King Country News | November 6, 2025

Santa parade slayed

By Jon Rawlinson

He can climb down narrow chimneys –but Santa can’t close State Highway 3 on Christmas Eve.

The brakes have been applied to plans for one of his many parades, this one in Piopio.

The town will have its Christmas Jingle and Mingle on the Green on December 24but its annual parade is off.

New NZ Transport Authority (NZTA) safety rules have resulted in traffic management costs for closing State Highway 3 - Moa Street, on the parade’s usual routeskyrocketing, organiser Nicky Atkinson told The News.

“Based on total estimates from council and traffic management companies instead of around $900–$1000 we could be looking at $10,000–$14,000 just to close the road from approximately 5.30–8pm,” Atkinson said.

Added to other costs – including insurance, prizes and advertising - the expense required to close the state highway became a bridge too far for organisers.

“The NZTA risk-based traffic management rules require more plans, so the costs for closing the road have risen dramatically. We have known for a while that the days of having our parade on the state highway were numbered. Now the time has come for us to re-evaluate what we do here at Christmas.”

Santa will be appearing at parades in Ōtorohanga on December 5 and Te Kūiti on December 12.

Traditionally held on Christmas Eve, Piopio’s parade has been run by Project Piopio Trust for decades.

The latest cost increase is due to Traffic Management Plan (TMP) requirements

and new risk-based assessments. The exact amount is determined by traffic management companies, an NZTA spokesperson said.

“Event organisers are required to provide a TMP. There is a cost from the company providing the service, not NZTA. NZTA will review TMPs to allow roads to be closed, but does not charge for processing applications.”

Although NZTA would not comment on specific cases, the risk-based approach is intended to improve safety.

“Rather than a one-size-fits-all method, the new system tailors traffic management. Crews assess risks choosing controls that fit the conditions,” the spokesperson said. “It’s about making practical decisions that protect workers and road users while keeping traffic moving.”

In Piopio a parade route avoiding the highway was considered, but such a change could not be organised in time for this year’s celebrations.

“We have researched several other options but we have run out of time to meet deadlines and to find more funding and help,” Atkinson said. “We will do what we can to have something for the community this year and we’ll begin early next year with some brainstorming, planning and fundraising for Christmas 2026.”

Piopio Christmas Jingle and Mingle on the Green will deliver festive fun, and a float competition will still go ahead with prizes up for grabs, even though it will be standing still.

“This year, the floats will line up along Weka Street. The crowd will have a good opportunity to look at each float while they mix and mingle with friends and family,” Atkinson said. Organisers are facing other roadblocks too.

“The companies providing children’s entertainment all seem to close down the weekend before Christmas now, as do the traffic management companies. Also, despite our efforts, we have had no one offer to help Carley Simpson with the parade’s organisation.”A Christmas miracle won’t

save the parade this year but it may return in 2026 if these obstacles can be overcome.

“The parade has been a highlight for our rural town,” Atkinson said. “There’s a lot to do to make events like this happen, but if we can’t get enough help, there will be no more Christmas events at all in future.”

Hospital memories

Christmas Comes Early!

The Waitomo Caves Choir with Titiwai Children’s Choir presents Carols in the

Caves ‘25

Fri 28 , Sat 29 , Sun 30 November, 8pm Titiwai Fri & Sat only

For tickets look up humanitix carols in the caves (online,preferred option!) or call Waitomo i-SITE from Monday 17 Nov, 9.30 am, 07 878 7640

Tickets are by koha ($20/adult suggested)

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Election dominates stats

Our online breaking coverage of the local body elections dominated last month’s revamped King Country News website with 26 per cent of all visits going to the constantly updated page.

The home page was second followed by stories about flooding throughout the district and an obituary on Margaret Liley, a Te Kūiti born and educated doctor who pioneered care for babies.

John Robertson’s victory in the Waitomo

mayoralty race was fourth with a wrap up of the regional and council results rounding out the top five.

Featuring in the top 10 are our e-Editions and King Country Farmer.

October was the first full month Good Local Media has been able to monitor visits as the website was relaunched on a new platform.

Editor Roy Pilott said the web statistics proved Good Local Media’s decision to

It’s your business

Good Local Media’s two business publications in Waikato and Bay of Plenty –out this week - both feature young entrepreneurs making their mark in regional competitions.

A 40-page edition of Waikato Business News has four Sacred Heart College students using their nous and a grandmother who can sew to come up with an awardwinning strap for a popular sandal.

Cambridge’s Phil Mackay writes on what the new councils around the region will be looking to achieve over the next three years. Plus, we are celebrating finalists in the Waikato business awards, the best of Hamilton’s city centre retailers and look ahead to the opening of the new regional theatre. former

National Party leader Todd Muller joins our stable of columnists and there is an historic shift in leadership at the regional council. Bay of Plenty Business News also features the return of cruise ships to Tauranga and the ever popular Out and About photo feature.

Read online goodlocal.nz

On the beat with Constable

Letters…

‘Narrow minded’?

prioritise election coverage both in print and online was the right one.

“On election day the team was in Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Kakepuku, Tamahere, Ōtorohanga and Te Kūiti to talk to three new mayors, one who was returned and one who was not.

“And then in print four days later, our analysis was spot on with them and our columnists. I’m proud of what we achieved in Election 2025,” he said.

I read with interest the narrow minded focus of the newly elected ACT party members of the Waikato Regional Council. They firmly believe that this council is there to serve farmers and no one else. Also, they have started out by implying that farmers are going to fund the whole budget for council for the next 50 years, which is not the case.

Yes there may be a few thousand farmers residing in the area covered but as a non-farmer I can assure you I have just made my annual donation to those farmers in the form of rates to the said council. For that donation I receive nothing.

No public transport, no advice on erosion or flooding issues.

The new councillors also need to remember the plan they are looking to change was in fact put together by fellow farmers with years of experience and the skills learned

Copper thieves are active

It’s been a busy week for police across the King Country, with several incidents and arrests keeping the team active in the community.

Police are investigating a series of burglaries in Te Kuiti, where copper and other valuable items have been targeted. We urge anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or has information to come forward. Your tip could make a real difference.

Police responded to a daytime burglary where a male was seen leaving a residential property with stolen items. A 54-year-old

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male was located and arrested shortly after. The stolen property has been recovered and returned to the victim. The male has been charged with burglary.

Police executed a warrant at a Te Kuiti address in relation to a vehicle involved in a failing to stop incident the previous week. The target vehicle was located and impounded.

A 28-year-old male selfpresented at the Piopio Police Station regarding active warrants. He was also wanted in connection with a historic family harm-related assault and was taken into custody without

issue.

A 24-year-old male from Ōtorohanga was arrested for breaching his courtimposed curfew conditions and transported to Hamilton Custody.

Throughout the week police received separate calls regarding a 46-year-old female yelling and shouting out to herself in the Ōtorohanga township.

Officers followed up and made appropriate mental health referrals.

Over the weekend, a 21-yearold male came to police attention in Te Kuiti after being found

over those years.

The other 100,000 plus people living and paying rates in the council domain also have a right to a well-functioning life. Maybe they need to look at the big picture and see that effort put into developing a thriving public transport system and getting people off the roads and out of cars will be a massive benefit as opposed to allowing wholesale pollution to become the norm. Do they not realise the destruction of dairy is on its way and cows, like people, love to drink clean water and do not like temperatures over the early 20 degree mark?

