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Te Awamutu News | January 8, 2026

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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 1

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

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JANUARY 8, 2026

Report just the beginning By Viv Posselt

Pirongia-based Judge Coral Shaw, who was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours, says she will use the accolade as an opportunity to continue to be a voice for survivors of systemic abuse in state and church institutions. Shaw received the honour for services to public service, the judiciary and the community. She chaired what became the largest and most expensive inquiry in New Zealand’s history - the Royal Commission of Inquiry into historical abuse in state and faithbased institutions. The inquiry was established in 2018 to investigate what happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in care between 1950 and 1999. Its final report, entitled ‘Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light’, was tabled in Parliament on July 24, 2024, and made public the same day. It had been delivered to New

Zealand’s Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro in June 2024. Shaw told The News she appreciates the recognition awarded through the New Year’s honour and is grateful for the opportunity it presents to continue advocating for survivors of what she described as New Zealand’s ‘national disgrace’. “This is not for me; it is for the cause. I am grateful for the opportunity it provides to apply pressure and keep the issue in the public eye,” she said. “People assume that the problem ended when the inquiry did, but in reality, the findings we took to government were just the beginning. I will use this honour as another opportunity to be a voice for survivors and for those who are still suffering abuse.” Shaw had spoken on the issue several times last year, at conferences both in New Zealand and in Australia. Central to her message is ‘what next?’. “Our inquiry found the abuse was not simply bad stuff done by a few bad people. It was systemic

throughout those institutions… the evidence was overwhelming. Our report called for fundamental changes.” She said while some institutions have tackled the problem from within, a key recommendation had been for government to lead, oversee, set standards and monitor the changes enacted by the institutions themselves. “I am disappointed in the slowness of the response. The inquiry was not the end, it was the beginning… less than 40 per cent of the recommendations have been accepted so far, and the rest are still being considered.” Aside from the human toll, Shaw said the economic cost to society was massive. In 2019, the average lifetime cost for an individual abused in care was estimated to be about $857,000. Of that, about $184,000 was increased spending on healthcare, State costs around negative outcomes from abused children, deadweight losses from collecting taxes to fund State

services, and productivity losses. The remaining $673,000 is a nonfinancial cost reflecting the pain, suffering and premature death of survivors, and the impact on their quality of life. Shaw said there was a general perception that the problem had gone away, but it has not. “We still get reports of abuse, and there continues to be a disappointing number of Māori children who are being uplifted. Part of our

recommendation was to attack the root causes that lead to that situation… alienation, racism. To save the child, you first save the family. “We have to keep the pressure up, keep talking about this,” she said. “We would like to see all the necessary protections in place by 2040. That is not unreasonable, but it will happen only if we continue to recognise ongoing abuse and keep talking about it.”

Grinches’ nasty hat trick By Viv Posselt

There were three break-ins over two days at Te Awamutu’s i-Site information centre during the week before Christmas. The blow was a particularly low one for i-Site general manager Harriet Dixon, who at the same time was mourning the death of her mother. “It was a devastating week… I should have been dealing with my grief and supporting my family. Instead, I had to tidy up the glass and mess at all hours.” On three occasions from December 14 to 16, offenders broke glass panels in the front doors to gain access to the

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i-Site. They stole drinks, ice blocks and ice creams and damaged inside areas. Dixon told The News she understood the offenders had been identified via CCTV and apprehended. Security at the building has been increased. She said the community lost no time in offering help. Viking Glass replaced the glass without charge to enable the centre to re-open quickly, Everybody’s OpShop paid for a glass breaking detector and donated funds and FreshChoice Te Awamutu donated sausages for a sizzle that also raised money to replace the lost stock. “This is such a fabulous community – they have all come together, really rallied around us here.”

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Judge Coral Shaw speaking to the Ōtorohanga Friendship Club last July. Photo: Viv Posselt

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CONTACTS

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A step into the dark by Meghan Hawkes

Sam Paul, chamberman, responsible for the movement of miners and material in mine cages, had gone down with the men of Waihī’s Martha mine day shift on November 12, 1901. Sam managed the No 2 shaft between levels 6 and 7. On reaching No 6 level he took hold of the signal rope. As he gave the last ring to send the cage up with the men going off shift, he heard the terrible noise of a billy rattling, then a heavy thud. Seconds later a miner named Delaney, cutting a fuse in No 7 level, heard something falling down the shaft. He took a step away, and at the same time felt a blow on the back of his leg from a man’s boot heel. Sam Paul shouted “man gone down the shaft!” Joseph Rollands scoffed in disbelief,

commenting that Sam Paul was mad. But it was all too true the men in No 7 level whistled, indicating that a man was lying at the bottom of the shaft, having fallen a distance of 110 feet. The man was 36-year-old Irishman Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Sullivan from Kihikihi where he lived with his wife, Emily, and their three-year-old child. He was brought up to the surface and Dr Grattan Guinness called. Death had been almost instantaneous. The accident was inexplicable. The bar in front of the shaft was down and no one had seen Jerry lift it. In fact no one had seen him after he left the cage, except Sam who only saw him turn in the direction of the compartment. The usual lights were burning and the men were busy lighting their candles. It was surmised that Jerry got out on the wrong side of the cage, turned round,

Happy New Year! I hope you celebrated in a way that felt good for you, and that 2026 has plenty of joy ahead, whatever your circumstances. We just passed the anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, or the Boxing Day tsunami. I will never forget being glued to the tv in horror as the footage rolled in, which, come to think of it, probably added to my desire to help people with hazards. I frequent tsunami topics here, not because they are my specialty, but because this is a clear example of where having the right information and acting on it quickly can save lives. As many tourists across countries impacted by the 2004 tsunami experienced, we do not have to live by the ocean to be changed by it. I repeat the messages here because I deeply care. I hope that none of you will ever need to remember what to do or when to evacuate, but if you do, I truly hope this helps you and the people around you. When I give science communication talks, I always retell the story of Tilly Smith as an example of how powerful we all are and how much of a difference each one of us can make. She was a 10-year-old from the United Kingdom in 2004 on holiday with her family in Thailand, and her story always gives me chills. Just a couple of weeks before Boxing

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The jury found that Jerry was accidentally killed by falling down the shaft and added the rider that the chambers were insufficiently lighted. Jerry had hard luck lately, breaking an arm, which incapacitated him for many weeks. He was just getting on his feet again. Accompanied by his widow, child, sister, nephew, and brother-in-law, he was taken to Rangiaowhia where he was buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery.

By Janine Krippner

Day, she had learned about tsunamis in geography class. She noticed the water behaving in the ways she had just learned about. “The water was really, really frothy. It wasn’t calm and it wasn’t going in and then out,” she told media. “It was just coming in and in and in.” She linked these signs to the impending disaster and she did not stay quiet about it. She got louder. Because of her insistence, her father passed her message on, and an evacuation commenced. Because of the lesson from her geography teacher on the other side of the world, her noticing the signs and not keeping them to herself, and the adults listening and taking action, around 100 lives were saved from the catastrophic disaster. A 10-year-old-level geography lesson. That’s what it took. This simple lesson rippled out to save lives and prevent untold grief for their family members and friends. Every single one of us has that power. You have that power. The death toll from that day varies from around 220,000 to 300,000. It is hard to comprehend that loss. If even one of those precious lives was a loved one, we can understand how it would mean the whole world to us if their loss was prevented. I hope we all enjoy our beautiful beaches not with fear, but with

mindfulness of our surroundings. Not with stress, but with knowledge and a plan just in case. Take a moment to check out tsunami warning signs and actions online, find the tsunami zone maps at the beach, and please never doubt your ability to make an important, enormous difference.

