Shareen Parker closed the doors of her Pirongia business last week after takings plummeted.
“It was worse than Covid,” said the owner of The Hive handcraft store in Franklin Street. “There was just no one around. It was like a ghost town.”
Buses and trucks stopped visiting the township when the state highway was closed in the wake of the St Valentine’s Day floods.
Mangati Bridge on SH39 between Pirongia and Ōtorohanga was severely damaged by the flooded Ngakoaohia Stream which flows from Mount Pirongia into the Waipā River.
A push by Waipā mayor Mike Pettit for district residents to take a special trip to the township on Saturday saw Parker re-open.
“Our takings are down by 80 per cent, if not more.”
She had heard it could be three or four weeks before NZTA opens a single lane bridge for light traffic on the highway and hoped it would be much quicker.
“The locals can only do so much,” she said. “It’s a bit depressing.”
“We’ve had a few more people today,” she said on Saturday after Pettit had extended the state of emergency for a second week.
“A lot of people are saying they have heard about the campaign which is good.”
Parker also appreciated a visit from a Waipā District Council staff member who did a welfare check on her.
Across the road, at the newly built Country Bakery Café, the cabinets are full of cakes, pies and sandwiches.
Wanted: one bridge
“It’s very quiet,” said owner Pheap Keat. “We are 65 per cent down.”
“Buses and trucks buy more than the locals.”
Keat and his small team moved down the road to the new premises he built in July after a substantial investment.
The neighbouring CFE Organics owner Jo Whittaker took her business online and replaced staff with herself after taking just $17 last Tuesday.
The business, which opened in
November, usually sells hundreds of dollars’ worth of organic food and drink each day.
“It’s been a difficult week, but we have stayed open,” she said.
“I have just cut my staff hours and doing what we can and pushing my online store.”
Regulars come from all over the district and neighbouring Ōtorohanga district, and Whittaker appreciates the extra effort some of her clients are making to get to her.
Mountain Folk Café Retreat
owner Michelle Richardson said her takings were down by about two thirds.
“We did our first Saturday night dinner last week, a lot of locals were coming, and some couldn’t get here,” she said.
However, Sunday turned out to be one of her businesses biggest trading days.
“Pirongia is open for business and definitely welcoming people,” she said.
“We are taking it one day at a time.”
CFE Organics owner Jo Whittaker took her business online after taking just $17 one day last week.
Photo: Chris Gardner
Takings are down two thirds at Country Bakery Café in Pirongia. Photo: Chris Gardner
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Shakespeare for a laugh
By Viv Posselt
Waikato Summer Shakespeare performances now playing in Hamilton will be at Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Te Aroha early next month, with Waipā actors among the cast of 20.
Young lawyer Keira McGregor is one of the Cambridge actors – she plays Hero in this season’s classic romantic comedy, Much Ado
About Nothing. She said that attending the dawn Shakespeare shows had long been a favourite theatre tradition.
“So last year, when I saw a post from the Hamilton Group Actors that they needed a last-minute Olivia fill-in for last year’s Twelfth Night, I was quick to audition. I am now superexcited for this year’s season of Much Ado.”
The annual summer event has been going since the 1990s and aims to present Shakespeare’s plays in an outdoor theatre setting that makes his works free, widely accessible and fun.
This year’s presentation is being directed by Hamilton based Abigail von Ahsen, a lifelong fan of all things theatre. She has been involved with the summer Shakespeare season for about a decade while making a living as a professional writer. Von Ahsen is adding a respectful dollop of spice set to give the production a playful twist without straying too far from Shakespeare’s classic form.
“The play was supposedly one of the inspirations for Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice,” she told The News. “So, I’ve taken the Regency setting and run with it, taking advantage of the popularity of the Bridgerton television series.”
Special thanks to Lisa
It’s the end of an era at Cambridge Police this week as our SSO - station support officer - Lisa, moves on to a new challenge within police after eight years with us. For many, Lisa has been the first point of contact at our station, greeting the public at the front counter with professionalism, empathy, and an endless supply of sound advice.
In this role, she has supported countless victims of crime and become a trusted, knowledgeable presence for both our community and our staff. She has been the central hub of our station’s wheel, keeping everything running smoothly, sharing vital local knowledge, and helping make our work easier and more effective.
We wish Lisa every success in her new role. She leaves behind big shoes to fill, and we’re proud to support her continued growth and welldeserved progression.
The front counter role is a crucial first point of contact. In Te Awamutu, we are supported by both Lisette and Heather. Our station support officers manage a wide range of enquiries every day, from lost and found property, reports of scams or fraud, and firearms licensing queries, to trespass matters, crime prevention advice, suspicious activity, crimes in progress, and family harm concerns. They bring compassion, diplomacy, and strong deescalation skills to their work
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She said the play worked particularly well as a Regency-era piece, complete with “pretty costumes… not to mention a romantic lead in a wet, white shirt.”
That romantic lead is Benedick, played by theatre buff and Te Awamutu police officer Philip Garrity. He has been keen on acting for most of his life, did his first Shakespeare at high school and then theatre studies and management at uni. He also did Ross Mcleod’s play, Romeo and Juliet and Viola, and last year was director for the season’s contemporary presentation of Twelfth Night.
“Shakespeare is the best challenge an actor could have,” he said, adding how deftly it affords directors an opportunity to slip in a spot of re-interpretation… “always with a light touch”.
Garrity isn’t the only Te Awamutu bloke involved. The other is Jared Wooldridge, a Te Awamutu College English teacher who has been acting in and around Hamilton for years and who plays Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing.
Von Ahsen said rehearsals for the current production started last October. Bringing the summer series beyond Hamilton has meant a heavier than usual workload for the crew.
support officers connect community members with officers on shift to ensure appropriate followup or action. Behind the scenes, they also assist with intel, liquor licensing administration, asset management, exhibit management, and many other essential aspects of station operations. As officers, we deeply appreciate everything they do.