We are a wide-ranging population with many income and work related interests, not just a small population of farmers who are doing their best to destroy the industry they love.

Gordon Walker Piopio

unlawfully on several properties. His mental health appeared to be in decline, and police assisted in connecting him with mental health services.

A male was arrested and summonsed to court following a shoplifting incident at the Te Kuiti Warehouse over the weekend.

As always, we appreciate the ongoing support from our community. Please continue to report incidents and suspicious activity — your vigilance helps keep the King Country safe.

Briefs…

School dux

Sandy Ru has been named Te Kūiti High School Dux, and also collected the school’s Perseverance Award, and awards for excellence in Physics, Science and Maths. Elliot Meads was named Proxime Accessit.

Shears competitions

Some of New Zealand’s best shearers and woolhandlers were in action again at the weekend during the Wairarapa Spring Shears. Among them were a couple of King Country competitors. Kāwhia’s Kelly Barrett finished second in the woolhandling senior final and Rikihana Salmond from Te Kūiti placed fourth in the novice shearing event.

Road replacement

Te Kūiti’s Lawrence Street will be closed for more than a month as workers fully replace the road. A detour via Taupiri Street, Sheridan Street, and Ngarongo Street, is in place. Weather permitting, construction will be completed in midDecember.

Sas on the move

Elevate Ōtorohanga has appointed Sashtree (Sas) Montgomery as its new Marketing and Events Coordinator. She has made the move from Ōtorohanga District Council, where she contributed to customer experience and community programmes. She is also a member of the Ōtorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Correction

The Lines Company planned power cut covering Ōtorohanga and surrounding for network equipment upgrades and renewals will be on November 9. The News reported last week the date was December 7 – which is the alternate date. We apologise for the error.

A century of medical care

More than 100 years since its foundation stone was laid, Te Kūiti Hospital marked a major milestone at the weekend.

Completed in November 1926, the hospital has been operating since early 1927.

Commemorations were deferred until this month with hopes of fairer weather for the event.

Earlier hospital charge nurse and centenary committee member Tania Te Wano told The News there had been iconic surgeons and doctors, medical advancements, births of legends, helicopter transfers and pandemic responses coordinated.

“There is so much history and many personal stories that give this hospital a special place in the hearts and minds of many in our community.”

Held at the hospital grounds at the weekend, the event was attended by health minister, Simeon Brown, mana whenua and staff as well as members of the Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board.

Brown said the hospital was a symbol of perseverance and partnership.

“The story of this hospital is one of community spirit. From those who saw the need a century ago and built something enduring, to those who keep it going today, the same spirit continues,” he said.

“For a century, Te Kūiti Hospital has been at the heart of the King Country community, delivering essential care and support to generations of local families.

He said over the past year, more than 3000 patients had presented

to the hospital’s emergency department, which continued to exceed the national health target for shorter stays in emergency departments.

Brown planted a commemorative tree on the hospital grounds to mark the milestone and honour generations of workers and patients.

Hosted by Ngāti Rora, the event recognised the legacy of those who built and sustained the hospital.

The hospital sits on land gifted by Rangatira Tanirau Hetet whose uri (descendants) attended the centenary to honour the contribution of their tūpuna.

It was noted that by donating 3.5 acres of land, Tanirau Hetet laid the foundation for an enduring partnership between Māori and the Crown to deliver vital health services across the King Country.

James Boney, a hospital board member at the time, began campaigning for a public hospital in 1919. The hospital was completed in 1926 and its first patients admitted in early 1927.

Following the Second World War, many a baby boomer was born at the hospital. More beds, a nursing school, operating theatres, a laboratory, specialist units and accommodation buildings were added.

However, severe funding cuts

in the 1980s saw surgery services reduced, and patients increasingly sent to Waikato Hospital for operations. The hospital’s first redundancies followed along with unit closures.

Aggrieved letters to the editors of newspapers, protests, petitions and strikes followed but to little avail.

From a height of more than 100 beds, Te Kūiti Hospital now has about 12.

Although health funding remains a contentious topic, as evidenced by the recent ‘mega strike’ which included health workers, the government’s rural health strategy could see the hospital return to its heyday.

The hospital has been chosen as one of six rural health hubs across rural New Zealand.

“As we celebrate 100 years of Te Kūiti Hospital, we also look to the next 100. We’re building the foundations for rural New Zealanders to continue having access to quality, reliable healthcare close to home,” Brown said.

“Rural hospitals such as Te Kūiti are vital to ensuring people in smaller communities can access healthcare without travelling long distances.”

A new medical school in Hamilton may also benefit Te Kūiti Hospital as doctors are expected to be placed in rural communities as part of their training.

A new deputy is in town

By Jon Rawlinson

Two new councillors and a new deputy mayor are helping returning mayor, John Robertson lead Waitomo District Council (WDC) through “testing times”.

Appointed at last week’s inaugural meeting of the WDC, Eady Manawaiti replaces Allan Goddard as deputy. Representing the Te Kūiti Urban Ward, Manawaiti is the district’s first Māori deputy mayor.

“I was honoured to be offered the role,” he said. “I want to acknowledge councillor Goddard, the previous deputy mayor, for sharing his knowledge.”

Manawaiti told The News that he isn’t taking his new responsibilities lightly.

“Being deputy mayor is about learning the ropes of running the district. It’s a really important role because there are times when the mayor’s workload is humongous,” he told The News.

“For example, while dealing with severe weather events it’s good to have a deputy who can provide support.”

As a scientist, Manawaiti expects his expertise will continue to benefit council. In particular, he said resilience of infrastructure in the face of severe weather events (such as the recent storms) shows room for improvement.

“We need more resilient infrastructure in and around our roads, our sewer and stormwaters to adapt to the more frequent weather events that are occurring. For example, we had 244 slips in the recent weather events, so that’s where we need to make a start.”

An experienced deputy can also prove useful in other extreme circumstances.

“Sometimes people do naughty things and they’re removed from council. So, you need somebody with the capability and the skills to step into the role,” Manawaiti said. “But, I honestly don’t think John has a naughty gene in him!”

Robertson said Manawaiti will be an effective deputy.

“Eady will bring a special skillset to this

council,”Robertson said. “He has headed our Māori Relations Committee – Te Raangai Whakakaupapa Koorero. It has proven its value already, as has Eady’s dedication and leadership.”

Although Goddard has stepped down as deputy mayor, Robertson said his long service will continue to be of value on council.

Other returning members, Dan Tasker and Janette Osborne, were welcomed as well as new members, Olivia Buckley and Isaiah Wallace.

Wallace, 30, is the council’s youngest elected representative. He will draw on experience in community service, cultural leadership and working alongside hapū, rangatahi and local organisations.

Owner of Te Kūiti-based Eight Mile Farms, Olivia Buckley, joins council after another successful campaign earlier this year, elected as a trustee for the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT). She has extensive experience in governance roles.

Robertson reminded his councillors of their responsibilities.

“Public service is challenging. We are here for the public good, not private gain. We have a duty to form a good team around this table. That is the expectation of the public,” he said.

“While I take the responsibility of leadership, it is together as councillors that we will make this council successful – it is a team effort.”

Recovery from recent storms appears to top Robertson’s agenda in the short term, but he expects the new council will also have much more work ahead.

“Local government is going through testing times. This will be a busy three years, but if we plan it well, it will also be an enjoyable and productive three years,” he said. “That is my hope and I am sure it is the wish of all members of the new governance team.”