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lifted the bar and deliberately walked into space thinking that the cage was there to walk over. Perhaps not seeing very well, just coming from the glaring sunlight, he had miscalculated the distance, and mistook the shaft for the gangway entrance. At the inquest William Black, night shift chamberman swore that he had put the bar down across the shaft entrance. He had previously put bars in their proper position after men leaving them up by mistake. It was suggested gates, in the place of bars, would be a better protection against similar accidents. SubMining Inspector Ryan stated gates got in the way when taking timber down the shaft, but admitted they would be safer than bars. If the suggestion to light chambers by electricity was enforced, it would be a heavy cost to the mining company.

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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 3

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

Briefs… Waipā days

Meeting days have been set for the 2026 year by Waipā district councillors. The council’s Finance and Corporate, Service Delivery, and Strategic Planning and Policy committee will all meet on a Wednesday when workshops and full council meetings will be held. The Regulatory, Risk and Assurance and Maungatautari committees will meet on a Monday. The Pirongia Ward and Chief Executive Performance Management committees will meet on a Thursday.

Special winners

Three Waipā athletes returned from the Special Olympics national summer games in Christchurch last month with medals. From Te Awamutu Caleb Hawkins won silver in the 4x25m freestyle and gold in 100m relay and Peter Crawford won gold in both the 25m and 50m freestyle. Cambridge’s Corban GeorgePotterton was a silver medallist in the basketball

Te Huia push

Waikato Regional Council will ask the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Board to approve a one-year extension of the Te Huia passenger rail service. A draft letter approved says the council supports the extension to enable patronage to recover and test the impact of benefits accruing from opening of City Rail Link later this year.

Mayors together

Waikato’s mayors and the Waikato Regional Council Chair will work together to respond to local government reform proposals. At the first Waikato Mayoral Forum meeting of the new triennium, Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe was elected as chair.

Vandals strike

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House has been left with a $10,000 repair bill after thieves cut power to security systems, before climbing onto the roof and stealing a piece of infrastructure that connected wildlife life-support systems, internal communications, and the Eftpos payment network.

Waipā in Halberg running

By Mary Anne Gill

Waipā athletes dominate the finalist nominations for the Halberg Awards to be announced next month. Former Olympic cyclist Brendon Cameron and rower Mike Rodger – both of them live in Cambridge – are two of five finalists in the coach of the year. The awards cover the period from December 1, 2024, to November 30 last year, a timeframe that included major success for two Waipā para athletes: Nicole Murray of Ngāhinapōuri and Cambridge’s Devon Briggs, coached by Cameron. They face fierce competition in the Para Athlete/ Para Team of the Year category. Briggs won gold at the UCI Para-Cycling Track World Championships, while Murray claimed bronze. Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood, who made his senior football debut for Cambridge, features in a five-strong field for the Sportsman of the Year while Cambridge-based Emma Twigg is a finalist in the women’s category for coastal rowing. Nominated in the emerging talent category are

Cambridge footballer Luke Brooke-Smith and BMX cyclist Lily Greenough. Cameron, 52, was born in Ōtorohanga and attended Te Awamutu College, where he is a member of the school’s prestigious Hall of Fame. He now lives in Cambridge with partner Sarah Ulmer - who he coached to individual pursuit Olympic gold at Athens in 2004 – and their two daughters. As a former New Zealand track cyclist, he has a huge pedigree in the sport competing in the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympics. He won a bronze medal at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in the men’s team pursuit and followed it up four years later with another bronze medal in the same event at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Cameron rejoined Paralympics New Zealand two years ago as Para cycling programme manager after four years at Cycling New Zealand and two at Cycling Canada. Prior to that he had been six years at Paralympics NZ where he became the first cycling coach to have coached both a Paralympic – Phillipa Gray at London in 2012 - and Olympic gold medallist. Cambridge-born Rodger, 60, is high performance

Mike Rodger

Brendon Cameron

coach at Rowing New Zealand. He came back from a near fatal car crash six years ago to coach Emma Twigg to gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Since then, he has coached medal-winning boats at every pinnacle event including gold for Ben Taylor and Oli Welch in the men’s pair at the world championships and silver for both the men’s four and women’s single at the Paris Olympics. As a rower he won silver at the 1994 World Championships in the lightweight men’s double sculls with Rob Hamill. He also competed at the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996.

Tour and a history lesson By Mary Anne Gill

A polished black granite monument erected in memory of Patrick Corboy, a former Waipā County chairman, featured in a Hamilton West cemetery tour undertaken by historian Lyn Williams last month. Corboy, who died in 1900 aged 67, was an Irish-born settler who emigrated from Australia in September 1863 and entered the Waikato militia - only six short months before the decisive battle at Ōrākau. Photos from the tour appear in Good Local Media’s Waikato Business News Out and About this month. The heritage cemetery next to Waikato Stadium operated between 1869 and 1975. Many of Hamilton and Waikato’s famed citizens lie in rest there including Corboy, Waikato Hospital matron Elizabeth Rothwell, entrepreneur Thomas Jolly who named Frankton after his son Frank, Grandview landowner Richard Dillicar, Waikato Argus publisher George Escombe and dentist Alexander James Young. For his services to the militia, Corboy was granted 50 acres of prime farming land in 1864, making him one of the benefactors of the post war land grab in Rangiaowhia/Kihikihi. He went on to buy land in

Whatawhata and lived the last 25 years of his life there. He chaired the Newcastle Road Board, the Whatawhata Cemetery Trustees and the Te Kowhai School committee. His cortege to his burial at Hamilton West Cemetery was one of the largest witnessed in the district at that time. Waikato Business News leads its January issue with the story of a company building UFO like simulators at Hamilton Airport and reports from the opening of Open Country’s cheese factory in Wahāroa. Viv Posselt reports on a public lecture which presented survivors’ accounts of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings that took place on August 6 and 9, 1945. The ever popular Out and About column has photos from around the place in December including some Waipā identities. Sister publication Bay of Plenty Business News leads with the story of a science teacher who created a nationwide network delivering bilingual kits to 700 schools every fortnight. Chris Duggan has been honoured by King Charles with a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her transformative impact on science education. • All online goodlocal.nz

The impressive monument to former Waipā Council chairman Patrick Corboy. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

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THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

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THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

