Te Awamutu News | February 12, 2026

Our Guest column ends

By Viv Posselt

After several years writing thoughtful columns for Te Awamutu News, Julie Guest has finally laid down her pen. The popular columnist has stepped down as vicar of St John’s Anglican Church to concentrate on her role as Archdeacon of Waitomo, one she has been juggling alongside her St John’s role since late 2023. Her responsibilities as Archdeacon cover a wide swathe of the region, and it’s been tough at times.

“I’ve been committed to that alongside my role as St John’s vicar,” she said. “It’s been a tremendous amount of extra work and I don’t feel I’ve given it adequate attention. That’s what I will be doing now.”

Writing those columns “terrified me in the beginning”, she said. “I wasn’t sure I was representing a voice that was that of my parishioners. I was mindful they couldn’t be sermons.”

Changes at the church will see Sam Pullinger come in as vicar, and Ben Ong will oversee the transition as priest-incharge.

Julie and her husband will stay in Te Awamutu, and it’s likely that many of her creative initiatives spreading the faith will remain, as will her legacy of sometimes unorthodox techniques adopted to deal with community life.

Who can forget her 2022 church camp-out with her husband to nab thieves stealing copper from the roof? Or her decision to bring Te Awamutu a Death Café, a lively morning tea event aimed at easing the grief journey for those taking part?

Much of what Julie has brought to her role as vicar has been a combination of her own life experience and personal tenacity.

When she came to Te Awamutu in 2019 it was to take on her first role as vicar.

“That was a big gamble. I was the first female vicar at St John’s,

children transported elsewhere to escape the danger and decided as a young man to return to New Zealand to

In Gisborne he found a warm welcome and a lilting similarity between Te Reo and the Maltese language he learnt as a child; then met and married Julie’s mother, and their wedding breakfast was held on

Searing memories of war left her parents with a keen appreciation for their survival. They passed that, and a need to ‘pay it forward,’ to their own children. “My dad used to say, ‘you are a middle class, white New Zealander… each is a privilege and neither of them is deserved’. With the church and gratitude as guiding principles, Julie pushed aside a period of teen rebellion and went into teaching. It was only after she married and had children that thoughts grew of joining the ministry. The feeling strengthened when one of her children was found to be neuro-diverse, and she learned to approach his differences and those of others she met with patience and love.

It all led to theology training, and once ordained, took her around the North Island before she settled in Te Awamutu. In order to make sure nobody who wants to be seen remains unseen, Julie has broadened the range of services offered, introduced touches of Te Reo, grown the outreach side. Now, with the wider district beckoning, that role will only grow.

Invites members and friends to:

Waipa Workingmen’s Club

Albert Park Drive

Thursday 19 February

Doors open at 1pm

Guest Speaker: Fiona Jack

Senior associate with Edmonds Judd, sharing her knowledge and giving advice on Wills, and Powers of Attorney. Learn the pitfalls that can lead to headaches and confusion in both these areas. Door charge $4, includes ra e and cuppa.

For further information

contact Michael on 021 242 4220

Festival back with a bang

Organisers have raised their glasses to the return of the annual Kāwhia Kai Festival at the weekend.

Festival chair Bruce Brendon estimated the crowd numbers to have been as high as 3500.

A wide variety of stalls, many featuring traditional crafts as well as plenty of kai also kept spirits high.

The festival had been off the menu since 2021 due to substantial increases in costs due, in part, to the Covid pandemic.

However, it now looks like the show is back on the road.

“We’re definitely looking forward to putting on future events and interest is already coming in from folks wishing to be involved,” Brendon said.

Ōtorohanga district councillor Kit Jeffries applauded the efforts of all involved.

“It was an amazing day – thousands of festival goers were treated to a great family day out,” the Kāwhia-Tihiroa Ward rep

said. “After an absence of five years, the organising group did a magnificent job in reinstating this iconic festival, which augers well for 2027.”

MAHJONG LESSONS

CLASSES RUN EVERY WEDNESDAY

FROM 25 Feb – 25 Mar 12.45 – 3.30pm FIRST INTRODUCTORY CLASS IS FREE

WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY 2026

ARRIVE 12.30PM

Come and join our fabulous group of friendly women and learn a new skill!

• Learn the basics over four weeks

• Learn at your own pace

• Calm and supportive environment

• Great way to meet new people and most importantly, have fun!

Contact Glenice for more information M: 021 414 644

Waipa Women’s Hub Inc.

321 Bank Street Te Awamutu

In my column, I like to give you a snapshot of the types of crimes that are keeping us busy, good catches and arrests made by the Cambridge and Te Awamutu teams.

It is true that police can spend a lot of our shift responding to 111 calls for assistance. In most cases these calls come from members of the public being either directly victim of or witness to a crime. We can equally be called upon by other agencies or emergency services requiring our assistance.

This week, I want to look at the other tasks keeping us busy and the community safe, when we are not attending such jobs.

During day shifts, besides 111 calls, we assist with crimes that are reported in person to the station. You will also however find us out walking the beat. This is a good opportunity to connect with our community whilst also acting as a deterrent to would be shoplifters.

