinforces the importance of ensuring decisions are made as close as possible to the people they affect.

Ōtorohanga mayor Rodney Dow with Zeb.

Local councils are deeply connected to their communities. They hear directly from residents, understand local priorities, and are accountable to the people who use their services. When communities have a genuine voice in decision-making, outcomes are often more responsive and better aligned to local needs. The current discussion around local government reform and council amalgamation raises important questions. There are genuine benefits in councils sharing services, expertise, and resources. In some circumstances, amalgamation may make sense. However, scale should never be pursued at the expense of local representation. Ōtorohanga and Waitomo are the only two predominantly rural councils in the Waikato region. Our communities face challenges and opportunities that differ significantly from those of larger urban centres. If we were absorbed into a “super city” structure, there is a real risk that rural perspectives would be overshadowed by urban priorities. Every morning, Zeb and I walk past the assets, amenities, and waterways that help shape daily life in Ōtorohanga. They remind me that effective local government is not about the size of an organisation. It is about ensuring communities can see their priorities reflected in the decisions being made. For rural districts like ours, local voices must remain at the heart of any discussion about the future of local government.

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Go kart escape stalls King Country Police have had another busy week responding to incidents across the district and progressing several active investigations. Police members sighted a 33-year-old male in breach of his bail driving within the Te Kūiti township. The male fled from staff during a vehicle stop after being informed of his arrest. Staff located and arrested the male at an address in Te Kūiti the following day. Police opposed his bail, and he has since been remanded in custody. He now faces an additional charge of escaping police custody. Investigations remain ongoing into a rural burglary in which six farm bikes and a trailer were stolen from a property in the district. Police continue to make enquiries and encourage anyone with information to come forward. As part of a separate rural burglary investigation, police executed a search

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warrant at a Kihikihi address. Staff located several items of interest, including property believed to be stolen from other incidents across the wider area. A firearm, drug paraphernalia, and a woman wanted in relation to several dishonesty offences were also located at the address. Enquiries into the recovered property and other items remain ongoing. Police responded to a family harm incident in Ōtorohanga after receiving reports of a couple involved in a physical altercation on the roadside. The parties were separated, a Police Safety Order was issued to the male involved, and the female was directed not to drive due to concerns around road safety. Alcohol was a contributing factor. The individuals involved were travelling through the area at the time of the incident. In another incident, police responded to

a failing-to-stop event involving a motorised go-kart in Ōtorohanga. A 36-year-old man was arrested after the gokart stalled at an intersection in town. He has been summoned to appear in court. Police recovered two stolen vehicles during the week, one in Ōtorohanga and one in Te Kūiti. Both vehicles are believed to have been taken from residential addresses with the keys mistakenly left within them. Local police staff also assisted with scene guard duties following the discovery of a deceased person inside a burnt-out vehicle near Aria. The matter remains under investigation, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. As always, thanks for your continued support. Remain vigilant, report suspicious activity and offences as they are observed.

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Nearly every morning around 6am, Zeb, my dog, wakes me and encourages me to start the day with a walk. We leave home, cross a local road, and head onto the footpath that connects to Te Ara a Waiwaia i Ō Rāhiri, the Stop Bank Walkway. We walk as far as State Highway 31 near Ōtorohanga South School before turning for home. During these walks, I am reminded of how much of our daily lives depend on local government. The Island Reserve is well maintained and ready whenever the community needs it. The Jim Barker Playground is clean, safe, and welcoming for local families. Before becoming mayor, I rarely gave much thought to the infrastructure and public spaces I used every day. I simply expected them to be there and working. My role has given me a deeper appreciation of the planning, investment, and ongoing maintenance required to deliver these services. More importantly, they are delivered locally by people who understand the needs and priorities of our community. As I walk home and cross the bridge over the Waipā River, I often notice a tree lodged against a rail bridge pier. It has been there long enough to contribute to erosion along the riverbank. Looking into the water, I sometimes see koi carp, an invasive pest species. Further along, at the Mangawhero Stream, weeds line parts of the riverbank. These observations remind me that protecting and managing our natural environment is largely a regional council

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King Country News | 3

THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

Briefs… Record callouts

Ambulance crews serving King Country communities have experienced a sharp rise in demand, with St John reporting a significant increase in emergency incidents this month. Craig Scott, Hato Hone St John Area Operations manager South Waikato, said the district covering Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Waitomo and Ōtorohanga recorded 378 ambulance incidents between August 3 and 9, compared with 293 during the same week last year.

From classroom to coding

By Dan Tasker

School teacher by day, app developer by night – Daniel Southam is showing tech innovation doesn’t have to come from a big city boardroom. On the hunt for a side hustle around a year ago, the Piopio Primary School Year 4 teacher began learning the ins and outs of software development with the help of AI in his down time.

New bridge

Construction is now underway on the permanent two-lane replacement of the Mangati Bridge on State Highway 39 (SH39), between Ōtorohanga and Pirongia. The replacement bridge being delivered by Oxcon will be built higher and stronger to improve the corridor’s resilience to flooding and extreme weather, after the original bridge was damaged beyond repair in March.

Trust election

Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust beneficiaries should keep an eye on their letterboxes, as voting packs for the election and poll arrive next week. The packs will give beneficiaries the opportunity to vote for three trustees from a field of seven candidates, as well as have their say in WESCT’s six-yearly Ownership Review Poll. The seven candidates standing for election are Shane Carr, Andy Connors, Leanne Massey, Shelley Mitchell, Cathy Prendergast, Maria Ralph and Yvette Ronaldson.

Return to roots

Former Chiefs and 27-test All Black halfback Tawera KerrBarlow – who has whānau links to King Country - has described Dave Rennie as one of the best coaches he has played under. On the eve of Rennie’s first test against world champions South Africa as All Blacks coach, the former Chiefs player said Rennie’s greatest strength was his ability to teach. More kingcountrynews.co.nz

Daniel Southam has recently built a newsreader app after teaching himself how to develop software. Photo: Supplied

