Te Awamutu News | April 2, 2026

Trust issues an SOS

By Jesse Wood

The Kihikihi Police House and Temple Cottage Charitable Trust has fears for the future of the town’s historical buildings.

Without the backing of their community, the facility is facing closure - taking historical remnants of Kihikihi with it.

A lack of new volunteers is the main issue – and financially it’s also a struggle to keep the doors open after a recent lease renewal.

“The main thing that we’ve got to decide, is can we keep going?” trustee Bruce Addison said.

“We need more members; we’re struggling. We’re basically in a position where we need more manpower to do fundraising too.

“Unless the community will come to our aid and provide us with some support. We’ll have to pull out.”

The Lyon St site containing the 1907-built police house, the 1860s built Temple Cottage, the former Te Awamutu jail cell (labelled as Kihikihi Jail) and a historic tool/laundry shed opens to the public twice a month.

Longtime friend of the trust Bernard Westerbaan said he sees it as an extension of the Te Awamutu Museum.

They run solely on donations and grants – which are hard to come by for running costs.

“We get a long-term plan grant from the council for operating costs. That’s $1000. That covers gardening and housekeeping,” trust secretary Raewyn Easton said.

“We also get a grant from Trust Waikato - $1000 for power and security, but that doesn’t cover the

total amount.”

A community public meeting is on the cards to ask for volunteers to keep the historical site alive.

If more volunteers come on board, the group could hold more fundraisers and cut a lot more costs. Many of the current volunteers have been involved for decades.

“Most of our costs like painting the building, maintenance on the building and the lawns are covered by Waipā District Council. It’s just the cost of keeping the buildings running that is crippling us,” Addison said.

“We had the classic car club come in here. They couldn’t believe what we had here. We have school children here - they have a great time. But the donations are nowhere enough to cover the bills.

“Most other groups charge a membership fee. We’re totally voluntary.”

Waipā District Council community service manager Brad Ward said council are not in a position to enter into an alternative model such as a “management agreement” originally proposed by the trust.

“We know there are other lessee’s and organisations who provide services to the community who are also in a difficult position financially,” Ward said.

“It is important we remain consistent and equitable in our approach to everyone.

“We remain committed to supporting the trust, either through our technical expertise within our Te Awamutu Museum and/or our community advisors who may be able to provide advice on different funding opportunities.”

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April

10am to 4pm

Jacob makes it 100 students

Waipa Christian School celebrated a milestone on late last month when it enrolled its March 25th by enrolling its 100th student.

Jacob Hapi is currently in year 9.

“This is another milestone for the school

- being in a position to offer education in a Christian setting to students in the secondary years,” principal Jaco Labuschagne said.

The Ministry of Education approved an application in September 2025 for the Chapel

Drive, Te Awamutu, school to become a composite school, catering for students in years 1-13. The first year 9 students started in te first term.

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Parties and planning

Party, party, party! For many of our young people, it’s an exciting part of growing up.

A chance to socialise, build friendships, and enjoy a bit of independence.

As we’ve seen recently here in Cambridge however, things can take a turn more quickly than most teenagers or parents expect.

In recent past weeks, we have received reports when teen parties have spiralled out of control.

What were intended as small gatherings ended in disorderly behaviour, assaults, property damage, and thefts.

In most cases, the young organiser had arranged the party without their parents’ knowledge, often while the adults were away.

Invitations intended for a handful of friends were widely shared, including on social media, resulting in large groups of unknown people turning up, in numbers beyond what a teenager can safely manage.

When faced with such an overwhelming situation, many young hosts simply don’t know what to do.

They’re reluctant to call 111 and often police only hear about the incident from neighbours or from retuning parents discovering the aftermath. By then, identifying who was present or caused damage is extremely difficult. This is why early conversations at home are important.

Celebrating 60

If your teenager wants to host a gathering, or is planning to attend one, take the time to set clear expectations.

Agree on the basics first, where the party is, who will be there (adults as well as youth), start and finish times, and what behaviour is acceptable. If hosting, decide which areas of your house will be accessible and where guests should stay (ideally inside or well away from roads and property boundaries).

Make sure these rules are communicated to everyone attending.

Supervision is key. A responsible adult keeping an eye on things, especially the entry point, can prevent uninvited guests from slipping in and causing trouble. If your teen is attending a party elsewhere, talk with them about keeping themselves safe, particularly around the possibility of alcohol and drugs and importantly about what to do and who to call if things start to go wrong.

Teen parties don’t have to end badly. With planning, communication, and a bit of oversight, they can be safe, enjoyable events for everyone involved.

If things do get out of control, call 111 early to prevent further escalation and harm. That being said all of these rules equally apply to adult parties too. Keep yourself and your partygoers safe.

Briefs…

Fatal crash

One person died as a result of a crash in Kihikihi on Monday. afternoon. A truck and car collided on State Highway 3, resulting in detours being put in place between Golf Road and Herbert Street.

Kiwi filmed

A kiwi has been captured in February on a trail camera in the northern Pureora Forest’s Waipapa block is the first sighted there in more than a quarter of a century. The kiwi is thought to be a western brown and Department of Conservation’s Maniapoto Operations Manager Graham Kimber said it is encouraging for the Doc team and volunteer groups contributing to conservation in Pureora,” Graham says.