The council’s first ordinary business meeting is set for November 25.

A haka and a dream team

By Chris Gardner

Tears of joy followed haka and waiata at Ōtorohanga District Council’s swearing in on Tuesday.

Deputy mayor Katrina Christison was the first councillor to have the capacity crowd gathered in the council chamber reaching for their tissues as she thanked her family for their support after a rousing welcome from mana whenua.

Later in the proceedings mayor Rodney Dow presented Christison with a bouquet as he formalised her appointment as deputy mayor.

She giggled with delight every time he used the title throughout the day.

First term Māori ward councillor Tennille Kete was another who wrestled to hold back the tears as the love and support of the

Ōtorohanga community washed over her.

Dow was first up to the podium, following the pōwhiri celebrating the six new councillors and five new community board members joining the council alongside some incumbents.

Dow called them “the dream team”.

“Ōtorohanga is not a dot on the map,” he said. “Let’s make sure kiwi in Ōtorohanga know they can fly.”

In their first meeting, the council set its regular meeting date as the last Tuesday of the month

Council stalwart Christison and first-time councillor Tayla Barclay were appointed to Ōtorohanga Community Board.

Kāwhia-Tihiroa Ward councillors Kit

Jeffries and Jo Butcher were appointed to the Kāwhia Community Board and each will serve half a term starting with Jeffries.

Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens

Protecting What We Grow

The Art of the Productive Garden

There’s something deeply satisfying about walking down the path of a vegetable garden — sunlight on the leaves, the hum of bees, and that quiet sense of purpose that comes from growing your own kai. My own garden might not be perfectly tended (there are always a few weeds sneaking through!), but I still love it — because it’s real, productive, and full of life. And as any gardener knows, it’s not just about planting and hoping for the best — it’s about protecting what we grow. This garden is a perfect example of that balance between beauty and practicality. Raised beds line the path, each one bursting with life — cabbages, lettuces, kale, and more — all thriving under a simple but effective system of netting and structure. Those small terracotta pots on top of the stakes? A clever touch to keep things safe and tidy while adding a rustic charm.

In my own patch, I use old tōtara battens and bird netting to keep the birds and white butterflies at bay — it’s simple,

sustainable, and it works.

Protecting your veggies doesn’t have to mean compromising on aesthetics. With a little creativity, you can build supports, cloches, and covers that blend right into the garden design. Mesh tunnels and netting keep the birds and bugs out, while still letting in sunlight and rain. It’s about working with nature, not against it.

Here in the Waikato, our mild climate makes it possible to grow year-round — but it also means we share our gardens with a fair few hungry visitors! Whether it’s white butterfly, sparrows, or the occasional rabbit, a bit of forward planning saves frustration later.

And the reward?

Walking out to pick dinner straight from the garden, knowing you’ve nurtured it from seed or seedling to plate. That’s the magic — a little patience, a few smart techniques, and a lot of heart.

So this season, take a moment to protect what you grow.

After all, a thriving garden is one that’s cared for — not just planted

Maori sees the light

Maori Te Wake’s Blue Light Life Skills Camp experience was a week of growth and determination.

“I got mostly discipline out of attending Blue Light’s Camp… along with persistence and resilience,” the 15-year-old from Te Awamutu said.

He revealed he had been determined to stay and complete the week-long camp — a commitment that paid off when he was awarded the Overall Excellence Award.

Blue Light’s Life Skills Camp was held for the first time at the Waiouru Military Camp in mid-October.

“I wasn’t expecting much, so when my name got called, I was both shocked, proud, happy, and sad all in one — but had to hold it in and be strong.” One of his biggest challenges at camp was “following the rules and being told what to do,” but he was determined to finish what he started. His dedication and perseverance didn’t go unnoticed by Blue Light and Defence Force staff.

Blue Light Camp Coordinator Easter Misi said Maori showed maturity and intuition, excelled as a team member, displayed positive qualities of leadership, and was

respectful towards staff and fellow camp participants.”

Now the teenager says he hopes to attend the Blue Light 100-Person Leadership Camp in December, along with the Vanguard Military School, and, when he is 18, do the Limited Service Volunteer Course.

For other teens considering a Blue Light Life Skills Camp, he says it takes a strong mindset to overcome some challenges... “but overall I loved the connections I made along with the achievements I accomplished”.

Senior Constable Scott Miller of Te Awamutu has referred many young people to Blue Light Camps.

“Don’t hesitate to refer youth to the Blue Light Life Skills Camps,” he says.

“They are all unsure, and out of their comfort zone when they arrive, but the change in attitude in just one week is opposite.

You will be picking up a young person who won’t be able to stop talking about their experiences, the challenges they overcame, and the peers they met, and they’ll want to stay at least another week.

“They’ll also be talking about their future plans, which they did not have previously.”

AGE OF REASON

No rhyme or reason

By Richard Steele

I’ve been watching the rain. I always do, on this property for 32 years, and for 10 or so years before that.

So, I have not a bad idea of what’s happening, as I record the amount as well.

I once thought that having this long-term data would one day prove to be of some use, or that was my excuse for having up to three gauges around the place at one time.

That was no good, as straight away it was obvious the gauges recorded different amounts from different sites around the garden. So, to see what was going on, I positioned them together in one spot, and lo and behold, they all still read different amounts.

I also proved two or three other ground breaking research discoveries that could lead to startling portents for the future.

week, last month, or last year, fades so quickly, from our minds as become not only totally irrelevant, but also totally useless. It makes me wonder about centuries old cultures that rely on anecdotal historical information being passed down through generations. When challenged , most people can’t remember what happened last week.

Then in this wet spring , which is what started this train of thought, I wondered how other Octobers rated in the overall scheme of things, to the one we are enjoying now.

Three days before the end we were we exactly half way towards the wettest October, and three times more than the driest.

Firstly, there is no pattern. I had thought, naively, that I could prove something that would be useful to our farming business. Not so. All I’ve proved so far is that there is no pattern that proves anything, as the rainfall I have recorded for all these years has no logic to it at all.

The second revelation is that people’s memories, including my own, are useless as well. Which is the wettest month, which is the driest? Surprisingly February wins on both counts. And what happened last

Which is my point really, how do you plan your docking, your cropping, or anything else around that?

So, as I’m not docking, dagging or digging much at the moment, I’ll do what the rest of us older farmers do, and just carry on regardless.

The third lesson for me, is that my 40plus year sample of weather pattern change is of a much too short a duration to prove anything about climate change, in any case.

Councillors seek court delay

By Chris Gardner

Waikato Regional Council is asking the Environment Court for time to commission an economic impact study before ruling on a water quality plan change.

A quartet of new regional councillors, including Waipā King Country Ward members Garry Reymer and Liz Stolwyk, took their concerns Plan Change One could cost the region $5 billion to the council’s first meeting last week resulting in a motion from second term councillor Ben Dunbar-Smith.

The plan change before the Environment Court includes a widesweeping set of rules for agricultural land use to improve freshwater quality in the Waikato and Waipā river catchments.

It will apply to around 10,000 properties and 1.1 million hectares.

Council chief executive Chris McLay was directed to instruct legal counsel to ask the court for two to three months to enable a new economic impact assessment on the implementation of the plan change to be prepared.

The motion was seconded by Gary McGuire who was concerned farmers were being unfairly targeted.

The motion was passed following an impassioned plea from new councillor Keith Holmes who said Waikato Regional Council had not followed the directions of the court to supply complete data on the economic impact on the region.