Treasuring Tom Roa By Roy Pilott

Two children were in toilet cubicles at a new preschool where Māori was being taught. One called to the other ko mutu koe? (have you finished?). The response came “ae, ko mutu koe” (yes). To which one child called out in English “Uncle Tom, where’s the toilet paper?” It was a watershed 1980s moment for the three week school in Otara. “They spoke to me in English and to each other in Māori,” Tom Roa recalled. Roll back not very much further and Roa and his wife Robyn were struck by the fact that while they spoke Maōri in the home to their two daughters they didn’t know any urban area where children under five were speaking Māori naturally. A Tūhoe kaumatua told Roa “give up on this generation – go for the next generation – work with the under-fives”. Following some meetings, it was decided to start a playschool where only Māori was spoken. “We were about ready to go, then we got this word about the kohanga reo – and we immediately jumped on board and got our kohanga registered,” Roa recalled. He says the time was right 45 years ago and people were ready to commit. His gut belief is without it, Māori would today be spoken only in small pockets of families and the language would have no hope of survival. Instead “we have our Māori Queen and (MP) Hana Rawhiti, the products of the Kohanga Reo kura kaupapa system – Māori just drops off their tongue.” His contribution to the revitalisation of te reo Māori and public understanding of tikanga Māori led to Roa being named a Companion

Tom Roa (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato, Ngāti Apakura) pictured inside the recently open Pa at Waikato University.

of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year’s Honours. The honours notes acknowledge his role in the 1972 Māori Language Petition, the subsequent recognition of te reo Māori as an official language of New Zealand and the launch of Te Wiki o te reo Māori. Tom Roa, who celebrates his 73rd birthday on Saturday, was born the son of Hina and Kura Roa in Ōtorohanga. He attended Ōtorohanga South School and

Ōtorohanga College – and was attracted to language. He became the first of his whanau to attend university – in Wellington, to do a double major in English and Māori. Then it was a career in teaching, marriage to Robyn and starting what became a family with four daughters. I put it to the professor that he is forever conciliatory – and doesn’t seem to have a bad word to say about anyone. He says he was always on the fringe of protests but never in

TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 5

the forefront. Which is a slight understatement. “At the 50th celebration of the [Māori language] petition I spoke - and in the audience I saw Tame Iti and a few other and I said in Māori… ‘Tame, back then we were labelled bloody shit stirrers… today they are calling us national treasures. Go figure’!” Was he a shit stirrer? Yes, yes, I was a kid – I marched against the tour, but I loved rugby… we did the haka on parliament steps, painted over signs – general disruptive stuff.” He supported Iti’s tent (the Māori Embassy on parliament grounds in 1972) – and would take him lunch. He would also take food to the protesters at Bastion Point in the late 1970s. With permission of parents, he took some students there. “We were outside when everything was pulled down – really sad.” Joining protests at Eden Park during the 1981 Springboks tour was banned though. Robyn did not want to see a new father arrested. But after the Eden Park test, there was a gathering of the anti-apartheid “Patu mob” who turned up for a feed at the Roa home and to share stories of their escapades. Today, in terms of protest he sees the significant achievements of hīkoi – he was thrilled with the support of thousands of people who marched and or supported protests against the Treaty Principles Bill. Roa, who has been at Waikato University for more than a quarter of a century – he is a professor in Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao, The Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies - and regularly files opinion columns for The News, is working through translating Tolkien into te reo. But as with continuing the growth of the language, he notes – “there’s still a lot to do”.

Proposed Plan Change 25

Shelterbelts and Artificial Crop Protection and Support Structures What is Plan Change 25? We are proposing new rules for shelterbelts and crop structures in the Rural Zone of Waipā.

How do I find out more? The submission period for Proposed Plan Change 25 begins Thursday, January 15, 2026, until 5pm Friday, February 13, 2026.

The aim is to ensure rural land can be used efficiently while protecting defined landscapes, keeping road users and utility services safe, managing impacts on neighbours and reducing unnecessary consent processes.

Find out more at one of our offices or on our website.

Could this affect me?

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If you live in or next to a rural area, Plan Change 25 could affect you. The proposed changes include: New rules on where shelterbelts and crop structures can be located (for all farms and lifestyle properties) Requirements for planting and maintaining shelterbelts New setbacks from property boundaries, roads, electricity and gas lines Controls on the size, height and colour of crop structures

*The Minister Responsible for Resource Management Reform has granted an exemption under Section 80W of the Resource Management Act 1991 for Plan Change 25 to be publicly notified.

www.waipadc.govt.nz 0800 WAIPADC (0800 924 723)


6 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

We put you first

FAITH IN WAIPĀ

The faith we have By Karla Rose, Zion Church

New year, new home

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Te Awamutu

Despite popular belief, I am confident that humans are good at faith. We have faith that the sky won’t fall and that gravity will hold us to the earth. We have faith that our employer will pay us on payday and that our car will start when we turn the key in the ignition. We have faith that teachers will teach, doctors will heal, and that emergency services personnel will help us navigate some of the scariest moments in our lives. I think it is clear that no matter our core beliefs, we all have faith. According to the Bible, faith is what exposes what we hope for (Hebrews 11). It shows us, and the people around us, exactly what we expect to happen, even when there isn’t anything physical to prove that what we are hoping for will happen. Often, our faith is built on a foundation of our previous experiences. We have faith we will get paid by our employer because we know their character and their reputation, we understand the goals and ethics of the business, we see how other employees are treated, and our employer likely has a history of paying us each payday. Because of what we know about our employer, we have faith that we will be treated in the same way again. If we look at the Christian faith using some of those same indicators, I believe that our faith in God can only grow. Where human employers are trusted based on their character and reputation,

which we are all aware can change based on the circumstances they are experiencing, we have a God who is the same no matter what happens around Him, or to Him. Even when faced with death, and in the midst of agonising pain, He does not waver. When we see the goals and ethics of God, when we witness how He has cared for everyone who belongs to Him, and remember how He has cared for us, we know we will not only be treated well, but that He will fulfil every promise He has made to us. As we enter 2026, I would love for you to take a moment to assess where you have, and where you can, place your faith in God. Read what the word says He promises. Consider what you believe He has promised you, and ask yourself if it aligns with who the Bible says God is. Once you have those promises in mind, I encourage you to make room for their fulfilment in your life. With wisdom as your guide, clear out the things that do not meet the criteria for your next season, get rid of the clutter, tie up loose ends, and, where possible, gift the tools from your previous season, that you no longer need, to someone who is entering that season for the first time. I have faith that 2026 will be a year full of promise. I believe that God has good things in store for each of us, so start making room.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

Sophia joins lifers Watch those

By Jesse Wood

power poles

Sophia Powell has been named Te Awamutu Junior Rugby Sub-Union’s first female, and third overall, life member. The Te Awamutu Marist Junior Rugby chief executive’s nomination was accepted unanimously at the junior sub-union annual meeting last month. The 2022 New Zealand Marist rugby personality of the year said it came as a “big shock”. I had no idea this was on the cards for the junior sub-union,” Powell said. “I’m really pleased that the volunteer work I’ve done has been recognised at that level.” She has been involved with the junior sub-union since 2018 and has held an executive position since 2020.” Powell is moving slowly away from her role as her boys are now at St John’s College. “It’s definitely not about the accolades for me - but I must be ‘young’ to be joining the ranks for life members,” she said. Many took to Te Awamutu Marist Junior Rugby’s Facebook post to say the honour for the “superstar” and “TA legend” was well deserved.

