King Country News | July 30, 2026

Robbery charges laid

By Dan Tasker

Three youths have been charged following the aggravated robbery of a Te Kūiti dairy that left one owner beaten and about $11,000 out of pocket.

Police confirmed on Friday youths aged 13 to 15 were found in Te Kūiti following the execution of several search

warrants.

They have recovered property believed to be linked to the robbery at Patel’s Mini Market on Te Kūiti Rd on July 15.

Waikato Western Area Commander Inspector Andrew Mortimore said the charges include aggravated robbery, burglary and theft and further charges are

possible.

The robbery was the first major incident owners Hemant and Bhavna Patel had experienced in their 10 years running the dairy.

“We feel relieved but still we feel scared and unsafe and not 100 percent. We need to be more alert and more aware of what we’re doing,” Bhavna said.

She was sad to hear that the three arrested were locals.

The 80-second robbery unfolded shortly after 7am, when four people entered the shop and targeted the cigarette cabinet and cash register. They stole around $10,000 worth of tobacco products and about $1500 in cash.

The intruders damaged

property with a hammer and assaulted Hemant before making off in a white station wagon.

The couple said the traumatic event had given them no option but to strengthen security, including a smoke cannon and a security cage around the counter likely to cost around $12,000.

A piano in the quay of sea

By Dan Tasker

Piano rescuer Remko Pootjes has been at it again, this time repurposing an old piano into an aquatic masterpiece with local artist Sian Dimond.

Pootjes, of Ōtorohanga, set up the Remiano Charitable Trust in 2024 to rescue unwanted pianos and restore them into public artworks placed in communities across New Zealand, with proceeds helping support children’s music education.

The latest piano was unveiled at Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium in Auckland on July 18, a fitting home for the piano after Sian gave it the underwater touch with her paint brush.

Waitomo Caves School students had been painting one of the trust’s pianos under the watchful eye of principal Tamae Dimond, when her daughter and veterinary student Sian showed an interest in painting another one.

Pootjes sourced another piano from Ōtorohanga and sent it out to Waitomo, where Dimond worked on it in the basement over the course of two weeks during her summer holiday.

Given her love of animals, Sian created an aquatic scene with acrylic paint, featuring all sorts of underwater creatures, including octopus, orca, shark, jelly fish and coral.

Pootjes was so please with what Sian had created, he began searching for an appropriate home for it and came up with Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s.

“I came across it when she’d done it; I thought, ‘This is too nice just to put it on the street corner somewhere. It’s got to go somewhere official’. So I approached Kelly Tarlton’s, but because it’s an overseas-owned company, I couldn’t get through to them. But eventually, as you can see, it ended up there,” Pootjes said.

The piano’s unveiling brought

together the people behind the project, including Pootjes, Sian, Fishpond managing director and project sponsor Daniel Robertson and Remiano Charitable Trust trustee Sarah Guy, while Auckland deputy mayor Desley Simpson also

came down and played a few tunes on the piano.

As a hobby artist, Sian said seeing her artwork displayed and enjoyed at a busy public attraction was “exciting” and had given her the confidence to do more in the future.

“I was a little bit nervous because I did have to do a little speech about the inspiration behind the piano and about the process. It was in front of the deputy mayor of Auckland which was cool,” Sian said.

“I didn’t know it was going to go this far or get this much attention. It’s a hobby for me, I don’t really feel like an artist, but now it’s officially in a fish museum so I feel like I can call myself an artist now,” she said.

At the unveiling, Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s operations manager Amaya Kang said the piano represented much more than a piece of artwork.

“…it tells a story of sustainability and giving something a second life,” Kang said.

Sian and Pootjes already have their next project planned – a cave-themed piano destined for the Waitomo Caves Museum – adding to the more than 100 pianos already repurposed by the trust.

St John Health Shuttle

Merger talks

Ōtorohanga and Waitomo District Councils will hold an extraordinary meeting on August 4 with an eye to adopting their combined amalgamation proposal. The meeting, scheduled outside the usual monthly meeting rotation, will give elected members from both councils the chance to sign off on the joint Head Start proposal, which advocates for the two councils joining together.

Deer issue

Welfare/Companion Visits

Domestic Cleaning in/outside Meal prep & cook support

Home support for recovery from illness, postnatal & injury

Contact Gina - 027 858 1115 Arohahomesupport@gmail.com

In the wake of an announcement that Sika have been declared a herd of special interest in New Zealand, a new Canterbury University paper has called for a deer management strategy and says their rising numbers are driving a slow often hidden decline in native forests.

Squad named King Country Trailblazers

rugby head coach Wayne Fraser has named a 35-women wider squad to play in their preseason game against Central Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on Saturday. It will be followed by a second pre-season hitout against Whanganui in Taumarunui, after which the squad will be trimmed. The Trailblazers kick-off their Northern Region campaign against Thames Valley in Taupō on August 15.

Couple are planting a forest

A further 6,500 native trees are now in the ground as part of the long-term restoration of a Waitomo landscape.

The Pākehō Crag Restoration Project is a familyled conservation project established by Michelle and Stefan Boddie.

Their vision is to transition the 13-hectare property into native forest, creating a sanctuary for native birds, bats, lizards, insects and other wildlife.

The Oparure Road property has been in the Boddie family since 1912 and is home to a nationally significant limestone landscape featuring ancient forest, caves, streams and karst formations.

It is also home to a small family-run tourism business and a recreation area, Pākehō Climbing Crag.

“For many years, we’ve dreamed of restoring this special landscape to native forest and creating a permanent sanctuary for New Zealand wildlife, Michelle Boddie said.

