Waipā’s water supply capacity will be an ongoing legacy of February’s storms.
The district council faces what could be a three year juggling act in the wake of the loss of a major reservoir and says it’s imperative the community keep an eye on their water usage.
The Te Tahi rural water reservoir, which suppled more than half the water to Pirongia, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, was destroyed in the February storms.
Temporary measures are in place - water for Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Kihikihi is now mainly coming from Parallel Rd via Taylors Hill reservoir. But the amount available doesn’t match the amount used at peak times
The Mangauika Stream fed the Te Tahi plant at the base of Mt Pirongia, in the Ōtorohanga district. The February deluge in the stream included debris and boulders – one the size of a small vehicle – which took out a weir, a ford, several bridges and damaged the reservoir banks.
“It’s scary how little of our infrastructure we’ve been able to find,” Waipā District Council water services manager Karl Pavlovich said. It is the first time a water treatment plant in the Waipā district has been taken offline due to a weather event.
“The weir was a structure in the stream, which the water would back up behind and flow over. We would take water from behind that structure,” Pavlovich said.
“The now bent out of shape pipe work would run under the bed and
onward to the settlement pond. That’s all been destroyed. We also lost between five and 10 metres of earth, weakening the reservoir bank. About 93 megalitres was held back by less than five metres of dirt.”
The decision was made to drain the reservoir to decrease the risk of it bursting.
Te Awamutu, Kihikihi and Pirongia uses nine to 15 megalitres of water a day.
The Pirongia water supply was strengthened in late February with a new backup connection at the Frontier Rd reservoir, but overall system capacity is reduced and will struggle to meet peak summer demand.
“Pirongia didn’t lose water at all during the event. The flow metre went up, the staff knew they had a breakage and isolated the valves. They didn’t lose water pressure and water could continue,” Pavlovich said. “Then they got onto the job of reconfiguring the network, bringing that water out of Frontier Rd into Pirongia. At that point in time, the only water going into Frontier Rd was through the bore. It was a phenomenal job from the staff.”
The council is working to understand the extent of insurance coverage and the implications for repair, recovery and reinstatement of the damaged water treatment infrastructure.
It is looking at current demand, future growth and risk scenarios, as well as legislative requirements and considering what it could mean for the long-term plan.
The issue comes as the council prepares to hand over
Water worry for Waipā
responsibility for water to Waikato Waters Limited - a joint councilcontrolled organisation formed by Waipā, Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, South Waikato and Taupō District Councils.
Pavlovich said the council will continue to “keep the ball rolling” until Waikato Waters Limited take over on July 1.
“Until this point in time, Te Tahi has been a fantastic water supply for decades. It was the intensity and the locality of that rain event. About 260 millimetres in six hours - a one in 250-year event.
“Engineers are looking at options but it’s Waikato Waters that will make the decisions. It’s not just an infrastructure fix; it’s a community fix too.”
Waikato Waters will manage more than $1.6 billion in water assets, improve infrastructure and ensure
Continued on page 7
The now bent, and formerly underground, pipe work at Mangauika Stream that fed from the demolished weir to the settlement pond.
Photo: Jesse Wood
Karl Pavlovich
E:
Brass shines at nationals
By Viv Posselt
The Te Awamutu Brass Band has every reason in the world to puff its chest out right now. Its participation in this month’s National Brass Band Championships netted a third overall placing among a strong field of bands from Australia and New Zealand. The tally of points achieved in the three categories the band entered – a third in Hymn, fifth in the Set Test, and another third in Own Choice – saw Te Awamutu Brass come home as the highest-placing North Island band within its
grade.
First and second place at the national championships went to the Rolleston Brass and Rangiora RSA Club Band respectively.
Te Awamutu Brass, which was founded over a century ago, is considered one of the leading C grade bands in the country.
Musical director Sarah Carroll, who has been playing with the band since 2017, said she was ‘extremely happy’ with its podium finish at nationals, and said she hoped the win would attract new players.
The competition took place at the Wellington Opera House from April 8-12. Te
On the beat
Social media: handle with care
I’ll start this week with a summary of activity.
In Cambridge over the past seven days, police dealt with incidents including two drivers over the legal breath alcohol limit, five traffic crashes, six family harm incidents, four mental health incidents, a trespass matter, two shop thefts and four burglaries. A female shoplifter was arrested at Super Cheap Auto and was then found to be wanted for another theft in Hamilton. She was held in custody to appear in court the next day. A male was served a Police Safety Order (PSO) and will be appearing in court on a charge of dangerous driving after accelerating to almost double the speed limit in Leamington following a family harm incident. Another male was arrested for breaching a PSO that was already in place and has appeared in court.
In Te Awamutu, police responded to a common assault, offensive and threatening behaviour, suspicious behaviour, unaccompanied minors, two traffic crashes, 10 family harm incidents, two thefts, two trespass matters, five attempted car thefts, six breaches of court bail, and three burglaries.
There were a number of other reports also made in both towns via the 105 number and the public counter which are being followed up.
I would next like to touch on social media.
Te Awamutu Brass band, with musical director
Sarah Carroll at centre.
Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends, family, and others in our community. It allows information to spread quickly and can rally support when people need it. The same speed and reach can also create problems, however. Posts in public groups about local incidents or community concerns often attract a lot of attention. While many people respond with kindness, others may react negatively or inadvertently spread misinformation. Once something is posted, the original poster can quickly lose control over how that information is interpreted, shared and on the commentary that results.
If you don’t have personal knowledge of a situation, it’s usually best not to post about it. Even when you do know what happened, it’s important to think carefully before sharing. Consider the privacy of those involved, the potential for digital harm, and whether your post might otherwise cause unnecessary fear, speculation, or retaliation amongst the community.