The result has seen the recent launch of the ‘Compass World News’ app, an independent android phone application available on the Google Play Store. Compass World News is an ad-free news reader that brings trusted journalism from around the world into one space, stripping away pop-ups, scripts and tracking pixels. In an age where digital data is constantly harvested, tracked and algorithms dictate what people read, Southam said he wanted to build a tool with a “privacy-first philosophy” that puts the user back in control. “I could see that people get stuck in that same algorithm. They scroll on Facebook and that’s all they see is the same old things coming through their feeds all the time,” Southam said. “I thought I would make something that’s going to give people a bit of an awareness of a bias they may be getting and they may not realise it. Just try and make things a bit more balanced,” he said. The app aims to give users “the full picture” by indicating what side of the political spectrum content is leaning, which Southam believes will be helpful for people with the general elections less than three months away. “By showing readers the perspectives they might be missing, the feature is designed to help voters step outside their filter bubbles and get informed in a truly balanced way before heading to the polls,” Southam said. It also includes a ‘blind spot’ feature to

help users identify gaps in their daily media consumption and highlights media bias across different news providers. After nailing down the idea over a weekend, Southam spent a number of weeks developing the concept with plenty of learning along the way. “You’ve got to make sure the menu you make fits every phone, every kind of screen layout and that kind of thing – is one thing going to work on some tiny little 10-year-old Samsung old phone, and is it going to work on the brand new one? It’s got to work for everything,” Southam said. Then came the testing phase, where 12 testers used the app daily for a fortnight followed by testing from the Google Play App Store, before the Compass World News went live on the app store. The Englishman, who moved to New Zealand from Kent as a 13-year-old in 1997, has been teaching some of his new-found coding learning with his students, which has been particularly popular for creating games. “Anyone can do it really if you put your mind to it and learn about this stuff. It gets them quite motivated,” Southam said. “I’ve had some of the kids in my class doing all sorts on that programme, making all sorts of cool games and they really get into it,” he said. Southam moved to Piopio with his wife and four kids in 2024 with a background in mental health support and truck driving, before finishing his Bachelor of Education at the University of Auckland a few years ago.

Second shot beckons By Jesse Wood

Te Kūiti’s Libby Kearins-Te Whare is back in the Waikato Farah Palmer Cup squad after an injury cut short her debut season, giving the Ngāti Maniapoto player another chance to shine on the provincial stage. She has already had a great start to 2026, representing the Touch Blacks on the world stage and the New Zealand Under-18 Girls’ Pathways north squad. Now the next opportunity has arrived. Kearins-Te Whare has been named in the squad alongside fellow Ōtorohanga Sports’ Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Sammie Bean, Koiatarau Edwards and Klee Begbie. Former Black Ferns forward Houpapa-Barrett is one of the vice-captains. Taongahuia McDonald, Angel Winikerei, Terri King and Tamea Martell have been named in the King Country Trailblazers team. “Being selected for the Waikato FPC team is a huge privilege, especially knowing there are so many talented girls across the region competing for a place in the squad,” Kearins-Te Whare said. She made her début for the team last season, but an injury meant she was only able to play one game.

“It means a lot to be able to continue learning, challenge myself at a higher level and contribute to the team throughout the season.” Kearins-Te Whare said growing up in Te Kūiti and the King Country, there weren’t many girls involved in rugby squads. “There have been very few women from our area playing rugby at higher levels.” Rugby was always likely to be in Libby’s future as the daughter of Te Kūiti icon Nano Te Whare. When asked why she started playing, her answer was simple: “because of my dad.” Another big supporter is her mother Bobbie Kearins. “At times, I was the only girl in a team full of boys, so it’s pretty special to now have the opportunity to play at this level.” She boarded at Hamilton Girls High School where she came to the attention of selectors. “I hope being part of the Waikato FPC squad can inspire some of the younger girls back home and show them that there are opportunities out there for them too.” The Waitete Rugby Club and Ōtorohanga Rugby Club have both played an important part in KearinsTe Whare’s rugby journey. “I’m grateful for the opportunities and support they have given me,” Kearins-Te Whare said.

Ōtorohanga back Libby Kearins-Te Whare made her début for Waikato last season. Photo: Roy Pilott

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King Country News THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

AGE OF REASON

A DVE R TO R I A L

Discipline in decline

By Richard Steele

Why Backing our schools and kids is good for the country By Barbara Kuriger MP for Taranaki/King Country For me, education in New Zealand has always been about far more than passing exams. It’s about every young person gaining the skills, confidence, and sense of belonging they need to succeed and give back to their communities. From small rural schools in places like Piopio, Te Kūiti, and Ōpunake to our larger town schools in Hāwera and New Plymouth, I see teachers, families, communities, and the Government working together to make classrooms places students want to be and where they get the support and encouragement they need to shape their future. And ours. A big part of this is going back to the basics: reading, writing, and maths. When a child feels confident reading, can express themselves clearly, and is comfortable with numbers, everything else becomes easier. With those strong foundations in place, our young people can approach science, technology, the arts, farming, and the trades with real self-belief — whether that’s on a dairy farm in South Taranaki, in an engineering workshop in Te Kūiti, or at a polytech in New Plymouth. Across our region, schools are putting extra energy into literacy and numeracy, using clear teaching methods and regular practice to help students lift their achievement. Going back

to basics isn’t new — but sometimes we need to return to what works before we can move forward. Improving school attendance is another crucial part of the picture. When students turn up regularly, they build stronger friendships, keep pace with their learning, and stay connected to the opportunities education provides, whether they stay local or move further afield. Here in Taranaki and the King Country, many schools are taking practical steps that make a real difference: flexible start times for older students who travel long distances by bus, breakfast clubs and school lunches, better transport options, and working with families. These changes recognise that every student’s situation is different, and that lifting attendance often means supporting the whole whānau. None of this happens by accident. It takes dedicated teachers, supportive parents and caregivers, and communities that stand behind their local schools. As the MP for Taranaki and the King Country, I’m determined that we keep backing student success and student wellbeing. When we back our kids, we’re backing stronger communities here in Taranaki and the King Country — and a better future for all New Zealanders.

One of the reasons I admired Helen Clark’s leadership when she was Prime Minister, was her discipline of the troops she was in charge of. She kept in line what I thought at the time were an unruly bunch of MPs, and she did it well, for three terms of government. Then when her party lost, she pulled the pin and went on to have a life of doing worthwhile things. Now we have a coalition in power, led by what’s becoming a lame duck government, who appear to have no discipline at all, and on the surface, no wish to be re-elected. I mean, if they did want to be elected again, surely they would act in a coordinated way, to give themselves a chance. Instead of that, they seem hell bent on blowing the small lead they appeared to be gaining , to oust their leader, at the very moment showing some cohesion, would be so positive to their chances. Even worse, they are losing to an opponent, whose strategy appears to have been, to do nothing, and let the government self-destruct. Not much of a policy I’d have thought, but against all the odds, seems to be working. Heaven forbid. I’m really disappointed, that at a time when our country, is under so much pressure, from offshore negativity, our elected leaders, can’t see a way forward for their sorry selves, let alone, do justice to running the country . Then there are the bloody polls. Well, I’ve done one myself, and the outcome is staggering folks. Without a shadow of doubt, over a period of 78 years, neither my wife, nor myself have ever been asked a question, by a