By Chris Gardner

Sophia Powell is Te Awamutu Junior Rugby Sub-Union’s latest life member.

Proud mum Denise Powell was also among those to post a tribute. The junior sub-union said Powell had sat on the committee for approximately eight seasons giving her time to not only the Te Awamutu Marist Junior Rugby Club but also to others in the Waipā area and Waikato Central Junior Rugby.

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“Sophia is always willing to put herself forward and has been involved in such roles as a weigh delegate, Power Farming and treasurer, to name just a few and helps out wherever she can to benefit junior rugby. “She continues to do so even after her children are no longer involved in junior rugby.”

Police are joining Waipā Networks in urging drivers to take extra care following a sharp rise in crashes involving power poles. The electricity distribution company’s crews responded to 40 vehicle-versus-pole incidents in 2025, 12 more than the previous year and double the 13 responded to in 2023. “The message is simple: slow down, stay alert, and drive to the conditions so everyone gets home safely,” said chief executive Sean Horgan. “While wet roads, fog and fatigue are contributing factors, many of these crashes come down to driver behaviour. There are no specific trends; incidents have occurred across the network under all kinds of conditions and at varying speeds.” About 80 per cent of Waipā Networks’ power poles are on the side of roads. “Every incident has a ripple effect. It’s not just about the driver; it impacts the wider community through power outages, repair time, and cost,” Horgan said. Repairing damaged poles and lines can be costly in terms of power loss to homes and businesses and the materials and labour required to restore the network. As is standard across the industry, Waipā Networks recovers those costs from those responsible.

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22. Clergyman (5) 24. Period in office (6) 25. Categorically (6) Down 1. Become septic (6) 2. Peculiar (3) 3. Annoyance (5) 5. Liberty (7) 6. (Group) united by relationships (5-4) 7. Quaint (4)

8. The ‘birds and the bees’ (5,2,4) 12. Instinctive understanding (9) 15. Dog breed (7) 16. Move hurriedly (6) 19. New, original (5) 20. Assist in a crime (4) 23. Baby bed (3)

Last week Across: 1. Park, 4. Insist, 8. Prosper, 9. Court, 10. Raid, 11. Escapade, 13. Hobgoblin, 17. Outburst, 19. Pure, 21. Balsa, 22. Big shot, 23. Renege, 24. Soya. Down: 2. Abolish, 3. Kept, 4. Irresponsible, 5. Sociable, 6. Sauna, 7. Utter, 8. Purl, 12. Obdurate, 14. Naughty, 15. Doubt, 16. Pest, 18. Tulle, 20. Ages.

New Zealand Police area youth and community sergeant Felicity Cook-Jones said crashes involving power poles and power lines were time consuming and labour intensive.

“The road needs to be shut to ensure the safety of emergency services workers and the safety of other road users,” she said.

“Not every single crash will result in an infringement notice or a prosecution. It is dependent on the circumstances where factors such as driver licence conditions being met, alcohol impairment, drugged driving, distraction and speed are taken into account along with whether the vehicle being driven is safe to be on the road.

“Often police involvement is to ensure costs are recovered, if a culpable driver is insured the matter gets sorted out of court. If they aren’t then a prosecution with reparation sought may be sufficient.” Motorists who are involved in a power pole crash should stay in their vehicle and call 111.

Sudoku

Y Z E L E M E N T P H A S E L W R X S A L T E R N A T I N G S L S X X U O E E E V P P Z K V P K U E F G P G C I C R K O D M M G R S X C U L N X K N T M A W L F E A T H K T B I E R E S R I K E A T P T B J Y R R V Y X T U I N G R U S A N O D E I V I E T I L C A R F A W I G Q I W C C F P O Z A I L C V Y I E P E O J A Y T E U A T A Y H B D R R F E D M L A S O T V E N G A A I E G A U E M O U L D P C L U C R T R W M P L U G F E N N U A S R P G T E L E C T R I C I T Y T B A W O E E C I T U R B I N E V R J L X Y I F R T G E S U P P L Y O H Q E O V N T Y A H R P U L S E D L R J E A R T H C C T E G E N E R A T O R D Y N A M O H C U R R E N T B S L U ALTERNATING ANODE BATTERY CABLE CELL CHARGE CURRENT DIODE DIRECT DYNAMO EARTH ELECTRICAL ELECTRICIAN

“Because we’re 100 per cent communityowned, any costs that aren’t recovered ultimately come back to our customers through maintenance costs on their electricity bills. We’d much rather everyone stay safe and avoid those costs altogether.”

ELECTRICITY ELEMENT FLEX FUSE GENERATOR INSULATE LIGHT METER OUTPUT PHASE PLUG POINT POWER

PULSE SOCKET SPARKS SUPPLY SWITCH TERMINAL TRIP TURBINE VOLTAGE VOLTS WATTS WIRE WIRING

427

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

MEDIUM

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

Last week Sudoku

Wordsearch C H E E P E R G R I L S E E X T S Z Y S I L D C H I C K E N M E E A U G G O S L I N G Z A J X N P L Y D C P N E S T L I N G S O D G G B A P K A E L E V E R E T M E M A N S S O L R T C O D L I N G O Y E Q K L C L I R Y E A R L I N G P W H E L P G E N S L F O A L S G G L A M B K I N Q G O I R F D C U Q P O R K E R S E C P F O M E K C O Y U P R I C K E T S I L N C A L F W C T E S H O A T D W G E C X N F P Z O K S A M L E T U X T D U E B I K F L I E H K T U B C H T G B L B L F A T T A R E E A M K E N L T V M L O W L E T L E U R K L I R I P E V Y T N D O L Z Q L K G I F R N U R S M O L T U S S G L I O N E T G P S P A T S P E U M R P D L G R C Y


8 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

GIANT SUDOKU

‘AMERICAN’ CROSSWORD

The legendary phoenix lives for 500 years or more. At the end of its life it builds a nest of twigs that it then ignites. Nest and bird are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix emerges. Can you solve our Giant Sudoku? Every row, every column and every 4x4 box must contain digits 1 to 9, and all seven letters in the word PHOENIX.

Crossword grids tend to come in two main styles - Italian and American. ‘Italian’ grids have roughly the same number of black and white squares, and each clue has to be solved. This puzzle has an ‘American’ grid, with relatively few black squares and many answers that can be solved completely by filling in other answers. 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

18 22

26

42

64

98

94

2 - Across: 5. Inspire, 6. Cigar, 9. Florida. Down: 1. Hip, 2. Eskimos, 3. Titanic, 4. Pen, 7. Aft, 8. Map.

