Te Awamutu News | June 12, 2025 by Cambridge, King Country & Te Awamutu News, Waikato & Bay of Plenty Business News

TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 1

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

Forward thinking

Property

Management ‘we put you first’

Vayle Hammond

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JUNE 12, 2025

Council defends comms By Mary Anne Gill

A new investigation by a national taxpayer pressure group claims Waipā District Council is funding its own political communications’ machine to shape perception rather than deliver outcomes. The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union say a 63page response from the council following a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (Lgoima) request reveals the council paid its 12-strong Communications and Engagement team nearly $800,000 on spin in nine months. In response Waipā chief executive Steph O’Sullivan - who The News gave an embargoed copy of the Taxpayers’ Union statement

to - said the council had 9.5 full time equivalent positions, not 12. The council, which is a $2.8 billion business with a $150 million operating budget, welcomed public scrutiny and transparency especially when it came to how it spends ratepayers’ money, she said. “It’s misleading to suggest this work is about ‘spin’. The external communications and engagement strategy adopted by the council in 2023 purposefully reset the way we inform and engage with our community to ensure we deliver on our vision of building connected communities, and that we continue to grow trust and confidence in council.” Union investigations

coordinator Rhys Hurley released the information to The News saying the council was not listening, just lecturing. “Internal documents show the council has issued 66 media releases in just four months, built a new communication strategy, new roles and toolkits for its public image while just 17 per cent of residents believe the council is acting in their best interests,” he said. “Ratepayers aren’t asking for Facebook reels or branded tote bags they want their bins emptied, roads fixed, and rates kept under control. “This isn’t community engagement, it’s reputation management. Ratepayers are funding a political comms machine that’s

more interested in shaping perception than delivering outcomes,” said Hurley. “Spending $800,000 on spin in just nine months while pleading poverty is indefensible with an average rates rise of 14.8 per cent. If Waipā cared about their ratepayers, they’d start by cutting this comms circus.” O’Sullivan said overall trust in the council grew from 19 percent to 21 per cent from 2023 to 2024, which indicated the council was making progress. “But there is a long way to go and trust and confidence are only rebuilt with deliberate intention and action.” The council had grown its digital audience by 40 per cent since July last year

Having a ball

Dancing the Gay Gordons, pictured, has been an institution at Te Awamutu College’s ball for decades and the students who took to the dance floor on Saturday night in Sir Don Rowlands Centre at Karāpiro added to the tradition with yet another brilliant display of social dancing. The Gay Gordons dance – named after the Gordon Highlanders army regiment - is performed in a circle and involves holding hands, walking, turning, twirling, doing the polka and changing partners, hence the term social dancing as you get to dance with new people. Also something of a tradition are glamorous students arriving in classic or vintage cars. Pictured are Cameron Howells and Anna Swney on their arrival. Photos: Kim Howells.

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Rhys Hurley

in response to a changing media landscape where daily newspapers were no longer able to serve their communities like they did in the past. “It is an integrated approach to help ensure people get the right information, in the right way, at the right time.”

Steph O’Sullivan

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union aims to scrutinise government spending and highlight public waste. • Read more teawamutunews.nz, including the council’s full response and the Taxpayers’ Union Lgoima request and response.

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New cops on town beat By Jon Rawlinson

Two recent police graduates Awa Morris and Jarom Jaunay, have joined the ranks in Waipā. Relieving Waikato West area commander Inspector Karl Thornton greeted his two new recruits in Te Awamutu last week. “We are really happy to welcome these two new officers,” he said. “They have grown up in the area and have family and friends in the community, which is fantastic as they have local knowledge and support.” Jaunay and Morris will undertake probationary training before helping to shore up Te Awamutu’s blue line. “Waikato West is a large, dynamic and busy policing area,” Thornton said. “There’s a lot to learn in the first few months on the job and we will do everything we can to ensure constables Jaunay and Morris have

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the guidance and support they need in the field.” Jaunay told The News he is living in Hamilton but I has been looking forward to working in Te Awamutu as he spent a lot of time in town when he lived in Pirongia as a teenager. “I was like a lot of young adults, unsure which career path to take at first, but after learning what the job involved, I knew it was what I wanted to do.” Soon after finishing high school at Hamilton’s Tai Wananga ki Ruakura Jaunay, 21, served his church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) before deciding to protect and serve his wider community. “I served a mission of service for two years. This involved ministering, management of other missionaries, visiting church members and other services to make life easier and lighten people’s burdens,” he said.

“I applied for the police after friends shared their experiences working for the police and I was also inspired by a family member who polices in Huntly.” Inspector Thornton is not the only area commander benefiting from new recruits. In total, 76 Wing 384 constables have been deployed nationwide since graduating late last month.

with Senior Constable Ryan Fleming

Yes, it’s good to be back Since my return from Hamilton the most commonly asked question I get is “I bet you’re glad to back”. The answer to that is a resounding yes. It’s good to be home. Hamilton policing taught me a lot: quick thinking, thick skin, and how to dodge a Lime scooter travelling at the speed of sound. Policing in the city is as hectic as I remember city policing to be. When I first joined the police, I was lucky enough to learn my trade in South Auckland. I spent four years on the frontline there and thoroughly enjoyed it. I made a lot of good friends for life and was part of a well drilled team. Hamilton was exactly the same. In Te Awamutu, things move at a different pace. I would not ever say its quieter (Police are not allowed under any circumstances to use the Q word). Here, you get an opportunity to follow through with the whole job from start to finish. From investigation to arrest all the way to court. Police in smaller centres get to see the whole of the job and not just a small microcosm of it. This breeds well rounded officers with a myriad of skillsets. You still get the occasional wild callout, of course - we’re not immune to chaos - but at least you usually know the name of the person causing it. Or their mum. One of the biggest perks of small-town

policing is connection. In the city, you can go a whole shift dealing with strangers you’ll never see again. Here, I get to deal with people I’ve known for years, deal with people whose kids play sport with mine. I get to build genuine connections which assist me in solving the world’s problems. Of course, it’s not all laid-back and low-key. We still do serious work here— protecting the vulnerable, solving crime, and making sure Te Awamutu stays the safe, supportive community it is. But there’s also a certain charm to getting called out to a “disorder” only to find two neighbours arguing over who’s better at lawn mowing. Yes, I have had that call out. Coming back to Te Awamutu isn’t just a return to smaller beats and quieter nights— it’s a return to purpose. It’s grounding. It reminds me why I joined the job in the first place: to serve people I know, in a place I love. I needed to step away for a while to remind me of that privilege So if you see me out and about, don’t be shy. Say g’day. Tell me if your cat’s missing or your streetlight’s on the blink. I might even know someone who can help. And if you’re really lucky, I’ll share a few stories from Hamilton - just don’t ask about the Lime scooters.

Jarom Jaunay performs the haka at his graduation.

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Briefs…

Outfall finished

Waipā’s stormwater outfall is finished and the stretch of Te Awa River Ride, between the Velodrome and Gaslight Theatre is now open. Stormwater swales and ponds form a network that collects, treats, and returns water to the Waikato River.

Give blood

The number of youth aged 16-25 years giving blood has dropped by 25 per cent since 2020 which has the New Zealand Blood Service concerned. This is National Blood Donor Week and every year around 30,000 people living in New Zealand have their lives saved or improved by blood, plasma and platelet donors.

Riders on form

Four young riders – including Mei Chin of Cambridge High School – landed a podium spot at the recent Asia & Pacific Cup in Fuzhou, China. In addition to finishing third overall, a New Zealand Pony Club team took part in an exchange programme.

Planting project

Aotea Harbour is 1000 trees better off after the community came together to plant the dunes. A small group of volunteers enhanced the walkway along the edge of the sand dunes with the harakeke, tauhinu, ti kouka and wiwi trees purchased by Waikato Regional Council and supplied by Waikato Coastcare. Volunteers also control weeds in the area.

Driver convicted

A road rage incident which left Paralympian cyclist Eltje Malzbender with serious injuries has resulted in a man being sentenced to 12 months of supervision, and two months of community detention. Brian David Mills, 57, of Tamahere appeared in the Hamilton District Court on Thursday last week before Judge Tini Clark having earlier pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving causing injury and failing to stop or ascertain injury after a crash, the Waikato Times has reported. The case dated back to March 2020.

TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 3

Vandalism – who is to blame? By Chris Gardner

Counter claims of vandalism have further soured relations between Waipā District Council and one of its community boards and an independent park maintenance committee. The committee ignored council plans to replace wooden benches dating back to the 1950 and began restoring them. But following publicity in The News, the metal piping on the last seat was removed with an angle grinder and when committee members Marc Dawson and Peter Fletcher returned with restored planks there was nowhere to put them. Council community services manager Brad Ward said the bench had been removed after the pair left sharp piping protruding from the ground near a playground and “we take any sort of vandalism or public interference of community assets seriously...” In response the staff themselves have been accused of vandalising the last seat. “Marc and Peter did not vandalise these seats, they fixed them,” said Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board chair Ange Holt. “Staff have vandalised the last original seat. They took the bars off so that it was unusable. Now we are a seat less.” Waipa mayor Susan O’Regan described vandalism claims from both sides of the argument as alarmist rhetoric. “It’s not helpful, I don’t think that’s appropriate, by either side,” she said. “The men that are honoured in that memorial would be horrified. That is not what they fought for. This has clearly been an issue in our community that to be looked at. The situation has been mishandled by the staff.

“Equally, people can’t simply go off and do what they want to do.” O’Regan said that was anarchy. “It is disappointing that it has come to this. We need to undertake a bit of a reset, approaching things more flexibly. It has been disappointing to see this unfolding. There have been mistakes made on both sides. I would like there to be a compromise reached. I am hoping common sense will prevail.” Mayoral candidate councillor Clare St Pierre took a different line. “We are trying to work through an agreed plan that went through a public process,” she said. She avoided commenting on the vandalism claim. “If this money is not spent in the memorial park, it will be spent somewhere else. I would rather have the money spent in Te Awamutu. “These gentlemen need to go through the proper channels. They are choosing not to do that,” St Pierre said. Fellow mayoral candidate Mike Pettit said he would need to see the seats before commenting on vandalism claims. “There are two sides to a

story, but $58,000 is $58,000 and there is no money in the coffers,” he said. Te Awamutu councillor Andrew Brown backed Ward’s stance and described Dawson and Fletcher’s actions as unacceptable. “When council officers draft plans for refurbishments they comply with the relevant standards. New Zealand has standards for excellent reasons, health and safety being among them. “Much as some people would disagree, our highly educated, trained, and experienced council officers do not wilfully squander ratepayer’s money. However, when they do something, they do it properly.” Fellow councillor Lou Brown, who sits on the community board said he was unhappy with the negative way in which Dawson and Fletcher were being treated and had taken his concerns to council chief executive Steph O’Sullivan. Bruce Thomas, who sits alongside Brown on the community board, said staff were instructing councillors on matters rather than the other way around. Thomas, also a district councillor, said he had discussions with Ward about

Marc Dawson, seated, and Peter Fletcher on one of six seats they restored in Te Awamutu and Districts War Memorial Park. Photo: Chris Gardner

taking community initiatives away where work could be carried out for half the budget cost. He said people were getting annoyed with more money being spent “when we have got a community that will fund this”. Steph O’Sullivan was awaiting a staff briefing on the issue before commenting. Dawson said the council had sabotaged the

committee’s restoration. “That seat was in such a mess for absolute decades. We have done the right thing,” he said. Dawson said he and Fletcher planned to install new bench piping in the park, using the old slats to complete the seat. “We have not vandalised anything, just the opposite,” said Fletcher. “The pipes stuck out of the ground, but they were not sharp.”

A new generation takes note By Jesse Wood

A former Ōhaupō rugby player, Lachlan Holt, is the Hamilton East School teacher in charge of a 50th anniversary celebration Split Enz’s of Mental Notes album. Split Enz, containing one of Te Awamutu’s favourite sons, Tim Finn – and later brother Neil - released their groundbreaking debut album in 1975. To celebrate the milestone, students from Hamilton East School will perform songs from the album alongside Mike Chunn, a founding member of Split Enz.

The school is planning to record the live performance and press a limited run of vinyl records. “I am looking forward so much to driving down to Hamilton to get stuck into some Split Enz songs from way back,” Chunn said. They’re great songs - Stranger Than Fiction, Time for a Change - and then the gang from down there are going to do Sweet Dreams as well. He said was impressed with Holt’s work and everything he had heard about the build up to the event.

The Mental Notes album cover has been revived by students for the event.

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THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

Silver lining for builder Jack Toy library

rings changes

By Jesse Wood

Toy “librarians”, from left, Alannah Rist, Bertie Pendleton, Lindy Bennett, Tovah O’Neill, and Michelle Richardson.

Jack Mathis in the process of making a sawhorse in the hands-on carpentry challenge. Photo: Jesse Wood

Gala Dinner on Saturday night. Mathis walked away with a $7000 prize pack for his efforts. “It felt pretty good to win the Waikato competition. I wasn’t expecting that at all,” he said. “It was good fun being at the nationals too. There were heaps of learnings. I haven’t had a CV before, so I had to do one of those. “The other apprentices were all sorts of ages. It was a good range of people from all over New Zealand. It’s good to see, good to meet them and see their

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Te Awamutu teenager Jack Mathis placed second in the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice challenge national final at Claudelands Event Centre last week. A third-year apprentice, Mathis works in Tīrau for TOC Builders, owned by his brother Tom. It’s been a big few months for the 19-year-old. Born and raised in Tirau, Mathis and his partner recently bought a house to renovate in Te Awamutu and in April, he was crowned Waikato apprentice of the year at Hautapu. This gained him entry to the national competition in Hamilton. Mathis was one of 19 apprentices to compete on Friday and Saturday at the 15th annual two-day challenge run in partnership with Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation. The event runs alongside the NZCB annual conference attended by more than 400 industry professionals from across the country. Competitors were tested on the practical skills and qualities expected of professional builders. Finalists were assessed across four components a practical skills test, panel interview, and a project presentation before a CV and portfolio submission, presenting a showcase of their work to date. The practical test was a hands-on carpentry challenge. The champion – Pāpāmoa-based Scott Davies – was announced at the

style of building as well.” Mathis began his apprenticeship in 2022 after leaving St Peter’s School in Cambridge. “I did a bit of work experience with Tom through school. Straight out of school, I went to work for him with him ever since, that must be coming up three years now. “I did about six weeks with one of my other brothers being a sparky [electrician] and I’ve did a lot of plumbing during school in Rotorua, just to see what trade I would enjoy.

Te Awamutu Community Toy Library has had a revamp of volunteers and Tovah O’Neill has stepped down after three years as president to pursue her tutoring business. Michelle Richardson who has volunteered at the toy library for five years has left the secretary role to pursue her café business in Pirongia, Mountain Folk Café Retreat. Lindy Bennett and Bertie Pendleton have stepped up as co-presidents and their vision is to continue to provide affordable and sustainable toys to the Waipa Community. O’Neill said she stepped down feeling proud of the lifting quality and variety of toys at the library. “Giving children the opportunity to learn-through-play means they are introduced to a variety of learning resources, have a safe and inviting place to go to in their little worlds, and they have the opportunity to make new friends. It is a teacher’s dream,” she said. We participated in several events over the years, which I am proud of, such as Treeawamutu, The Christmas parade, and our Hallowe’en night.” Meanwhile, the library is on the lookout for more volunteers.

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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 5

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

name Fieldays growth discussed The debate

By Chris Gardner

Prime minister Christopher Luxon has met New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Richard Lindroos to discuss growing the event. “It’s a fantastic event, I want it to get bigger and bigger,” Luxon said before meeting Lindroos at the Fieldays opening at Mystery Creek yesterday. (Wednesday) Luxon was keen to discuss what could be built around Fieldays to help promote what he called the most carbon efficient farming in the world. The PM has invited UK minster of state for food security and rural affairs Daniel Zeichner to next year’s Fieldays. “We want to leverage that international exposure and help the government achieve its goal to double exports within the next decade,” Lindroos said. Delegations from 15 countries are attending this year and Lindroos has invited more to attend next year. “The vibe is really positive.” Fonterra has announced a record opening forecast milk price of $10 per kilogram of milksolids for the 2025-26 season and strong beef and lamb prices are providing a much-needed boost to hill country farmers. Giltrap AgriZone managing director Andrew Giltrap, whose agricultural dealership

Richard Lindroos is discussing growing the event with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Photo: Chris Gardner

has branches in Cambridge, Ōtorohanga, Rotorua and Taupō, is attending Fieldays for the 42nd time. His company is one of more than 1000 exhibitors promoting their wares to more than 100,000 punters. “It’s a lot more positive this year,” he said. “It will be in the top 20 per cent of Fieldays.” Mokauiti based Rotowai Angus farmer Natasha Cave said she

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was also smiling. “We have a small shopping list,” she said. “Nothing too exciting, wet weather gear and work boots. Bit more than last year all I brought was a bottle of gin.” Waitomo mayor John Robertson of Struan Farm near Piopio attended yesterday. “The rural mood is good,” he said. “Farmers deserve a year of good returns – lamb, beef,

and dairy returns are all much improved. We just need wool to come right. “Last year I did spend more than I expected, purchasing a woodchipper. This year I don’t have a shopping list, but I will enjoy seeing some of the latest technology.” Waitomo Pererndale sheep farmer and mayoral hopeful Janette Osborne said this would probably be the one good year in seven. “It is really fortunate that the schedule and therefore the store price is so high – otherwise it would be a financial disaster,” she said. Osborne will visit Fieldays to see the new technologies. “We have nothing on our shopping list this year – being conservative knowing next year will be tight. Fortunately, we spent wisely in the past couple of years replacing big ticket items that could become dangerous. That gives us breathing room.” Kaipaki dairy farmers Zane and Marie Kite, who lost tens of thousands of dollars of milk production in last season’s extreme drought, plan to attend Fieldays tomorrow, mainly because their daughter Zoe wants to go. “Nothing on the shopping list,” said Zane. “The drought hurt here where others had a good season.”

