THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
King Country
King Country News | 1
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OCTOBER 1, 2026
Councils on the shelf
One more please… The King Country Rams will be sure of a home Heartland Championship semifinal if they win in Whanganui on Saturday. See story, p9.
By Chris Gardner
Waitomo and Ōtorohanga were prepared to walk down the aisle but the government’s decision to close the door on council marriages until after the election has put that, and other shotgun weddings on hold. It’s left the councils’ two mayors lamenting. “We have had people working on this when they could have been doing other stuff,” Ōtorohanga’s Rodney Dow said. “It’s what central government wanted us doing. I guess that’s politics. “The positive is that they are not going to turn us into a super city. We will see what happens in the new year,” he said. Waitomo Mayor John Robertson said he was disappointed but not surprised. “What do you say?” he said. “It’s a muddle. We did a lot of work on this.” Both said they hoped the proposal from the neighbouring councils would be acknowledged. Robertson said community feedback showed wide support for forming a King Country council. “I hope the Government recognises the passion in the King Country for the formation of one council,” he said. Dow said the work was not wasted, and the two councils would continue collaborating. The pin was pulled when Local Government Minister Simon Watts said none of the 18 proposals submitted under the Government’s Head Start pathway had unanimous regional support and some required further analysis before they could
Inside today…
John Robertson
Rodney Dow
Kit Jeffries
progress. The decision followed months of work by councils racing to meet an August 9 deadline. The proposed merger of the Ōtorohanga and Waitomo district councils has not been approved or rejected. Ōtorohanga district councillor Kit Jeffries was more blunt. He accused the Government of “perpetual confusion”. The Kāwhia-based councillor told The News the National, New Zealand First and ACT coalition had shown little regard for local government. Kāwhia Community Board chair Geoff Good said he was disappointed by the delay. “I expect that there’s going to be some significant changes,” Good said.
Further North both Waipa mayor Mike Pettit and Waikato mayor Aksel Bech voiced frustration. South Waikato, Waikato, and Waipā district councils support forming a Western Waikato unitary authority with Taupō District Council and Hamilton City Council. Taupō opposed the proposal, and Hamilton City Council did not make a submission. “Being given three months to come up with a Head Start proposal or have the decision made for us, was a carrot or a stick ultimatum, and that makes this announcement hard to swallow,” Pettit said. “Councils have put a huge amount of work into developing these proposals in a very short timeframe and that has come at a cost to our ratepayers.” “We worked hard to an impossible
timeline,” said Bech. “But never-theless managed to put forward our proposal that we believe would see benefits to our communities, only to see that put in the ‘hurry up and wait’ file for now, with an uncertain timeline from here.” In Hamilton the speed of the process prompted the city council not to offer a proposal and mayor Tim Macindoe said the government announcement was no surprise. Waikato Regional Council – a likely casualty of local government reform – took a conciliatory view. “The pause the government has announced provides an opportunity to reconsider whether the best options have been proposed for the future of local government in the Waikato and how to meet the gaps that have been signalled,” chair Warren Maher said.
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Keeping up with Jones Colin Meads, ‘bugger zero carbon’ – and that gender issue. It could only be Shane Jones in Te Kūiti and The News caught his delivery. See page 5
Top of the class Waitomo District Council shows the way as residents’ surveys across 23 city and district councils are compared. See story Page 3.
Trust delivers The John Oliver Charitable Trust comes up with $100,000 to help fund a health initiative in Ōtorohanga. Story page 7
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King Country News THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Costumes given to museum Business By Chris Gardner
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Costumes from the New Zealand Wars film Ka Whawhai Tonu have been gifted to Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum after two years on loan. The costumes were made by Te Ura Taripo-Hoskins for the 2024 film depicting the lead-up to the final battle at Ōrākau between March 31 and April 2, 1864. The film features Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis, Miriama Smith, Paku Fernandez and Hinerangia Harawira-Nicholas. The battle, fought between Māori defenders of the Kīngitanga and invading Crown forces, remains one of the most significant and painful conflicts of the New Zealand Wars. The costumes were loaned to the museum in October 2024 and have been on display alongside on-set photography
by Cinzia Jonathan since then, first at the museum’s temporary Rickit Road home and then at its earthquake-strengthened Roche Street premises. The museum’s move back to its former premises led to discussions with the film’s associated companies and representatives Hīkoi NZ Ltd and Akeake Ltd. The aim was to keep the costumes in Te Awamutu so whānau connected to the battle could continue to view them. “It’s rare for film costumes to be retained with their whakapapa of use documented,” said museum exhibitions coordinator Henriata Nicholas. “This gift allows us to preserve those stories and highlight the relationship between history and contemporary Māori filmmaking. Ka Whawhai Tonu will be screened later this month at The Regent Theatre in Te Awamutu.
St John Health Shuttle Providing transport to medical and health related appointments. Call our local office to find out more: 0800 846 9992 or email wakaora@stjohn.org.nz Ka Whawhai Tonu costume on show at Te Awamutu Museum. Hato Hone St John’s purpose:
To make life-changing differences with our communities Ka whai tātou i te pikinga o te ora
CONTACTS News/Editorial Roy Pilott 027 450 0115 Mary Anne Gill 021 705 213 Viv Posselt 027 233 7686 Chris Gardner 027 231 7007
editor@goodlocal.nz maryanne@goodlocal.nz viv@goodlocal.nz chris@goodlocal.nz
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Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are entirely at the discretion of editorial staff and may be edited. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s full name, residential address, and telephone number. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. The King Country News is published by Good Local Media Ltd and is distributed to the wider northern King Country area
On the beat
with flavour
If you think business news is all balance sheets and boardrooms, think again. The latest editions of Waikato Business News and Bay of Plenty Business News are packed with stories about the people, projects and ideas shaping our regions. In Waikato, we spent time with new Waikato Diocesan School for Girls principal Angee Robertson, who has taken on the challenge of leading a $14 million restoration of the school’s iconic Cherrington House. We also met former Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan – who boarded at Cherrington and made friends for life - and her daughter Lily who is boarding at the school. It shows how school connections can span generations. Meanwhile, Waikato Museum’s new Ngāti Hauā exhibition is bringing treasured taonga and stories home. Over in the Bay of Plenty, we look at the enormous economic impact of the Aims Games and ask what happens when New Zealand’s biggest port starts turning cargo away because it has run out of capacity. We also meet young horticultural rising star Phoebe Scherer, profile the region’s forestry sector, and celebrate local people recognised in the Royal Honours. Both publications feature a mix of business, community, education, transport, tourism and people stories, alongside photo pages capturing events across the regions. For more go to goodlocal.nz
with Constable Chris Aspin
Drinking driver stopped Police stopped a vehicle travelling through Te Kuiti after receiving reports that the driver had been seen consuming alcohol. During the stop, officers conducted a drug-related search of the vehicle and located illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. The 38-year-old female driver was issued a summons to appear in court in relation to the drugs and utensils. She was also forbidden from driving for 12 hours and received an infringement notice for returning a breath alcohol reading over 250 micrograms per litre. In Te Kuiti, staff observed a driver travelling without wearing a seatbelt. When police activated lights and sirens, the driver failed to stop. Officers later caught up with the vehicle after it eventually pulled over further down the road. The 18-year-old driver was
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issued summonses for failing to stop and dangerous driving. The vehicle was also impounded. During a separate vehicle stop, police located a 20-year-old male who had an active warrant for failing to appear in court. He was arrested and transported to Hamilton Custody without incident. Police attended a disorder incident in Ōtorohanga, where a 57-year-old male was found to be in breach of his bail conditions. He was arrested and transported to Hamilton. Police followed up with a 34-year-old male in Te Kuiti and issued him with a summons in relation to two shoplifting incidents reported earlier this month. He was also trespassed from the premises where the offending occurred. A 25-year-old female was arrested and transported to Hamilton Custody after
self-presenting to police in relation to a curfew breach from the previous evening. Officers responded to a report of an attempted fuel theft in Ōtorohanga involving a flat-deck ute. The vehicle failed to stop when sighted by police. It was later located abandoned and on fire on a rural road in the Ōtorohanga area. Enquiries remain ongoing. Following a family harm investigation in Te Kuiti, Police located and arrested a 43-year-old male without incident. Police also received reports of youths attempting to break into vehicles in Te Kūiti. We encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting any suspicious activity to police. As always, thank you for your continued support, take care on the roads over this school holiday period. Be well and stay safe.
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King Country News | 3
THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Briefs… Board dissolved
The Ōtorohanga School board has been dissolved and Shawn Gielen, installed as a Limited Statutory Manager in August, is now appointed as its commissioner. The announcement by the director of education Marcus Frieke and took effect from yesterday (Wednesday). The ministry is required to gazette – formally announced high-level statutory interventions.
In the pink
Eight Waikato landmarks and prominent buildings, including the Gallagher Recreation Centre foyer in Te Kūiti, will be lit up in bright pink during October. The campaign is part of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal on October 16 and 17 and 114 “pink” spots have been selected around the country.
Ōtorohanga surplus
Ōtorohanga District Council recorded an operating surplus $441,000 above budget for the period ended August 31. Project accountant Brendan O’Callaghan told Tuesday’s council meeting expenditure and loan repayments were above budget because funding for work carried over from the previous year had not yet been added to the budget.
Doors open
New World Te Kuiti was scheduled to reopen yesterday after being closed following a fire last month.
Outdoor exercise
A new outdoor gym will open at Te Ara a Waiwaiā, at the main entrance to the Stopbank Walkway on Mair Street, Ōtorohanga, this month, giving residents another way to exercise in the fresh air.
Mt Messenger
In his column last week Waitomo mayor John’ Robertson wrote the Mt Messenger bypass was scheduled for completion in December. That was an original target date. Due to land acquisition challenges and costs, the completion could now be celebrated in 2028.
Waitomo gets a thumbs up Waitomo District Council’s annual resident survey results have rated among the best in the country. Out of 60 measures surveyed, the council achieved the top score in eight and was significantly above the average for most among the 23 benchmarked councils. In the eight areas - leadership, trust, engagement and consultation, enquiry handling, building consents, regulatory service, libraries and cemeteries - the council’s approval rating
was 19 to 33 per cent above the national average in six – and in the other two it was 11 and 13 per cent ahead. It is the second time the council has achieved such high scores. Waitomo surveys residents annually to understand how they feel about council’s performance and the way services and activities are delivered. Key Research conducted surveys for 20 district councils and three city councils in May. Waitomo scored significantly above the
average and close to the top score in areas of reputation, financial management, outdoor places, parks, reserves and green spaces, sports fields and playgrounds, public facilities, food safety and alcohol licensing, transfer stations, water supply and footpaths. It was below average in flood protection, water quality, stormwater systems, rubbish and recycling collection, pools, toilets, roading, rates and quality of life. Chief Executive Ben
Smit says despite it being a challenging year with the transfer of water services and its impact on the organisation, demands from central government and the uncertainty with the local government reform, the benchmarking results were a great testament to council staff. “We have a dedicated and resilient team who work hard behind the scenes. While there are always improvements to be made, it’s nice to know we are not doing too bad by comparison, and we should
Ben Smit
all be pleased with these results.”