Policing is often about being in the right place at the right time. Where crime patterns are observed, we will also conduct targeted proactive mobile patrols in areas presenting as hotspots at hot times for burglary or car crime, again to deter and apprehend offenders and gather information. Whenever patrolling, we are also looking to enforce the traffic laws including through

checkpoints.

Bail checks are another daily occurrence. When a person is facing criminal charges, they may be released on court bail conditions pending their next hearing.

These almost always include a residential condition and may include a curfew. A curfew is put in place requiring the bailee to remain at home, typically this would be set during the time frames in which they have previously been committing crime. A police bail check may be conducted by an officer anytime between the curfew hours, to ensure compliance.

The person on bail (bailee) must be home and present themselves to police at the front door. Curfews are most commonly in place overnight, but can be 24hrs - both require regular checks.

If you think that keeps us busy, you'd be right. Sometimes however we are at the station, as there is always case work to be done. Each investigation requires enquiry work, phone calls, statements and follow up.

Our resulting arrests then require detailed file preparation for court. Altogether, the nature of policing ensures no two days are ever the same, which is one of the reasons we enjoy it.

Let’s not get tagged

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept” is a principle emphasising that failing to correct poor behaviour or low quality is equivalent to endorsing it.

Recently, Te Awamutu has become a target for taggers. There is recent tagging at Albert Park, one of the chemists, a couple of businesses in town and various other places. There is not so recent tagging on the Postie Plus building and the Variety Store. On approaching these businesses to ask who would remove the tagging I was told “we’re working with the owner” or “we’re working with head office” or “it’s not our responsibility, if we clean up they’ll only come back”.

This type of defacement is ugly and detrimental to Te Awamutu’s environment giving it a rundown, uncared for atmosphere.

As a Te Awamutu resident who cares about the way our town looks, I would like to urge building and business owners and the local community to take responsibility for the look of our town – clean the tagging. Don’t let it be the standard we accept.

Paula Walsh

Te Awamutu

Kaimai closure

A large rock on the top of a bluff will be removed during a five-night closure of the road over the Kaimai Range this month. The road will close for seven and a half hours each day at 8pm from February 22 to 26. It will add considerable time to journeys for drivers who would usually use the State Highway 29 corridor at that time.

Continuing education

The first 2026 meeting of the Te Awamutu continuing education group will be held on February 18. Our briefs last week had the incorrect day and we apologise for the error.

New vicar

The Reverend Stephen Black has been installed as the new vicar of St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Cambridge, stepping into a position his father briefly held in 2015. Around 300 people attended the February 1 service.

Not guilty

A Hamilton District Court jury has found a dentist not guilty of molesting a woman he invited to his home. The charges against Rahul Gautam, 51, stemmed from a series of incidents at his Tamahere home in March 2024.

Slow uptake

Ōtorohanga homeowners are lagging behind others in the King Country when it comes to accessing help from Maru Energy Trust. Maru is a not-for-profit organisation focused on making local homes warmer, drier and healthier by installing free insulation. In the 2026 financial year, just nine homes in the Ōtorohanga district have had free insulation installed by Maru. This compares with 53 homes insulated in the Ruapehu district over the same period.

A double honour for Irene

By Viv Posselt

It was advice from an older Scottish woman decades ago that led Irene Wardlaw to the military and, by association, to her receiving two prestigious national RSA awards.

The Te Awamutu resident was last month awarded the Royal New Zealand Returned Services Association Gold Star Badge, and the President’s Appreciation Certificate. Both were presented by Cambridge-based national president Tony Hill. Also there was RSA district support manager Tricia Hague, and members of local and regional RSAs.

The Gold Star Badge recognises outstanding honorary service at national and/or district level to RSA personnel, complemented by service to the community, while the President’s Appreciation Certificate affirmed Irene’s role as a key part of the nationwide restructuring of the provision of veteran support.

Tony Hill told The News that the latter linked Irene to a new RSA support services strategy started in 2015, known as the ‘Race to Trieste’ project.

“It has been extremely challenging as the level

of change required was immense,” he said. “The result is that all our veterans, including younger contemporary veterans and their families, are now far better supported and advocated for.”

He said Irene has supported veterans and their families for over 26 years, at all hours of day and night. “She is still actively involved in support at all levels of the RSA’s WaikatoKing Country/Bay of Plenty district. Irene is a passionate advocate for veteran welfare, ensuring veterans and their families receive the support

they are entitled to. She has been a mentor to many new RSA local support advisors and was active in getting support to veterans during the Covid shutdown.”

The last Gold Star recipient in the district was Peter Sparrow in 2022.

Te Awamutu RSA president Daniel van der Hulst described Irene as ‘a force to be reckoned with’, adding that she is one of the first people contacted when a veteran in the community needs support. She knew the buttons to be pushed, the forms to be filled out, whose ear to get into.

“There is no event too small, no gathering of veterans she attends where Irene isn’t asking after people, checking that they have what they need,” he said.

Keen to share her spotlight, Irene thanked the RSA and acknowledged the support she has received through the years.

A Gisborne girl originally, she told The News that while nursing in a maternity annex in Tauranga, she spoke to an older Scotswoman who asked what she wanted to do with her life.

