King Country News | March 5, 2026

King Country

It’s damage control

By Jon Rawlinson & Chris Gardner

Waitomo was spared the worst of the recent storms that hit Ōtorohanga and Waipā, but the district is continuing to repair and prepare in the wake of last year’s storms.

The impact of severe weather was a major theme of last week’s Waitomo District Council meeting. Mayor John Robertson opened with sobering comments before a moment of silence and reflection.

“On February 13, had the river been higher in Te Kūiti and we had the sort of downpour that Ōtorohanga received (over 150mm of rain in 12 hours), we would have had severe flooding also,” he said. “We are getting concentrated weather events with very high rainfall over short periods of time. These events cause havoc followed by significant cost to repair.”

At the meeting, the use of $2.8 million from the NZ Transport Agency, and an additional

$708,000 from council’s coffers was approved.

It will go towards culvert and drainage work, to help shore up roads and mitigate future repairs, and increase the metalling of rural roads, Robertson said.

“I am pleased the elected members supported this further investment above the budgets approved last year. This reflects our focus on investing in core services and infrastructure.”

Rural roads can be vital lifelines during emergencies, but slips are proving costly to fix.

In total, almost 217 sites required work due to damage in July and October carrying a combined cost estimated at almost $20 million.

“After driving out to the western part of our district and inspecting a major issue on Kopaki Road, I asked the executive to bring a full report to council on where we’re at in addressing major damage to our roads,” Robertson said.

“Waitomo has a huge amount of road repair and restoration work in front of it. Some is through the design stage and out for tender. As for other sites, such as Kopaki Road, we’re yet to work out which options are feasible.”

Kopaki Road connects State Highways 4 and 30 south of Te Kūiti. In consultation with the NZ Transport Agency, council is considering whether repair costs are justified.

To the west Te Waitere Road, Taharoa, is another problematic site – damage caused in July towards its northern end, near the cemetery, was exacerbated in

October.

“I am very mindful of the inconvenience caused to residents on some of our damaged roads,” Robertson said. “But I’m also mindful of the risk should there be further storm events causing further road collapses.”

Meanwhile, retailer Shereen Parker is breathing a sigh of relief following news a temporary bridge is expected to be built on State Highway 39 by the middle of the month. It will reopen to road between her business in Pirongia and Ōtorohanga.

Parker’s Franklin Street business

in Pirongia, The Hive, experienced its worst day on Sunday, two weeks after the Mangati Bridge south of the township became a storm victim.

With traffic diverted through Te Awamutu and Ōtorohanga, Pirongia businesses saw takings drop by at least two thirds.

Transport minister Chris Bishop announced the timeline on Thursday – a day after Taranaki-King Country member of parliament Barbara Kuriger inspected the damage across the Waipā and Ōtorohanga districts and promised to advocate for the region.

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An open and closed case

By Chris Gardner

The Ōtorohanga Club is contesting a district council plan to shut the town’s main street for nine hours on Anzac Day as unacceptable.

The district council advertised the closure of Maniapoto Street from 4am until 1pm on Anzac Day in the King Country News in January.

“Ōtorohanga Club strongly objects to the extent of the proposed closures,” said club president Jock Gollan in a letter to council.

“To shut our main street and our town down for nine hours at the beginning of a long weekend is unacceptable.”

Roading manager Paul Strange told the council’s February meeting organisers were working with the objector to reach a compromise by opening the road between the dawn parade and the morning service.

“The concerns from the Ōtorohanga Club were that staff and members would not be able to access it,” added council governance manager Kaia King.

“The public notice that went out stated that it was going to be closed for a long period of time. We are opening the road in between, as we have always done every other

year. At this point we don’t have enough information for the club to withdraw their objection.”

Deputy mayor Katrina Christison said the road was not normally closed from 4am until 1pm on Anzac Day.

Councillor Shane Carr said he had been asked by the RSA to ask why the council closed so many side streets on Anzac Day.

Councillor Jo Butcher felt better

communication with the applicant was the key.

Engineering and assets group manager Mark Lewis said there had been miscommunication.

Councillor Tayla Barclay wanted to know why the road closure was until 1pm when the civic service finished at 11am.

King said the road would be opened as soon after 11am as possible, once it had been declared

safe.

“I think it’s just an error,” King said. “The applicant is the mayoral office and I am administering it.”

The meeting was held in St Mark’s Community Hall because the council chamber is still occupied by a multi-council emergency response team following the Valentine’s Day storm.

Over the past week, King County Police have responded to a range of incidents across the district.

In Ōtorohanga officers attended a crash where a vehicle travelled through a fence, gate, and several letterboxes before coming to stop against a tree. The incident is believed to have been caused by a medical event, and the driver was transported to hospital for further assessment.

In Te Kuiti, Police located a vehicle sporting incorrect registration plates, checks revealed the vehicle was reported stolen a few months ago. The vehicle was uplifted and returned to its owner without incident.

Police engaged with a 21-year-old man who was consuming alcohol near a primary school in Te Kuiti. The male was wanted in relation to unlawful property matters and an earlier escaped custody incident.

He attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by a senior constable. Due to the risk of further offending, bail was opposed, and the man has been remanded in custody to reappear later this month.

A 32-year-old-man in Ōtorohanga was served with a summons to appear in court for a shoplifting incident. Retail crime continues to be an ongoing issue across the district, and police ask store workers to remain vigilant and continue reporting incidents and trespass breaches as they occur.

In sad circumstances, staff attended a sudden death involving an out of district male at a pull over area south of Piopio on State Highway 3. It was a difficult incident, and police wish to acknowledge the assistance of specialist workgroups who supported the response. Gratitude is also

extended to local iwi who attended the site to provide blessing and cleansing of the scene.

On a more positive note, last week provided an opportunity to engage with some aspiring young farmers during a talk delivered by a traffic officer. The session was well received, touching on real world experiences from serious crashes and the lasting impacts these events have on emergency responders, witnesses, vehicle occupants, and their families. The presentation reinforced the importance of planning ahead and staying safe on our roads.

As always, thanks for your ongoing support. Continue to report crime, antisocial driving, and suspicious activity.

Plan boost

An interim Environment Court decision released last week has been welcomed as “good news” for 2800 farmers in the Waikato Regional Council catchment by its chief executive Chris McLay. The decision, related to amendments to the Resource Management Act, supports the use of permitted activities for some activities covered by the council’s Plan Change 1 proposal which aims to improve Waikato and Waipā river water quality.

On the hunt

Deer hunting veteran Allan Jackson hopes to see new faces at this year’s Pureora Hunting Competition prizegiving. The free annual hunting competition – which starts on March 14 - has been run by the Conservation Department’s Maniapoto team with support from the NZ Deerstalkers Association for more than 30 years. The Pureora Hunting Competition includes a junior category, for hunters under 15 years old who can enter goat tails, rat tails and mustelids.

