King Country News | March 26, 2026

King Country

Making a difference

By Jesse Wood

Te Kūiti’s Lou Fielder says the highlight of her year was sponsoring the Waikato Blind Indoor Bowling team to compete at nationals.

Her unique legends themed convention in February - included building chocolate fish towers and an hour of community servicewas also a highlight, showcasing Te Kūiti to the other district governors.

Fielder’s year-long term as 202L Lions district governor will come to an end on July 1 when she is succeeded by Cambridge Lion Warren Beard.

“I'm probably one of the youngest district governors at 54,” Fielder said.

“It's lovely being the district governor because I can tap people on the shoulder and say there's a great service project here - this group of individuals are amazing.

“Let's make a difference for them and contribute so they can get there. We partnered with Piopio Lions and Ōtorohanga Lions to help get the bowls team to nationals.

“Afterwards, we had a social with them on the bowling green. They provided us with morning tea as a thank you. It's all about making connections and making a difference - that's one of the things I love.”

The Te Kūiti High School teacher has taken the year off to put her focus on the role.

“I like being able to make a difference for other people. I've been lucky in my life and

there have been people who've supported me to do things. It's my turn to pay it forward,” Fielder said.

“You only have the opportunity to be district governor once. I wanted to make sure that I could contribute as much as possible.

“Every district governor has a theme. My theme is a very simple one - just volunteer, it's life changing.”

District governors get a charity of choice to raise funds and Fielder chose Blind Low Vision New Zealand. She knows how important their work is.

“As a district we have currently raised $28,000 towards training a guide dog - a beautiful 12-week-old guide dog puppy called Lulu,” Fielder said.

“My mother is pretty much fully blind from macular degeneration not being picked up early enough.

“Blind Low Vision have been amazing at supporting her to live independently. She lives in her own house and enjoys life with assistance from them.”

Sixteen years into her journey through Te Kūiti Lions Club, Fielder’s volunteering passion still burns brightly.

“It's the fellowship. The food caravan is the heart of our club, but we do have a lot of fun and a lot of laughter and that for me was key to joining,” Fielder said.

“Being involved in volunteering has changed my life. It's given me a greater appreciation of the needs in communities, a greater appreciation of applying for grants, accessing funding as well as being strategic and developing strong relationships with other partner organisations.”

When Beard takes over, Fielder will be the immediate past district governor and will still have some responsibility on cabinet.

“But my passion very much is in getting things up and running,” Fielder said.

“I'm hoping I will be involved in the Lions

LAWYERS STANDING BY FARMERS

eye health screening programme and getting that across our district as well as promoting the free skin cancer screening mobile vehicle - ensuring we've got systems and processes in place for that vehicle when it is in the Waikato.”

Beard will be the first member of Cambridge Lions Club in 15 years to be made district governor.

“It’s pretty good,” the 71-year-old retired correspondence course teacher Beard said.

“For Cambridge Lions it’s a huge honour.” Beard will work alongside cabinet secretary Alan Taylor of Te Awamutu and cabinet treasurer and past council chair Arvind Raman of Hamilton.

St John Health Shuttle

Providing transport to medical and health related appointments.

Call our local office to find out more:

0800 846 9992 or email wakaora@stjohn.org.nz

Hato Hone St John’s purpose:

To make life-changing differences with our communities

Mental help on canvas

By Jesse Wood

Lee Samuel has found a way to use creativity to support the mental health of people with disabilities while making art accessible.

The art tutor and disability support worker, and many volunteers, organised the second annual Canvas Project exhibition at the Te Awamutu Library community room earlier this month.

Artists from Ōtorohanga, Cambridge and Hamilton and Te Awamutu and beyond picked up a free 15cm-by-15cm canvas from either Te Awamutu Library or a Hamilton library branch and returned it upon completion.

“One of the biggest things that we struggle with in New Zealand is getting mental health support. But when there’s a disability involved, there’s another barrier,” Samuel said

“With my job as an art tutor, I can offer a creative outlet. But even then, there’s a barrier because it can be quite expensive for people to attend art classes and workshops.

Samuel said.

“A large amount goes toward covering the costs of running the exhibition. The biggest expenses are venue, panel and Eftpos hire.”

Funds have also been set aside to produce sales catalogues for the 2025 and 2026 exhibitions.

A total of 260 pieces of art went on display this year, up from 144. Out of those, 96 artworks were sold, 36 more than last year.

The project raised $1970, including additional donations.

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“I wanted to do something that was accessible for everyone in the community, which effectively is supporting the mental health of people with disabilities.”

In early March, the canvases were exhibited and put up for sale at $20 each.

Funds raised go back into running the project again each year.

“A portion has been allocated to purchase canvases for the next round of The Canvas Project, ensuring we can get the 2027 round underway in November without a hitch,”

“We hope to use some of the funds to create more opportunities around the project, including running workshops for people who would like support creating artwork for the exhibition,” Samuel said.

“We are also looking at developing online resources that people can access to help guide them through the creative process.

“In the future, we hope to create paid opportunities for people with disabilities to be involved in the project.

“But keeping it free and keeping it accessible are the two most important things.”

On the beat with Constable Chris

Aspin

A horse off course

King Country Police have once again responded to a range of incidents across the district over the past week.

Police, animal control, and a local farmer assisted in the rescue of a horse that had wandered onto a property in Hangatiki and fallen into a stormwater drain. With the help of a tractor, the horse was safely lifted out and appeared in much better spirits after being trapped for much of the night.

Staff assisted an elderly man with dementia who became disoriented after driving from Levin to Ōtorohanga. Fortunately, police were able to identify him, contact his family, and ensure he was reunited with them safely. We are grateful that he did not suffer any injuries, nor cause harm to others while travelling.

In Te Kūiti, police located and impounded a vehicle that had been sought in relation to a previous fail-to-stop incident.

Police also responded to a daytime burglary on Mangarino Street in Te Kuiti, where an unoccupied home was targeted. Thanks to prompt reporting, staff were able to identify and arrest a 54-year-old man approximately an hour after the call was made. He has since been remanded in custody.

Police responded to a vehicle crash on State Highway 3, north of Ōtorohanga, after a motorist failed to maintain control and left the roadway, coming to rest in a paddock. The driver attempted to drive the vehicle back onto the road but was unsuccessful. Upon arrival, officers discovered the man was under the influence of alcohol. He initially tried to avoid facing the consequences by locking himself inside the vehicle. After some negotiation, the 31-year-old eventually unlocked the door and complied with the evidential breath

Samuel is grateful for the support shown by people across the Waikato and King Country.

