THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
King Country
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AUGUST 27, 2026
Shears come sooner By Dan Tasker
Organisers are moving the New Zealand Shearing Championships forward by three weeks to help secure the event’s future. The organising committee has locked in March 17-19 as the new date for the 2027 NZ Shears at Te Kūiti’s Les Munro Centre, a change from the traditional early to midApril event. It will see the NZ Shears move to a Wednesday-to-Friday event in place of the previous Thursday-toSaturday format, and the corporate night moves from Friday to Thursday. The calendar change has been
made to minimise the risk of the sheep supplied for the shears having lower lambing rates, given the rams were usually out with the sheep in early April. Although there was no evidence lambing rates had decreased, NZ Shears committee chair Sir David Fagan said the change would secure the continued supply of sheep for the shears in what he called “the most significant change to the event since the running of the sheep” was introduced in 2004. “By moving it three weeks earlier, it’s certainly going to alleviate any fears of any potential problems of trucking those sheep while the rams are running with
Daniel and the gang
the sheep. We’re only too keen to help with that by bringing it forward,” Fagan said. “I went through many years of competing there through until 2015 and we couldn’t ask for better sheep to have for competition, for evenness, and so we can get the best competitor, not the luckiest one. “We see it as critical now to the success in the professionalism of our show having those sheep provided for us,” he said. Tiroa E and Te Hape B Trusts have supplied sheep from their Benneydale farming operations to the NZ Shears since the early 1990s.
Te Hape B farm manager Ian Valler, who has managed the farm for 20 years, said the date change would help the Māori land blocks continue supporting the NZ Shears for the foreseeable future. “Having the change is going to make it just so much easier for us in the long run,” Valler said. “We’re a Māori entity, so we’re all about whānau and looking after our community. It means everything to all of us to be fair,” he said. It was also hoped the date change would have other benefits for the NZ Shears, including better weather, increased entries and more international shearers, Fagan
said. “I don’t want to test fate there, but the weather might be a little better,” Fagan said. “We may actually get better entries in all grades because we’re only 10 days after the Golden Shears and a lot of international people are there for that event. It fits the shearing calendar better for competitors, but that’s yet to be proven,” he said. The Great NZ Muster and the Running of the Sheep, which were added to the programme in 1992 and 2004 respectively, will also move to feature on the Saturday of the same week as the NZ Shears (March 20).
By Mary Anne Gill
Pictured at the dress rehearsal for Waikato Gang Show at Riverlea Theatre was Te Kūiti’s Daniel Lindsay (left) with Willow Bromley-Hunt (Cambridge), Peyton Brice (Te Awamutu) and Oliver Metcalfe (Cambridge). Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
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The curtain goes up in Hamilton tomorrow for the 10th Waikato Gang Show and director Seattle Tupuhi, who joined the cast as a 10-year-old in 2008, says watching young people grow in confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of the production. The Gang Show tradition began in England in 1932 when scout leader Ralph Reader created a variety show designed to build confidence, teamwork and performance skills among young people. This year’s production, Here We Go Again!, revisits characters, scenes and musical numbers from earlier productions For Daniel, 12, who helped restart the Te Kūiti Scout group after it had been inactive for five years, Gang Show is also about reconnecting with people from previous productions. “You get to see new people, you get to see the people from the past if you did it in the last one,” he said.
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THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
Danger in the bush By Meghan Hawkes
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Twenty one year old Albert Fenton, along with two mates, Dew and Bagnall, were felling 200 acres of bush for Mr Vickerman on Mahoe Road, near Ōtorohanga in August 1911. Albert and Dew were clearing up a corner and working about 100 metres apart. Shortly before 2pm Dew stopped hearing the ring of Albert’s axe, and after listening a while called out. There was no answer. Dew made his way over the logs and found Albert lying lifeless on the ground, an uprooted tree beside him. Dew and Bagnall carried Albert’s body for several miles until they came to Mr Johnson’s place, where a buggy was obtained. They journeyed on to Ōtorohanga which they reached the next evening. The news of Albert’s untimely death was met with great regret; he had been most popular and respected in Ōtorohanga. An inquest found he died of head injuries, a tree branch striking him and knocking him off a log. Albert was a hardworking and industrious young man and a smart cricketer. His parents had only recently left the district for Whangārei. Members of his cricket team organised a wreath and offered to act as pall bearers as a mark of the esteem in which they held their late friend. Tragedies in the bush were a regular occurrence. A crop of accidents occurred to a gang of bushmen in the Marokopa district in 1913. The gang had been in
A bushman’s life in the early 1900 was fraught with danger.
the bush for seven months and was within a few days of finishing when one named Smith fell over a precipice, miraculously escaping injury. The following day another man named Bowen was hit by a falling tree limb and received severe injuries to the back. The worst of the accidents occurred when T Ward, who was cutting some scrub, was hit by a limb known by bushmen as a ‘sailer’ causing nasty injuries. Dr Will, of Te Kūiti, arrived after travelling a distance of 50 miles, ordering Ward’s removal to Waikato hospital. Ward was a most unlucky bushman, having previously lost an eye and
the hearing of one ear, as well as surviving many other accidents. This was his 13th time in hospital. Stories of endurance, pluck and comradeship went hand in hand with bush accidents in the King Country. Frequently many miles from help, injured bushmen faced grueling treks for medical aid. In 1914 a tree fell on Herbert Worsley, breaking his thigh in the mountainous country of Raurimu. Eight mates began the long 20 mile journey carrying him on a stretcher over steep country. After five miles they secured a horse and trap but the trap broke down due to the rough nature of the country and they had to abandon it. They marched through dense bush and over rough clearings of piled up logs, and were frequently up to their knees in mud. The night was bitterly cold and the darkness of the bush was a great hindrance, the whole party frequently stumbling over logs, missing their footing and being precipitated down the slopes. Worn out and fatigued they reached Raurimu at 8am where Herbert was placed on a train and taken to Waikato hospital. Albert, who was not so fortunate, is buried at Ōtorohanga cemetery.
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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
Teamwork gets a result Police received information from colleagues in Counties Manukau regarding a man travelling south on an intercity bus who was allegedly breaching his bail conditions and believed to be intending to confront a victim connected to his offending. Information also suggested the man may have been in possession of a firearm. Staff developed a coordinated response plan and arrested the man as the bus travelled through Te Kuiti. Thanks to the additional staff who assisted with what was a dynamic situation. The man was taken into custody without incident and no firearm was located. Emergency services attended a workplace injury in Ōtorohanga during the week. The injured worker was assessed at the scene and transported to hospital by ambulance for further treatment. Following reports of a 32-year-old
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man breaching his bail conditions in the Mahoenui area, staff carried out enquiries which led to his location and arrest in Te Kuiti. Due to concerns around further offending, potential victim interference, and the absence of a suitable bail address, Police opposed bail and the man was remanded in custody. Staff also conducted enquiries in Ōtorohanga to locate a 42-year-old woman wanted on three active arrest warrants. The woman was found attempting to conceal herself down a grass bank near the rear of the property. She was arrested and transported directly to court without incident. Police responded to a family harm incident in Ōtorohanga involving a young male who was behaving aggressively towards family members. Staff safely apprehended the individual and assisted with transporting
him to Waikato Hospital for medical and mental health assessment. In the Waitomo area, police attended reports of an intoxicated man making threats towards a group of young adults who were camping. The man was arrested and transported to Hamilton Custody. Officers stopped a vehicle travelling at night in Te Kuiti without its lights on. The driver was found to be disqualified from driving and was issued a summons to appear in court. The vehicle was impounded. Further checks revealed the front-seat passenger had active warrants for their arrest. Arrangements were made for the passenger to appear before the court the following day, which they did. As always, please continue report crime, suspicious and concerning behaviour.