In other news, in Cambridge, Police arrested a male who allegedly shoplifted a trolleyload of groceries from Woolworths. He was located a short distance away, and a subsequent search uncovered drug paraphernalia and confirmed he was breaching courtimposed release conditions. He now faces related charges.
Also in Cambridge, a female took items from Briscoes before fleeing in a vehicle toward Hamilton. Staff there stopped the vehicle, recovered the items, and arrested her. She was also found to be wanted for three other shoplifting incidents and now faces several charges in court.
In Te Awamutu, Police received a report of a stolen Mazda ute in Te Kūiti, where the offender attempted to drive at a member of the public. The vehicle travelled north on SH3 before being stopped by Te Awamutu Police. The sole male occupant faces three associated charges in court.
“It always used to travel to various parks around the Waikato, but for the last few years it’s been restricted to the Hamilton Arts Festival. This year, we wanted to get back to our roots,” she said.
Performances still to come are the traditional dawn performance at Roger’s Rose Gardens in Hamilton on March 1; on March 6 and 7 in Hamilton, then at Cambridge’s Te Koo Utu on March 8, Te Awamutu War Memorial Park on March 8, and Te Aroha Domain on March 14.
On the beat with Senior Constable DEB HANN
Abigail von Ahsen and Te Awamutu police officer Philip Garrity.
Photo: Viv Posselt
Guest speaker
Richie Steward – who goes by his Muay Thai martial arts name Richie Hardcore, will speak to parents, caregivers and staff from the district’s schools at Te Awamutu College next month. Steward is a consultant, educator and advocate whose work focuses on masculinity, mental health.
Weed control
Work to manage the invasive lake weed hornwort has started Lake Karāpiro. Land
Information New Zealand’s biosecurity leader Tracey Burton says the project will involve a boat and a helicopter to spray weed near boat ramps, ski lanes, and swimming spots over the coming weeks, weather permitting.
Credit given
Waikato District Council has retained its AA+ longterm credit rating and F1+ short-term rating from Fitch Ratings, following the agency’s annual review. AA+ is the highest rating currently assigned by Fitch to a New Zealand local government agency. It reflects very strong capacity to meet financial commitments and prudent long-term financial management. It came with a negative outlook component, reflecting an economic landscape with sector-wide uncertainty, including reform and funding constraints.
Job done
Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in Auckland have been lifted.
Biosecurity New Zealand
Commissioner North Mike Inglis said no further evidence of Queensland fruit fly had been found in Mt Roskill since one was found in early January. The battle to eliminate yellow legged hornets continues, and a “red zone” for monitoring the pest has been extended beyond Glenfield after they were found in Takapuna and Forrest Hill.
Clarke’s passage to India
Kristian Clarke made his friends and his family even more proud after making his Black Caps debut against India in Vadodara last month. Jesse Wood reports.
Black Caps one day international player 224 Kristian made his debut on January 11, and helped himself to a wicket and 24 runs off 17 balls.
This was followed 10 days later with his first T20 international, against India in Nagpur.
The Te Awamutu-born said representing New Zealand had always been a dream… “but I never imagined it happening this early on in my career… for it to happen in a place like India was the experience of a lifetime”.
Clarke who celebrates his 25th birthday next week, is now a fan – watching the 15-strong New Zealand squad compete in the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India.
He featured in four games against India – one T20 and three one day internationals, before returning to New Zealand and donning Northern Districts colours for a T20 clash against Canterbury.
He said when he was named for the India tour he was happy to be there and take in the whole experience.
“But then to be told I was going to play that first game was a bit nerve racking if I’m honest.
“Obviously, I was so excited though and ready to test myself against the best in world and share the field with players I’ve watched on TV for years within that Indian team.”
Having his parents, Jan and Peter, and partner Jess there for his first match meant a lot .
“My parents have played a massive part in my journey within cricket, helping both myself and my siblings to take part in whatever sports or activities we wanted to growing up,” Kristian said.
“For them to see me make my début was a pretty cool moment.
“In the last few years, my partner has been awesome in supporting me live out my dream and it really is a team effort from friends and
family back home to enable me to do what I love.
“There’s countless people throughout my life who have all played a role in helping me get to where I am, so I am forever grateful for those who have been in my corner.”
Jan said Kristian’s Black Caps début was an extremely proud moment for the family.
“To see Kristian in black representing New Zealand is truly a moment of great honour and respect. To be able to witness his debut was incredible and very emotional for myself, Peter and Jess.
“It was hard to believe we were there watching the team talk and presenting him with his hat.
“We looked at each other, no words needed, as the emotion on all our faces painted the picture of how extremely proud we all are.”
Jan and Peter’s first cricketing memoires of their son were playing on their tennis court with his two older brothers and older sister.
“From there, playing junior Saturday cricket in Te Awamutu, to then filling in for Waikato Valley team one day with his older brother. He was seven and the rest of the team were around 10,” Peter said.
Kristian’s sporting journey has been a full family effort.
“Endless hours at trainings and Saturday games, to tournaments, to trips away and we wouldn’t change a thing,” Jan said.
“Peter and I were both lucky to also have parents that gave their time to all sports.
“They were also involved in Kristian’s cricket journey, so he has had a lot of support and encouragement from grandparents – all of his family.”
Longtime friend Dylan Jeffries said the pair first met on the rugby field as kids.
He’s watched Kristian build up to his dream.
“We’ve known each other since about age 10. Although on opposite sides at that stage, within a year we were on the same team playing 6 and 8 for Te Awamutu
Sports, before attending Hamilton Boys’ High together,” Jeffries said.
“I think the secret to his success is the fact he doesn’t hide when moments get tough or when things go wrong. His determination, dedication and work ethic are second to none.
“He is constantly looking at areas to improve on and ways he can evolve as both a player on the field and a person off of it.”
Jeffries said after Kristian was added to the Black Caps November squad but missed a chance at home against the West Indies, he knew when the India touring squad was named it was his time to debut.
“As the first ODI v India was starting and the teams were singing the anthems, seeing Kristian there had me in tears,” Jeffries said.
