TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 1
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
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Sanctuary battles back By Chris Gardner
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is working towards breaking even this financial year. Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust, which operates the world’s largest predator proof fence at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari near Cambridge, made an operating loss of $34,000 in the financial year to June 30. This year’s financial result compares to a loss of more than $500,000 the previous year. The 3400-hectare
operation which is home to more than 730 native species of flora, fauna and fungi, costs the trust $5000 a day. Endangered wildlife includes the North Island brown kiwi, kākāpō, and Hochstetter’s frog. Asked how the result had been accomplished ahead of Tuesday’s annual meeting, Sanctuary Mountain chief executive Helen Hughes said: “Through sheer exhaustion.” “It’s a combination of operational efficiency and looking at more ways to bring in more money,” she said. Last year Hughes told
The News that a cash flow crisis could force the trust to shut up shop in six weeks following the loss of $300,000 worth of contestable Department of Conservation funding. “I feel like I am screaming in a crowded space, and nobody is listening,” Hughes said at the time. Last August the trust had to let seven of its 13 mountain rangers go, as $589,000 worth of DOC Jobs for Nature funding dried up. In February the project started to turn the corner when a one-off funding
injection of $750,000 over three years was announced by the government. Another announcement this financial year will help the trust edge further out of the red. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, in partnership with New Zealand based environmental consultancy Ekos, launched biodiversity credits on an international trading platform. “Our 1000-year plan and our scale provide the opportunity to test new ways of doing things, including
finding new revenue streams to enable the sanctuary to continue to deliver exceptional biodiversity outcomes,” Hughes said at the time. She says the fund is ticking along. Hughes has worked to attract more grants and recently hosted a group of philanthropic funders to showcase the work of the project. Staff are also looking at other forms of revenue, including expanding the range of items available in the shop, providing a shuttle
Helen Hughes
service for those tramping across the mountain, and new nature tours of the enclosure.
We’re in the medals
sprint on the final lap. “Overall it has been an amazing week,” said Briggs. “I rode a good strong race and had a good sprint at the end. And I get to wear the rainbow jersey for another year.” He was part of a four strong Cycling New Zealand team who won three medals on the fourth and final day to card 13 for the championships. Emma Foy (Dargaville) and Rotorua’s Siobhan Terry completed the team. Cycling New Zealand Para-cycling head coach Brendon Cameron from Te Awamutu said it had been a good four days with a new format and some new races in the UCI calendar - most to be raced at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Briggs missed part of the Paris Paralympics with injury. The UCI Track World Championships in Chile start today.
Nicole Murray leads the pack during her race on Monday where she collected a bronze medal.
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Two Waipā riders have starred at the UCI Para-Cycling track world championships which wrapped up on Monday. Devon Briggs is returning home to Cambridge from Brazil with a gold medal again. On Monday he clocked up his second successive world championship cycling track title in Rio de Janeiro. And Ngāhinapōuri’s Nicole Murray, who enjoyed world championship medal success on the road seven weeks ago, won bronze on the final day in the C5 10,000m. She rode down the attempted breaks and was strong in the spring to finish on the podium for her fourth medal of the week. Victory in the C3 10km race for the 21-year-old Briggs came at the same velodrome as his 2024 success. He sat in the pack for much of the race, then unleashed a
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2 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
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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 Limited.
Another ‘war’ of the roses Letters… Rose growers are readying their blooms for Te Awamutu’s annual spring show staged by the Te Awamutu Rose Society. Last year’s big 60th anniversary show attracted 339 exhibitor and saw two new classes added – First Time Exhibitor in the Members of the Public Awards, for both adults and children up to the age of 16. Organisers hoped the move would inspire younger and first-time growers, and with 57 children and 19 adults entering those classes, it worked a charm. This year’s two day show, at the Te Awamutu Sports and Recreation Club, open on Friday next week. Organisers have two open classes for the public in place again this year – class 49 for youngsters up to age 16, and class 50 for those over 16 and upwards. Rose Society organiser Linnie Jones said anyone keen to enter their blooms can either contact the society ahead of time or bring in their roses between 4pm and 5.30pm on October 30. “We have set that time aside for members of the public to bring in their entries and
Congratulations to all involved in Arsenic and Old Lace - the ultimate local top-class experience right from entering and to the finale. I believe it’s the best I have ever seen in Te Awamutu and our group loved the show. One of us said she would like to see it again. The theatre atmosphere and cleanliness, freshness and warmth of the theatre was excellent and the sets adorable, in fact magnificent. The actors were all amazing with delivery and performance. What a great night out. The memory will always be there as the best value for money show Te Awamutu has seen. We all thank you for everyone’s dedication and passion. I believe the advertising was also excellent as everywhere you went around town the flier was displayed. We are so pleased you have been showing the ‘Sold Out’ sign throughout the season. Everyone has worked so hard to achieve such a superb entertainment. Allan Webb Te Awamutu.
Enjoying last year’s rose show were Lisa Fisher, Linnie Jones and Georgia Haney.
register. There will be stewards on hand to help you stage your roses, and there is no cost involved, but there is a limit on two roses per person.” The show will kick off a season of roses for Te Awamutu. Late in November, the Rose Society will hold Rose Sunday, a free family day with games and live music2
Help wanted
Diwali brings closer ties By Viv Posselt
The colourful Hindu festival of lights known as Diwali filled the Cambridge Town Hall last week when around 140 people enjoyed an evening of Indian food, dance and culture. The event was organised by Idea Services, an organisation that supports adults of all ages with intellectual disabilities to live independently and be part of their local communities. The Waikato-King Country branch of the organisation held their first Diwali celebration in Hamilton last year. This year, they joined forces with the Hamilton Waikato-South area to bring it to Cambridge. Many of the guests wore Indian dress for the occasion and a number of them lined up for lessons in turban tying or to have their hands painted with henna. Guests also viewed a video of the significance of Diwali, showing the ways it is marked in different parts of the Indian continent. In her welcome address, Idea Services’ Nelufa Nisha said the event was focused primarily on helping their clients gain a better understanding of different cultures. She said last year’s event in Hamilton has proved so successful that the decision had been made to widen its reach. “Diwali is a time for family and friends to come together,” she said. “New Zealand is a country that celebrates diversity, and
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we are fortunate to be here with people of various cultures and backgrounds helping us celebrate this occasion.” She said many of Idea Service employees had links to the Indian community, and support workers from Hamilton as well as the Tarr Rd residential farm put on performances that included Punjabi and Nepalese dances. The evening also included a presentation of gifts and awards to Idea Services staff. Guests came from around the region, including Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Hamilton, Ōtorohanga, Matamata and Morrinsville.
Very recently I had items of great sentimental value, stolen from my front garden in Bank Street. The nighttime theft included a cobalt blue birdbath my muchloved husband gave me many years ago. He passed away with cancer in 2023. A large, heavy, dark red planter pot, also taken, was a gift from my brother , who died earlier this year. If you have a heart at all, please return these precious items. B. Emo Te Awamutu.