“This land has been part of our family’s farming story for generations, and we’re proud of that history. We now see this restoration project as the next chapter,”

The lates planting was enabled thanks to Regen Waikato, supported by Mercury’s Community Fund.

The project builds on years of conservation work already undertaken on the property.

“We’re not conservation experts or even farmers by trade. We both come from very different working backgrounds, so we’re learning as we go,” Michelle Boddie said.

“Most of our weekends are now spent controlling pests, maintaining tracks, monitoring wildlife and exploring what else we can do to support the longterm health of the ecosystem—and we love it.”

Stefan Boddie explores new technologies, including trail cameras, to better understand what is happening across the property and identify new ways to protect it.

The restoration project is closely connected to Michelle and Stefan’s family business, Down to Earth Waitomo Eco Cave Tours, which operates from the

Following several burglary, dishonesty, and robbery-related incidents, primarily in the Te Kuiti area, police executed a number of search warrants. As a result, three youths have been arrested and charged and are currently subject to bail conditions.

During the execution of these warrants, staff recovered stolen items linked to other reported offences, including property taken from a flood-affected home that was burgled in Ōtorohanga. Investigations into several matters remain ongoing, and police are committed to identifying and holding further offenders accountable.

Police attended a vehicle crash in Te Kūiti involving a car and a truck. Fortunately, those involved sustained only minor injuries

same Oparure Road property.

Michelle says the business and restoration project are deeply linked.

The restoration work is funded through a combination of profits from Down to Earth Waitomo Eco Cave Tours, donations from people using Pākehō Climbing Crag, and community grants.

The pair are active contributors to Trap.NZ, a nationwide predator-control platform that records and tracks trapping efforts across New Zealand. Their current programme removes about 60 possums and rodents a month.

Waikato Regional Council programme lead Paul Smith said the site is of exceptional ecological significance, with its karst features ranked highly among Waikato Regional Council’s top 50 karst features in the region.

“This is thought to be the second-largest underground river system in the North Island, flowing through an incredibly precious karst landscape, and it has enormous potential for biodiversity restoration,” he said.

and were able to walk away from the collision.

In a separate incident on SH30, police responded to a vehicle crash where the driver had left the scene. Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

Following on from a family harm incident, a 43-year-old Te Kūiti man was arrested and charged with breaching a Protection Order. Police opposed bail, and the man was remanded in custody.

Following a separated family harm matter, Police located and arrested a 36-year-old man at an address in Ōtorohanga. While executing enquiries at the property, staff also located and seized a firearm. Police would like to acknowledge the cooperation of those

involved, which assisted staff in resolving the matter safely.

Following the earthquake felt across parts of the region over the weekend, police received several calls relating to slips and fallen trees affecting local roads and properties.

We thank the community for reporting these hazards promptly.

Police have also noted an increase in rural burglaries across the district, with offenders targeting utes, trailers, and farm vehicles. We encourage residents to remain vigilant, secure property where possible, and report any suspicious activity to police immediately.

Shake and rattle

Aftershocks following Saturday morning’s magnitude 5.9 earthquake near Taumarunui – which was felt throughout Waipā – could continue for several months.

Jail for arson

A 23-year-old has been sentenced to three years eight months jail for setting fire to an Ōtorohanga and Waitomo Motels unit on Christmas Day 2024. Open Justice reporting said Curtis Milne was fuelled by methamphetamine and jealousy before setting fire to the motel room his partner and their baby were staying in. The repair bill was more than $117,000.

Road repairs

Repairs expected to take four weeks are being carried out to strengthen the road following an under slip on SH39 Ōtorohanga and Pirongia. Traffic will be managed under stop-go traffic control while repairs are underway. The site is just south of the temporary Mangati Bridge, which is also operating under one lane.

Rates call

Waitomo District Council has approved a 3.79 percent average rate rise. The rate matches that set by Waikato District Council. Neighbours Ōtorohanga went up 6.94 percent and Waipā increased 10.7 percent.

Correction

Out story last week about the new Waitomo Caves music director Daniela Benz contained a wrong name. The previous musical director for 15 year was Beth Dalton. Benz is the third person to hold post.

Stage call

Aria School is getting ready for its annual theatre production in mid-August. This year’s production is a musical comedy based on the Craig Hawes book Porridge, a murder mystery set in Happy Valley featuring Detective Sergeant Jack Spratt.

Divide and conquer

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā councillors have thrown their support behind further work on a western Waikato catchment-based unitary authority after being told a single Waikato-wide council is unlikely to meet government criteria.

The shift emerged at a council workshop last week as elected members discussed the government’s Head Start pathway for local government reorganisation. The discussion came days after a Waikato Mayoral Forum meeting where Waikato-Tainui leader Tukoroirangi Morgan walked out, frustrated by the lack of agreement among councils.

Mayor Mike Pettit said the conversation had moved quickly following the forum.

“There was really not a lot of unity in the room,” he said. Morgan’s assessment was blunt.

“He said, ‚you guys have not got your house in order’, and he was totally correct,” Pettit said.

Pettit told councillors it had become obvious a whole-ofWaikato unitary authority was unlikely to proceed.

“It was very evident that if we continue to chase a whole Waikato unitary, it’s not going to meet any of the criteria by a country mile,” he said.

“It would almost be a waste of time to start putting our effort into it.”

The emerging proposal would bring together Waipā, Waikato, South Waikato

and Taupō districts, and Hamilton could be part of the arrangement.

The catchment would extend from Taupō north to Port Waikato. It would have a population of 434,750, cover 19,671sq km and generate a GDP of $31.1 billion.