Tamae’s last day – 21 years on By Dan Tasker
Around 100 people turned out to farewell Waitomo Caves School principal Tamae Dimond last Thursday after 21 years in the role. The school hall was packed with locals to send Dimond off in style at the end of term three, after she accepted a new principal’s role at Omakau School in Central Otago in term four. Dimond’s husband Julian, who also works at Waitomo Caves School, said changing schools “started off as a conversation on the couch at home”, and turned into the “celebration many people didn’t think was ever going to happen”. “She goes, ‘Oh here’s (a job)’ and I said, ‘Oh that’s cool, apply for it’ and I didn’t hear anything for about a week. I didn’t really think much of it, because you have these couch conversations,” Julian said. “Then she got a phone call and she said, guess what, they’ve short-listed me.” After meeting Julian while teaching in London in the late 1990s, the pair eventually returned to the Dimond homestead in Waitomo and soon got married in 2003. Originally from Invercargill, Dimond initially picked up temporary teaching jobs in the Waitomo district before settling at Waitomo Caves School, where Chris Lord was the principal. When Lord resigned in 2005, Dimond was asked to fill in as principal as the school board looked for a new principal. Chairperson Mark Gibson
Tamae Dimond (far right) has finished up as Waitomo Caves School principal after two decades at the school. Photo: Supplied
eventually offered the role to Dimond. “It got back to me that (Mark) had said, ‘Tamae really cares about our kids’. Those words have stayed with me throughout my 21 years; that meant a great deal to me then and they still do today,” Dimond said. “I was very excited to share with Mark the news that I’ve been appointed the new principal of Omakau School in Central Otago. It was quite an emotional moment as I thanked him for believing in me all those years ago,” she said. Highlights from her time in Waitomo included trips to the ski fields, leading the school roll to 69 students in the mid-2010s, and teaching the children of students who went to the school when
she first started. Dimond was looking forward to her next challenge in Central Otago, but she said she would always treasure the friendships and memories made in Waitomo. “What I’ll remember the most is the people,” Dimond said. “I’ve always believed Waitomo Caves School is a special little school. Not because of the buildings or grounds, but because of the people, the children, that families, and the wider community, that continues to stand behind it. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” she said. Waitomo Caves School board presiding member Aquarius Macpherson Heta, who has led the
board the last two years, said Dimond was known for working hard and being organised. “She’s made it so easy for me. She has everything ready to go, so I can just walk in and say, ‘Hey look, what are we doing?’, and then we have our meeting and get it done. She’s very organised, well-prepared and everything’s cool,” Macpherson Heta said. “A huge thank you for your leadership, for your guidance, with the board, with the school. Everything that you’ve put into the school – 21 years, it’s amazing – and just the turn out shows how special you are,” she said. Alannah Batger, a former parent and chairperson on the school’s board, told stories about Dimond’s time as principal, particularly about the fun had on school trips and the care she had for her students. “On the ski field, you really saw Tamae’s value as a teacher. Her ability to take those scared little kids, who’d never been on skis or snow at all; she just had this knack of breaking it up into little pieces that they could cope with,” King said. “After a couple of runs with her snowboarding in front and me coming along behind in my gumboots and picking up the kids and standing behind the ones that fell over, those kids would be down there doing it all on their own,” she said. Four students also shared their favourite memories of their longserving principal and presented Dimond, a passionate snowboarder, with a new snowboard and boots.
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King Country News THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Mitchell, Connors join trust By Dan Tasker
Shelley Mitchell and Andy Connors are the new faces on the Waitomo Energy Services Community Trust (WESCT), joining re-elected trustee Yvette Ronaldson. The results of the biennial WESCT election went public last Thursday. Mitchell and Connors replace outgoing trustees William Oliver and Janette Osborne and while Ronaldson reclaimed the seat she has occupied since 2023. Mitchell was the highestpolling candidate with 1412 votes, followed by Connors (1197) and Ronaldson (933) making up the top three of the seven candidates that stood. They were followed by Cathy Prendergast (888) and Shane Carr (628). The three trustees join Guy Whitaker, Brian Hanna and Oliver Buckley for the next two years, when the next trust election is scheduled for the end of 2028. Mitchell, a chartered accountant and partner at Smith Mitchell in Te Kūiti, joins the trust with extensive governance and volunteer experience with community
and sporting organisations. Connors brings 33 years of service with New Zealand Police to the role, many of those spent working locally, and he has remained involved in local community groups since retiring at the end of 2020. Ronaldson was re-elected after completing her first term as a trustee, bringing with her experience in the electricity sector along with communications and marketing skills. Trust deputy chairperson, Whitaker congratulated the successful candidates and thanked those who stood. “They each bring different experience and perspectives to the trust, and we look forward to working together on behalf of beneficiaries,” Whitaker said. The voting paper also asked beneficiaries if they were for or against continued customer trust ownership of local electricity distributor The Lines Company (TLC). The vote was overwhelmingly in favour of the current ownership model - with 96.6 percent of voters supported it. “Beneficiaries have given us a very clear result. They continue to support trust
Treat lines as live at all times Do not go near power lines that have been brought down
ownership of TLC and the long-term value this model provides,” Whitaker said. “These are important decisions about the people representing beneficiaries and the future of a significant local asset,” he said. The new trust term begins today, and Mitchell, Connors and Ronaldson start four-year terms through to September 2030.
Yvette Ronaldson
keeping you connected
Andy Connors
Insulaton on offer
Kāwhia homeowners may be eligible for free ceiling and underfloor insulation under a new partnership between Waipā Networks and Maru Energy Trust. The support is available through the government-backed Warmer Kiwi Homes programme and is aimed at making more local homes warmer, drier and healthier. Maru, established by The Lines Company in 2018, works across the King Country and Central Plateau on energyefficiency projects and has helped insulate more than 1,200 homes. Waipā Networks chief executive Damien Whiffen said the customer-owned business wanted its value felt in practical ways by communities facing energy hardship. “Having a warm, dry and healthy home can make a real difference to a household’s wellbeing, but we know the cost of improvements can be a barrier,” he said. “By working with Maru and building on the support already available through Warmer Kiwi Homes, we can help make insulation more accessible for eligible homeowners in the Kāwhia area.” Maru team leader Renee Parkes said the process was
straightforward and urged residents to check whether they qualified. “It’s just a phone call; there’s nothing to lose,” she said.
Maru Energy Trust team lead Renee Parkes, left, with co-ordinator Jo Meads.
PICK UP LOCATIONS You can pick up a free King Country News from any of the following locations or view online our e-edition at www.kingcountrynews.nz
TE KŪITI Waitomo District Library Queen Street Dairy Patel Mini Mart New World Z Te Kūiti SuperValue BP 2GO PIOPIO Cloverleaf Cafe Piopio Food Mart Piopio Superette GAS Piopio
Stay switched on, stay safe around electricity. Got a question? Call us on 0800 367 546 or check thelinescompany.co.nz
Shelley Mitchell
BENNEYDALE Benneydale Foodmarket MŌKAU River Run Cafe Whitebait Inn
WAITOMO The General Store Waitomo Caves isite ŌTOROHANGA Countdown Caltex Pat Prescott Information Centre Ōtorohanga Mini Mart Michael’s Milkbar Beattie Home Paper Plus TE KAWA Waitomo Service Station KĀWHIA Kāwhia General Store Kāwhia Motors ŌPĀRAU Ōpārau Roadhouse
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King Country News | 5
THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Keeping up with Jones…
By Dan Tasker
Cabinet minister Shane Jones was at his combative and provocative best as New Zealand First’s election roadshow rolled into Te Kūiti on Sunday. Flanked by an entourage of NZ First faithful including the party’s Taranaki-King Country candidate Lee Smith, Jones spoke to a crowd of around 100 people for more than an hour at Waitete Rugby Football Club. “I feel like I genuinely am at a site of a great tradition. It’s one of my dashed feelings, is that although I went to St. Stephen’s
School, my rugby playing abilities were not the size of a finger nail of Colin Meads’ anatomy,” Jones said. “There are very few that God gives great rugby talent to and I wasn’t one of them, so I decided the best muscle I could develop in my over-endowed body was my mouth and my tongue,” he said. NZ First’s deputy leader has held the ministerial portfolios of resources, regional development, and oceans and fisheries as part of the coalition government voted into the Beehive in 2023. His address came with all the shake, rattle and roll Kiwis have come to expect from the five-term
parliamentarian, as he discussed everything from investing in the provincial economy, shunning gender politics, breaking up the electricity gentailers and abolishing the Waitangi Tribunal. While National and Labour rely on support from urban areas, Jones said NZ First had prioritised rural regions by investing in infrastructure through the $3 bilion provincial growth fund. “Unless the backbone industries are safeguarded, unless the men and woman who provide the front line services are respected and protected, then that part of New Zealand from where we gather the
Q
ua N lifi ew ca ti on
New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones in full voice at a public meeting in Te Kūiti on Sunday.
Photo: Dan Tasker
vast majority of our identity – the regions, the rural industries – the hinterland will be conveniently nudged, marginalised or put on the sideline,” Jones said. If re-elected, Jones said NZ First wanted to prioritise growing the economy in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, by developing a $100b economic development fund and shrinking the business tax from 28 to 20 percent. Much of Jones’ drive for economic productivity has been seen in his work in the mining sector, highlighting difficulty current environmental law poses to slowing down production at mines like the iron sand mine at Tahaaroa. He continued to discuss environmental matters, citing NZ First’s frustration with not being able to mine local coal while importing it from Indonesia, and reiterated the party’s intent to see New Zealand leave the Paris Accord, which commits the country to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. “We have inherited a host of obligations and burdens from a voluntary agreement that are burdening our economy to the point we are thwarting and undermining development,” Jones said. “I say bugger zero carbon; go for jobs, go for broke, go for the investment and rely on the
common sense that define you and I as Kiwis, which has given us our legacy today,” he said. The born-and-bred Northlander said NZ First would continue to advocate for family values as left wing parties pushed to redefine gender, and asked people to “stop writing me letters with he or she at the bottom” in reference to gender pronouns. “Although we have passed on legislation to define what a woman is, the fact that we need to do that is an indictment on the left wing of politics, who want to continually redefine gender,” Jones said. “If you want to do that, do it in your own home, don’t impose it on the rest of New Zealanders who regard those matters pertaining to a tiny minority as a matter of the private sphere of life,” he said. Jones reiterated the party announcement from leader Winston Peters’ earlier in the week of NZ First’s plans to abolish the Waitangi Tribunal, the legal body set-up in 1975 to hear Māori grievances against the Crown, if re-elected. “It doesn’t mean that there won’t be ongoing obligations between the government and the tribes that have had their settlements. But I’m sorry, we are not going to have small groups of people rock up to the Waitangi Tribunal and try and overrule and overwhelm parliament,” Jones said.
