long‑term growth, chief executive Richard Lindroos says.
Lindroos is clear the focus is on positioning it as ‘New Zealand Inc’ and strengthening its role as a national showcase for the primary sector.
That includes shaping Fieldays into a full week of activity, improving quality and continuing to respond to feedback.
Queues and maintenance issues were among the most frequent complaints this year, and improvements will include more facilities and upgrades to existing blocks.
The direction follows one of the strongest events at Mystery Creek recent years. More than 132,000 people went through the gates across four days, the first time attendance has topped 130,000 in five years.
Wednesday was its biggest opening day and Friday again proved the busiest overall.
Attendance was up about 20 per cent on last year and sites sold out well in advance. Lindroos said that reflected growing confidence in the rural sector and reinforced Fieldays as a “national strategic asset that brings together the best of our primary industries in one place.”
On site, that confidence translated into strong sales and engagement.
Fine weather helped, but a bigger shift was in the level of interaction between government, business and
national conversations.
Exhibitors also lifted their presentation, while investment in areas such as the speaker programme drew strong crowds. An upgraded function space hosted high‑profile speakers and packed sessions.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on refining logistics, expanding infrastructure and shaping a broader Fieldays experience beyond Mystery Creek.
“We’ve got to keep delivering, but also think about the whole week, not just the four days,” he said. “There’s an opportunity to take more ownership of that and build something bigger.”
He also wants to improve how the sector’s story is told, ensuring Fieldays reflects its wider economic and social impact.
The full economic benefit of this year’s event will take time to emerge, but organisers are confident it will rank among the most successful on record.
Fieldays 2027 will run from June 16 to 19. Lindroos signalled the work has already begun to build on this year’s gains, and exhibitors are moving quickly to secure their places.
• More on Fieldays – See page 5,8,10 and teawamutunews.nz
By Jesse Wood
Four Square Pirongia owner operator Chris McDonnell was among those running a collaborative pop up store at Fieldays last week.
The store was stocked and staffed by McDonnell, Four Square Heaphy Terrace owner operator Alex Saunders, and their teams. It is the second time a temporary store has operated at the Mystery Creek event.
Earlier this year, McDonnell supported the Waipā community during disruption caused by February’s severe weather, which led to water issues and road closures.
“Fieldays is part of the fabric of our community,” McDonnell said.
“Half of my customers were probably out there, showcasing their businesses, running stalls or enjoying the event. As a rural community store, it means a lot to support the people who make our region what it is.”
Saunders also built a miniature version of a Four Square store, inspired by one he made for his daughter last year, and raffled it during Fieldays.
Proceeds from the raffle will go to the Rural Support Trust, which supports farming communities across New Zealand.
visitors. Ministers from across the political spectrum were on site, adding to what Lindroos sees as a stronger sense of Fieldays as a meeting point for
Before the gates opened, chief executive Richard Lindroos did a tiki tour of the site to see that everything was ready. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Lilah Saunders ready to serve her customers at the mini Four Square store. Photo: Supplied
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ON SHAKY GROUND
Underwater puzzles
Volcanic island groups like the Azores in Portugal and the Canary Islands in Spain have been shaped by a lifetime of both submarine and subaerial (on land) volcanic activity.
It begins below the ocean. As eruptions add more rock and material to the growing piles we call volcanoes, islands eventually emerge.
At the same time, erosion and collapse work against that growth. Wave action wears away landforms below the ocean and along coastlines, while mass wasting events, from small rockfalls to massive flank collapses, reshape them through gravity and time. These are dynamic environments, and the landscapes that attract residents and visitors alike are constantly changing.
Like any environment, we need to understand the land we live on so we can do so safely and work with natural processes in ways that reduce or eliminate harm.
What happens on the seafloor around volcanic islands also impacts communities. I have previously covered how submarine eruptions can produce earthquakes as well as
By Janine Krippner
deadly pyroclastic surges that can travel over water and onto the land.
Most of a volcanic island’s structure lies beneath the ocean. By studying marine cores, scientists build a picture of the processes occurring below the waves. A pipe or drill is pushed into the seafloor and brings back a column containing layers of sediment, rock, and anything else in that location.
Scientists use different techniques to determine the ages of those layers. These include radiocarbon dating tiny shells or the remains of microscopic organisms called foraminifera, studying pollen, or dating volcanic glass. Different methods are appropriate for different age ranges. For example, radiocarbon dating is generally only useful for material younger than about 60,000 years.
Using these records, researchers can identify layers deposited by volcanic ash, pyroclastic flows, landslides, and turbidity currents that some landslides can transform into. Thin ash layers or scattered grains of volcanic glass can also point to large explosive eruptions that occurred far away.
Fog follows Fieldays
A quick thank you to the Cambridge 60s Up Club for inviting me to speak recently. We had a valuable discussion about scams, what to look out for, how to protect yourself, and why staying informed is so important.
Scammers target people indiscriminately, and the more awareness we can spread, the better equipped our community is to prevent victimisation.
Last week I spent three days at Fieldays. It’s always a great event and I enjoy the opportunity to connect with people in an informal setting. In addition to our foot patrols, both the police recruiting and road safety stands had steady interest throughout the event.
Overall attendee behaviour was good, with only minor issues reported. Thanks to the sharp eyes of a member of the public, we did locate two males who decided to pair their Fieldays visit with a bit of high value shoplifting. They targeted four stores, taking more than $3000 worth of items. Both will be appearing in court on related charges. While Fieldays gave us some blue sky days, this week fog has arrived. It’s a timely reminder to ensure your vehicle meets warrant of fitness standards and specifically that all front and rear lights are working properly. With many students biking or using
e scooters to get to school, visibility is crucial. At a minimum, they need front and rear lights, and ideally some high vis gear to reduce risk. Please take a moment to help your children stay roadwise and ensure they remain extra alert on their commute. For drivers, the message is simply to drive to the conditions. In fog, reduce your speed, use the fog line as a guide, keep headlights on low beam, and use fog lights if your vehicle has them. Increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react. Over the past seven days, staff across Waipā attended nine traffic crashes. Defensive driving can make a real difference in reducing road trauma. Finally, a wee reminder to call 111 immediately if you see suspicious or criminal behaviour. We continue to see car crime and burglary activity across Waipā, and in most cases offenders are responsible for multiple incidents. If you become aware of people trying car door handles, breaking into vehicles, or walking onto private, commercial, or construction properties overnight, police need to know at the time. Where it’s safe, keep observing and provide updates to the call taker about what the offenders look like, what they are doing and where they’re heading. CCTV footage is also extremely helpful.