Taps open

Cambridge’s $108.5 million wastewater project achieved a milestone this week when water began flowing through the plant. When complete later this year the plant will service Cambridge, Leamington, Hautapu and Karāpiro.

Young winner

Cam Clayton won the Waikato-Bay of Plenty regional final of the Young Farmer of the Year competition at Te Teko racecourse last weekend. Clayton, 30, a sheep and beef farmer from Te Aroha is a member of the MorrinsvilleNgarua club. Benjamin Barbour and Toby Christensen from Putaruru College and John Paul College took out the title of Waikato Bay of Plenty FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year, ahead of Kendra Grayling and Morgan Shannon from Te Awamutu College.

Getting Creative

The Waipā Creative Trail free one day event which attracted about 400 people when it was launched in 2024 will return this year in late May. Creatives and artists will open studios in Cambridge, Roto-o-rangi, Ngahinapouri, Te Pahu, Pirongia, and Te Awamutu for visitors can see works in progress, ask questions and view finished works.

Fieldays booming

By Mary Anne Gill

Fieldays is heading into June riding a wave of confidence, infrastructure investment and international attention, with its chief executive declaring: “Fieldays is having an absolute boom time.”

The good news keeps stacking up for the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, following confirmation of a $1.35 million loan from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund to help fund a $3.2 million upgrade of Mystery Creek’s ageing water reticulation network, a project already well advanced and nearly finished.

The 50-year-old water system had reached the end of its useful life and posed a critical risk to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event.

The upgrade includes new reticulated pipework across the site and the installation of a 600,000-litre water tank, boosting pressure, storage and resilience.

The loan, matched dollar-for-dollar by the Fieldays Society, was

announced this week by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and associate minister Mark Patterson, who described Mystery Creek as a nationally significant asset.

Mystery Creek hosts Fieldays each June, attracting more than 110,000 visitors and generating $528 million in total expenditure, including $213 million in the Waikato. It can also serve as a critical civil defence logistics hub in a large-scale emergency.

Fieldays chief executive Richard Lindroos said water was the first and most urgent piece of a longer-term infrastructure strategy.

“This is our moment for the reset,” he said.

The water project is the first of four major infrastructure prioritieswater, energy resilience, buildings and site footprintdesigned to future-proof the 114-hectare privately owned venue for the next 50 years.

With the digging largely done and sealing now underway, the water work will be completed in time for Fieldays 2026.

But infrastructure is only part of the story.

Fieldays is also unveiling a new Village Green function centre, featuring a giant marquee that will put major political, business and diplomatic events back in the heart of the site and in full public view.

The temporary structure replaces the former hub building and will seat around 240 people for sitdown meals, or host up to 400 standing. It will become Fieldays headquarters during event week.

Among the headline events will be a European Union-hosted lunch, bringing together ambassadors from all 27 EU member countries, alongside New Zealand political leaders and agribusiness figures.

Lindroos said the move was about visibility and telling Fieldays’ story better.

“For a long time, our major events were hidden away. We wanted to bring those moments back into the centre of Fieldays.”

International interest in Fieldays is also surging, with delegations from Europe, India, China and beyond confirming attendance.

“Deals get done at

Fieldays,” Lindroos said, pointing to the growing role the event plays in international trade, business-to-business and government-to-government engagement.

On the commercial front, exhibitor demand is at record levels. Of the roughly 1200 sites, only 18 remain vacant, meaning Fieldays is 97.8 per cent sold, with a full sell-out expected shortly.

“It’s a real indication of how buoyant the ag sector is,” said Lindroos.

The site also hosts more than 100 other events each year, from major expos to

community gatherings, reinforcing its role as a year-round economic engine for the region.

For Lindroos, the combination of infrastructure investment, near-sellout site sales and growing international interest points to a renewed confidence in both Fieldays and the wider sector.

“This is about more than one event. It’s about having a venue that can host the conversations, the trade and the relationships that matter. Deals get done at Fieldays.”

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BMX-cellent for Te Awamutu

Te Awamutu’s BMX club is celebrating hosting a highly successful national championships – and top placings for its own members.

“The champs were a huge success from start to finish,” club president Rod Prescott said. “With the sun shining, it set the stage for what became one of the biggest events in recent memory, attracting over 700 riders from across the country — including Kiwi riders returning home from Australia to compete.”

A standout feature was the club’s track team’s work in fully resurfacing the track.

“Moving away from the traditional lime surface proved to be a massive success, delivering a hard, fast, smooth running track — exactly what you want for an event of this calibre,” Prescott said.

“The event ran smoothly and by all accounts, the 2000–3000 spectators thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

He said the club appreciated the works of its committee members and support from businesses, families and supporters – and the Waipā District Council.

MAKE YOUR MOVE.

Retirement where the living is easy.

Arvida in Te Awamutu has its last available two and three-bedroom ridgeline villas with views to Mt Pirongia and Mt Kakepuku, these are priced from $1,295,000 (licence to occupy)*.

Add to this the brand-new clubhouse and resident workshop underway, featuring a dining area, library, pool, gym, bowling green and outdoor fire and you have a retirement lifestyle worth making a move for. Now’s the time to get in touch.