“Seeing him in the New Zealand kit and taking the field meant the world to me. Knowing all along he had the ability to be there was one thing. but for it to all finally come to fruition was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Funeral Director: Teri Keir
Kristian’s girlfriend Jess Johnson (left) and mum and dad Jan and Peter Clarke pose with fans at his debut match in India.
Photo: Supplied
From left, Black Caps Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Adi Ashok and Mitch Hay.
Photo: Blackcaps
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The sudden death of Alice Harris
Alice Harris was in good spirits, and quite sure she wanted to proceed with eye surgery. She had travelled from Kihikihi in September 1894 to stay with her sister-inlaw Ellen Lampra at Wakefield Street, Auckland.
Alice was 52, the wife of Johnson Harris, Kihikihi bootmaker. She had a painful right eye and had been unwell for many months. The day after arriving in Auckland she went to see Dr Wilkins at his surgery in Shortland Street.
Ellen went into the operating room as Alice regained consciousness. She soon sat up and began talking cheerfully. Dr Wilkins was not busy that afternoon and let her remain in the surgery until about 3.30pm. Alice then put on her clothes and gloves, walked to a cab, and was driven to Ellen’s.
“Caused by what?” asked the coroner.
“As I am not a doctor I cannot say,” replied the foreman. “It is our opinion that there was no necessity to hold an inquest at all. We do not consider that any blame attaches to anyone for the death of the woman.”
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He told Alice that nothing would ease the severe pain but removal of the eye. Unfortunately, she had left it too long before consulting a physician, otherwise the operation could have been performed and the eye saved. He told her to go and talk with her friends before making a final decision. She returned the next day with Ellen and a friend, Mrs Loggie. She had told Ellen and Mrs Loggie that she had made up her mind to have the operation. Dr Wilkins administered about two drachms of chloroform which worked quickly and then removed the eye, the procedure taking eight minutes. After the surgery
Once home Ellen and Mrs Loggie undressed her and put her into bed. About an hour afterwards Alice appeared to faint. Dr Wilkins was sent for at seven and he arrived at eight. He at once gave Alice hot water and whisky and ordered a hot brick to be placed at her feet. He instructed that mustard poultices be applied over her heart, and hot flannels placed on her stomach and legs. She was in a very low condition, however, and died about nine o’clock.
At the inquest Dr Wilkins said he thought death was due to asthenia – an abnormal physical weakness - and that in no way was it caused by the chloroform. It was likely that the fatal result was partly attributable to nervous shock. An inquest jury, after a few minutes’ deliberation, found that Alice died from nervous exhaustion.
The sad and unexpected news of Alice’s demise astonished many Kihikihi residents. Although she had been far from well for a while, her family was quite anticipating her return from Auckland in an improved condition.
Alice and Johnston were the parents of several adult children but tragically, four months previously their eldest daughter Elizabeth, 28, had died suddenly at Raglan.
“It would seem as though some people have far more than a fair share of trouble and bereavement,” observed the Waikato Times.
Alice was buried at Symonds Street cemetery, Auckland.
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I met with a group of science communicators, a mix of science writers and scientists who also do communication work like me. I love hearing what other people are learning and working on and over three hours I left with a bunch of new fun facts. Sitting in Wellington, with notable faults and the Hikurangi subduction zone nearby, the conversation landed on how we might experience a large earthquake and what we do to prepare.
It is interesting to see how our behaviours have changed with information, which includes stories from people who have been through in these events. We know that information on how to be prepared means little if we do not act on it.
For the Hikurangi subduction zone, there is a 25% chance of a major event in the next 50 years.
For the Alpine Fault there is a 75% probability of an earthquake occurring in the next 50 years. Those do not sound like insignificant odds to me, that is a real possibility.
We are also very aware that the earthquake itself would only be the beginning. Significant earthquakes can lead to tsunamis, landslides, liquefaction, and fires. The recovery after a major event is long and tough. We saw this with Christchurch. Those of us who work in disasters fields know that we can’t expect to receive help for a while.
Emergency response crews cannot get around to everyone in a matter of days, they must set priorities with their limited funding and resources. International help may be required. There may also be physical barriers to getting to your location.
We know that our neighbours will be our
first responders, and we will be theirs. We cannot change the hazard, but we can change our behaviours. This is where our power lies.
I am mostly settled in Wellington now and am slowly working on collecting things for an emergency kit. So far, this has been grabbing the extra item when out shopping and looking for items like a battery-operated radio.
I have plenty of cat food and litter, and I am stocked up on medications. Having cash is important in case power or internet goes down and we cannot use electronic payments.
Someone suggested a rope ladder for those of us in apartment buildings, and another already had rope in her kit. Others hadn’t thought about preparing it at all. I urged them, like I do with you, to check out getready.govt.nz and go through the list of recommended items. We can also get to know our neighbours, something I have not yet done.
Another suggested masks and eye protection, like simple swimming goggles, to protect from dust if we find ourselves working with rubble. I recommended having shoes near the bed in case broken glass ends up on the floor. Simple actions. While this often passes through my mind here, especially having felt three earthquakes since I moved, the point isn’t to be stressed or anxious. It is calm preparation, just in case. It is knowing that these simple actions I take now could make a big difference if a large earthquake or other event hit. It is empowering myself.
Expect the unexpected
By Mary Anne Gill
From pandemics and floods to cyber disruption, climate change and landslides, New Zealand is entering an era where shocks are no longer rare events.
If proof was needed, it came the day after Waikato University Management School hosted an Economics Forum session this month in The Pā bluntly titled The Next Big Shock.
Once-in-a-century floods hit parts of Waipā and Ōtorohanga.
Among those in the room for the forum was Waipā mayor Mike Pettit, who would declare a State of Emergency the next day.
And in January, a landslide at Mauao (Mount Maunganui) and another in Welcome Bay highlighted the growing risks posed by unstable hillsides.
The country’s biggest risk is not the disasters themselves but the
failure to prepare, the panel heard.
