King Country News | October 30, 2025

And through you go…

The 235-metre long tunnel, part of the new Te Ara o Te Ata – Mt Messenger Bypass broke through to the northern side on Tuesday to a karakia and applause. Hinetūparimaunga, a giant excavating machine which has been a key component in the job, completed the breakthrough late in the morning. It’s planned that by the end of next year the new road between Taranaki and the north – repacng the winding climb over Mt Messenegr – will be open. See story = {age 3.

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Where everyone’s a winner…

School pet days have gone ahead despite recent unfriendly weather – and there were ribbons galore on show at Aria School. A four wheel drive was employed to get some contestants to the show – though a couple of families were left at home thanks to flooding.

See Jon Rawlinson’s story, Page 11.

Too early…

I’m not happy with the people letting off fireworks in town around the lower Awakino Rd area over past several nights when Guy Fawkes Night is just two weeks away. Please understand that your neighbours were not impressed.

Be respectful to others who do not share your enthusiasm for letting off fireworks. November 5 is not far off, so others also need to be mindful of animals on the night when letting off skyrockets. Stay safe.

Irene Seymour Te Kūiti

Problem solving

King Country Police have had another busy week, with several investigations making promising progress and a number of incidents keeping our team active across the region.

Police are making headway in identifying suspects involved in wilful damage incidents in both Ōtorohanga and Te Kūiti. These investigations are ongoing, and we appreciate the community’s support in providing information that helps us move closer to holding those responsible to account.

A concerning incident occurred on Loop Road in Ōtorohanga, where a stolen vehicle taken from out of the area was dumped down a grass bank and deliberately set alight. Fortunately, recent rainfall and damp vegetation helped contain the fire to the vehicle itself, preventing further damage to

the surrounding area.

Police arrested and charged a 53-year-old male in relation to an imitations-threats incident. Due to previous history male was not bailed and transported to Hamilton Custody.

A 37-year-old male in Te Kuiti was arrested following a family harm assault.

A male has been charged in connection with an unlawful hunting incident that took place earlier this year in Benneydale. This case highlights the importance of respecting property boundaries and wildlife regulations.

While conducting routine bail checks, officers discovered several breaches, including violations of curfew, alcohol restrictions, and other bail conditions. These checks are a vital part of ensuring compliance and community safety.

Police responded to multiple vehicle crashes in Ōtorohanga and Te Kūiti. Alcohol is suspected to have been a contributing factor in at least one of these incidents. We urge all drivers to make safe choices and never drive under the influence.

Over the past week, there have been several incidents involving vehicles and motorbikes failing to stop for police in Te Kūiti. These are currently under investigation, and we encourage anyone with information to come forward.

As always, we ask the public to continue reporting any antisocial driving, suspicious activity, or behaviour that causes concern. Your information helps us keep our communities safe and hold offenders accountable.

Briefs…

New faces

Two newly elected councillors, Olivia Buckley and Isaiah Wallace, were set to attend their first Waitomo District Council meeting as this issue of The News went to print. Alongside four returning members, the duo will help ensure the council has a good balance of experience and fresh thinking, Waitomo mayor John Robertson said.

Shellfish warning

New Zealand Food Safety says the public should not collect or consume shellfish gathered from the Taranaki coast due to the presence of paralytic shellfish toxins. Tests on mussels from Pukearuhe have shown levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin over the safe limit. The warning extends from Cape Egmont north to Albatross Point, near Kawhia.

Bolger funeral

Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger’s funeral service was held in Our Lady of Kāpiti church in Paraparaumu last week. His wife Joan, speaking to a large gathering featuring past and present politicians from all sides of the House, acknowledged the flood of support for the family from across the country and the world.

Phillips information

New photos of camps set up by late fugitive Tom Phillips which he used to hide his three children for four years in dense King Country bush have revealed two large, concealed structures. Police say Phillips moved regularly from coast to farm to bush in a complex manner, so he was unlikely to be “stumbled across”.

Chicken recall

New World Te Kūiti has issued a food recall notice relating to hot chicken sold on October 23.

Power cut

The Lines Company has announced a planned power cut covering Ōtorohanga and surrounding areas on December 7 to enable network equipment upgrades and renewals.

Plan change fight starts

By Chris Gardner

New Waikato regional councillors want to stop a water quality plan change before, they say, it bankrupts farmers and sucks billions of dollars out of the regional economy.

Newly elected Waipā King Country ward councillors Garry Reymer and Liz Stolwyk, Waikato ward councillor Gary McGuire and Waihou ward councillor Keith Holmes were sworn in yesterday and are making discussions on stopping Waikato Regional Council’s Plan Change One top priority.

The plan is before the Environment Court and the council says it is bound by a statutory process - once it has a decision, it will have certainty on the policy and rules.

But the four are supporting a petition started by Act MP Simon Court calling on the council to immediately suspend work on the plan change and commission a full economic evaluation.

More than a decade in the making, the plan change is the subject of multiple appeals and is before the Environment Court. The council is advising farmers to start mapping contaminant loss, fencing waterways and review good management practices.

Holmes, immediate past president of Waikato Federated Farmers, said his calculations based on work done by consulting agricultural economist Phil Journeaux showed the plan change would rip $5 billion out of the Waikato economy.

“At a high level the

immediate financial effect of Plan Change One on the Waikato region even before the full roll out, is in the vicinity of $710 million,” Holmes said.

“Applying the standard multiplier effect being the way a farming dollar is recycled and spent within our regional economy is times 7.8 which equates to $5 billion.

“It will absolutely sidekick the Waikato economy by about 25 per cent of the gross domestic product.

“We may as well take all the farmers to the top of the cliff, and they may as well jump off,” he said.

“It is absolutely crucial that we back off on Plan Change One. It’s like asking someone to run 100 metres and then cutting their legs off.”

Reymer, formerly

Waikato Federated Farmers economics spokesman, said the impact of Plan Change One was “potentially colossal” and would hinder farms lifting production.

Stolwyk, former Waipā deputy mayor and farmer, said she and her brotherin-law Reymer were on the same page.

“The regional councillors have taken Plan Change One as our top priority,” Stolwyk said. “We intend to get together to put together a collaborative approach. “

McGuire said Plan Change One unfairly blamed farmers for ecoli in water ways when water fowl were to blame.

“Farmers are a dart board,” he said.

Cambridge Business Chamber chief executive Kelly Bouzaid said the chamber would be keeping

an eye on the economic cost associated with the implementation of Plan Change One across the regional economy.

“The chamber’s position is that environmental progress and economic prosperity must move hand-in-hand, not at the expense of one another.”