Some of these processes can generate tsunamis that threaten nearby islands and can damage critical seafloor infrastructure such as internet cables.
Lava flows reaching the ocean can build lava deltas. These deposits can become thick and steep, creating potential for collapse and offshore landslides. Deposits can take decades, or even longer to become unstable enough to fail.
Each piece of information is part of a puzzle and reveals more of an ever evolving picture. Where possible, the submarine record can be linked to processes observed on land.
Understanding these systems requires many research projects, involving different specialties and often spanning decades.
Scientists can also identify patterns through time. In some volcanic regions, periods of increased activity have been linked to times of sea level change, which can alter the pressures acting on the Earth’s crust.
In the end, all of this fascinating work benefits those living in these environments and those who travel to experience them. The better we understand these systems, the better equipped communities, institutions, and governments are to make informed decisions about the future.
with Senior Constable DEB HANN
Feedback sought
A proposal to rezone a block south of Centennial Park in Te Awamutu for housing has opened for feedback. Private Plan Change 31 seeks to rezone the land, about 28ha, from Deferred Residential to Medium Density Residential and Reserve Zone.
Clearing the air
For more than 30 years, an air handler working alongside a diesel heater above Cinema One kept Regent Theatre patrons in Te Awamutu comfortable through every season. The next generation of heating arrived on Monday, when a new energy efficient system to heat and cool Cinema One was installed
Plan changes
The Environment Court has told Waikato Regional Council to make 20 changes to its proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1. The plan change, 14 years in the making, aims to reduce discharges of nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and microbial pathogens from farming activities and is part of a broader effort to improve water quality in the region. Federated Farmers, which has raised concerns about the impact on farmers, said the court’s interim decision released last week appeared measured and balanced.
Waiting for Matariki
A series of creative workshops for adults, running across June and July 2026, will be held at Whare Hau Tutū in Hamilton’s Pembroke St. Organisers say the series “creates space for adults to slow down, remember, reflect, reconnect, and look ahead through toi Māori, storytelling, whenua, taiao, and contemporary creative practice”. The Matariki public holiday will be on July 10.
Cats on show
More than 140 cats representing 15 breeds ranging from ragdolls, British shorthairs, Persians, Abyssinians and Burmese to companion cats will be on show in the Tamahere Community Centre on July 5 at the 2026 Hamilton Cat Show.
Saturday looms for Yesterday
By Jesse Wood
Three Waipā King Country bands will feature on stage in the Waikato regional Smokefree Rockquest heats in Hamilton on Saturday.
Echoes of Yesterday (Te Awamutu)
Crescent Lane (Cambridge) and Dead Rose (Ōtorohanga) were selected for the final alongside eight Hamilton bands and one from Morrinsville.
The five piece Echoes of Yesterday comprising Dorian Samuel (bass), Adam Mark (guitarist), Finn Reymer (guitarist), Harli Nicholas (drummer) and Owen Gower (vocals) – formed last August last year and Gower joined recently.
Aged 14 to17, the quintet draws on influences of bands spanning several decades, such as Rage Against The Machine, Tool, Kings of Leon and Highly Suspect.
About 60 bands from throughout the province performed during the heats at Hamilton’s Clarence St Theatre.
“When Owen joined us as vocalist, it was less than one month until the heats, we thought, do we give it a shot?” Dorian said.
“It wasn’t much prep time, but Owen was a natural fit, so we made the jump to enter Rockquest.
The band, and Harli specifically, have a legacy to live up to. His uncle Kam Chadderton was a guitarist in Te Awamutu College band The Good
Fun – national Rockquest winners in 2010.
“I want to follow in his footsteps. It was the only time Te Awamutu College have won the national event,” Harli said.
“In his band was Leroy Clampitt. He’s up in LA writing music for bigger artists now including Lily Allen, Madison Beer, Jennifer Lopez, Adam Lambert, Justin Bieber, Ava Max and Ruel.”
EOY recently opened the inaugural two day festival Maihiihi Metal Mayhem in the King Country and played on the Friday night of the Pirongia Rugby Sports Club’s 150th anniversary weekend – their biggest gig to date.
The band play a mixture of cover songs and originals.
Finn paid tribute to Te Awamutu musician Mike Conlon and manager Morgan Samuel.
“Without Morgan, we wouldn’t have had the gig at Maihiihi. That helped us out so much,” Harli said.
A Waipā based sound engineer and musician, Morgan is Dorian’s dad.
“Manager sounds official, but I think of myself as the ‘band dad’. They’re doing the real hard work the writing, arranging and long rehearsals, that’s all them,” Morgan said.
Morgan said seeing that hard work come to fruition on the Rockquest stage was a rewarding and emotional
experience for their families and supporters.
“All the boys’ families are hugely supportive too. They help with transport, carrying gear and showing up to rehearsals and gigs.
“EOY are very fortunate to have ongoing support from local musicians like Mike Conlon (One Man Big Sound).
“Mike has lent them PA gear and helped line up several local gigs, including a fundraiser at Stallions Te Awamutu on June 13 with Cambridge’s Jason Kerrison headlining.
“Jason has gone out of his way to rehearse with the band in prep for that show.”
Remembering Dr Rogers
]By Jesse Wood
The News had great response following the recent article about the “Guerilla Surgeon” Lindsay Rogers.
Wellington based Dan Armstrong is piecing together Rogers’ story for a biography and sought help from readers of The News.
When the late Te Awamutu doctor returned to New Zealand 80 years ago, he brought with him clay tablets containing some of the oldest written records. Now Cuneiform Australia New Zealand (Canz) is working to translate and understand the Sumerian clay tablets – dating back more than 5000 years.
Dr Lindsay Rogers OBE was born in Dunedin in 1902 and died in New Caledonia where he drowned in 1962. He practiced medicine in the 1930s in and around Te Awamutu.
He served with the British Royal Army Medical Corps and volunteered for special duty with the British Special Operations Executive and was
deployed to Yugoslavia to work with the Partisan forces led by dictator Josip Tito.
Post war saw a stint in Iraq teaching medicine and acquiring many antiquities, including the Sumerian clay tablets. Rogers’ many experiences of war prompted him to write the memoir Guerilla Surgeon, published in 1957 and republished as recently as 2024.