Treasury chief strategist James Beard told the audience that a single major disaster can cost the equivalent of 10 per cent of GDP, yet New Zealand continues to treat many foreseeable events as surprises.
“A shock is often something that exceeds our capacity to cope.
Preparation changes that.”
Insurance executive Bryce Davies says floods, earthquakes and infrastructure failures should no longer be seen as unexpected.
“They are fully expected. The question is whether we’ve planned for them.”
Former Covid response leader Kiriana Brooking described crises as the collision of sudden shocks with long ignored trends, such as underinvestment in infrastructure or emergency systems.
“Covid and Cyclone Gabrielle weren’t just shocks. They exposed
decisions not made years earlier.”
Economist Martin Lally challenged the audience to think beyond headline disasters, arguing that slow burn crises like obesity, addiction and chronic disease impose far greater long term costs than many sudden events.
“Obesity is over 100 times more serious than the most extreme forecasts. It is not much point getting bent out of shape over pandemics when you are ignoring meth and alcohol and obesity.”
For regional New Zealand, the implications are particularly acute. Smaller communities often lack the resources to absorb disruption yet are more exposed to climate and infrastructure risks.
Brooking highlighted how many households lack the means to cope with even short term supply disruptions, turning manageable events into social crises.
There was a need to shift from
reactive emergency response to proactive risk management, integrating land use planning, insurance, infrastructure investment and clear rules about who pays when disaster strikes.
“We focus on response because it’s visible. But resilience is built quietly, long before anything goes wrong,” said Davies.
For businesses in Waikato, the message was direct: resilience is now a competitive advantage. Companies and regions that plan for disruption will recover faster and suffer less when the next shock arrives.
And as the following day proved, it’s not a question of if, but when.
Mayor in heated conversation
By Chris Gardner
Waipā mayor Mike Pettit’s mobile phone and mayoral car become part of last week’s Civil Defence emergency.
Pettit had pulled over on Parallel Road to participate in one of two daily online briefings run
by the Ōtorohanga based Emergency Organisation Centre when his phone became too hot to handle.
“I had to rest it in the grass so that it could cool down and I could get it back on line. I have done a lot of phoning through this.” He has now replaced the phone.
Then later in the week the council’s mayoral car broke down, and he resorted to taking another vehicle to a meeting in Ōtorohanga.
“All the dashboard lights came on,” he said.
Pettit used last week’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee to acknowledge his deputy
Jo Davies-Colley for her support throughout the state of emergency which was extended for a second week on Friday.
“Being in the car by yourself and trying to get everything done would actually be impossible,” he said.
“Thanks to Jo for being
there so we can get stuff done while still trying to get to places.”
“Mike’s phone has not stopped ringing,” said Davies-Colley.
She had answered a flurry of calls and texts as they responded to the disaster on the western side of the district.
Pettit also acknowledged council staff, contractors, and emergency services for their quick response to the emergency.
He urged residents to support retailers in Pirongia after the closing of State Highway 39 south of the village due to damage to Mangati Bridge.
Corcoran Road in Te Pahu remains closed following this month’s storms.
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Spruced up college shines
By Jesse Wood
Te Awamutu College is back in full swing for 2026 with more than $215,000 of assets, furniture and fittings upgrades.
The six-figure upgrades have been spread across the departments and are ongoing in term one.
Principal Tony Membery said the upgrades are to support teaching, learning and the running of the school.
“I’m immensely proud of this school. When people come here for a tour or come to attend events, people are staggered by the size of the school - in terms of roll - but also the grounds, the scope, the space and how well resourced we are,” Membery said.
“This school is really well resourced for teaching, learning, sports, culture and the district should be proud of it. I want the students to feel proud about it too.”
The upgrades include heat pumps (A4, A5 and B2); carpet replacement (B4 and uniform shop); microscopes, 60 lab coats (science); kayak helmets (outdoor education); cameras and tripod kit (photography); library chairs; treadmill (training room); drum sander, vinyl cutter, bench lathe (hard materials technology); blinds (Oak Café); keyboard (music); display screen (Millar Gym); student chairs (M4 and N2); performance blocks (drama) and server upgrade.
On top of that, the school have board and Ministry of Education funded additions - unisex toilets for N block, resealing of the pavilion carpark, changing rooms and toilets by the turf, concreted turf entrance and seating, and a concrete path through the centre of the school.
“Students talk about the uniform being nice or we’ve got a double gym or our covered turf or swimming pool,” Membery
said. “It’s not skiting, we’ve worked hard. The board has been very sensible and proactive. We’re indebted to the Rogers Charitable Trust.
“Once again, thanks to the trust, we’re able to offer a $50 uniform credit to every student. We’re very grateful.”
There are 1360 current pupils including 270 Year 9s and 40 new students across other year levels.
Five new international students have joined the college – two from Japan and one each from Australia, Finland and Sweden –alongside 11 fresh staff members.
“Some are teachers and some learning support assistants. We’re fully staffed,” Membery said. “That required work from August and I was back early January finding the last teacher. We got there, but it was a lot of work.”
But it hasn’t all been sunshine and roses. There have been tough times in the school community.
“We’ve had a family with the loss of a young child. We’ve been aware and supportive of that,” Membery said.
“Then the flooding in Ngutunui, Pirongia, Te Pahu and Ōtorohanga. Trying to alter bus runs, accepting that some students can’t be here, maybe they’re cleaning up or stuck at home. What do they need from us?
“We also sent a vanload of goods, donated by staff, to Te Araroa in the Gisborne region. They had a really rough time with floods and slash.
“We do look for ways we can support other schools and individual families. At the very least we send our condolences.
“We’ve got strong connections. We recently had a meeting of the Te Awamutu area principals, all 20 of us. How can we support each other?”
Te Huia stays on track
The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will extend the Te Huia trial for a further 12 months at the 60 per cent funding assistance rate.
Lindsey Horne, spokesperson for lobby group The Future is Rail said the decision reflects strong support for the Waikato–Auckland passenger rail service from central government, local councils and the wider community.
She said it was “fantastic news” for passengers and for the Golden Triangle –Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.