“It’s been really good. It’s not just a Te Awamutu project.

“It started with Te Awamutu Library and this year we had all the Hamilton library branches on board as well.

“Getting into Cambridge Library as a pickup and drop off point is one of the goals for next year.

“I think they’ll be keen. But we still need someone to go and drop the canvases off there each week.”

Samuel is “hugely appreciative” of all the volunteers that make the project possible.

“I’m the person that runs it all but we’ve also got many volunteers helping behind the scenes with planning, ideas and future development,” Samuel said.

“Every one of these people supports the cause of making art accessible and using creativity to support the mental health of people with disabilities in our community.”

testing process. He returned a breath alcohol reading well over the legal limit. As a result, his driver licence was suspended, and he has been summoned to appear in court.

We are currently investigating a series of daytime burglaries across the district. The offender has been targeting wellmaintained homes and, in some cases, entering properties while elderly occupants are inside.

We strongly encourage anyone who has experienced suspicious activity or believes they may have been a victim to contact police and report the incident. Staff are committed to identifying and holding the offender accountable.

As always, thank you for your continued support. Please report any suspicious behaviour to Police.

Burglar active

King Country police want to hear from residents who could help them solve a series of daytime burglaries across the district. See Chris Aspin’s On the Beat column on page 2 today.

Thieves strike

Tables and seating for kaumatua, set up ahead of the blessing of the Mangaokewa Walkway cultural storyboards last week, were stolen by thieves before the event.

New unit

A new first response unit is being established in ManiaitiBenneydale following training of eight volunteer firefighters. St John is the lead agency for medical calls, but the collaboration with Fire and Emergency will strengthen responses in rural and remote areas around Benneydale.

Game changer

Federated Farmers have welcomed the announcement of a $4 million rural wellbeing fund for rural mental health and wellbeing.

President Wayne Langford says mental health is a major issue for farmers and rural communities, and many factors contribute to that.

Airport bonus

Hamilton Airport says a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will be used to extend its runway by up to 255 meters and expand the terminal apron and taxiway. The airport will contribute $3.3m to the project which will enable a wider range of aircraft to land and depart.

Roadworks

Waka Kotahi says motorists should allow an extra 40 to 60 minutes for journeys between Piopio and New Plymouth while renewals and improvements on SH3 are completed. Work is also being carried out on SH3 near Piopio Hunt and Wall and at Te Mapara.

Shear delight on horizon

By Jesse Wood

King Country’s famous trio of the NZ Shearing Championships, The NZ Shears Running of the Sheep and The Great New Zealand Muster will have a Te Awamutu flavour this year as they celebrate 40 years.

James McOnie has been called upon to MC the Te Kūiti-based event, while Te Awamutu band Done Deal will entertain the masses.

The New Zealand Shearing Championships committee has once again collaborated with the Waitomo District Council to bring the event to the region on April 11.

The main street of Te Kūiti will be closed to traffic as the Running of the Sheep concludes the afternoon.

NZSC committee member Jack Fagan is excited for the annual big day in his hometown.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s always a massive event on our calendar,” Fagan said.

Fagan, who has competed in the shearing championships every year for the last 16 years said it’s a massive week for the committee and the town.

“We have committee meetings throughout the year and then on the Monday before the show is our setup day. It’s a lot of fun to be part of it,” Fagan said.

The Les Munro Centre is converted into a big wool shed – thousands of man hours and volunteer hours go into running the one event.

Fresh off success at the Golden

Shears, Fagan is one of many King Country competitors set to take the stage across the grades. In Masterton he won the National Shearing Circuit final after dominating five previous rounds to secure a place in the 20262027 New Zealand trans-Tasman shearing and woolhandling series team.

Fagan’s father Sir David Fagan was a previous winner of the circuit final.

“Twelve years ago, I set that goal to win that event. I’m still on cloud nine. Every morning I wake up and that’s the first thing I think of - I finally did it,” Jack Fagan said.

“The multi-breed event is one of the most sought-after events to win in the country. It just feels amazing to tick it off.

“I love the competitive side of shearing, especially in those big finals... I dream about those moments and having that opportunity to compete against some of the best shearers in the world.”

He hopes people from across the country will come to see how unique the upcoming event is.

“It’s a great social occasion, even if you’re not a huge shearing fan. A lot of the Te Kūiti townspeople will come out,” Fagan said.

“We’re going to have quite a few international shearers there, that are still hanging on from Masterton.

“We’ll hopefully have a big party as well. It’s our 40th anniversary, so it’s quite a big deal for the town, it’s one of our longest running sporting events.”

Screening: ‘we’re working on it’

By Viv Posselt

Health Minister Simeon Brown has apologised to prostate cancer sufferers for being unable to fully answer their questions or offer promises around improved diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Brown conceded that New Zealand lagged behind many other countries in the early detection and treatment pathways offered, but said he was active in lobbying for changes to be made.

He was speaking at a

Cambridge Primary School meeting hosted by the Cambridge Prostate Cancer Support Group last week

Also present were Hamilton-based urologist Shiva Nair, Auckland-based Prostate Cancer Foundation chief executive Peter Dickens and Taupō MP Louise Upston.

With around 4000 new cases and about 700 deaths annually, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers to affect men in this country.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation and other

groups have lobbied successive governments to introduce a pilot prostate cancer screening programme along similar lines to screening programmes offered for breast, cervical and bowel cancers.

Brown said there was a real need to increase screening opportunities for prostate cancer. Challenges included limited access to MRI facilities and skills shortages in that area.

“Both are needed to enable us to roll out national screening trials. I am sorry I don’t have answers or

promises I can give you at this stage, but I want to encourage you by assuring you we are working on it.”

Brown said some of the work being done on his five key Health New Zealand priorities were positively impacting patients generally, and were starting to achieve targets.

However, waiting lists for MRI screening across the country remained too long, and this was one of the key challenges linked to the introduction of a national screening programme for prostate cancer.

He said work being done by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and volunteers for organisations such as the Cambridge Prostate Cancer Support Group, was important in spreading the message about prostate health.

“The health care system deals with what happens at hospital level, but it is often the work done by the foundation and organisations such as yours that plays such a critical role, and that the government can’t often do,” he said.

Amio

MARCH 2026 ISSUE

Following the severe weather in February, our district has faced significant challenges. Roads, homes and infrastructure were impacted across a wide area, and many people have been dealing with disruption and uncertainty.

