TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 1
THURSDAY AUGUSY 13, 2026
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AUGUST 13, 2026
Memories of the shield By Jesse Wood
Five years of the Power Farming Cup will be celebrated at Albert Park in Te Awamutu later this month – once again incorporating the historic Gwynne Shield. Four Saturdays of Year 8 junior rugby will culminate at Te Awamutu Sports. The Te Awamutu Rams and Cambridge Colts are among the teams involved. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Power Farming launched the cup in 2022 to help keep the tradition of junior representative rugby alive following the conclusion of the Gwynne Shield and Bowers Cup competitions. In a time where grassroots rugby is struggling, it’s
Kiwi Searancke
a positive way to keep youngsters out on the field. The Gwynne Shield competition was first played in 1925 Former Waikato prop and coach Kiwi Searancke played for the Te Awamutu side in the early 1960s. He recalls a note about a trial for the team being passed around the classroom at Te Awamutu Intermediate. “You went to the trial, had a run around. Then they narrowed it down and you had another trial. They picked the team and then weighed you [as it was a weight based side],” Searancke said. “I was a skinny kid growing up. I didn’t play prop forward until I played senior rugby. I played mostly in the backs. I wasn’t a starting player, but I was in the squad.” Searancke said the team had a fair sprinkling of players from schools including the intermediate, Ōhaupō, Pāterangi and Pirongia. “I didn’t realise at the time, but it was quite a prestigious side to be selected for,” Searancke said. “As I grew up, people wore it as a badge of honour, making the Te Awamutu Gwynne Shield team. “We trained every Wednesday after school at
Te Awamutu F U N E R A L
S E R V I C E S
Alexandra House Chapel
Te Awamutu Intermediate. I used to walk around the corner down Hazelmere Crescent to my Dad’s cousins house after trainings. “We’d have dinner and Dad would pick me up on the way home from work. He drove milk tankers. “He had an old army Indian bike and he used to sit me on the back of that. I’d hold onto him tight and we’d go home [to Kihikihi].” It was the first representative rugby team for most of the players. When you were selected, you felt like you’d made it. “You wore a gold and red jersey and you’d see the big boys wearing it [for the Peace Cup matches],” he said. “You got to play on Albert Park number one. Which was a huge thing in our day. It would be like playing at the stadium or Eden Park, Auckland. It was a big deal.” That was just the start of his days on that Albert Park pitch – the beginning of a dream realised. “Terry Bennett was a great St Pat’s man – Te Awamutu Marist – he had the green and gold running through his veins, and he was our Gwynne Shield coach,” Searancke said. “Many years later, he said I was the only guy out of that era that he coached,
The Te Awamutu Rams and Cambridge Colts are among the representative sides.
that actually went on to play provincial rugby. “So it wasn’t necessarily a stepping stone, but there were a lot of great players who did come through Gwynne Shield rugby.” Searancke kept an interest in the Gwynne Shield competition for many years. “I coached junior boys rugby for a long time. I remember my son Ben made a trial but was slightly too heavy to be selected. “It was quite cutthroat for that age.” Like the previous competitions, the
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friendships and experience competitive rugby in an environment where sportsmanship matters just as much as performance. Power Farming director Brett Maber said when the series started the aim was to help preserve the opportunity for young Waikato players to experience representative rugby – “but we also wanted it to stand for something bigger than winning”. “Rugby has an incredible ability to build character and bring people together,” Maber said.
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2 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
Johanna Scott’s story
Grey Grey er Power Power TE AWAMUTU AMUTU
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TE AWAMUTU
Grey Power invites members and friends to:
Workingmen’s Club,or TWaipa his is your invitation to join fellow members
Albert Parkmembers Drive Thursday August, potential at our next20meeting 1pm for a 1:30pm startPark Drive Waipa Workingmen’s Club, Albert
Guest speaker: We have been very lucky to have Dame Coral Shaw, Chair of the Royal Commission into Abuse in State and FaithBased care as our August speaker. $4 door charge includes raffle and tea/coffee. We are in desperate need of a secretary. If you feel you could fill this position, please let us know. For more information please contact
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Johanna Scott of Paterangi had been unwell for some time. In 1903 the 54-year-old travelled to Te Aroha to try the cure at the hot mineral springs. The Te Aroha springs were known as New Zealand’s Sanatorium, the most popular health resort of the Southern Hemisphere, and its celebrity spreading the length of the country. Its waters were said to cure rheumatism, gout, lumbago, liver and kidney complaints, indigestion, and kindred ailments. Hundreds of people had been restored to health as the visitors’ book testified. The place was par excellence, the climate healthy, the cost of living exceedingly moderate and the resort easily accessed by river, rail or road. For the robust there was abundant means of enjoyment in boating, riding, and driving. For those in delicate health the neatly laid out domain formed a most pleasant and picturesque retreat. There were six baths and various springs of different temperatures. In 1902 a new hot mineral spring had been discovered, and several other springs were excavated. Johanna was at the resort with some of her children and her condition was improving. She had come to New Zealand from Canada with her husband Allan and two daughters around
1874. Allan was the son of William Scott, the founder of New Hamburg, Canada. To prevent his daughter, Allan’s sister Catherine, from being involved with one of his estate field hands, he sold up everything and walked away from a prosperous future in Canada, moving most of his family to Paterangi. He told his children they would be disinherited if they ever returned to Canada. When Allan and Johanna arrived a few years later they also settled at Paterangi where Allan farmed and over time the couple had 10 children. Johanna was known for her many unobtrusive acts of kindness and gentle manners. In 1896 the Colonial Bank, of which Allan was a shareholder, got into difficulties. This worried Allan greatly and he became despondent. In August he went missing from his home and was discovered dead on his farm. An inquest found he took his life whilst temporarily insane. Now, as Johanna recovered at the springs, she was attacked by English cholera - a disease lately doing the rounds. In her weak state it proved fatal. Although she died away from home, several of her children were present. ‘English’ cholera was so named to distinguish it from the deadly Asian cholera. It was a catch-all term of the era for sickness and diarrhoea. Johanna’s funeral left Ngā Roto station
THURSDAY AUGUSY 13, 2026
for Paterangi on arrival of the 2.40 train the next day. There was a large attendance, Johanna being known as a woman of beautiful character who endeared herself to everyone who knew her. She was an exceptionally good and benevolent woman and would be greatly missed in the district. The Waikato Argus noted “It is sad to see the old residents thinning out one by one; we drop into the grave, into eternity, gone forever, but not forgotten.” *Catherine and the field hand - Frederick Germann - were reunited in Paterangi, and had six children. Frederick became prominent in Waipā affairs.