Researchers hope to publish a book next year detailing the collection Rogers donated to the Otago Museum. It is one of the most significant of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Armstrong, originally from near Taumarunui but who grew up in Te Awamutu, is piecing together Rogers’ story for the book.
The longtime Te Awamutu community advocate learned Rogers’ story in the late 2010s and is grateful to have heard more about him from Waipā residents in the past weeks.
The News received a series of response from in and outside Waipā.
One came from Kate Peacocke who published a
Wikipedia page on Rogers in January.
“I grew up in Te Awamutu and was conscious of the lack of a biographical profile although after I did some research found that there many resources to draw on.
She says her parents knew him and his widow Isobel.
“I went to Pekarau School briefly with his adopted sons Hone and Rewi. We also lived next door to Elsie and Ted Murtagh, his faithful friends, whom he mentions as dedicatees in the Author’s Note to the 1957 edition of Guerilla Surgeon. My mother told me that Elsie wrote to him all through the war.”
The community feedback will be helpful in continuing Armstrong’s biographical work.
“I’m overwhelmed at the response from the Waipā community,” Armstrong said. “It just goes to show that Lindsay was so memorable, even 60 years on.”
Know something more? Email editor@ goodlocal.nz
Funeral Director: Jim Goddin
Echoes of Yesterday during the Waikato regional Smokefree Rockquest heats.
Ministers talk rates, roads
By Mary Anne Gill
Questions over rising rates and long awaited roading projects were put to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis at Fieldays last week, focusing on what comes next for fast growing Waikato communities.
Willis said the government wanted to ease cost of living pressure on households while ensuring councils focused on core services.
“We’ve been very clear that rates increases have been going up far too fast in many parts of the country, and that’s putting real pressure on households,” she said in response to The News’ questions.
More detail was still to come but she said there would be flexibility for councils facing genuine pressures, particularly around
growth and infrastructure.
Waipā, Waikato and Hamilton councils are tier one designated growth councils due to their large populations and high growth rates.
“The key point is this. Councils need to live within their means, just like households do,” said Willis.
Rapid growth in Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Tamahere has driven increased infrastructure demand, while rural communities across the districts continue to face rising rates bills.
The policy could influence how councils such as Waipā and Waikato fund everything from roads and water upgrades to community facilities in the coming years.
to surrounding areas, including routes affecting Waipā and Waikato commuters.
She described the project as a priority.
“Southern Links is a really important project for this region. It’s one of our Roads of National Significance.”
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Design work and planning is under way. The project forms part of a wider infrastructure pipeline aimed at supporting regional growth.
“We are committed to it. It’s part of our broader infrastructure programme, and we know how important it is to unlock development in this area.”
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The Southern Links project carried an estimated cost of $600 million and was expected to begin within a four to 10 year timeframe.
SHOWCASE SHOWCASE
Willis also responded to The News’ question on Southern Links, the long discussed transport project linking Hamilton
Before the 2023 election, National included Southern Links in its $24 billion Transport for the Future policy, listing it among 13 Roads of National Significance alongside Cambridge to Piarere.
That timeline has begun to shift. Earlier this month, the government confirmed funding for the 16 kilometre Cambridge to Piarere extension of the Waikato Expressway.
The key change was certainty, enabling the New Zealand Transport Agency to “hit go” on the long planned project, Willis said.
But Transport Minister Chris Bishop said Southern Links was still some years away from construction and would be delivered as part of a staged programme of national projects.
For Waikato, that means some long planned roads are now moving ahead, while others are still waiting their turn.
Louna’s had a stage managed exchange
The exchange student experience is often one of new places and experiences but for Finnish exchange student Louna Halme, it has been a case of bringing her talents to share with her peers at Te Awamutu College
Louna attends a Performing Arts school in Tampere, Finland, where she focusses on dance. So when choosing classes for her six month stint at Te Awamutu College, Dance was an easy choice. Auditioning for the school production was not so easy.
Louna and her castmates feature in the Te Awamutu College productions of Hairspray which runs through to Saturday.
“It was scary as English had only been my primary language for one month and I wasn’t confident speaking English”.
Audition she did and landed the role of Velma von Tussel.
“Being the main villain is exciting and scary at the
same time, what if everyone thinks I’m a rude person because I don’t talk so much except to say my lines?”
Despite her reservations, Louna has embraced the process.
“She works very hard and is determined to do the best possible job,” says drama teacher and director Morag Carter. “She sets the bar very high for herself and others and has been a wonderful addition to the cast.”
And how does Louna feel about her English speaking role now?
“The past few weeks have been amazing as I’ve been able to enjoy playing Velma. I’ve made many new friends and I can’t believe this whole thing is nearly over. I’m going to miss the whole cast.
PICTURED RIGHT: The von Tussels – Louna, left, with Lara Hollinshead who plays Amber
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The screw loose mystery
By Meghan Hawkes
On May 9, 1865, George Gibson, a private in the 65th Regiment appeared to have deserted from the Ōhaupō military post.
He had been working for some German settlers, but he did not turn up when expected. When nothing more was heard from him there was great speculation about his sudden disappearance. It seemed doubtful he had deserted, as he had left his belongings behind and generally when a solider deserted the first thing he did was sell his kit. Although he had some five or six pounds on him when he left, he also left money behind.
Around August 11 Private Edward Kirk, fishing for eels near Horseshoe Lake, thought he saw a sheepskin in the water. But it was the body of George who to all appearances had been killed and thrown into the lake. His skull was fractured as though by a tomahawk. A verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown was returned at an inquest.
William Jess, of the 3rd Waikato Militia, went
missing sometime in July. He was a German who had joined the 3rd Waikatos as a private in Brisbane in 1863. It was assumed that he had drowned trying to cross Walker’s Gully where a narrow creek swelled up to a dangerous torrent in wet weather. On August 17 some German settlers came across his body in the tall ti tree at the edge of Morgan’s lake, about two miles west of the Ōhaupō redoubt. He also had dreadful head injuries. At the time William disappeared he was known to have ten pounds in cash, two rings, and a silver watch on him but none of these were found. A verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown was also returned at this inquest.
In mid August another German settler was murdered, his throat cut as he lay in his own bed, and the same verdict was reached at his inquest.
The murders were thought to have been committed by Māori. After the Waikato War (1863 64) the district was very unsettled, but it became apparent that two out of the three murders had been
staged in a way to make it seem the work of Māori.