Idea Services’ Jackie Levet with Te Awamutu’s Steven Hagan. Photo: Viv Posselt
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THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
Briefs… Southern Links
The government has announced it will put up $100 million to progress Hamilton Southern Links project. Hamilton West MP Tama Potaka said the investment case for Hamilton Southern Links shows expected travel time reductions of 14 minutes between Tamahere and Hamilton west. The project will also support eventual access to 17,300 new houses and 7100 new jobs.
Team changes
Good Local Media has announced new roles for three of its journalists. Mary Anne Gill will news edit the monthly Waikato Business News and Good Local rural publications covering Waipā and King Country, while Chris Gardner and Jesse Wood will focus on local body politics and Cambridge and Te Awamutu news stories respectively.
1000 up
Cambridge based trainer Andrew Forsman celebrated his 1000th training success at Matamata last Friday when Berry Brown won the GCM Feeds 1600. Forsman has trained in a solo capacity over the last three years and has set up a base at Flemington racecourse in Melbourne.
Ride complete
Kayaker Hamish Legarth and cyclist Nicole Shields raised $30,000 for the World Bicycle Relief Expedition in Africa during an 80-day cycling trip through six countries covering 4500 kilometres. The two Cambridge-based Olympians finished the ride at Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River at the weekend. They left in July.
Museum reopens
Te Awamutu’s Roche Street museum was scheduled to reopen today after a two-anda-half-year project to bring the building up to earthquake standards. Te Arikinui Kūini Ngā wai hono i te po was to attend a pre-opening event yesterday and on show will be Uenuku, one of the oldest known Māori carvings.
Deputy’s job undecided By Chris Gardner
Waipā’s new mayor says he will decide on his deputy after a series of one on ones with the new council. Mike Pettit updated The News from a twoday mayoral induction conference on Monday via a text message. “I’m part way through my one on ones with elected members so can assure you no decision will be made by me to put forward until I have finished this important and informative process,” Pettit said. He expected to finish his one on ones early next week. Clare St Pierre said Waipā’s next deputy mayor should hail from outside of Cambridge. Pirongia based St Pierre, who missed out to Cambridge based Pettit, told
The News on Monday that she had not discussed the deputy role with Pettit. “I would absolutely be interested in it, because of my experience,” St Pierre said. St Pierre was first elected to the council in 2007 and has been re-elected in the six subsequent elections. She saw the role as a logical “next level up” step for her. “It depends on what Mike is looking for in a deputy,” she said. Maungatautari-based Mike Montgomerie, who was reelected unopposed after one term, was asked whether he was keen. “I have got absolutely no comment,” he said. “I have not had my one on one with Mike Pettit yet.” Meanwhile, former Waikato Regional Council member Stu Kneebone is making plans having lost his
Waipā- King Country seat to Liz Stolwyk – Waipā’s deputy mayor for the last three years. Kneebone, who received 9100, 62 votes behind Stolwyk, said he would focus on his Whitehall dairy and sheep farm in the short term. “I have deferred maintenance to do, and don’t have any other plans at the moment,” he said. “I have had quite a long run, but I feel like I have done my bit. Liz will do a good job,” he said. Both sitting Waipā-King Country councillors – Kneebone and Clyde Graf were voted out. Garry Reymer who farms near Cambridge and supports the Act Party’s push to halt Plan Change One before the Environment Court makes its final ruling, topped the poll.
Mike Pettit
Stu Kneebone
The plan change seeks to govern water entering the Waikato River with a slew of new rules for farmers. Reymer said he disagreed with former council chair Pamela Storey’s take that only the government could halt the plan change process. “I think there is room still to give the council time to explore this a bit further,” he
said. “That could buy time. I know it’s splitting hairs, but it’s an important hair to split.” Reymer, already deep in regional council onboarding, said he would step back from the Waikato Federated Farmers Executive while providing some economic and finance input to the team.
Making a Beeline for the buses By Mary Anne Gill
A school holiday initiative by Waikato Regional Council that tripled bus patronage has been such a success it’s set to return. Council transport staff are also looking to collaborate with Waikato-King Country communities on other innovative ways to boost bus use. Groups like the Fat Bottomed Girls and Boys Walking Club help produce fresh ideas for travel. On Friday, members of the Cambridge-based club took the Te Huia train to Huntly to sample Main Street Café’s award-winning rhubarb and raspberry pie. The group was en route to Auckland for the Diva Exhibition in August at the War Memorial Museum when they learned Main Street Café had just won the title of New Zealand’s best boutique café pie at the Bakels NZ Pie Awards. Group member Carol-Ann Torrie of Leamington came up with the idea as they travelled through Huntly. So, on Friday morning, they boarded Te Huia at Frankton Station in Hamilton - “better to go from there so we can sit together,” Torrie said. After enjoying the pies and exploring Huntly’s main street, they returned on the 11:32am service to Hamilton. “I just think we need to use the buses and trains more so we get the best system we can,” said Torrie. Most of the group travel free using Gold Cards
Gold Card holders can load their details onto a Bee Card for free travel on Waikato buses and trains. Photo: Michael Jeans
loaded onto their Bee Cards. The school holiday promotion was supported by Good Local Media’s publications in Cambridge, Te Awamutu, and King Country. Half the passengers came from Waipā - 326 from Cambridge and 571 from Te Awamutu. Sandra Sesto-Dekic, the council’s Customer Focus team leader, was pleased with the progress of the public transport portfolio. Electric buses are now well established, and timetables have been “souped up.” Adjustments have been made where needed like adding more services in Cambridge for high school students. In August, 608 passengers used this, up from 202 the previous year. Te Awamutu (24 service) has edged ahead of Cambridge (20) in annual patronage, taking 436,173
passengers for the nine months ending September 30, compared to Cambridge’s 404,985. However, Cambridge saw more passengers in the last four months, confirming Sesto-Dekic’s belief that bus use there is on the rise. A new Bee Card retailer has opened in Cambridge, and during a recent promotion, council staff engaged with retirement villages to raise awareness. Sesto-Dekic believes further growth will come from within communities. However, local journeys remain low. Last month, only 45 passengers travelled between Cambridge and Leamington, and 13 between Te Awamutu and Kihikihi. Other regional connector services - Te Kūiti (26), Taumarunui (25), South Waikato (30) and the smaller buses for Tauwhare (27) and Tamahere/ Mātangi (28) – also require more passengers to be viable. Community engagement is key, especially in South Waikato and King Country, where many passengers are students commuting to Wintec or Waikato University. With holidays approaching, new strategies are needed to fill seats. The council is also listening to public feedback. In Kihikihi, for example, they fought to retain a loop service to improve coverage. Meanwhile, the rollout of the new national card to replace the Bee Card has been delayed due to teething issues. It was expected to be live by now but is two years away.
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4 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
Need a hand to apply for your rates rebate?