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6 |
King Country News THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Housing a ‘health issue’ Split over centre’s future
A partnership board representing 121,000 Māori in Tainui waka rohe is challenges political leaders to put healthy homes and Māori-led housing at the centre of the next government’s agenda. Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board wants political leaders to recognise housing as a health issue and commit to ensuring whānau across the Waikato, Hauraki, Maniapoto, Raukawa and Ngāti Hauā rohe have safe, affordable and secure homes. Its Tauāki Tū Position Statement on Housing released this week shows where whānau live, the quality of their home and their ability to afford it directly affects their health and wellbeing. “A decent home is not simply a roof over someone’s head. It is health infrastructure,” says Wayne Knox, a technical expert engaged by Te Tiratū to produce the analysis. “Cold, damp, overcrowded and unaffordable housing creates pressure on whānau and the health system. If we are serious about improving health outcomes, housing has to be part of the solution.” The latest data reveals almost 25 per cent of Māori report living in crowded housing, compared with 8.8 per cent of non-Māori. Forty-five percent report living in damp housing and 37.2 per cent report mould in their home. An estimated 4311 Māori in the Waikato Region are
severely housing deprived or homeless, while Māori account for 64 percent of Housing Register applications in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Waikato operational region as at September 2025, the report said. The Waikato Region had an estimated housing shortfall of 7,240 homes in 2023, and the average annual housing demand was projected at 2860 homes through to 2043. Te Tiratū says these figures should not be treated simply as housing statistics. “When whānau have to choose between paying the rent, keeping the power on, buying food, getting to work or seeing a doctor, housing becomes a health issue,” says Knox. The position statement calls for action across six strategic pou Knox has devised. They include reducing housing insecurity, ensuring safe housing for whānau in greatest need, improving the health and quality of existing homes, addressing rural isolation, improving affordability and pathways to Māori home ownership, and enabling Māori-led kāinga development. Te Tiratū also wants greater recognition by policymakers of the needs of rural whānau. Around 38 percent of Māori in the former Waikato District Health Board area live rurally, where distance, transport and
limited access to services can compound housing and health pressures. The Government’s current housing framework recognises Māori-led housing through the Maihi approach and identifies Māori-led local solutions, housing supply and the removal of systemic barriers as priorities. Government funding since December 2023 has included $426 million approved for Māori-led delivery of around 1000 homes. “We tautoko iwi and Māori organisations that are already delivering effective housing solutions,” Knox said “What is needed now is the investment and resources to scale that work and house the many whānau who have spent generations in unhealthy homes, or who have been displaced by extreme weather events.” “Government needs to work with Māori to remove the barriers that prevent that happening, including infrastructure, planning, consenting and financing barriers.” Te Tiratū says with approximately 365,992ha of Māori freehold land and land held by post-settlement governance entities within the wider Waikato rohe, there is significant potential for Māoriled housing and whenua development, provided the infrastructure and enabling investment are available.
By Chris Gardner
Waitomo District Council is split over the future of Te Kūiti’s Les Munro Centre. Mayor John Robertson used his casting vote at Tuesday’s council meeting to defeat councillor Dan Tasker’s resolution to investigate a broader range of options than moving the cramped library into the centre to create a community hub. Tasker proposed considering bulldozing, downsizing, selling or leasing the Les Munro Centre, or appointing an events manager to promote and increase its use. He also called for investigation of expanding the current library, either upstairs or behind the existing building, rather than moving it. Tasker said the council work had followed a narrow path and argued elected members should have fuller input after public consultation. The council spent $40,000 on public consultation and received 106 pieces of feedback. “I don’t have a horse in the race,” he said. “All I am trying to do is put more options on the table in consideration of the feedback we have received from the general public.” Councillor Janette Osborne seconded Tasker’s motion, although she ruled out demolition. “I would like to see more work on this; I am not in favour of bulldozing,” she said. Osborne supported making better use of existing assets: “Look at what we have already got and make the best of it.” Robertson said the steering group
had no decision-making powers and was helping to advise council. The vote was tied, leaving Robertson to use his casting vote to shoot down the resolution. Council instead received the staff report. The steering group, which includes new councillor Olivia Buckley, will continue meeting within the budget already approved. Robertson said the project would develop over time and “go through more than just one council”.
Briefs… Williams to go
Long serving Te Kūiti High School principal Gareth Williams has announced he will step down at the end of the school year. In a message to the school community he said serving as principal had been an immense privilege.
Bridge closure
Symes Bridge over the Moakurarua Stream, 16km north of Ōtorohanga will be closed to all traffic for up to two months from Sunday (October 22) while the bridge deck and beams are replaced.
Quake update
Two Te Kūiti Hospital buildings will remain classified as earthquake-prone under the Government’s proposed reforms, according to Waitomo District Council. They are Te Kūiti Hospital Main Ward Block and the Population Health Building at 10 Eketone Street. The reforms narrow the criteria used to classify earthquake-prone buildings,.
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King Country News | 7
THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
From pharmacy to a clinic Vigil for zBy Chris Gardner
A $120,000 project to convert the former Ōtorohanga Medical Centre pharmacy into clinical consultation rooms is under way following a $100,000 grant from the John Oliver Charitable Trust. The development is being led by the Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust, which opened the $3.4 million centre in 2019 after 70 families donated to the trust. The pharmacy closed a few years later after the Covid-19 pandemic. Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust chair Kim Ingham said the empty pharmacy space offered an opportunity to meet changing healthcare needs. “Rather than allowing this valuable space to remain underutilised, the medical partners carefully considered how it could best meet the evolving healthcare needs of our community,” Ingham said. “With the continued expansion of nurseled services and the
increasing scope of advanced nursing practice, it was agreed that converting the former pharmacy into additional clinical consulting rooms would provide the greatest long-term benefit.” Chibnall Buckell Architects, which designed the original medical centre, prepared the refurbishment plans to ensure the work matched the existing building. Ōtorohanga Jacobson Builders was awarded the construction contract. The redevelopment will add consultation rooms for nurses and specialist clinics, helping the centre meet growing demand. It will also create a dedicated area for patients with infectious illnesses and four flexible treatment spaces that could be used during future outbreaks or pandemics. “This investment represents another important step in ensuring that our community continues to have access to modern, resilient healthcare facilities that are capable
rail victim
John Oliver, left, with Alan Jacobson of Jacobson Builders, Frances Oliver, and Ōtorohanga Medical Centre director Joyce Wong in the redeveloped pharmacy. Photo: Chris Gardner
of adapting to changing models of care and future public health challenges,” Ingham said. The centre was developed through a vision shared by John and Sarah Oliver and the Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust. The purpose-built facility has secured healthcare infrastructure for the district and created a sustainable income stream, returning more than $100,000 a year in rental income to support charitable
initiatives. Ōtorohanga Medical director Joyce Wong said the extra space would also help the centre train medical students when the University of Waikato’s medical school opens in 2028. “The Waikato Medical School has created an exciting opportunity for us to host more students,” Wong said. “We will be ready for that.” Wong trained in Ōtorohanga after moving
from Auckland and settled permanently in 2002. Oliver said he and his wife Sarah were delighted to support the centre, which gives back to the community through grants. “It’s given us a lot of pleasure to watch,” he said. Their daughter, Frances, said the family was grateful to the Ōtorohanga community for all it has provided for them.
More than 100 people attended a vigil on Sunday morning to remember the person died at the Te Awamutu railway stop last weekend. Emergency services were called to Station Rd at about 6.20pm on September 20 following the incident involving a Glenbrook Vintage Railway train. One person died at the scene. Police inquiries are ongoing and the The News understands the victim was a 17-year-old female. The Waipā District Council organised remembrance event held at Anchor Park was officiated by Te Awamutu Christian Centre pastor Bruce Judd. Waipā mayor Mike Pettit , who attended, said the vigil was an opportunity for those involved to come together, to talk, reflect, grieve and to help with the healing process. “Because [the train ride] was such a unique experience, there were lots of people there. So a lot of people were affected. “There were 300-odd people on the train, but also many people interested in seeing it rumbling through Te Awamutu. The Spiral Steam Spectacular had been taking passengers from Glenbrook to Waimarino (National Park) and back, passing through Ōtorohanga and Te Kuiti. Waipā District councillor Shane Walsh said the vigil showed the spirit of the Te Awamutu community, coming together and caring. “It was about Te Awamutu acknowledging that a terrible accident has happened and everyone just got around each other and showed support – they were there for each other.”
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8 |
King Country News THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Gardening
AGE OF REASON
Waiting for El Niño By Richard Steele
Spring Blossom & Garden Jobs
It’s that time of year when the King Country really shows off — plum,peachs, magnolias, michelias and cherry trees are bursting into blossom and the rest of the deciduous trees are coming alive with fresh new leaves. It’s not just a pretty sight either — all that blossom is the promise of fruit (and beauty) to come, so it’s worth giving your trees and garden a little extra care at this stage. A couple of things you can do now: • Keep weeds down around your fruit trees and garden beds — they compete for water and nutrients. A layer of mulch does wonders. • Feed your plants. A general fertiliser or compost will give them the boost they need as they put on new growth. • Spray smartly. • Leaf curl on peaches/nectarines – best controlled with a copper or fungicide spray in late winter/early spring before the buds open. Once the tree is in flower, it’s too late — spraying then won’t fix it and could harm pollinators. • Brown rot (stone fruit) – preventative sprays are usually done just after petal fall (when
the flowers drop) and again later when fruit starts to colour. Avoid spraying during full bloom. • Apples/pears (black spot, powdery mildew) – protectant sprays are often applied at green tip or tight cluster stage, and again after petal fall. • Thin early blossom on young fruit trees if it looks like they’re overloaded — better to get fewer, healthier fruit than lots of small ones. • Prune spring flowering shrubs like camellias and daphnes once they’ve finished blooming, so they can put on fresh growth for next season. It’s also a good time to start getting your vege patch ready for summer crops. Work through and clear out any winter leftovers, dig in compost or well-rotted manure, and let the soil rest and warm up. By the time the frosts ease off, your beds will be primed and ready for planting tomatoes, beans, courgettes and all those summer favourites. Most importantly, take a moment to actually enjoy it — the blossom, the fresh green leaves, the birds darting around. After winter, it really is good for the soul.
I’m not exactly familiar with the terminology, but I suspect it relates to something bigger than big, something massive, and according to the meteorological system, this is about to drive down on us, at any moment. Also according to my reading, this El Niño weather pattern is going to be as bad in our western region as 1997, 1998, when we had a hiding, causing untold damage. More rain in the west, low rain fall in the east - a drought in fact. So every day when I waken, I gaze out in expectation, to see what’s happening. Surprised at first, and indeed pleased, that I’ve even wakened, but wondering in awe, what’s in store for me, the tragic weather watcher? On Saturday at 4.30am heavy rain woke my slumbering bones, an unusual event. I thought, here it comes. Until five minutes later the rain stopped, and in the daylight, there was 6.7ml in the gauge. This can’t be it, I thought. In August we had 62ml, and so far in September 89ml, less than half of my 30 years average, and I know weather forecasting is not an accurate science, but fair go. What’s happening here, is it still on the way? Am I being lulled into a false sense of security? I’ve also been urged as a landowner, to be prepared, to take what radio, television, and newspaper writers have asked, that I, or we, get ready for this impending catastrophe, the El Niño Godzilla, but what preparing can I actually do?
Godzilla didn’t keep awake last night though. What kept me wondering through the darkest hours, was how can a government department, MBIE, can blow $50 million on a failed IT project, and get away with it. I’m not even that sure of what MBIE stands for or does. But they can’t do much, as they have flown well below my radar, and I’ve always taken a fairly active interest in what goes on around me. And here’s another thought. Where has the money gone, and or to whom? Someone has charged this massive amount of our hard earned money, and waltzed away into the night gleefully rubbing well-oiled palms. That’s the way I read the situation.. On a positive note. What do you think of the reasonably new Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney? In a world where governments are being led by megalomaniacs like Donald Trump, when the Germans are electing the most Hitler like leaders in 80 years, when the British Isles are falling apart, along comes a voice of reason, calling for pragmatic solutions, for problems not of his making, but just over the fence, with his country’s major trading partner. A lone voice of reason and maturity in a world where such logic has long gone out the window. I know it’s early days in Canada’s fight for economic survival, but it looks from here as though the right man is at the helm.