Tunnel team sees the light

The upgrading of the major link road between Waikato and Taranaki reached another milestone this week.

Following more than eight months of work under the ground at Te Ara o Te Ata, the Mt Messenger bypass project, the team ‘broke through’ to the northern end of the tunnel on Tuesday.

The bypass is scheduled to open at the end of 2026, about the same time work on the Waikato Expressway extension to Piarere – reducing travel time to and from Tauranga - is set to start.

It will be a new two-lane 6km route between Uruti and Ahititi which avoids the existing steep, narrow and winding route over Mt Messenger on State Highway 3 in North Taranaki.

Waka Kotahi says it will provide much-needed interregional economic, resilience, safety and environmental benefits, including for local communities, businesses, freight and all SH3 road users.

An estimated $21m worth of freight uses the road every day – and one in five vehicles which uses is heavy commercial.

Crews will now go back to the start of the tunnel, and, together with the 110 tonne roadheader, named Hinetūparimaunga, will excavate down three metres to the future road level.

“The whole team has been excited about breaking through. It’s no mean engineering feat and our crews should rightly feel proud of their mahi,”

Project Manager Caleb Perry said.

The tunnel will be large enough to accommodate loads up to and including house removals.

“You only have to look up at the existing stretch of State Highway 3 to realise why this bypass is so important – the bypass will be a safer, more secure and resilient route, with less steep inclines and it will be a lot straighter, eliminating those tight bends that grind road users to a halt,” Perry said.

OCTOBER 2025 ISSUE

The final results are in for the 2025 Local Elections! Rodney Dow has been officially declared Mayor of Ōtorohanga District, bringing with him a clear focus on connection, collaboration and community.

Your elected councillors are:

• Kāwhia–Tihiroa Ward: Jo Butcher, Kit Jeffries (elected unopposed)

• Waipā Ward: Michael Woodward

• Kio Kio–Korakonui Ward: Andrew Barker (elected unopposed)

• Ōtorohanga Ward: Katrina Christison, Tayla Barclay

• Wharepūhunga Ward: Shane Carr (elected unopposed)

• Rangiātea Māori Ward: Tennille Kete, Jaimee Tamaki

Community Boards

• Ōtorohanga Community Board: Leanne Massey, Brendon McNeil, Craig Thomas, Bronwyn Tubman

• Kāwhia Community Subdivision: Richard Harpur, Annie Ngarongo Mahara, Hinga Whiu

• Aotea Community Subdivision: Geoff Good

In this context, “Kāwhia Community Subdivision” refers to the wider Kāwhia area that the Kāwhia Community Board serves — not a housing subdivision.

Heavy rain and high winds earlier this month caused slips, flooding, and road closures across our district - particularly along rural routes in Kāwhia, Hauturu and Honikiwi.

Thanks to the huge effort of our roading crews, contractors and volunteers, most roads have now reopened, though crews continue to monitor active slips on Harbour, Kaimango, Owawenga and Hauturu Roads.

We want to sincerely thank everyone in our community for your patience, adaptability, and neighbourly spirit throughout the storm. Your support and understanding allowed our teams to focus on restoring access safely and quickly. Please keep up to date with future weather and road alerts through our website.

FAREWELL MAYOR MAX BAXTER

This month we also farewelled Mayor Max Baxter after 12 years in the top job (15 in local government).

Max’s leadership helped deliver transformational projects — from our destination playground and new medical centre to improved rural roads and community planning. Thank you Max for your dedication, humour, and heart for Ōtorohanga.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and our Library team have an awesome collection of dyslexia friendly resources available.

General Manager Nardia Gower and staff have shared personal stories about their own experiences with dyslexia - shining a light on inclusion, understanding and support.

Watch their videos and explore the resources here: www.otodc.govt.nz/our-district/libraries/dyslexia

Check out what you can do at the library today! Scan the code or visit:

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

From clone to tour guide

By Chris Gardner

It’s been a quarter of a century since Bodie Wheke Taylor was picked to appear before millions of Star Wars fans as a clone trooper.

But on Friday Taylor, who played a room full of clone troopers spawned by bounty hunter Jango Fett in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, picked an audience of three to share his passion for Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.

Taylor is the brains behind the ecological island’s new Moa Hunter tour – a two-hour experience designed to unpack the cultural significance of the mountain.

Taylor has created a moa hunter code which he unpacks on the tour, the first value being respect the teacher and teachings. Participants are taught stealth walking, and other skills. Listening to the furthest

sound of nature is encouraged as a daily practice.

“I am just wanting leave a legacy for mana whenua on the mountain,” Taylor said.

Taylor, who says he can whakapapa 35 generations to an ancestor who arrived in Aotearoa in 1350, was inspired to create the tour by the extinction of the moa.

“Lest we lose the treasure of the natural world, like the extinction of the moa,” he said quoting a Māori proverb.

When Taylor’s ancestors arrived, Aotearoa was covered in thick bush, and the only tracks were those carved by the giant birds.

“The mana of that bird was so big,” he said.

The tracks became trodden by Māori and, as more people arrived, many became roads.

Taylor laments the hunting of the bird to extinction.

Māori ate their flesh, used feathers and skin for clothing and bones for fish hooks and pendants.

Taylor is acutely aware of humankind’s impact on Aotearoa’s natural world, quoting Samuel Marsden, who established the first Christian mission in New Zealand, in 1814.

“The singing of the birds in the morning and evening is truly delightful,” Marsden wrote. “I have never heard anything like it. It is not only melodious but so loud that it is almost deafening.”

Birdsong is no longer deafening thanks to introduced mammals, but Taylor celebrates the rising volume of birdsong as it slowly returns to the mountain thanks to the predator proof fence.

So is the streamside para taniwha plant.

“Thirty years ago, you would not have seen this, but it is returning thanks to the fence,” he said.

The fence costs $5000 a day to maintain.

“It would be lovely to think that in 1000 years’ time it will be no longer needed,” he said.

Taylor grew up and was schooled in Hamilton but calls a number of Waikato marae home.

He is part Ngatai Tara Tokanui Te Whaka, on his mother’s side, and Ngatai Haua on his father’s side.

While Taylor was appearing in the stage production Ahorangi 2000 in Hamilton, actor Temuera Morrison coupled with a casting

director from Lucasfilm approached him to play a younger version of Morrison’s character in the film.

“I was on the plane to San Francisco, for two weeks,” Taylor said.

Taylor said Morrison, who filmed his scenes in Australia, was jealous Taylor got to work at Skywalker Ranch.

“I have only got a seven second scene,” Taylor said. “For some reason it’s a big deal.”