“I said I wanted to travel and her reply was ‘join the forces and you will travel’,” she said. “On the back of that, I joined the nursing corps … went from Trentham to Waiouru where I met my husband, Ross.”

She left the forces when they were engaged, raised a family with her Vietnam veteran and started on her lengthy quest to help all veterans after struggling to access help for Ross’s life-affecting injuries. They both also spent years in the Scouts movement, and Irene was awarded her Silver Tiki award after 21 years with them. They also spent several years successfully running two Cookie Time vans.

Irene’s nursing work, some with people living with intellectual disabilities, gave her wide experience and her grit gave her the fortitude which finally brought them, and many other veterans, the hope of relief.

Now she works with a small team to support and advocate for veterans across one of the largest districts in the country. Being in her seventies isn’t stopping her, but she would like to see more volunteers step up to ensure the area is well covered and that younger veterans are included.

Balloons pop off for a year

Waipā has opted out of the Balloons Over Waikato event.

The district council’s group manager customer and community services Sally Sheedy said Waipā District Council valued its long-standing relationship with the Balloons Over Waikato Trust organisers and would continue discussions about future opportunities for the event to be held in Waipā.

The decision not to host an event in 2026 followed the consideration of factors including change of day,

rising delivery and operational costs and the high level of weather dependency associated with balloon events, which carried financial and delivery risk.

The event has been held on a Friday in Waipā for the last three years – in Karāpiro in 2023 then Albert Park, Te Awamutu for the last two years.

“Balloons visit Waipā has been a popular and well-supported event in previous years, despite some challenges with weather and council acknowledges the enjoyment and

value it has brought to the Waipā community,” Sheedy said.

“It was not a decision taken lightly and we are thankful to organisers for their understanding.”

The long running balloon fiesta – launched in 1999 - will run from March 21 to 28 and venture outside of Hamilton just once, for an evening visit to Tokoroa’s Memorial Park.

There will be a nightglow at Waikato University and an evening at The Base. The balloons will be at Innes Common on all other days.

TREES AND POWERLINES

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP YOU SAFE.

Managing your trees will help prevent power outages and keep everyone safe. Check your trees regularly and keep them trimmed so they stay clear of power lines.

TREE TRIMMING DANGERS

Trimming trees near power lines can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly.

Contact with a power line can cause:

• Injury or death to yourself, family, community members or livestock

• Damage to property

• Damage to power supply facilities and electrical appliances

• Damage to third parties.

Before attempting to clear tree foliage near live conductors you should contact us for advice.

Branch movement: Although tree foliage can sometimes appear to be at a safe distance from the lines, once you begin the work, the tree may move due to pressure placed on branches, random gusts of wind and other external factors. Be aware of any tree branches that may flick up as they are trimmed or as surrounding branches are cleared.

Wet weather: Branches often hang lower when the leaves are wet, so if it starts to rain, or if the leaves are already wet you should expect some movement. Debris: Ensure there is clear space to allow for debris when tree trimming.

Growth Limit Zone: any tree growing in the Growth Limit Zone (see diagram) must be trimmed by a Waipā Networks authorised arborist.

ELECTRICITY REGULATIONS

The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 set out the responsibilities of tree owners and lines companies in relation to trees and power lines. Waipā Networks has developed procedures to meet these regulations, summarised below:

• If we become aware of a tree that you are responsible for within the Notice Zone, you may be issued with a Hazard Warning Notice.

• If we become aware of a tree you are responsible for within the Growth Limit Zone, you will be issued with a Cut or Trim Notice.

• You must have the tree trimmed so that it no longer encroaches the Notice Zone or Growth Limit Zone. Dispensation can be applied for if there is a valid reason for the tree to be allowed to grow within the Notice or Growth Limit Zones.

• We’ll trim a tree free of charge provided it is the first trim. Any further trimming is the responsibility of the owner.

• At any stage, you can declare ‘No Interest’ in a tree on our network and we will meet the costs of any future trimming, or may decide to remove the tree altogether.

• Where we become aware of a tree close to the lines and likely to cause danger to the public or property we have the ability to remove the tree or branch causing the hazard.

If you receive a ‘Cut or Trim Notice’ you must use an approved Utility Arborist to trim or fell the trees. If you repeatedly ignore them, you could be fined up to $10,000 plus $500 per day for every day the offence continues.

THERE ARE RULES ABOUT SAFE DISTANCES BETWEEN TREES AND POWER LINES In the Zone

In October 2024, The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 were updated to increase the minimum safe distances between trees and power lines, and a new ‘clear to the sky’ requirement for some trees. The regulations define four zones:

Growth Limit Zone: This is the minimum distance that trees must be kept clear of overhead power lines.

Cut-Back Zone: This zone ensures vegetation is trimmed back far enough to prevent it from quickly growing into the Growth Limit Zone.

Notice Zone: We will issue a notice if vegetation is in this zone to give property owners time to address the risk earlier before it becomes urgent.

Clear to the Sky: This is the area above 33kv and high voltage lines that must be kept clear.