FAITH IN WAIPĀ
A lack of listening
By Sam Pullenger, Deacon Assistant, St John’s Anglican Parish Te Awamutu
When I think about John Key, the main story that comes to mind is the flag referendum with the hilarious, big kiwi bird shooting lasers out of its eyes. When I think of Jacinda Ardern I think of her response to the mosque shooting in Christchurch or her leadership through Covid 19. As I tell these stories I will instinctively place my own lens over top of them. If you told these stories they would be shaped by your own lens (how you see the world), in either a positive or negative light. In our recent election the word “change” became a focus, either of reverting back to, or seeking a new way forward. Change, in and of itself, though is not what is needed. Rather, it is a recognition of what has been going wrong, what might be missing, or what might need adjusting that should lead to a well thought through change. We have a change of mayor, Mike Pettit has been voted by Waipa to lead us into the future, with several changes in council seats as well. For some, the story told will be, “this is a desperately needed breath of fresh air”. For others, the story told will be, “another person pedalling the same old stuff”. Stories are important. When someone tells a story, whether it be about a small event in their day, or a global event affecting millions, it will tell us something about who this person is and how they see the world. In our current cultural context listening to the stories of others is not something that happens often - if by listening we mean, trying to
understand and honour the person telling the story. Listening, in this climate, is usually in order that I can make a quick comeback or retort that will silence the argument. As I reflect on cultures’ lack of ability to listen, I wonder what it does to our sense of human dignity as a society. I wonder if we might have somehow got response and dignity the wrong way around. In the Bible, one of the main themes that covers the whole story is that all humans are created with dignity and worth. In fact, in one of the New Testament letters called Philippians, the writer calls Christians to have the same mind as Jesus, which is to serve others with our whole self in humility. This kind of thinking places listening at the forefront of human interaction. And if we all live into this, then, not only is the other person genuinely heard, we are genuinely heard. So, as we enter this new era of council, I want to invite us to listen to the stories. For our new mayor, may you hear the stories of the people and honour them. For us, the people, may we listen to the stories we tell each other, may human dignity come before retort. And may the change we see in this new chapter of our region be formed not through self-insistent drive, but through the honouring of stories told.
If you live in your own home and are on a low income, you may be eligible for a rebate of up to $805. If you or someone you know needs a hand to fill in their rate rebate application, come along to one of our drop in sessions: Thursday, November 30 9am to 11am 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge
Monday, December 5 9am to 11am 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu
When applying for a rebate you will need: Information about your income for the tax year, including information for your spouse/partner or joint homeowner who lives with you. If eligible, a copy of your SuperGold Card.
SUBURBAN FURY | E |
Visit waipadc.govt.nz/ratesrebates to see if you are eligible and to apply.
/WaipaDistrictCouncil 0800 WAIPA (0800 924 723)
Suburban Fury explores the political, cultural and psychological influences on Sara Jane Moore, a 45year-old divorced accountant and mother, who attempted to assassinate US President Gerald Ford with a handgun outside San Francisco’s St. Francis Hotel on September 22, 1975. 4.15pm Saturday | November 01
www.theregent.nz
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
Lou will keep busy
By Jesse Wood
Outgoing Waipā district councillor Lou Brown is thankful to his community for giving him the opportunity to represent the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi ward. After two terms, 79-year-old Brown finished fourth in the election race for three seats behind Dean Taylor, Shane Walsh and the returning Marcus Gower. Formerly a farmer at Puahue and dairy section chairman for Federated Farmers, Brown is a fifth generation Te Awamutu resident. He and wife Els moved into town in recent years and continually involved in the community. Brown is a foundation member, first life member and patron of Te Awamutu Sports, a Vietnam war veteran and life member of the Te Awamutu RSA, life member of Te Awamutu Motorcycle Club and engages in several Te Awamutu Rotary projects. Following the election, he’s turning his focus to RSA core values - Armistice Day, Anzac and looking after veterans. “I really enjoyed working at being the regional chair for civil defence,” Brown said. “That’s a role that is very underestimated in society. People don’t really worry about it until we have an earthquake or a flood or drought. “You’ve got to have the people
in place with the skills and knowledge to represent and get facilities sorted for when we do have these emergencies. “It’s an important role because we have the largest civil defence area in the country, from Thames, up to Pokeno, down to Taupō and Awakino.” Becoming a resource commissioner and being able to sit on regulatory hearings and participate in them was important to Brown. Addressing the new councillors, Brown believes the next three to six years are going to be “very financially difficult”. “Finance is the biggest problem. We’ve got high debt level and we’ve got high-cost structures. It’s going to be hard to keep and contain the finances,” he said. “It’s easy to talk about reducing expenditure. Talking is easy but doing it is different.” Brown has plenty to keep him on his toes. “I’m looking forward to having a little bit more time for myself. I’ll go down to the gym, keep fit and keep participating in the community. I won’t have time to put my feet up,” Brown said. He helps with the Urban Miners’ e-waste collection. “Hopefully we will continue to get rid of people’s appliances that are surplus to requirement and have them properly recycled.”
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 5
Forest park open again By Jesse Wood
Lou Brown enjoyed his time as Te Awamutu-Kihikihi ward councillor. Photo: Jesse Wood
He will also help - again - Rotary with the annual Te Awamutu Christmas Parade. He also hopes to support the Kihikihi Residents and Ratepayers Association and the transition of the Alpha Hotel in Kihikihi to a community hub. “A group of people there have worked tirelessly. Bill Harris, his sister Pixie Stockman and a group of others.
“I think it’s critical that we keep that going, it could be a great asset to the community of Kihikihi.” Reflecting on his two terms, Brown is happy with his contribution. “I’ve enjoyed the time. I thank the community for allowing me to do what I did,” Brown said. “I wish the new councillors all the best of luck.”
Waipā District Council have decided the Sainsbury Forest in Pirongia can remain open to recreational users. Walkers, dog owners and horse riders can continue using established the routes in the commercial forest, but when harvesting is underway, the forest will be closed to all users. Last week’s Te Awamutu News reported dissatisfaction over the decision to restrict access to mountain bikers. A media release from the council reversing the decision was issued after we went to press. Chief executive Steph O’Sullivan said she had sought legal advice about the council’s health and safety obligations. “Following that advice, I am satisfied that we can meet our legal obligations while still ensuring the community can have access and continue to enjoy the forest.” The Pirongia Mountain Bike Club will maintain responsibility for the mountain bike track network and their own safety plans. Frequent forest visitor Kelly Wolfe, a dog trainer and behaviour consultant, was grateful to Pirongia-Kakepuku ward councillor Clare St Pierre helping get the result. “The forest is a really special spot - one of a kind for Waipā in terms of being able to get dogs out for a decent hike in nature - and certainly big enough for everyone to share with common sense and mutual respect.”
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6 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
IT’S DISCOUNT TIME, WAIPĀ! The latest round of customer discounts is on the way for Waipā Networks customers as part of our ongoing commitment to delivering value to our community. As a 100% customer-owned electricity distribution company, every dollar we earn is reinvested back into Waipā, supporting local families, businesses, and community initiatives.
ADVERTORIAL
KEEPING EVERY DOLLAR LOCAL Local ownership through the Waipā Networks Trust ensures that decisions are made with the community’s best interests at heart, and that benefits, such as customer discounts, sponsorships, and community donations, are returned to Waipā communities, not external shareholders.