I want to acknowledge the resilience of our communities and thank everyone who has supported neighbours, friends and whānau during this time. Council staff, contractors and partner agencies have been working hard to restore access, repair infrastructure and support those affected. Recovery will take time, but the work underway across the district reflects our commitment to getting things back on track.

As always, we will continue to keep our communities informed as recovery progresses.

COUNCIL ATTENDS POUKAI ACROSS THE DISTRICT

Ōtorohanga District Council attended a number of Poukai gatherings throughout the week of 9 March, including at:

• Waipapa Marae

• Maketū Marae

• Ōkapu Marae

Council has been attending Poukai for the past several years as part of our ongoing commitment to iwi and marae. Poukai are important events that bring communities together to honour the Kīngitanga and strengthen connections between iwi, hapū and communities. Staff and elected members attended across the week, including Mayor Rodney Dow, Councillors Tamaki, Jeffries, Kete and Butcher, Community Board members Hinga Whiu, Geoff Good and Richard Harpur, and a number of staff across the organisation.

Ōkapu Marae marked a particularly significant occasion, with the opening and dedication of their new Whare and Wharekai by Te Arikinui Kuīni Ngā wai hono i te pō. Mayor Dow said it was an honour to attend alongside the ŌDC delegation and partner organisations including Waipā Networks, NZ Police and Trust Waikato throughout the week. Council’s presence at Poukai reflects our ongoing commitment to building strong relationships with iwi, marae and the wider community. MAYOR’S MESSAGE

RECOVERY The Road to

Following the severe weather and flooding across the Ōtorohanga District on 13–14 February, recovery work continues across our communities.

While the emergency response phase has ended, the work to repair damage, restore infrastructure, and support those affected is ongoing. Recovery will take time, and Council is working alongside government agencies, iwi and hapū, lifeline utilities, community organisations, and contractors to help our communities move forward.

ROADING RECOVERY UPDATE

Repairing damaged roads and restoring access across the district remains one of the biggest areas of recovery work currently underway.

Council’s roading team and contractors are continuing to clear slips, repair culverts, stabilise road edges and assess longer-term repair solutions for affected areas.

While many roads have now reopened, some locations remain under repair or are operating with temporary traffic management such as one-lane sections.

We appreciate the patience shown by residents and road users while this work continues. The priority remains restoring safe and reliable access as quickly as possible.

For the latest roading updates, visit:

www.otodc.govt.nz/latest-news/article/605/roadingupdate-otorohanga-district

WHAT’S ON AT THE LIBRARY?

BACKYARD BUZZ – SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN AT THE LIBRARY

Join us for Backyard Buzz – Nature Inspired Crafts for Your Garden Friends, where kids can get crafty while celebrating the creatures that share our gardens. Using natural and recycled materials, young makers will create a range of nature-inspired crafts designed to brighten up their backyard spaces and welcome their garden visitors.

Backyard Buzz is a wonderful opportunity for kids to connect with nature, enjoy creative play, and take home something special they’ve made themselves. Register now – places are limited.

Ōtorohanga District Library Monday 13 April – 2:00pm–3:00pm Thursday 16 April – 10:30am–11:30am

Kāwhia Library (held at the Kāwhia Community Hall) Wednesday 15 April – 1:00pm–2:00pm

Check out what you can do at the library today! Visit: www.otodc.govt.nz/our-district/libraries

BRIDGE INSTALLED ON MANGATI ROAD

A major milestone has been reached in the district’s recovery, with the successful installation of the new bridge on Mangati Road.

The original bridge was washed away during the February floods, cutting off access for residents living at the end of the road. Thanks to a huge effort from Council’s roading team and contractors, a new permanent bridge has been installed and is now open. Council would like to acknowledge the incredible support from contractors who helped make this happen:

• Universal Cranes

• Nick Pemberton Construction

• JC Civil

• C&R Group

• Humes

• ACE Consultants

Their expertise and willingness to step in quickly helped deliver a solution for residents sooner than expected.

Please note this is NOT the State Highway 39 bridge which belongs to NZTA. NZTA advise their bridge will operate as onelane only initially, with traffic lights. For state highway inquiries, please email: waikato.projects@nzta.govt.nz

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

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

Kāwhia Community Board Thu 2 April – 4:00pm

Ōtorohanga Community Board Mon 13 April – 4:00pm

Elected Member Workshops Tue 14 April – 10:00am

Council Meeting

of

Tamahere looks at race plan

By Mary Anne Gill

There were plenty of questions - and a fair bit of unease - when the Waikato Thoroughbred Racing greenfield proposal came before the Tamahere community on Sunday.

The development now has a potential home, artist renderings and a hall full of neighbours with questions, concerns and plaudits.

The multimillion dollar Greenfield development south of Hamilton is intended to replace the Te Rapa, Cambridge and Te Awamutu racecourses and, at the request of potential funders, the Cambridge Harness Raceway.

There is even a proposal to investigate moving New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka Sales Centre as three quarters of the horses sold there are from the Waikato and the company’s owner Sir Peter Vela lives near the new site.

If approved, it would reshape not just racing in the Waikato, but daily life for those living closest to it.

Kevin and Rosemary Whyte have lived in Tamahere for 20 years. They are not antiracing. In fact, he is part of a harness racing syndicate and understands the industry well.

But standing on a quiet rural road and imagining race day traffic is another matter.

“I’m struggling to see how you get everything in there,” Whyte said.

“We’ve got corners, we’ve got older residents, and we’ve got roads that simply weren’t designed for that level of use.”

He is not opposed to development in principle.

Tamahere has changed steadily since they arrived and will continue to do so. But traffic, access and safety are the issues he keeps coming back to.

“You put that level of traffic in and it multiplies everything,” he said.

For Moira Haddrell, whose property sits directly opposite part

of the proposed development, the concerns are more immediate. She is part of a newly formed neighbourhood committee representing residents on Pencarrow, Hooker and Duncan roads - the properties most affected by the proposal.

“It’s all happened very quickly because of the fasttrack requirements,” she said.

That process, enabled after the project was deemed to be of national interest, has compressed timelines and sharpened anxieties. Haddrell said residents were clear

they wanted engagement to be genuine, not a boxticking exercise.

“We can’t move our houses. So, we need to know how noise, lighting, drainage and construction impacts are going to be managed. If lights are on at 5.30 in the morning and horses are working the track, that affects us.”

At the same time, she can see the potential upside.

“If it’s done as well as they saywith highquality landscaping and architecture - it could enhance the area. I’m not opposed to that,” she said.