Book a private tour.

Arvida Whai Mauri Ora is situated at 319 Manaia Road, Te Awamutu. We’d love to show you around and answer any questions you have. To book your tour, call Juliet on 07 444 4023.

Scan to take a virtual tour.

OBITUARY: LOUISE RUIHA DOYLE: May 15, 1931 – March 12, 2026

A ‘remarkable’ navigator

By Viv Posselt

Two former Waipā District Council leaders have paid tribute to a woman whose role was key to successfully navigating the early integration of iwi consultation into council decisions.

Speaking at Louise Ruiha Doyle’s Te Awamutu funeral service, former council chief executive Garry Dyet said the Waipā community owed Louise ‘a great debt for the contribution she made – quietly, patiently, and always with dignity’.

“Louise helped guide us on a journey that has shaped the way this district understands its history, its responsibilities, and its future.”

His words were echoed by a message Dyet read on behalf of former Waipā District mayor Alan Livingston, who could not be at the service. He described Louise as a ‘valued and long-standing member of the council community.

“She was someone I respected greatly and regarded as a friend. Louise was a gracious lady. She didn’t say much … she didn’t need to. Her presence and her mana ensured that people listened when she spoke.”

Louise Doyle died in her mid-nineties, at Ōhaupō’s Radius Windsor Court on March 12. She was born in Otewa, the ninth of 13 children, and was whangaid to the Fitzell family. Louise always remained close to both sides of her family, and even as she faced joy and heartbreak as the years unfolded, she welcomed people from all walks of life and gave voice to the value of tikanga.

It was that deep knowledge of tikanga that became her connection with local government when the passing of the

Resource Management Act (RMA) in 1991 required councils to have regard for the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

“For councils across the country, including ours, this represented a significant change,” Dyet said. “For the first time, councils were required to formally consult with iwi in the preparation of district plans. For our council this was not a simple matter; we needed to work constructively with three major iwi authorities – Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Raukawa, and Ngāti Maniapoto.”

Early meetings with iwi leaders led to the establishment of a structure to guide the process, but with a caveat – before council could engage properly with mana

whenua, they needed to be educated in the correct protocols around visiting marae and attending culturally significant events.

“Three remarkable women stepped forward to help us – Louise, Dori Walters and Rangi Oosterveen. It was a big task… council had very little experience in this space. But Louise and her colleagues stepped right into that environment with courage, patience and wisdom.”

They gently taught marae protocol, shared stories and histories and supported council members. Preparing the district plan took five years of hard graft; Dyet said the end product genuinely reflected the aspirations of mana whenua.

“The process itself became something of a model. In fact, Audit New Zealand used the experience to demonstrate how councils could effectively engage with mana whenua,” he said. “Good policy comes from good process, and in our case, the quality of that process owed a great deal to Louise and her colleagues. My relationship with Louise will always be characterised by clear guidance, trust and mutual respect.”

Following the adoption of the plan in 1996, Louise and Dori continued their involvement as members of the council’s iwi liaison committee.

Louise is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren.

One who spoke at her service said time spent with her nan was a chance to re-set, with compassion and without judgement.

“She always sent you on your way a little steadier.”

The News heard that Dori Walters passed away last Saturday, aged 97.

Listen to the music

Andrew Tuck is standing on familiar ground, and not just metaphorically.

The Cambridge-raised, Te Kōwhai-based chief executive of Homegrown watched one of the country’s biggest all-New Zealand music festivals settle into Hamilton - and he believes the move is just getting started.

Homegrown made its Waikato debut at Claudelands last month, drawing around 25,000 people and delivering a significant boost to the local economy.

In the latest edition of Waikato Business News published by Good Local Media – which also produces community newspapers in Cambridge, Te Awamutu and King Country – Tuck said the move north from Wellington after 17 years paid off but there will be tweaks for next year.

We also meet Julia Baynes a Waikato veterinarian, muso, marketer and former advertising executive who talks about the unique value women bring to the agricultural sector.

Our sister publication the Bay of Plenty Business News finds kiwifruit, forestry and honey exporters are emerging as the early winners from the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

CBD developments in Tauranga and Rotorua are covered in stories about Waikato University’s expansion and the return of the Night Market.

Waikato Business News and Bay of Plenty Business News – out now online goodlocal.nz

New beginnings and hope

On March 26, the new Archbishop of Canterbury was installed. In 1400 years of Christian faith in England and after 105 men, Dame Sarah Mulally became the first woman to hold the position.

“I had no idea when I gave my life to Christ at age 16 that this is where it would lead me”, she said. When Dame Sarah was 16, she chose to become a nurse and rose to be chief of the nursing profession in the United Kingdom. The desire to care for and care about people in need has been a driving force in her faith journey. In the late 70s, when Dame Sarah was young in her faith, women were not being ordained as priests, so being installed as a bishop was not even realistic. The installation of a woman Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the

By Christine Bryant, Lay Minister, St John’s

world-wide Anglican Communion, reminds us that even the most entrenched views can be changed when people open their minds to the way Christ really showed us. This truly marks the beginning of a new era for the Anglican Church.