Drone rules

Waitomo District Council’s Drone Policy is up for discussion. The policy, which governs use of drones over council land, sets limits as to where and when drones may be flown, taking privacy, noise and safety concerns into consideration. Submissions will close on March 31 and feedback deliberated in April.

Motion approved

Waitomo’s children and youth move considerably less compared to the Waikato regional average, the Waitomo District Council has been told. Council was presented with a report from Sport Waikato which suggested that more engagement is needed with schools and families to encourage children to be more active.

Watertight deal signed

By Chris Gardner

Waitomo and Waipā districts are two of the three first councils to transfer their drinking and wastewater services over to a multi councilcontrolled water authority.

They will join South Waikato District Council in the transfer in July, with Ōtorohanga following suit a year later.

Ōtorohanga mayor Rodney Dow, who voted against joining the multi council-controlled organisation on the grounds that council services should be kept local, said he was pleased his district was retaining stormwater ownership.

“That is probably a good thing, considering the events we have just had,” he said in the wake of the Valentine’s Day floods.

A council review is underway after

flooding in Kio Kio Station Road and Phillips Avenue.

“We have got experts in the supermarket telling us how we should change the size of stormwater pipes,” Dow said. “We have got to remember this was a one in 250-year event. We will definitely listen to concerns.”

Up the road, in Waipā district, councillors voted to transfer their drinking and wastewater services to the new entity in July, with staff flagging the clean up after the storm a risk.

The council adopted its transfer agreement at last week’s meeting.

Establishment board chair Elena Trout and directors Jon Lamonte and Jaydene Kana are overseeing the largest grouping of councils forming a waters entity in the country.

Waikato Waters – previously Waikato Waters Done Well – brings together Ōtorohanga, Waitomo,

Waipā, Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, , South Waikato and Taupō district councils. It will merge the water and wastewater services of six councils and provide shared services to Taupo from July.

Significantly in light of recent flooding, a stormwater arrangement has still to be sorted. Waikato Water has indicated it could also include stormwater from July 2027.

Hamilton City and Waikato district have teamed up to form a water entity under the Iawai - Flowing Waters moniker. Chartered accountant Kana also chairs the Flowing Waters establishment board.

The organisations are publicly owned and council controlled.

Waikato Waters will manage about 140,000 connections and Flowing Waters 97,000. The formation of water entities is designed to make cumulative savings of hundreds of

millions of dollars over 20 years.

Waipā mayor Mike Pettit said, in a statement, joining Waikato Waters reflected the council’s responsibility to plan ahead as pressures on water infrastructure continued to grow.

“Across the country, councils are dealing with ageing pipes, rising costs, tighter regulations and more frequent extreme weather. Recent events have shown how quickly water services and communities can be affected,” he said.

The transfer agreement came as staff entered recovery mode following the Valentine’s Day storm and floods in Waipā and northern King Country.

The water services deals sets out the legal and governance framework for how services, infrastructure, assets and the workforce will move to the new council-controlled water organisation alongside other councils in the Waikato region.

Power deal is sun and dusted

A bright idea is set to help keep the lights on at the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House.

Through the The Lines Company’s Power it Forward initiative, the Kiwi House is adapting to cleaner energy from solar power. The Lines Company covers the hardware,

businesses, community groups and individuals are sponsoring the panels. Approximately half the panels have been sponsored, said Kim Ingham from the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House Charitable Trust.

“It’s clear our community believes in this project.

There’s still time for people and businesses to get involved and be part of something that delivers real, local impact for conservation, sustainability and people who need a little extra support.”

Excess energy from the panels will be returned to

The Lines Company and then gifted to customers struggling with their power bills.

“This is about more than solar panels,” The Line’s Company chief executive, Mike Fox, said. “It’s about genuine partnership, shared values and making a

difference where it matters most, right here in our communities.”

People can sponsor individual panels – starting at $300 a panel – through to entire buildings. Installation of panels at the Kiwi House will begin soon.

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House

A walking for Gaiah-Rose

By Jesse Wood

A bench seat in memory of Gaiah-Rose Maikuku, 10, will soon overlook Te Awamutu Primary School’s bike track from the hill on the school boundary.

The etching on a plaque will read “Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten”.

That was one of GaiahRose’s favourite quotes from the 2002 Disney film Lilo & Stitch.

Gaiah-Rose died in January after a short battle with lymphoma cancer.

Her funeral service, held in Kāwhia, was attended by several hundred people.

During her time receiving care at Starship Hospital in Auckland, Ronald McDonald

House provided the Maikuku family with a place to stay for close to a month - a home away from home during an incredibly difficult time.

“Ronald McDonald House were awesome, without them we probably would’ve sunk,” dad Jason Maikuku said. “There’s no way we would have been able to afford accommodation while we were up there.

“I never knew what Ronald McDonald House was all about. I suppose there’s only one way you really find out and that’s to be in that situation.”

Her school’s community wants to honour Gaiah-Rose and acknowledge the support her family received by giving back in return.

They are hosting a

fundraising event for Ronald McDonald House starting at 8am next Tuesday. The event, 10-10-10, will be a 10-hour community walking baton relay, celebrating 10 years of life, held on March 10.

Instead of a baton, the walkers will use a colourful wand - something Gaiah-Rose would have loved.

The wand will be passed from walker to walker throughout the day, showing collective support and aroha.

“We would love for members of our wider community to come along and join our Taps (Te Awamutu Primary School) whānau,” deputy principal Kim TautariScott said. “We just need to keep the baton moving on the track for 10 hours.

Buckets on the course on the

day will be provided to collect donations and the appeal also has a crowdfunding page online. It had raised more than $17,000 earlier this week.

School principal Sharon Griffiths said all staff members have had a part in designing the day, by posing ideas and voting on the outcome.

“It’s tragic. Especially because it occurred in the summer break, which is usually a time of whānau, holidays, Christmas and all the things that kids find exciting,” Griffiths said. “There was no chance for a farewell or goodbye. It was quite unexpected and sudden.

“The whānau have been so generous, in their darkest times, sharing information with the community so that everybody could follow their

journey.

“We wanted to do something to raise funds and decided that Ronald McDonald House not only helped the Maikuku whānau, but it’s also helped staff members who have had grandchildren in Starship or Middlemore, and other families in the community, who might have stayed there,” Griffiths said.

“They’ve had a big impact on Te Awamutu families, even though they’re in Auckland, and it would benefit future families.”

