TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 1
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
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‘Give me (aero)space’ By Viv Posselt
His recent participation in the 67th London International Youth Science Forum has served to make Te Awamutu College student Blake Gower more determined than ever to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. Blake, 17, told Te Awamutu Rotary members the trip had been inspirational. It was through his participation in January’s Rotary National Science and Technology Forum in Auckland – through the Te Awamutu Rotary Club – that the opportunity arose for him to take part in the London forum. His talk to Rotarians last week gave him a chance to report back on being able to ‘get his nerd on’ during the July 19 to August 1 event at London’s Imperial College. The forum attracted some 500 online and in-person students from 92 countries and territories. Blake, who is in Year 13 at Te Awamutu College, said there were 432 in-person attendees, ranging in age from 16 to 21. They heard lectures from Nobel Prize-winning speakers and world-leading scientists across a range of topics, did scientific visits to top UK laboratories and university departments including Oxford and Cambridge, presented
a research project and took part in various immersive social and cultural programmes. Among the speakers were 2021 Nobel Prize winner (chemistry) Prof Sir Dave MacMillan, Prof Kevin Fenton CBE who oversaw Britain’s response to Covid, theoretical physicist Prof Sir Steven Cowle, AI and cybersecurity expert Dr Jason Nurse, vaccinologist Dame Sarah Gilbert, and the 16th Astronomer Royal and Professor of Space Physics at Imperial College London, Michele Dougherty. “It was absolutely incredible listening to these people,” said Blake, still fizzing with excitement at such access. “We also had a day of special study … I chose Einstein’s special theory of relativity,” he said. “After two hours, I’m still not sure I get it. Some of it is simple logic, some of it very advanced.” Not all the time was spent tapping into science. Colourcoded groups up to 150 strong each enjoyed Olympic style events that included things like wheelbarrow-racing and a trivia show. “I’m happy to say that our red team won.” There were also trips to Airbus, the Bristol Aerospace Museum – where Blake was among many who thrilled at seeing Spitfire and
Bridging the gap
Blake Gower giving his enthusiastic presentation to Te Awamutu Rotary Club last week. Photo: Viv Posselt
Concorde aircraft among others, and Stonehenge. He also spent time visiting the sights of London, enjoyed a talent show with fellow students, and marvelled at MJ the Musical at London’s West End. “I had no idea how big aerospace engineering is over there … the forum has confirmed for me that is the direction in which I want to go.” Blake has already been accepted into New Zealand’s Canterbury University to do engineering, but on the back of his recent trip, he would now like to consider doing his master’s degree at Imperial College London.
It was a couple of days later than planned – but Te Awamutu’s newest bridge was put in place over the Mangahoi stream of Park Rd on Monday at the end of a precision exercise. The bridge includes a pipe to take waste from the new Waipiko Landing subdivision to the Albert Park pump station. And, of particular interest to morning cyclists who stopped last Thursday as the last part of the bridge was bolted on, it will also become a cycle lane in about 18 months. Waipiko Landing, 1.5km east of the town centre, is Te Awamutu’s newest neighbourhood and the first stage of the T11 growth cell. It will eventually be home to 2000 residents. Photo: Bridge It NZ Ltd.
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TE AWAMUTU Invites members and friends to: Waipa Workingmen’s Club, Albert Park Drive. Thursday 18 September, 1pm for a 1:30 start This is our: Elections 2025 “Meet the candidates” meeting. Come along to hear and meet candidates for: Waipa District Mayor Waipa District Council (Te Awamutu-Kihikihi, PirongiaKakepuku, and Waipa Maori wards) Te Awamutu & Kihikihi Community Board Waikato Regional Council
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Letters… Number check
Recently the future of regional councils has been raised and my immediate thoughts were that is only part of the question so I decided to find out just how the Waikato Regional Council is structured. The answers shocked me but the biggest surprise was the number of elected representatives our rates support. As far as I can tell there are 12 separate local authorities stretching from Tūrangi to the top of the Coromandel Peninsula. The WRC website suggests the population of the area is near 350,000 with Hamilton City nearly 50 per cent of that total. Looking at the websites of the 12 councils I could identify 147 elected mayors and councillors and over 90 community board members. That is a total of nearly 290. Certainly, pay scales in district councils are not high but that in itself raises more questions. Would it be fair to suggest that many of those we elect may lack the skills needed or could they be fairly described as part time hobbyists? Peanuts and monkeys? That may not be so amongst the staff employed, however. I shudder to think what the total wage and salary bill might be across the 12 Councils, but I do recall that a few years ago a daily newspaper did that research and published some very revealing facts. My answer to the question is we are seriously over governed, and our rates support
On the beat
far too many elected officials and well-paid employees. Things need to change! Murray Reid Matamata
Editor’s note: The council does have “naming rights” for new roads but does not restrict those names to Māori only.
Council policies
I am deeply concerned that while much attention is being given to a planned new and bigger Cambridge St John Ambulance station, the real issue is being ignored. What good is a bigger, new building when, in reality, Cambridge often has only one fully operational ambulance — and at times, none? With our town’s population growing rapidly and our community ageing, the urgent need is not bricks and mortar but more fully paid, fully staffed ambulances. A modern four-bay station sounds impressive, however the current station already has three bays, and remains underfunded and understaffed. Bigger is not better when there are no crews to fill it. The Cambridge community deserves to know the truth: our local ambulance service is stretched dangerously thin and relies strongly on volunteer officers. Response times are already under pressure, and this directly impacts the safety and wellbeing of Waipā residents. Council may argue ambulance services fall outside its remit, but inadequate coverage is a community safety issue — and therefore very much council’s concern. With a mayoral election approaching, I believe it must remain at the forefront of local discussion until meaningful improvements are achieved. Julie Lee, Cambridge More letters – Page 14
We read in The News about Roger Gordon (pity he is not standing for mayor) questioning the reason behind a property owner subdividing their property and putting a new road in. The owner wanted that road named after him but, no, council said it was their policy that new roads had to have Māori names. We now also hear that it is council policy to replace rather than repair or restore. Is it council staff who formulate these council policies and if that is correct, who monitors these decisions? Our elected members of council? If not then why not? Obviously these policies, and I am only quoting two as an example but there must be more, are not going to meet the approval of all ratepayers. One would think that there is enough intelligence to work out if something could be restored and last equally as long as a new replacement and at a far cheaper price. To have a blanket policy to replace and therefore spend a considerable amount more of ratepayer money simply does not make sense. Darryl Nix Te Awamutu
with Senior Constable DEB HANN
Catching the culprits Starting with a few good catches, last Wednesday, Cambridge Police executed a search warrant in Leamington in relation to a Ute that had been stolen from the Coromandel peninsula two weeks prior. The Ute- and items stolen with it were successfully recovered and a male was remanded in custody after appearing in court on related charges. Then last Friday, a vehicle was impounded following a report of sustained loss of traction (skids). Investigations into the driver are continuing. Where a vehicle is used in offending, under s118 of the Land transport Act 1998, the owner can be required to provide to police within 14 days, the details of the person who was in possession of it at the time of the offence - or face a charge for failing to provide the details. On Sunday, Cambridge staff arrested a female shoplifter who stole approximately $1600 worth of groceries from a local supermarket. She was found to be wanted to arrest for several similar thefts in Waikato, all while on court bail for more. She was held in custody and subsequently appeared in court. Policing requires community support. Often, the first report of a crime comes not from
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Ambulance issues
people directly involved, but rather family, friends or other bystanders who observe an incident happening. When a witness to a crime agrees to make a statement, being willing to subsequently stand up in court if required, it greatly advances our chances of gaining a successful conviction. We can then hold the offender appropriately to account and prevent future victimisations. It also provides the offender with an opportunity to address contributing issues (such as addictions) and make a change. If you provide CCTV footage of a crime to police, we will request a statement from you confirming you gave it to police. Where that is the only involvement you have had in an incident however, it would be unusual for your physical presence to be required in court in the event of the offender defending the charge. If an offender is released on bail following a court appearance, non-contact with those initial victims and witnesses is a common condition. If you see suspicious activity or offending in progress, dial 111 immediately while the offenders are present. If they have just left, still call 111 with a full description and a direction of travel. If offenders are long gone, report to 105.