“Incomplete data, as a governor I cannot accept,” he said. “The anger and frustration of ratepayers in the Waikato catchment has been very, very high.”

There had been no governance over the plan change last triennium, Holmes claimed.

Fellow councillor Tipa Mahuta, who was also part of the previous council, took exception to his claim.

“You are part of the Waikato Regional Council today,” she said. “We need to fix this. I do have political oversight – I just elected a chair and a deputy. I am pro river, I am not anti-farmer.”

Councillor Dunbar-Smith told The News it would be “wonderful” to get an economic impact of the implementation of Plan Change One prior to the final decision being arrived at by the court.

Work on the economic impact had been done in 2016, but the figures were now nine years out of date.

“It’s been a long, long process, for Plan Change One,” he said.

Work done by immediate past president of Waikato Federated Farmers president Holmes suggests the plan change could cost the region $5 billion.

“Is that true or is that not true, it would be wonderful to know,” Dunbar-Smith said.

Reymer, who campaigned on stopping the plan change, described Holmes’ approach as ballsy.

“He made some pretty strong statement,” he said. “

Reymer was elated with the passing of the resolution at the council’s first meeting.

“I think it was huge, whether we achieve anything or not,” he said. “The message to management was pretty strong. The region is not happy and there’s a lot of angst out there.”

Stolwyk said councillors would establish a subcommittee to consider Plan Change One as they awaited a court decision.

“It’s a very difficult position that we have found ourselves in,” she said.

Holmes told The News after the meeting he was delighted: “We got the resolution across the line.”

“we got the resolution across the line”.

Councillors, who will soon attend a Plan Change One workshop, heard the court had already ordered 5500 instructions to council staff on the plan change.

Warren Maher was elected chair of Waikato Regional Council at the new council’s first meeting last week.

He was the sole councillor nominated for the role held for the last three years by Pamela Storey, who lost her seat at October’s elections.

Maher said there was a real desire around the table to move the council forward... “we have some amazing staff, some amazing people on the ground delivering incredible mahi for the region. We want to carry that forward”. He noted the need for unity and balanced decisionmaking around the economy, social and cultural values, and the environment, for the benefit of the Waikato region.

Mich’eal Downard (TaupōRotorua) won an election to be deputy char, beating former deputy chair Kataraina Hodge (Ngā Tai ki Uta) nine votes to three.

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My first eruption

By Janine Krippner

This week I have been learning about how ice shapes the seafloor, a new concept for me. Part of my job is recognising patterns deep below our oceans, interpreting what caused them, and then understanding if those processes are still happening, or are likely to happen again soon. The patterns caused by ice in the sediments and rock that make up the bottom of our oceans are beautiful and complex. They tell stories spanning thousands of years, or even more if we look below the surface.

So how does this happen?

Most of us probably don’t tend to think much about icebergs down here in New Zealand, unless we are pondering the disastrous voyage of the Titanic in 1912. We also sometimes see in the news when enormous chunks of ice detach through calving from the Antarctic ice sheet, or when discussions of our changing climate are brought to the forefront.

When an iceberg forms and becomes a solitary chunk of floating ice, it is then carried by wind and water currents where it can slowly melt or break apart into smaller chunks. This process might be quick, or last decades for the larger ones. The shapes and sizes are diverse, from expansive flat-topped “tabular” giants to small growlers and “bergy bits”. Yes, that is a technical term, and perhaps my new favourite. We have all seen the sort of inspirational posters that point out that most of an iceberg’s mass is below the surface.

What we see above the water is only about 10 per cent of the total volume. Sometimes these massive structures scrape along the seafloor, leaving scars, and as this happens,

sand, mud, and boulders are pushed aside to form ridges.

Some areas are covered in crisscrossing scours (also called gouges or furrows) from where the bottoms of many icebergs (the keel) ploughed through the seabed.

These scours can be kilometres long, on the order of tens to hundreds of meters wide, and meters deep.

This is a significant process across the seafloor, especially when you think of critical infrastructure like cables across the seafloor at high latitudes where these processes still take place today.

Scientists who study these patterns can learn about past ocean and climate patterns, uncovering the clues left behind long ago by these fleeting, icy giants. Some of the more interesting scours can be spiral shaped where currents carried the icebergs in circular motions, and others form lines of pits where an iceberg was lifted up and down by tides, puncturing the deep sediments.

Understanding how deep the ocean was at a particular location and time allows an estimation of how large an iceberg was. Scientists have found evidence of “megabergs” scraping along the seafloor down to 1 km water depth.

To think that icebergs are the final part of the long, slow journey of glacial ice that formed potentially many thousands of years prior, floating across the ocean and becoming part of the global water cycle.

Most never leave a trace that we are aware of, while others have scribbled their signatures in deep waters for us to uncover.

with Jan Bilton

From my garden

My family sometimes criticizes my ‘obsession’ (their term) with my veggie garden. Especially tomatoes and lettuces. ‘Why grow them,’ they ask, ‘when in summer, veggie shops and farmers’ markets sell them so cheaply?’ Well buying veggies simply doesn’t compare with the pleasure of seeing my tiny plants develop into tasty, colourful treats. Every year I experiment with different varieties of tomatoes, but I’m hooked on ‘dwarf’ varieties that don’t grow into sci-fi type triffids. And a few cocktail varieties that add colour to my salads.

Tomatoes are really fruits. A fruit is the edible part of the plant that contains the seeds, while a vegetable is the edible stems, leaves and roots of the plant.

I also enjoy growing radishes as they can be ready to pick in four to eight weeks. And although they add delicious crunch and tang to raw combos, they are almost better cooked: sautéed in butter with a dash of chilli; grated into fritters; or roasted with meats. The leaves also add interest to salads. Spinach is a ‘must have’ all year round. It adds an earthiness to green salads that plain lettuce doesn’t. Young spinach leaves are crisp, yummy and should be enjoyed raw. Large leaves are excellent cooked. It’s certainly a versatile green. Spicy shakshuka & tomatoes

It is thought that the recipe shakshuka originated in Tunisia, but there are now as many variations of shakshuka as there are recipes for pavlova.

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

1 teaspoon each: curry powder, fennel seeds, diced chilli

4 large ripe tomatoes, cubed

1 tablespoon tomato paste

freshly ground salt and black pepper to taste

4 eggs

Heat the oil in a medium frying pan. Sauté the onion, until softened. Add the spices then the tomatoes and stir well. Cook for 15 minutes on medium low heat, until thickened. Stir in the tomato paste. Season.

Make 4 hollows in the mixture. Break in the eggs. Cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes, until just cooked.

The value of Brands

By Peter Nicholl

The issue of brands has been in the news recently.

Two signifcant New Zealand entities have taken a markedly different approach to the value of their brands.

The Fonterra Board recommended to their farmer shareholders that they sell their brands, such as Anchor and Mainland, to a French company that is the largest dairy company in the world.

The Anchor brand has been with the New Zealand dairy industry for a long time – 139 years in fact. It was founded by Henry Reynolds at Pukekura, just outside Cambridge, in 1886.

The board said the consumer brand part of their business was making a lower return on capital than the other two main areas of their business, ingredients and foodservices, so they wanted to sell the consumer part of their busines and focus on the more profitable areas.

There are some aspects of this deal I don’t understand. First, I find it surprising that a French dairy company believes it can extract more value out of these brands than Fonterra given that a large part of the value of the brands comes from New Zealand’s image of being a clean, green place. Second, Fonterra said they wanted to sell the brands and use the capital in the other more profitable parts of their business.