Readers of both the Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News have responded negatively to a decision to ignore a European name for a Māori one in a new subdivision west of Cambridge. The Marsden family proposed Marsden Ave or Marsden Lane, citing a possible ancestral link to Rev Samuel Marsden, a missionary who introduced Christianity to New Zealand. Waipā District Council’s Service Delivery committee approved the name Taawharuwharu Lane for a private right of way. The council’s naming policy emphasises increasing the use of Māori names, particularly those with local topographical or historical relevance. We invited readers to tell us what they thought – and almost all preferred to do so anonymously. There were calls to review the “nonsense” policy and allegation of bias. “The Marsden family own the land and they have requested it be named after them – simple, just do it,” one reader suggested. “I cannot believe that a person goes to the trouble of developing a property for housing and is told what name he has to call the street,” another said. “The next thing is we will be told what name you need to call your baby when it is born.” “...this is bureaucracy gone mad... we do not need to continue naming everything with a Māori name, we are a predominantly English speaking country and need to embrace that culture as well”, another wrote.

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THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

FAITH IN WAIPĀ

AGE OF REASON

Justice, neighbourliness

Colour my life

By Julie Guest

By Peter Carr

Last weekend I was involved in a quick return trip to Wellington for family reasons – a very pleasant one to enjoy Grandparents Day at the college of my two remaining school age grandchildren. I elected not to drive - nor to line the pockets of our national airline with gold. I boarded the lunchtime departing bus outside the Town Hall and it landed right on time almost nine hours later in the capital city. The return two days later was a repeat of the travel. Travel by this mode is pleasant providing one has the time. Time is not a prerequisite for the main purposes of life at my age and Wi-Fi on the two buses permitted me to keep my home base updated. Splashing out on a more comfortable reclining seat made for a generally pleasing drive with the contents of my current library novel. I used the journey to mainly visually drink in the passing countryside where the never-ending verdant vegetation was occasionally disturbed by necessary ugliness of mixed and often straggling buildings in small towns, I started to compare how these relatively small collections of population looked alongside our home of Cambridge. Apart from the four or five centres of population that are classed as cities New Zealand is very much a being of strip towns. Not, I hasten to add, being related to the public removal of clothes but in the fact that they are generally collections of houses around a long, single street, possibly overladen with older buildings that embrace the local, visually uncoordinated, retail ventures. In a way they look boring. It happens in both main islands. They do not have the

quaintness that one can find in Europe but that is an unfair comparison considering the lengthy period of history that permitted Europe to evolve. But my mind kept coming back to Cambridge which, since the Waikato Expressway took away most of the mainstream vehicular traffic, has emerged more vital - both socially and visually. The old National Hotel, the exciting new façade of the (ex) Masonic Hotel, the excellent flowerbeds work by the council gardening team, the (current) wool adornments on the trees in Victoria Street, the cricket ground and its weekly occupant the farmers market. All come together to make this lovely town provide pleasing eye appeal. Then couple all of this with the pristine white exterior of the high sides and spire of our lovely St Andrew’s church standing proud at the northern entrance. And there is a wee oasis of colour provided by gardener Mike at the lower end of Shakespeare Street where he displays, daily, the ever-changing multi-coloured flags of two nations. Add to all these the ‘pink’ church, the emerging renovated Town Hall and the everchanging colour medley of our beautiful trees. All layered over with the colourful vibrancy of the Autumn Festival. A true potpourri of agreeable loveliness. Colour is everything. Colour attracts spontaneity. Life responds to colour. Colour - visual and perceived - encourages living, health, music, fun and wellbeing. Keep it up Cambridge.

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Last week our local police praised a successful collaboration between Te Awamutu residents and authorities that led to an arrest for burglary. This paper reported police comments; “A recent incident in our community has shown just how powerful it can be when members of the public and police work together.” But should we be celebrating, or asking harder questions? Don’t misunderstand me - I’m grateful the alleged offender was caught through proper channels rather than vigilante action. I’ve said before in this column that any time I’ve needed to call on police in Te Awamutu, they have responded in a timely and caring manner. My husband and I volunteer with Commsafe, so we absolutely support people looking out for people. We know how vital community vigilance is for keeping each other safe. But I’m troubled by what this incident reveals about where we’re heading as a community. The police warn against taking matters into our own hands. That is wise advice, but I think it misses the deeper issue. Why are we seeing rising property crime in Te Awamutu and around our country? Why are people turning to social media first rather than trusting our justice system? And most importantly - what does our response reveal about who we’re becoming? What particularly grieves me is how often these crimes target people who have so little themselves. Where are we going wrong that offenders can treat others so badly - stealing from neighbours who are already struggling to make ends meet? I’ve known elderly pensioners who feel violated by a break in,

a young family whose children’s bikes were stolen from their front yard. These aren’t wealthy targets - they’re people just like the offenders themselves, trying to get by. I’ve also sat with families whose children have become an offender. Behind burglary statistics is usually a story of addiction, desperation, or mental illness. The Bible is clear that all people are created in God’s image - including the woman now remanded in custody awaiting her June court appearance. Yet our instinct is to celebrate her capture rather than ask what drove her to this point, and what drove her to harm others who have so little. Jesus didn’t call us to be only good neighbours who watch out for each other’s property. He called us to love our enemies, to visit those in prison, to ask why people are hungry or homeless in the first place. When we focus only on catching wrongdoers rather than addressing root causes, we’re treating symptoms while the disease spreads. The collaboration between police and community is encouraging. But real safety comes from building the kind of society where people don’t need to steal to survive, and where we haven’t lost the basic human decency that says you don’t take from others who are struggling just like you. We need both community vigilance and policy changes that address inequality, mental health, and addiction - the real drivers of property crime. Each of us is responsible for the community we’re creating. The choice is ours.

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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 7

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

MP recounts debate emotion By Mary Anne Gill

Deputy speaker Barbara Kuriger has revealed how emotional she felt in Parliament last week while she was sitting in the Speaker’s chair during the debate on punishments for three Te Pāti Māori members. The Taranaki-King Country MP fought back tears as she adjourned proceedings in the House following the suspensions of Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi for 21 days, and HanaRawhiti Maipi-Clarke for seven. Talking to The News she said it was a tough afternoon made worse by the absence of speaker Gerry Brownlee and assistant speaker Maureen Pugh - both attending the same funeral – and the other assistant speaker Teanau Tuiono, who was sick. The burden of presiding over the challenging debate fell in turn to Kuriger, Labour’s Greg O’Connor and Tangi Utikere, who was in the Speaker’s seat for the first time. “It’s like wow, that’s a baptism of fire on your first day as a speaker to have to come in and do that. But I thought Tangi did really well,” she said. At the heart of the day’s tension was a breach of parliamentary rules. While all parties agreed on what had occurred, the Privileges committee could not reach

consensus on the appropriate punishment. “That was the hardest part. It pitted one side of the House against the other. If the committee had agreed on the consequences, the debate would have taken a different tone,” she said. The debate became emotionally charged because what was fundamentally a procedural issue – disrupting a vote and crossing the floor – was taken to mean a criticism of the haka. “It wasn’t about the haka. It was about the rules being broken.” Kuriger and the other speakers were all tested during the three and a half hour debate including one instance when she had to intervene during a disagreement between National’s James Meagher and the Greens’ Chloe Swarbrick. “I helped to resolve an issue that happened in front of me when (Meagher) was pointing.” Swarbrick said he had pointed a finger gun at her, which was one of the accusations originally made against Te Pāti Māori, and which Meagher strenuously denied. Parliament is full of orators, some of them were good – Kuriger singled out Labour MP and former Speaker Adrian Rurawhe – and some not so good. New Zealand First leader and former deputy prime minister Winston Peters fitted into that category when he described Waititi’s mataora (facial tattoo) as scribbles.