Quiz

80

81

Across 1. Shatter (5) 6. Saline solution from lacrimal glands (9) 13. Military band flutes (5) 18. Underwater missile (7) 19. Tier (5) 20. Gorge (7) 21. Tearful vegetable (5) 22. Punch and Judy operator (9) 25. Saltpetre (5) 26. Spar supporting sails (4) 27. Ghost (5) 28. Harangues (5) 30. Identical (4) 31. Area equal to 100sqm (3) 32. Marsupial (5) 33. Evening appointment (7) 35. Lick (3) 36. Deflect (5) 38. Kingdom (5) 40. Spectral (7) 42. Warmth (4) 44. Hides (6) 47. Compensated (4) 48. Chuck (4) 50. Sound of a bagpipe (5) 51. Heals (anag) (5) 53. Sailor’s dance (8) 54. Flower segment (5) 56. Oil source (4) 57. Samples (6) 58. Tuft (7) 60. Tumbled (4) 61. Leader of the Smurfs (4)

82

85 89

90

95 99

69

76

84 88

68

91

96 100

97

101 104

102 105

107

63. Coating to seal a porous surface (7) 66. Excite (6) 67. Stay, persist (4) 70. Farewell (5) 71. Hold sacred (8) 72. Encourage (5) 73. Wetlands (5) 75. Compass direction (4) 76. Bard (4) 77. Material used to strengthen a garment (6) 80. Abscess (4) 81. Egyptian ruler (7) 83. Evade (5) 85. Whisky distilled in Scotland (5) 86. Clothes holder (3) 88. Photographed (7) 90. Circles of light (5) 91. Dined (3) 93. Water (L) (4) 95. Velocity (5) 96. Sterilise (5) 97. Froth (4) 98. Destroys (5) 100. Done recklessly (9) 102. Small breed of dog (5) 103. Oriental (7) 104. Largest city in Africa (5) 105. Turncoat (7) 106. Mix of rain and snow (5) 107. Appearance (9) 108. Designs (5)

92

108

Down 1. Leaf opening (5) 2. Sovereign (7) 3. Develop (5) 4. See (4) 5. Fowl (3) 6. Art of making shaping shrubs (7) 7. First letter in the Greek alphabet (5) 8. Ecstatic (4) 9. Stain (3) 10. Fall back (7) 11. Mountain nymph (5) 12. Skirmish (6) 13. Bog (3) 14. Eye part (4) 15. Relating to a foetus (5) 16. Designate (7) 17. Set at a high angle (5) 23. Unattractive (4) 24. Way in (5) 27. Ken Follet novel, __ without End (5) 29. Slap (5) 32. Katherine (abbr) (5) 34. Oval (7) 36. Sacred song (5) 37. Edible part of nut (6) 39. Conventions (5) 40. Speak breathlessly (4) 41. Semi-precious gem (4) 42. Plunging (8) 43. Mountain range (4) 45. Lowest female singing voice (4) 46. Pout (4) 48. Garden irrigator (4) 49. Beekeeper (8) 52. Detested (5)

53. Dagger handle (4) 55. Litmus reddeners (5) 58. Story (4) 59. Champion’s wreath (7) 61. Saying (6) 62. Measure equal to four gills (4) 63. Confessed (slang) (4) 64. Intentions (4) 65. Hire (5) 66. He and she (4) 67. Afrikaners (5) 68. Tiny amount (4) 69. Engrave (4) 72. Vessels (5) 74. Floors (5) 76. Genus of plant which is chiefly North American (5) 78. One-sided (7) 79. Conical tent (5) 80. Type of cheese (7) 81. Artist’s board (7) 82. Eight-sided shape (7) 84. Author, ___ du Maurier (6) 85. Large number of people (4) 86. Peels (5) 87. Appearance (5) 89. Quietness (5) 90. Wading bird (5) 91. Main artery (5) 92. Eastern VIPs (5) 94. Poker stake (4) 96. Dreadful (4) 97. Thwart (4) 99. Harden (3) 101. Pear-shaped fruit (3) 102. Place a limit on (3)

Solution Across: 1. Smash, 6. Teardrops, 13. Fifes, 18. Torpedo, 19. Layer, 20. Overeat, 21. Onion, 22. Puppeteer, 25. Nitre, 26. Mast, 27. Wight, 28. Rants, 30. Same, 31. Are, 32. Koala, 33. Bedtime, 35. Lap, 36. Parry, 38. Realm, 40. Ghostly, 42. Heat, 44. Cloaks, 47. Paid, 48. Hurl, 50. Skirl, 51. Shale, 53. Hornpipe, 54. Petal, 56. Palm, 57. Tastes, 58. Tussock, 60. Fell, 61. Papa, 63. Sealant, 66. Thrill, 67. Bide, 70. Adieu, 71. Enshrine, 72. Boost, 73. Marsh, 75. East, 76. Poet, 77. Gusset, 80. Cyst, 81. Pharaoh, 83. Elude, 85. Malts, 86. Peg, 88. Snapped, 90. Halos, 91. Ate, 93. Aqua, 95. Speed, 96. Desex, 97. Foam, 98. Ruins, 100. Headfirst, 102. Corgi, 103. Eastern, 104. Cairo, 105. Traitor, 106. Sleet, 107. Emergence, 108. Plans. Down: 1. Stoma, 2. Monarch, 3. Arise, 4. Spot, 5. Hen, 6. Topiary, 7. Alpha, 8. Rapt, 9. Dye, 10. Retreat, 11. Oread, 12. Sortie, 13. Fen, 14. Iris, 15. Fetal, 16. Earmark, 17. Steep, 23. Ugly, 24. Entry, 27. World, 29. Smack, 32. Katie, 34. Ellipse, 36. Psalm, 37. Kernel, 39. Mores, 40. Gasp, 41. Opal, 42. Hurtling, 43. Alps, 45. Alto, 46. Sulk, 48. Hose, 49. Apiarist, 52. Hated, 53. Haft, 55. Acids, 58. Tale, 59. Laurels, 61. Phrase, 62. Pint, 63. Sang, 64. Aims, 65. Lease, 66. They, 67. Boers, 68. Iota, 69. Etch, 72. Boats, 74. Stuns, 76. Phlox, 78. Unequal, 79. Tepee, 80. Cheddar, 81. Palette, 82. Octagon, 84. Daphne, 85. Mass, 86. Pares, 87. Guise, 89. Peace, 90. Heron, 91. Aorta, 92. Emirs, 94. Ante, 96. Dire, 97. Foil, 99. Set, 101. Fig, 102. Cap.

Quick cryptic 1 - Across: 1. Safer, 5. Old, 6. Amuse, 8. Spain, 10. Dip, 11. Yield. Down: 1. Seaside, 2. Flu, 3. Roe, 5. Adorned, 7. Sip, 8. Spy, 9. Ale. 1. Longshoreman, 2. A tightrope, 3. Precious stones, 4. Argentina and Uruguay, 5. By carrying his unit’s flag, 6. To turn base metals into gold, 7. Purser, 8. Falconer, 9. Maps, 10. Chambermaid.

Giant sudoku

67 72

79

106

1. What is the term for a stevedore in the United States? 2. What does a funambulist walk on? 3. A lapidary is a specialist in working with what kind of material? 4. Name either of the countries in which a cattle herder is called a gaucho? 5. In the army, how did a colour-sergeant get his title? 6. What was the main goal of medieval alchemists? 7. Which officer on a ship is responsible for provisions and accounts? 8. Who breeds, trains or hunts with hawks? 9. What does a cartographer make or study? 10. What is a female servant attending to bedrooms in houses or inns?