It was suspected that there was a plan amongst some European settlers for targeting solitary travellers or those living in isolated areas, the victims selected at a time when it was known they possessed money or valuables. There was a “screw loose somewhere” said the New Zealander newspaper as the Ōhaupō military post became notorious for ‘barbarous murders’. “We hope that justice may soon overtake those vile wretches,” said the New Zealand Herald of the person or persons unknown.
In late September it was rumoured that a soldier of the 65th Regiment offered for sale at Cambridge a silver watch belonging to William Jess. Then as suddenly as they started, the murders stopped.
The victims were likely buried in the camp cemetery near Old St John’s church, Te Awamutu
Celebrating volunteers
By Reverend Samuel Pullenger, Vicar of the Parish of St John
The Te Awamutu News ran an article last week that focused on two people who had spent over 50 years volunteering in some capacity within the community.
This commitment to serving the local community is not something we see every day. What struck me was how normal it seemed for these two to offer such a large amount of their time to further the community.
In our current culture the community does not hold as much importance as it has historically.
Historically, the community was of the utmost importance; a person’s quality of life was dependent on whether or not they were part of the community. To be part of the community meant that you volunteered much of your time to whatever was needed in that community.
Today, we do not usually see the need for community. We have our own houses, vehicles, jobs, families and our own lives.
What we don’t often see is all those people who continue to give, to offer their time, to enable communities to thrive. Te Awamutu is full of volunteers who work, often behind the scenes, to prop up the community whether it be those who drive for CommSafe, for the Wheelchair Wagon, the health shuttle, those who serve in Kainga Aroha, foodbanks, opshops and many other areas.
Te Awamutu needs and is better off because of those who volunteer within the community.
In the Bible the first church community that began was a group of people who lived in Jerusalem, who chose to follow Jesus.
Within this group of people, it is mentioned several times that there was not a needy person among them, because they all gave to whomever had need.
They all offered their services and skills whatever they could and formed a loving community.
In Roman society ruling over Israel, those who could not fend for themselves were often left out on the street to become beggars or were enslaved. Even within Israelite society, those who were unwell for long periods of time or were seen as unclean were marginalised.
Throughout the Gospels Jesus can be seen interacting, speaking with, and even touching those who were deemed not acceptable to be part of society.
One of the purposes for doing this was to show a different kind of community Jesus came to set up. A community which actively went to the margins to care for and to love those who were unloved or viewed as unlovable.
Due to this radical difference in what it looked like to be a community, this church grew quickly. Volunteering 2000 years ago was a call to serve the community in order that all people would be seen and enabled to flourish.
As we celebrate the long term volunteering of Alan Sharp and Neil Quinlan, may we be encouraged to thank all those volunteers we come into contact with, throughout the community.
And may we be challenged to find ways to participate in serving our local community.
Lions awards Taylor made
By Jesse Wood
Waipā couple Jill and Alan Taylor have received Lions awards.
The Te Awamutu pair were awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award and Lions International President’s Award respectively at a Lions
District 202L cabinet meeting in the Cambridge cricket pavilion, Named after the founder of Lions Clubs International, the fellowship is one of the highest forms of Lions’ recognition and honours individuals who have demonstrated exceptional humanitarian and
Rural voice to be heard
Rural residents will have an opportunity to discuss issues with local body politicians next week.
The Cambridge Community Board hosts its rural tour event on two farms next Tuesday.
Andrew Myers, the board’s rural representative, is a dairy farmer and will host the first meeting.
Myers’ haybarn event in Roto o Rangi will start at 10am and a second meeting, will be on a Fencourt farm from 12.30pm.
Myers said it was a chance for farmers, growers, and rural residents to meet in their community and discuss unique issues with mayor Mike Pettit and councillors.
‘Rural people play a big part in driving the economy of Waipa and like to talk about issues affecting their livelihoods,” he said.
Issue up for discussion could range from rates, zoning of land, road and bridge infrastructure and services like drainage and water supply to recent plan change processes to change kiwifruit shelter heights and a bid to convert 100ha of Leamington rural land to medium density urban land.
The central government’s drive to amalgamate councils will also be top of mind, Myers said.
community service.
Jill was presented with this in recognition of her service to the Te Awamutu and wider Waikato community.
Past Lions district governor Charles Harrison had applied for the award and presented it to Jill.
This was even more special, in the fact that Jill wasn’t a Lion at the time –she has since joined Lions.
“Alan whispered in my ear that to be given the award when you’re not a Lion is a real privilege,” Jill said.
Jill’s contributions include operating two Waikato charities – Operation Christmas Hamper and Muffins for Mums –serving her third term on the Te Awamutu Kihikihi Community Board and supporting a range of community organisations and initiatives.
“The work I do in the community is because I see there’s a need, not for any thanks, but to get recognised for it is an honour,” Jill said.
“It was a tearjerker to be able to receive that. The recognition that he gave me was great as he explained why I’d probably done a lot in the community, not just
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recently, but over the years in different places where I have lived.”
The president’s award is an international recognition presented to Lions members who have provided distinguished service and leadership within the organisation.
Only about 20 of these are awarded nationwide annually.
Alan has been part of Lions for 25 years in various parts of the country, proving his leadership and service at Lions club and district level.
Since 2014, he has served as Te Awamutu Lions Club secretary and has also undertaken a number of senior leadership, training and administrative roles across the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region.
The award recognises his significant contribution to strengthening communication, training, administration and community focused initiatives within Lions.
“Our community today has people with a whole range of needs. Lions provides an opportunity –there’s nine strategic goals and key areas that they focus on, including diabetes, disaster awareness, youth
and blindness,” Alan said.
“They’re all causes that the government seems to be stepping back from and expecting the community and local agencies or people to pay for.
“Lions goes out of its way to try and cover that gap.”
An example is Lions’ two free mole mapping buses that travel across New Zealand.
“About 1300 people have been scanned over recent months and about a quarter of them had something that caused concern to the doctor.
“Another fantastic experience in my career was going to a meeting where Lions had raised money for children who were unable to walk. We provided walking frames and equipment for them.
The pair appreciate each other’s support and challenge others to give back to their communities.
“I’d love to challenge people who are quick to say, ‘this needs to be done in our community. Why isn’t anyone doing something about it?’,” Jill said.
Jill and Alan Taylor celebrated winning lions awards.
Photo: Jesse Wood
Faces of Fieldays
Mary Anne Gill toured the Fieldays site last week to capture key moments and key people.