To his workmates, Taylor is affectionately known as Bodie Fett in homage of the character he played.

Taylor travelled the world after the film, marrying his wife Te Aroha after a chance meeting in London.

TLC back on the podium

The Lines Company has celebrated two individual wins and an overall third place at the Annual Connection contest in Christchurch.

Hosted by industry training provider Connexis, last week’s skills-based competition put electricity supply workers - line mechanics and cable jointers - from across the country to the test.

From a fiercely contested field, The Lines Company (TLC) was confirmed as one of the best in the business.

“This is the third time in three years that we have made the podium, following our win in 2023

and second place last year,” TLC chief executive Mike Fox said.

“To finish third is a huge achievement and a testament to the skill, teamwork and commitment of our people.”

Over three days, Annual Connection required teams to complete tasks testing technical knowledge, on-the-job skills and health and safety. Teamwork while solving problems, installing equipment and dealing with emergencies also came under scrutiny.

TLC emerged from a field of 16 entrants, including neighbours

Waipā Networks.

Northland’s Top Energy and Auckland-based Omexom placed first and second respectively.

The team also won two individual competition categories – Hardware Install and Overhead Conductor Install, a reflection of the quality of their day-to-day work, Fox said.

“I’m incredibly proud of the mahi they put in every day to keep our customers connected and of the dedication they showed in preparing for this competition. The recent weather across our network area showed the skill, dedication and ingenuity in finding solutions that are

a hallmark of our line mechanics.”

Recent experience working in severe weather came in handy when Christchurch experienced some tough conditions of its own during the contest.

Having the country’s top line mechanics in town was fortunate and some teams, including the TLC, offered to stay on to help with the response.

“The event was expertly delivered, even with the added challenge of high winds and wild weather that forced several programme changes throughout the event,” said Fox.

by Nicole Jones - Year 11

Otorohanga College is “Active As!”

Active As, a project sponsored by Sport Waikato, encourages students to participate in sports and become more active. Here at Ōtorohanga College, we have 10 ‘Active As’ ambassadors who explore ideas on how we can get more students involved in physical activity.

At least once every term, our ambassadors visit other schools to connect with their ‘Active As’ teams, sharing ideas and learning new ways to promote movement and wellbeing.

This year, the College’s annual cross-country was reimagined as a vibrant Colour Run, bringing together students and staff for a fun, high-energy event that celebrated participation and community spirit. Around the College, students now enjoy using

Waipa Networks staff assisted in the aftermath of last week’s devasting storms in the South Island.

They had been competing in the Connexis Annual Connection Cable Jointer and Line Mechanic Competition in Christchurch.

“Three of the competition team stayed on to support after the event finished,” Tom Hemara, General Manager Delivery told The News.

“This came about after a conversation earlier in the week with Mainpower where we offered to stay on and support if the storm worsened. We then reached out to WEL Networks and Unison to see if they would like to support. It’s a great example of the collaborative nature of our industry.”

The North Islanders – who offered to help for a week depending on what work was needed - supported Mainpower in returning power to customers in their region.

The southern half of the South Island took a hammering last week and states of emergency were declared in Southland and Clutha – while high winds caused extensive damage in the southern half of the North Island.

our two new concrete table tennis tables, which have quickly become a hotspot for friendly competition between students and teachers. Our 10 VR headsets are helping to make exercise engaging for students who prefer alternatives to traditional sport and our purpose-built sand volleyball court has become a favourite at interval and lunchtime, alongside a wide range of games and equipment available for everyone to enjoy.

Based on the student voice we have collected and analysed, we

have found that these initiatives have increased both happiness and participation. Students are also building stronger relationships with their peers and teachers. This year has been a massive success.

Looking ahead, we hope to inspire future students to stay ‘Active As’ and take on ambassador roles themselves. We are all really proud of what we have achieved this year . Ōtorohanga College is truly becoming an ‘Active As’ College.

Relief rolls in to Awakino

Waitomo mayor John Robertson has been on board with recovery efforts following recent storms.

Mōkau and Awakino were among the first to receive ute-loads of supplies as Waitomo’s civil defence team joined forces with police, Fire and Emergency NZ and the Ministry of Social Development to assist people worst affected by significant storms which have hit the region over the last two weeks.

“This was another massive weather event, inflicting damage that could very well be of a similar scale to Cyclone Gabrielle in January 2023,” Robertson said. “As your mayor, I drop my ‘normal’ activities and become immersed in civil defence matters.”

Businesses including The Warehouse,

New World and Mitre10 Te Kūiti as well as Piopio’s Fat Pigeon Café, rallied to donate essential supplies backed by $500 from the council’s mayoral fund.

New bedding, linen, towels, pyjamas, clothing, toys, toiletries and food were distributed.

Robertson aknowldged the work of Mōkau police constable Donna Potroz and fire chief and Mōkau School principal Maryann Symonds.

“Their leadership and care shown for their community has been extraordinary.”

Road crews were instrumental in ensuring supplies could reach those in need, Robertson said.

He said the Downer crew returned to Mōkau immediately after reopening SH3

and Inframax had worked to open as many local roads as possible.”

However, recovery requires much more than regaining access to communities cut off due to slips and flooding, council’s civil defence controller, Alex Bell, said.

“Now that we have been able to access our more rural communities, our team has kicked into gear and joined with other agencies to provide the help they need where we can.

“The recovery process is about more than just rebuilding infrastructure. It’s about supporting people to rebuild their lives and restore their emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing.”

Even though roads are now open, unstable land can lead to further slips and flood

waters can still cause harm after they recede. Any food or drink that has been in contact with flood water should be thrown out and further caution is required, he said.

“All flood water is potentially contaminated from such things as septic tanks, animal faecal matter, farm chemicals and road run-off. We ask people to take care and practice good hygiene when cleaning up.”

Exasperating the problem, further heavy wind and rain prompted The NZ Transport Agency to close he Forgotten Highway –between Taumarunui and Stratford on Monday, potentially impacting on motorists’ public holiday plans.

Waka Kotahi reported crews were on site clearing fallen trees from the highway.

Sunday 9 November 2025 Planned Power Outage

(Alternate date: Sunday 7 December)

Time: 9am - 4pm

WHAT

AGE OF REASON

Ukraine’s dilemma

By Richard Steele

I hear that Donald Trump has told the Ukrainian president to accept the Russians taking what they want from his country, or risk being annihilated by them.

What an awful choice to have to make, to give up whatever your violent aggressor wants, and he will want heaps, or have him take the lot.

Either way you lose, so taking the lesser of those evils is the only way out. Or is it? Russia will still eventually want it all, whatever you decide now, so it again becomes an impossible situation to win from.