Fall Hazard Zone: Trees present a hazard if they fall and damage power lines. A tree’s fall hazard zone is the height of the tree plus 4 meters.

Note: Fall Zone trees are not currently covered by regulatory requirements. But if you own a tree that is within the fall zone and you have concerns about its health or safety, please notify us to discuss your options.

What are the Minimum Safe Distances?

The size of the growth limit zone varies depending on voltage level:

The Notice and Growth Limit Zone requirements increase if the adjacent power line span is greater than 150m. In these cases, we will notify you of your obligations.

Staged rates cap sought

By Chris Gardner

Waipā District Council has asked the Government for a staged implementation of a rates cap.

The majority of councillors sitting on the council’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee approved a council submission this month supporting the Government’s objectives to cap local government spending at four per cent.

Tier 1 growth councils, including Waipā, were not operating in a ‘steady state’ environment, so applying a steady state rating model too early created material financial, infrastructure delivery, and service delivery risks, the council submission said.

“Depreciation costs arising from rapid asset base expansion, largely driven by national policy and growth obligations, are the largest and least flexible cost driver for high growth councils.

“Core infrastructure costs are unavoidable, often driven by external requirements, and should be explicitly recognised or appropriately

exempted within any rates target framework for example, stormwater.”

“Given these factors, a slower and staged transition to the proposed rates target model should occur before binding caps are applied, supported by monitoring and adaptive mechanisms to respond to emerging impacts.”

Pirongia ward councillor Clare St Pierre, who proposed the submission be sent to the Government, said she had reservations about whether it would achieve its intent.

She described the Government’s proposal as “half-baked”.

Chief executive Steph O’Sullivan told the committee council had been told the Government would review the submissions using AI “and they will move at a pace”.

Mayor Mike Pettit said the council was “not that far away” from achieving the Government’s target of four per cent.

“The four per cent is challenging, but anything is possible,” he said.

Cambridge ward councillor Roger Gordon was the only committee member to vote against the submission.

“I don’t think that all of the time I have been in council there has ever been a steady state,” he said. “There’s always something that comes out of the woodwork. I don’t think that waiting for a steady state is critical.

“I am in favour of rates capping because I think that something has to be done to stop the incredible history of rates increases, and we’ve been as much to blame, an average of 10 per cent over the last five years I think is unsustainable.”

Day for good sports

time

A sporting open day which has been running in Āria, east of Piopio, since 1904 drew an estimated crowd of more than 700 adults on Waitangi Day. Among them were Waipā residents including Alisha Gibbons who was pictured with family and pony Milly. The event, featuring everything from shearing to plum (in place for eggs) and spoon races, was so successful two of the food trucks on Āria Domain ran out of supplies.

Deep sea minerals

By Janine Krippner

It is astounding how quickly our technology has advanced in recent years. This is a topic I love chatting with Dad about over breakfast. We rapidly went from horses and carts to cars, and now households often have more than one. The industrial age took off, and hydrocarbon products like oil became central to machinery, transportation, and a plethora of products that most of us aren’t aware of.

Advancing computer power and battery technology increases demand for materials formed deep below our planet’s surface. Many of these require mining, and the various levels of care involved often raise difficult and important ethical and environmental questions.

We all benefit from these technologies, including through transport, food production, and life-saving medical advancements. We also know that damage has been done in the process. It is not an inherently evil system, but a complex one, which we must continue to do better as a species.

One issue we may hear more about in the future is the proposed mining of seafloor minerals. So, what are they?

One example is polymetallic nodules, or manganese nodules. These are rock-like concretions containing elements such as iron, manganese, nickel, copper, cobalt, and molybdenum. Ferromanganese nodules can also include silicates alongside iron and manganese. In simple terms, they are naturally occurring mineral accumulations that underpin technologies modern societies increasingly rely on.

These nodules often resemble metal balls, typically around 2-8 cm across, reaching 20cm. Nodules can be less round and more complex shapes, and crusts can form over other surfaces like rocks.

Polymetallic nodules form on the ocean floor, generally at depths of 3500–6000 m. These extreme depths are technically challenging to work in, and there is still a great deal we do not understand about deep-ocean ecosystems.

They are also ancient. These nodules grow slowly, taking millions of years to form.

The International Seabed Authority is mandated to “organise and control all mineralresources-related activities in the Area for the benefit of humankind as a whole.” The “Area” refers to international seabed regions beyond national jurisdiction, covering roughly 54 per cent of the ocean floor. Many countries are members of this body, including us, and its work and responsibilities are publicly documented.

Research is underway on the impacts of min-ing this resource, and so far, the impacts are, unsurprisingly, concerning. Limited results indicate test mining impacts can persist over decades. It is important to note that much of this evidence comes from early experimental retrieval methods, and I am not up to date on whether newer approaches reduce these impacts.

As with any activity that affects our planet, there is still much to learn about how human actions damage land and seafloor environments, and the life they support. My hope is that sufficient time and care are taken to ensure that, if this is a path we choose, it is pursued with respect, understanding, and responsibility. Given that much of this activity would occur in international waters, this also means applying these values across nations, including those with less political and economic power.