Mum Elsie van Tol said when they had arrived at Ronald McDonald House, they looked in their library. The first book they saw was one written by Taps teacher Amy Harrop.

KNOW YOUR PROFESSIONAL

SMALL PROBLEMS BECOME

Most farm lease disputes don’t start with lawyers. They start with a conversation in the yards, a text about a race, or a quiet worry that expectations are drifting apart.

Repair and maintenance obligations are a classic example. Leases often use broad language requiring a tenant to “maintain” the property, but the legal position is rarely as simple as it rst appears. The law implies certain

“We read that to Gaiah and I think she really liked it.”

The family remain part of Taps. Gaiah-Rose’s sister is a student there and another sister is due to start on March 9.

Elsie said they all have no words to describe how grateful they are for the community’s backing.

“The community support, whānau support, all the support has been unreal, unbelievable,” Jason said.

BIG DISPUTES — ESPECIALLY IN FARM LEASES

protections into most leases, and obligations are often tied to the condition of the property at the start, not a requirement to x longstanding issues.

The real risk is waiting too long. Once frustration sets in or positions harden, what could have been resolved with early guidance can quickly turn into a costly dispute. Speaking to a solicitor early, even mid-lease, can help clarify rights and

responsibilities, reset expectations, and often preserve the working relationship.

Good legal advice isn’t just for signing day or courtrooms. It’s often most valuable before a problem escalates.

If you have questions about a farm lease, or an issue starting to surface, the rural legal team at Edmonds Judd can provide practical, plainEnglish guidance to help keep matters on track.

WHY DOES

Many owners are surprised when they’re told their pet needs a recent examination before we can prescribe medication – especially for a problem they’ve had before. This isn’t to make things di cult; its a legal and safety requirement to protect your pet. Some products are over-the-counter (OTC), such as shampoos, supplements and mild parasite treatments. These have a wide safety margin. Prescription medications are di erent. They can cause serious

side e ects, interact with other medicines, or mask more serious disease if used incorrectly. Veterinarians must have a current vet-clientpatient relationship, which means examining your pet before prescribing. What appears to be the ‘same problem’ may actually be a new condition – for example an ear infection could be mites, a ruptured eardrum, allergies or even a tumour. Regular vet checks allow us to con rm the diagnosis is still correct, the medication is

still appropriate, the dose is safe, and no new underlying illness is present – giving your pet the best chance of recovery.

As part of responsible prescribing, please note that we do not hold all medications in stock at all times.

To avoid delays in treatment or missed doses, we strongly recommend contacting the clinic several days before your pet’s medication is due to run out. This allows us su cient time to order the product if required and ensure continuity of care.

tooth grinding.

Good news is, there are lots of ways to replace missing teeth.

One option is an implant, this is where a

screw is placed into your bone, and a tooth permanently screwed on top. Another option is a bridge, where crowns are placed on the teeth either side of the missing tooth, and a tooth is suspended over the space as a permanent xed option. There are also partial denture options (metal or plastic) for replacing multiple missing teeth, which you take out at night.

What will work for you, is an individual thing depending on what you are looking for, what teeth you have missing and the state of the remaining teeth in your mouth. If you are considering looking at replacement options for your missing teeth, I would highly encourage you to book in with us at Otorohanga Dental Surgery to have a look and discuss replacement options suitable for you.

MIDDLE EAST SITUATION

Events over the weekend in the Middle East have made travel more complex, particularly with many major airlines operating through that region. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, where airspace restrictions have led to some ight suspensions and reroutings for services to, from, or transiting the Middle East. The safety and wellbeing of our customers remains our highest priority.

Airlines are continuing to review schedules and travel policies, with many o ering the option to defer travel or receive a full refund.

If you have booked with us, please rest assured we will be in touch with information speci c to you, as your travel date approaches (as the situation continues to evolve).

If you have booked elsewhere and your

itinerary includes travel to, from, or via the Middle East, we recommend you:

• Monitor your airline’s website or app for real-time updates and con rm your ight status before heading to the Airport, as changes can occur at short notice

• Check the New Zealand SafeTravel website

• Ensure your contact details in your booking are current

Forum missed Māori angle

By Mary Anne Gill

Waikato University has been criticised by Waipā District Council chief executive Steph O’Sullivan for failing to acknowledge the Māori Queen’s recent Economic Forum at its own event last month.

Writing in an exclusive column for Good Local Media’s March edition of Waikato Business News, O’Sullivan said the omission overlooked both indigenous economic leadership and the scale of Māori investment interests represented at Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō’s Ōhanga ki te Ao summit.

Te Arikinui announced the multi-million-dollar Kotahitanga Fund at the

conclusion of the summit in November last year, describing it as a platform to help grow the $126 billion Māori economy.

More than 200 iwi representatives, business leaders, sovereign wealth fund heads and other delegates attended the summit at Waikato University’s Te Pā, where discussions focused on advancing indigenous economic initiatives and long-term investment strategies.

O’Sullivan said the university’s two-day Management School New Zealand Economics Forum, held at the same venue last month, made no reference to the Kotahitanga Fund or the indigenous economic leadership and investment scale represented at the earlier gathering.

“That absence matters,” she said in the column which also covered the local government response to the Valentine’s Weekend floods in Waipā and Ōtorohanga.

“If our economic conversations do not fully acknowledge iwi partnership and Māori economic leadership and innovation, they risk being incomplete. Because every time crisis hits, the

reality is the same: local government shows up, and iwi open their doors,” said O’Sullivan.

Waitomo mayor John Robertson has also written an exclusive column in which he advocates a merger between Ōtorohanga and Waitomo district councils and the formation of a King Country council.

“We have been a community of interest for well over a century, Te Rohe Potae. Dominated by one proud iwi, Maniapoto, our economy is driven by pastoral farming, forestry, mining and tourism,” he wrote.

“We are a vast area stretching from Kāwhia to Mōkau inland to Taumarunui, and east towards Taupō. We are an area the size of Hamilton city, Waipā and Waikato districts combined.

“Ōtorohanga and Waitomo districts represent most of this area. An amalgamation

of the two councils would be easily achieved by legislation,” he said.

Good Local sister publication Bay of Plenty Business News leads with comments from Tauranga Girls’ High principal Tara Kanji – a Waikato University graduate – about the dangers involved in the government’s NCEA education reforms.

Kanji – speaking from the coal face - was a guest panellist at the university’s economic forum and said that current Year 9 students will sit entirely new qualifications at Years 11, 12 and 13, yet schools still lack the information needed to plan coherently.

“I cannot currently backward map my Year 9 students to best prepare them,” she says. “We’re building the plane while flying it.”