“I’m opposed to neighbours being an afterthought.”

Project director Steve Bramley is used to these conversations. He has delivered more than 50 community facilities across New Zealand and is currently overseeing the redevelopment of Hawke’s Bay Racing’s new $80 million Flaxmere complex.

He sees the Waikato project as an eight-to-10-year build, not a quick win.

“There’s a lot of work to do. But there’s also a lot of keenness to get this through.”

The proposal is being advanced under the fasttrack approvals regime. Waikato Thoroughbred Racing is preparing to lodge its referral application next month. It is also now considering whether harness racing could be incorporated into the site as part of the national Project Stamina review of racing infrastructure.

That has added another layer of complexity and concern for neighbours already grappling with the scale of what is proposed.

For now, the conversation continues. More meetings are planned.

Information is being shared and Tamahere residents are weighing the promise of a worldclass facility against the reality of living next door to it.

As one resident put it quietly after the meeting: “If it’s coming, we just want it done right.”

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The missing people of Long Covid

By Fiona Charlton

March is Long Covid Awareness Month, and across Aotearoa thousands of people are quietly living with a condition that continues long after the initial infection has passed. Long Covid is now an ongoing part of life in New Zealand – effectively endemic, much like seasonal flu – but its long-term impact is often underestimated.

For many, Covid-19 is a short illness. But for a significant number, symptoms persist for months or years. Fatigue, breathlessness, cognitive difficulties, immune disruption, and post exertion symptom worsening can make even simple daily tasks challenging. These are not rare or distant stories. They are happening here in our community, to people who were previously active, working, socialising, and contributing to community life.

These are the “missing people”– the ones who used to be in our gyms, workplaces, sports clubs, schools, and volunteer groups. They want to return, but their bodies no longer respond the way they once did.

One of the most misunderstood aspects of Long Covid is how it affects the immune system and the body’s ability to recover from exertion. Many people push themselves too hard, too soon, not realising that careful pacing and rest can be important in the early stages of recovery. Without appropriate support, symptoms can worsen and become long lasting.

This is not about fear. It is about awareness, compassion, and understanding that Long Covid is a recognised post viral

condition that can affect anyone — including people who were previously fit, healthy, and highly resilient.

As a Te Awamutu local and facilitator of a small social support group for CCI Support, I see firsthand how many people are struggling quietly. Our focus is on empowering people on their journey to wellness and helping them reintegrate into community life at their own pace. This month, I’m asking our community to look for the missing people. They are still here – they just need us to see them.

• Fiona Charlton is the President of Complex Chronic Illness Support and Anzmes - the National Advisory on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and associated conditions.

Call this intelligence?

By Richard Steele

I swear the place is getting worse every day, and I don’t recall a time in my life, when so many nonsensical happenings are occurring on such a regular basis.

Or when so much of the damage is being caused by so few people. So of course I’ve got to start with Donald Trump, whose chances of bullying those good people who award Noble Peace Prizes, into giving him one, must be fading by the minute, .

His spurious claim is that he has stopped six wars. Always sounded made up to me, or am I being misled by what he calls fake news, which seems to be the rhetoric he uses to describe, any comments that disagree with his version of what’s happening?

The first casualty of war has always been the truth, I’m told , except in these last few instances, the truth seems to have disappeared, sometime before the wars have started. Who knows what’s really happening. With Venezuela it was to rid the world of a despot selling drugs, or was it really about capturing a vast reserve of oil that was underexploited. Ripe for the picking so to speak.

Now there’s Iran, who really hate Americans, and Jews, from all accounts, and may have had the necessary ingredients to whip up the odd nuclear bomb - or, like the Iraq war on weapons of mass destruction, did they really?

Another dodgy call from where I sit, watching the world go by.

I know American intelligence is an oxymoron, have I read too many novels in my lifetime, but surely the Americans and their shrinking band of allies have enough wit between them, to be able to say, definitely, before they attack, what the real

The Houses Fiercely Competing Again!

by Kayla Wilken

The Houses, Hotson, Eveleigh, Brown and Kedgley are at it again, fighting for first place. Ōtorohanga College’s House competition has begun the 2026 season with gusto! The Houses Hotson, Eveleigh, Brown and Kedgley have a rich history which connects to our community. Hotson is named after a former Headmaster Mr Claude Hotson. Mr Hotson served 20 years in the position of Headmaster. He played golf enthusiastically and when he retired in 1951 the roll stood at over 1100 students. Eveleigh is named after Jim Eveleigh who was a well known farmer in his district. Brown House is named after Hector Brown who was a champion schoolboy athlete of the King Country. Kedgley is named after Edwin Kedgley, who was a sprinter. During the war he reached the rank of major and was posted “missing, believed killed” however he was found to be a prisoner of war.

The House competitions are very important to the College because they allow students and staff to have a little bit of fun and get everyone into the College spirit. Swimming was the first House competition we had this year. On the 16th of February, as a College, we walked up to

the pools in our House colours, students had yellow, red, green or blue shirts, pants, hair ties and shoes on to show that they were proud to be in their House. There was an abundance of participants this year. Whether students were just jumping in the pool for a participation point or whether they were competing for a place most of the College joined in.  Brown House was victorious on the day.

Our second House competition was athletics day - students dressed in their House colours again, but this time paint was added to their body and face. Students participated in high jump, long jump, triple jump, 100m sprint, 400m run, 800m run, discus, shotput, the 1500m run and the relays.  Even though competing in all these events in one day was exhausting, everyone looked like they had an exciting day.  Hotson House was victorious on the day.

Whether the scoreboard favoured your colours or not, both days were exciting.  The spirit of our whānau shone through. Two different Houses took the wins, but we all shared the victories.  House competitions continue throughout the year, with a range of events still to come with the overall winning House being announced in Term Four.

threat actually is.

Apparently not, as today one of the Trumps leading men has resigned, saying there was no threat. Imminent.

Of course, this joker has immediately been written off, but then that’s today’s rhetoric isn’t it? Agree with me, or your career is toast.

Now we are talking about taking over Cuba, and again, I know bugger all about the Cubans. Maybe they are a remaining relic of communism, or is it an out of control bully pushing people about, just because he can?

To me though, there is a deeper underlying issue that is more important, than any of this bully boy stuff, and that is, that we are meant to be the most intelligent species on earth , yet we are racing around trying to prove just the opposite.

Why, for heaven’s sake, from our personal relationships, right up to world affairs, are we not negotiating with our enemies? Why are we reverting to war as the only solution, when surely getting around a table and talking, could be such a better option.