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pollster. Actually we have never won Lotto either, which in my case, is understandable, as I’ve never bought a ticket. But to have never been asked or polled in that period of time is extraordinary enough, for me to wonder, how accurately, and how much use, they actually are. Are the polls, just another way of making money, out of doing nothing? So anyway, I get that Luxon, is not as popular as he would like to be, and I have no great faith, it should be obvious by now, in either of the two main political parties. But really, how much better than National would other leadership have been these last three tumultuous years. You can tweak all you like and split a few hairs, but honestly, what major difference, could our leaders have made. I’d start from a different perspective. I’d not trim the Civil Service, I’d reduce it with a slash by 30%. I wouldn’t amalgamate councils, I’d put them on a shrinking income lid policy, until they either shaped up or shipped out, because making them bigger will not achieve a thing. And I’d stop all major infrastructure programmes, and concentrate more on getting people out of cars. And that’s just the first week’s work. Sadly for the country, I’m not standing, so we will just have to put up with what we get. And that at the moment, with no discipline in the government, could be any bloody thing.

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King Country News | 5

THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

Briefs…

Cultural champion

King Country born academic Tom Roa has been awarded the prestigious Hamilton Kirikirioa Medal for his outstanding life service. Affiliated with Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato and Ngāti Apakura, Roa is one of New Zealand’s most respected Māori scholars and advocates for te reo Māori. Educated in Ōtorohanga before pursuing higher studies in Auckland and Wellington, he has dedicated more than five decades to Māori language revitalisation, cultural scholarship, education, and public service. Through his leadership at Waikato University, his work with iwi and national organisations, and contributions to the Waitangi Tribunal, Roa has strengthened understanding of tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Disruption ahead

Several state highway projects will affect motorists travelling south over the coming weeks. SH3 resurfacing in Te Kūiti began this week, with overnight stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit. Underslip repairs near Bennydale start next week, while repairs continue at Mangaorongo Bridge near Kio Kio. Drivers should expect delays and allow extra travel time.

Exchange inspires future leaders

By Dan Tasker

A once-in-a-lifetime trip to America has left a Kāwhia woman determined to inspire the next generation of local rangatahi. Aotea Apiti returned from a trip to America in July, as part of a group from Waikato University who travelled to the University of Montana on the Te Ao Hurihuri indigenous exchange programme. The born-and-bred Kāwhia girl, who is currently the head of the Te Tari Māori department at Hamilton Girls’ High School, went on the exchange as part of her post-graduate studies. Apiti spoke at the inaugural REDTalks daylong conference focused on bridging cultural sovereignty, traditional research and higher education, with experts from United States, Canada and New Zealand highlighting how they integrate indigenous perspectives into their work. She shared the mahi she is leading around embedding learning systems related to the Māori culture at Hamilton Girls. “That may look like having karakia at the start of the day together as a school

Kāwhia woman Aotea Apiti (pictured front row three from left) was part of a University of Waikato group to go on an indigenous exchange programme in America last month. Photo: Supplied

and a karakia together at the end of school. It looks like kaiako ensuring that we’re pronouncing our students’ names correctly, regardless of where they’re from, because we want to ensure every student feels welcome, feels respected,” Apiti said. Apiti’s talk received

encouraging feedback from others working in the indigenous space across the world, sharing their experiences and ideas with the group. “I had a few different people come up to me, especially a man from Canada who’s doing

something similar with engineering at his university, within building capacity to try and interweave some of the Native American values into how they teach some of their students and engineering,” Apiti said. “We were also able to connect with some of

the lecturers in Montana and learn more about how they’re integrating the Indian Education programme into their schools,” she said. Apiti said she wanted to emphasise to local youth the importance of taking opportunities to grow and learn when they are available. “For me, it’s about being able to encourage local rangatahi to get on board with these types of things, these opportunities that come their way,” Apiti said. Other experiences as part of the indigenous programme included harvesting buffalo, building tipi and weaving sweetgrass – Native American practices with similarities to Māori culture. “We were able to harvest the buffalo together, which really reminded me of home when we go pig hunting or go fishing; it was very similar. We washed the buffalo hide in the river, things that we do back home,” Apiti said. “The connection the indigenous people in Montana had to the whenua, to the taiao, to the land – it felt very much like home for me, so just finding those similarities was really eyeopening,” she said.

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King Country News THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

REGIONAL VIEW

Up where we belong By Mary Anne Gill

If the Government had any sense, the first thing it would do with Ruapehu’s decision to go into the BackStop arrangement would be to take Taumarunui and everything north of Mt Ruapehu and put it with Waitomo and Ōtorohanga. Call it King Country - Te Rohe Pōtae, and get on with sorting out the rest of the country. There will be endless debates about Māori wards, where the administrative headquarters should be, how many elected members and whether community boards are necessary. Some will argue about population size and whether the numbers stack up. That’s the easy part. In mayors John Robertson and Rodney Dow and their councillors, I see people who understand their communities and have a sense of direction. Let them work through the details. King Country people have done that before because, at our heart, we are a community of interest. What does that mean? Whānau, for a start. When my family lived in Taumarunui, we looked north. Almost everything important in our lives took us north. We travelled to Hamilton for specialist appointments, hospital visits and sport. Along the way there were the familiar stopovers in Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga. Those towns were part of the rhythm of our lives. We rarely looked south. That’s not to say Whanganui played

no part in our family story. Two of my children were born there. Back then – before we moved to Taumarunui from Ohakune - there wasn’t much choice. When labour became more complicated than expected, the staff at the Raetihi maternity unit bundled me into an ambulance and sent my husband and me down the Parapara Highway to Whanganui. But family stories aside, our connections remained firmly in the King Country. That’s why this discussion should not be treated as a map-making exercise in Wellington. For those of us who have lived here, worked here and raised families here, the boundaries already exist. They are built around the places we travel to, the communities we support and the relationships we have maintained over generations. The Government can spend years debating structures and models if it wants. The people of the King Country settled the bigger question a long time ago. We already know where we belong. • Mary Anne Gill was The Daily News King Country correspondent from 1986 to 1991 and editor of the former Ruapehu Press.