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Briefs…
Consents issued
Waipā District Council issued 118 building and 46 resource consents – two of which went over the 20 working days deadline In July. The time breach for the building consent is thought to be a consequence of a software issue while the resource consent application was processed by an external consultant who submitted the report with an unacceptable layout. The council also processed 38 Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) requests.
Best event
Fieldays 2024 took out the business event of the year at the New Zealand Event Awards in Hamilton last week. Cambridge Middle School principal Daryl Gibbs, a trustee of the Aims Games which held in Tauranga last week, was on hand to receive the best non-profit or community event for the 2024 games. The awards comprised 17 categories and Fieldays was the only Waipā winner.
Funding boost
Special Olympics Te Awamutu has received funding from the Freemasons to assist with costs for attending the Christchurch-based 2025 National Summer Games in December. Twelve swimmers and three volunteers from the small club have their sights set on the travel south. Cambridge’s Keziah Clark and Jarrod Gilbert will join nine Te Awamutu athletes and Hamilton’s Deshan Walallavita on the journey south. Longtime Ōtorohanga resident Jennifer Clark, Peter Crawford, Sarah Griffin, Sarah-Jane Hudson, David Smith, Matthew Smith, Caitlin Thomas, Robert van der Wee and Ella Yarndley make up the rest of the cohort.
Puzzles solved
Puzzle fans will have spotted last week that our puzzles page was from two weeks earlier. The grid and answers which should have run will be posted online for puzzle fans – a new grid appears this week, giving readers two sets to make up for last week’s miss. We apologise for the error.
Consultants cash clash By Mary Anne Gill
A disagreement over the definition of “consultants” versus “consultancy services” has put a team of Waikato Regional Council candidates at odds with chair Pamela Storey. The Rates Control team is made up of six incumbent councillors and two election hopefuls – Garry Reymer (WaipāKing Country) and Gary McGuire (Waikato). Sitting Waipā-King Country councillor Clyde Graf is also a member of the group which claims the council spent $16.945 million on consultants in the financial year ending June 30, 2024. But chair Pamela Storey says the actual figure is $793,000, a number confirmed by chief executive Chris McLay. Finance committee chair Chris Hughes, also a Rates Control team member, said the larger figure appears under a “consultancy services” heading and includes more than 160 individuals or companies. “Cr Storey seems
to want to split hairs about the difference between ‘consultants’ and ‘consultancy services’… accusing our Rates Control Team of ‘mis-information,” said Hughes. “But the truth is that the Rates Control Team is campaigning for a line-byline review of the spending on all consultancy services… and we remain committed to this drive to reduce wasteful spending.” Storey pushed back, saying the team’s claims were inaccurate. “Our community deserves open, transparent and accurate information so people can have confidence in making informed choices,” she said. “When groups promote misleading figures, whether deliberately or by mistake, it undermines trust in democracy.” She said consultant expenditure is modest relative to overall council operations and external expertise is only used when highly technical or specialised skills are required. The Rates Control team
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 3
Officer in hospital By Chris Gardner
Pamela Storey
Clyde Graf
also includes current councillors Ben DunbarSmith, Warren Maher, Mich’eal Downard and Robbie Cookson. There is a history of tension between Storey and the councillors, including over her use of a casting vote to return the council to Local Government New Zealand and retain a $2.5 million surplus rather than refund it to ratepayers. Storey encouraged the public to seek information directly from the council’s published documents such as the annual report and open meeting papers
- rather than relying on unverified figures. Hughes has also disputed the regional council’s $288 million spend on electric buses and terminals. “This would likely see a massive increase in rates – which is not acceptable to our team. “Our current view is to “sweat the current assets” and utilise the current diesel bus fleet until 2035.” The team also said it would support a review of regional councils with potential amalgamations. • See Regional candidates respond p17
A police constable remains in Waikato Hospital after being shot in the head and shoulder by fugitive father Tom Phillips. Police had laid road spikes near the junction of Te Anga Road and Waipuna Roads early on Monday after a burglary at Piopio’s PGG Wrightson branch. Phillips, who disappeared from Marakopa with his three children in 2021, was shot and killed by another officer at around 3.20am after opening fire on a police constable. His son and other daughter were discovered later in the day at a bush campsite. “We had tragedy to start the day,” said Waitomo mayor John Robertson. “Then huge concern over whether the other two children would be found that day, and then huge relief just before 6pm when police told us they had found the other two children.”
Council ratings discussed By Mary Anne Gill
The annual Waipā residents’ survey for the year ended June 30, which provides the council with a guide on what residents think of its performance, has been released. District councillors were to consider the findings at a workshop yesterday, after this edition went to press. An updated report will appear online at cambridgenews.nz. The News understands the report shows a modest rise in satisfaction, but concerns about transparency, rates, and council communications. The council is not required to post a full agenda for workshops, as they are not formal decisionmaking meetings under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act. However, the agenda for this week’s workshop also includes an open session item on whether or not to return council meetings to Tuesdays, and reinstate staff reports in public agendas. Meetings moved to Wednesdays at the start of the year.
The workshop agenda proposed the public be excluded from 1.25pm for three items, citing the reason “free and frank expression” for two of them. Chief Ombudsman John Allen recently said Marlborough District Council held too many closed-door workshops for invalid reasons. He said councils should adopt an “open by default” approach and only exclude the public when absolutely necessary. The News understands 38 per cent of Waipā’s workshops last year were held in closed door sessions. The newspaper has two outstanding complaints with the Ombudsman, alleging that councillors are making decisions in workshops under the guise of “giving staff guidance”. One relates to a December meeting which discussed putting the meeting dates back 24 hours, after the print deadlines of Good Local Media. The News learned of those plans, and to remove staff reports from public agendas, in January. Alternative ways to provide the information resulted in a fortnightly newsletter called On the
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Radar being sent to councillors and senior staff. The publication is not shared with The News unless the paper goes through a time consuming request under Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act. On the Radar contains stories from reports which The News previously presented to readers in print. Good Local Media editor Roy Pilott said he believed the decision on meeting days and information only reports was made in a confidential briefing workshop last December and rubber stamped in January. He made a written submission to council at its January meeting – before the decision was announced in public - after being alerted to the agenda item on switching meetings from Tuesdays to Wednesdays. Mayoral candidate Mike Pettit told the Cambridge Town Hall meeting last week that when the meeting date decision was made “none of us actually thought about the consequences for the newspaper”.
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Letters to the Editor • Letters should not exceed 200 words • They should be opinion based on facts or current events • All letters to be emailed to editor@goodlocal.nz • No noms-de-plume • Letters will be published with names • Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only • Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the editor’s discretion • The editor’s decision on publication is final.
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FAITH IN WAIPĀ
A time for everything By Karla Rose, Zion Church
The year 2025, so far it seems, has been a year that has knocked people around. Between the cost of living and job insecurity, individuals and families alike are struggling to find that silver lining we all hear tell of. As we all navigate this season, and try and pretend it isn’t somehow already September, I’m reminded of Ecclesiastes 3. In general this chapter talks about how there is a time for everything. Personally, I appreciate that it acknowledges the core human need to be seen and heard, stating that there is a time to cry and laugh, to grieve and dance, and so much more, essentially saying that we are allowed to feel our emotions and process our reactions to what is going on around us and within us, both the good and the bad. The chapter goes on to encourage us to be happy, to do good, and to find satisfaction in our work. Which I know, particularly in seasons like many of us are currently going through, is difficult. Things are hard, and also, if we can continue being good people and find our joy now when it’s hard, how much better will things feel when life is actually good? I can’t pretend to know exactly what’s going to come from all the things happening in our community or our world. As with Covid, where there was no way to know what would happen while we were in it, and no way to
predict when or what would happen when it ended. It’s impossible to say that by X date things will improve. What I can say with certainty is that the Bible says He has made everything beautiful in its time, which, in a year like 2025, gives me hope. I know that God won’t leave things looking a mess; eventually, He will turn the mess into something beautiful. So, as you add up the inflated cost of the groceries in your trolley, lament over the arrival of your power bill, or wear through your last pair of jeans, I want to assure you that this season cannot, and will not last forever, because they never do. There is a time for everything, which means that while there is a time for stress and difficulty, there is also a time for joy and abundance. The flowers are beginning to bloom, the lambs are being born, the temperature is starting to warm up, and even our local council is preparing itself for the inevitable changes that come with new voices. There is hope for the end of this hard season, but in the meantime, I encourage all of us to start taking pleasure in the joys that we currently have; meals with loved ones, music, daffodils, silly videos, whatever reminds you that your hard season won’t last, and still holds some sweetness within it.