ON SHAKY GROUND
All that lava By Janine Krippner
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Around 65-66 million years ago an utterly enormous period of volcanic activity shaped an equally enormous part of our world. Our world looked different back then, and this was no ordinary eruption. In what is now central to western India, Deccan Traps lava flows cover around 500,000 square kilometres and in places reach about two kilometres. This is the exposed area; more lies offshore. For reference, Aotearoa has an area of around 268,000 square kilometres. This is one of the largest volcanic provinces on Earth with a volume of lava reaching up to two million cubic metres. This is a massive stack of many, many lava flows, including individual flows around 10 to 50 metres thick. This is what we call a flood basalt, which is the result of a large igneous province (LIP for short). Most of these look like the pahoehoe lava flows we see in Hawaii or Iceland. Other significant events happened around 66 million years ago. Firstly, a roughly 10km wide asteroid hit Earth, forming the Chixilub crater and triggering a massive tsunami. The second was a mass extinction event that resulted in the loss of around 75 per cent of species, including dinosaurs. Both the Deccan Traps and the asteroid have been hypothesised to have caused the extinction event. There is still more to uncover about these enormous events and how they both contributed to the extinction event. The link to the extinction event is because of potentially large amounts of climatemodifying volcanic gases.
But this depends on the timescale of the eruptions and when the largest amounts of gases were released. Earth looked different with dinosaurs roaming the landscape, but the landscape itself was also significantly different. The landmass that is now India was far from its current location. It was sitting much closer to Madagascar, east of the southern African continent. It had not yet pushed northwards into the Eurasian tectonic plate to form the Himalayas. That would start around 15 million years later. Back to all that lava. It takes a long time for this amount of material to move from below the Earth’s crust to on top of it. In this case, around 90 per cent of the lava was emplaced over around a million years. From start to finish, volcanic activity continued for up to 10 million years. We are not talking about a quick, catastrophic eruption here from one volcano. There were different eruption centres across the vast landscape. Understanding this colossal event that spanned millions of years and thousands of kilometres has taken decades of work by different researchers. While this is a relatively rare type of eruption, others have occurred around the planet like the Columbia River Basalts in the northwest United States and the Siberian Traps in Russia. Lessons learned from one can be compared to the others. As with many of our complex processes on this gorgeous planet, there is still a lot left to uncover for those who do the intricate detective work.
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King Country News | 9
THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Next challenge: Jack targets world darts juniors Whanganui
By Dan Tasker
History is in King Country’s hands as they aim to cement the provincial union’s first Meads Cup home semi-final in Whanganui on Saturday. A 57-12 victory against Buller in Taumarunui last weekend ensured the Bill Osbourne Taonga would be locked and shackled in the trophy cabinet for the summer, after four successful defences following their beating 45-41 round one win over Horowhenua-Kapiti. More importantly, it has kept King Country at the top of the Heartland Championship ahead of a tough last-round road trip to Cooks Gardens, as the Pinetree Log goes on the line against current holders Whanganui on Saturday. The standings have King Country leading on 32 points, followed by Mid Canterbury (28), Thames Valley (27) and North Otago (27) making up the top four, with South Canterbury (23), Horowhenua-Kapiti (23) and Whanganui (22) still with a sniff of making the Meads Cup semifinals.
A win against Whanganui will guarantee the Rams the Meads Cup semi-finals top seed for the first time since the Heartland Championship started in 2006, in what will see them surpass their previous best finish of third in 2018 under Craig Jeffries. While coach Aarin Dunster will be looking to keep the winning momentum, the Rams still have a good chance of finishing in pole position even if they lose with a bonus point against Whanganui. The last Bill Osborne Taonga defence of 2026 was a clunky affair at the Taumarunui Domain, the Rams taking until the last quarter before cranking up to full pace. King Country led early through a Dallin Watene-Zelezniak-esque diving try in the corner by local lad Styris Harland, followed by a second through halfback Kristian Standen with a sniping run to lead 12-0 after 26 minutes. A late first-half flurry from Buller saw the visitors draw level 12-12 after drilling deep into their attacking half, before Buller captain and hooker Anthony Ellis scored twice in three minutes from
attacking lineouts. But as quick as they came within touching distance, Buller conceded straight away with a 38th-minute try to King Country fullback Patrick Hedley, putting the Rams ahead 19-12 at half-time. In an error-ridden match, both sides struggled to get out of second gear, although there were glimpses of brilliance as King Country regularly threatened on attack and Buller consistently asked questions of the Rams pack at scrum-time. Eventually the dam burst as King Country put the foot down with six second half tries – four coming in the last quarter – with first five-eighth Hone Mathieson and centre Logan Patterson scoring doubles, Hedley scoring his second and blindside flanker Reeve Satherley icing the performance with a last-minute try. For King Country, Standen continues to up the ante as the season progresses, Mathieson is finding his feet at this level with his full bag of tricks on show, and Taumarunui Eels lock Dylan Wind was solid in his first start coming in for the injured Tyson Lowry.
World champs for cyclists
Waipā-based cyclists have again come to the fore, being named in the New Zealand squads to venture overseas in October. Cambridge’s Devon Briggs, Nicole Murray, Anna Taylor, Emma Foy and her pilot Jessie Hodges will compete at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. As part of a team of 14, Te Awamutu product Rebecca Petch will compete in the sprint and Cambridge’s Ally Wollaston will race in the endurance category at the UCI Track World Championships in Shanghai, China. Other Waipā connected competitors in the New Zealand team include George Jackson (endurance), Bryony Botha (endurance) and Ellesse Andrews (sprint). The championships are priority events for both teams, marking the start of the qualification process for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Both teams will want strong starts to their Los Angeles campaigns and are built around the core riders who contested the recent Commonwealth Games. The endurance squads for Shanghai comprise the
same five riders who were selected in both the men’s and women’s campaigns in Glasgow. Paris gold medallist Andrews leads the women’s sprint group that includes double Olympian Petch, Hamilton’s Olivia King and Southland teenager Riley Faulkner. The women’s endurance team includes Paris Olympic medallists Botha, Wollaston and Emily Shearman, 2025 world championship medallist Prue Fowler and Canterbury’s Samantha Donnelly. The men’s endurance includes three of last year’s world championship medal winning team in Tom Sexton, Keegan Hornblow and Marshall Erwood and joined by Commonwealth Games medallists Dan Morton and Jackson. The seven-strong Para cycling track team consist of recent Glasgow Commonwealth Games double gold medallists Foy and pilot Hodges; fellow gold medallist Briggs and podium placegetter Murray. New mother Taylor, a Paris Paralympic pursuit medallist, makes her return to top-flight competition, joined by 2025 quadruple world championship track medallist Siobhan Terry from Rotorua.
Jack Sheppard will compete in the World Youth Darts Championship in Wigan later this week. Photo: Supplied
By Dan Tasker
Jack Sheppard is off to the United Kingdom this week with ambitions of creating a stir at the World Youth Darts Championship. The 20-year-old touched down in Manchester today after heading off from the family farm in Honikiwi earlier in the week, and will make his way north to Wigan for the world youth event starting on October 3. Sheppard is no stranger to the international stage, having made the Junior World Championship quarterfinals in 2019 in Gibraltar. He competed at Super 16 and Youth World Masters events in Wolverhampton, England, and the Netherlands respectively in 2022, and represented New Zealand in South Korea last year. He is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the best of his peers from around the world. “I’m definitely not going just to make up numbers. I know my game’s more than good enough to at least compete with that lot, let alone get results. For me personally, I’m going over there to make a statement,” Sheppard said. The world youth championship is run by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and is associated with the professional darts pathway through PDC’s
Development Tour. The first two days will feature the final rounds of the Development Tour events, before the main world championship event kicks off on October 5, with the 128 players divided up into groups of four. Each player plays everyone in their group once, with the top two in each group progressing to the top 64 players, from where the tournament moves to a knockout format. Sheppard will be joined in Wigan by New Zealand throwers Hunter Eyles and Zacarno King, after the three Kiwis qualified as the three highest-ranked youth players through the national men’s circuit. Sheppard’s love for darts originally came from his Dad wanting to help him learn basic mathematics as a four-year-old. “Dad just thought that it would be good to assist mathematically with your basic multiplication, addition subtraction and what not,” Sheppard said. “I got good enough from there and enjoyed it and when I was eight years old, I joined the dart club and I got to play (former world champion) Phil Taylor in an exhibition game,” he said. His maths get better- and his passion for darts grew. He eventually claimed his first junior national title as a nine-year-old.
10 |
King Country News THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Celebrating fabulous Freda By Viv Posselt
At 88 Freda Cavander is fast becoming a legend in her own time. The Te Awamutu octogenarian was the star at last week’s celebration held to mark her 70 years’ service as a community volunteer. The accolade was bestowed by Volunteering Waikato. Her friend Vimala Devi Rengasamy approached the organsation and with a decision then made to recognise Freda’s service, the date was set for the event at the Te Awamutu RSA – offered as a venue because Freda is a longstanding RSA member. Celebrating with her were fellow Kihikihi Ukulele Group members, plus fellow members of the Te Awamutu Light Operatic Society, or Talos, and the Woolshed
Warblers and well-wishers from her church and the nursing homes where Freda entertains residents. Vimala told guests that when she met Freda some 15 years ago, she mistakenly saw an ‘adorable little granny’ with arthritis. “I soon realised that Freda was a powerhouse of unstoppable, magnanimous energy.” Despite surviving illness through the years, then aggressive cancer, Freda remains a staunch volunteer entertainer, she said. She strums her old ukulele and leads the singing at rest homes in Te Awamutu and Putāruru, travelling distances with ease to entertain folk who are often younger than her. Freda’s involvement with Talos goes back to its early years. She still sings with the Woolshed Warblers, and appeared at the group’s mid-year Christmas show
in July to raise funds for the Te Awamutu Brass Band, and the Te Awamutu Boxing Academy. For 30 years she has been a volunteer entertainer helping raise funds for sick children. She was also a counsellor with Victim Support Services and was a member of the Waipā Youth and Whanau Inc Trust Board. Freda credits her wish to give back to her early years spent enjoying an idyllic childhood in Fiji. She came to New Zealand aged 19 and went teaching. Woven into the story she told of her life, Freda spoke of a blind aunt whom she would take by the hand and lead around. “I served as her eyes… that was the most fantastic grounding. I have also had my own health issues, but I believe that giving is the medicine that keeps me going.”
Freda Cavander started off proceedings with some music and song, accompanied by her fellow Kihikihi Ukulele Club members. Photo: Viv Posselt
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King Country News | 11
THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
with Jan Bilton
Go green Let’s talk about green vegetables — the colourful, crunchy heroes that often get pushed to the side of the plate! From spinach and broccoli to peas, beans, lettuce and kale, green veggies come in all shapes, sizes and flavours. And honestly, they deserve way more attention. Green vegetables are packed with useful nutrients that help keep our bodies healthy. They contain vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants that can support our immune system, digestion, bones and overall health. Spinach, for example, contains iron and vitamins, while broccoli provides plenty of vitamin C and fibre. The best part? Green vegetables can be surprisingly tasty. You can toss some spinach into an omelette, roast broccoli with a little olive oil and garlic, add peas (and mint) to pasta, or crunch on fresh cucumber in a salad. Even picky eaters might find a favourite when you cook vegetables in different ways. And don’t forget green herbs. They add pizzazz to many meals, and yes, they do contain health benefits. Parsley is one of the most nutritious garnishes, containing useful amounts of vitamin C. It also adds deliciousness when used in large quantities. Mint supports digestion and provides antioxidant benefits. Coriander is also rich in antioxidants, and it helps lower blood pressure. Go green!