No chocolates required

By Karla Rose, Zion Church

Isn’t it funny how a day like Valentine’s will prompt conversations about love and catalyse the exchange of chocolates and gifts?

Now I’m all for any excuse to show my loved ones that I love them, but I question if what we see at Valentine’s Day is really love.

When I consider love, rather than one-off gifts and a single day of lavish attention, I am partial to the Biblical definition of love, which asserts that love is patient and kind, it does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant or rude,

it does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth, it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, and it love never ends.

Now that is the kind of love I hope to receive, and what I hope to be known for giving.

A love that is, without a doubt, more costly than purchasing and presenting a box of chocolates.

Love is something you need to choose every day, something that asks you to set aside what you want, and even how you feel, and prioritise the needs of someone other than yourself.

This self-sacrificing ‘I would die for you’ kind of love isn’t easy, and in fact, in all human history, has been successfully achieved by only one person, Jesus Christ. We all think we are loving, but if we were tasked to swap out our name for ‘love’ each time it appears in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 could we honestly stand in front of even a single

person and declare that we were all those things, not just one or two, but all?

At the moment it feels as though roadworks are everywhere, slowing us down, forcing us to travel the long way, inconveniencing us.

There are road workers who never seem to let us through, forcing us to wait in a never ending line, people crossing the street as though their only goal that day is to be run over, people driving, or cycling with a disregard for anyone’s lives, it can all feel incredibly frustrating.

This is where the non-chocolate-centred version of love shines.

When it is a normal day, when shop windows don’t actively remind us to consider someone other than ourselves, that is when we put on love.

That is when love takes a deep breath and considers the needs, reasons and motivations of others without assuming the worst.

In the day-to-day grind, where we don’t get brownie points, or even get to feel good about ourselves, that is when real love becomes evident.

So while I encourage you to show your loved ones how much you love them, all while supporting our incredible local cafes, restaurants, and stores, I want to suggest that all of us learn how to put on love every day, even when it makes you uncomfortable and you don’t get to eat chocolate.

Chair reflects on Waitangi

By Jon Rawlinson

It was her first Waitangi Day as chair of the Waitangi National Trust, but far from her first overall.

A board member for almost nine years and former deputy chair, Tania Simpson was well within her element at Waitangi last week.

“We had events throughout the week,” she told The News. “The dawn ceremony was beautiful and I did the opening welcome. After that, there were other events, the waka were out on the water and, overall, it was a very happy, festive day.”

Compared with some previous years, there were no major controversies on the day.

“During the dawn ceremony, David Seymour was heckled, largely because it’s a church service and his address was more like electioneering,” Simpson said.

“The congregation kept reminding him that he should be giving a karakia, a prayer, and that it’s not a platform for political statements.”

Originally from Ōtorohanga, Simpson lives in Mātangi and she has strong ties across Waipā and

the King Country. She is a professional director with almost 30 years’ experience in governance.

Simpson was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to governance and Māori.

She stepped down from lengthy service on the Waitangi Tribunal before stepping up from her deputy chair role to lead the Waitangi National Trust board.

“As chair, you gain a deeper understanding of responsibilities,” Simpson said.

“The board as a whole is responsible, but you’re guiding a lot of what happens and making sure the board is fulfilling its obligations, so it is another layer of responsibility.”

Being the first wahine to chair the trust since it was established in 1932 added extra expectations.

“It’s made it even more of a responsibility, to be able to ensure other women are given opportunities to step into this role – it has been a big factor but I’ve also received a lot of support.”

Simpson will step down in June when her maximum term of nine years on the trust is complete.

“I’m really mindful that I only have a short term, so I’m doing as much as I can to make a strong contribution.”

Until then, Simpson may sit at the top of the table but administering the trust is a group effort, she said.

“Ngāpuhi in particular and the hapū that affiliates with the land have a very deep relationship, but there’s a myriad of stakeholders to liaise with,” she said.

“I’m not doing it on my own, though – there’s a big team around me. As long as we nurture relationships, listen, treat everybody with respect and collaborate, then it all works out pretty well.”

Widow exposes failings

By Chris Gardner

A coroner has commended the widow of a Tamahere man for helping expose gaps in care provided by Health New Zealand after her husband’s death.

Nigel Dring, 65, a retired Windscreens Direct manager, died at Tamahere Eventide Home and Village on July 22, 2023, eight days after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation at Waikato Hospital and two days after being seen at the hospital’s pilot atrial fibrillation clinic.

Nigel was awaiting an echocardiogram ordered at that clinic when he died.

His widow, Lynn, raised several concerns about his early care, prompting coroner Ian Telford to widen his inquiry. It was Mrs Dring who alerted him that Health NZ was reviewing the clinic and its safety, prompting further investigation.

Telford criticised HNZ Waikato for poor processes and inadequate documentation.

The atrial fibrillation clinic’s initial assessment sheet had never been formally adopted and was kept in a nurse’s desk file. It was inaccessible to other clinicians and not

part of the official record.

He found multiple deficiencies, including a non-robust assessment form with no clinical governance approval, a heavy workload placed on a 0.6 FTE nurse covering two specialist roles, undocumented verbal oversight by a cardiologist, and inadequate recording of assessments and reasoning.