Finally this week, a reminder on scams. No one is immune, even our station sergeant received a scam text this week saying he had overdue fines from police. We know that some substantial losses have occurred through scams so I again reinforce the message not to click on any links or accept software downloads sent on unexpected emails or texts or from unfamiliar sources.
Awamutu Brass members also played in the Solo and Ensemble categories.
Carroll said 40 bands from around New Zealand and two from Australia competed in their respective grades.
“With a team of 35 ranging in age from their newest member at 11, to the more experienced in their 80s, Te Awamutu was up against nine other C grade bands. We had been rehearsing since January.”
Members met their own travel and accommodation expenses and Carroll acknowledged those who had contributed financially to help cover additional costs, including those linked to getting the big percussion and drum items to the rehearsal venue.
Carroll grew up in Te Awamutu and began learning brass at the age of five. After tertiary study, she taught music around the country before coming home in 2017 and taking up an opportunity as Te Awamutu Brass conductor. From then on, she has led the band to various regional and national competitions.
She said of the members: “I am so proud of their dedication and enthusiasm. It’s not easy to compete against bands from much larger cities who have access to a wider selection of players. I think we do rather well to hold our own on the national stage, and we are very grateful to our small group of helpers from out of town who fill the gaps we have.
“The last few years we have been in the lower half of the field, and I was hoping to get us up to the middle of the pack, aiming for fifth,” she said, “but I’m extremely happy with our podium finish this time and hope it will be a good morale boost for the band to keep pursuing a high level of playing.”
with Senior Constable DEB HANN
Briefs…
Roads works
Road resurfacing at the Bond Street roundabout on State Highway 3 in Te Awamutu is scheduled to start tonight (Thursday). Work will run over six days from 9pm to 5am. SH3 will be closed to all vehicles between Bond Road and Rogers Place and Cambridge Road will be closed at the intersection of SH3.
Volunteers sought
Nominations have opened for the Volunteering Waikato awards. The awards celebrate the contributions of volunteers throughout the Waikato from preserving history to providing services and leadership..
In the pink
Waikato residents are being invited to gather with friends, family and colleagues in May to host or attend a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to raise funds for Breast Cancer Foundation. Pink Ribbon Breakfast, the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, encourages people to connect over a shared meal.
Sudden death
Police say a sudden death at a rural address north of Ōtorohanga has been referred to the coroner, and initial indications suggest Covid 19 and asthma may have been contributing factors.
Ton up
Waipā’s Luke Jacobson celebrated his 100th outing in a Chiefs jersey in the 22-17 win at Rugby Park over the Hurricanes last Saturday.
New chair
Paua Architects business development manager Phil Mackay has succeeded Chris Flatts as co-chair of the Community Reference Group that is helping Waipā District Council shape the future of transport in the town.
100 flowers for Tui’s century
By Jesse Wood
Tui Trow celebrated her birthday in style last Tuesday, receiving 100 flowers for 100 years.
The Te Awamutu resident received the flowers from Rural Women New Zealand and a birthday Zoom call from a rural women’s conference in Wellington as she cut her cake.
It was the group’s second centenary celebration in recent months after a luncheon for 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand.
Tui joined the organisation in 1964 and has been a member for more than 60 years – firstly with Kihikihi Women’s Division of Federated Farmers before moving on to the Te Rahu branch when numbers dwindled.
The rural women baked up a storm to celebrate Tui’s birthday at friend and neighbour Lynn Gunn’s house.
“It was a complete surprise; I had no idea. I thought I was going to our monthly rural women meeting. They’ve all been so very generous and I really appreciate it,” Tui said. “My mum lived to 103 and spent her last 17 years in Te Awamutu too.”
Mum Ada died in 1988 at San Michele Hospital. Dad Clement died in Putāruru in 1957.
Born in Richmond, Nelson on April 5, 1926, Tui Burnett is 16 days older than the late Queen Elizabeth II.
A cardboard cutout of Queen Elizabeth II was at the birthday party, “a visitor all the way from England” delivered by Tui’s daughter Robyn.
Continued on page 11
Service focus was on gratitude
By Viv Posselt
Te Awamutu padre Rev Murray Olson chose gratitude as the theme for his sermon at last Sunday’s Anzac Day service at Pukeatua War Memorial Church.
He urged the congregation to remember the pain that continues to be inflicted on many countries through war and urged them to embrace gratitude, primarily for the geographic isolation that means New Zealanders can still enjoy the freedoms for which so many have fought and died.
The tiny rural church is one of just two in New Zealand built as a memorial to service personnel lost in the world wars.
It is unusual in that it was ‘adopted’ years ago by members of the Hauraki Chapter of the Patriots Defence Force Motorcycle Club, all of them either past or present defence force members.
Twice a year, a number of them ride from around the central North Island to attend Anzac and Armistice services at the church, and in between, they raise funds to help with its upkeep.
Rev Olson spoke of a visit he and his wife made last year to Malta, during which they toured the tunnels in which many Maltese sheltered during the lengthy assault by Germans and Italians during World War II.
“That small island became one of the most bombed places in the world,” he said. “Those forced to shelter in the tunnels suffered terrible health problems due to the unsanitary conditions, including an outbreak of typhoid. It was very moving to visit those places. The Maltese
islanders were awarded the George Cross in 1942 for their bravery.
“World War I soldiers suffered similarly in the trenches. Their stories tell us we should be grateful that our isolation from the frontline action in in two world wars meant we did not have to suffer like that.”
Wreaths were laid at the cenotaph, among them a wreath from the Pukeatua community, laid by brothers James and Benjamin Anderson.