On April 12, a new era begins for St John’s Parish. The Rev. Sam Pullenger will be installed as Vicar of the parish which includes Kihikihi, Pirongia, and Rangiaowhia, as well as Te Awamutu. Although the service will have a degree of informality not present in Canterbury Cathedral, it will, nevertheless, be similar. It is a solemn occasion when the new vicar accepts the charge of the Bishop of WaikatoTaranaki to lead the parish. Rev. Sam brings his unique faith journey to the role, as well as

an exciting mix of youth and experience, of energy and empathy, and, like Dame Sarah, a desire to bring God’s love to our community. We look forward to welcoming Sam in his new role.

New beginnings and renewed hope is the key message of Easter. On Good Friday we remember that Christ died an agonising death on the cross. He was laid to rest in the tomb of a friend. Two days later, on that first joyous Easter morning, when the women went to prepare his body for burial, they discovered the good news – that Christ had been raised from death to new life. The message is simple – dark times will come to an end, we can hope that life will be better.

March 26 was not a random choice for the installation of the Archbishop. It marks the

Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to the newly betrothed Virgin Mary and announced that she would have a child, conceived by the Holy Spirit. Mary did not shy away from this challenge, but said “Yes” to God. Like Mary, Dame Sarah Mulally and Rev. Sam have both accepted God’s call on their life.

As the new Archbishop of Canterbury said in her sermon: “Our world needs the love, healing and hope that we find in Jesus Christ … We commit ourselves to sharing the joy of the Gospel.”

On behalf of St John’s and all faith communities in Te Awamutu, I wish you a Blessed Easter.

ON SHAKY GROUND

Waste Minimisation Community Fund

Understanding pumice

By Janine Krippner

The Waipā Waste Minimisation Community Fund is open

Do you have an innovative idea that will transform how we manage waste? We're here to support your ideas and bring it to life! Find out more: wastelesswaipa.co.nz/wastefund

March 30 to April 17

I am fortunate to have worked with student Ash Harden at the University of Bristol, UK, during my time in Tenerife last year. We had a call about their master’s research on pumice rafts so that I can share the latest science with you.

Pumice is frozen magma foam, forming when magmatic gas bubbles expand and quickly cool into rock.

Submarine eruptions within a range of shallower water depths can produce enough pumice to form enormous rafts. These sheets float across the ocean surface.

Rafts form through several processes. A raftini (unofficial term) is a small pumice raft that forms when pumice falls from a cliff into water. Pumice can also enter the ocean from the air, settling out of an ash plume.

Pumice rafts can circulate for quite some time. One eruption in 1962 at Protector Shoal in the South Sandwich Islands formed an impressive raft that floated across 20,000km over three years.

Sea vessels encounter pumice rafts and we need to know how much damage this can cause. This is important for passenger vessels like yachts and ferries, and shipping vessels that can have international implications.

Ash is using lab experiments to research how pumice abrades or damages marine materials. They use a wave flume tank, which is a long tank partly filled with water and has a mechanism in it to produce waves. Within this is a thin layer of pumice at the surface, and different materials suspended in the water. This moves the pumice back and forth against the materials to simulate a realworld environment.

The next step is drying and weighing the

materials to see how much material has been worn away by the abrasive pumice. A timelapse camera tracks the action.

They then use numerical modeling, or a computer model, to undertake a hazard assessment. A map is created where elements can be added, like relevant volcanoes, passenger vessels, and infrastructure. Essentially – what is the hazard, and where might people and things be impacted by it?

They are focused on the Aegean Sea around Greece and Turkey for this part; water transport is critical for islands where air or ground travel is difficult. It is important to consider local conditions, finding information on the vessels in this location and what materials they are made of.

Important aspects are locations like marinas, where filling with pumice would impact the area if boats were unable to get to the land. This answers questions like how could people be impacted, where could people get stranded during an event?

The computer model allows them to digitally simulate a pumice raft and see where it goes using regional ocean currents data. Running many of these gives a good idea of where the pumice might go under different conditions.

Projects like this add to the entire spectrum of how volcanic activity can impact on our lives and systems. One more puzzle piece added to the bigger picture.

Wave flume set up, you can see the pumice at the top and materials suspended into the water.

Legal Experts in Elder Law

Lewis Lawyers welcomes Joanne Jogia as Partner

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Joanne Jogia to Partner.

An elder law solicitor can advise on all aspects of future planning and undertake a full review of your affairs to ensure you receive the right entitlements and care, and that your estate is managed according to your wishes.

Joanne brings extensive experience advising clients on complex legal matters and is recognised for her practical, responsive, and commercially focused approach. She works closely with clients to deliver clear advice, strong representation, and effective outcomes.

As a partner of the firm, Joanne strengthens our ability to support clients with high-quality legal services and trusted strategic guidance. Her appointment reflects our continued commitment to excellence, client service, and long-term relationships, and aligns with Lewis Lawyers’ strategy of being the premier general practice in the region.

The team at Lewis Lawyers covers an extensive range of matters including occupation right agreements, succession planning, wills, enduring powers of attorney, PPPR applications (property manager and welfare guardian), capacity issues, residential loans and subsidies, asset protection and elder abuse.

Doors open for Thomas

By Jesse Wood

Thomas

Wrightson,

loves lifts and lift

engineering.

The Centre Place team in Hamilton heard about this and invited the nineyear-old Pekapekarau School student to him to take part in the ribboncutting ceremony for their new staff lift last week.