Clinical information was also not electronically visible to other providers, posing risks to patient safety. There was no structured quality assurance process for the clinic.

Telford emphasised that Mrs Dring brought crucial issues to light and helped drive systemic reviews and changes aimed at improving safety.

“It is noteworthy that Mrs Dring’s advocacy was instrumental in alerting me to the issues that have become central to my inquiry,” the coroner said.

“Her complaints to HNZ Waikato have led to systemic reviews that have led to changes to clinical practice that are designed to enhance patient safety. It is my fervent hope that real change now flows from this tragic incident that has

left a family traumatised and living with the loss of a man they cherished.”

He recommended strengthening governance of nurse led, and clinical nurse specialist led clinics, including consistent use of approved documents, clear assessment records, reliable escalation pathways, explicit supervision, and adequate staffing and administrative support. He also urged Health New Zealand to work with professional bodies to ensure nurses in advanced roles understand scope limits and that expectations for medical oversight and collaboration are clearly defined.

The coroner highlighted the urgent need for a shared digital record, saying many failures could have been avoided with real time access to clinicians’ assessments and plans.

“My doctor rang me and said I should be proud of myself,” Mrs Dring told The News.

She felt the coroner had been more understanding of the emergency department than he could have been, as they could have done more tests, but his concerns with the atrial fibrillation department were justified.

We’re excited to welcome you to Waipiko Landing on Sunday 22 February, where you’ll have the chance to explore our completed homes, meet the team, and experience the vision for this growing neighbourhood in Te Awamutu.

Just a 30-minute drive from Hamilton and 20 minutes to Cambridge. Waipiko Landing o ers easy access to major centres while maintaining the charm of life in a vibrant community.

Homes are being delivered by trusted build partners Venture Developments, Progressive Projects, and Generation Homes, o ering a mix of completed and customisable home packages to suit are available, o ering flexibility in design, size and price point.

and Cottages. Assisted living, Rest home, Hospital, Dementia and Palliative care options available.

Location: Time: Date: Find

Care is finding the perfect shade of pink.

When your loved one can no longer manage at home, you need a place with care you can trust.

At Summerset Cambridge, we know the little things can make a big difference. Care isn’t just about scheduled doses, it’s knowing sometimes laughter is the best medicine. Care is having a dance to their favourite song and talking about the town where they grew up.

Join our upcoming Care Morning Tea Tour to learn more about Waikato’s newest premium care centre, including specialist dementia care.

Summerset Cambridge summerset.co.nz/cambridge 07 839 9482

Summerset Cambridge Care Morning Tea Tour

Summerset Cambridge’s brand new care centre is now open, offering a range of accommodation to suit your needs, from care apartments to premium care rooms with rest home and hospital level care. The village is also home to our industry-leading memory care centre, offering apartment-style living for people living with dementia, in a safe, secure and homely environment.

We know that moving to a retirement village is a big decision, so why don’t you and the family come along to our Care Morning Tea Tour on Saturday 14 February. This will be your only chance to walk through our state-of-the-art memory care centre before our first residents move in. Plus our specialist care team will give a short presentation on our continuum of care, with a chance for you to ask any questions regarding you or a loved one, so you can feel peace of mind for the future.

Care Morning Tea Tour

Saturday 14 February, 10.30am

Summerset Cambridge 1 Mary Ann Drive, Cambridge 07 839 9482 | cambridge.sales@summerset.co.nz

Backpack to the future On the Trail

New Zealand Outdoor Instructors’ Association bush leader and senior writer Chris Gardner continues his outdoor series by discussing choosing and packing a backpack.

Tramping with an enormous backpack overflowing with gear will kill your enjoyment.

The total load of your backpack should never exceed one third of your body weight and, for young people, 15kg is the absolute maximum.

On a multi-day trip, a wet shelter or tent and wet clothes will add weight to your backpack.

Backpacks come in all shapes and size and, like clothes, should be tailored for the walk or tramp you are undertaking.

Day walkers should pack their outdoor essentials in a 30-litre daypack, including hat, gloves, emergency shelter, and survival bag in the event that they spend an unplanned night outdoors.

A 65-litre backpack is perfect for a short tramping trip when a sleeping bag and tent are necessary

Long-stay expeditions warrant a 100-litre backpack, mostly because of the additional clothes and food needed.

When backpack shopping it is important to buy a backpack that fits you. Reputable outdoor gear retailers will have staff trained in fitting packs.

Some manufactures make male and female models as, generally, men tend to have longer backs than women. In many cases a women’s model pack will suit

tweens and teens better than the alternatives. Some backpacks have adjustable backs, to allow you to adjust the harness as you grow.

Look out for well-padded and easily adjustable shoulder straps.

A well-padded and easily adjustable hip belt with a quick release feature is also essential. This will ensure that the weight is carried on your hips and not your back. A quick release belt buckle is essential for the emergency removal of the pack in a river crossing, should it go wrong.

Features, like pockets and side opening zips, are down to personal taste but they do enable quick access to the likes of first aid kit, food, raincoats, thermals, and water.