Kanji says Education Ministry documents themselves acknowledged the proposed reforms would initially lower achievement rates for students already overrepresented in underachievement, particularly Māori and Pasifika learners.

“I can’t accept a system that knowingly perpetuates disadvantage,” she says.

“Education has to be accessible and meaningful for all.”

The News was at the university forum and reports on other forum issues including Labour’s Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds on taking the long view, the workforce crunch caused by an ageing population and volatile migration and the dangers of rising superannuation and healthcare costs.

We also toured St Peter’s Anglican Cathedral in

Hamilton and spoke to senior church leaders about their plans to strengthen the church, are in Mount Maunganui to follow up on the tragic landslides on Mauao and at the Employers and Manufacturers summer briefing sessions. The popular Out and About section returns with businesses hosting a series of ‘looking forward’ functions.

• Read Waikato Business News and Bay of Plenty Business News online goodlocal.nz

Iron sands and high ridges

New Zealand Outdoor Instructors’ Association Bush Leader and senior writer Chris Gardner shares his experience of walking the second day of the Nuku Walk in the King Country on St Valentine’s Day.

Two trampers climbed to the ridge of the Nuku sand dune like ants climbing an ant hill.

The pair were two of nine walking the private three-day Nuku Walk in the King Country. They had opted to take the short cut across farm land on the second day, putting them about an hour ahead of the rest of us.

We had all begun the climb from Back Bay that morning to the 243-metre-high Te Ranga, and our advance party broke off when the opportunity arose. The rest of us took the long way around and enjoyed walking through rugged stock filled hill country to expansive views of the Tasman Sea as it smashed against Nukuhakari Station’s cliffs. From the cliffs we headed back down to sea level to the beach at Ngararahae Bay.

The Nuku dune towered above us, it’s ever shifting ridge reaching approximately

80 to 100 metres from the sea.

Of all the terrain I have encountered on my travels, this was the most unusual.

Hailing from the Isle of Wight, in the UK, I have walked many coastal paths at sea and cliff level. I have generally avoided tramping along the beach or up and across sand dunes, even if there was a well-trodden path. But the beach and mountainous sand dune could not be avoided.

Hamish Nelson and Bridget St George, who have operated the private walk on their family-owned sheep and beef station for nearly a season, have led a team of staff and volunteers in painstakingly replanting the bay’s dunes over a decade.

It’s one of the most pristine environments I have seen, despite the occasional marker post telling you which way to go, and the footprints of trampers who have walked the path before you. The

dune is all the better for the fact that it is only accessible to small groups.

It took us about an hour to traverse the southern side of the dune and walk along the top of the ridge to towering cliffs.

From the dune’s ridge we continued over farm land and along the cliff until we reached the old staircase, a zig zag path down the cliff to Front Bay.

Last century former owners of the station sent animals down the narrow staircase to the beach where they had been shipped to the saleyards or meat works.

Pizza dough and toppings were waiting for us at Front Bay, courtesy of the station’s Japanese chef, along with our bags.

Front Bay gave us amazing sunset lit views of Mount Taranaki to the south and Mangangū Pā to the north.

It was St Valentine’s Day, and we had loved every minute of the second 13km leg of the Nuku Walk.

New titles for road, reserve

By Jon Rawlinson

A road named after a railway station closed for more than half a century and a village green which remains a green within a village, are set to be given new monikers.

Te Kūiti’s Te Kumi Station Road is to become Tuariri Road and Piopio Village Green will also be referred to as Te Nohoanga, Waitomo District Council confirmed last week.

The road’s name change is intended to better reflect the area’s history and recognise former landowner, Tuariri Kiore Pakoro Hohepa.

Efforts to change the name of the road were Initiated by Grant and Maryanne Morgan, who began with a hui last April. During consultation, no objections were received and the application has now been approved.

“This is a way of recognising our tūpuna. The name Te Kumi Station Road means nothing,” Grant Morgan, told council.

“Government had a process of taking land when needed – when it involved

Māori like Tuariri who didn’t speak any English, it was just taken.”

Land belonging to Hohepa was leased to the Te Kūiti Racing Club before being taken by the Crown to use for Te Kūiti’s aerodrome. Later, it was administered by the local authority. Te Kumi railway station closed in 1968.

“I am pleased that we can honour those who originally owned the land on which this road is built,” mayor John Robertson said.

“We’re not here to judge, but we can put some things right that, in our view, might have been done wrongly in the past.”

There has been more controversy regarding a name change or amendment for the Piopio Village Green. Seven submissions were received all opposed to the use of the name Te Nohoanga, which translates as a place of settlement or a place to call home.

Consultation with tangata whenua regarding an appropriate Māori name for the property was a condition of the purchase of the land by council in 2021.

It will still be called The Village Green.

Recent subdivision of the reserve and a regular review of the Reserve Management Plan, held every three–five years, required that this condition be addressed.

“Council purchased the land known as The Village Green in Piopio from the Andrews family,” Robertson said. “In light of the wishes of the vendor, it will now become a reserve named Te Nohoanga.”

However, the new name is only official on paper.

“The Village Green sign and the nature of this park, all of which was formed and planted by the Piopio Community, will not change,” Robertson said. “The community shouldn’t be under the impression that the Village Green sign is coming down or that they need to refer to it in any other way.”

Dysentery and snake oil

By Meghan Hawkes

It was impossible for one man to manage the extra religious work in the outlying districts of the King Country, so it was with relief that Reverend Wayne returned to Ōtorohanga from the Auckland Anglican church in early 1911 having secured the assistance of Walter Piggot. Thirty-seven-year-old Walter had for the past year worked in the Whangarei parish and was very highly recommended. He was to be ordained in the near future. He, with his wife Mary and their four small children were to arrive just after Easter. Their Northland parish was sad to see them go and the Ladies’ Guild put on an afternoon party for Mary where she was presented with a souvenir in recognition of the work she had done.

Mary, who was about six months pregnant, and the children left in mid- March for their new life, Walter, temporarily staying up north. But their happiness was to be short-lived. Not long after arriving all four children became ill with the dreaded disease dysentery. This intestinal infection caused fever, cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea and was not well

understood at the time.

Mary most likely had a bottle of Chamberlain’s Colic, Cholera, and Diarrhoea

Remedy which contained alcohol, ether, opium and chloroform. It falsely claimed to have been used in nine epidemics of dysentery in the United States with perfect success. ‘Get it today’ urged the adverts. ‘It may save a life’.

Advice at the time for treating dysentery was not much more effective. Hot cloths or cloths sprinkled with turpentine after being wrung out of hot water were to be placed on the stomach. Plain food was to be given in small quantities and at short intervals. A change of air, especially near the sea air, was recommended to restore the patient. Doctors treated the disease with ipecacuanha (ipecac) which was highly toxic and could cause heart damage.