Te Huia launched in April 2021 for a fiveyear trial which was due to end in Jun Waikato Regional Council had sought an extension to allow patronage to recover following disruption from Covid-19 and major Auckland rail works, and to test the benefits of improved access into central
Auckland once the City Rail Link is operational.
“We’ve seen strong support from Waikato Regional Council, Hamilton City council, Waipā and Waikato district councils, as well as cross-party backing from local MPs and growing public enthusiasm,” Horne said.
“This extension shows that Te Huia is not just a trial, it’s becoming a foundation for something bigger.”
The group has also called for passenger rail to be extended beyond Waikato to Tauranga, establishing a connected Golden Triangle rail service between Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.
“With more than half of New Zealand’s population living within the Golden Triangle, rail connectivity between our fastest-growing centres makes economic and environmental sense,” said Horne.
Membery is looking forward to seeing good NCEA results in 2026 as well as a busy social calendar and watching college teams do well on the sporting front.
“We want to be humble winners and good losers. There’s Battle of the Waipā Schools again, against Cambridge and St. Peter’s,” Membery said.
“It’s also a school production year, Hairspray, auditions and casting are underway. There’s the ball, the house events - we want students to be happy here and
have success academically. We’ve got to get along with each other and have some fun, but also do the mahi.”
In his 19th year as principal, he doesn’t take his role for granted.
“I see it as a big privilege to lead this school,” Membery said.
“It’s an amazing team. We need the backing of our parents, caregivers and community, but we’re certainly striving to be the best secondary school we can be to serve the district.”
Show Homes Open Monday to Thursday and Sundays
We’re excited to welcome you to Waipiko Landing, 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.
Location: Find out more at www.waipikolanding.co.nz
Neighbourhood entrance at 952 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu
Tony Membery is in his 19th year as Te Awamutu College principal.
Photo: Jesse Wood
Taking on the ‘Nuku’ walk
New Zealand Outdoor Instructors’ Association Bush Leader and senior writer Chris Gardner was among a group of St Valentine’s Day trampers on the King Country’s Nuku Walk as the devastating storm raged to the north.
A gentle rain fell softly on my weary face as I tramped into Back Bay at Nukuhakari Station.
Get Gardening
With February nearing the end, it’s a great time for harvesting. Make the most of any excess fruit and produce by preserving and freezing for the future. It’s common for softer leaved herbs like basil, dill and coriander to go to seed very quickly in hot muggy weather so harvest the young foliage early and freeze or dry it so you have it available through the winter. In the flower garden, cut back summer flowers to encourage a fresh flush. Keep the weeds out to help prevent fungi forming on plants in this humid weather. Plants like begonias, petunias, cosmos, marigolds and rudbeckia will do well at this time of year. Start thinking about planting autumn/winter crops, like cabbage, broccoli, beetroot, spinach, carrots and leeks while the soil is warm. Happy gardening
The Nuku Nine had successfully completed the first 13km leg of the Nuku Walk across an extensive sheep and beef station in Waikawau in without a soaking.
Our group consisted of five Upper North Island friends enjoying a weekend break, a retired English couple, my wife Liz and myself.
We had all met for the first time the night before at Red Cottage where our host Bridget St George welcomed us fresh from her Mōkau yoga class. She took the time to ask each of us how we had ended up in her cottage preparing for a three-day walk.
Bridget and her husband Hamish Nelson opened the private walk for the first time this summer and had hosted more than 700 people.
With an early afternoon thunderstorm forecast on Friday, we decided over Thursday dinner to get on the track early the next morning and try and beat the worst of the weather to our coastal accommodation.
The next morning Bridget handed a VHF radio and Personal Locator Beacon
ELECTRICITY DELIVERY PRICES
to our tail end Charlie and briefed us on how to use them. The radio proved useful hours later when one of our group realised they had left something in their cabin.
Rainstorm clouds gathered to the north of Mount Whareorino as we set off, reminding us of the received wisdom that if you can see the mountain it’s going to rain and if you can’t see the mountain, it’s already raining.
Despite the clouds it was warm, and the gradual climb up farmland towards the mountain was thirsty work so I sipped on the straw of my water bladder. We went up until we reached the base of the unspoiled native bush clad extinct volcano.
Some of the group rushed on, following the track marked by posts and arrows, while some took a more considered approach to the walk.
The bush was prehistorically beautiful; the new walking track still being established. It was interesting to see it through the eyes of our British visitors.
We were prepared for rain,
wearing quick dry clothes, and I carried a waterproof jacket and emergency shelter should the weather surprise us. And surprise us it did. The forecast thunderstorm arrived much later in the day than anticipated, when we were safely under cover cooking dinner, and returned overnight waking only a few of us. Little did we know of the carnage unfolding up the road. It wasn’t until the next day, when we got fleeting cell phone coverage, that we learned of the death of a driver in floodwaters and the closure of roads. It took us six hours,
including an estimated hour for breaks and lunch, to walk the first leg to the bay where our bags were waiting for us in a good, old A-frame style bach.
The drizzle evaporated while some of the group went for a dip in the sea while Liz and I took a long stroll along the beach in a northerly direction.
Then the rain arrived. Not too heavy, but damp enough to warrant a change of shirt when we got back to our accommodation.
There we whiled away the evening, sharing jokes and stories and making friends.
The first day of the Nuku Walk descends down to Nukuhakari Station’s Back Bay.
Photo: Chris Gardner
Brown opens new airbase
By Mary Anne Gill
Health Minister Simeon Brown used the opening of Life Flight’s new Waikato airbase at Hamilton Airport last week to underline the importance of well-resourced emergency services at a time when pressure on the health system continues to grow.
The purpose-built base, helped by a $1 million grant from the New Zealand Community Trust, will support time-critical aeromedical transfers across the central North Island.
“It’s wonderful to be here and just a huge congratulations to everyone -the whole team here at Life Flight - for this opening and for the amazing work they do,” Brown said at the opening.