While many manufactures claim their backpacks are waterproof, most will not keep your gear dry in pelting rain, and no backpack will be dry inside after a river dunking. Always use either a pack liner or dry bags inside your backpack. Sealed properly, these can add buoyancy to your backpack. But if they are not sealed, a pack liner can fill with water and drag your pack down.

A good rule of thumb when packing a backpack is first in, last out, meaning the last thing you should pack is the first thing you might need in a hurry.

Sleeping systems, sleeping bags, sheets and mats, should sit at the bottom of your backpack, followed by clothes.

Your tent will most likely be your heaviest piece of gear and should sit in the middle of your pack and hug your back. This will help you to maintain your centre of gravity.

You’ll want your cooking gear, food, and water near the top along with a water and wind proof top and bottom. If your stove runs on liquid fuel, you’ll want to keep the fuel in a sealed bag or three, in case of leakage, and store it as low as possible, in case it breaches the barriers. For this reason, I favour gas cookers and cartridges.

If you are not carrying a sleeping system and tent, because you are on a day trip, remember to include an emergency blanket and shelter in case you get caught out by an accident or sudden change in the weather.

It’s best practice to keep all of your equipment and gear in your pack, rather than strapped to the outside. It helps keep it secure and dry. Many times, I’ve seen tampers carrying billies or cups dangling from their packs, like tinkers, with the vessels swinging and filling with water as it rained. On swinging the pack off they get drenched,

Take it from me, a well-chosen and packed backpack can make the difference between a successful hike or tramp and a disaster.

19 FEBRUARY 2026

We have 35 great properties to auction at our Waikato Bid Day Out!

The BID DAY OUT auction extravaganza is the best way to buy your property this summer! Don’t miss out!

Scan the QR code, or visit pb.co.nz/bdo for all the details

19 February 2026 from 11.00am Cambridge Town Hall, Victoria Street, Cambridge 3434

Quick crossword

Wordsearch

Across 1. Shopping centre (4) 4. Sitting room (6)

(4)

(9)

(8)

(4)

21. Nearby (5) 22. Come together violently (7) 23. Savage (6) 24. Quick look (4)

2. Word formed from another (7) 3. Many (colloq) (4)

Lacking spirit or liveliness (13)

5. Ingratiating (8) 6. Zest (5) 7. Robbery (5) 8. Endearingly pretty (4) 12. Free of blame (8) 14. Shifty (7) 15. Throw out (5) 16. Cheerfulness (4) 18. Love, affection (Fr) (5) 20. Petticoat (4)

Across: 1. Burka, 4. Bullet, 8. Contact, 9. Robot, 10. Amend, 11. Endorse, 12. Defend, 14. Scroll, 17. Obscene, 19. Music, 21. Taper, 22. Pro rata, 23. Starve, 24. Tithe. Down: 1. Back and forth, 2. Rinse, 3. Abandon, 4. Butter, 5. Lurid, 6. Embargo, 7. Steeplechase, 13. Fusspot, 15. Comfort, 16. People, 18. Error, 20. Smart.

IAHTAGAEGAMNEMTBON

TYRHOMYNFMYRKVBILT KBOIYYSTHLITSCREEN FRLBIWEHWFELIQTNRJ XEGLOWLFSEACAMOKSN HACDCGLIMMERTREDUU LKANTSPBGTGJLIFWNT OHHHUENWHHLENSOISF SLGYYSRGLITTERTNHF MIRRORILANTERNODIL STJLTREXFLICKERONA VISIBILITYIEHDCWES FILAMENTCANDLEHJQH BEACON BEAM BRIGHT BULB CANDLE CHINK DAWN

REFLECTION SCREEN SHADOW

SHAFT SIGHT SPARK

Sudoku

Waipā District Council will close

Road: from Mandeno Road to Puahue Road

Time: between 5am and 1pm

Road(s): Puahue Road: from Hairini Road to Long Road Time: between 5am and 7am

Date: Saturday 21st February 2026

There will be detours in place during the temporary road closure. Access for emergency vehicles will be permitted in the event of an emergency.

Steph O’Sullivan CHIEF EXECUTIVE

WORK WANTED

Gorse, Ragwort, Thistles, professional, efficient weed spray operator, 200m auto rewind reels Ph 022 0844 349

TE AWAMUTU CONTINUING EDUCATION

Wednesday 18thFebruary2026

10am

Entry: $4onarrival Waipa Workingmen’sClub Speaker: GuySlocum Topic: Ex Royal Airforce Pilot. Flying off HMS Ark Royal. Everybody Welcome More info phone 07 870 3223

WORK WANTED RELIEF MILKER AVAILABLE, taking bookings now, 35 years’ experience. Ph 027 206 6723

Te Awamutu Concerts Alive! presents ‘Musical Mischief: Flute & Piano’

SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2PM

Yunesang Yune and Camila De Oliveira perform works by Mozart, Poulenc and others.

St John’s Anglican Church Arawata Street, Te Awamutu. $25 Cash on the door, Students and children FREE! ALL WELCOME!