Sunday’s service was attended by members of the Te Awamutu Community Cadet Unit, and Te Kuiti and Districts Pipe Band member Peter Anderson.
Brothers James and Benjamin Anderson laying a wreath on behalf of the Pukeatua community after Sunday’s service.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Tui Trow is one of Waipā’s latest centenarians.
Photo: Jesse Wood
$ 5 2 , 9 9 0
Farewell ‘greatest champion’
By Viv Posselt
Among the many laudatory tributes heard at Alan Livington’s farewell on Monday, the poignant voices of his grandchildren spoke to what was most important.
“He was the coolest person in my life,” said one, “he’d take me to the bakery after sport, even if I didn’t win.”
A small girl said her grandpa would play with her whenever she wanted, except when the rugby was on, and another directed a quiet voice to the casket, remembering his grandfather’s help with pet lambs. “I won four trophies because of it... it will be different now because you are not there to help.”
Each of those nine grandchildren spoke into the mic, some supported by a parent and brave enough just to say, ‘I love you’ as they said their goodbyes.
They, and Alan and Janet Livingston’s three children –Anna, Megan and Andrew – gave voice to the more private Alan Livingston, the man less familiar to most of the 600 plus people who gathered at Mighty River Domain’s Don Rowlands Centre on Monday morning. His casket was welcomed with a pōwhiri by Ngāti Korokī Kahakura and Ngāti Haua.
His funeral was attended by
many regional and national individuals, including former PM Helen Clark, Taupō MP Louise Upston, mayors and former mayors including Mike Pettit, Jim Mylchreest, Paula Southgate, Tim Macindoe, Mahé Drysdale and Adrienne Wilcock, former and regional councillors including past chair Bob Simcock, and former speaker of the House, Margaret Wilson. Tributes came from members of the family, the co-chair of the Ngāti Korokī Kahuhura Trust, Rahui Papa, Sport Waikato chief executive Matthew Cooper, Brian Perry Charitable Trust chair Simon Perry, former WDC chief executive Garry Dyet, Louise Upston, and regional councillor Liz Stolwyk. Messages were read out from some who couldn’t attend, including Olympian Rob Waddell and Hamilton West MP Tama Potaka. Alan died unexpectedly at his much-loved Te Pahū home on April 12. It was there he had spent most of his life after his parents moved from Gisborne,
where he was born, to the Waikato cricket teams. From there it was on to do an agri/comm degree from Lincoln University, growing his passion for sport at the same time. His ingenuity showed early when as students, he and his flatmates raised a pig to pay for a
While in Christchurch, Alan met nursing student Janet. They married a few years later, and last year celebrated their 50th wedding
His children commented on the example gifted by their parents, the ‘rhythm’ of everyday life, Alan’s love of the land, his calm demeanour and resolute practicality, their constant support at their sports games and other events. They learned that a firm handshake with eyes locked was important, that community mattered as much as firm principles, that dinners could be left to get cold while he attended to someone’s needs on
Family was everything to Alan, and both he and Janet worked tirelessly to fit community into
His achievements are widely documented, and from the time he first entered local government his wise counsel and grit was recognised.
Many of Waipa’s landmark projects - the Waikato Expressway, the velodrome, Mighty River Domain and the Don Rowlands Centre – are said to have got across the line only through Alan’s tenaciousness.
Rahui Papa, who described Alan as “a bloody good guy’, said he was masterful in bringing people together.
He said the next Kiwi chick set for release from Maungatautari to Wellington’s Zealandia, set for later this month, would be named Big Al in honour of Alan’s love for the environment.
Simon Perry said Alan had brought the region much success via his projects, including the 65km cycle trail he himself enjoyed. He had seen two of three big projects come to fruition – Mighty River Domain and the velodrome; he missed out on the third, the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, due for completion next year.
“Alan’s story is not written in words… it is built into the places he leaves behind. Waipā Home of Champions was inspired by Alan’s vision,” he said.
“For many of us, Waipā’s greatest champion of all was Alan.” Obituary: ALAN DAVID LIVINGSTON: January 20, 1952 – April 12, 2026
ON SHAKY GROUND
My preparedness
By Janine Krippner
I’ve been living in Wellington for about five months now and I said I’d give updates on how I am preparing myself for potential earthquakes and other hazards. Am I following my own advice?
I carefully considered where I would rent, thinking about my local hazards. I chose a newer apartment building on flat land, but I am in the orange tsunami zone. Wellington Region Emergency Management define this as “the area we may evacuate for a large earthquake in the Pacific, such as near South America, causing a tsunami wave of up to five metres at the Wellington coastline.” I know my nearest high point.
As I have been settling in, I’ve been mindful of where I put things. I don’t want heavy objects above me where it could hurt if knocked over, like no heavy frames or sword collections above the bed. I don’t have a sword collection, but I have seen photos of this set up. I do not recommend it.
I’ve collected food I can store that I would actually like when it’s on special. This includes foods that won’t need cooking in case of loss of power, such as canned beans and fish, nuts, and dried fruit. Canned food is a cheap option, I know many people are financially struggling. I do have a camping gas stove with extra gas cannisters. Emotional support treats are also important. Yes, I just officially recommended buying chocolate. I have plenty of cat food with kitty needs in mind.
I bought a battery-operated radio, spare batteries, and a solar power pack for device charging. I know to not store items you infrequently use with the batteries inside them -
thanks Dad!
Medications are especially important for me, and I have extra paracetamol and ibuprofen in case anyone around me needs it.
I have a go bag with water, first aid kit, flashlight (I also have a couple of these around the house), a lighter, utility tool, blanket, gloves, facemasks, and other things that I usually keep in my car.