It was followed by a behind-thescenes tour with Otis Lift technician Mike Stayte who has worked on Centre Place vertical transport for 40 years.

With his tablet in tow, Thomas was thrilled to film the whole experience.

“He just loves lifts, escalators and anything like that - he knows all the brands. I don’t know what it is,” mum Sarah Wrightson said. “He’s fascinated by the mechanics and how the doors open by themselves.

“He’s autistic and has developmental delays. He’s been following a couple of YouTubers overseas who are also on the spectrum and share a similar interest in lifts.”

The Wrightson family moved to Kihikihi in the summer of 2021-2022.

“We spend most of our weekends at the mall or wherever there are lifts. The Centre Place team and security guards know us well,” Sarah said.

“We moved up here from Wellington. He was interested in lifts then and the interest has got stronger each year.

“If we travel to Wellington to visit my family or Auckland to visit my husband Craig’s family, Thomas will always plan a city trip.

“Thomas informed me that Te Awamutu has four lifts. There are lifts, but not many, so he would definitely love to live in a city one day.”

Sarah was humbled that the Centre Place management thought of Thomas.

“Centre Place manager Maureen Pearce and the team went to a great deal of effort,” Sarah said.

“They got him a certificate, a little hardhat, a high-vis and a lanyard so he really looked the part. Then they gave us an afternoon tea. It was so nice.

“I asked Mike how he got started in the industry. He started off as an apprentice. He talked about electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

“Thomas is only 9, but if this continues, he could be a lift technician in the making.

“We were very moved when Mike gifted Thomas his 30-year Otis pin badge. Thomas is pretty excited and we will make sure to take good care of it.”

“It was a really memorable afternoon for him. We’re very grateful to the Centre Place team and Mike for taking the time to make it so special.”

Maureen Pearce said they were thrilled to host the Wrightson family, knowing of Thomas’ love for all things lifts.

“Thomas is a part of our community and he is a familiar sight to our incentre teams who see him riding the lifts with his parents. He even named our old lift “Old Jolty”,” Maureen said.

Cash for new signs

By Jesse Wood

Te

Awamutu Kihikihi

Community Board has voted to fund new Te Awamutu heritage signs.

Up to $2000 has been allocated to the project following a push by board member Jill Taylor.

“Out of the 37 original heritage signs that were around the area, there are now only two still in place and both are in a poor condition,” she said. “Over the last three years, signs have disappeared and do need to be replaced.

“The council are hoping to replace these in about 10 to 15 years with QR codes, but meanwhile there is nothing.”

She met Waipā District Council community services manager Brad Ward and museums and heritage director Anne Blyth. Ward suggested starting with the 20-odd buildings in town before moving to the wider areas.

The council have committed to supplying the sign design and wording.

“The community board will need to talk to the owners of each premises to make sure they are happy where the placement of the signs will be - on a building or on a post beside or in front of building,” Taylor said.

Summerset Cambridge Weekly Walk-in Wednesdays

Summerset Cambridge offers a relaxing, resort-style retirement in a vibrant and growing village. The grand village centre is now open and residents have been loving their resort-style facilities, from an indoor pool to a café, residents’ bar and hair salon.

There are a range of homes ready to move into right now, from villas and cottages, to serviced apartments and care suites. Two-bedroom homes start from just $638,000 with flexible pricing options available.*

We know that moving to a retirement village is a big decision. So why not come along to one of our Walk-in Wednesdays every week this April. See for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life.

Love the life you choose.

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Wins for Pirongia, Ōhaupō

By Jesse Wood

It was a largely successful day for Waipā sides in the Waikato Club Rugby division 1A and 1B competitions on Saturday.

The trio of clubs involved – Pirongia, Leamington and Ōhaupō – all played at their home grounds.

Te Awamutu Sports and Hautapu get into their seasons this weekend.

Pirongia produced a couple of cricket scores while Leamington and Ōhaupō claimed a win each.

The Tokoroa-based Southern United sides made the journey north to face Pirongia under the mountain.

Pirongia B came away with the win 44-19 to continue their unbeaten run. The senior A side also claimed a victory over Southern, 43-0.

Eparama Nadru and Callum Hall registered a brace of tries each in the main clash.

Leamington B fell 41-5 at home against Te Rapa B. Their A side recorded an impressive 53-14 win over Te Rapa though.

Robert Day featured heavily on the scoreboard, scoring 23 points.

Down the road at Ōhaupō, the senior B side beat Taupiri B 25-7 in hot conditions.

The Ōhaupō A team were

downed 38-24. Two lates tries to fullback Hateni Tafolo were too little too late as Taupiri switched off in the last quarter.

Former provincial forwards

Taylor Rae (Waikato

and Shneil Singh (Southland 2023-2024) proved two of the differences for the visiting club, each crossing the chalk.

Hopes high for Sports

By Jesse Wood

The three Te Awamutu Sports rugby teams are ready for a big Waikato Club Rugby season.

“The club is tracking well heading into the 2026 season,” director of rugby and former Manu Samoa sevens representative Sam Gibbens said.

“While we’re sad to see key forwards Luka Benseman, who’s heading overseas for work, and Liam Pratt, who has secured an NPC contract with Manawatū, we’re excited about the group coming through.”