Hamilton would make up 44.2 per cent, WaikatoWaipā 35.3 per cent, South Waikato-Taupō 15.8 per cent and Ōtorohanga-Waitomo 4.7 per cent.

An eastern Waikato unitary authority would take in Hauraki, Matamata-Piako and Thames-Coromandel districts

The workshop heard iwi feedback had consistently supported a catchment approach because Treaty of Waitangi settlement arrangements, joint management agreements and river governance structures were already built around the Waikato River and its tributaries.

Council strategy manager Katie Mayes said iwi throughout the catchment had stressed the importance of keeping the river system together and ensuring governance structures respected existing settlement arrangements. Officials have made it clear councils need sufficient support from affected councils and populations before proposals will be considered. Under the western Waikato option, support from Taupō would mean the proposal met

Western Waikato Unitary

both population and council number thresholds.

Advice from former minister Simon Upton, now Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, reinforced the importance of catchment thinking.

“He made it very clear that catchment is impossible to ignore,” Pettit said.

Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree Morgan shared Tukoroirangi Morgan’s frustration with the mayoral forum.

“I kind of felt from my own perspective that there was a lot of patch protecting going on,” she said. “It actually was a little bit embarrassing.”

Iwi representatives had become frustrated watching councils talk about collaboration while being unable to present a united position on reform, she said.

One unresolved issue is the position of Waitomo and Ōtorohanga districts.

Both councils have indicated they want to pursue their own King Country arrangement. However, councillors acknowledged

the two districts sit within the wider river catchment and several speakers favoured keeping the door open for them to join later if their preferred option does not succeed.

Throughout the workshop, councillors repeatedly returned to concerns about retaining local representation and local decision-making.

Pettit said no community wanted to be dominated by a larger centre and any future structure would need safeguards to protect local voices.

Discussions focused on how local communities could continue to have elected representation and influence over local issues while larger regional functions were managed at a unitary level.

Councillor Roger Gordon argued any future proposal needed to demonstrate how local communities such as Cambridge would retain a meaningful voice under a new structure.

At the end of the workshop councillors gave staff a clear steer to continue pursuing the

western Waikato catchment option while discussions continue with Waikato, South Waikato, Taupō and Hamilton.

A decision is expected before the Government’s August 9 deadline for Head Start proposals.

Dale-Maree Morgan said the debate had reached a point where councils had to focus on what was achievable.

“Politics is the art of the possible.”

• More on local government restructuring – see Pages 6 and 7.

Another storm, another closure

Heavy rain resulted in more slips in the Awakino Gorge at the weekend resulting in the road being closed again.

As another 500 cubic metres of slip material was cleared from the plagued State Highway 3 road New Plymouth mayor Max Brough reiterated calls for a long term solution.

The Forgotten World Highway, SH 43, between Whangamōmona and Taumarunui was also closed on Saturday after several slips were reported. That road opened on Monday afternoon, and was down to one lane in some places.

Crews worked throughout the weekend to clear slip material and debris and repair other damage to the road.

The Awakino Gorge was under stop-go traffic management when this edition went to press.

Waitomo mayor John Robertson is on the same page as his New Plymouth counterpart and has argued for a bypass.

In his column in The News in May he said there was no transport link “more important to us in the King Country than

State Highway 3”.

But the gorge had had slips for 100 years and would have for another 100 years.

He says the Crown could make Waitomo’s Taumatamaire Road into a two-lane, sealed bypass road to take traffic when the gorge closes.

Tragedies on the line

By Meghan Hawkes

Walking home along the Te Kūiti railway line about 11pm on a March night in 1913, an employee of Wilson’s lime works was horrified to come across the body of a woman.

He promptly reported the discovery and after she was taken to the railway station was identified as 18-year-old Celia Mackenzie, part of a family that ran the Kelvin, a private Te Kūiti hotel. She had been struck by a goods train leaving for Frankton Junction at about 10pm.

Celia had been seen earlier in the evening in the riverbed, and it appeared the accident had occurred at a level crossing a short distance away. At the inquest no explanation of what had happened could be discerned. A verdict was given that Celia met her death by being run over by a train, but there was not sufficient evidence to show how this had happened. Celia was very well liked, a prominent member of numerous clubs with many friends who would miss her presence very much.

Walking to work along the Te Kūiti railway line around 6.15 on a July morning in 1922 Bert Callaghan, a Hangatiki mill hand, heard something in the darkness. He came across a badly injured woman and found a bottle of collodion lying nearby. It appeared she had been struck by the 2am train from Wellington. Bert ran to the Somerville’s residence to call Dr McRae. When he returned, he found the woman endeavouring to undress herself, looking for marks of injury. She impressed everyone who tried to help her with her wonderful fortitude. She was 33-yearold Gladys Howarth, a single woman from Devonport, on a visit to her brother, Athol, a Te Kūiti solicitor. Dr McRae took her to nurse Hattaway’s house in his car, but Gladys died in the early hours of the next morning. The inquest was held at Athol’s house. He had last seen her about midnight when she was in bed and in cheerful spirits. Gladys had suffered from insomnia for many years and had hearing difficulties. She had been getting medical

treatment for insomnia both in Auckland and Te Kūiti. She took sleeping draughts under medical prescription. She had probably accidentally a taken the bottle of collodion, a liquid wound dressing, thinking it was smelling salts. Gladys had gone for early morning walks on several occasions, being unable to sleep.