62

75

103

QUIZ - occupations

61 66

78

93

55

58

74

87

46

50

71

86

45

54

60

83

17

35

44 49

65

73

16

39

43

57

70

Across 5. Motivate in church tower (7) 6. Cuban vehicle holds a thousand (5) 9. LA rid of torrid state (7) Down 1. Happening joint (3) 2. Northern folk ski in some confusion (7) 3. Massive sort out in attic (7) 4. Swan enclosure (3) 7. Stern but almost silly (3) 8. Poet Ayres looks up atlas (3)

38

53

59

15

30 34

48

56

Across 1. Less dangerous than assorted fears (5) 5. Over the hill of fooldom (3) 6. Entertain an inspiration (5) 8. Country health resort at home (5) 10. Policeman parking pickpocket (3) 11. Relinquish supply (5) Down 1. Main team on the coast (7) 2. Illness found among affluent (3) 3. Initially run off elderly deer (3) 4. Dressed up and rode around (7) 7. Odds about single swallow (3) 8. Glimpse mole (3) 9. The French after a drink (3)

29

37

52

14

25

33

41

63

13

24 28

47

2

12 20

32

40

1

11

23

36

QUICK CRYPTICS

10

27

31

77

9

19

21

51

8

H 7 2 8 O X 1 P I 6 4 5 9 E N 3 5 1 E 4 2 H 9 N O 8 P 3 6 I 7 X N P O 9 I 3 8 6 E X 1 7 2 H 4 5 3 6 X I E 5 4 7 9 N H 2 1 O 8 P 6 2 P O N 7 H 8 1 9 3 X E 4 5 I E N 1 3 X 4 2 I 6 5 7 H O 8 P 9 9 8 4 H 5 1 6 O P E I N 7 3 X 2 7 X I 5 P 9 3 E 2 4 8 O H N 6 1 1 I H 6 7 P O 4 X 3 E 8 5 9 2 N P 9 N X H 8 5 3 4 2 6 1 I 7 E O 8 5 7 E 9 6 I 2 H O N P 3 X 1 4 4 O 3 2 1 E N X 5 7 9 I 8 P H 6 I 3 5 P 6 N E 9 7 H 2 4 X 1 O 8 2 H 8 1 4 O P 5 3 I X E N 6 9 7 X E 6 N 3 2 7 1 8 P O 9 4 5 I H O 4 9 7 8 I X H N 1 5 6 P 2 3 E


TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 9

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

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 CHAPEL & CATERING FACILITIES • PREPLANNED FUNERALS • THE FUNERAL TRUST PREPAID PLAN • HEADSTONES & BRONZE PLAQUES

Quick crossword 1

2

Wordsearch

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

10

11

12

14

13

15 16

17

18

19

20 21

22

24

23

25

Across 1. Limp (6) 4. Leftover material (6) 9. Move furtively (5) 10. Inspiring (7) 11. Obvious (7) 13. Sketched (4) 14. Mental condition (5,2,4) 17. Fibber (4) 18. Insane person (7) 21. Court official (7)

22. Clergyman (5) 24. Period in office (6) 25. Categorically (6) Down 1. Become septic (6) 2. Peculiar (3) 3. Annoyance (5) 5. Liberty (7) 6. (Group) united by relationships (5-4) 7. Quaint (4)

8. The ‘birds and the bees’ (5,2,4) 12. Instinctive understanding (9) 15. Dog breed (7) 16. Move hurriedly (6) 19. New, original (5) 20. Assist in a crime (4) 23. Baby bed (3)

Last week Across: 1. Park, 4. Insist, 8. Prosper, 9. Court, 10. Raid, 11. Escapade, 13. Hobgoblin, 17. Outburst, 19. Pure, 21. Balsa, 22. Big shot, 23. Renege, 24. Soya. Down: 2. Abolish, 3. Kept, 4. Irresponsible, 5. Sociable, 6. Sauna, 7. Utter, 8. Purl, 12. Obdurate, 14. Naughty, 15. Doubt, 16. Pest, 18. Tulle, 20. Ages.

Sudoku

Y Z E L E M E N T P H A S E L W R X S A L T E R N A T I N G S L S X X U O E E E V P P Z K V P K U E F G P G C I C R K O D M M G R S X C U L N X K N T M A W L F E A T H K T B I E R E S R I K E A T P T B J Y R R V Y X T U I N G R U S A N O D E I V I E T I L C A R F A W I G Q I W C C F P O Z A I L C V Y I E P E O J A Y T E U A T A Y H B D R R F E D M L A S O T V E N G A A I E G A U E M O U L D P C L U C R T R W M P L U G F E N N U A S R P G T E L E C T R I C I T Y T B A W O E E C I T U R B I N E V R J L X Y I F R T G E S U P P L Y O H Q E O V N T Y A H R P U L S E D L R J E A R T H C C T E G E N E R A T O R D Y N A M O H C U R R E N T B S L U ALTERNATING ANODE BATTERY CABLE CELL CHARGE CURRENT DIODE DIRECT DYNAMO EARTH ELECTRICAL ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICITY ELEMENT FLEX FUSE GENERATOR INSULATE LIGHT METER OUTPUT PHASE PLUG POINT POWER

PULSE SOCKET SPARKS SUPPLY SWITCH TERMINAL TRIP TURBINE VOLTAGE VOLTS WATTS WIRE WIRING

427

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

MEDIUM

All puzzles © The Puzzle Company

Last week Sudoku

Wordsearch C H E E P E R G R I L S E E X T S Z Y S I L D C H I C K E N M E E A U G G O S L I N G Z A J X N P L Y D C P N E S T L I N G S O D G G B A P K A E L E V E R E T M E M A N S S O L R T C O D L I N G O Y E Q K L C L I R Y E A R L I N G P W H E L P G E N S L F O A L S G G L A M B K I N Q G O I R F D C U Q P O R K E R S E C P F O M E K C O Y U P R I C K E T S I L N C A L F W C T E S H O A T D W G E C X N F P Z O K S A M L E T U X T D U E B I K F L I E H K T U B C H T G B L B L F A T T A R E E A M K E N L T V M L O W L E T L E U R K L I R I P E V Y T N D O L Z Q L K G I F R N U R S M O L T U S S G L I O N E T G P S P A T S P E U M R P D L G R C Y

ENJOY THE THINGS YOU LOVE Enjoy welcoming, comfy surroundings and a warm sense of belonging at our Resthaven on Burns Care Centre. • We are a community charitable trust providing quality, affordable care for seniors. • Our caring team are here to help you enjoy the things you love, whether it is gardening, baking, trips to town, hobbies, or simply a quiet afternoon relaxing. • Our commitment to affordability means there is no premium daily room charge at Resthaven on Burns.