Irish Falafels
Green Pea Gazpacho
Roll the falafel mixture into walnut-sized balls. Heat enough oil for deep frying to about 180°C in a small saucepan or wok. Deep-fry the falafel in batches for about 4 minutes, until brown on the outside. Drain on paper towels. Great served hot with light sour cream and /or lime wedges. Serves 4-6 as a nibble.
Whisk together the lime juice, rice vinegar, olive oil, garlic, chilli, and seasonings. Add enough icy water to the pea mixture to create the consistency of your choice. Add the lime juice mixture and whisk until smooth. Garnish. Serves 6 as a starter
Irish Falafels 1 small red onion, quartered 1 each: large garlic clove, green chilli, seeded 1 cup each: packed coriander, parsley leaves, chopped 3 cups cooked chickpeas, well drained finely grated rind 1 lemon 1 tablespoon each: lemon juice, ground cumin 1 teaspoon each: ground coriander, salt, baking soda 2 tablespoons plain flour rice bran oil for frying Place the onion, garlic and chilli in a food processor and whizz until well chopped. Add the herbs. Process until finely chopped. Add the drained chickpeas, then pulse until finely ground. Add the remaining ingredients (except the oil) and mix well.
Green Pea Gazpacho 2 1/2 cups (400g) frozen green peas 3 tablespoons chopped mint salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons each: lime juice, rice vinegar, extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 small green chilli, seeded and diced 1-2 cups iced water Garnishes: diced cucumber, diced green capsicum, croutons, watercress sprigs Cook the peas and mint until just tender. Drain and refresh in icy water. Drain well. Purée the peas in a blender or food processor until smooth. Season. Add a little iced water if too thick. Chill.
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23. Take no notice (6) 24. Dining place (6) 25. Transgress (3) 26. Wealthy travellers (inf) (3,3) 27. Unreliable (5) Down 1. Popular fast food (5) 2. Sound (5) 3. Memorable (6) 4. Plump (6) 5. Nasty (5)
6. Steeple (5) 10. Type of drum (5) 11. Curt (5) 12. Get stuck (5) 13. Entice (5) 16. Truthful (6) 17. Insult (6) 19. Indistinct (5) 20. Runs amok (5) 21. Old-fashioned (5) 22. Highly-strung (5)
Across: 1. Rumpus, 5. Oddity, 8. Per, 9. Guitar, 10. Insane, 11. Tuna, 13. Nuisance, 14. Alibi, 15. Staid, 19. Frighten, 21. Echo, 22. One-off, 23. Imbibe, 25. Far, 26. Feisty, 27. Mighty. Down: 2. Unusual, 3. Pot, 4. Sprint, 5. Origin, 6. Dismantle, 7. Tunic, 12. Ambiguous, 16. Inhibit, 17. Stuffy, 18. Infirm, 20. Range, 24. Beg.
Green Curried Eggs 400g spinach, washed and chopped 1 teaspoon oil 1 large onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1-2 tablespoons Thai green curry paste 1 cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved Place the spinach in a bowl. Cover and microwave until limp. Cool slightly, then purée until smooth. Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the onion and garlic. Cook on low until soft. Add the paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the coconut milk and spinach purée. Cook on low for about 5 minutes. Add the coriander and hard-boiled eggs and warm through. Serves 4.
Sudoku
B A N G L E S E Y I J S L S A R K E S O U T H G E O R G I A L S WW L P A G R E E N L A N D A R E R E S Z L U M I N O R C A I C P D A M I I G M S T C O E D Q C I N O I S A S W G B T U M F N O D S A H T N T L L C U G R B E A I R R R R F I I E T A O E A A K L S D O R Q X J M A R A Y R R F L S A J C A W P Y Y O H Z V A F N D I Z L Z R R G E W N R I R B M U S C A C D W E S S A Z K B O U S V Y E P E D E K T R H W S I N C S H F B Y I C X R L E O C E W C S P U E U I S T A J N J A S R Y P E A A M T T K D C T V E P F N A K P P F R A L U I J A O M Y K I T D H N R E I T A Q N U I L H M A J O R C A E U Y R N V I R R L S I C I L Y W I C Y S A D W R A N ALDERNEY ANGLESEY ARRAN ATOLL AUSTRALIA BIKINI BORNEO CORFU CORSICA CRETE CUBA CYPRUS
EASTER EIGG FIJI GREENLAND GUERNSEY IBIZA ICELAND ISLAND ISLAY ISLE JERSEY JURA
MADAGASCAR MAJORCA MALTA MINORCA ORKNEY PITCAIRN RHODES SARDINIA SARK SHEPPEY SHETLAND SICILY
SOUTHGEORGIA SUMATRA TIMOR UIST
466
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
MEDIUM
All puzzles © The Puzzle Company
Last week Sudoku
Wordsearch K R C R O S S O V E R G V P C Y L U C E R B U S G M M E C P G O K A R T U L E E O F O O N Y M I E P C W Y F R I X Q T D T I G T U E L A M M C I T A K F I O G L Q L V Y R O O T N L P R N F R N O Z N M E A W N P D Z K M T I H E T U C U T V U O M I Q F R U E O E P H Y H S A S C B R R A E O D M R E S G M Z N X E Z B E R Z Q F E I E E S U B I N I M Y X M O L R Y F J D H J E P U O C H I B D I E D R Q A L U X U R Y H C M I L Y K C O E N W S R O T C A R T K L E N E W R V S P O R T S R S N E U H A B I U T O E I X N P I U E L B I T R E V N O C N A V J O V M O T O R B I K E Y H E C I R T C E L E L I B O M W O N S R W F J G C W E N I S U O M I L T J W
12 |
King Country News THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Open Home
FOR SALE
5
2
2
6
100 Tate Road, Te Kūiti Set on 1.7525 ha (approx), this substantial lifestyle property offers stunning rural landscape views towards Te Kuiti and beyond. The spacious home features five generous bedrooms, including a luxurious master suite complete with ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. The impressive open plan designer kitchen with a large butler’s pantry and dining area with modern appliances has plenty of space for family living and entertaining. There’s a separate lounge plus two additional family rooms, providing plenty of room for everyone to relax, work or entertain. Year
round comfort is assured with heat pumps, underfloor heating and a gas fire. Garaging is a real highlight - triple internal access garaging plus a separate three bay shed with power and water as well as generous off-street parking. Well set up for water with roof collection, bore for topping up and UV filtration to the water tank. With its impressive 345sqm (approx) home, extensive garaging, established grounds, pond, room for animals, stunning views and peaceful setting, this property offers an outstanding lifestyle opportunity with all the comforts of modern living.
Ray White Te Kūiti | 07 444 7003 | 115 Rora Street |
For Sale $999,000 View Saturday 3 October, 1.00 - 1.30pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30382 Buzz Linn 027 496 0053 buzz.linn@raywhite.com Sam Baggott 027 855 8472 sam.baggott@raywhite.com
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)
CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT YOUR PROPERTY IS WORTH? CONTACT US TODAY FOR YOUR NO OBLIGATION, FREE APPRAISAL
1.75ha ha
King Country News | 13
THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Final Notice
New Listing
New Listing
Open Home
Open Home
DEADLINE SALE
DEADLINE SALE
DEADLINE SALE
FOR SALE
11ha (approx) of land dotted with fruit trees and water troughs in each paddock. Three bedroom 1950's home plus a self contained studio. Ph Buzz or Sam. Deadline Sale Closes 7 October 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Te Kuiti, 115 Rora Street, unless sold prior View Saturday 3 October, 12.00 - 12.30pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30381
Two separate two bedroom flats currently tenanted plus additional land offering future possibilities. Phone Buzz or Sam.
Step inside Saint Mary's Church and discover an accommodation experience unlike anything else in Piopio. Phone Buzz or Sam.
This exceptional lifestyle property offers space, rural views and impressive living in a five bedroom home, set on approx 1.75ha. Phone Buzz or Sam.
40 View Road, Te Kūiti
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Open Home
57 Mangarino Street, Te Kūiti
12 Kea Street, Piopio
Deadline Sale Closes 22 October 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Te Kuiti, unless sold prior
Deadline Sale Closes 22 October 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Te Kuiti, unless sold prior
rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30387
rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30384
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
100 Tate Road, Te Kūiti
For Sale $999,000 View Saturday 3 October, 1.00 - 1.30pm rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30382 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Open Home
Open Home
Open Home
DEADLINE SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
1950's three bedroom home, large partially fenced section, great location, lots of potential. Ph Julie.
This brand new, three bedroom home delivers an impressive kitchen, tiled showers, a kwila deck, and a level of detail that sets it apart. Phone Lorraine.
This three bedroom home features a brand new sleek and practical kitchen with a stone benchtop and all new appliances. Impressive garaging. Phone Lorraine.
Three bedroom family home with a sunny office space, internal access garage and the master bedroom features walk-in robe and external access. Ph Lorraine.
33 Gradara Avenue, Ōtorohanga
Deadline Sale Closes 9 October 2026 at 2.00pm at Ray White Otorohanga, may not be sold prior View Sunday 4 October, 11.00 - 11.30am rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30446 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
3/38 Harpers Avenue, Ōtorohanga
65 Hinewai Street, Ōtorohanga
30 Te Kawa Street, Ōtorohanga
For Sale $779,000
For Sale $549,000
For Sale $529,000 REDUCED
View Sunday 4 October, 1.30 - 2.00pm rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30408
View Sunday 4 October, 12.30 - 1.00pm rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30441
View Sunday 4 October, 11.30am - 12.00pm rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30421
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Open Home
Open Home
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
Space, practicality and a little something extra. Three bedrooms, single garage, established fruit trees, a glasshouse, chook pen, garden shed. Ph Buzz or Sam.
This lifestyle property features open plan spaces that flow seamlessly to a sun soaked patio. Phone Sam or Buzz.
Tucked away privately behind other dwellings, this spacious two bedroom unit with a flat section, also offers access to amenities. Phone Lorraine.
A solid three bedroom contender for your investment portfolio or step onto the property ladder as first home buyers. Phone Lorraine or Sonia.
80 Gradara Avenue, Ōtorohanga
21A Blucks Road, Ōtorohanga
53 Hinewai Street, Ōtorohanga
30A Rangitahi Street, Ōtorohanga
For Sale $529,000 REDUCED
For Sale $799,000
For Sale $390,000 REDUCED
For Sale $475,000
View Saturday 3 October, 10.45 - 11.15am rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30378
View Saturday 3 October, 10.00 - 10.30am rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30394
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30364
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30443
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
A charming 7261sqm approx lifestyle property. Three bedroom home, inground pool, plenty of outdoor and shedding options. Phone Sam or Buzz.
Set across 1.6567 hectares (approx), this distinctive castle style residence unfolds over three levels with additional shedding for storage. Phone Sam or Buzz.
A beautifully restored 1910's home featuring four bedrooms, wide hallways and a wrap-around deck with an impressive outlook. Phone Buzz or Sam.
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
203 Paewhenua Road, Ōtorohanga
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
127 Tate Road, Te Kūiti
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
30 Carroll Street, Te Kūiti
2A Pukenui Road, Te Kūiti
For Sale $789,000
For Sale $849,000 REDUCED
For Sale $399,000 REDUCED
Two storey lifestyle home set on 6070sqm (approx) featuring four bedrooms plus a separate sleepout. Double garage includes a vehicle pit and workshop area. Phone Buzz or Sam.