Not-for-profit Life Flight was launched in 1982, and its fleet includes the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
The Hamilton base will be home to Life Flight’s fourth fixed-wing air ambulance and is designed to improve response times for critically ill patients, including those requiring intensive care or neonatal transfers.
Brown told The News assets like the new aircraft and base were an essential
part of modern health infrastructure.
“Ultimately that’s the type of infrastructure you need to be able to deliver the services.”
Services such as Life Flight rely on public funding. Brown said the service would not operate at its current level without strong community backing.
“Health New Zealand puts significant amounts of resource into all of these services,” he said.
“But of course there are
TALKING ECONOMICS
very generous trusts and partners who support them as well, which is hugely important and plays a really important role in keeping them going.”
Brown said contracts for aeromedical services were regularly assessed.
“Each year we go through a process to look at funding and to make sure that we provide uplifts to the services which play this role,” he said.
Fixed-wing services like Life Flight operate under multi-year contracts that
Corruption and lobbying
By Peter Nicholl
Last year, the government set up an anti-corruption taskforce to look at the processes New Zealand had in place for dealing with corruption and fraud.
The reason was that for a long time, New Zealand had been first or second in the annual global corruption index prepared by Transparency International but in their 2025 index we had dropped to fourth behind Denmark, Finland and Singapore.
The Taskforce report should cause even more concern. It revealed we had significant gaps in the detection, prevention and intervention in fraud and corruption issues. The report also found many government agencies tried to deal with issues rather than refer them to law enforcement agencies. Part of the motivation for that was trying to avoid publicity.
What this Taskforce report shows is that New Zealand sailed along as one of the least corrupt countries in the world not because we had strong anti-corruption processes but because most New Zealanders are, or at least were, inherently honest.
Lobbying is increasing as a feature of our political landscape. Some would say that shows our political scene is becoming more sophisticated. But in a report on New Zealand prepared by the OECD last year said New Zealand was well away from international best practice when it came to regulating lobbying. It said allowing short cooling off periods between work in the public and private sectors and allowing widespread lobbying carries risks of ‘excessive politicisation, nimbyism, inaction and regulatory capture’. These are characteristics of corrupt societies. I find
it worrying how many former politicians end up with positions with lobbying firms or on government boards and agencies. It seems to me that such appointments have become much more common in recent years.
The appointment of Judith Collins to the position of president of the Law Commission while she is still in parliament is a recent example. Judith Collins clearly has the legal qualifications and experience for this job. But the commission is required to give ‘independent’ advice to the government. How can someone who has been actively and prominently involved in politics for a long time and has shown she has strong views on lots of issues be considered to be ‘independent’? Also, the appointment process didn’t allow anybody else to apply.
Some countries have shown how quickly corruption can increase if inherent attitudes change and strong anticorruption policies are not in place. For example, the United Kingdom was ranked as the 10th least corrupt country in 2020. In 2025, it ranked 20th. The United States’ highest ranking was 14th in 2000. They stayed around this position in the rankings for the next 15 years. But since then, their ranking has declined steadily and in 2025 they were ranked 29th.
New Zealand needs to ensure it doesn’t emulate the UK and US and have our slide down the corruption rankings continue and accelerate. It’s a slippery slope. We are at the top of that slippery slope.
provide certainty. For Brown, the new Hamilton base was not just about aircraft or hangars, but about ensuring people could access the care they needed, when they needed it.
The Life Flight expansion comes against a backdrop of ageing health infrastructure nationwide, something Brown said was well recognised by the Government.
“The average age of hospital buildings is around 47 years, so there certainly
is a need for significant investment,” he said.
There was a funded pipeline of $7.5 billion in health infrastructure projects either in delivery or planning, with further work underway to modernise facilities so they could meet current and future demand.
But while large-scale hospital builds attract attention, strengthening care closer to home remained just as critical.
Primary care had received its largest funding boost to
FAITH IN WAIPĀ
date in last year’s Budget – around $175 million in additional funding.
“The number one issue for New Zealanders needing to access primary care is the time it takes to get a GP appointment,” he said.
Addressing that came down to workforce with initiatives under way to increase the number of doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners able to work in community settings.
“Strengthening our workforce is critical to that. We’ve got a number of actions underway, short, medium and long term, to strengthen our GP and primary care workforce so patients can get those appointments faster.”
For Waikato, Brown pointed to the planned Waikato Medical School as a cornerstone of that workforce strategy.
Training places had already been increased nationally with more to come when the medical school opens.
Producing more clinicians locally, alongside making it easier for overseas-trained doctors to work in New Zealand, was essential to easing pressure across the health system, said Brown.
Applauding a champion
By Phil Strong, Proprietor Chair, Waipa Christian School
I read with intrigue the recent public announcement acknowledging Reverend Julie Guest as she transitions from her local vicar role into a more regional, arch deaconing focus. As I enjoyed her warm, convivial smile in each photo in the online News, I could almost hear the friendly embrace of laughter that always accompanied her smile.
Rev. Julie’s passion for our community has been far reaching and will, without doubt, continue beyond this transition.
I remember once sharing a coffee with her— “Black, please,” she asked—and learning about the farming of crickets as an alternative protein source. “No thank you,” I responded promptly.
She frequently welcomed small touring parties at St John’s, and on one occasion this included me and some colleagues. We were spellbound by her vivid telling of local history, especially her explanation of unity between Māori and Pākehā, and the church’s commitment to supporting all people. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
You may not agree with every aspect of her exposition, but you cannot argue with her passionate commitment to unity. I believe this very reverent leader was a component in the gifting of church-owned land to iwi for the purpose of housing and feeding their people, who — as Julie would add brightly — “are our people, too.” Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa.
The rich history of the local church and the art housed in “Old St John’s” are taonga we must protect and preserve.
Several community initiatives launched from Julie’s imagination into our region — none more famous (or infamous) than the “Death Café.”