CONT ACT US TODAY

Resthaven on Burns

170 Burns Street, Leamington Cambridge Phone 07 827 4454

www.resthaven.org.nz


10 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

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AVAILABLE FROM: 100 Roche Street, Te Awamutu 07 870 5020 | teawamutu@pratts.co.nz | www.pratts.co.nz

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QUALIFIED • FULLY INSURED 027 514 0341 or contact form on website

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CALL LIZ ON 027 809 9933 or email liz@goodlocal.nz


TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 11

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

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of the Year

stop shop for Experts in providingBailey Ingham all your financial farmers and is needs. businesses a professional advice in all one stop quality aspects of accounting taxation planning shop and for all your - including GST, FBT, Individual/ compa Employer ny, PAYE, - Succession planningfarmin and familygguidance and - Trust administrat Carolyn person ion and Dew, advice al Offi- ce Business financial needs. Manager administrat ion including Kelly Bair Companies Office requiremen ts Director Contact the team - Windups including FREE NO OBLIGA company liquidationsfor a TION INTERV Supporters of IEW local community 97 Sloane St, Te events Awamu

ocelynA wonderfu The case for J l citiz 2025 Person

FREE

DECEMBER

2025 Perso

18, 2025

n of the Ye

ar

tu 3800 Contact the team | E: ta@bail Carolyn Perrett for a FREE NO eyingham.co.nz OBLIGATIO

P: 07 870 1888

41 Bank St Te

Awamutu 3800

four decades. rt for more than When we cast n Cooney’s suppo the net to find tted from Jocely consistently our person of of artwork in n of the year. isations have benefi popped up. the year, the to support the installation Cambridge organ nised as Cambridge News’ perso name Jess Brow e public areas. School Trustees By Jesse Wood by the New Zealand ging her contribution Cambridgin a career in which she made n they Factor Today she is recog Association, acknowled clients whenever for serving to the community for herself available The CAB has board her reputationJessica to education and “Jess” Brown for sed Salisbury School needed her, building bookings for many offshoots includin she hasTecertainly has been serving could be forgiven Awamutu for she on the Nelson-ba the g Jocelyn Cooney “When my son empathy and excellence, nt. 14 years domain, money Kihikihi Town Hall and of ‘ho hum’ on hearing of trustees. time managemeCitizens in 2007, she was Advice Bureau. through the signalling a touch Person of the Year for Jocelyn’s really have any was born, I didn’t mastered good Waikeria and management classes at Years before that, then coursed through Theher News has received IT is Cambridge News’shrugging us off as just Community has a plaque from the decided to movefamily there. So, I in of call of busines classes but their main presented with After completing commen back and got 2025, but instead was tickled pink. Anand Satyanand s veins for decades. ts about the CAB many positive School, she the job at e Highwork she Governor General in or walk in. is helping those who ring Inland Revenue.” another award, service as a Coroner. and Not schooling at Cambridg to do law. commitment manager’s Jess has lived her would expect for trustee recognition of her From keeping from multiple Those who know sources. to Auckland University held numerous of written Court went also High citation has the at now Hamilto in Ōtorohanga and Jocelyn whatever admitted heads to helping rooves over people’s n the readiness nothing less. In foundation member ty “It’ll long after being founded be 14 them get their Awamutu everybut still chooses Te humility and her years next month. roles. She was a early 1975, she y, cleaner fixed, her, it is Jocelyn’s vacuum giving was in Auckland in day. e Health and Communi for her communit three. My son Bureau, fi is Cambridg nd beyond I the Advice a saw what “I and job travel because this or e. learn how to use a smartph role advertis to go above which oversees before Mt Roskill Citizenspro-bono it work was school I still conside She ed and one, the CAB stand-out in Cambridg Charitable Trust, Te Awamutu of hours at the r all. that make her a of a background type of Community Space. nt team does it Cooney, them four years my three David days now Taylor Made a week and thattime. Only with husband involveme the community home and south years’ “I’m really more being Council me 14-plus heading for Jess District is also a perfectl fitted in “it’s not Trust, still enjoys her y,” Jess said. won a Waipā passion for,” that I have a e Autumn Festival person,” she smiled,everything.” with whom she 2013. “I active member Justice of the Peace, an Jess to with the Cambridg Community Trust hadn’tafter in of the Te Awamu been working “We rely on said. front and central Heritage Award ed career in the Waipā 1982 Associa in here assisted volunte tu for distinguish of up Disabled tion has JP her years. a couple and ers I had resigned for Aside from from our commu Riding for the The couple ended and Rotorua. JP representativethe South Waikato from my where she is known and the Linda Jonesfundraises so that the Inland Auckland nity to Revenu the legal industry, and modesty, Jocelyn is on the Waikato help keep us spending time in with the late David Jecks e because it wasn’trole at to), Association. going. Foundation (which JP scene. crew don’t have my her professionalism for her community don’t have volunte If we Jocelyn did a locum role as Coroner for 11 ged Riding for the Disabled “We have a JP his “This ers, role on school boards, widely acknowled is where I’ve and soon took on we can’t open a week. I think clinic three mornings has played a pivotal Creative Fibre, the our doors. I love working job, stayed ever since. of her service. the the of years. heart we’re side with the e at “We’re one with interesting is involved of the busiest That was CAB’s around, not for Arts, and Cambridg Medal she said.the volunteers and “That was a very commu nityg,” ” Jess said. government here.” Queen’s Service Cambridge Society gave her life membership quite confrontin “We are here funded, so and a sole but could also be on Jess saidasthe awarded in 2018 we rely on her own Grey Power, which a longstanding role for just about for anyone and everyon also After a few years makes firm, is rewarding and law e, grants and funding or contributed to her a diff anything. erence in 2018. She was of the now-dissolved joined another in people’s lives. community “We’re here Law, practitioner, she “We have Cooney winning in 2011 to offer help, member and patron groups such an awesom own practice, navigat support and until e team. Our as then started her has the Cambridge justremained gone from Cambridge Lyceum.honorary solicitor she has team don’t e processes to make sure Lions, Rotary Altrusa, strength to strength as in 2005. It’s whereover Community and people suffer for not work this year. the years. She also serves as the clients who leave even knowing what back from full-time groups, as well rights and respons Board’s people, their us “We,toand close for several of those Cambridge Rotary. More stepping donations, to I, are extreme ibilities are. Her ability to get and Community “Not keep us ly with each case thedeal hip of Parents Centre, people thatanwe have. lucky to have rights only do we tell people going. over the chairmans earn their trust and Service Award. her what their That’s what are but we also makes recently, she took has earned ty Charitable us nately 2018, work Communi in “Te Awamutu Safer Also compassio so well. what their respons educate them on with here. the Cambridge “People do say they y community that is the she has been involved she was unmatched reputation communit Several generat ibilities are.” find I’m easy Rotary’s Trust, something doing to.her I’m to She will keeptalk also involved with presented with heart belongs my happy to enjoy time to the moved to Ngaromions ago, Jess’ family do for years. She is the Souter Trust. the groundw now, it’sbe. to. lovely a Recognition work, but rightif needs ork get her e’s extremely gratefulI am If someon more and Urban Miners and she is keen to help Her grandpa a. a little I’m notfamily of Contrigrandchildrenand wedding.sick, I’ll jump in rents have lived for this commu worried Looking forward, e Public Art Trust, April an area about for to in their nity.” what the bution entire lives, and garden readywork it is. I’ll get year advance the Cambridg down and do type of her mum If they’ve got Education Church earlier this anything. married a dairy farmer. to do it, so do founded by Carey “We travelle award I. Te Awamutu Citizens “I get a lot of d Photo: Ruth Gilmour job to job and around the country from Advice Bureau management feedback that my Cooney QSM. settled in Whakat style is quite the Year, Jocelyn said. “My mum āne,” Jess manager Jessica News Person of unique and very people The Cambridge orientated.” be closer to my and dad moved back to Brown is the 2025 grandparents Awamutu Person Te years ago. about 20 of the Year. Photo: Jesse Wood Valued Client By Viv Posselt