My question though, through all this, is, where are the European neighbours in all this bullying? From where I sit , albeit a fair way from the battle front, it seems as though the

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Russians won’t stop there. If they are allowed to get away with this one, where or when will they stop?

And surely with the combined resources of the European military might, virtually over the fence, could show the Russian bully a thing or two. I know they are already helping, but thus far that help hasn’t done much to slow the aggressor.

Or is there more to this terrible war than anyone realises? I’m no student of historydo the Russians have a case, or is this just a continuation of the colonisation that’s been going on ever since man came down from the trees, and that’s has plagued weaker nations since time began?

And have we as people of the world learned nothing from the mistakes of the past? It would appear not.

Equally the great so-called peacemaker who claims to have ended 10 wars, is out of his depth on this one. He appears to be losing the peace in his own country, so why would anybody listen to him in any case?

If the Europeans cannot get together and sort out Putin, it seems as though the poor Ukrainian people are buggered. And that’s a tragedy.

I know the Donald has his supporters, millions of republicans think he is just the bees’ knees, but I just cannot see why, what planet are they all on?

I’m still convinced that we will see civil war in the great United States soon, and all his so called peace-making will be in vain, and rather than win the respect of the world, he will become an even bigger laughing stock.

I hope I’m wrong.

ON SHAKY GROUND

Our moving landscape

By Janine Krippner

Driving between Wellington and Te Awamutu last week, my geologist brain was on high alert.

I was unaware of the storm that had passed through the King Country on October 16, a few days prior, and it was quickly evident that a significant weather event had occurred. First and foremost, I hope everyone in the area is okay. I have heard of some of the losses and my heart goes out to you.

As a geologist and volcanologist, I am quick to notice rockfalls and landslides along the roadside.

My eyes are drawn to the clues scattered across our landscape, signs that tell stories of how it formed and how it continues to change. During this drive, I had to pull over a few times so I wouldn’t be distracted by the sheer number of fresh landslides and rockfalls. Flooding was evident, streams had overtopped and eroded their banks and there was debris from water crossing the road in several places.

I was impressed, though, at how quickly debris had been cleared from the main road. A huge thank you to everyone involved in that work.

It’s no secret that much of Aotearoa is prone to landslides, or “mass wasting”the downslope movement of rock and soil. This term covers a range of materials (rock, soil, or mud) and movement types (fall, slide, flow, or creep). Some events are so small they go unnoticed, while others can be large enough to tragically bury an entire town.

Mass wasting can be triggered by different processes, including earthquakes,

or in this case, a lot of rain. We can also make our landscape more prone to experiencing mass wasting, including land use changes like cutting down trees or bush, altering the landscape - such as removing the base of a slope - or altering drainage patterns. One of the most important factors that contribute to rainfall-triggered landslides is land use change.

It’s important to understand the warning signs of potential landslides. The Get Ready website has an excellent guide on what to do before, during, and after a landslide, including early warning signs that land may be starting to move. Monitoring slopes and acting on those signs, such as through timely evacuations, can save lives.

Cracks or bulges in the ground, roads, or paved areas may signal movement. If the land beneath a building begins to shift, new gaps can appear, and doors or windows may start sticking. Trees, retaining walls, and fences may begin to lean or distort.

Staying alert while driving is important, especially during or after heavy rain around our hillier landscapes.

I keep a go-bag with supplies in my car in case I am ever stuck somewhere, which I packed with landslides in mind. Small steps like this ensure that if we are ever caught out by our changing landscape, we are prepared.

We are not powerless and understanding what to look out for, and what to do, can make all the difference.

Skylah’s a Stafford bulldog

By Jesse Wood

Ōtorohanga born and raised Skylah Stafford is heading across the Tasman after signing for the Bulldogs rugby league club.

The Ōtorohanga College 15-year-old signed for the Sydney club at the start of 2025 and is contracted until the end of 2027.

A dream NRLW debut is turning into a possibility for the King Country teenager.

Stafford joins a growing list of league players from the area to sign with Australian sides.

Ōtorohanga connected

Tenika Willison is a NRLW player with the Newcastle Knights, while NRL stars Te Maire Martin, Taine Tuaupiki and Xavier Willison all hail from coastal Taharoa.

Since switching from rugby union to league two years ago, Stafford has been involved in countless representative sides.

“Signing with the Bulldogs meant a lot for me and my family. I played rugby union since I was 7 and I switched to rugby league in 2023,” Stafford said.

“It has definitely not been easy to get where I am today. It meant a lot mainly to me and my dad (Jaz).

“He’s always been there for me, always out at the fields with me and my little brother helping us improve. He makes sure I’m getting to all my trainings and makes sure we can both be the best versions of ourselves.

“There have been ups and downs between me and him because we both have our own opinions, but at the end of the day it didn’t matter who was right and who was wrong.

“We both knew we wanted the same thing - for me to succeed in rugby league and make it to the big leagues.”

Stafford is proudly of Ngāti Kaputuhi and Ngāti Maniapoto descent.

In her first season, she represented Maniapoto under-14.

Waikato Māori under-15, Te Arawa under-14, Waikato under-15 and Aotearoa Māori under-14 were her 2024 rep teams.

“I went to one of my Waikato Māori trainings and one of the coaches was running some drills. At first, I didn’t think much of it but then I realised it was a good opportunity to show my skill,” Stafford said.

“Later that night, the same coach reached out to my parents and was interested in

me. From there he organised for me to go to some of the Bulldogs’ camps in Auckland.

“I had done enough at the camps. They wanted to sign me, but I was too young. I was only 14, so we had to wait until I turned 15 earlier this year.”

This year, Stafford was in the Te Arawa under-15, Bay of Plenty under-15 and Bay of Plenty under-16 squads and played a match for the Bulldogs Development under-15.

That was on top of winning the under-16 grade with Ngongotahā.

Stafford said signing for the Bulldogs is just the start of her journey.

“The amount of work I have done to get where I am will not compare to how much more work there is to come,” Stafford said. “I’m just looking forward to this experience I have been given.

“I head to Australia in January and will be there for a little while.

“Then I’ll come back to play in the Waikato comp and hopefully win the under-16 grade again.

“I would like to earn another contract at the end of 2027, but at the moment I’m just taking it step by step.”

Brook Park FIREWORKS

15 November Gold coin donation

proceeds go directly to the ongoing development of Brook Park

6pm – Opens

7pm – Guys on bonfire

7-7.30pm – Judging of the guys 8.45pm – Fireworks display (lasting 15-20 minutes)

Spectacular bonfire • Guy-making competition • Food stalls

A champ for warm homes

Ingham will support Maru’s team leader Renee Parkes and co-ordinator Jo Meads in trying to get hundreds of homes insulated, for free, before next winter.