There was a strong police presence at Fieldays both at a recruitment stand and around the site including top-level protection for chief executive Richard Lindroos from assistant commissioner Jeanette Park, right, and recruitment manager Wendy Spiller.
Volunteers Wendy King, left, and Jeanette Boswell of Cambridge.
At Fieldays Health and Wellbeing Hub, Waikato Hospital’s Cardiothoracic team Karl Coley, Karen Nixey and Amanda Danby were doing free health checks.
Past New Zealand National Fieldays Society presidents Warwick Roberts, left, and Peter Carr prepare to raise the society flag in recognition of the many volunteers whose dedication continues to shape and strengthen the event.
St Peter’s Head of School Jason Speedy, left, and wife Janine field questions in the Cambridge school’s stand.
Former NZSAS soldier and Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata was a star attraction as brand ambassador at the Toyota stand.
Looking happy at Fieldays before his beloved Crusaders lost to the Chiefs was Toyota brand ambassador, former All Black captain Richie McCaw. Fergus Goodwin on the level bars for the Tractor Pull committee at Fieldays.
Waipā Home of Champions: Championing our future!
The options
Option A
A ‘One Waikato’ approach combining all 11 Waikato councils into one to deliver all regional and district council functions.
Option C
Partnering with our Waikato Waters shareholding councils, plus Taupō. This would see Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, South Waikato, Taupō and Waipā form one council.
Option E
Do nothing. Council does not put forward a proposal and continues in its current form for now. Change would still follow through the government’s compulsory backstop process after the 2028 elections.
Tell us your thoughts at your local market
Cambridge Farmers Market
Saturday June 20, 8am to 12pm
Waipā is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing districts.
We’re proud of our strong communities and reputation as the Home of Champions. But like all councils across New Zealand, we’re facing increasing challenges – from funding infrastructure and supporting growth to keeping rates affordable while planning for the future.
The Government has signalled major changes to local government and has invited councils to help shape what comes next through a process called ‘Head Start’.
For Waipā, the question isn’t whether change is coming. It’s how we make sure any change delivers the best outcomes for our communities.
That’s why we’re seeking your feedback before making any decisions about our future direction.
Option B
A unitary authority based on the existing Future Proof growth council boundaries. This would see Hamilton City, Waikato District, MatamataPiako District and Waipā combine to deliver all regional and district council functions.
Option D
Rosetown Monthly Fair, Te Awamutu
Saturday June 27, 10am to 2pm
Pirongia Monthly Market
Sunday June 28, 9am to 1pm
Championing two unitary authorities based on river catchments:
1. A Waikato/Waipā catchment unitary authority, potentially including Taupō, South Waikato, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, Waipā, Hamilton City and Waikato Districts.
2. A Waihou–Piako catchment unitary authority covering the eastern part of the Waikato region, potentially including Matamata-Piako, Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel districts, along with parts of South Waikato District.
What do you think?
We want to hear what’s most important to you. Your feedback will inform our thinking. Feedback closes on Sunday, June 28. Visit www.letstalk.waipadc.govt.nz/ championing-our-future or call into your nearest Council office for more information.
Snapshots behind the lines
By Viv Posselt
Te Kūiti resident Dave Roebuck was so gripped by news of the commemoration of the 1941 Battle of Crete he contacted us with a curious yarn of his own.
The May 20 battle began when thousands of elite German paratroopers dropped from the skies in what was believed to be the first mainly airborne invasion in military history.
For 12 days troops on the ground, including Greeks, New Zealanders, Australians and British, tried to repel the assault.
The statistics were horrendous.
More than 1700 British, Commonwealth and Greek soldiers were killed, and 15,000 captured.
There were 670 New Zealanders fatalities and 2180 Kiwi prisoners of war, in addition to the 1800 captured after the campaign ended in Greece.
More than 6000 Germans were killed or wounded and more than 350 German aircraft lost.
Dave read last month’s story of the Te Awamutu RSA’s commemoration of the battle, at which Richard Cato spoke about his father, Sgt Colin Cato, who then headed No 3 Platoon of the 27th Machine Gun Battalion.
His interest piqued, Dave contacted The News with
memories of his father in law, Charles Walter Dugleigh Tait – known to all as ‘Wattie’ Tait. “Wattie was also a member of the 27th Machine Gun Battalion and was in Crete briefly. He described it as last in, first out.”
He said Wattie, a truck driver at Piopio, had enlisted in Te Kuiti. His own father, also named Charles Walter Tait, had served in World War One.
Dave, who was born in the Leicestershire town of Melton Mowbray, migrated solo to New Zealand in 1966, aged 19, and quickly picked up where he had left off in England, working on farms.
He met Wattie’s daughter Margaret at Taupō’s Karapiti Blowhole, the one time famous vent just north of the town. Wattie had been working as caretaker at Te Awamutu College around the time the young couple met.
Dave and Margaret married in 1969 and, after moving around, finally settled in Te Kuiti in 1980. Dave worked on the railways for 40 years before retiring and Margaret (widely known as Bobbie), worked in seniors’ motivational therapy. She died in 2013.
Dave kicked off the story of ‘Pops’, as he called Wattie, by saying he was
one of many Kiwis labelled a ‘deserter’ after disobeying army orders to return to the WW2 battlefront for yet another tour of duty.
“He was one of several hundred who came back in 1944 and refused the call to go back. A lot of them took that stand,” he said.“He had already done four years over there. He looked at the work needing done on the farm and decided it was someone else’s turn.”
The old telegram informing Wattie of his changed status now hangs on Dave’s daughter Chandry’s wall… a reflection of her grandfather’s military journey.
While in Crete, Wattie took a camera and Luger 9mm pistol from a German soldier who, as Dave said, “didn’t need them any longer”.
Wattie carted both around for the rest of his service, most of it in North Africa, adding his own photographs as he went to those taken by the dead German soldier.
Years later, Dave and Margaret had the films developed and offered the images to Waiouru Army Museum.
They were extremely interested and have incorporated many into their displays. Among the images are several taken by the German soldier, and a number taken by Wattie,
both in Crete and in North Africa.
Some show the action on land and in the skies, others are of major political players of the day, including Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Commander of the NZ Expeditionary Forces General Freyberg, and the German commander Rommel, also known as ‘The Desert Fox’.
They are an unexpected treasure of memories taken by a soldier who determined his future would unfold in New Zealand, no matter what, and are now a source of pride to his Kiwi family.