Margaret, Gladys’ sister, slept in the same room as her. Gladys had retired early, but later asked Margaret to get into bed with her as she couldn’t sleep. She woke Margaret once or twice during the night wanting to talk. Margaret last spoke to Gladys about 3 or 4am then fell asleep. She didn’t realise Gladys was gone until Dr Will rang with the dreadful news at 8am. The inquest found that death was due to injuries resulting from being struck by the 6.10am train from Te Kūiti which she had not heard.

Celia and Gladys are both buried at the old Te Kūiti cemetery. AGE

Morning shake up call

By Richard Steele

On Saturday at 4.51am we the biggest and most violent earthquake I have experienced.

The wild shaking, the sounds of crashing, the feeling in the pitch black, of stuff falling around us, took us from deep sleep, to amazement in a second.

I got out of bed gingerly, fearing broken glass. Major blessing. The power was still on, so a quick glance around showed stuff lying everywhere, including a heavy bedside lamp that must have passed my head with only millimetres to spare.

I wandered carefully north up the big old hallway. Every family photo, and every collected painting, were slanted sideways, from 10 to 90 degrees – other than the six or so lying flat on the floor, with by a miracle, no glass broken. Every ornament was on the floor in every room, books strewn metres across the floor, and again. Nothing broken.

I checked the water next, expecting broken pipes. It ran perfectly. The fireplace is a 400kg stove that heats our water, warms the house, and cooks most of our food. The steel chimney looked intact, and the embers still warm. More good news.

Stuff was strewn throughout the kitchen, the only casualty of note was a broken bottle of Worcestershire sauce. The floor was a minefield to navigate, the French doors onto the deck were wide open. The shaking must have been really violent - these doors only ever move reluctantly.

Outside it was still dark so I went back to bed. Not to sleep, but to listen to the aftershocks and to work out a plan of action. Contact the few on the farm who were still around, check the road for damage. Most importantly, check the bridges and bluffs. By now my phone was glowing with “how are you?” messages. At daylight I only had to look in on three houses, then cut up some small wattle trees that were blocking the road out, 4km from home.

Broken glass seemed to be the only issue. Everyone was wide awake. “Biggest I’ve ever felt” was unanimous. Simultaneously with the big quake, we had enjoyed 60mm of rain in the previous 24 hours, so the Whanganui River being up four metres was more to do with that, as were the small slips on the roadsides. So happy enough with the state of play in the immediate neighbourhood, I drove back home to cruise the old house with a critical eye.

As I closed the firebox door, I noticed the whole 400 kg fireplace was out of line with the tiles it sits on. No seismic restraint was needed on such a heavy object I was told on installation day. True, until it wasn’t true anymore.

So overall it’s just another adventure in a life that’s never been anything but a great adventure. And thank our lucky stars we live in such a neat place, where the buildings are made out of timber put together 116 years ago with four inch nails.

Friday, August 7, 2026

10.30am start with welcome

Localism shapes reform

Responses to the Government’s Head Start reforms were debated at a forum where panellists including Good

For all the debate about council structures, one word keeps resurfacing: localism.

That was the clear message from a public forum at Waikato University on the Government’s Head Start proposals. Structure matters less than people’s ability to have a say in what happens where they live.

The forum at Waikato University this month brought together mayors, councillors, policy experts and members of the public to discuss potential changes to council structures across the country.

Under Head Start, councils have until August 9 to tell Local Government Minister Simon Watts whether they want to pursue voluntary amalgamations and, if so, what those arrangements might look like.

Waitomo mayor John Robertson described the process as difficult and rushed.

He said many councils were struggling to determine what future arrangements should look like before they even knew how wider government reforms, particularly around resource management, would affect their responsibilities.

“There are not going to be many Head Start proposals put into government by August 9 because it’s just too hard,” he said.

Waitomo and Ōtorohanga have

agreed to explore a merger because of their shared history, similar size and existing shared services. Elsewhere in Waikato, however, the picture is complex.

While amalgamation was one option, panellists repeatedly questioned whether bigger organisations automatically delivered better outcomes.

Waikato Regional Council chair Warren Maher warned against losing sight of regional functions such as environmental management, biosecurity, transport planning and flood protection.

Many residents, he said, did not realise how much regional work was funded across district boundaries for the benefit of the wider Waikato. His concern was not simply where new boundaries might be drawn, but how important regional services would continue to be delivered.

Nick Clark, a senior fellow with the New Zealand Initiative, drew on research into local government reform to argue that New Zealand already had one of the most centralised systems in the world.

Rather than focusing on maps and boundaries, he said the debate should start with three questions: what local government should do, how it should be funded and how communities could retain meaningful influence over decisions.

“Protect the local voice,” Clark said.

His concern was that amalgamation could create larger councils without addressing the underlying issues that frustrate residents.

For me, the discussion came back to something much simpler.

As someone who has spent more than four decades reporting on councils across New Zealand, I have watched local government evolve from highly accessible organisations into increasingly complex bureaucracies.

I told the audience about growing up as the daughter of a town clerk. My father spent his weekends listening to residents raise concerns about potholes, footpaths and local services before passing those requests directly to council staff on Monday morning. That was localism in practice.

I am not advocating a return to the days of borough councils or small-town administration, but I do believe something valuable has been lost along the way.

Too often today, people struggle to work out who is responsible, how decisions are made or where they can go to get a problem fixed.

A simple example sits in Cambridge. More than two years after work was completed on the

town clock, a historic interpretation sign removed during construction still sits on the ground waiting to be reinstated.

The sign itself is not important. What it represents is localism.

Localism is the ability to pick up the phone, send a message or talk to someone who can help resolve issues that matter in daily life.

That sentiment resonated strongly with audience members, many of whom expressed concern about declining voter participation, a lack of transparency and increasing distance between decision-makers and communities.