Since 2001, Waipā Networks has returned over $100 million to customers through discounts, dividends, and community support programmes.
between Waitomo Waikato FPC team and Manawatū Cyclones, back to Hautapu, inspiring the next generation of wāhine in Waipā. The event provided the perfect opportunity to champion another important local cause: a pie fundraising campaign for Cambridge-based not-for-profit, Kids in Need Waikato,” says Horgan. “We’re also supporting hands-on learning in local classrooms through Mathematics for a Lifetime Trust, House of Science, School Kits and the Waipā King Country Life Education Trust, resilience initiatives like our Winter Warmer Packs programme, and partnering with community organisations like Cambridge Community House, Kainga Aroha and Ko Wai Au, to support their mahi.”
Waipā Networks chief executive Sean Horgan says the value for customers extends to ongoing investment in regional growth. New businesses can set up in our region with confidence, and existing businesses have more opportunities to expand, as there is greater network capacity to meet the increasing demand that comes with growth.
A CENTURY OF SERVICE AND WE’VE ONLY JUST STARTED
LOCAL OWNERSHIP DELIVERED PROFITS BACK TO CUSTOMERS
“With Waipā being one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions, infrastructure projects like the new 33kV Hautapu Substation make sure our network’s reliable and ready for the future,” he explains.
As we celebrate more than 100 years of powering Waipā, our focus remains on strengthening our network, supporting local initiatives, and ensuring the benefits of community ownership are felt across the region.
More than $3.58 million will be returned to customers this month, bringing the total discounts given back to eligible customers in 2025 to $6.44 million.
“In the past financial year alone, we invested nearly $30 million in network projects to support growth and reliability across the rohe.
Our future plans include continued investment in infrastructure resilience, support for energy efficiency, and deeper engagement with local organisations.
Waipā Networks Trust chairperson Sarah Matthews says the twice-yearly discounts are calculated based on each property’s energy usage and pricing plan, with an average discount of $123.80 for each eligible property.
“Customer discounts are just one way we’re showing that when the community owns the network, everyone benefits,” says Matthews. “While a discount can provide a small bit of financial relief for many households and businesses in Waipā, we’re proud to be part of the wider movement that proves electricity distribution can be efficient, reliable and community-focused.”
“As a customer-owned company, Waipā Networks is proud to serve Waipā. These discounts reflect our values and ensure that profits generated are reinvested back into the community, and that customers share in the success of the network they own,” says Matthews.
GOT QUESTIONS? COMMUNITY VALUE IN ACTION
Visit waipanetworks.co.nz or call 0800 800 769 to learn more about how customer discounts work.
Beyond customer discounts, an estimated $14 million has been returned to Waipā over the last year through sponsorships, grants, partnerships, and employment. Horgan says sponsorships power everything from grassroots sports and education programmes to community events and energy efficiency initiatives. “One of our most recent partnerships was with Waikato Rugby, where we helped bring New Zealand’s premier women’s rugby, the Farah Palmer Cup match
0800 800 769 | WAIPANETWORKS.CO.NZ
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 7
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
Minister can’t sort impasse By Chris Gardner
Environment minister Penny Simmonds is unable to resolve Global Contracting Solutions’ suspended resource consent application to build and operate the Paewira waste to energy plant in Te Awamutu. Simmonds, who called in an independent Board of Inquiry to decide the matter, was asked to step in by Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger after the Environmental Protection Authority suspended the application on August 13 for non-payment of costs – two
Penny Simmonds
weeks before the decision was due to be released. The company, owned by Craig Tuhoro and Global Metal Trustee Ltd, owes the agency an undisclosed sum relating to the board of inquiry established by the minister to hear the application. The applicant has owed Waipā District Council $40,665 in resource consent processing fees since April 2024, and Waikato Regional Council an additional $63,297. The EPA received 2173 submissions on the application and 64 per cent cited concerns about pollutant like dioxins and nano particles. “While I appreciate your frustration, at this stage of the process, I am unable to withdraw or comment on the application, including the period while it is suspended for outstanding costs,” Simmonds told to Eoin Fitzpatrick of pressure group Don’t Burn Waipā last week. Simmonds told The News, she had asked officials to keep her informed on progress, including how long the suspension is likely to continue and what steps are
being taken to resolve it,” Simmonds said. “I expect the EPA to remain in active contact with the applicant to ensure the outstanding costs are paid promptly, so that the process can move forward. Kuriger said she was working with the minister’s office to explore what legal
avenues could be explored to resolve the situation. “Sometimes we have ridiculous rules,” she said. The Environment Protection Agency is also refusing to comment further, citing commercial sensitivity. The applicant has not commented on the situation
since the suspension, when rising costs were blamed for non-payment. However, in a video posted online by Johnstone Media on August 26 Tuhoro, described the Board of Inquiry hearing as politically charged. “I am struggling to understand why it’s a
political issue and why we have so much activism around it. “This isn’t a revenue contract, this is a cost project which has been quite damaging for me and my family, but we believe in the environment, we believe this is the right thing to do.”
Deputy for principal’s post By Steph Bell-Jenkins
Cambridge Middle School deputy principal Bridget Watkins will become Te Awamutu Intermediate’s new principal at the beginning of 2026. For the dedicated educator, it’s a move full of both excitement and sadness. “I love the staff, I love the students; I think we do a really great job with the kids. But it’s always been a dream of mine to continue to progress in my career, and this was the natural next step for me.” Cambridge Middle School principal Daryl Gibbs said Watkins’ professional knowledge and personal skills would be “exceptionally hard to replace”.
“I think Te Awamutu should be rapt they’re getting an absolute star,” he said. Watkins grew up on a farm in Putāruru and trained in Palmerston North at Massey University’s College of Education. She took her first job at Putāruru West School, now Putāruru Primary School, where she “quickly realised” her passion was working with older children. Next stop was Maungatautari School, just outside Cambridge, where she worked as a classroom teacher, Enviroschools coordinator and, later, acting principal. When the school closed, she moved to Tīrau Primary School and worked there
for six years, eventually becoming deputy principal. In 2016, keen to teach year 7 and 8 students, she moved to Cambridge Middle School, starting as a classroom and mentor teacher and becoming a team leader and assistant principal within a year. She was appointed a deputy principal in 2017. Watkins said she had always wanted to be a principal and would relish new challenges. “I’m looking forward to listening and talking to all members of the Te Awamutu Intermediate community and finding out about what they love about the school, and hearing about what the school does well, and what they value about their staff
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and their students and the environment and looking for ways to continue to help that evolve into the future,” she said. Watkins has two daughters, Willow (15) and Ashleigh (12), whose sports and interests keep her busy.