On the beat with Senior Constable DEB HANN Scams and youth issues I have previously mentioned a scam text circulating around non-payment of fines, purporting to be from New Zealand police. Last week we had a report of a more sophisticated scam, again impersonating police. A member of the community received a phone call from a person claiming to be a detective investigating a leak of his personal information. This call was then backed up via an email confirming the caller’s authenticity. The email contained what appeared to be a legitimate police logo, however there were telltale signs that alerted the recipient to it being false. The sender’s email address was not the publicly advertised police address, the case file reference given was not of the format used by the police and the email appeared preformatted and contained formatting typos. If you doubt any communication as being authentic, please always independently contact the company or organisation involved, not through channels given to you via the potential scammer. This week I also want to touch on what happens when youth commit crime; Youth Aid Services apply. This system deals with children aged 10-13 years and youth aged 14 to 17. Youth aged 14 to 17 are criminally liable and may be charged
with any offence. First minor offences can be dealt with by the Youth Aid Officer through alternative action plans. When an alternative resolution is not enough, the Youth Aid officer refers the case for a Family Group Conference (FGC). An FGC is attended by the young person, their family, youth advocate, the victims of the crime, police, social workers and the Youth Justice Coordinator. It is a chance for the young person to admit or deny the offence and the victims to be heard. If the young person admits the charge, the meeting then moves to working out how they can put things right. FGC Plans may include an apology, community contribution or reparation payments. Goals are set - such as mentoring, education or drug and alcohol counselling. More serious crimes or repeat offending are dealt with through youth court. Finally today, while on foot patrol last week around town, I was appreciative of the positive feedback received. Cambridge staff, supported by the District Beat Squad and Retail Crime Prevention Team, frequently carry out proactive foot patrols in the town centre and Leamington. If you are in town when we are out and about, feel free to say hello.
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Step into Spring with New Season Arrivals
Te Aroha Sanatorium pictured here by A.G.Tibbutt more than 110 years ago continues as the town’s mineral spa.
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 3
THURSDAY AUGUSY 13, 2026
Briefs…
Power demand
Waipā Networks says the colder winter in 2026 has prompted an increase in demand. Peak demand to date has been 104.21 MVA – MegaVolt Ampere is a measure of the electrical load on the network - compared with 102.31 last winter – an increase of around 1.9 per cent.
Abuse costs
Waipā District Council has revealed it spent $88,343.15 on legal proceedings related to unacceptable online behaviour directed from outside the district at a staff member. Chief executive Steph O’Sullivan said the costs were higher than expected but the council had a legal obligation to act under health and safety requirements.
Tamahere talk
Increasing traffic on State Highway 21 - Airport Road the future of Narrows Bridge, the proposed Cambridge Road sand quarry and development on Tamahere Drive and a $160,000 Tamahere Park toilet block were discussed at the latest Tamahere Community Committee meeting. Chair Charles Fletcher has also sought a meeting with the New Zealand Transport Agency which has paused progress work on the Southern Links roading project pending more funding being made available.
Music centre named
Waikato Cathedral Church of St Peter has announced the first stage of its Strengthening and Restoration Programme, the Music Centre, will be named in honour of Dame Malvina Major. The announcement was made by Murray Bindon, Chair of the Cathedral Appeal, during Dame Malvina Major Presents A Night at the Opera last week.
Lodge event
Patron and former Prime Minister Helen Clark will be the special guest at a private function to open the Pirongia Forest Park Lodge’s sustainable campsite, Honouring the Past – Celebrating the Future at the end of this month.
Reviewing the city limits Where do the boundaries of Hamilton really lie and do Cambridge and Tamahere have more in common with the city than the rural districts they may end up in? Senior writer Mary Anne Gill reports.