King Country News | 3
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
Briefs… Daffodil Day
A splash of yellow will return to towns across the region when Daffodil Day collectors take to the streets to support people and whānau impacted by cancer. Volunteers will be out across the King Country tomorrow and Saturday with yellow collection buckets and inviting donations.
Krippner published
The News columnist Janine Krippner, Honorary Research Associate at the University of Waikato, is the lead author of an extensive study exposing myths about volcanoes which has just gone public. The work is discussed in her column on page 6 today.
Farmer fined
A Te Kuiti sheep farmer has been fined $29,250 for animal welfare neglect which led to 23 animals being euthanised. Following a prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries, William George Toms, 70, was sentenced in Te Kūiti District Court after pleading guilty to five charges under the Animal Welfare Act.
Papers in the mail
Voting papers for both the Waitomo Energy Services Consumer Trust election and an ownership review poll were mailed out this week. The trust owns The Lines Company, and an ownership poll is held every six years.
Annual celebrations
Week-long Koroneihana celebrations start at Tūrangawaewae marae in Ngāruawāhia on Sunday. The celebrations recognise the legacy of the Kiingitanga movement and honours its reigning monarch, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.
MP speaks out
Hauraki-Waikato MP HanaRawhiti Maipi-Clarke says the Government’s decision to delay key provisions of Plan Change 1, which sets rules to protect and restore the health of the Waikato and Waipā rivers, puts threeyearly electoral interests ahead of its obligations to iwi and the environment. Federated Farmers has welcomed the move.
A $17m water bill
By Mary Anne Gill
The cost of establishing Waikato Waters has reached $16.85 million, about 40 per cent above the company’s previously reported $12.1 million establishment budget. Waikato Waters is the councilcontrolled water services company jointly owned by six district councils, including Waitomo and Ōtorohanga. Figures obtained by The News under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act provide one of the first detailed breakdowns of what it has cost to establish the organisation. Documents show contractors accounted for the largest share of
the spending at $10.36 million. Major costs included $2.64 million for information technology services, $1.82 million for consultants, $798,193 for recruitment, $592,622 for office space and $46,226 for communications and marketing. Directors’ fees totalled $244,694 and spending on events, uniforms and vehicle branding came to more than $123,000. Waikato Waters said the figures were unaudited management accounts and could change following its annual audit process. The new water entity was established as part of local government water reforms. Waikato Waters currently employs 131 staff and has approval for 224
positions by July 2027. A separate board paper released with The News request sheds light on why Waikato Waters chose Hamilton as its headquarters despite representing districts spread across much of the Waikato region. Directors were advised there were no suitable office options available within shareholder council districts before the organisation’s July 2026 launch. As a result, the board endorsed a medium-term lease in the BNZ building in central Hamilton while pursuing a longer-term accommodation solution. The document also shows Waikato Waters expects office-based staff numbers to rise from between 85
and 100 in its first year to as many as 120 to 140 from July 2027. The company is jointly owned by Waipā, Waitomo, South Waikato, Matamata-Piako, Hauraki and Ōtorohanga district councils. Water and wastewater services from Waipā, Waitomo and South Waikato transferred to the company on July 1. Matamata-Piako is due to join in October, and Hauraki and Ōtorohanga next year. In response to questions about a 2022 directive from the DirectorGeneral of Health requiring fluoride to be added to Cambridge’s water supply, Waikato Waters said it was reviewing implementation following the transfer of responsibilities from Waipā District Council.
College conversations
Ōtorohanga College students are developing skills in shaping conversations in their community in a project known as The Fade Up. The project, a podcast focused on connection and the power of local storytelling, is the brainchild of Ōtorohanga District Council’s community development and wellbeing manager Nicky Deeley. Five students - Blair Edwards, Karla Davey, Marua Davis, Nicole Jones, and Robert Markey Jones - are working with filmmakers Sasha McLaren, Fabrice Coquet and Leon Hemara, from He Koniahi Story Circle, to create a homegrown video podcast. The students are recently joined dance teacher and choreographer Mel O’Brien in Soul Salon, owned by Brooke Kenny, for a conversation about experiences, perspectives and life learnings. Marua Davis led the conversation. This is the second episode in The Fade Up series. Last year’s video podcast featured Hemara chatting with champion surfer Daniel Kereopa and master carver Dan Ormsby. Subjects
included what it means to be Māori, encouraging young people to find their spark, and following life dreams. Robert Markey Jones joined the project because he wanted to try something new and develop
communication skills while for Karla Davey it’s a chance to learn more about filming to complement her planned career in travel. Marua Davis says the experience she gets could help her build the future
she wants in performing arts and Blair Edwards enjoys photography and is interested in helping people in the community. He also has his sights set on farming. Nicole Jones has always loved film and says she is
learning a lot from being behind the scenes. She is keen on a career in film directing and creativity. The finished work will be shared with the community with a red carpet premiere in October.
Filmmakers and students are capturing compelling content in Ōtorohanga. Pictured from left are Fabrice Coquet, Nicole Jones, Karla Davey, Brooke Kenny, Robert Markey Jones, Blair Edwards, Sasha McLaren, and Marua Davis.
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King Country News
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THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
King Country News | 5
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
Bowlers set Welch target Nothing wasted By Dan Tasker
King Country indoor bowlers are aiming to go one better at the National Provincial Division Four Championships starting tomorrow in Te Kūiti. The Welch Trophy is New Zealand Indoor Bowls premier inter-provincial competition, started in 1952,
compromises four divisions made up of provincial centres from across the country. It is the third consecutive division four tournament hosted at Te Kūiti’s Gallagher Recreation Centre. Nine teams will contest the title including King Country, Wairarapa, Northland, North Harbour, Thames Valley, Taranaki, Whanganui,
Horowhenua and Bush Ruahine. King Country representative and former Te Kūiti bowler now playing in Te Awamutu Paul Walker said the Gallagher Recreation Centre had proved to be a hit as a tournament venue. “We were looking around for a venue and the Gallagher (Recreation) Centre turned
DoC grants announced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari will be given a $600,000 government funded boost. The fenced sanctuary, which has cut its cloth to meet costs, gets $606,500 to help with fence maintenance and habitat restoration costs. It is one of two communityled projects protecting threatened species to share $1.2 million through the Conservation Department’s Community Fund. The funding is expected to leverage a further $1.38 million in cash and in-kind coinvestment from the projects and their partners. “For every $1 our Government invests, more than $1.14 is expected in co-investment, supporting almost $2.6 million of conservation work across
our region,” Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger said. She said the money for Maungatautari would help protect the conservation gains already made there. East Taranaki Environment Trust will get $600,000 for predator control and monitoring across 46,000 hectares through its NorthEast Taranaki Kōkako Landscape Project. “This is conservation on a massive scale. The project is co-led with iwi, strongly supported by volunteers and will protect our recovering kōkako population while benefiting many other native species, said the MP. Both projects are in Kuriger’s electorate. “Both projects are building on years of local effort. Our
government is backing the people doing the hard work to protect our native wildlife and ensure these special places continue to thrive,” Kuriger said. The funding forms part of the Government’s $9.2 million investment in 20 communityled conservation projects through the DoC Community Fund.