When Walter got the news about his children he travelled from the north to Ōtorohanga. When he reached his family, however, it was to find that the youngest child, Dorothy, 2 years 9 months, had died the previous day. Four days later Royston, 4 years 8 months, succumbed. The other two children were in a critical condition and doing as well as could be expected. Local newspapers reported the Piggot’s tragedy, adding that dysentery was very prevalent, the cause being attributed to the hot weather or bad tank water.

Walter was ordained on Trinity Sunday in July 1911, at St. John’s College, Auckland and returned to work as a Reverend in the King Country. He and Mary had two more children and a few years later moved back to Northland. They ended their days at Bayswater, Auckland. Dorothy and Roy were buried at the Ōtorohanga cemetery.

NEW NISSAN NAVARA ARRIVING SOON!

ON SHAKY GROUND

Entering the time of AI

By Janine Krippner

Last year I shared signs to look out for when it comes to spotting if something has been generated by AI (Artificial Intelligence). That is now out of date.

Matt Shumer, who works in the AI space, recently wrote an essay “Something big is happening.” Some experts disagree with some of his thoughts, but he had important messages that we should all hear.

The essay has two sides: a serious warning, and excitement about the possibilities that AI brings.

As with any powerful tool, it depends on how we, as humanity, use it. It depends on our ethics, the questions we are exploring, and how we value and protect others.

Part of the warning is about AI replacing jobs. Will we form protections to prevent job loss? There are a lot of big questions. I remember when the iPhone first came out. I didn’t see why I would ever need a minicomputer in my pocket. A waste of money, right?

That is now laughable - it has become something that is difficult to live without. AI is this next big leap. It is here whether we like it or not, and it is rapidly evolving with what it can accomplish.

There are all the possibilities in improving aspects of life that will impact us, like medical treatments and cures. In science, AI can be used to work through enormous amounts of data and find new solutions. There are remarkable and very exciting possibilities.

There is the darker side. For years I have

voiced my concerns about misinformation, and it is getting harder to spot. Using AI, people can now create realistic videos and create virtual people that are worryingly realistic. You can even create music. Starting with a few ideas, AI can return a song. Singers and all. It is increasingly important for us to have healthy scepticism and discernment, especially on social media. Unfortunately, there are people out there who will use this to try to trick us into giving them money and personal information. Fake websites exist where you can purchase something that doesn’t exist.

After regular internet security training, I never click on advertising links, and I always verify a new website by looking up reviews. If someone sends a message with a link I wasn’t expecting, I double-check that it is legitimate. There are quick and easy things we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Even if AI is something that scares or irritates you, I recommend learning about it. The speed at which it is improving is so rapid that if you used it a few months ago and decided it wasn’t very good, that is now out of date. F

ree versions are not the same as the more powerful paid for versions. There is much hope and optimism to be had, as long as we pair it with asking questions, educating ourselves, double checking what we see online, and taking a few seconds to think about how accurate something may be.

AGE OF REASON

Why I like this scheme

By Richard Steele

I’m a fan of the Emissions Trading Scheme and I’ll tell you why straight away - I don’t want anyone to be under any illusions.

We have lots of reverting scrub that qualify for ETS funding, and some small forest plantations that sequester lots of carbon, that we all produce, and whether you believe in climate change or not - I do - and I’m very happy to be making what I think, is a contribution, to a cleaner planet.

The trouble with the ETS, though, is not with the science, which I think is reliably based, but with political tinkering, which seems to me to have undermined confidence in the way the scheme was designed, to make a difference to the climate.

That doesn’t mean I agree with planting good farmland in trees. I don’t.

The type of country we are retiring or planting is remote land that should never have been cleared for farming in the first place. It is erosion prone, unstable in a wet season, actually not even suited for pine trees, as they grow too fast, and drag the hills down even faster, than they did, as grasslands.

It seems that while some politicians agree with the ETS, some don’t, and therein lies my problem. The scheme left to its own devices would reach a buyer-seller equilibrium, which would be sustainable, and that would over time encourage all the big carbon producers to change their ways. Then along comes some uncalled for comments from a political person and the price crash undermines the confidence.

Everybody who buys fuel for any vehicle, and everybody who uses electricity, has been paying a levy per litre of fuel, per unit of power, for many years. That levy was destined toward the ETS when it was implemented . We all forget that, and rightly moan about

the price of both these essential items, forgetting the tax implications on both of them.

And governments have always loved those taxes, as we all blame the oil companies, the fuel companies, easily forgetting that a dollar in the price of every litre is tax.

I’ve also written to my local Member of Parliament, to ask for a small rule change. Trees planted or grown before 1990 don’t qualify for the emissions trading scheme, and I think they should - if only to encourage more landowners to retire more pieces of bush remnants. It would be a small incentive to retire more land. I’m talking about the Queen Elizabeth trust. set up to protect remnants of native forests, and has done a marvellous job of doing so.

In matters more boring, the hunters I’m paying to keep on top of the pest control, in my July 2024 plantings are up to 62 deer and 250 goats shot. The pests make a beeline for anywhere you retire land to plant trees.

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• The editor’s decision on publication is final.

NEW BRANDS HERE NOW

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From relaxing escapes to bucket-list adventures, every trip is tailored to you and backed by my recent travels through Europe, Dubai, Singapore, Niue, Bali and the USA - with Thailand and Hawaii coming up in 2026. When you book with me, you’re supporting a local business that truly cares about our community, and being mobile means I’ll happily come to you, meet locally, or chat by phone at a time that suits.

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World Travellers King Country P. 027 428 4730

WELCOME TO STOKED EATERY

Stoked Eatery has been cooking up a storm since 2015 and has transformed into the hottest spot to dine in Te Kūiti.

Bu et and set menu options available for larger groups. Please phone stoked for further details. To insure you don’t miss out bookings required

8 Mary Street, Te Kūiti

Situated in a desirable area, this four bedroom home offers privacy, space, and a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by gardens, mature trees, and a tranquil stream. Inside, the home features new carpet throughout and new curtains. The open plan kitchen, dining, and lounge form the heart of the home, with both living areas opening onto a deck overlooking the gardens, ideal for entertaining or relaxed outdoor living. A wood fire adds warmth and character. The functional layout includes one bathroom, a separate toilet, and a separate laundry, along with internal access for everyday convenience. An

additional rumpus/fifth bedroom with external access provides flexible living options. Completing the package is a single garage with an extra space, offering additional storage or a workshop. Garden lovers will appreciate the glasshouse, established grounds and raised veggie gardens. The swimming pool (in need of repair) presents an opportunity to add value. Healthy Homes compliant with an estimated rental return of $500pw, this property is an excellent investment opportunity or an ideal first home. A private, leafy sanctuary with lifestyle appeal and future potential.