“I thought Adrian came from the wisdom of a previous speaker and what summed it up for me was when he said there are no winners in this debate. That was a really relevant point to make.” She also praised MaipiClarke, the youngest member of Parliament. “She’s a very strong, classy young woman and she’s learning a lot you know.” The debate came to an earlier end than expected and Kuriger was impressed with how that was agreed to by all parties, something television coverage did not pick up. “It took me by surprise. All the parties, including Te Pāti Māori, were running around talking to each and actually it was Te Pāti Māori who moved the motion to conclude the debate and they were all working together on that issue.” Kuriger, who returned to Fieldays yesterday in her traditional volunteer’s role, reflected on the emotional toll the day in Parliament had on her. “You’re dealing with people. Take the politics out of it and it’s still about people. It was hard.” The 64-year-old Opunake farmer is into her fourth term as TaranakiKing Country MP and first term as deputy speaker. “I really enjoy the job, sitting in the middle because both sides always think they’re right but the answer always lies somewhere in the middle.”

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8 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

Skeletons uncovered…

Skeletal remains in the Waikato and Waipā districts were often unearthed as progress spread across the district. In 1902, men working on excavations at Mr Ahier’s property between a new shop and the Te Awamutu Hotel, uncovered three human skeletons buried about two feet six inches from the surface of the ground. The remains were all laid together, having evidently been placed in one coffin. Two of the skeletons were adults, while the third was that of a child. A number of pearl shirt buttons were found with them. The police look charge of the remains, which were placed in St John’s Anglican cemetery. While working on the road at Hairini in May 1911, contractors discovered three skeletons about two feet below the surface. The remnants of a box were

also found, the three bodies having apparently been placed in it before burying. Nearby was a pair of scissors and several broken bottles. The skeletons were well preserved, and seemed to have been buried fairly recently. No one was able to throw any light on the matter, but it was hoped some older residents had some recollection of the burial. A Harapipi man, while at work in his garden in 1920, dug up “certain remains.” The police were communicated with, and Constable Doyle left Te Awamutu to prosecute enquiries, but no more was heard of the cryptic find. Five years later a gang of workmen digging a drain for a sewerage connection to the maternity hospital on Wallace’s Hill, Te Awamutu, unearthed a skeleton some four feet underground. Investigation showed that

it was the remains of an adult male, probably just in the prime of life, in the sitting posture of an ancient Māori burial practice. Remains discovered in 1933 during improvement work at Albert Park, Te Awamutu, were those of an aged male Māori who had probably been interred there many years ago. The next year, while employed by the Kihikihi Town Board preparing street surfaces near the business area of the town, a young man ploughed out a human skeleton. It appeared to be an adult Māori. The Town Board chairman had the remains laid to rest close by, but where they were not likely to be disturbed again. While constructing a trench on Carter’s Flat, Cambridge in 1937 a man came across bones about

eight inches under the soil. He thought they belonged to a sheep but shortly after the discovery of a skull identified the remains as human. From the bone size and the well-worn teeth it appeared that the remains were of an elderly person of small stature. Close scrutiny of the soil found no articles which may have been on or with the body. The locality had been thickly covered with broom and gorse but had recently been cleared. The Cambridge police took charge of the skeleton which was examined by a dentist. He thought the remains were those of a woman of considerable age who probably died a long time before European settlement. The site of the discovery was where Māori congregated in times of tribal hostilities. In 1946 a gardener digging

up a lawn at Hautapu discovered the skeleton of a child thought to be about eight years old. The skull was small and the teeth still in their sockets. It was impossible to tell how long ago the child died and the remains were sent to the Auckland War Memorial Museum for identification.

In accordance with Māori custom, the spade used to dig a grave at the foot of the tree was, with the surrounding ground, declared tapu (sacred). Left in the fork of the oak tree, then only a sapling, it is now firmly embedded in the wood.

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A pyroclastic flow made headlines last week after an eruption at the frequently active Mount Etna — a timely reminder of just how dangerous these volcanic phenomena can be. When I discovered, at age 13, that “volcanologist” was a real job, I also learned about pyroclastic flows — and I knew then that I wanted to study them. Pyroclastic flows are among the deadliest natural processes on Earth. Their extreme hazard comes from a combination of high speed, searing temperatures, and their composition: fast-moving clouds of fragmented rock and volcanic gas. These flows fall under a broader category called pyroclastic density currents, which vary in rock-to-gas ratio. At the high-rock-content end of the spectrum are block-and-ash flows, typically generated by the collapse of large lava domes — those steep mounds of near-solid lava that build up around a vent. On the other end are pyroclastic surges, dominated by gas and fine volcanic ash (which is pulverised rock). Pyroclastic flows sit somewhere in the middle, and this is also the term is often used more generally in hazard communications.

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Then there are ignimbrites — massive deposits of pumice-rich pyroclastic material. These form during large, caldera-forming eruptions, like those that occurred in the distant past along the Coromandel, near Rotorua, and (more recently, though still long ago) around Lake Taupō. All pyroclastic flows are hot — often reaching temperatures around 800˚C. These temperatures can ignite or char anything flammable in their path. Phreatic eruptions, which are driven by steam pressure (sometimes venting through crater lakes), can be cooler — but still dangerously hot at several hundred degrees. Recent eruptions have shown us the heartbreaking toll of surviving even a lower-temperature flow — the long, painful recovery, and the lifelong impacts on victims and their loved ones. My heart truly goes out to them. You’ve probably seen the epic movie scenes — characters fleeing a pyroclastic flow in a car, a plane, or in a rolling ball surrounded by dinosaurs. In reality, humans simply aren’t fast enough. The only sure way to survive a pyroclastic flow is not to be in its path. The solid components of a pyroclastic

flow are made up of quenched (rapidly cooled) magma that has been violently fragmented by expanding volcanic gases. These gases were once trapped under pressure inside the magma, and when that pressure is released — like opening a shaken bottle of Coke — the gas expands explosively. Within the flow, large rocks can still be present — big enough to tear through forests or buildings. Even without the large blocks, the force of the flow itself can flatten entire landscapes. This is why volcano monitoring matters, and why exclusion zones are enforced Between AD 1500 and 2017, pyroclastic density currents were responsible for around 60,000 deaths, the dominant cause of fatalities within 5 to 15 km of a crater. It’s important to understand the different volcanic processes that can occur, so we recognise the seriousness of warnings when they come. We’re fortunate to live among stunning volcanic landscapes — but these landscapes are active, and one day, they will erupt again. That includes the potential for pyroclastic flows.

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THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

Airport future proofed

By Mary Anne Gill

Ben Langley could have been forgiven for wearing a smug smile at the blessing of Hamilton Airport’s international terminal last week. With just days to go before international flights resume, the Operations Group general manager — who brings firsthand aviation experience as a commercial pilot — is confident that nothing has been overlooked. Even the curveball Air New Zealand threw last month when it announced domestic jets – A320s adding approximately 25,000 seats a year - would also return on a Christchurch-Hamilton route. “The nuts and bolts are in place,” Langley said, confirming the airport had been future-proofed to accommodate domestic jets as part of its design process. “We’ve got enough knowhow and beans to get across the finish line. We assumed there would be interest in domestic jet services — and that’s played out exactly as we thought.” Any domestic services with over 100 seats – the A320s have 171 seats -

require passenger screening, similar to international flights. They have been installed. Langley has flown in and out of Hamilton many times, landing and taking off from the country’s 2.2 kilometre runway, the fourth longest in the country. His favourite approach is past Mount Pirongia – there are more than a dozen possible approaches. “Everything is laid out in front of you. It’s beautiful, an absolutely beautiful part of the country – I can see why the Aussies want to come over and kick back.” Another person excited about the increase in passengers is airport pou tiaki (cultural ambassador) Norman Hill. The airport is more than just a travel hub – it is also a place where cultural heritage, environmental stewardship and modern infrastructure intersect. Hill wrote the cultural narrative report which explores the history of the land before the airport existed. It includes genealogy and the stories of the people who lived on the land before Europeans came. The site was once surrounded by areas rich

in cultural significance. The flat land served as a natural access point connecting communities via rivers and trails long before roads or runways existed. The terminal’s design pays tribute to native flora and fauna, said Hill and particularly the critically endangered long-tailed bat or pekapeka-tou-roa. The species, which flies and roosts in cavities, inspired key architectural elements of the terminal. “The entrance ceiling has small holes designed to mimic the bat’s roosting spots. When you look up, the blue ceiling represents the sky, and for a moment, you become the pekapekatou-roa—a symbolic connection between the land, the sky, and flight,” he said. The theme continues throughout the terminal, with cultural motifs, bilingual signs and the carpet which has colour running through it which reinforces the sense of place – blue on the mezzanine floor, brown on the ground floor. The airport’s Māori name, Kirikiriroa – Te Papa Rererangi, translates to “the platform from which one flies

TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 9

Kōkako for Maungatautari By Chris Gardner

Hamilton Airport pou tiaki (cultural ambassador) Norman Hill. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

into the sky,” grounding the facility in its cultural context. The vision for Hamilton Airport is not just functional — it’s emotional and spiritual, said Hill. “When you arrive, you should feel like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s whare. You get a hongi, a cup of tea, and you leave feeling seen, respected, and cared for,” he said. With the countdown on and the terminal ready for Jetstar next week, Hamilton Airport is poised to enter that new chapter Langley and Hill talk about. It’s a place of connection — between people, between cultures, and between the earth and the sky,” said Hill. “There’s a bit going on now at the airport. It’s very exciting,” said Langley.

The first of up to 20 adult kōkako from the Hunua Ranges will be released on Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari today. Speaking after the first Waipa District Council Maungatautari Reserve Committee meeting of the year, chief executive Helen Hughes said the birds would assist the mountain’s kōkako breeding programme. The operator of the world’s largest predator proof fence made a $580,000 loss last financial year after the Department of Conservation withdrew one revenue stream from the project also funded by the council alongside Waikato Regional Council. The sanctuary relies on the integrity of its fence, which is under constant pressure. Predator incursions had increased to 20 this year, and one fence breach was repaired this month following a tree fall. The number of mountain rangers has dropped from 14 two years ago to four and two are on call all the time to deal with fence breaches. Hughes is interviewing to fill four vacancies to bring ranger numbers up to eight. She told the committee the trust was seeking to recoup last year’s loss through the sale of 2024 vintage carbon credits at $12 per hectare. Hughes has appointed a part time tourism manager who was looking at doubling visitor numbers to raise revenue. In 2023-24 20,145 people visited the maunga. She was also looking at training the maunga’s 30 volunteer guides to deliver a consistent guided tour. Maungatautari Marae representative Poto Davies asked Hughes what involvement mana whenua had in her plans. The development of a new “moa hunter” tour was underway, Hughes said, and 10 pou (or posts) would mark the track. Hughes said the Kiwi population was close to capacity, with around 3000 living on the maunga. Waipā councillor Roger Gordon praised Hughes for the direction she is taking the organisation in. He suggested Hughes connect with what he cheekily called Waipā Airport and Cambridge-based Rural Tours to increase tourism traffic.

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THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

Sahara nails scholarship Reserve plan date delayed By Chris Gardner

Cambridge High School’s 2025 Ritchie Pickett Scholarship winner, Sahara Stanton. By Steph Bell-Jenkins

Sahara Stanton perches in a plastic chair in the music suite at Cambridge High School, preparing to perform her original song, Dracula, for The News. “I should have taken my nail polish off,” the Ōhaupō teenager says, fanning out her fingers across the neck of her acoustic guitar. “It’s chipped.” Bloodred varnish recedes from her nail tips. But beneath that imperfect paint job lies a wealth of talent. Sahara, 17, is the 2025 winner of Cambridge High School’s Ritchie Pickett Scholarship, awarded annually to encourage and support an outstanding music student. Pickett was described by New Zealand Musician magazine as one of Aotearoa’s “kings of country rock”. He was born in Morrinsville in 1955 and died in his Cambridge home in 2011. Sahara, who is in year 13, plans to

put the $1000 prize money towards a tertiary qualification. She would love to study at Victoria University next year, possibly teaming a music major with courses in journalism or communication. “If it was a perfect world I would like to study abroad and compose music for films and games, and if it was a more perfect world I would just be writing my songs and making a living off that,” she said. Sahara grew up surrounded by music. Her father Ben is a “brilliant saxophonist”, her mother Madelyn plays piano, her maternal grandfather Nelson is a rock fanatic, and her extended family have been worship leaders at Arise Church in Hamilton for generations. She has a five-year-old sister, Shaya, who “also has the musical gift” and an 18-year-old sister, Kaela. “She’s gone to uni to study astrophysics,” Sahara said.

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“She’s brilliant. She’s the funniest person and I know and she’s my best friend. She’s academic and I’m artsy.” Today, in the music room, as Sahara’s dextrous fingers begin their rhythmic dance across the fretboard, the haunting melody of her original song, Dracula – which won first place in the solo/duo section of this year’s Waikato Rockquest – resonates with talent. Melodies just flow out of her, she says. “I don’t have to think about it at all; they just come to me. “Music is my greatest form of communication. Sometimes it’s better than words for me.” For Sahara, creative expression is a compulsion – one that might just propel her to stardom. “I’d love to pursue music as a career,” she said. “I know how difficult it is – you’ve got to be really good to crack it – so I’m just going to go hard.”

Waipā District Council will readvertise a proposal to revoke the reserve status of Arthur Patterson Reserve in Te Awamutu. Council projects specialist Andrew Don faced a barrage of questions from Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board member on the proposal at the May meeting, including the number of submissions the council had received. Don said the council had received no feedback on the proposal to revoke Eden Avenue reserve status and dispose of the 2100 square metre land reserve in Eden Avenue on the southern side of the town. “It went into the Cambridge paper rather than the Te Awamutu paper,” he said. “We will have to readvertise it and extend the deadline for submissions.” The council had also written to seven or eight adjoining landowners. In a report to the community board, Don said the site was considered surplus to requirements, and staff are progressing a plan to revoke its reserve status and subsequently dispose of the land. “The people I have spoken to in the area would not like it revoked,” board member Sally Whitaker said. “It’s a nice place to go and sit for health and wellbeing. It’s W a place where you can do roly-polies down the hill.” The reserved also included two mature walnut trees which t fi were popular with residents, Whitaker said. Fellow board member Jill Taylor said at least three of the B seven residents who lived next to the park objected to the w plans. U Board chair Ange Holt was concerned that the council t could be required to create a reserve elsewhere. “We are t not going to get a lot for it, and we could be forced to buy C something twice as much,” she said. b She asked Don how much the council planned to spend on the disposal process. “I am not able to talk about the S finances,” Don said. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to be t discussed in a public forum.” t His report said Arthur Patterson was a long-serving a deputy mayor and dedicated member of the Te Awamutu s community. s Frontier Town – A History of Te Awamutu 1884-1984 – notes AL Patterson was a Te Awamutu Brough Councillors w t from 1968. “Staff remain in regular contact with Mr l Patterson’s descendants to keep them informed and to s identify an appropriate way to continue recognising his g contribution to the community. “Initial consultation with mana whenua and iwi was carried out through Ngā Iwi Tōpū o Waipā. Staff shared an o c overview of the property and the proposal and requested feedback. Several groups expressed interest in the land.” o The Department of Conservation has identified five iwi W authorities that must be formally consulted. l “This process is currently underway. Once the public submission period has closed, staff will compile and assess t s all feedback and objections. A summary report will be I presented to council, who will then determine whether to apply to DOC for the reserve status to be formally revoked.” g The board voted to make a submission opposing the revocation.