Whether Head Start ultimately produces one unitary council, several regional entities or no significant change at all remains uncertain.

What was clear from the forum was that many people are less interested in organisational charts than in preserving a sense of connection and accountability.

The debate over local government reform is often framed around efficiency, economies of scale and governance structures.

Those things matter.

But if Head Start achieves anything, it must ensure ordinary people still feel they can influence decisions affecting their roads, footpaths, parks, rates and neighbourhoods.

The strongest message from the forum was not about boundaries or bureaucracy.

It was about localism.

And that may prove to be the most important consideration of all.

Cultural Exchange

The longest five years…

By Dan Tasker

on for wool drives Piopio doyen Positively PIOPIO

As half a century of educating draw to a close, children remain at the heart of everything Aria School principal Pam Voyce does.

The 72-year-old will call time on her 54-year teaching career at the end of the year, 53 of which have been spent in Piopio and Aria.

Reflecting on her long-serving career, keeping children at the forefront remains Voyce’s priority.

“I did this for the kids – I don’t do it for the parents, I don’t do it for the community. I do it for the kids and it’s always been kids first,” Voyce said

“(Current Piopio College principal) Ben Draper, bless him, I taught him at Piopio Primary as a 10-year-old and he wrote me a letter when he went on to Piopio College and thanked me for all these amazing things I had no idea I’d done. You get those little letters or thank yous that are just gold.

“Then I go into something at Piopio College and all these 6ft 3inch kids come up and give you a great big hug and that’s all I need, is those kids that remember you and had good times with you,” she said.

After finishing her training at teacher’s college in Palmerston North in 1972, Voyce started

teaching in Hawke’s Bay, before the Ministry of Education signposted her to a place called Piopio.

“That’s how I came to be here. I didn’t know where Piopio was, I had no idea at all. I was only going to be there five years, that’s what I said I’d give them,” she said.

Originally from Levin, Voyce started at Piopio Primary School in 1974 and on her return from an overseas trip, transferred to Aria School in 1977 around the same time she married farmer Peter Voyce.

In those days, classroom sizes were bigger at a time when life was “much easier than it is today”, Voyce said.

“My first class at Piopio was 38 children, then I had 40 and then it went back to 36. You wouldn’t find a class that big anywhere in New Zealand now; most of our classes are in the lower 20s now,” Voyce said.

“The whole world has changed and the pressures on our parents and our kids these days. When we brought up our kids, all our mates were having kids. We had a great social life, it was easy peasy, there was no material things, it was all about being on the farm or fun and doing stuff together,” she said.

She stepped back from teaching upon the arrival of her and Peter’s

first child in 1980 and spent the next 11 years relief teaching while raising her four sons.

In 1991, Voyce returned to Piopio Primary as assistant principal for five years, then jumped the fence to Piopio College for a year before settling at Aria School under principal Shane Ngatai in 1997. When Ngatai finished up, Voyce took the reins in 2000.

One of her great passions was in the sporting realm, where she was a key driver in organising weekly triathlons, gymnastics, which included overseas trips to the Netherlands, Japan and Australia, and most recently, the Waitomo Primary Schools orienteering competition she started in 1998.

She also introduced the annual science fair, the school production and school camps to Northland, Rotorua and Motutapu Island near Auckland.

“They offer experiences the kids won’t do in their lifetimes; they won’t go to an island or go to the treaty grounds. I’ve tried to do those things that are a bit different to what the average family does,” Voyce said.

“I have had amazing staff and amazing beginning teachers. I don’t know how many I must have had – at least a dozen beginning teachers in that time,” Voyce said.

“That makes it easy because you’re working with a great team of positive people who love kids. You can’t go past that, and that’s been like that for 30 years.

Waikato’s King Country flavour

By Jesse Wood

Four players and one coach with King Country connections are part of Waikato rugby’s provincial squad.

Ōtorohanga products Taipari Quinn and Dylan Eti, former Taupō-nui-a-Tia College student David Lewai and Piopio-raised Cortez Ratima are included in the 40-man Mooloo team to contest the 2026 NPC.

Prop Quinn and lock Eti have earned their way to fulltime contracts after making their Waikato débuts last year.

The pair appeared seven and eight times respectively.

Quinn attended Ōtorohanga Primary School and college. He plays his club rugby for Fraser Tech in Hamilton.

“It’s a feeling like no other running out onto that field,” the fifth generation Ōtorohanga resident told The News last year.

Eti moved to St Peter’s in Cambridge for his final two years of secondary schooling after attending Ōtorohanga College.

One of the 2026 Rugby Almanack of New Zealand’s five promising players of the year for 2025, Eti has continued his promising career with strong performances at Hautapu – the Breweries Shield premier champions.

Versatile 2025-2026 New Zealand Under 20 back Lewai, fresh off the junior world championship, represents University in Hamilton.

He is yet to be capped by Waikato.

Ōtorohanga Sports’ Ratima is one of the many All Blacks named, hence the larger Waikato squad.

Former Ōtorohanga College student and employee Jackson Willison is one of Leon Holden’s assistant coaches alongside Nathan White and Aaron Cruden.

Previously Hautapu head coach, Willison was succeeded at the Cambridge club this season by ex-King Country coach Isaac Boss.

They’re just having a ball

By Dan Tasker

The global craze of pickleball is in Te Kūiti after Ata Te Kanawa started promoting drop-in sessions at the Gallagher Recreation Centre about a year ago.

The sport, which originating in the United States in 1965, took off during the Covid-19 period as a way of active socialising, while keeping to the pandemic’s social distancing advice.