Briefs… Kapa Haka
The annual Te Taitūperepere Kapa Haka Festival in Te Awamutu, hosted by Ōhaupō School at theTe Awamutu Events Centre, runs today and tomorrow.
Mayoral fund
Mayor Susan O’Regan funded five organisations a total of $7647.09 from her mayoral discretionary fund in the financial year to June 30. They were Menzshed Cambridge ($6521 for roof repairs), Operation Christmas Hamper ($300), Christmas hamper ($173.91 for chicken gravy sachets), All World Mission NZ Trust ($521.74) and Friends of Resthaven Foundation Trust ($130.44).
Fluoride poll
Lobby group Fluoride Free New Zealand, whose Waipā committee member is Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board chair Kane Titchener, has polled local body election candidates on whether they would push for the government to bring forward New Zealand First’s member’s bill seeking to return the decision on whether or not add fluoride to council. In Waipā 12 of the 16 who responded said yes.
Matuku Muster
A check in the form of a “muster” is returning for a second year as the Department of Conservation seeks to check on numbers of one of New Zealand’s most elusive wetland birds – the critically threatened bittern the matuku-hūrepo or kautuku. Volunteers will count and observe the birds – thought to number less than 1000 - across New Zealand.
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 5
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
Spending report released
By Mary Anne Gill
Intervention from the Ombudsman has led to Waipā District Council releasing an event economic impact analysis to The News. Parts of the report - commissioned by the council in June and produced by Infometrics - have been redacted to avoid unreasonably prejudicing the commercial position of the events involved. The News became aware of the report when the council’s communications department quoted from it in a media release saying three events had generated $1.6 million in economic activity. However, the council then declined to release the report citing protection of sensitive third-party information. The News lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman arguing that withholding the report was unacceptable.
“It means council can ring fence information and quote from it itself – essentially cherry picking - without any independent scrutiny. “In our view it is akin to propaganda. The only information that can be published is what the council itself chooses to publish,” The News said. The report assessed five events – the Maadi Cup Regatta, Cambridge Autumn Festival, the New Zealand Sprintcar championship, The Stragglers Charity Car Show and Family Fun Day and the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals. It was largely funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment via its Regional Events Fund focused on capability building initiatives to help boost domestic tourism and support post-Covid recovery. Hamilton and Waikato Tourism administered the funding and the council
Waipā ratepayer funding goes towards the Waka Ama festival held at Lake Karāpiro. Sheltering from the heat under the Waipā marquee are visiting officials. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
will use the results to draft its event strategy. “The purpose of this analysis is to give Waipā District Council an understanding of which types of events make the greatest economic contribution to the district economy to inform where the council should focus future investment to maximise the impact of their events funding,” the authors said in the report. Around half of all spending went on groceries and fuel. “Spending on fuel at national fuel retailers probably does little to benefit the local economy,” the report says. It recommends council investments focus on activities that increase spending on hospitality and local retailers — such as a “spend local” campaign, targeted advertising for local outlets, and promotion of activities visitors can enjoy before, during, or after events.
“This could be organised through a coordinated effort between council, event promoters, the local tourism sector, and business network,” the report says. “A spend local campaign could also be a much broader, ongoing campaign that targets spending more broadly and which brings in events as they happen. Encouraging visitors to stay in Waipā for an extra night before or after the event will benefit the local economy,” the report says. Aucklanders were the big spenders in Waipā – in the 12 months to March 31 this year, they spent $40 million followed by Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Taranaki, the report says. Among international visitors, Americans spent $18 million - accounting for a third of all international spending followed by Australia, United Kingdom, Europe and Africa and Middle East.
Victoria Street in Cambridge was crowded with visitors during the Maadi Cup parade this year. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
ON SHAKY GROUND
TALKING ECONOMICS
Humanity after a tsunami
Bank goes ‘third world’
One of the best parts of my work with GeoTenerife in the Canary Islands is working with students. One who stood out immediately was Leah Gomm from the United Kingdom. Her bubbly personality made an impression right away, and it didn’t take long for me to learn of her passion for tsunamis, particularly the catastrophic 2004 Boxing Day event. Earlier this year, Leah visited Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, and spoke to locals about their experiences, firing up her enthusiasm for helping people. This was the area where the tsunami collided with the ‘Queen of the Sea’ train, claiming more than 1000 lives. While we name it the ‘Boxing Day Tsunami’, the Buddhist community were preparing to celebrate ‘Poya (full moon) Day’, a national holiday. Children are commonly sent to inland temples. That resulted in many lives being saved that day; however, many were also orphaned. While they were practicing their religion in the morning, the waves were sweeping away their homes and families. Leah shared her story of meeting a tuk-tuk driver who had tragically lost his grandparents, mother, little sister, and his home. He took Leah to significant sites, including an 18.5-meter-high Buddha statue that marks the height of one of the tsunami waves. Leah reflected, “You’re an ant in comparison to the height of these waves.” After the emotional journey, Leah attempted to tip the tuk-tuk driver, but he refused, saying, “We want humanity, not money.” He expressed his hope for people to unite and learn about nature’s overwhelming forces. One woman shared the thought: “Tsunami waves don’t discriminate. It should be
I have written two columns previously on stories about what is happening in New Zealand that I would expect to see in a third world country but not here. As someone who worked in the Reserve Bank for 22 years and was proud of the institution, I never expected to be able to add it to my list of our third-world stories. In fact, describing what has happened to the governance of the bank over the last few years as third-world is unfair to most thirdworld countries. The governance saga came to a dramatic point in March when the governor, Adrian Orr, suddenly resigned. It hit the headlines again recently when the chairman of the bank’s board, Neil Quigley, also resigned suddenly. But the problems had started building up some years earlier. During the period that Adrian Orr was governor staff numbers rose from 250 to 650. In the early stages, the growth of the public sector was being actively encouraged by the then-Government. But with the change of Government in 2023, the public sector began to get downsized. Somehow the reserve bank didn’t hear that message - or didn’t think it applied to them and continued add staff. This is the organisation which had been raising interest rates in order to constrain expenditure and bring inflation back within its target range. The spending spree has been largely blamed on Adrian Orr and his empirebuilding. But the governance question that needs to be asked is where was the board? Did they
By Janine Krippner
people with people”. She was devastated that they had gone through this horror, and people are still at war around the world. That “Mother Nature should be the only one to determine our fate, not humans.” Leah visited a memorial museum in what was the devastation zone. Leah passed by shipwrecks in the area, standing as a grim reminder. The museum, run by a local man who was swept nearly 900 meters inland during the tsunami, holds a powerful history. The owner shared that 99 per cent of the population died that day. Each of the locals conveyed a unified message: their desire to see the human race come together. While early warning systems are now in place, Leah learned that many of them are not functioning. This is one of the heartbreaking realities of disasters: tough lessons are learned, then forgotten. Important changes need to stay active and ready to save lives when the next disaster strikes. Leah’s biggest takeaway was clear: “The discussion needs to keep happening, or we will relive the same disasters through history.” For Leah, the experience was dark and deeply impactful. It’s clearly shaped her view of the world and her future career path. This life-changing experience will stay with her, and it’s easy to see why. Please, if you ever see strange ocean behaviour, like a sudden rise in fall in sea level, or if you hear loud or unusual sounds from the sea, evacuate. If an earthquake near the coast is Long or Strong, Get Gone.