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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 11

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

Strong weekend for Waipā premiers By Jesse Wood

Both Waipā premier teams were victorious in Waikato club rugby on Saturday, Te Awamutu Sports defeated University 27-12 in front of home fans and Hautapu beat Ōtorohanga 32-29. Halfback Coby Osborne scored a double for Te Awamutu at Albert Park. Forwards Albert Nadan and Rameriz Viane also grabbed tries, while Leo Scott added seven points of the kicking tee. Further south at Ōtorohanga’s Island Reserve, Waikato winger Waisake Salabiau scored two tries for the Cambridge club. Amos Faaoloa, David Morris and Todd Silva also crossed the chalk for the visitors. Dillon Martin and Rangiwai Lunjevich added a conversion each to the Hautapu tally. Neither premier B team was successful on the scoreboard. Te Awamutu Sports development fell 31-12 against University B and Hautapu B lost to their Ōtorohanga

counterparts 29-21. Leamington had a division 1 bye week, while Pirongia demolished Te Rapa 52-17 under the mountain and Ōhaupō lost 34-12 to Suburbs in Hamilton. None of the division 1B teams took the field. Leamington B followed suit having a bye week, Pirongia B won by default after Te Rapa B pulled out of the match and Ōhaupō B received the result of a draw with Suburbs B, as no match officials were available. The Waipā battle took place in the women’s premiership at Kihikihi Domain. Hautapu took the win 55-15 against Kihikihi women, scoring nine tries to three. Hannah Gordon was impressive, adding four conversions and two tries to the Hautapu scoreboard. Anna Gallaher secured a hat-trick and Kaesha Nairn also scored two tries. This Saturday will Kihikihi face University and Hautapu take on Hamilton Old Boys

Huskiez. Women’s championship division team Pirongia had a 48-10 win against the travelling Hinuera. The home side scored eight tries to two at the domain. Te Awamutu, Pirongia and Hautapu were winners in the under-21 competition on Saturday. Te Awamutu beat Hinuera 22-17, Pirongia

colts won by default against Matamata and Hautapu pipped Fraser Tech 17-15. The Leamington and Hamilton Old Boys under-21 clash finished -0- - with neither team troubling the scorer. The Kio Kio United Cattle Dogs lost 36-15 to Fraser Tech at Maihihi on Saturday in the combined Waikato-Counties Manukau Under-85kg rugby competition. Kio Kio have a bye this weekend.

Ally wins in Glasgow

Waipā cyclist Ally Wollaston sprinted her way to overall victory on the final day to win the Tour of Britain. The Suez FDJ professional went into the last stage of the UCI World Tour race around the streets of Glasgow trailing emerging British star Cat Ferguson from Movistar by three seconds. The former St Peter’s School student revelled in the circuit racing, picking up the time bonuses in winning all three of the intermediate sprints in Glasgow and then securing the overall honours with a sprint for third on the stage. It gave her the last four bonus points to secure the overall victory on general classification. The final stage was held on an 8.4km city-centre circuit in Glasgow. “I’m a little bit overwhelmed,” said Wollaston. “I knew it was a lot to pull off today, winning three sprints and having to still get seconds in the final. I knew the race really had to go my way today.

Te Awamutu-born Mitch Jacobson in action for Hautapu.

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world titles on the track as well as silver and bronze medals at the Paris Olympic Games.

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BEST LOOKOUT OVER TOWN Nestled high on the rise with panoramic views over town, this home has been lovingly renovated to open up the living and make good use of the picture window for watching the world go by. The island kitchen features black cabinetry and generous countertop. With under bench oven and gas hob, entertaining is a breeze. The home features polished wood floors and a light pallet throughout, 2 x heat pumps and insulation in ceiling, walls and under floor. Modern blinds and curtains dress the windows, the home has a wet floor bathroom, a central hall for inside/out access with ramp and new deck. The property is fully fenced with electric gates and security cameras, landscaped with concrete driveway and turn bay. Outside the fenced area is a lower-level flat area suitable for parking the mobile home or caravan sitting clear of driveway and other off-street parking. The property sits behind a corner council owned site, designated as roading.

NOW...

…and receive a copy, posted directly to you, every month. Price is $119.40 + GST for a 12-month paid in advance subscription (equivalent of $9.95 + GST per month)

$469,000

Call Vayle to arrange a viewing.

Visit waiparealestate.nz for more details

Vayle Hammond Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Ph 027 226 9532 Look up the property

To subscribe email admin@goodlocal.nz

waiparealestate.nz

07 280 7536

12 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

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

Wordsearch 4

7 8

15 16

24 25

Across 25. Decorate with frosting 10. Spaghetti or macaroni (5) 1. Plant life of a region (5) (3) 11. Circle (5) 26. Supernaturalist (6) 4. Denounce (6) 12. Electronic 27. Postpone (5) 7. Pub (3) communication (5) Down 8. Boat dock (6) 13. Very small (5) 1. Style (5) 9. Choice (6) 2. Vegetable that makes 16. Material (6) 10. Declaration (13) 17. Prejudiced (6) you cry (5) 14. Sword (5) 19. Oneness (5) 3. Counting device (6) 15. Decelerate (5) 20. Group of eight (5) 4. Item of jewellery (6) 18. Done by reflex (13) 5. Symbol or emblem (5) 21. Relating to hearing (5) 23. Season (6) 22. Fortunate (5) 6. Decorate (5) 24. Hit hard (6)

Last week Across: 1. Shrimp, 5. Purple, 8. Ash, 9. Bicker, 10. Resent, 11. Bomb, 13. Deserted, 14. Issue, 15. Boast, 19. Alienate, 21. Rare, 22. Update, 23. Emblem, 25. Lid, 26. Deadly, 27. Yearly. Down: 2. Heinous, 3. Irk, 4. Parody, 5. Phrase, 6. Reservoir, 7. Lunge, 12. Boulevard, 16. Surreal, 17. Lately, 18. Remedy, 20. Lapse, 24. Boa.

C S O C C E R R E S U L T E P S H O R I Y H L F X K J L G P S Z U T O L I D W R E S T L I N G R B C X A C Y C E D W Z Y G X I F U I S O V V K M K N A C H O K N H O I I H N U O E P E E W U N G N L C D D N X Z R L Y I T I Z G W U S P O R T R A E N L E C P P R J R F T U W P D T M L S E H S E A E H U O E V E N T M I R Q Y I B T G C L G O E G F U A S E O U B G A A B O E B T P A N H L S L W A A H D N A R B Y B L M C W S O J I S L J M Q R D O A A E E O O P L L N H L U I U C C WW L C B R Q X K H G T U M N E H C L V L H C R O U N D E R S P T Z E S I L E A G U E N E T B A L L O H R X N C L S C O R E R J R T T D N D Y J G P M E Z P Q A Y T E N N I S ARCHERY BADMINTON BOULES BOWLING BOWLS COURSE CRICKET DISCUS EVENT FINAL FOOTBALL GAME

HAMMER HEAT HIGH JUMP HOCKEY LACROSSE LEAGUE NETBALL OLYMPICS PETANQUE POLO RECORD RESULT

DAISY

Garden Bags and Bins PROMOTIONAL OFFER 240L Garden Bin $14 PER PICK UP Normal rate $21 per pick up

TERMS & CONDITIONS

 1 year contract  Pick up is 4 weekly  No Skips  Advance payment required Payment options are: 6 Monthly payments or 1 yearly payment

Sudoku

400L Garden Bag $20 PER PICK UP

ROUNDERS WRESTLING ROWING RUGBY RUNNING SCORE SIDE SOCCER SPORT SQUASH STEEPLECHASE TENNIS VOLLEYBALL

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

CountryLife

Reach a targeted rural & lifestyle audience each month by advertising your business in CountryLife; featured inside the Cambridge News & Te Awamutu News Distributed to EVERY rural & urban letter box across the Waipa region each month

Next Publication Date Thursday 17 July

Normal rate $24 per pick up

Deadlines: Booking: Copy Setting: Finished Artwork:

399

Wednesday 9 July Thursday 10 July Monday 14 July

TO BOOK YOUR SPACE: Liz Beyleveld Advertising Sales Consultant liz@goodlocal.nz • Ph 027 809 9933

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

TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 13

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

EXPERTS AIR CONDITIONING

ARBORISTS

Heat Pump Specialists • Free quotations and home appraisals • Sales, service and installation • Serving Cambridge, Otorohanga, Te Awamutu and surrounding areas Call today: 0800 772 887 Web: www.pratts.co.nz

ABORISTS

ARBORISTS

 Hedge Trimming  Clear driveways for emergency services  Tree felling  Reductions/pruning  Tree removal  Wood chipping  Stump grinding Fully qualified and insured with  Storm damage over 10 years experience  Tidy for pre-sale/rental Call us 0277214184 properties For a free no obligation quote  Firewood and Mulch sales find us on Facebook Search for us on Google  Wood splitting

QUALIFIED – MASTER ARBORISTS – FULLY INSURED For all your Arborist needs: Tree removals, pruning and maintenance, hedge trimming, site clearance, stump grinding and more – residential, commercial or rural. Call us today for a free, no obligation quote

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info@wilsontrees.co.nz www.wilsontrees.co.nz EARTHMOVING

027 210 2027 ELECTRICIAN

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RURAL RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