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THE LOCAL Since 1978 Bailey COMMUN Ingham has beenITY SINCE 1978 a one

al Choose a Funer Director with:

RICHARDSON, Michael William – Tragically passed away as a result of an accident on Thursday, 18 December 2025, aged 44 years. Much-loved partner and soulmate of Zarsha. Cherished and devoted father of Makayla and Emersyn. A celebration of Mike’s life has been held. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Mike may do so via Give a Little at givealittle.co.nz/ cause/support-for-zarshamakayla-emma. Messages to the Richardson family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or shared in Michael’s online tribute book at www. rosetown.co.nz.

5 Whitmore St, Kihikihi

18, 2025

ER 18, 2025

DECEMB THURSDAY

FLEMING, William Stanley (Stan) – Passed away peacefully at Resthaven, Cambridge on 23rd December 2025, aged 87 Loved son of John & Margaret, brother of Jean and Sam (all deceased). Much loved Uncle of Tracy, Colleen & Geoff, great uncle of Michael & Rachel, Paul, Katherine, Brandon & Jess, Lachlan & Lauren, Andrew & Tilly and great great uncle to Kendyl, Devon, Penelope and Lexie. As per Stan’s wishes a private cremation has been held. All communications to the Fleming family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.

• Engagements • Weddings • Births • Anniversaries • Bereavements • In Memoriam etc

Call Janine 027 287 0005 e: janine@goodlocal.nz

PIRONGIA Four Square Heritage & Information Centre Pirongia Service Station OHAUPO Ohaupo Store


12 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS

THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026

H TS 112 Husqvarna Series™ Engine - 13.8hp - 38” / 95cm Cutting Width Compact yet powerful garden tractor offers intuitive operation and delivers excellent results on large open lawns.

Make big lawns better Now is a good time to bring your gear in for annual servicing

5,199RRP

$

H TS 114

H TS 100i

H TC 100i

L TS 218T

Husqvarna Series™ Engine - 14.8hp - 38” / 95cm Cutting Width Reliable garden tractor delivers an exceptional mowing experience on any large lawn – even in narrow passages.

100% Battery powered - Belt-free - 95cm I 38” Cutting Deck 2kWh battery Optimised battery power for efficient mowing and easy riding .

100% Battery powered - Belt-free - 95cm I 38” Cutting Deck2kWh battery Battery-powered garden tractor with collector, dynamic mowing and power-conserving savE™ mode.

Husqvarna Series™ Engine - 24.5hp - 42” / 108cm Cutting Width An efficient and ergonomic garden tractor with a powerful engine to maintain larger lawns easily.

5,699RRP

$

10,299RRP

$

L TS 220TD

L TS 220TDF

L

Husqvarna Series™ Engine - 26.2hp - 42” / 108cm Cutting Width High performance garden tractor with diff lock and comfort-enhancing features.

Husqvarna Series™ Engine - 26.2hp - 42” / 108cm Cutting Width High performance mowing with ClearCut™ Fabricated cutting deck and diff lock.

Husqvarna Series™ Engine - 26.2hp - 48” / 122cm Cutting Width A powerful and comfortable side discharge tractor with ClearCut™ Fabricated cutting deck and diff lock.

$

7,299RRP

$

11,499RRP

9,499RRP

7,299RRP

$

TS 222TDF

9,990RRP

$

L TS 354 Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin - 24.0hp - 54” / 137cm Cutting Width Premium tractor with ClearCut™ fabricated deck, heavy-duty transmission with electric diff lock and superior comfort features.

11,999RRP

$

$

Onsite robotic mower demo’s available. We also have preowned robotic mowers for sale. H TC 114

H Z146

L Z242F

L Z254F

Husqvarna Series™ Engine - 14.8hp - 38” / 95cm Cutting Width Reliable garden tractor delivers an exceptional mowing experience on any large lawn – even in narrow passages.

Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin - 21.5hp - 46” / 117cm Cutting Width Cutting edge design, proven performance and new innovative features combine to make lawn maintenance an event instead of a chore.

Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin - 21.5hp - 42” / 108cm Cutting Width Cut like a professional with true zero turn performance and heavy-duty ClearCut™ fabricated deck for land-owners with open lawn areas.

Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin - 24.0 hp - 54” / 137cm Cutting Width Built to withstand tough conditions with a rock-solid frame, powerful engine and high performance ClearCut™ fabricated deck for a superb finish.

$

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$

8,299RRP

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10,299RRP

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L MZ48

H R 214TC

L RC 318T

H R 200iX

Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin - 23.0 hp - 48” / 122cm Cutting Width Delivers a powerful performance and comfort with its commercial-grade build, ergonomic controls, heavy-duty ClearCut™ fabricated deck, and versatile mowing capabilities.

Husqvarna Series™ V-Twin Engine - 16.1hp 37” / 94cm Cutting Width - 30cm Uncut Circle Features a combi cutting deck that provides two cutting options – BioClip® mulching and rear ejection cutting for higher, tougher grass.

Husqvarna Series™ V-Twin Engine - 18hp 41 / 103cm Cutting Width This system efficiently directs grass clippings from the front-mounted cutting deck straight into the spacious 300-litre collection. Includes CRC103 deck.

2 kWh Battery powered - 103cm Cutting Width - 40cm Uncut Circle State-of-the-art low noise battery riders with Dynamic mowing for an even cut – BioClip®mulching and rear ejection cutting - and power-conserving savE™ mode intelligently optimises battery use for class-leading capacity and efficiency.

11,999RRP

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15,299RRP

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12,499RRP

18,380RRP

14,389RRP

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FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

LAWNMOWER AND CHAINSAW CENTRE Manager Charles Sutherland-Clark manager@lmcc.co.nz

Service Manager Clive Baldwin workshop@lmcc.co.nz

Parts James Bradley parts@lmcc.co.nz

Parts/Automowers Ben Mackie parts@lmcc.co.nz

Accounts/Admin El-marie Sutherland-Clark admin@lmcc.co.nz

07 871 8838 333 Sloane Street, Te Awamutu www.LMCC.co.nz


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Te Awamutu News | January 8, 2026 by Cambridge, King Country & Te Awamutu News, Waikato & Bay of Plenty Business News - Issuu