Barbara Kuriger
up as the best venue for centrality, cost and facilities,” Walker said. King Country had their most successful finish to place second at last year’s competition, and Walker is hoping they can go one better this weekend. “We finished second last year, which was a shock to everybody to tell you the truth,” Walker said. “It’s going to be a case of turning up and see what happens on the day. It was a real pleasant surprise for us to finish as high as we did (last year),” he said. It presents an opportunity for King Country to be promoted to division three if they win, a prospect most local bowlers wouldn’t have dreamed of before the old Patterson Trophy and Welch Trophy was changed in 2024. Centres are now organised into divisions aligned to their performance level, which Walker said has made for more competitive tournaments. “We’d really strive hard and we’d knock out a top player occasionally, but there was never a chance that we were ever going to win the old style Patterson Trophy and then qualify to go and play for the Welch (Trophy). That was just never going to
Paul Walker
happen. “This way there’s serious competition for all the trophies and you’re playing with a purpose – promotion or to stave off relegation, so it’s wonderful,” he said. The King Country team has kept their hand in leading into the tournament, with most of the team competing in the Bankier Rosebowl in Te Awamutu recently. Each centre has eight players split into two groups of four and will play in fours, pairs and singles games across the five rounds which run from Friday night to Sunday lunchtime. The King Country team is Kevin Marshall (captain), Maryanne Tanfield, Jim Parsons and Brendon Hand (group A); John Whitehead, Warren Davis, Paul Walker and Rod Ward (group B); reserve: Bruce Grace.
Almost four tonnes of hazardous and electronic waste were collected in Ōtorohanga District Council’s annual chemical and electrical drop-off event. The council runs the events in Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia to help people clear out unwanted hazardous and electronic waste products. Waste Minimisation Coordinator Jane Shaw said the council collected over 1.5 tonnes of electronic waste, over a tonne of paint, and 507kg of oils and automotive waste. Another 780 kg of other household waste including chemicals, pesticides, batteries, solvents and aerosols were also collected. “A goal is to ensure they’re disposed of in a safe and sustainable way,” she said. Electronic waste is taken to Echo Tech in Auckland where it is dismantled and processed for recycling. Oils are filtered and cleaned to enable reuse, and paints solidified for safe disposal. Shaw said most of the chemicals were neutralised for safe treatment and disposal. The drop-off events are funded by the Government Waste Levy.
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King Country News
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
AGE OF REASON
ON SHAKY GROUND
Change for the worst
Volcano misconceptions
Years ago, many more than I like to remember, I used to get invited to the King Country Power Board annual lunch. It was a fine affair. I recall vividly two or three features of that occasion that still stand out for me 35 or even 40 years later. One was that three of us invitees were asked to speak, but for no longer than two minutes. It was quite a challenge for me at the time, to come up something erudite, witty, and complimentary in two minutes. The local National MP at the time couldn’t and passed on each occasion. The second feature I remember, even better, was the graph - a huge display of names and numbers, at which King Country were always at the bottom. It was an annual snapshot of power prices to consumers and ours were always the lowest. Then along came Max Bradford, the Minister of Energy, in another National government at the time with his reformation of the country’s energy systems. Over time, we became as bad as everybody else. Or as expensive as everyone else. This wonderful, small energy company set up by the people of the district, was taken over by government edict - and ruined by corporate greed and incompetence. Now a government of the same creed and colour, is proposing to do exactly the same to local government. Most people agree that the council systems we have now are not fit for the purpose they were designed for.
I have done a lot of communication work, which has included several hundred media interviews when a volcano hits the news, sharing information on social media, and sharing writing like this. This has included busting many myths that frequently pop up, and misinformation that circulates like wildfire during a crisis. The implications of AI for spreading misinformation are uncomfortable at best. Sometime around five years ago I had an idea. Most scientific peer-reviewed research is written in technical language that makes it difficult for non-experts to read, and much of that is locked behind paywalls where you have to pay to read it. Peer-review is when we submit a research article to a journal and it is sent out to several other scientists relevant to the topic and they review it. They point out any mistakes, any gaps in the research that has been missed, and ultimately, decide whether or not research is good enough for publication. After seeing misinformation and misunderstandings pop up around volcanoes over and over and over again, I had the idea of putting together a peer-reviewed guide for everyone to quickly check if an idea holds. Last week, this mammoth of a scientific article finally came out: “Getting the story straight: common misconceptions around volcanoes and eruptions with case studies of recent events”. I brought together 26 coauthors from institutions around the world, with different specialties within volcanology, and we addressed some of the most common issues we see.
By Richard Steele
But taking this failed model, and just making it bigger with the same people in the same places, doing the same old same old, is like the electricity reforms - another recipe for disaster. Who will pay for the next shambles? You and me. I was told that the architect of the failed electricity reforms left the country, and that the designer of the last local government reforms was knighted. So there are mixed messages there you can’t take much from. I don’t have a great impending sense of doom, just a feeling of despair, that we have learned nothing from the mistakes of the past. Meanwhile, I’ve been reading the ongoing leaky apartments saga in Auckland that have cost the owners two and three times their initial purchase price to repair something that was never their fault in the first place. For most of us, our home is our only and our biggest asset, something we aspire to, and be freehold in when we retire. When buying a home or an apartment it seems common sense to pay people who know more about how these things are built than you and me. You ask a lawyer, a council representative, obtain a LIM report. But when it all turns to custard, and your dreams are shattered by layers of what looks like incompetency, you are just expected to grin and bear it. In an age where we are all responsible for our actions, the buck is not stopping where it should.
By Janine Krippner
This is one of the biggest projects I have worked on, on a topic I am passionate about. An example is why volcanic ash is not smoke and why this matters. Another is the idea that an eruption at Yellowstone volcano is imminent and will destroy the world. We address “supervolcanoes” and why the name does not mean every eruption will be a super one. We address the “Pacific Ring of Fire” and what it does and does not mean. We write about volcanoes and climate, and if earthquakes can trigger eruptions. With each one, we present the main takeaway points then go into what the research says. We then share case studies that illustrate what happens when misinformation gets out of hand. From the Agung eruption in 2017, where my crisis communication work began, to the Kīlauea 2018 eruption, Etna in Italy, Taal in the Philippines, and La Soufrière St. Vincent in the eastern Caribbean. The hope is that this is a guide people can keep on hand and refer to. I want this to be helpful for people everywhere, not sitting behind a paywall where it is not used. I strongly believe that there is so much more science can do to ensure that our research is useful for society, this is one small step towards that. You can search for the title online and it will lead you right to it. It is free for anyone to access.
Two important votes. your say. Have y Voting is now open. This year, beneficaries will vote on: Trustee Election - Vote for three Trustees. Ownership Review Poll - Have your say on the future ownership of The Lines Company.
Voting closes midday, Thursday 24 September.
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See your voting pack or visit our webiste for more information.