By Peter Nicholl
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4 WAIPĀ MAYOR
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agree or were they steamrolled? The bank isn’t part of the annual budget cycle. It negotiates a funding agreement with the government every five years. The latest five-yearly negotiations took place early this year. Like Oliver Twist, the bank asked for more – about $ 200 million more. But unlike Oliver Twist, the bank had not been hungry. It was in fact over-weight. The Treasury objected to the request for more and Orr resigned. The chairman said then that the departure had nothing to do with the funding negotiations. It has now become clear that it was caused by the arguments over funding and the first arguments were within the bank. Orr and the board had different views. Despite this, the proposal the bank first put to the government was Orr’s view – a request for $200 million more and a further 100 staff. When that was rejected and Orr resigned, I was surprised by how quickly the bank’s board came up with a lower request. But it has since been revealed that this was the number the board thought was appropriate in the first place. The fact they initially went along with the request for more reflects very poorly on them. The next few months will reveal who will be the next governor and the next board chairman. They will come into an organisation with its reputation in tatters. It is another example of the old adage that good reputations take a long time to gain but can be lost very quickly.
We can’t keep adding 10% to last year’s budget and call it a plan. It’s time to be brave, start fresh, make savings first and spend smarter.
Kia ora Te Awamutu, I’m Mike Pettit, and I’m standing for Mayor of Waipā District. I want to introduce myself to you and share why I’m putting my hand up to lead our district. I’ve spent decades serving our community, first as a school principal, then on the Cambridge Community Board, and currently as a Waipā District Councillor. I’m known for being calm, respectful, and focused on getting things done. I believe in leading with integrity, listening deeply, and delivering results that matter. My campaign is built on three pillars: RELATIONSHIPS. REALISM. RESULTS. I’ll strengthen relationships across the district, between council, iwi, community boards, and residents. I support improved communication with residents, the continuation of the Māori ward, and the establishment of Youth and Senior Councils so that everyone in Waipā has a voice. I bring realism to council decision-making. Ratepayers deserve financial transparency and
REALISM .
smarter funding, not just more borrowing. I’ll push for line-by-line budget reviews and explore partnerships, grants, and philanthropy to fund key projects. And I’m focused on results. I support the Te Awamutu CBD upgrade and want to see it delivered with strong accountability and community input. I’ll ensure councillors are equipped with the skills they need to govern effectively and deliver outcomes you can see and feel. I welcome the opportunity to connect with you directly. I believe the leader needs to be where the work is done, talking to residents, walking up and down our CBDs, ensuring the Council is doing a better job for the community. I’ll be encouraging our Councillors to do the same. I’m ready to serve all of Waipā - not just one town or one group - and I’d be honoured to earn your vote. Ngā mihi, Mike
VOTE MIKE PETTIT FOR WAIPĀ DISTRICT MAYOR
www.mikepettit.co.nz
Authorised by Mike Pettit – 4Waipa@mikepettit.co.nz
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8 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
3 Experienced. 3 Energetic. 3 Ready to Deliver.
VOTE
Liz Stolwyk for Regional Council
Who am I? Liz Stolwyk. – Grounded. Bold. Connected. • I’m an Event Manager, a Farmer, and a straight-talker who answers the phone when you call. I’m proud of my strong community networks and I stay connected so I can advocate effectively for the people I serve. • Co-ordinator & Committee Member – Ballance Farm Environment Awards – 7 years • Former roles with Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, National Fieldays and Waikato Rugby Union • My husband Andrew Reymer (Chair of Te Awamutu Federated Farmers), and I are proud dairy farmers raising three nearly grown boys. (And yes, we raise three beef calves a year just to keep them fed!).
What’s important to me?
• A strong economy and healthy environment aren’t mutually exclusive – we can achieve both. • Our large towns deserve better internal public transport options to stay connected. • Freshwater quality matters: Lakes Te Koo Utu, Ngaroto, and Parangi need urgent action. • Plan Change 1 – fighting for practical solutions that don’t drain millions from our farmers. • Rates control – standing for smart, sensible spending that respects ratepayers.
Authorised by Liz Stolwyk • liz@grasslandz.co.nz • Phone: 027 571 6206
“Now is not the time for inexperience... I’m ready to hit the ground running — with energy, experience, and a deep understanding of how our communities and councils work.”
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 9
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
Backing great outdoors By Steph Bell-Jenkins
Two Waipā school leaders are urging people to make their voices heard on a Government plan to remove outdoor education from the senior subject list. The proposal abolishes NCEA and replaces it with a Foundational Award at year 11, a New Zealand Certificate of Education at year 12, and a New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education at year 13. Outdoor education would exist as a vocational subject. An industry skills board would develop its curriculum and resources, and it would no longer be a subject students could take to gain university entrance. The call for people to respond comes days ahead of the submission closing date – Monday (September 15). Bernard Oliver, head of Te Awamutu College’s outdoor education department, called the plan “deeply disappointing”. “From the outside, it’s easy to see outdoor education as students having fun outside of school – but those of us working closely with it know it is far more than that,” he said. “The learning is authentic, experiential, and often intangible. Attributes like selfmanagement, problem-solving, perseverance, and emotional intelligence don’t always fit neatly into assessment rubrics, but they are fundamental to success in life. “The fact that these qualities are difficult to quantify does not make them less important.” Cambridge High School principal Greg Thornton is also urging people to have their say on the proposal. “I really encourage parents and kids to use their voice, because I know that outdoor education means a lot to our students and we have some very passionate families about that subject and about the ability for our students to learn the range of skills –
leadership, as well as technical skills in the outdoors. “Perhaps the substitution, or what they design in a vocational pathway actually provides really well for secondary school students – I don’t know yet.” Thornton said outdoor education was so popular at Cambridge High class placements were allocated by ballot. This year, the subject was taken by 127 senior students across three Level 1 classes, two Level 2 classes and one Level 3 class. Oliver, who has taught outdoor education at Te Awamutu College for the past 15 years, said he had seen firsthand the “profound impact” outdoor education had on students, “not only in terms of academic achievement, but more importantly, in developing resilient, capable, and well-rounded young adults”. “Many of our students have gone on to pursue roles in outdoor recreation, environmental science, conservation, teaching, tourism, the defence forces, search and rescue, and emergency services,” he said. Education Outdoors New Zealand plans to deliver a petition to parliament and had 33,000 signatures at last count.
Year 13 Te Awamutu College students make kono (flax baskets) on a bush survival trip. Photo Bernard Oliver
In Cambridge this week cyclists on footpaths are at the centre of complaints – in Te Awamutu in 1939, the debate was just starting… Meghan Hawkes reports.
News
Bikes v cars, tractors v horses Children on bicycles were in danger from motor vehicles speeding through the Te Awamutu district and the borough council was asked to take action to avert the danger. Cr Brookes, though, was of the opinion that the children themselves were the real danger and should be taught how to ride bicycles. A local school headmaster said that juveniles were given frequent instruction by the teachers and the traffic officer, and they meticulously observed the instructions. It was agreed that splendid work had been done, but that it was decidedly risky at present for children to ride bicycles on the roads, owing to the speed of traffic. Complaints had been made that children were cycling on the footpaths because of the hazards on the roads. The hope was expressed that the traffic inspector would take action. The Te Awamutu Young Farmers Club held the first of a series of dances in the Hairini Hall. The hall was decorated with spring flowers, and blue and gold streamers, and was filled to capacity. The supper arrangements were carried out entirely by the men, who were complimented on their successful efforts. Music was supplied by Sid Strange’s Syncapators. Meanwhile the Kakepuku Young Farmers’ Club held a debate on whether tractors were superior to horses. Arguments for tractors stated that horses could not keep going for long periods of work as tractors could, and the grazing for six horses would keep a
dozen cows. In these days when mechanical knowledge was common among all young men it was not hard to get a man who could handle a tractor with a little instruction. Tractors could give a much heavier draught than horses and with bigger implements they were labour saving. Blackberry and gorse eradication could be tackled effectively only by tractors and the work could be carried on night and day. A first class horse team cost almost as much as a tractor; and in top-dressing tractors cut out frequent trips to the manure shed for fresh supplies. In defence of horses it was stated that the breeding of horses was in New Zealand as important as it ever was. Horse breeders would not be carrying on their work if they had no future. In America where oil and petrol were as cheap as anywhere in the world the horse was not only holding its own but increasing in utility. During the Depression the farmer had returned to horse teams because he knew every time he turned a tractor crank three pence went up the exhaust pipe. Horses got hot and sweated when they were worked; but they did not go up in flames as a local tractor had done recently. On most farms the only working time to be met was the six hours between milkings and the horse could easily meet that. Tractors were not so flexible and there were countless light jobs on a farm which could be done only by a horse. It would be an interesting sight to see a farmer rounding up his stock with a tractor. Authorised by Stu Kneebone, 271 Baker Road, RD4 Cambridge
RE-ELECT
Stu Kneebone Your voice on Waikato Regional Council
Experienced Waikato Regional Councillor who understands the issues.