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30447
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30417
rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30179
rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30375
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
This exceptional property offers the complete lifestyle package with space, luxury and entertainment. This impressive home is packed with features both inside and out. Phone Sam or Buzz.
With just over 1ha, this lifestyle property is only minutes from Kawhia shops. Relax on the deck and enjoy the harbour view. Three bedrooms, shedding, orchard, rumpus room. Phone Julie.
A delightful two bedroom property with a harbour view. It's an easy short walk to your morning swim. Renovated, modern and well maintained. Phone Julie.
Open plan living, two bedrooms inside, two bedrooms in external addition plus a sleepout and high stud garaging for the boat. Phone Julie
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
5 Tonga Street, Te Kūiti
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
5404 Kawhia Road, Kawhia
For Sale $750,000
For Sale $750,000
rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30360
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30337
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Ray White
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
For Sale $795,000
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
202 Ash Terrace, Aotea Harbour
210 Cooper Drive, Aotea
For Sale $625,000 negotiable
For Sale $575,000
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30442
rwotorohanga.co.nz/OTO30427
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
John Rothery AREINZ Otorohanga 027 561 0530
Julie Burgess Otorohanga 021 184 1382
Lorraine Fox Otorohanga 027 664 4087
Sam Baggott Otorohanga 027 855 8472
Buzz Linn Te Kuiti 027 496 0053
Stephen Weck Rural/Lifestyle 027 455 1106
Noldy Rust Rural/Lifestyle 027 255 3047
Ōtorohanga 07 873 7606 Te Kūiti 07 444 7003 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed REAA2008
We bring the whole team
14 |
King Country News THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
OPEN HOME
NEW LISTING
TENDER
SELL
YOUR HOUSE
ASK YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR PROPERTY IN THE KING COUNTRY NEWS! Reaching 21,600 local readers evey week.
Te Kūiti 38 Ngarongo Street A Property Full of Possibilities
Here’s an opportunity to secure a substantial, well-presented property in a sunny and convenient Te Kuiti location. Previously the Te Kuiti Kindergarten, this circa-1960 building is in good repair and offers a versatile layout with multiple separate spaces, open-plan areas and a dedicated office. Features include: • Approx. 206sqm building • 1,348sqm fully fenced section • Four heat pumps • Kitchen • Two separate toilet areas • Separate office area • Excellent storage room plus garden shed • Flexible internal spaces • Tidy, well-maintained interior • Sunny location • Zoned residential Conveniently located close to the primary school, playground and park, with squash and netball courts nearby. Whether you’re looking for a property with existing facilities or an opportunity to explore its future potential (conversion to a spacious family home, business facility or offices), this one is well worth inspecting. Offers under the benchmark price as previously offered to Ngati Maniapoto will not be considered by the vendor.
For Sale Tender closes Fri 30 Oct, 4pm (no prior sale) View By Appointment Only monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24422
Sue Spurdle M 027 476 8445 E sue.spurdle@harcourts.co.nz Monarch Southwest Real Estate Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Bruce Spurdle M 027 474 4430 E bruce.spurdle@harcourts.co.nz Monarch Southwest Real Estate Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008
New Listing
DE A DL IN E SA L E
2
1
1
2
1
2027 sqm
12 Kea Street, Piopio
Step inside St Mary’s Church and discover an accommodation experience unlike anything else in Piopio. Rich in character, beautifully renovated and surrounded by rural views, this unique property effortlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort. Originally built in the 1920s, the church has been thoughtfully refurbished to create a sophisticated yet inviting retreat. Soaring ceilings, beautifully crafted timber beams and polished timber floors create an incredible sense of space, while the tranquil setting provides the perfect escape from the everyday. rwtekuiti.co.nz/TEK30384 Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)
Deadline Sale Closes 22 October 2026 at 1.00pm at Ray White Te Kuiti, 115 Rora Street, unless sold prior View by appointment
Buzz Linn 027 496 0053 buzz.linn@raywhite.com Sam Baggott 027 855 8472 sam.baggott@raywhite.com
We bring the whole team
sqm
King Country News | 15
THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Monarch Southwest Real Estate Limited Licensed Agent REAA 2008 Sun,3.15-3.45pm 2.45-3.15pm Sat
Sun,2.30-3.00pm 2.45-3.15pm Sat
Sun,4.00-4.30pm 2.45-3.15pm Sun
COASTAL Kawhia 253 Pouewe Street 708m2 A 2 1
COASTAL Kawhia 40 Retemeyer Road 817m2 A 2 1 1 1
Benneydale 23 Ellis Road 2833m2 A
RURAL Ōtorohanga 775 Te Raumauku Road 20.07h2 A 4 2 2
For Sale Deadline Closes 29 Oct 1pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22896 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
For Sale $595,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22894 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
For Sale Offers over $100,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24372 Sue Spurdle & Bruce Spurdle M 027 476 8445 M 027 474 4430
For Sale $1,175,000 + GST (if any) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22898 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
Sun,2.00-2.30pm 2.45-3.15pm Sun
Sun 1.30-2.00pm
Sun,3.45-4.15pm 2.45-3.15pm Sun
Ōtorohanga 4 Tutunui Street 3 1 1 1
Ōtorohanga 553 SHWY 31 Kawhia Rd 5 2 1 3
For Sale $530,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22895 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
For Sale Deadline Closes Wed 28 Oct 1pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22882 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
Ōtorohanga 4 Orahiri Terrace
Ōtorohanga 22 Old Te Kuiti Road
3
4
1
1
1
Ōtorohanga 635 Te Kawa Road
4
3
2
For Sale Deadline closes 13 Oct, 1pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22887 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
2
LIFESTYLE Ōtorohanga 135 Honikiwi Road 5 2 1 3
Ōtorohanga 39 Mountain View Road
1
2
For Sale $449,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22892 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
Ōtorohanga 20 Gradara Avenue 1
2
For Sale $575,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22884 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
Sun 3.00-3.30pm
Sun, 2.45-3.15pm Sun 2.30-3.00pm
1
Sun,12.45-1.15pm 2.45-3.15pm Sun
1
1
1
For Sale Deadline closes 13 Oct, 1pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22886 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
1
1
2
For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22872 John Pinny M 021 555 736
Sun,11.30-12.00pm 2.45-3.15pm Sun
For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24376 Troy Richardson M 0277 100 102
Sun,11.45-12.15pm 2.45-3.15pm Sun
Te Kūiti 38 Ngarongo Street 1348m2 A
Te Kūiti 15 Bayne Street 2 3 1 1 1
Te Kūiti 32 Hill Street 4 2 2 1
For Sale Deadline closes 8 Oct, 1pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22877 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24422 Sue Spurdle & Bruce Spurdle M 027 476 8445 M 027 474 4430
For Sale Deadline closes 7 Oct, 1pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22889 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
For Sale Auction 30 Sept, 12pm (USP) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24399 Lindie Howe & John Pinny M 0274 795 773 M 021 555 736
LIFESTYLE Te Kūiti 210B Mangarino Road
Benneydale 7 Ellis Road
Benneydale 6 Gannon Street
Te Kūiti 92 Rora Street
3
3
3
90m2
Te Kūiti 10 Mary Street 4 1 1 2
2
2
5
For Sale $1,650,000 + GST (if any) View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/OH22854 Kerry Harty & Karen Lennox M 027 294 6215 M 027 559 4468
1
1
1.23Ha
For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24345 Sue Spurdle & Bruce Spurdle M 027 476 8445 M 027 474 4430
1
1
1
For Sale Offers over $300,000 View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24328 Sue Spurdle & Bruce Spurdle M 027 476 8445 M 027 474 4430
2
For Sale By Negotiation View monarchsouthwest.co.nz/TA24398 Sue Spurdle & Bruce Spurdle M 027 476 8445 M 027 474 4430
16 |
King Country News THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
Mary Tapu Te Kuiti 55 Tawa Street
Te Kuiti 4 Anzac Street Open Home
Modern comfort, easy living
3
Conveniently located close to Te Kuiti's town centre and everyday amenities, this modern build home offers an inviting place to call home with plenty to enjoy. Featuring three bedrooms and one bathroom with an additional separate toilet, there's space for families, couples or those looking for a smart investment. The heart of the home is the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area - a light and welcoming space that flows naturally through to the outdoor areas at both the front and rear. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or hosting friends, there's room to make the most of it.
1
2
For Sale Buyers $550,000+ View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU209089
Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
Te Kuiti 645 State Highway 30
Mokau 10 North Street Open Home
Home with space to enjoy
3
1
1
2
For Sale $570,000 Offering space, comfort and easy living, 55 Tawa Street is a wellView Fri 2 Oct 5.30 - 6.00pm presented home set on just over 2,000m2. The home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with spacious living areas that connect Web pb.co.nz/TEU237776 through to a modern, functional kitchen. Large windows provide plenty of natural light, while the generous living area opens to a balcony, creating a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the outlook. Outside, the good-sized, easy-care section is complemented by established trees and shrubs, along with a patio area for outdoor entertaining. A double garage and additional off-street parking provide excellent practicality, while the generous grounds offer plenty of room to enjoy. A great combination of space, convenience and relaxed outdoor living. Mary Tapu
M 027 474 9869 Te Kuiti 11 Mahoe Crescent
Piopio 1 Kaka Street
Independent lifestyle living
Relaxed Mokau village living
Seldom do you find a home set up for independent living to this level. Scandinavian designed Fraemohs home built in 2011. Open plan design with exposed beams and vaulted ceilings in the living areas, relax in the glow and warmth of these natural 93mm thick timbers.
Set in the heart of the ever-popular tourist village of Mokau, this tidy and well-positioned holiday home offers comfortable living just minutes from local shops and amenities. The home features three bedrooms and one bathroom, with a practical open-plan layout where the dining, lounge and kitchen flow seamlessly together - ideal for relaxed everyday living.
For Sale $699,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEL236064 3
Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
2
For Sale $479,000 View Sun 4 Oct 12.00 - 12.30pm Web pb.co.nz/TEU219651 3
Te Kuiti 30 Awakino Road
1
Ben Sheridan M 021 238 8125 Khaniya Marshall M 021 170 8711
1
Te Kuiti 74 Hill Street Price Reduced
Four bedrooms and worth a look
Versatile living in Piopio
At home on Awakino
Homely on Hill Street
At the end of the cul de sac in Mahoe you will find this 1960s fourbedroom, 180m2 home. A wrap around deck allows a sip of tea wherever the sun may shine. Double doors open from the lounge and master bedroom to the deck and views across town. An open plan modern kitchen, dining and comfortable family lounge all heated by way of a heat pump.
Offering far more than meets the eye, 1 Kaka Street is a versatile property with plenty of options to suit a range of buyers. The property features four bedrooms and two bathrooms, complemented by a separate, fully plumbed and wired unit with its own bathroom and toilet.
Discover comfort, space and convenience at 30 Awakino Road, Te Kuiti. Set on a 1,234m2 sloping freehold section, this well-loved 240m2 home, built in 1966. Step inside to a functional and inviting layout where the kitchen, dining and living areas are all combined, creating a warm, family-friendly hub for daily life.
Set on a 895m2 freehold section, this 116m2 home offers a solid opportunity for those seeking comfort, convenience, and long-term potential. Built in 1959 and constructed with enduring brick cladding, colorsteel roofing, and timber joinery, this property blends classic charm with functional living. Inside, the home features three bedrooms and a tidy central bathroom.