King Country News | 7
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026 8
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | www.kingcountrynews.co.nz
Positively PIOPIO
Eyes on Piopio legends on for wool drives Piopio doyen
By Dan Tasker
Piopio has a proud history of producing people who have punched above their weight on the world stage, and now a local group wants to immortalise their stories. Project Piopio Trust is a group of half a dozen locals who are passionate about putting Piopio on the map, and one of their latest projects is the ‘Piopio District Local Legends’ project. Led by trust member Joy Jeffries, the display aims to tell the stories of people from the wider Piopio area who have represented New Zealand or had success on a global scale. The idea of a ‘Local Legends’ project sprouted from a conversation Jeffries had with Piopio’s Paddy Coffin, mother of former Silver Fern netballer and television presenter Jenny-May Clarkson (nee Coffin). She was discussing the success
of equestrian Natalie Foss “and then I said, ‘Why hasn’t Piopio got something acknowledging these people?’. She said, ‘I’ll come to the opening’, so that’s when I thought, ‘It needs to be done’,” Jeffries said. “They should be proud of what they’ve achieved for coming from a small good King Country place and be proud of what they have done,” she said. After promoting the idea publicly, Jeffries said she had 35 people on paper who meet the criteria of living in Piopio for at least five years, and either representing New Zealand or breaking a world record. Some famous names to come in include Olympic gold-medallist rower Rob Waddell, All Blacks Phil Coffin and Cortez Ratima, Black Fern Dame Farah Palmer, NZ shearing great Sir David Fagan, NZ trap-shooter Natalie Foss, NZ eventing equestrian rider Tessa
Bradcock and Silver Fern Clarkson. The trust is currently pulling together information to tell the stories of the ‘Local Legends’, which will be printed on A4 and A5-sized plaques. Aside from celebrating the success of locals on the big stage, trust member Nicky Atkinson said the project was also about inspiring local kids to achieve great things. “That’s the goal of it really is to inspire all these other young kids down here at the primary school. Just because they come from Piopio doesn’t mean to say they can’t aspire to big things,” Atkinson said. “If they can see a wall like that and see how many people have gone away from here and done something interesting, then it’s worthwhile for us,” she said. Atkinson believed the secret to people from Piopio consistently achieving great things was down
to kids growing up in “rural communities”. “They have to get out there and chase their parents around the farm and open up the gates. They get out into the fresh outdoors as kids do. They’re used to hard work,” Atkinson said. Project Piopio Trust is working with Waitomo District Council on a potential site for the display at the Piopio Memorial Hall, and hopes to host an opening in early 2027. The trust is an evolution of a group which started in 2006 with a vision to make Piopio more attractive to live, after the town went from having 12 to six shops; it now has 25 shops. There are several other projects the Project Piopio Trust is working on, including updating nine large framed artworks, local signage and upgrades to the saleyards area, the St John garden and the village green.
Cortez Ratima
Rob Waddell
Sir David Fagan
Dame Farah Palmer
Phil Coffin
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8 |
King Country News
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
Rams on a trophy run By Dan Tasker
It’s approaching week three of the Heartland Championship and already the King Country Rams’ trophy cabinet is starting to fill up. A scintillating 48-29 win against Thames Valley on the hallowed grounds of Te Kūiti’s Rugby Park saw the Rams not only defend the Bill Osborne Taonga they won a week earlier, but also take hold of the Centurion
Cup contested between the two Chiefs unions. It’s been a long time between drinks since the Rams last drunk from the Centurion Cup in 2018 when they beat Thames Valley 37-29 in Te Aroha, and the third largest winning margin against the Swamp Foxes since the Heartland Championship began in 2006. It was also 2018 when the Rams last won their first two games on the trot, a season they would eventually go on to finish third
Coming through...
Marokopa’s Te Atatu Tapara takes on the Waitomo defence at the King Country Rugby League 9s at Centennial Park in Te Kūiti on Saturday. It was the second year of the event, which attracted six teams including the Te Kūiti Warriors, Waitomo, Marokopa, Taumarunui, Tahāroa and Whaingaro Whai (Raglan). Tahāroa were the eventual winners, beating Whaingaro Whai in the final, with Tahāroa’s Sam Trangmar named the player of the tournament. Photo: Dan Tasker
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before losing their Meads Cup semi-final 58-21 to South Canterbury. In a fixture that has evaded them by the slimmest of margins in recent times, the Rams’ patience and attacking prowess that shone through to win the day. The first half had all the hallmarks of a boxing bout in the early rounds, with both sides jabbing away trying to get the measure of the other. It was fitting that the score was level at 19-19 at halftime with three tries apiece Reeve Satherley, Patrick Hedley and Logan Patterson dotted down to keep the home team in the hunt. But in similar fashion to a week earlier in Levin, King Country turned up the heat after the break to score three tries in eight minutes courtesy of a second Hedley and a double to Styris Harland giving King Country a 36-19 lead. It was the sucker punch the Rams needed to dampen the spirits of the plucky Swamp Foxes, who never recovered from the early second-half onslaught. King Country finished the job with two late tries to Peter Te Kahu and Hone Mathieson. Te Kūiti’s home town men Hedley, Mathieson and winger Baven Brown Jnr all shone through with ball in hand, while hooker Sam Robinson played arguably his best game in a maroon jersey in what was also his blazer game after captain Liam Rowlands was ruled out with a neck injury. As the Rams look to tidy up a few things as they face North Otago in Oamaru this Saturday, defence will come under the microscope after once again looking
disjointed against the counter-attack. The Maroon and Gold Cup, aptly named after colours of both teams, will be up for grabs and another trophy for King Country to defend after first playing for it on a preseason tour to Oamaru in 2021, which North Otago won in June and then defended 36-5 in November. North Otago got off to a flying start in round one to beat defending Meads Cup champions and Hanan Shield rivals Mid Canterbury 37-26, before unexpectedly going down to Buller 22-21 last week. It’s a slippery proposition for the Rams, given they haven’t won down there since knocking the Old Golds over 17-14 in 2014. In last week’s curtain-raiser, the King Country Big Horns development side were unlucky to lose 19-12 against the Thames Valley Jackels, while the King Country Trailblazers women’s team lost 41-10 to the Taranaki Whio in New Plymouth.