The colts (under-21) team are eager and have strong numbers at trainings.

“In his second year as head coach, Andrew Christie is looking forward to building on last season with a number of Te Awamutu College leavers and a few new faces joining the club this year.”

Christie is a former Te Awamutu Sports player.

Gibbens said the senior teams, premier and premier development, have had a positive pre-season.

“The boys have put in about nine weeks of solid work and we’ve focused a lot on connection, standards, and building the right culture within the group,” Gibbens said.

“There’s a good mix of experienced players and younger guys pushing through which is exciting for the club

EASTER CHURCH SERVICES

LEST WE FORGET

How important it is to honour our heritage and those in generations past who have served our right to freedom—many making the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their lives in battle. In particular, we in Australasia remember the soldiers who fell in the Great War (1914-1918) and The Second World War (1939-1945).

In remembering, we often humbly say, “Lest we forget.”

The phrase “Lest we forget” originated from Rudyard Kipling’s 1897 poem, Recessional, and has become a symbol of remembrance, particularly for Remembrance Day and Anzac Day, serving as a call to remember the sacrifices of those who served in wars and conflicts. In New Zealand, we wear red poppies to commemorate the flowers that grew on the graves of fallen soldiers in the foreign fields of the First World War.

PARISH

OF ST JOHN

Kipling’s poem was written in a time of great power and grandeur of the British Empire under the rule of Queen Victoria. It was written as a prayer and was not directed at soldiers, nor Queen; it was written to keep the pride of men pared.

Kipling’s poem serves as a cautionary reminder against the arrogance that often follows imperial strength. It warns against forgetting God, neglecting humility and repentance, and ignoring the downfall of past empires brought low by divine judgment. It challenges the pride of godless boasting and urges us to place our trust not in military might, but in God.

Kipling repeats himself often; “Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, lest we forget, lest we forget!”

Passover is the oldest and most important religious festival in Judaism, commemorating God’s deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and His creation of the Israelite people. Passover begins at

sunset on the 14th of Nisan and marks the beginning of a 7-day celebration, the highlight being the Seder meal to celebrate and rejoice in God’s deliverance.

Jesus and his disciples were celebrating Passover during the Last Supper, therefore many Christians celebrate Passover to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

I believe those who follow Jesus should do as Jesus did. I believe we should pause, turn our attention to God, and thank Him for His divine love expressed in His divine deliverance.

Moses received his instruction from the Lord and led the people to remember and celebrate the Lord in the Feast of Passover and remains an annual Feast on the Jewish calendar.

“Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. When you enter the land that the Lord will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. And when your children ask you,

moving forward.”

Jake Russ will again captain the premier side. A solid core of players have returned for 2026. Two of the interesting additions to the squad are Canadian hooker/loose forward Jack Wallace and 2022 Te Awamutu SubUnion Peace Cup representative Kees van der Heyden.

Wallace joins from Ballina Rugby Club in Australia’s Far North Coast Premiership, while Ōtorohanga product van der Heyden was previously at Hautapu.

Both senior sides start their season against Hamilton Old Boys on Good Friday.

“What I’m looking forward to most this season is seeing the growth of the group and how we represent the club and community each week,” Gibbens said.

“Te Awamutu Sports has always been a proud rugby club and it means a lot to wear the jersey.

“We’re really looking forward to getting into the season, competing hard, and making our supporters proud.”

The management team is: Premier coaches, Sam Gibbens, Tony Bennett and Awa Elkington. Manager, Sheree Easterbrook. Development coaches, Greg Edge and Ben Mylchreest. Manager, Lee Harper. Colts coaches, Andrew Christie, Willem Poolman, Wium Mostert and Connor Gower. Managers, Ava Trussler and Keri Baillie.

‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped. The Israelites did just what the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron. (Exodus 12:25-28)

Today, we remember Passover as the meal Jesus shared with His disciples in the upper room on the night he was betrayed. (1 Cor 11:23-26)

We pause to remember so that we testify to God’s goodness, instructing our children in the ways of God, and anticipating future deliverance through God’s mercy.

In the words of Kipling, “Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, an humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, lest we forget, lest we forget!”

MAUNDY THURSDAY, 17 April

MAUNDY THURSDAY, 2 April

• Morning Prayer - St John’s 8.30am

• Eucharist & Foot washing - St Johns 6.30pm

• Ecumenical Foot Washing ServiceSt John’s, Te Awamutu 6pm GOOD FRIDAY, 3 April

FRIDAY, 18 April

• Walk of Witness -

• Combined Service at Methodist Church 10am

Patricks Catholic Church to St John’s St Patricks 10am

EASTER DAY, 5 April

• Service of the Last Hour - St Johns 2pm EASTER DAY, 20 April

• First Light Service - St Paul’s 6.30am

• Sunrise Service - St Paul’s, Rangiaowhai 6.30am

• Eucharist - St Johns 9.30am

• St Saviours, Pirongia 9.15am

• Reserved Sacrament - St Saviours 9.15am

• St John’s, Te Awamutu 9.30am

Proud Pirongia local and environmental enthusiast Clare St Pierre has spent over 12 years around the Council table as a Waipā District Councillor While there have been many high points and many challenges along the way, Clare says the recent severe weather impacts in parts of the district have been like nothing she’s ever seen before