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8 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
Jim Bolger remembered By Chris Gardner
Tributes have continued to flow for former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, who died last week. The father of nine had been undergoing dialysis since kidney failure last year. He died on Wednesday last week surrounded by his children, 18 grandchildren and wife Joan. “He could have asked for no better farewell,” Winston Peters told Parliament during tributes. Prime Minister Chris Luxon revealed that while he did not know Bolger well, since assuming office he had received “a few quiet phone calls from him… they were short, sincere, and thoughtful”. He offered “advice that I took seriously”. Labour leader Chris Hipkins referred to contradictions in the former
PM’s life – among then… “his government sold the Bank of New Zealand…then he was the inaugural chair of the new government owned Kiwibank. Te Māori Pati co-leader Debbie Ngarewa Packer said his work around the cabinet table gave life to the principles of good faith and goodwill unto all. “He knew Te Tiriti o Waitangi promises a place for all in this country.” The former TaranakiKing Country member of parliament and prime minister was one of six legends to be acknowledged with a pou in Rora Street by Legendary Te Kūiti in 2023. Bolger’s pou stands in the town where he lived for many years and it is along side pou honouring Sir David Fagan, Dame Rangimarie Hetet, Sir Colin Meads, Squadron Leader and former mayor Les Munro, and Koro
Wetere. “If you look at the po in the street, five of them have now passed,” said Bolger’s successor to the electorate National party member of parliament Barbara Kuriger. Shane Ardern served in the role between them, assuming the seat in 1998. “He was a mentor of mine and we very much will miss his banter,” Ardern said. “Because of Jim’s relatively humble upbringing, he had this ornate sense of what was right and what was wrong. He wanted to establish what he called a decent society. “That was the catchphrase, and in my opinion, he did everything he possibly could to achieve that. He will be dearly missed.” Kuriger recalled Bolger becoming prime minister in a landslide victory in 1990 the same year she completed primary school - and meeting him a few years later at a National Party event on her parents’ farm. “He was not one to go home, retire and sit around,” she said. “He got by, by doing many things for society.” Bolger served as Ambassador to the United States from 1998 until 2001, chaired New Zealand
Post and Kiwibank from 2001 until 2010, served as University of Waikato chancellor from 2007 until 2019, and chaired the Constitutional Advisory Panel from 2011 until 2013. Former Hamilton mayor and Waikato Regional Council chair Russ Rimmongton remembered Bolger as a humble “special man’”. “Farmers make brilliant directors and he had all the skills’” Rimmington said. John Robertson, who is beginning his third term as Waitomo mayor, remembered Bolger as his friend, mentor and boss. “When he became prime minister in 1990, I was one of the new MPs, and he was my boss,” Robertson said. “In our first caucus meeting he said, ‘I did not choose any of you and I have got to make a team out of you.” Robertson remembered Bolger for reshaping Crown–Māori relations by championing the resolution of historical injustices under the Treaty of Waitangi. Bolger signed the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Settlement in 1995 and the Ngāi Tahu Settlement in 1998.
Jim Bolger and wife Joan at the installation of his po in Rora Street, Te Kuiti, in 2023.
Another former Waikato Regional Council chair, Peter Buckley, recalled he met Bolger on several occasions “on matters that needed a wise man to guide us through matters with the government of the day”. “When there were issues relating the King Country, he was one of the go to men that could help sort out the
problems. “His knowledge not only in politics, but in the community was invaluable as Jim held the community very high. “It was a sad loss to hear of his death, but he has left New Zealand in a better place. “We needed a Jim and Jim came through at the right time.”
Coroner rules on road tragedy
Coroner Matthew Bates says he during the tangi. green balloon in front of them. In the hopes continued publicity education, The coroner heard evidence that the hatchback police found individual and enforcement “intended to free our hatchback’s driver failed to negotiate green balloons, an open packet of green roads of impaired drivers” gains greater a bend and drove into the path of the balloons, two large 640-gram cannisters traction. oncoming vehicle containing Mr and Mrs of nitrous oxide, and a bong used for the He made the statement in releasing Grimmer. consumption of cannabis findings into the death of five people in a Coroner Bates said Otufangavalu was The coroner said he accepted the State Highway 3 crash near Te Awamutu unlicenced, having never held a New view of the Waikato Serious Crash Unit in May last year. Zealand drivers’ licence. Mr Grimmer that Otufangavalu was affected by The head-on crash claimed the lives was driving appropriately within his nitrous oxide inhalation, and this was a of Piata Amelia-Blaise Otufangavalu of lane and held an appropriate driver’s contributory factor in the collision. Te Awamutu Rose Town of New Zealand Te Awamutu Rose Town ofdriving Newa Zealand Manurewa, who was hatchback licence. He was not impaired by drugs or “…the totality of the evidence satisfies vehicle, her partner Suliasi Lefai, of alcohol. His actions did not contribute to me that Ms Otufangavalu’s driving Te Awamutu Rose Town of New Zealand Onehunga, and friend Cheyene LovetheRose collision. Te Awamutu Town of New Zealandon 28 May 2024 was significantly Mitchell of Tokanui. All three were 19. The coroner heard Mr and Mrs impaired due her use of nitrous oxide Both occupants of the other vehicle Grimmer would often drive south to and potentially exacerbated by her use involved, Whatawhata pensioners Paul Ōtorohanga for ice cream, or to their of cannabis. Her level of impairment family homestead in Pārāwera. clearly caused her to drive the Toyota st and Lois Grimmer, also died. The three teenagers were mourned across the centrelines into oncoming Before the collision, CCTV footage when Te Awamutu College made traffic lanes and the path of Mr and Mrs captured Otufangavalu, Lefai and O-Tāwhao Marae on its ground, available Love-Mitchell each with an inflated Grimmer’s Audi.”
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 9
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
TALKING ECONOMICS
A risky policy By Peter Nicholl
On October 8 the Reserve Bank reduced its Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points to 2.5 per cent. They were widely congratulated and many commentators thought they should reduce the Official Cash Rate by another 25 basic points at their next Official Cash Rate meeting on November 26. I think the Reserve Bank’s approach is risky for two reasons. First, inflation in New Zealand is not yet under control. The September Consumer Price Index number came out on Monday. It was 3 per cent, right at the top of the Reserve Bank’s target range. The Reserve Bank has eased monetary policy significantly even though they predicted, correctly, that inflation would rise. That was their first mistake. They said that they expected this increase in the Consumer Price Index ‘to be transitory’ - that the Consumer Price Index would come back within their target range quickly. They have said this before – and got it wrong. I think this will be their second mistake. Food prices are still rising by around five per cent per a year, power prices, rates and insurance are all still rising by even more. There are a number of large wage claims still unsettled. Our exchange rate is continuing to fall, which adds to import prices. So I am not sure why the Reserve Bank thinks New Zealand’s inflation moving to the top of their target range will be transitory. My second reason is that the Reserve Bank is taking a much more benign view of global inflation risks than most other central banks. In December last year, the Reserve Bank’s Official Cash Rate was 4.25 per cent, which was equal to the policy interest rate in the United States and similar to those in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Since then, the Reserve Bank has reduced its Official Cash Rate by 1.75 per cent. Australia and the UK have reduced their’s by 0.75 per cent and the US by only 0.25 per cent. Yet New Zealand’s inflation rate is currently higher than in the US or Australia. With interest rates in New Zealand now being significantly below those in the US, Australia and the UK, our exchange rate is likely to keep on falling. The question is are these other central banks being too risk-averse or is the Reserve Bank taking too many risks? I think it is the latter. The Reserve Bank pre-announces the dates on which they will take their Official Cash Rate decisions. They have announced the next nine dates, all the way out to Febraury 17, 2027. I have always thought this was an odd policy as the economy doesn’t move in a smooth fashion and when it is the right time for the Reserve Bank to act can’t be determined in advance. The timing of the next Official Cash Rate decision illustrates this. It will be on November 26. Five days later Dr Anna Bremen will become the new Governor of the Reserve Bank. But the Reserve Bank seems to think that the economy goes to sleep over the summer break. The gap between Official Cash Rate decisions is usually six to eight weeks. But this summer the gap will be 12 weeks – all the way to February 18, 2026. The Reserve Bank has already taken a risk by significantly lowering its Official Cash Rate at the same time as inflation rose to the top of their target range. If they lower the Official Cash Rate further on November 26, as most economic commentators are proposing they should do, the new Governor could have a difficult start to her tenure.