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Fullback Patrick Hedley scores one of his two tries against Thames Valley in Te Kūiti on Saturday. Photo: Dan Tasker
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King Country News
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
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King Country News | 11
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
ELECTION 2026
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Sudoku
X E D N F R R E L A T I O N M Q W P R V L I R T H K D T N U A E A J N U E I I S S U E T N E P H E W T S I O H T H U Z B G G R E P R P K R E E R T A C O F P E T G I N N A G I I C G O L A C B N N A T Q B L R N M T E D M E Q A E B E B R O T H E R O X H J A R B S H N R F R E D K N U N C L E P Y E Q I E A A E O E L T K Y I G A D V S L Z M T M H S R O D C O N S S N O R D I V I D T U D F Z O I R R R A S D L I W O N A R N S A L O E A E R T Y E L K N A F N I N B D H L E T G E C O S Y H R H A K I T E U A B H C P J Q I S J G X M S K Z WW T E G A S N J R S I S T E R B J Q G E R U R O T S E C N A L F I B D R H D O A H N D E P E N D A N T P B K O Y F D ANCESTOR AUNT BABY BIRTH BLOOD BROTHER CHILD COUSIN DAUGHTERS DEPENDANT FAMILY FATHER
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TE KŪITI Waitomo District Library Queen Street Dairy Patel Mini Mart New World Z Te Kūiti SuperValue BP 2GO PIOPIO Cloverleaf Cafe Piopio Food Mart Piopio Superette GAS Piopio BENNEYDALE Benneydale Foodmarket
SURNAME TIES UNCLE WEDLOCK
MŌKAU River Run Cafe Whitebait Inn WAITOMO The General Store Waitomo Caves isite ŌTOROHANGA Countdown Caltex Pat Prescott Information Centre Ōtorohanga Mini Mart Michael’s Milkbar Beattie Home Paper Plus
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Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
MEDIUM
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Wordsearch A C Y H D I C T I O N A R Y F E P T K H R M N O I T A R T S U L L I T B P M E N P S L O Y H D Y I N R A Y Q V F T R P D N V D I P B B O L H P X A S P R O R Y E R O R W M E Y U E Q N L A T V O A E C A U A L M M D V N L E H L T W C M R A N M N T N O O Y P E C E T T I Y Y C F A H I H I T X U V D C O A T H E U L E T A T P B H B E W R D L I J H K S O R A N G C G L U Y A P E T E G A L D C P H M J F I E E S T A L L U P B I N O I L O F C R C P M F E R R A D V O L U M E D A U O I A D U O C E B W P K B O O K T T V N G S H K D E G C O L U M N V I C E E X T Y R A I D B Y F H L S K O I R H U C O N T E N T S Y R O T S N P S A L T E R C H A R A C T E R S
TE KAWA Waitomo Service Station KĀWHIA Kāwhia General Store Kāwhia Motors ŌPĀRAU Ōpārau Roadhouse
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King Country News
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
Property Of The Week
Room To Live, Grow & Enjoy Welcome to your dream lifestyle property at 60 Kio Kio Station Road, Otorohanga.
space complete with decking and a patio area perfect for entertaining.
This charming home is set on a generous 6070 This property also offers an outside room sqm of land, offering a perfect blend of rural and a large shed with plenty of storage. The tranquility. property is fully fenced, ensuring privacy and safety for children and pets. Enjoy stunning The home features an open plan design, rural views from the northerly aspect, making combining the kitchen and dining areas for a this a truly picturesque setting. warm inviting atmosphere. The lounge area is perfect for relaxation, providing a cozy Additional features include a workshop for space for family gatherings. Enjoy year round your projects, a garden shed for storage, and comfort with a heat pump and closed fire for a large shed for all your equipment and toys. heating. The property is serviced by a bore water supply and a septic tank sewage system, providing Step outside to discover a fantastic outdoor self sufficiency.
ADDRESS 60 Kio Kio Station Road, Ōtorohanga LAND SIZE 6070sqm (more or less) HOUSE SIZE 110 sqm (more or less) HOUSE 4 bedrooms, 1 living rooms, 1 bathrooms, 1 carport PRICE $650,000 WEBSITE monarchsouthwest.co.nz WEB ID OH22867 VIEW Open Home: Sat 29 Aug, 11.30am-12pm Sat 5 Sept, 11.30am-12pm
John Pinny M 021 555 736 E john.pinny@harcourts.co.nz
Monarch Southwest Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Monarch Southwest Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008
King Country News | 13
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
Monarch Southwest Real Estate Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008 Sun, 2.45-3.15pm
Sun, 3.15-3.45pm
Sun, 2.00-2.30pm
Ōtorohanga 28 Turongo Street
LIFESTYLE Ōtorohanga 135 Honikiwi Road
Ōtorohanga 9 Main North Road
Ōtorohanga 94 Main North Road
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For Sale Auction 30 Sept, 12pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22873 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
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For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24376 Troy Richardson M 0277 100 102
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For Sale Deadline closes 16 Sept, 1pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22874 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
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For Sale $539,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22869 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
Sun, 1.30-2.00pm 2.45-3.15pm
Ōtorohanga 52 Orahiri Terrace
Ōtorohanga 17A Orahiri Terrace
Ōtorohanga 35 Mountain View Rd
Ōtorohanga 11 Karaka Road
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For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22868 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
For Sale $515,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22862 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
For Sale $658,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24355 Diana Manutai M 021 0295 9515
For Sale $419,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22865 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
LIFESTYLE Ōtorohanga 60 Kio Kio Station Road
Te Kūiti 2 Hinerangi Street
Te Kūiti 6 George Street
Te Kūiti 7 Butler Street
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6070sqm
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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 $579,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22828 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
Te Kūiti 22 Ailsa Street
Te Kūiti 17 Esplanade
LIFESTYLE Te Kūiti 210B Mangarino Road
Te Kūiti 16A Edward Street
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For Sale $650,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22867 John Pinny M 021 555 736
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For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22864 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
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For Sale $295,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/KC6596 Craig McKellar M 0274 572 450
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For Sale $1,650,000 + GST (if any) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22854 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
Sun, 12.00-12.30pm
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For Sale $539,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22839 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
Sun, Sun,11.30-12.00pm 2.45-3.15pm
Sun, Sun,11.30-12.00pm 2.45-3.15pm
Te Awamutu 653 Te Kawa Road
COASTAL Kawhia 163 Matire Street
Benneydale 6 Gannon Street
Benneydale 7 Ellis Road
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For Sale Deadline Closes Tue 8 Sep, 1pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22872 John Pinny M 021 555 736
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For Sale $549,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22853 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
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For Sale Offers over $300,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24328 Sue Spurdle & Bruce Spurdle M 027 476 8445 M 027 474 4430
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For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24345 Sue Spurdle & Bruce Spurdle M 027 476 8445 M 027 474 4430
14 |
King Country News
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
Mary Tapu Piopio 4 View Terrace
Te Kuiti 4 George Street
SOLD
Deadline Sale
Views, space, potential
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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.
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Spacious section, timeless appeal
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Deadline Sale closes Friday 28th August, 2026 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU234877
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Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
Te Kuiti 11 Anzac Street
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11 Anzac Street offers comfortable, easy-care living with plenty of versatility. This brick home features two bedrooms, one bathroom and a practical layout that would suit firsthome buyers, downsizers, families or investors. Recently renovated by the current owners, this is a versatile space you don't want to miss. Outside, the flat section is easy to maintain, with mature gardens providing a lovely established setting around the home. 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.
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Year-round comfort is provided by a heat pump, while electric water heating and reliable town services ensure everyday ease. Outdoors, the expansive rear yard is perfect for families, entertaining, or simply enjoying the open space. A carport provides practical off-street parking. Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
Brick beauty with extra space
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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.
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For Sale $420,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU235217
Te Kuiti 30 Awakino Road
Te Kuiti 16 View Road
At home on Awakino
Life on View Road
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.
Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
For Sale $575,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU217411
Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
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Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
For Sale $420,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU198065 3
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Te Kuiti 4 Carroll Street
Te Kuiti 2 Ellison Avenue
Te Kuiti 13 Butler Street
Te Kuiti 42 Ailsa Street
Space to grow on Carroll Street
Development available here!
Easy living starts here
Elevated living with great outlook
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 solid opportunity, this property is well worth a look.
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.
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.
For Sale $320,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU200137 2
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Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
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Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
For Sale $387,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU215093 3
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Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
For Sale $420,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU209571 3
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Deadline Sale closes 4.00pm Wed 26 Aug 2026 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU232980 4
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Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
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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 | 15
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
New Listing
New Listing
Open Home
New Listing
Open Home
Final Notice
DEADLINE SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
DEADLINE SALE
This two bedroom duplex offers comfortable living, and easy access to town. Phone Buzz or Sam.
Three bedroom home with large deck and swimming pool. Conveniently located close to primary schools Phone Buzz or Sam.