Hamilton’s decision to step away from both the eastern and western local government reform proposals has exposed a question the Head Start process never properly answered: what constitutes a community of interest in the modern Waikato? For three months councils have debated boundaries, governance models and representation, yet one of the region’s most significant shifts has received little attention. Towns such as Te Awamutu, Matamata, Morrinsville, Putāruru, Tokoroa, Huntly and Ngāruawāhia remain distinct service centres with their own identities and economic drivers. Cambridge and Tamahere are different. The Waikato Expressway has brought Hamilton significantly closer while housing and industrial growth continues at pace. The New Zealand Racing Industry Centre is expected to attract further investment and development at Tamahere. Nearby, Hautapu has evolved from a rural fringe settlement into a significant industrial growth area whose workforce, freight links and businesses are increasingly connected to Hamilton. Waikato Hospital, Waikato University and the employment centres of Ruakura and Te Rapa attract workers from Cambridge and Tamahere every day. Crossing the city boundary has become part of everyday life. Work, education, shopping, healthcare and recreation increasingly occur across multiple local authority areas. The result is a metropolitan community that extends well beyond Hamilton’s official boundary.
Hamilton Airport illustrates the point. Located in Waipā but majority owned by Hamilton City Council in partnership with other councils, it functions as a piece of metropolitan infrastructure serving a wider urban catchment rather than a single district. Its presence reinforces the growing disconnect between administrative boundaries and the way parts of the Waikato now operate.
Hamilton entered the reform process assuming discussion would largely centre on the metropolitan area. That was understandable given it and its neighbouring districts share many of the challenges associated with population growth, infrastructure demand and urban expansion. But when the focus moved from metropolitan growth to a broader river
catchment model spanning several districts, Hamilton lost control of the agenda. Its response was to enter the Government’s Back Stop process. Councillor Rachel Karalus argued there was insufficient evidence to justify restructuring on such a scale, citing the lack of a business case, uncertainty around transition costs and limited opportunities for community consultation.
Her concerns prompted a response from Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good, who questioned why more detailed financial analysis had not been undertaken during the three-month process. He suggested councils could have shared information more openly to provide a stronger basis for decision making.
Waikato councils and their near neighbours did not settle on a single vision for local government reform. Instead, they split into five distinct camps based on geography, governance philosophy and appetite for change. 1. Western Waikato: a river catchment approach Waikato, Waipā and South Waikato districts backed the Western Waikato Unitary proposal. The model is built around governance of the Waikato River catchment and seeks to combine local and regional functions under a single authority. All three councils formally supported the proposal through the Head Start pathway. 2. King Country: local identity first Waitomo and Ōtorohanga district jointly submitted the King Country Future proposal. Their approach was based on Te Rohe Pōtae as a distinct community of interest and emphasised local representation and self-determination rather than joining a larger Waikato-wide structure. 3. Eastern Waikato: catchment-to-coast governance Thames-Coromandel,
Hauraki and MatamataPiako aligned behind the Waihou-Piako-Coromandel proposal. This model links inland catchments with the Coromandel coast and Hauraki Gulf, arguing that environmental, land-use and infrastructure decisions should be managed through one catchment-based authority. 4. The independents Two councils stood apart: Hamilton voted not to submit a Head Start proposal and entered the Government’s Backstop process, arguing there was insufficient evidence, financial information and public engagement to justify supporting any current option. Taupō also rejected the available options but stopped short of entering Backstop. Taupō opposed inclusion in the Western Waikato proposal, requested more time to explore alternatives and signalled interest in a future sub-regional arrangement with Waitomo, Ōtorohanga and Ruapehu if amalgamation became necessary. 5. Neighbouring councils influencing the debate
Rotorua supported participation in the Head Start process through a Bay of Plenty-wide model involving three separate unitary authorities, including a Central Rotorua authority.
Ruapehu decided not to submit a Head Start proposal and entered the Backstop process, citing the lack of a suitable partner proposal and concerns about the compressed timetable.
How it looks…
Continued on page 7
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4 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY AUGUSY 13, 2026
ON SHAKY GROUND
You’re on your own By Janine Krippner
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I’ve just come home from a month in the Canary Islands, where I spent several weeks with students unpacking a question that doesn’t get asked nearly enough: what happens to the tourists when a volcano erupts? Residents, in theory though not often in practice, have plans. They know the roads, the authorities, and hopefully the neighbours who’ll bang on their door. Tourists have none of that, and often have an added language barrier. As a tourist you may not know who the official agencies are, what they’re telling you, or where to find good information in a world of misinformation. Take out the electricity and the phone networks on top of that, and a visitor can go from mildly inconvenienced to genuinely vulnerable. To understand what could be done to help them, we first had to understand their situation. Then I came home and Dad and I watched the Christchurch earthquake documentary “Tell the people they’re alone for the next 24 hours”. Interviews are woven through recreations, and it doesn’t hold back. The stories are the ones you would expect: harrowing, full of suffering, and people showing up for each other in the thick of it. Watching this did what it always does for me: sent me straight back to my own preparedness. I live in Wellington. I know this could be the next Christchurch scenario. I know that a big one might hit in my lifetime, or it might not. What I can control is whether or not I’ve
done the work of being ready for it, bit by bit. So I sat down and went through everything I’ve built up over the past few months as I’ve written about before, and asked myself, again, what am I still missing? On my updated list are some practical easy wins: a torch right by the bed, goggles that will actually fit over my glasses in case I need to sift through debris, a backup way to make water safe to drink. But the bit I keep coming back to isn’t a thing you can buy. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which for me means chronic pain and fatigue are simply part of life. Imagine a winter quake that takes out the power and cold seeping into a body that already struggles to cope with pain. So I reached out to a new group of friends in Wellington who also have EDS and none of whom are from Wellington, and asked if they’d want to get together and talk this through. What would each of us specifically need and how could we support each other through it, not just survive it alone? It is up to us to build our own community. Whether tourists on a volcanic island or newcomers to a city surrounded by faults, taking the time to think about our situation and ask ourselves what are our vulnerabilities is a solid first step. From there, we can start figuring out how to band together, an important part of the harrowing journey from disaster to recovery.