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10 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
Meghan Hawkes takes us back to 1954 – and the Queen's visit to Te Awamutu.
News
Royals, roads and riding During Queen Elizabeth’s tour of Waikato every farm gate and road junction, every village and town offered a truly royal welcome during a 190-mile drive through the countryside, Her Majesty being acclaimed by at least 100,000 people. There was hardly a moment when the royal party was out of sight of cheering, flag waving people. They stood on the banks of road cuttings, in glades of bush, in paddocks and on hayfields. They brought babies in arms and sometimes their dogs, cats and pet lambs as well. Even the lambs were decked out in red, white and blue. Mailboxes were emblazoned with streamers, cream stands became grandstands, and a great profusion of flowers in patriotic shades adorned hedges and grass verges. Banners stretched across roads saying ‘Welcome’ then Good-bye’. Te Awamutu provided a formal reception, but it was formal only in name. From one borough boundary to the other people stood along the streets cheering, yelling and waving. Children were assembled in their hundreds on the Te Awamutu Domain, giving the Queen and the Duke a tremendous reception. A Te Awamutu man driving a high-powered sporting saloon car on the Taupo–Rotorua highway lost control of it on a bend on the Taupo side of the Ohāki turn-off. Tracks left by the car showed that after leaving the road it had travelled over 50 yards along a cleared break in the scrub parallel with the road, and then hurtled across a ditch nine feet wide and five feet deep, coming to rest in a
ON SHAKY GROUND
My first eruption By Janine Krippner
tall ti-tree some 20 feet beyond. The front wheels were smashed backward, front of the car completely buckled in, windscreen shattered, and the engine mountings broken. The two occupants were taken to Rotorua hospital with moderate injuries. J Oakes of Te Awamutu was first home in the grueling Round-the-Gorges 10- mile cycle race held by the Christchurch Amateur Cycling Club. Sixty two riders from as far afield as Hamilton and Invercargill took part. When the riders started it appeared as if they were going to have to contend with a fairly strong wind but as the race progressed the wind dropped, and conditions became ideal. About half the journey was ridden over shingle roads making riding very hard, especially on the upward grades. Punctures were frequent, some riders having as many as four. Unfortunately a great number of car drivers who followed the race showed little consideration for the riders. Some passed them at speeds of 40 miles an hour and more, throwing up great clouds of dust, reducing the riders’ view of the road ahead to a few yards. The 10 bunches kept fairly well together until they reached Glentui, where the heavy shingle and steep grades caused them to break up badly, with many drifting back, and from then on, the riders were strung out all along the road. Oakes soon gathered in the front bunch, and in the final bid for the line had no difficulty in holding off a strong challenge from the other four riders to win in the good time of 4hr 51min 50sec.
A first eruption holds a special place in every volcanologist’s heart. Mine was in 2013 near Kagoshima city, located at the southern end of Kyushu Island in Japan. I was there for a volcanology conference in my first year of my PhD as volcanologists from around the world arrived to discuss our latest research. Japan is a pretty good destination for visiting or studying volcanoes, with around 118 that have erupted within the past 12,000 or so years, meaning that they are potentially active and could erupt again. Both on land and offshore, Japan is home to volcanoes that produce an impressive range of eruption styles. Sakurajima volcano provides a beautiful view across the bay from Kagoshima. The local communities have adapted to life alongside this frequently erupting giant. Sakurajima is part of the broader Aira volcanic complex, which includes a caldera and lava flows that, during the 1914 eruption, connected the once-isolated volcanic island to the mainland. This is a volcano well known for producing frequent small ash plumes made of pulverized rock and volcanic gases, along with the occasional larger explosion that deposits ash on nearby communities. There are also impressive videos taken at night that show incandescent ballistics (hot, glowing rocks) blasted out of the active vents, sometimes accompanied by visible shockwaves and volcanic lightning. On my first day in the city, a couple of friends and I took a ferry over to the volcanic island to explore. It didn’t take long for a light-grey ash plume to rise from the summit. My first eruption. Several days later
on a field trip around the region we all witnessed a larger eruption, which sent an ash plume higher into the air and over our heads. It must have been a sight to see dozens of volcanologists showing various levels of awe and excitement with cameras all facing the volcano. For local communities, this kind of spectacle is normal. There are even people living on the volcano itself. On the island, we passed children walking in line with yellow safety helmets on their commute from school, showing how the volcano really is part of everyday life here. They’re prepared to evacuate if signs point to a more dangerous eruption of the well-monitored volcano. The infrastructure reflects this level of preparedness. Locals have equipment for cleaning volcanic ash, especially from roads where it can make surfaces slippery and can cover important markings. Residents can also drop off bags of ash at designated spots for collection. If you think of how heavy a rubbish bag of sand would be, you can get an idea of the physical effort involved. Between the friendly people, the prepared communities, and the beautiful, active landscape, Japan left a great first impression. I even named one of my cats “Sakura” in honour of the experience. There are a lot of lessons here for communities in New Zealand and volcanologists have taken note. It is a matter of time before we next have ash coating our landscapes, although as I write this, there is no sign that anything is about to happen any time soon!
Household Hazardous Waste FREE drop-off day
Te Awamutu | Sunday, November 9. Between 8.30am and 2.30pm Your one opportunity this year to dispose of any household hazardous waste safely, and for FREE! To book your spot visit: bit.ly/myhazwaste Registrations are essential by Sunday, November 2.
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 11
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
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12 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
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Tues, 28 October
1.00pm - 2.00pm
Following two generations of family love and care, Mangahana Homestead is now re-presented for sale by a committed vendor who seeks to sell. The outstanding lifestyle property is situated on an elevated plateau, north-facing to capture all-day sun, with superb panoramic views encompassing Maungatautari to the north-east, Kakepuku and Pirongia to the west - a captivating rural environment on a no-exit road. • 143 Cruickshank Road, Te Mawhai / Tokanui district - 11 kms from Te Awamutu • downstairs also contains 5 brms; sep bathrm; guest toilet / ensuite; office/family room; laundry & small gym / exercise room plus internal access to the triple garage. • 9,688m² title - a lovely setting, enhanced by mature specimen trees. • a separate spacious office suite & large storage area is situated above the garage. • delightful executive-style 2 storied homestead with cedar cladding, coloursteel roof, copper spouting; attached triple garaging. • ducted central heating plus 3 x Jet Master open fires - 2 inside; 1 outside. • featuring 6 bdrms, spacious open plan kitchen / dining / family room which open out to a • in-ground pool and astro-turf tennis court provide opportunity for exercise. sheltered, outdoor living / entertaining area - a sep lounge provides a quiet, peaceful space. • self-contained water supply plus an additional garage / toolshed. • upstairs is the master brm & ensuite, with a north-facing balcony & a lovely rural outlook. • an excellent district, handy to town with great options for primary & secondary schooling.