The class of 71
By Viv Posselt
Waipā mayor Mike Pettit welcomed 71 new citizens to the region last week, describing his overseeing of their welcoming ceremony as a highlight of his mayoralty.
Pettit was joined at the Cambridge Town Hall for Friday’s ceremony by several councillors and Taupō MP Louise Upston.
He told The News this was his third citizenship ceremony, and his first in Cambridge.
The 71 citizens, who hail from 18 countries, took their citizenship oaths and affirmations. Pettit described the
event as the next step in their journey.
“One of the most special parts of being mayor is welcoming new citizens to our district,” he said.
“Becoming a citizen is about choosing to be part of a community, joining its life, and sharing its future. Each of you will help make our community stronger and more connected. You will help our neighbourhoods become better places to live.”
Gourav Sood, originally from India, said he had been in New Zealand for 10 years. “I’m delighted to be part of this community. I opened a new business last year and Waikato is now my home. I’m here with my family,
and my wife and six year old son who also became new citizens.”
Ericson Edralin Namoc and his wife Kathleen came from the Philippines in 2019.
“We came for a new life and to pursue our careers. Both our kids were born here and they are Kiwis.”
Each family was presented with a native pikopiko fern as a symbol of the roots they have put down in Waipā.
Citizenship ceremonies are held by Waipa District Council every quarter, alternating between Cambridge and Te Awamutu. The next two will take place in September and November.
Te Kūiti’s band aid
By Dan Tasker
More than 100,000 Fieldays smart bands passed through Aunties Laundromat this year, marking the Te Kūiti business’ busiest event yet.
It’s the fifth year the laundromat has cleaned, bagged and dried the Fieldays smart bands, an RFID enabled band visitors wear to interact with Fieldays exhibitors. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification
Owners Dave Crone and Donna Missen washed around 1.3 tonnes of the bands during the four day event at Mystery Creek.
“It’s always around a ton and this year it’s closer to 1.3 tonnes or just over,” Missen said. “It’s increased every year, but this year’s the best because of the weather.
“We’re farmers ourselves, we’ve always been dairy farmers until the laundromat, and we had visited over the years before moving here, because it’s the biggest of these events in the southern hemisphere.”
In years gone by, the smart bands have either been thrown away or taken home by event goers, but smart band designers and digital innovation company Satellite have taken a clean and sustainable approach in recent times.
The couple arrived in Te Kūiti at the end of 2020 from an East Gippsland dairy farm in Victoria, Australia, after two weeks spent in quarantine during the Covid 19 lockdowns.
Crone and Missen took on the laundromat as a follow on from the Aunties Laundromat Crone’s parents were operating in Te Awamutu. It led to their gig with Fieldays.
“They contacted my in laws, but they said we’d be better equipped because we’ve got the big back area to work with in the room, where they don’t,” Missen said.
The couple still set aside the first day to see what’s on offer at Mystery Creek, before getting into their work for the week.
“They put the bands into wheelie bins, and we load up the trailer at the end of each day and then we bring it back here. We load up all the washing machines and wash then dry them, and then we bag them, weigh them, put them back in the bins, and then take them back the next morning… and we do that each day.”
Waipa’s newest citizens gather pictured on the steps of the Cambridge Town Hall with Waipā mayor Mike Pettit and Taupō MP Louise Upston.
Aunties Laundromat owners Donna Missen and Dave Crone had a busy week cleaning smart bands for the Fieldays last week.
Photo: Dan Tasker
Dave Roebuck with just two of the images captured by his father-in-law on the camera taken from a dead German soldier.
Photo: Viv Posselt
with Jan Bilton
Zesty winter winners
Winter in New Zealand brings a vibrant burst of goodness to menus. I’m talking about the delicious lineup of seasonal stars such as citrus, kiwifruit and tamarillos guaranteed to cure any cold-weather blues.
Ruby-red tamarillos definitely shout winter! They’re yummy peeled, sliced and sweetened on morning porridge, or added to savoury dishes for a punchy, peppery kick. Yes, they are expensive unless you grow your own. But they add vitamins A, C, B6, E, plus potassium to your daily diet. Tamarillos also add an exotic touch to special occasion meals.
Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit are at their peak in winter. Their zesty flavours and high vitamin C content are great for boosting your immune system to beat the winter chills. I start the day with a glass of vaguely warm water with a squeeze of lemon juice. It certainly peps me up. But topping a casserole or dessert with a drizzle of citrus juice is another easy way to boost your daily C.
Kiwifruit are colourful treasure chests that are recognised around the world for their vitamin-packed goodness. I wish our local chefs would incorporate this wellness into more of their dishes. Kiwifruit are the perfect start to the day, scooped out after lunch or added with imagination to mains.
White Chocolate Panna Cotta With Tamarillos
Tamarillos: 6 medium tamarillos
1/2 cup red wine
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/4 cups water
2 x star anise
1 packet raspberry jelly crystals
White Chocolate Panna Cotta: 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatine
1 tablespoon water
150ml milk
300 ml cream
200g white chocolate, chopped.
Peel the tamarillos. Cut into 1cm thick rounds.
Place in a saucepan with the red wine, brown sugar, water and star anise. Bring to a simmer and poach for about 6 minutes,
until tender.
Drain most of the juice into a measuring cup, then add enough water to bring the total to 2 cups. Bring to the boil. Place the jelly crystals in a bowl and add the boiling mixture. Stir well, then leave until cold but not set.
Drain 6 slices of tamarillo. Place in the base of six 1-cup glass serving dishes or jars. Top each with about 4 tablespoons of the jelly. Refrigerate until set.
Pour the remaining jelly into a shallow pan to a depth of about 1cm. This will make the tamarillo jelly garnish. Chill until set. To make the panna cotta, soak the gelatine in the cold water until swollen.
Place the milk and cream in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the white chocolate and gelatine, mixing until melted. Cool. Pour evenly over the tamarillos in their serving dishes. Refrigerate until set, 4-5 hours or overnight.
Great decorated with more tamarillo slices and diced tamarillo jelly. Serves 6.
Mandarin Marmalade
1kg mandarins, unpeeled
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 cups water
5 cups white sugar, approximately
Combine the whole mandarins, lemon juice and water in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the fruit is soft. Remove the mandarins from the saucepan but reserve the liquid. Coarsely chop the unpeeled mandarins. Discard any pips. Return the chopped mandarin to the reserved liquid. Measure the contents. Allow 1 cup of sugar for each cup of the fruit mixture. Return all the ingredients to the pan. Stir over high
heat without boiling until the sugar dissolves. Bring to the boil and cook, uncovered, without stirring, for about 30 minutes, or until the jam gels when tested or reaches 104°C. Pour the hot marmalade into hot sterilised jars and seal immediately. Label and date jars when cold.