In fact, they are going to pay out a large chunk of the capital from the sale (around 75 per cent) to their farmer shareholders. The average payout could be around New Zealand $400,000. It’s not surprising that a majority of the shareholders voted yes.

Some commentators have been very sceptical and critical of the deal. Winston

Great garnished with coriander leaves and served with crusty bread. Serves 2.

Paneer with spinach

Paneer is an important food in south Asian countries. It is a fresh, non-melting, vegetarian curd cheese made by clotting heated milk with lemon juice, vinegar or other food acids. I used a New Zealand made paneer with chilli added. You could also add a little chilli to the spinach mixture, if preferred.

Sauce: 700g young spinach leaves

2 tablespoons each: water, canola oil

2 teaspoons cumin seeds

1 large onion, diced

2cm knob root ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, sliced

2 teaspoons ground coriander

salt and pepper to taste

Paneer: 250g paneer, cut into 2cm cubes

6 tablespoons cream lemon wedges to serve

Wash the spinach and chop finely. Place in a large microwave bowl with the water. Cover and microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes, until wilted. Stir halfway through cooking. Cool then drain well. Place in a blender and process until smooth.

Peters for example described it as utter madness and economic self-sabotage. A former governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Allan Bollard, was a little more circumspect but he also doubted it’s wisdom. I share his doubts.

My doubts increased when I read a story about the All Blacks. You may wonder what links the All Blacks and Anchor dairy products.

The link is that the New Zealand Rugby Union sees the All Blacks as a brand – and believe it is a valuable brand.

The All Blacks brand is based on two critical factors – the history, legacy and mystique of the team and its incredible test winning record (76.7 per cent).

One of the reasons the All Blacks v Ireland test match last weekend was played in Chicago and not Dublin was it is part of the promotion of the All Blacks brand in the United States.

The NZRFU establisghed New Zealand Rugby Commercial to grow and expand the brand.

It’s board member Richie McCaw said “what’s unique about New Zealand rugby, and the All Blacks at the top of it, is it is a team, a game that everyone feels like they’ve got a stake in”.

New Zealand rugby thrives on an egalitarian principle with people from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all cultures playing rugby – and being in the All Blacks. But for the brand to be successful, the All Blacks have to continue to be successful.

The Rugby Union seems to understand –and value – their brand.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the cumin seeds and heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the onion and cook on medium heat, until softened. Stir in the ginger, garlic, coriander, salt and pepper. Add the spinach and a little water if too thick. Simmer for 2 minutes. Add the paneer and cream and heat through. Serve with the lemon wedges on the side. Serves 4 as part of an Indian meal.

Radish & salmon salad

Dressing: 2 tablespoons lime juice

1 long green chilli, seeded and thinly sliced

1 shallot, diced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon sugar

Salad: 250-300g potatoes, peeled and cubed

100g sliced smoked salmon

3 large radishes, thinly sliced

1/2 cup each: coriander leaves, mint leaves

flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

To make the dressing, place the ingredients in a small blender and process until well mixed.

Steam or microwave the potatoes, until tender. Drain. Toss in 3 tablespoons of the dressing. Cool.

Julienne the salmon and combine with the potatoes, radishes, herbs and seasonings. Drizzle with the dressing. Serves 2

The nurses struck back

By Jon Rawlinson

The dust has settled since the recent nationwide ‘mega-strike’ – primarily by health and education workers.

But, as a deal is yet to be confirmed, it’s unlikely to stay that way.

In the wake of the strike, Te Kūiti Hospital nurse and union delegate, Dana Hunt, concedes that better pay and working conditions, more funding and more effective allocation of resources could still be some way off.

“Unions have been trying to come to an agreement with the government but it’s just not happening. Whenever a politician says we’re just about to reach an agreement, it’s just turned out to be rubbish,” she told The News.

The strike was called because collective bargaining stalled once again.

“We’ve had other strikes already this year (in July and September) as well and they’ve all ended back at the bargaining table, but it’s still the same situation, the government

won’t budge. It’s just a big machine and people – including patients – have become stuck in the middle of it.”

Shortly before Labour Weekend, as many as 100,000 workers are thought to have turned out throughout New Zealand to voice their concerns.

“Basically, the strike was all about the money – we need better funding for our health system,” Hunt said. “Health NZ can only do so much with the resources it has, but the strike has also been about how these are distributed.”

At Te Kūiti Hospital, an allocation issue raised in The News earlier this year continues to be a problem.

“We now have cleaners who also act as security. They’ve had two official assessments say this is not good because it’s meant we don’t have enough security staff at times,” Hunt said. “Now, they’re assessing it all over again. Rather than pay people to assess, they could employ a security guard instead”

Continued on page 11

KNOW YOUR PROFESSIONAL

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES FOR BUSINESSES THAT DON’T INVOLVE GOING TO COURT

When your business runs into a dispute, it can be overwhelming to consider the best way to resolve it. Fortunately, there are many ways to resolve a dispute that don’t require you to go to court. Dispute resolution options include round table meetings between the parties, negotiating a resolution through correspondence, holding a mediation, arbitration, or

arranging a binding expert determination. The facts around your dispute, the other party’s approach to the dispute and your objectives will determine your best dispute resolution options. If your dispute involves a claim amount of up to $30,000, you may be able to have your matter resolved in the Disputes Tribunal. This tribunal is aimed at being a cost e ective and quick

procedure. There are also other specialist tribunals that exclusively deal with speci c types of issues, such as the Employment Relations Authority. If these avenues are not available to you, you can consider bringing your matter to court, depending on the circumstances of your particular issue. Chat with your lawyer to nd the best way forward for you and your business.

ITS

KITTEN

SEASON! AND HERE’S HOW YOU CAN

From spring through to early autumn, animal shelters, rescues, and veterinary clinics see a big increase in the number of kittens needing care and homes. While kittens are undeniably adorable, this busy season also highlights the growing issue of unplanned and unwanted litters. A single unspayed female cat can produce multiple litters each year, and her kittens can start breeding as young as ve months old. This can quickly lead to overpopulation, placing huge pressure on

DENTAL CROWNS

Dental crowns are very important in prolonging the life of a tooth. They are “caps” that t over and protect a damaged tooth. Think of a snug hat for your tooth. There are variety of reasons that you may need a dental crown:

1. Covering a discoloured tooth

2. To strengthen a root canal treated tooth

3. When placing a dental bridge

rescue organizations and the community. The best way to help is to desex your cats early!, ideally before the breeding season begins. Desexing not only prevents unwanted litters but when done early enough it also reduces roaming and ghting behaviours, and the spread of diseases. We appreciate that the cost for desexing, as with everything else, has increased over the years, understandably making it quite di cult for many within our community to desex their pets.

4. Restoring a tooth with a large broken lling and not much tooth left

5. Covering and protecting a tooth from cracks especially if you grind or clench your teeth

There are di erent materials to choose from with a variety of pros and cons which include aesthetics (gold is quite popular!), strength of material and cost.