PROPOSED PRIVATE PLAN CHANGE

35 TO THE OPERATIVE WAIPĀ

Availability of Summary of Submissions and Further Submissions Clauses 7 and 8 of Schedule 1 to the Resource Management Act

1991

On October 16, 2025, Waipā District Council notified Proposed Private Plan Change 35 - Te Awamutu Large Format Retail Centre (PC35). Submissions closed on November 13, 2025.

Council has prepared a summary of the decisions requested in submissions received on PC35, which is now available to view at www.waipadc.govt.nz/planchange35, or at Council offices and public libraries in Te Awamutu and Cambridge.

Further submissions on PC35 can now be lodged with Council. The closing date for further submissions is 5pm, Thursday February 26, 2026.

A further submission may only be made in support of, or opposition to, another person’s submission and can only be made by:

• Any person representing a relevant aspect of the public interest;

• Any person with a greater interest in the plan change than the general public; and

• Waipā District Council.

Further submissions must follow and provide the information required by Form 6 in the Resource Management (Forms, Fees, and Procedure) Regulations 2003. The further submission form can be accessed at www.waipadc.govt.nz/planchange35

Further submissions can be made:

• Online: www.waipadc.govt.nz/planchange35

• Email: districtplan@waipadc.govt.nz

• Post: Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840

• In-person: Waipā District Council offices, 101 Bank Street Te Awamutu OR 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge.

You must serve a copy of your further submission on the person who made the original submission within five working days of lodging it with Council. Please email districtplan@waipadc.govt.nz to request the contact details of the original submitter.

Notification date (summary of submissions): February 12, 2026. Further submission closing date: 5pm, Thursday February 26, 2026.

Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive

Honest and reliable Class 5 bulk tipper truck and trailer drivers – we want to hear from you!

Phone 07 827 1869 or email office@ curincontractors.co.nz for more information.

Gardening Work

send your

to ggworkz@gmail.com or call 027 238 2517 and speak to Tess.

Workshop Manager/ Technician Wanted

We’re on the lookout for a Workshop Manager to join our friendly team! If you’re looking for a change, or the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you. Please call or email us on 07 827 3880 office@lakestauto.co.nz

HAPPY LAWNS AND TREE COMPANY, call now for a free quote. Ph 027 206 6723

HORSE FLOAT REPAIRS; Fibreglass, wood and structural repairs and refits. Contact Max Laver 021 105 4737.

PATERSON, Valerie (Nola)

– Passed away on 5th February 2026 at Waikato Hospital, aged 94 years 9 months. Much loved wife of the late Les Paterson and the late Roy Fensom. Devoted mother and mother-in-law of Lorraine & Michael Flynn (Te Awamutu). Treasured Granny of Melanie & John Crowhurst (Australia), Angela & Matthew Aitken (Auckland), Hamish Flynn & Susan Hall (Auckland). Treasured Great Granny of Molly & Ryan; Chloe & Isla; Ella, Ryleigh, Harvey & Archer. All the jobs are done now. Rest in Peace. A celebration of Nola’s life will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 87 Forest Lake Road, Hamilton on Saturday, 14th February at 11:00 am followed by interment at The Hamilton Park Lawn Cemetery, 395 Morrinsville Road, Hamilton. All communications to the Paterson family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.

Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ

AIKEN, David Neil –Passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, aged 68 years. Loved son of the late Bonnie and Roley. Much loved brother of Judy Johns and the late Wendy Aiken, and favourite uncle of Simon & Stephi. He will be dearly missed. In keeping with David’s wishes, a private farewell has been held. Messages to the Aiken family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu, or shared on David’s online tribute page at www. rosetown.co.nz

ASHCROFT, Hepina (Bubbles) (nee Paerata)

Toni Ann Loza

Gone but never ever forgotten, much loved. Mum, Justin, Lee Ann, and family.

Church

CHURCH SERVICES 10am 15th February Dr Terry Cowland All Welcome

– Passed away peacefully on 4th February 2026, aged 91. Much loved wife of the late Denny. Loved mother to Karina, Teri, Tania, Heath, Travis and Darrel. Adored nana, greatnana and mother-in-law. Service has been held. All communication please to the Ashcroft family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840

Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ

COLLINS, Noeline Ann (nee Joyce) 23.04.193623.01.2026 – Noeline passed away peacefully in her sleep on the 23rd January in Hamilton, aged 89. Noeline was a much-loved mother, mother-in-law, sister, sisterin-law, aunty, cousin, dear friend, and Nana Noel to her darling grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved us all so much and was deeply loved by us all. Rest in peace Nana Noel, you are and will always be our shining light. A memorial will be held on Saturday, 7th March, in Kaipaki. For details, contact Maurice at joyces75@hotmail.com.

LIDDINGTON, Zilda Mary – Passed away at home on Friday 6th February 2026, aged 80. Loving wife of Les. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Vicki and Tony Turner, Steven Liddington and Paul and Kayte Nan and great nan to her many grandchildren/ great grandchildren. A celebration of Zilda’s life will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu on Thursday 19th February at1pm. The service will be live streamed please email office@teawamutufunerals. co.nz for the link. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to hospicewaikato. org.nz. All communications to The Liddington family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.

Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