Adam Robinson | 027 310 8555

adam@ajrearthworks.co.nz | www.ajrearthworks.co.nz FENCING

EXTERIOR CLEANING SERVICE Cambridge Owned & Op Cambridge Owned & Operat Cambridge Owned Operate Cambridge Owned &&Operated

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870 3081 | 027 432 2412 LANDSCAPING

GARDENING

SERVICES PROVIDED:

RURAL . RESIDENTIAL . LIFESTYLE RETAINING WALLS

garden resurrection rose pruning hedge trimming maintenance

fruit tree care residential & commercial tidy up special occasions

• Spraying • Rubbish Removal • Yard Clean Ups TREE REMOVAL • Mulching • Chipping FENCING • Chain Link • Colour Steel • Post & Rail

Corey Hutchison 021 037 3685

tier1fencing@outlook.co.nz tier1fencing.co.nz

• Acreage Mowing • Lawn Mowing • Hedging • Pruning

KIWI VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED

PAINTING

Painting & Decorating Specialist Interior and exterior Prompt and reliable service Over 30 years experience 0211519730 jonbedford87@gmail.com

ggworkz@gmail.com

FULLY INSURED • FREE QUOTES • CALL NEIL 0274 069 262 E: pokurulandscape@gmail.com

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Need a plumber? • Bathroom Renovations • Gas Hot Water • Repairs, Service, Installation

0800 PRATTS

Your local heating specialist

A division of Pratts

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

Other Showroom Locations: 6 Main North Road, Otorohanga | 10 Albert Street, Cambridge

14 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

EXPERTS REFRIGERATION

ROOFING Corrugated Polycarb: 1.0mm: $16.95/m incl gst.

Corrugated Iron & Five Rib – 0.5mm: $16.95/m incl gst.

On-farm milk cooling and commercial refrigeration + Airconditioning Design, installation & servicing 24/7 Breakdown Service Scheduled maintenance programmes

Phone: Michael 0278290621

SECURITY DOORS

ROOFING AND FENCING SHEETS 239 Kio Kio Station Road,

Ph: 027 223 2677

Otorohanga.

Email: sales@bitzandpiecez.co.nz

WASTE REMOVAL

VIDEO EDITING

YOUR LOCAL WASTE SERVICE

Don’t lose your precious memories. Have them converted to digital. VHS, Camera, Tapes, SD cards & others can be converted.

• 9m3, 6m3, 3m3 bins. • Household, building and hazardous waste services

SECURITY DOORS AND FLYSCREENS • Locally owned & operated • Over 28 years experience in aluminium • Aluminum Window and Door Assessment and Repair Service Simon Whale 022 469 2423 waipaali@gmail.com | www.waipaaluminium.co.nz

www.midlandrefrigeration.co.nz

SKIP BINS

WAIPA ALUMINIUM

YOUR BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE EXPERTS

WHEELIE BINS

• 240L general and organic bins • 240, 600 & 1000L bins for commercial services

www.cambins.co.nz | info@cambins.co.nz | 07 827 3375

Ken Huberts 027 445 4979 - hubertsdigital@xtra.co.nz

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

She’s in charge... By Viv Posselt

It’s not often you find a woman heading an RSA, yet Ōtorohanga’s Shona Martin might have been made for it. She’s Ōtorohanga-born and King Country-bred, spending much of her childhood at the Maihiihi farm her father won in the post-WW11 ballot. Roy Bree had been a naval man, serving on the HMNZS Leander and Achilles and landing in Japan

immediately after the atomic bombs were dropped. The thoughts it left him with remained under wraps all his life. Now into her third year as president of the Ōtorohanga RSA, Shona said her dad joined the RSA soon after coming back to his hometown of Auckland. Once settled in Ōtorohanga, he joined their RSA and went on the executive, but for ages didn’t make the dawn services because it

clashed with milking. “It was only years later, once they moved into town, that he could go to both services,” she said. “He was also in the pipe band – he was drum major – and we as Girl Guides were always part of the parade. I had two brothers and one sister who were in the pipe band. We grew up with Anzac Day a part of our lives … medals always cleaned and spats whitened before the day.” Her late brother Athol

Shona Martin, president of the Ōtorohanga RSA, has a long legacy, both with the organisation and the town. Photo: Viv Posselt

Bree, who died in an accident in 2012, had been drum major with the Te Awamutu Pipe Band. The Bree family have longevity in Ōtorohanga. Her mum Doreen and dad ran Roy Bree’s Wine Cellar and were deeply involved in community life. Roy had been a lifesaver and sailor in Auckland after the war, so when his sight later failed, he joined the Royal Blind Foundation’s sailing sports wing and represented New Zealand abroad. He also joined the Blind Bowls Association and represented New Zealand in that as well. Shona’s mum Doreen was part of the then ladies’ section of the RSA, rising to the rank of president at one stage. Even after the ladies’ section was officially disbanded, she continued supporting the RSA, Poppy Day and other linked activities. “I was always exposed to it,” Shona said. Even during her years away from Ōtorohanga – Shona’s career running NZ Post Office outlets took her from Hamilton to Auckland for years – she would return home for the traditional Anzac Day services. “I’d come back the night before, no matter where I was. I think I’ve missed only two or three Anzac Days in all that time.” Shona officially joined the RSA while in Auckland, soon

Shona’s father, the late Roy Bree, pictured in 1997 receiving the Ōtorohanga District’s Sportsman of the Year trophy for having represented New Zealand in blind bowls and blind sailing the previous year.

after Roy died in 2001. She came back to Ōtorohanga 10 years ago this August, and before Doreen died in 2018, Shona helped her with Poppy Day activities. Now running the town’s RSA herself, she is keen to get the word out that the organisation exists to support former and current servicemen and women, and that they don’t have to join the RSA in order to access it. “In my parents’ era people didn’t talk about how they might need help, but if we don’t know the need exists, we can’t help. Support

is available in financial, medical and practical terms,” she said, “and my goal is to try and help those veterans in our community who need it.” Her ‘skin-in-the-game’ background and her strong desire to help people have brought Shona to this point, but she acknowledges the valuable assistance of her husband Allen. The pair live on a small lifestyle block on the town’s outskirts and do the RSA thing completely in tandem. “I really wouldn’t be able to do this without his help.”

TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 15

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

SERVICES

FOR TELEVISION REPAIRS & TUNING

• Television Aerial Installations & Extensions • Satellite atellite Dish Installation • Stereo Repairs

WESTEND ELECTRONICS Since 1990 871 5193

WORK WANTED

AGISTMENT

DEATH NOTICES

QUALIFIED builder – for all your building and painting needs call the professionals. Call Ross 021 079 4514

GRAZING available for dairy heifers. Ph 027 415 4122

PILTON, Doreen – Peacefully at Radius Care Windsor Court, Ohaupo on Thursday, 5 June 2025 aged 88 years. Loved wife if the late Ron. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Trevor and Kristine, and the late Anthony. Loved "Nanan" of five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Special thanks to the staff at Radius Care Windsor Court for the care and attention that they gave to Doreen. Messages to the ‘Pilton Family’ can be sent c/- Rosetown Funerals, 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800 or in Doreen’s online tribute book at www.rosetown.co.nz.

FORSTER, Stephen Douglas (Steve) – Passed away suddenly but peacefully on 7th June 2025, aged 64 years. Loving husband of Cheryl. Loving and devoted father of Greg and Hilary. “Always unapologetically Steve” A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu on Friday, 13th June 2025 at 1pm followed by private cremation. All communications to the Forster family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840. Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ

FIREWOOD for Sale – Dry pine $85, sqm3. Ph 027 366 5517

PUBLIC NOTICES

CONTACTS

PLANTS FOR SALE

News/Editorial Roy Pilott 027 450 0115

editor@goodlocal.nz

Mary Anne Gill maryanne@goodlocal.nz 021 705 213

For a look you will love Call Dave Rowe • Interior Interior painting painting • Wallpapering Wallpapering • Exterior Exterior painting painting • Spray Spray painting painting

Viv Posselt 027 233 7686

viv@goodlocal.nz

Chris Gardner 027 231 7007

chris@goodlocal.nz

Advertising Manager Janine Davy 027 287 0005

PH 027 290 8776

decorator@daverowe.co.nz decorator@daverowe.co.nz www.daverowe.co.nz www.daverowe.co.nz

NO GST CHARGE

INTERIOR PAINTING &

WALLPAPERING

Semi Retired John Crichton

WANTED TO BUY

CALF MILK WANTED Bocock’s Calf Rearing Pete 027 433 1440 Mark 0274746917

janine@goodlocal.nz

PIRONGIA TOPIARY Open Fridays 10am-4pm 132 Sainsbury Rd Pirongia OR Phone Susan Ranstead

0274 176 379

PUBLIC NOTICES

Owner/Publisher David Mackenzie david@goodlocal.nz

Office/Missed Deliveries 07 827 0005

FOR SALE

admin@goodlocal.nz

Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are entirely at the discretion of editorial staff and may be edited. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s full name, residential address, and telephone number. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. The Te Awamutu News is published by Good Local Media Ltd and is the most widely distributed newspaper in Te Awamutu and rural surrounds.