Genuine, friendly and approachable.
• A constructive team player • Sensible and considered decision making • Local solutions for local issues.
“No politics – just common sense” As a 4th generation local farmer and long term Waipa-King Country resident, I will make decisions that serve the best interests of our ratepayers and our local communities. I stand for :
Sensible spending & affordable rates Clean Fresh Water Caring for our environment Community Partnerships Sustainable Farming Systems A vibrant, sustainable and healthy economy
Passionate about the Waipa-King Country, working to ensure it remains a great place to live, work and play.
10 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
We’re all fired up
Friday 19 - Sunday 21 September, 10am – 2pm. Arvida Whai Mauri Ora, 319 Manaia Road, Te Awamutu.
Get a first look at our workshop in the making at our Open Days.
There’s something stunning nestled in the heart of Te Awamutu – and we can’t wait to share it with you this September. Join us for our Open Days and soak up the beautiful surrounds, as you tour our modern villas and established gardens.
You’ll also be among the first to take a look at our nearly complete workshop space – a welcoming spot designed for good times and great company. With an outdoor fire, darts, a bar, and plenty of room to unwind, it’s the perfect place for residents to gather, connect, and enjoy themselves. With our complimentary pack up and move service, support begins straight away. From carefully packing your belongings to setting you up in your new home, we’re here to take the stress out of moving, so you can focus on settling in and enjoying life at WMO. For more information, call Juliet on 07 444 4023 or scan the QR code.
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 11
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
Regional candidates respond I got it wrong: Pettit We asked the four Waikato Regional Council WaipāKing Country candidates 10 questions about why they should be elected. Today we run the responses from Garry Reymer and Liz Stolwyk. Stu Kneebone and Clyde Graf’s responses were not received in time for this week. Sitting councillor Graf told The News last week he had been dealing with family matters which had prevented him from attending a candidates’ meeting. Their other answers are online Good Local Media sites - cambridgenews.nz, teawamutunews.nz and kingcountrynews.co.nz Q: Waikato River and several lakes in Waipā-King Country – including Te Koo Utu and Ngā Roto – face water quality concerns. What would you like to see done about those issues? Garry Reymer – Te Koo Utu is an urban lake and I suspect most of the problems arise because it is stagnant. Also duck excrement has roughly six times the E coli of a cow and they add it directly to the water. Nga Roto is a peat lake, the water would never have been drinkable and the standard of drinkable is not realistic. Liz Stolwyk – I would like to see stronger action
to improve water quality in the Waikato River and our local lakes. Planting more native trees and supporting community clean-up projects will make a real difference. Working together, we can restore these waterways and protect them for our future generations to enjoy. Q: The regional council is responsible for providing and improving public transport services and investing in long-term planning. Can the regional council be doing this better and if so, who should pay for it, ratepayers, users or partnerships? Garry Reymer – Our public transport operates on an outdated model. It is time we looked at users as customers rather than users of a service. Yes the council has a role to subsidise this but it should be less than 50 per cent. We can look to other industries involved with collection and distribution to see how we can improve service and patronage. Liz Stolwyk – Public transport helps cut traffic and parking problems. Waikato Regional Council should create stronger links between towns, schools, tertiary hubs, and the city, while also improving buses within our bigger towns.
Funding must be shared fairly so towns and the city both benefit, keeping services affordable, easy to use, and reliable. Q: Organisations like Waikato Chamber of Commerce are calling for widespread local body amalgamation. Do you support that call and if so, what Waikato local authorities would you want to amalgamate with? Garry Reymer – Yes I support amalgamation. I am not set on the final shape that this would take, but I think a maximum of three would be sensible. That would be around the catchments of east and west of the Waikato River, and the Hamilton and Cambridge communities in the third grouping. Liz Stolwyk - Absolutely. After 12 years on Waipā District Council and deputy-chair of Future Proof, I’ve seen too much duplication and siloed work. Amalgamating departments and councils would reduce costs and improve services. The Waipā/King Country ward alone has three councils, three mayors, and dozens of councillors— this over-representation is unsustainable and inefficient.
By Mary Anne Gill
A mayoral candidate says he was naïve to include a campaign plug in a school newsletter, but Waipā deputy electoral officer Jo Gread says he did nothing wrong. Mike Pettit, principal of Cambridge Primary School and standing for mayor, used last week’s newsletter to ask for volunteers to deliver campaign flyers. “In hindsight I should not have put it in the newsletter,” he said. “I got it wrong. That was naïve on my part,” he said. Gread said candidates cannot use council resources for campaigning purposes. “However, if other work places, or organisations want to allow candidates to communicate via their channels that is their choice to do so,” she said.
Cambridge Primary School board chair Kate Paine said she fully supported Pettit’s mayoral campaign. In a letter to parents in May, she wrote that trustees wished him well. “We appreciate his proactive communication with us and his willingness, as always, to put his best foot forward for not just Cambridge Primary School but the Waipā community.” Pettit has said he would stand down as principal if elected mayor and the school has begun planning for a potential transition, with its two deputy principals working alongside the Ministry of Education. Although the mayor does not officially take office until sworn in, if elected on October 11, Pettit would be expected to begin duties just two days later.
Clare St Pierre for Waipa’s Mayor Fix the finances I’ve been asked a lot of questions about what I would offer as your Mayor. So I’m holding a public meeting where I can answer questions and meet you in person!
Here’s the details: Date:
Tuesday, 16 September Time:
2pm – 3pm Place:
Storyteller Cafe Would love to see you there!
facebook.com/Clare4Waipa clare.stpierre@gmail.com clarestpierre.com
Proven track record, business brain, community focused. Authorised by Clare St Pierre, clare.stpierre@gmail.com
12 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
On the Hustings – with Mary Anne Gill
Smart voting starts now It’s been a busy week for mayoral candidates scrambling to secure one-on-one time with voters before voting papers arrive. Candidates’ Facebook pages – some virtually unused until now - have been brimming with posts featuring their smiling faces.
Clare St Pierre, centre, with Te Awamutu Business Chamber administrator Fran Jones, left and chief executive Shane Walsh.