For Sale $465,000 View Sunday 8 March, 10.00 - 10.30am rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30344 4 1 1 1

Buzz Linn 027 496 0053 buzz.linn@raywhite.com

Sam Baggott 027 855 8472 sam.baggott@raywhite.com

Ave, Otorohanga, 686sqm, power, water, fibre, wastewater at boundary. Ph Buzz/Sam $220,000 9 Sunset Close, Otorohanga, 750sqm in Westridge subdivision. Ph Lorraine

Lot 1, 52 Old Te Kuiti Road, Otorohanga, 1876sqm, power, water at gate, no covenants. Ph John P $285,000

Lot 2, 0 Old Te Kuiti Road, Otorohanga, 2716sqm, power, water at gate, no covenants. Ph John P. $285,000

149A Old Te Kuiti Road, Lot 1, 5517sqm, easy covenants. Phone Lorraine Offers over $250,000

Lot 1, 627 Waitomo Valley Road, Otorohanga, 8105sqm rural lifestyle section. Phone Julie $298,000

Lots 90-108 Harpers Avenue, 486sqm to 962sqm, Westridge II subdivision. Phone John From $220,000ea 576C Mangawhero Road, Otorohanga, 1ha, fenced, sensible covenants. Ph Noldy Offers over $385,000

2/823 Ngahape Road, Otorohanga, over 6000sqm, elevated building site, rural views. Ph Noldy $450,000

Te Kūiti sections (sizes are approximate)

35 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 1084sqm, handy to schools and hospital. Phone Buzz $250,000

10 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 600sqm level section. Phone Buzz $239.000 Other sections (sizes are approximate)

214 Okapu Place, Aotea Harbour, 700sqm, borders farmland, ocean views, covenants apply. Julie $290,000

0 State Highway 3, Piopio, 984sqm. Phone Buzz By Negotiation

171 Ngahape Road, Te Kawa, 5001sqm. Phone Cherie $450,000

0 Raglan Road, Kawhia, 2648sqm lifestyle section, no covenants, completely off grid. Ph Julie $290,000

Goodbye to slow cooking

It’s been 40 years since microwave ovens were introduced to New Zealanders. Although microwaves had been used in America since the early 1950s, it wasn’t until their modernisation in the seventies that microwave ovens rode a real wave of success. Cooks queued for lessons as it was a totally new kitchen concept. Conventional ovens generate heat — microwaves don’t. They generate microwaves that cause the molecules in food to jump about and get very excited. This agitation creates the heat that cooks the food.

Vegetables, fish and sauces are ideally suited to microwave cooking. Because vegetables are cooked in a small amount of water, they retain most of their nutrients and are colourful, crisp and tasty. Fish retains its moistness and flavour. And sauces cooked in jugs in the microwave don’t ‘catch’ on the base as in traditional saucepan cooking. Microwave cooking hints.

• Check the wattage of your oven. The higher the wattage, the quicker it will cook. Most recipes are developed for 1000-watt ovens.

• Just as in conventional cooking, foods are best stirred or turned during microwave cooking.

• Unlike conventional cooking, the more food you microwave, the longer it will take.

• Chilled foods take longer to cook than room-temperature foods.

Best Butter Chicken

Coconut cream or yoghurt could replace the cream.

500g skinned and boned chicken breasts

Marinade: 2 tablespoons each: plain unsweetened Greek yoghurt, tandoori paste

2 cloves garlic, crushed freshly ground black pepper to taste

Sauce: 1 tablespoon canola oil

1 medium onion, diced

50g packet Indian butter chicken spice paste

2 tablespoons each: tomato paste, water 1/4 cup cream

Cut the chicken into 3cm cubes. Place in a plastic bag. Combine the marinade ingredients and add to the chicken. Move the chicken around so it is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or for up to 2 hours.

To prepare the sauce, place the oil and onion in a large (2-litre) microwave jug or bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes, until the onion is softened. Stir in the butter chicken spice paste and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the remaining ingredients until smooth. Microwave for 30 seconds.

Add the chicken and marinade and mix well. Cover and cook for 6 minutes on high (1000-watt oven). Stir halfway through. Test for doneness. Stand for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Great garnished with a few fennel seeds and some long-thread coconut. Serves 4.

A meal in one jug. I used a 2-litre Pyrex jug and covered it with a silicone lid.

400g can diced tomatoes in juice

1/2 can water

2 x 250g packets 90-second long grain rice or similar 1 orange or yellow capsicum, seeded and diced 100g smoked chorizo, skinned and sliced

1/2-1 teaspoon each: Cajun spice, smoked paprika or to taste

8 large raw prawns, shelled and deveined

1 cup frozen peas

flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Pour the tomatoes into a large microwave jug. Rinse the can

out with the water and add. Stir in the rice. Add the capsicum, chorizo, Cajun spice and smoked paprika. Cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes.

Add the prawns and peas. Stir well. Cover and microwave for another 6 minutes, or until the prawns turn pink and the peas are cooked. Stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4.

Thai-style fish

Aromatic and moreish. Crushed green peppercorns could be added to the soy sauce mixture for extra zing.

700g skinned and boned thick white fish fillets

2 tablespoons each: thick soy sauce, grated root ginger

1 tablespoon cornflour

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 rasher middle bacon, finely chopped

1-2 tablespoons canola oil

6 button mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 long chilli, seeded and thinly sliced

Garnish: coriander leaves, sliced mint and/or basil leaves

Divide the fish into four portions. Place in a single layer in a shallow microwave casserole.

Combine the soy sauce, ginger, cornflour, garlic and bacon. Add a little canola oil to make a paste. Spread the mixture over the fish and a little along the sides.

Top the fish with the mushrooms and chilli. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Stand for 2 minutes before serving. Serve topped with the fresh herbs. Serves 4.

MAKING A PROPERTY MOVE?

Te Kuiti 25B Seddon Street

Easy Living on Seddon Street

Tucked away in a handy Seddon Street location, 25B Seddon Street offers a practical and comfortable option for buyers looking for low-maintenance living close to town. This tidy home provides an easy layout with good natural light, making it well suited to first-home buyers, downsizers, or investors alike. Positioned for convenience, you'll appreciate the proximity to local shops, schools, and everyday amenities. Whether you're stepping onto the property ladder or adding to your portfolio, this is a smart opportunity in a central Te Kuiti setting.

NEW LISTING

ARIA 967 Ohura Road

Affordable Dairy Opportunity

217.12 hectares (more or less) dairy unit, 10km east of Aria and 20km southeast of Piopio. 157 hectares flat dairy platform, 57 hectares rolling support; excellent access.