A cross of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball’s quickfire team-play on smaller courts has attracted large numbers of players across the world in recent years.

Te Kanawa, who moved back Te Kūiti after a number of years living in Wellington, decided to start a group after hearing about it from her daughter, who had seen pickleball played at the 50-court Venice Beach complex in Los Angeles.

“Then I asked (the Gallagher Recreation Centre) and they said they had some equipment, but nobody was actually doing anything with it,” Te Kanawa said.

“There was just a handful of us for most of 2025, it was just one court, one net – we got excited if we needed two nets up. Now we’re

consistently four courts and we’re going hard for a couple hours,” she said.

With a regular weekly crew, Te Kanawa said pickleball has become an obsession for most of them as their passion and understanding of the game grows.

“I organise my weekends around pickleball. I’ve just come back from Auckland on Saturday night because I didn’t want to miss out on Sunday,” Te Kanawa said.

“There’s people from all different walks of life. I’m a Te Kūiti person, but I would not have known or met some of the people here without this,” she said.

There’s also been other benefits to pickleball coming to town, like the confidence Te Kūiti women Santana Sammons has gained since joining the group in May.

The stay-at-home mum was battling mental health before giving pickleball a go, the first sport she’s ever tried.

“I was trying to find myself as a stay-at-home mum. I saw a post at the supermarket and I looked it up on the internet and thought, ‘Why not?’,” Sammons said.

“It’s something to enjoy and focus on, pushing myself out of my comfort zone massively. I’m realising I can do hard things in

general, which goes into normal everyday life,” she said.

Although not a sporty person, Sammons liked “how easy it is to learn”, and was enjoying getting to know the wide range of people

playing each week.

“I wanted to do something social and completely different. I was always shy, I wanted to socialise and I’ve never done sports. It’s become an addiction,” Sammons

said.

The Te Kūiti pickleballers are set for their for competitive challenge, when they host Taumarunui in a King Country derby in the coming weeks.

Gardening

Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens

While your garden sleeps, start dreaming

There’s something special about winter in the garden.

At first glance it can look like everything has stopped. The flowers have faded, deciduous trees stand bare, and many perennials have disappeared beneath the soil. But beneath the surface, roots are still growing, the soil is alive, and your garden is quietly preparing for spring.

Perhaps this winter, you can do the same. One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting until the first warm weekend of spring to think about the garden. Garden centres fill with colourful plants, inspiration is everywhere, and it’s easy to buy on impulse.

The best gardens don’t begin at the nursery—they begin with a plan.

Winter gives us something spring doesn’t: time. Time to see the structure of the garden, notice the views, identify problem areas, and decide what deserves to stay and what no longer works.

Take a notebook and wander through your garden with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of wine.

Which parts of your garden enjoy the morning sun, the midday heat, and the afternoon light?

Where does the wind whistle through?

What view would you love to frame from your kitchen window?

Could a forgotten corner become a productive vegetable garden, a quiet place to relax, or a haven for birds, bees and butterflies?

Then ask yourself a few simple questions. Picture your ideal outdoor space. What

emotions does it create?

What story do you want your garden to tell?

How do you want to enjoy your garden?

Whether it’s sharing pizzas with friends, picking fresh herbs for dinner, watching the grandchildren play, enjoying your morning coffee in the sunshine, or unwinding with a glass of wine at the end of the day, your answers should shape every decision you make.

A beautiful garden isn’t just about the plants. It’s about creating an outdoor space that reflects the way you live and brings you joy every time you step outside. Winter is also the perfect time to sharpen tools, improve your soil with compost, repair edging, order bare-rooted trees, and sketch ideas while the garden is resting.

Spring has a wonderful way of rewarding those who planned ahead.

So while your garden may appear to be sleeping, remember it’s quietly preparing for its next season of growth.

Maybe this winter is the perfect time to dream, plan, and grow something even better.

5461 State Highway 3, Mokau

Escape to the coast and embrace a relaxed lifestyle with this exceptional property, set on a generous 1331sqm (approx) section. Offering the perfect combination of space, comfort, and versatility, this is a property designed to suit families, holidaymakers, or those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat.

Step inside to discover light-filled, open plan living where family and friends can gather with ease. The modern kitchen is both stylish and practical, boasting quality finishes and ample storage, while the cosy log fire creates a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the cooler months.

The main home features three spacious bedrooms plus a dedicated office, providing plenty of room for growing families or those working from home. Adding further appeal is a separate, self-contained bach featuring an open plan kitchen and lounge, private bedroom and bathroom making it the perfect space for extended family, guests, or potential holiday accommodation. Outside, the property continues to impress with excellent shedding and garaging. An established greenhouse provides the opportunity to grow your own produce year round. Located just minutes from the beach and within easy driving distance to New Plymouth and Te Kuiti, this property presents an outstanding opportunity as a permanent residence, holiday retreat, or investment in a sought after coastal location. For Sale By Negotiation View By Appointment

Baggott 027 855 8472 sam.baggott@raywhite.com

Linn 027 496 0053

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 $95,000 214 Okapu Place, Aotea Harbour, 700sqm, borders farmland, ocean views,

Elevated living with a 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.

•

DECORATING

We are seeking an enthusiastic person with a commitment and passion in animal control, welfare and enforcement.

You will be responsible for all animal control functions and ensure they are carried out as per the provisions of the Dog Control Act 1996 and the Impounding Act 1955.

You will have excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to negotiate effectively in a collaborative and constructive manner in order to achieve co-operation and compliance. You will also have the ability to think on your feet and resolve situations when they arise.

Commitment to providing excellent customer service and the ability to work effectively on your own and within a team are a must.