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 5
THURSDAY AUGUSY 13, 2026
Brave Candidate convicted Masson outpointed An unsuccessful candidate for Waipa District Council in the Cambridge ward last year has been convicted of defrauding the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) for $107,000. Hope Amy Spooner, 34, of Cambridge appeared in the Hamilton District Court this week on two charges of obtaining by deception and two of dishonestly using a document. She failed in a bid for continued name
By Jesse Wood
Te Awamutu born Floyd Masson fought himself to a virtual standstill in losing to “The Nice Guy” David Nyika in Auckland on Saturday. The 34-yearold southpaw put up a strong fight against fellow Queensland-based Nyika, who won on all three judges’ cards 116-111, 115112 and 115-112. “I’d like to take my hat off to Floyd. He was the most worthy adversary,” said Nyika said in the ring post-fight. “Ten months ago I was looking to God for a sign and, sure enough, he sent me one of his greatest soldiers. At stake was a crack at the vacant IBF cruiserweight title. Former Hautapu and All Black rugby star Liam Messam secured a thirdround TKO victory over Luke Siak on the undercard. In the early stages, Masson scored consistently with combinations. “I gave it my all tonight,” Masson said in the ring
suppression. Spooner was provisionally elected on the night of the election but after special votes was pipped by Aidhean Camson. At sentencing, the court heard Spooner unlawfully received benefits and other forms of financial assistance after claiming she was separated from her husband when, according to MSD investigations, the couple had reconciled within a
month. The offending occurred across two separate periods spanning almost four years. Spooner had applied for sole parent support in 2020 and later received further payments after reapplying in 2023. Court documents showed she received undue credits totalling more than $286,000, although MSD is seeking repayment of $107,132.84.
Pictured right: Hope Spooner
Piopio’s golden pie
now they say we’ve got a good pie, they have to stop here,” Khin said. Winning a national pie award is a dream Customers head south to buy pies for come true for Tour Khin. family in Te Awamutu, others come from The Piopio baker and his wife Sina Se Ōtorohanga and Hamilton. travelled to Auckland on Tuesday last After entering the pie awards for the last week for the annual New Zealand Bakels five or six years without success, Khin was Supreme Pie Awards, where Khin received determined to make an award-winning pie the gold award in the gourmet meat this time around. category for his creamy paua and cheese “I always thought one day we will win pie. a competition and then now we got there. Khin said he and the team at The Village Hopefully this will help our business a Bakery in Piopio were excited to win the lot,” Khin said. award, and had already noticed an uptick “We decided this year to get an award, in customers wanting to taste the awardbut we were not sure that we could get winning cuisine. that. We’ve got lots of friends and family, “My son is very happy. He said, dad, they have introduced us to making a good your dream has come true,” Khin said. pie, we just keep learning from friends,” It seems the win has also encouraged he said. more passing motorists to stop in Piopio. Aside from the gourmet meat category, “Before when they come to town, Khin entered pies in the mince and cheese, sometimes they don’t want to stop, but steak and cheese, and bacon and egg By Dan Tasker
Floyd Masson
afterwards. “I just couldn’t get off the shots I wanted but that’s boxing, man.” Masson posted a video on social media the following day congratulating Nyika, who he applauded when the decision was announced. “Now it’s time for some rest and recovery, we’re going to have to regroup and keep pushing hard.” Former Hautapu and All Black rugby star Liam Messam secured a thirdround TKO victory over Luke Siak on the undercard.
sections, working tirelessly for three days before he was happy with the end result. He then sent the four pies up to Auckland for judging, where the judges were impressed with his crunchy pastry and particularly the tasty filling in the creamy paua and cheese pie. Khin took up baking shortly after arriving in New Zealand, after his aunt sponsored him to leave his home city of Sihanoukville in Cambodia in 2010. He moved from Hamilton to Gisborne and then to Turangi in 2017, where he ran his own bakery until he was forced to close through the Covid-19 pandemic, before opening a café on the main street in Piopio. His wife’s family was running a fish and chip shop in Piopio and asked if Khin and Se wanted to take over the business, so they moved to Piopio in 2024 to turn the shop into a bakery under ‘The Village Bakery’ franchise.