“While the devastation has been shocking, the way people have come together to support each other has been humbling and inspiring,” she said “We’ve still got a long way to go, and there’s a commitment to continuing that journey together

For Clare, the best part of being a councillor is the people “Hearing their stories, understanding what they care about, and helping enable great local initiatives is incredibly rewarding ” She also enjoys the future-focused nature of the role and helping shape the district Waipā is becoming

Clare continues to be inspired by the quiet dedication of the Waipā community “The heart of our district comes from volunteers, local groups, and everyday residents who give so much of themselves ”

Clare is enjoying the energy this term, with a mix of new and returning councillors bringing diverse experience and perspectives She also values Mayor Mike’s strong emphasis on teamwork

Clare's focus now turns to Central Government reforms to ensure the Waipā voice is heard, and tackling rates affordability “I want to really understand what ’s driving projected rate increasesespecially how growth, new assets, and ongoing costs affect ratepayers, and whether that ’s sustainable long term ”

As Chair of the Service Delivery Committee, she’s focused on performance “Our community deserves confidence that projects are delivered on time, on or under budget, and with risks well managed ”

Clare previously worked at ANZ Bank and holds a Management degree, along with Chartered Membership of the New Zealand Institute of Directors

Community service and environmental stewardship have long shaped her work, including projects around Mt Pirongia and Taiea te Taiao, service on the Waikato Conservation Board, and developing a Pirongia food forest

Clare and her husband Tony are proud parents to five grown children and an adopted daughter from Korea Outside Council, Clare enjoys walking on Mt Pirongia, cycling, singing in her church choir, home brewing, and sharing her love of gardening on Instagram

Across the district, the focus remains on restoring affected areas, supporting the community, and building resilience for the future

Easter weekend is coming

Please note that our Council offices will be closed over the Easter weekend (Friday, April 3 to Monday, April 6)

If you’re looking for things to do, our libraries and museum are open for parts of the long weekend Take a chance to grab a new read or explore the latest exhibition!

Cambridge and Te Awamutu Libraries: Open 9 30am-1pm Saturday, April 4, and closed for the rest of the long weekend

Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum: Open 10am–2pm on Saturday, April 4 and Monday, April 6, and closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday

Recyling reminder:

Recycling collections will still run as usual, so don’t forget to have your bins out by 7am Remember, we don’t collect rubbishplease check with your service provider to confirm their collections on public holidays

A big thank you to our awesome staff who wi be working through the long weekend to keep things running smoothly!

Across 1. Month (6)

4. Hope for (6) 9. Tier (5) 10. Shifty (7) 11. Musical performance (7) 13. Flower (4) 14. Unable to be endured (11) 17. Surge of

Last week

(7) 21. Instalment (7)

Savour (5)

Peril (6)

Angel (6)

Attraction (6)

Support rope (3)

Prance (5)

Across: 1. Spit, 4. Impugn, 8. Fanatic, 9. On air, 10. Echo, 11. Unbiased, 13. Promising, 17. Reserved, 19. Tall, 21. Theme, 22. Ability, 23. Argyle, 24. Poll.

Down: 2. Punch-up, 3. Tote, 4. Inconsiderate, 5. Prolific, 6. Grass, 7. Crude, 8. Flee, 12. Courtesy, 14. Glacial, 15. Broth, 16. Play, 18. Sneer, 20. Wimp.

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ENJOY THE THINGS YOU LOVE

When the going gets tough

By Ange Holt, Chair, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board

We would like to start this month’s column with an acknowledgement of the hardship our communities have faced because of the recent storm. We have been impressed with the resilience and the can-do attitude of the communities affected. We would also like to thank the Waipā District Council staff, volunteers and associated parties that have put in many hours to get funding and resources out to those affected. We know this is going to be a long road to recovery and we hope it all returns to “normal” as quickly as possible.

We note that there have been articles in the press naming the areas around the district that are closed by council, due to them being unsafe with slips and land being unstable. Can we please reiterate that if an area is closed, that you stay out, leave the signage and fences in place. It is tempting to just do what we like but you can potentially put yourself or others less able at risk by doing so. Good news is there are tracks starting to open.

As a Community Board we have been quietly working in the background to set ourselves up with a solid plan that gives the community some wins and runs through into the next triennium to provide continuity of any unfinished projects into the future. We can share at this point that one of the identified priorities is to give

our Main Street a freshen up. This is a project that has been on our radar and that of the retailers for a few years now. Street furniture and gardens are looking tired. Mayor Mike Pettit has had a look and is supportive of us looking into this further. We appreciate there is not surplus funding, so we are needing to be creative in finding ways to fund this.

Another project that has also been on our plan previously is redoing the Heritage Signs around the town. A few years back most of Kihikihi’s heritage signs were replaced but the ones in Te Awamutu have slowly deteriorated or gone missing. We believe it is important to tell the stories of our history to keep the knowledge in our community for future generations.

Board Member Jill Taylor at time of writing has made a request on our March Agenda to approve some funding to get this project underway.