Quality Kairanga silt and clay loam soils - high natural fertility.

Infrastructure: 26 ASHB shed, two calf sheds, hay shed, workshop, garage and two dwellings.

Approximately 65 paddocks, strong internal fencing, reliable reticulated stock water. Certified effluent system irrigating 43 hectares.

Production (153 hectare platform): 2023/24 – 135,312kg MS (470 cows), 2024/25 – 136,253kg MS (434 cows). Approximately 100 R1s have been wintered.

Versatile options: continue as dairy or convert to intensive grazing/bull finishing.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK43063

NEW LISTING

ARIA 24 Pukeuha Road

347ha King Country Dairy Unit – Scale & Performance

Located 6km east of Aria and 16km south east of Piopio, this well contoured 324 hectare effective dairy farm features 140 hectares of flats, 184 hectares of medium rolling, pockets of steeper land, and 23 hectares of native bush.

Fertile Kairanga soils, 1,500–1,650mm rainfall, pH around 5.8, Olsen P averaging 44.

Currently milking 930 cows, the farm delivered 233,000kg MS 2023/24 and 246,000kg MS 2024/25 season.

Infrastructure includes a 54 bail rotary, 90 day effluent storage irrigating 40ha, quality laneways, water systems, and approx. 100 paddocks. Five titles with four dwellings. A rare opportunity to secure a large, fully developed dairy operation.

TENDER Plus GST (if any)

Will not be sold prior Closes 3.00pm, Wednesday 8 April VIEW

10.00-12.00pm Thursday 12, 19 & 26 March

Peter Wylie

M 027 473 5855

E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

Tony Foreman

M 027 654 7434

E tony.foreman@pggwrightson.co.nz

TENDER Plus GST (if any) Will not be sold prior Closes 3.00pm, Wednesday 8 April

VIEW

10.00-12.00pm

Thursday 12, 19 & 26 March

Peter Wylie

M 027 473 5855

E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

Tony Foreman

M 027 654 7434

E tony.foreman@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TEK43064

PIOPIO Kahuwera Road

Custom Made - Cattle and Supplement Farm

Located on Kahuwera Road, approx 5km east of Piopio township, this 179.98 hectares (more or less) bare land property is a custom‑made grazing and supplement unit, ideally suited to cattle, dairy support, and bull beef operations. The farm is 100% cattle country and has been previously operated as a cell block system, with 65 permanently fenced paddocks. Two sets of cattle yards, a silo, solar electric fencing unit, and excellent internal access via a formed limestone metalled track running from the road to the back of the property.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK43021

E

E

TE MAPARA 37 Napinapi Road

20ha Lifestyle Opportunity on Fertile Flats

TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm, Thursday 2 April

TE KUITI 7 Liverpool Street

Solid Brick Home in Cul-de-Sac

1950’s

Located just 6km from Piopio and 18km from Te Kuiti, this well positioned 20ha property offers fertile flat land across two titles and outstanding versatility. Approx 16.0ha are currently planted in maize, highlighting the quality and productivity of the soils. The recently renovated brick home provides comfortable modern living, featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms including a master ensuite, and a sunny additional living space ideal for relaxing or taking in the rural outlook. Practical infrastructure includes shedding and workshop space, perfect for storage, or hobbies.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK43039

10.00-11.00am Monday 9 & 16 March

Peter Wylie pggwre.co.nz/TEK43025

M 027 473 5855

E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

E tony.foreman@pggwrightson.co.nz M 027 654 7434 Tony Foreman

OTOROHANGA 678A Mangaorongo Road

Modern Lifestyle, Rural Heart

HANDYMAN

Septic Tank Cleaning

•

•

•

animal effluent Dave Rowe PAINTING LTD

• Interior & Exterior

• Painting

• Wallpapering

• Spray Painting

• Roofs

• Farm Buildings

Right Plant, Right Place

Columns, Editorials

A newspaper is more than just news. It involves you in the community with personal stories, thoughts, viewpoints, humour and helpful tips. 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…

One of the simplest principles in garden design is also one of the most overlooked: right plant, right place.

It’s the difference between a garden that matures gracefully — and one that constantly feels like it needs managing. Structural plants like flax and grasses are often chosen because they look neat and architectural when first planted. For a year, maybe two, they sit perfectly within the space. And then they grow.

New Zealand flax (Phormium) is bold and beautiful — but it is not a small plant. Even Green Goddess, considered a compact variety, will still grow to around 1–1.2 metres wide at maturity. Other dwarf cultivars are available, but they still need adequate space.

The problem is they’re often planted into narrow 500–600mm beds along fences or paths.

At planting time they look tidy. By year two, they’re pushing into lawns, pressing against fences, or crowding neighbouring plants.

So they get trimmed. Sides are shaved back. Leaves are shortened. The natural

arching form — the very reason we choose flax — is lost. Instead of a strong architectural feature, you end up with a plant that looks constantly restrained.

It’s the same story with lomandra, widely used in commercial landscapes. Lomandra longifolia is tough and reliable, which makes it popular.

But many varieties grow close to a metre wide. Planted too tightly or into narrow strips, they quickly outgrow their space. The response? Hard trimming — the “thrash cut” — to keep them off paths and carparks.

Instead of soft, flowing movement, you get clipped mounds that never show their natural shape.

When designing, think in three years — not three months.

How wide will the plant truly get? Does the bed allow for that?

When plants are given the room they need, maintenance reduces, health improves, and the garden settles beautifully.

Right plant, right place isn’t just a saying. It’s what makes a garden work long term.

District Council (24hrs)............................................0800 932 4357 Victim Support Services.................................027 281 1499 or 0800 842 846

World Day of Prayer

11am Friday 6th March St George’s Catholic Church Seddon Street Te Kuiti All Welcome! ph: 021 111 0262

Grey Power King Country 2026 AGM and Open Meeting

Monday, March 30th @ 2pm Te Kuiti Lyceum Club 4 Hinerangi Street, Te Kuiti

Agenda:

• Adoption of updated Constitution

• Registration as an Incorporated Society

• Election of President and committee members Shared Afternoon tea

ST LUKE’S MARKET DAY

This Saturday, March 7 8am-12 noon Carpark 85 Esplanade, Te Kūiti

$10 per space Sellers and buyers welcome Enquiries: 021 201 0355

APPLICATION FOR GRANTS

Application forms for Individuals and Organization’s may be printed off the Piopio website or by emailing the Trust. Email: piopiotrust@gmail.com

Areas covered for grants include Piopio Township and the districts of Mairoa – Mangaotaki – Mahoenui – Aria – Mokauiti –Mapiu – Kopaki – Benneydale – Oparure and Rangitoto. Te Kuiti Borough is not included.