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6 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY AUGUSY 13, 2026
ADVERTORIAL
Energy is the backbone of growth and prosperity, and Waipā needs to be ready Electricity is something most of us rarely think about until it’s not there. We flick a light switch, put the jug on, charge a phone, milk the cows, open the business, heat the home, or keep production moving. It works quietly in the background, enabling almost every part of modern life. It’s only when the power goes out, a new connection is needed, or your monthly bill arrives that the electricity system becomes visible. But the reality is that across New Zealand, electricity is becoming one of the most important infrastructure conversations of our time. The challenge, as I see it, is not simply change. It’s how we modernise an electricity system largely built a century ago to meet modern-day needs while keeping energy as affordable as possible. Energy equals growth and prosperity in a region. If we want Waipā to keep attracting investment, supporting businesses, enabling housing, strengthening communities and preparing for new technology, we need an electricity network ready for the future. The question we have to answer is how we support growth while keeping electricity as affordable as possible. Gas availability and pricing, rising costs to run the national grid, dry-year generation risk, and the broader cost of updating and maintaining infrastructure are all contributing to higher energy costs. At the same time, households and businesses are already facing increases across many parts of everyday life, from rates and water infrastructure to fuel, food and general living costs. Every dollar counts. For local electricity distribution businesses like Waipā Networks, this creates a very real balancing act. We have to keep costs within our control as low as we reasonably can, while recognising that investment in reliable energy and local prosperity are closely linked. Waipā is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing,
vibrant and dynamic districts. Infometrics reports the district’s population increased by 4,000 people (up 6.9 per cent) between 2020 and 2025, with growth of 32.6 per cent since 2010. Local electricity demand has risen by 25 per cent over the five years. Since relocating to Waipā from North Canterbury, I’ve seen first-hand why people and businesses are choosing to invest their futures here. The district continues to attract new residents, skilled workers, investment and development because people recognise the opportunities this region offers. But growth doesn’t happen by accident; it needs to be enabled. If the electricity network cannot support demand, businesses may look elsewhere, development could slow, and the region’s economic potential could be constrained. At the same time, if we invest too far ahead of demand, today’s customers may end up carrying costs before that infrastructure is fully needed, and that’s not fair. When we talk about affordability, we have to be honest. It does not mean electricity prices will never rise. It means being disciplined about what we can control. It means investing purposefully. It means ensuring projects are needed, well-timed and fairly funded. It means collaborating within our industry to deliver better outcomes for customers. One example is our recent agreement with WEL Networks to access an Advanced Distribution Management System. This enables us to modernise how we manage the network, improve customer visibility and support better decision-making, without building an equivalent digital architecture inhouse from scratch. The approach will save Waipā customers millions in investment they’d otherwise pay. That’s the kind of practical collaboration that will become increasingly important across our sector.
Damien Whiffen,
Chief Executive, Waipā Networks
There has been national discussion about scale, efficiency and the future shape of electricity distribution businesses. My view is collaboration matters more than forced structural change. We can work with like-minded electricity distribution businesses, share capability, reduce duplication and achieve many of the benefits of scale while keeping the strongest part of our model intact: local ownership. Waipā Networks is wholly owned by Waipā Networks Trust on behalf of local electricity customers. I am passionate about the trust ownership model because it creates an ethos that the business exists for its customers. It shapes the way we think, influences investment decisions and helps keep the focus where it belongs: on affordability, service and long-term community benefit. More households and businesses are looking at electric vehicles, solar, batteries, electric heating and alternatives to gas. Customer expectations are changing too. The electricity system we started building more than 100 years ago has served communities well, but what served us for the past century will not, on its own, see us through the next. That is why standing still is not an option.
THURSDAY AUGUSY 13, 2026
The trouble with lobbying There has been some talk about political lobbying in the early stages of our election campaign, and I suspect there will be more as the campaign proceeds. Political lobbying is defined as the practice by organisations, interest groups and people to influence government decisions and public policy – obviously in the direction of their interests. When I looked up lobbying on my computer one of the first things that came up was “lobbying has long been seen as pernicious”. I then looked up the meaning of pernicious. It was “having a harmful effect in ways that are gradual and not easily noticed”. I think pernicious is the perfect word to describe the effects of lobbying. Political lobbying has always been around. Way back in the 1970 I worked for Federated Farmers for five years. They were, in part, a lobbying group for the interests of farmers. What has changed in New Zealand, and probably elsewhere, in recent years is that lobbying is becoming an industry in itself. Professional lobbying firms have been established, and they
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 7
Reviewing city limits
TALKING ECONOMICS
are often staffed by former politicians or political staffers. Lobbying is usually only available to groups with connections or money – and groups with money can now buy the connections. What makes New Zealand standout from most similar countries is that we do comparatively little to regulate, monitor or even measure political lobbying. Most countries have a register of lobbying activity. Lobbying firms must be registered in Australia – and they must also disclose their clients. New Zealand has no such register. Second, there is no code of conduct for lobbyists. Most similar countries do have such a code. We probably also need a code of conduct for politicians, political staffers and public servants that covers their interactions with lobbyists. The Ministry of Justice did hold a consultation process starting in 2024 on a code of conduct for lobbyists. Amongst others, they consulted the lobbyists themselves. As far as I can tell, a code was not developed. Third, there are no laws, regulations or guidelines of any sort about lobbying activities in New Zealand.