They estimate more than 1100 homes in and around Ōtorohanga qualify for free insulation following a government rule change.

Maru Energy Trust, formed in 2018 by The Lines Company, is pitching in extra funding to get more homes across the line.

Maru team leader Renee Parkes said Ingham had been approached to help Maru because “we need trusted voices working with us”.

“We know passionate local people can help promote what we do. The funding is there to help make local homes warmer and drier. We just need people to make contact. Kim has some strong and established links into our community and if we can work with her to get our message across, that’s great.”

Ingham said she was a “100 per cent fan” of Maru’s work in insulating and heating houses.

She has seen the impacts first hand as chair of the Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust, as a Board member at Ōtorohanga College and as a Justice of the Peace.

“The health and wellbeing of people in this community is my passion and has been for years.

“I’ve seen the impact of cold homes on kids and their whānau. Having warm, dry homes is paramount to people’s health and insulation makes a huge difference,” she said.

“I’m really happy to be a Maru champion. This is an amazing community and I’m privileged to be part of it so let’s get the word out.”

Maru will appoint other community champions across its network.

Renee Parkes said Maru wants things moving quickly in Ōtorohanga given help already received from others including Ōtorohanga District Council.

“We want to turn that support into action. With Kim on board, we hope we can reach more whānau, faster, and make sure homes are warmer, drier and healthier for everyone before next winter.”

More than 100 sponsors attended the Kio Kio Rugby Club’s sponsors dinner at Maihiihi last weekend to underline the healthy state of the community club which is preparing for its 75th jubilee in 2027. Guest speaker Kerre Woodham delighted the audience with tales of getting fit for a marathon and dealing with the publicity - and answered questions including one from new Ōtorohanga mayor Rodney Dow.

Next stop Christchurch…

By Jesse Wood

Things are heating up for the Special Olympics nationals in Christchurch after the Flame of Hope was carried through Hamilton on its journey south last week.

Special Olympics Te Awamutu, Thames Valley and Waikato athletes were escorted by the Waikato Police as they walked the Law Enforcement Torch Run from Grantham St boat ramp, along Victoria St to Garden Place.

Longtime Ōtorohanga resident Jennifer Clark, Peter Crawford, Sarah Griffin, SarahJane Hudson, David Smith, Matthew Smith, Caitlin Thomas, Robert van der Wee and Ella Yarndley will be part of the squad.

The flame is a symbol of unity and inspiration.

“The last run is in Christchurch. It goes around each club and with the police, we run it around the city or area and it gets everyone pumped for the games,” head swimming coach for Special Olympics Waikato Lauren Bovaird said.

“It helps to try and spread awareness about the event. Once we were at Garden Place, we had a few speeches and the Waikato police gave us a little police dog to take to the nationals.”

Bovaird said it was great to see how excited the athletes are getting for the competition and how much these sorts of events get everyone “amped up and ready to go”.

New Hamilton City mayor Tim Macindoe greeted the athletes and give them a message of support.

Waikato Police youth and communities

inspector Scott Miller said it was a fantastic event to be part of and the spirit of the competition was alive and well.

He wished all athletes the best for the games.

“It was great to see the support from Waikato police and from the Hamilton City Council as well as the cheer, the celebration and the excitement,” Bovaird said.

With less than two months to go, preparations are well underway.

For several athletes it will be their first “away” nationals as the last one was staged in Hamilton.

“This time they have to travel and stay as the team with all the coaches. It’s a cool experience for them,” Bovaird said.

The Waikato team is made up of 58 coaches and athletes

“It would be great to get everyone supporting the athletes. Whenever they see us out fundraising, give us a cheer or come see us. That’s always good,” Bovaird said.

“The athletes always like hearing your support.”

Te Awamutu head coach Shelley Blair and support coaches Cherie Thompson and Bruce Blair will accompany their squad.

Since founding Special Olympics Te Awamutu in 2008, Blair has attended four national events.

Cambridge’s Keziah Clark and Jarrod Gilbert will join the Te Awamutu nd Ōtorohanga cohort of athletes and Hamilton’s Deshan Walallavita will also make the journey.

Shearers in the bay

Shearers were sharpening their skills at the Hawke’s Bay A and P Show’s Great Raihania Shears over the long weekend.

Among the best performers was Keryn Herbert (Te Kūiti) who won the Woolhandling Open final. The Cook Islands international now has 59 career open wins under her belt.

The open shearing final was a who’s who of competitive shearing loaded with internationals, world champions and world record holders.

Golden Shears 2025 winner Toa Henderson claimed top spot followed by Stu Connor (England/Hastings), Gavin Mutch (Scotland/ Dannevirke), Nathan Stratford (Invercargill), and home-province favourite, Rowland Smith.

Te Kūiti’s Jack Fagan sixth placing followed his open win at the Gisborne Shearing and Woolhandling Championships a week earlier.

Some top shearers who did not compete in the Bay were at the Trans-Tasman Shearing Sports tests in Australia.

At the event, Canterbury blade shearers Tony Dobbs and Scott McKay secured a series win after a first-round victory over

an Aussie pair at the NZ Spring Shearing Championships, however, Australia won both the machine shearing and woolhandling tests.

Enjoy welcoming, comfy surroundings and a warm sense of belonging at our Resthaven on Burns Care Centre.

• We are a community charitable trust providing quality, affordable care for seniors.

• Our caring team are here to help you enjoy the things you love, whether it is gardening, baking, trips to town, hobbies, or simply a quiet afternoon relaxing.

• Our commitment to affordability means there is no premium daily room charge at Resthaven on Burns.

on for wool drives Piopio doyen Positively

Pets overcome the big wet

By Jon Rawlinson

They’ve been bringing lambs, calves, chickens and some kids even brought their kids to agricultural, calf club and pet days throughout the country recently.

Intended to grow young students’ growing, rearing and raising knowledge, these events have become a regular part of the school year, mostly for rural primary schools.

However, in some of the areas worst impacted by recent heavy rain, not

everyone could bring their animals to school to show the results of their hard work over recent months.

“Unfortunately, two of our families couldn’t make it along because they were flooded in,” Āria School principal, Pam Voyce, said. “It was sad for the two girls as they couldn’t bring their calves.

“Also, as the roads were closed, two other families had to travel ‘cross country’, in a four-wheel-drive, Barry Crump style across some farms. They were a little bit late but still got here with their animals,

which was great for them.”