Having experienced sleeping in the wilderness for volcanology fieldwork, I know that body or face wipes and hand sanitizer are very handy for bathing without water. I have plenty of toilet paper and kitty litter, keeping the basics stocked up. I grab an extra pack when they are on special.
Having some cash for any power cuts out means we can still purchase items.
I have also spoken with my family up in Te Awamutu about what I would do, knowing communication may be limited for a while. If disaster strikes here, stress would impact them too.
None of this is driven by stress or anxiety, I feel calm and practical. Taking small steps as we go add up and can make all the difference in the world.
Check out guides online for more detailed lists of what to prepare. Living in a geologically active country where we experience earthquakes, landslides, and extreme weather events, there is plenty we can do for ourselves should our time come for a large event.
We are not powerless, and whatever happens, we are in this together
Timeless faith
By Luke East
As I write, the preparations are in full swing for the installation of our new Vicar in the Parish of St John. It will be (or was by the time you read this) a joyous moment for our community. One of the service’s readings contains Paul’s call to Timothy to “correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction”. This is how Christ led the disciples and how we are called to lead today.
Sam is no stranger to readers of this column and at a time when many commentators will be eager to remind us of data showing the declining number of Kiwis with any form of faith, it is heartening to see a new generation of church leaders coming through. To me it reveals the truly timeless nature of our faith, every generation comes to Christ anew, each discovering Him in a new way - in their own way.
Over Lent (the 40 days before Easter) my partner and I sought to discover ourselves anew - by giving up social media, nonessential spending and junk food. It revealed just how endemic our ‘attention economy’ has become and how time has become the most valuable commodity of all. In a world of doomscrolling where hour upon hour can be lost in the virtual mire, taking time to be with God must seem counter-cultural. In a world in which Black Friday causes gridlock at the malls, how revolutionary must it seem to spend Easter Sunday in a pew.
When I last wrote for this column I reflected on the conclave, where Pope Leo was announced, now it is his voice that is perhaps echoing the most loudly in calling for peace. It puts him at odds with his president, but not with his King. Christ called us to love our enemies, to love those we find impossible to love. Nowhere is this more important than in our communities.
We don’t just need peace in Iran, Palestine and Ukraine - we need peace in our schools, in our workplaces and in our homes. Striving to mirror Christ in all we do will certainly help to achieve that. Would Christ gossip about a colleague at the watercooler? Would He fight over the remote? Or mock a friend? Or refuse to share the remnants of an Easter egg? Or attack council staff on social media? Or seek to close a business deal at any cost? Would He walk down the street staring at a phone screen rather than offering a smile to passers-by?
We follow Christ not because we get it right all the time, but because we know that we don’t. We need His patient instruction and occasional correction, both in Waipa and around the world. Over Easter we celebrated the sacrifice He made to free us from our failings, we can rest in the peace that comes from His sacrifice and the love that tells us everything will eventually be okay.
The other Middle East issue
By Peter Nicholl
We are already seeing one of the negative impacts of the war in the Middle East in the prices of petrol and diesel at our petrol pumps. We don’t yet know if this will turn into a supply problem also and lead to some form of rationing.
There is a second critical resource for New Zealand that is also being affected by the turmoil in the Middle East. That is fertiliser. New Zealand is one of the world’s largest exporters of dairy products, beef and veal. And our farms depend on imported fertiliser.
Without fertiliser, grass and crop yields will fall and so will our exports. We are already running a current account deficit despite having favourable terms of trade. In the year ended December 2025 the current account deficit was $16.3 billion, or 3.7 per cent of our GDP.
In 2024, New Zealand imported almost $500 million of fertiliser. Over half of that fertiliser came from two countries - Saudia Arabia and China. Fertiliser exports from both of these countries are being negatively affected by Middle East developments. In China’s case their production is falling as it uses natural gas from the Middle East. As a consequence, China has imposed export restrictions on its fertiliser industry. These restrictions affect between half and threequarters of its fertiliser exports. China’s position is clear. If there is going to be a shortage of supply of fertiliser it isn’t going to affect them – it will affect their customers, one of which is New Zealand.
As with petrol and diesel, the Middle East events have already had a dramatic price effect on fertiliser. For example, the price of urea per ton was US$445 in late February. On
14 April it was US$719 – an increase of 62 per cent in less than two months. These huge price increases will reduce the amount of fertiliser New Zealand farmers will use when they plant for next spring.
As with petrol and diesel, whether we get a supply shock as well depends on how long the crisis in the Middle East goes on. When I started thinking about writing this column on April 17, the Strait of Hormuz was open, and some form of talks were going on. When I finished writing the column on April 19, the Strait was closed again, and the parties were back to exchanging insults. The participants don’t know what will happen next so there’s no way anybody else can know.
Should New Zealand have been aware of the risk the country could face from price and supply shocks for fertiliser and, if we were, should we have done something about it? The answer to the first question is clearly yes. The New Zealand Fertiliser Association reported on the issue a few years ago and concluded that ‘New Zealand was uniquely vulnerable to fertiliser supply disruption’. Has there been any policy action in response to this clear warning? No. Urea production is based on natural gas. We have natural gas. We stockpile petrol and diesel because of potential supply shocks. We could stockpile fertiliser for the same reason. I don’t think we are helpless. But the response, as it seems to be so often, was let’s wait and see and hope it doesn’t happen. That strategy is looking more and more misguided and risky every day.
Water worry for Waipā
Continued from page 1
safe services while keeping decision-making close to home.
“By the time we hand over on July 1, we would have purchased a membrane unit for Parallel Rd,” Pavlovich said. “That was planned for an upgrade in 2027-28. We’ve brought that forward and that will give us another three megalitres, hopefully by September.”