Rams reclaim taonga

By Dan Tasker

The Bill Osborne Taonga is back in Te Kūiti for at least a week after the King Country Rams pinched it back off Horowhenua-Kapiti in Levin on Saturday. Rams head coach Aarin Dunster talked about redemption in the lead-up to round one of the Heartland Championship, after HorowhenuaKapiti took the taonga off them in Te Kūiti last year. Redemption was realised for the Rams in a 45-41 win to claim back the trophy for the third time since it was introduced to the Heartland Championship in 2021. But the celebration will be short-lived as the impending shadow of Thames Valley looms large, with the Swamp Foxes arriving in Te Kūiti on Saturday looking to do what they did in 2024. Add the Centurions Cup into the mix – the annual prize played for between the two Chiefs Heartland unions – and the round two clash has plenty to get excited about. The Rams will carry their own quiet confidence off the back of a galant performance at the Levin Domain, in only their second run together with only a 55-33 pre-season loss to the New Zealand

Barbarians under the belt. Particularly pleasing was the confidence and execution shown by the Rams at set-piece time, including two close-range rolling maul tries from the lineout in the first half. However, King Country’s short time together could be seen in their lack of defensive connection at times, allowing Horowhenua-Kapiti to keep things close with a 17-17 scoreline at halftime. Scoring two quick tries after the break through second five-eighth Leka Tupuola and blindside flanker Massie Harvey, had the home team up 2917 with around half an hour to play. Determined to stay in the fight, King Country swung momentum their way with four tries in 15 minutes to take an unassailable 45-29 lead with seven minutes left. Horowhenua-Kapiti looked tired and the Rams made them pay with some stunning long-range tries finished by super-sub Josevata Malimoce, blindside flanker Reeve Satherley, reserve lock Dylan Wind and centre Logan Patterson. With the game in the bag, King Country seemed to switch off to allow Horowhenua-Kapiti two tries in the dying minutes, which they will need to address if they are to stave off the Swampies.

The King Country Rams will look to defend the Bill Osborne Taonga against Thames Valley in Te Kūiti on Saturday, after taking it off Horowhenua-Kapiti last weekend. Photo: Supplied SPONSORED BY

Lions Club Young Speechmakers Competition By Karla Davey Recently, I was fortunate enough to compete in the Lions Club Young Speechmakers Competition, an experience that challenged me, built my confidence and gave me the opportunity to meet some incredibly talented young speakers from around New Zealand. I first competed at the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Regional Competition back in June alongside a friend. I originally decided to enter after my English teacher mentioned the competition and because my friend was keen to give it a go, I thought, “Why not?” It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. At the Regional Competition, each contestant had to deliver a six-minute prepared speech followed by a two-minute impromptu speech. My prepared speech was titled, “We’re Not Burnt Out - We’re Misdirected,” while my impromptu topic was “What if _____ never

happened?” I chose to speak about what life would be like if the apple never fell on Isaac Newton’s head. To my surprise and excitement, I was awarded first place and received a $500 prize. I am incredibly grateful to the Ōtorohanga Lions Club for sponsoring me and making it possible to take part in the competition and to Lou Fielder who generously drove us to Hamilton for the regional finals. Their support and encouragement were greatly appreciated. Winning the Regional Competition meant I qualified for the National Finals, which was held in Waipawa, Hawke’s Bay, at the beginning of August. There were 13 competitors from all over New Zealand and it was inspiring to hear such a wide range of thoughtful and well-delivered speeches. There was also a delicious lunch provided which gave everyone the chance to relax

and get to know one another. Once again, competitors presented both a prepared speech and an impromptu speech. I delivered the same prepared speech, “We’re Not Burnt Out - We’re Misdirected,” while my National impromptu topic was “When is lying the right thing to do?” It was a challenging question that really tested my ability to think quickly and speak confidently under pressure. Looking back, I’m so glad I took the opportunity to enter. The competition pushed me outside my comfort zone, improved my public speaking skills and introduced me to some amazing people along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would encourage more young people from our area to give the Lions Club Young Speechmakers Competition a go. You never know where it might take you.

King Country News | 7

THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

Coffin recalls historic tour By Dan Tasker

The memories have been flooding back for former All Black Phil Coffin as the current All Blacks prepare for the first test against South Africa this weekend. The South African tour, dubbed ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’, goes up a gear as the first of four test kicks off at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park on Sunday morning (3am NZ time). It’s been a long time coming since the All Blacks’ last fully toured the republic in 1996, when they famously won their first and only test series in South Africa. Ōtorohanga-born Coffin, 62, a 142-cap tighthead prop for King Country from 1985 to 1996, had picked up a contract with Frank Oliver’s Hurricanes in the first year of Super Rugby in 1996, as

All Black Phil Coffin

rugby moved from amateur to professional. He was in good shape for the Hurricanes and by the end of the Super Rugby season, Coffin got the call-up for the South Africa tour from then-All Blacks coach John Hart. “Like most young fullas, it was unexpected, but it was great to get that phone call and all of a sudden, I’m on my way to South Africa,” Coffin said. The team met in Auckland for a few trainings, where they got a run down on all they could expect, before heading off to Cape Town ahead of their first game against the Boland Invitation XV. “We were well-versed in 96 about what we’re going to come up against. We had the old guys come in like Tree (Sir Colin Meads) and (Ian) Kirkpatrick and all those guys coming in and telling us what it was like over there,” Coffin said. “To go over there and play them four times plus with all that mid-week stuff; we were under no illusions that it was going to be a battle,” he said. Although he only featured in the “mid-weeker” crew that played against Eastern Province (31-23), Western Transvaal (31-0) and Griqualand West (18-18), Coffin said there was fierce competition to make the test team. “We had a couple of goals. We weren’t a mid-week team, we wanted to make the test side, we were pushing other guys towards

that and establishing ourselves as All Blacks and that was the main reason why I think we played so well,” Coffin said. “We knew beforehand our job was to win well mid-week and it sets the test team up for that, with the knowledge that the mid-week team had won and it was their turn to get results,” he said. Off the rugby field, South Africa officially ended apartheid (racial segregation) when Nelson Mandela was elected president in 1994, but the impacts of it were still being felt in the rugby environment, Coffin said. “They had two flags still going then and the blacks were basically 99 percent behind the All Blacks. Everywhere we went to, the support was huge – they loved us there, whether it would be the mid-week side or the test side,” Coffin said. While the professional side of rugby has added polish to the game as a whole in the 30 years since the last tour of this size, Coffin said some things never change – namely the pride in the black jersey and the size of the Springboks. “They’re so passionate and so big. If you back down, you’re going to come second, so it was a matter of meeting fire with fire basically. They’re big men, stubborn men, but if you back down to them, they could smell it,” Coffin said.

Former All Black Phil Coffin, centre following the mid-week match against West Transvaal during the last tour of South Africa in 1996. Photo: Supplied

“We had that common goal in us as Kiwis, and once you put the jersey on, that’s another level, so nobody was going to take that dream away from us,” he said. With three mid-week wins under the belt and the first test on the horizon, the Ōtorohanga man was confident All Blacks head coach David Rennie had prepared the players well for the challenge ahead. “The results speak a lot for

themselves, but in achieving those results and those guys working as one, it’s the culture that Dave (Rennie) has set them. There’s no Canterbury, there’s no Auckland, there’s no Wellington. Once you get that established within those squads, it’s quite impenetrable,” Coffin said. “There’s only one kaupapa, and you’ve got to follow that, and if you do that, you’re going to be successful,” he said.