We are also excited to learn that as a positive outcome of initial conversations about the beautification of the town and a current graffiti problem that with the support of Councillor Dale-Marie Morgan and local resident Paula Walsh a new “Keep Te Awamutu Beautiful” group is being formed and one of their first projects will be to work with the owners of buildings to get the graffiti painted out.

Special prizes for athletes

By Jesse Wood

Special Olympic Te Awamutu’s prizegiving last week highlighting why the coaches are proud to be involved.

“Special Olympic Te Awamutu Coaches do what they do because they believe in something bigger than themselves - they believe in the athletes,” head swimming coach Shelley Blair said.

“They enrich our lives and they show that there are no barriers that are too high to climb over in being the best you can be

“The objective of the swim programme is about supporting the swimmers to get the best out of themselves, that can look like getting a personal best, ribbon or medal or in this case a trophy,” Blair said.

“Our swimmers demonstrate what can be achieved with encouragement and with people who believe in them. They try very hard; they give it their all.

“Sometimes they win and sometimes they don’t, doesn’t matter because they believe they are winners. So do we as coaches and that’s what counts.”

Special Olympics Te Awamutu Trust chairperson Catherine Clark said 2025 was a successful and busy year for the club.

“We hosted a T1 swim meet in October and attended the Hibiscus Coast swim meet,” Clark said.

“The bowling team increased in numbers and the team

attended the Thames Valley bowing competition a first for our club.

“Jarrod Gilbert competed in the world winter games in Italy. The national summer games in Christchurch were a highlight for the swim team of 11 athletes and three coaches.

“The passing of Kathleen Bayer was very sad for us all. Kathleen would always give her best in the pool and loved to compete at swim meets and enjoy the company of fellow athletes.

“Choosing to have one last swim at the pools with Shelley and Sarah is testament to how much swimming meant to her.”

The recipient of the Collins Family Trophy for Most

Improved Female was Keziah Clark. Yvonne, Ross and Unity Collins presented the trophy. Robert Millow was named Most Improved Male gaining the Van Der Wee Trophy.

Recipient of the Herman Oosterman Builders TrophySports Person of the Year was Jarrod Gilbert. The trophy was presented by Jocelyn, the late Herman Oosterman’s wife.

The recipient of the Dowty Family Spirit Award was bowls coach Paul Walker. Clark thanked the board members and coaches for their support.

“The difference you make to the lives of our athletes and their families is something to be proud of.”

Kainga Aroha Community House in Te Awamutu is seeking an experienced Counsellor for 8 hours per week with possible flexible hours. Start around the end of April 2026 with some training beforehand. Contact office@ka.org.nz for further information of the role and application closing date.

Work

Teacher Aide Vacancy Pekapekarau School

We are seeking a calm, proactive, and capable Teacher Aide to join our amazing, inclusive team.

Role Details

Hours: 12.5 hours per week (2.5 hours/day, Mon–Fri), Term 2 - Term 4, 2026

Remuneration: $30.92/hr

This is a highly physical, hands-on position supporting a student with significant sensory, safety, and regulation needs.

See our website for more specific information about the role and how to apply - closes 3pm, Thursday 9th April 2026

WALTERS, Doris Whaene

“Irene” (née Hughes) – TE

WHITINGA O TE RĀ: 09 o Hanuere 1929 TE TŌANGA

O TE RĀ: 28 o Maehe 2026.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Doris “Irene”, who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving whānau, aged 97 years.

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Devoted mother of Lynnette Te Ruki, Wayne Te Ruki, George Te Ruki, Gary (Chic) Te Ruki, Massey Te Ruki and Lloyd Te Ruki. A muchloved grandmother, greatgrandmother, great-greatgrandmother, cherished aunty, and friend to many. To all who knew her, she was “Aunty Doris”, “Old Nan”, and “Nanny Whaene”. She will be forever remembered as Te Puhi o Unu. E moe e ruhi. He aitua, he aitua! Kua hinga Te Puhi o Unu! Tangi kau ana a Unu i te rirotanga atu o tōna Puhi! A Tungi to celebrate Doris’ life was held at Te Kōpua Marae, Morgan Road, Pokuru, on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, followed by burial at the Te Awamutu Lawn Cemetery, where she returned to her beloved husband, Alan Walters. Kua horo te tihi o Kakepuku, kua horo Hikurangi-pā-tirohia, kua horo Ariki-tīrere, ka horo… ka horo… Messages to the Walters/Te Ruki whānau may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in Doris’ online tribute book at www. rosetown.co.nz

BOYS, Gary Frederick –Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on 29th March 2026, after a long fight with MND. Loving partner of Les, cherished father of Hayley & Ash, Luke & Laura. Loving and devoted poppa to his grandchildren. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at the Waipa Workingmen’s Club, Albert Park Drive (today) Thursday, 2nd April at 2pm. All communications to the Boys family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840. Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ

MARSH, Maurice Leslie – Passed away after a long battle with illness, on Wednesday, 25th March 2026. Aged 70 years. Much loved brother to Lynette Curgenven Johnson. Heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hospice Waikato, Hillcrest, for the care and support during this time. Following Maurice's wishes a private cremation has been held. Messages to the "Marsh" Family can be sent c/- 3 Hallys Lane, Cambridge 3434 or in Maurice's online tribute book at www.grinters. co.nz