Call me naïve and optimistic. Tell me that I don’t know what I’m talking about. And I will agree.

But then surely we didn’t get to the top of the food chain, to then turn around and, to behave like the animals in the wild, who at least have ignorance as an excuse.

And is it only me that sees this? Millions of Americans are still supporting a regime that is doing more to damage the stability of the world than anyone since the Second World War which finished 80 years ago.

We don’t appear to have learnt a thing.

Scout camp number 50

By Jon Rawlinson

For more than half a century, an adventure camp at Piopio has played a key role in ensuring generations of young New Zealanders are prepared.

While the world has changed during this time, the fundamental aim of scouting remains the same.

“Scouting is very much about teams and leadership,” said Mark Boggiss, Scouts Aotearoa, Waikato. “It’s about developing young people to

on for wool drives Piopio doyen Positively PIOPIO

become leaders in the years ahead. Scouting helps them to learn, to experience, to have a go, build confidence and create. That’s why it remains so important and relevant.”

The camp has been held on farmland near Piopio annually with a few exceptions – in 2020 and 2022 during the Covid pandemic and in 2023 due to severe weather.

Consequently, on May 8–10 this year, scouts will attend the 50th edition of the camp.

“There’ll be some form of celebratory event taking place over the course of the weekend,” Boggiss said. “We’re inviting former scouts but also others, such as experts from clubs who have been involved with various activities at the camp over the years.”

For scouts aged 12 and a half to 14 and a half, the camp features various activities including caving, shooting, archery, abseiling and grass skiing. Piopio provides the ideal location for these.

“It’s been held at the same site for 50 years because it has the space and provides the right terrain, access to caves and other things that are perfect for an adventure camp.”

Groups from across the central North Island will attend, said Boggiss.

“They’re primarily from Waikato, but we also have scouts coming in from the likes of Taranaki, Auckland and even Hawke’s Bay. We usually have around 220 from about 40 groups.”

Although younger Kiwis have more options with regards to activities than when the camp first set down pegs, scout membership numbers have remained steady.

“There’s always going to be upswings and downswings, which is just

a natural progression with an organisation like this, but overall scouting continues to be on the up. Not just at this camp but right across the motu, scouting gives youth the opportunity to experience activities that they might never get to do otherwise.”

Boggiss attended the camp as a scout in 1980, aged seven, and he’s been back eight more times since as a leader during approximately 25 years contributing to Scouts Aotearoa.

He served a stint as a camp leader at the Te Kūiti Scout Group in the 1980s and for the last 20 years has lived in Cambridge.

While Piopio will host the scouts over Mother’s Day weekend, there’s another important occasion during which their presence is required.

“Scouts are heavily involved with Anzac Day. The kids make wreaths to lay at cenotaphs and there’s a specific badge for members who attend parades,” Boggiss said.

“Scouting continues to take part so our youth remembers the sacrifices others have made. They will be at dawn parades and civic services across the region and we’ll certainly have a lot of them in Cambridge, where I live, there’s always big representation here.”

battles

By Janine Krippner

How we support each other contributes to the strength of our communities. What does this have to do with hazards and disasters? Stronger communities respond and recover better, and this includes caring for our most vulnerable.

It is always a good time for a reminder that we have no idea what is going on in other people’s lives, so it is best to simply act with kindness and compassion. We live in a world where people are emboldened by being awful to others online, and this can seep into everyday life.

As someone with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which for me means symptoms including pain every day, I know all too well how one can appear happy and healthy on the outside but is facing an invisible battle.

Christie Reiser, a scientist and one of my closest colleagues and friends, lives with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or CRPS. This is the most painful condition known to humankind, also called the suicide disease for reasons that you can probably imagine.

Essentially, what is a 10/10 pain for a normal person, doesn’t touch what people like Christe go through daily. If you were to amputate a toe or finger with no anaesthesia, that pain is less than what they live with. In fact, she is looking to get her leg amputated with the hope that it helps, even though that is not a guaranteed outcome.

Christie is what we would call high functioning. She is also a project manager, overseeing difficult projects with her own team. Additionally, she is a helpful and present friend.

If you didn’t know the reality, you would have no idea that she struggles with this disease every single day. Some nights she

ends up in the ER because of the risk of accidentally overdosing on pain medication when a flare happens.

When pain gets that severe, she cannot stop it on her own.

To simplify a complex journey, this began with a simple trip that tore a ligament in her ankle.

This set off a string of events, including ankle surgery, that led to surviving with this. This can happen to anybody.

Like with many chronic illnesses, there is still no understanding of how this disease works. What is known is that this involves damaged nerves, causing severe nerve pain that can have implications for the entire body.

Because Christie lives in the USA, the cost of surviving is incredibly high. After insurance, it costs her $2,000-$3,000 a month for medications and necessary care. She has upwards of around 20 medical appointments per month due to the controlled substances that keep her alive, side-effects of those drugs, and fighting to find some way of reducing the constant pain.

What people who don’t live with pain or illness might not understand, is the resulting sheer physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Just going out takes a lot of planning. Christie is dealing with all of this while holding a full-time job. She is an incredible example of how someone might look fine, but we truly cannot judge what other people are going through. Being a supportive community works not only in everyday life, but it leaves us more resilient should disaster strike.

Bring the bulldozer in

By Peter Nicholl

The economic news in the last few weeks has been depressing.

Earlier in the year the media was full of stories about finally being able to see signs of an economic recovery in New Zealand. Some of these signs have proved to be false and others have been trampled on by recent global events.

It was revealed recently that the growth in our GDP in the December quarter was only 0.2 per cent - below most commentators’ expectations. It was also lower than our population growth so that on a per capita basis our GDP actually fell.

More recently, war started again in the Middle East. All forecasts regarding economic growth and inflation have had to be put into the shredder. People are redoing their forecasts but with two important variables, how wide the war will spread and how long it will go, highly uncertain, these forecasts will be hopeful ones at best.

But what should worry politicians and people in New Zealand is that our anaemic economic performance in the December quarter was not caused by the war in the Middle East – it predated it. It also came in a period when the things that often drive New Zealand’s economic growth were actually positive.

The Government had lowered tax rates in 2023. Our international terms of trade have been good, with high prices for dairy and meat products. The Reserve Bank had lowered our interest rates much further than most other countries, despite inflation being near, or even over the top, of their target range of 1-3 per cent.

If the New Zealand economy is likened to a car, these three things all act as accelerators.