Applications close at 5pm on 31st March 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Agenda

Saturday 21st March 2026 10am at Mangapeehi Pa

9am Registration

10am Karakia & Mihimihi

Apologies

Minutes from 2025 AGM

Matters arising

Chairpersons Report

Further details by email, our Owlett newsletter and our Facebook page. Emailgreypowerkingcountry@gmail.com, 02108878356.

AGM Notice

Notice is hereby given for the Annual General Meeting of Mangatoatoa Pa (“Mangatoatoa Pa Maori Reservation”) Meeting details Mangatoatoa Pa 66 Te Mawhai Road 22 March 2026 - 10am

Agenda 1. Whakamoemiti 2. Apologies 3. Previous AGM minutes

Chairman report

Financial report

Paa Development plan

Paa Trustee election

Financial Report 2025

Marae development update

Marae Committee Report

Wananga Update

TNN Whare Ki Rereahu Report

Rotation of 2 Trustees

General Business Karakia whakamutunga

Following hui will be a shared lunch. Whanau are encouraged to bring a plate. If anyone has any queries please ph 027 474 9869.

Ngaa manaakitanga e te Whaanau.

General business 10. Whakamoemiti

Trustee election

Nominations for Paa Trustees are to be in writing and please have a summary of the skill set that you can offer also to be included. Please email to craig.barrett@bakertillysr.nz no later than 5 days before the hui or they will not be accepted.

Other AGMs

At the conclusion of the Mangatoatoa Pa Maori Reservation AGM the following AGMs will be held

• Tokanui No 1B No 2B No2A (Te Rewatu)

• Tokanui (Burial ground) Craig Barrett Mangatoatoa Paa Chairman craig.barrett@bakertillysr.nz 021590449

Ruapuha Uekaha Hapu Trust (Hauturu East 8) Tertiary, Work Related & Apprenticeship 2026 Education Grant Round NOW OPEN

Karanga mai - calling all descendants of Tanetinorau Opataia, Te Aroa Haami Haereiti, Te Riutoto Aihe & Whatakaraka. You are invited to apply for education grants in the following areas; - Tertiary, Work Related & Apprenticeship for 2026 You can download an application from the RUHT website www.ruht.co.nz.

To be eligible for a grant you must be registered with the Ruapuha Uekaha Hapu Trust.

If you are unsure whether you are registered, please email register@ruht.co.nz

Please ensure all sections of the form are completed and you have supplied all the required documentation before sending in. Applications close FRIDAY, 13 MARCH 26 @ 2PM. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

For all queries phone 0800 525 626 (option two) or email educationgrants@ruht.co.nz

EEKL SCHEDULE ON

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS to the wonderful staff at Te Kuiti Hospital, for their care and kindness of Peg. We are so grateful. The Plenderleith family

LIVESTOCK

POLL

Lump Wood Charcoal

Looking for charcoal?

Tumu Tumu Eztate supplies two varieties of charcoal for your BBQ and cooking needs.

Sustainably harvested right here in the King Country.

Pricing (10kg bags) - Mānuka Pieces: $45.00 - Mixed Wood Pieces: $35.00

Bulk sales available – please contact to ask for pricing.

Contact Mick Tapara 022 513 9522

info@tumutumueztate.co.nz

www.tumutumueztate.co.nz

Or find us on Facebook

HOUSE TO RENT –3-bedroom, 1 bathroom. Otorohanga township. No pets. $550 per week. Available now. Ph 0210 2928140

up and payment

Ph Gavin 027 877 7512 or 07 877 7512

Classifieds

Jobs,

SIRCOMBE, Rosemary – A memorial for Rose will be held at Otorohanga Cemetery on the 20th March at 10am. Followed by refreshments at the Otorohanga Club. All welcome

SOUNDY, Richard –Richard's family invites friends and colleagues to celebrate his life. Saturday 7th March at 12.00pm at The Otorohanga Club. RSVP would be appreciated. Text 0275737718.

WARD, Michael – Passed away 10.02.26 with family by his side. An informal memorial for Michael to be held 12:00pm Sunday 15th March, Otorohanga Club, Maniapoto Street. All correspondence to Ward family - 809 Wall Road, Raureka, Hastings 4120

HICKEY, Terence Patrick –peacefully at Te Kūiti Hospital on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Dearly loved son, brother, uncle and friend. Special thanks to staff at Te Kūiti Hospital for their care. A private cremation has been held. All communications to Hickey Family c/- PO Box 241, Te Kuiti 3941. VJ Williams & Sons, Funeral Directors Association of NZ

NELSON NEE MADEX, Lucy May PEG – 96 years young. Born 1930 in Ararat, Victoria, Australia. Last to leave of 15 brothers and sisters. Wife to Stanley. Mum and mother-in-law to: Michael and Lillian, Carl, Guy and Marilyn, Sonia and Bushy. Much loved mother, grandma, great-grandma and great-great-grandma and aunty to so many. Friend to all she met. Aussie proud, honorary Kiwi. Traveller extraordinaire. Champagne supernova IYKYK. A celebration of PEG's life as per her wishes- 3 o'clock, 14th March at PEG's place. RSVP appreciated, please text 021752815

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Across 1. Unimportant information (6)

5. Breezily (6)

8. Tin (3)

9. Defeat though better thinking (6)

10. Refinement (6) 11. Henhouse (4)

13. Close thing (4,4)

14. Supplant (5) 15. Encourage a faster pace (3,2)

Last week

19. Highly unpleasant (8)

21. Side (4)

22. Hold together (6)

23. Overseas (6)

25. Long flat runner used on snow (3)

26. Agreement (6)

27. Rue (6) Down

2. Rowdy (7)

3. Solemn promise (3)

4. Playing a part (6) 5. Yearly (6) 6. Lying down (9) 7. Large water lily (5) 12. Keep trying (9) 16. Oblivious (7) 17. Unassuming (6) 18. Mend (6) 20. Origins (5) 24. Illegally fix an outcome (3)

Across: 1. Chirp, 4. Rustic, 7. Ace, 8. Broken, 9. Pantry, 10. Massacre, 12. Hope, 13. Engulf, 15. Settee, 16. Gasp, 17. Downcast, 19. Astute, 20. Grubby, 22. Tie, 23. Greedy, 24. Sieve.

Down: 1. Curtain-raiser, 2. Ilk, 3. Panic, 4. Repress, 5. Synthetic, 6. Irrepressible, 11. Sculpture, 14. Fidgety, 18. Wages, 21. Use.

HANDICAP HOLEINONE