With its very tidy presentation and honest charm, it is sure to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Ph Lorraine.
Deadline Sale Closes 18 September 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Te Kuiti, unless sold prior
Two storey lifestyle home set on 6,070sqm(approx) featuring four bedrooms plus a separate sleepout. Double garage includes a vehicle pit and workshop area Phone Buzz or Sam.
View Sunday 30 August, 11.30am - 12.00pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30374
rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30375
3 Stainton Terrace, Te Kūiti
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
2A Pukenui Road, Te Kūiti
For Sale $795,000 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
5 Lawlor Street, Te Kūiti
28 Hinewai Street, Ōtorohanga
For Sale $420,000
Deadline Sale Closes 2 September 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Otorohanga, unless sold prior.
rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30376
View Sunday 30 August, 1.00 - 1.30pm rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30426 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Open Home
Open Home
Open Home
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
DEADLINE 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.
Three bedroom home with the added bonus of a self-contained investment opportunity. Phone Buzz or Sam.
Featuring three bedrooms plus rumpus, wet-room bathroom, double carport. Phone Buzz or Sam.
30 Carroll Street, Te Kūiti
8 William Street, Te Kūiti
Open Home
6 Te Kumi Road, Te Kūiti
15 Rata Street, Te Kūiti
For Sale $445,000
For Sale $375,000
For Sale $455,000
Deadline Sale Closes 8 September 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Te Kuiti, unless sold prior
View Sunday 30 August, 10.00am - 10.30am rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30179
View Sunday 30 August, 10.45 - 11.15am rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30373
View Sunday 30 August, 12.15 - 12.45pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30365
View Sunday 30 August, 1.00 - 1.30pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30372
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
This lifestyle property features open plan spaces that flow seamlessly to a sun soaked patio. Phone Sam or Buzz.
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.
Tucked away privately behind other dwellings, this spacious two bedroom unit with a flat section, also offers access to amenities. Phone Lorraine.
Solid brick three bedroom home with internal access double garage and additional separate single garage for excellent storage. Phone Buzz or Sam.
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
21A Blucks Road, Ōtorohanga
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
30 Te Kawa Street, Ōtorohanga
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
53 Hinewai Street, Ōtorohanga
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
24 Anzac Street, Te Kūiti
For Sale $799,000
For Sale $529,000 REDUCED
For Sale $390,000 REDUCED
For Sale $649,000
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30394
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30421
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30364
rwtekuiti.co.nz/30364
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Open Home
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
Maori Lease Land. Great views over the Harbour and beyond. Three bedrooms, decking on upper level, single internal access garage. Phone Julie.
Open plan living, two bedrooms inside, two bedrooms in external addition plus a sleepout and high stud garaging for the boat. Phone Julie
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.
114 Short Street, Kawhia
210 Cooper Drive, Aotea
27A & 29 Rata Street, Te Kūiti
127 Tate Road, Te Kūiti
For Sale $255,000
For Sale $575,000
For Sale By Negotiation
For Sale $890,000
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30396
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30427
rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30358
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30417
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
FOR SALE
153 Kawhia Street, Kawhia
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
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 15 William Street, Otorohanga, 406sqm, power, water and wastewater at boundary. Ph Lorraine .............$275,000 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)
Maori Lease Land. Terrific views over the harbour and boat ramp, elevated, two bedrooms plus sleepout, sunroom, open plan living. Phone Julie.
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
For Sale $315,000
Other sections (sizes are approximate)
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30397 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Ray White
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
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King Country News
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
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King Country News | 17
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
Gardening F O R B LO O M I N G BEAUTIES AND P L A N T S T H AT THRIVE
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Dave Rowe PAINTING LTD FENCING & RURAL SOLUTIONS Servicing the Waikato TR ADE PROFESSIONALS TR ADE PROFESSIONALS TR ADE PROFESSIONALS Rural Farm Fencing • Repairs or New Builds
• Interior & Exterior • Painting • Wallpapering • Spray Painting • Roofs • Farm Buildings
Katrina Christison
Tidy Gardens
Plant of the month
One of the real standouts through the cooler months is Camellia Early Pearly — an autumn to early winter flowering camellia that quietly does its thing when a lot of the garden is starting to slow down. It’s a Camellia sasanqua, so you get that softer, more relaxed look compared to japonicas, along with earlier flowering and better tolerance of sun and wind — which makes it a really practical choice for our conditions. If you let Early Pearly grow naturally as a small tree, it will typically reach around 3–4 metres tall and about 2–3 metres wide over time. It forms a dense, upright shape with glossy green foliage, and those simple white flowers with golden centres bring a really clean, fresh feel into the garden when they start appearing in autumn. But where I think it really shines is as a hedge. I use it as a tight, formal hedge and keep mine trimmed to just over 30cm wide. It handles this incredibly well — the foliage is fine enough and dense enough that you can keep it narrow without it looking sparse or stressed. That’s not something you can say for a lot of hedging plants. Keeping it this tight gives you a really sharp, modern line — perfect along paths, boundaries, or up against a house where you don’t want planting pushing out too far. And because it flowers on the outer growth, you still get a beautiful display of blooms sitting right on that clipped edge. It responds well to regular trimming, and a light clip after flowering helps keep it neat and encourages that dense growth you want in a hedge. It’s also a great option if you’re working with a narrow space but still want something evergreen, structured, and a bit special through the cooler months. It’s one of those plants that just quietly performs — looks good all year, flowers when you need it most, and fits into both formal and relaxed garden styles without any fuss.