Yet the New Zealand economic car didn’t even get out of first gear. Clearly, there are one or more brakes involved that slowed the car. What is the biggest brake on the New Zealand economic car? It is our lousy productivity. This is not a new problem here.

It has been our major economic problem for decades. But no Government in the last 20 years or more have addressed it in any serious way. Indeed, the predominant policy focus has been to add more and more costly rules and regulations that stifle initiative, add costs and drive our productivity backwards.

When I was working in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) the then High Representative Paddy Ashdown with a great deal of public fanfare set up a Bulldozer Committee to eliminate unnecessary and redundant regulations. I was a member of his Bulldozer Committee.

It didn’t actually work very well in BiH –but it was a good idea. New Zealand needs to take a bulldozer to the enormous load of costly rules and regulations that are imposed on private sector businesses and citizens in New Zealand. The dreaded word stagflation has started reappearing in our media recently. Stagflation is a situation where negative growth and high inflation occur at the same time.

The traditional tools of fiscal and monetary policy can’t address both problems at the same time. There is only one set of policy tools that can address low growth and high inflation at the same time: that is to take measures that will improve our productivity.

Our precious protectors

Today we are not selecting an individual community champion – we acknowledge groups and organisations who strive to care for, protect and improve our precious flora and fauna… starting with the team at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.

Kiwi are on the move, tracks have been repaired following February storm damage and King Country River Care is planning an April expo in Te Kūiti.

The kiwi – 10 of them – were taken south from Maungatautari last week and released into the care of Ngāti Rangi at Rangataua, near Ohakune, and the Karioi Rāhui as part of the national kiwi repopulation strategy.

Karioi Rāhui is a 5300-hectare ecological project in southern Ruapehu, jointly managed by Ngāti Rangi and the Department of Conservation.

It was established in 1997 to prevent the extinction of western brown kiwi in the region and aimed to source 60 chicks to rebuild a selfsustaining population.

The arrival of birds from Maungatautari brings their total to almost double that and represents a significant milestone in the long-term recovery of the species at Karioi Rāhui.

The 10 birds – the first to come from Maungatautari - will contribute genetic diversity to the existing population.

“Welcoming these kiwi home to Karioi Rāhui is another important step in the journey to restoring a

self-sustaining population,”

Pou Ārahi of Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust, Helen Leahy, said.

“Our whānau and hapū have worked for many years to protect and rebuild the kiwi population here, and the arrival of these taonga from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari strengthens that work.”

Up to 40 kiwi could be moved from the Waipā maunga to Karioi Rāhui.

The Save the Kiwi organisation said the release was a milestone in collaborative conservation.

As co-holders of the Wildlife Authority for the move alongside Ngāti Rangi, Save the Kiwi worked with partners to support the planning and the move itself.

“Genetic diversity is essential for the resilience of kiwi populations, and the contribution from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari helps ensure kiwi at Karioi Rāhui remains healthy and resilient for generations to come,” Operations Manager and Population Biologist at Save the Kiwi Tineke Joustra said.

Meanwhile, the Mangakara Nature Walk in Pirongia Forest Park reopened on Monday and DOC staff continue to clean-up, repair and assess

damage after the wild storm that swept across Waikato in February.

DOC Waikato Operations Manager Niwha Jones says his staff have been working hard to reopen and assess tracks, and the latest to be made available to the public is Mangakara Nature Walk.

The storm destroyed two footbridges on the track – and as a result the loop of the walk cannot be completed.

“It’s going to take us several months to arrange replacement of those bridges, so until that work is done the Mangakara Nature Walk is a ‘there and back’ experience to two end points,” he said.

King Country River Care is inviting farmers and rural businesses to attend an expo evening next month at the Te Kūiti Civic Centre.

River Care was established in 2018 and its catchment area covers 200,000ha and about 5000km of rivers and streams from Mōkau to Kāwhia Harbour and across to Maniaiti-Benneydale.

The expo will bring farmers and rural service providers together to share ideas, explore practical tools and connect ahead of the busy winter rural events calendar.

Across 1. Expectorate (4) 4. Dispute the truth (6)

8. Extreme enthusiast (7)

9. Broadcasting (2,3)

10. Reverberation (4)

11. Impartial (8) 13. Showing potential (9) 17. Reticent (8) 19. Towering (4) 21. Motif (5)

Last week

22. Skill (7)

23. Diamond pattern on knitwear (6)

24. Survey (4) Down

2. Fight (5-2)

3. Carry (4) 4. Thoughtless (13) 5. Highly productive (8) 6. Inform on someone (colloq) (5)

7. Unrefined (5)

8. Bolt (4)

12. Politeness (8) 14. Very slow-moving (7)

15. Soup (5) 16. Enjoy a game (4) 18. Smile contemptuously (5) 20. Weak, irresolute person (4)

Across: 1. Sumac, 4. Detest, 8. Torpedo, 9. Aloof, 10. Sit up, 11. Scarlet, 12. Amount, 14. Twinge, 17. Tremble, 19. Salve, 21. Roomy, 22. Inferno, 23. Astray, 24. Lucid.

Down: 1. Satisfactory, 2. Merit, 3. Cheapen, 4. Drowsy, 5. Tiara, 6. Swollen, 7. Off the record, 13. Onerous, 15. Wistful, 16. Verify, 18. Buyer, 20. Lyric.

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BODYSUIT

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DRESS

DUNGAREES FROCK

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HOUSECOAT

JACKET

JERKIN

JUMP SUIT

JUMPER

KAFTAN

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LEOTARD MITTEN NIGHTSHIRT OVERALL PASHMINA ROMPERS

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SASH

SERAPE SHIRT

SHORTS SKIRT

SOCK TANK TOP THONG TIE

TOGA

TUNIC

WAISTCOAT WRAP

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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593 Waitomo Valley Road, Ōtorohanga

This elevated, fully insulated, three bedroom, two bathroom home is the perfect country escape for downsizers, families and those seeking to start their lifestyle journey. With over two hectares (approx) of fully fenced land and various shedding options, you can walk right in and enjoy the good life.

Only six years old, constructed using insulated panelling on the roof, walls and floor and double glazed aluminium joinery making it an economical home to heat during winter. Three spacious bedrooms and the large separate laundry flow off the home’s hallway, and the master bedroom features its own ensuite.