Work on a new pipeline on Racecourse Rd in Te Awamutu will also begin in the meantime. “Because the water is flowing in a different direction now – it was coming from Te Tahi into Pirongia and now it’s coming from Taylors Hill through to Pirongia – areas of Te Awamutu have different pressure now, or pressure issues they already had are being exacerbated,
because of the way the hydraulics work.
“We hope to resolve some of those pressure issues and get a better supply of water through town into Frontier Rd reservoir and out to Pirongia.
“The Te Tahi water treatment plant produced about half the peak water the Te Awamutu community used. That’s a massive reduction in the amount of water available,” Pavlovich said. “The water alert level two messaging hasn’t disappeared. We’ll simply ask people to continuously be conservative and think about the value of the water before they use it.
“We expect that when Waikato Waters move into the first summer here, you’ll see escalations to those higher water restrictions earlier on - level three and potentially level four.”
Waipā pair in debating team
By Jesse Wood
Waipā students make up two thirds of the 2026 Waikato regional debate team.
Eva Walton (Te Awamutu College) and Pippa Owsley (Cambridge High School) have been named alongside Kanu Millward of Hamilton Boys’ High School.
Waipā also features in the reserves. St Peter’s School Cambridge’s Anjana Kanchi has been named alongside St John’s College debater Nate Rastrick.
In late February, 24 teams competed at the 2026 Waikato Regional Schools’ Debating Championships were held at the University of Waikato.
“In the junior final, Te Awamutu College “The Jury” beat Hamilton Girls’ High School Brownies and following an excellent senior debate, St. Peter’s School
Cambridge Tutti Frutti beat Hamilton Boys’ High School Jianbing to be named as the winners of the 2026 Waikato Regional Schools’ Debating Championships.
Waikato will compete against other upper North Island teams at the University of Auckland in early May in preparation for nationals.
The stage will then be set for May 22-25 in Wellington at Victoria University.
From there, the New Zealand Schools’ Debating Team will be selected for the World Championships in Kenya.
Year 13 student Walton, 16, fell in love with debating in Year 9.
“This selection is something I’ve always aimed towards. I’m really grateful for the opportunity. I hope I’ll grow from it and make new friends,” Walton said.
He believes his is the Te Awamutu College student
selected for the team.
“I was a part of the selection debate last year as well and I got invited to train with the regional team, not as an actual member or a reserve, but preparing me for this year. Luckily, I was chosen this year after the selection debate.
“I’ve seen the amazing people above me and have always wanted to be like them. That’s pushed me to work harder.”
Walton enjoys meeting new people, exploring ideas, seeing different sides of an argument and expand her knowledge.
“I love the social side of it. I love getting to meet new people from other teams and I’ve made some great friends along the way. Debating is good for your critical thinking. I’ve noticed how in my schoolwork, my essays become a lot more structured.”
100 flowers for Tui’s century
Continued from page 3
Tui was the youngest in a family of four. She had a sister, Launa, as well as two brothers, Jim and Bern.
Clement was a farmer. Tui followed on with the farming life too, milking until age 79.
She attended Wakefield School – one of New Zealand’s oldest active schools – before the family moved to Ōpotiki during the 1937 polio epidemic.
Woodlands School (Ōpotiki) and Ōpotiki District High School were her next place of education.
The Burnetts sharemilked there for three years until Jim married and took over the position.
That was when Clement started farming in Putāruru.
Tui transferred to Putāruru High School but left at 15 to work for a solicitor.
Due to ill health, Tui moved back to Nelson to stay with her sister.
She returned to work on her father’s farm in Putāruru during the war years.
Aged 19, she left to begin her nursing training at Waikato Hospital.
“I was very proud of the fact that I was
the top nurse at graduation after four years. I was awarded the silver medal for top nurse at Waikato Hospital. I missed the top one for New Zealand by two marks.”
Upon finishing, Tui married returned serviceman John Trow in Putāruru on May 9, 1950.
They farmed at the foot of Maungatautari, then Kaipaki and St Leger Road, south of Te Awamutu, before moving into Te Awamutu. St Andrews Presbyterian Church Kihikihi and rural women are Tui’s longtime passions and she is still heavily involved with both organisations.
Tui and John had three children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren with another on the way.
John died in 2010 at age 91 and Tui holds his memory close.
MP for Taranaki-King Country and deputy speaker of the house of representatives Barbara Kuriger, minister for seniors of New Zealand Casey Costello, Waipā District mayor Mike Pettit, King Charles and prime minister Chris Luxon acknowledged Tui’s birthday with letters and cards.
Sports win at Matamata
By Jesse Wood
Plenty of big scores were posted by Waipā teams in Waikato Club Rugby last weekend as the two premier sides both won.
Te Awamutu Sports travelled to Bedford Park and beat United Matamata Sports 26-12.
Captain Jake Russ grabbed two tries, while Southland Stags prop Joe Walsh was another scorer.
Kees van der Heyden registered three conversions.
Sports B couldn’t quite set up a double, falling 24-12 to Matamata B. Dylan Jeffries again featured on the Te Awamutu scoresheet with seven points.
An almost unheard of feat saw Hautapu take down Hamilton Old Boys 40-0 at Fred Jones Park in Hamilton. It was a joyous occasion for the club as Jason Thomasen celebrated his 150th game and Quentin Hill his 50th.
Impressive winger Nathan Stephens helped himself to two tries, while Rui Farrant, Karlan Mosaati, Konelio Burgess and Jacob Carmichael also scored.
Rangiwai Lunjevich kicked two conversions and Alapati Soagia added another.
In the earlier premier B clash, Hautapu B beat Hamilton Old Boys B 34-22.
Hooker Rory Blyth scored a brace for the visitors.