The biggest opportunity of the week came in Cambridge at the Business Chamber meeting in the Town Hall – livestreamed on the Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News Facebook pages and now available on You Tube. By Sunday night, the video had nearly 5000 views – most from the Waikato region but there was also a viewer in Guernsey. The News would love to hear from them. Email editor@goodlocal.nz Elsewhere, Mike Pettit hosted a meeting in Te Awamutu, where he was pictured smiling alongside former mayors Alan Livingston and Jim Mylchreest. You don’t have to be Einstein to get the message in that shot. Pettit is also spending a bit of time around Pirongia, Te Awamutu, Kihikihi and Ōhaupō where, despite being a councillor for six years, he remains relatively unknown. Clare St Pierre, aside from her Town Hall appearance, spent her public time closer to home – in Ōhaupō, Te Awamutu and Pirongia. She popped into the Te Awamutu Business Chamber annual meeting. The low vote she received at the Cambridge business meeting suggests she has work to do in the eastern side of the district – or perhaps she’s playing the “spoiler” role in the west by splitting Susan O’Regan’s vote. O’Regan, who has always enjoyed strong support in the west leaned into her strength as a regional leader - appearing at Koroneihana in Ngāruawāhia and at the final Future Proof meeting alongside outgoing Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate
A
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and other female regional leaders. She also mentioned another chat with Transport Minister Chris Bishop about on-off ramps near Cambridge. Her narrow victory in the mayoral vote at the Town Hall – where she garnered valuable support three years ago – gave her campaign a much-needed fillip. There’s no visual proof, but The News understands O’Regan and husband John Hayward surprisingly turned up at the Good Union in Cambridge on Friday night for a “casual catch up” with Pettit and his invited candidate guests Roger Gordon, Philip Coles, Jo Davies-Colley, Dave Marinkovich, Liz Stolwyk and Stu Kneebone. Politicians are already acting tactically but The News has some tactics for voters too. There are four councillor vacancies in Cambridge, three in Te Awamutu-Kihikihi, two in Pirongia-Kakepuku, two in WaipāKing Country regional and two in TamahereWoodlands - but you can vote for just one candidate if you wish. If there is only one candidate you really want elected, voting for just them is a smart use of your vote. When your voting papers arrive, fill them in straight away and pop them in the post or at the council offices, then you are immune to everything and fulfilled your civic duty. Remember: the mayor has only one vote around the council table so whatever position we are in is the result of collective decisions by all incumbents. On higher rates, the Blue Blob, Cambridge Connections, Te Ara Wai Museum, cycleways, speed humps, Ahu Ake Spatial
A
Z
Plan, and public excluded meetings – the mayor and councillors voted together. Likewise, if a new candidate promises lower rates, no speed humps, or ripping up cycleways – they will still be part of a council that makes decisions collectively. Good Local Media owner David Mackenzie – a veteran of newspaper publishing and current NZ Independent Community Newspapers Association president - was unimpressed when a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) request revealed Waipā District Council is putting its election advertising spend into Stuff and NZME. The reason? Good Local Media couldn’t provide demographic, readership and reach data. Mackenzie dismissed the rationale. “Like most other community newspapers we don’t pay for ridiculously expensive survey/statistic reports that are not needed to make good advertising decisions. “We know, and the public know, that the Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News are the most read newspapers in Waipā. We don’t need to pay for expensive survey reports to prove this.”How much can candidates spend on advertising and promoting themselves? It’s a safe bet Mike Pettit and Clare St Pierre are spending more this election than three years ago. Back then, Pettit declared nil spending, and St Pierre spent just $163.62 on election sign labels – yet both topped the polls in Cambridge and Pirongia-Kakepuku. What a difference three years makes.
Continued next page
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 13
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
Continued from previous page
All candidates must declare their spending between July 11 and October 11. Mayoral candidates can spend up to $40,000 each. That’s nearly a quarter of the $162,399 mayoral salary (up from $150,770) Waikato Regional Council (Waipā-King Country): also $40,000 – nearly 60% of the regional councillor salary. Cambridge ward/community board: $20,000
Pirongia-Kakepuku, Te AwamutuKihikihi (Waipā) and Tamahere-Woodlands (Waikato): $14,000 Maungatautari and Waipā Māori: $7000 St Pierre, standing for both mayor and her ward, can’t spend $54,000 – the cap remains $40,000. Similarly, Les Bennett – running for council in Pirongia-Kakepuku and the Maungatautari community board – is capped at $14,000, not $21,000.
Susan O’Regan, second right, with from left mayors Adrienne Wilcox and Paula Southgate and Waikato Regional Council chair Pamela Storey.
Mike Pettit with from left Kingi Wetere and former mayors Alan Livingston and Jim Mylchreest.
The issue of co-governance It’s a touchy issue, but it needs to be publicly debated and democratically determined. Is the co-governance of public assets the best model for all of New Zealand? Maori make up 18% of the population, but have 50% of decision-making power over public assets in a cogovernance arrangement. Unelected, decision-making power over assets to which we all contribute. Regional Council is currently introducing co-governance by stealth, enabling the transitioning of co-management committees into co-governance committees. I stand for an inclusive Waikato, where all people are equal under one law, and where any person can achieve great things - based on experience, qualifications, and merit - not race. Vote Clyde Graf for Waikato Regional Council.
Getting to the point By Peter Carr
Seventy-four years ago, Peter Ustinov starred in the cinema epic Quo Vadis. Literally translated as ‘where are you going’? Although for the historical purists the original alleged biblical utterance of the phrase would have sounded out as ‘whither goest thou?’ To schoolboy Latin scholars (I was very much a struggler in that subject) it was much more exciting than droning on with ‘amo, amas, amat… etc’. Latin master Mr Sanderson, now sitting on his cloud no doubt still conjugating verbs, would have less than happy memories of my feeble attempts to grasp the depth and purity of the subject. I start this special extra opinion piece in this style as a reflection of last week’s Cambridge Town Hall Chamber of Commerce election presentation. Candidates were put through the grill of short and sharp answers to (some very pointed) questions while the three mayoral candidates were tightly restricted to making their key points in 90 second presentations. Indeed, they had to be extremely clear as to where they are going. It was a most interesting exercise, deliberately timed to precede the arrival, earlier this week, of the voting papers. There was a full house at the gathering with the audience possibly wondering, during the early stages, why this was the event for which they had delayed dinner. But as the programme warmed up it was clear that all candidates had to be very much on their mettle - as superfluous information was not permitted - and they had to indicate a capability to think on their feet. Some of the councillor candidates
struggled in this regard. Some came halfway to achieving clarity. Only four made it to the surface with sharp, meaningful and audience-appreciated applause. Some might have been clearer had they realised that the whole event was being filmed, and is available, on Facebook. For the three mayoral candidates, being kept to a one and a half minute timing of their opening presentations would have been a first. And to their credit all of them managed it well and they must have anguished as to what items to disregard when squeezing in their beloved votegathering hot points. A surprise for the audience was an ability to partake in an electronic (very much nonbinding) screen displaying an electronic voting process. Cambridge voters would have been very interested to see the neck and neck figures for the current mayor and her Cambridge opponent. The councillor voting screen result had one shining star coming through, but a member of the current Old Guard was not far behind her. The die is cast; there is no turning back now. It was interesting that the hot potato subject - the third bridge - only got a passing mention. That said the new council will be making a major mistake if it does not give full support to the newly emerging Cambridge Connections group - which is not just about a bridge - far from it. Vote well and vote carefully - but at least vote. The eighteen earnest and honest people who presented their views last week have a right to expect good voter interest.
VOTE Clyde Graf for Waikato Regional Council Yes to - zero rates rises Yes to - environmental monitoring Yes to - supporting primary industry Yes to - public ownership of water No to - reckless spending No to - polluting air, land and water No to - RMA red tape No to - co-governance of water
www.ratescontrolteam.co.nz
Achievements while in Council During my first term as a Waikato Regional Councillor, I was a member of the Rates Control Team. Our decisions returned a rates reduction of -3%, unlike the excessive increases we see today. (During this current term I also voted against rates increases). We formed the Coromandel Aquaculture Forum, increased regional funding for surf life-saving, delivered increased funding for rural weather-bomb events, and removed council-collected TB rates. I also led the working group for a successful flood management project. In this recent term, we’ve provided funding for Maungatautari, streamlined public transport, and introduced improved monitoring for water quality, soils, marine areas, biodiversity, and biosecurity. I opposed Three Waters, and the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy plant, and continue to do so. In response to the skyrocketing rates we’re all facing, we’ve re-formed the Rates Control Team. We’re a group of prudent councillors who are keenly aware of the cost-of-living crisis facing us all. Visit www.ratescontrolteam.co.nz for policies and to meet our candidates.