The east facing deck runs along the length of the home, with outstanding views of the valley, and gives access to the lounge and master bedroom. Rain water supplies the home with cooking and hot water by way of bottled gas. Option to purchase separately the cattle, chiller, rail and bench set up as well as 60 conventional hay bales taken off the mixed contour block stored in the lean to off the shed. Included in the sale is the hen house, hens, detached cabin (selling as is) and the garden shed which has been converted to a smoke house. A property that feels private and remote but is close to amenities. Drive only 7kms (approx) to Otorohanga

township and Waitomo Caves and have the best of both worlds.

Deadline Sale Closes 15 April 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Otorohanga, 21 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga, unless sold prior. View Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March, 11am-12pm

PIOPIO 15 Kawana Street

Lifestyle in the Heart of Piopio

Secure a rare 3.41ha lifestyle block in the heart of Piopio. Spanning four titles, the property offers rolling contour, natural drainage, and a willow-lined creek. The 1930s two-bedroom cottage features native timber and classic character, sold in ‘as is, where is’ condition with some renovations being completed, leaving potential to add value.

Stock water is sourced from the creek and natural drainage, with town water supply and a septic tank system also in place.

Close to Piopio amenities, local schooling, and an easy drive to Te Kuiti and Mokau Beach.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK42368

OTOROHANGA 77 Maniapoto Street Main Street Location

New pricing offers excellent buying, motivated vendors welcome genuine interest.

$200,000

Positioned on Otorohanga's busy main street, this property is ideal for investors or anyone looking to establish or grow their business in this thriving town.

The building is easy to access and has a freshly painted front exterior.

Inside, the tidy layout includes an open plan reception or retail area, a separate office, kitchenette, toilet, ceiling storage, and an alarm system.

Whittington Lane provides rear access, along with available off-street parking.

Sold as vacant possession. ISA completed at 40%.

TAUMARUNUI 1221 Waitewhena Road

Substantial Sheep & Beef Farming Opportunity

Established in 1904 with the purchase of the first title, this large scale farm has been held continuously by the Mackenzie family and now totals 2,446 hectares, of which approximately 1,164 hectares is effective grazing pasture. The balance is indigenous forest. The property has been leased and farmed to a high standard since 2002. Contour ranges from flat and easy to medium and steeper hill country and is well subdivided into 58 paddocks with good motorbike access throughout. Unseen from the road is very fertile terrace plateau country.

The current lessee fattens all lambs, apart from approximately 100 smaller lambs. There is a long and consistent fertiliser history. Waitewhena Road runs through the length of the farm.

Improvements include three dwellings and exceptional livestock handling facilities, comprising a four stand woolshed, large covered yards, extensive sheep yards, five satellite sheep yards, and near new cattle yards. Water supply is predominantly natural, with opportunity to develop elevated springs all situated in a consistent rainfall area. This well scaled property offers the ability to run large numbers of ewes and cattle, with flexibility to finish stock on farm or use as a source of store stock for finishing elsewhere. TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Friday 01 May VIEW 10.00-12.00pm Tuesday 31 March, 7 & 14 April

HANDYMAN

Property

and construction

Knight - 027 722 4857

598 2005

Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115

Steve Knight - 027 598 2005 Tai Dundas - 027 598 2115

Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385

2115 Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385

Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169

Lawns, trees, stump grinding, sections, moss & mould treatments, Chemwash, waterblasting, gutter vac, water tank and trough cleaning fences, retaining, odd jobs and more. References available GST registered. Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 – info@handy-man.co.nz

Taupo - 07 378 8545

Ōtorohanga - 07 873 6385 Te Kūiti - 07 878 5169 Taupo - 07 378 8545

SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK PROMPT &

SERVICING THE KING COUNTRY 24

Dave Rowe PAINTING LTD

• Interior & Exterior

• Painting • Wallpapering •

Gardening

Autumn Lawn Care

Setting Up for Winter

This month, you can definitely feel the change in the air. The mornings are cooler, the grass has slowed down, and lawns start behaving a bit differently. While it might feel like things are winding down, this is actually one of the most important times to give your lawn a bit of attention. Autumn isn’t about chasing a perfectlooking lawn—it’s about setting it up to get through winter and come back strong in spring. You’ll still need to mow, just not as often. One simple change that makes a big difference is lifting your mower height slightly. Keeping the grass a bit longer helps protect the roots and naturally keeps weeds at bay.

Septic Tank Cleaning

• Emptying septic tanks

• CCTV pipeline inspection

• Jetting drainage pipelines

• Spreading animal effluent

Waitomo Liquid Waste Disposal 021 111 3911

Exterior

Contact

Contact Steve 022 676 1839

One of the biggest jobs at this time of year is managing fallen leaves. While they might look great scattered across the lawn, they don’t take long to cause problems. A thick layer of leaves blocks light and traps moisture, which can quickly lead to patchy, unhealthy grass. Keeping lawns clear, particularly in shaded areas, makes a noticeable difference. Collecting leaves in bags and allowing them to break down into leaf mould is a simple and effective way to create a rich,

natural compost. With a few small holes for airflow, a bag of leaves left aside for a few months will transform into a crumbly, nutrient-rich material that can be returned to garden beds. For those with chippers, mulching leaves straight back into the garden keeps everything on-site and feeds the soil naturally, reducing waste and improving garden health over time. Feeding your lawn now is well worth it. A slow-release fertiliser helps strengthen the roots rather than pushing soft top growth, which is exactly what your lawn needs heading into the colder months. With cooler weather and more rain around, you can usually ease right off the watering. Too much water at this time of year can actually cause more problems than it solves.

If you’ve got a few weeds popping up or some worn patches, now’s a good time to sort them. The soil is still warm enough to get things established before winter really kicks in.

At the end of the day, it’s the simple jobs that count—keep it mown a bit higher, keep it clear, and feed it when you can. A little effort now will make a big difference later.

022 676 1839

022 676 1839

Te Kuiti Cattle Sale

Friday 27th March NO SALE

Sales to watch for in April

Te Kuiti Weaner Steer & Bull

Thursday 9th April (Approx 1100 head)

Te Kuiti Weaner Heifer

Friday 10th April (Approx 700 head)

TeKuiti Adult Cattle Sale

Friday 17th April

More advertising closer to sale day.

Movie this Wednesday, for the 'young at heart'

‘Jesus of Nazareth, parts 4 & 5’

Ōtorohanga South School is looking for a Teacher Aide to help provide in-class support.

This is a fixed term position for 2026 only, 25 hours a week. In this role, you’ll work alongside  our SENCO and teachers, helping students to engage, participate, and succeed in their learning. We’re looking for someone who:

· Is patient, calm, and positive

· Builds strong relationships with students

· Works well in a team and takes initiative

· Is open to learning and following guidance

· Values a culturally responsive approach

Applications close Thursday 2nd April at 3:00pm.