By Peter Nicholl
These exist in most other countries. Fourth, there is no mandatory coolingoff period for MPs or political staff between leaving their political job and taking up a lobbying job. There are in most similar countries. Sectors where the impact of lobbying can be seen in New Zealand include supermarkets, retirement villages, fishing and road transport. The outcomes in these industries seem to be much more favourable for the industry operators than for the users and consumers. As users and consumers we should therefore all be concerned about the growing influence of political lobbying in New Zealand. We can’t stop it. But it needs to be monitored and regulated in some way. This laissez-faire approach to lobbying in New Zealand has begun to be noticed by overseas organisations and commented on – unfavourably. I have seen such comments in the last year or so from the IMF, the OECD, some rating agencies and Transparency International. This should also be a concern to us.
In a recent issue of the Te Awamutu News, I was interested to read about the relocation of the Ngāhinapōuri school gates, in no small part because of the legacy of the community that they point back to. From the gates themselves (erected in 1954 to safeguard the precious children of the community for many years) to the school, which is about to celebrate 150 years of educating and has grown generations of Ngāhinapōuri children into adults, to the Stewart Reid Memorial Park, donated by a grieving family to honour their beloved son, I am humbled by the legacy that a set of gates declares about the Ngāhinapōuri community and its members. To leave a legacy means to create a lasting impact on the world around you long after you are gone. It shares your beliefs and values, and offers something special to others. It also, more often than not, costs you something: time, energy, finances, all three of which the Stewart Reid Memorial Park Trustees invested to safeguard the special gates that stand as
SELLING FAST
Their exchange captured the central tension running through the reform debate. Supporters see an opportunity to build governance structures better suited to future growth. Critics remain unconvinced the evidence exists to justify major change. The uncertainty is not unique to Hamilton. Taupō chose not to submit a proposal. Waitomo and Ōtorohanga pursued an approach focused on retaining local representation, while Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki and Matamata-Piako continued exploring their own alignment based on shared interests. Waikato MP Tim van de Molen broke ranks several weeks ago when he urged councils not to treat existing district boundaries as untouchable. Communities of interest, he argued, should take precedence over historical administrative lines. He should know. His electorate includes some of the fastest-growing communities in the country. The real question is not whether the Waikato adopts an eastern, western or metropolitan model. It is whether decision makers are prepared to accept that not every part of a district shares the same interests or future. The Head Start process has produced multiple proposals but no regional consensus. What it has revealed are competing ideas about identity, representation and geography. What happens next may ultimately be decided by Wellington. But one issue is unlikely to disappear: whether rapidly growing communities on Hamilton’s fringe should continue to be viewed as rural districts or recognised as part of a metropolitan Waikato that already exists.
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FAITH IN WAIPĀ
A question of legacies
Continued from page3
By Karla Rose, Zion Church
witness to the heart of their community. It is a place that values the education and wellbeing of children without subtracting joy and fun, a community that considers the futures of not just this generation but all those that follow after it. Biblically, the concept of leaving a legacy is equated with living a good and Godly life. The Bible even encourages us to leave an inheritance for our children’s children (Proverbs 13:22), and while this can certainly be equated with money, an inheritance can include physical reminders of love and care, like the Ngāhinapōuri gates, or the memorial pillars laid by the Israelites when they crossed the Jordan so that they would never forget what God had done for them (Joshua 4:1-24). Even teaching our children truth and faith in God (Philippians 4:9) can be a way to leave a lasting legacy, so that when we reach the end of our lives, we can joyfully say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
So the question is, what legacy are you leaving? Is it lasting? And are your words and actions reflecting the things you value most? As followers of Christ, generations from now, will you have left anything behind that points to the joy you experienced because of your God? Will people experience anything that reminds them of a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:4-13)? Will your convictions bless generations? If you aren’t leaving a legacy that you are proud of, maybe today is the first step in the journey to doing just that. Take some time to figure out what legacy you would like to leave. Perhaps you can look at what is already being done in the community and become part of that legacy, then start taking steps towards leaving the kind of legacy your children will be blessed by.
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Reach targeted rural & lifestyle audience Reach Reach aa a targeted targeted rural rural & & lifestyle lifestyle audience audience each month by advertising your business each each month month by by advertising advertising your your business business in CountryLife; featured inside the in in CountryLife; CountryLife; featured featured inside inside the the Cambridge News & Te Awamutu News Cambridge Cambridge News News & & Te Te Awamutu Awamutu News News Distributed to to EVERY rural rural & urban urban letter Distributed Distributed to EVERY EVERY rural & & urban letter letter box across across the the Waipa Waipa region region each each month. month. box box across the Waipa region each month.
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THURSDAY AUGUSY 13, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICES
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Section 101, Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
PUBLIC NOTICE of an application for Issue Off Licence GENERAL DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED, a duly incorporated company having its registered office at 80 Favona Road, Favona, Auckland, has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Waipa District Council for the renewal of its off-licence in respect of the premises at 181 Sloane Street, Te Awamutu and known as Woolworths Te Awamutu. The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is Supermarket. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 10pmfor consumption off the premises. 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: The Secretary of the District Licensing Committee Waipa District Council, Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840 or email 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 second publication of this notice. This notice was first published on August 6, 2026.