The procedure normally takes two appointments. In the rst appointment, your

HELP

We would still encourage you to contact your veterinary clinic to make a plan that works for you and your whanau, automatic payments set up as soon as you get a kitten can be a huge help as a little can go a long way. We also accept Afterpay in clinic and at times SPCA or PAWs have vouchers available for subsidized desexing. As always, give us a call to discuss your options – together, we can prevent cats and kittens from being dumped and forced to fend for themselves.

dentist will grind your tooth down to a smaller size and take a mould. A temporary crown is placed on your tooth while the nal crown is being made at a dental lab. In your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the nal crown is cemented onto your prepped tooth. Discuss with your dentist today if you require a dental crown.

WHAT KIWIS NEED TO KNOW BEFORE HEADING TO BALI

If you are thinking about heading to Bali for your next holiday let me know, as we have just returned from our latest holiday there. New Zealand passport holders require a Visa, the fastest way is online with an eVisa or you can do this as Visa on Arrival (VOA). The cost is IDR 500,000 (approx. NZD$55). This visa

allows stays of up to 60 days with a onetime extension.

All travellers must complete an electronic customs declaration within three days of arrival—simply ll it out online and show the QR code on entry. Since February 2024, Bali has also introduced a tourist tax of IDR 150,000 (approx. NZD$15), payable online before arrival or at the airport. The fee supports environmental and cultural preservation.

Remember: your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry, and you’ll need proof of onward travel.

Hornet fears raised

By Chris Gardner

Waikato beekeeper Sarah Cross is angry with the Government’s response to the arrival of yellowlegged hornets in New Zealand.

Biosecurity New Zealand has found six yellowlegged hornets, including four queens, in the Auckland suburbs of Glenfield and Birkdale.

“All beekeepers are concerned,” said Waikato Beekeepers’ Association member Cross.

“We are concerned that they are only just finding yellow-legged hornets now. How long have they been in New Zealand and why has nobody noticed?”

One conservationist, Brad Windust, warned the hornet species could have been in the country for many months, and its population could now be in the hundreds.

Windust earlier called the response “hopelessly inadequate” and Comvita chief executive Karl Gradon said the incursion could devastate the honey industry.

A single hornet can kill between 25 and 50 honeybees in a day and they are seen as a major threat to honeybees and native bees and other native

insects.

Victoria University professor of ecology and entomology Phil Lester previously told Radio New Zealand the hornet preys on honeybees and in parts of Europe, 30 per cent of honeybee colonies hadbeen affected by yellow-legged hornets, impacting crops and honey production.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is asking the public to keep a lookout for the hornets and their nests. The hornet has distinctive dark legs with bright yellow tips and is much larger than common wasp species seen in New Zealand.

The Ministry says the nests created by queen hornets in spring can be the size of a tennis ball and may appear within a couple of days.”

“The Government does not seem to be doing very much at all,” Cross said.

Ōtorohanga beekeeper Natalie Southgate is among those concerned.

Fearing the incursion may be widespread, many beekeepers have begun building their own hornet traps.

The nurses struck back

Continued from page 9

Upskilling cleaners and other hospital workers to double as security guards could see fewer staff spread too thin, putting staff and patients at risk, nurses have told The News. The government has announced plans for investment in health, particularly in rural areas, including a new rural-focused medical school and a health hub (or rural urgent care centres) in the town. However, better investment is needed now, Hunt said.Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) still expects that a deal can be struck with its workers.“We made two settlement offers to nurses, including one which adopted all the Employment Relations Authority recommendations,” Health NZ’s Robyn Shearer said. “Both offers were rejected. However, we are in ongoing mediated bargaining with New Zealand Nurse’s Organisation to reach a settlement.” Dr Dale Bramley, Health NZ’s Chief Executive said industrial action is

not the solution.

“We’ remain committed to reaching a settlement and offers we have made have been fair,” he said. “The outstanding issues need to be resolved through further bargaining, not strike action.”

Te Kūiti’s contribution to the recent strike showed that even a small group can make a big noise in a small town. Hunt was on Rora Street with placard in hand and will be back out on the street again if needed.“We had a good turnout. When I arrived there was a whole truckload of teachers also. People were pleased to come and get involved locally.”

Hunt said she hopes New Zealanders understand that walking away from patients is the last thing nurses want to do.

“I think most people understand and support us, but if the strikes drag on too long, their patience might run out. So I’m a bit cautious about how long we can go on like this.”

Parades, planes and power

Although rain affected attendance at the Ōtorohanga Sports Club’s annual cycling and athletic carnival a fine programme was presented.

The crowd, which was estimated to be between 7000 and 8000, was entertained by athletics, wood chopping and whippet racing events. The big attraction of the day was the team of visiting Australian cyclists.

The track was too slippery during the steady morning rain to permit wheel events but an amended programme saw the cycling commence later in the day. This was probably the strongest team ever to visit the Dominion and although conditions did not favour fast times, they

gave thrilling exhibitions in the New Zealand cycling Derby of 60 laps. A feature of the day was the grand parade of performers which included 26 athletes, 34 axemen and 25 cyclists. The parade was halted by a party of Māori from Ngāruawāhia with a ceremonial gesture of welcome. Poi dances and haka by this same group were among the most popular items with the large number of spectators. Ernle (pronounced Ernlee) Clark, known as the flying farmer, who had recently flown his Percival Gull plane from England to New Zealand, landed at the Te Kūiti Aerodrome after a particularly fast non-stop flight from Christchurch of

3¾ hours. Clark spent the day in Te Anga, and then the next morning made a quick flight to Hamilton and back to Te Kūiti, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon he flew to Auckland with Mr Morton as passenger. The airborne agriculturist expressed his appreciation of the landing facilities at the Te Kūiti Aerodrome, which compared favourably with aerodromes of similar size in the Dominion. The celebration of the switching on of electric power in the Awakino - Mokau district brought people from far and near to the Awakino Hall where a ball was held to mark this important occasion in the district’s history. The power had been

connected up at Awakino a week or two previously and on the night of the ball the first batch of houses in Mokau were connected up with the power mains. About 50 consumers had signed guarantees for the power with the Wairere Power Board, which had extended its lines to the district. It was reported roughly 16 miles of new line were involved in the extension

and, in addition, existing lines had been stepped up from 6000 to 11,000 volts using heavier wires, insulators, and new transformers. The hall had been decorated with streamers intertwined with coloured bulbs and were switched on by Mr Broadfoot, MP. The hall was packed to capacity, a splendid supper was laid on, and Hookers’ Band, of Stratford, provided excellent music.

HOME MAINTENANCE

Across 1. Competent (4)

4. Pressing (6)

8. Tropical disease (7)

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10. Bean protein (4)

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Last week

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24. Pong (4) Down

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3. Bring in money (4)

4. Alone (13)

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6. Man-made fabric (5)

7. Small stream (5)

8. Light fog (4)

12. Squash, press (8)

14. Sham or pretence (7) 15. Bend (5) 16. Hint (4) 18. Flavour (5) 20. At a distance (4)

WRETBARRACUDATGDID OELIQKJBHMWCPUEONO RYFNNBUGPPZOLRLGEC DLIGGHAREIEEABEFEK FWSTCAGRYKBAIOCIBF IRHIUKFEBETBCTTSDZ SASETEJHXELVERRHQL HSKATECXLHLIKKIZLS TSQELNXLCTAIRACIPP WELYEMUAIBUACPRTER NORTFMOXYNHNGBAURA SOXFIRONXSGSNGYNCT DMFFSTROUTNWBYGAHC WCHDHIXXANGLERFISH

ANGELFISH

ANGLERFISH

BARBEL

BARRACUDA BELUGA BREAM

BRILL

Across: 1. Defer, 4. Oppose, 8. Smitten, 9. Avian, 10. Run-in, 11. Traipse, 12. Madden, 14. Random, 17. Narrate, 19. Organ, 21. Tease, 22. Proverb, 23. Strain, 24. Sense.