Vote Clyde Graf
TICKING THE BOXES
for Waikato Regional Council
Clyde Graf - A bit about me I have lived in the Waikato for the last 30 years. I grew up in and around Te Urewera National Park, where I learned bush craft and about our environment. 1995 - 2025 - Owner of business in building industry 1997 - Started filming and producing outdoors DVDs and TV series under The Graf Boys’ brand. Gone on to film and produce dozens of short films and documentaries. 2004 - Commissioned by NZ Police & NZ Mountain Safety Council to produce a featurelength firearms and outdoors safety DVD titled On Target (released in 2004). 2009 - Released our 4 x international award-winning documentary Poisoning Paradise. 2013 - 2016 & 2022 - 2025 Elected to Waikato Regional Council. Chaired EPC. What I stand for - I support farming and primary industry. I am focused on ensuring regional council sticks to its core business and that it operates within budgets. To counter the reckless spending in Council, we’ve reformed the Rates Control Team. We’re a group of concerned councillors who are driving change, and are dedicated to bringing your rates down. I respectfully ask for your vote, and to represent you in council once again.
Vote Clyde Graf for Waikato Regional Council
Visit www.ratescontrolteam.co.nz to meet the team Authorised by Dr Ursula Edgington, 2 Penny Rd, Pirongia
14 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
15.5% rates rise in 2025
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results - Albert Einstein
Another 11% rates rise next year Debt $400m $80m in DCs owed CEO salary $400,000
Our rates are shooting up, council debt is exploding, red tape is blocking business, our roads are a mess, and we’ve lost control of our water supply. If you want a better Waipa District Council, don’t keep voting for the same people. Vote smart. It’s what Einstein would do. BETTER WAIPA is a team of new councillors, with the right skills and experience, working together for commonsense solutions. This is the only way to fix the system.
$14m paid to consultants last year
1. Rebuild trust through transparency and honesty. 2. Replace predetermined “consultation” with genuine listening. 3. Cap rates, Back to Basics, and cut consultants. 4. No more speed bumps, fix potholes instead. 5. Stop the waste so we can maintain community services. 6. Practical and cost‐effective solutions. 7. Financial responsibility and accountability.
25% increase on water rates this quarter $2m for Bunnings building $100m debt increase in 2024
Endorsed by GROUNDSWELL local coordinators Recommended by Te Awamutu Residents and Ratepayers Association More information: www.BetterWaipa.co.nz Facebook: Better Waipa Waipa Ratepayers and Residents Group and CityWatchNZ.org have good articles on council issues.
Mike Cater
Les Bennett
Hope Spooner Dr. Lyn Hunt Bernard Westerbaan CAMBRIDGE
TE AWAMUTU
TE AWAMUTU
Ian Hayton
Business & Customer Service
Rural Services & Roads
Communities & Communication
Finances & Data Analysis
Organisation & Governance
Technology & Innovation
CAMBRIDGE
PIRONGIA
CAMBRIDGE
Authorised by Andrew.Bydder@xtra.co.nz
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
Riding, fighting to the top By Jesse Wood
Teenagers Liam and Zane Rutland are making waves across Australasia in their respective sports. From a family of five, the Waipā duo compete in show jumping and MMA (mixed martial arts) respectively. Growing up in Te Awamutu, the brothers attended Korakonui Primary School before transferring to Cambridge Middle School as they both trained there. Liam, 18, did correspondence school from year eight so he could concentrate on his training, while Zane went to Cambridge High School. Zane, 19, now lives in Cambridge and works as a builder for Watertight Roofing. Liam is now based in New South Wales, Australia as a member of Chatham Park. Mum Kylie said they are both passionate and determined to get to the top. “The dedication and hours of training that these two boys do is inspirational. They both have an unbelievable team around them, backing and supporting them all the way.” Kylie and husband Dan have always encouraged their children to play sport to boost physical, social and mental well-being. We have always said we don’t care what sport they play we would back them 100 per cent - never did we think they would do show jumping and MMA,” Kylie said. Liam’s sister Gemma was given a pony when he was three. Since she had four brothers, it was assumed that would be her own hobby. “Every afternoon, after my sister finished riding, I would climb out my bedroom window to spend time with that pony. From that moment on, riding became part of who I am,” Liam said.
“I fell in love with show jumping - the good days, the bad days and everything in between. “I love the partnership you build with a horse, the discipline, the constant learning, and the satisfaction of working hard to achieve results. Thriving on the challenge of always having something to improve on is one of the aspects Liam loves. At age 16, he made the decision to move to Australia and be based alongside his team. “It meant more training, more competition experience and learning as much as possible before looking to move further overseas. “My first year here was incredibly tough. While I had huge support back home, I was learning to navigate the Australian system, finding the right people and building a new team around me. “My parents would have been happy for me to come home, but I knew the challenges were part of the journey. I kept my head down and pushed through.” Milestones that have shaped Liam’s career include competing in his first grand prix at 16, earning wins and placings in grand prix classes that same season and being selected three times for the New Zealand Young Rider TransTasman Team. “Earlier this year, I was given the opportunity to join Chatham Park, one of Australia’s top professional stables. “The mentoring, training and guidance I have received has been invaluable. His ultimate goal is to be a competitive rider on the European circuit and be based there full-time, producing and competing top-level horses. “I would also love to represent my country in more senior teams and the Olympics are firmly in my sights,” Liam said. “I owe so much to so many people. I’m
grateful to every coach who has believed in me and pushed me to be better. “I would not be where I am today without the support of my family, who have always backed me, encouraged me and given me the chance to chase my passion. Older brother Zane started kickboxing in 2024. This year he made the leap to MMA, joining Hamilton-based Core MMA. “Over the next five years my focus is on sharpening my skills, improving technique, and getting as much fight experience as possible - here in New Zealand and overseas whenever the opportunity arises and then go pro,” Zane said. “I love the intensity, the discipline and the way hard work directly translates into results. “I’ve thrived in an environment surrounded by like-minded teammates and incredible coaches who push me to be my best. “It’s not just about training, it’s about dedicating yourself fully to a craft that pushes your limits, mentally and physically.” Zane said he realises nobody else can put in the work for him. “The training hours are long and demanding, but every training session is a step closer to my goals,” Zane said. “Being part of a team of driven, passionate athletes makes the journey even more rewarding.” He recently won his first MMA fight and was also accepted into the Pro Development Team at Core MMA. “I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such a strong support network. MMA can be brutal - physically demanding and tough to watch at times - but my friends, family, and workmates have had my back every step of the way.” Like Liam, Zane is thankful to the support of his parents and family.
TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 15
Zane Rutland in action in the ring. Photo: Core MMA
Liam Rutland takes to the air on his trusty stead. Photo: Australia Jumping
“My girlfriend Payton has also supported the countless hours I spend training each week and has always been in my corner,” Zane said. Although across the Tasman Sea from each other, the teenage siblings are showcasing the same determination – to be the best.
Vote for Marcus Local, Community focused, experience.
Hi
I’m Marcus MarcusWaipa
For several years I have been a dedicated voice for our community on Council. I’m a local business owner running an IT business, a trustee of
Waipa Networks, member of the Institute of Directors and a Justice of the Peace. It’s been a privilege having your support to make sure Te Awamutu and Kihikihi residents have a voice in Council, it’s important that our local voice is heard around the table and that we get a share of great projects happening around Waipa. I am fully supportive of the Don’t Burn Waipa campaign, the waste to energy project has no place in our town. I have been constructive on Council working collaboratively to make sure the district is well placed for the future, we have our Waikato Waters Done Well project under way with our local Council neighbours to ensure cost effective delivery of water. Authoriser Marcus Gower 18A Carey Street, Kihikihi
16 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 17
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
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Services Classifieds
OPEN HOMES FIRST NATIONAL
Sunday 14 September 71 Rolleston Street 7 Ngahuia Place Lot 1, 38 Hall Street
editor@goodlocal.nz
Mary Anne Gill maryanne@goodlocal.nz 021 705 213 Viv Posselt 027 233 7686
viv@goodlocal.nz
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chris@goodlocal.nz
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TE AWAMUTU OPEN HOMES Saturday 13 September 7 Ngahuia Place
Roy Pilott 027 450 0115
Janine Davy 027 287 0005
$650,000 $899,000 $720,000
1:30-2:00pm
janine@goodlocal.nz
12:30-1:30pm 1:30-2:00pm 2:30-3:00pm
Contact listing agent prior-visiting as Open Homes times can change.