Please email the Principal, Scott Lincoln,  principal@otosouth.school.nz outlining the skills and attributes you have that would support your application along with your phone number, relevant experience (if applicable), and the contact details of two referees. Further information can be found on our website www.otosouth.school.nz

WANTED TO BUY

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

WORK WANTED

WEED SPRAYING available

Pukenui School is excited to welcome our tamariki and whānau for another year of learning, growth, and community connection.

WAITANGURU BIKE RIDE

Ute setup, twin auto reels. Pricing upon application. Also FERAL GOAT musterer available Enquiries to Just Spray IT 021 041 9642. Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 3.00pm

are members of the NZ Independent Community Newspapers Association

As a vibrant full primary, we provide a warm, inclusive environment where child is known, valued, and supported to achieve their best.

Best way to contact us:

In 2026 our focus continues on strong relationships, high-quality teaching, cultural responsiveness, and empowering learning pathways from Year 1 to 8. With dedicated staff, supportive whānau, and a school culture grounded manaakitanga and respect, Pukenui is a place where learners thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Editorial: Roy 027 450 0115 Email: admin@goodlocal.nz

We offer rich opportunities including Kapa Haka, sport, leadership programmes, local curriculum learning, wellbeing initiatives, and strong learning support. values guide everything we do, helping our tamariki grow into confident, connected, and capable lifelong learners.

Kia Oho! Kia Mataara!

Pukenui School is seeking a reliable and practical Caretaker for 20 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities: • Facility Maintenance • Grounds Care • Health & Safety

Site Security • Asset Management To Apply:

Please contact Principal Dorothy Carr for an application pack. principal@pukenui.school.nz

Ōpārau Roadhouse

Waitomo Te Kawa Service Station

Our enrolment dates: 28, 29, 30 January 2026

85 King St West, Te Kūiti 3910 | 07 878

office@pukenui.school.nz

Jobs, terrific bargains, useful services, legal notices and announcements – these are some of the great things you’ll find in your newspaper’s classified ad section.

Connect to your neighbours in a proven reliable way.

When

viewpoints, humour and helpful

Your newspaper is a one-stop source for analysis, opinion, great writing and personality. Nothing else is so focused on community.

When buyers and sellers need to connect…

YOUR NEWSPAPER Still DELIVERS

WITHERS, Brian

EEKL SCHEDULE ON OUR EBSI E

GOATS WANTED

GOATS WANTED

Will buy or muster feral goats

Will buy or muster feral goats

Prompt pick up and payment

Prompt pick up and payment

Ph Gavin 027 877 7512

Ph Gavin 027 877 7512 or 07 877 7512

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) Services – Sunday 10am Session clerk Ph Dawn 07 873 8735

ŌTOROHANGA BAPTIST CHURCH

8 Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga

Sundays 10:30am Service and Children’s programme

In memory of Brian Withers as one year passes since you left the earth on 30th March 2025… and when I breath my last, I can only hope that I have filled your soul with love, as full as you have mine, so much so, that we will always be a part of one another…and should you ever find yourself missing me, just take your hand and place it against your soft, beating heart, feel the love I have placed there, and remember me…I’ll be holding you still, until we meet again… forever loved and remembered by your family xxx

THANK YOU – The KatipaMaikuku whaanau would like to extend our deepest thanks to the King Country community for the incredible love, support, and kindness shown to us during Elijah’s farewell service. Your presence, generosity, and the many ways you wrapped around our whaanau meant more than words can express. We are truly grateful to stand in such a caring and supportive community. Ngaa mihi nui to you all

HALCROW, Alva 27-03-1976 – 50 years ago you left us. Your presence will be missed. Your memories we treasure. Love you always Karenne, Anne, Donald, Peter, Yvonne.

NIKORA Jimmy

Cherished memories of a loved Husband, Dad and Papa who passed away 20 years ago on Saturday 28th March.

You left us beautiful memories

Your love is still our guide

Although we cannot see you

873

ARIA MŌKAU CO-OPERATING PARISH

All Saints Piopio 22 Moa St Sunday 10am

St Peter’s By The Sea, 25 Aria Tce, Mōkau 1st and 3rd Sunday 2pm

Piopio contact: 07 877 8097

Everyone is welcome Contact: 07 873 8685

Mōkau contact: 06 752 9123

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

10:30am Sunday

You’re always at our side

Remembering you always Kathryn, Jaymee, Averil, Bonnie and families

DEMCHY, Peter James – 22 February 1951 – 19 March 2026. Passed away peacefully on 19 March 2026, aged 75 years. Much loved husband and best friend of Susan. Loved and respected father/in-law of Malcolm and Michelle, Aaron and Rachel, Lane and Sarah, Cara and Nik, Tasha and Byron, Luke and Theresa. Treasured grandad to 19 and great-grandad to four. A celebration of Peter’s life was held a Piopio Memorial Hall on Tuesday 24 March at 1.00pm. “God has you in his keeping, we have you in our Hearts”

MACRAE, Alan Douglas (Tom) – passed March 18, 2026. Loved son of the late Doug and Isabel (Aria) Brother to Susane and Kevin, Donald and June. Will be missed by his nieces and nephews.

TE KANAWA, Ngaire Lorreen – Sunrise 06 March 1946 - Sunset 11 March 2026 Passed peacefully at Hillview surrounded by her whanau. Graeme, Shona, Les, Lorrene, Anne, Paul, Ngaire, Huia, Renie and her mokopuna wish to express their gratitude to the Lord our creator for giving life, to Te Kuiti Hospital, Hillview, VJ Williams, Dad Tiwi, and the many whanau and friends who without you we wouldn't have had the time we did with mum, or been able to give her the beautiful send off she deserved. To our beautiful Mum, Moe mai ra. You will be forever in our hearts and memories. Keep warm and safe everyone.

We welcome you to our 10.30am Sunday service. www.journeychurch.org.nz

10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti

Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 07 878 8694 021 703 008

Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 07 878 8694 021 703 008

An Assemblies of God Church

An Assemblies of God Church

King Country Christians meet every Sunday in the Piopio

Senior Citizens Hall, Weka Street, Piopio, at 10.30am

Phone Judy 0211359346

Phone Judy 021135946 Everyone is welcome!

Losing a loved one is never easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our professional and compassionate team is available 24/7 to guide you through every step, ensuring a farewell that truly reflects their life. Call us anytime – we’re here when you need us.