Calf Milk Wanted Ph Deb 027 490 1007 or Shay 027 373 3732

TE AWAMUTU CONTINUING EDUCATION

Wednesday 18th June 2025 10am Entry: $4 on arrival Waipa Workingman Club Speaker: A Bank Representative Topic: Scams. Everybody Welcome More info phone 07 870 3223

027 485 5654 REAL ESTATE

Check out our website teawamutunews.nz for more copy and photos

We Pay Cash

for any Unwanted Vehicles,

any condition any make.

Ph 0800 288 800

www.WaikatoAutoParts.co.nz

PUBLIC NOTICES

Te Awamutu Golf Club

PRIVATE HOUSE SALE – Brick & Tile, 3 Bdrm+Office, Bathroom & Ensuite, New carpet, Double garage, fully fenced in quiet culdesac. Ph 0211487349 or 0211592226

are members of the

NZ Independent Community Newspapers Association

PRIVATE HOUSE SALE

Jim

For further information contact Mary on 07 871 5661 or via email info@teawamutugolf.co.nz

Funeral Director, Owner

Locally owned and operated

Our team is caring and compassionate. We give the utmost attention to detail in all aspects of our service.

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

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

4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, double garage, games room, 943sqm. Views of Maungatautari and countryside.

Find indephouse and endens for sale t Camb each northKing Count ridge week ern King ry News News, in your Count – cover Te local Awam ry area. ing utu the Waipa News and

FREE

untryn

10.00am, Sunday 22 June 2025 Te Awamutu Golf Club Incorporated 2293 Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutu

Garth Williams

$790,000 ono

kingco

NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

FUNERAL SERVICES

MORGAN, Valerie June – Passed away peacefully on 8th June 2025. Loved wife of the late Rex. Loved mother of Jeanette, Tony, Elizabeth, and Raymond. Loved grandmother & great grandmother. “Rest in Peace Mum”. A service will be held at Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu on Saturday 14th June at 1pm followed by private cremation. All communications to the Morgan family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840. Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ

ews.co

.nz

Goddin Helen JP and Funeral Carter Directors

Te Awamutu, We’re

APRIL

3, 2025

proud Ōtorohanga to serve and the people the surrounding of areas. 07 870 262 2137 Ohaupo Te Awamutu rosetown.co. Road, nz

12 Hall Street, Kihikihi Open Home Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June, 11.30am to 3pm

CHURCH NOTICES

The Rosetown Funerals team L to R: Jim Goddin, Teri Keir and Jordan Goss

Guiding you with care

OPEN HOMES

In life’s hardest moments, you don’t have to be alone. Our caring, experienced, and local team offers support, guidance, and a farewell that truly honours your loved one.

TE AWAMUTU OPEN HOMES

Available 24/7 – call us when you need us.

FIRST NATIONAL Sunday 15 June 17 Margot Lane 38 Hall Street 16 Herbert Street 23 Esplanade

$2,149,000 $1,200,000 $799,000 $469,000

11:00-11:30am 1:00-1:30pm 2:30-3:00pm 4:00-4:30pm

Contact listing agent prior-visiting as Open Homes times can change.

07 870 2137 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu www.rosetown.co.nz

16 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS

THURSDAY JUNE 12, 2025

H 215iL

H 110iL

H 120iTK4-PH

36V - Cutting width 31cm - 29kg ( excl battery) Well balanced, easy to manoeuvre, and has the power to trim everything from lawn edges to tall grass in large gardens. Telescopic shaft

36V - 30cm Cutting Width - 3.2kg ( excl. battery) Quiet. lightweight and easy to use battery trimmer for lawn edges or small areas of higher grass. Optional attachments available.

36V - 10” Bar - 1/4” - 61kg ( excl battery) Split shaft battery pole unit. up to 4m reach, complete with Pole Saw and Hedge Trimmer attachments. Also available 120iTK4-P 36V Pole Saw Kit $659, and 120iTK4-H 36V Hedge Trimmer Kit $669

KIT $619

369RRP

incl: BLi20 Battery and 40-C80 Charger

SKIN ONLY

36V - Cutting width 42cm - 3. 4kg ( excl battery) Well balanced, high-performance, battery-powered combi trimmer.

36V - Cutting width 42cm - 3.5kg ( excl. battery) Pro-grade battery brushcutter that effectively tackles thick grass and light brush in any weather.

779RRP

SKIN ONLY

P 520iRX

P 525iRXT

36V - Cutting width 40cm - 3.8kg ( excl battery) Lightweight, battery-powered grass trimmer with bullhorn handle and two-way rotation trimmer head.

36V - Cutting width 46cm - 4.2kg ( excl. battery) A robust, high-performance battery-powered brushcutter designed for full-time professional use.

769

849

RRP SKIN ONLY

429RRP

SKIN ONLY

969

RRP SKIN ONLY

36V - 48m/s - 4.2 kg (excl. battery) Compact multi-purpose, multi-speed battery leaf blower vac, with tool-less transition from blower to vacuum. Padded harness included.

SKIN ONLY

739

RRP SKIN ONLY

36V - Cutting width 40cm - 3.0kg (excl. battery) Well-balanced, battery-powered grass trimmer with loop-handle and two-way rotation trimmer head, designed for professional use.

36V - 49m/s - 2.5 kg (excl. battery) Easy-to-use, battery-powered leaf blower with high blow force, low weight, and low noise level. Easy starts with cruise control. Padded harness included.

incl: BLi20 Battery and 40-C80 Charger

incl: BLi10 Battery and 40-C80 Charger

36V - Cutting width 42cm - 31kg (excl battery) An efficient battery brushcutter that is convenient to use over longer periods and has the performance to handle thick and heavy grass

H 120iBV

KIT $659

SKIN ONLY

L 325iR

H 120iB

329RRP

SKIN ONLY

KIT $829

L 325iLK

P 520iLX

589RRP

incl: BLi10 Battery and 40-C80 Charger

L 325iRJ

729RRP

Now is a good time to bring your gear in for annual servicing

KIT $519

259RRP

KIT $759

incl: BLi20 Battery and 40-C80 Charger

RRP SKIN ONLY

L 325iB

P 525iB Mkll

36V - 49m/s - 2.5 kg (excl. battery) Easy-to-use, battery-powered leaf blower with high blow force, low weight, and low noise level. Easy starts with cruise control. Padded harness included.

36V - 48m/s - 25 kg (excl battery) A powerful. highly efficient battery-powered blower equipped with efficient brushless motor that enables lower energy consumption and by this an increased runtime.

549

749

RRP SKIN ONLY

Onsite robotic mower demo’s available. We also have preowned robotic mowers for sale. 36V BATTERIES & CHARGERS

H LC142i

H LC247i

36V - 50L Collect BioCfip•/Rear Eject Cutting Width 42cm Battery lawn mower with super-easy start. Compact and light-weight.

36V -55L Collect-BioC/ip•/Rear Eject - Cutting Width 47cm Efficient battery lawn mower for mid-size gardens with adjustable handle, easy cutting height adjustment, and foldable design for compact storage

36V - 55L Collect BioCfip•/Rear Eject Cutting Width 47cm Self-propelled, easy to use mower with dual battery slots for use with one or two batteries.

999RRP

729RRP

SKIN ONLY

KIT $999

incl: BLi20 Battery and 40-C80 Charger

SKIN ONLY

H LC347iVX

1179

RRP SKIN ONLY

Recommended: BLi200 Battery and QC 250 Charger

Husqvarna 36V Batteries

Li-ion 36V batteries equipped with cooling system for lasting power and performance. BLi10 $185 40-B140 $265 Bli200 $339 40-BLi220X $399 BLi300 $599 40-BB330X $649

36V Chargers

Super-fast charging with active cooling. 40-CSO (8OW) $99 QC500 (500W) $329 QC8OF (12V DC) $169 V1600F (12V DC/600W) $415 QC250 (250W) $199 40-C1000X4 Multi Charger $929

FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

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

Automower Specialist Daniel Jones automowers@lmcc.co.nz

Parts 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