All interior jobs booked in June/July/August receive a
10% discount t&c apply Chivone Prak • 021 211 1176
decorator@daverowepainting.co.nz
Contact Hayden Soeters: 021 182 4652 Or email: info@soetersrural.nz
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PUBLIC NOTICES
ESSENTIAL SERVICES DIRECTORY EMERGENCIES Police, Fire, Ambulance.....................................................................Dial 111 Non emergency police......................................................................Dial 105
www.dmjewellery.co.nz
KING COUNTRY SELF STORAGE • Security Patrols • • Free Moving In Trailer • Progress Dr, Ōtorohanga Awakino Rd, Te Kūiti
07 873 7271
POLICE Te Kūiti........................................................................................07 878 1450 Ōtorohanga................................................................................07 873 7399 Piopio..........................................................................................07 877 0490 Benneydale.................................................................................07 878 1370
MEDICAL ROSTER Ōtorohanga................................................................................07 873 8399 Te Kūiti........................................................................................07 878 7878 For all urgent out of hours call...................................................07 878 7878 Unichem Te Kūiti Pharmacy Sat 9.30am - 12.30pm....................07 878 8011 Unichem Ōtorohanga Pharmacy Sat 9am - 12.30pm.................07 873 7294
COMMUNITY SERVICES
MANGO MOW
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tidygardens@xtra.co.nz | tidygardens.co.nz
021 153 0774
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027 770 7277
contact@mangosolutions.co.nz
Citizens Advice Bureau -Ōtorohanga, Te Kūiti and Taumarunui (free legal advice)...................................................................0800 367 222/07 878 7636 Community Mental Health Service.............................................07 878 8767 Emergencies..............................................................................0800 505 050 Counselling Services North King Country Mon - Fri, 9am - 3pm...................................................................07 873 7676 Waitomo Women’s Refuge Helpline.................07 878 5081 or 0800 733 843 Te Kūiti Hospital..........................................................................07 878 7333 Cancer Society supportive care nurse......................................0800 227 744 Te Kūiti Community House .........................................................07 878 5272 NKC Family Support Mon - Fri, 9am - 3pm...................................07 873 6502 Noise Control (Waitomo District Council)...................................07 878 0800 Noise Control (Ōtorohanga District Council)..............................07 878 4000 Ōtorohanga District Council (24 hrs)..........................................07 873 4000 Waitomo District Council (24hrs)............................................0800 932 4357 Victim Support Services.................................027 281 1499 or 0800 842 846
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King Country News
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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
TE KUITI AND DISTRICT MEMORIAL RSA INC
CALF MILK WANTED
AGM Sunday 30th August 2026 at 1pm at the Waitomo Club BUSINESS
Welcome by the President 1. Apologies 2. Moment’s silence for those who have passed 3. Confirmation of minutes from annual general meeting 2025 4. President’s report 5. Treasurer’s report 6. Confirmation of Auditor for 2027 7. Election of officers 8. General business
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Join Our Team - Service Desk and Digital Support Officer Are you passionate about technology and helping people? Do you enjoy solving problems and learning new digital tools? We’re looking for a Service Desk and Digital Support Officer to join our Customer and Digital Services team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone starting their IT career or looking to build on existing technical support experience in a supportive environment. As the first point of contact for technology support across the organisation, you’ll provide practical first-line assistance to staff, helping them get the most out of their devices, Microsoft 365 applications, and digital tools. Key responsibilities include: • Responding to service desk requests and providing dayto-day digital support • Troubleshooting routine issues with Microsoft 365, laptops, mobile devices, and workplace technology • Onboarding and offboarding activities • Preparing and deploying devices and maintaining asset records We’re seeking someone who is customer-focused, enthusiastic about technology, and eager to learn. If you are confident using computers and common digital applications, have strong communication skills, are self-motivated and have a high level of initiative, we would love to hear from you. To apply for this position please visit www.joinourteam.co.nz Applications close: 8 September 2026
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Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
INSTANT CASH $$$$$ Up to $5000
PUBLIC NOTICE
Of an application for Off-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 off-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-Fri 5pm to 10pm, SatSun 11am-10pm.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.
He Pānuitanga ki te Iwi
Te Nehenehenui Hui ā-Tau 2026 Te Rā: 19 September 2026 Kei: Te Kūiti Pā, Te Kūiti Wā: 10am Rārangi Take - Agenda 10am Whakatau 10:30am Apologies, Minutes from previous hui 10:40am 2025/26 Te Nehenehenui Annual Report TNN Chair Report Waihikurangi Chair Report Ahuahu Group Limited Chair Report Group CEO Report 11:10am Te Nehenehenui Financial Statements 11:30am Pātai / Resolutions Trustee Remuneration / Resolutions 12:00pm: Operational Report 12.15pm: Pātai 12.45pm: Elections Announcement 1:00pm Kai o te rānui To view our Annual Report please visit our website www.tenehenehenui.co.nz For Enquiries Contact: patai@tnn.co.nz, 0800 668 285 49 Taupiri St, Te Kūiti
Goddin Helen JP and Funeral Carter Directors
Te Awamutu, We’re
APRIL
Got reject or surplus milk? Call us today on 027 871 5075. We collect within 1.5 hours drive from Te Awamutu.
WEEKLY CLASSIFIED DEADLINES Publishing Every Thursday
Booking & copy setting 5pm Monday prior to Thursday publication
*All classified advertising is prepaid prior to publication. *Late bookings after deadline are subject to space available.
WE BUY ANY JUNK VEHICLES CONDITIONS APPLY
CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs, TRACTORS, FORKLIFTS
7 DAYS FREE PICK-UP Phone Tiger or Ray 0800 668 833 027 433 3338 or 07 823 6500
celebrating 10 WAIKATO GANG SHOW th
2005-2026
29th August - 5th september riverlea theatre, hamilton Scan for Tickets
King Country News | 19
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICES
LIVESTOCK
WAITOMO SOCIETY OF ARTS – Save the date: 1720 Sep Waitomo Society of Arts Exhibition, Les Munro Centre.
TE KUITI CATTLE SALE
Discover the joy of singing ! Waitomo Caves Choir
Open Day
Saturday 29 August 9.45am – 12pm Baptist Church, Otorohanga 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
PIRONGIA MARKET Pirongia Community Centre, Crozier St Sunday, August 30 9am - 1pm Last Sunday of every month Email jim1@xtra.co.nz or ph Jim 027 366 5842
Friday 28th August, 2026 12 Noon Start 325 Assorted Cattle Comprising: 25 MA MT Cows 50 R2 Assorted Strs 60 R2 Assorted Hfrs 80 R1 Beef x Strs 50 R1 Bulls 60 R1 Ang + Beef x Hfrs
MOTORING
GOATS WANTED Will buy or muster feral goats Prompt pick up and Electricks payment Auto Phand Gavin 027 877 7512 Air Conditioning or23a 07Progress 877 7512 Dr,
AUTO ELECTRICIAN Ōtorohanga 078737373 0276878614 MOTORING
AUTO MECHANIC 152 Maniapoto St Ōtorohanga
MOTORING
AGM
Tuesday 8 September @ The Waitomo Club 5.30 om
• Meet & Greet • Annual reports • Election of officers • For committee nomination forms email
info@tekuiti.org.nz Everyone Welcome
Kahuwera B2B7A2B1 Ahu Whenua Trust
AGM
Date: 19 September 2026 Time: 10.00 am Venue: Napinapi Paa Agenda 1. Karakia/Mihi 2. Apologies 3. Minutes from previous hui 4. Chairperson’s Report 5. Financial Report 6. Nominations to replace three outgoing Trustees 7. General Business
AUTO ELECTRICIAN Auto Electricks and Air Conditioning 23a Progress Dr, Ōtorohanga 078737373 0276878614
AUTO MECHANIC Mangarapa Trust PUBLIC NOTICES
AGM
Saturday, August 07 873 8522 152 2026 Maniapoto 29th, at St1pm Ōtorohanga
Where: Te Ahoroa Marae, Te Ahoroa Rd, Rangitoto. Enquiries to bettyholden@yahoo.com
ŌTOROHANGA TENNIS CLUB
SITUATIONS VACANT
AGM
DAIRY ASSISTANT / 2IC Urgently required
Wednesday 9th September at 6pm, at the Ōtorohanga Tennis Club
• 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.
Phone/txt 027 4853 773
Missed Delivery? Phone 07 827 0005
CHURCH NOTICES
St Bride’s Anglican Church Haerehuka St Ōtorohanga
Harvest Church Ōtorohanga Sunday Service @ 10.30am 5 Tuhoro Street, Ōtorohanga Ph 07 873 8890 Mob 027 493 0117 Email harvest.pc@xtra.co.nz ALL WELCOME. Pastors Peter & Carole Coventry (An Assemblies of God Church)
07 873 8522
Te Kuiti Development Inc
CHURCH NOTICES
ŌTOROHANGA BAPTIST CHURCH
Sunday morning service 10am Alpha Dinners 6.30pm Fridays Starting 7 August 2026 Free catered dinner followed by Alpha video and discussion Please RSVP stbrides@xtra.co.nz or 021 654 029 Ph 07 873 7006
St David's Presbyterian Church Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga Services – Sunday 10am Session clerk Ph Dawn 07 873 8735 Room bookings Ph Claire 027 276 6624
8 Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga
Sundays 10:30am Service and Children’s programme Everyone is welcome Contact: 07 873 8685
PIOPIO ARIA MŌKAU CO-OPERATING PARISH All Saints Piopio, 22 Moa St Sunday 10am St Peter’s by the Sea 25 Aria Tce, Mōkau 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday 2pm Piopio contact: 07 877 8097 Mokau contact: 06 752 9123
St Luke's Anglican Church Te Kūiti 10am Holy Communion Service All welcome Phone parish office 07 878 8026
Need a job filled?