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Ownership Review OWNERSHIP REVIEW FINAL DECISION MEETING In accordance with the Deed of Trust under which the Waipā Networks Trust has been constituted, the Trustees and the Directors of Waipā Networks Limited have prepared a joint report considering proposals and available options for the future ownership of Waipā Networks Limited. The Trustees have implemented a Public Consultative Procedure. A copy of the Ownership Review was available for inspection by the public from 1 May 2026. Persons interested in the proposal were invited to make written submissions to the Trustees by no later than 30 June 2026. No submissions were received by the Trust. Notice is hereby given that the Trustees propose that the following motion, “That the Trustees pursuant to Clause 4.4 of the Trust Deed, the Trustees hereby resolve that they have decided to retain 100% of the shares in the Trust. Future Ownership Reviews will take place in accordance with the terms of the Trust Deed. The Trustees will notify the Public as required by Clauses 4.5 and 13 of the Trust Deed.”, will be considered by them at a meeting open to the public on:
Friday 28 August 2026 at 10.00am Waipā Networks Ltd 240 Harrison Drive TE AWAMUTU K M Heeringa - Trust Manager Waipā Networks Trust
Keeping you informed
King Country
Notice of Public Annual Meeting of Beneficiaries Availability of the 2026 Chairperson’s Annual Report, Financial Statements, 2026-27 Annual Plan, and Waipā Networks Ltd Statement of Corporate Intent. I hereby give notice that on Friday the 28th of August 2026, commencing at 10.05am, a Public Annual Meeting of Beneficiaries (Connected Consumers) will be held at Waipā Networks, 240 Harrison Drive, Te Awamutu. At the meeting the Trustees will report on: • • • • •
The operation of Waipā Networks Trust for the year ended 31 March 2026. The Financial Statements of Waipā Networks Trust for the year ended 31 March 2026. The performance of Waipā Networks Ltd for the year ended 31 March 2026. The compliance of Waipā Networks Ltd with its Statement of Corporate Intent for the year ended 31 March 2026. The Annual Plan 2026/27 of Waipā Networks Trust.
At the meeting the Beneficiaries will be given the opportunity to: • •
Appoint the Auditor for Waipā Networks Trust for the 2027 financial year. Speak on all matters being considered at the Annual Meeting.
Please note that the above named documents are available for public inspection on the Trust website or at the offices of Waipā Networks Ltd at 240 Harrison Drive, Te Awamutu during ordinary business hours. K M Heeringa - Trust Manager Waipā Networks Trust
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 11
THURSDAY AUGUSY 13, 2026
PLANTS FOR SALE
PIRONGIA TOPIARY Open Fridays 10am-4pm 132 Sainsbury Rd Pirongia OR Phone Susan Ranstead
0274 176 379
PUBLIC NOTICES
Pirongia Fire Brigade Notice of Annual General Meeting Monday 17th August 2026 7pm At the Pirongia Fire Station All Welcome
A about A conversation conversation about Death to help you live Death to help you more fully live more fully
11am next Tuesday 11am Tuesday 20 August2026 2024 18 August Parish Lounge Parish of St John’s Lounge 162 Arawata St Te Awamutu ALL ALL WELCOME WELCOME No No cost, cost, but but koha koha welcome welcome
PUBLIC NOTICES
FUNERAL SERVICES
TE AWAMUTU CONTINUING EDUCATION
Wednesday 19 August 2026 10am Entry: $4 on arrival Waipa Workingmen’s Club Speaker: Ross Ormsby Topic: Ability with Disability. Ross makes the most of every opportunity. Everybody Welcome More info phone 07 870 3223
Supporting our people for 25 years Our all inclusive packages $5,990 FULL BURIAL PACKAGE $2,990 DIRECT CREMATION PACKAGE See Nepia funeral services FB & website Jack Nepia 027 466 8166 Opposite Fresh Choice Te Awamutu
WANTED TO BUY WANTED TO BUY. Any ute, van, 4WD, truck or car. Any condition doesn’t have to be going. Cash paid. Ph/txt Kevin 027 299 6165
CALF MILK WANTED Bocock’s Calf Rearing Pete 027 433 1440 Mark 0274746917
DEATH NOTICES
NATZKE, Trevor Spencer – Unexpectedly passed away at home on Monday, 3rd August 2026, aged 72 years. Dearly loved son of the late John & Nancy. Remembered by family, friends, and work colleagues. “Forever in our Hearts” A memorial service to celebrate Trevor’s life will be held at Old St John’s Anglican Church, Arawata St, Te Awamutu on Friday, the 14th of August 2026 at 1:00pm. All communications and messages to the Natzke Family can be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800 or in Trevor’s online tribute book at www. rosetown.co.nz
BOND, Susanne Dorothy – Passed away unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by her children on Friday, 7th August 2026 at Waikato Hospital. Aged 65 years. Loved Wife of Richard, loving Mother of Matthew and Rebecca, Christy and Nicole. Susanne’s life was filled with family, music, knitting, watching sports, and was our living TV guide. She was a kind and amazing Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunty and Great-Aunty. A service for Susanne will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu on Friday, 14th August 2026, at 1:00pm followed by a private cremation. All communications to the Bond family, c/- P O Box 137, Te Awamutu, 3840.