While many of the school’s families were counting the cost of flooding and slips, Voyce says the event helped to lift spirits. “Otherwise, it was lovely. We had a little bit of drizzle but it was (mostly) a beautiful day with happy vibes. It was a great day had by all.”

Similarly, Piopio Primary School’s MYSC (Merehuia Young Stock Club) Calf Club saw attendees ensure their children were able to take part in the school’s muchenjoyed annual event.

“It was great to have our community come together following the recent extreme weather,” school principal, Sue Coyle, said.

“We had a very successful day with many entries, including animals – lambs, calves, and goats – and indoor entries of crafts, baking and flowers. The high standard of the animals was evident and the excitement of the tamariki when they received ribbons and prizes made all the preparation and hard work worthwhile.”

community champions

Girls take tournament prize

By Jon Rawlinson

Recent results suggest that King Country could contribute to a future crop of top women’s rugby talent.

Back home after a hard-fought tournament, the gravity of the Under-11 Ngā Kōhine Ō Te Rohe Pōtae (Girls from the King Country) team’s NZ Junior Girls Rugby Festival (NZJGRF) award win is still sinking in.

Comprising rangatahi from across the King Country and Ruapehu regions, including Piopio, Te Kūiti, Taumarunui, Turangi and Taupō, the squad was named the Under-11 Team of the Festival.

The news was welcome, especially after the final day of the three-day tournament in Lower Hutt was cut short due to bad weather, said team manager and proud mum, Amy Perez.

“While some were disappointed to miss

their final matches, it followed two gruelling days in relentless rain and mud. It was like walking through cattle yards at their worst –there was mud everywhere.

“The girls were just ecstatic to hear they’d won. Because we’re a bigger district than most, just coordinating trainings can be a bit of a struggle, so for them to do so well is very special.”

Although the team was undefeated after the first two days, there was no guarantee they would win an award. Unlike most tournaments, the NZJGRF doesn’t end with a round of playoffs.

After playing a selection of opponents, the Under 11 Girls from the King Country gained the highest overall points, based on performance and sportsmanship, including ratings from players, coaches, spectators and referees.

“It’s not so much about finding overall tournament winners. People enter scores

into an app based on sportsmanship on the field and the sidelines. It’s intended to promote a positive atmosphere across the whole festival.”

The King Country entered teams into the Under-13 and Under-15 grades as well.

Three of Perez’s daughters – including Kleo, 9, who played for this year’s award-winning Under-11s – have represented their region at the tournament.

Through her role at the Taumarunui Youth and Community Trust – which supports sporting, recreational and cultural activities – Perez knows the importance of fostering sport at grassroots level.

Running since 2022, it’s a matter when, not if, this annual, national festival is credited with helping to grow Black Ferns.

“This festival is an important stepping stone towards the future of the sport.

Probably within a couple of years, some of these talented young wāhine will wear the

Black Ferns jersey, representing their region and nation with pride.”

Although it has been touted that the future of rugby is female, there is still some ground to cover for this prediction to come to pass.

“As much as women’s rugby is taking off nationally and internationally, we’re still struggling locally, particularly in the regions. Girls-only rugby is big, but in the regions it’s hard to field a complete team,” Perez said.

“While girls from the cities play in regular girls’ competitions, we only come together for a couple of months after rugby season’s finished, playing mixed rugby with boys, so there is more work to be done.”

In the meantime, as Ngā Kōhine Ō Te Rohe Pōtae is showing, determination can help ensure rural women’s rugby makes the most of the hard yards.

“We need to make opportunities happen in sport,” Perez said. “We’re not going to just sit back and wait for them to come to us.”

Across 1. Postpone (5) 4. Be against something (6) 8.

19. Large musical instrument (5)

(5)

(6)

(6)

(7)

Last week

Across: 1. Album, 4. Recall, 7. Ore, 8. Dinner, 9. Forage, 10. Substantially, 14. Idiom, 15. Extra, 18. Grin and bear it, 23. Embryo, 24. Uproot, 25. Tar, 26. Rarely, 27. Dowdy. Down: 1. Adieu, 2. Bonus, 3. Mortal, 4. Refute, 5. Circa, 6. Legal, 10. Sting, 11. Blini, 12. Later, 13. Yeast, 16. Snooty, 17. Absurd, 19. Rumba, 20. Nerve, 21. Arrow, 22. Irony.

FLYINGSAUCER GLIDERS

GNATS

HAIL

JET-STREAM

JUMBOJET

KITE

LIGHTNING

MAGICCARPET

MIST

MOSQUITOES

MOTH

NIMBUS

NORTHERNLIGHTS

PARACHUTE

PLANE RAINBOW ROBIN

SLEET

SMOG

SMOKESIGNALS

SNOW STAR

STEAM

STREAMERS

SUNBEAM

THRUSH WRENS

Property Of The Week

A Hidden Gem in Ōtorohanga with Space & Opportunity

Tucked away at the rear of the section, this property is one of Otorohanga’s best-kept secrets. You’ll be forgiven for missing it at first glance - but once discovered, it’s a place that’s hard to forget.

Recently refreshed with new interior paint, the low-maintenance, colour-steel clad home offers easy living with a spacious open-plan layout. Step out onto the private deck and take in the sweeping views of rolling farmland right on your boundary - the perfect rural outlook for those seeking peace and space.

Inside, the home boasts three well-sized bedrooms, ideal for families. The internal

access garage links the house to a standout feature - a seriously impressive “man shed.” Formerly used as an electrical workshop, this versatile building includes a large studio space, kitchenette, and toilet, and has served as both a creative hub and a workshop. Whether you’re after a home office, hobby space, or conversion potential, the options are wide open.

Reluctantly offered for sale by genuine vendors now pursuing new ventures, this is a rare opportunity to secure a lifestyle property that offers much more than meets the eye.