Down: 1. Discriminate, 2. Feign, 3. Retinue, 4. Ornate, 5. Plaza, 6. Slipped, 7. Interminable, 13. Dormant, 15. Amorous, 16. Weapon, 18. Arena, 20. Glean.

CHUB

COLEY

CUTTLEFISH

DOGFISH

DORY

Rata Street charm

Set on an 809 m2 flat, freehold

a comfortable

in a

Te Kuiti location. The

m2 dwelling features three bedrooms and a single bathroom, with a functional layout that includes a combined kitchen and dining area, and a separate lounge - perfect for family living. A separate laundry adds extra practicality and convenience to the home's design, with carpet running throughout for added warmth and comfort. The home is insulated in the ceiling and underfloor, heated via a heat pump, and benefits from town water supply with electric hot water. Constructed with durable brick cladding, corrugated iron roofing, and timber joinery.

Team Kerry & Karen

Value for Money in the King Country

Big on land area, but not necessarily price , this exciting new listing located just 17 kilometres west of Te Kuiti represents an affordable farming opportunity. With flat to gently rolling contour, solid production history, and good infrastructure, this property is an attractive option for those looking to secure a genuine working farm without stretching the budget.

- 214.8184 hectares (more or less)

- 2024/25 production: 179,281 KG/MS from 509 cows

- 40-bail rotary cowshed plus near-new 7-bay calf/implement shed

- Lined effluent pond

- Two 3-bedroom homes

- Subdivision consent granted for an additional title

Why settle for hill country farming when opportunities like this are available! Come along to our next open day and see the untapped potential for yourself. With realistic expectations, our motivated vendors are committed to selling this spring.

For Sale By Negotiation (offers over $5,700,000) View Open Days: Tues 11 Nov, Tues 18 Nov, 11.00am - 1.00pm

Ōtorohanga 161 Veale Road

First Farm Opportunity with X Factor

If you’ve been searching for a top-quality support or grazing block, this exciting new listing located just 12 kilometres east of Otorohanga is well worth your attention. Offering a superb balance of cropping and cattle-grazing country, this property presents a diverse and practical farming opportunity.

- 99.5653 hectares (more or less)

- Ample hay country

- Fenced and raced to a high standard

- Excellent array of support buildings and handling facilities

- Comfortable three-bedroom home

Properties of this size, location, and contour seldom come to the open market in this area. We highly recommend attending one of our upcoming open days, as we have no doubt this property will generate strong interest and sell through the tender process - meaning your opportunity to secure it is now.

Ōtorohanga 1209 SHWY 3, Otorohanga Road

80-Hectare Dairy with Location & Contour

Centrally located between Otorohanga and Te Awamutu, this outstanding new listing will impress in more ways than one. With predominantly flat to gentle rolling contour, a strong production history, and immaculate presentation, this faithfully farmed property deserves to be at the top of your viewing list this spring.

- 80.3284 hectares (more or less)

- Milking 186 cows

- Production history exceeding 77,000 Kg/MS

- 16-aside herringbone cowshed with in-shed feeding

- Excellent range of support buildings

- Large 4-bedroom home plus 2-bedroom cottage

After 21 years of dedicated ownership, the vendors are now looking to retire, presenting a genuine opportunity for new owners to take over a well-established and well-presented farming operation. With a prime location, quality contour, and strong infrastructure, this is a property that truly delivers.

For Sale Tender closes Thurs 27 Nov, 1pm (unless sold prior) View Open Days: Mon 10 Nov, Mon 17 Nov,

Smaller Runoff/Larger Lifestyle of 60 Acres

Located within a 5 minute commute of the Otorohanga township, this tidy 24 hectare grazing block has been utilised for a number of years as a productive runoff for our vendor’s dairy farm. Now surplus to requirements as the dairy farm has sold, this picturesque property with its amazing views and well balanced cattle grazing contour is going to appeal to a wide range of potential purchasers looking to secure quality grazing, a good area of mowing pasture and amazing building sites. With no building or land use covenants allowing flexibility and ease of your investment, the options for how you utilise the property are as wide as your imagination. Fenced into approximately 20 paddocks, the majority of which are deer fenced with the bonus of an older deer shed, yards and attached implement shed with power already connected. Properties of this size and so handy to town are a rarity so contact Kerry today to arrange a private viewing.

For Sale $899,000 plus GST View By Appointment View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22664

WEDNESDAY 5 NOV

11.00am - 11.30am

11.45am - 12.15pm 170 Te Tahi Road By Negotiation

12.00pm

monarchsouthwest.co.nz

28 Come forth (6)

30 Silence (4)

32 Wander off (5)

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(6)

Petrol-engine part (5,4)

75 Betrothed (7)

77 Friend (3)

80 Very fluid (5)

81 Go out in bad weather (5,3,8)

82 Borders (5)

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85 Belt (5) DOWN

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7 Not easily irritated (4-8)

8 Flowering bulb (5)

9 Bewitching, spellbinding (7)

10 Pleasant (4)

11 Cadaver (6)

12 Mournful song (5)

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16 Kind, generous, forgiving nature (5,2,4)

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66 Modified (7)

68 Competent (7)

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79 Bawdy (4)

6

BENNEYDALE 2858 State Highway 30

28 Hectares - Grazing and Supplement

This 28-hectare property offers a rare opportunity to secure predominately flat, highly fertile land in a sought-after farming area. Its contour and soil quality make it ideal for grazing and supplement production, with a strong history of performance.

Traditionally, the farm has successfully run 60 rising 2-year fattening steers and 50 ewes. In addition, the vendor typically buys in 30 to 40 cattle over the summer months. The land is subdivided into 10 well-fenced paddocks, allowing for efficient stock rotation and management.

Water is sourced from a nearby bush and is gravity-fed and recirculated throughout the property to troughs, ensuring a reliable and lowmaintenance supply. Years of consistent fertiliser application have resulted in very strong soil test results.

The property produces between 80 and 100 bales of silage annually. Infrastructure includes cattle yards with a load-out facility, a half-round barn, and a small shearing hut powered by a generator.

This is a very fertile and well-laid-out farm, and due to its predominately flat contour and proven productivity, it is expected to attract strong interest. Whether you###re looking to expand your current operation or invest in a manageable and efficient block, this property is well worth your consideration.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK42194

FINAL NOTICE

PIOPIO 1891 Ohura Mokau Road

Entry Level Grazing Opportunity

GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) 11.00am, Friday 28 November

Here’s your chance to secure a well-balanced grazing unit in a proven farming district. Spanning 338.83 ha (more or less), this desirable property has been leased and farmed to a high standard since 2022 and is ready for its next chapter. With approx 220 hectares of effective grazing, the land is 80% flat to rolling, with the balance in steeper contour. Fertile Mairoa ash soils support a range of stock, currently including dairy and beef heifers, dairy cows (seasonal), and mixed-age ewes. Infrastructure–a 4-stand woolshed (800–1,000 NP), 3-bay and 4-bay implement sheds, and 3 bedroom dwelling.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK41995

TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 3.00pm, Monday 1 December VIEW By Appointment Only

FINAL NOTICE

Peter Wylie

M 027 473 5855

E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

ARIA 878 Mokauiti Road

Exceptional Piopio Drystock Property

A rare opportunity to secure a high-performing livestock operation in a stunning natural setting. This 569.8171-hectare (more or less) farm offers approximately 490 hectares of effective grazing land, with the balance in native bush teeming with birdlife. Four bedroom home with outstanding north facing views, set well back from the road for privacy and with stunning views. This is a well-balanced, productive farm with scale, excellent infrastructure, and natural beauty. Ideal for those seeking a turnkey operation with proven performance. AUCTION Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) 11.00am, Friday 28 November VIEW 10.00-12.00pm Thursday 6 & 13 November

pggwre.co.nz/TEK42342

Otorohanga Menzshed OPEN DAY AND GARAGE SALE

Saturday, November 8

9am - 1pm

Merrin Avenue, Ōtorohanga

Help us celebrate our first ten years. We want to show you the shed and what we do.