STRACK, Mary – Peacefully at CHT Te Awamutu. Aged 96 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Charles. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Clare (deceased), John & Van, Paul & Tricia, and Eoin & Mandy. Loved grandmother of Hanne, Kerrie, Ella, Jorja, Callum, and Zoë. Greatgrandmother to Emily, Charlie & Isla. Rest in peace Mum/Mary/ Grandee. You will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. The service for Mary has been held. In honour of Mary, donations to CAB (Te Awamutu Citizens) would be appreciated and can be made to 03-1564-0042534-000. Livestreaming is available at teawamutufuneralservices. co.nz (under funeral recordings). All communications to the Strack family, c/- P O Box 137, Te Awamutu, 3840.
KERR, Veronica Kathleen – Passed away peacefully at Waikato Hospital, on Monday, 10th August 2026. Aged 94. Loved wife of the late Alistair. As per Veronica’s wishes a private cremation has taken place. All communications to the Kerr family, c/- P O Box 137, Te Awamutu, 3840
Local, caring and here for you in your time of need Losing a loved one is never easy, but our caring team is here 24/7 to support you and help create a farewell that honours their life.
07 870 2137 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu www.rosetown.co.nz
We buy milk!
CHURCH NOTICES
Kihikihi
Presbyterian Church Garth Williams Funeral Director, Owner
Pam & Ray Bestwick Locally owned and operated
5 Whitmore St, Kihikihi
DEATH NOTICES BURCHELL, Allan Lloyd – 29/11/1951 - 21/5/2026. Died suddenly in Castlemaine, Australia. Aged 74. Dearly loved son of the late Henry and Norma Burchell. Brother of Noel and the late Graham. Loved uncle and friend of Catherine and Lee, Errol and Kim, Marianne, Ramon, Samantha and Keith and great nephews Cameron, Jacob, Levi, George, Joshua and Mason. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Allan will be held at Te Awamutu Funeral Services, Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu, on Saturday 22 August 2026, at 1pm. All communications to the Burchell family, c/- PO Box 137, Te Awamutu, 3840.
Teri Keir Funeral Director
Got reject or surplus milk? Call us today on 027 871 5075. We collect within 1.5 hours drive from Te Awamutu.
CHURCH SERVICES 10am 16th August Dr Terry Cowland All Welcome
DEATH NOTICES
Our team is caring and compassionate. We give the utmost attention to detail in all aspects of our service.
BEREAVEMENTS STRACK, Mary – A dedicated CAB volunteer for 34 years, Life Member, valued colleague, and dear friend. Sorely missed and fondly remembered by all at the Te Awamutu Citizens Advice Bureau.
MACDONALD, Bruce Raymond – Passed away peacefully at home, aged 77 years. Father to Rachel, Lisa, Jason, and Shane, and grandfather to his grandchildren. Bruce will be remembered by many from his years managing KFC restaurants, and by the many people he met along the way. A memorial celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at the Te Awamutu & District Memorial RSA, Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu, on Saturday, 15 August 2026 at 2.00pm. Messages to the MacDonald family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in Bruce’s online tribute book at www.rosetown.co.nz.
SERVICES
FOR TELEVISION REPAIRS & TUNING • Television Aerial Installations & Extensions • Satellite atellite Dish Installation • Stereo Repairs
FOR SALE SILAGE BALES FOR SALE – Round Bales Top Quality Ph Nick 027 473 0001
GRAZING WANTED GRAZING WANTED 30 to 50 jersey x r2 hfrs grazing needed. Andrew 027 263 7396.
WESTEND ELECTRONICS Since 1990 871 5193
Jake's Drilling OFFAL HOLES Foundation Holes DANIEL JAQUES Mob 027 261 2248
Family Notices • Engagements • Weddings • Births • Anniversaries • Bereavements • In Memoriam etc
Call Janine 027 287 0005 e: janine@goodlocal.nz WORK WANTED Good Speed Construction – for all your building and project needs. Call Ross 021 0632268
BOND, Susanne Dorothy – - Passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at Waikato Hospital on Friday, 7th August 2026. Aged 65 years. Loved oldest daughter of the late Dawn and Keith Baily, loving Sister and Sister-inlaw of the late John, Linda and Murray Rumbles, Joy and Murray Gillard. Adored Aunty of Laura, Jamie, Shaun, Michelle, Hayley, Emma and partners, a very special Aunty Bondy of Frankie, Wade, Marla, Bailey, Ellie, Arlo, Posie and wee Jasper. A kind loving lady who loved her family and music.
BROWN, Angela Ruth, (nee Dunning) – Age 83 years young. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, after an illness. Hugely loved by a large family and friends. Devoted wife of Rex. Treasured mum of Sara, Ana, Paul and Julie. Much loved mother-in-law of the two favourite sons in law Greg and Paul. Adored Nan of Loren, Gabriella, Maia, Kane and Ben. “Angel for short, but not for long.’’ A farewell and celebration of Angela’s life will be held at Woodside Estate, Woodside Road, Matangi Hamilton on Saturday, the 8th of August at 10:00am. All communications to the Brown family, c/- PO Box 137, Te Awamutu, 3840. Livestreaming available at teawamutufuneralservices. co.nz (under funeral recordings).
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THURSDAY AUGUSY 13, 2026