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8 |

King Country News THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

New Listing Open Home

DEADLINE SALE

3815sqm sqm

15 Rata Steet, Te Kūiti

Step back in time and discover the timeless appeal of this gorgeous 1960’s brick home. Featuring three generously sized bedrooms, the master features built-in cabinetry including a triple wardrobe, while the wet-room bathroom and separate toilet provide practicality. The original kitchen retains its nostalgic charm, while the formal lounge offers a lovely connection to the dining room through bifold doors. From the dining room, French doors open effortlessly onto the patio, creating a wonderful spot to enjoy your morning coffee. The large rumpus room offers plenty of options as a

second living space, and the double carport provides convenient covered parking. The home is in need of some redecorating, presenting an exciting opportunity to bring your own style and personality. Set on a private, elevated section, the established gardens provide a tranquil backdrop in a peaceful setting. With its classic charm, spacious rooms, established gardens and versatile living options, this property is well worth a look. N.B: Estate sale, sold ‘as is’ with no vendor warranties.

Ray White Te Kūiti | 07 444 7003 | 115 Rora Street |

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

Deadline Sale Closes 8 September 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Te Kuiti, unless sold prior View Sunday 23 August, 1.30 - 2.00pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30372 Buzz Linn 027 496 0053 buzz.linn@raywhite.com Sam Baggott 027 855 8472 sam.baggott@raywhite.com

CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT YOUR PROPERTY IS WORTH? CONTACT US TODAY FOR YOUR NO OBLIGATION, FREE APPRAISAL

King Country News | 9

THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

New Listing

Open Home

FOR SALE

DEADLINE SALE

FOR SALE

A beautifully restored 1910's home featuring four bedrooms, wide hallways and a wrap-around deck with an impressive outlook. Phone Buzz or Sam.

A solid rental investment with future potential, this three bedroom property offers plenty of space on a 1214sqm (approx) flat section. Phone Buzz or Sam.

Featuring three bedrooms plus rumpus, wet-room bathroom, double carport. Phone Buzz or Sam.

Solid brick three bedroom home with internal access double garage and additional separate single garage for excellent storage. Phone Buzz or Sam.

30 Carroll Street, Te Kūiti

8 William Street, Te Kūiti

Open Home

15 Rata Street, Te Kūiti

24 Anzac Street, Te Kūiti

For Sale $445,000

For Sale $375,000

Deadline Sale Closes 8 September 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Te Kuiti, unless sold prior

View Sunday 23 August, 10.30am - 11.00am rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30179

View Sunday 23 August, 11.15 - 11.45am rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30373

View Sunday 23 August, 1.30 - 2.00pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30372

View Sunday 23 August, 12.00 - 12.30pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/30364

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

Open Home

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

For Sale $649,000

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

Open Home

DEADLINE SALE

FOR SALE

With its very tidy presentation and honest charm, it is sure to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Ph Lorraine.

Three bedroom family home with a sunny office space, internal access garage and the master bedroom features walk-in robe and external access. Ph Lorraine.

A light filled, open plan kitchen and dining area, three bedrooms, master ensuite, carport and a spacious 743sqm (approx) section, close to playcentre and town. Phone Buzz or Sam.

Three bedroom home with the added bonus of a self-contained investment opportunity. Phone Buzz or Sam.

28 Hinewai Street, Ōtorohanga

Deadline Sale Closes 2 September 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Otorohanga, unless sold prior.

30 Te Kawa Street, Ōtorohanga

For Sale $550,000

36A Ward Street, Te Kūiti

6 Te Kumi Road, Te Kūiti

For Sale $455,000

View Sunday 23 August, 2.00 - 2.30pm rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30421

For Sale $425,000 REDUCED

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30355

rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30365

FOR SALE

Enjoy 2518sqm (approx) of space and tranquility on two titles, featuring a two bedroom home and double garage with office, mancave and toilet. Ph Buzz or Sam.

Set across 1.6567 hectares (approx), this distinctive castle style residence unfolds over three levels with additional shedding for storage. Phone Sam or Buzz.

Open plan living, two bedrooms inside, two bedrooms in external addition plus a sleepout and high stud garaging for the boat. Phone Julie

Maori Lease Land. Terrific views over the harbour and boat ramp, elevated, two bedrooms plus sleepout, sunroom, open plan living. Phone Julie.

View Sunday 23 August, 1.00 - 1.30pm rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30426 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

Open Home Open Home

27A & 29 Rata Street, Te Kūiti

127 Tate Road, Te Kūiti

210 Cooper Drive, Aotea

153 Kawhia Street, Kawhia

For Sale By Negotiation

For Sale $890,000

For Sale $575,000

For Sale $315,000

View Sunday 23 August, 12.45 - 1.15pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30358

rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30417

rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30427

rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30397

FOR SALE

Maori Lease Land. Great views over the Harbour and beyond. Three bedrooms, decking on upper level, single internal access garage. Phone Julie.

This three bedroom character home offers convenience and charm for buyers with an eye for potential. Phone Lorraine.

Tucked away privately behind other dwellings, this spacious two bedroom unit with a flat section, also offers access to amenities. Phone Lorraine.

For Sale $255,000

Renovated, designer kitchen, open-plan living, decking, garaging, three plus bedrooms, 1156sqm (approx) freehold section, next to Kawhia Primary School. Phone Julie.

rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30396

rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30348

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

114 Short Street, Kawhia

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

FOR SALE

21A Blucks Road, Ōtorohanga

This lifestyle property features open plan spaces that flow seamlessly to a sun soaked patio. Phone Sam or Buzz. For Sale $799,000 rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30394 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