ADDRESS 11 Harpers Avenue, Ōtorohanga

LAND SIZE 920sqm

HOUSE 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 3 garages

PRICE Deadline closes Tues 18 Nov, 1pm (unless sold prior)

WEBSITE monarchsouthwest.co.nz

WEB ID OH22747

VIEW Open Home Sun 2 Nov, 2.00 - 2.30pm

Rata Street charm

Set on an 809 m2 flat, freehold section, this well-presented 1960s home offers a comfortable living in a handy Te Kuiti location. The 90 m2 dwelling features three bedrooms and a single bathroom, with a functional layout that includes a combined kitchen and dining area, and a separate lounge - perfect for family living. A separate laundry adds extra practicality and convenience to the home's design, with carpet running throughout for added warmth and comfort. The home is insulated in the ceiling and underfloor, heated via a heat pump, and benefits from town water supply with electric hot water. Constructed with durable brick cladding, corrugated iron roofing, and timber joinery.

warm welcome to your first home

Lot 2, 0 Old Te Kuiti Road, Otorohanga, 2716sqm, power,

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

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

Lots 90-108 Harpers Avenue, 486sqm to 962sqm, Westridge II subdivision. Phone John From $220,000ea 576C Mangawhero Road, Otorohanga, 1ha, fenced, sensible covenants. Ph Noldy Offers over $385,000 2/823 Ngahape Road, Otorohanga, over 6000sqm, elevated building site, rural views. Ph Noldy $450,000

Te Kūiti sections (sizes are approximate)

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

10 Robin Azariah Place, Te Kuiti, 600sqm level section. Phone Buzz $239.000

Other sections (sizes are approximate)

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

71 Hone Street, Kawhia,

OPEN DAY

OTOROHANGA 126 Tauraroa Valley Road

Large-Scale Dairy & Support

21km from Otorohanga, this fully self-contained dairy unit offers 323ha across three titles.

Dairy platform 170ha, wintering 580 cows on-farm, strong five-year average 212,000kg milk solids. 105ha support block. Wintering 110 replacements, C/O and extra beef trade cattle. The land is predominantly easy rolling in contour with flats at the front and some steeper sidings on the support. Infrastructure features 40-bail ASHB dairy shed with adjoining feed pad. Reliable water system supplied via two bores. Three dwellings on-site, including a manager’s house and two cottages.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK42389

NEW LISTING

ARIA 878 Mokauiti Road

Exceptional Piopio Drystock Property

A rare opportunity to secure a high-performing livestock operation in a stunning natural setting. This 569.8171-hectare (more or less) farm offers approximately 490 hectares of effective grazing land, with the balance in native bush teeming with birdlife. Four bedroom home with outstanding north facing views, set well back from the road for privacy and with stunning views. This is a well-balanced, productive farm with scale, excellent infrastructure, and natural beauty. Ideal for those seeking a turnkey operation with proven performance.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK42342

NEW LISTING

ARIA 168 Pao Road

Awatea Farm

Awatea Farm is a well-balanced and productive sheep and beef breeding/finishing property located at 168 Pao Road. Set in a reliable farming district, this expansive 434-hectare (more or less) unit offers a great mix of steeper hill country and easy-contoured finishing land. Of the total area, around 380 hectares are in grass, providing excellent grazing and finishing capacity. Awatea Farm is a genuine breeding and finishing unit that offers scale, solid infrastructure, and versatile contour. It’s a property that supports a flexible and productive farming operation.

pggwre.co.nz/TEK42111

$3.7M Plus GST (if any) VIEW By Appointment Only

M 027 473 5855

E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

1891 Ohura Mokau Road

Entry Level Grazing Opportunity

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

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

VIEW 10.00-12.00pm Friday 31 October & 7 November

Wylie

E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz M 027 473

HANDYMAN

Property maintenance and construction

Lawns,trees,stumpgrinding,sections,moss&mould treatments,Chemwash,waterblasting,guttervac, watertankandtroughcleaning fences,retaining,oddjobsandmore. Referencesavailable GSTregistered. Mike & Allana 027 350 0836 – info@handy-man.co.nz

Septic Tank Cleaning

• Emptying septic tanks

• CCTV pipeline inspection

• Jetting drainage pipelines

• Spreading animal effluent

Waitomo Liquid Waste Disposal 021 111 3911

heifers and

GRAZING WANTED

GRAZING WANTED for 37 wiener heifer calves Ph 021 592 544

Gardening

Katrina Christison Tidy Gardens

Thinking about creating/ designing a new garden

- Every garden has a rhythm — a quiet story that unfolds through the seasons. When we design with intention, giving our plants room to breathe and our gardens space to evolve, we create something much more than just a pretty view — we create a living landscape that grows with us.

Start with space. Let your plants have their moment. Open areas give the eye a place to rest and allow each plant to shine in its own season. A garden that feels calm and uncluttered invites you to slow down and enjoy it.

Dig deep and build a story. Think about what memories, moods, or moments you want your garden to hold. Maybe it’s a nod to a loved one, a favourite holiday, or a colour palette that makes you feel at home. A good garden has heart — and that’s something you can’t buy.

Mix materials wisely. Combine stone, gravel, and timber for texture and sustainability.

Permeable paving and natural mulches allow water to soak into the soil, keeping your garden healthy through wet and dry months.

Then, plan for all four seasons.

Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 3.00pm

Road Saturday 1 November 9am – 1pm Sunday 2 November 9am to 11am

BUY

• Winter: look for plants with striking bark, berries, evergreen foliage, or sculptural form.

• Spring: celebrate early colour, bulbs, and the freshness of new growth.

• Summer: focus on texture, fragrance, and long-flowering plants that draw you outdoors in the evenings.

• Autumn: embrace warm tones, seedheads, and those last bursts of bloom before the quiet of winter returns.

In small gardens, prioritise plants that deliver across multiple seasons. A viburnum, for instance, might give you spring flowers, summer berries, autumn colour, and winter structure — four gifts from one plant. Finally, keep it simple. Choose your palette, refine it, and then simplify it again. A calm, cohesive garden feels effortless — even when a lot of thought has gone into every detail.

Because at the heart of it all, a garden isn’t just a space.

It’s a story — one that changes with the seasons, grows with care, and reflects the person who tends it.

OPARURE MARAE

WHĀNAU MARKET DAY 2025 and AGM 2025

Whānau Market Day at Oparure Marae. Saturday, November 22 from 9am. Stalls and kai. $10 per table, emailoparuremarae@gmail.comtoregister. Allwelcome.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Oparure Marae will be held Sunday, November 23, 10am at Oparure Marae, Te Kūiti.

Agenda

1. Karakia and mihi

2. Minutes of 2024 AGM

3. Chair’s report

4. Financial report

5. TT Whare report

6. Election of up to 3 trustees’ positions (2 x 5-year terms, 1x 1-year term)

7. Election of 1 marae delegate to Te Whare ki Tokanganui a Noho

8. General business

9. Karakia and kai

Trustee nominations must be received in writing or email by 5pm Sunday, November 16, 2025. In addition, we ask nominees and interested persons to submit a bio and photo, including length of term and why they wish to take on the role.

These will be posted to the marae Facebook page and in person attendance at the AGM is expected.