Ph Brian Peacocke 021 373 113
PRL Enterprises Ltd t/a PRL Rural Licensed REAA2008
MREINZ
TradeMe / Realestate.co.nz / OneRoof search # R1442
021 373 113
Sale by Auction: Thurs, 20 Nov 2025 - from 1.00pm
bjp@prl308.co.nz
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 13
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
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Other Showroom Locations: 6 Main North Road, Otorohanga | 10 Albert Street, Cambridge
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14 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
The weighting game
By Jesse Wood
Waipā has had great success on the powerlifting and bodybuilding stage in the last few months. The New Zealand team is at the GPC (Global Powerlifting Committee) world championships in Brazil. Trainstation gym owner Mike Smith, Chara Reti, Tracey Karam and Xavier Karam are representing Te Awamutu on the world stage, as are Hamilton’s Cat and Jared Seeney who have Waipā connections. Following on from a successful Te Awamutuhosted GPC national championships in August, Smith has continued competing and learning. On September 20 he competed in the bodybuilding arena at the Pan Pacific Ragnarök Pro/ Am in Auckland. “I competed at the WFFNZ Pro Am in the pro division, just five weeks after the nationals as a personal challenge to complete both disciplines this close together,” Smith said. “I was invited to compete in a legends category. It was something new with four well-known male and four females, dressed up as part of the theme – Ragnarök Vikings. “It was a non-competitive category, but quietly I
wondered if I should do the pro show as well. “I came second to Australasian bodybuilding legend, and my best friend, Alex Simays.” Three weeks out from the event, Smith had said to Simays, ‘I’ll compete, if you compete’. “He’s not a current pro, and we placed one and two in the pro show. It was special. We’ve been on stage together once before, eight years ago. That was the last time he was on stage. The last time I competed was 2023,” Smith said. “To experience it together was better than any result. That’s started a fire again. We’re both committed to competing overseas as pros next year, in either Malaysia or Japan in October.” Smith said as you get older there are more learnings to take away from preparation. “Even though we’ve done more than 40 shows each, you’re always coming from a different position and learning something new.” Cambridge’s Justin Read, trained by Smith, placed fourth in the highly contested masters’ division. “Quite often, masters’ have been competing for 10 or 15 years and have got a really good reputation. They’ve been around the block. Good, hardened athletes. So, that was amazing for Justin,” Smith said.
PUBLIC NOTICES
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Schedule 10, Local Government Act 1974 Waipā District Council intends to consider closing the following road(s) at the following period(s) to ordinary vehicular traffic for: Whakamaumahara Rangiaowhia Rangiaowhia Pahuatanga Commemoration Day – 21st February 1864 Road(s): Rangiaowhia Road: from Mandeno Road to Puahue Road Time: between 5am and 1pm Road(s): Puahue Road: from Hairini Road to Long Road
Mike Smith (left) and best friend Alex Simays placed second and first respectively at the Pan Pacific Ragnarök Pro/Am in Auckland. Photo: Paul McSweeney
“He backed it up a week later, competing in a different federation NABBA, in Cambridge at the nationals. “He picked up a first in his height, weight category and a second in masters.” Sean Henry, also from Cambridge and a previous Trainstation member, won his pro card in the board short division. “Sean has been chasing his pro card for about five years so it’s a true case of hard work always winning,” Smith said. “I’m very proud of him.” Smith then competed two weeks later in an Aucklandbased deadlift contest. “Then two weeks after that is the world powerlifting champs in Brazil. An insane
eight or nine weeks,” Smith said. “The deadlift contest in Auckland, which I ran and competed in. I’ve done this contest four years running. I’ve been third on four occasions. This time, I picked up my best result and came second. “I got a triple body weight deadlift and my heaviest for 2.5 years and a New Zealand record. I blew my own expectation away and it set me up really well for Brazil.” Smith said it’s been a tightrope balance between eating enough to lift, while also cutting to body build. “It doesn’t make sense but that’s why I like to do it. I like to disprove theories,” he said.
Targa tamed – Aussies top table
Time:
between 5am and 7am
Date:
Saturday, 21st February 2026
There will be detours in place during the proposed road closures. Access for emergency vehicles will be permitted in the event of an emergency. Any person who wishes to object to the proposed closure may do so in writing to events@waipadc.govt.nz or Events Team, Waipā District Council, 101 Bank Street, Te Awamutu, no later than 4:00pm, Friday 7th November 2025. See the Privacy Statement on Council’s website for further information. Steph O’Sullivan CHIEF EXECUTIVE
SITUATIONS VACANT
LOOKING FOR A JOB??
The Concrete People Lord & Co Ltd are looking for the following: 1. Concrete Placers & Concrete Labourers. You must be reliable, physically fit and strong, able to follow instructions and work with a team, be Health & Safety conscious and drug free. 2. Concrete Pump Operators You must be experienced, Hold a Class 4 Driver’s License, Have a good level of physical fitness, Have basic mechanical knowledge, strong time management and drug free. Please phone Shirley on 078706328 or email your CV through to shirley@theconcretepeople.co.nz
OPEN HOMES
By Jon Rawlinson
While retro vehicles often stole the scene, there could be only one team to win Targa 2025. Although recent weather saw its King Country stages cancelled, the five-day tarmac rally still saw Waipā play its part in setting the stage. Aussie duo Paul Dowie and his co-driver John Allen claimed overall victory in their Porsche GT3 RS. However, Hamilton’s Charlie Evans and co-driver Carol Liston weren’t too far behind, finishing third in their Mazda RX7 – the same car Evans raced when he last entered the rally 20 years ago. “Yes, it is same car. It deteriorated over the years, but I rebuilt it specially to do the Targa,” he told The News. “Basically, everything went to plan. I thought we’d be in the top five, so long as the car didn’t give us any grief and not too many unforeseen issues.” Taking the lead on day three, Dowie and Allen left Auckland’s Dave Rogers and his co-driver, Shane
TE AWAMUTU OPEN HOMES FIRST NATIONAL Sunday 26 October Lot 1, 38 Hall Street
$720,000
1:00-2:00pm
Contact listing agent prior-visiting as Open Homes times can change.
You should be able to trust the ads you see. Winners, Paul Dowie and John Allen.
Reynolds, to settle for second in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo XRS. “This event was epic,” Dowie said. “We’re so glad that we got the real award which is just keeping the car in one piece!” All three pairs on this year’s overall podium
Photo Geoff Ridder Photography
were also top of their class – Evans/Liston (2WD Allcomers class), Rogers/ Reynolds (Allcomers Competition) and Dowie/ Allen (Modern 2WD Class). Despite the King Country road closures, the event was a success, organiser Peter Martin said.