Kiwi Chicken Stir-Fry
This colourful meal is great served piled on boiled rice or noodles.
500g skinned and boned chicken
2 tablespoons cornflour
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
2 large firm but ripe green kiwifruit
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 red capsicum, thinly sliced
Sauce: 1-2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons each: balsamic vinegar, water
1 1/2 teaspoons cornflour
Slice the chicken into thin strips. Combine the cornflour and fivespice powder in a bowl, then add the chicken and toss to coat. Place aside.
Peel and slice the kiwifruit into strips.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a wok or frypan over high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir-fry the chicken in batches, about 2-3 minutes, until cooked. Drain on a paper towel.
Wipe the pan clean, add the remaining oil and heat. Stir-fry the capsicum until crisp-tender. Place aside.
Combine sauce ingredients and pour into the pan, stirring until thickened. Add the chicken and heat through. Add the capsicum and kiwifruit and serve immediately. Serves 4.
White Chocolate Panna Cotta With Tamarillos Mandarin Marmalade
Waipā will host an international rugby side as Hong Kong China face a Waikato XV in a mid week fixture next week.
The free entry match at Albert Park will give fans the opportunity to experience top level rugby under the floodlights at Te Awamutu Sports.
Over the years several Waikato representatives have donned the Hong Kong China jersey, including Rodney McIntosh, Vaughan Going, Carl Murray and Tau Koloamatangi.
Te Awamutu Sports also has connections to Hong Kong China, as does Hautapu.
Former Te Awamutu Sports representatives Josh Dowsing, Ryan Meacham and Johnny Gordon –younger brother of Rob and Steve –played internationally for Hong Kong China.
Sports also won the club level tournament of the Hong Kong Sevens at one point.
As recently as 2023, Hautapu Sports forward Tyler McNutt was selected for Hong Kong China, the country of his birth.
Club stalwart Deano Herewini was also capped in the 1990s.
Former Hautapu captain, St Peter’s and Cambridge High School PE teacher Quintony Ngatai has been plying his
trade for Hong Kong Rugby Football Club since August.
The clash will be head coach Leon Holden’s first match in charge following the departure of former All Black Ross Filipo.
A 1992 Thames Valley representative, Holden brings more than 20 years of high performance rugby experience to the role.
He has a record of 13 championships in 26 years of coaching, from the Northern Hemisphere’s Heineken Cup to club titles.
He has coached in both New Zealand and International programmes, including stints in Japan, England and the United States.
Holden is no stranger to Waikato Rugby, having supported Waikato’s NPC Team in 2015 to a Ranfurly Shield victory and Waikato’s back to back premiership winning Waitomo FPC Team as forwards coach in 2025.
He is looking forward to bringing representative rugby into the Waipā district.
“The Te Awamutu area has some great clubs like Te Awamutu Marist, Te Awamutu Sports, Kihikihi, Ōhaupō and Pirongia and so it is awesome the district can host a game of this magnitude,” Holden said.
“Our club players have been preparing for this game with anticipation and excitement, and I
Rural Farm Tour
look forward to them enjoying the occasion.”
“This squad will be selected based on performances in club rugby,” Holden said.
“The players will earn consideration through the work they’ve put in throughout the season, and this match will be an opportunity to reward that effort and see how they perform in a representative environment.”
By Jesse Wood
Hautapu returned to winning ways with a 46 21 win over Fraser Tech at Cambridge’s Memorial Park on Saturday.
Marist top the five team Breweries Shield table with two wins from two after a 34 14 victory at Morrinsville.
Te Awamutu Sports’ premier A and B sides had a bye week.
Leamington won their first match in the five team premier A Lone Star Cup division a 30 17 victory over Matamata in front of home fans.
In the other matches Old Boys thrashed University 73 25.
In the women’s championship quarter finals, United Matamata Sports beat Pirongia 43 10, while Kihikihi demolished Morrinsville Sports 50 15.
Captain Georgia Packer and centre Sienna Sanders scored the two tries for Pirongia at Bedford Park.
At Kihikihi Domain, centre Stella Tamaki Whatarangi scored a brace for Kihikihi.
Other scorers for the home side included Sarah Payne, second five eighth Valentine Tevita, Emma Spiers, Mahuripounamu Neha and halfback Nuveia Morgan Te Uira. Pivot Rinoa Day slotted five conversions.
In the division 1A Mooloo Shield, Pirongia beat Te Rapa 40 27 at home. Both starting wingers Daniel Belk and Ruban Maniapoto King scored doubles.
Number eight Liam McPherson and fullback Callum Hall also crossed the chalk for Pirongia and Issac Cullen added five conversions.
Ōhaupō drubbed Kereone 71 7 in the division 1A championship Captain Compost Cup match in Morrinsville.
Backs Chris Ferguson, Bronson Wilson Beech and Italia Tualaulelei all scored braces. Other try scorers were flanker Trent Sargent, halfback Scott Thomas, lock Alex Fullerton and pivot Dean Fullerton, who kicked eight conversion.
Both Waipā division 1B sides won. Unbeaten Pirongia B had a convincing 41 15 victory over Te Rapa B in Kingston Grant and Josh Law’s 100th matches.
Ōhaupō B beat Kereone B 31 5 – a
Marist stay top of the table
Park that included a solid 80 minute performance from number eight Marley Waaka Te Amo.
It was a tough round for Waipā sides in the under 21 competition.
Hautapu colts were pipped 31 29 by Fraser Tech, Hamilton Old Boys beat Pirongia 40 5 and Hamilton Marist colts won against Te Awamutu Sports 47 14. Leamington beat United Matamata Sports by default.
the future ownership of Waipā Networks Limited.
The Trustees and the Directors propose that the Ownership of the Company should continue to remain 100% Trust owned on behalf of the Community.
The Trustees hereby implement a Public Consultative Procedure. Notice is given that the Ownership Review will be available for inspection by the public from the 1st May 2026, from the Trusts website www.waipanetworkstrust.co.nz or during normal business hours at the following location:
Waipā Networks Ltd 240 Harrison Drive TE AWAMUTU
Persons interested in the proposals are invited to make written submissions to the Trustees.