Eligible voters must be present in person to exercise that right. Address pātai and nominations to the secretary, Kelly Tregoweth, at oparuremarae@gmail.com

TAINUI KAWHIA INCORPORATION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 08, November 2025

At the Distinction Hotel and Conference Centre, 100 Garnett Avenue, Te Rapa, Hamilton, at 10:30am

Registrations open at 9:30am

The agenda for this meeting has been sent to all Shareholders whose addresses are known. For further information or if you have any pātai, please feel free to contact the Secretary.

Secretary’s Office: Deloitte, Pukeroa Oruawhata House, 2/1176 Amohau St, Rotorua PO Box 12003, Rotorua Ph: (07) 343 1050

Email: nzrotoruaenquiries@ deloitte.co.nz

Wayne Brewer Chairperson

2023 & 2024 AGM Notice

Rescheduled Date

Mangapapa B2 Inc 2023 / 2024 AGM 22nd November 2025

Mahoenui Memorial Hall, Mahoenui

Registration desk opens 9:30am Hui starts 10:00am Agenda

• Mihi & karakia

• Apologies

• Confirmation of 2023 & 2024 AGM Agenda

• Minutes of 2022 AGM

• Financial Report

• Annual Report (2022-2023) & Annual Plan (2023-2024)

• Election of Five (5) committee members

• Karakia then kai

• Results of elections announced

AGM packs for shareholders have been mailed to the postal address held on file.

AGM packs can also be emailed via request to mangapapab2@gmail.com

CoM nominations due by 4pm Tuesday 18 November 2025

Proxy forms due by 4pm Wednesday 19 November 2025.

A light lunch will be provided, please feel free to bring a plate.

TE RONGOROA FOREST & FARM TRUST

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given to the beneficial owners that the Annual General Meeting of Te Rongoroa Forest & Farm Trust will be held on Saturday, 22nd November 2025.

Venue: Te Kotahitanga Marae, Ōtorohanga

Pōwhiri: 10.00am

AGM starts: 11.30am

Registration: Opens at 9:45am and closes at 11:15am.

Agenda Karakia / Mihi

1. Proxy Voting

2. Apologies

3. Previous Minutes

4. Chairperson’s Report

5. Forestry Report

6. Approval of Audited Accounts

7. Appointment of Auditor

8. Proposed amendments to the Trust Order

9. Acceptance of Trustees

10. Māori Land Court Update

11. General Business

Karakia Whakamutunga / Kai o te rānui For catering purposes, RSVP by Monday, 10th November 2025.

Contact Aotahi Ltd – Trust Administrators

Email: heartlands@aotahi.com | Phone: 07 214 1080 to receive a proxy form or full AGM pack via email.

St David’s Presbyterian Church Ōtorohanga AGM to be held after morning service Sunday, November 16

This newspaper is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to the editor’s email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P O Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www. mediacouncil.org.nz

Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.

Advertising booking deadlines for Cambridge News, Te Awamutu News and King Country News is one week prior to publication day. Copy deadline for ad-make up is 5pm Friday prior to publication day. Advertiser is responsible to advise us of any copy changes before proofing deadline – anything not signed off by this time, ad prints as per the last proof sent. Advertising supplied in completed form (finished artwork or camera ready), deadline is Tuesday midday prior to publication day. Public holiday weeks, all deadlines move forward one working day. Cancellation deadline is one week prior to publication. If cancellations are received after the cancellation deadline, then full charge applies. All other publications and products see separate booking and deadline sheet. Advertising setting is free for up to two proofs, further changes will incur a production fee. Advertising copy set by Good Local Media Ltd is the property of Good Local Media Ltd and for use in Good Local Media Ltd publications only. If used elsewhere charges will apply, pricing available on request. If supplied ready to print, copy is owned by the advertiser. Publication day is Thursday for urban

deliveries and Friday morning for rural deliveries. Acceptance of advertising for publication and free productions services is at the discretion of the publisher.

RATE CARD: Rates are based on advertising space only and are over a 12-month period starting from the date the first ad publishes. Rate bracket e.g. 6 insertions, 12 insertions etc. chosen allows ad sizes to vary within the rate bracket. If the number of insertions chosen is not met then a bulk charge will be applied at the end/cancellation of your schedule based on correct rate reflective of the number of ads published e.g. if you have chosen the 12 insertion rate and only publish 6 insertions, the bulk charge will be the difference in price between the 6 insertion rate and 12 insertion rate multiplied by the number of ads published. You pay the rate reflective of the number of ads you actually publish.

INVOICING AND PAYMENTS: For advertisers on a regular schedule invoices will be sent at the end of the month and

payment is due by the 20th of the following month, otherwise payment is required by end of day Tuesday in advance of publishing. Accounts in arrears +60 days may be subject to a $95 + GST late payment fee per month. Advertiser is responsible for

St Bride's Anglican Church Haerehuka St Ōtorohanga

Harvest Church Ōtorohanga

Sunday morning service 10am

Ph 07 873 7006

EEKL SCHEDULE ON OUR EBSI E

Services – Sunday 10am Session clerk Ph 07 873

SundayService @10.30am 5TuhoroStreet, Ōtorohanga Ph078738890 Mob0274930117 Email harvest.pc@xtra.co.nz ALL WELCOME. Pastors Peter & Carole Coventry (An Assemblies of God Church)

PIOPIO ARIA MŌKAU CO-OPERATING

All Saints Piopio 22 Moa St Sunday 10am

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

Piopio contact: 07 877 8097

Mōkau contact: 06 752 9123

6904 RSVP by November 17 please

Shirley Smith (Ohaupo) and the late David. Mike will be remembered by his support to the Sunday markets in Otorohanga, selling his wooden toys, making lots of friends and catching up with people he went to

Peacefully at Hillview Resthome. Loving wife of Les (dec) and loved mother of Graeme, Elaine, Dianne, Kevin, Carol, Sharon and their partners. Devoted grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. Heartfelt thanks to staff at Hillview, Te Kuiti for their special love and care. As per Molly’s wishes a private graveside ceremony has taken place. All communications to the Wishnowsky family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.

10 Sheridan St, Te Kūiti An Assemblies of God church

10:30am Sunday

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

10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti

10:30am Sunday 10 Sheridan St, Te Kuiti

Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 07 878 8694 021 703 008

Pastor Terry & Rowena Bradley 07 878 8694 021 703 008

e: janine@goodlocal.nz

An Assemblies of God Church

An Assemblies of God Church

King Country Christians meet every Sunday in the Piopio Senior Citizens Hall, Weka Street, Piopio, at 10.30am

Phone Judy 0211359346

Phone Judy 021135946 Everyone is welcome!

Saying goodbye is never easy. Our local, professional, and compassionate team is here 24/7, guiding you with care and respect every step of the way. Call us anytime – we’re here for you.