Visit waiparealestate.nz for more details
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admin@goodlocal.nz
Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are entirely at the discretion of editorial staff and may be edited. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s full name, residential address, and telephone number. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers. The Te Awamutu News is published by Good Local Media Ltd and is the most widely distributed newspaper in Te Awamutu and rural surrounds.
FOR SA L E
Licensed Agent REAA 2008
Ph 027 226 9532 waiparealestate.nz Te Awamutu 07 280 7536
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From the sweeping drive past the orchard around the house and off to the river. This property is a well-kept gem. You can swim on hot summer days or do a spot of trout fishing in the Puniu River at the back boundary. The picture perfect view takes hold and it’s not hard to forget you are so handy to town, Te Awamutu only 7 kms away. Nestled behind a protected wetland running down one side boundary you are hidden away from the main road. The home has been renovated with European appliances and well thought out use of spaces. With great indoor out door flow entertaining is a breeze. The 3 bedrooms surround the extra living/ office, with two opening onto the deck. With the open plan kitchen /dinning flows through to the separate lounge. There is a double garage with rumpus space, a single garage and a 20 foot container for storing all the toys. This lifestyle is a must to see, bring you comfy shoes and take a walk to the river.
David Mackenzie david@goodlocal.nz
$899,000
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18 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
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TE AWAMUTU NEWS | 19
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
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 Rotary Christmas Parade Te Awamutu. Road(s): Selwyn Lane - whole lane Gorst Avenue - whole avenue Mahoe St - from Arawata St to Sloane St/Alexandra St intersection Alexandra St to the intersection of Mutu St/Rewi St Date:
Saturday, 6 December 2025
Time:
7am to 1:30pm
There will be no detours in place during the proposed road closure. 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 4pm Friday, 26 September 2025. See the Privacy Statement on Council’s website for further information. Steph O’Sullivan Chief Executive
AGISTMENT
PUBLIC NOTICES
GRAZING available for dairy heifers. Ph 027 415 4122
Te Awamutu Tennis Club
PLANTS FOR SALE
Monday 15th September 2025, 7.15pm Tennis Club, Teasdale St All welcome. Come along to support & develop our Tennis Club Apologies to tatennisclub@gmail.com
PIRONGIA TOPIARY Open Fridays 10am-4pm 132 Sainsbury Rd Pirongia OR Phone Susan Ranstead
0274 176 379
WANTED TO BUY WANTED TO BUY. Any ute, van, 4WD, truck or car. Any condition doesn’t have to be going. Cash paid. Ph/txt Kevin 027 299 6165
CALF MILK WANTED Bocock’s Calf Rearing Pete 027 433 1440 Mark 0274746917
STOCK SALES
Calf Milk Wanted Ph Deb 027 490 1007 or Shay 027 373 3732
AGM
Wednesday 24 September 2025, 12noon th
Wednesday 17th September 2025 10am Speaker: Allan Wallace Topic: NZ Ploughing Alan made history when he was the first NZer to win the World Ploughing Championship. Everybody Welcome More info phone 07 870 3223
TE RAHU HALL SOCIETY (Inc) Annual General Meeting
Sunday September 21, 2025 at 7pm • Election of Officers • General Business All Local People are invited to attend. R Atherton (Treasurer)
PUBLIC NOTICES
ON FARM - LUNCHEON PROVIDED 660 Ngaroma Rd, 26km off SH3, Sth East of Te Awamutu.
Also available online on 40 TOP YEARLING BULLS & 64 2-YEAR OLD BULLS Full EBV details in catalogue. Sound bulls with exceptional temperament. Selection of Short Gestation & Low Birth Weights available. Free local delivery - OR - Grazing till 1st Nov. Payment 20th October 2025.
KELVIN & CYNTHIA PORT • M: 022 648 2417 E: kelvin@bushydowns.co.nz • Web: www.bushydowns.co.nz
ROBERT & MARIAN PORT • P: 07 872 2715
SITUATIONS VACANT
PANEL BEATER REQUIRED
Otorohanga Collision & Repairs is a busy automotive panel and repair shop based in central Otorohanga. We are looking for an experienced Panel Beater to join our team on a 40 hour a week full time basis. Ideally this person will have 5 – 10 years of experience in the automotive industry. The successful applicant will be honest, reliable, have high work standards and be a team player. A competitive renumeration will be offered for the right person.
If this sounds like you, please send your CV to: info@otocollision.co.nz
Garth Williams 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.
TE AWAMUTU CONTINUING EDUCATION
Ph 021 0231 9086
61st Annual Hereford Bull Sale
FUNERAL SERVICES
NOTICE OF
2025 Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Ruapuha Uekaha Hapū Trust will be held on Saturday, 18 October 25, at Te Kauae Pā , 954 Mangarino Road, Hangatiki. Starting at 10am. Agenda: 1. Karakia/Mihi 2. Apologies 3. Chairman’s Report 4. Financial Report 5. Election Results 6. Initiatives Report 7. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 8. General Business 9. Karakia Whakamutunga 10. Lunch 1.00pm In the event of a tangi at Te Kauae Pā, an alternative venue will be advertised on the Trust’s Facebook page and website www.ruht.co.nz.
SITUATIONS VACANT
Cook/Customer Service
We are looking for a happy, reliable and capable person who likes to cook and meet people. No previous commercial experience necessary. All training will be given. Flexible hours include some weekend work. Start asap. Suits mature person. Contact: Marion Johnson, teawamutu@hoopsandscoops.co.nz, 021 056 3045, 54b Sloane Str, Te Awamutu.
DEATH NOTICES SLAVICH, Isaac Peter – Suddenly, but peacefully, passed away at Waikato Hospital on Thursday, 4th September 2025, aged 46 years. Son of Peter and Karen. A much-loved and long-time member of the NZCL Alexandra and Goodfellow Street homes, where he was cared for with love and kindness throughout his life. Isaac will be remembered for his cheeky smile, his bright blue eyes, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. A service to celebrate Isaac’s life has been held. Messages to the Slavich Family may be sent c/- 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu 3800, or left in Isaac’s online tribute book at www.rosetown.co.nz.
Jordan Goss Funeral Director
Guiding you with care In life’s hardest moments, you don’t have to be alone. We’re available 24/7 – call us when you need us.
07 870 2137 262 Ohaupo Road, Te Awamutu www.rosetown.co.nz
Family Notices
• Engagements • Weddings • Births • Anniversaries • Bereavements • In Memoriam etc
Call Janine 027 287 0005 e: janine@goodlocal.nz TO LET LARGE 2 BEDROOM unit, excellent condition, 1 min walk to main street, double glazed, heat pump, carport, grounds maintained. Suit retired, friendly, non-smoker. $430 per wk. Ph 027 695 0248
SIGNAL, Alma Beverley – Passed away peacefully on 29 August 2025, aged 85 years. Loved wife of the late Gordon. Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Heather and Alfons Te Brake, Bev and Noldy Rust. Treasured grandmother of Jason and Emma, Cameron and Lizzie, Braden and Joy, Jamie and Peter, Hayley, Carmen and Ollie, and Hayze. Cherished greatgrandmother of Alex, Olivia, Savannah, Deacan, Theo, Quinn, Jorja, Louie, Ainsley, Keeley, and Macie. Forever loved and remembered. A private family funeral has been held. Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ TOLLEMACHE, Barbara Lorraine – Passed away peacefully on 5th September 2025, aged 88 years. Loving and devoted mother of Jennifer, Wendy, Angela and Gillian and their families. As per Barbara’s wishes a private cremation has been held. All communications to the Tollemache family, PO Box 137, Te Awamutu 3840. Te Awamutu Funeral Services, FDANZ
CHURCH NOTICES
20 | TE AWAMUTU NEWS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
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56 Stores
across NZ.
*Offer valid to 07.10.25 or while stocks last. 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. 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.
63 Maniapoto St 220 Number Alexandra Street Phone BedsRus Store Name Otorohanga | Ph 07 873 8640 www.murrayhuntfurnishers.co.nz Te Awamutu | Ph 07 214 2161 30
45 Arawata Street Te Awamutu | Ph 07 214 2244
guarantee.
across NZ.
Street Address
bedsrus.co.nz
Day comfort
56 Stores