Melville/Hautapu combined (Meltap) demolished Hamilton Marist/ University combined, 76-5, in the women’s premiership clash at Marist Park.
Melina Salale scored two tries and kicked eight conversions in the 12 tries to one thumping.
Maya Tebbutt completed her hat-trick, while Lela Ieremia and Caitlin Crozier scored twice.
Eden Early, Sasha Kana and Chyann Kaitapu also got a try apiece.
Division 1A and 1B held a mixed bag for Waipā.
Leamington wiped the floor with Hinuera, beating them 41-7 at Wealleans Park.
In a continuing theme, captain Thomas Fraser helped himself to a double in the seven try haul.
Robert Day also added another 11 points to his impressive season.
Hinuera B won 20-7 against Leamington B in the earlier match.
Pirongia continued their unbeaten streak under the mountain beating Putāruru 45-29.
Pivot Jason Hill scored 20 points in the form of two tries and five conversions.
Liam Hobbs, Daniel Belk and Finn Mclean were among the other scorers. It was a great way to celebrate Shaun Coutts’ 100th senior A match for Pirongia.
Pirongia B won by default against
Anzac Day
Putāruru B
Ōhaupō lost 27-24 to Te Rapa at Ōhaupō Memorial Park.
Centre Hateni Tafolo scored his fifth try of the season, while veteran Lance Elrick and loose forward Trent Sargent also crossed the chalk at home.
The teams scored three converted tries a piece, but an extra penalty goal was the difference.
Ōhaupō B beat Te Rapa B 24-19, four tries to three in the division 1B game.
In the under-21 competition, the Waipā battle between Hautapu and Pirongia saw the home side win 22-16 at Cambridge Memorial Park.
Lachlan Ross (2), Taine Moeke and Morgan Baker were Hautapu colts try scorers and Cooper Young added a conversion.
Jack Kelly was the sole player to cross the chalk for the young mountain men but Corbin Fleming kicked a conversion and three penalties.
Leamington dealt to Melville/ University/Te Rapa combined colts 31-0.
Josh Osborne grabbed a double in the five try victory. Frank Hughes added three conversions off the kicking tee.
Te Awamutu Sports under-21 won by default after Te Rapa pulled out of the competition to join with the other two aforementioned colts sides.
Kihikihi and Pirongia women are set to get their seasons underway this weekend.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
Shaun Coutts runs out onto Pirongia Domain for his 100th match for Pirongia.
Photo: Julie Gibson
A team which can deliver
By Jesse Wood
Former Japan rugby star Karne Hesketh and 2025 Te Awamutu College head student
Teina Beets have joined the Te Awamutu Sports community sport delivery team and Jasmine Cannon is the new club cocoordinator.
The team supports more than 13 schools in the area with the delivery of sport, active recreation and play.
It’s a big year ahead for the new look team as they continue to serve the community with events like the Gumboot Gala, a recent traditional Māori sports day and a tough guy/tough girl challenge – alongside weekly work in schools and school holiday programmes.
Sports director Ollie Ward said the new recruits are all naturals at the job, making the transitions a lot easier.
“We’ve been flat out already this year. We’ve done work at Te Awamutu College with the Year 9s - a team building session with all their form classes,” Ward said.
“We’re back into the swing of it with 13 other schools in the area and early childhood centre work. Then the weekly touch module is on too.”
Hesketh scored the winning try for Japan against the Springboks at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and previously represented Otago. He’s had a long career in Japan.
“It’s quite funny, the younger kids don’t know who’s in front of them and the experience that Karne has,” Ward said.
“It’s neat when you when we break it down and tell them, they’re all like ‘wow, that’s so cool’.
“He’s got such a great rapport with the community and the schools.”
Hesketh accidentally created the opportunity for Beets to join the crew after breaking his collarbone.
“Karne started with us last year, while I went over to the USA. He filled in for three months. He was contracted to the end of the year and then we secured more funding to have him for this year as well which was awesome,” Ward said.
“But then he broke his collarbone and Teina covered him for term one. Teina is still working for us as much as possible.”
Ward said even though Beets is fresh out of high school, he’s already inspiring children in the community.
“Teina fits the mould; he’s the perfect person for the role. He has that natural ability to talk to people and connect with people. That’s half of what we do. He’s great. He’s got such a great rapport with the kids,” Ward said.“Everyone keeps asking, is Teina coming this week as well?
“Recently a parent came up to us and said, ‘one of your speeches really impacted my
kid’. To get feedback from someone like that, that’s pretty cool.
“It probably didn’t mean much to Teina at the time, but I said to him after, ‘that’s pretty special for a parent to come up and say that. Be proud of that’.”
Jasmine has also been a welcome addition, taking over Ryley Emery’s role.
Ryley has been with the team for four
years, starting part time before moving into the role full time.
“Ryley moved to Australia in March. Jas was always on the radar to ask. She grew up in Te Awamutu,” Ward said.
“We approached her in the new year and she was keen to come on board. She’s in with us every day now, which is awesome.
He said Ryley had come a long way.
“I would say it was his first real job and he’s gone from strength to strength.
“His relationship with the community has grown too - not only with what he’s done with us, but through community events and all the schools.
“He’s been a really valued member of the team. I can only wish him the best for the next adventure.”