Ray White

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

360 Rosamond Terrace, Kawhia

For Sale $730,000 neg Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

56 Hinewai Street, Ōtorohanga

53 Hinewai Street, Ōtorohanga

For Sale $487,000 REDUCED

For Sale $390,000 REDUCED

rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30374

rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30364

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

Ōtorohanga sections (sizes are approximate) 3 Rothery Place, Otorohanga, 685sqm, power, water, fibre, wastewater at boundary. Ph Buzz/Sam ......... $220,000 44 Thomson Ave, Otorohanga, 686sqm, power, water, fibre, wastewater at boundary. Ph Buzz/Sam ....... $220,000 9 Sunset Close, Otorohanga, 750sqm in Westridge subdivision. Ph Lorraine ..................................................... $175,000 149A Old Te Kuiti Road, Lot 1, 5517sqm, easy covenants. Phone Lorraine ...................................Offers over $250,000 Lot 1, 627 Waitomo Valley Road, Otorohanga, 8105sqm rural lifestyle section. Phone Julie ........................ $298,000 Lots 90-108 Harpers Avenue, 486sqm to 962sqm, Westridge II subdivision. Phone John .............From $220,000ea 576C Mangawhero Road, Otorohanga, 1ha, fenced, sensible covenants. Ph Noldy .................. Offers over $385,000 Te Kūiti sections (sizes are approximate)

10 Te Kumi Street, Te Kuiti, 843sqm, industrial zoned, highway frontage. Ph Sam or Buzz......................Deadline Sale 2 Jennings Street, Te Kuiti, 979sqm, cenral location. Ph Sam or Buzz ........................................................ By Negotiation 167B Tate Road, Te Kuiti, 9697sqm, formed metal driveway, minimal covenants. Ph Sam or Buzz .............. $325,000 35 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 1084sqm, handy to schools and hospital. Phone Buzz ................................ $250,000

Other sections (sizes are approximate)

2 Kuku Street, Piopio, 1097sqm, local and rural views, backs onto farmland, no covenants. Ph Lorraine ..... $79,000 0 Raglan Road, Kawhia, 2648sqm lifestyle section, no covenants, completely off grid. Ph Julie .................. $290,000

John Rothery AREINZ Otorohanga 027 561 0530

Julie Burgess Otorohanga 021 184 1382

Lorraine Fox Otorohanga 027 664 4087

Sam Baggott Otorohanga 027 855 8472

Buzz Linn Te Kuiti 027 496 0053

Stephen Weck Rural/Lifestyle 027 455 1106

FOR SALE

7 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga

With strong exposure, excellent accessibility, and versatile commercial space, this is a solid opportunity for investors seeking a central township asset. Phone John or Sam. For Sale $395,000 + GST (if any) rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30391 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

Noldy Rust Rural/Lifestyle 027 255 3047

Ōtorohanga 07 873 7606 Te Kūiti 07 444 7003 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008

We bring the whole team

10 |

King Country News THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

Mary Tapu Te Kuiti 42 Ailsa Street

Piopio 4 View Terrace

Open Home

Elevated living with great outlook

This four-bedroom home offers an excellent opportunity for buyers looking to add value in a sought-after location. While the property would benefit from renovation, it boasts a spacious layout, plenty of natural light throughout, and a great outlook. Set in an elevated position with attractive views, the home also features good garaging and is conveniently located close to the hospital, making it an appealing option for families, investors, or those looking for a rewarding renovation project. With its desirable location and potential to enhance and personalise, this is a property well worth your inspection.

Open Home

Deadline Sale closes Wednesday 26th August, 2026 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) View Sun 23 Aug 11.00 - 11.30am Web pb.co.nz/TEU232980

Views, space, potential

Built in the 1910s, this character-filled home is ready for its next chapter. Set on a generous 1,489m2 freehold section, the 150m2 home offers three bedrooms, one bathroom and plenty of scope for buyers looking to renovate, restore or add value over time. High ceilings, spacious living areas and a wood burner provide the foundations for creating a warm and welcoming home, while the large basement offers excellent storage, workshop space or potential to convert into another bedroom. Outside, there's ample yard for gardens, pets or future landscaping projects.

Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869

Deadline Sale closes Friday 28th August, 2026 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) View Sun 23 Aug 12.30 - 1.00pm Web pb.co.nz/TEU234877

Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869

Te Kuiti 11 Anzac Street

Te Kuiti 30 Awakino Road

Te Kuiti 16 View Road

Te Kuiti 74 Hill Street

Brick beauty with extra space

At home on Awakino

Life on View Road

Homely on Hill Street

11 Anzac Street offers comfortable, easy-care living with plenty of versatility. This brick home features two bedrooms, one bathroom and a practical layout. A carport and garage add convenient off-street parking, while the separate sleepout offers two additional rooms with plenty of potential. Use it for guests, hobbies, a home office, teenagers or extra storage.

Discover comfort, space and convenience at 30 Awakino Road, Te Kuiti. Set on a 1,234m2 sloping freehold section, this well-loved 240m2 home, built in 1966. Step inside to a functional and inviting layout where the kitchen, dining and living areas are all combined, creating a warm, family-friendly hub for daily life.

Positioned on an expansive 5,792m2 freehold section, 16 View Road offers space, privacy and opportunity in equal measure. This well-established 1960s home spans approximately 105m2 and provides a comfortable and practical layout ideal for families, first-home buyers or those seeking room to grow. Inside, you'll find three bedrooms, a family bathroom and the convenience of a separate toilet.

Set on a 895m2 freehold section, this 116m2 home offers a solid opportunity for those seeking comfort, convenience, and long-term potential. Built in 1959 and constructed with enduring brick cladding, colorsteel roofing, and timber joinery, this property blends classic charm with functional living. Inside, the home features three bedrooms and a tidy central bathroom.

Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869

For Sale $420,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU235217 2

Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869

For Sale $575,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU217411 4

For Sale $420,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU198065 3

Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869

For Sale Buyers $365,000+ View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU208547 3

Te Kuiti 2 Ellison Avenue

Te Kuiti 13 Butler Street

Te Kuiti 4 Carroll Street

Te Kuiti 4 George Street

Space, character and views

Easy living starts here

Space to grow on Carroll Street

Spacious section, timeless appeal

Welcome to 2 Ellison Avenue - a character home sitting proudly on two prepared metal-based flat sections. In addition to the beautiful established home there is also the opportunity to build a granny flat to accomodate family or establish a rental. This property offers the best of both worlds.

This well-maintained 100m2, 1960s home is set on a 654m2 sloping freehold section in a convenient location. Inside, the combined kitchen, dining and lounge area creates a welcoming central space for everyday living, while the attached deck provides the perfect spot to relax with a coffee or enjoy time with family and friends.

Welcome to a home full of potential, set on a generous 911m2 flat section with a large wrap-around yard offering plenty of room for kids to play, pets to roam, or future landscaping and development ideas. Whether you're a young family looking for space or an investor seeking a local opportunity, this property is well worth a look.

Positioned on a generous 1,012m2 flat section, this charming 1910s home offers space, character, and comfortable modern living. With a 100m2 floor area, it features three bedrooms, a well-appointed bathroom, and a light-filled living area enhanced by high ceilings and tasteful updates.

Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869

For Sale $387,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU215093 3

Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869

For Sale $420,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU209571 3

For Sale $320,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU200137 2

Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869

For Sale $410,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU226913 3

Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869

Proud to be here 131 Rora Street, Te Kuiti, 3910 07 878 8266 tekuiti@pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Licensed REA A 2008 Q034155

Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 |

Proud to be here

King Country News | 11

THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

Monarch Southwest Real Estate Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008 Sun, 2.30-3.00pm

Sun, 11.00-11.30am

Ōtorohanga 94 Main North Road

LIFESTYLE Ōtorohanga 60 Kio Kio Station Road Ōtorohanga 11 Karaka Road

Ōtorohanga 3/38 Harpers Avenue

For Sale $539,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22869 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

6070sqm

For Sale $650,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22867 John Pinny M 021 555 736

Sun, 1.45-2.15pm

For Sale $419,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22865 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

Sun, 1.00-1.30pm

Ōtorohanga 17A Orahiri Terrace

Ōtorohanga 35 Mountain View Rd

For Sale $515,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22862 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

Sun, 12.15-12.45pm

Sun, 1.30-2.00pm 2.45-3.15pm

Ōtorohanga 52 Orahiri Terrace For Sale Deadline Closes 26 Aug, 1pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22868 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24353 Lindie Howe M 0274 795 773

For Sale $658,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24355 Diana Manutai M 021 0295 9515

Ōtorohanga 3A William Street 2

For Sale $640,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22495 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468 Sun, 12.15-12.45pm

Te Kūiti 7 Butler Street 3

Te Kūiti 2 Hinerangi Street 1

Te Kūiti 6 George Street

Ōtorohanga 3C William Street

For Sale $579,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22828 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

For Sale $970,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22863 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

For Sale $315,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/KC6594 Craig McKellar M 0274 572 450

For Sale $405,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22729 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

Te Kūiti 22 Ailsa Street

COASTAL Marokopa 9 Rauparaha Street

COASTAL Marokopa 1443 Marokopa Road

Benneydale 6 Gannon Street

3260sqm

For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22864 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

For Sale $440,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22855 John Pinny M 021 555 736

For Sale $265,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22859 John Pinny M 021 555 736

For Sale Offers over $300,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24328 Sue Spurdle & Bruce Spurdle M 027 476 8445 M 027 474 4430

COASTAL Kawhia 163 Matire Street

COASTAL Kawhia 418 Hoturoa Street

COASTAL Kawhia 533 Hoturoa Street

Benneydale 7 Ellis Road

For Sale $549,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22853 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

For Sale $599,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22827 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

For Sale $695,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22834 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468

1.23Ha

For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24345 Sue Spurdle & Bruce Spurdle M 027 476 8445 M 027 474 4430

12 |

King Country News THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

League momentum builds

By Dan Tasker

The King Country Rugby League 9s are back in Te Kūiti this Saturday, with eyes on expanding to a full 13-aside competition next year. This year’s tournament is the sequel to last year’s inaugural nines, which organiser and kaihautū Pohatu Albert Cairns said had exceeded expectations. “It was just an idea of mine that I’ve been meaning to do for years; King Country should have had league 20 years ago. I waited around for somebody to kick it off, nobody wanted to kick it off. so I did it,” Albert Cairns said. “If I got 200 to 300 people there (last year), I’d have been very happy, but about 2000 to 3000 turned up, that was crazy. To get that sort of numbers there with just nines, just imagine what the 13s will do,” he said. Following the 2027 edition of the nines, the former-Tihoi-now-Auckland man has ambitions to create a four-team King Country 13-aside club competition, where each team plays each other once

followed by semi-finals and a final. “King Country is hungry, King Country is absolutely hungry and waiting for league, and now it’s at our doorstep,” Albert Cairns said. “King Country needs rugby league, rugby league needs King Country, and those whanaus need to have an opportunity to express themselves, so here we go,” he said. Six teams will grace the meadows of Centennial Park as the shortened form of the game returns to Te Kūiti, including the newly-established Te Kūiti Warriors, Maunga Toa Marokopa, Taumarunui, Tauhara Te Maunga (Taupō), Whaingaroa Whai (Raglan) and Te Piringa (Hamilton). Play will kick-off just before 10am, where teams play each other once across five rounds of 18-minute games, with the top four qualifying for the semifinals before the winners meet in the final at 3.40pm. There will also be a King Country v Maniapoto U11s game as entertainment through the lunch-time break, before the afternoon session gets under way.

The King Country Rugby League 9s tournament returns to Te Kūiti on Saturday, after a successful first year in 2025. Photo: Supplied

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King Country News | 13

THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

with Jan Bilton

Chilli Out

Hot, spicy sauces and pastes are essential culinary tools for adding depth, heat, and character to dishes. While liquid hot sauces excel as condiments, rich chilli pastes act more as a foundation for cooked dishes. The popular Korean gochujang (pronounced go-chew-jang) is a red, fermented chilli paste with savoury, spicy-sweet flavours. Its sweetness comes from the starch in cooked glutinous rice. It’s very concentrated and traditionally adds great depth to stews and soups. These days, you’ll also find it in dressings, egg dishes, marinades, and even in traditional European recipes. Fusion at its best! Sriracha (pronounced si-rah-chah) is a type of hot or chilli sauce made from a paste of chilli peppers, distilled vinegar, pickled garlic, sugar, and salt. First commercially produced in Thailand in 1932, it’s more of a condiment than a base for cooking. It’s addictive in egg dishes, smashed avo on toast, popcorn and dressings. North African harissa elevates marinades and casseroles but has also taken on a life of its own in butters—great on baked or barbecued sweetcorn; in yoghurt or mayo as a dip for crisp veggies and chips; in pasta dishes; or everything or anything you like Do you know the difference between mild and hot paprika? Hot paprika is prepared from dried, spicy chilli peppers, while mild paprika is made from the flesh of sweet peppers. Gochujang Chicken Noodle Soup 1 tablespoon canola oil 750g chicken thighs freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced 3-4 tablespoons gochujang 4 cups chicken stock 125g brown mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon fish sauce 3 tablespoons chopped parsley 100g dried Chinese noodles Heat the oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Season the chicken with pepper. Add the chicken to

Gochujang Chicken Noodle Soup

Broccoli with Sriracha Sauce

the saucepan. Cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 8 minutes. Remove to a plate. Add the onion to the saucepan and cook until tender. Add the mushrooms and cook until limp. Stir in the gochujang for 30 seconds. Add 1 cup of the chicken stock and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the saucepan. Add the remaining chicken stock and fish sauce. Stir to combine and bring to the boil. Return the chicken to the saucepan. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a chopping board. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones. Return the chicken pieces and parsley to the soup. Season with more fish sauce if preferred. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the packet instructions. Drain, then transfer to serving bowls. Ladle the soup on top. Serves 4-6.