For Sale $399,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU103031 4
2
Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
1
For Sale By Negotiation View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU235237 4
2
1
Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
For Sale $529,000 View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU217411 4
1
2
Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
For Sale Buyers $365,000+ View By appointment Web pb.co.nz/TEU208547 3
1
Mary Tapu M 027 474 9869
2
Proud to be here 131 Rora Street, Te Kuiti, 3910 07 878 8266 tekuiti@pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008
Licensed REA A 2008 Q037563
Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 |
Proud to be here
King Country News | 17
THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
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St David’s Presbyterian Church 2026 AGM
Kawhia R2C1B Trust
To be held after morning service Sunday 18 October 2026 C 11.00am
Te Kooraha Marae
AGM 2026
Advertise with Good Local Media
Date:
Sunday 22 November 2026 Time: 10:00am Venue: Te Kooraha Marae Taharoa Road, Taharoa 3988
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AGM
Saturday 17 October 2026 9.30am (registration) 10am start Venue: Western Community Centre, 46 Hyde Ave, Nawton, Hamilton Agenda • Karakia / Mihi Timatanga • Chairmans report • Financial Report – 2026 Financial Report • Previous Minutes – 20 June 2026 • Elections •General Business •Karakia Whakamutunga All AGM documents will be emailed to whanau we have on email the trust kawhiar2c1btrust@gmail.com The trust has made a provision to attend via Zoom. The link will be provided to those who register, if unable to attend in person. Nga Mihi Trustees
18 |
King Country News THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Te Ra: Saturday 10 October 2026 Wahi: Journey Church, Calling for Trustee Nominations. 10 Notice Sheridan Street, Te Kuiti Registrations: 10.20am Commences: 11.00am Maraeroa A and Hui B Trust will be holding its Annual General Meeting at the AGENDA Journey Church, 10 Sheridan Street, Te Kuiti at 11am, Saturday 10th October receive apologies 1. To 2026. 2. To receive the minutes of the last AGM held 18 October 2025 3. To receive the Chairs Report 4. To receive the Financial Report Notice is hereby5. To given nominations from Adult Registered attend tocalling the Electionfor of Trustees 6. General Descendants for three (3)Business positions as trustees. Nominations must be in writing The Annual General Meeting will conclude with Lunch
on prescribed nomination forms that can be obtained by contacting Debbie Enquiries: Walker (details below). Email maraeroaab@gmail.com or Contact Debbie, Murray Kidd Falconer Chartered Accountants Ltd, 46 Taupiri St, Te Kuiti
SITUATIONS VACANT
Completed nomination are to be received by Debbie Walker at the Telephoneforms 07 878 8145 registered office (address below). Nominations close 3rd September 2026 at 11am.
Walker YOU GIVE TEACHER AIDE Debbie Maraeroa A and B Trust
MAIHIIHI SCHOOL
WE SELL
46 Taupiri Street
We’re looking for a caring, positive, and reliablePO Box 61 Teacher Aide to join our friendly rural school team. Te Kuiti 3910
Paddy’s Market
• This is a term-time, school-hours position of approximately 12–18 hours per week, supporting We will have a ‘Paddy’s Market’ on Phone: 07 878 8145 students with their learning, health needs, and Email: debbie@mkf.co.nz participation at school. Days and hours may be SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD negotiated for the right person. 10am at the • Previous experience is an advantage, but not essential – Piopio College Gymnasium what matters most is someone who enjoys working with Come along for an enjoyable day out. children, builds great relationships, and is willing to learn. Household items and furniture – bargains galore! • Pay negotiable, dependent on skills and experience, in accordance with the Teacher Aide pay scale. • Lions caravan • Hotdogs • Chips • Drinks for sale
For more information or to apply, contact Principal Lisa Smith at principal@maihiihi.school.nz or 07 873 2887.
SITUATIONS VACANT
PUBLIC NOTICES 2026 BIENNIAL ELECTION OF TRUSTEES AND OWNERSHIP POLLL
TEACHER AIDE FULL TIME, PERMANENT
We are seeking a caring and reliable Teacher Aide to support tamariki with additional learning needs. A willingness to learn New Zealand Sign Language is essential, with full training provided. Start: Term 4, 2026 Applications close: 7 October Interviews: 13 October Send CV to: Steph Houchen – Deputy Principal steph@pukenui.school.nz
Got a job to fill? ADVERTISE YOUR VACANCY WITH US Call Janine 027 287 0005 or email janine@goodlocal.nz
Declaration of Result of Election & Poll I declare the result of the election and poll held on Thursday 24 September 2026 for the election of three (3) trustees to the Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust and the Ownership Poll to be as follows:
Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
PUBLIC NOTICE
Of an application for On-Licence AW & BL MUDALIAR & CO LIMITED, a private company having its registered office at 88a Sunset Road, Unsworth Heights, Auckland 0632 has made application to the Waitomo District Licensing Committee for the renewal and variation of an off-licence in respect of the premises situated at 57 Moa Street, Piopio and known as Piopio Superette. The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is a Grocery Store. The days and hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are Monday to Sunday from 7am to 10pm. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, Queen Street, Te Kuiti. Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of the first publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Waitomo District Council, PO Box 404, Te Kuiti 3941. No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on 24 September 2026. Filed on behalf of the applicant by Harkness Henry Lawyers, Private Bag 3077, Hamilton 3240.
ELECTION OF THREE (3) TRUSTEES: Candidates: CARR, Shane CONNORS, Andy MASSEY, Leanne MITCHELL, Shelley PRENDERGAST, Cathy RALPH, Maria RONALDSON, Yvette
Votes received: 628 1,197 271 1,412 888 389 933
There were 3 informal votes and 3 blank votes. I declare Andy CONNORS, Shelley MITCHELL and Yvette RONALDSON to be elected.
OWNERSHIP POLL: Part 1 - The Options Options: Option A: I vote FOR continued Customer Trust ownership Option B: I vote AGAINST continued Customer Trust ownership
Votes received: 1,965 69
There were 0 informal votes and 65 blank votes. I declare that the majority of valid votes cast in Part 1 (The Options) of the Ownership Poll were in favour of continued Trust ownership.
OWNERSHIP POLL: Part 2 - Alternative Options Options: Option 1: Transfer shares to beneficiaries Option 2: Sale of shares, transfesr of sale proceeds to beneficiaries Option 3: Transfer shares to the District Councils Option 4: Sale of shares, transfer of sale proceeds to the District Councils
Votes received: 1,115 499 94 11
There were 0 informal votes and 380 blank votes. I declare that the majority of valid votes cast in Part 2 (Alternative Options) of the Ownership Poll were in favour of transfer of shares to beneficiaries.
Dated at Te Kūiti, 24 September 2026
Dale Ofsoske, Returning Officer Independent Election Services Ltd for Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust
Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
PUBLIC NOTICE
Of an application for Off-Licence GENERAL DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED, a duly incorporated company having its registered office at 80 Favona Road, Favona, Auckland has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Ōtorohanga District Council for the renewal of its off-licence in respect of the premises situated at 123 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga, known as Woolworths Ōtorohanga. The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is that of a supermarket. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 7.00am – 10.00pm for consumption off the premises. The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Ōtorohanga District Licensing Committee at 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga. Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the renewal of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Ōtorohanga District Council, PO Box 11, Ōtorohanga 3940. No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on 24 September 2026.
King Country News | 19
THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
TO LET
FOR SALE
HOUSE to RENT – 3 MOBILITY SCOOTER bedroom, rural house with blue, brand new, $3500 ono. garage, 2 km from Te Kuiti Ph 021 032 8676 References required. Please email rural4691@gmail.com
WANTED TO BUY WANTED TO BUY. Any ute, van, 4WD, truck or car. Any condition doesn’t have to be going. Cash paid. Ph/txt Kevin 027 299 6165
CALF MILK WANTED Bocock’s Calf Rearing Pete 027 433 1440 Mark 0274746917
We buy milk!
Got reject or surplus milk? Call us today on 027 871 5075. We collect within 1.5 hours drive from Te Awamutu.
MAIZE SILAGE for sale
Available March / April 2027 Contact for us delivery price
John Clark Contracting Ph 027 404 9102 029 833 0011
LEASE BLOCK WANTED – Motivated farming couple looking for lease land. Any size and area considered. Preferably over 30 ha. Ph 027 392 6091
Lease Land Wanted
• Looking for lease land in the wider area. • Experienced operator • Young farming family based in Piopio wanting to grow our farming enterprise Anything considered
WANTED TO RENT HOUSE WANTED TO RENT – Otorohanga, no stairs, senior couple, 3 bdrms, attached garage, no pets. Ph 027 279 1044
WE BUY ANY JUNK VEHICLES
THANK YOU
CONDITIONS APPLY
CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs, TRACTORS, FORKLIFTS
7 DAYS FREE PICK-UP Phone Tiger or Ray 0800 668 833 027 433 3338 or 07 823 6500
CHURCH NOTICES
St Bride's Anglican Church Haerehuka St Ōtorohanga
Harvest Church Ōtorohanga
Sunday morning service
Sunday Service @ 10.30am 5 Tuhoro Street, Ōtorohanga Ph 07 873 8890 Mob 027 493 0117 Email harvest.pc@xtra.co.nz
10am
Ph 07 873 7006
St David's Presbyterian Church Ranfurly St, Ōtorohanga
ALL WELCOME. Pastors Peter & Carole Coventry (An Assemblies of God Church)
Thank You
The family of Reg Davey would like to thank everyone for all the ways you showed you cared. Your sympathy and support have given us strength. Your memories and kind words of Reg will stay with us. We are grateful to everyone who has supported us during this difficult time.
THANK YOU
Thank You Andrea Mae HANNA Brian and his family Hilary and Stuart, Rich and Emily wish to express a huge thank you for all the support they have received during Andrea’s three year battle with cancer, and since her passing on July 25th this year. We have had wonderful support from neighbours, friends and family, and the wider Waitomo district, and further afield. Thank you to all those who attended her funeral, we hope you all learnt something new about our amazing wife, mother and Nandy to her three grandchildren. Special mention to the wonderful team at Te Kuiti Medical Centre and Hospital, and especially Keith and Elly Buswell for all you did for Andrea. To the amazing team of district nurses, especially Rebecca, Dawn, Jess and Denise, who looked after Andrea so well during her last few weeks at home. To her amazing caregiver Ali, a heartfelt thank you for all you did. Also, to the Waikato Oncology team, and Waikato Hospice for their amazing support. Finally, to the team at VJ Williams, you made our final journey with Andrea full of dignity and respect. We miss our girl dearly; she will be forever in our hearts and memories. Thank you, Waitomo community, for all your wonderful support.
DEATH NOTICES
DEATH NOTICES
MACK, Kimberley – Dearly loved daughter of Pip and Roger Bevege, Jeff and Rosalind Mack. Sister to Catherine, Jenny, and Sarah. Aunty to Liam, Piper, and Mia. Niece to Nicky, Ranald and Rod Gordon, Owen and Shelly Mack. Granddaughter to Ross and Phyll Gordon [both dec] and Pete and Von Mack [both dec]. Sincerest thanks to all the wonderful staff at Wesley House for Kim’s care during her stay with you. A private family celebration will be held. Fly Free Kim.