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Teina Beets, a 2025 Te Awamutu College head student, has been invaluable to the community sports delivery team at Te Awamutu Sports. Photo: Jesse Wood
Karne Hesketh
Jasmine Cannon
Ollie Ward
Quick crossword
Across 1. Rigid (5) 4. Water down (6) 7. Wrath (3) 8. Push forward (6) 9. Hypothesis (6) 10. Highly regarded (4,7,2) 14. Alter a musical
(5) 15. Hold responsible (5) 18. Strike it rich (3,3,7) 23. Shooting star (6)
24. Painter (6)
25. Coiled hairdo (3)
26. Seedy, sordid (6) 27. Bottomless void (5) Down 1. Fit of extravagance (5) 2. Drive forward (5) 3. Very dirty (6) 4. Diversion (6)
5. Bloodsucking worm (5)
6. Trunk (5)
10. Value (5) 11. Cap (5)
Walk noisily (5) 13. Fast moving (5) 16. Close at hand (6) 17. Fruit (6) 19. Perfect (5) 20. Eighth letter of Greek alphabet (5) 21. Communal pool of money (5) 22. Waterhole (5)
Soup is probably as old as the history of cooking. Combining meats and vegetables in large pots with water, herbs and spices provided nourishing meals for all socio-economic groups and cultures. Soups evolved according to local ingredients and tastes.
Consommé, the thinnest of all soups, was apparently developed in France in the late 1700s. A French King was so enamoured with himself that he had his chefs develop a soup that would allow him to see his own reflection in the bowl. True or not, consommé is perhaps the best pre-dinner soup as it sharpens rather than dulls the appetite.
Classic options like pumpkin, chicken noodle and minestrone are comfort food. They rely on simple ingredients transformed by time and gentle heat.
Root vegetables such as parsnips, carrots and potatoes release natural sweetness, while dried peas, beans and lentils add body and protein. Spices and herbs add extra flavour, from thyme and bay leaves to cumin and ginger.
Texture matters too: silky purées soothe, while chunky combinations feel rustic and satisfying. A splash of acid or a drizzle of olive oil can brighten rich flavours, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds colour. Shared at the table, soups invite conversation and slow evenings.
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the prepared pumpkin in a large roasting pan and toss together with the oil. Season. Roast for 20 minutes.
Add the shallots and capsicums, then continue roasting for 15 minutes or until the veggies are soft.
Tip into a large saucepan. Stir in the curry paste and sugar until combined. Then add the water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Purée with a stick blender or in a food processor until smooth. Return to the saucepan.
Slowly add the coconut cream, stirring well. Bring to a simmer. Add the beans to the soup and warm through. Or serve on the side to add after the soup is served.
Serve topped with grated lime rind and coriander. Serve lime wedges on the side to squeeze into the soup if preferred. Makes 8 cups.
Parsnip soup with air fryer croutons
Croutons: 3 toast thick slices white bread, crusts removed 1/4 cup olive oil
Soup: 1 tablespoon olive oil
700g parsnip, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 teaspoon whole cumin seeds freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cups vegetable stock
1/2 cup cream
To make the croutons, brush both sides of the bread slices with the oil. Cut into 2cm cubes.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Add the cubes and cook for 4-5
minutes until golden, shaking them often. Cool and store in an airtight container.
To make the soup, heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan on medium. Add the parsnips and fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cumin seeds and stir-fry for 1 minute. Season.
Pour in the stock, stir, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the parsnip is tender. Purée until smooth. Reheat carefully.
Serve topped with the cream and croutons. Serves 4-6.
Quick Minestrone
Add extra fresh veggies if you wish, and/or a can of dried beans such as cannellini.
2 x 400g cans diced tomatoes and juice
4 cups good chicken stock
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup dried macaroni
400g can kidney beans, drained
2 cups frozen green beans
salt and black pepper to taste
2-3 cups finely sliced spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Place the tomatoes and juice in a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the stock, oregano and macaroni. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked. Add the kidney beans and the green beans and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Season well and add the spinach. Stir until wilted. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Great served with crusty bread. Serves 4-6.
Thai pumpkin & capsicum soup
Parsnip soup with air fryer croutons
MEETING NOTICES
Pursuant to Section 46 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 notice is hereby given that:
The following meeting was cancelled in April 2026Thursday, April 16, 2026
Chief Executive Performance Management Committee
10.00am
Mayoral Office
101 Bank Street
TE AWAMUTU
The following extraordinary meeting took place in April 2026Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Chief Executive Performance Management Committee
2.00pm
Kaipaki Room
Cambridge Service Centre 23 Wilson Street
CAMBRIDGE
The following meetings will be held in May 2026Monday, May 4, 2026 Strategic Planning and Policy Committee
9.00am
Karāpiro Room
Don Rowlands Event Centre
Mighty River Domain, Lake Karāpiro 601 Maungatautari Road, RD2
CAMBRIDGE
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board
6.00pm
Council Chambers
101 Bank Street
TE AWAMUTU
Monday, May 11, 2026
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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 di erence 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 published.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Workshop and Briefings Day 9.00am
Maungatautari Reserve Management Committee
3.00pm Cambridge Service Centre 23 Wilson Street
CAMBRIDGE
Cambridge Community Board
6.00pm
Cambridge Service Centre 23 Wilson Street CAMBRIDGE
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Workshop and Briefings Day 10.15am
Council Chambers 101 Bank Street TE AWAMUTU
Monday, May 18, 2026 Regulatory Committee Meeting
10.00am
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Thursday, May 28, 2026 Strategic Planning and Policy Committee 9.00am Karāpiro Room Don Rowlands Event Centre Mighty River Domain, Lake Karāpiro 601 Maungatautari
All meeting information and electronic copies of Council agendas are available at waipadc.govt.nz/agendasandminutes
Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive
Copy deadline for ad-make up is noon Friday prior to publication day. Booking and Copy deadlines for Waikato Business News and Bay of Plenty Business News is on request. Advertiser is responsible to advise us of any copy changes before proofing deadline –anything not signed o by this time, ad prints as per the last proof sent. Advertising supplied in completed form (finished artwork or camera ready), deadline is Tuesday 11am 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 incurs a production fee of $50 + GST for up to two proofs, further changes will incur additional production fees. 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 and free productions services is at the discretion of the publisher. Acceptance of advertising for publication and free productions services is at the discretion of the publisher.