1 large head broccoli Combine the sriracha, oil, honey and soy sauce in a small bowl. Mix well. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain. Serve hot or cold, drizzled with sriracha sauce. Serves 4-5.

Broccoli With Sriracha Sauce 1-2 tablespoons sriracha or to taste 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 tablespoon each: honey, soy sauce

Harissa I used a chargrilled capsicum from a jar. 1 teaspoon each: chilli flakes, whole coriander seeds, whole cumin seeds, caraway seeds, hot paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 red capsicum, chargrilled 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons tomato paste 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Place the seeds (not paprika) in a large non-stick frying pan and heat until fragrant. Grind the seeds in a coffee grinder or use whole for extra texture. Place all the ingredients in a blender and mix until fairly smooth. Store in the fridge in a covered jar with a little olive oil on the top and keep for up to 2 weeks. Makes 1/2 cup.

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King Country News THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICES

Waitomo District Rates Reminder - Instalment 1 Ownership Review OWNERSHIP REVIEW FINAL DECISION MEETING In accordance with the Deed of Trust under which the Waipā Networks Trust has been constituted, the Trustees and the Directors of Waipā Networks Limited have prepared a joint report considering proposals and available options for the future ownership of Waipā Networks Limited. The Trustees have implemented a Public Consultative Procedure. A copy of the Ownership Review was available for inspection by the public from 1 May 2026. Persons interested in the proposal were invited to make written submissions to the Trustees by no later than 30 June 2026. No submissions were received by the Trust. Notice is hereby given that the Trustees propose that the following motion, “That the Trustees pursuant to Clause 4.4 of the Trust Deed, the Trustees hereby resolve that they have decided to retain 100% of the shares in the Trust. Future Ownership Reviews will take place in accordance with the terms of the Trust Deed. The Trustees will notify the Public as required by Clauses 4.5 and 13 of the Trust Deed.”, will be considered by them at a meeting open to the public on:

Friday 28 August 2026 at 10.00am Waipā Networks Ltd 240 Harrison Drive TE AWAMUTU K M Heeringa - Trust Manager Waipā Networks Trust

SITUATIONS VACANT DAIRY ASSISTANT / 2IC Urgently required • 3-month contract with possibility to extend. • Full time or part time. • Must have milking and animal health skills, be reliable and have good references. • Drive in or house available. • 20 mins from Oto or TK.

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Mangapapa B2 Inc 2026 AGM Saturday, 12 September 2026 Mahoenui Memorial Hall, Mahoenui Registration desk opens 9.30am Hui starts 10.00am

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AGM Sunday 30th August 2026 at 1pm at the Waitomo Club BUSINESS

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King Country News | 15

THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

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MORATTI, Elaine Barbara, (nee Relf) – Passed away unexpectedly at Waikato Hospital, on Tuesday, 11th August 2026. Aged 84 years. Loved wife and soulmate of Peter for 66 years. Loving mum and mum in-law of Barbara and Brian Mora, Cheryl and Ricky Neal, Ross and Donna Moratti. Loving nana and nanny of many. A service has already been held. All communications to the Moratti family, c/- P O Box 137, Te Awamutu, 3840.

TARR, Anthony Michael “Tony” – On Sunday, 16th August 2026, peacefully at Waikato Hospital, aged 71 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Teresa. Loved father & father-inlaw of Dominic, Greg and Boomi, Gerard, Ingrid and Anna. Requiem Mass will be celebrated for Tony at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 625 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu, on Wednesday the 26th of August 2026, at 11am, followed by burial at the Ohaupo Catholic Cemetery. Vigil prayers will be recited at the church on Tuesday 25th August at 7pm.

BURTON, Donald Alfred (Don) – Passed away with his loving family by his side in Tauranga Hospital on Monday, August 10, 2026 aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Colleen. Much loved father and father in law of Grant, Peter, Russell (dec) and Donna and Marisa. A Service for Don will be held at Mount Harbour Chapel, corner of Tawa and Puriri Streets Mount Maunganui on Thursday, August 27 at 11am. Messages to the Burton family C/- PO Box 650 Tauranga 3144.

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Enjoy a morning singing and learning, meet the choristers, express your interest. For more information contact Jude Barnett 0210 899 0299 or wcaveschoir@gmail.com

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Of an application for Club-Licence TAHAROA SOCIAL SPORTS AND WELFARE CLUB (2009) INC, Kiwi Street Taharoa. (Waitomo District) has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Te Kūiti for the renewal of a club-licence in respect of the premises situated at Kiwi Street, Taharoa known as Taharoa Social Sports & Welfare Club. The general nature of the business conducted (or to be conducted) under the licence is Tavern. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is (or is intended to be) sold under the licence are Mon to Wed 5pm to 11pm, Thursday to Friday 5pm to 1am, Sat 11am to 1am, Sun 11am to 11pm. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Waitomo District Licensing Committee, Waitomo District Council, Queen St, Te Kūiti. Any person who is entitled to object and wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, PO Box 404, Te Kūiti 3941.No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the only publication of this notice.

10 Sheridan St, Te Kūiti An Assemblies of God church 10:30am Sunday

10 St, Te Kuiti WeSheridan welcome you 10:30am Sunday to our Pastor Terry & 10.30am Rowena Bradley Sunday service. 10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti 07 878 8694 www.journeychurch.org.nz Pastor Terry & Rowena 021Bradley 703 008

07 878 8694 021 703 008 King Country Christians An Assemblies of God Church meet every Sunday

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King Country News THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026

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Drive the next generation of automotive talent Industry Mentor | King Country Are you a qualified automotive technician looking to give back to industry? MITO facilitates apprenticeships and industry training for the automotive, commercial road transport, extractives, drilling, gas, and logistics industries. We’re looking for an Industry Mentor who can inspire and encourage our apprentices, grow their confidence, and help guide their progress towards qualification in their field. In this influential part-time, casual contract role, you will support automotive learners through their trade training journey. For more information and to apply, email Mark Lawrence at mark.lawrence@mito.org.nz or call 022 014 9559

Reach a targeted rural and lifestyle audience each month by advertising your business in King Country Farmer: featured inside the King Country News as its own liftout.

Next Publication Date Thursday 17 September

Distributed across the wider Waitomo and Otorohanga districts.

Deadlines Booking Monday 7 September Copy Setting Wednesday 9 September Finished artwork Friday 11 September

To Book Your Space Janine Davy Advertising Director | janine@goodlocal.nz | Ph 027 287 0005