IN MEMORIAM
DEATH NOTICES
Charles Edwin MACKINDER 05/02/1935 – 28/08/2021 Another year has passed but the tears still flow. Another experience done alone. Another memory made but not shared. Fly high my soul mate, gone but never forgotten. Love always, Marilyn
BROSNAHAN, Helen Margaret (Bobbie) 26/10/1938 – 21/08/2026 – Loved wife of Terry (deceased). Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Maree and Kevin, Susan and Lewis, David and Georgina. Loved Nana of eight and great-nana of eight. Special thanks to Taupo Hospital ward staff for their wonderful care and attention. According to Bobbie’s wishes, a private family service and cremation has been held. Communications to Maree Natzke, 18 Johns Street, Te Kuiti 3910. Taupo Funeral Services Ltd.
MILLAR, Kevin (Blackie) Cherished memories of a loved Brother and Uncle who tragically passed 16 years ago tomorrow. It's hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. Forever loved and missed by Kathryn, girls and families.
Family Notices
• Engagements • Weddings • Births • Anniversaries • Bereavements • In Memoriam etc
CONNOLLY, Brian James – On 24 August 2026 surrounded by love. Devoted and loving husband of Bev. Treasured Father and Fatherin-law of Judith and Paul, Ben and Hannah, Sarah and Roger, Reuben and Deb, Rachel and Al, Nicolas and Xavia, Anna and Tristan, Matthew and the late Melita and Timothy. A very special Grandad of twenty, and two on the way. A service of remembrance will be held at Gibson Funerals, 30 Gillies Street, Cambridge on Friday 28 August at 11am. Special thanks to Joyce Wong, Beattie Home and Te Ata Rest Home. Communications C/- Gibson Funerals.
Call Janine 027 287 0005 or email janine@goodlocal.nz
ADVERTISE YOUR VACANCY WITH US Call Janine 027 287 0005 or email janine@goodlocal.nz
FUNERAL SERVICES
CHURCH NOTICES
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 Sheridan07 St, Te Kuiti 878 8694 www.journeychurch.org.nz Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 021 703 008 07 878 8694 021 703 008
King Country Christians An Assemblies of God Church meet every Sunday
An Assemblies of God Church in the Piopio Senior Citizens Hall, Weka Street, Piopio, at 10.30am
0211359346 John 021135946 0274 222 250 Phone Judy
Everyone is welcome!
Jim Goddin Funeral Director
A Farewell with Heart Every life deserves a meaningful farewell. Our compassionate, professional, and dedicated team is here to help, offering care and understanding when it matters most. Call us anytime – we’re here for you.
07 870 2137 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu www.rosetown.co.nz
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King Country News
Amio
A U G U ST 20 2 6 I SSUE MAYOR’S MESSAGE Kia ora koutou,
August has been another busy month for our district, including an important milestone as Ōtorohanga and Waitomo District Councils formally approved our joint Head Start proposal to Government. I want to reassure our community that this is the beginning of a process – no decision has been made to combine our councils, or about what any future structure, rates or services might look like. The Government has signalled significant change for local government across New Zealand. By putting forward our own proposal, we have an opportunity to help shape what that future could look like for the King Country, while protecting what matters to us - our local voice, identity and communities. Government will now consider the proposal and, if it progresses, there will be much more detailed work and further opportunities for our communities, iwi and stakeholders to have their say. At the same time, it remains business as usual across Council. Our teams continue to deliver the services, projects and facilities our communities rely on every day. Thank you to everyone who continues to get involved, share your views and contribute to our district. We’ll keep you informed as this work progresses. Ngā mihi nui,
Mayor of Ōtorohanga District
THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2026
CELEBRATING RECYCLING SUCCESS IN OUR DISTRICT A great result in our household chemical and electrical drop-off events this year! Nearly four tonnes of hazardous and electronic waste were collected. Council runs these annual events in Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia to help people get rid of unwanted hazardous and electronic waste products. A goal is to ensure they’re disposed of in a safe and sustainable way. We collected over:
1.5 tonnes of electronic waste
ENJOY TE REO THIS MĀORI LANGUAGE WEEK It’s time to celebrate, learn and have a kōrero! Te Wiki o te Reo Māori runs from 14-21 September, and we’re excited to join the celebrations. We’re running a special preschool storytime on 17 September at 10.30am. With Māori culture, storytelling and plenty of fun, it’s a wonderful way for tamariki and whānau to enjoy stories together while hearing and using te reo Māori. Check out our Library of Things, where you’ll find great resources to help make learning te reo easy and enjoyable. You can borrow our Mariki Cards, Panga Jigsaw Kit or Papa Reo Resources Kit. We also have a small selection of Māori language books for children and adults. Pop into the library and let’s celebrate te reo Māori together.
507 kg
oils and automotive waste
Check out what you can do at the library today! Visit: www.otodc.govt.nz/our-district/libraries
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS
1 tonne of paint
780 kg
of other household waste were collected.
This included chemicals, pesticides, batteries, solvents and aerosols. The electronic waste headed to Echo Tech in Auckland where it was dismantled and processed for recycling. The oils were filtered and cleaned to enable reuse, and paints were solidified for safe disposal. Most of the chemicals were neutralised for safe treatment and disposal. No ratepayer funds are used in these drop-off events as they are funded by the Government Waste Levy.
Members of the public are welcome to attend Council and Community Board meetings. Ōtorohanga Community Board Council Chambers, 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga
Monday 7 September (4.00pm)
Kāwhia Community Board Kāwhia Community Hall, 141 Jervois Street, Kāwhia
Thursday 3 September (4.00pm)
Elected Member Workshops Council Chambers, 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga
Tuesday 8 September (9.00am)
Council Meeting Council Chambers, 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga
Tuesday 29 September (9.00am)
Agendas and meeting information are available on our website closer to each meeting date.
LOCAL TALENT IN FOCUS Thanks for all the awesome entries in our community photography competition, Chips Gallery. We’re delighted to announce the first-equal winners are Roman Dykstra, Kiahna and Macy Dorssers, Brooklyn Morgenthaler, Kaytee Clarke and Chrissy Parson. The photos will be exhibited at the Village Green Bakery. Our special guest judge Elle, chair of our Arts Grants Committee, says it was tough choosing the winners, as the quality of entries was so high. It’s great to see our community coming to life in these photos.
Top left: Emma Waits for Lunch: Chrissy Parson Bottom row, left to right: Our Indie: by Roman Dykstra Sparrow: by Kaytee Clarke Animal Friends: by Brooklyn Morgenthaler Home Baked Quality Time: Kiahna and Macy Dorssers
Ōtorohanga District Council | 17 Maniapoto St, Ōtorohanga 0800 734 000 or 07 873 4000 | www.otodc.govt.nz