A marketing person’s nightmare, perhaps, but a brilliant idea, nonetheless. She championed feeding the hungry and homeless, marched through town with banners of hope, and
established a group of local writers who now contribute to these columns each week. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
I have a treasured gift, procured by Julie and offered to me with generous spirit. It sits beside my bed, filled with promise, inviting me often to drink deeply. It is an Anglican prayer book, and when I read the prayers and scripture in te reo Māori, it fills my eyes with tears and my heart with hope.
There is no more powerful demonstration of Julie’s Christian faith than her open-hearted promotion of the Christian church. Regardless of, and indeed fully accepting, denominational colours, creeds, tenets, and traditions, she welcomed all and encouraged me to do the same. E koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū.
Far too often the church builds fences instead of bridges, rules instead of relationships, and elevates elitism over humility.
The Jesus I know walked with lepers, dined with prostitutes, and challenged the religious establishment whenever necessary. Why? Because His message was one of love, grace, and mercy. And in my mind, that is the same inclusive message broadcast through Julie’s leadership in our community. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
A true champion of the church and for the church, I stand and applaud Rev. Julie Guest— not that my recognition matters. There is a great cloud of witnesses adorning the grandstand of heaven who will, one day many years from now, welcome Julie into a well-deserved celebration. Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.
Health Minister Simeon Brown, third left, after unveiling the base plaque with, from left Life Flight chief executive Mark Johnston, mayors from Ōtorohanga, Hamilton and Waipā - Rodney Dow, Tim Macindoe, Waipā and Mike Pettit with Life Flight chair Richard Stone. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Planning for big changes
By Chris Gardner
Waipā’s district plan will be swept away in local government reforms, councillors have heard in a workshop.
Cambridge ward councillor Roger Gordon asked who planning authority would sit with if the district plan was withdrawn.
Cambridge Connections executive director
Katie Mayes said Waipā would end up with a spatial plan developed by the region’s mayors. Pirongia ward councillor Clare St Pierre asked about property owners.
“Who is going to be standing up for them? Who is going to be looking after their interest?”
The National Party led Government’s
No quarter given
By Chris Gardner
Māori ward councillor
Dale-Maree Morgan will deliver a monthly report to Cambridge Community Board after responding to push back from fellow councillor Pip Kempthorne.
Kempthorne asked: “I know you’re questioning us on a monthly briefing, but could you achieve that on a quarterly basis?”
Morgan replied: “How much does the community board engage with Māori communities, to reflect the interest of all communities being reflected at this table?”
“Taken,” was Kempthorne’s response.
Morgan said Ngāruawāhia Community Board, of which she is an elected member, received a monthly Māori ward report and she had discussed doing the same at Cambridge Community Board with Maungatautari ward councillor Mike Montgomerie and board chair Charlotte FitzPatrick.
“We have the Māori ward come and present a report every month and I thought it could be something that we could introduce here, considering I bring a strong voice from these communities, and I don’t often see the communities I bring a voice for around this table or in this space,” she said.
Morgan recognised significant people lost over the summer including Cambridge teacher Whaea Sophie Tipene, Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust co-founder Robyn Waitangi Nightingale, and chief Karaitiana Mac Tamatea.
In her report Morgan said she
Dale-Maree Morgan
wished to get to know board members as the year progresses and understand the communities Māori had synergies with.
She also encouraged the board to visit marae.
“Most Māori community members are unaware of the community board or the members who represent them,” Morgan said.
“How will the Cambridge Community Board engage with Māori communities? Does the board have an events calendar that includes Māori kaupapa led events?
“How can we work together on inter-relationships and wider hapū, iwi, and marae community relationships as the board and Māori ward role.”
FitzPatrick invited Morgan to send her report to her. “We’d love to have a regular update, and make sure we have regular opportunities to engage with you in the community,” she said.
Earlier in the year Morgan, whose Waipā District Council Māori ward seat will be abolished at the next election, said she doubted she will stand in a general ward because it would go against her principles.
Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, introduced in December 2025, will establish what the Government is calling a modern framework for national direction, ensuring councils, iwi, and applicants experience a smooth transition and continued clarity.
Mayes suggested staff bring a one-page submission to the council’s next Strategic
Planning and Policy Committee on February 18.
Council staff have been preparing a draft Climate Change Strategy with a 10-year framework for 18 months.
Staff said roads melting at the start of the summer, algal blooms in some of the district’s lakes, and extended spring conditions has shown the need for a strategy.
Rugby’s new alumni club
By Jesse Wood
Former King Country coach and 2026 Hautapu head coach Isaac Boss is one of many rugby lovers across the Waipā and King Country to be excited by the new Ruakura Rugby Football Club.
Ruakura RFC is Super Rugby’s first kindred club, under the umbrella of the Chiefs. It won’t field teams.
They have a ready-made clubroom at the Ruakura Campus and Squash Club, complete with honours boards and memorabilia.
Ōhaupō-raised longtime Chiefs employee Kent Currie was given the opportunity to be club manager.
“Ruakura RFC is something we’ve put together to ensure that when people do their time with the Chiefs, they then graduate into our club and have a connection with the Chiefs forever,” Currie said.
“We’ve got over 100 members now. The majority of them being former players. They’ve all bought into the concept of rekindling old friendships, getting together, telling a few stories and creating new friendships within the Chiefs family.”
Former players, coaches, team management, staff, board members and shareholders receive a complimentary legacy membership, while 250 foundation memberships are available for the wider public.
After a soft launch pre-Christmas, former players and staff members including Boss, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Richard Kahui, Liam Messam, Sir Wayne Smith and Nathan White have signed up.
“A lot of people have made some pretty important decisions throughout our history and it’s important that we don’t forget those people,” Currie said.
“The players earn the right to represent the Chiefs. The coaches are the same and it’s no different for any of the staff that are in the office. A lot of them come through club and provincial union administration.”
Chiefs player 94, Boss represented the franchise 21 times across 2001, 2003 and 2004. He said Ruakura RFC is a good way to engage the past players.
“The Chiefs have evolved over the years. Coming from its early days in the ‘90s to what it is now, you can almost feel disconnected sometimes,” Boss said.