An affinity with animals is important, along with the resilience to work through situations that can be confronting or emotionally difficult.

The position also requires rostered work over weekends to support our pound operations.

Applications Close: 12 August 2026.

To apply for this job, please visit www. joinourteam.co.nz

We are a long-standing Company based in Otorohanga, specialising in rural construction and earthworks. Along with your Class 5, some heavy machinery experience, being mechanically minded and adaptable is a must.

If this sounds like you then please contact Leigh Pevreal on 0274872668 or email rldrainage@yahoo.co.nz.

Further Notice of 2026 Election of Trustees

Candidate Nominations & Election Details

• Letters should not exceed 200 words

• They should be opinion based on facts or current events

• All letters to be emailed to editor@goodlocal.nz

• No noms-de-plume

• Letters will be published with names

• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only

• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the editor’s discretion

• The editor’s decision on publication is final.

Nominations for the 2026 election of Trustees for Te Nehenehenui closed at 12 noon, Thursday 2 July 2026. The following valid nominations were received.

NGĀ KURA TAU TRUSTEE

Te Whare ki Hau-ā-Uru ki Uta By-election (One vacancy)

DAVIS Huia WILLISON-REARDON Natasha

NGĀ KURA RERE TRUSTEES (Six vacancies)

DOUGLAS Peter Te Matakahere SEARANCKE Mihirawhiti

FARRAR Te Haate

STEWART Layelin

GAGE Mellissa (Millie) Kuiahine TAITUHA-NGAWAKA Jaqui

HENARE-WAHO Mārama TAKEREI Te-Miri-Te-Rangirangi

TAKIARI-BRAME Bella

IKIN Keith

KOROHEKE Chris TAMAKI Jaimee

MANIAPOTO Maria Pareraukawa Te Huia TE KANAWA Riria (Missy)

TUWHANGAI Rachael

MOANA Renee

MOSS Luke WETERE Kruger

ORMSBY Gannin WETERE Rongo

Voting processes will therefore be required to determine the trustees for the above positions and will be carried out by postal and online voting. Voter packs, together with information about the candidates, will be sent to all registered and verified adult members of the Trust from Wednesday 29 July 2026. Voting will open at 9am Thursday 30 July and will close at 12 noon, Monday 7 September 2026. Profiles and further information about the candidates standing for election and the election processes can be viewed online at www.tenehenehenui.iwi.nz/elections.

• Security Patrols

Dr, Ōtorohanga Awakino Rd, Te

FENCING & RURAL SOLUTIONS

TRADE PROFESSIONALS

TRADE PROFESSIONALS

Servicing the Waikato Rural Farm Fencing • Repairs or New Builds

TRADE PROFESSIONALS

Contact Hayden Soeters: 021 182 4652 Or email: info@soetersrural.nz

DAIRY SPECIALIST • DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

Septic Tank Cleaning

DAIRY SPECIALIST • DOMESTIC COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

• Emptying septic tanks

David Knight - 027 722 4857

David Knight - 027 722 4857

Steve Knight - 027 598 2005

• CCTV pipeline inspection

Steve Knight - 027 598 2005

Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115

Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115

• Jetting drainage pipelines

Dundas - 027 598 2115

Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385

Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385

Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385

• Spreading animal effluent

Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169

Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169

Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169

Taupo - 07 378 8545

Taupo - 07 378 8545

Taupo - 07 378 8545

SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Waitomo Liquid Waste Disposal 021 111 3911

SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK

SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK

PROMPT & EFFICIENT

PROMPT

&

& EFFICIENT

PROMPT & EFFICIENT

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

/ Residential / Commercial / Industrial / Inspections

/ Residential / Commercial / Industrial / Inspections

/ Residential / Commercial / Industrial / Inspections

Members should note that new registrations or registration completions for this election close at 5pm, Wednesday 12 August 2026. If you have whānau over 18 who are not yet registered and want to participate in the election they must register with Te Nehenehenui before that deadline and that once fully registered, a member cannot change their Primary Whare during any election period. Any election enquiries are to be directed to the Returning Officer on the election helpline 0800 666 028. Anthony Morton Returning Officer – Te Nehenehenui 0800 666 028 vote@electionz.com

P 07 878 8335

P 07 878 8335

P 07 878 8335

E james@marshallelectrical.co.nz W marshallelectrical.co.nz

E james@marshallelectrical.co.nz W marshallelectrical.co.nz

E james@marshallelectrical.co.nz W marshallelectrical.co.nz

Farm effluent services is looking for a manager to run one of our units with another employee. We are based just north of otorohanga on state highway 3, travelling from farm to farm irrigating effluent ponds onto farm land for fertiliser. Applicant will need a full license and a class 2, happy to pay for class 2 for the right applicant, experience with farming and irrigation preferred, training will be given.

$25 - $35 per hour

Full time

Otorohanga, Waikato Company benefits - Phone, fuel

Ph Trevor – 021 964150

or

’s

TE KUITI

SALE Friday, July 31 12 Noon Start

300 Assorted Cattle Comprising:

MA VIC Angus Cows (10/1)

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)

ŌTOROHANGA

BAPTIST CHURCH

8 Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga Sundays 10:30am Service and Children’s programme Everyone is welcome Contact: 07 873 8685

HANNA, Andrea Mae –peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 25, 2026 surrounded by her loving and caring family holding her hand. Much loved wife and soulmate of Brian for 40 years. Cherished and forever loved mother and motherin-law of Hilary and Stu, Richard and Emily. Devoted nandy to Rosa, Ardie and Saylor. A celebration of Andrea’s life will be held at the Les Munro Centre, King Street Te Kūiti on Friday, July 31 at 1pm, followed by a private cremation. All communications to Hanna Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kūiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

DUTTON, Gerard Stephen You left us suddenly on August 3rd, 2025. Remembering you is easy, we do it every day. Deeply missed & forever loved by Sheryl & family x

ANSELL, Chris Paul – 16

June 1965 to 18 July 2026 Died suddenly in Whangarei Hospital. Loved brother and brother in-law of Tracey and Michael Fagg. Cherished uncle of Michelle & Jeremy, Teri & Glen and great uncle of Cohen and Zack.  Gone too soon and will forever be missed. Fly high our rough looking angel.