“We had an act of God that threw challenges at us from the start. We don’t normally lose stages, but most of that was out of our control,” he said. “It’s a real testament to the people and the systems we have in place to deal with these sorts of unexpected things.”
If an ad is wrong, the ASA is here to help put it right.
ASA.co.nz
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 15
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
AGISTMENT
WORK WANTED
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
GRAZING available for dairy heifers. Ph 027 415 4122
WEED SPRAYER
Arapuni Village Market
Walking Group or Walking Partner
FOR SALE
Gorse, Ragwort, Thistles, professional, efficient weed sprayer operator.
Sat. 1st November 2025 9am – 2pm Stalls $20 All Welcome
YOUNG GOLDFISH for sale. $3ea. Ph 8702006 Dave
Relief Milker /Worker
PLANTS FOR SALE
Ph 022 0844 349
Enquiries Mob. 027 207 2268 (txt) arapunimarket@gmail.com
PIRONGIA TOPIARY
WANTED TO BUY
VEHICLES WANTED
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
VEHICLES WANTED – We buy all cars, vans, utes, trucks, in any condition, dead or alive. Call 0800 333 398 or text 021 344 449
Open Fridays 10am-4pm 132 Sainsbury Rd Pirongia OR Phone Susan Ranstead
also available for employee/employer time off.
Anyone interested in walking to improve fitness and health goals in Te Awamutu. Between 6 - 8 am daily please contact 0211903680
PIRONGIA MARKET
0274 176 379
Ruby McPhail - Secretary
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.
Last Sunday of every month Email jim1@xtra.co.nz or ph Jim 027 366 5842
AGM
Notice of Annual General Meeting Business of meeting: The annual general meeting shall carry out the following business: (a) Receive the minutes from the previous annual general meeting; and (b) Receive the Trust’s statement of accounts for year ending 30/06/2025; and (c) Receive report from the Chairman of the board and from the CEO; and (d) Announce retirement of current Trustees and the appointment of new Trustees; and (e) Appoint an auditor; and (f) Consider and decide any other matter which may properly be brought before the meeting.
Garth Williams
Pirongia Community Centre, Crozier St Sunday, October 26, 9am - 1pm
PUBLIC NOTICES
The Waipa Community Facilities Trust is holding its Annual General Meeting at 6.00pm on the 28th October 2025 in the Stadium Boardroom at the Te Awamutu Events Centre.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Jim Goddin, Teri Keir & Jordan Goss - Funeral Directors
Support when you need it most
Ohaupo Netball
Monday, November 17
Senior Rugby
Wednesday, November 26 All start 7pm Ohaupo Rugby Sports Clubrooms Everyone welcome For more info email: ohauporugbysports@outlook.co.nz Attn: Secretary
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 Jim
untryn
ews.co
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PUBLIC NOTICES
Goddin Helen JP and Funeral Carter Directors
07 870 2137 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu www.rosetown.co.nz
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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
SERVICES CHURCH NOTICES
FOR TELEVISION REPAIRS & TUNING • Television Aerial Installations & Extensions • Satellite atellite Dish Installation • Stereo Repairs
WAIPA COMMUNITY FACILITIES TRUST
WESTEND ELECTRONICS Since 1990 871 5193
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SERVICES NO GST CHARGE
INTERIOR PAINTING &
SITUATIONS VACANT
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TE AWAMUTU COLLEGE
PENSIONER DISCOUNT
Learning Support Assistant
Semi Retired
John Crichton
Commencement date to be negotiated An opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and capable person to join our Learning Support Assistant team. The successful applicant will have the following attributes: • Ability to build positive working relationships with a range of students and staff • Flexibility • Resilience • Strong verbal and written skills • Team player • Ability to work unsupervised Core roles will include: • Student learning and behavioural support • Student personal care This is term time only, fixed-term position reviewed annually. Normal hour of work would be 9.00am 3.15pm, five days per week (25 hours per week). Email info@tac.school.nz for a Job Description. The successful applicant would be subject to Police Vetting. Please forward your CV with the names and contacts of two referees to: info@tac.school.nz. Closing date for applications: Friday 31 October 2025.
Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
Tuesday, November 18
NZ Independent Community Newspapers Association
kingco
COYNE, Jean – Peacefully Jean went to rest on 15th October 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a long illness, aged 88 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Douglas Timothy Coyne. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of the late Fiona, Heather & Mark, Michael & Ourana, Louise & Mike, Catherine & Stewart. Cherished grandmother and great grandmother to many. “You will always be remembered as a woman with a big caring heart, whose time with us was truly cherished.” A private celebration of Jean’s life has been held by the family. All communications please to the Coyne family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840.
Junior Rugby
are members of the
FREE
Saying goodbye is never easy, but our local, compassionate team is here 24/7 to guide you with care and respect.
DEATH NOTICES
027 485 5654
Kihikihi
Presbyterian Church CHURCH SERVICES 10am 26th October Rev Des Botting All Welcome
5 Whitmore St, Kihikihi
L & RESIDENTIA COMMERCIAL IUM DOOR IN UM AL | GLAZING PAIRS & WINDOW RE ING PP O ST DRAUGHT S S | SHOWER BALUSTRADE | MIRRORS S SPLASHBACK | TABLE TOPS PET DOORS /7 ASS REPAIR 24 GL Y EMERGENC
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info@jakesglass.co.nz
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16 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
murray hunt furnishers
OTOROHANGA AND TE AWAMUTU
45 Arawata Street, Te Awamutu next to Robert Harris
learance stock (unless otherwise stated) and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. See in-store for details. We reserve the right to correct errors or misprints. 30 day Comfort Guarantee Ts and Cs apply. ailable on Q Card Flexi Payment Plans. A $50 Annual Account Fee and $55 Establishment Fee for new Q Cardholders or a $35 Advance Fee for existing Q Cardholders will apply. Minimum payments of 3% of the monthly closing the end of the interest free period. Q Card Standard Interest Rate applies to any outstanding balance at end of interest free period. Q Card lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Latitude Financial Services: Normal the interest free period. Gem Visa and Latitude Credit Line are provided by Latitude Financial Services. For more information on our terms and conditions please Everyday see your nearest store or visit our website bedsrus.co.nz Perfect for
Serenity Eden Queen Bed
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1,099
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BedsRus Store Number WINZ QUOTESPhone AND FREE AVAILABLE StoreDELIVERY Address bedsrus.co.nz
30
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Labour Weekend Sale ends 04.11.25. Discount offers apply to selected beds and bedding only, prices as marked. Offers exclude Everyday Dream prices, run outs, clearance stock (unless otherwise stated) and not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. See in- store for details. 30-Day Comfort Guarantee available for in-store purchases only. We reserve the right to correct errors and misprints and to change product specifications. All products are advertised in good faith and will be available, except in circumstances beyond our control. Product ranges vary between stores and some products are available in selected stores only.
New seasons collections
instore now
at Murray Hunt Furnishers
www.murrayhuntfurnishers.co.nz
63 Maniapoto St Otorohanga | Ph 07 873 8640
220 Alexandra Street Te Awamutu | Ph 07 214 2161
45 Arawata Street Te Awamutu | Ph 07 214 2244