To help raise funds we will have a GARAGE SALE

Items for sale include, tables, chairs, antiques, clocks, starling boxes, bird feeders, bug houses, toys, gardening equipment, rocking horses, games and tools, tools, tools!

Free tea, coffee and pikelets

Ōtorohanga Menzshed, Merrin Av, Ōtorohanga

PIOPIO STATION TRUST (ARAPAE NO 3)

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Saturday 29 November 2025

Commencing at 10.00am

Te Kauae Marae 954 Mangarino Road

HANGATIKI

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OF MEETING

Annual Financial Accounts

Trustee Election

General Business

Zoom Link Available

Enquiries to Murray Kidd Falconer PH 07 8788145

Email:debbie@mkf.co.nz

Proposal to Close Road

In accordance with the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974, notice is hereby given that the Ōtorohanga District Council, for the purpose of allowing the Ōtorohanga Fire Brigade 100 Years Event, proposes to close the following roads to ordinary vehicular tra ic for the period indicated hereunder:

Saturday 7th March 2026

To close Balance Street in front of the fire station from Turongo Street to Mitre 10 Entrance.

Period of Closures: 9.30 am to 2.15 pm

There will not be any detour in place. Access for emergency vehicles will be allowed in the event of an emergency.

Pursuant to the Transport (Vehicular Tra ic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, any person objecting to the proposal is called upon to lodge notice of their objection and grounds thereof in writing before 4.00pm Friday 21st November 2025 at the o ices of the Ōtorohanga District Council, 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga or email: andrea@otodc.govt.nz

Ōtorohanga Lions Club

Laurie Harnett Scholarship

Students and apprentices with a connection to the Ōtorohanga District are invited to apply for the Ōtorohanga Lions Club Laurie Harnett Scholarship for 2025.

Students about to start a university degree or a trades apprenticeship that requires a minimum of three years study or training are eligible.

Training or study is to commence in 2026.

The scholarship is now also open to second year students and apprentices who have done well in their first year.

$6,000 will be awarded to the successful applicant in two instalments. $3000 will be paid in January 2026 with the second $3000 in January 2027.

Application forms are available from:

The Ōtorohanga Lions Shop

Ōtorohanga Library

Ōtorohanga District Council

Ōtorohanga Information Center – Elevate Written applications should be addressed to The Laurie Harnett Scholarship Committee

Ōtorohanga Lions Club PO Box 63

Ōtorohanga and be received by 4pm Friday, December 5, 2025 with all applicants notified by December 31.

AGM

For all shareholders of Maori Land Block Lot 2 DPS South AKLD 26015

Otewa farm, 9 hectre block, administeredby the Rangitoto Tuhua 33C3B1F2 Trust. Friday November 21st 2025 at the Te Kuiti Community House, Te Kuiti Level 1, 28 Taupiri st, Te Kuiti 11.00am Start

Agenda

Karakia/mihimihi/Apologies

Minutes of SGM ,September 28th 2024 Chairpersons report

Farm Report

Annual financial report, y/e March 31, 2024-March 31, 2025

General Business

Enquiries,

Contact: Lorraine Anderson, Chairperson Email: andersonlorraine@extra.co.nz Mob: 021 137 6208

AGM

Monday November 15, 2025, 5.15pm at 28 Taupiri Street, Te Kuiti Te Kuiti Community House Trust

AGM

Monday 10 November 2025 at 5.30pm

Venue:

WDC Meeting Room ( Side entrance)

Usual meeting to follow. All current and new members welcome.

Please contact Neil Brooks, Secretary 027 282 5940 for more details

Ōtorohanga

Remembrance Day Service

The Ōtorohanga RSA invites you to attend the Remembrance Day Service on Tuesday,November 11, 2025 at the Otorohanga Memorial Park, starting at 1100hours.

King Country

Hunt Inc

AGM

When: Wednesday, November 12, 7pm

Where: Piopio Senior Citizens' Hall

Contact: kingcountryhuntinc@gmail.com

Piopio Aria Golf Club AGM

Including the adoption of new Club rules

@7pm Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at clubhouse All are welcome

St David’s Presbyterian Church Ōtorohanga

AGM to be held after morning service Sunday, November 16

Proposal to close Road/Street To Ordinary Vehicular Traffic - Christmas Parade 2025

PURSUANT to the Transport (Vehicular Traffic Road Closure) Regulations 1965, notice is hereby given that the Waitomo District Council, for the purpose of the Waitomo District Christmas Parade 2025 proposes to close the following roads/streets to ordinary vehicular traffic for the periods indicated:

Date: Friday, 12 December 2025

Period of Closure: 3pm to 8pm.

Streets/Roads:

- Rora Street (from Ward Street to South End Loop) - King Street East (from Rora Street to Taupiri Street)

Any person objecting to the proposal is called upon to lodge notice of objection and grounds thereof in writing, before 5pm on Tuesday 14 November 2025 at the office of Waitomo District Council, 15 Queen Street, Te Kūiti.

of upcoming meetings can be found at www.otodc.govt.nz/aboutcouncil/meetings

Tanya Winter Chief Executive

www.otodc.govt.nz

Ben Smit Chief Executive

Te Kuiti and District Memorial RSA FOR OUR FREEDOM LEST WE FORGET Armistice Day Commemoration Tuesday, November 11

Te Kuiti fire siren will sound at 1100 hours

Wreaths will be laid at the Te Kūiti Cenotaph Followed by the Last Post and Ode Address by Mayor John Robertson Blessing by Pastor Terry Bradley Attendance welcome please assemble at Cenotaph at 10.45

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 Mōkau contact: 06 752 9123

8RanfurlySt, Ōtorohanga Sundays 10:30am Service and Children’s programme

Everyone is welcome

Contact: 07 873 8685

contact Anita on 021 184 6105

EMPLOYMENT –Weed Sprayer required to operate our spray truck with automatic reels and some knapsacking on large dairy and dry stock farm. Must have experienced. 20 minutes from Otorohanga. Ph/Txt 027 4781783.

FARM WORKER WANTED

management. Must be competent in milking, animal health, milk quality, diary hygiene systems, and machinery skills and general farm skills. Ph or Txt 0274 781783

HILLVIEW IS HIRING…

If you are interested in any of the following positions, please submit your application (forms available at Hillview reception) together with your CV: - Casual Healthcare Assistant - Casual Housekeeper

For further information, contact our reception on 07 878 6904 weekdays between 08:30 and 16:30 or e-mail reception@hillviewtk.co.nz for an application form

to Thursday 9.00am - 3.00pm Best way to contact us:

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