“It’s really cool that the Ruakura RFC is going to keep us all connected. We had such great times together in the past. There aren’t many things where you get an excuse to catch up and see everyone from those days.”
Ruakura RFC have their first event this weekend, tying in with the Chiefs v Crusaders clash in Hamilton.
“It has its own little identity which is pretty cool,” Boss said.
“It’s another great avenue for us to keep that old camaraderie going because there’s less and less opportunities to do that these days.”
University of Waikato pro vice-chancellor management and former New Zealand Rugby Board member Jennifer Kerr is one of the club’s board members.
Born-and-bred at Ōpārau, Kerr still has a strong connection with the King Country.
“My Dad played for Waitete in Te Kūiti. When I was a New Zealand Rugby Board member 2020-2022, the first game I attended before NPC was always Waitete playing at home,” Kerr said.
“I think the kindred club provides a great forum for people who have been involved in Chiefs and Chiefs Manawa rugby to reconnect.”
Currie said it’s an opportunity to keep the alumni connected, while inspiring the next generation and giving back to the community game.
“We want to be seen to be supporting the community game in some way, shape or form - giving back to the game that we love,” Currie said.
As an example, Pirongia Rugby Sports Club is celebrating 150 years this year.
“We want to support them, whether that’s an auction item or something like that,” Currie said.
“Or I’d love to go to Ōhaupō Rugby Sports Club and help with a fundraising function that’s going to help their junior players. Or why not go to Hautapu and celebrate all the Chiefs that have gone through the club?
“Or we could go to the King Country and celebrate Paul Mitchell, Dion Mathews, Cortez Ratima and Josh Lord.
“A lot of these Chiefs are household names. Not only are they iconic names of Chiefs rugby and New Zealand rugby but they’re actually just humble New Zealanders.
“They like giving back to their community where they’ve come from. Part of what this club is about is creating a platform for that.”
The club’s turquoise logo is inspired by the Huka Falls. Photo: Supplied
At Te Awamutu Funeral Services our dedicated team is passionate about providing valuable guidance and a personalised service at a time when you need it most. - Offering Generations of Experience
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BEES, Roger James –
Peacefully passed away in his sleep at Radius Windsor Court on Friday, 20th February 2026, in his 80th year. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Peter and Camille. Cherished Popa to Elora. A private family farewell has taken place. Messages to the Bees family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in Roger’s online tribute book at www.rosetown. co.nz.
LAKIN, John Alan –
Passed away suddenly and peacefully on 10th February 2026 in Te Awamutu, aged 88 years. Dearly loved husband of the late Maureen.
Cherished Dad to Tania Livingston and Paul Lakin and families A memorial service for John will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu on Saturday, 28th February at 1:00 pm. All communications to the Lakin family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
RAWSON, Gavin – Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on 21st February 2026, aged 86 years. Loving husband of Ann. Devoted father and father-in-law of Glenn & Emma, Jina & Nicholas Sickelmore. Cherished and caring poppa of Kirsten, Louise, Mitchell, Jack and Luke. A celebration of Gavin’s life will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu on Monday, 2nd March at 11am followed by private cremation. The service will be live streamed please email office@ teawamutufunerals.co.nz for the link. All communications to the Rawson family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
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
Our team is caring and compassionate. We give the utmost attention to detail in all aspects of our service.
GRAZING available for dairy heifers. Ph 027 415 4122
World Day of Prayer
Friday 6 March, 2026
This year’s Service will be held at 10.00am in the St John’s Anglican Church, Arawata Street, Te Awamutu.
Fridays 10am-4pm 132 Sainsbury Rd Pirongia OR Phone Susan Ranstead 0274 176 379
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
PUBLIC NOTICE of an application for Issue On Licence
Jenna Marie Clarke, 101 Great South, Ohaupo, Top Deck Cafe @ The Ridge Ministry and events has made application to the Waipa District Licensing Committee for the issue of a on-licence in respect of the premises at 101 Great South road, Ohaupo and known as Top Deck Cafe @ The Ministry and events
The general nature of the business to be conducted under the licence is Restaurant. The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is (or intended to be) sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 8am-1am
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.
CHURCH SERVICES 10am 1st March
Rev Ken Wall
All Welcome
Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the issue of the licence may, not later than 15 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: Waipa District Council, Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840. No objection to the issue of this licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 105 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This notice was first published on 19-2-2026.
The World Day of Prayer is interdenominational and is a Service which is being held in more than 170 countries.
This year’s Service and focus has been prepared by the women of Nigeria.
Jobs, terrific bargains, useful services, legal notices and announcements –these are some of the great things you’ll find in your newspaper’s classified ad section.
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Gardener/Maintenance position available now
It’s time to add to our maintenance/gardening team at Te Awa Lifecare. Our staff are chosen for their skill and caring approach, and we aim to create strong connections and trust with them. We will choose the right person for their attitude and fit within our team. Our team is proud of the environment they work in and the part they play in making it look at its best for our residents and guests.
As part of the Te Awa team, you will have:
• An enjoyment of gardening, general knowledge and experience in various maintenance roles and helping people keep their homes in tip top condition.
• A passion for great customer service and respect for our resident’s personal space and village grounds.
• Have excellent communication skills, common sense and a solution focussed approach.
This role also has an element of minor building, and clinical equipment repairs, planned, preventive maintenance and audit compliances.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a gardener/maintenance to make the most of working in beautiful surroundings with a team who really care.
Come and be part of the community, get to know our wonderful residents, support them to embrace life. Please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested along with your C.V. to employment@teawalifecare.nz.
Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid work visa.
JOB VACANCY
CARE GIVER
If you are an empathetic person with the “X” factor that
Due to increasing demand for our community services, we are looking to add another Community Care Giver to our team.
Everyday, clients entrust us to assist them with their daily living requirements in their own home.
If you are a mature, honest and empathetic person who has:
• The ability to work rostered shifts Monday to Sunday, and Have your own vehicle with a clean driver’s licence. You might be the person our team is looking for. Whilst care giving experience is preferable, full training will be offered to the right applicant.