CORBOY, Patrick Francis (Pat) – peacefully at Waikato Hospital on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Beloved husband and best friend of Bev for 65 wonderful years. Much loved dad of Danny and Karen, Paul and Suzie, Michael and Catherine, Maree and Grant. Adored grandad of Jason and Larissa, Kylee, Rachel and Cam, Tristan, Rosalind, Thomas and Ashley, Stephanie and C’Jay and William. Old grandad to Harry, Jackson, Hazel, Nathan, Paige, Elijah and Alayna. A service has been held. Rest in Peace. All communications to Corboy Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

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

255 7554

Janine 027 287 0005 or email

janine@goodlocal.nz

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.

Amio

JULY 2026 ISSUE

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Kia ora koutou,

I hope everyone enjoyed the Matariki long weekend and that those who were on school holidays had the chance to spend some quality time with family and friends, get outdoors, or simply take a well-earned break.

While we’re grateful there were no fatal crashes on roads in the Ōtorohanga District over the holiday period, sadly the same can’t be said for all parts of New Zealand. My thoughts are with the families and communities who lost loved ones. It’s a timely reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and that the choices we make behind the wheel can have lifelong consequences.

I’d also like to encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete our Annual Residents Survey. Your feedback helps us understand what’s working well, where we can improve, and what matters most to our community. Every response helps shape the future of our district, so if you haven’t already, please have your say.

Ngā mihi nui,

Mayor of Ōtorohanga District

BE A LEGEND –REGISTER YOUR DOGGO!

If your dog is already sporting this year’s green registration tag – thank you! If you haven’t registered yet, get your dog looking sharp in their 2026/27 green dog tag by 31 July to avoid a 50% late registration penalty.

If you’ve already registered but haven’t received your tag yet, rest assured – our customer experience team will be sending them out as soon as possible.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

Members of the public are welcome to attend Council and Community Board meetings.

Ōtorohanga Community Board Council Chambers, 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga

Kāwhia Community Board

Kāwhia Community Hall, 141 Jervois Street, Kāwhia

Elected Member Workshops Council Chambers, 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga

Council Meeting Council Chambers, 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga

Monday 3 August - 4.00pm

Thursday 6 August - 4.00pm

Tuesday 11 August - 9.00am

Tuesday 25 August - 9.00am

Agendas and meeting information are available on our website closer to each meeting date.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Annual Residents Survey

Tell us how we’re doing across a range of Council services, including communication, parks and reserves, kerbside rubbish and recycling, and more. Your feedback helps us understand what’s working well and where we need to do better.

Love Your Library Survey

Whether you’re a regular library visitor or haven’t been in for a while, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps us continue improving our libraries so they remain welcoming, relevant and valuable for everyone in our district.

Complete them online:

WINTER READING AND DIGITAL DISCOVERIES AT YOUR LIBRARY

There’s still time to join our Winter Reading Challenges, running until 29 August.

Young readers can take part in Once Upon a Mythical Read by picking up a bingo booklet from Ōtorohanga or Kāwhia Library. Complete fun reading activities, collect rewards, and finish your bingo board to go in the draw for the final prize.

Adults can join Read It Like It’s Hot (Chocolate) by exploring new books and genres. Complete a line on your bingo card to earn a free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and finish the full card to go in the draw for a bonus prize.

• Annual Residents Survey: engage.otodc.govt.nz/how-have-we-done-thisyear

• Love Your Library Survey: https://engage.otodc.govt.nz/love-your-library

Every response makes a difference. Thank you for taking the time to have your say.

Both surveys close on Sunday, 9 August 2026.

There’s also plenty to discover beyond books. Expand your digital world with books about computers, eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, TV shows, coding kits, and a Virtual Reality headset you can borrow. We also offer free Skinny Jump modems for eligible households needing internet access. The modems come pre-loaded with 35GB data for the first 30 days. We help you join Skinny so you can top up with their low-cost broadband plan.

Need a hand? Our friendly library staff are here to help you make the most of our resources and support you every step of the way.

Pop into your local library and see what’s available today!

Check out what you can do at the library today!

Visit: www.otodc.govt.nz/our-district/libraries

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! SNAP A GREAT PIC AND BE IN TO WIN

Entries close on 31 July in our Chips Gallery community photography competition. Grab your phone or camera, take an awesome pic and get your entry in by the deadline! You could win a $50 Village Green Bakery voucher. Winning photos will be printed large and exhibited at the bakery.

HOW TO ENTER

• Choose a theme – grandparents, animal friends or eating together. Take a photo and email it to nicky@otodc.govt.nz. You can enter all three themes.

• We welcome entries from everybody – children, teenagers and adults. Photos must be taken in Ōtorohanga District.

• Make sure your photo is the highest possible quality. You may need to change your phone’s camera settings.

• If your photo includes people, please confirm in your email you have their permission for the photo to be exhibited, and shared on social media and our website.

For competition entry instructions: visit otodc.govt.nz/ chips-gallery