All mail submissions should be addressed to: Submissions to the Trustees
Waipā Networks Trust PO Box 34 TE AWAMUTU 3840
All email submissions should be addressed to: info@waipanetworkstrust.co.nz
Persons wishing to make submissions should ensure that those submissions are received at the above address no later than 5pm 30th June 2026 (“the due date”). Submissions received by the due date will be made publicly available.
In due course, any persons who make written submissions by the due date will be offered an opportunity to be heard by the Trustees at a meeting open to the public.
KM Heeringa Trust Manager
It will be Leon Holden’s first match as Waikato head coach. Photo: Waikato Rugby
five tries to one victory at Campbell
Josh Law also got his blazer on Saturday.
Photo: Julie Gibson
Pirongia B player Kingston Grant received his blazer for 100 games on Saturday. Photo: Julie Gibson
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Rosebank Art Centre Charitable Trust
– Te Awamutu will be holding it’s A.G.M.on Friday 26th June 2026 @ 12noon at The Rosebank Art Centre 137 Churchill Street, Te Awamutu Agenda
• Election of Officers
• Election of Trustees
• Setting Fees
• Annual Reports
REWI-WETINI, Joseph
MEETING NOTICES
The
Anthony – On Friday, 12 June 2026, peacefully with whanau, aged 88 years. Dearly loved husband of Josephine and father of Anthony, Andrew and Damien. Treasured son to the late Tame and Moro RewiWetini of Taharoa. Brother and uncle to many. A service has already been held for Joseph. All communications to the whanau to PO Box 137 Te Awamutu.
Family Notices
• Engagements • Weddings
• Births • Anniversaries
• Bereavements
• In Memoriam etc
Call Janine 027 287 0005 e: janine@goodlocal.nz
Te Awamutu Concerts Alive!
presents award-winning Te Awamutu Brass Band
St John’s Anglican Church
Arawata Street, Te Awamutu Sunday 21 June - 2pm $25 cash at the door. Students/kids FREE!
SITUATIONS VACANT
TE AWAMUTU BRANCH
Volunteers Wanted
Looking for something meaningful and life changing? Interested in working with the disabled? Like horses, variety in your day with many di erent roles, some admin work? Then we need you!
Email Warwick Brown President warwicklogan@gmail.com or complete the volunteer form at www.rda.org.nz, highlighting area Te Awamutu
SERVICES FOR TELEVISION REPAIRS & TUNING
WANTED TO BUY. Any ute, van, 4WD, truck or car. Any condition doesn’t have to be going. Cash paid. Ph/txt Kevin 027 299 6165
KNIGHT, Lorraine Margaret (nee Brown) – 74 years. Passed away peacefully at home 13th June. Very muched loved wife of Jack. Sister, Aunty, and stepmother.
OSMENT, Mark Luke –Passed away suddenly on Friday 5 June 2026, aged 22 years. Much loved and loving son of Nick and Sheryl. Loved brother of Ben, Kate and Robin, and Josh. Loved partner of Evita. Requiem mass was celebrated at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Te Awamutu on Friday 12 June. Communication to Mark’s family C/- Gibson Funerals, PO Box 501, Cambridge 3450.
PETERSEN, Wayne
Francis – On 13 June 2026, peacefully at Windsor Court Home, Ohaupo; aged 79 years. Loved brother of Tom & Patty, Lynn & Simon, Erin & Len. Loved uncle of Dana, Jamie, George, Kane, Jade, Tyrone, Sharnee, and families. A celebration of Wayne’s life was held in Te Awamutu on Wednesday.
PETERSEN, Wayne –
Passed away peacefully on 13 June 2026. A beautiful uncle with so many stories to tell. We will miss you a lot! Fly high, enjoy the red wine and cigars. Deeply missed by the Macdonald family, Dana, Iain, Ashli, Conor, Keiton and Lara xo
NICHOLSON, Robyn Mary – Died peacefully at CHT Te Awamutu on Wednesday, 10th June 2026. Dearly loved wife of the late Barry, mother of Brent (dec), David and twin brother Michael (dec), and Jason & Nikki. Loved Nana of Finley, Fyfe, Cerwyn, Alana, Lukka and Beau. A memorial service for Robyn will be held at Te Awamutu Presbyterian Centre, Mutu Street, Te Awamutu on Saturday, the 11th of July 2026 at 1:00 pm. Messages to the Nicholson family can be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800 or in Robyn's online tribute book at www.rosetown. co.nz
ASHBY, Eleanor Crawford (née Scott) – Peacefully on Monday, 8 June 2026, aged 86 years, at Hilda Ross Rest Home & Hospital, surrounded by aroha. Dearly loved wife of the late Graham. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Susan & Gavin, Annie & Chris, and Jane & Darren. Adored Nan of Rachel, Stuart & Rebecca, Marlowe & Alba, Jack, Quinn, Ella and Tai. The family sincerely thank the dedicated staff of Hilda Ross Rest Home & Hospital for their wonderful care, kindness, and compassion shown to Eleanor. A private family farewell has been held. Messages to the Ashby Family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in Eleanor's online tribute book at www. rosetown.co.nz.
BARR, Desmond John (Des) – On 14 June 2026, peacefully at Te Awamutu; aged 76 years. Loved partner of Sheryl, and father & fatherin-law of Melanie & Mark, and Dean. A loved grandfather of many, and also loved by Zane & Emma, Carl & Selena, and Benjamin. Des will be at his home until his service on Friday. A celebration of Des’ life will be held in the Alexandra House Chapel, 570 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu on Friday 19 June 2026 at 10:30am, followed by burial at Pirongia.
BLACKLER, Ann (nee Signal) – Passed away suddenly at Taranaki Base Hospital on 8 June 2026, aged 74. Much loved partner, Mum, Grandma, sister and friend to many. The service for Ann has been held. All communications to the Blackler family, c/- PO Box 137, Te Awamutu, 3840.
HUNT, Brian Andrew – 9/8/1940 - 11/6/2026. Fought to the end like a legend. Went peacefully with family bedside him. Loved husband of the late Jennifer Ruby Hunt. Father of Peter John, Devlin, Lea, Lisa, Paul, Glen, Leigh, Brian and the late Delwyn and Douglas. Granddad and great grandfather to many. Good mate to many more. A legend who will always be missed.
CONTACT GOOD SPEED CONSTRUCTION for all your building and project needs. Call Ross 021 063 2268