BARCLAY, Malcolm James De Rune – Aged 93 years. Farmer of Aria for 73 years. Eldest son of the late Frank and Jean Barclay. Dearly loved father and father-inlaw of Nicholas, Kelly, Jason, Catherine, and Kate. Husband of the Rev. Glenn Jetta Barclay (nee Thompson) for 36 years. Cherished grandfather of Georgia, Charlotte, Holly, Carys, Fraser, and Theodore Barclay. Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Paula and the late Hilton Cheesman, the late Ron and Heather Barclay, Allan andDaphne Jan, Sue,– KERRY, Rhoda Bruce and Yvonne Passed away quietlyBarclay. at the Respected brother-in-law of Bob Owen’s Retirement Clive, Marilyn and the late Village, Bethlehem on the Rodney Thompson, Nola Hill, 15th March 2024 aged 96 Paul and Diana years. Loved wifeThompson. of Keith A service and for Malcolm will (deceased) later, partner be held at All Saints Church, of Bill (deceased). Loving Moa St,of Piopio on Friday mother David (deceased), 02 October at and 1.00pm. All Grant and Julie, Ian and welcome, refreshments will Fiona. Grandmother to Dean, follow immediately after the Karima and Zahida, greatservice. In lieutoof Declan. flowers grandmother pleaseperdonate through the As Rhoda’s wishes Hato Hone St John Donation a private cremation and Page. Livestreaming family service will of beservice held. can be viewed and to tributes for Communications Legacy Malcolm’s family left at www. Funerals Cambridge, PO Box legacyfunerals.co.nz/s/barclay 844 Cambridge 3450.
Services – Sunday 10am
WANTED TO LEASE
Ph Jason 021 02582142
INSTANT CASH $$$$$ Up to $5000
CHURCH NOTICES
Session clerk Ph Dawn 07 873 8735 Room bookings Ph Claire 027 276 6624
PIOPIO ARIA MŌKAU CO-OPERATING PARISH
St Luke's Anglican Church Te Kūiti No Service at St Luke’s this Sunday
All Saints Piopio, 22 Moa St Sunday 10am St Peter’s by the Sea 25 Aria Tce, Mōkau 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday 2pm Piopio contact: 07 877 8097 Mokau contact: 06 752 9123
Phone parish office 07 878 8026
TIMMINS, Mabel, (nee Dyer) – Passed away peacefully at Brylyn Rest Home, Te Kowhai, on Saturday, 26th September 2026. Aged 92 Years. Dearly loved mother of Ant (Alan) & Karen, Neil, Charlie (Charles) & Juliette, Joy & Nigel, and the late Lynda. Dearly loved Nan to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At Mabel’s request a private cremation has been held. All communications to the Timmins family, c/- P O Box 137, Te Awamutu, 3840.
CHURCH NOTICES
Movie this Wednesday, for the 'young at heart'
‘The Sheep Detectives’
Morning tea 10am at the Journey Church, Te Kūiti, movie 10.30am All seniors welcome
IN MEMORIAM Ailene Adele DEMPSEY 5 October 2025 She was a caring lady liked working with elderly people. Sadly missed by husband and family.
Family Notices
• Engagements • Weddings • Births • Anniversaries • Bereavements • In Memoriam etc
Call Janine 027 287 0005 e: janine@goodlocal.nz FUNERAL SERVICES
10 Sheridan St, Te Kūiti An Assemblies of God church 10:30am Sunday
10 St, Te Kuiti WeSheridan welcome you 10:30am Sunday to our Pastor Terry & 10.30am Rowena Bradley Sunday service. 10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti 07 878 8694 www.journeychurch.org.nz Pastor Terry & Rowena 021Bradley 703 008
07 878 8694 021 703 008 King Country Christians An Assemblies of God Church meet every Sunday
An Assemblies ofinGod the Church Piopio Senior Citizens Hall, Weka Street, Piopio, at 10.30am 0211359346 John 021135946 0274 222 250 Phone Judy
Everyone is welcome! PUBLIC NOTICES
ST LUKE’S MARKET DAY This Saturday, October 3 8am-12 noon Carpark 85 Esplanade, Te Kūiti
$10 per space Sellers and buyers welcome Enquiries: 021 201 0355 or 027 243 6312
The Rosetown Funerals team: Jim Goddin & Teri Keir
Guiding you with care In life’s hardest moments, you don’t have to be alone. Our caring, experienced, and local team offers support, guidance, and a farewell that truly honours your loved one. Available 24/7 – call us when you need us.
07 870 2137 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu www.rosetown.co.nz
20 |
King Country News THURSDAY OCTOBER 1, 2026
KNOW YOUR
PROFESSIONAL
BUSINESS PROTECTION – A MATTER OF TRUST Simon was settling in to watch the All Blacks, when his phone rang: “Hi Simon, it’s John again, our business is being sued and I want to make sure they can’t touch my house.”
This means those creditors can’t touch it.” John was confused, noting his name was on the house title. “Yes, John, that’s right, and that’s because you’re a trustee– but there are other trustees too, and their names are also there. Before you started in business, we made sure the trust was set up properly, that it owned your main
Poor John, life was never easy. “John, remember that we have set up a trust for you, and this owns the house, not you.
S I M O N B R DA N OV I C
assets, and was being managed properly by the trustees. That’s why we have those trustee meetings, and always document everything the trust is doing – it’s for these situations. You can relax about the house.” John left the call a happy man. Simon turned on the TV and saw the All Blacks had won – he was a happy man too.
486 Alexandra St | Te Awamutu • 142 Maniapoto St | Ōtorohanga • 79 Victoria St | Cambridge | P 07 872 0236
KEEP THEAND ENTIRE SAFE AROUND FIREWORKS SPRING PET FAMILY ALLERGIES Although fireworks are fun for us, they can be incredibly As the weather approaches us andand scary andwarmer highly stressful for our furry companions the plants to bloom, we often livestock. Nowbegin is the time to start thinking of see waysmore we can reduce the stress inflicted Pop into your pets coming in with signsonofthem. allergies. Just like local veterinary clinic and ask about apollen, range ofgrasses, products us, cats and dogs can react to and treatments available to help reduce anxiety and and including other environmental triggers that are stress diets, supplements, thunder shirts, more common in spring. Instead of sneezing pheromones, and medication. Here some helpful andare runny noses likehints: people get, pets usually • show Walk dogs beforethrough dark. Thistheir can help tire them out allergies and hopefully help them to sleep.skin. You might notice your pet scratching more than usual, • If possible, stay home when fireworks are being let
K E L S II BA BARRN NEETTTT
will feel calmer being able to go somewhere small off near you. Leaving will only increase their feeling of range mild to irritation licking or chewing at their paws, developing and dark, from a safe place retreat to.to more serious unease. infections if left untreated. If your reddogs or watery eyes,ororbring even getting recurring • Beskin supportive and remain calm. If your dog lookspet is • Put into kennels pets inside before stressed remember theysigns look toofyou for guidance. dark. Also preventSome animalspets escaping ensuringirritated all showing ongoing seasonal allergies ear infections. also by develop Keep the mood light and fun, rather than showing with windows and doorsorare“hot closed, including the cat flap! we recommend booking an appointment patches of skin spots” from constant too much concern as this may communicate that you • Draw curtains and turn the tv or radio on to help mute veterinarian. There are many treatment itching. Wiping your pets paws after walks, areyour worried too. Also avoid punishment, remember; the noise of the fireworks. options washing bedding often, and up with home is theiravailable safe zone.– from medicated shampoos • Bring hutches and enclosures into akeeping quiet room • If possible, move stock totomore isolated locations to indoors, or into a garage or shed. allergens. Try to and supplements medications and tailored grooming can help reduce reduce riskcare. of exposure to fireworks. • Ensure pets are microchipped and wearing anyour up-toallergy Our team is here to help your pets limit exposure on high-pollen days if Be proactive and ensure the safety of all family date tag. enjoythis spring as much as you do. pet seems Allergies Guy Fawkes. • Build a den orespecially hiding place.sensitive. Some dogs and mostcan cats members
32 878 8137 Moa St St| Piopio 810810 6 6 32Taupiri TaupiriStSt | | TeTeKūiti Kūiti | | P P 0707 878 8137• •53 53 Moa | Piopio| P| 07 P 877 07 877
WHY REGULAR DENTAL CHECK-UPS MATTER (EVEN WHEN NOTHING HURTS) Many people wait until something hurts before visiting the dentist, but dental problems often start long before pain appears. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to spot early signs of decay, gum disease, cracks, and infections—while they are still small, manageable, and affordable to treat. DR CULLEN HAYM
Even simple issues like plaque and tartar build-up can be cleaned before they lead to cavities or tooth loss. Your dentist also checks your gums, jaw, bite, and soft tissues, including screening for oral cancer. These appointments are especially important if you smoke, have diabetes, or have a history of dental problems.
In a rural community, travelling for urgent dental care can be stressful, so prevention is key. A check-up every six to twelve months helps keep your teeth comfortable and functioning well.
Rural Dental Services Limited
Think of regular dental visits like servicing your car—small maintenance now can save you from bigger repairs later.
Rural Dental Services Limited | Ōtorohanga | P 07 873 8824 • 0800 686 336 | Taumarunui Hospital | P 07 895 7850 • 0800 688 123 | W www.ruraldental.co.nz
THE HIDDEN COST OF A CHEAP FLIGHT Did you know that many airlines’ cheapest advertised fares don’t usually include checked luggage, a seat request and even meals may cost extra. The cheapest fare types can come with very restrictive conditions—such as being non-refundable or having high fees to make changes. There can also be a hidden risk when CARLA MANGLES
booking the absolute cheapest itinerary. If your journey involves two different airlines on separate bookings, those flights are not linked. If your first flight is delayed and you miss the second, the next airline doesn’t necessarily know where you are—or have any obligation to wait for you. You may have to buy a completely new ticket.
It is important to compare what’s included, the fare conditions, connections and how the different parts of your journey fit together. My aim isn’t always to find the cheapest flight, instead it’s to find the right flight for your trip, with fewer surprises and the right support if things don’t go to plan.
Ō torohanga, 394 0 | P 027 428 4730 | W w w w.w tkc .co. nz | E carla@w tkc .co. nz
PRINT ADVERTISING VERSUS DIGITAL ADVERTISING
JA N I N E DAV Y
Commercial & Advertising Director
Print advertising in newspapers offers high consumer trust, deep reader engagement, and strong localised reach. Unlike fast-moving digital feeds, physical newspapers command focused attention, leading to better brand recall and a tangible connection with dedicated local audiences. • Visually striking print ads increase brand recognition by up to 30%. Print media engages readers through tactile and visual elements, enhancing advertisement impact. • Physical interaction with a product increases the likelihood of purchase by 24%. Print advertising is unaffected
by digital ad blockers, ensuring uninterrupted message delivery. • 27% of internet users use ad blockers. Print materials command undivided reader attention, leading to better information retention. • Readers are 30% more likely to retain information read in print compared to online. • High Credibility: Consumers trust established print publications much more than random pop-ups or social media as they elevate advertisers image and reinforce trust. • Better Recall: Holding a physical paper
creates a tactile, stronger sensory connection and emotional response that boosts brand memory. Readers are not being pinged by text messages or app alerts resulting in better recall as people process print adverts more slowly, leading to higher comprehension and memory retention than fast digital scrolling adverts, resulting in less direct competition then the crowded digital space. • Focused Attention: Print ads cannot be blocked by software or skipped like online video ads as readers choose to sit down with a newspaper, meaning fewer digital distractions or banner ad blockers.
• Less risk of malware or deceptive links, making users feel safe. While digital advertising has its place, the unique qualities of print provide opportunities that digital simply cannot. For all advertising enquires contact Janine Davy 027 287 0005 janine@goodlocal.nz
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