SPECIFICATIONS All images and advertisements to be 300 dpi. No crop marks or bleed. No spot colours. Fonts embedded or pathed. We prefer
high resolution PDFs as the ad file format exported using the compatibility setting: Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3). Please do not use/include overprint. Ideally, 10pt is the standard point size; however, in some cases with bold fonts 9pt can be used, depending on background. Black text should be 100% black[k]. All artwork submitted needs a border. Specifications for photos and logos – CMYK, high resolution jpeg (minimum 200dpi) pdf attachments. If finished artwork ready to print (Camera Ready) provided does not meet our technical requirements, your advert will be technically fixed, a technical report will be provided, and a $50 + GST production fee will be incurred. No proof will be sent as no design changes will be made.
File formats: We will not accept PDFs created from Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Photoshop, and Canva. However, we can copy your design and proof for your approval. Any artwork received in these formats must adhere to the copy setting deadline as they are not finished artwork or technically compatible to newspaper printing specifications.
DAIRY grazing available for R1 and R2 heifers. Call Aaron on 027 388 3881
SYMES, Kerry Wayne –
PIRONGIA MARKET
DRIVE-IN Milker Wanted. 2km from town boundary. 320 cows, split calving, 28aside. Call/text 0273 857
316
TO LET HOUSE TO RENT –3-bedroom, 1 bathroom. Otorohanga township. No pets. $550 per week. Available now. Ph 0210 2928140 FOR SALE
SECOND hand timber. Make an offer, Ph 07 871 4462
BAILEY INGHAM LTD
ACCOUNTING POSITION
We are now looking for people to join our Otorohanga and Te Awamutu offices. Duties will include:
• Preparation of financial accounts for farmers and businesses
• Preparation of GST and Income Tax Returns
• General business and taxation work
The successful applicant must have a keen interest in accounting, computer skills and clerical work, with attention to detail. Excellent people skills, integrity and professionalism are required.
While some past experience and farming knowledge would be preferred, training will be given to the successful applicant. Our firm is an Approved Training Organisation. We offer professional development opportunities through distance learning
While this is a full time position, we would consider applicants looking for reduced hours. The ability to meet deadlines is important. We offer a friendly environment, with great family orientated offices. Please email with your C.V. to:
Bailey Ingham Limited Chartered Accountants
Email: info@baileyingham.co.nz
Enquiries to: Bridget Boshier or David Bailey – Otorohanga Kelly Bair – Te Awamutu 07 873 7325
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
MATURE, single lady, clean and tidy, no pets, non-smoker, looking for one-bedroom studio flat. 02102875800.
Section
101,
Rev
Pirongia Community Centre, Crozier St Sunday, April 26 9am - 1pm
Last Sunday of every month
Email jim1@xtra.co.nz or ph Jim 027 366 5842
In loving Memory of Kerry Wayne Symes. Passed away 16/04/2026 aged 57. Dearly loved partner of Mary Kenealy. Much loved son of Pam and the late Des. Brother of Sandra and Tom, Craig and Kim. Dearly loved uncle of Brandon and Jas, Samantha, Jessica and the late Shayna.
RIP Kerry
Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 PUBLIC NOTICE
of an application for Issue On
Licence
OHAUPO DART CLUB INCORPORATED, 98 Great South Road, Ohaupo, has made application to the Waipa District Licensing Committee for the issue of a club licence in respect of the premises at 98 Great South Road, Ohaupo known as OHAUPO DART CLUB INCORPORATED. The general nature of the business to be conducted under the licence is Sports Club. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is (or intended to be) sold under the licence are: Monday to Friday 4pm to 10pm. Saturday and Sunday 9am-10.30pm
The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Waipa District Licensing Committee, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu or 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge.
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 publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at: Att: Secretary of the District Licensing Committee Waipa District Council, Private Bag 2402 Te Awamutu 3840 or info@waipadc.govt.nz.
No objection to the issue of this 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 only publication of this notice.
LIVINGSTON, Alan David, ONZM – Passed away unexpectedly at home, on Sunday, 12th April 2026. Aged 74 years. Dearly loved husband of Janet. Proud father and father in law of Anna and Bernie Gardiner, Megan and Phil Weir, Andrew and Anna Livingston. Adored Grandad of nine grandchildren. A service to celebrate Alan’s life has been held. In honour of Alan, and at the family’s request, please consider donating to Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, Bank a/c No. 12-31230027696-59. The service has been livestreamed, please go to www. teawamutufuneralservices. co.nz (under funeral recordings). All communications c/- the Livingston Family, P.O. Box 137, Te Awamutu, 3840.
PIHEMA, Joseph Titipa (Joe) – Passed away peacefully on 16th April, at Cromwell House, Auckland. Most loved husband of the late Francesca, together again. Adored by whanau far and wide. Joe will be at home, 58 Disraeli Street, Epsom, on Thursday 23rd April, all are welcome to say farewell. Funeral service to be held 24th April, at 10:30am at Grange Manor - Davis Funerals - 400 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden.
RIST, Robert Arthur –Unexpectedly passed away at Waikato Hospital on Monday, 13th April 2026, aged just 21 days. Our precious and deeply loved little boy. Adored son of Konar and Alannah, and treasured youngest brother to Abigail.
So tiny, so loved, so deeply missed. Gone far too soon. Fly high, sweet wee man. A private gathering of close family and friends has been held to farewell Robert with love. Messages to the Rist family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or shared in Robert’s online tribute book at www. rosetown.co.nz
